#I'll be blocking them as they seem to like to argue for the sake of arguing

[leportraitducadavre]

Except you didn't delve into Sakura's character flaws. The only thing you mentioned was her allegedly neglecting her other relationships because of her obsession with Sasuke

Oh, I'm sorry, I guess I misspoke. When I said "I discussing specific personality traits," I actually meant "Me, discussing everything wrong with Sakura as a character," despite only talking about one aspect of hers -thank god you realized and added words in my mouth.

I consider a gigantic mischaracterization as her rivalry with Ino over Sasuke no longer stands by part II.

Her rivalry with Ino is pretty dwelled by part II, that's correct, then if they're not rivals anymore and she has no reason to be aggressive towards someone who is not as important anymore, why does she expect Sai to insult Ino in the same manner she was insulted and reacts violently when he doesn't?

Sakura wishing Sasuke acknowledged her because she still cares about the guy is reasonable, especially in comparison to Naruto who not only wants that, but is hyperfixated on Sasuke to the point of endangering himself and others constantly and also planning a murder-suicide plot with Sasuke if he doesn't go back to the village that HE KNOWS decimated the latter's family.

You took phrases of my original post in order to discuss them yet completely failed to bring up the one I speak exactly about this: "how come is misogynistic if Sakura is the only one doing so? Have you read Naruto’s obsession with Sasuke? The manga is pretty much dedicated to it, how is Sakura’s fixation worse than his?"

That's why I pointed out Kishimoto's biases towards women affecting the way he wrote them into the story, because what you said which makes Sakura "fail" as a character not only was never exclusive to her, by part II, it doesn't even apply to her.

Oh my god? You're literally debating against a point you made up, this is what I said: "No, Sakura didn’t fail because she was “badly written” it was a clear decision on his part to make her that way," there I clearly state that Sakura "didn't fail" as a character; there's no "but" after the first portion of the statement, I don't give a reason why Sakura "failed" as a character as she it's not a failed character just because some portion of the fandom considers her selfishness an unlikeable trait (and therefore "badly written") to have.

not only was never exclusive to her, by part II, it doesn't even apply to her.

Just because her rivalry with Ino is downplayed, as Sasuke is nowhere to be found, it doesn't mean it evaporated, it's still brought up during part II; like I've said, when Sakura expects Sai to insult Ino and when Asuma tells Ino not to loose against Sakura.

Hold up, who exactly are the "straight up evil female characters"? I find the use of this phrase in your anti Sakura post very weird as Naruto is a show that depicts slaveowners, mass murderers, sex offenders, textbook fascists, etc. Needless to say, Sakura's nowhere near those things.

I understand why you need to bring up fake arguments to fight against as everything else I've said is uncomfortable for you to debate, but this is delusional. Me speaking in a general manner about how woke feminism ruined "complex, sometimes straight-up evil" female characters for you to dig your nails into it to fill an entire paragraph about how I'm morally twisted if I dare to compare Sakura (a person who actually works in favor of such genocidal state, but hey, who the fuck cares?) with some others, far more despicable characters.

I don't think any female character is allowed to be as evil as that in the entire show (I wish!).

They're all nationalistic soldiers that defend an oppressive military state, Hinata is a slave owner, using your own type of argumentation: do you think Hinata by being a woman isn't as bad as Hiashi for sustaining and defending a caste system where a portion of their family is enslaved and forced to serve the main branch?

On the other hand. Sakura's just a hot-blodded woman who shoots down the advances of, and sometimes punches the MC, and said MC in turn insists on pestering her with romantic propositions despite her saying no several times. If we're talking about author's intention, this dynamic, as flawed as it may be, is a way to offer comedy and levity.

Hey, funnily enough, I remember a guy who also rejected Sakura plenty of times and she kept insisting and pursuing him... it's almost like Sakura shares far more similarities with Naruto than you'd like to admit, almost like Sakura is the only one in the whole "Ino-Sakura" dynamic that behaves exactly like this... and what does NaruSaku have to do with the original point I wonder...

He's not, but that doesn't mean we have to excuse his writing with the "it was a different time" argument. Especially when the rest of the Big 3, despite their flaws (oversexualization), have much superior writing of their female characters, making Naruto look even more antiquated in that aspect.

Does One Piece have better "female characters" than Naruto? Lmao, no.

You keep changing your goalposts, first, you bring over-sexualization as an important aspect to argue when it comes to sexism inside the shönen genre, then you admit that such over-sexualization doesn't happen in Naruto, only to finally discard it as a passing thought to focus on the "writing" of female characters as the most intrinsic value to critique; you move in between those bullet points in order to have something to dispute; what does "much superior writing" even means? You gave me no examples of such a thing and just threw names out there hoping that something would stick.

Sakura's failure as a female main character is 100% on Kishimoto, who, by the way, has repeatedly admitted he cannot write women, and it shows.

Sakura isn't a failure as a character overall and as a female character particularly, if it's a failure to you as you can't get behind a complex, mean-spirited female character then that's on you, not on Kishimoto.

I thought it was common knowledge by this point, but here it goes, clear Kushina/Sakura parallels.

And? So what? You fail to respond as to why would Kishimoto refuse to explore "gray personality areas" of a character not based on his wife but that happens to have similarities to the character based on her.

Aside from her contrived rivalry with Ino over Sasuke in part I, which, as I said, no longer applies by part II, when exactly is Sakura selfish towards other female characters? She barely interacts significantly with other women apart from Ino, Tsunade and Shizune.

Yeah, let's just casually dismiss Sakura during the first portion of the manga as that was too long ago and we all know that Shippuden is the only thing that matters; let's completely forget how her selfishness is not tied only to women but men as well, as she constantly tried to make Sasuke forget his goal in order to get romantical reciprocation by insisting to date him despite his multiple rejections; let's forget she knocked unconscious an entire squad of ninja on foreign land to chase Sasuke, how she lied to Naruto and played with his emotions, how she insulted Tsunade for her age in order to uplift her own capacities, and so on; man, you're right, when you said it like that it's almost like Sakura is not complex at all! She's just a very dull, and nice woman of the kind you seem to like despite your "wish" for a female character to be Itachi-level of evil!

You previously mentioned InoSaku having no potential at all, but there's a good reason why they're by far the most popular wlw ship in the Naruto fandom: they're the only female relationship that remotely receives any narrative prominence in the show.

Having no potential? You truly didn't read a single thing I wrote: "If you believe InoSaku is a relationship with “wasted potential” that’s presented in a toxic manner because Kishimoto can’t write female relationships, take a closer look at every other rivalry inside the manga and tell me how many of them develop in a healthy manner," I speak about the fandom's idea of "wasted potential", not about them not having "potential," although why on earth would these women date each other when they're clearly straight?

but there's a good reason why they're by far the most popular wlw ship in the Naruto fandom

And as we know, being popular means there are clear indications of such a thing actually having ground to develop. Popularity, as Naruto taught us, is the most relevant thing!

You speak as if women weren't already part of the military forces and government structure in the Naruto universe.

I... what? What does this even mean? Do you mean to tell me that because women are already part of a genocidal state we, as cardboard feminists, should want their absolute inclusion in such apparatus as, well, they are already there?

He didn't fail his female characters because he was too busy cooking a convoluted political plot he himself threw into the trash by the very end during the War Arc (aliens are cool I guess), he did so because of his biases towards women, simple as that.

Kishimoto didn't "fail" his female characters; at most, he failed your specific tastes about female characters; they all serve a purpose inside his own narrative, and they got what he needed them to get.

cooking a convoluted political plot he himself threw into the trash by the very end during the War Arc

Yes, he fails during the end of each arc, so? That doesn't take away the credit he obtained before the ending.

Nobody pointed a gun to his head to include women in the political and military system of the story, he wanted to do that, but he did it wrong and it affects the output.

Thank you for graciously exemplifying a point I made. You reblogged the first draft of my response, so I'll copy it here:

Funnily enough, even when I point this out, you all will find a way to twist it to your own benefit, because then Kishimoto is the one responsible for not “allowing” female characters to rise against such a patriarchal system (despite Sakura never suffering any of its worst consequences as she was taught by the Hokage herself, or even Hinata getting to be a slave-owner). Inclusivity is everything that this argument boils down to, your twisted wish to see women at every single panel whether it’ll be against or in favor of a genocidal state. That’s what “woke feminists” taught you and that’s what you’ll defend with your breath, the problem gets again individualized and the real issue, the real problem that the plot is trying to reflect, gets buried upon piles of these arguments. “The problem is about the military state that at its core it’s patriarchal” =/= “Then why did he write it as a patriarchal state?” “The military state it’s patriarchal at its core so it’s the real world one” =/= “Then why didn’t he write female characters rising against it?” “There’re characters that oppose such structure, which is feminism at its finest.” =/= “But they aren’t female.” And so on… it’s impossible to “win” or get our point across as you move the end goal every time a new argument arises. It’s about fulfilling your power fantasies of invincibility rather than bringing down the patriarchal structure; just like with Naruto’s character, is about gaining acknowledgment within the oppressive system (becoming a renowned/desired individual) rather than dismantling the power sphere to guarantee other minorities’ safety. Their idea of feminism comes down to women having a more important part inside that tyrannical paradigm, bringing the power scale towards them. It’s not about stripping oppressive institutions of their power, but rather having influence over such spaces. This is an example of White Feminism’s victory; white feminism doesn’t want the oppressive structure to be questioned, they don’t want their faint position of power to be argued; they want to expand their influence and reach beyond the usual cultural “female” spaces, so they bring down the discussion to simpler topics, like the idea of female participation in such affairs; if they are involved, then it’s good if they’re not, then it’s not.

Now, you did think of an argument not even I was capable of concocting; I must admit that "Why did Kishimoto think of women within the oppressive military system of his own manga?" It's a hell of an argument, and it does show his misogynistic views -the bastard should have had all men in the story, that would appease you, it seems, for all women are good at their core and they do not subscribe to such political views if not forced.

Refusing to acknowledge the author's self-admitted faults when writing female characters to complain about "woke feminists" and inclusivity while mischaracterizing an already overhated female character is very myopic on your part.

Refusing to acknowledge? So you quoted a paragraph of mine where I stated: "I discussing specific personality traits of a single (can't highlight it more than that) female character and defending such characteristics as "the author's wish to explore su dynamics" instead of "him being sexist" doesn't deny other sexist instances inside the manga." and you fucking ignored it?

mischaracterizing an already overhated female character is very myopic on your part.

Listen, darling, just because I can see the value of a flawed female character and you can't seem to properly put two and two together and finally understand that my defense of a certain aspect of this female does not invalidate other instances of sexism, it doesn't mean I'm "myopic" to the vicissitudes of women within the shönen genre and I'm just jumping upon the "Sakura hate wagon."

My view actually gives Sakura a feminist role within the manga far more relevant than the one that you, assertive defenders and white feminists, want to give her by stripping her of these characteristics only to make her the female prototype that Hinata embodies and that Kishimoto quite clearly mocks. I'm simply able to see the value of a woman not written conventionally.

Btw, the tags I used were meant for my blog exclusively, but I understand and apreciate that warning.

You appreciated the warning and gave a flying fuck.

For the love of god, here we go again:

Kishimoto is an excellent writer. He owes nothing to the fandom, he’s the creator and owner of his work, and whatever he decides to do is what you get. No, Sakura didn’t fail because she was “badly written” it was a clear decision on his part to make her that way, it’s not his problem you confuse “good writing” with likability and I’m sorry woke feminism ruined complex, sometimes straight up evil, female characters for you to the point where you believe them taking shitty decisions is an explicit reflection of the author’s misogyny instead of them exploring different types of personalities. If you believe InoSaku is a relationship with “wasted potential” that’s presented in a toxic manner because Kishimoto can’t write female relationships, take a closer look at every other rivalry inside the manga and tell me how many of them develop in a healthy manner, just because they have almost no focus doesn’t mean they don’t follow the exact same rules every other relationship of the same nature does. I’m sorry Sakura is so obsessed with Sasuke she diminishes every other relationship she possess in order to elevate her status inside Sasuke’s life, but Ino, who also considers Sakura her rival and who also likes Sasuke, behaves completely opposite to her, being able to move on and respect his rejection, how come is misogynistic if Sakura is the only one doing so? Have you read Naruto’s obsession with Sasuke? The manga is pretty much dedicated to it, how is Sakura’s fixation worse than his?

[uchiwife]

pairing : itachi uchiha x sakura haruno

[No Uchiha Massacre]

cw: hospital, arguing, mention of an injury, mention of poison. Some implied feelings(sort of) ANGST.

wc: 1,248

a/n : English is not my mother tongue, so please excuse me for any mistakes I might commit in it. ꒱࿐♡ ˚.*ೃ

Part2 , Part 3

“Where do you think you're going?!”

Sakura's voice snapped, glaring at another of what she called "difficult patients." The man didn't seem fazed by the medic-nin's irritation, instead, he was finishing putting on his second sandal. He had been here far too long for his taste. Four days, sure, but it was already four days too long.

“Home.”

She clenched her jaw. Hell no! He'd just had surgery a few days ago, there's no way he's leaving now.

“No.”

“What do you mean 'no'?”

“You can't leave, Itachi. I didn't give you permission to do so. You're coming out of a pretty heavy operation. You need to rest.”

Itachi narrowed his eyes, a wave of displeasure washing over him.

“I'm fine. And I have some business that can't wait.”

“If you mean missions, I've cancelled them.”

“You what?”

If he was displeased at first, now he was downright annoyed. He didn't understand the point of occupying a bed he no longer needed. He was feeling better, so as far as he's concerned, he could leave.

“You heard me.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Don't give me that look.”

Itachi closed his eyes, pinched the bridge of his nose and took a deep breath.

“Sakura, you had no right to do that. It's not your decision to make. I appreciate your concern, but it is not necessary. It's up to me to say whether or not I can handle a mission.”

“Like hell I can't! I'm the one who had to fix the damage done to your body, so I assure you that I'm in a very good position to make that kind of decision. Besides, Shishou agrees with me.”

“You have already discussed this with Hokage-sama?”

She shrugged as Itachi took a step forward, heading for the door. Too bad for him, Sakura blocked his way.

“What do you think you're doing!?”

“I'll go talk to the Hokage. Now step aside.”

“She won't agree with you on this, Itachi. She trusts my judgment and if I tell her you need to be taken off the mission roster, you will be.”

“What right do you have—”

She cut him off ;

“In my capacity as a doctor. I outrank you in the chain of command when we are within these walls. Deal with it.”

Sakura probably had a secret death wish, how else could she explain addressing one of the most feared ninjas in the village like that? Fuck, feared even in several nations! But she couldn't let him leave the hospital. He had almost not made it. Of course, she had managed to save him, but, the amount of poison found in his chakra system was nothing to sneeze at. She could see that he was irritated. She knew him well by now and normally she wouldn't have been so insolent with him, but, as she had said, she was the boss in this hospital. En plus, his father would be sure to ostracize her if anything happened to his precious and talented older son.

“This is ridiculous.”

Stubborn as he is, Itachi wasn't going to let it happen. That's why he was determined to go and discuss it with the Hokage. He respected orders, Itachi submitted to Tsunade Senju's authority because it was his duty as a Loyal Shinobi of Konoha, but that wasn't going to stop him from using his persuasive skills on the woman. He had done it before, and he's still alive to talk about it, isn't he? He had dodged the cup of Sake she had once thrown at him, he could very well do the same with her stapler. His decision made, Itachi headed for the door once again.

“Ita—”

“For God's sake, stop it! You are really annoying me.”

The words had come out of his mouth without him realizing it. He was exasperated and the days spent in that hospital bed plus the rest were getting on his nerves.

Sakura gasped, forgetting even what she was going to say, caught off guard by his outburst. A long silence ensued.

Those words again...

Always these words.

It stung.

It hurt. A lot.

She felt the familiar sting of tears at the corners of her eyes. An ironic smile tugged at her lips. Apparently, it ran in the family. She remembered all those times when she was younger, Sasuke had said those same words to her. It had always hurt her a little, but this was worse. Because Itachi was not unaware of how Sakura had been treated by his little brother. He even intervened once. Of course, as Sasuke had grown up, he had eventually apologized, in his own weird way, sure, but he had apologized. She had forgiven him. Because that's what she does : She forgives. She had her heart on her sleeve.

It doesn't mean that she forgets, but she cares about Sasuke and that time was already long gone. She knew why Sasuke had been so hard on her, he had explained the reasons, the pressure he felt to live up to his father's expectations, the pressure he put on himself to be as good as his brother. He had simply vented his frustration where he could. It wasn't fair, but she was the one who took the brunt of it. And she understood, really. But Itachi, what was his excuse? She’d talked to him about it. They had talked about it in private. She had told him about that part of her life, as silly as it might seem to others to feel hurt by mere words, but he had understood. He had even apologized for his brother's attitude and assured her that she was far from annoying or weak.

She thought he, more than anyone else, understood the weight of those particular words. Apparently, they were just empty words. She should have known better. Never trust what a man says when he's lost in pleasure and between your legs. Serves her right.

Foolish little girl.

The silence stretched, but Sakura refused to show even a hint of weakness. She would not cry. She took a breath and grabbed the clipboard on the small table and scribbled down some instructions and a prescription and then signed the discharge form, which stated that he was being discharged against medical advice. She then handed him the paper with a blank look.

“As you wish then, Uchiha-san.”

Itachi's eyes widened slightly, surprised to hear his last name, by the change in her demeanor. And he knew. He just knew. He had fucked up.

"Sakur-" he tried to reach out to her, but she shied away, cutting him off with that cold, professional tone. So impersonal compared to earlier.

“Please, leave. I still have patients to attend to. I wish you a speedy recovery.”

He sighed. He knew better than to insist. This was not the right time. He took his discharge and walked to the door. He paused, his hand on the doorknob.

“I'll see you later.” He said softly and it almost sounded like a question.

The only thing Itachi could see was her back. There was no indication that she had heard him, and if she had, she didn't acknowledge him.

When the door finally shut and she no longer felt the ANBU captain's chakra nearby, she let a choked sob echo through the empty room.

Maybe it was true what they say: words hurt more than blows. And the Uchihas really knew how to hurt her.

[writersmilex]

Hangover Nurse

Pickles The Drummer X Fem Reader

Summary : (Y/n) finds a drunk Pickles on the street and takes him home to take care of him.

_____________________________

(Y/n) lets out a deep sigh as she leaves the establishment where she works, her long shift is finally over. It seemed like it was dragging on forever, that always happens on slow days like this. Now (Y/n) can finally go home and get the rest they deserve, maybe down a glass of wine or two to ease her nerves a bit. She is blessed with the fact that she lives only 3 blocks away from her job, she can walk that easily. Even if it’s late and getting quite dark, she shouldn’t have to worry about walking home in what is practically her neighbourhood.

(Y/n) goes through the familiar street, passing a wide alley next to a restaurant. The alley is meant for the rubbish containers of that restaurant and for their supply chain to reach the back easily. (Y/n) has remembered that the resupply of the restaurant is on Wednesday and Friday, It’s Tuesday today…

(Y/n) shrieks as she misses a step and nearly trips as something grabs hold of her ankle suddenly. She glances down and sees a hand around her ankle, clutching the fabric of her jeans tightly, around the hand’s wrist is a very distinctive blue sweatband.

"Eeeyyy... (Y/N)!" Pickles the drummer drags himself out of the alley with his other arm. And once he reached her he clings to her leg with both hands, squeezing her calf.

"Pickles? How the fuck did you get all the way here!" (Y/n) yells out in surprise, grabbing Pickles by his arms to hoist him up on his feet. Pickles groans in discomfort with the sudden movement, stumbling to keep his balance and slightly failing to do so.

"ahyyy... Got Whiskeeeyy an-aaand followww tha' ra-rabbit! ..." Pickles slurs loudly, leaning his full weight on (Y/n) completely, causing her to also struggle to hold her balance with a grown man leaning on her. “Oh, for fucks sake… Pickles. Where have you been now?” (Y/n) complains, besides asking she doesn’t really want an answer to her question in all honesty. Besides, it’s not really her business. “I dunno…” Pickles shrugs, hanging over her shoulders. “I dunno where I aaaaam now… But somebody threw trash everywheeeere!” He gapes at the grossness of the alleyway where he was just found. Trash and a singular rat scattered across the concrete ground. It appears that (Y/n) doesn’t have much of a choice. Then again, she’ll probably get scolded by Charles if she doesn’t do the right thing, right now. "ugh, I'll get you out of here, and over to my place." (Y/n) sighs heavily in annoyance and starts walking towards the direction of her apartment, dragging a drunk man along with them, one of his arms draped over her shoulders and one of her arms holding him up by his waist.

Pickles giggles in a rather high tone, "Your place or mineeee~." He slurs slowly while trying to sound seductive. But the look on his drooping and drunk face only makes it sound gross.

(Y/n) scoffs, she knows that he is completely hammered right now. And it seems that he doesn’t remember all the other times (Y/n) had turned him down over the years they have known each other, he was too drunk for her those times, and he always is. "We’re going to mine… Don't think too much of it!" (Y/n) huffs, this is going to be a long night. Hopefully, it’ll be shorter if she walks slightly faster.

~~~~

"Maaaannn! theees place eesss so fuckin' smo-smoll!" Pickles comments and burps right after as (Y/n) finally manages to open the door of her apartment with her foot. The small enough-to-be-called-a-studio apartment is just like (Y/n) had left it this morning. It’s too messy to accept quests, but she is sure that Pickles doesn’t care about that. He had seen her apartment when she just moved in 4 years ago.

"yeah well, having a huge multi-mansion like Mordhaus isn't very fucking practical either." (Y/n) argues back and kicks the front door closed with her foot once the two are both inside, the door is now closed and it’s dark in the apartment, the only light source is the city lights from the outside of her window, still light enough to see where you’re going.

(Y/n) manoeuvres over to the second-hand sofa and carelessly drops Pickles on it.

"eagerrrr ar-are ya huh?" He slurs, then he fumbles to try and fails to take off his pants. (Y/n) is quick to snatch his arm and pull it away, Pickles nearly loses balance by the movement. He decided to take that as a ‘no’.

"stop that!" She demands, growing more and more frustrated with the man and his behaviour. She swiftly moves to the other side of the sofa. She grabs both of his legs roughly to take off his sneakers, placing his legs back on the sofa to make sure he is lying down on it now. "You're gonna stay here and sleep until the morning!" (Y/n) orders sternly, pointing to the furniture Pickles is half-lying on.

"Youuuuu... go-got it!!" He hiccups, putting his thumbs up with a stupid drooling smile. And then right after that, Pickles blacks out on the sofa.

"Holy shit..." (Y/n) huffs in exhaustion, stretching her back after standing up. Maybe she popped something while dragging him to her place, he is heavier than he looks. Not to mention how sour he smells. (Y/n) figures that Pickles should be fine where he is. One last look at him and they take off to go to her own bedroom.

~~the next morning~~

Another day. Another hangover follows. It is something that he’ll never get used to, even after most of his teenage years and adult life until now, one single hangover still manages to knock him down a tad.

His vision is blurry and his head is pounding, it feels like there is a construction going on right outside the window. He doesn't recognize the blurry colours of the small room. Where the hell did he end up now? Despite that he is not sure where he is, it feels safe. Hopefully, he’ll figure it out later…

Moving his head in the slightest causes the construction outside to get louder, causing the drummer to groan in discomfort. Sliding his legs off the couch he was lying to stand up. His legs feel like jelly and instantly give away once he puts pressure on them, causing him to tumble and fall over.

"oof," he complains, using his hands to break his fall on time. Luckily there is a rug on the floor. His head is spinning, along with the blurry colours of the room. A brilliant mix of orange, grey and blue.

"Be careful now. You're not new to this, right." (Y/n) walks into the living room. A cup of some warm steaming beverage in one of her hands. "(Y/n)? Is that you?" Pickles squints to sharpen his blurry vision.

(Y/n) sighs and puts the cup of a warm beverage on the stylish coffee table. "yeah, c'mon let's go to the bathroom." (Y/n) says and grabs Pickles' arms to pick him up and help him to the bathroom.

"why-" the drummer cuts himself off as he feels the contents of his stomach rise.

"yep, bathroom it is." he groans, clutching his stomach with one hand. (Y/n) makes sure to get to her bathroom as quickly as possible. She doesn’t have any sawdust left to clean up bile effectively.

And now they’re in the bathroom. Pickles is hunched over the toilet and (Y/n) is sitting on the side of the bathtub, holding his dreadlocks back in one hand as he empties his stomach in the toilet of her bathroom. (Y/n) has no idea how Pickles got into her neighbourhood. And frankly, she doesn’t even want to know. It probably involved alcohol, drugs or both. And that explains enough for her.

Surely, she would have to call Charles and maybe Nathan later to let the band know where their drummer is. He is with the band-friend this time. "argh!" Pickles spits his despair into the toilet, making the noise echo a little bit in the small two-bedroom apartment that (Y/n) owns.

"you put this upon yourself, you know? Why even?" (Y/n) says matter-of-factly. Despite complaining about the situation, she remains by his side, holding back his dreads.

"yeeh, Fuck!" Pickles snaps back in frustration. (Y/n) only growls in response, returning the equal frustration. Then takes her phone to call Charles. Pickles continues to hug the toilet and (Y/n) is making calls while remaining seated on the side of the bathtub.

"This sight of you is really sad y'know. I don’t want to keep worrying about where you’ll end up next." (Y/n) says while scrolling through her contacts to search for the number of the band manager and lawyer. And maybe there is some tea left for Pickles as well. That should do him good.

Pickles stays silent, still hanging over the toilet. He thinks it’s funny that the toilet itself smells rather clean, (Y/n) keeps track of her cleaning. He can hear (Y/n)’s footsteps leaving the bathroom.

He sighs and slowly gets on back on his feet, flushes the toilet then goes to the sink to drink water and wash the taste of vomit away. Then Pickles washes his face with the fresh cool water, then looks in the bathroom mirror. He looks horrible, that's what he thinks personally. A complete mess of a human being… He has been like that for as long as he can remember. And he can hardly remember his younger years anyway! The drummer remains staring blankly at his reflection for a while, before noticing something colourful in the corner of his sight.

A neon pink sticky post-it note on the right corner of the mirror. It reads: You are great! It makes Pickles smirk a little. He thinks that (Y/n) must have placed it there to motivate herself. It's kind of cute, he should do that too! ~~~~

(Y/n) is looking out of the window, the level of her apartment gives her a decent view of the sad little town. It gives her something to look at while she makes phone calls.

"yeah, yeah I will... I'll be seeing you once you decide to pick him up… I don’t trust him to make it home by himself, you know?” (Y/n) speaks to Charles on the other side of the line, surely he can understand her concerns. As a close friend of the band from the beginning, Charles has entrusted (Y/n) to keep an eye on the band when he cannot. She was already doing that anyway…

“understood, I’ll make sure a dethlimo will pick him up soon, keep an eye on him, alright.” Charles’s monotone voice holds a pinch of serenity, it is known to her that he does care about the band. With the way he calls them ‘the boys’ so affectionately. Although she has never really known how he feels about her, despite being with the band for longer. It’s not very relevant right now.

“will do, bye." (Y/n) hangs up her phone and walks into the kitchen to fetch a drink for Pickles. She still has some tea left, which should make him feel better. Never mind all the times she had nursed Pickles out of a hangover before, not to mention the rest of the band. They always say that caring is not Metal, but her moral compass judges her as well. (Y/n) pours some remaining hot tea into another mug for the drummer. She then takes the mug and re-enters the living room where she places the tea for Pickles next to her own nearly forgotten beverage on the worn coffee table.

"Pickles? You okay in there?" She shouts at the open doorway of the bathroom, she can’t see into the bathroom from this angle. "ahm Fine, hold on!" She hears him shout back, and then she hears a tap open and close before footsteps stumble into the hall, and the light of the bathroom turns off. (Y/n) takes a seat, and not long after, Pickles enters the room. He looks a bit better already, leaning on the doorpost to aid his balance. He still does look tired though.

(Y/n) offers the drummer a lazy smile, patting the spot on the sofa next to her. "come sit, I made some tea for you." She offers and gestures to the mug that’s steaming on the coffee table. (Y/n) already has her mug, taking small sips from it, the beverage was hotter than she had expected, she truly believed that it had cooled down already.

Pickles gives (Y/n) a look of confusion with a hint of intrigue. "Tea? Neva’ had that before. Is it alcoholic?" he shuffles over and takes a seat right next to her. The sofa feels sturdy but still comfortable.

"No…” (Y/n) shakes her head, a little amused. “Here you go.” (Y/n) reaches for Pickles’ mug of tea meant for him. Pickles flexes his fingers before taking the drink from his friend. Pickles stares at the drink for a moment. The warmth of the beverage comforted his cramped and calloused hands. It kind of has the same colour as whiskey except that it’s warm to the touch.

"it'll do you good." (Y/n) says after already finishing her own drink. Her tea is a little too warm to drink comfortably, but at least that wakes her up more, as it’s still 8:30 in the morning. Hesitating for a moment, he takes a sip, tastes it and then smiles to himself. It tastes quite good...

_______________________________________

Some pickles here, enjoy.

Thanks for reading.

-Smilex

[smallcatwoman]

I am too tired to correct the errors here but I hope you get what I was thinking.

What do you think the hypothetical kid of Jasper and Alice gift would be?

My sums of money on hallucinations cause survival reasons. (to combat Renesmee's gift)

Alice I imagine has resentment to Renesme because she blocks her visions. Hence the to combat part. Jasper's gift is emotionally based..SO I was thinking Alice's feelings would also become his cause he feels everything...

First of all, I am shocked in the best way that someone is asking a Twilight question like this to me as if I know anything. I'll try my best.

For the sake of this ask, lets assume Alice inherited Bella's horrendous taste in names and named her child Greige.

As of canon, Jasper can already sense and manipulate Alice's emotions, including her frustration at Renesmee blocking her abilities. If her and Jasper's child is a hybrid, they would also block visions by default.

But let's say, that Greige doesn't block Alice, adopting this as part of their gift, similar to how Renesmee isn't blocked by Bella. This is if we're going off of the theory from @therealvinelle and @thecarnivorousmuffinmeta that hybrids gifts are very powerful and versatile, and focused on helping them survive. This would make Greige significantly less annoying to their mother than Renesmee, especially if Alice also gets to dress them up in adorable outfits and hyper control their life to an even greater extent than she controls Bella.

I do think Greige would have some skills of emotional manipulation, similar to how Renesmee seems to enthrall others and make them love her. But in terms of combining Alice and Jasper's gifts, the only thing I can think of is sensing the emotional outcome of decisions.

So like, if it's going to rain and Greige doesn't put on a coat, they can't see themselves getting rained on, but they can sense the annoyance and discomfort they would feel. If Carlisle decides to kiss Aro in front of everyone, Greige can't see the horrified expressions of the Cullens and everyone arguing about it, but they can sense the horror, disgust, jealousy, etc that the Cullens would feel, as well as the happiness and love that Carlisle and Aro would feel. Maybe not as useful as Alice's visions, but still helpful in a pinch.

[cyclonicflame]

Logistics of building a real life Herobrine shrine: a ramble by an idiot at 2:30am with insomnia.

(Author's Note: I will be using the original shrine with the most materials, not the pillar totem from the later mods, though what I say in this could mostly be applied to that system too.)

Realistically speaking, building a real life sized version of the Herobrine summoning shrine would be a very expensive and time consuming endeavor, not to mention possible working, transport, customs, and IRS costs. But I'll mostly be focusing on the physical logistics of actually building the thing.

Layer 1:

1x Meter Cube of moss covered cobblestone: Arguably, one of the easier things to obtain on this list. First of all, you would need to get enough stone to stick together into a meter cube (and keep it glued together). Then you would need to cover it in moss. Thankfully, there are online tutorials on moss graffiti, so go wild.

8x Meter Cubes of Solid Gold. At first I thought this was going to be a question of "would there be enough gold in the world of make 8 19.3 tonne blocks of solid gold?" But as it turns out, there's far more in the world's gold reserves than I thought there was. So if you could somehow afford to purchase and/or borrow from one of the top five gold reserves in the world (Being U.S, Germany, Italy, France, and/or Russia) and have a method of transporting 154.4 tonnes of gold to a single location, all the while making sure that they can be precisely placed around the moss covered stone, you should be good.

Layer 2:

4x Redstone torches. Now, I have to take some liberates with these next two items as both redstone torches (and netherrack) don't exist in the real world, so I have to come up with as close to substitutes as possible.

Now, you could argue that I could just buy 4 officially licensed redstone torches off of whatever website, but am I really just going to pick the boring option when it comes to a late night rambling about how to build a shrine to a fictional block man? No.

For people who've never played the education edition of Minecraft, there is a block that reduces things down to their base elements, appropriately named the Material Reducer. Throwing Redstone Ore in there produces a result of carbon, uranium, and a third unknown element (which, for the sake of this post, I'll be ignoring.)

Now, for the sake of my sanity I am NOT going so far down the route of uranium to the point of "could you reasonably purchase that much uranium without being put on a list." But red/orange colored uranium glass is a thing that exists. I feel like to call something a "realistic redstone torch" it has to have three qualifying factors to it. 1: It's as close to color and material makeup as I can get, 2: It needs to be, in some way, capable of running an electrical current, and 3: It needs to be able to produce light, preferably at a low level, but bright enough to be visible at night.

Now, if you ran insulated wires though a nice big chunk of wood, place a bulb at the top, cover the bulb with a red/orange uranium glass cover, and successfully ran a current to light the bulb (and make 4 of them) I feel like that qualifies close enough to a redstone torch to count for making a shrine.

1x meter cube of "Netherrack." Alright, out of all the things on this list, this was the most obnoxious thing to try and logic up. So forgive me if, despite all of the "work" I've put into this, my solution seems less than satisfying (as I'm now also running off of personal headcannon for this one.)

This one starts with what exactly netherrack could be. Now, the first inclination I had was "oh, it's a stone type block," because it requires a pickaxe to obtain the block. Hell, it even says on the wiki "frail stone block." But the more I looked at it, the more it seems like it wasn't the case.

First thing is the sounds it makes. They seem awfully… Wet? For a stone block that's supposedly in the middle of the hottest place known to man. Then there comes an inherent problem with the nether before the 1.16 update which was "how was there air in the nether?" It's not people were just walking in there and suffocating to death. There had to be *something producing enough breathable air to be able to walk around in there (and no, I'm not counting nether wart grown in fortresses because even if you got rid of it all, you'd still be able to breath.)

The last two things I want to mention is 1: The abysmally low blast resistance of netherrack. It has an explosion resistance roughly equivalent to literal glass. 2: People don't just take damage from standing on netherrack in the nether, so it's not hot enough (unlike magma blocks) to even burn bare feet, even close to lakes of lava.

What I'm getting at (at least, for the sake of this post) is that netherrack is less of a stone and more of either very fast growing, or very lava resistant plant. It has (in my mind at least) very similar properties to densely packed leaves or vines judging from the breaking sounds/flammability.

So that comes to the question; is there a plant that is relatively fast growing, is red in color and is reasonably flammable? The answer is: sort of. There is a genus of plants called Cytisus (also called Broom) that mostly comes in varieties of gold/yellow. There is a variety referred to as "Cytisus x Praecox 'Hollandia'" which is a red color (though you could argue is pink.)

If you could grow the plants into a block shape using shaping throughout the growing process OR take cuttings and densely pack them into a cubic meter, you have the closest you're going to get to a netherrack block. Stack that on top of your gold surrounded block of moss covered stone with the makeshift torches on each side of the plant cube and you've got yourself an unlit shrine.

So the take away from this post? I'm willing to try and logic way too many things for a Tumblr post about building an irl shrine to a creepypasta blockman. Also that I need to go to bed before midnight.

[latinfeline]

i just saw the actual worst take ever about the tts/volot situation so im going to shadow rant about it cause i blocked the author

keep reading if you want to see me rant about elves/volot while summarizing the og post ig

ok so op is like super pissed that rc is changing the tts mc's sprite to add elves with poc features claiming that they were bullied for the sake of "politically correct foolishness"

i don't think asking for ONE mc who doesn't look like she's of european descent is too much of a demand especially since most games give themselves to self inserting, that's why we have white passing amala

also having multiple elven races is not diverse if they all have the same face and hair type, and claiming that giving them poc features/brown skin options is "human diversity" is nuts, elves in almost all fantasy can have whatever shade of skin (ex. drows can have skin ranging from gray to black with a purple undertone), hair type, etc. the only thing they need is their subrace-specific traits (which iirc NEVER say "this elf can only look like a white person" it usually covers skin color, not shade, eye color, etc) and pointy ears.

op then goes on to say what happened to volot WASN'T racist

changing a character from black to race of choice (black or white) because of backlash from people who didn't want him to be black for any reason is racist

op also argues that since tts is fantasy and doesn't take place in the real world that there should't be a need for diversity standards of our world to apply

so where's the same energy for volot? one of the main complaints is that he was black in a slavic inspired setting. it doesn't take place in our world so why should we expect him to look like real life ancient slavs?

then they say that writers shouldn't have to sacrifice their vision for the wants of fans

SO WHERE'S THE SAME ENERGY FOR ALICE? she had to sacrifice her vision of volot to appease racist fans

they then say that people read fiction to escape reality and so it shouldn't be a reflection of reality

bffr right now you basically just said you need an escape from people of color

after whatever the fuck that was they then say that the elves were actually super diverse actually because they have different skin colors like no your mcs should look different outside of skin color

they then also link each elf subrace to a real life race which seems iffy as fuck but i'm white so i can't really speak on that

they then conclude that fantasy races shouldn't adhere to human diversity standards (which in this case is including at least ONE poc) and that since some people choose to play as the mc they find prettiest (i actually do this) that diversity is not necessary

what the fuck, right? it gets worse though

they then say that poc were included less in old stories because of racism, but that today writers usually do put poc in their stories so people usually don't complain "so stop making a fuss over something that was never an issue to begin with"

WHAT THE FUCK? that is insane to say.

imo unless an author has an explicit reason to not include more than one race in their story (ex. one of jester's other stories, lotw, took place in an era where there was nobody except japanese people in japan) they should include it. especially in a cyoa story where the player is meant to project onto the main character.

rant over ig if you want to argue with me, don't, if you agree with op, i can't stop you but i'll block you

[kookicat]

The Second Needlepoint Job

"Quinn, I said distract them," Nate hisses, one hand pressed against his ear to block the screaming fire alarm as he digs through the full filing cabinet  drawer with the other. 

Quinn shrugs. "What do you think this is?" he asks, indignant, and gestures vaguely at the fire smouldering away in the middle of the office. "It's contained. And they're all outside." 

"Barely!" Sophie yells. Both her hands are pressed against her ears against the blaring alarm. 

Quinn isn't wrong, exactly, but the small metal bucket doesn't seem the best choice. Smoke drifts lazily up, and Sophie takes a step back. The carpet has already started to melt from the heat, and the combined smells are delightful. 

"Nate, I think we should go!" Sophie says, and he glances over. 

"Just a second!" The file number he needs appears under his hands. "Now we can go!" He yanks it out and holds it up, just as the overhead sprinklers spring into life and send down a deluge of chilly water. "For fuck's sake, Quinn!" he snaps, exasperated beyond belief. 

The office door opens again, and Eliot sticks his head in. "What's takin' so long?" he calls over the noise. "And why the fuck are the sprinklers going off?" 

Eliot swipes his soaking hair back from his face and glances at Nate, biting his lip at the look on the other man's face. Huh, been a while since I saw that expression, Eliot thinks, looks like he wants to murder someone. 

"Ask Quinn," Sophie says, dryly, and ducks out of the door, stopping to slip her heels off, because it's a long ten floors to the ground. 

Eliot turns his gaze to the other hitter. "Wanna explain?" 

Quinn shrugs, again. "Nate said to make a distraction. I made a distraction." 

"Next time, I'll be more specific," Nate snaps and follows Sophie. 

"You do that!" Quinn calls, and Nate's shoulders tense up even more. 

"It's really not funny!" Eliot says as they both head towards the stairs. 

"It's a little funny," Quinn argues and despite himself, Eliot has to agree. 

He laughs, spitting water, and shoved the staircase door open. "Yeah, maybe," he allows, and they start down together. 

----

It appears on the fridge five days later. Each stitch is beautifully worked, in colours ranging from palest yellow to deep burnt umber. 

Parker spots it first, while getting a midnight cereal snack, and cackles in delight, leaving it be, because she knows Nate will spot it when he gets the creamer for his morning coffee. She takes a picture and retreats to the room they've claimed, poking Hardison until he wakes and she can dangle the phone in front of his face to show him. 

He stares at the pic for a few long seconds, lip twitching as he tries not to laugh. "That man is not right," he mumbles, and goes back to sleep. 

The yell, several hours later, wakes all of them, minus Eliot who is already up and in the kitchen. 

"What's this?" Nate asks, accusingly, and holds the offending item up. 

Eliot shrugs and pops a bit of cooked bacon into his mouth. "Quinn dropped it off, last night. Said it would go with the other one." 

More colour rises in Nate's already pink cheeks. "That man is a menace," he mutters and hangs the dammed thing back on the fridge. 

"Handy with a needle, though," Eliot says, mildly, "and his colour composition is comin on nicely." He flips the pancake in the frying pan, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "I did wonder why he was so interested in desserts, though." 

Nate sighs, and knows the damn Needlepoint will be turning up in the pub for months to come. 

Really Quinn? He thinks, and reads the words again. Arson? Oh, you mean crime brulee. 

[truessences]

My Opinions on the Stranger Things Ships

No one asked me of course but we all share opinions that no one asked for lol. So I'll be sharing my quick thoughts on ships that I see people mention. Everyone's opinions are valid I just may not agree and you don't have to agree with me. I said what I said and I will not be arguing about it.

I'm not going to be rude to anyone and if you are rude while sharing your opinions, I will block you. Simple.

This isn't in any particular order except going from adults-teens-main party.

Adults

Jopper (Joyce and Hopper) - They're fine lol. I like them. In the first season, I don't think I thought much about it. It wasn't really until maybe season 3 but I thought Hopper was being really yelly and mean. But her thinking he died and then their reunion in S4 was really sweet. Them kissing and all that, I was like yeah, I think this is a natural progression.

Older Teens

Stancy (Steve and Nancy)- I thought they were okay early on except for when he got mad without talking to her and letting his friends slut shame her publicly. But I think them breaking up was a natural progression because Nancy and Jonathan had chemistry and it seemed like they were gonna lead into that anyway. In S4, they're really trying to push on us that they might be thinking of each other, Steve particularly, especially since Eddie was like blatantly telling him that that's true love lol. I don't think they need to get back together.

Jancy (Jonathan and Nancy)- I like them fine. What he did in S1 was creepy and personally I can't say I'd even talk to him after that. But they did kind of trauma bond so sure I guess. I don't mind them. But at this point, if they break up, Nancy needs to just go off to college and be bad ass. I know Hawkins is basically split open but whose to say that stuff will happen now or that Vecna will wait while he heals (maybe Eddie can return?? *Cries*). I think there should be a time jump anyway, so if that's the case, Nancy should be single. Maybe she met some other young man while in college.

Vobin? Ribickie? (Robin and Vickie)- I wish we got to see more of them interacting but I want Robin to get her girl lol. Their scene at the end of S4 was cute and I hope that if Vicky/Vickie shows up again that they're together. Maybe not publicly but for each other, together. Or I want Robin to be with someone she loves and loves her.

Ronance/Steddie (Robin and Nancy/Steve and Eddie)- These are fan ships. I personally didn't read them as couples and it's fine if you did. For Robin and Nancy, I liked that they seemed to become friends after that bit of major awkwardness in the beginning. Nancy hasn't had a close girl friend since Barb was murdered (that she still feels guilty about and I even thought that Nancy might be feeling super protective of Robin and Max) and Robin may not have many friends in general. So that's what I was thinking. As for Steve and Eddie, meh lol, I'm not the biggest Steve fan so... I'm indifferent but idk if I think that Eddie would be with Steve if he chose to date a guy. Some of the fan comics are really cute though. The one where Eddie works at the renaissance fair is cute lol.

Hellcheer/Edissy (Eddie and Chrissy)- They were cute and I'm mad we didn't get more of them. Joe and Grace had natural chemistry and that scene in the forest was a masterclass at introducing new characters to fall in love with in 3 minutes. I was unsure about both of them, Eddie more than Chrissy but that scene made me like them both. I was distraught with her death and then with his later (also for other reasons). I feel like if they got to live, they would have became easy friends. Even if it wasn't romantic, which I'm fine with that too, I just wanted them to have more scenes together.

The Main Party.

Byler (Will and Mike)- So I’m not gonna touch on this too much for the sake of arguments. At this point, it's clear that Will has feelings for Mike but there hasn’t been anything to me that shows that Mike knows or feels the same. I think a lot of posts for this ship have been extremely dishonest and manipulative of scenes and situations. I think it’s weird. You don’t need to do that for your ship. You see something that others don’t and that’s fine but I find that the people become the problem with this ship than the ship itself. You don't have to make it seem like Will reacted to Mike telling Eleven that his life started the day he found her in the woods when that screenshot wasn't from that part AND Will disappeared the day before. That's dishonest. Also seems to me that y'all want Mike to say and do the things he does for El for Will but are mad when he does it for El and say that he's lying to her? Wouldn't that be fucked up that he's lying to El, with his acts of service, with his clear emotions because he suddenly decides that he loved Will all this time? That's fucked up to me. That's all.

ElMax (Eleven and Max)- I've only seen this a few times and I think it's cute when people talk about it lol, but I also view this as a friendship. They became friends in S3 and while we don't really know if they contacted each other much during the time between S3 and S4, I think they love for each other is there and I love that in their party of boys, they have each other to lean on. Even if I found Max to be annoying and overbearing in S3.

Dusuzie? (Dustin and Suzie)- We haven't seen them interact in person but I think they're so sweet. The Neverending Story sequence is easily Top 10. I like that Dustin found someone who is just as smart and nerdy as he is but they're both cool in their own right. I hope in S5 that we get to see them actually be together more.

Lumax (Lucas and Max)- I've liked them enough as they grew closer in S2. I thought it was clear pretty early that Max was gonna choose Lucas. While we didn't get to see them be boyfriend and girlfriend that much in S3, what we did see was cute and funny. The first episode was great stuff with them. In S4, we get a more serious and emotional Lumax and while they're not together, you can tell that Lucas still cares for her and that's she's trying not to show she cares. This is shown in Dear Billy and how he doesn't leave her side from then on (sounds familiar hmm *glances at Mileven*). He saved her knowing her favorite song and then to tell her that he also loves Kate Bush now for saving her... top tier boyfriend material. Then in the finale episode, just the way he's trying to protect her but also allow her to try and go through with her plan. Ugh, it's just so good. Caleb and Sadie also have so much chemistry. I watch interviews with them and they just work really well together. I really hope that if Max wakes up in S5 (since they didn't kill her the way I think they just should have), that she and Lucas get to talk and grow together and if it's a time jump like I want, that they'll either be together or still be close. If they officially break up again, I think it'll still be a very good and amicable break up. But otherwise, top tier couple.

Mileven (Mike and Eleven)- I really could go on and on but I'll try not to. They have been our main couple and our main characters since S1. I know Mike has been sidelined a lot and I don't like it but that doesn't negate that he's technically the lead boy on the show. Anyway, they met each other the first time and Mike immediately was taken with her, this is clear when the camera panned from Eleven to the boys and then zoomed in on Mike's face. It was clear to me at least. Love at first sight even if it had to develop over time. Mike goes into caregiver mode and literally does everything he can to keep her safe and make her comfortable. He shows her his toys and everything lol. In S2, this boy called her every day because he was sure she didn't die and it was his plan to lure the demodogs so that Eleven and Hopper could get in to close the gate. Now in S3, he's afraid of losing her, afraid of being apart from her and yeah they totally get too attached at the hip which was something they had to learn (though let's not forget that Hopper threatened him leading to the decisions he makes in the beginning). But he's attentive to her regardless and he's trying to be so protective because while everyone is okay and pushing her to find the Flayed, he's the only one worried about her pushing herself too hard, "I love her and I can't lose her again!" Like come on. He was always the first into action, when Billy attacks Eleven, he goes in with a pipe (while everyone else just stood there), and then later when the Mind Flayer attacked them in the cabin, he was the first one to try and save El when it grabbed her leg. He even ran at Billy when he attacked, Max, Mike and Eleven in the mall. Then one of my fave scenes is the one in the store when he's trying to tell her that he loves her but he's babbling and can't get out (this is a character trait as he did the same thing in S1 and then later in S4 in the pizza place). He reassured Eleven that her powers will come back at some point. Then this boy spends the entire S4 dealing with his own insecurities which we FINALLY get to see him talk about with someone (but ya know he's actually lying and talking about Will)... then we get his confession and regardless if you found it cheesy or not, I felt that shit and so did he and Eleven. At this point, whether or not they last as adults, they are endgame for the show.

But these are just my thoughts on the ships I see people talk about. I'm not gonna argue about them either. I'm too old for that shit lol.

[rosiesung]

7 Days || Y.JW

for @geminirules "Just Friends" collab

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

Pairing: Jungwon x Fem!Reader

Genre: Fluff, Slight Angst, Friends to Lovers AU

Words: 3.63k

Warnings: Reader calls Jungwon a dick.

Synopsis: You are dared to pretend to be in a relationship with your best friend Jungwon. Initially, you go through with the childish challenge, knowing it will be insignificant to your friendship. But as the days pass, you begin to realise your true feelings for him. Will your revelations ruin your friendship? Or will something beautiful blossom because of them?

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

"I dare you to pretend like you're dating Jungwon for a whole week."

You looked at your best friend with wide eyes, a similar expression of surprise on his face. There was no way you were going to do that. It would be way too awkward.

"Come on y/n. Don't be a party pooper. It's not like you guys are going to fall in love."

Of course things wouldn't turn out that way. No matter what, nothing would change the way you saw Jungwon. He would always remain your best friend and nothing more.

Jungwon looked too embarrassed to say anything. Both of you knew it was just a dare. What was the worst that could happen?

"Fine. Starting tomorrow Jungwon's my unofficial-official boyfriend," you announced, linking your arm with his. Jungwon hid his face in his hands as everyone around you screamed and cheered. This was going to be one interesting week.

~

☀︎ DAY 1 ☀︎

Since you only had to put on a show in front of your friends, you figured the best thing to do would be to hang out with Jungwon in solitude. He didn't have a problem with your plan. You both had been having playdates together ever since you were three. He was comfortable being alone with you.

Both of you met at your secret spot. A small grove behind the schoolyard. It was a place the two of you had found while skipping classes one day. Ever since then, this was where you spent time together whenever you needed some peace and quiet.

"I can't believe you actually agreed to this," Jungwon said, mindlessly plucking the grass he laid on. You sighed, staring at the row of trees beyond. "A dare's a dare. Besides, we have nothing to worry about because we don't have feelings for each other."

Jungwon sat up. "You know that we can't avoid all of them for the entire week right? They're literally planning to hang out at the cafe just so they can see us in the act." He sounded worried. There was no need to be.

"Of course I know that. So what? We'll let them see what they want to. It's not like they're going to make us kiss or something. The most we'll do is feed each other and hold hands."

Unlike Jungwon, you had already thought everything out. You knew how far to go while respecting the boundaries of your friendship. All Jungwon had to do was trust you.

He cringed in disgust at your words. "You're going to pay for landing me in this mess. We've barely even started and I already feel so miserable."

You patted his shoulder, flashing him an assuring smile. "You're not alone in your miser mister. After this is over, I'll do all your homework for you."

Jungwon laughed. "Learn how to do your own first. Then you can come and ruin mine."

~

☀︎ DAY 2 ☀︎

As Jungwon had predicted, your friends called you out to the cafe. Both of you were supposed to show up together. Jungwon met you a block away from the cafe, looking incredibly reluctant. "Are you sure you want to do this," he asked, just about ready to turn back around.

There was a determined look in your eyes. "Remember when he had to play Hansel and Gretel's parents for that play we did in preschool?" Jungwon nodded. He could never forget that day. "If we managed to get through that, we can get through this without a problem."

That made sense. Appreciative of your pep talk, Jungwon took your hand and whisked you away to the cafe.

By the time you reached your destination, both your hands were sweaty. Jungwon was just as nervous as you were. Not only because you had to pretend like you were dating, but also because your friends weren't going to miss the opportunity to tease you.

Seeing you two enter hand in hand, everyone began hooting and cheering. Jungwon's cheeks flushed almost immediately. You had to drag him towards the table you were supposed to sit at. "It's nice to see you two arriving together," one of your friends said, making space for you.

Taking a seat, you watched in horror as they placed a glass of juice with two straws in front of you both. No one had to explain what its purpose was. You glanced at Jungwon whose eyes were fixated on the glass hesitantly.

"If we get this over with now we'll be at peace," you whispered, leaning forward to place one of the straws between your lips. You looked away when Jungwon did the same, feeling the heat in his face on your cheek. You were certain you had never downed a drink so fast in your life. It didn't take long for you to finish the contents of the glass, quickly sitting back up to catch your breath. Your friends couldn't seem to get enough of the event, laughing and clapping avidly.

"You guys are so cute," some said. "Both of you would make such a nice couple in reality," said others.

Sitting there amongst your terribly evil friends, you wondered how you were going to get through the next five days with Jungwon.

~

☀︎ DAY 3 ☀︎

Your friends had invited you to another escapade at the park. You couldn't tell what they had in plan this time but you were sure it wasn't going to be enjoyable. At least this time, you and Jungwon didn't have to show up hand in hand.

When you reached the park, Jungwon was already there. Your friends beckoned you over, making you stand next to him.

"Now that our subjects have arrived, here's your to-do list. First, remain holding hands the entire time we are here. Second, Jungwon, give y/n your jacket if she starts feeling cold. Third, walk her back home and make sure you give her a nice, sweet little kiss before she goes inside."

Jungwon let out a noise of surprise. He wanted to run as far as he could and never come back. Holding your hand was fine. He had gotten used to it because of the previous day. He didn't mind giving you his jacket, but you were already wearing one so he didn't see why he would find the need to. Jungwon could do many things. But kissing you was not one of them. It didn't matter if it was on your cheek, your forehead, or the back of your hand, because there was no way on earth that he would bring his lips anywhere near yours.

What neither of you realized was that your friends were willing to go to the farthest lengths to make sure you went through with their tasks. They made you two walk in front of them so that they could see your hands intertwined. When the sun went down and the air started getting colder, they made you take your jacket off so that Jungwon would be left with no choice but to give you his. Just when it seemed like your night of torture would come to an end, they even made you share a single cone of ice cream. When it was finally time to go home, two of your friends followed behind you to make sure that Jungwon did his bidding. It was awkward enough walking through your neighborhood hand in hand. Those who knew you cast looks of confusion and surprise upon you two. Eventually, you reached your doorstep. Jungwon let go of your hand, standing in front of you. He looked everywhere but at you, avoiding your gaze. You glanced behind your shoulder, rolling your eyes when you saw your two friends filming you from behind your neighbor's car. They weren't even attempting to be discrete.

"Hurry up and kiss me already. This is too embarrassing," you urged, slapping Jungwon's arm. He sucked in a breath, pressing his lips in a thin line. "Do you think it's not for me? I mean, I'm the one who has to kiss you for heaven's sake."

"Stop pitying yourself and just get on with it. The longer we stand here the more reason they'll have to punish us tomorrow."

Jungwon stared at you long and hard. He squeezed his eyes shut and leaned forward, pressing his lips onto yours without a second thought. You froze, eyes going so wide they might have popped out of your head. Even though it was probably only for two seconds, it felt like an eternity. Time froze as you stood in the foreign feeling of his lips on yours. He pulled away almost immediately, skipping down your driveway as fast as he could with a short wave and 'good night'. Still stunned, you entered your home, breaking into a smile when you closed the door.

~

☀︎ DAY 4 ☀︎

The next day, Jungwon asked you to meet him at your secret spot. So far, your friends hadn't made any plans to get you together. You saw Jungwon sitting in the middle of the grove, laying down on the damp grass as he usually did. Walking over, you sat down beside him, flicking his forehead so that he would open his eyes.

He grinned on seeing you, sitting up with a soft groan. "So, how was your night?"

You furrowed your brows at the question. It wasn't like him to ask you things like that. But you decided to overlook it. Maybe he was still feeling a bit awkward after the kiss you both hard shared the previous night.

You shrugged. "It was fine. How was yours?"

"I couldn't sleep," he revealed. It sounded like he'd been dying to tell you. "Why's that," you asked, believing that you had an idea of the reason.

"Last night scarred me," Jungwon shared, pretending to gag. You didn't know why, but hearing him say that made your heart sink. Suddenly, you felt horrible. "Was it really that bad," you asked, genuinely curious to know what he thought of it. Jungwon nodded, making you feel even worse. "It was worse than I thought it would be," he added. Your eyes started stinging. A lump formed in your throat and the longer you held it back, the more it hurt. You knew you hadn't been eager to kiss him, but you would argue about how 'bad' it was. But bringing that up right now would just be stupid. Jungwon would misunderstand where you were coming for and that would just lead to another disaster entirely. You had told yourself that you weren't going to let this dare get to you, but four days in you were already slipping. The longer you sat there, listening to Jungwon whine and complain about everything he'd had to do with you so far, the harder it became to control your emotion. Not able to take it anymore, you got up abruptly and ran away, leaving Jungwon sitting there extremely puzzled.

~

☀︎ DAY 5 ☀︎

You didn't respond to any of Jungwon's calls or texts. You didn't have it in you to face him. He would be disappointed if he found out the real reason behind your sappy mood. So you were gonna wait till you got over it before facing him.

You still couldn't believe that you had been so affected by Jungwon saying that he hated the kiss. Despite telling yourself that you disliked it too, you couldn't help but think otherwise. There was something so magical about it. You had never felt that way because of a kiss before. Whenever you thought back to it, an exciting warmth rippled through your mind. Your heart danced in glee and a wide smile formed on your lips.

But you weren't supposed to feel that way. Jungwon was your best friend. Besides, he hadn't kissed you willingly. You didn't understand why it felt so special to you when it clearly meant nothing to him. You knew you couldn't blame him for that. His mind was wired to see you as nothing more than a friend. You found it hilarious. Here you were, realizing that you probably liked your best friend after having continuously assured yourself and him that something like that would never happen. The sad part was that Jungwon would never reciprocate your feelings. You were all alone in this.

A knock sounded at your window, startling you. Slipping out of your reverie, you glanced towards it, eyes widening in surprise when you saw Jungwon crouched before it. You didn't think twice before letting him in. He entered your room and stood in front of you, crossing his arms over his chest. "You wanna explain what happened yesterday?"

You frowned and turned away shoulders slouching disinterestedly. "Is that what you came here for," you asked, regretting letting him in?

"Well did I have a choice? You've been blatantly ignoring me while all I've been trying to do is make sure you're alright," he said, stepping closer to you.

"I'm fine. If that's all you needed to hear, you can leave now," you replied. You didn't need him prying and prodding at you right now.

Jungwon stood his ground, clearly not satisfied with your answer. "No, you're not y/n. You aren't fine. Tell me what's bothering you."

You sighed and faced him. "Trust me, you wouldn't want to know."

Jungwon furrowed his brows. He didn't know what that meant. "I think I'll be the judge of that."

"It's you. You're bothering me," you spoke, narrowing your eyes at him. Jungwon hadn't been expecting that. But he didn't let the surprise show on his face. "What did I do?"

"You made me feel so worthless and undesirable. But that's not your fault. I can't blame you because you're right to think that way about me. I'm just pitying myself here and there's nothing you can do about it so please, just leave me alone." The tears were coming back again. You didn't want to break down in front of Jungwon. His face fell. He didn't know what to say to that. He thought you knew he was just being overdramatic. He seriously hadn't meant to hurt you. Before he could apologize, you turned to him. "I don't think I'll be good at keeping this a secret, so let me just tell you that I'm starting to catch feelings for you. If that makes you uncomfortable then you can leave. If you have something to say, just say it and go. But don't ask me why I feel the way I do because that's something I'm yet to figure out."

Jungwon was at a loss for words. He stood there, gaping at you like an open-mouthed fish before turning on his heel and exiting through your bedroom door. You heard your mother yelp on seeing him, probably wondering where he had shown up from. A part of you wished that he hadn't left, but the other was glad that he was gone. You felt like a fool for letting all of this happen. You should have never agreed to this dare. Who would have thought it would lead to something like this? There was nothing you could do now. There was no way you could change the way you felt. Because at the end of the day, it was as clear as ever, that you were undeniably in love with your best friend Yang Jungwon.

~

☀︎ DAY 6 ☀︎

Jungwon couldn't stop thinking about everything you had told him yesterday. He would never have imagined that you would catch feelings, especially through such a childish dare. Your friends had called you out to the park again today, but Jungwon wasn't going to go. He knew you wouldn't be there so there was no point. He wished he could tell you that he hadn't meant half the things he'd said about the kiss at the grove that day. He was just trying to show you that the kiss hadn't made him feel some type of way. Not just that, but he was also attempting to persuade himself that he indeed had loathed it. Maybe he should have been truthful instead of lying about it.

This was exactly what he'd been afraid of. Jungwon was always fond of you. He cared for you and he wouldn't lie when he said that he loved you. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that maybe he felt that way because he thought of you as more than a friend. Jungwon didn't want to convince himself that he liked you just because you had confessed to him. He wanted to understand the way he truly felt about you.

He knew every little thing about you. No one knew you as well as he did. Jungwon cherished your friendship and the time he spent with you. Whenever anything bugged him, he always came to you, knowing that you were the only person who could make things better. He relied on you more than anyone else. He couldn't go a day without speaking to you. After yesterday, he realized how important you were to him. The fear of losing you ate at him the longer he stayed away from you.

Jungwon hated knowing that you were sad. It hurt more to know that he was the reason behind it. He wanted nothing more than to hug you and apologize for making you feel bad. He felt guilty for everything he had done. It had only been a couple hours since he had last spoken to you, but it felt longer. He missed you so much.

So he left you a text, asking you to meet him at your secret spot. He kept his phone close, waiting till you replied. But you didn't. You probably wanted nothing to do with him. Nonetheless, he still hoped and prayed that you would give him one last chance to make things right again. He couldn't afford to lose someone as special as you. There was nothing for him if he didn't have you.

~

☀︎ DAY 7 ☀︎

Jungwon laid in the grass, staring at the dull sky above. It was filled with clouds, hiding the sun. The grove felt so big and endless when he was alone. When he was with you, it was much more cozy and bright, even if the atmosphere was gloomy.

He had been waiting for you for quite a long time now. You hadn't replied to his message last night, but he knew you had seen it. Just before he was about to lose hope, he heard the grass crunch a few feet away from him. Jungwon didn't have to look to know it was you. No one else knew the path to get here.

"What do you want," you asked, voice small but laced with malice. You were cross with him. Jungwon wished to change that today. He patted the space next to him. "Let's not pretend like we hate each other. You could do the worst thing to me but I'd still admire you."

You didn't argue and sat down beside him. Other than the tension in the air, everything felt normal. There was a scowl on your face. It must have taken a lot of convincing for you to come here. Jungwon needed to get to the point.

"I'm sorry about everything I said. I didn't even mean half of those things."

You scoffed. "Oh really? They sounded pretty heartfelt to me."

Jungwon sat up. "I was just trying to enforce the idea that I wasn't into you, on myself," he revealed, hoping that you would forgive him. "And being a dick was the only way you could do that? Jungwon, you weren't the only one who was attempting to suppress their feelings," you refuted.

"I know y/n. And it's my fault for not realizing sooner," he admitted, hanging his head. You sighed and shook your head. "This is so immature. I can't believe we're letting a stupid dare get in the middle of our friendship."

Jungwon chuckled darkly. "Maybe it's a sign that our friendship has run its course."

You turned to him. "What is that supposed to mean?"

Jungwon smiled. "I gave it some thought yesterday. We're both attempting to be in denial of our feelings. Obviously, that isn't working out. If it wasn't for this dare, they would've remained buried deep down somewhere. But I guess you could say everything happens for a reason." He took your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. "I never realized how much I loved this feeling until I had to go a whole two days without it."

You couldn't even hide your smile. "Where is this going Jungwon?"

"Maybe we should give this a chance. Give us a chance. Who knows? It could turn out the be the best thing that's ever happened to us," he said, meeting your eyes.

"And what if it doesn't? We would be throwing so many years of friendship away."

Jungwon shook his head. "How long are we supposed to contradict how we truly feel about each other? That would take a heavier toll on us."

You laughed, squeezing his hand. "It doesn't hurt to try I guess."

Jungwon beamed. "That's the spirit!" It felt nice to see you smiling at him again. He was grateful for that. It was funny how a large part of his mood depended on you. If you were happy, he was happy. If you were sad, he was sad. His entire world revolved around you, and Jungwon knew the best thing to do was strengthen that bond.

"So, will you be my girlfriend," he asked, smiling cheekily. You bit your lip, looking at him through your lashes. "Of course I will."

⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼⎼

A/N: I hope you enjoyed reading this fic. Please let me know how you found it! Thank you so much!

[the-writing-mobster]

@fransweek The prompt was flirt! Here's an excerpt from my Mafiafell story still in the works.

”The House Painter “excerpt:

Hungover. That was how she felt. She hadn't completely scrubbed away the mascara now staining her face. 

She rubbed her eyes and sighed. She needed a coffee… and there was no way she was going to make it herself. Walking to the little diner at the end of the block would be a nice breath of fresh air. She lived far away from the burlesque theater. No one would recognize her. Hopefully no men would grab her. 

Pulling on a loose, coral, drop waist dress and hiding her dark, unkempt bob with a cap to match, she was out the door. 

She hoped no one would bother her. Not with her stained face and red, puffy cheeks. She couldn't even remember crying herself to sleep, but she was increasingly aware that she must've done just that. It's a fact, Frisky. You're pathetic. 

Frisk left her small, modest apartment. A group of little girls were playing hopscotch on the sidewalk. She smiled, a skip to her step. She remembered hopscotch. The innocent memory lifted her spirits a little. 

The diner bell rang and she hummed along. She felt real in that little diner. No stage makeup. No glittery plastic diamonds covering her exposed body. No rowdy men. No. Here, there was just Annie, Bob, and the old men who liked to tell war stories and proverbs. She liked it at the diner. 

She froze. 

There was a new presence. There was a new person in the diner. No. That wasn't a person. Not in the way she knew it. 

She blinked. Tall, at least six feet and eleven inches. Wide… not fat, but he had a girth to him unseen in human men. Muscular… a black button up rolled up to this man's forearms. Revealing bone. His head was a skull. There was a shadow of something dangerous hanging onto him. 

Frisk shot fervent glances around the diner as she edged herself inside. She couldn't believe it. A monster. An actual monster. 

Now, she had lived in Ebbot for a long time. She may have been an immigrant, but Ebbot had become her city. Her dirty little city filled with all her broken dreams. However, in her long time in Ebbot City, a city known for monsters… she had only ever seen one or two, from far away. Never… never up close and personal.

She was shaking. Was she shaking? Oh God she was shaking. She began to second guess her visit to the diner. Maybe she would go back to her apartment and make herself coffee. Her eyes darted back to the door, then back to the monster. You've come this far… how rude would it be if you just walked in, saw a monster, and walked out? You're better than that.  

Frisk swallowed her resolve and sat far away, in the corner of the bar. She spared a curious look at him from under her thick lashes. She quickly looked away when his red eyelights slid over to meet her gaze. Oh God I hope he didn't see me starin'... 

How long had he been there? 

“Hey! I don't remember lettin' monsters in my diner,” barked the owner, Bob. Frisk startled at the gruff greeting… hardly a greeting. The monster glared across at him. 

“Oh. How silly of me. I didn't see a sign… Thought there were finally some sensible folk… guess I was wrong,” he growled. Frisk glanced at him, then at the window. No sign. No sign barring black people, or monsters. It was a clean window. It was why Frisk liked this diner. 

She glanced back at Bob and she frowned. The man might have been a scary sight but… she began to think of her own experiences. How would she feel if she was treated with disdain because of her work? If people found out… Her soul burst with empathy, a red glow showing through her dress and she shot up. 

“Wait! No, no… no, Bob no. He's right. There wasn't a sign,” she argued. The skeleton shot her a look, his eyes widening a bit. Bob also sent a warning look at her, but it only made her soul glow a bit brighter. 

“We have the right to refuse service to—”

“—I want him here, hm? What about that? I'll never eat here again if you do this, and you know how well I tip,” she threatened. The monster seemed to shrink the more they argued, sending fervent looks at her. Confused looks. Shocked looks… grateful looks. 

The monster watched her. Watched her as she leaned against the counter and spoke sweetly, firmly, eyelashes batting, hips swaying like some kind of siren. He didn't even know if it was intentional… He definitely wasn't complaining. He glanced up at the owner and grinned when he saw the flustered look on his face. 

“Fine Frisk… only for you… Dammit… You better not scare away any of my customers!” spat Bob as he went back to the kitchen. The skeleton narrowed his eye sockets as he watched him leave. Ass. 

Frisk gave a small sigh and sat back down, going back to reading the menu, covering her face and trying not to dart cautious looks at the monster. He was still terrifying… and he was a man… what if he took her act of kindness as a ticket to harass her? That had happened to her plenty of times. 

A silence enveloped the diner. She couldn't help but glance at him and every time she did, she could see him innocently lift his head and eyes. He didn't talk to her. A part of her was silently grateful. 

She had her coffee. He had a slice of pie. She tried not to watch him eat it with fascination. This was by far the most interesting thing to ever happen to her… and that was saying something. 

She wrestled herself away from the counter to use the ladies room, a part of her a little worried he would be gone by the time she came back. She stopped herself. Stupid. Yet, she couldn't stop herself from shooting another hidden look at him before she left. A blush spread across her face when he winked. Fuck!

After washing her hands, she composed herself enough not to race out to make sure he hadn't slipped away. Sure enough, he was still there, tapping his skeletal fingers on the countertop. 

She glanced down as she took her seat to see a folded napkin. That wasn't there before. Frisk tried to be as discreet as possible as she unfolded the napkin. She could almost feel the skeleton's gaze shifting on and off of her. Almost feel that skull grin widen. 

“Pie thank you for doing that. I hope this isn't too corny, but I crust anyone with your kind of integrity to like bad jokes. Anyway, name's Sans, Sans the skeleton.” 

Frisk snorted with laughter and immediately hid her mouth with the palm of her hand. She didn't dare look at him. That's really sweet… 

She tried to hide her smile as she grabbed a pen and slowly began to think up a good response. 

Sans the Skeleton watched her with gentle curiosity as she wrote back to him. This was just too cute. He didn't deserve this at all. Why was she being so nice? Why did he write a note on a napkin for fuck's sake? He felt like an idiot… but that little hidden laugh? He didn't know her name but he was starting to believe in love at first sight. 

She glanced up with a blush and tried to act as aloof as possible as she scooted over one seat closer to him and slid the napkin to him. She quickly recoiled back to her seat as if he'd bite and he didn't blame her one bit. 

His mouth was full of sharp fangs, he was big, monstrous and smelled like smoke. Not cigar smoke either. Fire. He'd sit far away from him too. 

Slowly, he opened the napkin and tried to fight the grin growing on his face. 

“It's slice to meet you, Sans.”  

Sans snickered at her little joke. That was good… it was rare to find such a kindred spirit in the marketplace of humor. He spared another hidden look at her. He was starting to grow fond of the Sunlight district… 

The napkin was running out of room on the side he'd been using. He flipped it over and clicked his pen, tried not to notice the excited shift of her cute, little body as he did so. He also tried to ignore the ugly looks being sent their way, but that was something he was a bit more hyper aware of. It took everything in him not to snarl at them to fuck off into oblivion. 

Frisk was inwardly squealing with delight as he flicked the napkin to her. It took everything in her to keep composed as she coyly sent him a look and then delicately unfolded the napkin. Her eyes wandered the diner as she tried her best not to appear too interested, but she was dying to read what he read. 

“Stop or I might start pie-ning.” 

She blushed, a small giggle escaping her lips. She had never interacted with a man like this. At least not since primary school, and even that wasn't nearly as sweet as this… to think it was a monster who would approach her like this. She bit her lip to hide her smile and glanced back at him. And she had been scared… 

He was battling with himself not to look at her. She was so cute. Her puns, her smile, those eyes that stole coy little looks at him. Her dress was cute, and her hair, messy. There was something wrong about her though. Streaks of mascara… puffy red eyes. Those had started to fade but the smudged makeup remained. Was she ok? 

“Okey dokey, Ms. De Là Noir, ready for your bill?” asked a plump woman with a kind face. Annie. Frisk smiled at her and reached for her pur— Her… Frisk's head jerked about frantically as she searched for her purse. Fuck… Fuck I left my purse! She thought, her face paling with fear. 

“I'll take care of it,” the rumble of the skeleton's deep growl of a voice startled Frisk out of her panic. She looked up at him with surprise as he moved a bit closer to her. Annie sent him a fearful look and gave a curt nod. 

“Oh no, you don't have to—”

“—Nah, I got it, it's ok. Put it on my bill,” he growled with a firm look. 

“Of course,” murmured Annie as she darted to the back. 

The two sat in utter, dumbfounded silence. 

He didn't know what came over him. He had never offered to pay for someone before, but she was honest to God the most charming person he had met in a long time… and she had stood up for him, it was the least he could do. 

Frisk stared at her lone mug of coffee. A new fear began to creep into her mind. He offered to pay for her. She should've fought that harder. The last time a man had paid for her, he harassed her for sexual favors. Only because she had accidentally let slip she was a vaudeville dancer and… the implications of that. Of course when she had refused. She winced as her eye ached with phantom pain. She got off lucky… 

She sent a small, fearful look at Sans. He was bigger than that man. He looked stronger. He was a monster so she knew he had magic. He was a reaper so she knew even for a monster, he was powerful. 

But he just smiled kindly, as kindly as one could with sharp fangs and black eye sockets only lit by pricks of red light. 

“Thank you…” she murmured hesitantly. He shrugged nonchalantly. 

“Just returnin' the favor, kiddo,” he said. Something about the word kiddo put her at ease, but she didn't know why. 

Soon the bill came and he paid for both of them. He stood up and sent her another look. Is he leaving? She couldn't help but feel disappointed. 

He placed his black trilby on his skull and winked at her. 

“I'll miss you a latte,” he quipped one last time and she pursed her lips to hide her smile; she couldn't hide her blush. Before she could say another word, he was out the door. She looked back down at the napkin. 

“Stop or I might start pie-ning.” 

She couldn't help but give a girlish giggle as she neatly folded the napkin and carefully slid it into her dress pocket. 

Yes she definitely liked the diner… it made her feel real again. Real and sweet… real and delighted. Made her feel like she was more than burlesque. 

[nightswithkookmin]

RE JIKOOK IS ESTRANGED

Them

Me

Lol

JUMP CUT ALERT: This is a continuation of an ongoing discussion behind the scenes.

DISCLAIMERS:

Article 19, UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Every person has the right to freedom of opinion and expression which includes the freedom to hold an opinion without interference through any media.

Misinterpretation of my opinion, my words constitute a violation of my human rights. Please do not take my words out of context, share it on another platform in furtherance of your own agenda. If you do hold yourself accountable first. You are the author of your own intentions and interpretations.

I do not intend malice by my words nor do I seek to be disrespectful of any member mentioned in here. I simply enjoy mentally stimulating conversations and thought provoking discussions.

Let the records show.

MATTER OF THE DAY

Thanks to everyone that's shared your thoughts on this matter with me and thanks to that person that brought this matter to my attention.

I haven't looked into it and I don't know how severe this issue is.

I think people have the right to believe in anything they want to believe in. Personally, I don't think Santa is real but clearly others do, doesn't mean I'm sane or that they are crazy.

I don't think discussions of this nature should be about who is right or who is wrong. Everyone's opinion is valid and holds true to their own delusions. Lol.

Frankly, I prefer this kind of ship wars to the slurs and abuses and they are distributing hard core porn now?? What is going on! Chileee.

I have never believed JK and Tae to be anything more than friends. At one point, I wondered if they were even friends at all lol but since they admitted to having had a falling out themselves at one point the topic is now moot.

Tae and JK have- had- have a really special bond. To me anyways. I always saw them as the evil power twins of BTS due their ability to come together to wreck havoc especially on Bang PD's scripts. Lol. I think I have mentioned this a few times now.

I smiled to myself when I heard them call themselves partners in crime. The bond is there no two ways about it- you either appreciate it for what it is or you don't. personally I love their bond. Can't stand their shippers but I love their bond. They keep the drama going for me- love it. Lol

The question has always been whether their bond is as profound as their shippers make it seem. I argue it's not and I will always argue it is not. Lol

I think it's only fair that they also question whether Jikook's bond is as profound as we make it sound. I really can't be mad at that. All is fair in love and war- at the very least we can agree to disagree.

I mean even Jikookers themselves question the extent of JK and JM's bond. Some think they are just very special friends and nothing more. I think I talked about this in my is Jikook real post when I mentioned labels and the degree of love between JK and JM?

We know JK and JM have a unique bond. The question then is how far does that bond go. Is it just platonic, romantic or something in between?

This is the question I was aiming to answer with my is Jikook real post. My objective was to try and dismantle all the nuances that keep us from seeing the 'truth' about Jikook- that they are real. At least the way I see them.

I talked about unrealistic expectations we have of Jikook, false conditionings that often leads us to see Jikook as something more than they are- the amplified Jikook. We get used to highlight reels of Jikook's interactions in edits such that we feel there is something wrong with them when we see them in real time.

I mentioned that Jimin's nurturing nature often also estops people from reading more into his relationship with JK. He is nurturing of everyone, JK ain't special- they argue, just as this person is doing.

I talked about Jimin's Idol persona, the facade of the boy in love with JK- Jimin's role within BTS since debut and how that can equally blind us into thinking Jikook is something more or less than they really are. I have a post dedicated to this topic sitting in my drafts so I will not go into the details of it here. Please look forward to that.

But this person's post touches on another aspect of Jimin's personality that I feel is one of the things that often keeps us from seeing his relationship with JK for what it really is- his inclination for professionalism.

I keep saying this, several times now, that Jimin's Idol persona to me seems well developed, elaborate and very elusive.

I have mentioned a few times how I think during Jikook break ups that they keep it civil and professional for the sake of the team and that you might not even notice the difference especially if you place high value on their skinship.

The skinship would be there, the cordiality and civility would equally be there- except for moments when they are fighting, that gets bloody. Lol. They are best friends at the very least. It is why it's important to reevaluate the metrics we use to determine whether or not they are a couple.

I wish I could dialogue with this person to understand her assessment of Jikook and what she is using to determine whether or not Jikook are a couple and what makes her think Tae and JK are. Know what I mean?

What makes her think Jikook were a couple before 2017? What makes y'all think Jikook are a couple at all? I would like to hear from y'all- but come at me with the skinship bit and I'll block you deadass. Lol

So on this person's post, I think I agree with her assessment of JM's persona but I don't agree with the Jikook have been broken up since 2017. And I think I understand where this is coming from... I think some of us do. Yes they had a few fights that year especially leading up to Jimin's birthday- August was it? but we all know JK more than made up for it with the damn GCFs. Lol. kindly visit the timeline, peruse as many content as you can and form your own opinion on it. This is just mine.

Are Jikook Jikooking all the time? Absolutely not. They are human too. They fight, they make up, they break up they get back together, they have introverted, extroverted moments, they go up, they go down- have bad hair days, it's all part of their dynamics I'm afraid. From my point of view of course.

I feel some people notice these things too and when they sense Jikook aren't in a good place they bow out and Jump ship- I don't blame them. They are shippers not supporters. What Jikook need are supporters not shippers- or maybe both, do you.

Could this person be one such people? DNF shippers? Given up on Jikook before the end of their story? I don't know. May be.

Jikook is not a fantasy that you ship. It's a relationship that you support. You can't escape into them. They are an ongoing love story- chapters close, chapters open, you just have to ride it out till the very end.

I think the challenge of their post for me is whether or not Jikook is a performance. Her post leans into the whole Jikook is fanservice bull especially in light of the recent photoshoot video which some are using as evidence Jikook don't 'click' when the cameras are off- the lies they tell on Beyonce's internet!

I think I have speculated on this and shared my thoughts on this whole Jikook is fanservice bit. I will delve deeper into it in my next post on Jimin's idol persona but as I've already said, Jikook is fanservice is equally a misnomer.

Yes Jikook does fanservice sometimes, but they are not fanservice. Fanservice is the cover for their relationship. It's their glass ceiling- nothing to see here folks just two snakes under glass. Keep it pushing. (Sorry. Couldn't help myself. Lol)

But you do raise a valid question, what is Jikook like when the cameras are not filming?

Is the mood of Jikook in that footage the general mood of Jikook behind cameras as Tuktukkers are claiming? They barely interact, JM doesn't pay much attention to Kook, yadda yadda yadda?

And the part that gives me a complex, that JK only interacts with JM when they are the center of attention. Huh???????????

Sigh.

I feel caught between a rock and a hard place on this one.

The theory you pointed out in support of this assertion isn't mine and I think I made it clear I didn't share the same thoughts on it. I said it was valid nevertheless. Chilee, this is hard. Lol

Yes JK is an introvert, Jimin is an extrovert, JM doesn't live for JK, all that is true and some Jikookers have said that too- so when you ask, if this is who they are when the cameras are off does that mean what they do when the cameras turn on is fanservice-

I-👁👄👁

I don't know the thought process that went into that theory so I can't confidently defend it. I'll ask? Lol.

Personally, I'd like to know whether or not they see the tension in that footage as tension in the first place. Chileee I don't know.

I see it as tension. Not a very serious one though. So we'd have to agree to disagree on that one.

But the part I can argue, the part I agree with is Jikook aren't hyper super duper lovey dovey on each other all the time. They aren't cuddly all the time. They have their moments of quiet- Jimin seems like the more affectionate kind who'd rub all over JK in the comfort of their homes but still...

If you ask me though, I think Jikook are tamer on cameras than they are behind scenes. I always talk about the fear and panic in the members' eyes when they see Jikook gravitating towards each other- it's probably because they know the extent of Jikook's shenanigans. They know how worse it can be because they've seen it all.

And when JK panics sometimes when JM gets closer too you just know dude is scared perhaps because of his Mochi chick's devil may care shamelessly in love policies- Jimin wild. Bless him.

I did say also that Memories 2019 is equally eye opening. These were censored bits. BigHit was holding all of that and giving us crumbs- stingy mfs. Bless.

All that said, again I don't think Jikook are hyper lovey on eachother behind the scenes. Another part I diverge from that view is that this is not exactly off camera. It was just behind the scenes of a photoshoot. Something we've seen a countless times.

This is not BTS's first ever behind scenes photoshoot. It's just a different angle that's all.

They were working. They were at work. This wasn't an alone private space for them so they can't base on this to say Jikook don't interact when the cameras are off.

The cameras were rolling. We saw them interact, JM was interacting with everyone the way he always does on camera all the time except he wasn't interacting with JK the way he does all the time, grainy footage or not- I mean let's call a spade a spade and not a big fat spoon. Lol

As to why he was doing that- let's just say there are many schools of thoughts.

My thought as I've said is JM was freezing JK out. I think with anyone that's recognized and is familiar with Jikook fights, that mood is all too familiar as I mentioned earlier.

If JM was being courteous and not mad at his man then he would have kept it 'professional' and done the 'fanservice' bit with Jk as per usual just as this person is saying since the cameras were still rolling.

Jikook is not fanservice. They are real.

I have refrained from providing a detailed analysis of that '5 minutes' footage for reasons I will explain later when I do share my thoughts on that footage- eventually. Some day.

But my hypothesis remains the same that I think Jikook were fighting or had a minor issue. As to why they were fighting, chileee I don't know. The confirmation bias in me feel it had something to do with JM's birthday but honestly it could have been over anything at all- dumplings, microphones- we all saw that slap on stage, a certain Iphone notification perhaps, did JinMin make a secret VLive without Kook again? Lol

There are plethora of reasons, I can only speculate on a few. And I think we've all seen Jimin when he is not 'Jimining' with the others, JK included. Take his mood with Tae at GDA for example- since this is not a VMin post I won't go into it.

But it seems they squashed whatever beef they were having on stage when JM extended his hands to Tae and they shaked it out.

We've seen him and Suga bicker too- which again, I am not gonna to get into out of respect for their shippers but I can point you to the On comeback VLive early this year when Suga touched JM and JM mouthed Hajima to him- which I think had something to do with what was going on with him and JK at the time but that is besides the point. Every shipper for themselves.

I contrast his 'fights' with Suga and V to show you the difference between Jimin being professional and courteous and Jimin being rah rah. He was sat next to suga, talking and laughing with him but snapped the moment Suga held his back.

He did the same in the Dynamite MV Vlive, smiling and laughing with Suga but the moment JK teased him with the Yoonmin comment his countenance fell.

Jimin is not that good of an actor if you ask me. I have said he is very Kumbaya in nature, often makes compromises for the sake of the team but that don't mean he is a pushover or one to trifle with- he scares me when he is mad. Lmho.

The scene in that footage didn't look to me as that he was being nice and courteous to JK- is that y'all's definition of professional courtesy? Damn.

If they were having a lover's squabble then the 'icy' mood of Jikook we saw in that footage is not the general mood of Jikook when the camera's are turned off.

I have to state again that I don't know much of what goes on behind the cameras and most of the things we see sometimes are equally missing context.

That been said we have seen enough of Jikook 'behind cameras' and they are more intimate than we can imagine. A certain cozy selfie at the back of an abandoned truck comes to mind. Whatever they were doing at the back of the track wasn't intended for the cameras judging from JK's reaction.

We've had glimpses of Jikook when they are not the center of attention enough to have a fair idea of what they are when cameras are off and I don't think it is that mood we saw in that footage.

We saw them at Jingle ball bell, towards the end of 2019. We saw them in their own space doing what they do best- making us feel single as fuck. Bless them.

We've seen them at awards, we've seen JK eating Jimin's ear nom nom to calm him down- like I would have just bought him icecream to calm down his nerves or rubbed his back but whatever JK. He is your man; you know him best. Good for him. Good for both of you. Now come back and feed us.

And the bit about JK only laughing with JM when he noticed he was on the Bangtan Bomb cameras in that footage- now that's nasty below the belts phony ass ass! I felt that one straight in my chest, shit. Lol

Dude was in a doghouse it seemed and I noticed them stealing glances at each other and.... sigh.

I just think JK was looking for an opening to warm his way back into JM's good graces- it's really nothing we haven't seen before.... sigh.

This is 2020 that narrative of JK hates Jimin, JK doesn't like JM needs to stop. It's dead. Pack it up. Chileee, y'all tried it with this one.

Jk is nice to JM only when the cameras are on him? Nice try.

JK is so fake and fraudulent he glared RM down till he stepped away from Jimin- again, in the very same photoshoot footage y'all swear to God is proof Jikook is not real.

Find it. RM stood next to JM. Looks up see's something- or someone. Does his tell- the hand to head thingy he does when JK glares at him over Jimin. He backs away inches from JM.

Cut to JK. Dudes a mood. Jin bumps into him, stares at him but JK wouldn't even look at him and then deadass looks away grumpyly- talk of professionalism. You doing great swidy keep going!

You can hide a relationship, fake it on God but you can never hide the intimacy. Taekook just lack that intimacy, I'm sorry. Even in that 'estranged' moment Jikook's intimacy was still there-

Even in whatever mood JK was in- which again, I believe was just due to their lover's squabble- JK still was claiming his man and exercising his right of authority over him. That's how you know they are not broken up. In my opinion. Chileee. I'm gonna get in trouble. Deep sigh.

Y'all think JK was hovering over Jimin because he was preparing to strike him down like a censored censored censored? Yea, he was preparing to strike alright- All the corners of Jimin's heart. Y'all better stop before I find you. Lol

I said I wasn't going to analyze the footage in this post but damn. This man out here serving us all kinds of brooding assorted jeonlous as his man takes a time out or two to wiggle wiggle wiggle on him Malfroy style and y'all are out here peddling nonsense. Strike one.

He was a mood alright. Did y'all see Tae rubbing his chest, arms and legs, ears did y'all see any body else in there doing that for him? Y'all's falcon cannot hear his falconer give it up and sorry, Jikook can't relate.

As I've posited, JM I feel was mad as hell for whatever reason and wasn't in the space to be that person JK needed him to be- in that moment. Doesn't mean they are like that behind scenes all the time.

And before I get attacked again for causing drama, being toxic etc by Jikookers understand that I am just a delusional person shipping these two in a way that makes sense to me. Write me off as delulu, and go please.

Whatever ambiguity surrounds that moment, to me, Jin and RM's reaction to JK clarifies things a bit. Jikook were boiling hot. JK was still keeping an eye on his man. Lol. Bless them. That's my conclusion. I'm running miles with that. Catch me. Lol

Feel free to come up with your own theory in a way that makes sense to you.

I'm not sure how long that fight lasted but from the rain day incident I'm hoping it wasn't that long. Jikook are fine I believe- I hope. Judging from the way JM drew JK out in his VLive with the whole I miss JK comment? Did that not sound familiar to y'all? And that Mickey mouse thingy- JM ain't slick. Bless him.

JM is the perched akekeke whisperer whispering all kinds of things in JK's ear, feeding JK news of what goes on on social media and what not. Dude don told his man they won a BB on his birthday, told his man Jin wasn't happy he chose his bag over his- definitely told his man Army was missing him- what? I'm going with that too sue me. Lol

Did you or did you not see Jk coming out to do a live log afterwards? And JK seemed less grumpy, in very high spirits? Wedding bells- I'm manifesting it for JK. Manifest with me.

Remember when JM did a log and talked nonsense about JK, and JK did a rebuttal log to respond to JM and address some of the things JM had said about him? Remember that? It's a jikook thing and it's back😌

I have said JM uses social media to connect with Army while JK uses it as an outlet to express himself. Through out his Live he kept talking about how he wasn't prepared to do a live and it shows in the way he kept saying it was awkward, he just kept it business and didn't know what else to share... I wonder who put his paws on him, dragged his ass to turn on the camera because Armys had asked of him- a certain quick tempered chick who dragged his man out on social media to do the whole Chuseok greetings 2020 on Twitter perhaps?

And JK is so whipped he'd do just about all the hoops to appease his man- Jikook AU written by Goldy. High five. No but seriously...

Behind the scenes, JK sneaks into JM's bed at night- Taekook does it too? Please! The look on JM's face when RM spilled that tea is enough said.

There's only two people in BTS that panic and don't want us to know they lay one on God in bed and it's not Tae Kook.

JK: Jimin hyung and I will sleep here

JM: how about we let the others choose first

Everyone shares a room:

Footage:🦄🍲🐯🧀🐺🍟🐓🥛🐑🛏

JIKOOK share a room:

Footage: 🚪👀

Behind the cameras Jikook sneak into each others bed- camera caught them live. You saw JM's face, I can't make this shit up. Lol

Behind the scenes, Jikook do laundry at 1am. *insert JM pervy face meme.

Chileee, y'all making me trip with this one. Deep breaths.

Jikook have their moments. This was one of them. Can they be human? Please. Thank you.

At this point, these folks are not even shippers. They is shoppers shopping a man for their bias. Lol. Just admit y'all want Jeon thick thighs strong butt for your bias and go. Just admit you want some tall glass of Tiger charming face husky voice strong chest for your bunny and go. Lmho

Chilee, when we say Tae and Kook had a falling out we don't mean they freeze eachother out behind cameras. Hell, we don't even mean they fake their bond or interactions. C'mon! Tae and JK admitted they are not lovers and y'all is bitter. That's why y'all is making up this nonsense about Jikook. Speak the truth and shame the devil. Peter would be proud.

When we say Tae Kook is not real, We just mean JM spends JK's birthday with him while every one including Tae is out there cruising for Jesus with friends. We just mean Jikook claim eachother even when they beefing. That ship beefed and didn't even know they was beefing and they are real? Damn.

We just mean Jikook make efforts for each other even when they are having bad days- Had it not been for Jimin they'd still be gnashing on these cold streets. Place some respect on his name, y'all's ungrateful. Lol

Tae and JK don't want each other they both want Jimin- there. I said it.

Thanks for attending my Tedtalk. 👁👄👁

Now where was I? Never mind. I'm just gonna go burn some sage. There's too much negativity going on around. Hakuna matata!

There is nothing wrong with Taekook as a ship. Personally, I'm a multishipper I ship all the ships but I support Kookmin. I don't mind their shippers calling them whatever, but my eyes twitch when people who claim they support Jikook act wishy washy with Jikook. Lol. Like are you going to withdraw your support of Kookmin if JK sits on Tae's lap?👀 Yall make me nervous. How can you think Jikook is real but then look at Taekook and go huh??? What are y'all seeing that I can't see?

Like those are two completely different dynamics. It's the skinship isn't it? Talk to me. Jikookers who see something nonplatonic in Taekook honestly give me trust issues. Y'all have me out here looking over my shoulders.

I am delusional but I'm confident in my delusions because to me it is about the love and support for JM and JK as LGBTQ plus couples. Please stop shipping Jikook, stop shopping JK and JM for eachother and start supporting them because they are real.

IN MY OPINION.

Signed,

GOLDY

[cherryblossomstars]

IV. Sky (W. Ushijima)

Taken from my AO3 series of one-shots & reposted here; this part is more Oikawa centric

Pairing: Ushijima x F!Reader; platonic Oikawa & Reader

Word count: 2,305

Genre: Hurt/comfort (from oikawa)

Summary: Aoba Johsai's volleyball team has never been able to defeat the Great Ushiwaka of Shiratorizawa. Their manager, however? She can bring him to his knees in mere seconds.

Or, Ushijima Wakatoshi is helplessly in love with Seijoh's Ace's twin sister, and the Aoba Johsai VBC is not appreciative of it.

Previous | Next

Dating Ushijima is not easy. Especially when Oikawa is your best friend.

Especially in situations likes these. Aoba Johsai vs Shiratorizawa in the Spring Interhigh Preliminaries. You sit on the benches with the coaches, towels, and water bottles. Your boyfriend may be the ace and captain of Shiratorizawa, but your team is Aoba Johsai. You promised to wear Oikawa's blue jersey in support.

It took three sets, Shiratorizawa coming out as the victor. Unlike a usual sweep of two sets, Aoba Johsai almost won this time. Instead of smiling at your boyfriend on the court, you paid attention to Oikawa's bowed head.

He would not cry on the court. But you know that later tonight, when he is alone and watching the video of their match he will need a friend with him.

After quickly cleaning up the water bottles and towels, you make your way to the foyer. Shiratorizawa is out of the gym first.

Ushijima does not know how to read the atmosphere, but he can tell from your worried expression he will have to talk to you later.

"I'm sorry, Wakatoshi, I just..." You avoid making eye contact with him out of shame. He's your boyfriend, after all. You should be happy for him, and yet... "congratulations, though. Really."

He nods in understanding, he already knows who your mind is on. "go take care of him. I'll see you tomorrow." With a kiss pressed to your forehead, he leaves the stadium.

When your team finally walks out of the gym and makes their way to the bus, they are dead silent. The frustration was oozing off of them.

"Next year, guys." Oikawa perks up, slapping Hajime on the back. "We'll be at nationals next year. No doubt about it."

You're not sure if he's really convincing the team or himself. On the bus ride back, you take Hajime's usual seat next to Oikawa instead. Despite your smaller frame, he still finds enough comfort in you to fall asleep on your shoulder (even though his body is practically halfway slid down the seat). Under normal circumstances, either you or your brother would have shoved him off of you. Your arm wraps around his shoulders and your hand gently cards through his soft brown hair instead.

When you all make your way home after having a dinner with the team, Hajime is silent. Your parents feel the tension upon immediately stepping inside your house and decide to leave the both of you alone.

Rather than changing into pyjamas, you change into something else to prepare to head out. You carefully fold Oikawa's jersey, keeping it in hand.

When you walk into Hajime's room to check on him, he's laying on his back and staring at the ceiling blankly.

"I'm supposed to be the ace..." He doesn't even look at you, "so why...?"

You sit on the edge of his bed setting the jersey by your side, "I can't say."

"You're always with him. Is he just a better ace than I am?" Hajime looks at you expectantly.

"Wakatoshi is... one of the best aces in the country." You hear him grunt in response. "But you're every bit as good of an ace in your own right. You keep Oikawa in line. You even keep Kyoutani in line."

He's silent for a moment, "do you think... that I'm nothing as a spiker if Oikawa wasn't my setter?"

You frown, "what? No, of course I don't think that." You sigh, "no matter who your setter is, that doesn't change the fact that you can definitely hold your own against Wakatoshi. I don't doubt that. Sometimes a defeat is left to luck. Sometimes it's teamwork. But when it comes to Shiratorizawa and Seijoh... the both of them have skill on par with each other. It's not about who the better setter or server or spiker is. Your both amazing in your own right. Seijoh's teamwork is practically flawless. Shiratorizawa's main weapon is Wakatoshi. If he didn't have the stamina he has, they would've fallen apart years ago. Not to mention Satori's blocks..."

You continue on with your speech, trying to keep your brother's morale up. By the time you finish, his breathing is even and his eyes are shut.

You make sure to grab the jersey before leaving the room. "Next year." You whisper and shut the door.

"Hey, I'm going to Oikawa's." You mention to your parents on your way out of the house. When you get the okay, you make your way out and begin your walk. You've been to his house so often that the way there is practically muscle memory by now. You no longer have to look at signs or bring up your maps or rely on your brother to find your way to his house.

When you knock, his mom is the one to answer the door.

"Ah, Iwaizumi." She greets you with a knowing smile. She already knows why you're here. "He's in his room. I think he's still awake. Come in." She makes room for you to enter.

The smell of the Oikawa household is familiar to you. You smile, the smell always reminds you of home. You can point out everything in this house by memory. The TV stand has a cabinet with a glass door that, when Hajime was much younger, he had slammed closed too hard and shattered the glass. At the kitchen, there was a particular corner of one of the counters that, when you and Oikawa were play-fighting, he had slammed your head against on accident and you lost consciousness. Oikawa's mother had to bring you to the emergency room. You had a pretty bad concussion and when you regained consciousness, Oikawa was next to you, trying to apologize through his sobs and hiccups.

When you enter Oikawa's room, it doesn't surprise you how dark it is. The only light comes from his computer, blocked partially by his frame. He sits there, dead silent with his knees raised to his chest.

"Mom, please, I already told you-" He stops short when he feels you snake your arms around him from behind.

You lay his jersey in front of him, the #2 glaring almost accusingly back at the both of you. "Hey." You murmur against his back.

"...shouldn't you be out celebrating with your boyfriend?" He practically spits out the last word.

You furrow your brows, "I can't come over and make sure my friend is okay?"

"I'm fine. I have next year. I'll win. Go congratulate Ushiwaka. He's the winner, you don't have any business here." He doesn't turn back to face you. The video continues to play.

Your heart sinks. You release him from your hold. "Tooru-"

"Go!" He yells. The venom in his voice is clear. "Shiratorizawa won. Ushiwaka's the winner. You don't have to be here! We didn't win. Just leave!"

"I want to be here!" You shout back, trying to keep the tears from falling.

"Why?" He finally, finally turns to you.

There it is. You knew he would cry. "You shouldn't be alone, Tooru, and you're my friend is it so bad to want to make sure you're doing okay?"

"I- How- How can you still call me your friend?" He's glaring at you.

"Excuse me?"

"You're dating that bastard Ushiwaka. How can you date someone wh-"

"Do not turn this on me, Oikawa." Your tears fall freely now, "that's not fair. Don't you dare bring my relationship into this. That's low, even for you."

"Why not?! How can you like him?! You're our manager, for god's sake! Why don't you just go to Shiratorizawa? Huh?" His words cut deep.

You open your mouth to say something. When your voice cracks instead, you decide it's pointless to argue with Oikawa when he's like this. You leave without another word.

The volleyball team immediately knows something is wrong when you don't sit with the third years during lunch like usual. Instead, you sit quietly with your other friends in the lunchroom. To add to the confusion, Oikawa is very clearly in a bad mood and quickly shoveling down his food and ignoring the conversation before leaving and going outside to grab a volleyball and practice his sets.

When they turn to Hajime, he simply shrugs in confusion. He's not sure what's happening either.

Oikawa's serves are much more powerful, but lack any control. He keeps setting a little too high, putting too much power behind them. He doesn't speak.

You come to practice and do the bare minimum. You write and hand out towels and water bottles to everyone (excluding Oikawa). You don't care, he could call you petty. He's an asshole. You also don't speak.

"Iwaizumi." Your coach calls over one day. Both you and your brother turn to look at him. "Hajime."

He nods and runs over.

"What's wrong with those two?" He points at you and Oikawa.

Hajime shrugs, "I don't know."

"Can you fix it?"

"The situation will probably fix itself, coach. [Name] has a date with Ushijima today and Oikawa's probably already started to get antsy since he hasn't been talking to my sister recently."

The coach nods in understanding. "Oikawa and Iwaizumi seem a little unstable right now, so until they both solve their problem, I need you to..."

Ushijima wasn't sure what to expect on this date. He knew you were upset, sure. He knew what Oikawa had done, of course. He just thought it would blow over by the time the both of you went out to the park.

Admittedly, he thought it did. The date went smoothly, but by the time it was time to go home and you both stood at your driveway, your tears wouldn't stop flowing.

He pulled you into an awkward hug (after a small internal debate), rubbing your back as you sobbed freely. "I don- Wh- Oika- He-" You blabbed pathetically. You couldn't even form a coherent word.

Several minutes had passed when you finally calmed down. "Ah, I'm sorry, Toshi... Your clothes..." You cringed at the sight of the dark spots on his shirt where your tears had fallen.

He shakes his head, "I don't care. Don't apologize."

Before you can say anything else, you hear someone clear their throat behind you.

Lo and behold, Oikawa stood there next to your brother. You'd never seen him look so uncomfortable before.

Ushijima gives you a nod of encouragement before he makes his way to leave. Hajime slaps Oikawa, pushing him forward and towards you and heads inside to your house.

You and the subject of your distress are left alone.

"I-" The both of you begin. You quiet down, letting him go first.

"[Name], I... Uh..." He's nervous, that much you can tell. "You're one of my best friends. I just... I don't think we should be friends anymore if I can't even keep my promise to you. I told you I would make it to nationals this year, and I couldn't even do that. I asked you to wear my jersey because I was so confident we'd win and..." He looks at you with a pained smile, "and we didn't. Pretty humiliating, huh? Sorry I put you through that."

Oikawa Tooru is not a genius. What he lacks, he's made up for through hard work. His bad knee can attest to that. He comes off as having an inflated ego, when it's really just the opposite. He's the most insecure person you've ever met. He's a perfectionist who knows that he can't be perfect. His drive to become the best is a result of knowing that he isn't the best and he likely never will be.

Your heart breaks.

"I don't care about whether or not you won, Tooru. I care about you. Wakatoshi can win hundreds of matches but that doesn't make you any worse. I didn't wear your jersey because of your promise, I wore it because I wanted to support you. You're the best at what you do. You taught me to set. You held me when I cried. You played with me when I was bored and you tutored me when I was failing classes. I'm not your friend because you're a great volleyball player, I'm your friend because you're a great person. I want to be there for you, so please just let me. You've always been there for me, let me return the favor. Your value to me doesn't depend on volleyball."

"...When I..." He steps towards you, enveloping you in his warmth with a hug. "When I think back on everything that's made me who I am today, everything that has made me do what I do and love what I love, you and Iwa-chan are always standing next to me in those memories. So I... I just wanted to go to nationals while we're all still together. I'm sorry I lashed out at you. I'm sorry I couldn't achieve what I've been promising for years now. Next year will be different. We'll win. And even if we don't..." He steps back from you, holding you by your shoulders at arm's length, "I'll go pro. And then you can cheer for me while I win every game from that point on."

You laugh, "I look forward to it, Tooru. Until then, do you think you can handle another loss?"

He tilts his head in confusion.

"I know you're a sore loser and you're sulking and all, but I'm still gonna kick your ass at Street Fighter."

"I'm not sulking! Iwa-chan! Your sister's being mean to me!"

"I am not! You're just pouty!"

"Pouty?! We'll see who's pouting when I beat you at Street Fighter."

Iwaizumi opens the door, "the both of you'd better shut the hell up before I lock you both outside."

"Eheh... Sorry, Iwa-chan."

"Sorry, Hajime..."

Fin.

[princeleyjeans]

Blocking someone when at the end of the day, being civil doesn't counter the fact they're clearly looking for an argument. Like I got it, completely, and yeah, the trikey fandom is in rough shape but at every point it seemed to be-- "You guys started this" "Trikey fans caused this" "Trikey fans did this" even controdicting themselves on some points and I am there, trying to be friendly (That clearly caught their ass off guard) and see what the problem is like I wanna fix this, how can I help, how can I help you with this problem and now, all I get is a snarky retort after clearly realising things are shitty on both sides and feeling crappy and I am just, refusing, to engage anymore. This person doesn't want to work things out, they wanna row and fight and complain and yes, the fandom does have its less than pristine characters, I will NEVER pretend we're perfect but at every avenue! Trikey fans are to blame, trikey fans, trikey fans, IT HAS TO BE TRIKEY FANS, like for fuck sake. And apparently I stuck my nose into that post like we even talked about kicking nests and crying when our butts got stung and yet...its trikey's fault, its us, its the fans, we're all toxic, we're all terrible and cruel and hate anyone on the outside and form cliques to exclude non supporters and blah blah, complains about us when clearly this person wants a row and just wants to blame the fandom as a whole for haters being haters and deciding its easier to tar everyone with the same old ass smelling brush instead of weed out the problem makers. --- Pheeeeeeeeewww, is it that obvious I've clearly had enough of this person and trying to be nice while all they do is crap on our side of the fence? Like I even apologised for all thats apparently happened to them and thinking back....WHY DID I DO THAT?! I WAS BEING PEACEMAKER?! WHO THE FUCK MADE THIS MY RESPONSIBILITY?! ALL I DID WAS COUNTER ARGUE A POST THEY TOOK OFF ANOTHER ACC?! I get it, really, its never nice getting hate and told to die or getting doxxed, from a fellow victim, I sympathise, but weaponising your own distain is not the solution and then going after someone for a point and crapping on a fandom for what SOME of its fans have done...not okay. I'm done. I've been done for 26 years and this just reminds me why. People are always looking to row and there is no arguing with stupid, or self entitled, because they can't see passed their own hypocrisy. If I wanna waste my life, I'll do it violently masturbating to gta

[shra-vasti]

JEON WONWOO

Series : To all the boys

Pairing : Jeon Wonwoo x reader

Type : non idol au, ex-lovers au

Genre : angst, drama, fluff, romance

Warnings : none

Word count : 2k approx

Synopsis : You decided to write some letters to every boy who was a part of your past as your last message after getting diagnosed with chronical disease.

MAIN MASTERLIST

[Received, 09.10.2020] | previous | next

"Hey y/n, did you hear about the news which is swirling around the school?"

"News about?"

You were currently sitting inside your class with Jane and your other classmate, Sylvia, the gossip queen. It was a free class, not many student were entertaining the classroom so you decided to just spend time there but Jane and Sylvia followed soon.

"Your beloved Wonwoo ofcourse."

You rolled your eyes at the prefix used by her, you had recently told her about your crush on Wonwoo since 7th grade and all you can say is that you genuinely regret telling her about it.

"What about him?"

"About him getting Yena pregnant."

You eyes widened at the information given to you. You remember Sylvia telling you how wrong it was to have feelings for someone who already had a girlfriend and you told her that she came into his life after you did and you aren't a threat to their relationship.

You weren't a threat, Sylvia realised that but she did wondered how you would cope up with your feelings whenever you saw them together.

You had told her that you just cared about him, nothing more than that and feelings can't be stopped, you didn't even know how he fell in love with her that fast when all he did in the past was play around with girls.

You guessed he settled down for good.

"How would you know they are just kids come on we are in high school."

You could already hear your heart beating loudly in your ears, him getting into relationship with the new transferred student even though he knew about your feelings just wasn't enough that now this news surfaced, it was honestly too much for you since you have always took care of him from the past without asking anything in return, silently.

"Y/N, don't think that Yena is innocent okay, I've helped her to take the pregnancy test, she always used to call Wonwoo to meet him up in my place to hungout cause my parents are always out of town and they have many times made out in my room, I know."

Her words silence you, you were aware how Sylvia was, she was someone who would add extra information on a certain scenario just to make others believe her words and you knew she was doing just that, it wasn't new at all but that didn't help the pang you felt in your chest at her words.

Your mind drifted off to 10 minutes before when you saw a really concerned Dani, your other friend beside Zeny and Andie, bumping you. You asked her what's wrong and all she said was she had to talk with Wonwoo and it would be great if you just stay away from him for sometime.

You knew from then that something was off, maybe you're friends were trying to save you from another heartbreak because of him, you knew the information given by Sylvia wasn't all fake and some of it was true.

You shook your head at her as Jane and Sylvia continued to argue whether the information was true or not. You crossed your arms and put your head down on it blocking both the girls from seeing your face as you tried your best to have a control over your rapidly beating hard.

It wasn't much of use since you could feel the tears slipping from your eyes and onto your uniform which your were wearing.

The class was going to end soon and if you didn't control your tears, everyone would know about your little breakdown and you didn't want to entertain anyone else.

"Y/N are you crying?"

You felt your head being pulled up by the two girls and Jane was quick to her action when she saw your tear stained face. Sylvia stayed glued on her seat, shocked to see you out of all people crying over someone.

Jane grabbed your hand and took you out of the class informing the teacher at the door that you've had an emergency and wanted to go to the clinic.

The hallway was empty since every one had retreated back to their classes, you let Jane drag you all through till you reach the turning point where the girl's washroom was supposed to be, then you untangled your wrist from her hand and made a run towards the washroom.

Tears were constantly slipping from your eyes and you were afraid anyone else would see them. Jane looked at your running figure before speeding up to catch up with you.

You bumped into Yena on the way as she was coming out of the washroom. She looked at you corcernly after seeing your tear stained face which just made you ever more hurt because she and her boyfriend were the mere reason you were this miserable.

You didn't listen to her and continued your way towards the washroom, you heard Jane telling her that you had some personal issues and that she shouldn't interfere in it.

"Y/N?"

You lift your head up when you noticed someone calling your name to see Bora heading in your direction.

You immediately ran up to her hugging her tightly as you let your emotions free and cried on her shoulder. She patted your head to console you. Jane reached to both of you as she patted your back and explained everything to her.

"Hey, you know how Sylvia is, don't mind her. I know Wonwoo, he wouldn't do something like that for sure, he's just a teenager and so is Yena."

She kept on consoling you explaining why you shouldn't let these things affect you, she knew about your feelings from day one so she understood how hard it must have been for you.

She told Jane to head back to the class and that she would stay in the washroom with you since she knew you weren't in the condition to do the class.

"I'll go get my things so we can head to cafeteria."

You finally were able to get a hold of yourself and you stayed in the washroom with Bora till the lunch break arrived. You knew you couldn't stay here for long because all of the girls would start piling inside the washroom.

You were sure Jane would have told Zeny and Andie about your situation when both of them came crashing down at the washroom immediately engulfing you in a hug.

"Okay let's go, Bora, thanks for taking care of y/n."

The hallway was a bit busy but it seem as if no one really minded your absence much, to which you were glad. The classroom was empty as you reached the back of the class to get your things.

You bend down when your book fell to get it unknown of the fact that Wonwoo hurriedly entered the class, seeing no one since you were hidden by your desk, he got out of the class running towards the girls washroom.

"Jane, where's y/n?"

He was out of the breath as he held Jane by the shoulder asking her about you.

"In class?"

"No, I went inside the class but I didn't see anyone."

He shook his head as he made his way towards the girls washroom when a hand grabbed his making him stop on his tracks.

"Yah, Wonwoo where do you think you're going?"

He looked at Bora for a second taking her hand off his, then continuing to go inside the washroom to search you only to be held back by Bora again.

"I'm searching for y/n, if no one is going to tell me then I might as well search everywhere I can."

"Why do you want to see y/n?"

His patience was getting thin as he sat on the stairs which led to the girls washroom, Bora stood in front of him to make sure he wouldn't actually go inside the washroom as she crossed her arms across her chest looking at Wonwoo.

"You know all well why I want to."

"Y/N isn't Yena, Wonwoo, don't show so much care to the wrong person."

"I know who's important for me and who's not, you don't need to educate me on that and y/n means more to me and you know that."

With that he stood up heading back to the direction he came from, Bora shook her head before making her way towards the cafeteria where her friends were waiting for her.

He continued walking in the empty hallway, his head hung low thinking about the possible place you could be but sighing when nothing came into his mind.

He look up when he heard the sound of door getting locked, his eyes widening when he finally saw you by the door of the class, head hung low and you started making your way towards him unknown of his presence.

"Y/N!!"

He yelled gaining your attention, you looked at him to see him smiling widely at you before running towards you, standing few feets away.

"Where were you I was searching for you everywhere."

"You don't need to know, I've to go, others are waiting for me."

You sided him continuing your path as you had no energy left in you to have a talk to him cause you knew your emotions would take the best of you.

You stopped in your track when Wonwoo grabbed your hand and turn you around to face him again.

"You're avoiding me now?"

"Why would I?"

He knew you weren't going to give in so easily and he was right. When he came to know that you cried, his first instinct was to find you cause he didn't like you shedding a single tear, he wouldn't let that happen, he needed to know the reason behind it so he searched for you only to get more desperate to find you when he learned the reason behind your breakdown.

"Why did you cry?"

He knew exactly why you cried but he wanted you to voice it so that he would be able to explain it to you.

"It's none of your business, Wonwoo please."

You pushed him aside as you once again started making your way towards the cafeteria but Wonwoo quickly catched up and stood in front of you successfully blocking you from going any further.

"You know the rumours aren't true, I want you to trust me okay?"

"I don't care about that Wonwoo and please don't worry about me anymore, you've a girlfriend for God's sake worry about her."

You hated the way he treated you at times and you hated the way he behaved when he was alone with you, he was completely opposite in front of everyone.

He cupped your cheeks as he leaned his forehead on yours closing the distance, you could feel the warmth of his body and you hated how his simple gestures affected your heart when your mind always warned you to be cautious around him.

"I care about you y/n therefore I worry about you, you know how much I care about you, what do you want me to do tell me, you want me to leave Yena? I'll do that just give me sometime."

You hated him for making you feel like you were on seventh heaven, how he had such impact on you. He had a girlfriend, you had to remind yourself time and again as you pushed his hands away from your face and took a step back.

It felt so wrong to be this close to him but at the same time it felt like your heart was finally at ease. Your heartached as you saw disappointment in his eyes but he needed that, he needed to know he already had a girlfriend and he shouldn't cross his lines.

"Don't do that Wonwoo, don't give me hope."

On your peripheral vision you could see Yena coming in your and Wonwoo's direction as you inhaled deeply.

"Trust me y/n I'll come back to you, just wait for me."

"Wonwoo?"

He turned around to see Yena standing few feet away from both of you, she made her way towards where you were immediately getting concerned when she saw you.

"Are you okay now?"

She asked as she grabbed your shoulder lightly smiling at you. You nodded your head at her thanking her and telling her not to worry much.

"I was looking forward to eat lunch with you."

She turned towards Wonwoo who simply smiled at her but his eyes were focused on you so you decided to get away from them. Seeing them together would just hurt you more.

"I'm sorry for that, I was having a talk with y/n, I'll make it up to you."

She giggled as she hugged him making you involuntarily roll your eyes at him, how typical of him. It was like he just wanted to lift you up only to make you fall down hard and it certainly worked everytime.

You shook your head, knowing he wouldn't stop you now that his girlfriend was with him, you started walking.

Wonwoo grab your hand again, you turn your head to find him still hugging Yena as he looked at you, his other hand guiding Yena's head at the crook of his neck so she won't see what he was doing.

"I'll make it up to you, you just have to wait for me."

He said, his eyes directly looking into yours as if telling you that he meant that for you.

"Of course Wonwoo I'm not angry at you, we can go on a date after school if you are feeling sad about not eating with me."

"Of course babe, whatever pleases you."

You chuckled at the fact that Yena didn't realize whom the sentence was directed to, you shook your head at Wonwoo before removing his hand from your wrist.

You continue to make your way towards the cafeteria, this time succeeding as he didn't stop you. How would he, when he had her in his arms.

In the end it didn't matter how much he care about you because he would always choose her over you and you hated that.

You wondered if Yena ever feels the change in his behaviour or she's just too blinded to see that a person like Wonwoo wants the world and wouldn't settle till he gets what he wanted.

In your case, he wanted to stay beside his girlfriend but wouldn't trade you for anything and you wondered if you ever will be able to get away from his maze.

[papergirllife]

Chasing The Flames

Chapter 8 : The Pull of The Heartstrings

Jeno opened the door of his dorm to hear all the boys gathered around the living room, hollering like they won the lotto.

" What's with you guys? "

" We're happy for you, hyung. "

" For what, Chenle? "

" You just came back from the photoshoot with Y/N. There should be some progress. " Renjun questioned with curious eyes.

" Not telling. "

" Yah, stop being so secretive to us. "

" I'm respecting Y/N's privacy Haechan, something you would never do for us. "

But Jeno couldn't help but smile at the events that taken place today as he retreated back into his room.

As he finished showered, Renjun came in the room with a smirk on his face.

" You and Jaemin should be grateful to me. I invited Y/N to have a cook off with Chenle and I on Friday night. "

" She agreed to come? "

" Yup. You guys get to spend more time with her as long as the both of you help out for dinner, this is a win-win situation."

" Thanks man. "

" You guys better be serious about Y/N. She's a nice girl. "

" Yes, boss. "

" I'm actually surprised you're so into her. I thought Jaemin was the one that wanted to bring her into the relationship. "

" I was actually jealous of her at first, because of the attention she was receiving from Jaemin. But then after I spent some time with her that day, I realised that she's really a special one. "

" I don't know much about polyamorous relationships, but I'll still support the decisions that the both of you make. "

" Thanks, Renjun. "

Jaemin ordered a pizza for the both of them to share as Jeno got back later than their dinner time.

They were watching a movie on TV, the others being focused on the plot, but Jeno being lost in his thoughts.

" Is something wrong? " Jaemin whispered.

" No. I was just thinking about what happened today. "

Jaemin snuggled up to Jeno, while taking a huge bite into the pizza, making Jeno coo at him.

" Is there something about Y/N's that's bothering you? "

" No. I enjoyed every moment with her. "

" Then why do you look sad? "

" I'm just confused with my own feelings. How can we love each other but still potentially love another person ?"

" Maybe it's because we never dated any girls before. So we crave for one in our life. "

" But we've never shown interest in other girls. Why Y/N? Why did you like Y/N among all female friends and colleagues we know? "

" I don't know. My first impression of her was that she was a diligent assistant of Mr Kang. Then when we started talking to her, I was hooked on by her shy demeanor. Then I realised that she had a great personality, she's friendly and quirky and so easy to be around. She doesn't treat us like idols, she sees us as human beings. Whenever I'm with her, I feel a sense of freedom or escape."

Jeno nodded at what Jaemin said, connecting the way Jaemin described Y/N to recent events.

" After Y/N, we won't be adding new members into the relationship, right? "

This made Jaemin laugh and nearly choke on his piece of pizza.

" Jeno ah, let's just focus on getting one girl at a time. Plus, if Y/N accepts us, I don't think she'll accept another female in the relationship. Just because we're bisexuals, doesn't mean she is. "

" I'm just checking, because I definitely won't have time for three people. "

" Good to know that my Jeno is a loyal man."

" Chenle, how many times have I told you to get that thing out of the way? "

" What do you mean that thing? It's my sole physical entertainment other than video games. "

Jeno was being stressed about Y/ N coming over for dinner.

On the other hand, Jaemin was busy cleaning the kitchen from the mess Jisung had made from his midnight snack.

Jaemin although didn't show his nervousness as Jeno is, still feels the stress of the expectations he wishes to make for Y/N.

Although all the guys think that Y/N's quite smitten with the both of them after hours debate of what they had experienced from both their alone time with Y/N, Jaemin still wants to take things slowly and start off as good friends.

Y/N seems raw towards the feelings that they think she's feeling for them, so Jaemin and Jeno have decided to make only minor advances and let her sort out her feelings, if she does have feelings for them.

' I hope she does. ' Jaemin thoughts to himself.

Jaemin looked towards Jeno's direction and saw that Jeno's disassembling Chenle's indoor basketball court, dumping it back into its box.

After finishing up with the kitchen, Jaemin checks the fridge a second time to make sure that they had stocked up on groceries for tonight.

Jaemin was about to clear away the take out on the dining table when Renjun stopped him.

" I'll do it. Go take a shower and get dressed."

" Thanks. "

When Jaemin got out of the bath, Renjun pushed Jeno to wash up.

" Shouldn't I shower after cooking dinner? "

" You have to smell and look clean for

Y/N, you can just take another one layer in the night. "

" Any clothing advice, Injunie? "

" She thinks you look cute in pink. "

" You're the best. I can kiss you right now. "

" Save that for Jeno and Y/N, or I'll kick your butt. "

" How do you get so much information out of her? "

" Because we text often. "

" Oh. "

" Why? Are you jealous? "

" I'm just surprised. "

" She's from my home country, she says I remind her of home. "

" That's nice of you. "

" She doesn't have many friends, she reminded me of the time when I first got here. "

" I'll go check the whole place again. "

" Don't be so nervous. "

" I'll try. "

When I got there, Jaemin was waiting for me outside the dorms.

" You didn't have to wait outside for me, it's cold, you would've gotten sick if I wasn't early. "

" I know you're punctual. Plus, it'll be embarrassing if you went to the 127 and WayV's blocks. "

" God, I can't imagine. "

" Why did you bring groceries? "

" Just in case you guys don't have any. "

" Of course we do, we just bought today. I'll help you take those. "

When Jaemin grabs the bags from my hands, I could feel electric shocks up my fingertips, making my cheeks warm in the cold air.

" Thank you. "

When Jaemin opened the door, the first one to greet you was Donghyuck.

" Long time no see, Y/N. Hope you didn't miss me too much, 127 needs me. "

" There's not a day that goes by I don't hear bullshit coming from his mouth. "

" I thought you'd be used to it by now. "

" Yeah, but I thought he would've behaved more with guest around. "

" What are you saying? Y/N isn't a guest, she's like family. Right Y/N? "

" Whatever you say, Hyuck. It's good to see you. "

" Nice place you guys got here, I like the kitchen too. It's bigger than the one I have. "

" You can always move in, Y/N. "

" Yeah right, Lee Soo Man would be on my ass. "

" Chenle! You look so cute with those cat ears. "

" Don't mind them, I lost a bet to Jisung. Come check out this gun I won in pubg."

Jeno walked out of his room when he heard the commotion going on outside, beckoning Renjun to follow.

" Y/N, you're here. Then let's get this started."

We gathered at the kitchen to get ready for the mini cook off.

" Okay, who wants to be in my team? " Renjun looked at everyone expectantly, but had a shock when he realised no one wanted to be on his team.

" I'm picking Chenle and Hyuck. Y/N, you can take Jeno and Jaemin. "

" Hyung, that's not fair. Both your teammates cook often. But Jeno doesn't cook at all, Y/N noona's team is having the losing end. "

" Jisung you are the judge, so go to your room and play games while we cook, no peeking. "

Renjun was giving Jisung the stink eye while everyone of us laughed at their interaction.

" Okay, so what are we cooking? "

" I was planning on cooking sweet and sour pork cutlets and salty egg minced meat steam egg. Sounds good?"

Jeno and Jaemin nodded enthusiastically, hurrying to gather the ingredients as I listed them down.

" Wait, what's salted egg? I don't think we have that in the fridge. "

" Don't worry, Jeno. I bought them at the wet market today, it's in the bag. "

" Got it. "

I made the batter for the cutlets as they break the eggs into a bowl with the minced meat.

" Jaemin, stir this batter. I'll handle the egg. "

I broke two salted eggs and cut the pieces of the yolk into tinier pieces and put them into the bowl of egg, stirring it to space out the ingredients.

When it was ready, I began to steam the egg at the stove.

" Remember Y/N. One stove per team. "

Renjun was looking at me with a smug look on his face as he oversees the two of his friends cooking.

" I see you're making Korean food. "

" And you're making Chinese food. What a way to win Jisung's stomach, but I'm confident he'll love my cooking, he always did. "

" That's because he never ate my cooking before. "

" Oh it's on Y/N. "

The both both of us went back to our respective sides.

Cooking with Jaemin and Jeno was fun, the way Jaemin laughed at Jeno for trying to get the pork to stick to the batter.

I stepped away from my teammates to take a photo of both of them frying the cutlets.

' They suite the domestic theme that's going on here. '

Wait, what am I thinking? God, I need to focus on making the sauce or I'll lose to Renjun.

When we were done, Renjun was arguing about something with Hyuck. While Chenle was coping on cooking alone.

It was one of the funniest sights ever.

Jaemin, being the observant person he was, realised that we haven't cooked the rice.

" Need help? "

" It's just rice, I can handle myself. Go rest on the sofa with Jeno, be with you guys in a bit. "

When I got to the sofa, Jeno had took off his apron to reveal a tight fitting white t shirt.

His muscular built was evident under the thin layer of cotton, I never realised Jeno had such a good built, it was truly a sight to behold.

" I really like your new glasses. "

I had to bring up a topic to distract from Jeno, he's Jaemin's boyfriend for fuck's sake.

" Thanks. You look nice too. "

" It's just a sweater, nothing nice about it to me. "

" The mint colour, it matches well with your hair colour. "

" Thank you. "

I looked away from his gaze, scared that my cheeks were as red as I feared.

" Y/N? "

I looked back at Jeno to see that he was holding a box of chocolates.

" This is for you. As a thank you for cooking dinner. "

" Thank you, I didn't know I'll be receiving any gifts from anyone in Korea. Thank you so much. "

Even though it was just a box of chocolates, it made me happy. I don't have any other friends other than my boss, these guys mean so much to me.

" I'm glad you liked it. "

Jeno placed his hand on my knee as a friendly gesture, but my body acted as if it was the best feeling ever.

The warmth coming from his palm was addicting.

My thoughts were interrupted when Renjun announced that dinner was ready and hollered Jisung out from his room.

We ate dinner with a carefree chatter. I asked Donghyuck about him and Mark balancing the upcoming promotions and them expressing their excitement in working with me again.

" So Jisung, what do you think are the best dishes here? "

" The dishes that I've never ate before today. "

" Have kids they said, they'll be lovely they said. "

" Oh come on, hyung. Don't be too sad about losing to Y/N, Jisung always liked new things. "

" Let me introduce you to some thangs. "

Jeno shut Chenle up with a slice of beef within the second he finished the verse of 127's new song.

" Sorry, he's always been like that. " Jeno said with apologetic eyes.

" Don't worry, Hyuck told me everything about Chenle's crush on Taeyong. "

" Everyone has a crush on Taeyong hyung, ask Jisung. "

" The both of you are weird, case closed."

After dinner, we decided to watch a movie.

Hyuck and Chenle settled on some horror movie called Polaroid.

All of us were wedged on the sofa except for Chenle and Jisung who settled for sitting on the carpeted floor.

I was happily munching on my oreos when a sudden jump scare caught me off guard.

I basically jumped into Jaemin's lap when it happened.

" Sorry, I didn't mean to do that. "

" It's okay. It's called horror for a reason. "

He put his arm around my shoulders.

" There's nothing to be scared of with me around. "

Even though he meant that to be flirty, it still warmed my heart.

From then on, my attention was no longer fully on the movie in front of me. I started noticing little details of Jaemin tonight.

The way his pink sweater matches so well with his fair skin and the feeling of his broad shoulders whenever I leaned onto them.

The scent of Jaemin's cotton fragrance reminded me of waking up on my comfy bed, everything about Jaemin tonight makes my heart soft.

I barely noticed that the movie ended as Renjun announced that we were going to watch a drama that he wanted to watch for a long time.

I always got sleepy during dramas as they just aren't my genre of movies, and this time was no exception.

The only difference from this time and all the other times was the warmth and support I had beside me as I dozed off to slumber.

[nosferatyou]

If I Can Be So Bold: Chapter 2 (Jack White x OC)

Summary: The Girls first detroit show continues on with their headliner, the white stripes. And Lee gets to know our handsome stranger.

WC: 2.1k

Warnings: Nicotine use and mentions of alcohol.

Notes: I know this is shorter but that felt like the best place to stop the chapter. Keep you on your toes you know. More notes at the end.

Chapter Three

If you’ve ever been to a house show or a show in a small venue, you know its standing room only, which means limited views of the artists. Which means most people are pushing to the front to get as close as possible. And it is our first Detroit show we had to get as close as possible. 

Sure, I might have pushed a little too hard and made a small enemy, but it is always worth it for music. 

You will feel it in your chest, and you’re probably going to have the most fun upfront. The only exception is the mosh pit, but the chances are good that you’ll be thrown in by accident at one point or another. 

The girls and I had fully pushed and fought our way to the front; the only thing separating us from it was a group of assholes who didn’t understand what the sharp elbow jab meant.

The moment our newfound friends entered the stage, people lost their shit, and understandably so. They were Detroit’s little secret, so to say. Everybody loved them and thought they were the only ones to love them. Still, all the cheering was enough for us to get kicked for a noise complaint.

They both were wearing red and white, which I'd noticed earlier but had thought nothing about. It now seems to be their “thing.”

 I first saw meg, all smiles and adorning a kick-ass pair of coca-cola pants. Now Jack, what appeared to be a simple white shirt and bright red pair pants, was so striking. Maybe it was the bright lights, or perhaps he was just strikingly handsome, and I was using the clothes as an excuse. Either way, his face read that he was ready to do anything. Very sharp, very focused, and all the while looked prepared for anything. 

Harriet elbowed me and quietly said, “Quite the blues band they are.”

“Oh, hush up Harry, let them have their fun.”

Then played his guitar, no introduction words, no hello. He’s straight to the point.

While their whole look was one of grandeur, which was impressive for such a small band, what truly caught me off guard was their cover of “Moonage daydream” by none other than David Bowie. 

An already hard enough to cover song by any professional band. They somehow did it, and well too. They were keeping that Detroit garage sound and Bowie’s twang still in it. 

Said assholes from before had a tape recorder in their hand, already recording their set. 

Ezra spoke up.

“Sounds like a weirdo.”

“Not everyone is gifted with vocal chords as good as mine, Z.” Harriet said, wiggling her eyebrows.

“You guys need to learn show etiquette, lordy.”

They all eventually shut up, though, and started to get into it, Including me.

Throughout the energetic set, we started to realize how close our music was. Full of blues and heavy sound. The way they played with each other was just like how we did. They even had an overexcited frontman who ran the show. 

Two things were for sure. He was incredibly talented, as much as he was attractive. Maybe Harriet was right with the whole rebound thing.

By the second song, we all were dancing with the music. Jumping along to the sparse chords of “Screwdriver,” every time he played the three magic chords, we all hopped in unison. 

By “Let’s shake hands,” we all had been dragged into the mosh. All laughing our asses off and picking up any fallen comrades in the process. Harriet got a pretty gnarly bruise from that one. 

Long story short is that we all were having way too much fun.

There was this slow song, though, gave the two of them more room to look around and see the crowd. They both were both so invested in their playing that they’d hardly looked past the stage. 

Everyone in the crowd was just as enamored with watching them. 

I caught a particular man’s eye. Just as he had mine earlier. Every time he'd sing he'd look up at me. Eyes filled with something completely different. They weren’t pissed off. They weren’t dark and brooding. He was just watching me, and he seemed so invested in it too. Maybe it was narcissism, but they almost seemed lustful? As dumb and cliche as it sounds, I saw it. The way he looked at me was with genuine interest. I, of course, returned it. 

While I also had his gaze, I felt two more eyes on me. Which was, of course, was Harriet, noticing what was happening. Giving me the same dumb eyebrow wiggle as before. 

I returned my gaze to the stage. Sadly our exchange of glances had ended, hed turned his back to the crowd to grab another guitar that was just laying on the ground. On the back of his shirt was a crudely written setlist with song names like “Bob Coffee” and “Sugar good.” Which I can only assume (And hope) are abbreviations.

For the last song of the set, they played an incredibly upbeat slide song. Which I much appreciated, no one used a slide anymore. 

He gave an incredible performance and an even better solo(s) with the small piece of brass on his finger. 

Once they finished, they quickly made their way off the stage, and we did the same, bouncing through the sea of people to grab another beer from our shared van. 

“All I’m saying, Z. Is that if Timbuktu were real. Why have I never met anyone who's been?” said Harriet nursing her billionth beer.

“I swear to god you’re losing brain cells, Harry. Go check a fucking map.” Argued back Jo

“Josephine. That does not convince me of anything. It’s in all the stories! Take me to god damn Timbuktu, and i'll believe you.”

Jo groaned and threw her head into her hands. “Okay, firstly, my name isn’t even Josephine, it's Jolene, You know this. Secondly, you’re a lost cause.”

I grabbed my cigs, done listening to their dumb argument, And made my way to the back alley behind the venue. 

As I came upon it, I saw tonight's man of the hour. Leaning against the broken wall of the venue, cigarette already in hand. 

I had half a mind to turn around out of spite for Harriet’s sake, but was too far gone,

“Well, hey there, stranger.” I said jokingly, breaking the silence of the night.

He looked up, not startled by the noise. He didn’t seem bothered by the company either. 

“Well, hey yourself.”

I took a spot next to him and grabbed a cig out of the pack, tapping the top of the box on my hand before. Almost instinctively, he was ready with his lighter. Id leaned in and breathed it in, 

locking eyes with him in such close contact. Both of us Making the same eyes as before. 

“Quite the show you played tonight.” I said after taking a long drag from my cig, he repeated the 

action.

“Likewise,” he took another drag. “I'd have half a mind to think  you’re copying us.” He said with a wink.

“Likewise.” I mimicked, wink included. 

We both couldn’t seem to look at each other, eyes locked on the dark horizon. You know, that awkward stage of knowing somebody, but prolonged eye contact was just a no go.

“I haven’t seen you around here, and you have a face I wouldn’t forget. You passing through?” He asked

I gave a small laugh, “No, actually just moved here. Just me and the girls now. Taking over the southwest side.”

“No shit, huh? It seems we share a postal code.” He looked over to me with a small smile on his face.

“No shit. What street?” I asked, my excitement way too present.

“Ferdinand. Small shitty house, porch painted white and red. You can’t miss it.” He finished his cig, quickly grabbing another.

“Oh, I remember that! It was the first thing we noticed when we got here. But you’re a block over neighbor.” I bumped his arm, returning his small smile.

We went silent for a moment, just looking over the Detroit skyline, still in the stages of not knowing how to start conversations.

“So tell me, stranger. I want to get to the bottom of this mystery of our shared music. Who are your influences?” I asked, taking another drag and entirely putting my attention on him.

He laughed and put out his cig, stomping it into the ground. 

“Well, it’s the blues. You know Son House and muddy waters. That and Iggy Pop.” 

“Well, there’s the correlation. The same goes for me. Though I am more privy towards Taj Mahal and Howlin wolf Myself.” I stomped out my cig as well.

“You’re dad listen to them all the time?” He asked

“Oh, all the time.” I moved a little closer, not enough that he’d notice, but enough. “But country rules my house. It's law in Tennessee, you know.” I said, a small smirk falling on my face. 

“More the reason to go then.” 

 I very dramatically rolled my eyes. “Eh, more the reason to leave you mean.” 

He fake scoffed, covering his heart with his hand. “Are you telling me you don’t like country? Judging by your dad’s taste, it’s probably the good country you don’t like too.” 

“Overplayed and over appreciated is what I always say.”

He moved closer, just as I did, and his goofy smirk grew. “You’re telling me you don’t like johnny cash?” He asked.

“Not a bit.” I crossed my arms matter of factly. 

While we were in an “Argument,” I couldn’t stop thinking about Harriet’s words. Rebound. Plus his whole damn family wasn’t here to watch me shamelessly flirt.

“But I’m open to a certain handsome stranger changing my mind.”

He was unphased. In fact, it only made his smile grow.

“Well, I’ll just have to do that, Rosie.” 

“Hm. Rosie. I like that.” I said, moving even closer to him. Were less than a foot away from each other’s face, and Though I exchanged so little words with this man, I was ready to kiss the hell out of him. 

“Though I’m only going to let you call me that because you’re acting so nice. You know, lighting my cigs and all. Very gentleman like of you.” 

“I aim to please, Rosie.” He said simply. He drifted even closer.

I could feel his hot breath on my face. My heart was beating out of my chest. I couldn’t stop my actions if I tried.

I pushed forwards and met my lips with his. My already booming heart felt like it was about to explode. Why Was I so nervous? Guess I half expected him to pull away.

He didn’t, though, in fact, his hand came up and cradled my face, and his other made its way to my hip. Pressing me against the brick. 

Our bodies pressed together heatedly against the wall, us breathing heavily as our lips pressed together, heat radiating off the both of us. I could taste our shared breath, prominently cigarettes; I could feel the thud of our combined heartbeat as we fumbled to put our hands wherever we could. Both us acting like it was the one thing keeping us alive. 

Everything about him was dizzying, the way his hands gripped me like his life depended on it, how passionately he was kissing me despite how soft lips were. It made my stomach dance; it made warmth consume me.

I so desperately held onto him, my hands finally settling around his neck, nustling into his long unruly hair. It scared me how much I felt that I needed that. How addictive he felt.

From the van and out of sight, I could hear the girls asking where I was. I slowly broke away from our kiss, not wanting to be found out by the others. Not yet. I wasn’t ready for their incessant grade school teasing. 

We stayed close, still in each other’s arms. I closed my eyes and let out a sigh. Not wanting to let go. Still hungry for his touch.

“I think I have to get the drunk children home.” I said with a sigh.

“It’s the responsible thing to do.” He said with a goofy smile.

I kissed him again, this time just being a small peck. It was still just as good. 

I moved out of his grasp and went to grab a cig. He was ready with the lighter.

“Well, Rosie, if you ever want to..” His face tinted pink. “Jam. We will say jam. You know where I live.”

“I might just have to take you up on that offer.” 

“Well, See you around, stranger.” I said with a wink.

“See ya around, Rosie.” He leaned against the wall and repeated my actions. 

Turning around, I made my exit, cooly of course, but my whole body was buzzing.

Quick End notes: 

Firstly, ooh that smooch. This series is not what you guys think this will be. This is only the beginning. And i mean it really is just the beginning, but chapter two.

Secondly, If you didnt catch it this is set in 1998. And unfortunately while in my planning, I didnt catch that he had the worst fucking haircut ive ever seen that year. So Im just gonna pretend he looks 2000 era jack white. (see below for a visual of what is and what should have been)

What is

What should have been