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sumaneun-stars · 1 year ago

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'Remember Me Now?'

Pairing. Sunghoon x fem!reader

Genre. Fluff

Warnings. None

Synopsis. It was your sister's wedding- and you expected it to be quite exhausting. Except this certain man made your day better, not realizing he was the boy you spent your childhood with.

So, the day was finally here. The day you were dreading ever since your future brother in law proposed to your sister. Yeah I know it's rude but, it takes a lot of effort to prepare a wedding, right? Your family wasn't the ordinary. Normal families would have have the couple arrange the marriage- well this family makes the couple sit on thrones the entire time while the rest of the members arranged it. I mean- who can go against tradition?

You were the next in line, which meant you were the one to socialize with every aunt and uncle who was present- not even knowing how they were related to you. You asked your mom uncountable times that you'd help her behind the scenes, but she won. Now you have to smile and talk to everyone. You have to be in everyone's display as 'the bride's sister'. I'm telling you it's an introvert's nightmare.

Atleast you won over something- not going to a salon.

Yeah you do not like other people dress you up- and paying for it too? Who does that?

"Momm" you called her as you ran to her room. "Mom zip this for me" you asked.

She did, right after that she turned you around and started ranting about how you should put on some makeup.

"You're the bride's sister! Dress up for once y/n" she said.

"Alright alright" you groaned as you went to your sister's room to take some of hers.

You immediately took a call to your best friend- who is an expert in this stuff.

———————————————————

"Awhh you look so pretty!" Wonyoung said after she instructed you on how to apply it.

You sighed.

"Oh cheer up, I bet boys would be drooling over you bestie- I promise you it'll be fun alright?" She assured you.

"Thanks bae" you said as you started doing your hair. "I'm leaving in 20 minutes so I think I'll have to hang up" you said.

"Mmkay- I love you bye!" She replied.

You took a deep breath as you got out of the car.

'This is it y/n, this is where you die' you thought to yourself. You helped your sister get off the car, then made your way to the hall. You followed your mom everywhere, pretending to be busy as you weren't ready to socialize yet. Your mom then called you to arrange a few things, and you went gladly.

"Hey y/n" she said.

"Hm?"

"Remember Sunghoon?" She asked you.

"As in.. Mrs. Park's son? The ones who's studying in China?"

"Yes. He's arrived in Korea for the holidays, I hope you can speak to him as well"

"Him?? He's way older!"

"Oh he's only two years apart, besides, you used to play with each other all the time"

"That was years ago mom- I don't even remember how he looks"

"Okay okay, now go on and talk" she pushed you into the main hall. You looked back at her, terrified. She gestured you to walk forward.

Not even 2 minutes and you found yourself in a group of three middle aged women.

"Look at you! You've become so pretty!" One of them said, holding your right arm. You smiled. Just like that you had to smile at every person who spoke to you.

———————————————————

After what felt like hours, it was finally dinner time- which meant you could take a break.

You were tired. Exhausted. You went out to the garden to get some fresh air. You already fell in love with the place. It had greenery everywhere you turned, and a fountain in the middle with benches next to it. The area was lit up with dull lights- you finally felt at peace.

You sat on a bench which faced the city. Oh how you loved the sight of the city- especially at night. You removed your 3 inch heels, your feet swollen from all the walking- only to find a scratch on your right ankle.

"Ouch!" You whispered as you tried to move your foot.

"Hi there"

You flinched. You looked up to see a tall man wearing a black suit, one hand in his pocket and the other holding a glass with grape juice in it.

"H- hi" you said.

"Are you okay?" He kept his drink on the bench as he knelt down to take a look at your wound, his dyed silver hair falling perfectly on his face. He took out a tissue and folded it into four, then placed it on the wound. You furrowed your eyebrows- he chuckled at the sight. He carried your foot and put it back into the shoe.

"Here, it'll make it easier to walk" he said, placing your foot down. He got up and sat next to you.

"Thanks" you said.

He smiled at you. Gosh- why was he so good looking though?

"Uhm- well-"

"Bride's sister huh, must be tough" he said.

"How'd you know?"

"You don't remember me?" He said pretending to be hurt.

"Uhhh"

"I won't tell you"

So, you two spoke for the next 10 minutes- you didn't even know his name yet. You didn't realise how fast time was passing until you heard 'Kataware doki', your favorite piano piece, playing from the hall.

"Oh the dancing" you mumbled. "This song is so pretty, listen"

He stared at you for a moment, then got up and stood in front of you.

"May I have this dance?" He asked, bowing with his hand reaching out.

"Of course" you giggled, taking his hand.

The swelling was long forgotten once he placed his pretty hands on your waist and shoulder.

"I'm not the best at this" you said chuckling.

"You'll get the hang of it, just follow my lead" he said, raising your chin up with his left hand.

Soon, you were twirling in his hold, and you didn't want it to end. Except it did. You locked eyes with him, his hand still on your waist, and faces just inches apart. His eyes were now on your lips, you observed how his eyelashes fluttered as he looked back and forth at your eyes and lips. Your eyes couldn't keep still either, and they did the same. You two got closer by the minute, it was like you were in a daze. Your noses were brushing on each other, his lips now parted.

'Just kiss me already' you said in your mind.

The next song started playing, which made the both of you come back to your senses. You took a step behind, looking down as you played with your fingers.

"I- I need to go" you said, avoiding eye contact.

He took a step forward, taking your hands in his.

You let go, giving him a soft smile. You made your way back to the hall, where your work awaited you.

As you opened the glass doors, the sound of people's chattering instantly filled your ears. It was as though you had woken up from the most beautiful dream, and now having to face reality. You let out a deep sigh as you had to put on that fake smile again.

After half an hour of socializing, you saw your mom calling you from a distance, a familiar woman by her side.

"Y/n, remember Mrs. Park?" Your mother said, introducing you to her.

"Oh hello!" You bowed at her.

"Oh my gosh y/n! Look at you- you've grown so much! You're so pretty now!" She said, pulling you in for a hug.

"Awh Mrs. Park how've you been!" You asked her, still in her hold.

"I've been great!" She replied, parting the hug. "Have you met Sunghoon yet? I hope you still remember him" she laughed.

"Of course I do!" You told her, chuckling.

She then gestured someone behind you to come.

"Here he is!" You turned to look at him.

'What. The. Hell.'

The guy you danced with- WHAT?

Your eyes widened. You shook his hand, your mouth slightly parted out of shock.

"Remember me now?" He said, leaning in with a small smirk on his face.

End.

#enha scenarios #enha x reader #enhypen fluff #enha fluff #enhypen #enhypen drabbles #enhypen oneshots #oneshot #sunghoon enhypen #sunghoon #hoon #sunghoon x reader #enhypen jay #sunghoon fluff #sunghoon imagines #sunghoon x y/n

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allthingsfangirl101 · 11 months ago

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Love Test – Joe Keery

Inspired by Big Bang Theory S8 E16

Working on Fargo was an interesting experience. The cast was great, but I couldn't help but feel like they all knew something that I didn't. I've been doing the actors' hair and makeup so I have a lot of one-on-one time with each person.

Fargo was my first big job. Before this, I worked in my mom's salon, mainly doing the hair of sixty-year-old women. One of my clients knew someone who knew someone whose nephew worked with FX. Through the grapevine, my mom found out that FX needed a new makeup and hair person.

I get along fairly well with the cast, but there was always something a little awkward between me and one of the younger cast members: Joe Keery. I've seen him act in person and he's really good, but when we get one-on-one, the only thing we're able to do is maintain awkward small talk.

Barely.

"Y/N, are you coming?" David Rysdal asked.

I turned around to see a few of the cast mates walking into the makeup trailer.

"To what?"

"Party at my house!"Jon Hamm laughed.

"Oh," I laughed awkwardly.

"You're coming right?" Juno Temple asked.

"I'll stop by," I shrugged.

"Great!" Jon Hamm cheered. "See you tonight at 7."

I didn't want to go, but after 5 seasons, this season's cast has been putting in more of an effort to get me to hang out with them. I went home after we wrapped up for the day and put more work into making myself look good. When I showed up, the party was in full swing. Jon really did invite everyone on set.

Two hours and way too much drinking later, some of us were sitting around the coffee table, talking.

"Have you guys heard about this experiment to see if you could make two people fall in love in a matter of hours?" David asked.

"Hours?" I asked. "Is it even possible?"

"That's why it's an experiment, Y/N," Jennifer Jason Leigh scoffed.

"The participants ask each other a series of questions designed to promote intimacy. And they finish it off by staring into each other's eyes for four minutes," David quickly explained to lessen the awkwardness.

"We should try it!" Juno cheered as she bounced up and down.

"Y/N and Joe should try it," Jon said with a smirk that made me nervous.

"Us?" Joe and I said in sync.

I cleared my throat and added, "Why us?"

"Why not?" Juno smirked.

"I will text you both the questions," David said as he typed on his phone. I sighed when I got the message.

"You can use my office," Jon said. "It's right through there."

"Great," I mumbled under my breath. Joe and I shared a look. He stood up and reached his hand out for me to take.

"Shall we?" He asked, trying to sound light.

"Don't have much of a choice, it would seem."

It was extremely awkward as Joe and I walked into Jon Hamm's office. We sat down on the couch, neither one of us saying anything. I grabbed my phone and looked through the questions. Every single one I read, made me want the floor to open up and swallow me even more.

"Okay," Joe said as he turned toward me. "You ready?"

"I guess," I shrugged. I glanced up to see Joe looking at me weirdly. I cleared my throat and read the first question. "Given the choice of anyone in the world, whom would you want as a diner guest?"

"Bing Crosby," Joe answered instantly.

"Really?" I asked. "Bing Crosby? Why?"

"I grew up watching White Christmas," Joe explained. "I've seen everything that Bing Crosby did. Also, my mom listened to his music all the time. He's the reason I went into acting."

"Oh," I said softly. "That's actually really sweet."

"Thanks," he smiled. "What about you?"

"Pat McGrath."

"Who?"

"She's a British make-up artist," I said, a blush forming. "Vogue called her the most influential make-up artist of all time. She's kind of like my idol."

"Did she inspire you to go into makeup?" He asked.

"A little," I shrugged. "My family did. My mom owns a hair salon back home. I got into makeup because I wanted to start a new business and connect it to my mom's salon. She'd do clients' hair and I'd do their nails and makeup."

"You didn't go into it," he said slowly. "Did something. . ."

"We had a falling out," I confessed when he didn't ask his question. "Technically my dad and I had a falling out. My mom was just an innocent bystander. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps of dental school while my mom wanted me to follow in hers. No matter what I did, one of them would be upset."

"I'm sorry," Joe said, his voice dropping.

I cleared my throat and looked at the list of questions. "Next question?"

"Next question," Joe nodded as he looked at his phone and read the list. "What would constitute a perfect day for you?"

"It's going to sound lame," I mumbled, messing with my fingers.

"Try me," Joe said gently as he lowered his phone.

"My perfect day would start with me sleeping in," I started to explain. "I'd wake up and put on an outfit that was comfortable but still made me look amazing."

I blushed as Joe smiled at me. Before I could wimp out, I kept talking. "I'd walk around a mall, sipping my favorite coffee drink, and go on a small shopping spree. Girly, but what can I say?"

"No judgment," Joe chuckled. "What else would you do?"

"I'd end the shopping spree at the bookstore," I confessed. "On the way home, I'd pick up my favorite dish at my favorite Italian place on Meaker."

"Girmaldis?"

"Yeah," I said slowly, a little shocked. "You know that place?"

"It's my favorite." This sudden tension that has been building since the cast put us in the spotlight, started to thicken between us. He cleared his throat before asking, "Anything else you'd do?"

"Just finish the night with binge-watching my favorite show," I said. "And then a bubble bath."

"Sounds amazing," he chuckled. "Although, I'm not much of a bath person."

"Then you've clearly never taken a good one," I teased.

"Guess not," he shrugged.

"What about you? What would your perfect day consist of?" I asked, the nerves still jumping around my stomach.

"Oh, it's super adventurous," he chuckled. "I'd sleep in and spend most of my day doing nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Nothing," he confirmed. I thought about asking him more but didn't bother to push him.

Instead, I looked down at my phone and asked the next question. "What is something that makes you feel unstoppable?"

"Weirdly enough," he chuckled, "when I'm at one of my premieres. Especially if I'm proud of what I worked on. What about you? What makes you feel unstoppable, Y/N?"

"When I see a really hard makeup look that I did on the big screen," I said instantly. Joe just smiled at me before looking back at his phone.

"If you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be?"

"No social anxiety," I blurted. "I just. . . I mean. . ."

"It's okay," Joe said gently. "Not everyone likes being in big groups. Hell, even I get a little bit of anxiety when I'm on the red carpet."

"That's different," I mumbled, looking down at my hands.

"You're right," he said quickly. Joe leaned over and delicately put his hand over mine. I looked up to see him smiling at me. "I'm sorry. It's not the same thing. I wish I could help you with your social anxiety."

The tension was thick between us again. It didn't seem to go away as I said, "What about you? What quality or ability would you want?"

"Don't tease me too much," he smiled as he slowly pulled his hand back into his lap, "but I wish I was better at something, anything."

"What do you mean?"

"The only thing I feel like I'm good at is acting," Joe continued. "I wish there was something else I could do. It would be nice to have something I could fall back on when acting eventually doesn't work out anymore."

"Why are you so sure it won't work out for long?"

"Actors don't act forever. It'd be nice to have a safety net," he shrugged. Without another word, he read the next question. "What is something you consider too serious to joke about?"

"People's appearances," I said a little too quickly. He looked up at me, making my face burn.

"Did someone. . ."

"Your turn," I cut him off. "What is something that you think is too serious to joke about?"

"People's relationships," Joe said, his voice soft. "I always hate when guys talk about their girlfriends like they're objects. Some things should stay between the couple. A guy shouldn't share everything with his friends."

"That's. . . Sweet," I barely got out. I cleared my throat and looked at my phone. "How do you react to anger from others?"

"Doesn't really affect me, if I'm being honest. Especially if it had nothing to do with why they're angry," he shrugged. Joe's smile dropped when he saw the look on my face. He lowered his voice as he asked, "What about you?"

"I don't handle it well," I said softly. I looked at my hands and started picking at my nail polish.

"Y/N. . ." He whispered.

"My parents used to fight a lot," I continued, my voice shaky. "It was never my fault but. . . When they fought, I'd lock myself in my room and read or listen to music. They fought all the time. The only time they weren't fighting was when they were each at work. My mom was at her salon from opening to closing. My dad was at his dental office way past closing."

"I'm so sorry, Y/N," Joe said. He went to grab my hand but I grabbed my phone and read out the next question.

"Do you often listen to your intuition?"

"Not nearly enough as I should," Joe said with a small chuckle.

"Same," I said, still looking at my phone. "Last question. If you were to die this evening with no opportunity to communicate with anyone, what would you most regret not having told someone?"

"My feelings," he blurted out. I snapped my head up and looked at him.

"Your what?"

"I just. . . I have a tendency to keep my feelings to myself," he stuttered. "When I like a girl, I rarely tell her."

The tension was officially suffocating as we stared at each other. "What would you regret not saying?" Joe asked, his voice soft.

"I guess," I said slowly, "I'd regret not telling my parents how I really feel. I've never told them how much their fighting affected me. I should've been more honest with them."

"You still have the chance," he said gently. "Luckily, you're not going to die tonight so you can still talk to your parents."

"That's true," I said softly. "That also means that you can still tell a girl you have feelings for her."

The second I said it, my face burned. I wanted to say something, but I couldn't form the words.

"What's next?" Joe asked.

"Well, we finished the questions so now we stare into each other's eyes for four minutes," I said, clearing my throat. I grabbed my phone and set a timer. "Go."

I looked up, my heart instantly jumping into my throat as Joe and I made eye contact. The longer we stared at each other, the harder it was to not look away.

"Wow," Joe chuckled. "This is kinda. . ."

"Awkward," I whispered.

"But, to be honest, this has been working."

"You think so?"

"Yeah," he shrugged. "I mean, the questions got us to open up to each other. And staring into each other's eyes forms a. . ."

"Connection," I said under my breath.

"Connection," he agreed. I hadn't realized we were getting closer until our noses touched. By the time I realized it, Joe had made the first move.

My heart jumped into my throat when Joe gently pressed his lips to mine. Time froze as we slowly began moving our lips in sync. As slow as we initiated the kiss, we broke it.

"Well," I whispered, "I guess the experiment works."

"Something tells me this is exactly why the others had us do this experiment," Joe whispered.

"You're damn right!" Jon yelled from the other side of the door, making Joe and I laugh.

"Leave them alone!" Juno chastised. "If you want them to get together, you can't interrupt their moments."

"Oh boy," I sighed. Joe gently grabbed my chin, making me look at him. I blushed as he leaned in and kissed me again.

"Hey," Joe whispered, breaking the kiss. "Let's get out here."

#joe keery #joe keery imagines #fargo #joe keery x reader #original content

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unique-high · 7 months ago

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NCT 127 X S/O With locs

REQUESTED: NCT127 x S/O with locs

a/n: God, I'm sorry I'm just now getting to this. It's been on my to do list. But I'm finally here with it. But side note, each members s/o comes with a different shade of blue. I don't know the members well this is my first time writing a NCT 127 ot9 request so my reaction may not be as accurate to them.

side note: wasn't really sure how to write this without it being repetitive and boring but I still hope it's somewhat good.

another side note: I don't have locs so what I'm writing is based on YouTube videos I've watched and drawn inspiration from and also Pinterest.

ANOTHER SIDE NOTE, DAMN: I finished this around 6:35 am. The imagine went different ways, nevertheless, I hope the requester enjoys the brief moments between reader and ot9.

NOT PROOF READ MAY BE SOME GRAMMATICAL MISTAKES BUT STILL READABLE.

JOHNNY: you have been doing your retwist for a couple of hours in between sessions you'd watch Netflix, FaceTime johnny when he was on break from dance practice, ordered something to eat because you were too tired to even try to fix something to eat. And by the time Johnny came home you were just about done with your retwist.

“Oh wow.” Johnny said when he see's the color of your locs. “That color looks good on you.”

“You think so?”

“Oh yeah. It compliments you.”

The color you dyed your locs was a pretty Cerulean blue. After your locs were done, you added some cute hair jewelry some locs.

Johnny was checking out his hair in the mirror. “Do you want to dye mine so we can match?”

“Your stylist won't chew you out, will they?”

“If they I don't care. I want to match with my baby.”

MARK: he's seen you do your retwist before and knows how time consuming it can be. Mark would feed you and make sure you have plenty of water and when your arms get tired, he gives little massages. Your locs were bleached and ready for color.

“I have two different blues,” you tell your boyfriend. “Which one is your favorite, Indigo blue or baby blue?”

“Baby blue.”

“I'm feeling baby blue too.”

“Do you need any help?” Mark just wants to make things a little easier for you.

You happily nodded with a smile. Mark knew a little something about locs since you taught him. Plus, he saw this as quality time and another way of bonding with you.

DOYOUNG: “You don't gotta stay with me baby, it's gonna take some hours for her to get me colored, retwisted, and styled.” You tell Doyoung.

This was his first time going with you to a hair appointment. It was his day off and he didn't have anything better to do than drive you to your loctician and wait for you.

“But I want to stay,” he said, slightly pouting.

The salon was filled with other women getting their hair done too. One woman who was getting a wig installed gushed over you and Doyoung.

Your loctician gets you right and now it was deciding on the color. You decided to do the back of your locs sapphire blue and the front locs ocean blue.

Doyoung was on his phone most of the time, but he would check on you making sure you were good. He ran out to get you your favorite food since you would be sitting under the hair dryer for some hours.

“Do you think the colors look good on me?”

“They do. The colors just add to your beauty.”

“Boy, stop.” you laughed.

Doyoung playfully rolled his eyes saying, “I can't help it that my girlfriend's beauty is something magnificent.”

JAEHYUN: When he hears the 90s R&B music playing from the living room, he knows what today is. Retwist day. You spent a good three days preparing for this day. Giving yourself a prep talk because doing your own retwist wasn't for the weak.

“Tell me I got this, baby,” you whined to Jaehyun.

He kissed your forehead. “You got this. Just think about the end results. You know you're going to feeling yourself.”

You laughed saying, “You right. You right.”

Jaehyun kisses your lips this time and tells you bye since he is going to play basketball with the guys at the gym.

From morning until noon, you were still at your hair. You hadn't planned on styling it. Just a color and retwist. But you saw this cute style on Pinterest and decided why the hell not.

“Y/n I'm home.” Jaehyun yelled when he seen you weren't in the living room.

“Bathroom!”

He goes to the bathroom,leaning on the door door frame.

“What do you think?” You asked eagerly.

You had your locs in two space buns. With two locs in the front out with gold hair jewelry. Your locs were powder blue.

“I love it. You look so freaking cute.” Jaehyun reaches out and gently tugged you to him. “But it's a shame it'll only get messed up.”

You give your boyfriend a look. “And what does that mean, jae?”

He smirks pulling you to the bedroom.

“Oh no.” you protest. “Not when I spent hours on this!”

TAEYONG: he helps you on the days you did your retwist. He took a class on locs so he could be able to help you. That's how dedicated he was to helping you. After you bleached your locs. You sat in the chair while Taeyong prepared you for the color. You were dying your locs luxe blue.

“So, do you have a boyfriend?” Taeyong jokes with you.

“Um, actually I do.”

“Can he fight?”

“You tryna fight my man, sir?”

“If it means taking you out on a date. Then yeah beautiful.”

He always joked with you like this while doing your hair. After the color and the wash. You talked about what kind of style you wanted to do. It was just something simple. A half up/half down. It was giving “New Me”

And your boyfriend had to take pictures to post on his IG. He made sure you looked good in the pictures because he knew you hated it when he took the most outlandish pictures of you and posted them. But to him, he thought you looked good in all the photos.

He takes a picture of you with the caption: GUESS WHO ATE?🤪

TAEIL: Like Mark, Taeil likes the quality time he gets to spend with you while you're doing your hair. He's curious though. He asks a lot of questions like “Why do you have crotch hooks sometimes?” or “How come you don't do a retwist all the time?” and you're always more than glad to answer your boyfriend's questions and explain things to him.

“Have you thought about what color you're going to dye your hair?” Taeil asks you.

“I was thinking Sky blue or Cool blue.”

“Sky blue would look lovely.”

“You think so?”

“Yeah! But anything on you looks lovely.”

Your face grew warm at his words. Dang, this man really knew how to make you feel good about yourself.

“Want to help with the color?”

“Sure. Just show me what I need to do.”

These were the little moments that Taeil enjoyed with you. Just standing in the bathroom applying color to your hair while you asked him about how he was feeling. You always made it a point to ask him about his mental because you know how draining his job can be.

YUTA: he was gone most of the day while you were busy with your hair. You would send him pictures letting him know how the progress was going and taking slight breaks when needed. You decided to surprise your boyfriend when he got home. Yuta once had a style where he had white hair with blue streaks and you wanted to recreate that.

You styled your locs in this cute little style with two ponytails and a side bang.

When you hear Yuta come into the apartment, you call for him to come to the bathroom. You were in the middle of doing your baby hairs.

“Oh wow.” he said. “Blue and white? Reminds of a color I had.”

“You were my inspo boy.”

“Really?”

“Yes.” you turned fully to look at Yuta.

He was busy checking out your new style. “This style is cute,” he said. “My hair is sort of long enough. Let's match styles.”

“You for real?”

“I want to look cute too, girl.” Yuta winks at you.

HAECHAN: “Just say you want to be my twin, y/n.” he teases you, poking you in your side while you're trying to apply dye to your locs.

“I really don't haechan.”

“Then why are you dying your hair blue like mine.”

“first off, my blue is a different shade than yours.”

“Still blue, y/n.”

“Electric blue.”

“Okay?” he poked you again. “Like I said, still blue.”

“Why are you annoying me while I'm trying to do my hair?”

“Cause I'm bored and If I don't annoy you I'll die.”

“Go die in the corner.”

“Y/n if I did die you'll be sobbing your pretty little eyes out.”

“Nah. Now go die.”

“No.” he poked you repeatedly until you burst out laughing getting hair dye on you and him. “Are you going to style the locs?”

“I was thinking of doing a simple, classic back ponytail.”

“Mmm.”

“What?”

“Oh, nothing.” he smirks.

“Nah, I hear it in your voice there is something.”

“You're gonna have your locs pulled back. Maybe we can do something.”

“Something like what, Haechan?”

“It has job in it.”

“Oh, boy hell nah.”

JUNGWOO: You were sitting between Jungwoo legs as he helped you style your locs. You wanted a side ponytail and jungwoo was oddly good at doing them, he even could lay your baby hairs too. Your locs were midnight blue. Your boyfriend helped with picking the color since you really couldn't decide between sea foam green or midnight blue. Midnight blue was the winner.

“Okay, all done!” Jungwoo gives you the hand mirror.

“The retwist and style got me feeling fresh.” you turned your side to side in the mirror. “You did your thang. The color is so pretty on me too!”

Jungwoo smiles feeling proud of himself. “Yeah, I did that!” he pulls out his phone. “Here, let me take pictures. I have to show you off to the guys.”

“Don't. They may fall in love with my beauty.” you say all dramatically making your boyfriend laugh.

“How many times can a person fall in love with the same person? Cause honestly I've fallen in love you with you so many times.”

“Oh, really?” you tilt your head back to look at Jungwoo.

He smiles at you, bringing his face down closer to yours. “Really.” jungwoo softly whispered. “I never want to stop falling in love with you, y/n.”

#nct127 x black reader #nct127 imagine #nct 127 x s/o #kpop x black reader #kpop fanfic #fanfic #kpop x ambw #kpop x reader #kpop x black fem reader #nct 127 x you #nct 127 x y/n #nct 127 drabbles #nct 127 fanfic #black reader #nct 127

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blackbat05 · 2 years ago

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After the storm

Jake/Gimyeong Kim x Reader

Summary: Big Deal is finally free from the clutches of Charles Choi. You and Jake have started to navigate life after.

Genre: PG-13

A/N: The day when Big Deal is happy, I will be happy!

A car can be seen from where you were standing at the kitchen. Something’s wrong with the way it speeds down the beaten road. Wiping your hands, you hurriedly move into the living room, ordering the children to leave their toys.

You really hate this, you do. Especially when you see the fear in their eyes despite having done this for too many times. They shouldn’t have.

Jake comes out from the study, body tensed. He scoops the twins up in each arms, familiar with the protocol. He tells the oldest of the two, Elle, to not come out unless either one of you comes to get them. Gently lowering Anna onto the cushion, he makes sure that they’re tucked out of side before closing the bunker to join you in the kitchen.

You’re assembling your pistol, Jake’s rifle already on the kitchen table. He arms himself with his weapon, ready to head out and blow off the heads of whichever genius who thought it was a good idea to attack the family of Big Deal’s former leader.

“Stay behind me.”

Jake lifts his rifle, ready to shoot. Until…

The car comes to a screeching stop. Jake doesn’t move from his position and neither do you. The windows wind down and a pair of hands stick out forming a heart. You instinctively lower your gun but Jake still keeps it up.

“Don’t shoot! We come in peace bro!” Sinu cheerfully pokes his head out. “Hey sis-in-law! Ouch!” He gets pulled back in by Yeonhui who is now giving him an earful.

“I told you we should have called first! Now we scared the little ones!” She opens the door, quickly replacing her displeasure with a huge smile as she comes to you for a hug. “I’m so sorry, we would have called but this dumbass here insisted that there wasn’t any need. Now, where are my precious girls?”

You walked over the bunker where the twins were, reassuring them it was only their favourite Auntie and Uncle much to their delight. Forgetting the fear a few seconds ago, they clambered out, demanding to be held by the two of them.

The rest of the gang spill out of the car, each grumbling about how the distance had done a number on their bodies. Jason and Brad start to unload various goods from the car, moving to the porch to set them up. Lua carries a paper bag in each hand, both filled to the brim with party decorations. Lineman races to the kitchen to get the cake into the fridge in time with Jerry following him to defrost the meat.

“You guys…”

“What?” Yeonhui replies nonchalantly. “You don’t think we forgot Elle and Anna’s birthday? They are Big Deal too.” She looks at the two girls climbing all over their uncle and father. “Alright! Who wants to help Lua with the decorations?”

Squealing, the girls were carried away to join Lua who was now bickering with Lineman on the right way to put the fairy lights, leaving you and Yeonhui for some much needed catch up.

She tells you that Big Deal was doing extremely well. Not as a gang under Charles Choi’s manipulation, but as the brains in running one of the biggest malls in South Korea. It provided usual food, leisure and entertainment, but most importantly?

It provided a safe haven for youths who were dubbed as “runaways” and with nowhere to go. For those who were old enough to work, they were mentored by Jason and Brad who now ran a taekwondo studio and nail salon respectively. For those who were still young, there was a Library ran by Jerry to make sure that they still had a chance for education. It looks like Jake’s advice for Jerry wasn’t in vain.

“Lua and Lineman are training the new recruits. Pretty impressive I must say, seeing how our boys and girls are called up to provide security for the biggest events in Seoul.”

You’re happy that each member of the crew are doing well. It seemed like a millennia when Jake decided to leave Big Deal for both of your sakes.

“It’s better that way,” he tells you.

“How are you?” Yeonhui looks at you with concern.

You sighed. “I’m alright. I’m just worried for Jake.”

Yeonhui frowns, understanding what you mean by that. After the crews had been dismantled, Charles Choi went off the map with his allies. Nevertheless, Jake was still forced to look back every once in a while to make sure that no one would hurt you or your daughters. Sinu had offered help but Jake flatly refused. He had to deal with his past demons alone once and for all. You look at Jake playfully tickling Anna on her stomach.

“It’ll take time for him to heal. He’s been through a lot. All you can do is to continue being there for him.”

“I know he’s trying to protect us but he’s taking too much on his own.”

“He’s a man of many mysteries. You don’t have to rush into it. I know when he’s ready, he’ll open up to you. For now, enjoy what you have.”

As you process Yeonhui’s words, Jason’s voice rings out. “Beef’s ready! Let’s eat!”

The night falls and the fairy lights shine brighter in the darkness. After multiple rounds of barbeque and a round of birthday cake with whipped cream on everyone’s faces, you invite the crew to stay for the night at the spare ranch Jake had insisted on building at times like these. As everyone starts to turn in for the night, Jake approaches you from behind.

“Penny for your thoughts?”

“I spoke with Yeonhui just now. Everyone seems to be doing well.”

Jake nods, leaning against the sink.

“Did you ever wish you could back with the crew? Then maybe you don’t have to be facing all these demons alone.”

He comes closer, holding you by the waist. “What makes you say that?”

“I just feel that I’m not helping at all. I’m pretty sure even Lua would be more useful than I am.” You attempt to focus on the dishes but Jake holds you in place.

“Don’t say that. You are my greatest rock and forever will be.”

You can’t help but to be a little overwhelmed by emotions.

“Because you saved me that day, I was able to continue living. I was able to have the live I thought I could never have in this lifetime. I’m sorry if I made you think otherwise.”

You gently hold the side of his face, the scars on his nose and cheek more prominent in the moonlight.

“No, you didn’t. But I want you to know that we’re here to help you. You don’t have to do everything by yourself. I almost lost my husband once, I’m not going to risk that again you hear me? We are going to get through this together.”

He holds your hand in his, wanting to stay like this for a while more. Unfortunately, the little patter of feet signaled that one of the munchkins was awake.

“Daddy? I can’t sleep.” Elle rubs her eyes while she drags her stuffed rabbit that Jerry gave her for her third birthday.

Jake reluctantly detaches himself from you, picking up his princess with ease. He mouths for you to wait for him in your shared room before the two disappear, once again leaving you to your thoughts.

Life after was never easy. It only meant more variables thrown into the mix. But all you and Jake had to do was to take it one at a time. It was like after a storm-

A rainbow would be awaiting at the end of the road.

#jake kim x reader #kim gimyung x reader #kim gimyeong x reader #lookism jake kim #kim gimyung #kim gimyeong #lookism x reader #lookism #lookism webtoon #lookism big deal

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hellishere7980 · 1 year ago

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Begin Again Chapter 5 (sequel to IMW)

"What are your current policies on metahumans and magical users in Gotham?"

"Someone you know?" questioned Bruce, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and intrigue.

"Yep," Pixie chirped back, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Bruce began with his obnoxious voice, "We are not as strict as they used to be."

Pixie, muttered something suspiciously that sounded like a curse but not in the language of earth as Alfred would have said something. Sure he was fond of Pixie but nothing stopped the old-ever-vigilant butler from reprimanding on improper language.

Bruce, in response, raised his stupidly perfectly arched eyebrows that he attended salon sessions for and continued, "But we should know about them, and they should have their powers under check. It is also helpful if we know exactly how dangerous their powers can be."

"Hmm," Pixie hummed thoughtfully, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she glanced around the room.

She turned to Demonspawn and asked, "Got your camera ready, Damian?"

Jason, along with his brothers, quickly pulled out their cameras, and Jason swore he saw Alfred tap his phone, which was sitting on a stand by the countertop. Bruce, to his credit, managed to look both confused and slightly intrigued at the same time.

Pixie hummed a catchy little tune, and to Jason's astonishment, he saw Bruce making a funny expression. His sentiment was clearly shared by everyone else at the table, except for Bruce and Pixie.

Bruce then turned to Damien and, with a solemn voice, said, "My son, I know I don't say this often enough, but I have always been proud of you."

Jason raised an eyebrow in disbelief while the Demonspawn looked genuinely concerned. "Father, are you feeling well?"

Bruce, seemingly ignoring the question, turned to Timers, who was still trying to recover from his previous statement and said, "Tim, you saved me from my worst and are the reason Wayne Enterprises is flourishing. Thank you."

Timers, still trying to regain his composure, couldn't help but spit out the coffee he was unholy worshiping moments back. Then, Bruce turned to Jason and said, "Jason, I am sorry I never avenged you. After breakfast, we'll start on the plan to physically harm Joker to ensure he doesn't carry out his villainous activities anymore."

Jason blurted out, "WTF". Even Alfred was too astonished to reprimand him.

Bruce, undeterred, turned to Dickhead and said, "Thank you, Dick, for being the level-headed one when I was a dick."

The level of surprise and amusement reached new heights, surpassing even some of the frankly weird stuff they had encountered as a family of vigilantes.

Finally, Bruce turned to Alfred and said, "Thank you, Alfred, for putting up with me. I always saw you as my mentor."

Jason felt the amount of things in the world that could surprise him reduce very, very notably, as he watched the family's breakfast unfold in all its bizarre glory.

He saw Bruce's face slide off his neck? Only to see another Bruce's face behind it. The first face floated beside the second face for a while before going PooF!... and so did any semblance of civility they had.

Chaos reigned before Pixie shouted. "OK! SHUT IT!"

As the chattering abruptly closed Pixie continued.

"You saw I have magic."

He would have never believed that Bruce did a handstand and a split at the same time had he not seen it with his own eyes. Tim laughed out a strangled laugh which was borderline maniac. Did he see Bruce 2? Whatever that was, go poof.

"Talk amongst yourselves. Whatever questions you have get them printed out on a nice sheet of proper paper. I'll be back for dinner and answer them. Spoiler Alert most of the answers will be classified. So bye !"

With that Pixie poofed out leaving them dumb-struck.

He swore that nothing would have stopped the broody bat from typing off a list but today was a compulsory Justice League training session required to attend by all members, honorary or not and associates. He could feel his headache coming on with Bruce .

They placed on their uniforms with a slightly excited aura which was dampened by... honestly... all the variables in the situation.

They arrived at the Watchtower via Zeta Beam only to find it brimming with heroes... some who were anti heroes at times including himself.

Heading towards the training room, they could hear sounds of intense combat, indicating that many were getting their butts handed to them in sparring sessions.

As the whole bat clan stepped in expecting to see maybe Wonder Woman or Black Canary only to see a black clad figure dancing out using martial arts, honestly he didn't think anyone in the Bat Clan knew judging by their... frankly vibrant expressions.

As soon as they were noticed, Boy Scout Sr. stopped pounding Green Lantern's shield sparring and let out a whistle.

"As we always do we request anyone to share a particular skill that most of the people here can learn."

Lady Miracle raised her hand. "I can do that. How many people here can survive in space and want to smash stuff?" he announced.

He thought it was concerning the significant number of hands and at what speed they shot up. but with all the emotional baggage that comes with being a hero, breaking stuff is honestly the least destructive wait they can go forward.

Lady Miracle gave a cheshire grin.

"Everyone suit up! really are going to Noirdya Galaxy!"

Green Lantern raised an eyebrow.

"The abandoned clearly 2 million light years away Galaxy?"

"I can portal, you know.” Lady Miracle responded. “And the fact that it's abandoned makes it perfect for smashing ."

Green Lantern shrugged his shoulders "Fair enough."

As they all suited up and those who couldn't breathe into space stepped into a shield bubble made by Green Lantern. Lady Miracle turned to one of her gods? Cosmic beings? right. Kwamis.

"You'll see I'm gonna break my record."

"What exactly is this record?" Superman asked.

“How long I can survive without a suit. based solely on the dragon's powers which I have outside of suit. I often use this Galaxy for magical experimental purposes."

no one wanted to question her after all they all had their... quirks.

As they passed through the portal Lady Miracle had opened they came across a vast space filled with smaller than earth planets.

He saw Lady Miracle say something by her lip movement, saw her flashing a bit before she stood in a T-shirt and some cargo pants similar to what Superboy once more although she did have a domino mask like the bats and the arrows'. and then she flew and... hugged the planet? To everyone's astonishment the planet slowly turned into ash. Then she flew to another planet and he saw… some purple sparkles? around her hands and then she punched another planet and broke it into big pieces. How powerful was this girl? Honestly this was her out of suit being what he assumed passively charged by these gods.

She looked towards everyone. "What are you waiting for?"

He saw people readying themselves to join in the celestial smashing, embracing the opportunity.

#maribat #marinette dupen chang #miraculous lb #alfred pennyworth #bruce wayne #hellishere7980 #dick grayson #jason todd #miraculous fanworks #miraculous ladybug #damian wayne #tim drake #lady miracle #maribat incorrect quotes #marinette and the batfam #miraculous fanfic #marinette x batfam #marinette dupain cheng

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justanamesstuff · 1 year ago

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blurb idea inspired by mattys hair… amelia and matty go to the hairdressers together

could be cute assss

Omg, this is so cute and sparked some more ideas around it so...there's more than Amelia cutting her hair hehe

Warning: this is long for a blurb lol

So, I can't really picture Matty going to a place to cut his hair. I don't know why haha...but I can see some stylist-crew member cutting it just before a show because Matty is irritated with his curls hiding his eyes and getting in the way of his sight.

Anyway, one day, waiting to get on stage, he sits on a chair ready to get rid of the extra hair with a very little Amelia sitting on his lap. At first, she looks in awe how the crew member flies around her father's head, moving like a cartoon inside the tv. Everything is fun until his curls --the ones she loves to pull with her tinny hands-- disappear one by one.

"Mel-mel, what's wrong, baby?"

Y/n who rushed closer to them as soon as Amelia started crying, spoke for the two of them, "We're mad about daddy's decision, aren't we, sweets?" she coos at her two-year-old.

Amelia's under lip still wobbles even when she stopped crying. Meanwhile, Matty couldn't help to roll his eyes at his girlfriend's comment.

"It'll be the same in two weeks time, my loves." he reassured them, which takes all of Amelia's attention. "You're just like mommy, aren't ya? Obsessed with daddy's hair?" the little girl giggling with the tickles her dad provides.

*******************

Ohh, but the story is very different when the three kids of this family grow up.

During the adolescence, it's very common to change hair and clothe styles. It is reasonable when you're trying to find the one that says "here I'm...this is me". The children took the process very seriously.

The stories are many but the most important of each are these:

Amelia

She's the sweetheart, the tender one of the family. Always sensitive and very introverted. So when during a pyjama party some mean girls dare to cut her very long --it almost reached her waist-- she can't say no to them and agrees with it. They cut it closer to her shoulders, making her look like a totally different person when she looks at her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

Amelia calls Y/n in a total crisis. Her mother rushes to pick her up and tries as best as she can to hold her reaction.

"I look awful." Amelia says between broken cries.

"That's impossible, baby. You're the most gorgeous girl in the world!" Y/n protests.

"I'll hide for the rest of my life inside the house, inside my room."

Y/n reaches for her hand in a very motherly way, "Mel, this is fixable, okay?"

She looks up at her, with tears trying to scape them. "Really?"

"Yes!! 100%!" Y/n continues, "We'll go to the salon tomorrow...and I'll let you dye it if you wa-"

"Would you really?!" Amelia screams.

And how can Y/n say no when that would cheer her baby?

Y/n nods, gaining a big hug from her daughter.

Amelia ends up getting a good hair cut and she decides to dye the ends with a soft pink that the entire school end up admiring --even the mean girls-- because she rocks it.

Arthur

There's a moment, a period, in his life when he's 13 or so that Arthur becomes obsessed with Matty's past styles. His dad looks so cool, and he wants exactly that. So he tries to recreate one of his most iconic looks: the mohawk.

One day, when his parent left with Ruth and Amelia is too engrossed with her paintings, Arthur sneaks into Matty and Y/n's bedroom. He manages to steal the razor Matty has in one of his drawers and runs towards his room.

His heart is pounding hard inside his ribcage when he plugs the thing.

Arthur tries pressing a button and the razor comes alive in his hand. He's so scared that he almost drops it but manages to turn it off again.

"Don't be a coward." he whispers to himself.

So, he tries again. He gets comfortable with the buzzing sound, walking to stand in front of his mirror.

Arthur strategically placed his phone with a picture he found on the internet.

"Okay, first this side." he speaks as if someone can hear him.

The young man inclines his head to the left side, bringing the razor closer and closer. Quicker than expected he looks towards the floor how part of his hair fall on it.

Arthur's eye go directly to his reflection, finding another one.

His head whiplashes back, looking at his dad standing on his bedroom door.

"Dad, I can expla-" he tries, but Matty smile gets wider.

Arthur watches his dad dismiss his apology and holds a hand in front of himself. "Do you need help, Archie?"

----------

Y/n listens a pair of steps coming from behind her head. She doesn't turn, but she starts speaking. "Where were you, Matty? I thought you went to check-" she continues, this time turning around. "What the fuck?!"

"Y/n! Language!"

"Oh shut the fuck up, Matthew! What have you done to him?" she screams.

Matty can't help to laugh uncontrollably.

"He was doing it by himself...I just helped him a little." he explains.

Y/n stands up, going to hold Arthur's head. She turns him from side to side, taking a good look.

"What? Do I look bad?" the vulnerable question brings Y/n back.

"What? No, baby...you- You don't look bad at all. It's just-" Arthur only understands when his mom adds, "You look exactly like your father a few years back."

Matty's smirk adorns his entire face.

"That was the idea!" Arthur exclaims, happily, and his dad places a strong arm around his shoulders.

The boy looks up to him, warming Y/n's heart in a way that brushes away every anger inside it.

Ruth

I love the three of them but I stan Ruth in a way I can't explain. She's the rock star of the family. Her story is a bit different from her siblings.

All the children inherited Matty's type of hair, the only difference was that with time Amelia and Arthur got some characteristics of theirs mother --long, straight and soft. But Ruth's hair copied exactly the transition Matty's hair did during his life. Her hair got curlier and curlier to a point she hated it.

After the hundred treatment she tried, Ruth is beyond annoyed.

"This is not working, guys." she said to her parent.

"She just called us 'guys'?" Matty asked Y/n, dropping a plate he was drying.

Y/n nodded. "She did."

"Hello?! I'm talking to you."

"And we're listening, Matty." her father mocked her with the nickname she hates.

"Fine, forget it."

"Ruth!" Y/n screams after her but it's in vain.

The girl rushes upstairs, not even mad for real with her parents, just determined to complete the idea inside her head

-----

"Done. Problem solved." Ruth stands in front of Matty and Y/n.

Y/n throws her head backwards, saying, "Your kids are going to drive me crazy, Healy."

"Do I have to remind you who brought them to this world?" Matty follows the joke. "You look good, Ruthy!"

"I know!" she shows her shaved head around. "Mom?"

"I love your curls." Y/n tries to protest. "But if someone can rock that hairstyle is you, baby."

"Thanks mommy." Ruth goes to hug her.

*******

Hair is a big issue in this family haha

#all i need universe #matty healy fic

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hassedah · 1 year ago

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Ivan coming out as trans MtF

Hi! How are you? I hope you are well! ^^

Here's a headcanon I was asked for by message. I hope you enjoy this headcanon! ^^

Have a nice day and take care of yourself! ^^

Vladimir :

She hesitated for a long time before telling Vladimir. She was particularly worried about being rejected by the aristocrat, who had been looking out for her ever since she arrived in the manor. After all, it was he and Aaron who had been the most vocal in defending her right to stay safely with them, and the other members tended to give in to Vladimir and Aaron's views. What's more, Irina really doesn't see how she can survive out there on her own when she's still struggling to control her bloodlust.

When she first told him about it, after several months in the manor, Vladimir immediately blamed himself. Vladimir immediately blamed himself; he had not thought that the young woman might be suspicious of his reaction because of his attachment to old customs. Of course, Vladimir loves the century in which he was born, but above all he wants people to feel good about him, even if it's not always obvious how unpleasant he can be at times. He's spent a lot of time reassuring Irina that, as long as he's alive, no-one will be able to force her to leave the manor, and he's also asked her a lot of questions to try and understand her better. He's not sure he's understood everything, but he knows he'll do everything he can to make her feel at ease with them.

He's very careful not misgender Irina down when they're alone, it's something he feels very strongly about, and as long as Irina hasn't told anyone, he's careful not to let her outing.

He argued with Ethan when Irina came out to him, to make sure the doctor didn't bother his protégée, and since he had Aaron's support, it worked out pretty well. Even if he has to call him to order regularly at first.

Vladimir's leaving Irina a lot of money so that she can redo her wardrobe to her liking, and although he's not sure that Beliath is the best dress advisor (have you seen those clothes?) nothing could be worse than Aaron's taste in clothes.

If Irina wants to make a medical transition, he is ready to support her. He'll give the money so she can get hormones or have an operation. The only thing he wants is for Irina to be happy.

Beliath :

Irina didn't say anything immediately. When she arrived at the manor, she introduced herself as Ivan and under male pronouns. After all, vampires are old, Raphael and Vladimir talk like grandfathers, Ethan is aggressive and Aaron is fundamentally lacking in tact. It clearly didn't seem like a favourable context for a coming-out, even less so when you're a young vampire who's likely to attack any humans she comes across.

She dared to talk to Beliath about it first. It has to be said that when she arrived, she shared the same room as the incubus. And despite a slightly complicated first few days, Beliath is very talkative and relatively curious, they got on quite well. Beliath didn't seem to be as strict about gender as humans and when he saw that she was interested in his wardrobe he started lending her his most feminine clothes, make-up, and its body and face creams. He was even rather pleased to see that someone was finally taking a little more interest in modern clothing in this manor house. Seriously, Vladimir and Raphaël love fashion, but only the fashions of their time. It's no fun talking to them!

So Irina wasn't too afraid to tell him and Beliath took it very well. He reassured her about the others' reactions and began to use her pronouns and first name when it was just the two of them. He is careful not to get her first name and pronouns wrong until she has coming-out to the other members of the manor.

Béliath also offered to accompany her to the beautician. He goes there often, so he knows the salons that are safe and where no one is likely to make unpleasant comments.

If ever Irina needs help, Béliath can teach her how to apply make-up. He wears make-up quite regularly and is perfectly capable of helping Irina learn how to apply it or giving her tips. After all, he sometimes does Raphaël's make-up.

Despite Vladimir's criticisms, he has good taste in clothes, it's just that he prefers to choose other people's clothes rather than his own. So he'll be very happy to accompany Irina shopping.

He doesn't really know how to help Irina if she's experiencing dysphoria, as it's not something he's ever had to deal with. However, if she is, he asks around to help Irina find solutions, so he ends up finding or buying external breast prostheses.

Beliath gave her a lot of encouragement to dress as she liked at the first party she attended at the manor house. He makes sure that everything goes smoothly for her with the guests and he's quite happy to see that Irina seems to be really enjoying herself.

Aaron :

She was also very reluctant to tell Aaron, but did so soon after talking to Vladimir. She had been feeling very anxious before the discussion, imagining disaster scenarios despite the reassuring words of Vladimir and Beliath. It was Aaron who turned her into a vampire after all, Aaron who accompanies her hunting, Aaron who reassures her about her vampire abilities and who, along with Vladimir, insisted that she stay at the manor with them. He's a pillar of her life at the manor and she doesn't really know how she could survive without his support.

Aaron quickly understood the young vampire's fears and reassured her. For a start, no one was going to ask her to leave, it was out of the question, the only person who could make the decision to leave the manor was herself. And secondly, he hadn't turned her into a vampire just to abandon her in the wild, especially when she still needed the help of other vampires to adapt to her new lifestyle and master her vampire abilities.

He often gets pronouns and first names wrong at first, out of habit, but he apologises and makes up for it immediately. After a while, he doesn't make the mistake at all. He's also offered to stay with her when she coming out to Ethan if she's worried about the older boy's reaction. Aaron doesn't think Ethan will be a problem, but he knows that the doctor's bad temper can be quite intimidating for those who aren't used to it.

He continues to behave in the same way as before with her. So he continues to train him in combat, Irina must be able to defend herself if she is attacked by another vampire or at least know how to fight back well enough to get to the safety of the manor house after. He also continues to accompany her hunting.

If Irina wants to begin a medical transition, Aaron is the safest person to accompany her. Firstly, because he's the safest person to help her deal with her human thirst for blood, but also because he impresses everyone with his stature. Nobody wants to hurt or be unkind to someone whose protector is a man who looks as strong as a bear.

Raphael :

Irina told Raphaël before telling Vladimir and Aaron. It has to be said that her kindness and calm are quite reassuring and it seemed like good practice before she coming-out to the other two, who are a little more intimidating. Raphaël was pleased that Irina had trusted him enough to talk to him about something so important to her. He's always thought that being calm and gentle with people could only make social relationships easier.

He listened to Irina without interrupting her before asking her questions to try and understand her better. He also reassured her about the others' reactions, especially Ethan's. Even though he doesn't look it with his bad temper, Ethan is actually very nice, when he's willing to show it.

Raphaël sometimes gets his first name and pronoun wrong at first, but he soon makes up for it and after a while he doesn't get it wrong at all. He's also very careful not to outing Irina unintentionally when Ethan's in the room with them. He concentrates on this a lot because he knows he's a bit of a absent-minded and he doesn't want to put Irina in a difficult position until she's told Ethan herself.

He was one of the first to suggest that Irina should use the bathroom in the pink room for herself rather than the one upstairs with them. After all, he finds it normal that Irina doesn't particularly want to share her bathroom with men, even more so when one of the three bathrooms isn't being used at all and she can take it to herself.

He is one of the most reassuring about her looks. Raphaël often assures her that he's sure she's a very beautiful woman and that he won't let anyone say otherwise. Along with Beliath, he is also the one who is most attentive to Irina's problems, whether it's simply listening to her talk about them or trying to find solutions to the problems she encounters with her.

Ethan :

It took Irina a long time to decide to tell Ethan. What pushed her to do so was the fact that everyone apart from the doctor knew about it, and the young woman was beginning to fear that one of her housemates was going to outing her to the doctor without meaning to, after all Aaron talks before he thinks and Raphaël is very absent-minded.

The discussion wasn't as complicated as Irina had feared; on the contrary, it went rather well. Ethan was as unpleasant and bad-tempered as ever, but he wasn't insulting or aggressive. Which, considering Ethan's character, can be seen as a victory, and Irina decided to consider it as such, especially as from that moment on, with his transidentity no longer a secret, everyone could stop using her deadname.

He's very quick to nickname Irina, Nana. He tries to make the others think it's just because it's shorter to pronounce, but it's only because he really likes giving nicknames to people he likes.

Ethan tries to pretend he doesn't care about Irina, but he's actually quite knowledgeable about the problems she might face. He quickly learned what dysphoria was, even more so if Irina suffers from dysphoria, and he tried to find solutions with her to help.

If Irina wants to start a medical transition, he's also finding out a lot about the subject. Whether it's about operations or hormones. He doesn't wish Irina to run any risks, even if he never makes that clear. So he can advise her on which hormones are the least risky, and he has researched the CVs of all the surgeons in the area. After all, he is the manor doctor. And like Aaron, he's prepared to accompany Irina to hospital if she agrees.

#moonlight lovers vladimir #moonlight lovers beliath #moonlight lovers ivan #moonlight lovers Aaron #Moonlight lovers Raphaël #Moonlight lovers Ethan #Moonlight lovers

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outcast-thingz · 1 year ago

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Allllrighty everyone here we had today the 4.2 Special Program! First and formost, the codes. This one is kinda a doozy since it has *everything* new events, characters, areas, items, you name it it's probably there. You have until 12am Nov 4 to get those codes in. Y'all know the deal rest of the info is below the cut

VA97KJNF24UV (100 primos 10 mystic enchantment ore)

NTQP2KPEJMUH (100 primos 5 adventurers exp)

9T96KJNE2LVM (100 primos 50,000 mora)

~Banners~

Phase 1: Furina & Baizhu (5 star) Charlotte (4 star)

Phase 2: Cyno & Ayato (5 star)

~Furina~

-Hydro sword

-Each member of her little Hydro entourage has a name! Maid -> Mademoiselle Crabaletta :: Housekeep -> Surintendante Chevalmarin :: Conferencier -> Gentilhomme Usher

-Passive Talent can decrease the CD on the abilities gained from Xenochromatic Fontemer Aberrants

-Defults to Ousia charged attacks changes the alignment and it will change how her elemental skill works

-Ousia: Elemental skill will summon "Salon Members" which deal hydro dmg it looks like.. didn't really hear them talk about this part much

-Pnuema: Elemental skill will summon "Singers of Many Waters" to provide Healing to nearby party memebers. They will stay out for some time even *after* Furina is switched out.

-Elemental Burst deals damage to surrounding opponents. When party's HP increases OR decreases she will accumulate fanfare points. The more points the more Furina increases the DMG and incoming healing bonus of near by party members.

-SUPER COOL FACT! Whenever Furina's summons are out -She- gains the ability to walk on water

~Charlotte~

-Cryo Catalyst

-her camera has a name apparently and its Monsieur Verite *how cute*

-Elemental skill applies "Snappy Sillhouette" to opponents caught within the viewfinder of her Kamera, during the effect's duration it will intermitedly deal cryo dmg. Holding the skill strenghtens these effects and applies "Focused Impression" to opponents instead

-Elemental Burst creates a field that continuously restores HP to party members within its range. Monsieur Verite will intermitedly deal cryo during the burst's duration.

-When paired with Fontaine characters she receives a healing bonus

-When paired with nonfontaine characters she receives a cryo dmg bonus

-Zoom lens is an item for her but is further discused in an event section below (first person camera opportunities) "First Person Shutter"

~Misc.~

-Furina story quest

-New Weekly Boss: has phases it looks like 2 could be 3?? 1st phase will have large AOE attacks

-Struggling with the new boss and can't move on with the archon quest because of it? Worry not. If you fail there will now be an option to lower the difficulty during the main quest.

-World Quest "The Wild Fairies of Erinnyes" should be involve the Melusines

-New Daily Boss: hydro thing that can throw spears it looks

-New update to the "Narzissenkreuz Adventure" questline!

-Travellers that are at Adventure rank 40 or above will have the option to "Quick Challenge" a weekly boss. all of them except Storm Terror and Boreus

-3 new character cards and 3 new action cards in TCG

-Accelerate Duel feature will be added

-Deck sharing codes will also be a thing

-you can now save 20 decks

-you can now *choose* if you want to accept a story quest after unlocking it

-prerequisite quests have been made clearer

~Events~

-Thelxie's Fantastic Adventure~ Earnable Freminet! STAGE 1: repairing circuits fun puzzle stuff STAGE 2: use echo conch to find parts for le penguin STAGE 3: domain levels the penguin will help and provide buffs

-FUNGI EVENT IS BACK (they hope to make it permanent but don't think it's ready yet!! a note from the devs)

- Graph Adversarial Technology Experiment Log (say that 10x fast...) -> a photo event and might be able to share with friends. At the end of the quest the travelers will get the *Zoom lens*. The Lens can be used with all Kamera's obtained in the game up to this point BUT can't be used in combat. ***However*** As discussed previously holding Charlotte's skill you can snap pics while fighting and in domains!

-Misty Dungeon: Realm of Water -> Domain leyline thing that has Trial and your characters to choose from if what you have doesn't meet the buffs

-ley line overflow will happen again at the end of 4.2

~New Area~

~Erinnyes Forest~

-Loch Urania -> strong wind storm rising from the middle of the lake, looks interesting

-Foggy Forest Path -> has an ethereally epic water tree looking thing

-Weeping Willow of the Lake -> looks withered and may need us to clean it up like in Sumeru but it's contaminated bacterial mats instead of 'withered areas' ooo~ *Honestly I'm just excited to have a big Weeping Willow*

-New Fontemer Aberrant, the Xenochromatic Ball Octopus -> gets used to cleanse the mats

-with special device they can uses the Ball Octopus's abilities on land as well

~Morte Region~

-FINALLY SOME ANSWERS ON THAT TOWER ajkfgvbbg (I keep mistaking it for Storm Terrors lair area but it is very much not tha area so I really wanted to see what was up with this tower)

-you need to unlock four seals around it

-seems to have a connection with the primordeal sea???

#i was hella late to writing all this but i got it!#genshin impact #genshin #special program genshin #genshin 4.2

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helenaheissner · 6 months ago

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Love During Robot Fighting Time: Chapter 26

Kate

“I have an idea,” I said to Nadine. We were in the garage part of Gaines’ facilities, and we had the place to ourselves. Nothing but us, my robot, and the smell of oil and grease. I wore a simple, practical outfit that day- a pair of jeans and a buttoned-up pink flannel. It was almost staggering how many pink articles of clothing I’d acquired in the past month, but I wasn’t exactly complaining. It just… Made me happy. A way to signal who I was, who I was becoming and who I’d always been. Yeah, it was a stereotype, but I didn’t care. It was what I liked, and there was nothing wrong with it.

Nadine put her camera down. “Run it by me.”

“Cheerleader.”

“Go on.”

“That could be my gimmick.”

“Intriguing. Whose cheerleader?”

“My own, I guess,” I said. “What do you think?”

“Would you dress like one?”

“That would be the idea,” I said. “I don’t think I would start until next year tho- by then, my boobs will have grown a bit, hopefully.” I gestured to them, or to the lack of them, and managed to accidentally tap my chest…

… At which point, there was a small sting, a little bite of soreness.

They were coming. The hormones were working.

I could have cried, but instead, I danced.

Faith’s lessons had been paying off, and I found myself flailing around my robot with a slightly greater degree of coordination than I normally would have. Nadine started snapping her digital camera. “Good. Good. Keep doing that.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, you might actually be able to pull this whole cheerleader angle off. I’d get a few more dance lessons first, though,” Nadine said.

“Okay, duly noted,” I said, giggling and brushing the hair out of my face. Really needed to do something about this. I’d scheduled a salon appointment for that day, though, so this would be less of an issue then.

Hopefully they’d be able to accomplish what I was asking them to do.

That was when Gaines stormed in, a hulking wall of muscle with a throbbing forehead vein and an utter dearth of chill. “Hi, ladies,” he grimaced. “How’s it going here?”

“Good,” I smiled.

His scowl deepened.

“Yes, boss?” Nadine asked. “Can I help you with something?”

“I’m only gonna ask this once: who’s idea was it have Ms. Calloway stand in front of a trans pride flag and post it on our social media with the caption ‘trans rights are human rights?’”

Nadine opened her mouth, but I cut her off. I couldn’t let her take the fall for me, not after she’d helped me so much. “It was my idea, sir.”

They both looked at me and blinked rapidly. “Was it, now?” Gaines asked. “Because I’ve lost a dozen members in the past week because they aren’t comfortable with our current direction.”

“That was always going to be a risk, sir,” I pointed out. “You knew what you were doing when you agreed to keep being my sponsor.”

Nadine looked ready to faint. I was pretty sure she’d stopped breathing. Couldn’t blame her- Gaines was fuming so hard he was sucking all the oxygen from the room. “I see. Well, I suppose that’s true. And I suppose it’s also my fault for not checking my own feed. But tell me- why should I keep sponsoring you if you’re going to keep doing something that will alienate potential clientele?”

I bunched my fists and clenched my jaw, but the anger flowed out of me just as soon as it came. I didn’t need it. There was only one thing I needed, and that was confidence in myself, in my abilities, in what I was doing and my ability to get it done. “Because I’m gonna win you a championship, Mr. Gaines.”

“Are you now?” Gaines said, cocking (I could hear Faith laughing from however many miles she was from here) one of his massive gray-brown eyebrows.

I stood up straight, unclenched my fists, breathed in and out, and looked him square in the face. God, he was buff. He could crush me if he wanted to. Literally and metaphorically. But I knew people like him, how they thought, what they responded to: force. Strength. Grit. “Yes. And when I do, everyone will shut up. People will stop caring about whatever bias makes them not like me, and they’ll see a champion, plain and simple. And they’ll come to you to get the parts of a champion, to get their vehicle fixed up in a place where a champion built her robot.”

“Will they?”

“Yes. They will. People don’t care about you ‘represent’ if you’re winning. They only care that you’re winning. And I’m gonna win big this year. Sir.”

He squinted, pointed at me with his comically large index finger… And threw his head back and laughed. “Alright then, girly- if you say so. I like your gumption, I’ll give you that much. Here’s the arrangement, then- you bring me a championship trophy, and I’ll stick with you. I’ll even give you an increase on your stipend. But you come up even an inch short? You’re done. Find a new sponsor. Capiche?”

“Capiche,” I affirmed, extending a hand.

We shook, and I kept eye contact the entire time.

Finally, Gaines turned around. “Nadine?”

“Yes, boss?”

“Keep up the good work. Whatever you’ve done, you’ve done a fine job of it.”

“Uh… Thanks, sir,” Nadine said.

He was silent for the rest of his exit from the garage. A moment passed by before Nadine looked at me and said, “Are you crazy?!”

I shrugged. “I’ve been called worse.”

“That’s not reassuring.”

“I think I’ll be fine.”

“You don’t think you’re being in any way overconfident?”

“Oh, I’m being grossly overconfident,” I said. “But it was either that or lose my sponsor right before the tournament starts.”

“Fair enough. I just… I like working with you. You seem like a good person, and I don’t want to see you get cut loose.”

I smiled at her. “Thank you. I like working with you too. But, uh, one thing at a time, yeah?”

She smiled back. “Yeah. So, should we finish up this shoot?”

“Yes, please,” I said, throwing my hair back.

***

I stepped into the salon in Manhattan Beach, the peach and violet scents of shampoo and conditioner combining with gentle lights at the chairs and the warm hum of dryers. Seabreeze from the nearby ocean drifted in and cooled the place lovingly while offering its own calming aroma. A shapely Latina with dyed red hair wearing an orange knit-dress stepped forward over the black linoleum floor and said, “Hi! Are you Kate Calloway?”

“Yup! How’d you know?”

“I’m Ronda, your mother’s stylist. You look a lot like her.”

“Aw, thank you,” I said, trying very, very hard to maintain eye contact in spite of my own exhaustion. The encounter with Gaines had left me a lot more emotionally drained than I’d been expecting, but I wanted to be polite. Women came to salons and felt an overwhelming surge of sororal solidarity, so I wanted to feel that too. “Might be even more true after today.”

“Oh yeah, I got the picture you sent me,” Ronda said, guiding me into a chair with a wash bin behind it. “You sure you wanna go for it? You’ll have to come back tomorrow so we can finish it off, and it requires a ton of upkeep if you want to maintain it long term.”

“I know,” I said, sitting in the chair and leaning my head back into the basin. “And I want to go for it anyway.”

Ronda smiled at me with big, cherry-red painted lips. “Bold. You really are your mother’s daughter, aren’t you?”

“Hm. Well, I try to be.”

“Well then let’s get started,” Ronda said, turning on the faucet.

The warm water collided with my hair and scalp, and the stress and anxiety were immediately washed away. “Let’s.”

***

A day and a half later, after the sun had begun to set over the city of Angels, I rushed downstairs at the sound of our doorbell ringing. The long hem of my pastel pink, short-sleeved floral dress swayed around my freshly-shorn legs in a manner that made me giddy. A smile crept onto my perfectly painted face. I knew who was behind the door, and I couldn’t wait to see how they reacted to my new look.

I pulled the door open.

Zeke- in a black button-down tucked into his tight-fitting jeans, his hair messy and his stubble grown out into a slight but very sexy beard- and Faith- clad in casual white and blue sundress with a lovely little cleavage window parked up front- waited on the other side, and they both took one look at me and gasped.

It was exactly what I’d been hoping for. “Hi. What do you think?”

“You’re blonde,” Zeke said, eyes wide as saucers.

“Bleach blonde,” Faith said, blinking rapidly.

“Platinum blonde,” Zeke said, grinning appreciatively.

“Marilyn Monroe blonde,” Faith said, naked lust permeating her voice.

“Well, I was going more for Miranda Calloway blonde, but I’ll take it,” I smiled, playing with a loose strand of my platinum waves. “Do y’all like it?”

“I love it,” Zeke said instantly. “You look super hot. Not that you didn’t before, but-”

“This looks more like you,” Faith finished for him.

“Thank you,” I said, putting a hand over my chest, sending another shockwave through my tender breast bud. Ow. I’d have to get used to that.

“I just can’t believe you really went for it- that could have fried your hair!” Faith said.

“What’s life without a little risk?” I said, unable to keep my smile at bay. “Besides, I think it turned out well.”

“It did, it did, I just… God, you’re so cool,” Faith said, grabbing both my hands and pulling me close.

I blushed beat-red and gave her a peck on the lips. “No, you’re so cool.”

Faith gulped and scrunched her face in protest. “No, YOU’RE SO COOL-”

“This is very cute and all, but I can feel the cold air getting out of Kate’s place, so maybe we should head out,” Zeke chuckled.

“Sounds good,” I said. I turned back and shouted, “Mom! Dad! I’m heading out! I’ll be back late!”

“Have a nice time!” Mom called from upstairs.

And with that, and a kiss for both of my beloveds, we were off.

We drove all the way to Hollywood and found ourselves at a small bar with loud music playing. There weren’t too many patrons, so we had the dance floor to ourselves. And dance we did, with the display serving as my latest lesson. 2000s pop-punk music sounded all around us, and I let myself get lost in the sway of my hips and the feeling of Faith’s arms around me, of holding Zeke’s hands while he spun me around and dipped me, of slow dancing with all three of them.

I raised my phone up high when the three of us were all pressed together and said, “Smile!”

And they did, and I took the photo, and the memory was forever secured.

And then, shock of all shocks, I did something incredibly stupid: I posted it on social media. It seemed like a benign idea at the time. It really did.

***

The morning rush came into the shop like a flood the next day, an endless deluge of shoppers looking to get kitted out. I used the opportunity to work on my voice, to practice my gentler mannerisms and more gracious personality. The customers definitely noticed- I closed more sales that day than I had in ages. I got a few ‘sirs’, sure, but almost all of them apologized as soon as they said it, and the others did so after I corrected them.

All was going well, until the consequences of my reckless actions walked into the shop in the form of Olivia Root.

I did a double-take when I recognized her, clad in a dark red sundress that hugged her ample hips and equally ample bust, with hoop earrings dangling from her lobes, makeup immaculate, and natural hair long and bouncy. She was unaccompanied by her teammates, carrying only a canopy shoulder bag over her arm. She wandered around the shop, looking at different dresses, finally pulling a sleeveless turquoise number off of the rack and taking it into the changing room.

She stepped out, clad in the dress, looking even more stunning now than she had before. She walked up to me at the register, my parents both on the floor talking with other customers, leaving me alone with a woman I’d called out and challenged on live television.

Sometimes I look up at the sky and ask ‘Why, God? Why did you make me so fucking stupid?’

At least now I could call myself a dumb blonde in earnest.

“I’d like to buy this dress,” Olivia said, looking at me plainly.

“Good choice,” I said, looking down at the register. “It looks nice on you.”

“And I’d like to have a word with you,” Olivia said.

“Whatever about?”

“Faith.”

“I don’t think she would like that.”

“Then work.”

“Well, I’m currently at work. This is one of my jobs, believe it or not, and I’m on the clock. And I already took my break an hour ago,” I said, furiously punching the keys on the cash register.

“Then after you clock out,” Olivia said.

I shook my head, still not looking up as I ran her card through the swiper. “That’s not for another hour. And you’ve already bought something, so you’ll have to buy more stuff. Otherwise you’re loitering. Which is a misdemeanor, for which you can be fined-”

Olivia sighed, very slightly. “There’s a coffee shop down the road- I’ll hang out there. Meet me inside when you’re off work. And thank you for the dress- it’s honestly quite lovely.”

“My mother made it,” I said, handing her a receipt.

“Well she’s very talented, then,” Olivia said. She took the receipt, and she turned around and left.

I spent the next hour locked into tunnel vision, trying desperately to focus on my work, on the swelling tide of customers that came without end. As the rush died down, however, my impending meeting became an all-consuming presence in my mind. I stood behind the front desk, drumming my fingers on the wooden surface, actively having to think about not biting my pink-polished fingernails.

I pulled my phone loose from my purse on the floor and typed out a furious message to my partners during a free moment: “SOS Olivia came in and she’s demanding to talk to me!”

Faith was the first to reply: “WUT!”

“She’s waiting at a coffee shop down the street for me once my shift ends.”

“You’re not gonna go, are you?”

“IDK.”

“Don’t. Go.”

Zeke chimed in: “maybe she should go.”

Faith: “No, that’s a terrible idea. Olivia will eat her alive.”

I said: “I’m not scared of her, you know.”

“I’m not saying you should be, I just can’t imagine what she even wants to speak with you about,” Faith replied.

I said, “Work. And you.”

Faith: “... I don’t like that.”

Zeke: “I don’t either.”

I typed, “I’m not crazy about it myself. But I think I should at least try to apologize.”

“For what?” Zeke asked.

“Calling her out like I did.”

Zeke: “That was just you playing the heel. And you’ve changed.”

“I don’t think she’s aware of that, y’all.”

“... Dammit. Kate’s right,” Faith said.

“I am?”

“Yes, you are. Olivia and I used to complain about you all the time last year. Like an ouroboros of self-indulgent bitching.”

“I don’t know what to do with that statement,” I typed.

“... I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine,” I typed. “I’ve changed. And I’d like Olivia to see that.”

“... Text us the address?”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” I typed.

“I’m with Kate on this one,” Zeke replied. “Olivia might not accept Kate’s apology if we’re there. It might seem like we forced her to do it.”

“Good point,” Faith said. “Can we at least come over and wait on stand-by? And that way we can all hang out when you get back?”

“Yeah, that sounds good,” I said.

“Please stop texting at work, Kate,” Dad said as he walked by carrying two massive cardboard boxes under his arms.

I blanched and put the phone back in my purse. “Right. Sorry.”

The remaining fifteen minutes before I clocked out lived and died a slow, painful demise. Finally, it was over, and it was time to have a talk with my girlfriend’s ex.

“Where you heading?” Dad asked as I slung my purse over my shoulder.

“Gonna meet a… Colleague,” I said, my voice going flat and deep. I winced as I heard it. “Is it alright if Zeke and Faith come over in a little bit?”

“Hm? Yeah, that’s fine,” Dad said. “We’re probably just gonna do pizza tonight, honestly. I assume you want your PB&J?”

“Yes please,” I smiled. “Just be sure to get a different one, too. Faith isn’t crazy about the spice.”

“Duly noted- she can share a barbeque chicken pie with your mother,” Dad said. “Also, are you alright?”

“Hm? Yeah. Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You just seem… A bit jittery today, Katie,” Dad said.

“I… Ask me that again later?” I said, standing in the front doorway.

“Okay,” Dad nodded. “Be safe.”

“I will be. Love you, Dad.”

“Love you too.”

He was right, though. There was something I’d been avoiding, something I hadn’t wanted to address but which I was becoming increasingly concerned would be an issue.

What would happen if I had to face Faith and Zeke in the battle box again?

As I walked down the street, the hot sun and cool seabreeze hitting me all at once, the question gnawed at my stomach lining. I loved being with both of them. And I liked being the person I was now: cute and blonde and happy and sweet and girly. I didn’t miss the guy I’d been: a posturing meathead who never shut up and had no concept of personal space or boundaries or any self-awareness whatsoever. And I didn’t think that having Faith and Zeke as my rivals last year had turned me into that person- I’d been that already, before we’d fought. But…

God, I didn’t want to backslide. I didn’t want to turn back into that guy. And now I was going to confront someone who had been at the epicenter of that guy’s last notable public appearance. Someone who thought I was still that person, who probably thought I was going to backslide at some point and hurt someone who she really cared about.

If I didn’t want to be Keith anymore, I had to prove it. To myself, first and foremost.

Breathing steady but heartbeat elevated, I moved forward. I had to do this. Had to do this. Had to prove it to Olivia. If I could prove it to her, I could finally prove it to myself.

I approached Hal’s Coffee Hut, a ramshackle building with a tile roof and brick walls on the corner of a busy intersection. Glass tables and wooden chairs sat gathered under umbrellas outside the establishment, while tinted windows kept the baking light from getting inside. I opened the door, which gave the ring of a bell as I stepped inside to the aromas of percolating coffee and fresh pastries inside a heavily air conditioned facility.

In a metal chair, at a wooden table, atop the black linoleum floor, nursing a glass of cold brew and a blueberry muffin, Olivia Root sat waiting for me.

She stared at me, blinking only occasionally as I walked up to the counter and ordered myself an iced Americano and a cinnamon roll. I maintained eye contact with her as I waited at the pick-up section for my drink, tearing sections off my pastry. Finally, a glass of cold coffee was thrust into my hand and I sauntered over to the table where she waited for me.

“You changed your hair,” she said.

“I did,” I said, running my hand through a loose section of it. I was still getting used to seeing light blonde locks running down my shoulders and chest when I looked down. But I liked it. I liked the new me. And I’d be damned I could be cowed or provoked into not being that person anymore. Had to do this. Had to prove myself. “I needed a change.”

“Been making a lotta changes lately.”

“I have,” I nodded.

“You and Faith looked awfully cozy in that picture you posted last night.”

“You follow me on Insta?”

“I follow all the competition,” she said. “Same goes for other platforms.”

“That’s certainly…”

“Certainly what?”

“Dedicated.”

“Was that what you were originally going to say?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Uh-huh.”

“Why do you care, exactly?” I said, trying to change the subject. Easy, Kate, don’t provoke her, and don’t get angry. You can do this. Just have a civilized conversation with someone who openly hates you. No problem.

“I care about Faith,” she said. “I don’t want her to get hurt. She told me about what happened, about you pressuring her into confessing to Zeke-”

“Pressure is a very strong word,” I said, monotone anger beginning to infect my voice.

“Sure it is,” she said. “I guess I just wanna know: what kind of game do you think you’re playing here, Calloway?”

“Uh… Competitive robot fighting?”

“Don’t get cute with me.”

“You think I’m cute?” I said, smirking, squinting, raising both eyebrows.

“Don’t do that,” she glared.

“What, be witty and charming?”

“Distract me. Avoid the topic. What kind of game are you playing with Faith and Zeke?”

“Um… There’s no game?” I said, barely understanding what I was being asked. “I’m just in a happy, committed relationship.”

“With which one?”

I flinched. Oh. Right. This wasn’t something we’d exactly gone public with. Because… We’d been afraid that… Something… Like this would… Would…

“You gonna answer the question? Or should I take your silence as an answer?”

“Both. I’m dating both. And they’re both dating me,” I said. “And they’re dating each other.”

Olivia raised an eyebrow. “You have got to be kidding me.”

“No, I’m being entirely sincere right now,” I said before taking a long sip of my coffee.

She stared at me, hands flat on the table. “Is this a fucking joke to you?”

“In what regard?”

“Them. Both of them. You seriously don’t see what this looks like?”

“I guarantee you that I don’t,” I rolled my eyes. Seriously, what was this jackass on about?

“You’re shitting me-”

“I don’t know if you’ve picked up on this, but I’ve historically struggled with a lack of self-awareness. So perhaps you’d be so terribly kind as to explain to my dumb blonde ass what the fuck you’re on about?” I said, frustrating starting to seep into my conscious mind.

“You’re playing with their hearts,” Olivia said. “Toying with them both in order to take down the competition from within.”

I blinked a single, sustained blink for something like fifteen seconds, my jaw dropped so far it might’ve dislocated. “Excuse you?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Calloway. You may have those two fooled, but you I see right through you.”

“You’re insane,” I glared. “You think I’m some kind of supervillain, when in reality I’m just an idiot who somehow lucked into a relationship with two amazing people.”

“God, you really buy your own bullshit, don’t you?” Olivia said.

“Because it’s not bullshit. It’s the truth. I like them both,” I said, bunching my fists together. She thought I was… She thought I was freaking honey-potting the competition! What the hell- who would do such a thing?!

“And the fact that this would make it harder for them to fight you again if it comes to that is just a bit of good luck?” Olivia said.

“No, it’s bad luck, because it’ll be just as hard for me,” I said, the anger beginning to rise, only to slam against the ceiling of my willpower. I wasn’t going to get angry, not at her, not in public. I just couldn’t believe she really thought I’d...

“I won’t let you hurt her more than you already have,” Olivia said.

“Funny, I could say the same thing about you,” I snapped, slamming my hand on the table. “Because you hurt her real badly. You ripped her heart out and tore it into a million fucking pieces. There are times where I still see her struggling to piece it back together. But Zeke and I care about her more than enough to help her with that.”

“Should’ve known you couldn’t get through this conversation without screaming,” Olivia said.

“I’m not screaming!” I said. Then I blinked again, and realized everyone was staring at me. Because I’d screamed. “I’m not… I’m not the monster you think I am, Olivia,” I said, forcing myself into a quieter volume. The anger began to dissolve, boiled away by the cold fire of my shame and dysphoria. I’m not that person anymore. I’m not.

“However badly I hurt her,” Olivia said, “It’s nothing compared to what you did. She used to rant about you for hours, about how annoying you were, how much you’d embarrassed us, how much we were all looking forward to ripping that smug fucking smirk off your face. She dreaded having to deal with you, and so did I, because just looking at you would ruin her day.”

I blinked again. A tear fell out, shattering on the table. Did I really… Did she really?

“And you’re crying, like the fragile little baby you are,” Olivia rolled her eyes and scoffed. “That’s really all it is with you: you’re a child, desperate for attention. So desperate for Faith’s attention that you harassed her into thinking she likes you after you stole Zeke from her. The fact that you think you can get away with this is sickening. The fact that you think you can flaunt this farce of a relationship in front of everyone is equally sickening. You disgust me, Keith Calloway.”

I stared at her, wide-eyed with shock, my deadname knocking the wind out of me.

“I bet you’re not even really trans,” Olivia said. “You just wanted the attention Faith was getting because of her transition. You’re an insult to trans people, just like you’re an insult to our sport. And if I have to kick your ass in the battle box to stop you from dragging Faith down with you, I will. But honestly, given who you’re up against this week, I probably won’t even need to. Gregson will put you in your place like the obnoxious little boy you are. I’ll see you at the arena, Keith. Have a nice day. And thanks again for the dress.”

Her words were like daggers, each sentence a stab wound. She got up and left me there, without even my rage for company. It was gone, out of reach- where was it? And why couldn’t I move or speak or do anything but count the tears that were falling from my eyes. It shouldn’t hurt this much.

It didn’t used to hurt this much.

I buried my face in my hands and wept, sitting there for what felt like hours. The emotional wounds festered and stung, and I hated how much I thought she was right. I was a travesty, an insult, a bad person, a fake trans girl. If she was wrong, I’d have been able to fight back, keep my anger, use it. Do something instead of cry. And cry. And cry. And cry.

“Um… Excuse me, Miss?” a slender black barista with dreadlocks tied back in a ponytail said to me while holding a slip of paper. “Your friend said that you would be paying for her food and drink?”

I looked up at him, sure I was in a state with my red eyes and horror show of makeup.

“You know what? It’s on the house,” he said, offering me a weak thumbs-up.

***

Eventually, I managed to force myself to my feet and hauled my stupid, disgusting, fake body back to the store. I lumbered into the back and stormed past my mother talking to Faith and Zeke in the hallway.

“Katie?” Faith asked, concern I’d done nothing to warrant plain to see on her perfect face. “What happened?”

“What did she do?” Zeke growled.

“Kate,” Mom started.

I stormed past them, silently, and went into my room and slammed the door and locked it.

I flopped onto my bed, my newly-blonde hair falling into my face. I didn’t deserve it. Didn’t deserve any of this. I rolled over and looked into the vanity mirror we’d brought into my room recently, and stared at myself. I was disgusting, a perversion, a degenerate travesty, an insult to trans women everywhere. I ought to just hack my hair off, wipe away the runny makeup, put back on the boy clothes I deserved to wear.

But the thought of that… It was like imagining bathing in sewer water. It made me feel like weeds were growing out of my skin. It made me feel like hiding away in some deep dark corner of unreality and never letting anyone see me again. I couldn’t go back to being Keith. I didn’t want to.

But what if I wasn’t really trans? What if I really was just a freak? What if I just wanted attention? What if I was just trying to take down the competition by playing some kind of cruel game?

“Kate?” Zeke and Faith both called from the other side of my door.

I laid there for a while, the room spinning as I slipped further and further away.

“Please open the door, Kate,” Mom said.

Mom. She and Dad… They believed me. They saw the best in me. And maybe they were biased because they were my parents, but… Maybe there was something to it.

I rolled off my bed and hobbled over to the door and pulled it open a crack. My partners and my parents both were all there, all slumped with concern like they were sharing my pain.

“Hi, guys,” I said weakly.

Mom started, “Katie, what’s going on-”

Faith yanked the door open and wrapped her arms around me. I gasped as she impacted, stunned that she was giving me surprise-hugs all of the sudden.

“I don’t… I don’t deserve this,” I said.

“Yes, you do,” Faith said, squeezing me tight.

“But I’m… I’m not really trans!” I moaned.

All four of them gaped at me. Finally, Faith said, “What the fuck did she say to you?!”

I explained why as Faith wiped the runny makeup off of my visage and applied moisturizer, then kept explaining as she and Zeke led me to the dining room. My parents had set aside a glass of water for me while my mom cooked spaghetti on the stovetop.

“And that’s what happened?” Zeke said, sitting on the couch with my dad. Dad was just angrily fiddling with his abacus, looking ready to pop a vein from sheer rage.

“Yeah,” I said, sitting at the kitchen table while Faith stroked my arm.

“Unbelievable,” Zeke said, fists balled.

“But she’s right, I’m an insult to-”

“No,” Faith said simply. “You’re not. Nobody fakes being trans, Kate. Nobody does that to get attention. That’s not a real thing. And even if they did, nobody would go as far as to start taking estrogen. Olivia only thinks that because she knows literally nothing about the topic.”

“Then why does it hurt so much! Why did her words-”

“You’re on estradiol and spiro, sweetie,” Faith said. “It’s like that.”

“It’s… That’s all?”

“Yeah. You’re gonna cry more. And more. And more and more and more. And you’re gonna find yourself becoming less aggressive. That’s normal. It’s just how the HRT works.”

“Oh,” I said quietly. “But what if-”

“Kate, if you were honey-potting us, you’ve been doing a terrible job at it,” Zeke said blandly. “Someone doing that would try to play Faith and I against each other, make us think we had to compete for you. You literally offered to get out of the way so Faith and I could be together at one point.”

“And I should still-”

“No, you shouldn’t,” Zeke said.

“You really shouldn’t,” Faith said.

“This is correct,” Dad said.

“Mm-hm,” Mom intoned.

“You… You really don’t think I’m… A bad person?”

“No,” they all said.

“You don’t think I’m an attention whore?”

A bit of incoherent murmuring came out of each of them as they all babbled at once, but eventually Faith’s voice rose over the others: “A little, yeah. But like… That’s not always a bad thing. And you’ve been doing a much better job keeping that in check lately.”

“... Did you and Olivia really used to rant about me for hours at a time?” I asked, barely squeaking out the words I feared the answer to.

“... Yes,” Faith said, breaking eye contact. “But I’m not proud of that. Yes, you were obnoxious, but I took it WAY too personally. It wasn’t okay. And Olivia and I fed into each other on that. Honestly, we fed into a lot of each other’s worst habits.”

“Oh yeah, big time,” Zeke said.

“You know, you could have tried to call us on it at the time,” Faith said flatly.

“Would you have listened?” Zeke said.

“... No, probably not,” Faith shrugged. “And Olivia definitely wouldn’t have.”

“Yeaahhhhh, that’s what I figured.”

“Look,” Faith said to me, “You can’t let her get to you.”

“I just don’t know what to do with all this,” I said, raking my hands through my hair. Oh, my hair. My beautiful blonde hair. I couldn’t believe I’d been considering hacking it off. “I’m glad I didn’t lose my temper. I’m glad the anger didn’t take over. But… Is this who I am now? I am gonna break down crying every time an insult hits close to home?”

“No,” Faith said with a reassuring smile. “The hormones are overwhelming you right now, but you will get used to them in time.”

“And it doesn’t have to be forever,” Mom said gently, pouring the cooked pasta into a drainer and stirring the marinara and sausage sauce with a wooden spoon. Guess she decided a home-cooked meal was what I needed. “There’s such a thing as feminine strength. You’re allowed to stand up for yourself. You just need to figure out how to do that in a way that feels right to you. In a way that feels right for the woman you’re becoming.”

I gulped, and I nodded. Zeke came over and sat opposite me, and I leaned into his strength. So tough and rugged. And I held Faith close, feeling her strength as well: her iron will and steadfast perseverance, her ability to keep going and always find a way.

“You’ll never be perfect,” Faith said. “But you are getting better. And it’s been amazing, watching you blossom.”

“Thank you,” I sniffed.

“You’re strong, Katie,” Zeke said. “And you’re brave. You just need to accept that. That’s the first step to being able to stick up for yourself. You’re worth it. And we care about you.”

“We all do,” Dad smiled.

“Amen,” Mom said as she served me a plate of pasta.

I felt myself starting to cry again, happy tears this time. I wanted to fight against it, hold it back like I used to. But…

But that wasn’t real strength. Hiding from how I felt, that wasn’t me. That wasn’t the kind of strength I wanted. I was someone who could be honest about how she felt. And who was strong enough to show it to people. And that was okay.

So I cried my happy tears while I ate my home cooked meal with the people who saw me for who I really was and who I was becoming. Who saw all that I’d been and all that I could be, and who wanted to be there with me as I moved forward.

And move forward I would.

***

Hello, lovelies! Hope y'all are doing well :)

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moonpierces · 1 year ago

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Timeless

Hyojin is always the reserved one, despite his outgoing nature.

When he was born, his parents were over the moon about him. He’s their only child, their only son, and already a surprise. His mother had no idea she could conceive and his father thought he was infertile due to his cat DNA. What a surprise when four months later, the doctor tells them both they’re expecting. He’s born healthy, though with cat-like characteristics that come through later on in his life. Calico cat ears that he has to make an effort to hide among his hair with a hat.

Months ago, he was engaged. Months ago, he was planning his life with a person he thought would be his entire world. Months ago he came home to a gutted apartment just like Ezra. Was it his fault for taking care of Kit? For taking care of his best friend who he was sure was going to end up either killing himself or dying simply from lack of care? When he threw out the hidden bottles of alcohol and had Ezra help him search his house for drugs, concerned that Kitae might do something to himself that couldn’t be reversed. What was he supposed to do other than care for his best friend? Kit had been his person for years at this point, a part of his life so inseparable that one without the other was unheard of. The house was always alight with the two boys bickering, they were twin souls, he was sure. So how was he supposed to continue without Lee Kitae?

Korain was the best thing to happen to Kitae. The little boy who instantly became his nephew brought a whole new light to Kitae’s life. Hyojin saw how his health improved simply because he wanted to be alive. He wanted to be there for Korain. He wanted to raise him like his father had, with nothing but love and respect. He watched him improve and change for the better.

He watched Seungkwan meet Aubrey, watched the two of them fall in love and eventually make the decision to get married. He watched Ezra go from an angry drug addict who didn’t want to live anymore to a young man who had such a strong head on his shoulders and who was completely sober. He was a leader, ready to fight for whatever he believed in. Ready to take on any person to protect his family.

Where did this all leave him?

Hyojin had always been the most mature of the quad. He was working in his mother’s salon simply assisting her from the time he was a young kid, going after school to sweep and pass tools to his family members who were also in the salon. Hair had always been a fascination to him, and he’d gotten so good from shadowing his mother and working in the salon that he did his own work sometimes; even doing private styling for the members of Sky House.

But where did this all leave him?

The other three were fine, but no one really stopped to ask Hyojin how he was doing. How he was holding up. He’d lost a person too, he’d lost someone he thought was going to be in his life forever. No one really bothered to ask whether he was fine.

He wasn’t.

The only people who’d really known he was in a relationship was Kitae and his dad, not for any other reason other than he wasn’t sure how to tell his mom. At least he knew that the relationship was over now. His mom didn’t have anyone to worry about. The day he had gone to tell his mom about his relationship, that he was engaged, was the day that his fiancee left him and Hyojin was good at putting up a front.

Sieun must know something is wrong. Kitae hadn’t mentioned it, but with how often he put his attention away from himself, it had to be obvious. He didn’t want to talk about it. He didn’t want to make anyone’s eyes stay on him. He wanted to be left alone.

He blinks, realizing that he’s crying. Maybe that’s what he needed. And maybe a chat with his mom.

#hyojin;#drabble;

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pallavimekup97 · 1 year ago

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Which One Would You Prefer – Hairdresser Or Hair Stylist For Your Wedding?

Before you say “I do”, there are lots more things that need to be done in order to reach a wedding pedestal. After the best wedding dress, venue, type of rituals, and makeup, now it comes to getting the hair done.

The beauty breakthrough came from the beautiful, shiny, and stylish hair on the day of the wedding. After the makeup, it is your elegant braid that catches the eyeballs of the viewers. Every bride dreams of getting a compliment like a royal highness with an audience sitting in a hunched-down manner. With beautiful styling from the best hairstylists, you can achieve your dream goal at your wedding.

Hairdresser or hairstyle engagement—which one would you prefer to get your dream hair done? Both are experts in achieving the desired look, but their names and professions may confuse the customer. So if you are looking to style, cut, or color your hair for your wedding, then this guide will help you choose the perfect match for your dream hair.

What are a hairdresser and a hair stylist?

A hairdresser, in general terms, is a professional individual who is into hair styling, hair extensions, cutting, and coloring the hair. They are skilled at working with almost all types of textures and types of hair. For men and women, they excel in almost every hairdressing technique.

Hair stylists are more into styling the hair, as the name suggests. For every occasion, especially weddings, red carpet events, photoshoots, and parties, they are skilled at creating appealing hair styles. Braided bun, centered ponytail, minimalistic bun, knotted bun, pearl braid, and many more hair styling options are available to make you a royal queen.

They use tools like hair straighteners, curlers, and many more to turn the simple hair look into a mesmerizing one that turns heads.

Tips to consider if you are confused about what to choose for your wedding: a hairdresser and a hair stylist

Weddings are a special event, and after the dress selection for the events, now is the time to look drop-dead gorgeous with perfect styling of hair. After makeup, now it is time to look for someone who can get your hair done.

Hair is the first thing that every professional makeup artist does before starting the makeup. So it is a fundamental step to find for yourself the suitable hairdresser and hair stylist to stay one step ahead.

But the other daunting task is choosing among the two—the hairdresser and the hair stylist—for the wedding. These are tips that will help you make this process effortless. Keep reading.

Find your purpose

It is important for a bride to know what goals she wants to achieve with her hair. Whether you want to color, style, or cut the hair to bring it into the desired shape or add a sophisticated color to the hair,

Once you find the main goals or purpose, this won’t trouble you in deciding the right one among the both.

Ready to pay?

The budget plays a major role in deciding because a wedding event itself is an expensive thing. The price of the hair stylist and hairdresser may vary, and the hairstylist charges more than the hairdresser. So it is important to evaluate the budget and then make choices.

Go through their experience portfolio.

Once you have decided which one to choose for your wedding, it is now important to draw your eyes towards their work portfolio. Their past work experience, community of clients, feedback, and social media page Review them all at once, and then make a decision about whether they meet your expectations or not.

Trial sessions

Meeting in person during a trial session will give you a brief gist of the precision, quality, and knowledge in this industry. Always prefer quality over price if you want to grab attention at your special event. In most of the hair salons, the trial sessions are free, so you can book a free session.

Reviews and recommendations

Ask your family members, friends, or colleagues, and they will suggest the best options and also the list of the best industry experts in the hair industry. But don’t rely on them; examine yourself and find the perfect match for your wedding.

Why do you need a best hair stylist in Pune?

Every person’s hair type is different, but it can only be managed by a professional hair stylist. They are professional individuals who are adept at creating multiple styles of hair for traditional events, parties, and any other function. In order to get the epitome of elegance with the hair in the wedding, there is a need for the collaborative efforts of you and your hair stylist.

Here is why you need a hair stylist for yourself:

Enhance the look of the bride.

They keep track of all the trendy looks and suggest the most suitable one.

Boost the confidence.

Ready to help you with personalized advice

It helps to manage the hair style for all long events.

Where can I get the most stylish hair styling services in Pune?

Most of us make the hair do a secondary thing, but that is the major thing that creates a big impact. In order to get the best suitable hair done for a wedding, Pallavi is the best professional hair artist who offers hair styling services in Pune for customers. Along with the makeup, she is proficient in bringing the finest makeover of hair and suitable braids for every occasion.So if you are someone who is looking for the best hair and Pune makeup artist, then connect with her to bring charm and self-reliance through sophisticated hair.

#best makeup artist #makeup artist #professional makeup artist #makeup #makeup inspo #best makeup artist in pune #hairstyle #lipstick #smokey eye makeup

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makemywed · 1 year ago

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Finding the Perfect Makeup Artist Vendors on MakeMyWed: Enhancing Your Bridal Beauty

Introduction: Every bride deserves to look and feel her best on her wedding day, and one of the key contributors to that radiant glow is the makeup artist. MakeMyWed, a leading wedding planning platform, offers a curated list of talented and skilled makeup artist vendors who can transform your bridal vision into reality. With their expertise, they can enhance your natural beauty, create stunning looks, and ensure you shine bright on your special day.

Discovering the Best Makeup Artists on MakeMyWed: MakeMyWed understands the importance of finding the right makeup artist to match your style, preferences, and personality. Their platform features a handpicked selection of makeup artist vendors known for their artistry, professionalism, and ability to create flawless looks that accentuate your best features.

Extensive Portfolio: Makeup artist vendors on MakeMyWed showcase their portfolios, allowing you to browse through their past work and get a sense of their style and expertise. This helps you gauge whether their aesthetic aligns with your vision and ensures they have experience in creating the specific look you desire.

Client Reviews and Ratings: MakeMyWed provides a platform for past clients to leave reviews and ratings for makeup artist vendors. Reading these reviews can provide valuable insights into the vendor's professionalism, punctuality, and ability to understand and execute the client's vision. These testimonials help you make an informed decision and select a makeup artist with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results.

Communication and Consultation: MakeMyWed facilitates seamless communication between brides and makeup artist vendors. You can reach out to vendors directly through the platform to discuss your requirements, schedule consultations, and ask any questions you may have. This enables you to establish a rapport and ensure that the vendor understands your unique needs and preferences.

Diverse Styles and Specializations: Makeup artist vendors on MakeMyWed come with a range of styles and specializations, catering to various bridal looks and cultural preferences. Whether you desire a traditional Indian bridal look, a glamorous red carpet-inspired style, a natural and subtle makeup look, or something completely unique, you can find a makeup artist who specializes in your desired aesthetic.

Creating Your Bridal Beauty Experience: Booking a makeup artist vendor through MakeMyWed ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience as you embark on your bridal beauty journey.

Trials and Consultations: Many makeup artist vendors offer trial sessions and consultations to understand your skin type, explore different makeup looks, and finalize the perfect bridal look. These sessions allow you to collaborate with the artist, share your preferences, and ensure that you achieve the desired result on your wedding day.

On-Site Services: Makeup artist vendors on MakeMyWed often provide on-site services, traveling to your chosen wedding venue or getting ready location. This eliminates the stress of traveling to a salon on your big day, allowing you to relax and enjoy the pampering experience in the comfort of your own space.

Bridal Party Services: In addition to the bride, makeup artist vendors on MakeMyWed can cater to the makeup needs of the entire bridal party. They can create cohesive looks that complement the bride's style while enhancing the natural beauty of the bridesmaids and other family members, ensuring everyone looks their best in the wedding photos.

Conclusion: MakeMyWed is your go-to platform for discovering exceptional makeup artist vendors who will make your bridal beauty dreams come true. With their talent, professionalism, and ability to understand your vision, these vendors can create stunning makeup looks that enhance your natural beauty and make you feel like a radiant bride on your special day. Explore the curated list of makeup artist vendors on MakeMyWed, read client reviews, and communicate directly with the vendors to find the perfect match for your bridal beauty.

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my-watch-begins · 2 years ago

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A match for love. Part VII

Pairings: Harwin Strong x Female!OC.

Warnings: it's a wedding... in Westeros. So... fluff, descriptions of violence, death of minor characters, mentions of smut, absolute shameless use of Taylor Swift lyrics, see if you can find it.

Words: 6 k.

Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10.

Harwin walked the corridors of Harrenhal with a mix of nostalgia and some trepidation. Harrenhal had been under the custody of House Strong for years, two generations had held the castle, the Strongs had hosted the Great Council of 101 a.C. and over the years some reforms had been made when Harwin and his brother and sisters were little.

The castle hadn't been this busy ever since, well, since Harwin could remember. The only parties it had hosted were so long ago no members of the current staff remembers them. Now, it vibrated with the excitement and last minute preparations for his wedding.

Lord and Ladies from the vicinity had already started to populate the Castle, it had all been arranged to receive such quantity of guests. By far the presence of Lady Jeyne Arryn, the maiden of the Vale, was the highest form of royalty in attendance. She attended only as company to Lady Jessamine Redfort, Ayla's younger sister. The castle had hosted her and her party for a week before the wedding, on which she caught up with the remaining members of the Redfort family. Harwin had only arrived with his family two days ago, in which time he hadn't been allowed to see or talk to Ayla at all under the pretense of 'saving it for the ceremony'.

Now, he was headed to meet the last member to arrive, Ayla's older brother and heir to the Redfort, Rylon and his wife Cyrilla Lannister. Harwin had absolutely no doubt that the antiques of house Lannister were to blame for his lateness, arriving to the wedding ceremony the day it was being held, but it didn't matter, they were there now.

He reached the King's Tower, the biggest of the five that made the castle. It was still being used despite the top of it being melted stone by dragon fire. Upon seeing the five siblings one next to each other, he could see a little bit of Ayla on all of them, all except for Jessamine who was an almost identical twin, if not for her different colored eyes and nose, which wasn't as pointy as Ayla's delicate one.

When he got to talking with the brothers, he also couldn't help but notice that they had been slowly engulfed by the houses they'd married into. Rylon, married into house Lannister, sported the red that most of house Redfort wore, but a few golden details had been sown into the edges of his vest, his cufflinks and the belt around his waist. Harrin, who had married into house Karstark in the north, wore a muted red vest with a long black cape, adorned with wolf's fur at the shoulders and neck, perfect for the northern winter, not so much for the Riverlands. Still, he didn't seem to mind them. He wondered then if he would also be engulfed in Ayla's house and style, or if living in the Keep would engulf her.

He tried to keep the matter of conversation with the siblings, but he also couldn't help but notice the stares the wives where giving him finding himself on the receiving end of lingering eyes on his frame, the wives often looked at him up and down and then shared knowing and almost explicit looks between them.

A bell rang across the castle, Harwin looked to the side to the noise and his stomach quickly tightened into knots. It was almost time for the ceremony. All guests had an hour to finish getting ready and head to the Sept. The surrounding grounds of it had been decorated and a carpet had been rolled from the Sept to the salon where the feast would take place.

The group agreed to meet at the Sept. Harwin headed hastily up to his room to finish with his doublet. He wore all black, the only details standing out from his figure were the shiny buttons, the chain links that cuffed his doublet together below his chin, and the belt that sported the colors of House Strong. He looked at himself in the cloudy mirror, seeing that his buttons had not been linked incorrectly, then looked to his side at the cloak that rested in a chair.

The door knocked behind him, he gave way quickly and held the cloak, running his hand over it to smooth it out. In came Lord Edder, giving Harwin a smile as he walked to him, his hands pressed at his shoulders and patted the front to clean it from non-existent fuzz.

"Are you ready?" He asked, Harwin nodded and held the cloak to his chest.

"More than ready" he replied with a smile.

"You know, handing over my daughter to someone else's protection may be the hardest thing I've ever had to do" he confessed, then reached to the hooks of Harwin's lapel and uncuffed them, he searched into his pocket and placed a new chain link in his hand, Harwin's eyes fell on it instantly "I wanted you to know that you are under my protection as much as Ayla is under yours" he motioned at the hooks, Harwin noticed both House Strong and House Redfort were portrayed in the hooks, the sigils engraved in each hook connected by the chain.

Harwin smiled warmly as Edder cuffed the link in his lapel, not knowing how to express gratitude for being so warmly accepted into the family.

"Thank you my Lord" he said with a nod as he finished "all of your expectations of me I hope to honor and surpass"

"You have my boy, I'm sure you will continue doing so"

Ayla laughed as she hugged onto her brother, he'd taken her by the legs and walked with her on his shoulder over the garden.

"I can walk perfectly fine you know" she complained as she held on.

"There's mud all over the place, I won't hand you over looking all dirty, you're going to be sent back" Adrian said, grunting with effort as he walked.

"You know, Harwin has never grunted like that as he carries me around"

"I would hope not, he is the strongest knight in the seven kingdoms after all"

Adrian paid no mind to Ayla as he plopped her down on the carpeted front door of the Sept, she was surrounded by her brothers, who had wanted to look at her in her bridal state before anyone.

"Is Harwin already in?" She asked, smoothing her gown to the make it fall evenly on the floor.

"No, he is not" Rylon was the first to speak and glance at his brothers.

"This is the part where we break the most awful news to you" Adrian followed.

"We've killed Harwin-"

"In the most horrible way-"

"Because we couldn't bear to not have that gem of a human being Gwayne as our good brother-"

Ayla dropped her shoulders as she looked to her brothers, rolling her eyes at them as soon as she understood they were joking.

"He's the one waiting for you inside, right father?" Adrian perked in as his father walked around the boys and extended the red cloak with the red sigil of House Redfort standing out in white.

"Stop whatever it is you're doing, leave your sister be"

"We're trying to ease her nerves" Kase excused.

The brothers looked as Lord Edder walked around and stood behind Ayla. She moved her hair out of the way and her father hooked the heavy cloak to her shoulders, then extended it and let it fall evenly to her sides. He walked around her and looked up and down at her.

She felt stared at by all her brothers, looking at them she only found tenderness, happiness, a little bit of sadness on her father's eyes, but they were mostly happy to see her be married.

Lord Edder ushered the boys inside, then stood next to Ayla and muttered a little 'seven hells', giving her his arm to hold.

"Why are you cursing? It can't be that bad to marry off your daughter"

Ayla hooked her arm to her father's and looked up at him.

"I'm just glad this is the only time I will have to do this"

"You still have Jessamine" she joked.

"Ah, I'm not to hand off Jessamine ever, we all know that"

Ayla smiled and pressed her temple to her father's shoulder, hugging his arm tightly.

"I'm very happy right now, thank you for letting this happen"

"It was all you, Ayla" he sighed, his breath quivering as he exhaled.

"Don't cry" she whispered, feeling her own tears prick at her eyes. She took a deep breath and stood straight, tall and proud as the doors of the Sept open.

She walked in between the masses of people, her father's arm linking with hers. She recognized some if not all the faces of Lords and Ladies of the Riverlands, the Vale and some had come all the way from King's Landing. It wasn't everyday that the son of the Hand of the King was to be married. Ayla was sure if it weren't such a deal, the King himself would've attended the wedding, after all Lord Lyonel was a dear friend of the King's.

Ayla's eyes moved from one side of the aisle to the other, where most of her family stood and looked at her with smiles, even though Jessamine, Grayce and Jaena had helped her with the gown and the hair, they couldn't help but look at her amazed at how pretty she looked.

When Ayla searched in the smiling faces of Harwin's family, she was already nearing Harwin and the Septon. She thought she'd done a good job to look at Harwin when she was just in front of him, when her eyes find his, looking at her with a twist of eyebrows and a glint on his eyes that only screamed one thing.

She led her hand to take his, the first touch they'd had after two months of not seeing each other, the amount of time between her departure from her visit to King's Landing and Lord Lyonel's next leave from court to attend the wedding.

Harwin looked up and down at her as her hand touched his. His breath hitched in his throat and he could feel his insides clutch. Breathtaking was still the word that came into his mind everytime he looked at her, today specially.

He exchanged a quick look with Lord Edder, who seemed to be fighting with himself as he took the cloak of House Redfort from Ayla's shoulders, leaving her beautiful gown exposed. It was all white, sleeveless, the corset had been sown with beautiful and intricate twirls in shades of red, Harwin noticed, as she climbed up the step to stand next to him, that her collar and the rims of her sleeves sported the red, blue and green of house Strong in a delicate but noticeable thread.

His hand gripped hers as they both faced the Septon, but didn't look at him for the first few minutes of him starting the ceremony, their eyes were on each other's figures as they took in the other one's state, formally dressed, Ayla looking absolutely ravishing in his eyes, Harwin looking irresistible in hers. When their eyes found each other they couldn't help but smile, fighting the urge to pull themselves together and to kiss, to touch, to hold each other in their arms.

Ayla tuned into the sermon of the Septon, after he recited the name of the Seven under whose blessing they were about to be united, he motioned at Harwin.

"You may now cloak the bride to bring her under your protection"

Harwin left Ayla's hand as he grabbed the cloak he was absentmindedly holding on his forearm, then straightened and faced the sigil of House Strong to the public, Ayla turned slightly to the side and held her long hair out of the way, feeling the heavy material being draped over her shoulders. She secured it over her, both ends almost meeting at her front.

Standing side by side, Harwin's hand found Ayla's again over the cloak as the Septon continued the ceremony.

"We are here under the sights of Gods and Men witness the union of man and wife: one flesh, one heart, one soul, now and forever"

The Septon took a piece of ribbon that had been hanging loosely from his forearm the entire time. Harwin lifted his and Ayla's joined hands, and heard Ayla take a shaky breath as the Septon tied their hands together, then pressed his own hand over and under theirs.

"Look upon one another and say the words"

They recited the names of the Seven, eyes on each other, and when it was Harwin's turn to say his vows, he spoke them with security, wanting Ayla to know he meant every word.

"I am hers and she is mine, from this day to the rest of my days"

When it was Ayla's turn, Harwin felt as if everyone had suddenly left the room, it was just him and her, their hands joined, their words only for each other.

"I am his and he is mine-" she lingered on the last word "from this day to the rest of my days"

The Septon held their joined hands and slowly unwrapped the ribbon as he spoke.

"Let it be known that Ser Harwin of House Strong, and Lady Ayla of House Redfort are one heart, one flesh, one soul. Cursed be them who would seek to tear them asunder."

They faced each other, Ayla smiled and nodded agreeing with the Septon as she looked at Harwin.

His forehead came down to hers, Ayla chuckled as she lifted her head up, the bridge of his nose fitting perfectly over the shape of her forehead. The seconds they stood there felt like an eternity before Harwin spoke up.

"With this kiss, I pledge my love"

He looked for her lips with his eyes closed, moving down on her face, his nose tracing hers until Ayla pulled herself up to meet him halfway. Harwin sighed over her lips, his hands leaving hers and cupping her cheeks as he held her without moving, the guests clapped and cheered around them.

Ayla smiled over his lips, then chuckled our of pure happiness.

They spent the feast, as the guests were eating, with their hands linked and foreheads together, talking in hushed tones being interrupted by sudden chuckles and short kisses.

"You're a vision, Ayla" he said, his eyes scanning over her body, the dress sat over her so delicately above her body, her figure accentuated at all the right places, he almost had the need to lick his lips at the mere sight of her.

"Did you like the collar? It was a last minute addition"

"It was my favorite part" he ran his finger over the line of colors sown in, then his finger dipped inside and traced along her collarbone.

"You look better than what I imagined you would" she placed her hand over his chest, moving up to his shoulder "imponent, and soft at the same time" she then cupped his cheek and rubbed her thumb under his eye "still can't believe you're all mine, that I finally get to call you husband for all to hear"

Harwin took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles, then pulled her closer by grabbing her from the neck, Ayla's hand rested over his knee as she closed her eyes, foreheads touching again, a feeling so intimate it was weird how it could be felt in a room full of people eating and laughing.

"I wonder, since this has been your home for a while now, why haven't you snuck up around the castle to see me when you arrived?"

"I tried, last night, your brother was stationed outside your door" Ayla laughed in disbelief shaking her head, then leaned in to kiss him shortly. "Had you been one floor down I could've climbed up, and promptly been kicked out by your brother as soon as he found out I was there"

"Why would he have found out?" She teased.

"Probably because the way I would've made your scream" he trapped her lips with his, his teeth bitting at her lower lip, his hand dropped from her cheek to her leg, squeezing at her inner thigh making her close her legs together at the feeling that was beginning to rise on her.

She was about to tell him they could loose the stupid feast for ten minutes, she would actually beg him to rail her in some forgotten room and return to the festivities, but she had her thoughts interrupted as the music began to resonate on the hall, giving way to the bridal dance to open the dance floor to the guests and begin the party.

They performed the dance, mostly out of tradition and their interest in keeping them more than wanting to dance. The only thing Ayla saw in both their eyes was the mutual need to be a mess of entangled limbs moaning on a bed until their throats turned sore.

They were well into the party and the wine, talking with his now Good Brothers, when Harwin felt his skin crawl, just at the base of his neck. He looked around and turned to the table to leave the wine, suddenly feeling ill. He searched around the room, looking for Ayla's figure.

He found her on the other side of the room near the main table, standing with her sister and two other ladies as they talked.

She could feel his eyes on her, and when she also looked for him in the crowd she didn't find the playful stare she was hoping to see, instead she found him frowning, his body rigid. Their eyes met and Ayla gave him a little shake of her head to ask him what was wrong, he looked around and excused himself.

As soon as he took a step to the side, away from Ayla's brothers, he saw what his intuition told him was wrong. No guards in the exits and cloaked figures walking around the guests. He grabbed one of Ayla's brothers, the one closest to him, and whispered to keep an eye on those.

He walked briskly around the table, decided to get to Ayla's side as soon as possible. There were guests mingling and drinking around it, it took him a while to apologize as he walked around them, pushing himself in between some.

Just when he was trying to convince himself it was nothing, that he probably was in a paranoid state induced by the excess of wine, he heard the first scream and the unmistakable sound of steel being drawn.

He now pushed his way between the people when the steel rung against another blade and the people erupted in chaos and screams. He didn't get far before he saw a glint of silver, he dodged to the side, the long dagger swung in front of him again as he took a step back dodging the attack as well. The attacker swung at him again and now Harwin turned to his side as he grabbed the hand that held the blade, squeezing it and making the attacked drop it as he felt his bones being crushed between Harwin's hand at the handle of the dagger. Harwin pushed quickly his elbow into the man's face, when he felt free he leapt over the table and crossed it, coming to the other side as he pushed people out of his way.

He heard it, Ayla's voice, but he couldn't see her. He didn't know what was happening with the people fighting, he didn't know where his sisters or her family where, the mass of people moved around with people trying the get out of the dance floor, when he saw an exit, he pushed through and saw a flash of white to his side.

Ayla was looking around, worried that she'd seen her brothers enter the mass of people with clear intentions on their faces.

She looked behind her startled when she heard a commotion, only to find Harwin's fist landing heavily on someone, then he took the sword he was holding and kicked him in the stomach, sending him flying back.

He turned around and grabbed Ayla by the waist, pulling her up and dragging her away from the crowd as it moved, threatening to become a domino of people falling on top of each other.

He heard someone scream commands, Ayla grabbed herself to his arm once Harwin left her near the table. He twisted the handle making the sword twirl on his hand, scanning for anyone who might come near them.

He heard Ayla behind him, asking what was going on and if he could see any of his family members, he couldn't.

From inside the crowd, as it was slowly thinning down and allowing Harwin to see, Ayla's brothers were commanding for the dance floor to be cleared, their swords in hand covered in blood.

Ayla slipped from a grasp at her wrist that Harwin didn't know he had her in, and almost ran to the side, Harwin glanced to see that she had gone to tend to his sisters, who seemed fine but startled.

Harwin's eyes finally stared at the massacre before him, at least five cloaked men were laying on the floor, not counting the one that Harwin had kicked. He looked to the side expecting to see him there. He wasn't.

"And you told us to not carry our swords tonight, uh Ayla?" Rylon chuckled, clearly amused at the fight and not at all concerned. Lord Edder walked to them, also sword in hand, but was stopped halfway when the doors of the side flew open.

The sounds of metal clanking filled the room, guards walked inside in formation, when the two at the front broke formation and stood to the side, one Lord Harald Mooton stepped in.

The four brothers stood one next to each other, their swords up at him, each one of them looked at one guard and decided on their target if things went badly.

"Lord Lyonel" he addressed, avoiding Lord Edder's daggers for eyes. "We had an agreement, I'm terribly sorry that the life of young Ayla had to be cut so short. She will be not so sorely missed."

Lord Lyonel walked in front of Harwin, he had to decide if he was going to follow his father or keep an arm stretch away from Ayla, whose presence had gone past Lord Harald since the white of her gown was covered by the body of his two sisters.

"If an agreement was struck with you, it was without my knowledge or consent, the wedding held here was legitime and broke no previous arrangements"

Lord Harald's breath hitched in his throat when he saw Ayla appearing form the side and holding herself to Harwin's spare arm, the other one busy with the sword still up in the air.

"You, however, have disgraced yourself with this tran-"

Lord Lyonel's speech was cut short when Edder leaped in front of Harald, a glint of steel was all that was seen heading towards the Lord before the sickening sound of flesh being sliced, then, a dry thud on the floor.

Harwin tensed when the men looked at the lifeless body of their Lord, head separated from the neck in a clean cut. Their hands moved to the handle to take their own swords.

"Let's not" he now pointed his sword to the men "you are to return to Maidenpool and tell the new Lord Mooton of his father's transgressions, that he is not to take any sort of retaliation over this matter and if he so wishes he can met me on the battlefield"

He proceeded to put down his sword, his sons following only when the guards began to walk backwards to the door after exchanging frightened glances.

Edder turned, putting away his sword and giving his sons a glance as he walked between them.

"The threat of war was uncalled for" Lord Lyonel said as he walked past him. Lord Edder looked between him and the couple, Ayla being comforted by Harwin as she cleaned her under eye.

"The children were threatened, it was absolutely called for" he kept walking to the couple, Ayla's arms folded on her chest as Harwin rubbed her cheeks to free them from tears. "Are you two alright?" He pressed his hand to Ayla's shoulder.

"Yes, Harwin came to me just in time" she praised "I'm just angry" she said, her voice tight as she bounced in place, looking to the side "I'll be fine"

"You have all the right to be angry" her father soothed her, Ayla shook her head dismissing him.

"We should retire" now Harwin pressed his hand to Ayla's side, a little spot on her ribcage below her armpit he knew she liked being held from.

Lord Edder nodded, when he turned around to leave them, Lord Lyonel called him in for a word. Harwin visibly winced as he led Ayla to the side.

"What?" She asked, glancing shortly behind her as she walked.

"Nothing good ever comes out of "a word" from my father. I've staid back training for longer than I wanted to just to avoid his "word" with me"

"I doubt your father can be so stern, he's always so nice"

"You'll have time to know him in his sternness"

"Hopefully not" she said with a little chuckle.

As they neared the top of the stairs, the floor they were staying in, Harwin leaned and swopped Ayla of her feet, making her squeal and hug his shoulders as he carried her.

"I will not let the events of the night sour the night I've been thinking of for months"

Ayla smiled and kissed him, securing herself on his shoulders as he opened the door of the bedroom.

They took their time undoing the pins that held her long hair, Ayla had decided they could benefit on some wine as they worked laying chest to back as they lounged on a chair.

Once Harwin was done, he ran his fingers on her scalp relaxing her hair from the tightness of her updo, she sighed in content, leaning fully back on his chest, engulfed by his broadness, her hands raked over his thighs, making Harwin's hand lower to her neck, his lips descending shortly after.

The door knocked, Ayla sighed and before she could send the knocker away, she heard her father's voice.

"Two minutes Ayla" she sighed again, now in exasperation and looked at Harwin.

"Would you mind getting some more water? I think we'll need it" she kissed him shortly after he nodded.

They stood and Harwin walked to the door, opening and giving way to Ayla's father.

Once Ayla thought they were alone, she sat back down and looked at her father to prompt him to talk.

"Lord Lyonel -"

"Larys didn't send the letter" she interrupted, her anger over the matter made her bounce her leg nervously "Lord Mooton was still under the impression Harwin would marry his daughter"

"Could've been Simon Strong as well"

"You told me Lord Lyonel told you that Simon Strong had ended the negotiations of the betrothal as soon as he heard his disagreement on it. So it was Larys, waving around the privilege of talking with the voice of the Hand." She had to scoff humorlessly "hypocrite" she sentenced, her arms crossing at her front.

"Listen, Ayla" he reached to grab her hand and untangle her once crossed arms "the Red Keep is a dangerous place, do not judge a book by it's cover, Larys Strong is conniving and dangerous in his own way, he's clearly well aligned. You have to start trusting your husband on these matters, it is his job to protect you now"

"I will" she glanced at the door, minding for the footsteps that warned her of Harwin's presence "later. I do not wish to bad mouth my Good Brother so quickly"

"But he will, he will try to get under your skin, which is why you must create an united front with your husband"

"I'll bend when I can, and snap when I have to" She assured.

"As soon as I know more of Lord Mooton, I will write to you" Ayla nodded, her ears picking up the footsteps leading to the door. She crossed her arms at her middle again and dedicated a little smile to Harwin as soon as she saw him, he walked to the side table with a pitcher of water.

"You were saying -" Ayla prompted "about the talk you had with Lord Lyonel"

"Yes" he cleared his throat, Harwin walked and stood next to Ayla in her seat, her hand quickly came to hold his "we disagreed on the method of dissuation I used earlier, but I gave my reasons and both him and Lady Jeyne said they would back my doing with both the King and the Tully's. Since Lord Mooton was sanctioned before for his transgressions, I don't think we will encounter much problems with any of them. He did commit conspiracy to commit murder"

"Let us hope" Harwin said, his finger running over Ayla's knuckles. "What about the attacker that I knocked down?"

"Captured and forced to talk, he said his target was Ayla, he was to take advantage of the commotion the other caused, they were decoys"

"And Lord Mooton was to come triumphantly after he killed me to do what exactly?" She frowned, trying to wrap her head around the situation.

"A wild assumption would be that Harwin, free of his marriage with you, would honor the agreement and marry Lady Myra"

Harwin chuckled humorlessly, his hand grabbing tightly onto Ayla's.

"I would have first fallen on my sword than marry the daughter of my wife's killer"

Lord Edder followed with his own short chuckle, patting Harwin's arm.

"And if you had, I would've killed you myself"

"Father" Ayla scolded, standing next to Harwin, being enveloped by his arm and pulled to his chest.

"I would've glady let you"

"Okay" Ayla patted Harwin's chest and looked at her father "anything else, father?"

"No my girl" he pinched Ayla's cheek and smiled at her "I'll leave you to rest"

Ayla smirked when her father turned around, looking up at Harwin as he returned the same devious smirk.

Once the door was closed and they were alone again, it wasn't long between Harwin's fingers wrapped on the lace of her dress to undo it and those very fingers found themselves holding Ayla's waist as he pounded into her, her hands wrapped around his forearms pushed her breasts and the sight of them bouncing up and down was Harwin's only motivation to keep the relentless and quick thrusts he was providing. That and the loudest moans he'd heard from her yet.

All the pent up stress had quickly dissipated from his and Ayla's body transformed in the adrenaline that was cursing through Harwin's body as he fucked her, but had long left Ayla's body, who had reduced to let herself be deliciously manhandled around, knowing that the result would always be Harwin ripping another orgasm from her, each one threatening to make her lose consciousness. As she felt herself numb and shake at the same time, see black and flashes of light, she gave herself completely to the man she loved, complete trust as he knew how and when to stop, keep going, faster, slower rougher, how to touch her, when to touch her. She only wished she would some day find a way to pay back all the favors he provided.

If only she knew Harwin found his own extasy in pleasuring her like he had.

Ayla open her eyes, eyelids heavily closed without her control, the room was lit by the sunlight peaking, a small breeze flowed on her skin making her take account of only the lower half of her body being covered. She sighed, sending comands to her body to move. Nothing. Now she sighed in frustration. Suddenly, a heavy hand rounded her perked up behind, patting her ass cheek, she couldn't even comprehend, much less feel her body or in what twisted position she was in, but the pats, rythmical on her ass, she felt those.

"Are you trying to soothe me like a baby?" She asked, noticing how sore and gravely her voice sounded.

"I am, it worked for an hour"

Harwin wrapped his arm around Ayla's body, his lips kissed her shoulder and moved her hair a and out of the way of her neck.

"How are you my love?"

"Spent" she managed to say "why are you clothed?" She complained, the fabric of his shirt avoiding the skin to skin contact she needed.

"Because it's noon my love, I went downstairs to eat something, brought some other things for you-" he dipped his lips again to her shoulder, now moving up to her jaw and the shell of her ear "do you want some?"

"Sure" she managed again, but by the time Harwin climbed out of bed, rounded it and found a gown for her to wear, she was fast asleep again.

Being so spent didn't disuade her from climbing on top of him the very next night, coaxing him to have her and to leave her whimpering, sore, filled with his seed in however way he wanted, and that he did.

Ayla swore that she wasn't going to cry when she said goodbye to her family. She had grown accustomed to living without her brothers, she wouldn't feel their absence. Her father on the other hand, her sword and shield, she was going to miss him terribly. She clung to that last hug for more than necessary, only pulling back when Harwin pressed his hand at her lower back, they had to leave some time that day.

Her father placed a kiss on her forehead, she leaned back and took a deep breath, her tears at bay.

"I will come see you in King's Landing when my granchild is born" he assured, his hands pressed to Ayla's shoulders "I've also arranged for your brother to go with you"

That surprised her, she looked to the side at Adrian, who returned her a little smile.

"For how long?"

"Adrian is going to participate in the tournament that's to be held for Princess Rhaenyra's firstborn." Her father explained "if he does well, he will be vouched for by Lord Lyonel and become part of Princess Rhaenyra's detail, maybe even her Queen's guard in the future"

Ayla felt a relief instantly wash over her, her lungs at first constricted now relaxed in her chest and allowed her to breath properly.

Once in the carriage, Ayla pressed herself next to Harwin, her head coming to his shoulder as he kissed her forehead.

"When will be return to Harrenhal? To live there?" She asked, her arms tangling with one of his.

"When my father commands me to take the family seat. Though that might be some time" he pressed his lips to the top of her head "you will enjoy King's Landing"

"If you're there, I certainly will"

Larys sighed, gripping his cane as he looked over at the young Queen in front of him.

"So the wedding was..." She lingered, grabbing her cup and looking at Larys over it.

"It was fulfilled in it's entirety. I had hoped for a different outcome at the end of the night but-" he sighed again "I've underestimated them"

"Who?"

"All of them, the brothers are immensely skilled fighters, Ayla is extremely smart. She works her father with tremendous skill, all the while looking naive, innocent and completely unaware of the going of the word." He smiled, glancing at the Queen "a formidable opponent"

"We've lost Harrenhal then, it can be assumed it will always be guarded by Redfort forces, our allies in the Riverlands and the reach would not dare cross them"

"Time, it's all we need and all we have. Patience is what warrants, if it is the Queen's wishes, Prince Aegon will sit the throne"

taglist: @her-fandom-sanctum @mostlyskateboarding @evyiione @agentstarkid

#ser harwin strong #harwin strong #harwin breakbones #ryan corr #harwin strong x oc #harwin strong x reader #harwin strong smut

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mayyourshipsbewithyou · 3 years ago

Text

Things I loved about In the Heights

-The sounds of the city are part of the music of the opening song

-The frame story is the only way this story should be told; the story only works if it shows the results of Usnavi's decision to stay

-Anthony and Lin shaking hands

-Yay to random mixed race couple asking for directions

-“I hope you’re writing this down I’m gonna test you later” only makes sense with kids

-Showing different residents of Washington Heights provides scale

-I’m not sure about the decision to cut Camila, but if it means less Nina drama, then I love it

-I love how Usnavi has his friends’ orders all ready to go

-LOVE how Usnavi announces Benny’s entrance

-Everything about Vanessa in this movie is perfect=> she’s given so much more depth, her beauty is downplayed, she’s kind of a nerd, but has a beautiful smile

-Nina’s heels=> metaphor for her reaching for the stars

-I love the actress that plays Nina; she’s the right age and her singing voice is so sweet

-Nina’s hair is straight when she’s at school; as soon as she comes home, it’s curly=>she can be herself at home

-When Nina turns around and sees the crowd of people counting on her=> I felt that

-I love seeing Nina get her acceptance letter; I remember what that was like for my brother

-Camila must have died while Nina was at college in this version; Nina lost her mother recently which helps explain her different reason for dropping out; she feels lost

-I don’t know why Sonny is using this deep voice, but I love it!

-Whoever decided to have 96,000 take place at the pool is a genius

-The graphics at the beginning of 96,000 are good for helping regular people understand the rap

-Pete just put his arm around Sonny=> are they dating?

-Sonny yelling 96,000 as he enters the pool=> the sound design

-Pete nodding along to Usnavi=> sucking up to the family

-Usnavi is such a proud cousin-uncle during Sonny’s part in 96,000

-Vanessa making her “I'll be downtown” walk down a ramp

-The dancer doing flips is now a diver doing spins into the pool

-On stage, the lighting was dark; in the movie, it’s underwater

-The circles of people in the pool reflect the zeros in 96,000

-Lin and Chris being rivals is perfect; their bromance is everything

-Nina and Benny being together before the events of the movie means they are the beta couple and have less drama than Usnavi/Vanessa which is how it should be

-Benny joins in during “on that fire escape”=> like West Side Story

-Benny’s “Let me in” against the fence is hilarious

-Nina and Benny are FUN, not angsty like in the original

-Nina following the little girl=> following herself, following her dreams which eventually lead her to the sea; all of this is done while she’s talking about her past

-Nina and Benny instrumental™ part 1 in the middle of “When You’re Home”, Benny interrupts=> their story isn't complete yet

-Benny says he believes in her without discounting her feelings

-Everyone loving Nina=> I finally get it

-Nina is home geographically and with people who love her

-Benny is Nina’s home

-In the Heights is about how dreams are great, but the life you have now can be so beautiful

-Nina’s hair during the dinner/club scene is great

-Usnavi is wearing his dad’s hat for his date with Vanessa; he knows that she is to him what his mom was for his dad

-Family dinners are the same in every culture

-Awkwardness of long-time friends going on a date

-Vanessa offers Usnavi his first drink of the night; he thinks that’s what she wants; because why would she want him and only him?

-Usnavi whispering in Vanessa’s ear is so sexy

-Love that Benny is on Nina’s side instead of being mad at her

-I wonder if they thought 5 years of Benny working for Kevin was too much or too little since they changed that line to "all these years"

-Benny’s reactions to Vanessa dancing at the club are hilarious

-Vanessa laughing at Usnavi dancing with someone else

-Nina is always smiling and laughing at the things going on around her; not as self centered

-Nina and Benny dancing at the club=> all of the yeses

-Usnavi is too nervous about being alone with Vanessa that he un-dated himself; he wasn’t quite ready

-Love that they consciously cut all the “Usnavi, help me” parts=> Vanessa is not a victim

-Fireworks are a romantic setting for Sonny and Pete, just saying

-Usnavi/Benny/Nina talking about the fourth member of their square gives me feelings; I need more of these four in fanfic, my dreams

-“I got to wait for Vanessa”=> the stuff dreams are made of

-Benny is such a good person; he’s even better than the original which is what he deserves

-Usnavi is relieved to have Vanessa call his name

-“Don’t walk away from us tonight”=> great addition

-To give Usnavi and Vanessa some of Nina and Benny’s original lines is to see the face of God

-The first time I saw this, I’m ashamed to admit, I thought Benny was going to steal money from the dispatch; I was a fool

-Dancer with fireworks on his shoes

-Benny is smart and good; he isn’t doing this for Kevin or Nina but for the people of New York

-Abuela was able to see stars again on the last night of her life

-I’m sad Blackout isn’t exactly the same but the orchestral parts that cover up what is unsaid is so beautiful it makes up for it

-Abuela’s family is her “fireworks”; they are what light up the Heights

-Sonny came to Usnavi instead of being with his dad during the blackout; his real family

-Abuela’s smile as she looks at her family while reflecting on her childhood is the most beautiful thing there will ever be

-Paciencia y Fe as a dream sequence is how it was meant to be

-The transition on the subway from reality to memory

-Paciencia y Fe is a mixture of cultures; like Abuela’s memories

-“Wide awake”=> stepping off the subway

-The same actress played Abuela on Broadway and in the movie

-Abuela may be in a musical, but she’s still an old woman

-“As I feed these birds”=> back to the present

-Calor means heat in Spanish but in English it sounds like color

-Abuela dying during the night of the blackout is perfect

-Usnavi saying “she was just here” twice: when she was literally just there and many years, maybe a decade, after the fact

-Usnavi’s daughter is the life that goes on after Abuela is gone

-Usnavi and Nina crying together

-Those closest to Abuela are inside and everyone else is outside

-Iris was sitting on the outside and now she’s in the middle; needed comfort from her friends

-“Should we take a break?”=> we’re past the point of an intermission

-“No daddy, keep going”=> does this look like a stage production to you? It’s a fucking movie

-There isn’t a clear point for an intermission; the action stays strong over where the intermission should be; this is a movie, not a play, and movies don’t have intermissions

-Everyone’s holding candles; like the stars Abuela loved so much

-Iris called Usnavi Daddy for the first time because that was the point in the story where he needed to hear that the most

-“I thought about the people I care about the most, I thought about you”

-Anthony makes Usnavi sexy in a way Lin never could

-So many people love Vanessa, but no one better than Usnavi

-Abuela paid to have Camila's napkins cleaned after all

-Usnavi is the kind of parent that doesn’t sugarcoat life

-Vanessa listed no emergency contacts even though she had people

-“That’s senorita to you”=> yes girl, get it

-Love Daniela for getting everyone out of their asses

-“Tonteria” means foolishness=> the more you know

-How fast Carla says no to “ask me why” shows how quickly she wants to please her love

-Usnavi’s Nueva York t-shirt=> I need it

-Daniela’s first effect being on a woman whose hair is terrible

-Carla pushing that man away from her woman with a bullshit excuse

-My friend was laughing at the parts that were meant to be jokes

-Usnavi’s entrance being announced in Carnaval del Barrio; just like Benny in the opening song

-“There’s nothing holding me down”=> assuming he was rejected

-The different communities dancing with their flags

-Nina being part of Carnaval del Barrio is great

-Even Kevin, kind of an old man, can get down

-Since Nina and Benny sex scene wasn’t shown on screen (praise Jesus), I have to assume Nina told Daniela even though she knows she’s a huge gossip

-Everyone stops because Sonny, a kid, starts singing

-Vanessa and Sonny are so powerful together

-Vanessa’s hand on Sonny’s shoulder

-A kid providing Usnavi with the “flag I’ve got in my hand”

-Usnavi and Vanessa dancing together is muy romantico

-Everything about Nina’s appearance in “When the Sun Goes Down”

-“Let me just listen to my block”=> peak Nina

-Abuela wrote “for Usnavi” on her lotto ticket 😭

-They cut so many songs but kept Champagne=>I love their priorities

-The pause before “you outta stay”

-Everyone has such great chemistry; especially Usnavi and Vanessa

-The choreography in Champagne is what I’ve always imagined

-Usnavi didn’t have time to cash in because Vanessa came over

-Vanessa and Pete friendship for the win

-“Best days of my life” is said thrice=> good things come in threes

-Usnavi staring at the room where Vanessa kissed him

-Iris knows he stayed; she loves her dad so much

-Usnavi looking out his window in Washington Heights and seeing his friends on his dad’s beach

-When Usnavi talks about Kevin at the dispatch, the camera flashes to an abandoned building

-“Vanessa at the salon”=> Usnavi sheds a tear

-Vanessa being front and center during Usnavi’s decision to stay

-Hearing the sounds of the beach during the unveiling

-It’s all about Vanessa=> perfection

-Lin being at the ending is perfect no matter the context

-“Say it so it doesn’t disappear”=> the sad reality is your neighborhood probably will disappear

-Usnavi telling his daughter “you’re it” is everything

-Iris understanding all of the little details of her father’s store now that she knows his story

-Iris is the goddess of the rainbow like the light that appears when water appears on a sunlit day

-“Man, you talk forever”=> that’s so “How I Met Your Mother”

-Iris has a necklace of seashells, like the islands

-Vanessa would sooner get wet than let go of Usnavi’s hand

271 notes · View notes