#Lia Piano
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cutehappytime · 4 months ago
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わたしもたくさんお気に入りシール貰っちゃった
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adequately · 6 months ago
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シール交換しよっ!
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lachatalovematcha · 7 months ago
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🎀⭐🌈♪♬♪♬♪(*・ω・)从(・ω・*)♪♬♪♬♪🎀⭐🌈
(≧▽≦) 。*⭐ 。誰がお気に入りなの?🍀🧇🌈
🍅🎀⭐葉月or さやか🍅🎀⭐
🎀⭐🌈♪♬♪♬♪(*・ω・)从(・ω・*)♪♬♪♬♪🎀⭐🌈
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webdiggerxxx · 1 year ago
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꧁★꧂
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dejaypon3 · 3 months ago
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fall look book 🍎
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steeltypemutual · 1 year ago
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yknow how people have like. sort of signature songs they associate with their ocs. i should do that
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crownshattered-arch · 2 years ago
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“ 'Every Good Boy Does Fine'...”
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“Every gamer boy drinks fuel~”
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paul-archibald · 3 days ago
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Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Joseph Haydn served for thirty years as Kapellmeister to Prince Nikolaus von Esterhazy, one of the most distinguished patrons of music ever.  When the prince died in 1790, Haydn was offered a generous pension and might reasonably have been expected to retire after an honorable career. Instead, the 58-year-old composer was reinvigorated by making two lengthy visits to London in the years 1791-2…
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jeonsweetpea · 6 months ago
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The Moon Knows Our Secrets (1)
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Exes to Lovers!AU | Hybrid!Jungkook x Hybrid!OC | Soulmate!AU
genre: angst, smut, exes to lovers, vampire/werewolf hybrid (emphasis on werewolf), soulmates, forced proximity
rating: explicit
description: He doesn’t remember loving you. How could he, when you’re the one who erased his memories? You run into him a year later at a wedding. The year after that he’s reported missing and you go off to find him. Then you wonder: did he ever forget you?
word count: 9.1k
warnings: blood, blood-drinking, one injury, flirting, TXT is mentioned and they’re horny brats but protective!JK swoops in, ANGST, mentions of compulsion, past deaths, JK smokes for like, one second, fire, resentment, but trust me, they will fall for each other all over again, two-shot 💖
smut warnings: OC goes into HEAT at the worst time, kissing, oral sex (female receiving), fingering, squirting, overstimulation, (more intense smut to come in part 2)
a/n: This is an epilogue for my series Moonstruck (inspired by TVD), but it can be read as a STAND-ALONE! You do not have to read Moonstruck (but it will be more satisfying if you have 😉). I love this couple and they deserve their (steamy) happy ending. They both embody the “right person, wrong place.”
Part 1 | Part 2 |
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“You’re going to forget the fact you ever loved me. I’m just the girl who had a crush on you and trained with you, nothing more. I want you to live your life freely. If we ever cross paths again, don’t approach me. When I’m ready, I’ll come to you and you can decide then if you’ll have me. You’ll remember then. I love you, Jungkook.”
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You first saw him again at a wedding.
When you arrive at the venue, your eyes scan the sea of strangers for him like an automated response. You clutch onto the chain of your purse, the tight squeeze in your chest never seeming to disappear. Once you’re sure of his absence, the tension in your shoulders fades.
Round tables are arranged around a central dance floor, so you sit at the closest one, joining in the crowd’s applause despite not knowing what’s happening. The happy couple is swaying to romantic jazz music played by the live band, their adoring smiles perfectly matched.
“What did I miss?”
Your old classmate chuckles when she notices your presence, using her fingers to count as she lists off her answers. “The ring bearer, flower girl, the da-da-da-da piano introduction, the vows, the kiss, the first dance—so pretty much everything. Surprised to see you here.”
So are you. It took you hours of hyping yourself up before deciding to attend. You never RSVP-ed properly, allocating all your time to getting ready instead. Not that you had anyone to impress, but it’s a wedding. Sweatpants weren’t going to cut it.
“Can everyone please have a seat? We’re going to hear the best man give his speech!” That authoritative voice belonged to Kim Namjoon, the headmaster of BTSU (Be The Supernatural University). His dimple smile emerges when he notices you and he waves excitedly, dropping the microphone in the process. 
You giggle. “See? I didn’t miss everything, Lia.”
She hands you a glass of champagne, then clinks the glass against your own. “Okay, Ms. Fashionably Late. At least you look hot.”
The guests take their seats while the couple sits at the head table near the dance floor. There’s a small stage next to them and on it is a microphone stand under a beautifully decorated archway. A blanket of silence washes over the crowd as anticipation rises, but the best man is nowhere to be found. Murmurs spread quickly as heads turn in confusion.
“I’m here, I’m here!”
You don’t have to look to know who that voice belonged to. The glass in your hand trembles, on the brink of shattering under your tightening grip. Your mouth parts open in shock, your heart rate beating so loudly that it rings in your ears, drowning out the noise of the crowd’s applause as the so-called best man gets on stage. 
Jeon Jungkook — your ex-boyfriend.
Could you even call him your ex? Your history was, in a word, complicated. Boyfriend and girlfriend weren’t labels you two were fortunate enough to share. Bound by trauma, forced into despair, crippled with pain — the “relationship” in question was toxic. 
“You’re going to forget the fact you ever loved me…”
A hybrid had many advantages — compulsion included. With one look, you ordered him to forget having loved you and then left. Traveling the world healed you and the thought of returning to your college campus never once crossed your mind until a year later.
Your old professor sent you a text — a wedding invitation to be specific. Though the gesture was sweet, you preferred staying blissfully ignorant. You almost deleted it. However, F.O.M.O was a crippling feeling, so you ultimately gave in. 
You were aware the chances of running into Jungkook were high, but that’s why you arrived late on purpose. You had let your guard down too easily, assuming he might’ve left early or not bother showing up at all. What a fool. 
The fairy lights strung across the venue illuminate him with a gorgeous golden glow as he steps onto the stage. You hold your breath as the world seems to slow down, taking in his features. 
His hair used to be longer and shaggier; you teased him for having a mop-head back then (lovingly). Now it’s half long, with shaved sides and a slight mullet. He wore a simple white shirt, layered with a classic black blazer and matching dress pants. Several square box chains surrounded his neck, complimenting his silver hoop earrings and lip ring (when did he get that?). His accessories sparkle under the lights, almost blinding, as if he were a living filter. 
Damn. He’s only gotten more gorgeous. 
Jungkook quickly adjusts the microphone stand to his height, then presents a bunny-tooth grin. “Hello everyone! Sorry, I’m late. I had forgotten my script.” He shakes the index cards in his hands gently, causing a ripple of laughter through the crowd. “It’s an honor being both Hoseok and Yoongi’s best man.”
Jung Hoseok was your old classmate, who used to be the alpha of the werewolf pack senior year. But then along came Jungkook, who stole the title from beneath him after challenging him to a duel. Funny how he is now his best man. 
Min Yoongi was the one who invited you, a research assistant at your university. If you had to describe him in a phrase, it’d be: “Actions speak louder than words.” You knew his intentions when he sent the invitation, so you had to come and support him the same way he’s done for you. 
Jungkook peers down at his script before placing a hand on the microphone. 
“I’ve known Yoongi and Hoseok for years now and their love is truly special. They’re often private with their affection, but we know how they would go out of their way for each other. My favorite part is whenever Hoseok compliments Yoongi, he’d—”
“AaarrghhH!!!” The obnoxious scream is from Yoongi himself, who had stood up and faced away from the crowd. People crack up at his hilarity, including Hoseok who is clapping his hands like a seal. 
“Yes. That. Exactly that,” Jungkook says, followed by a soft chuckle. “The two play off each other well. Hoseok brings joy to everyone and it’s infectious. I’ve never seen Yoongi happier than when he’s with Hoseok.”
Yoongi rubs the nape of his neck, a shy smile gracing his features as he sits back down. Hoseok places his head on his partner’s shoulders, sighing in content. Jungkook flips to the next index card and clears his throat.
“Yoongi and Hoseok are people I like from the bottom of my heart. They’re like family, and I’m so glad to be a part of their story. We were able to come to where we are right now because everybody was all together.” His lips tremble slightly as he holds the corners of the card with both hands, tears slowly welling up in his eyes. His head hangs low for a moment but then he looks up, forcing a smile on his face. “Sorry, I’m getting emotional.”
You almost shout it’s okay! but nothing comes out. Fortunately, a couple of folks blurt out comforting words that make him laugh as he quickly wipes his tears away. He rolls his shoulders back and blows a small raspberry with his lips to reset. 
“These two have both helped me through so much. When I almost lost my life. When I lost my friends. When I wanted to give up on myself,” His eyes scanned across the venue as if simulating eye contact with each guest. “And especially when I experienced the biggest absence of my life with…”
His words are cut short at the same time your breath hitches. It’s a split second, but you’re sure. You’re sure his gaze fell on you, his expression stiffening slightly while you let out a silent gasp. The world seems to be at a standstill until he crumples the cards in his hand and tosses them aside. He lets out a half-hearted laugh, gesturing to the large projector screen he prepared earlier. 
“Enough about me!” he exclaims. “I made a compilation of the couple’s best moments. Enjoy!”
You don’t pay attention to the video playing despite the roaring laughter from the crowd. Someone shouts something about the couple wearing colorful animal sheet masks, but your eyes are glued to Jungkook. He exits the stage, heading back to his group of friends at the table furthest from yours. They give him a pat on the back and he’s back to smiling as if nothing happened. 
Was it your imagination? Maybe he wasn’t looking at you. You finish your champagne in one gulp, slamming the glass down without meaning to. The sharp sting in your palm makes you realize your actions as you groan, the deep cut across your hand oozing blood. 
“[Y/N], are you okay? Oh my gosh, here.” Lia is quick to grab the cloth napkin, wrapping it around your hand and tying a knot. 
“Thanks, but I’m fine. I’ll heal anyway.”
“Still, how did this even happen? What’s got you so tense?”
You say nothing, but she follows your line of sight and purses her lips. “Are you looking at the wolves? Is it Jungkook?”
“No,” you say quickly. “I’m gonna go to the restroom and wash the blood off.”
Before she can interrogate you further, you make a break for it. It was difficult walking in your nude heels, each step feeling like you were sinking deeper into the grass. The fairy lights help you see in the dark as you pass by the greenery of the garden, the flowers being your favorite part. You’d stop to smell them but didn’t want the blood to stain their lovely petals. Your feet finally reach a cobblestone path and you see the restroom building up ahead. 
There’s a handwashing sink outside. Once you turn on the faucet, you unwrap the cloth around your hand and wash the excess blood away. The cut had partially healed already — another perk of hybrid blood — but it still felt nice.
You find yourself lost in thought as the cool water flows onto your hands. You tell yourself there’s no way Jungkook was looking at you. He doesn’t even know you. At least, not in the way he used to. 
“I’m just the girl who had a crush on you and trained with you, nothing more. I want you to live your life freely.”
Ah. Right. You’ve been reduced to a mere stranger now. The depressing reality makes you sigh as you turn off the water. 
That’s when you hear it. Footsteps. Heavy ones that grow louder from behind you. The hairs on your neck stand up as you turn around.
Jungkook is approaching you, his stride long and confident. Your brain must have been rewired to put him in slow motion because he’s like a model walking down a runway. You can’t believe your eyes and are torn between running away or staying put. He’s closer now. Your heart skips a beat, the anticipation crushing you. Stay put it is.
“If we ever cross paths again, don’t approach me.”
Yet here he is. Approaching you. Had the compulsion not worked on him? Did he remember you all this time? Well, your answer comes when he walks right by you without sparing a glance as he enters the men’s restroom. You blink a few times, stunned by what took place.
Well, that proves it; the compulsion was still effective. You look at the bloody napkin in your hand, clutching it tightly. 
“What, is he blind? He didn’t even ask if I was okay. This is a huge red flag, literally!” You wave the fabric around like a crazed woman, having half a mind to chuck it across the building. After sulking for a minute, you compose yourself and prepare to head back.
That’s when an unpleasant smell creeps its way into your nose. It’s harsh, like the smell of acetone and burnt wood, and you cough uncontrollably. The acrid fumes are suffocating as you wander around the restrooms for the smell. 
“It’s coming from the men’s side…” you mumble to yourself. 
“When I’m ready, I’ll come to you and you can decide then if you’ll have me.”
Ignore it. It’s not your business. Yet your feet are already stomping inside, where your ex jolts in alarm at your sudden presence. 
“Hey, just because you’re a hybrid doesn’t mean smoking is okay!” The cigarette dangles from his mouth when his lips part in a small “o” shape, seconds from falling. You swipe it from him, drop it on the ground, and crush it under your heel. His doe eyes are larger than before, but your actions render him speechless. “It’s a gross habit and causes bad breath. So… yeah. Don’t smoke. Even if you’re practically immortal it’s not good for you.”
You spin around and close your eyes, cringing at your meddlesome behavior. You should leave before things escalate. 
“Are you okay?” Your eyes flutter open. He must think you’re deranged! “Your hand… is that blood?”
You look down, noticing the cloth in your hand was no longer white, but a deep crimson that seemed to permeate nonstop. 
“Oh, this is nothing. It’ll heal soon.”
He circles and gets in front of you, holding out his hand. “May I take a look?”
Whatever compels you to give your hand to him is a mystery, but you do it. He removes the cloth first, then inspects your palm, concern etched in his features. Blood continues to ooze out of the gash, but all you can focus on is the warmth of his hand enveloping your cold one. It reminds you of holding a hot cup of coffee in the morning except in this case, your cortisol levels are spiking. 
“It’s not good for you, you know,” he says with a soft smile. He directs his gaze from his hand to your own. “Getting cuts on such pretty hands. Who did this to you?”
If you had a brain, you didn’t anymore. You feel it short-circuiting, the hints of protectiveness in his voice setting sirens off in your mind. “No one… I accidentally broke a glass.”
It comes out as a whisper, but he acknowledges your response with a gentle “hmm.”
“This won’t do. It’s not healing fast enough,” His eyes shift up to meet your own. “You’re practically dripping in my hand.”
How can he say such things to you with such a straight face? The double entendre is blatant, but calling him out for it would only expose your impure thoughts.
“Shall I clean you up?” You don’t miss how he says “you” and not “it.” His irises glow a ruby red, matching his blood-shot sclera. Protruding veins appear under his eyes as he opens his mouth wide enough to exhibit his sharp fangs. It’s a hauntingly beautiful sight.
“That’s okay, you don’t—you don’t have to.” 
“Maybe I want to. Besides… I was smoking to curb my cravings. You took that away, so I need something else to satisfy me.”
You gulp. “And you think my blood will do that?”
He flashes you a smirk. “I’d like to find out. If you’ll let me.”
He doesn’t remember. He doesn’t remember. He can’t remember. Right? 
You agree with a soft “okay” and Jungkook doesn’t hold back. He sticks his tongue out, licking up the blood that overflowed onto his thumb first before following the stream up to your palm. He presses his lips onto the gash and sucks, earning a small gasp from you. This catches his attention, and he stares at you. His pupils are dilated, the primal look in his gaze so enrapturing. 
The pit of your stomach is on fire as he continues feeding from the palm of your hand. His tongue comes out to play, swiping back and forth, leaving no spot untouched. It tickles, but you’re too tense to move a muscle. 
Then he moans. It’s low at first, but then he closes his eyes and does it again. This time it’s more guttural, and he presses harder against you like he was starved.
“Ow,” you say, wincing when his fangs pierce your skin. It coaxes more blood to come out, and he visibly shudders.
“Sorry, I—Fuck,” His breath is uneven as he pants, drunk on your taste. He furrowed his eyebrows like he was mad, fighting against his primal urges to devour you whole. “I’ll be more careful. Please let me finish, please.”
Oh my god. He’s begging you. It’s too adorable to resist. He opens his eyes when you don’t reply, and you quickly give him your consent. His technique, if you can even call it that, grows sloppy as he rushes to clean up the mess he made. It’s like he was embarrassed, which makes your heart grow fonder. 
Once he finishes, his lips come together and make a loud smooching sound. He kisses the spot once again, lovingly, and then pulls away. You’re shocked to see the cut is no longer there. 
“Delicious. Sweet, with a hint of spice.”
You’re flattered by the handsome blood sommelier but retract your hand, hiding it behind your back while clearing your throat. 
“Um… Thank you.” That sounded more lame out loud than in your head, but nothing else seemed appropriate. 
Jungkook rubs the excess blood from the corner of his lips with his thumb. “It was my pleasure.” He sucks it and then releases his thumb with a loud pop.
Discomfort washes over you with how quiet the restroom gets, but you don’t break the silence. Instead, you turn around and head for the exit. 
“You’re [Y/N], right?” Three steps. That’s how far you got. “We were in the same year together.”
You grab onto the chain of your purse again. “Yeah. We were.”
And you leave it at that. 
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You walk around to ease the buried feelings threatening to bubble up to the surface. Aside from the reception in the garden, the rest of the campus is quiet. Not a single light is on from the buildings you pass, your heels following the moonlight instead.
You pass the library, the gym, and the fine arts hall, but your steps halt at the girls’ dormitory. Memories flood your mind one by one: decorating your room, staying up late studying for exams, and the time when Jungkook slept over and—no. Shit. Don’t think about a love that’s lost. 
A weighted sigh comes as you sit on the steps, giving your feet a much-deserved break. You hug your knees, tuck your head down, and rest it in your folded arms as if you wanted to hide from the world. Why the hell did you think coming here would be easy?
His touch lingers in your mind as you replay the moment. The way he held your hand, the way he was concerned for your well-being, and the way he fed off your blood was far more intimate than you expected. Then he said your name.
It ignited a yearning you thought you had suppressed.
“I should leave…” you say out loud to no one in particular. 
“And miss the group picture?”
You lift your head slowly like you were caught red-handed committing a heinous crime. You’re greeted by pointed black dress shoes, black dress pants, a white shirt and black blazer, silver necklaces, and soft doe eyes that could melt anyone’s heart. 
“Jungkook…”
His eyes light up, a tinge of rouge dancing across his cheeks as he slips his hands into his pockets. “So you do remember me.”
How could I ever forget? “Well yeah… we were in the same year together.”
He scrunches his nose, amused at your usage of his past words. “That’s it? We were sparring partners, we went on missions together, and I’m pretty sure you saved my life by turning me into a hybrid,” Your jaw falls to the ground while his lips curve into a playful grin. “Ring a bell?”
The logistics of your compulsion weren’t specific as to how much Jungkook would remember. Then again, you didn’t erase his memory of your existence, so it’s natural he would remember some basic things. 
“Wow, you have a good memory. Um… yeah, I guess that covers the extent of our relationship.”
He quirks his eyebrow, sounding far too happy for your liking as he says, “We… have a relationship?”
You put your hands out in a stop motion and shake them in a panic. “No! Not at all. I–I meant that’s all we are to each other. Nothing more, nothing less. Just old classmates.”
“I see. What a shame though. I feel like we would have… should have gotten to know each other more back then.”
His voice has a trace of longing, but you dismiss it for friendly conversation. “Really? I was too focused on my studies anyway. You wouldn’t have liked me.”
He nods. “Considering how you stomped out my cigarette? Yeah, probably not.”
You scoff, a playful glint in your eyes. “Excuse me for looking out for you.”
“Never asked you to, but I’ll admit, I enjoy the attention.” You both laugh and then he extends his hand out to you. “Come on. Let’s go take the group picture together.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I’m not fond of pictures. Yoongi and Hobi don’t even know I’m here, so it’s not like they’ll notice.”
“I’ll notice,” You stare at him, watching his smile fade and how serious his demeanor becomes. “Your absence is significant, especially to those who care about you. They’ll remember it for the rest of their lives.”
You are about to speak when he adds, “Besides, the formation is off and we need one more person to fill in the gap.”
With a roll of your eyes, you swat his hand away and stand. “Alright, I get it. Let’s go.”
He smiles, puts his hands back in his pockets, and leads the way back. You follow him to the garden where guests are lined up in neat, staggered rows. Most of them have their arms crossed, some tapping their feet anxiously, while the rest have their hands on their hips. Even the main couple in the front row are mouthing words you can’t hear, but the way Yoongi slaps a hand to his forehead makes you aware of his distress.
“Oh!” Hoseok shouts with a jump, pointing his finger in your direction. “They’re here!”
Everyone expresses their relief with a “thank goodness” or “about time” as you and Jungkook make your way over. 
“You found her!” Namjoon says, holding up his hand for a high-five. Jungkook walks by too fast to notice, so you high-five him to ease his embarrassment.
“Wow, is that [Y/N]? You look incredible.” The man next to Namjoon gives you two thumbs up and you smile at the compliment. 
“Jin…” You can’t help but hug him tight and he reciprocates. Kim Seokjin aka Jin was the head witch on campus and counselor. You’ve confided in him for years and seeing him again almost brings tears to your eyes.
“Alright, alright. That’s enough.” Yoongi pats Jin’s back, a signal to release his hold on you. You laugh and then embrace him next, earning an obnoxious groan, but the fond smile on his face shows his true emotions. “I’m so glad you’re here. Thank you for coming.”
“Of course. Thank you for inviting me.”
You stop hugging him to see Hoseok with his arms out already, his heart-shaped grin wide.
“Come here~,” You let out an “oof” sound from how tight he squeezes you. “We had no idea you were here! Jungkook convinced the cameraman to wait until he found you.”
You let him go and look over to Jungkook, who clears his throat as he looks off to the side. The apples of his cheeks are rosy, which you find endearing. 
“Here, stand in the front row next to me,” Hoseok says, gesturing to the spot between him and Jungkook. Jungkook takes a large step to the right, allowing enough space for you to squeeze in.
“Alright, now that we finally have everyone here…” the cameraman says out loud, throwing a harsh glare in your direction. You give him a sheepish grin in return. “Everyone needs to scoot over to my left please.”
The crowd obeys, but the cameraman’s displeased frown remains. “Now everyone needs to squeeze closer together.”
There’s some shuffling and you bump into Hoseok after Jungkook’s shoulder bumps into yours. 
“Sorry,” he whispers. You tell him it’s okay.
The cameraman crosses his arms. “Come on, you guys. Act like you like each other! Closer!”
Everyone scooches in again, but Jungkook’s hand brushes against yours. The touch is electrifying, and you forget how to breathe. You can’t process your emotions as the cameraman orders the guests on your side to turn their bodies inwards at an angle. Jungkook exhales and his hot breath fans the nape of your neck. You feel your palms start to sweat. 
“Three, two, one, smile!” You put on your most picture-perfect smile, the flash nearly blinding you. “One more! This time do a silly pose!”
You observe what others choose for their pose. Bunny ears are common, heart poses are also popular whether using arms or hands. Some stick their tongues out while others fake a dramatic gasp. You shift in your position when your heels betray you and you stumble backward.
As if on cue, a pair of arms catch you and you’re dipped like you’re in a dance class with Jungkook’s face peering down at you. His sweet cologne wafts into your nostrils, a nice blend of amber and rose. These moments only happen in movies — or so you think — yet he’s a fantasy that somehow becomes your reality. 
The camera shutters and captures your deer-in-the-headlights expression and Jungkook’s, who mirrors after you. It makes the cameraman let out a hearty laugh, and he’s not sure who the real married couple is.
“Are you okay?”
You nod and he helps you regain stability. Your hand touches your face, feeling the heat radiating off your cheek. The cameraman dismisses everyone and your friends jump at the opportunity to hound you with questions. 
Hoseok’s eager to go first. “Whatcha been up to, [Y/N]? It’s been so long since we’ve all been together.”
“Just traveling, not much,” you reply, forcing the muscles in your mouth to cooperate into a believable smile. 
“Hey, that’s her business. Don’t be nosy,” Namjoon interjects. Yoongi and Jin give each other a knowing look.
“You’re just saying that because she communicates with you the most,” Jin teases. 
“I mean, I was her mentor… can’t help it if I’m her favorite.” He pats his puffed-out chest twice, proud as he winks at you. You giggle and Yoongi joins in the conversation.
“Okay, if anyone’s her favorite, it’s actually me. But anyway,” he tilts his head towards the bar, “help yourself to a drink.”
“Ooh, I will. Do you have any recommendations?” you ask. 
“Do you want something strong? Fruity?”
“Get her what Jungkook got,” Namjoon says. Jungkook stands off to the side, his jaw clenches at his name being mentioned. “You like peach-flavored things, right?”
“Yeah. How’d you know?”
“Because he told me…” He notices the group shooting glares at him like daggers. It reminds you of when an idol spoils their next comeback by accident. “... Told me it was delicious and that anyone would like it. It goes down smoothly. Very yummy. Hah. Hahaha! Is that a saxophone?”
He leaves the group in a hurry with Jin chasing after him yelling, “No! Leave the sax alone! I’m not paying for damages!”
Awkward glances are exchanged between Hoseok and Yoongi, a silent two-player game of telepathy you weren’t a part of. You can’t compel Hoseok, but Yoongi’s human. One look and you’d know what he was thinking, but that’d be highly inappropriate to do that to the groom at his wedding. 
“I’ll order my own,” you tell the couple and they wave goodbye. Jungkook’s already retreated to his friends, much to your relief. 
Once you’re at the outdoor bar, your mood lifts upon seeing the bartender. She puts down the glass she was drying and rests her hands on the countertop.
“Well if it isn’t the original hybrid queen herself.”
The bartender is young, her oval face and sharp jawline giving her a cute, handsome aura. Her hair is short, about shoulder-length, and straight. Her eyes are large, emphasized by her dramatic makeup to draw you in until you’re lost in them. 
“Hi, Ryujin. Wow, I haven’t seen you in forever.” She had a white shirt underneath her black vest; you think it suits her tom-boyish charms well.
“Since vampire ability class, I know. What can I get you, beautiful?”
The smirk she sends you has your nerves sparking, and the palms of your hands sweaty. It was different when a girl complimented you. It felt more believable, flattering even. 
You shrug in response to maintain a calm demeanor. “Hmm… I don’t know. Maybe something fruity? Citrusy?”
She nods, grabbing a shaker and a bottle of liquor under the counter straight away. You watch as she juggles the two items in the air, covering your mouth at the thought of gravity ruining her trick. However, she caught them both with ease, moving at such a fast speed as she concocted your beverage. It’s an elegant performance, her movements fluid like it’s an art. She finishes by topping off your glass with an orange slice.
“Here you go,” She slides the glittery pink drink over, and you take a sip, allowing the fruity taste to coat your tongue. “Matches your dress.”
You smile at the thoughtful gesture. “It’s good. Tastes like peaches and grapefruit. What’s it called?”
“It’s something I came up with. I wouldn’t mind sharing the recipe with you after the event’s over.”
You don’t miss the flirty tone in her words and can only laugh. She was so refreshing and has always stuck up for you in the past when others called you stuck-up for being a hybrid. Who knew she would end up flirting with you at a wedding years later?
“So? What do you say?” she asks, her eyes brimming with hope. You take another drink and finish the whole thing despite your shaky hands. She gives you a fond smile. “If I’m being too forward, tell me.”
“No, I’m just nervous,” you blurt out, setting the glass down. “You’re really pretty.”
“Is that so?”
You’re about to respond when you feel your temperature rise. You clasp a hand to your forehead, which goes from warm to scalding in seconds. Sweat beads form around your temples as your breathing becomes harsher. You rest your elbow on the counter to keep yourself balanced, but your legs are burning too. It was like someone lit a torch from beneath you, cooking your flesh inside out. 
“Hey, what’s wrong? Are you okay?” Ryujin asks. You shake your head and your vision blurs, the lights behind her looking like a bokeh image. She hands a bottle of water to you, and you gulp it down, yet the fever persists and you feel worse. 
Ryujin sees your eyes widen in alarm as you peer down at your dress. She inspects it too, but doesn’t see anything abnormal. You rub your thighs together. 
“Fuck… I think I’m in heat,” you tell her. Your hand rummages through your purse and then you curse again, frustrated. “I’m out of suppressants!”
Ryujin snaps her fingers when a lightbulb goes off in her head. “Ask Lia.”
“Good idea.”
You blink to wet your eyes, regaining clarity of your surroundings before heading to Lia on the dance floor. She was all smiles with a guy until you bumped into her, your darn heels being the bane of your existence.
“Hey!”
“Sorry,” you quickly say, “I need your help.”
She takes one look, excuses herself, and brings you to a quieter space. Her hand reaches into her clutch and pulls out a lace handkerchief, dabbing the sweat off your forehead. Her touch is gentle and she asks quietly, “Are you in heat?”
Lia and Ryujin were best friends. Your sole encounters with her were because of Ryujin by extension, but even back then, you knew she was sweet. Wolves often looked down upon her because of her doll-like, docile appearance. However, she had enough balls to find friends in other cliques and was, what people say, a girl’s girl. 
“Yes, I feel like I’m dying. Ryujin told me to ask if you have suppressants.”
“I don’t. Do you not track your cycle?”
“I’m a hybrid! It’s random for me!” 
She grimaces, the pity in her eyes inevitable. “I’m sorry, I forgot. But you need to get out of here. Do you know how many horny young wolves are here with zero self-restraint?”
You shift your weight and a pool of discharge releases in your panties, the sticky sensation making you cringe. Lia brings out a travel-sized perfume spray and spritzes your entire body. A wheeze is forced out of you from the potent floral scent, but at least it will cover your pheromones long enough for a distraction.
“Hey everyone! The fireworks are starting soon, let’s go to the front of the school and watch!” Hoseok has his hands cupped around his mouth to carry his voice through the venue, catching the attention of all guests. Lia holds both your hands, looking you dead in the eye with a straight face.
“There. Use this time to find suppressants or get out of here. The perfume won’t last very long.”
“Thanks, Lia, I will.” 
While the crowd heads towards the front, you rush back to the restroom building. You’re a panting mess once inside, but you go into a stall, shut it, and pull down your undergarment. The fabric is soaked in slick and has a hefty weight—you have no choice but to discard it.
Grabbing toilet paper, you clean yourself up as best as you can. Then you step out, wash your hands, and exit the building.
“Hey there.” You almost topple backward from the sudden intrusion. Three guys are in front of you, all wearing the same, smug grin. They’re young, probably younger than you, but one thing’s for sure—they’re werewolves. 
There’s a particular scent that emits from wolves. It’s earthy, like a pine tree, and you’d usually find it comforting but now? Fear crawls up your spine like a spider has latched onto you, its legs creeping up your back in a spot you can’t smack away.
The one in the middle had greeted you first. He has a youthful face, and sculpted cheekbones, which are easy on the eyes. Speaking of, that was his most striking feature. They are almost cat-like (ironically) with how wide and long they are. 
“Are you lost? Everyone’s watching the fireworks,” he says, his thumb hiked over his shoulder. You don’t respond. “Ah, I’m Yeonjun. This is Beomgyu and that’s Soobin.”
Soobin is the tallest. He shows off his dimple smile upon being introduced, which seems pure, but the way his irises shifted to goldenrod says otherwise. Beomgyu, on the other hand, had the most innocent baby face you’ve ever seen. However, you don’t miss the way he licks his lips while giving you a once-over.
“I’m [Y/N]...” You don’t know why you give them your name, but it slips out. Maybe you hoped playing along would lead them to spare you. 
“Oh!” Soobin says, his index finger pointing up at the discovery. “You’re the original hybrid the professors rave about!”
“Half-vampire, half-werewolf, right?” Beomgyu asks. Your double moon necklace glows as you form your fingers into a claw shape behind your back. A small flame ignites and you hold it there, waiting for the right opportunity. 
“Yeah. I guess,” you say. “Why don’t you boys go watch the fireworks? I’ll catch up.”
“Nonsense! As gentlemen, we should escort you. Unless… you’d rather do something else. Here. Now.” Yeonjun raises an eyebrow, but you scowl in response. 
“No thanks.”
Soobin takes a step forward. “Is there anything else we can help you with?”
Beomgyu takes two. “I’m sure the three of us can be of use to you.”
It’s not until Yeonjun approaches you that you cower, stepping backward until you’re stopped by the water fountains. “No need to be shy. No one’s around.”
Your blood is boiling, though you’re not sure if it’s from your heat or rage. What’s worse is you’re not mad at them; you’re mad at yourself. Their words spurred you on as arousal drips down your thighs, a sign of your body’s betrayal. You fear if this escalates, they’ll figure out you’re not wearing anything underneath. 
“Get. Back.” You reveal the burning flame in your palm, the heat emanating off of it close enough to Yeonjun’s face. He jumps back and places a hand on his chest.
“Whoa! She’s feisty. Or should I say… fiery.”
“Maybe we should head back. She can do magic. I thought hybrids don’t know magic,” Soobin whispers. Yeonjun laughs at the ridiculous suggestion, shoving his friend for his cowardice as Beomgyu inspects him for injuries. 
“Doesn’t matter. Look at her state now.” He points in your direction, seeing how you’re barely able to stand. Your breaths are quick, shallow and your heart is thumping around like it’s going to burst out of your rib cage. The fire in your hand diminishes to a mere flicker, and then it’s out. You try to bring it back with the flick of a wrist, but all that emits are tiny sparks. Shit. I haven’t been practicing long enough.
Your womanhood is craving something, anything to alleviate the agony. It’s screaming for release, and you hold your abdomen as a sudden cramp pains you horribly. Human females experience this type of thing monthly and you have to hand it to them. This type of pain requires endurance and fucking sucks. 
You fall onto all fours, clutching your heart which is seconds away from bursting. It’s beating so loud, you can’t even hear the vulgar things the youngins are saying as they rush over. Soobin grabs your right arm; Yeonjun has the other.
You thrash in their clutches, but they only mock you with their boisterous laughter as they force you to your feet.
“Hey, hey! We’re just trying to help,” Soobin says. 
“Unless you’d rather be on all fours,” Yeonjun teases. Beomgyu bends down to your eye level, a crooked smile on his dainty face, the true embodiment of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
 “You’re pure temptation, you know that?” He leans close, his lips grazing the shell of your ear as he whispers, “Give up. Don’t put up a fight.”
“I don’t consent,” you say, a harsh bite in your words.
Soobin squeezes your arm, almost crushing it in his large hands. “Why? Is it because we’re young?”
“It’s clear you’re horny… we are too. Come on,” Beomgyu pleads. “We’ll take good care of you. Teach us what you like.”
“Yeah. And we’ll do the same.” Yeonjun holds your hand, inspecting it closely. “So soft. I bet your hand would feel so good around my—“
“Get your hands off her before I bite them off.”
Dizziness overwhelms you, so all you see is a blurry figure behind Beomgyu, and you shake your head to come to your senses. Once the man’s face comes into focus, relief washes over you, sending signals for your brain to let down your guard. The energy you so desperately clung to has depleted, so you close your eyes as your limbs turn into jelly.
Five seconds pass and the boys’ hold on you is gone. Someone else catches you before you faint, his scent familiar and comforting. 
“I got you,” he says as he lets you lean against his body. 
“Jungkook…”
“Can you stand?” You don’t know but nod anyway. “Good. Get behind me. You don’t want to see this.”
His broad back shields you from the three wolves, so you don’t even see the damage he inflicted upon them. Yeonjun was thrown into a tree a hundred feet away, the impact so potent that it split in half. Soobin and Beomgyu were fortunate not to collide into anything after being catapulted… except for each other. 
Soobin lands on top of Beomgyu and the smaller boy groans, pushing him off in a huff. He stands first and helps Soobin after. 
“Hey, we didn’t do anything wrong!” Yeonjun shouts as he scrambles to his feet, flaring his nostrils. “You and I both know she’s a bitch in heat!” 
You cling onto Jungkook’s blazer, and he looks over his shoulder.
“Is he right?” You don’t know if he asks to be polite because even you can smell your essence leaking. You hide your face in his back, flustered, but he feels you nod.
He redirects his attention back to the wolves. “That doesn’t give you the right to touch her. I suggest you leave before I make it physically impossible.”
Soobin scoffs while Beomgyu rolls his eyes. Yeonjun’s fuse was already lit and Jungkook’s sure there’s smoke coming out of his ears. You hear him crack his knuckles, the silence that follows deafening as you hold your breath in anticipation.  
“It’s three against two. Well, three against one, really,” Soobin says, laughing like he’s already won. 
“All I see is three smooth-brained pups who are pissing me off.” Jungkook’s eyes shift to a fiery goldenrod, the corner of his lips twitching as he smirks. “You’re aware that [Y/N] isn’t the only hybrid… right?”
You don’t see it, but their faces pale in comparison to earlier. Beomgyu covers his mouth, Soobin’s eyes widen, and Yeonjun growls. 
“There were rumors about more than one hybrid existing, but I didn’t think they were true,” Beomgyu says in a hushed tone. 
“She turned him? Fuck, they’re bonded then,” Soobin says. Yeonjun waves him off in a dismissive manner. 
“I don’t give a fuck. She’s not marked. We can take them.”
Jungkook has his fists up and changes into a fighter stance, but he feels you press your forehead against his back. It’s a searing sensation that scorches him even through the two layers of fabric he had on. He turns around and holds you by the shoulders.
“Hey, stay with me,” he begs. Your head is lolling back and forth as if you were inebriated. 
“It’s so hot… I’m too hot… I hate this, I hate this. Please… I need to cool down,” you beg. Jungkook takes a peek at the time on his watch, then bites his lower lip.
“Okay,” he whispers. “When I count to three, I need you to hold your breath. Can you do that for me?”
You mumble something Jungkook believes is a “yes” based on the beginning /y/ sound. 
“Three… two…”— he looks up —“one!”
A firework shoots up into the night sky, painting it with an explosive rainbow of sparkles. You cover your sensitive ears, but make sure to hold your breath as Jungkook uses his enhanced speed to whisk you away. More fireworks go off, muffling your tracks and making the youngins work harder to find you. 
However, Jungkook’s skills are unmatched. He sprints to the side of the school where the mountains are, and they follow suit. At the last second, he pivots and heads to the secluded area on the opposite side, where the lake is. 
The last memory you had here was something you blocked out to spare your mental health. You had almost died. But now this place was going to save you, funny enough. If you think about it, the lake had more happy memories than bad. This was where Namjoon trained you before you trained Jungkook.
You can picture it now as if it was yesterday. He, a newly turned werewolf, scared of what’s to come in his new life, and you, the school prodigy who had a crush on him.
Jungkook jumps off the dock with you in his arms, the splash overshadowed by the firework’s detonation. The cool water refreshes your sweltering body as you close your eyes, submitting to it. For a moment you don’t care about anything. Not how your makeup is smeared, how your curls are undone, or how your dress is ruined.
You feel strong arms hold you close, and an overwhelming sense of longing hits you in the gut. God, you missed him so much. Even without his memories, he still cares for you. Hell, he went out of his way to protect you.
Just when your lungs are on the verge of giving out, you’re pulled up to the surface. Your eyes flutter open as you rub the water off your face. Jungkook coughs, then cups your face with both hands.
“Are you okay?”
You take in his appearance for what feels like an eternity. His brown eyes twinkle from the moonlight, so beautiful and full of worry. You find it amusing how his hair is stuck to his forehead, the strands partially obstructing his view. Your hand pushes it out of the way without thinking like muscle memory, causing his breath to hitch.
“Thanks to you.”
Fireworks are still going off in the distance, illuminating you two in the crystal-clear water. Jungkook slowly removes his hands from you.
“Good. I um… don’t hear them anymore. They must’ve left. And the water should keep your scent hidden for now.”
“That’s a relief.” Jungkook places the back of his hand against your forehead but retracts it quickly as if he touched a hot stove. 
“Ow, oh my god. You’re still burning up!”
How naive were you to think it’d be over? You’ve experienced this once before, but that was with your first ex, who was at your beck and call for sex whenever you needed it. You couldn’t ask that of Jungkook. Not after everything that’s happened.
“I’ll figure something out. You’ve done a lot for me already and your clothes are wet.”
“I don’t give a damn about my clothes. Tell me how I can help you.”
*BOOM*
A red heart-shaped firework went off as you two stared at each other. Your gaze flickers from his eyes to his luscious lips and he doesn’t miss it. Maybe you don’t want him to.
“Why do you want to help me? We… We’re not that close.”
“Well… the thing is… I-I just…” He is so freakin’ cute. You might die from how endearing he is before your heat destroys you first. “Because.”
“Because?”
*BOOM*
“Because it’s finally just you and me.”
His answer is simple. There shouldn’t be any underlying connotations and yet, it reminds you of a past conversation. 
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“We’re in this together. You and me. Okay?”
“Is it really you and me…”
“What do you mean?”
“Will it ever be? Just you and me?” 
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“Now tell me what you need. Use me.”
Your pussy is throbbing so much that it’s agonizing. You just need a quick release, then you’ll be sane enough to go home without collapsing. 
“This feels…” So right, you think. “Wrong.”
His hands sneak around your waist. “Then let’s misbehave.”
He hoists you up onto the edge of the dock without warning as if you weigh nothing, and a grunt leaves his lips. It’s far too sexy to ignore, and your mind craves to hear it again. Then he places his hands on either side of your thighs and pulls himself up halfway out of the water, his face now directly in front of yours. 
“Tell me what you need. How can I please you?”
Fuck. You bite your lower lip when you realize the dock isn’t that tall—he’s at the perfect height to carry out the desires you’ve been suppressing. “I need to come…”
A water droplet falls off his button nose when he chuckles. “How do you want to come?”
You stare at his lips, which are thin yet plump at the same time, his lower lip being the bigger half. You think back to earlier when he sucked your palm. 
 “I want you to eat me out…”
He moves fast, almost like he knew what you’d say. His grip on the dock loosens, and he plops back into the lake but grabs your ankles, pulling you forward until your bottom is perched on the very edge. He spreads your thighs and rests his head between them, looking up at you like you were worth the entire universe. 
“Why don’t you lift your dress for me, gorgeous?”
You’re unsure what’s louder — the fireworks or your heart rate. If he keeps speaking to you in that low dialect, you may come right now. Your fingers bunch up the fabric at the hem and you slowly pull it up, exposing your pussy to his feasting eyes. 
“Fuck, what a beautiful pussy.”
You take two fingers and glide it up your folds, coating it in your slick. Jungkook watches, unsure of what you are going to do next. You lean forward, cupping his face with your other hand with a naughty glint in your eyes.
“Open.” He obliges, and you stick your coated fingers in his mouth. A muffled groan comes out as he sucks your fingers, his tongue swirling around so nothing goes to waste. “Good boy.”
You remove your fingers and he’s practically drooling, his eyes a bit crazed from your addictive taste.
“Please let me pleasure you, please.”
You don’t answer and run a hand through his damp hair, stopping at the back to grip it tight as you guide his head closer to where you need him most. He peers up at you adoringly when you hold him an inch away.
“Please me then.”
He doesn’t hesitate. His tongue licks a stripe on your sopping cunt, earning a shudder from you. Your thighs squeeze his head like a reflex, which only spurs him on to press his mouth harder against you. He begins to lap up your juices like a dog and you throw your head back, moaning at how insanely good it felt. 
You tangle your fingers in his hair and pull him closer if possible, the tight hold giving him a tinge of pain that ignites his carnal desires. He slurps your pussy like it was his last meal on death row, slithering his arms underneath your knees and holding your thighs hostage. You don’t know which noise was most obscene—your moaning or Jungkook’s.
Sneaking your free hand down, you use your forefinger and middle finger to spread your pussy lips wider. Jungkook’s excited and sinks his tongue as deep as it would go. You’re impatient now, riding his face as he tongue-fucks you. 
“Fuck, you’re so good to me, yes—oh god…” You don’t have it in you to say anything more coherent except for broken moans. Jungkook pauses for a second, and you whine at the loss of contact. Then you’re being stretched out as his two fingers submerge into you, nearly knocking the breath out of you. 
You lean back on your forearms as he begins to piston them into you, your wetness making it easy—too easy even. They slip out when he speeds up, and he makes up for it by eating you out and sinking his fingers back in simultaneously. 
You’re shaking, unable to hold yourself up any longer. Your back rests on the wooden planks as Jungkook flicks your clit with his tongue, his fingers drilling into you at a brutal speed and brushing your sweet spot. 
You see the last of the fireworks show go off, a beautiful explosion of silver sparkles and stars, as your orgasm finally comes. You arch your back and scream, but Jungkook doesn’t slow down. He can feel how tight your walls are constricting around his fingers and knows you need a few more seconds of bliss to be fully satisfied. 
Overstimulation was always a gamble. If pushed too far, you’d be in pain. But most of the time you welcome it. One second you want the pleasure to stop building, but then you crave that ache of clenching so hard until your body gives out. 
Jungkook stops again. This time he pulls himself out of the water completely and hovers over your body. His fingers plunge into you again, his speed relentless, and you swear you’re seeing stars (or maybe that’s the fireworks who knows). Your eyes roll to the back of your head and you say his name like a mantra.
“Come for me, beautiful. I want you dripping in my hand again.”
Your eyes are wide when warm lips are pressed against your own. But you submit and savor it, having missed his touch. Combining that with the way he curls his fingers inside makes you squirt. Hard. 
Your entire body convulses and you can’t even scream because Jungkook is determined to swallow them. The limitation only makes you come harder than before. Then again, you’re not sure if this is a second orgasm or a drawn-out first one. 
The involuntary gushing is an indescribable sudden wave of pleasure. You feel so relieved from the release, pushed to tears at how good it felt. Jungkook pulls away a centimeter to let you breathe, and you submit to the foreign feeling.
Oh my god, he made me squirt. I didn’t even know that was possible. 
He pulls his soaked fingers out and resumes kissing you, moving his lips in rhythm to yours. It’s so natural, almost like he’s done this before. Well, he has, but it felt so right. So loving. So… intimate. 
You place a hand on his chest and give him a gentle push. He pulls back a little, a melancholy look passing his face. 
“Will you stay?”
You can’t. He’s not supposed to be tangled up with you again. You erased his love for you for a reason; it wasn’t the right time. Any decisions made till now were because of your heat and your brain was finally back in command. 
“I can’t.”
He caresses your cheek. “Why not?”
Because I’m not ready to love you the way you deserve. Because I love you so much that I’m afraid things will fall apart again. 
“Because we don’t know each other,” You push him off you and stand, trying not to slip. Jungkook’s hands were already in position to catch you if you did. “Not really.”
As you walk away, he says something so chilling that it crystalizes your blood into ice. “You’re running away again.” 
You refuse to turn around. “It’s my choice.”
“What about my choice and what I want? Do you not care?” He stands up and tightens his fists. “Are you leaving for good this time?”
This… time? He doesn’t remember. He can’t remember.
“Goodbye, Jungkook.”
He watches as your figure grows smaller in the distance. His head hangs low and he fights back tears. You’ve made it clear what you want. He had to let you go.
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A/N: I am currently writing part 2, don't worry! It's a long one, lol. This was also my first time writing in present tense. Loved it. I hope you enjoyed it too. Thank you for giving my writing a chance. 🥰
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magics-neptunes-things · 1 year ago
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Collide (2)
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Hello everyone!
Here is the rest of Collide, you can find the first part here, I obviously advise you to read it if you come across this part first… Otherwise you will surely not understand much!
A big thank you for your support, this story is longer and more thoughtful than the ones I have written so far, so it takes me much more time.
I really hope that all of you are having or will have a wonderfull Christmas. Take care of yourself and your loved ones ❤️
I hope you'll enjoy this part :)
TW : Alcohol, Angst and I think it’s ok like that!
World : 5.4K
PART 1 I PART 3 I PART 4 I PART 5 I PART 6 | PART 7
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Time has gone by nicely since you arrived in London and your integration into the Arsenal team is no longer in doubt. You get along well with everyone, you participate willingly in the parties organized by your teammates and you even managed to make yourself appreciated quickly by the fans. Which is not a difficult thing as long as you play well. And without wanting to throw yourself flowers or play the presumptuous, you are more than satisfied with your performance on the field right now.
Alessia has become a very close friend and the fact that she’s your neighbor probably helps a lot too. You often go to the training ground together and it happens regularly that one finishes at the other apartment in the evening. You have become a bit of an essential element of each other’s apartment decor. You are also close to Manuela, your goalkeeper, and Viv makes you die laughing. You also enjoy spending time with Lia, even if she is very close to Leah who continues to torment your thoughts. Katie and Caitlin are great mates too.
After some time of tension between Leah and you following your defection during your kiss, you managed to find a cordial relationship. You can’t help but look at her when she doesn’t see you, you still feel very attracted to her. And it’s not just about physics, you find her funny, interesting and you have the impression that your souls are made to get along. But you’ve never been alone with her since the party. And you feel like it suits Leah like that.
You were getting ready for practice when your phone rings, somewhere in your apartment. After a few long seconds of research, you end up finding it under a cushion of your sofa and answers without taking the time to look who may try to contact you.
"Y/N, hi!" makes a joyful voice.
"Wally, what’s going on?" you ask, sitting on your couch.
You hear from the noise around her that she’s definitely driving somewhere noisy.
"I had to pick up Leah to take her to practice but I’m stuck in traffic and I don’t think I’ll be on time myself. Could you go get her, please?"
No? Out of question to find myself with my crush in the same space clot for twenty minutes without interruption miss Wälti, I am not sure to survive. Have you see this girl? The way her face light up when she smile make me want to...
"Oh, yes, of course" you answer, pinching your nose. "You’re telling her I’m coming?"
"Yeah, yeah, no worries. Thank you very much Y/N, see you later."
"Drive carefully. See you"
Your voice is just a mumble at the end of your sentence and you hang up before Lia has time to say something else. You always go early when you drive alone like today, Alessia having an appointment before training. You have plenty of time to get Leah, but you’re still very worried.
So you nervously take the wheel, driving to the blonde's house where you’ve already been to for one of your evenings. Before the kiss. When you park in front of her house, you take a few seconds to take a big breath before getting out of the car.
You press the doorbell a first time before sliding your hands in the pockets of your sweatshirt and you press a second time after a few minutes, when you realize that no one comes to open. You know Leah lives alone so maybe she just didn’t hear the doorbell the first time.
But your ear is drawn to a piano melody that makes you frown. Since when has Leah been playing the piano? You don’t have time to question yourself any longer, though, since your captain’s voice ends up in your ears.
"Come on in Wally, it’s open!" Leah screams
Ouch. So either she didn’t get Lia’s messages, or Lia just forgot to warn her. Whatever it is, you’re hoping Leah won’t take your presence at her place badly. You end up slowly entering inside, carefully closing the door behind you. Leah’s home is different in the daylight and you mechanically follow the melody of the piano that resounds in the house.
You end up finding Leah in a room that probably serves as her office, actually installed behind a piano. This woman is full of surprises. You don’t dare interrupt her, so you cross your arms and lean on the door frame until she’s done. You recognize a song by Shania Twain, but you can't remember the title of it.
When she’s done, Leah turns in your direction with a satisfied little smile. That quickly turns into a surprised frown when she sees you there. "Hi" you say before clearing your throat. "Lia is stuck somewhere in London with her car and asked if I could pick you up. She was supposed to warn you. Sorry, I guess she forgot to" "Oh, okay" Leah replies, getting up "It’s been a while since I looked at my phone, I may not have seen her message" You nod thoughtfully, tightening your arms around yourself mechanically while waiting for Leah to check her phone. You see a new smile lightening her face and you imagine that it is by seeing the message of the Swiss woman. You’re kind of jealous about the ease of their relationship, to have a friendship as strong as they both have... No, actually, it’s not a friendship you’d like to have with Leah. But you have to stay wise. Anyway, you doubt it’s what the blonde wants on her side. She’s not one to be in a long relationship. "Shall we go?" Leah’s voice cuts you off in your thoughts and you simply nod, taking off against the wood you were always leaning on. You pick up Leah’s bag mechanically as you pass the front door, which seems to both surprise and amuse her. "I can carry my bag, you know?" "Oh... I just thought with your leg... sorry" Leah does not answer, content to laugh gently closing the door of her home with a key. You mask your red cheeks by storing her bag in the trunk of your car and you hope to have found a casual face when you sit next to her. "I didn’t know you played the piano" you say after a few minutes of silence. Leah looks at you briefly and you feel like she’s holding back from saying "There’s a lot you don’t know about me," which is probably true. "I started it during the lockdown. I’m not really good, but I like it."
"What I heard was very good" you countered, looking at it in the corner of your eyes.
"Well thanks" Leah laughs and you feel your belly make a somersault "But I’ve been repeating this song for a long time. I have no right to tell you why for the moment"
"It’s a piece by Shania Twain, isn’t it?"
"Yes. You’re still the one"
This time, you see her turning in your direction to be able to better observe you. Is it done voluntarily or not, you do not know. What you do know is that you’re happy to have started a conversation that allows you to exchange without having disturbing silence in the car.
"Do you like country music?" asks the blonde
"Not really. All I know about country is that Miley Cyrus has a father who does. Does it count?" you ask with a laugh.
"I could hit you right now"
Leah has a smile when she says that, and it makes you laugh again. A new silence comes between you, but this one is nice. You are finally relaxed with each other since your party and you feel you can breathe more easily.
"We’re going to a Luke Combs concert next weekend. You could come with us, it would open you up to the country world?"
You bite your lip thoughtfully. You know many of them are going. Leah, Lia, Alessia, and so on.
"Less offered it to me a few days ago but I refused saying that I didn’t like to go to concerts if I could not sing the lyrics" you admit thoughtfully.
Your gaze clinging to the dense traffic in London doesn’t allow you to see the disappointment read for a few seconds on Leah’s face.
"I guess I’ll have to revise quickly"
To be honest, what also made you turn down that offer was not to make Leah’s evening unpleasant. You quickly understood how she can’t stand being away from others on the field and how these shared moments with your teammates are important to her. But that she still wants you to come also makes you exceedingly happy.
During the rest of the trip, Leah asks you about your own musical preferences and you tell her that you got stuck with the old rock and pop-rock bands you used to listen to when you were a teenager. A little Norwegian variety also thanks to your parents, whom she has never heard of but that doesn’t surprise you particularly.
********
"Looks good, your integration into Arsenal" Leila’s voice says from your phone as you cook yourself something for dinner.
"Frankly, I have nothing to complain about. They are all adorable" you answer sincerely.
"Adorable is not a term I would use for Katie McCabe"
You laugh softly and shake your head. You know perfectly well the reputation that Katie has outside the field, you have heard about it since your arrival in the English champion.
"She’s like a bulldozer on the ground, but outside she’s really nice. A hell of a character maybe, but I’ve never seen someone as loyal as her"
"Look at her, completely on the enemy’s side"
Leila laughs and you smile, rolling your eyes. Sometimes keeping friendships isn’t easy when you’re away or playing on opposing teams, but you’re glad to see that you seem to be keeping your bond with Leila for now. You obviously hope it lasts.
Two shots are taking at your front door before Alessia comes inside to drop on your couch. It’s become such a habit between you that you don’t even react to her presence.
"How was the concert?" asks Leila.
"It was good, sincerely. It’s not the music I used to listen to, but I liked it."
That’s the truth. You honestly didn’t expect to have such a great time. The good relationship between Arsenal players also exists outside the field and this spirit makes you feel like part of a family. From someone so far from yours like you, it’s more than pleasant. And that night you spent gave you an opportunity to spend some time with Leah too. Like a child who tests his own limits, you try to determine where the line is that you must not exceed. As if she were reading your thoughts, Leila resumes speaking as you mix what you cook in your pan. "What about Williamson?" "What about Leah?" You ask, taking a quick look at Alessia to see if she’s listening to what you’re saying. "Huh? Since you kissed, is..." You don’t hear the end of the sentence, jumping on your phone to cut the microphone. But it’s too late and you see Alessia’s face turning into a surprise. The amazement, rather. "I call you back Lei" you mumble to your friend before hanging up. "You kissed Leah?" Wide-eyed, Alessia has made her way to you. A big smile appeared on his face, but you startled when you heard him scream half. "Shh!" you tell her, as if you were afraid someone else would listen to you. "Why didn’t you tell me? When was that?" Alessia put her two hands on your shoulders and she shakes you gently, apparently more than willing to have answers to her questions. "At my moving-in party" you end up sighing. "And she kissed me." Well, you didn’t reject it to be honest. Well, at the beginning anyway. The rest, no need to remind. "Do you know how many girls would kill to be in your place?" laughs Alessia. "Why does it look like you killed someone when you talk about it?" "Because nothing has happened since then, we are probably not looking for the same thing. Not many people know, Lessi, you have to keep it to yourself please"
"Of course I will. But maybe Lia knows too, Leah say her everything."
"Maybe" you shrug.
"But still. You kissed Leah Williamson"
********
The break for international competitions arrive at à great time. You were able to see your family again, especially your parents and seeing your friends from the national team also make you happy. Your reunion with Ingrid was filmed and posted on social media, your embrace being visible to everyone. You don’t know what makes people not think there’s something going on between you, but you’re grateful that it’s going on like this. You like Ingrid as a friend and you don’t want to have to think about how to behave with her so you don’t hurt her girlfriend.
The results of your national team didn’t live up to your expectations however, despite the goals you were able to score. The disappointment must have been visible in the message that you tried to shoot positively on Instagram. You got some messages of encouragement from your friends, from Arsenal or not. You also received a message from Leah, the first one she addresses you directly on a Whatsapp band.
If you were sad to have to say goodbye to your best friend again, finding your Arsenal teammates is a pleasure. This feeling of being at home warms your heart.
"Hi Frozen" tease Katie at you when you see her for the first time, making you roll your eyes with fun.
This time again, the hug that you exchange with Leah lasts a little longer than the others and you smile at her when she pinches you affectionately the cheek. Maybe you missed her too much.
In the next game, against Aston Villa, you feel like Leah’s mind is somewhere else, but yours too. This is the first time in a long time that you will find yourself facing your ex and you know that Leah will also have to live with the fact that Jordan will be around.
Even though the blonde is still not playing, Leah participates in the briefings and is always around when you play at home.
No wonder, her love for the team and the club is now known to everyone. You haven’t been thinking particularly about Alina lately, Leah taking a lot of time in your thoughts. But you have to admit that to see her again, even from the back, training with her teammates, it does you something. You no longer have the slightest feeling of love for her, of course. Everything magically disappeared the day you learned about her infidelities. But you still have trouble swallowing betrayal.
"Are you okay here?"
You recognize Leah’s voice easily, but the hand on your shoulder makes you jump. Crossing her eyes, you quickly understand that she understood and you just shrug your shoulders.
"Yeah, I know. Come on, let’s go."
Leah’s hand slips on your back as she takes you to the small group forming by Alessia, Katie and Kyra. You find yourself regretting the feeling of her hand in your back when Alessia puts her arm around your shoulders in a comforting embrace. You nevertheless let yourself go against her, looking over Leah’s shoulder. From a distance, you have the impression that Jordan Nobbs was looking in your direction.
The game was hard, Aston Villa scored first and your team have trouble to find the back of the net. It last almost until the end of the game, until you caught Leah’s eye in the bleachers. From there to say that it’s her who gave you the impulse to go and score the goal, there is a world. But still, it’s only a few seconds later that you score. And a few minutes later, Alessia scored the winning goal, allowing Arsenal to win the match.
It’s probably cruel for the other team, but honestly you don’t care. You don’t get asked to show your joy, celebrating with Wally, Kyra and Alessia. You watch while a smiling Leah jumping into Alessia’s arms just before Katie comes to offer you a hug in her own way, passing an arm around your neck while strocking your hair with the other hand.
"Manu’s organising a party for tonight, are you coming?" says you a happy Katie.
When she gets your positive answer she releases you, literally pounding up to Caitlin. It’s by following her with your eyes that your eyes cling to a silhouette that you know very well despite yourself. Alina, standing in the middle of the field with her hands on her hips, looking disgusted. As you said, seen from the other side, the defeat must be bitter.
When she looks at you too, you hurry to turn your heels, only to rush straight into Jordan Nobbs.
"Oh… sorry mate" you mumble by rushing to run away.
You are relieved to see that the person who pulls you by the arm right after is Alessia, carrying you away from this situation. An amused smile is visible on her face, and you feel that she restrains herself from saying something.
"Don’t"
Alessia laughs and can only smile when hearing it, gently shaking your head. The fans in front of which Alessia trains you claiming photos and autographs, that make you forget easily what has just happened.
********
A few hours later, you’re in a nightclub with almost the entire team. Although we have to admit that everyone was a little scattered throughout the nightclub. Maybe you drank too much, too. Leah is here, of course. When she came to sit next to you with her big smile and her sexy outfit, you almost fainted. You feel like she’s doing it on purpose. But it’s nothing compared to the wave of chills that runs through you when she looks at you to say "Pretty goal, superstar". The ambient music forces her to have this behavior, but still.
It’s not the ambient music that will make her invite you to dance with her. If you refused at first, claiming not to know how to dance, you couldn’t resist her any longer. And you also noticed that others girls don’t seem against keeping Leah company. Of course, you have absolutely no right to be jealous, but that definitely tilts the scales.
You’ve been dancing with Leah for a long time now, to be honest, you’ve completely lost track of time. Your teammates are far too drunk around you to pay attention to you and none seem to have realized how your body seems unable to detach from Leah’s. Your body is attracted with the strength of a magnet by hers and as long as you had your back against her, you managed to fight against yourself and keep an almost clear mind. But when the last song changed, you stupidly turned around and you were hypnotized by the captain’s gaze. Your heart rate is faster, your breathing is more complicated and you have to fight with all your strength not to lean in her direction a few centimeters more to be able to kiss her. Her hands on your hip and in the hollow of your back hold you all against her and the arms you tied around her neck may not help either. It’s as if your mind and your body wanted two things and you were pulled from two sides at the same time. You’ve obviously noticed Leah’s eyes slipping regularly on your lips, seemingly wishing nothing but to kiss you. The message is very clear, it would be for anyone. But when Leah tries an approach and touches your lips with hers, you step back. You obviously realized that Leah didn’t even look at a girl other than you tonight, but the fear of getting screwed again is stronger than the rest. You only stepped back a few inches so you could look into Leah’s. If you haven't saw Alina today, maybe you would have kiss her. You certainly read a part of disappointment, perhaps even a little rejection, but also uncertainty. Does she think that she misinterpreted the signals you send her? That is not the case, of course. You are undeniably attracted to her, you don't want to lie to her either. Or worse, let her start thinking that you’re the one playing with her feelings.
"I’m sorry. I don’t want to be an extra number on your hunting board, Leah."
By your position, you feel Leah’s breath against your lips and it makes you half crazy. When you gently detach you from her, she lets you. You can see her jaw is tight, but you don’t feel like it’s anger. You can’t take the time to figure out what it is, before you decide to get out of there. You pick up your jacket and bag and go out, even unintentionally bumping into someone who hasn’t asked for anything on your way.
"Are you alright?"
A voice next to you makes you jump and you raise your eyes on a couple that was probably out smoking. The girl looks at you with special attention and you realize at this moment that your hands are shaking.
"Yes, yes, it’s okay" you mumble taking a deep breath.
"Sure?"
You nod again, both surprised and touched by so much soliscitude. Maybe there is still some hope in the human being?
"Do you know where I can get a cab?"
The one you imagine being her boyfriend points at you the end of the street. You thank and greet them, walking quickly going in the right direction. It only take you twenty minutes to return home, your mind haunted by the image of Leah, the sensations felt when your face was only a few inches from you. Regrets mix with relief and you still don’t know if you made the right decision.
You don’t even take the time to remove your makeup before hiding under your duvet. You want to call Leah, but this is the second time you’ve pushed her away in a short time. You will never dare to return to the training ground without having a terrible fear of running into her. You were wondering if you are going to contact your agent to ask him to propose you for a loan with another team when you hear someone knocking on the door of your apartment. "Y/N?" It’s Alessia’s voice and you realize no one saw you leave, except maybe Leah. You hiss when you feel the cold ground under your bare feet when you answer, finding yourself facing an Alessia who seems both relieved and annoyed. Her phone in hand, she seems to finish reading a message when she reports her attention to you. "Why didn’t you say you were going home?" Her tone is accusing and you pout, feeling like you’re being scolded by your older sister. But you can understand the worry. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you." Alessia still looks at you for a few seconds while squinting before sighing and slipping into your apartment. She hugs you before she lets you go. "You and Leah were missing, we were worried" she explains before going for a glass of water. "Leah too?" In spite of yourself, you feel the anxiety rise suddenly. If something happened to her because of your behavior, you will never forgive yourself. Worry is easily detectable in your voice, as Less hurries to comfort you. "Yes, but she’s home. Lia found her there. What happened?" "What do you mean?" You mumble looking at your feet. "Well you both disappear, you’re closer than you’ve ever been... But you don’t have the face of someone who had a nice evening"
"I screwed up" you sigh softly as you cross your arms on your chest.
Your gaze is always fixed on your feet and you frown, trying to remember the meaning of your memories and thoughts. Alessia knows what happened with Alina, the deception and everything, it’s not for nothing that she remained close to you physically speaking today. In the field, at least.
Alessia doesn’t answer anything, waiting patiently to see if you want to continue to explain yourself or not.
'I panicked. There’s this kind of attraction I’ve had for her from the beginning and the more I try to fight it, the bigger it gets. It’s like every thing she did or said is what I expect her to do, without me even knowing it."
You looked up at the blonde this time and she watches you talking, holding her half-empty glass of water in her hand. Her eyebrows are ruffled, but she looks more pensive than upset this time.
"We managed to catch up with the bond we had after I pushed her back. But tonight… I don’t know. I’ve been thinking about what happened with Alina all day and… I panicked. I don’t want to be heartbroken again."
This time it’s a compassionate smile that appears on Alessia’s face, which is content to extend your arms as the very first answer. You accepted and snuggled up against her, sighing softly. She didn’t steal her nickname of Lessi Bear.
"I think you should talk to Leah" Alessia says after a few seconds.
"I doubt she’ll want to talk to me again"
********
You were right. You don’t know if it’s voluntary or not on Leah’s part, but you haven’t seen her since the nightclub. She seems to have changed her physiotherapy and training schedules so she won’t run into you again. And you have to admit that it hurt your heart. But again this reaction is probably very selfish, if you are both there it is only your fault.
Your mood has deteriorated throught the days when you feel someone sitting next to you in the locker room. You look up expecting to find yourself in front of Caitlin who has her locker next to yours, but instead it’s Lia who addresses you one of her famous smiles.
"Are you okay?" she asks and you ask yourself in the first place if she’s not making fun of you.
But it would mean not knowing Lia at all.
"Good. What about you?"
Lia nods, still armed with her smile, while you finish putting on your sneakers. The training session has just ended, you are showered and changed and ready to go home.
"I was wondering if we could talk together?"
"Of course."
You get up and follow her, wondering what it is. Lia trains you with her in the cafeteria of the team, currently completely deserted. After having caught yourself drinking and sitting at a table, you look at her with an undisguised curiosity. If you really like the Swiss woman, you’ve never really exchanged one-on-one.
"Is everything okay?" You can’t help but ask her, afraid she’s in trouble.
"Oh, yes. It’s not me I wanted to talk to you about, it’s Leah."
You make a slight grimace but nods gently, your look staying on the cup of coffee you ordered yourself.
"I’m sorry if I intervene in a way that is not my business and you will have the right to scold me later, but I think it’s time someone did"
You look at her again a little surprised. Faithful to her country of origin, Lia is far from wanting to conflict with anyone. However, the fact that she wants to take the risk of doing so is a testament to the importance of what she will say.
"Leah told me what happened between you two"
Lia gives you an apology smile, but you told Alessia and Ingrid about it so you just nod. It would be rather inappropriate for you to resent Leah for needing to confide to someone.
"I don’t know who told you things about her, but what I do know is that Leah has been my friend since I came to Arsenal. She was always loyal and honest with me. When my ex and I broke up and I was lower than earth, she came home every night to try to cheer me up. She is sincere, kind and much sweeter and more tender than what people want her to be."
You know, you’re uncomfortable. You are one of those people who preferred to listen to what people was saying about Leah at the worst time, when she showed you during all these weeks that she is the girl that Lia has just described to you.
"I don’t know your past Y/N and I’m not judging you. But I really believe that Leah is genuinely interested in you. If it were just for one night, she would have moved on for a long time especially after you told her you don’t want a one time thing"
You remain silent for a few seconds, during which you assimilate what Lia has just told you. Passing a hand through your hair, you end up looking up at her.
"Anyway, it’s too late now. She must hate me, right?"
"I think you should talk to her about all this"
You bite your lip, realizing this is the second time you’ve been advised to do this in a few days. Unfortunately, this could be complicated.
"How? She doesn’t even want to see me here anymore"
Your desperate look seems to amuse Lia, or at least she smiles while rolling her eyes.
"By extraordinary luck we’re in the 21st century. You can either contact her via your phone or go to her house to talk to her"
Lia’s amused tone makes you smile slightly. She’s right, but it’s not so much your style to impose your presence somewhere. Your interlocutor must understand your reticence, since she puts her hand on your arm, making you look at her again.
"I will not speak for her, but she also suffered in her past. The only thing holding you both back is a lack of communication. I’m sure it can be fixed."
********
Right in front of Leah’s house, you don’t remember being so nervous for a long time. After thinking long and hard about the conversation you had with Lia, you then had to think about how to approach Leah. The blond continues to flee you like the plague and even if contacting her by message would probably be easier, you are not sure if she answers you. If the blonde has many qualities that have made you fall under her spell, she is still atrociously stubborn and resentful.
You turned in your head several scenarios, again and again until you became half crazy. Then you had enough. Sitting on Alessia’s couch in front of a particularly lame reality TV, you suddenly got up. Alessia gave you a worried look but you just threw at her while leaving her apartment
“I’m going to see Leah”
Your voice was clear and determined, making her understand that your decision was made. After shrugging her shoulders, Alessia lay down again in front of the television.
“Okay. But maybe change your pajamas first.”
Interrupted in your way, your hand freezes on the doorknob of the stricker’s apartment. Your eyes slide on your polar pajama bottoms with avocados drawn on them.
A grommet escapes from your lips as you open the door, triggering Alessia’s laughter behind you.
_____________________________________________________________
Merry Christmas you all 🎄❤️
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bellaireland1981 · 2 years ago
Text
Rescue Mission at the Hard Deck
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Summary: You’ve been eyeing a certain aviator at the Hard Deck for awhile... and according to friends, he’s been eyeing you right back, neither making the first move. That is... until his friends leave him hanging and in need of rescuing and you have to embark on a rescue mission... at the Hard Deck. 
Pairing:  Bradley “Rooster” Bradshaw x Female Reader, appearances by the Dagger squad, Penny and some OC friends. 
Warnings: None, Pure fluff. (Maybe slight mentions of anxiety/angsty feelings if you squint REALLY hard) 
WC: 3,397
A/N: I Do not own Top Gun: Maverick characters. All OC’s/Reader characters are my own. I do not give permission to copy or translate my work onto any other platform of site. Reblogs are always welcome! As always, THANK YOU to @beyondthesefourwalls​ and @waywardodysseys​ for always being willing to bounce ideas around with me and being my biggest encouragers with writing! You both are AMAZING! :) 
You were sitting with your friends off to the side and tucked slightly back from the pool table currently occupied by a group of regular aviators to the Hard Deck. It was a known hangout for Naval Aviators but your friends and you never let that deter your group. You’d stumbled upon the bar one of the first weekends after arriving at UCSD for grad school and had continued to come long after you’d graduated and started your career. Friday nights were Hard Deck nights. It was an unwritten rule among your friends. Lately, you’d come to look forward to Friday nights. Not only because you got to unwind after a long week of reading manuscripts and editing until you started to go crosseyed, or because you got to spend time with your friends… but because as of a few months ago, a new squadron of aviators had become regulars at the Hard Deck and one of them in particular had caught your eye. An incredibly tall, muscled flyboy with warm brown eyes, wavy sun kissed brown hair, a mustache that on anyone else would have looked stupid, and a penchant for Hawaiian shirts.
“So when do you plan on actually TALKING to him, Y/N?” Ashley asked. “You’ve been eyeing him since they showed up a few months ago, but haven’t made a move.”
“He’s been eyeing her right back,” Lia said laughing, “If it wasn’t so obnoxiously frustrating, it would be adorable.”
“Stop it.” You grumbled, “Nobody is eyeing anyone. Y’all are the obnoxious ones.”
“You, ma’am, are a liar!” Lia exclaimed, “And because you’re a liar, the next round is on you.”
“You both suck.” You grumbled, getting up to head to the bar.
You made your way through the crowd, pushing through people as needed to finally reach the bar.
“Hey, Kiddo” Penny greeted you, smiling, “Need another round?”
“Yup.” You replied, “Because my friends suck and conned me into this round.”
“How did you manage to let that happen?” She asked, preparing the drinks.
“I simply said that nobody was making eyes at anyone and got called a liar so had to buy drinks.” You complained.
“Sorry, Kiddo.” She laughed, “I’m with the girls on this one. You and Rooster have definitely been makin’ eyes at one another for weeks. I’m actually pretty sure there are bets on when and who will make a move first.”
“Are you serious?” You groaned, “Well, that’s embarrassing.
“My money’s on you, Kiddo.” She winked, sliding the drinks your way.
“You too?” You questioned, horrified. “Penny, as much as I love this place, I might need to find a new bar now.”
“You’d break my heart, Kiddo.” She said, then nodded in the direction of the piano, causing you to look over your shoulder to where Bradley was sitting down getting ready to play, “And his.”
“Y’all are the worst.” You said, gather the drinks. “Add these to my tab, please.”
You carefully carried the drinks back to your table to your friends, setting them down on the table. Your friends eyed you knowingly as you sipped your drink, watching Bradley entertain the crowd.
The following Friday night finds you once again at the Hard Deck. Your friends are running late though, so you’re sitting at the bar while you wait. It’s not overly crowded yet, but several aviators had found their way in after finishing up for the day. There were a few groups of civilians that had wandered in off the beach as well. Penny was serving drinks on the other side of the bar so you just sat and took in the crowd.
“You’re not normally at the bar.” An amused  voice sounded next to you. “And you’re usually here with friends.”
Turning you see the only regular female in the group of aviators that hang out by the pool table.
“Could say the same about you” You laughed, “My friends are running late so I decided to hang out here while I wait.”
“I’m Natasha.” She said, smiling, sitting on the vacant stool next to you, “Or Phoenix, which is what the boneheads over there call me mostly.”
“I’m Y/n.” You offered, “You’re a very patient person to put up with all of that testosterone on the regular.”
“I’m used to it.” She shrugged, laughing, “They’re not so bad once you get them under control.”
“Like wrangling a bunch of puppies?” You asked, “Are they at least housebroken?”
“Oh my God, I love you!” She laughed, almost snorting her drink, “You wanna join us while you wait on your friends? I’m guessing it would make one of those puppies very happy.”
“And here I thought we were on the road to becoming friends, Natasha.” You said, rolling your eyes.
“Oh come on,” She replied, “He’s never gonna get off the perch and make the first move, the man’s notorious for that. He’ll die on that perch. Help him out. He’s not good at reading signals… even when you’re clearly into him. This game of cat and mouse will go on for literally…forever.”
“There is no game.” You said. “He’s hot. Really. Fucking. Hot. I’ve seen the girls that hit on him and that he actually flirts with and I am not them. He’s kinda outta my league, so while I will happily look, I’m gonna leave it at that.”
“You’ve got that absolutely backwards, my new friend.” She said, “The offer to join us is always open.”
With that she headed back to her squadron, leaving you at the bar to replay the interaction in your head long after your friends arrived and you were once more seated at your normal table.
It was a couple of Fridays later before you were able to make it to the Hard Deck again. You’d been buried at work under manuscripts, working insanely long hours, and had had to fly home the week before for a friend’s wedding that you had agreed to be a bridesmaids in. Needless to say, you were more than happy to be back with your friends in your normal routine at the bar.
“Well look who finally decided to join us again.” Penny teased when you finally made it to the bar, having to push your way through the crowded bar. “Missed seeing your smiling face.”
“It’s good to be back, Penny.” You smiled back, “I missed you too.”
“Where’ve ya been?” She asked, pouring your vodka soda. “Have had a couple of inquiries on that actually.”
“Work has been absolutely insane, and I had to fly home for a wedding.” You said. “It’s just been a busy couple of weeks. What’ve I missed?”
“Just a sad flyboy.” She replied, nodding her head towards the pool table. You rolled your eyes but looked over to the pool table, seeing the group unwinding as usual. The man in question didn’t appear to be as sad as she made him seem. He was actually surrounded by a couple of very attractive women, a smirk on his face.
“Oh yeah, real broken up by my lack of patronage at the Hard Deck.” You said dryly, rolling your eyes again Penny, when you’d turned back around. “Start a tab, please? I saw the girls at the table.”
“Sure.” She said, “It’d be worth a closer look too, Kiddo. It’s not always as it seems from afar.”
“I’ll take it under advisement.” You said, “I wouldn’t place any more bets though.”
You headed over to the table by your friends, setting your drink down and sliding up onto the chair.
“I have absolutely missed this.” You said, “No more skipping Fridays.”
“How was the wedding?” Ashley asked, “You haven’t really said much about it.”
“It was alright.” You said, “Just weird to be back around everyone from high school. Definitely sucked to be single and fielding the ‘so when will you be settling down and blah blah blah’ questions from everyone. And to make it even more wonderful I ran into my ex.”
“Ouch.” Lia said, “How did THAT go?”
“Not great.” You simply said, “I ended up kneeing him in the dick when he got too handsy with me after one too many cocktails.”
“Damn, I wish I’d have gone with you!” Ashley exclaimed, “I always hated that asshole.”
“I wanted to do a lot worse than kneeing him in the dick after the way he treated you.” Lia agreed.
“I love you both.” You smiled, “Karma took revenge though. He’s literally working a dead end job back home and the girl he cheated on me with turned around and cheated on HIM with his best friend.”
“Good. He deserved that and more.” They agreed.
“The female pilot that’s usually with that group… Phoenix?” Lia said, “She was asking about you last weekend, I guess Hawaiian Mustache was moping pretty badly because you were gone again.”
“Natasha.” You said, “We talked a bit the week you were both late. She’s great. She invited me to join them while I waited for you both.”
“And you didn’t because…?” Ashley asked.
“Ashley, look at the girls currently surrounding him.” You said, “Then look at me.”
She glanced over, taking in the women trying to shoot their shot with the aviator. Turning back to you, she leveled you with an honest look, “Y/N, sweetie, I am looking, and all I’m seeing is a man trying to be nice but who is desperately trying to get clear from unwanted advances. His body language is screaming he’s uninterested.” She explained, “Look over there and you will see the tense grip he’s got on the pool cue, the stance trying to turn his body away from them, looking anywhere but at them, smiling politely but it’s not reaching his eyes… Sweetie, that man is super uncomfortable.”
“Sad really, because he’s got all of his friends who are supposed to be his wingmen in the air but apparently they don’t protect him on the ground?” Lia added.
You looked over, taking in the situation with new eyes. Penny was right… the situation wasn’t always as it seemed when you got a closer look. Bradley was clearly uncomfortable and trying to make it known but his friends weren’t stepping in and the women weren’t taking a hint. You hated seeing anyone put in situations they weren’t comfortable in and you weren't going to leave him hanging….even if rescuing him would make you extremely uncomfortable.
“Ok, I can’t watch that anymore.” You said, “I’ll be right back…. Just … promise if this gets too awkward y’all will come rescue ME?”
“Absolutely.” Ashley promised, smiling.
“We’ve got you.” Lia said, “Wait, Y/N, you’re going the wrong way!”
“I need reinforcements.” You tossed over your shoulder, heading to the bar quickly. You pushed your way through people, not willing to waste time.
“What can I get you, Kiddo?” Penny asked, “Conned into another round?”
“Nope. I need a shot of something strong STAT.” You said, “And whatever Bradley’s drinking. I’m going on a rescue mission.”
“You got it, Kiddo.” She smiled, pouring you a shot of tequila and handing you a lime to chase it with. You took the shot, tossing it back and popping the lime into your mouth while she grabbed a beer from the fridge for Bradley. “Here you go. Mission is a go.”
“Oh my God, I might throw up.” You grumbled, “I don’t do this kinda stuff, Penny! What am I doing?”
“I’ll let you in on a secret, Kiddo.” Penny said leaning over the bar, “My money was always on you. I have all the confidence in the world in you.”
With that you turned, taking the bottle of beer for Bradley and hoping the tequila kicked in before you got to the pool table. You had to push through people once more but you were a girl on a mission, tunnel vision in full swing.
Much too soon for your liking, you found yourself at the pool table and for the first time face to face with the man you’d been eyeing from the safety of your table for months. Taking a deep breath and putting on a smile, you handed him the beer and slid your arms around him, plastering yourself to his side. Sweet Jesus nobody warned you the man was this ripped under his Hawaiian shirts. You could feel the muscles rippling under your fingers when you rested your palm over his abs.
“Sorry I’m late, Babe,I got stuck at work.” You smiled widely, looking up at him and hoping he caught on. A surprised but warm smile spread across his face as his own arm came up to wrap around you, pulling you in closely.
“You’re right on time, Sweetheart.” He replied, his smile growing, “Thanks for grabbing me a beer, but where’s your drink?”
“I downed that before leaving the bar.” You replied, honestly, “Will probably need another soon. And you two would be?” You asked, turning your attention to the women who’d been making Bradley uncomfortable.
“Who are YOU?” The blonde with way too much makeup and clearly fake boobs asked, looking you up and down.
“The girlfriend, but who I am doesn’t really matter. What DOES matter is the fact that neither one of you can read social cues.” You said. “Because obviously, he isn’t interested in either one of your fake tit, dog tag chasing asses.”
“Excuse me?” The other one piped up, jumping in.
“No, I don’t think I will.” You replied, “Now take your Bitch ass selves away from here and next time, when a guy is literally trying to move away from you, doesn't make eye contact, is gripping the pool cue to the point it’s almost breaking, and looks like he’d rather vomit than talk to you… chances are.. He’s just not that into you.”
“Alright ladies…” One of Bradley’s friends…Hangman you think… finally stepped in, “Time to leave.”
You took a small step back from Bradley, taking a gulp of fresh air into your lungs, the realization that you’d really done that sinking in. The women finally stomped off, to the applause from your friends sitting at the table.
“Thank you.” Bradley chuckled, reluctant to let the beautiful firecracker he’d had eye on and been longing to talk to for months go now that you were right there. You felt good in his arms, and he about fell in love on the spot the way you’d come to his defense.  “I’m Bradley. Or Rooster.”
“I’m Y/N.” You replied. “You’re welcome. It was painful to watch, someone had to step in.”
“He’d have shaken them eventually”  Hangman said, rejoining after chasing off the women.
“But should he have to?” You asked, turning your body to face down the rest of the group now. Might as well go all in at this point. “Y’all are supposed to be a squad right? Does protecting one another only apply while flying at stupid high speeds? You’d think if you were friends you’d have his back on the ground too and realize that those women were making him REALLY uncomfortable. Hell, MY friends picked up on it from three tables over and were ready to come in guns blazing.” You turned back to Bradley offering him a small smile, “I think you need new friends. Yours are broken. It was nice to finally meet you though, Bradley.”
Turning, you headed back towards your friends, but then beelined for the bar again, in need of another drink. You had  a feeling at this rate you’d need to get a ride home with Ashley or Lia, or call an Uber if they couldn't drive either.
As you walked away to the bar, Bradley turned to look at his friends who all had looks of utter shock and disbelief on their faces. His heart bursting at your complete defense of him. Had Phoenix been there she’d have high-fived you. He couldn’t wait to call her and tell her what she’d missed. He turned back to watch you walk to the bar, a smile pulling at his lips. He was officially a goner. “I’m gonna marry that girl.” He said, turning to follow you to the bar.
“I see it went well.” Penny said as you got back to the bar.
“Vodka cranberry, please, heavy on the vodka.” You replied, plopping down onto a stool.
“You got it, Kiddo.” She laughed, pouring you the drink.
“If that’s your post game drink, what was your pregame?” Bradley asked, sliding up to the bar next to you.
“A shot of tequila.” You replied, peeking over at him. You were unsure what kind of ground you stood on now that’d you’d basically said his friends sucked. You weren’t wrong and you stood by it, but it left you very unsure.
“At least let me buy the post game celebratory drink.” He offered, flashing you a heart stopping smile, “You make a great wing woman, Sweetheart.”
“Thank you.” You said, feeling heat creep up into your face, “I’m sorry for calling your friends broken.”
“Don’t be.” He laughed, “You weren’t wrong. They do suck sometimes. In the air though, they really do have my back, I promise.”
“That’s good to know. I’d hate for them to leave you hanging when it’s really dangerous.” You said, “Although, those women looked pretty scary.”
“I’m really glad you came to rescue me.” He said, “Phoenix will probably never let me live it down… I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to come talk to you for a while.”
“Did you know there are apparently bets on how long it would take and which one of us would approach the other first?” You asked him.
“I did not know that.” He said, “But I can guess who started it, and you most likely already told him off once tonight.”
“Actually,” Jake said, approaching the bar cautiously, because honestly you kinda scared him, “I’ll have you know it was Trace that started the bet. So take it up with her. Also, Spitfire, you were right before. We let Rooster down as his friends and his wingmen. We’re sorry.”
“You don’t owe ME an apology.” You said, “I’m not the one you hung out to dry and let the vipers sink their claws into.”
“Damn, you really don’t hold back.” He laughed, “I think I like you… you scare me a little… but I like you.”
You simply stared at him, until he turned to Bradley, smiling and shaking his head.
“Rooster, man I’m sorry we didn’t intervene.” He said, “We were shitty friends and had we been in the air sure as shit wouldn’t have let that happen, shouldn’t have let it happen on the ground either.”
“Thanks, Hangman.” Bradley smiled, then looked over at you and winked. Satisfied you smiled and returned your attention to sipping your drink.
“So who won the bet?” Bradley asked.
“I dunno.” You replied, “I guess you’ll have to ask your friend Natasha. Penny told me she put her money on me though.”
“I say we find out who won and make them pay for our first date.” Bradley suggestd, looking at you hopefully.
“Is that your way of asking me out on a date?”  You asked, looking up at him, a smile tugging at your lips.
“Seemed fitting.” He replied, “I mean after all you’re my girlfriend right? That’s what you told those women… We should probably have our first date, if you’re already my girlfriend. Besides, we’ll need a good first date story to tell the grandkids.”
“We jumped from a first date to grandkids?” You asked, laughing, “Let’s just start with the first date, see where it takes us.”
“I’ll take it.” He agreed, “Any chance you’re free tomorrow night? Figured we’ve waited long enough.”
“I am.” You replied, smiling. “I think we have too.”
“Here.” Penny said, sliding an envelope across the bar in between the two of you, smiling, “Phoenix organized the bet, but I was in charge of collecting bets. And… I told you my money was always on you, Kiddo. First date is on all of us.”
Bradley opened the envelope and counted the money inside, laughing as he set it back down.
“Sweetheart, we’re going to have one hell of a first date story for our grandkids one day.” He said.
Taglist: 
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Jayniebop,
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@cherrycola27​,
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sparkliest-bard-bracket · 5 months ago
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Congratulations to ✨FREDDIE MERCURY✨ for being crowned the ✨SPARKLIEST BARD✨ in all the land!!!!
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🎶HE. IS. THE CHAMPION. 🎶
Over the course of this bracket, he has faced off against many worthy bards, including an inter-dimensional storyteller, multiple irl musical artists, an immortal musically talented war criminal, and a muppet, and he proved himself to be the most sparkliest of them all.
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Excellent singing, excellent piano playing, excellent songwriting, excellent fashion sense, and overall ~glamour~, Freddie Mercury has it all. Here are some of my favorite of Freddie's bardly moments, and feel free to reblog and add your own to celebrate our Bardly Champion!:
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And to honor Freddie Mercury's wonderful legacy, I present my favorite Bohemian Rhapsody video ever -- he didn't even need to be alive to have a concert!:
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And while we celebrate and throw a Queen-themed party for our Champion of Bards, do not forget to give a round of applause to all of the incredible bards who participated in this bardly showdown!! You can find all of their names and fandoms, along with the full completed bracket under the cut :D
That's all from me for now, folks!! I may make a poll for 3rd place if people are interested, and if people are very enthusiastic, I might make a round 2: fictional characters only! Lemme know if you'd be interested in either of those things, and thank you oh so much for your support through this whole bracket, and have a wonderful day all you fantastic bards and bard fans!!!
Complete Bracket in image format:
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And the names and fandoms of all of our bards from the whole bracket!:
Jareth the Goblin King (Labyrinth)
David Bowie (Real Life)
Thom Merrilin (Wheel of Time)
Gurney Halleck (Dune)
The Bard/Kiwi (Wandersong)
Daeron (The Silmarillion)
Callie Cuttlefish (Splatoon)
Finrod (The Silmarillion)
Apollo/Lester Papadopoulos (The Trials of Apollo)
Apollo (Greek Mythology)
Bill Cypher (Gravity Falls)
Chong (Avatar: The Last Airbender)
Max Rebo (Star Wars)
Edgin Darvis (Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves)
Dimentio (Super Paper Mario)
Will Scarlet (Robin Hood)
Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem (The Muppets)
Link (The Legend of Zelda)
Katalina (Tabletop Time)
Starling Birdsong (Realm of the Elderlings)
Orpheus (Greek Mythology)
“Weird Al” Yankovic (Real Life)
Dave BruBot/The Major Player (Toontown: Corporate Clash)
Carrie Wilson (Julie and the Phantoms)
Kvothe (The Kingkiller Chronicle)
Elan (Order of the Stick)
Raz'ul, Son of Daz'ul (BomBARDed)
Edward Chris von Muir (Final Fantasy IV)
Binary Bard (Poptropica)
Christian (Moulin Rouge)
The Bard (Shovel Knight)
Fflewddur Fflam (The Chronicles of Prydain)
Man with the Harmonica (Once Upon a Time in the West)
Kyoami/The Fool (Ran/King Lear)
Diedrich Knickerbocker (Headless: A Sleepy Hollow Story)
Hannah Montana (Hannah Montana)
Bard the Bowman (The Hobbit)
Leliana (Dragon Age)
Sprig Plantar (Amphibia)
Lucifer Morningstar (Lucifer)
Neil Banging Out the Tunes (Tumblr)
The Muses (Disney Hercules)
Robinton (Pern)
Thistle/Sissel (Delicious in Dungeon)
Loquatius Seelie (Critical Role)
Cicero (Skyrim)
Michael Jackson (Real Life)
Oli/TheOrionSound (Empires SMP)
Megamind (Megamind)
The Onceler (The Lorax)
Mettaton (Undertale)
Gamzee Makara (Homestuck)
William Shakespeare (Real Life)
William Shakespeare (Something Rotten)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Classicaloid)
William Shamspeare (Ace Attorney)
Marceline the Vampire Queen (Adventure Time)
Brook (One Piece)
Gerard Way (Real Life)
Sea Hawk (She-Ra and the Princess of Power)
Snufkin (Moomin)
Frank Sinatra (Real Life)
Lias "Cliff" Bluestone (Discworld)
Rick Astley (Real Life)
Alan-a-Dale (Robin Hood)
Essi Daven (The Witcher)
Lúthien Tinúviel (The Silmarillion)
Stefen (The Heralds of Valdemar)
Roman Sanders (Sanders Sides)
Remus Sanders (Sanders Sides)
Bard (Crypt of the Necrodancer)
Kass (Legend of Zelda/Breath of the Wild)
Steven Universe (Steven Universe)
Glenn Close (Dungeons & Daddies)
Miss Piggy (The Muppets)
Nydas Okiro (Critical Role)
Charlie Pace (Lost)
Dob the Half-Orc Bard (Oxventure)
Kitagra (Kings of the Wyld)
Kaylie Shorthalt (Critical Role)
Father Gabriel (The Mission)
Gabrielle the Battling Bard (Xena: The Warrior Princess)
Haer'Dalis (Baldur's Gate)
Tsukasa Tenma (Project Sekai: Colorful Stage!)
Tom Bombadil (The Lord of the Rings)
Sylvando (Dragon Quest 11)
Steve McKenzie/Jester (Galavant)
Gieve (The Heroic Legend of Arslan)
Jaskier/Dandelion (The Witcher)
Kubo (Kubo and the Two Strings)
Guiliastes/Gui (1/2 Prince)
Rocky (Lackadaisy)
Asmodean (Wheel of Time)
Neil Cicierega/Lemon Demon (Real Life)
Kermit the Bard (Tales of Tinkerdee)
The Pied Piper (The Pied Piper of Hamelin)
Venti (Genshin Impact)
Sir Robin's Minstrels (Monty Python and the Holy Grail)
Oscar Wilde (Rusty Quill Gaming)
Franz Liszt (Classicaloid)
Eddie Munson (Stranger Things)
Puss in Boots (Shrek)
Freddie Mercury (Real Life)
Hoid/Wit (Cosmere)
Noise (Roleslaying with Roman)
The Amazing Devil (Real Life)
Klavier Gavin (Ace Attorney)
Rickety Stitch (Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo)
Ron Stampler (Dungeons & Daddies)
Thancred Waters (Final Fantasy XIV)
Raine Whispers (The Owl House)
Jack Black (Real Life)
Scanlan Shorthalt (Critical Role)
Éile (The Witcher: Blood Origin)
Hap Gladheart (Realm of the Elderlings)
Alastair Nobledrifter (Saving Throw - DnD Podcast)
Maglor (The Silmarillion)
Bill & Ted (Bill & Ted)
DJ Cadence (Club Penguin)
Imp Y Celyn (Discworld)
Bard Otter (The Last Dragonlord)
Yara of Nowhere, the Wandering Bard (A Practical Guide to Evil)
Dorian Storm (Critical Role)
Maria von Trapp (The Sound of Music)
Demyx (Kingdom Hearts)
Hisirdoux "Douxie" Casperan (Tales of Arcadia: Wizards)
Bilbo Baggins (The Hobbit)
BMO (Adventure Time)
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adequately · 7 months ago
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シール帳ぺたぺた❤︎ ྀི˖ ࣪
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mement-o-mori · 2 months ago
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Another one month, hop 13 🫶
Today she said "That!/?" and "فوق!"
She mastered peek-a-poo 🫣 splashed in water on hot days and and wrapped with wool on cold days, played with auntie Linda and ate a very tasty strawberry cake, had little to no symptoms vaccine, tried to steal my phone to take awkwardly cropped selfies, being thrown in the air, teething necklaces, climbing to the top of a slide with an adorable loud laughs as i scramble to keep up so she doesn't fall, popcorn, family gathering, long bubbles bath, making friends with Lia & Maya.
- She incredibly loves Here comes the sun - The Beatles, كل كبيبة - ريم بنا
- Dragons and dinosaurs in drag if you just believe.
- She grew pumpkins, sunflowers with uncle Omar.
- I tried to give her dorthy braids but she prefers to slap people and teach them a lesson to not touch her hair ever ever again.
- She ate the ceremony bescuits with cinnamon, she usually hates those!
- She does pretty good baby yoga except for the loudness, just like the one who raised her to be the greatest. Very demure, very mindful.
- She has unparalleled sense of fashion.
- She's ridiculously funny and bossy, she knows what she want and go after it fearlessly.
- She's trying so hard to play piano and host a musical event at her auntie Kinda's house, she's a real show stealer.
- She loves undressing everyone's socks and jewellery then hide them in god only knows where kind of places.
- She throws toys, dolls and keys to the (fake) fireplace. That's her way of saying, I'm your boss here y'all.
- She moves things from shelves to laundry baskets non-stop.
- She walks confidently, though she appears drunk but whatever.
- Yellow (lellow) blue (boo) purple (prlprlprl) daisy (dayday) bubble (buboo) please (peas) i know (ay no!)
- "Mommy loves her little Reema to the moon and?"
- "Bak!"
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aurorawest · 8 months ago
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Reading update
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Arthur and Teddy Are Coming Out by Ryan Love - 3/5 stars
The Fate of Stars by SD Simper - DNF at pg 32
A Gathering Storm by Joanna Chambers - 4.75/5 stars
I kept getting the Madame Leota room from Haunted Mansion stuck in my head as I was reading this (not a bad thing!). This book has a surprisingly low rating on the Storygraph, and I'm not going to torture myself by looking at the reviews, but I'm assuming it's because of the power discrepancy between Ward and Nick. Clearly it didn't bother me as I really enjoyed the book!
Dionysus in Wisconsin by EH Lupton - 4.75/5 stars
At some point I might get tired of Mid-Century Modern romances, but not this day. This book was super fun, with an interesting world and lovely characters. And a Midwest setting! I've spent a lot of time in Madison, Wisconsin, where this book is set, so I got the added bonus of knowing most of the places pretty well. There was even a shoutout to an obscure piece of Madison history, the Lost City in the Arb. I have to get the second book in the series now!boy
Boy Meets Boy by David Levithan - 3.25/5 stars
I gave this book an extra quarter of a star for being written in 2003, when it would have been genuinely pretty groundbreaking. Reading it in 2024, it's very twee and pretty cringey (the queer utopia town would have been a magical fantasy in 2003, not so much now in a lot of places). When Levithan credited Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat books in the acknowledgements, I though, ah. No wonder. Hated those as a teen.
All that said, there's some genuinely lovely writing in this book, and it has its place in the queer canon.
The Greywacke by Nick Davidson - 5/5 stars
Super interesting nonfiction about the discipline of geology and how the early geologic epochs were figured out. Also gave me an idea for a historical romance about gay Victorian geologists.
Home Grown Talent by Joanna Chambers & Sally Malcolm - 5/5 stars
I think I loved this one more than the first in the series. The social media scandal was perfect, in that it was exactly as absurd as every social media scandal is, and thus hilarious, but also chilling in how even something so stupid can ruin people's lives.
The First Bright Thing by JR Dawson - DNF at pg 1
Prince of the Sorrows by Kellen Graves - DNF at pg 30
Reuben's Hot & Cold by M Arbon - 3/5 stars
Slight Foxing Around the Edges by Melissa Polk - DNF at pg 132
Restored by Joanna Chambers - 5/5 stars
Balefire by Jordan L Hawk - 4.75/5 stars
A Rulebook for Restless Rogues by Jess Everlee - 4/5 stars
The Mars House by Natasha Pulley - 5/5 stars
See my brain vomit about this book here. If you've been around here for any amount of time you know all Natasha Pulley's books make me feral. Absolutely no exception here. I cannot believe her first UK publisher dropped her over this book. Idiots! It's wonderful just like everything she's ever written.
In the Case of Heartbreak by Courtney Kaye - DNF at pg 181
The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason - DNF at pg 21
The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun - 5/5 stars (reread)
Just as good as the first time I read it!
Exhalation by Ted Chiang - 4.5/5 stars
The Foxhole Court by Nora Sakavic - DNF at pg 84
Crisped + Sere by TJ Klune - 4.75/5 stars
It actually kind of makes me mad that this series isn't Klune's most famous work, because it's real good. At this point it seems kind of unlikely he's going to continue it, but man, I'd love another book.
These Silent Stars by Chani Lynn Feener - DNF at pg 68
Trailer Park Trickster by David R Slayton - 5/5 stars
See below.
Deadbeat Druid by David R Slayton - David R Slayton - 5/5 star
I LOVE this series. Love love love love. Absolute must read. If you're a fan of KD Edwards's The Tarot Sequence, this series is right up your alley. It seems like there will be more after this initial trilogy, and there's also a spinoff book coming soon which I'm super excited for. Read them!!
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mxgicmikah · 2 days ago
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☺︎𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒌 002; 𝒐 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒎𝒆𝒊𝒓𝒐 𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍☺︎
tw: menções a sintomas de crise de ansiedade no quarto parágrafo.
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Aquele era, talvez, um dos dias mais estressantes e cheios de pressão da vida sem fortes emoções de Mikah Morningstar. O (ainda) jovem estava tocando seu piano no quarto pela última vez antes de partir enquanto ouvia seu pai se gabando dos feitos que ele, seu filho mais novo, ainda nem havia concretizado e honestamente sequer pensava nisso. Seria incrível ser escolhido, mas não era sua prioridade. Mikah tinha sonhos. Cresceu dentro das paredes de casa, nunca foi muito longe, exceto para compromissos políticos do pai, e o que mais queria era viver. Queria conhecer os changelings, viajar para todos os cantos, viver romances épicos, conhecer pessoas incríveis e algumas não tão incríveis assim também para experienciar de tudo, e se aventurar, igualzinho lia nos livros. Infelizmente, era medroso demais para confrontar seu pai, que afirmava em alto e bom tom que seu filho caçula voltaria de Hexwood casado com uma nobre donzela, formado com honras e pronto para seguir carreira política.
A família Morningstar acreditava fielmente que cada um de seus decendentes deveria ser destinado ao sucesso. Afinal “o sucesso é o único caminho possível nessa família." e conseguia ouvir essa frase ressoando na voz do pai na sala da grande casa Morningstar conforme elogiava todas as quatro filhas mais velhas que eram importantes feiticeiras e casadas com nobres "do seu nível.". Bom, era o que o patriarca Elijah Morningstar sempre dizia. Na opinião pessoal do rapaz, seus cunhados eram todos até legaizinhos, mas muito engomados e conservadores. Apesar disso, Dinah, Vikah, Sarah, Minah eram mais velhas que ele, mais fortes que ele, e sempre cuidaram de Mikah, não o contrário. Mas é claro, elas eram mulheres, naturalmente sua propensão para feitiçaria era maior, não tinham as mesmas preocupações que ele sobre desapontar a família e quebrar o legado. Gostavam de vida que levavam, sendo grandes feiticeiras e vivendo grandes amores. Mikah não se importava, porque achava lindo o quanto eram felizes.
Na verdade, o que realmente o importava para ele era descobrir o que aconteceria no seu primeiro dia em Hexwood se nenhuma divindade o escolhesse. Seria deserdado? Banido? Forçado a seguir um caminho que não o contemplava? Eram muitas questõe passando na sua cabeça. E se fosse escolhido? Precisaria viver na sombra do pai realizando todos os seus desejos projetados nele ao invés de escrever sua própria história? Não sabia dizer qual opção o aterrorizava mais naquele momento. Era só um jovem adulto, recém saindo da adolescência, com muita inteligente mas com a menor habilidade social possível e experiência de vida possível. Sabia se relacionar com livros, com suas irmãs, e formalmente com alguns nobres com quem havia crescido para que pudesse manter as boas relações entre as famílias. Sempre havia sido um grande paquerador, e pelo menos para isso tinha uma ou outra história para contar, mas no final do dia ainda era o único herdeiro homem dos Morningstar, e tinha responsabilidades. Precisava ser escolhido por algum Deus ou Deusa.
Na cabeça de Mikah, milhares de pensamentos passavam lhe gerando ansiedade. As mãos suavam, os joelhos tremiam, e a cada segundo parecia mais difícil de focar nos lugares que lhe eram apresentados. Lembrava vagamente de passar pelo Portão Principal e pelo Salão Principal, e honestamente, naquele ponto tudo não parecia muito com o principal de fato naquele momento. Lembrava também de alguns rostos conhecidos aqui e ali, e de seus sorrisos amarelados, já que muitos assim como ele tinham seus próprios medos e questões diante daquele momento decisivo na vida de um nobre em Aldanrae. Mikah então seguiu até a sala da Pira Sagrada junto aos demais em silêncio absoluto, sua cabeça parecia girar de medo de ser rejeitado por todos os deuses e não conseguir reencontrar suas irmãs ou nunca orgulhar seu pai. Ele respirou fundo, secando o suor das mãos nas vestes enquanto tentava se lembrar da frase que sua irmã mais velha, Dinah, havia o dito antes que ele deixasse a casa onde cresceram naquela manhã.
"Você é bem-vindo em casa de onde quer que você venha."
Pelo menos, onde quer que estivesse, sabia que tinha amor.
Todos os seus movimentos eram quase automáticos. Ele ouvia as orientações quase como um zumbido no fundo e tentou ao máximo focar e acompanhar os colegas conforme eles se movimentavam, agradecendo mentalmente por ter perguntado mil vezes para suas irmãs como o Primeiro Ritual funcionava. Conforme foi lembrando do rosto de Minah contando do seu primeiro contato direto com Sekhmet seu corpo relaxou um pouco, o deixando mais a vontade para inalar a fumaça do Sacro Cardo. Ele tentou respirar fundo, ignorando que seu corpo hiperventilava e tremia de insegurança. Conforme tentou novamente, sua respiração foi se acalmando aos poucos, e ele sentia seu corpo relaxar conforme a fumaça sagrada o envolvia.
Por um instante o corpo de Mikah relaxou, e ele percebeu que todos estavam em silêncio já tinha algum tempo. Abriu seus olhos devagar, e se deu por conta que não havia... nada. Não havia ansiedade. Mas também não havia boas sensações. Na verdade, não existia sensação alguma. Ou cheiro. Ou cor. E por mais belo que parece o não-existir, Mikah não podia parar de deixar de pensar que era vazio. Parecia vazio sem seus sentimentos, mesmo que estivesse frente a frente com um campo florido. Flores não tinham graça sem cores, mas ainda era lindo. Com um sopro do vento, que ele não podia sentir, diversas pétalas de flores diferentes voaram em sua frente, formando um coração, e dentro dele, algumas pétalas menores formaram nitidamente um círculo sendo conectado a uma cruz virada para baixo. O Morningstar conhecia aquele símbolo, o havia estudado assim como o símbolo de todos os deuses, e assim, soube que era escolhido de Vênus.
Esfregou seus olhos para tentar enxergar melhor mas quando voltou a abrir os olhos estava sentado na sala da Pira Sagrada novamente, com um enorme alívio em seu coração e também uma bola dourada e brilhante que carinhosamente chamou de Órion. E a partir de então ele soube que estaria sempre acompanhado de amor.
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