#These bloom at around 4 (or 5) o'clock

[faguscarolinensis]

Mirabilis jalapa / Four-o'clock at the Juniper Level Botanical Gardens in Raleigh, NC

[nancypullen]

This Time Tomorrow...

I'll be slogging through airport security. But shortly after that I'll be flying through the sky in a chair (doesn't that sound magical?) and eventually landing in Paris.

We'll leave Baltimore around 5pm, connect at JFK, and fly overnight into beautiful Paris. Not going to lie, that first day will be rough. It will be noonish in France when we land. Once we get through passport control and claim our luggage we're catching a 3pm train to Strasbourg. The train ride is about an hour and 45 minutes. Once we arrive in Strasbourg our AirBnB is about a 4 minute walk from the train station...if you're not a 61-year-old zombie. So we'll be arriving at our lodging around 5 o'clock. I promise you that I'll be finished with the day by then. Maybe, just maybe, this will be the trip where I sleep like a baby on the plane and arrive refreshed. There's always a chance, right? But I'm betting on pure exhaustion by the time we unlock the door to our little French abode. As excited as I am about this trip, getting that day out of the way is the first hurdle. So we depart on the evening of the 7th, and the 8th will just be arrival and sleep. Then the adventure begins. I'll take you along to enchanting Alsatian villages and whatever else we discover along the way. BUT...before any of that happens I'm puttering around the house, making sure everything is ready for the cat sitter and for our return. I need to mention that after 42 years of being the only one who did any of that, Mr. Pullen has decided that he will actively participate in all of that fun. He's been tidying, laying in kitty supplies, etc. I don't know what to do with myself when half my chore list is already checked off. This is fun. I've had time to even clean up garden areas for fall (even though it's 80 degrees, yuck!). Remember that German Pink tomato plant that gave me an ulcer this summer? I babied the heck out of that thing and it bloomed like crazy but never produced fruit. I finally just completely ignored it, and now it has eight beautiful tomatoes on it.

Of course. Maybe they'll be perfect in two weeks when we're home, maybe the whole plant will be dead. I waited all summer and now I don't care anymore. Stupid plant. Probably should have waited to take the photo until after I pulled that big ol' weed. Whatever.

Oh! Before I forget, I received an email asking how the clay ghosts turned out that I made in early September (I think?). Eh, mixed results. The candy corn ghost is okay, looks fine with a little battery-powered votive underneath. He's sitting out with some other Halloween decor, doing his job.

The little ghost that I decided to dress in a patchwork quilt is another story. The quilt squares were just okay, but I could live with it, but then I ruined the whole dang thing because I painted his eyes too close together. He has issues.

I kept him in my craft room because I felt bad for doing that to him. We're friends now.

In other news, I was clearing photos out of my phone (100 flower pictures...why??) because I anticipate taking loads of photos on this trip. I came across some fun snaps of birthday gifts...

look at these beautiful sterling silver Scottish thistle earrings, purchased with an Etsy gift card.

I love them! A nod to my heritage, but also just pretty.

Then there was this picture of a luggage tag that I'm tickled with and, yes, I'm just that boring.

It's heavy duty acrylic, and on a metal loop, so super durable - not likely to be torn off, and it's SO CUTE. I covered my phone number because I don't want any calls from weirdos. Another Etsy purchase.

With that same Etsy gift card I found mosaic supplies that I plan to experiment with this winter (I'm excited!) and even this adorable glass tumbler that makes me smile every morning when I drink my protein shake.

And wait until you see this duo!

Not only is that a treasure of a travel journal with perfect prompts...

...but that little pink case is a TINY PHOTO PRINTER!

I've got an app on my phone, so I can select a photo and send it to the little printer with one touch. It prints a picture of excellent quality, and I can peel the back off and stick it right into my travel journal! Holy cow! These were all birthday gifts from people that I love, so they're already special - but man, do they know me well or what? I'm still wallowing around in the birthday love and I've been 61 for 11 days already. I even received flowers. Isn't it always the loveliest surprise when the doorbell rings and there are flowers on the other side? They arrived before my birthday and at the end of the first week some of the most delicate blooms were fading. I always just start plucking out the dying blooms and shrink the bouquet until I have a single stem and some greenery left. I just snapped this - the bouquet is down to about half its original size, and I fear I'll have to say goodbye to it. I may reduce it to just a few flowers and leave a pretty bouquet for the cat sitter. I can't toss them.

When I receive flowers I always try to place them where I'll enjoy them/see them the most. Often I'll move them room to room. These started out on the dining room table, and moved to my craft room on the days I spent hours in there. I love fresh flowers in the house.

So I've rambled from tomatoes to bag tags and have probably bored you stiff. Take heart, I'll soon have beautiful photos to share from fairytale villages. The weather forecast concerns me - the temps look fantastic, but there are a handful of days where we may see rain. I don't want a repeat of my Irish hair.

I don't care about the 8th, that's mostly a travel day. I'm hoping that those other drizzly days clear off in a hurry.

There's not a thing I can do about the weather, so I'm not going to worry about it. Brace yourself, France.

Alrighty kids, I'm outta' here. I need to check my list and make sure I have everything ready before we make our escape. You won't hear from me before the 9th, unless I can't sleep at all on the 8th - then you may get a posting from the wee hours. Until then, sending you loads of love. Stay safe, stay well. Adieu! Au revoir! XOXO, Nancy P.S. I have discovered that our Paris AirBnB at the end of the trip is in the 7th arrondissement, the same as Ina Garten's apartment! I may have found out that her building is on Boulevard Raspail, right across from a fabulous fresh market. Stalker? Who, me? Hey, I just want to pose in front of her building, I don't think she's even there. I did download her autobiography, Be Ready When the Luck Happens, so she's already traveling with me.

[wearebulletproof713]

Favorite BTS quotes (Lyrics are translated)

#1 Spring Day

"Pass the end of winter's cold Until the spring day comes again Until the flowers bloom again Please stay, please stay there a little longer"

#2 Answer: Love Myself

"You've shown me I have reasons I should love myself (Oh-oh-oh) I'll answer with my breath, my path The me of yesterday The me of today The me of tomorrow (I'm learning how to love myself) With no exceptions, it's all me"

#3 Idol

"You can call me artist (artist) You can call me idol (idol) No matter what you call me I don't care I'm proud of it (proud it) I'm free (free) No more irony (irony) Cuz I was always just me"

#4 Dynamite

"'Cause I-I-I'm in the stars tonight So watch me bring the fire and set the night alight (hey) Shining through the city with a little funk and soul So I'ma light it up like dynamite, whoa oh oh"

#5 Life Goes On

"Like an echo in the forest The day will come back around As if nothing happened Yeah, life goes on Like an arrow in the blue sky Another day flying by On my pillow, on my table Yeah, life goes on Like this again"

#6 Zero O' Clock (00:00)

Will something be different? It won't be something like that But this day will be over When the minute and second hands overlap The world holds its breath for a little while Zero o'clock (Ooh-ooh) And you're gonna be happy (Ooh-ooh) And you're gonna be happy Like that snow that just settled down Let's breathe, like the first time (Ooh-ooh) And you're gonna be happy (Ooh-ooh) And you're gonna be happy Turn this all around When everything is new, zero o' clock

#7 Best of Me

"I used to rain I used to snow I stop all the misfortune And I bring the heavens Don't speak of it so lightly There's no me without you You're the best of me, the best of me, yeah"

[metalbvcky]

Stucky Week Day 5: alternative universe (@stucky-week)

Modern Married AU: I Never Bloomed 'till I Met You (Bloom!Verse)

This is a very long, ongoing dom/sub fic series (explicit) that I've been working on since January. I'm beyond excited to post more, but for stucky week, I decided to make a moodboard showcasing Steve/Bucky's life throughout the years. Six years is a lot, which is why I've included a synopsis down below :)

~~~

Year 1: Steve had arrived at Natasha's bookstore at closing time in search of a tube of paint for his art-hobby commission, and Bucky couldn't tear his eyes away from the splotch of blue paint on Steve's neck. They finally met up for coffee when Steve asked the gorgeous employee out after frequenting the store nearly every day, and soon, they made their relationship publicly official six months later.

Year 2: Growth, patience, and communication are what brought Steve and Bucky closer together. Love came first, but neither of them could look past the kinkier side of themselves. They based their relationship, and lifestyle, on love and respect, combined with fulfilling each other's desires like domestic servicing. Steve was Bucky’s first and only dom, which made their exploration more special.

Year 3: Two years later, Steve proposes to Bucky. Of course, Bucky's answer couldn't have been more than an absolute yes, because there's no one else he'd rather spend the rest of his life with. On April 17th, at three o'clock in the afternoon, Steve and Bucky have their first kiss as husbands.

Year 4: Steve's penthouse apartment shortly became a little too cramped once they settled back into their normal lives. They researched houses until they found a restored, nineteenth-century Brownstone, then slowly furnished the house to their liking.

Year 5: By now, their married life has become quite domestic, but two years before they planned the wedding, they discussed what they wanted out of their relationship after marriage. A twenty-four-seven lifestyle fit their dynamic (non-punishment and non-degrading, Bucky is a very good, obedient boy), and it was a long time coming because something pulled them closer once the formality of boyfriends began to fade.

Year 6: The latest household StarkTech product requires Steve to take a one-week business trip across the country, but Bucky, unfortunately, can't tag along this time around. Bucky tells himself he'll be alright, but his attempt fails when the loneliness starts eating away at him. Writing gets him through each day, as he has an upcoming deadline, and soon, Steve will return home to his Kitten kneeling beside the dining table, as instructed. [Currently posting: Rose Blue]

~~~

So that's it! Well, there's a lot more but spoiling everything wouldn't be very fun :) (okay hint: there's a non-romantic rare pair in year seven)

I really wanted to make more stuff for each prompt/day, but gifmaking has become a lesser interest for me ever since I dived headfirst into writing. Although, I went all out on this moodboard/post lolol.

Also glad that I got to help the @stucky-week team with creating an icon/banner <3 Those are always fun to come up with! :D

[syngoniums]

Growing Euphorbia francoisii hybrids from seed, so far. All plants are growing indoors under lights.

Top two pictures show my original experimental seedlings, two volunteers that came with a mature plant, and Euphorbia buruana seedling. (The volunteers are in the 9 and 7ish o'clock position in the round pot.) I did not record the date I planted the seeds, but it was around October of last year. I used a local nursery's succulent mix with larger particles screened out. This resulted in a rather dense, inorganic mix that slowed their growth. I didn't actually move the volunteers until these seedlings were ready to be repotted, so they were stunted by being shaded by the larger plant. The largest of my seedlings got its own 2" pot. With the repotting and some Osmocote, they're all gaining ground.

Picture 3 was sown on June 12th of this year. Again, I used the succulent soil, but only removed the bulkiest bits. A lot of this batch show rounded leaves, which I believe is due to one particular plant overrepresented in this group due to being relatively early in their blooming season. I did not attempt to properly track parentage, however.

Picture 4 was sown on July 2nd. Not only did this have a much more diverse group of parents, but I used a richer soil this time, FoxFarm Ocean Soil. That made a huge difference! I was unable to find the kind of wide, relatively shallow pot I wanted, so instead they were planted in an empty tofu container that I melted drainage holes into with a soldering iron. It's working very well, and allows me to reuse plastic waste. (If you try this, only do it where there's good ventilation, and be aware that some plastic may melt onto the iron.)

Picture 5 was sown July 12th. Same soil, a more typical pot, which means more crowding and less light for smaller plants.

Picture 6 was sown August 8th. I've been a bit distracted and have not been as attentive with watering, so they're coming along slower, but steadily. I mist very young seedlings every day to every other day depending on how hot and dry it is, and use bottom watering when the soil is fully dry.

Long story short, I was expecting to see far slower development, but with the right soil, they're really not bad at all for caudiciform plants! I will be moving individuals to a proper seed tray soon to reduce competition and allow them to settle in before winter arrives.

[overthepapermoon]

Thank you @kiseopping for tagging me! I saw it at work so it took me a while to actually get around to this whoops. I have 2 separate music libraries so I'll use the newer one

Rules - we’re snooping on your playlist. put your entire music library on shuffle and list the first ten songs and then choose 10 victims.

1. 花が咲く道 by The Charm Park (it means like "the road of blooming flowers")

2. Half by Queen Bee

3. Fake You Out by Twenty One Pilots

4. Echo by Seven O'Clock

5. 愛してるのに、愛せない by AAA (this one means like "I love you but I can't love")

6. Fated by Adib Sin and Hikaru Station

7. Get Your Luv by AlphaBat

8. Something by Girl's Day

9. dot by D1ce

10. I Need Somebody by Day6

I was a little worried it would pull up some song in like Thai or Kazakh and I wouldn't be able to type the characters but it seems like today is my lucky day

I think almost everyone I used to tag is inactive... maybe @oroare or @king-ten and anyone else that sees this I guess!

[imitranslates]

Fukigen na Mononokean Ch. 75

The search for Aoi begins!

Please remember to check out the official English release when it comes out, preferably on Crunchyroll if you’re able to!

The newest chapter can be read on the official website by clicking the yellow button labeled ��む!

Fukigen na Mononokean Chapter 75 - Leading Shore

Page 1

Abeno: I am the master of the Mononokean, Abeno Haruitsuki.

Requesting to open a door to the Underworld.

(Demon: I'm in your debt.)

(Demon: Farewell.)

(Abeno: Farewell.)

Page 2

Mononokean: Welcome back.

Abeno: Nngh..

We're...

Abeno: Back...

Mononokean: !?

Mononokean: Itsuki!!

Ashiya: Abeno-saaaan!?

(Ashiya: Abeno-san! Heeey!)

Page 3

Ashiya: Sleep well...

Ashiya: Wah... There are dark circles under his eyes...

Mononokean: Of course he's going to look awful when he's been opening the door twice day after day!

Mononokean: He put together this crazy schedule to finish all of his previous requests before the search for Aoi begins...! (Goodness gracious!!)

Ashiya: Sorry...

Page 4

Ashiya: But because of that, all of the booked requests have been safely completed as of today.

Ashiya: It's all according to Abeno-san's schedule.

Since it's winter break, we'll be able to begin our search.

Mononokean: How long is your high school's winter break?

Ashiya: It's about two weeks.

Mononokean: In other words, the search for Aoi will conclude at the end of winter break, right?

Page 5

Ashiya: Yeah...

Ashiya: Even if we don't have any results, it will be the end of the search for Aoi-san...

That's the promise we made with the Princess.

Ashiya: But...

Ashiya: I want to meet Aoi-san, too.

Ashiya: If I meet them, I'd like to ask about Sakae...

(Like, why they decided to make a human who killed demons an unofficial employee of the Mononokean, or...)

(If they were there on November 2nd when Sakae died, what happened that day...)

Page 6

Ashiya: That's why,

Ashiya: I'll believe that Aoi-san is alive, and go search for him.

Ashiya: We'll find him, just watch!

Page 7

Abeno: .......

Page 8

Teacher: And that's all your tips for winter break.

Teacher: This is a precious vacation for your high school life.

Your homework is to have fun in moderation.

Teacher: I'm going to buy my daughter a bicycle, so I'll be absorbed in biking with my daughter... It'll be great!

So class, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Ashiya: Abeno-san, homeroom is over.

Fusshi: Ashiyaaan, Abenoon!

Fusshi: Let's hang out this winter break!

Saga: The four of us can visit the shrine together.

Ashiya: Sorry... We have work this break.

Fusshi: I see. Good luck with woork!

(Fusshi: Merikuri!)

(Saga: Happy New Year.)

(Ashiya: Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!)

(Zenko: Have a happy new year.)

(Ashiya: Happy new year.)

Page 9

Ashiya: Alright then. Tomorrow, winter break will start.

Ashiya: Please link the Mononokean to the entryway of my house at nine o'clock.

I'll be prepared at the door ten minutes prior.

Ashiya: Let's do our best searching for Aoi-san tomorrow!

Page 10

Ashiya: Seeya, Abeno-san! Until tomorrow! (Bye~)

Abeno: Wait.

Abeno: You mean today, right?

Ashiya: Eh?

Abeno: Winter break really begins as soon as homeroom is over... right?

Ashiya: Today...

Ashiya: I had plans to get a Christmas cake on the way home...

Page 11

Abeno: Work takes priority. (Let's go.)

Ashiya: Hello, Mom?! Due to some urgent business, I won't be able to pick up the cake, so please pick it up instead!

Abeno: Mononokean, come.

Mononokean: Have a safe journey!

Page 12

Ashiya: Huh?

Ashiya: The Justice didn't come to meet me...

Ashiya: Damn... If the Justice isn't there, I'm not allowed to enter the Underworld.

Abeno: This isn't the Underworld, so you're free to enter.

Ashiya: ...Huh? Then, are we in the Mundane world?

Weren't we supposed to go to the forest today?

Abeno: We are in the forest. (That's why the Justice doesn't need to come.)

Page 13

Abeno: This is Aoi's house, which was build inside the forest...

Abeno: In other words, it's the Mononokean.

(The... Mono... nokean?)

Page 14

Ashiya: (Wh!?) The Mononokean?!

Ashiya: This is the main body?!

Abeno: This is where our clients from the Underworld come in from.

Ashiya: Huh...

Abeno: It's within the Princess's divine protection, so the plague plant and its seed bugs are repelled and can't infect anyone.

Ashiya: It's true, I can't see any bugs flying around or any plague plants...

Mononokean: With my power, I can remove them from the nearby vicinity.

Abeno: However, everything beyond here is out of the barrier's range.

Abeno: As I told you before,  you won't be able to sense a demon's aura if they've been infected.

I also won't be able to call the Mononokean.

Page 15

Abeno: From here on, we'll be searching outside the barrier for Aoi.

Abeno: The situation puts their chance of being alive at practically zero, but

If they survived, and they haven't returned to the Underworld or the Mononokean, they should still be within the forest.

Abeno: Don't overlook even the slightest trace.

If you find anything at all, let me know immediately.

Ashiya: Roger!

(This is the first and final search for Aoi-san...)

Page 16

Ashiya: Even if there's a 0% chance, I have faith! If the two of us are searching for them, the odds of finding something double!

Ashiya: We'll definitely find Aoi-san!

Abeno: Let's go, Ashiya.

Ashiya: Yes!

Ashiya: We're heading out!

Page 17

Ashiya: AOI-SAAAN!!

Ashiya: AOI-SAN!

Ashiya: Are you there!?!

Abeno: (This is unbearable... But I guess it is useful to have a human megaphone on a search like this...)

(Abeno: It's loud, though...)

Ashiya: Ao...

Page 18

Ashiya: Abeno-san, take a look at this. There's an 'x' mark on this tree.

Abeno: Ah?

Abeno: Yeah... I made that as a benchmark so I wouldn't get lost in the forest long ago.

(Ashiya: So it's a guidepost.)

Ashiya: Aoi-saaan! If you're there, please respond!

I'm an employee of the Mononokean! I'm Ashiya. It's good to meet you!

Ashiya: Abeno-san and I have come to look for you!

Ashiya: .....

Ashiya: Mmm... I don't hear anything right now.

Abeno: We'll be leaving the barrier in a moment.

Ashiya: !

Ashiya: Hmm... A sweet smell. Isn't this...

Page 19

Ashiya: (The scent of the blooms of a plague plant.)

Ashiya: !?

Page 20

Abeno: From here on is outside the barrier's range.

Aoi should be here somewhere.

Page 22

Ashiya: Plague plants are growing wildly all over the place.

Ashiya: And there are tons of insects attracted to the scent of the blossoms...

(Aoi-san is alive in this place...)

(They must be here, in this dangerous land that's covered in curses...)

Page 23

Ashiya: What is it?

Abeno: Try looking at the roots of the plague plant.

Ashiya: The roots...?

Abeno: It doesn't look like there's anything here, right?

Ashiya: Yeah... Nothing that catches my eye.

Page 24

Abeno: In the roots are where Aoi's remains should be.

Abeno: I told you those who are possessed by the parasite shrub grow into large trees, but...

Well, just in case, check the roots of the plague plants, too.

Ashiya: ...

Ashiya: ...Okay.

[Even though we believe that they're alive...

We won't be able to search properly if we avert our eyes from the possibility of their death.]

Abeno: I want to search this whole area today as a start.

If you notice something, no matter how trivial, report it to me.

Ashiya: Yes...

Abeno: What a listless answer. (Where's your energy?)

Ashiya: Beginning the search! FIGHT!!

Page 25

Ashiya: Aoi-san!! Are you here?!

It's nice to meet you! I'm Ashiya, an employee of the Mononokean!

Ashiya: Before I started my second year at Modoribashi High School, a demon named Fuzzy attached himself to me, and it hurt, so I went to Abeno-san to get an exorcism! I ended up with a million yen bill, so I'm working here to pay off my debt!

AOI-SAN! PLEASE FORGIVE MY DEBT!

Abeno: Your message is changing, y'know.

Ashiya: Aoi-san, are you here!?

Page 26

Ashiya: .....?!

[Could this perhaps... be...?!]

Ashiya: A cat's...

Tail...?

Page 27

Abeno: ...Ah?

Ashiya: Abeno-san, this...

Page 28

Demon: !?

Abeno&Ashiya: !?

Ashiya: ...Hm?!

Ashiya: GYAAAH?! A huge fuzzy caterpillar!!

Page 29

Abeno: Ashiya-kun?

Ashiya: I'm sorry!!! (Caterpillar!! Shoo!!)

Ashiya: Ow!

Ashiya: The hair of that caterpillar pricked me... It stings...

Abeno: (Geez.) There's some disinfectant in the medicine box, so we'll put that on...! (Though I don't know how effective it is for humans...!)

Ashiya: Okay...

Ashiya: .....

Page 30

Ashiya: (I thought it was Aoi's remains...)

Ashiya: (That was bad for my heart... (I was really flustered...))

(Abeno: Give me your hand.)

(Ashiya: Yes...)

Ashiya: (I was terrified and I don't even know Aoi-san personally...

So what Abeno-san felt must not even compare...)

(Abeno-san doesn't tend to show his emotions, but...)

Abeno: ?

Abeno: Sterilization complete. Resume the search.)

(Ashiya: Thank you for treating me!)

[Even though he's like that...]

Page 31

[If he's able to reunite with Aoi-san,

[Will he show a happy smile?]

(Ashiya: Aoi-saaan!)

(Ashiya: Abeno-san! There, deep in the brush! I saw a black shadow moving!)

(Abeno: It's another bug, huh...)

[If we end up finding Aoi's remains,]

[Will he be unable to stop his tears?]

Page 32

Ashiya: !

Page 33

Ashiya: Abeno-san? Is this place next to the ocean?

Ashiya: Just now, there was the sound of waves from that direction, right?

Abeno: ...

(Ashiya: ...Huh?)

Page 34

Abeno: Ashiya.

Guide me toward where you heard that sound.

Ashiya: Okay! It's through this thicket.

Ashiya: In this direction...

Ashiya: !?

Page 35

Ashiya: ...Huh?

Ashiya: There's no ocean anywhere, not even a puddle. (I don't hear anything, either...)

Abeno: As I thought, we're back where we started.

Ashiya: Huh?

Abeno: I looked at that tree's mark before we went through the thicket.

Ashiya: That's weird? When did we end up making a U-turn?

Page 36

Abeno: We've definitely been going straight.

Ashiya: !

Abeno: But it seems we've come back to where we started.

Ashiya: Where we started...?

Ashiya: Uwaah, it's true!! Are we in an infinite loop!? What are we going to do?!

Abeno: I wonder.

Page 37

Abeno: Back when I came here on my own to find Aoi,

The same phenomenon happened.

Abeno: Even if I went somewhere else, I'd end up walking back where I started. I tried to get around it, but it was the same no matter what.

Somehow, there's something here to stop us from heading deeper into the forest.

Ashiya: Then, Aoi's movement should have been hampered, too!

Ashiya: Aoi-san went into the forest,

Since it was outside of the barrier, and we're stopped from going into the forest, they have to be in the area!

Abeno: Yeah...

Page 38

Abeno: That's if their movement was actually stopped.

Abeno: Haa...

Abeno: The Underworld doesn't have an ocean, and I didn't hear any waves.

Could you have mistaken the sound of the wind?

Ashiya: If you say it like that... I guess it's possible...

Ashiya: I'm sorry...

Page 39

Ashiya: On the very first day of the search, I mistook that fuzzy caterpillar for a cat's tail, and I'm hearing the sounds of waves...

Ashiya: I've been holding back the search and... I've let you down...

Abeno: ...

Abeno: ...Haa...

Abeno: Idiot.

Ashiya: Sorry...

Abeno: Compared to the day where I didn't come across anything at all, today is better.

Page 40

Abeno: The guy who boasted that "We'll definitely find them!" shouldn't get disheartened this easily.

Abeno: We're going to steadily search like today, over and over again during winter break.

I'd be at a loss if we didn't find a single clue, so even a caterpillar is exciting.

Page 41

Abeno: At least try to keep your mood up, you easily discouraged five year old.

Ashiya: Wha!? (Easily discouraged?!)

Abeno: Are you just going to keep standing there? Do your job, easily discouraged caterpillar mishearing five year old.

(Ashiya: The nickname got extended!)

Abeno: Besides, it's not like you've only just started being a hindrance during our work, right?

I'm so accustomed to your mistakes that I don't even notice them anymore.

Ashiya: ......

Abeno: Now matter how much you mess up, you'll show me an even bigger mistake later.

Easily discouraged caterpillar mishearing garbage five year old boy.

Ashiya: ...!!

Page 42

Ashiya: AOI-SAAAN! WHERE ARE YOU!!

Ashiya: He's an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed blond-haired excessively handsome guy!! Abeno-san is always calling me such horrible names!! Hurry up and come out!! Shouldn't the second master of the Mononokean stop treating his employees this outrageously?!! Even though we're both employees, he's so much nicer to Fuzzy!!!

Abeno: Hairball is much quieter than this roaring demon, for one.

Ashiya: Who's a roaring demon?!

Abeno: How'd you even hear my mumbling? You roaring demon with long ears.

Ashiya: Aoi-san!! Do you hear Abeno-san!!

Page 43

(Abeno: Ah?)

[captainmeowvelwrites]

You Times Two (Ch.1)

Pairing: Marinette/Ladybug | Adrien/Chat Noir Words: 4080 Summary: Ladybug knew this was necessary. She was the Guardian. He had the Cat Miraculous. But when his suit evaporated in a glow of pale green, she sure hadn’t expected him to have something far more precious: her heart. Cross-posted: AO3 and FFN

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | ...

---

Chapter One

A Parisian night is many things.

Still isn't one of them.

Nor is silent.

And forget about dark.

At least, not from Ladybug's point of view. Air whistled past her eardrums, muffling the animated chatter from nearby eateries as she swept off steel lampposts, over puffing chimneys, across bustling streets.

With a graceful flip, her feet pecked the pavement just shy of the Pont d'Iena, the bridge that bowed before the Eiffel Tower. A nearby tween prodded her blonde friend, propelling an excited finger in Ladybug's direction. She sent them a smile and a merry salute, then launched off the pavement and onto the nearest lamppost.

The Seine River was languid as always, vivid city lights painting a blurry masterpiece upon its surface. Her reflection joined the canvas, a flurry of red as she zipped over the velvety water.

Just as she reached the Eiffel Tower, an array of lights burst to life upon its iron shell, sparkling like her living room at Christmas. At its peak, beacons shot streams of pale blue out into the night.

She pursed her lips, squinting up at the iron behemoth. It must've just hit nine o'clock, given the light display happened on the hour. She flicked up the screen on her yoyo. According to her Kitty Tracker, he hadn't moved. An uneventful patrol, it seemed.

Luck was usually in her favour, but she wasn't so sure this time around.

Chewing on her lip, she hurled her yoyo toward a nearby beam and began the familiar ascent. After a few leaps and swings, she was perfectly poised upon the russet brown fence that wrapped around the summit of the Eiffel Tower. The expansive view of Paris made it an ideal patrol point.

Chat Noir was perched upon that very same fence, gazing out at the shimmering sea of lights below. His cat ears perked up the second she appeared and in an instant, a smile split his lips. His torso twisted as he faced her from the waist up. "Why hello, Ladybug!" He threw his legs over the railing and onto the ground, his tail swaying behind him. The evening breeze tousled his hair as he bowed. "And here I was thinking the Eiffel Tower couldn't shine any brighter." He peered up at her from through his blond bangs, a glint in his eyes.

With a roll of her own eyes, she dropped from the fence. "Silly kitty," she giggled, shaking her head. "You didn't need to stand up just for me."

That only earned a wider grin from her partner, but she chose not to comment. Instead, she crossed her arms, propped them atop the railing and surveyed the city below. "Anything to report?"

With a sigh, Chat leaned against the same railing, mirroring her posture. "Other than a whole lotta nothing?"

She nestled her chin in her palm. "A quiet night, huh?"

"Very." He drummed his claws against the railing, the dull clink of metal meeting her ears. "Usually, I'd be itching for something to do, but after everything that happened last week…"

She hummed in agreement. "A little peace and quiet is a welcomed relief, that's for sure."

Silence washed over them. The whistles of the wind, the whirr of evening traffic, the occasional car horn; it all seemed louder in that moment of quiet.

Ladybug had grown accustomed to intermissions of silence here and there, spritzed amid banter and chit-chat on the evening patrols they sometimes shared. Usually, it wasn't awkward in the slightest.

In fact, it was calming.

But tonight was different, for there was a reason she'd interrupted his solo patrol.

She knew it. He knew it. And they were both eager for her to elaborate.

If only she could find the right words. Or rather, re-find them.

Like a dreaded school speech, she'd rehearsed this moment with Tikki all week. At least twenty times if her ever-patient kwami hadn't been teasing about keeping count.

It seemed silly, really.

Chat was her partner. She knew he'd bear no ill will over her decision. He rarely did. And on those odd occasions that she did upset him, he always bounced right back that very same day. So why was this so hard?

"Hey, LB?"

Her eyes shot his way, fingers digging into her palms.

"While we're on the topic of last week, there's… something I've been meaning to tell you." His voice was oddly soft, a tone he reserved for his rarely-seen serious moments.

Were those times all that rare lately? Sure, he still cracked puns and sent cheeky remarks her way, but he'd toned the flirting down tenfold. Goodness, he hadn't called her M'Lady in over a week—she almost missed it, a thought she would never give voice.

Chat's hand settled atop her fist, and her fingers relaxed beneath the comforting weight. She didn't miss the pair of green eyes that were now set on her, or the way thought hazed their depths.

He was gathering his words, she realised.

So she let him.

She turned to the sprawling metropolis ahead, glittering like a jewel that ought to be treasured and this time, she let herself enjoy the view, rather than survey it.

Maybe half a minute ticked by before Chat spoke up, his eyes fixed on the vast cityscape. "I know being Ladybug is hard work. You're under a lot of pressure every single day and there's almost no one you can talk to about it." Then he looked at her, his face softening. "And now that you're the Guardian too… well, I can't even imagine how much pressure you must be under." A smile formed on his lips. It was small and delicate, woven from solace rather than joy; it warmed her, calmed her, made her feel a little less alone in all of this. Just like the slightest squeeze he gave her hand, still beneath his own. "I guess all I want to say is that I'm here for you, always."

Tears throbbed behind her eyes as she tackled a wide-eyed Chat, and soon felt the comforting weight of his arms around her too. "I know you are," she whispered into his shoulder, voice breaking. "Thank you, Chat Noir."

Another silence drifted over them and this time, it was warm and calming and just like she remembered. Her arms around him, and his around her, might've had a part to play—not that they'd admit that aloud.

To her surprise, Chat was the one to end the embrace, complete with a strained cough into his right fist. Yup, something was definitely up with him lately.

Her arms twisted behind her back, while the front of her foot pressed back and forth into the ground, as though that'd smudge away her theories on why he's been so withdrawn.

A veil washed over his masked face, any traces of unease now replaced by a cheeky smirk. Cue the puns in three, two, one— "So, what brings mew here on this fine Parisian evening? At the tail end of my patrol, might I add." His back was against the railing, his palms pressing upon its iron top for support. "Something on your mind, LB? Or did you just miss this pawsome kitty?"

"Actually," she drawled, toying with one of her pigtails, "there is something."

Just like that, laughter faded from his eyes. "Oh?"

To Ladybug, the ground was suddenly very interesting. "I've been meaning to talk to you about it all week, but I just… I guess I don't know how to say it?"

"Well, sometimes there is no right way to say something." He placed his hands atop her shoulders, his soft smile making its way to his eyes. "Sometimes you just have to come out and say it."

"It's just that"—she glanced away for one thought-gathering moment—"I don't want to upset you."

"I can never stay mad at you, Ladybug." He winked. "You should know that by now."

A sigh slid from her lips, dispersing just a fraction of her nerves.

Well, here goes.

"This past week, I've thought a lot about my new responsibilities. I've been trying to figure out what kind of Guardian I need to be." She refocused her gaze on his own, and for a moment she felt like her suit had scattered from her skin, exposing the bumbling girl beneath. "Basically, there's one thing I know for sure. I need to keep tabs on the whereabouts of every Miraculous."

His eyes widened, so briefly she'd have missed it if she'd blinked.

"Are you saying that…"

She shied away from his gaze, rubbing her left bicep with her right hand. It took way longer than it should've to manage a measly nod. "I… need to know who you are."

"R-Really?" He shot upright, eyes twinkling, an ear-to-ear grin blooming on his face. "That – That's great!"

But his face fell when he took in her posture; the way her shoulders hunched, her stare rising no higher than his feet.

That's when he realised the reason for her concern: this would be a one-sided thing.

"Oh."

She turned away from that face – that deflated look she knew was coming – and brought a quaking hand to her chest. "I'm… I'm sorry, Chat. I don't have a choice."

His hand was on her shoulder, light as a leaf, and he carefully turned her to face him. "But you're the Guardian." He was smiling, but she was sure she'd caught his lips twitch. "Don't you kinda… y'know… make the rules? What if something happens to you?" He gripped both of her shoulders now, as though afraid she'd float away unless he held her down. "If no one knows who you are…"

She shook her head. "If I reveal my identity to you, there's no taking that back." Any certainty she'd had seemed to have thrown itself over the railing the second she'd seen that dang look on Chat's face. "I… I need more time. I need to be sure it's the right thing to do." She didn't even know who she was trying to convince at this point.

He eased a sigh through his nose, smiling gently. "I understand, Ladybug." This time, it was him who pulled her in for a hug, brief as it was. "You know I'll always support whatever decision you make." He held a hand up to his mouth and cleared his throat, half-hiding a smirk; she braced herself for what followed. "So"—he leaned well within her personal bubble, only for her to place a finger on his nose to push him right back out of it—"I should probably warn you, there's a very real chance you'll fall for my unrivalled charm and devilishly good looks."

Her smirk in that moment mirrored his own. "I doubt that'll happen, but thanks for the warning."

The spark in his eyes only proved he wasn't done. "Hey, we're a long way up,"—he shrugged with fake indifference—"and last I heard, ladybugs don't always land on their feet."

She held her nose high. "Well, Kitty"—laughter lined her voice—"I don't know what documentaries you've been watching, but I can assure you that this ladybug always lands on her feet!"

He leaned in close. "Remind me of how we met again?"

"Just drop the clown costume, Kitty Noir," she said, flicking his bell.

"As M—err, the lady commands."

When he glanced at his feet, pink pinching his cheeks, Ladybug wasn't sure if his stutter or the anticipation was to blame. In any case, he seemed to recover quickly.

Straightening to his full height, Chat exhaled a slow, shaky breath as his eyes scanned the summit of the tower, ensuring they were alone. "Okay," he said, more to himself than to her. "Here goes…"

Ladybug showed him a smile of reassurance. Inside, however, her heart thumped hard and fast, each beat echoing in her eardrums. He was her partner. Knowing who he was wouldn't change that. And off the top of her head, she couldn't even think of a guy she'd be disappointed to find behind the mask. At least, not from the list of guys who were actually kind enough to be—

"Claws in."

When his suit evaporated in a glow of pale green, she hadn't expected it to take her every coherent thought along with it. Her eye twitched. Or had that been her lip? At this point, she was almost convinced her everything was spasming.

If one compared her brain to a single thing in that moment, it would be the dreaded, ear-shredding sound of a struggling dial up connection. Or maybe a nuclear explosion, detonating in her brain, its shockwaves rattling around in her skull, turning its contents to complete and utter mush.

"Adrien Agreste," he announced with a bow, his lightly tanned hand flicking out with polished flare. Adrien peered up at her with those gorgeous green eyes, that stunning smile, his… his beautiful everything.

Returning to full height, his thick, silver ring – his Miraculous – caught the light of a few nearby wall lamps as he extended a hand. "Pleased to officially meet you, Ladybug." He nodded toward a black creature with round, bright green eyes, who'd nestled lazily across his shoulder, stretching like a lithe cat. "You've already met my kwami, Plagg."

At those words, Ladybug snapped out of her stupor, only to stumble straight into a string of stutters.

"… A… A… Adrien?"

She could've sworn she heard Plagg mutter something suspiciously akin to, "Here we go."

If her ears really hadn't been failing her, Adrien must've been ignoring the comment. All he had to say was, "Yup, that's me-ow!" before he glanced at his outstretched hand, then back to her, and his brows creased.

"You're… You're… You're Chat Noir…"

It was a statement, not a question—and it slapped her hard across her rapidly reddening face.

The line between his brows deepened as he gave his outstretched hand a lingering look, then dropped it to his side. His eyes sunk down and to his left. "Is… that okay?" A few seconds later, he dared to recapture her gaze, a ghost of a smile on his full lips. She could've sworn a hint of pink had crept across his cheeks.

Ladybug shot ramrod straight. "No! I mean yes! I mean – you're perfect. Uhh – This is perfect. Us together is perfect – as partners… who lime kite—crime fight!" She dropped her head and groaned, sure he could no longer tell where her cheeks ended and her mask began.

"So, uhh…" He bit his lip, his hand sliding behind his head to rub his neck. "From your reaction, does that mean we maybe… know each other?" His eyes gazed into hers, outshining every single light in the city around them.

"Know… each other?" The phrase floated from her lips, a direct contrast to the shrill squeaks of her next words. "What?! No!" Her hands slapped her cheeks as some sort of giggle-groan hybrid squeezed up her throat. "I just… I just snow – uhh – know you from the – err – modelling! I… I mean… the… you! You're a famous model, right?" Another giggle. "Your – Your face is all over Paris! I'd be crazy not to know you." Her chest tightened. "As – As a famous person, that is. Not as a real-life friend. I… I mean, not that you aren't my friend because you're Chat Noir and he's—you are totally one of my bestest friends and – and, technically we have met as Ladrien – erm – Adrien and Bug Lady—Ladybug!"

Adrien blinked twice. "So," he drawled, tilting his head, "we don't know each other then?"

"Yes!" In that moment, the white of her eyes completely encased her blue irises. "I mean no!" She gripped her scalp. "I mean – Yes, we don't know each other in real life!" Her arms slapped firmly to her sides as she glanced left and right, avoiding his gaze. "Err – Not that I could tell you if we did, but, well… I mean, that doesn't matter because I've totally never met you before as a pavilion—civilian!" She gripped her yoyo, desperate to busy her quaking hands. "And like I said, even if we glad—had, I could tell you – I mean, I couldn't tell you, but that doesn't matter because we never have—" She threw her hands in the air for added emphasis, only to regret it within a millisecond.

Out of the corner of her eye, something small and red went flying over the handrailing. And she was sure she'd glimpsed Adrien's and Plagg's green eyes follow the item when it had slipped from her hand and made its descent toward the ground far below.

Her eyes crept down to her hip, praying her clumsiness could spare her even a sliver of mercy tonight.

Alas, no such luck.

She looked up at Adrien and Plagg, revealing a pained grin. Maybe she was just seeing things, courtesy of her near-hyperventilation, and maybe – oh please, maybe – the thing Adrien and Plagg had been staring at had been nothing more than a pigeon.

"Ladybug, why don't I carry you down there to grab your—"

"NO!"

His eyes flew wide as she leaped back so swiftly she might've just broken the barrier of sound.

"I… I mean, no spank you!" Her life flashed before her eyes. "No thank you," she wheezed, clenching her eyes shut as though that would help force the words through her lips. "But – But I'll just – uhh – walk… down… the stairs. Because there's nothing spicer—nicer than a late-night troll—stroll down the Eiffel Tower." She swung her arm out in front of her and said, "Am I right?"

By the look on Adrien's face, it was clear her word vomit had his brain spinning with endless questions, but he must've realised asking them all now was a lost cause. That didn't stop him from asking her at least a couple, both currently relevant.

"But what if someone finds your yoyo before you do?" He rubbed his chin, watching her. "Could something bad come out of that?"

"Oh, that?" She waved a dismissive hand. "Pfft! Noooo! It'll be fiiiine! Even if shum run – fun lum – someone does find my toto before me, all I've gotta say is spots o—" A squeal shot from her mouth and she half-expected her suit to scatter in a flash of blinding pink. A single, frantic onceover assured her that that wasn’t the case, and she heaved a sigh. "Err – What I meant to say was… I'll just de-France – de-transform and I'll drab my yoyo back next chime!"

"Are… you sure you're okay?" He took a carefully placed step forward, reaching for her shoulder. "You seem—"

"I'M FINE!" Ladybug practically screamed, lunging out of his reach. His face dropped along with his shoulders and guilt twisted her stomach in knots. "Uhh… What I mean is… I'm just tired is all – uhh – but… but not too tired for a depressing—refreshing walk down Paris' tallest building!" She straightened, like something had captured her interest. "And—oh. I think I just – uhh – heard my earrings creep!" She tapped her right ear twice. "So I'd better – y'know – go." With a cough into her still-trembling fist, she shuffled toward the stairwell, past an elevator that – to her dismay – was not for public use. "Gue-Guess we'll chat later, Chadrien – Adrien!"

"Sure, I'll…"

Ladybug was already halfway to the stairs.

"… see you… at… patrol tomorrow…"

Only once she was on the stairs and out of earshot did Adrien glance at his kwami. "Plagg, did she seem a little… off to you?"

Plagg zipped off his shoulder to float in front of his face. "A little?" He snorted, waving a dismissive paw. "Now where's my cheese? I'm starving!"

Adrien shot him a look. "Really, Plagg? Ladybug just found out my secret identity and all you have to say is that you're hungry?"

"Starving, not hungry," Plagg pointed out, crossing his arms. "There's a difference, you know—" His green eyes lit up at the generously portioned, cream-coloured morsel now between Adrien's thumb and index finger, partly encased by a thick layer of rind.

Adrien flung it in the air and watched the way Plagg dove for his dinner, like some kind of wild animal. When it came to cheese that description really wasn't far off, if Adrien was honest.

The sound of desperate chewing was muffled by the myriad of thoughts that raced through his mind. He trudged toward the railing, opting for a more poignant view than a maze of iron bars. This time, when he leaned against the railing with criss-crossed arms, it was cool against his now-bare skin, and he shivered.

"You know," he said after a time, "I feel like she reminded me of someone." He tapped his chin, pursing his lips. "But I just can't figure out who."

If Plagg hadn't been floating, he might've just jumped. "Uhh, yeah," he stammered, whirling around Adrien to plop down on the railing. "She reminds you of Ladybug. Duh!"

Adrien shot Plagg a sideways glance, arching a brow. "Didn't you just say she seemed more than a little off?"

"That was before I savoured the deliciously potent delicacy that is Pont l'Eveque." He pressed his paws together, sighing wistfully as he stared out into the night. "I wasn't myself then," he whined, throwing his paws out in front of him for added emphasis. "And I make no sense when I'm hungry."

Adrien flashed a wry smile. "Don't you mean starving?"

Plagg shot his nose in the air. "The cheese is still digesting!" He scoffed. "Smart aleck."

Adrien rolled his eyes, chuckling.

"Seriously, though." Plagg hovered directly before his chosen. "I'm sure she's just tired – like she said!"

Adrien smiled weakly, and stared out at the concrete jungle that bustled below, where small cars weaved through lamppost-lined streets, their headlights illuminating the many pedestrians that dotted the sidewalks like ants. "Yeah," he eventually breathed. "Maybe you're right, Plagg."

---

Ladybug zipped down the narrow stairwell, two shaky steps at a time. The safety barrier that surrounded her, a criss-cross of metal wires, rattled at her fingertips, and the metal stairs clanked beneath her every stride, ringing out into the Parisian night.

"I'm calm," she chanted like a mantra, one she'd started maybe three hundred steps ago. "I'm calm. I'm calm. I'm completely calm. Irrevocably calm. Undeniably calm." Her tense body told another tale. "Like, if calm and composed could have a baby, I would be that baby." She balled her fists out before her, holding her chin up high. "I've got this. Yeah."

A thousand steps later and she was convinced she'd thrown the last of her luck over the ledge along with her yoyo. The elevator at the summit of the tower was for private use. And now the public elevator that joined the two observation decks to the ground was, of course, out of order. While that meant the Eiffel Tower was quieter than normal for a Thursday night, it also meant she had to continue the rest of her trek by stairs.

So naturally, she was now stuck behind a very slow – and very curious – tour group. They kept stealing backward glances at her, before whispering in their neighbour's ear. Something about a "fake in a cheap costume", she thought one person had said.

Any other night – literally any other – and she would've been all smiles and rainbows and unicorns.

Tonight?

Not a chance.

The only thing on her agenda right now was to get home stat. It was the only safe place for her imminent mental breakdown. And at this rate, she feared her frenzied thoughts would fire from her lips like a violent shockwave before she even reached the ground.

"Wow!" the tour guide – Francois, if she'd heard correctly – exclaimed with no preamble. "Look over there, folks!" He brandished a large hand, speckled with age-spots, at something past the wired barrier. "There goes one of Paris' superheroes, Chat Noir." The entire group skidded to an agonising halt, their gasps of awe and murmurs of excitement floating through the air. "We see him and the real Ladybug almost every day. The Eiffel Tower seems to be a favourite patrol spot of theirs—no doubt because of the marvellous view!"

A groan squeezed up Ladybug's throat as she slapped her forehead, and proceeded to drag that same hand down her steadily flushing face.

"I am. Completely. Calm."

[bakudekuficlibrary]

do you have any fics where bakudeku are just really in love and sweet (or as sweet as bakugou can be) with each other, like with pet names or pda or casual affection etc. it can be any rating

Hi! Imma hit you with all the completed fics tagged with “Tooth-rotting fluff”!! These fics should have all the sweetness you’re looking for! (If not, come back and let me see what else I can do for you, anon!)

-Ellie

35 Works. 

Sugar Stardust by milkcandie ( T | 52,353 | 14/14 )

Between baking pretty macarons and sculpting wedding cakes, Katsuki slowly falls in love with a certain green-haired coworker who has effervescent stars in his eyes. Maybe working as a pastry chef in Nowhere, Japan isn’t so bad after all, especially when he’s in such close proximity to a boy who manages to beautify every little thing in his presence.

☆ A pâtisserie AU where Katsuki and Izuku are really the perfect ingredient for each other.

daisies bunches and heather branches by halcyonwhispers ( T | 5,862 | 1/1 )

izuku falls in love with the foul-mouthed tattoo artist next door.

how much do i love you? by writedeku ( G | 1,994 | 1/1 )

“Get up, sleepyhead,” Izuku tries to roll out of bed to brush his teeth, but is suddenly stopped by the tightening of Katsuki’s arms. “Hey, you. We gotta go.”

Katsuki’s reply is a press of his face into his back and a kiss on the bare skin. It makes Izuku shiver. “No,” he pulls him back into the bed and wraps even his legs around him. “Stay.”

Utopia by Kanae_vR ( T | 2,079 | 1/1 )

In which Izuku worries that his and Katsuki’s relationship has become too domestic, and Katsuki proves him right. Not that either of them are complaining.

silence by writedeku ( T | 4,557 | 1/1 )

The rest of the class would tell you that the lessons they now sat in held a different energy than before; ever since the three days where they were suspended Katsuki was quieter and softer, raged less against things he could do nothing about, answered questions without being thoughtlessly rude. It is not to say he has stopped being a bother and a loud-mouth, but that he’s come to terms with it almost, and seemed to be capable of toning it down. But Izuku remained as scared as he was, always quietly thinking- it even seemed he talked less than he did before, was less animated, and seemed to withdraw into himself as he warred with a conflict that the others could not understand. For none of them, except maybe Kirishima, held the desire to see Katsuki reformed.

be my good luck charm by writedeku ( T | 6,785 | 1/1 )

See, the thing is, Midoriya Izuku had been born with a curse. It’s not a curse that’s particularly visible. He doesn’t have horns, or a tortured face, and it’s not the kind of silly curse like a friend of his had way down south in Diagnor, wherein the girl had been born without the ability to say the word duck. Midoriya Izuku is just extremely unlucky.

(Or the AU in which Izuku’s the world’s unluckiest travelling merchant, and Katsuki is someone who may be able to help him. For a price, that is.)

It’s Been a Long Time by Yuechum ( G | 2,392 | 1/1 )

It’s been a long time, Midoriya will say when he leans just enough to rest his head on Bakugou’s shoulder. The boy doesn’t tense, doesn’t move away either. It’s a familiar feeling, almost intimate in the darkest hours of the night.

It feels a little like home.

SeriesPart 1 of On the Cusp of Slumber

Canned Chicken Soup for the Soul by Justpiyoko ( T | 9,918 | 1/1 )

“I had an idea. But Bakugou-kun is not going to like it.”

“To the point, Ashido!”

“I’ve thought that there is one other person, in the group that is not scheduled for training today, who I bet would be delighted to come help a friend out.” Kirishima, Sero and Kaminari looked at each other without understanding, then looked at Mina again for answers. “Midoriya.”

***

Or the story where Bakugou Katsuki catches the flu and his dear friends who love him very much persuade a very adorable Midoriya Izuku to look after him.

Touch Starved Sickness by QueerIsHere ( Not Rated | 1,785 | 1/1 )

Prompt: “Touch starved person a gets the long hug they deserve and just melting into person b.”

Izuku’s been taking hits from the common cold. The finishing blow is when he realizes how long it’s been since he last held someone’s hand.

Pucker for another by Unoutan ( E | 5,201 | 1/1 )

The huge affectionate gestures mattered and eventually, the little ones also began to matter. During the final year of UA High, many things have happened before they got to this moment, before they all got to this moment, but Izuku and Katsuki have evolved together…the most.

Prompt 5: Affection

SeriesPart 4 of Katsudeku Week 2017

[Underage]

Cozy Onsen Confessions by Unoutan ( M | 7,225 | 1/1 )

It’s the second training camp of their second year and it’s in the forests, the mountains area again. It’s not the same place, but Katsuki is closing into himself again…biting at people, even the one who expressed their love and care for him. Izuku reminds his Kacchan that he’s there for him.

(Warning manga spoilers for anime only folks!!!)

Prompt 4: Comfort

SeriesPart 6 of Katsudeku Week 2017

[Underage]

saltwater smiles & saltwater eyes by writedeku ( G | 5,185 | 1/1 )

Izuku grips his camera in his hand right hand and uses his left to brush the hair back from his forehead. He’s also always this way. Heart on his sleeve. So easy to hurt.

So easy to like.

(Or the AU where best friends Katsuki and Izuku take a vacation to Thailand and nothing happens, nothing important, because they’re best friends.)

SeriesPart 1 of the saltwater saga

Cute (Little Shit) by The_Potatoe ( G | 1,000 | 1/1 )

Izuku melts a little at the endearing sight, and Kacchan presses a clumsy kiss to his lips.

“Hey,” Izuku grins down at his boyfriend.

we’re blooming, baby by dumbdaisies ( T | 4,085 | 1/1 )

There isn’t anything more romantic than being shamelessly manipulated by your friends. Also, Katsuki and Izuku make clumsy headway in their budding relationship.

Chorale by KingofPotet ( G | 15,963 | 7/7 )

Midoriya Izuku moved to Yuuei, a small village with (mostly) friendly people, and made new friends. Izuku thinks he rather likes it, especially when the traveling guitarist swoops in and snatches his heart at eight o'clock one Saturday night.

Izuku likes to dream.

(Animal Crossing AU)

Forever and Always With You by MaiaMizuhara ( T | 2,065 | 1/1 )

Izuku is finally comming back home after three long months abroad. Katsuki is impatiently waiting for his lover to return to his arms.

KatsuDeku week Day 5 - Affection

SeriesPart 4 of September KatsuDeku week 2017

Limerence by Unicookie (Kkc0) ( M | 34,538 | 1/1 )

| ˈlimərəns | n. the state of being infatuated with another person, typically experienced involuntarily and characterized by a strong desire for reciprocation of one’s feelings but not primarily for a sexual relationship.

In which Katsuki follows in his mother’s footsteps and hits aggressively on Izuku.

Color Green by homojaku ( T | 14,121 | 3/3 )

Bakugou and Deku have a kid and Bakugou has to deal with his past when they find out she has no quirk. Just a bunch of fluff.

Sweet & Spicy by crescendoh ( G | 2,048 | 1/1 )

The world was unfair.

Narrowed eyes drifted back and forth from Midoriya Izuku to Bakugou Kazumi. The two of them were sitting next to each other on the couch, minding their own business. The blonde was nose deep in her hero magazine. She mused out loud over the news of All Might’s rescues while the young man next to her wasn’t paying attention at all. Green eyes were too busy looking at her with fondness that could not be put into words.

Mineta Minoru knew that the traitor that was Midoriya Izuku was on cloud nine. He just knew the one he once called a friend was beyond happy!

And he snapped.

“Why is it always Midoriya?! Why not me?!”

Asui Tsuyu sent him flying forward with a flick of her tongue. “Because you’re disgusting, Mineta.”

Alternatively known as “Deleted scenes from My Dearest where Class 1-A are the witnesses of Bakugou and Midoriya’s growing love story”

SeriesPart 2 of Female Bakugou AU

smooches by homosexualhitoka ( G | 843 | 1/1 )

Katsuki had learned a lot from being in a relationship with one Midoriya Izuku. He had gone through hardships and easier battles, each one making their ship sail much smoother.

These lessons ranged from anger management, the art of apologizing, how to deal with guilt, and the one that Katsuki keeps revisiting every single day….

Deku fucking loves kisses. All of them. No matter what.

SeriesPart 1 of bisexuallmight’s valentines fun

Spring Has Come by crescendoh ( G | 3,010 | 1/1 )

Izuku felt serene. He had been sitting outside in the local park with a half-asleep Kazumi leaning against him. His relationship with her felt like a dream. After all, despite a tricky beginning, everything he had wished for came delivered to him on a silver plate. There would be nothing taking that happiness away from him anymore. Izuku had challenged fate more than once already and he was determined to keep fighting for the sake of his relationship.

“I love you Kacchan,” he whispered.

“Love you too,” she said, slowly opening her eyes. “By the way, I’m pregnant.”

Rumours said Pro Hero Deku was spotted vanishing into thin air in the park.

Alternatively known as “Very supportive husband”

SeriesPart 6 of Female Bakugou AU

Saint Amour by crescendoh ( G | 2,621 | 1/1 )

Bakugou Kazumi gave the woman in front of her a long calculating look. She carefully mused over her words choice and eventually opened her mouth.

“What’s the occasion?” she asked voice even. Her mother had always managed to be one step ahead and right now, she needed to make sure the Almighty didn’t know as much as she let on.

“Well, why don’t you tell me about it?”

And then, Bakugou Mitsuki was gone. She threw one last look in her daughter’s direction and the smirk displayed on her face was enough of an answer.

Alternatively known as “Meeting the parents"

SeriesPart 3 of Female Bakugou AU

Summer Starlight by battle_goats ( G | 769 | 1/1 )

Katsuki and Deku have been dating for years. It’s time for something new in their relationship.

My friend’s name is- by Unoutan ( G | 2,345 | 1/1 )

Katsuki never had a friend stay for the weekend and Izuku never did either. A part fluffy part angsty kid-fic drabble with embarrassed little 4 year-olds~

Planetarium by crescendoh ( G | 2,467 | 1/1 )

Whether it was his physical appearance or general demeanour, Midoriya Toshinori took most after his father. Sure, he had inherited his mother’s button nose and her sharp almond eyes but whenever the two-year-old called for his mother and held out his arms for her embrace, he definitely looked most like Izuku.

Alternatively known as “Bakudeku baby!”

SeriesPart 7 of Female Bakugou AU

I Will Love You Forever More by Fluffy (JediMasterFluff) ( T | 2,422 | 1/1 )

“It doesn’t seem physically possible that it’s only been five years since I pulled my own head out of my ass to see such a ravishing creature was standing in front of me.”–A lot has changed for Katsuki but the biggest is the addition of a green haired nerd and Katsuki couldn’t be more grateful for it.

KatsuDeku Week 2017 - [Affection/Dates]

SeriesPart 3 of KatsuDeku Week 2017

Lion and the snake by Mikalua ( G | 3,634 | 1/1 )

“I still think you should be a bunny.” Katsuki brings it up as he watches Izuku work diligently on his outfit, “We should match.”

“But Kacchan, I don’t want to be eaten.”

Ephemeral by bakudeku ( G | 821 | 1/1 )

Dreams become reality on that short summer evening, when knees were often scraped, while cicadas whistled the sweet melodies of summer, Izuku shared his first kiss with Katsuki. It was a simple peck on the lips. A small gesture to express the mutual fondness they felt for each other. The kiss did more than serve its purpose, it formed an even deeper relationship between the two.

Silly Hats & Sugar Air by battle_goats ( G | 375 | 1/1 )

Izuku and Katsuki are on their honeymoon.

now a soft kiss and by that kiss i vow an endless bliss. by moonblossoms ( T | 668 | 1/1 )

just a bunch of little scenarios of katsuki and izuku kissing.

Who Wants To Be Out In Public? by tsunderechan ( T | 947 | 1/1 )

It’s their first anniversary as a married couple and Katsuki is either one of two things: That asshole husband who forgets the first anniversary OR That asshole husband who’s too shy to display affection in public. So, which one is he?

[Rated T for Language]

stupid in love by superpants ( G | 421 | 1/1 )

Katsuki and Deku cuddle on the couch and Todoroki joins them.

My Hero by homojaku ( T | 2,477 | 1/1 )

Katsuki goes to visit Izuku for Valentine’s Day and it doesn’t go as well as expected. At first, anyway. A drabble.

the taste of coffee by homosexualhitoka ( T | 2,082 | 1/1 )

Deku was always the more romantic one.

SeriesPart 3 of trans!deku bakudeku thing (I’ll make a real name later)

Dance, Baby! by hottamale ( G | 2,283 | 1/1 )

He was all straight lines and sharp edges, and Izuku found that his intensity could impale him and leave him for dead but he’d still pine for him. He just exuded an obscene amount of confidence that Izuku didn’t have, and it was incredibly attractive as much as his overly cocky attitude wasn’t. But who was he kidding, his cocky attitude was attractive in its own right. There was no going back for Izuku, he was already too far into it for there to be anyone else but Katsuki.

What do you think? Please complete the Submitter Feedback Form so that we know how we did! Thank you in advance!

[justoneday-namjoonii]

Color me moonlight. II

☾ • I • II • III • IV • V • VI • VII ☽

› Summary: Some flowers are not to be plucked, for their thorns are far too sharp for any hand to graze, yet, she was touched. She was soft, fragile, she didn’t know it, but something that beautiful could never be bad. You grew up in a garden of loneliness, do you have a place to bloom? It’s alright, I’ll give you a place and we can bloom together.

› pairing: Taehyung x reader/OC › genre: angst | m | fluff | sci-fi au | supernatural!au | mutant!au | hybrid!au |

a/n: thank you for all of the love part 1 received! I was really happy to see that some of you are following this story(im personally loving it myself). If there are any questions at all, don’t hesistate to send in an ask! Your feed back is more than welcomed ♥♥

April 7th, 1988.

“Jane Sato, date of Biological Alteration and Repair test run, April 7th, 1988. Time, 1:07 Pm. Subject 1010; 20 years of age, male, 129 lb, 5′9. Biochemistry, molecular biology, bioinformatics, DNA-Polymerase, chromosomal translocation, and genetic isolates are among the primary research conducted for the operation. The patient’s condition of severe cell degeneration, Sickle-cell disease, and genetic malformations —” She paused, the recorders red light still on, “— compatible with all inquiries of biogenetic mutation and enhancement. Surgery will commence accompanied by surgeons, Jackson Blanchard, Stephanie Liu, Hanz Fai, and surgical nurse Joyce Brown. Surgery will now begin.” 

The scientists and doctors in the facility watched from the viewing room, standing right at the glass so they wouldn’t miss a thing. Her personal favorite, clair de lune, was the last song on the playlist in the background. After roughly 7 hours, the operation was complete.

“Alright,” She inspected with work they had done over several hours. The surgical mask, gown, and gloves were beginning to become a part of her from how long she had them on, “stitch him up.” 

She went to the sink in the back where she had left the recorder and thrown her gloves away.

“7:40 PM. The operation was successful. All vital signs are normal and patient 1010-FS is expected to recover well.” 

She washed up before greeting the group of eager professionals who came to witness history. She clears her throat. “Alright, questions?”

‘I have a question doctor. Last month, you discussed the possibility of a program dedicated to your research, can you tell us more about that?’

She nods. “Yes. I‘ve served the Medical Science Advisory for three years now and since the opening of the SRMA Facility, I’ve come far with my research. Starting next year, my program will start.”

“What does the program entail exactly?”

“First, 120 volunteers from all over the country will take part in the experimentation. I won’t reveal everything but I will say this, the participants will undergo extreme DNA modifications and molecular mutation on a supernatural level.”

***

October 19th, 1992. 4 years post-program.

The program commenced in 1989 and experimentations took place at the Science-Medical Facility. Just as she planned, 120 participants were under intensive study and experimentation. More volunteers came from all over, ranging from ages 10 to 30, per Dr. Sato’s request. Recently, Sato had begun to categorize the most and least successful cross-studies. The 4% of experiments with the M2-gene were separated to undergo intensive modification.

“Jane.”

“Yes?” She measured the potent liquid, one drop more and it would kill the receiver.

“Patient 1072.” Her assistant, Diana, placed the clipboard in on the doctor’s work table. “She’s been showing a lot of physical and behavioral progress.”

“1072, she’s in the lower level group, yeah? That’s good” Sato flipped through a book, her gaze softening. “Look at this, in 1973 in the United Kingdom, this poor thing was born with Tay-Sachs disease. She had seizures, vision and hearing loss, intellectual disability, and paralysis and she died at the age of 3.” She sighed. “I could have saved that girl and given her a life without pain and suffering. Those doctors didn’t know what they were doing...that’s why she died.”

Diana cleared her throat, nodding as she waits for the doctor to notice that she came here for something else.

“I’m sorry, what about 1072?”

“Oh, she’s receiving the DNA modification well, I think she can join the 4%.”

“Let me have a look-”

The facility speakers blared.

Dr. Sato to room B012.

“I guess I’ll have to wait.” Sato slipped her reading glasses off and made her way to the elevator so she could get to the 9th floor.

“Doctor, thank God.” Blanchard was standing in front of the patient's room with a few of their colleagues.

“What’s going on?”

“The experiment, he’s developed his first sign of mutation. His body is still weak but he has physical changes, you’d be amazed.” Her eyes brightened, this was her favorite part of the program, witnessing the changes. “We’ve watched him for 4 hours straight and well- You have to see him yourself.”

“Show me.”

He opened the door and let her walk in by herself, the boy sat up on the bed, seemingly normal aside from his extreme lack of pigment in his eyes, they looked translucent, almost pale. That was new. She approached him.

“Touch my hand.” She spoke, waiting for him to do it. “Go on, it’s okay.” He slowly reached his hand to place it on hers. Warm, his hand was warm and she felt a pang of heat in her chest, he winced, retreating his hand immediately.

“You’re coming along great.” She insisted. “Get some rest and you’ll get your medicine shortly.” She left the boy to sit in the room.

“Did you see it, doctor?”

“Yes. Continue testing and make a date for his procedure.” She instructed and he nodded. She was about to walk down the hall but she paused. “Oh, and move him up to the 4%.”

“Stupid earrings!” You kick the side of your vanity, instantly regretting it when a surge of pain went up to your leg.

The only pair of diamond earrings you owned were missing and you had 10 minutes to get to the subway or bus for the North Heights. Half of your hair was okay while the other side looked like a mangled up tumbleweed. You got the sleeve of your blouse caught in the bleach water for dishes so you had to change for the third time. This morning was starting off pretty rough. 

Margaret never specified a time until 6 o’clock this morning. She said Mr. Kim has appointments all day after 9 so, ‘Be here by 7:30.’ You live a half-hour away, and that’s when the bus isn’t late or if you catch a taxi on a good day. It was currently 6:47 and you were vigorously passing a comb through your hair. At this point, it doesn’t even matter if you look like Synthia from the Rugrats, you had to get out of here. You grabbed a ponytail holder and tied it up, at least you had somewhat of a presentable style now. Your little skirt and top would have to work with a pair of flats because there is no way you’re running around this city in heels today. 

“How is it 7 already!?” You glanced at the microwave clock and cursed it for mocking you. The yogurt you attempted to eat would have to wait until you come back. You threw your bag onto your shoulder and bolted out of the door.

You ran down the few flights of stairs, stopping in front of the complex and holding your cell phone in your hand to search the bus and subway schedule. “Off of Miller and Maine- Departed?!- That’s it, the world has it out for me.”

The subway was too far of a walk and the 7 o'clock bus just left, there is no way you’re gonna get there before 7:45. “Why...” You looked around, about to wave down a taxi when a man in a tapped your shoulder. “Taxi!-”

“Excuse me, Miss?” 

“Yes?” You furrowed your brows, wondering what this older fellow might want that apparently can’t wait. 

“Are you Y/f/n?” You noticed the gentlemen wore a black chauffeur hat and uniform.

“Yes, can I help you, sir?- Wait, how do you know my name?” You gave him a suspicious expression.

“I am your driver for this morning ma’am, Bernard Shelton. Mr. Kim sent a car for you. I knocked on your apartment door but you must not have heard me. He requested that I apologize on is behalf for the short notice.” You looked past him to see a black luxury vehicle with tents that might as well have been a black hole. “Are you ready to go?”

“Um,” You didn’t know if you could trust this guy, despite his convincing attire and professional mannerisms. “I’m sorry but how do I know Mr. Kim sent you? I mean, wouldn’t he have his secretary tell me this?”

“Would you like to contact Ms. Gough for verification? We’re already running late and Mr. Kim has appointments all day after 9 o’clock. We really must be going, ma’am.” You glanced at your watch, it was 7:09, this is your best bet.

“Alright...” With hopes that you weren’t getting kidnapped, you followed him in the car and sat anxiously in the backseat. Your fingers grazed the flawless interior, making you wonder why a car of this prowess came to pick you up. Upon request of the CEO at that.

“We’re here ma’am, with one minute to spare.” He smiled, stopping you in front of the huge skyscraper in the middle of the fine part of the city. 

“Thank you.” You hopped out of the car and made your way inside. The lobby was far more beautiful than the one at your office. There were sparkling light fixtures, expensive paintings gracing to tall walls and you found your self-walking towards the front desk slower than you should have.

“Hello, I have an appointment with Mr. Kim at 7:30.”

The woman looked through her computer and she couldn’t hide the judgments glint in her eye when she looked at you. “Your name?”

“Y/n.” 

She picked up the black corded phone. “Margeret, I have a Y/n here to see Mr. Kim, would you like me to send her up?” A few seconds went by and she nodded. “Alright, I'll send her up.” She put the phone back on the hook. “You can go ahead. Top floor, directly in front of you when you exit the elevator, his secretary is to the right of his office.”

“Thank you.” Quickly, you went to the elevator and took it straight up to the top floor. A light ‘ding’ noise and you were let out on the quiet floor, not a single soul making a sound on the pristine floor.

“Excuse me,” You walked up to the desk that said ‘Margeret Gough.’ “Ms. Gough?”

“You’re here.” She had a kind smile. “He’s waiting for you, he just got off of his first-morning call. One moment,” She pressed a red button on the phone hook, “you’re 7:30 is here sir, should I send her in now?” She was talking to Taehyung.

“Yes, you can send her in.” 

Your courage started to falter when you heard his voice, now you were really, really nervous. But now is not the time to be timid—you have to hold your head high and walk in there with confidence.

“Okay, sir.” A beep signaled that he turned off the phone. “Go on ahead.” She gestured to the door, a kind simper beckoning you to go in. “No need to be nervous, Mr. Kim is in a very good mood this morning.” She giggled, a grin tugging at the corner of her mouth.

“Just breathe...” You mumbled, slowly pushing open one of the two tall double doors at the end of the hall. 

Your eyes met him instantly as he stood in front of the window the covered the entire wall. The view was ridiculous.

His eyes widened upon your entrance. “Good morning.” He smiled a bit, one hand on a coffee mug while the other rested in his pocket. The dainty necklace with a tiny diamond on the end of it brought his attention to the v neck of your camel-colored blouse. 

“Good morning, Mr. Kim.” You brought a had to the side of your neck briefly and that small movement prompted his eyes to find the soft indent of your collarbones.

He cleared his throat. “I apologize for this being so short notice, I hope it’s not too much of an inconvenience for you.” By the time he walked over to the gesture that you sit, you had already made yourself comfortable in the small leather chair in front of his desk. 

“Don’t worry about it. Thank you for sending the car, by the way, you really didn’t have to do that.” It was a kind gesture but you didn’t feel it was necessary.

“No, it was the least I could do. Last night, I remembered I had these meetings to do and I couldn’t help but want to do one with you since we talked last night.” He sipped his coffee. “So, I asked Margeret to contact you.” He swiveled his chair a bit. “I guess we should get right into it then, yeah?”

“What is it, exactly?”

“Just reviewing company regulations, how you think your locations management is, things like that...” He laid a sheet of paper with a bunch of questions and long black lines, right in front of you. “Would you fill that out? It’s like a survey, a business owner seminar suggested I get to know the business and this was one way to do it.”

“Alright...” You did what you had to do, writing simple answers to questions like, ‘how does your management treat you? Do you feel like an important part of the team?’ Important? Eh, sure, you thought, trying to compile meaningful sentences. After five minutes or so, you were on the very last question and before your pen touched the paper, you froze. “D-did you say something?” 

The confusion on his face probably meant no. “No.” 

“Oh, sorry, I thought I heard something...” You bashfully went back to the paper, quickly scribbling down an answer before setting the pen back in the pen holder. “I’m done.”

“Great. So, how did you feel about the survey? Margeret made the questions with her assistant, she said this would be a good way to see how the employees feel about the company. It wasn’t too boring I hope.”

“It was fine,” It was a generic survey. 

“Let me ask you, do you feel like a valued employee?” The question was pretty simple, but you found yourself scrambling for a response that clearly expressed how you felt.

“Valued? Um...” This was going to sound pessimistic but oh well. “Well, if I quit today and someone gets hired to take my job tomorrow, does that change your profits in any way?” He assumed it was a rhetorical question. “No, I don’t think it does. So how important could I be to you? Sure, I think I’m valued but I see it this way, there’s a job that needs to be done and I’m just the person who does it, no one too special...” He had never heard such an unenthusiastic statement from an employee before, he always viewed his father's company as one big family but based on what you were saying, it wasn’t as family-oriented as he believed. 

“I’m sorry, that sounds kind of negative, doesn’t it?” His silence made you realize that what you said was probably the last thing a boss wanted to hear. “I don’t hate my job, I just don’t see the point in fabricating anything, Mr. Kim. Your company is great and all, but for me, it’s just a job that helps support me...”

“Well,” Your eyes followed him as he walked to the cute little coffee maker to fill up his mug again, “is there anything I can do to make your job more enjoyable? I don’t want you to feel like you’re a machine in a factory, you are an important member of this company. I mean that.” 

“Look,” You sighed, standing up from your chair to walk near the window, taking this opportunity to appreciate the cities beauty from a bird's eye view, “I chose to work for you because it’s a reputable company and your cameras are nice.” When you glanced at him, he saw your real smile for the first time, your teeth showing and everything. Sadly, you shielded it from his sight as he approached you. “If it’s worth anything, I think you’re doing a good job with this whole CEO thing, in my professional opinion at least.” You smiled, he deserved some type of praise for reaching out to his people like this.

“Thank you, that means a lot.” The urge to walk up to you and tangle his finger in the stray strand of hair in your ponytail but he resisted. “You know, because of you, we discontinued Model 0XHS-5D.”

He was standing beside you now. “Really?”

“Yes, and it has impacted sales positively. We cut off the manufacture and it shows in the stock market, all because of you Y/n.” 

“Oh, that’s good, I’m glad I could be of some assistance...” When you sensed him trying to stand a bit too close for comfort, you walked back to your seat. The lack of sleep was kicking in because you found yourself leaning against the side of the chair with your forearm—and the coffee in his hand smelled like heaven. He followed you, taking his previous position in his chair.

“I like the idea of...I don’t know, talking to someone I already know, it’s refreshing.” 

“With all due respect sir, you don’t really know me.” The coo in your voice wasn’t intentional but you were just being honest. “Sure, we talked at the party and last night, but other than that...We’re strangers.” You trailed off, not really sure how you were supposed to end that statement.

“Y/n.” He breathed, thinking he may as well just outright say it—it would happen eventually. “Would you join me for lunch? My lunch appointment canceled before you came, so I have a reservation that I don’t have to cancel if you join me.” 

Lunch? That was the last thing you were expecting to hear this morning. His eyes seemed to latch onto you and refuse to let you go until you answered his question.

“L-lunch? I appreciate the offer but...” You swallowed, for a split second, you considered taking him up on the offer but you quickly dismissed the preposterous idea. I can’t do that, he’s my boss. “But I can’t, I have to get back to work, it’s already past 8 and I- I don’t think that’s the best idea given I kinda work for you...” 

“Work’s not a problem, I gave all survey participants the day off anyway. A 12:30 lunch is more than appropriate for our relationship I think...” Eager, that’s what he probably looked like, but the desperation to get near you was hard to ignore. That same way you looked on the terrace at the party, you still looked that way and he couldn’t just disregard it. 

You locked eyes with him—tempting, very much so, but no. Absolutely not.

“I’m sorry,” You stood to your feet and he followed suit, standing much taller than you, especially without your trusty high heels on. “but I can’t.” 

Any hopes of a day accompanied by you came crashing down as you politely rejected him. The only person he wanted to dine with at that restaurant didn’t want anything to do with him. The way you nibbled on your bottom lip implied that you were starting to feel uncomfortable. He took a small step back, you were dying to get out of here and he was perplexed onto why.

A beep interrupted you, it was Margeret.

“Your 8:30 is here, should I send them in?”

He was quiet, still peering at you as if it would change your final answer. Sadly for him, it did nothing for his cause...

He pressed the button on the phone base. “Give me one moment.”

“Well, I guess I’ll be going now-” You tried to gather your purse and get out of dodge but he stopped you.

“No wait, take this.” He grabbed a business card and wrote a string of numbers and words on it. “This is my personal cell.” He handed it to you. “With this number, I’m Taehyung, not Mr. Kim. So, if you feel more comfortable going to lunch with him,” He smiled halfheartedly. “he’ll be there.”

“Alright...” You tucked it into your purse and bowed respectfully before turning your back to leave.

“Do you like jazz or classical music?”

You paused, you weren’t expecting such a question. “Um, I enjoy both. Why?” 

There was an itch at the back of his neck and he satisfied the nuisance with the tip of his index finger. “I thought maybe that was why we ended up at that cafe last night, a common interest.” 

“Yeah, maybe...” You mumbled, turning around to continue your path out the door.

Meeting with Taehyung wasn’t so bad after all, you scored a day off. You took it upon yourself to get a few things done and spend a little time with one of your only friends. He was being currently studying medicine, technology, science - things like that. He offered to come to your favorite cafe to study with you and a few minutes ago, his lab partner joined you two. The bug seemed to have gotten to them too...

The cafe had the news on in the background and they were playing the same news bit from last night which led Hoseok to strike up a conversation with the lab girl he’s always with.

“What do you think about the 1989 Project? Does your supervising physician ever talk about it? Especially since the media won’t shut up about it.” Hoseok, your good friend for a few years now met you at the cafe so you could catch up on your language studies. 

“She’s mentioned it a few times but I try not to ask about it.” Wendy decided to join you two as well, she and Hoseok were going to school for the same thing so they often studied together.

“What do you think about it Y/n?” Hoseok looked to you. Given you were really into that whole medical and technology thing, you wondered why he had to ask.

“Um,”  You took out one earbud, “I don’t know, it’s interesting I guess.” Assuming he was going to continue talking, you kept the earbud out. 

“I used to think that the Zoe Hawn case was always so freaky, it’s one of the reasons I’m studying at the SRMA Facility, I want to be a part of something that’ll do some good. Crossbreeds, crosses, hybrids- Whatever they're called, I know for a fact that there are experiments still at the laboratory.”

Wendy crooked a brow. “How would you know that?”

“I’m an intern at the facility, I listen in on the scientists and doctors sometimes. There’s a floor that you have to have level five clearance to be on and I’ve peeked in a few times.” You remembered you had a medical and scientific savvy best friends who would never drop the conversation.

Wendy chimed in. “Yeah, I’ve never seen the patients in there, they say some of them look like everyday people, others -- not so much. I wonder if there are even patients in there, it might just be something else.” 

“Interesting...” It had been some time since you left Taehyungs office and you rubbed the business card between your fingers, staring down at the numbers and restaurant name. “Pain Grillé...” You whispered the name to yourself, you had seen that place before, your co-workers often mentioned the fancy place—maybe going wouldn’t be so bad...

“What was that?” Wendy tilted her head, her honey blonde hair shifting on her shoulders.

“Oh, nothing...” Nothing you wanted to discuss with them.

Hoseok smirked. “What’s that in your hand? You’ve been staring at it every few minutes now, is it a love note from an admirer or something?” He teases, the blush on your cheeks and the knitting of your brows only made your reaction all the more amusing

“No, dummy.” You kicked his foot. “It’s not a love note. I was asked to lunch and the name of the restaurant is on this card.”

“So, why are you here?”

“Because I’m not going.” That card was dropped back into your purse, you regretted taking it out in the first place.

“Why not? Lunch at Pain Grille sounds great -- and expensive.” He wondered, what special person wanted to take you there?

“I just rather not, that’s all.” It’s time for a subject change, “I have to go, I’m dog walking all evening so...” You grabbed your notebook and put the rest of your things in your tote. “Bye guys.”

Mr. and Mrs. Lafonso asked you to walk and feed their Pomeranian while they’re out and that’s what you were doing. Dog walking on the side is way underrated, it was what you did when you first moved out here to earn some extra cash. It was sort of a depressing time in your life, you lived in a tiny hotel and worked in a diner until you could save enough to find your own place. Living on your own wasn’t easy at first—a young 18-year-old that was struggling to get by in the big city with a few hundred dollars or so and a heavy suitcase. You got offers from guys to be their sugar-babies and if you were honest, you considered it a few times, the check from your part-time jobs looked like chump change in comparison to the money those guys were offering you. You didn’t have much but you had dignity and morality, no amount of money could take that away. And that’s what kept you going, you knew you could to make it and you did, all by yourself.

“Ugh...” It was beginning to drizzle and you were about to walk down to get to the subway station but you stopped, Pain Grillé. Kim Taehyung could be seen through the window, sitting at the table alone as the swoon waiter brought him a glass of wine.

The grumble of your stomach indicated that it was a marvelous idea—darn your appetite. You turned around and strolled across the street to get to the restaurant, your actually about to do this. When you walked inside, the lump in your throat was stopping you from speaking to the hostess at the desk.

“Good afternoon ma’am, can I help you?” She was a sweet lady, beckoning you to come to her.

“Oh,” Clearing your throat, you smiled, “I’m meeting Kim Tae-”

“Oh, you’re her!” She sounded a bit flustered like she knew you were coming but forgot. “I’m so sorry ma’am, I’ll get you seated, right this way.” She grabbed a menu and urged you to follow.

Her? 

“Mr. Kim said he was expecting a special guest, he told me to make sure I bring you over myself. I’m the owner, Audrey. He loves this place, comes here for all of his special lunch appointments.” Her jaw-length bob bounced as she walked you through the busy restaurant. When he looked up from his phone and saw you, one would think you two were pretty close because of his childishly wide smile. I knew she would come... 

“Here you are! Your waiter will be over shortly. Enjoy!” With that, she was gone, and you both stood there.

“You came...” He beamed, still in awe that you took him up on his offer. You were about to speak as you reached to pull out your chair. “Yeah, I-”

“Wait, let me get that for you.” He rushed to the chair to pull it out for you.

“Thank you...” You shuffled the chair forward, now you were a few inches away from the pristine white tablecloth. 

“No, thank you for joining me, for a moment there I thought you wouldn’t show up.” He took his wine glass, sipping it briefly. Unbeknownst to him, it was sheer coincidence that led you here.

“Oh? Well, here I am...” You scanned the menu slightly as you glanced up at him. 

You don’t mind a little wine with your lunch, do you? They have wines that pair beautifully with every meal, I’ve tried the whole menu. I went with a Muscadet today, easy-drinking in my opinion.” He would have a knowledgeable understanding of wines, why wouldn’t he? 

“I don’t mind, I enjoy a glass every so often.” Maybe a few times a month -- week.

The corner of his lips “So-”

“Good afternoon ma’am, can I get you started with something to drink?” The waiter asked and Taehyung glanced at him with an impatient glint, he was interrupting something.

“I’ll have a Mascoto please.” You thanked the waiter as he went off to get your sweet bubbly beverage. Day-drinking—I guess, when in Rome do as the Romans, you thought to yourself.

“Good choice.” He bit his lip, his tongue peeking out to run over his lips in a tantalizing way. Out of habit, he tapped his fingers on the table. “I admit that I’m probably coming on a bit strong, yeah?” You nodded. “I don’t mean to come after you, I genuinely just want to get to know you...”

He’s still on that. “Sir-”

“Taehyung...” He reminded you. “Call me Taehyung, please.” That smirk—God, why is he smirking at me like that?

“Taehyung,” You emphasized the call of his name, “I’m flattered but I’m no different from anybody else...” Thank goodness the waiter brought your wine to you, you needed it right about now. “I’m sure there are plenty of women who have extravagant lives they can tell you about over lunch, why me?” You scoffed bitterly. “It doesn’t add up to me-”

“I don’t want to know just any of those women, I want to know you.” He countered. “That whole ‘there’s nothing to know about me’ act, I just don’t believe it, everybody has a story.” 

“I don’t.”

“Has anyone ever told you that you almost look believable when you lie?”

You choked mid-sip. “Excuse me?-”

“Are you two ready to order?”

He was starting to spite this waiter. “Uh, yes, I’ll have my usual, what about you, love?” He was looking at you.

Still taken aback by his statement, you ordered. “I’ll have the chicken marsala with a side salad, please.” He nodded, taking the menus away to leave you two alone. You glared at him. “Lie? What makes you think-” He cut you off.

“If you don’t mind me asking, are you close with your family?” That was a personal question that you weren’t expecting to have to answer today. 

“You expect me to answer your questions after you called me a liar?” You scoffed. “I don’t think so...” 

He sighed, not breaking eye contact in the slightest as he sipped his wine. “Is there anyone, anyone at all, a mother, sister, friend, anyone you’re really close with? Anyone you can share your heart with, talk about difficult things with. You seem like the loner type...”

“It doesn’t matter.” You quipped rather defensively. “I don’t really need anyone to talk to, I’m doing fine on my own. As far as my family goes, well, I’m not a representation of my family, I’m just me...”

“So you’re not close to your parents?” He tilted his head curiously. You gazed down at your silver fork, solemnly—you never talk about stuff like this. 

“No...” You uttered lowly, not liking where he was going with the invasive questions. “They died when I was a newborn, I was adopted by my uncles family...” 

“Oh...” He felt bad for asking now. “I’m sorry to hear that,” You flinched, he cupped the top of your hand with his own large one, a softness in his eyes, “I’m sure growing up was hard for you, yeah?...” 

“I mean, you could say that...” Oddly, you let him keep his hand on your own but it didn’t last long. “Can we drop this subject, please? I really don’t like talking about it.” You slid your hand back, an awkward grin showing your discomfort.

“Of course, sorry,” He sounded flustered, “I didn’t mean to pry.” The waiter had come back and sat the food in front of you two, you both thanked him. It smelled divine and Taehyung had already dug into his meal. You stabbed the nicely sliced tomato, sticking it in your mouth slowly as you eyed him intently.

“Y’know...” He began.

You forgot that people actually talk to one another when they go out to eat, it’s been so long it seemed weird. You were just about ready to tape his mouth shut because of all of these questions weren’t allowing you to eat. The chicken on your fork would have to wait. “What?”

“I know this may be a little awkward since I’m your boss and all, but we’re both adults.” Awkward? That was an oversimplification. 

He lowered his voice. “This morning, when you said you heard something,” He bit his lip, “I whispered something to myself...I said it so low, I could barely hear myself say it, but you did.” His gaze focused on you intensely. “I couldn’t stop thinking about it, how could you have heard something that was as quiet as a thought?” 

Fear. A blanket of utter terror wrapped around you as you struggled to gulp the lump in your throat. “I- I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You choked, hands beginning to tremble when you pushed them in your lap.

“Are you sure? Because I think you do.” He was starting to rub you the wrong way.

You are eating lunch in a restaurant with a man that you work for and he sees no problem with it. Not only that, but you saw a few employees from the Heights office and they wouldn’t stop staring and whispering when they saw you. Free lunch at the expense of your antisocial way of life. Those workers knew your face now, what if this went bad? It would look bad on a new boss was seen with a lower level employee like you, what would they think? This is why you didn’t want to do this, this was a bad idea. Thoughts raced through your mind but the only one that you could grasp was the thought of him knowing—you wanted to throw up.

“Are you okay? Your face is flushed.” His eyes widened in concern.

“I- I’m fine, it’s just a little hot in here.” You fanned yourself lightly, reaching for the glass of wine and finishing it off but still feeling parched. Suddenly, a dull ache throbbed in your temples and your brows furrowed in discomfort.

“Excuse me,” he stopped a waiter, “can you bring me a glass of water please?”

“No, no, thank you for everything but I really have to go.” You were pushing yourself away from the table and in a matter of seconds, you were making your way through the restaurant and flying out the door. When you walked out of that place you felt like you could breathe. The gears were turning in your head, anxiety began to eat away at your bones and you couldn’t contain it anymore. Panting, you stood in the busy street, trying to gather yourself. You shook your head, your ears aching as if someone had set a firework off right next to you. Eager to get home, you got on the subway and held on to the safety bar. You felt hot, it as if everything was burning inside you. It scared you to death, people would try to get close, ask too many questions—

 it made you sick to your stomach.

Home, that was your goal. When you got off the subway, you made your dog walking stops. Starting from the farthest apartment complex to your own. A pit bull, two chihuahua’s and a brown lab, it took about 2 hours. The Lafonso’s canceled last minute so you were thankful because nature decided that you deserved to suffer this evening. The rain was relentless. It was pouring down, your clothes were drenched, sticking to you in the worst way as you walked down the street, desperate to get home. No one offered to walk you under their umbrella, not that you would accept the offer anyway. A nice hot shower was all you wanted.

“Huh...” You sigh, dragging your soaked frame up the stairs. You closed your eyes, taking in a deep breath. You dug into your pocket to take out you’re house key. “Where is that thing?-...”

Notice from the city — Sorry we missed you!

We missed you! You were not available when we came to introduce the new monthly policy. The SRMA monthly routine check on all citizens born between 1992 - 1998 who may have failed to submit their medical records or whose records may need verifying. Do not be alarmed, as a government, we want to ensure the health and safety of our people through all necessary methods. If you have any questions, contact us at 747-”

B.S.—You rip the bright orange paper off the door, crumbling it up into a ball, and throw it in the trash bin as you entered your home. It’s disgusting. The government has their sneaky ways of getting what they want, one way or another. Just as you do every night, you flipped the light switch to get some light in your dark little living room. You flicked it twice but there was no light—just your luck. The light bulbs are out. You toss your purse on the couch to go search for some extra light bulbs. 

For some reason the light bulbs refused to be found, you checked under the kitchen sink, then the supply closet—I know I bought some. 

“There we go.” On the very top shelf, the new pack of bulbs sat in the far corner. You had no clue why you put it there but you reached up on your tippy-toes and grabbed the pack.

Sighing, you untwisted the dead bulb from under lampshade and sat it on the coffee table. As you were about to screw in the new bulb, suddenly, you heard low footsteps in the hall and you tensed as the unknown person passed your door.

You absentmindedly screwed in the bulb. “Who in the- Agh!” A sharp burst of glass and light happened in your hands and scared the life out of you. The light bulb previously in your hand now exploded, the shards of glass missing your finger so by less than an inch. 

You rush to your kitchen to get a broom and dustpan. “Cheap bulbs, what can you expect...” You cleared your throat, shuffling over to clean up the mess. When you glanced at your buzzing cellphone, you had easily predicted who it was on the other end.  You picked it up and held it between your shoulder and ear. “Hi, Hoseok.”

“Hey, I was just calling to check on you. I saw you weren’t answering your texts so I got worried.” 

Always so concerned for you, you were lucky to have at least one friend like him.

“Oh, I was really busy today, I didn’t even see your texts. Sorry about that.” You walked into the kitchen as Hoseok explained that he was just making sure you got home safely. He was also pretty curious about who went to lunch with today, you wouldn’t say. “Don’t worry about it Hoseok, it was just lunch and it’s not happening again. Now, I wish I didn’t have to run but I got caught in the rain and I need a shower-”

Footsteps. You heard footsteps in the hall again, and this time, they stopped right in front of your door.

“Y/n?”

“Wait one second...” You whispered, trying to stealthily tiptoe to the door but there was a knock. This time, you were sure it was probably Jan, it had to be...

“Hello?” 

No, that’s a man's voice. 

“Anyone home?”

Just as you were about to peek through the peep-hole, a paper began to slip through the crack of the door and fall to the floor in front of you. The person had quickly walked away after that and you bent down to inspect the paper. 

“Y/n, is everything okay?” 

You forgot Hoseok was still on the phone.

“Yeah...I’m good. Hey, I’ll talk to you later, okay?” 

“Okay, goodnight.”

“Night...” You hung up the phone, staring down at the paper.

You have failed to submit your birth records to the SRMA for the 4th year in a row. 5 years with unsubmitted records is considered a felony as of 2 months ago. You have one year to submit your records before you are put under high suspicion of the state. At the bottom of the paper, a printed signature was signed. Ordered by Senator Nelson Green.

“Ugh, not again...” You were about to crumble up the paper, but you paused. You don’t even know if your birth certificate is legitimate. You were adopted and for all you knew, your parents had altered the thing, it’s unlikely, but it’s still a possibility. You had never turned them in for the mere fact that it wasn’t against the law, it was just a strong and annoying suggestion. Until now.

“I’ve never met anyone like her before and I don’t want to let her slip through my fingers...” He was at his penthouse and his best friend, Jimin, was day house-sitting for him. Taehyung sat on the couch with his matching pajama set on and pillow snug in his grasp as the television served to fill in the silence gap.

“She must be gorgeous for you to be this messed up about her.” Jimin sat on the recliner with a bowl of ramen. 

“I went to lunch with her today.”

“Oh? So you’ve already gone on a date?”

“Not exactly, my lunch appointment canceled so I asked her if she wanted to join me. She came but I really don’t think she wanted to be there. It may have to do with the fact that I’m kind of her boss...”

“She works for you?!” Jimin couldn’t hide his shock.

Taehyung sighs. “Don’t sound so surprised, she works in the customer service department downtown.” 

“Woah, what does your dad think about you getting involved with an employee?”

“Who said anything about getting involved? I don’t think she likes me all that much, she’s kind of a closed book, doesn’t like to talk much. I just asked her to lunch, nothing more nothing less.” He knew it was far much more than that.

“But you want this to turn into something more, don’t you?” Jimin knew the answer. And so did Taehyung. But the thought of verbalizing his want for you made it less real, less tangible.

“Yes- No, I don’t know, I just want to get to know her, that’s all.” Taehyung laid on the arm of the couch, lost in his thoughts. There was no denying that you were hiding something from him, he knew that for a fact. But getting you to open up and be comfortable with him seemed to be the hardest part of all. Why was he so drawn to you? And why did you hide that you felt the same?

A few days later.

It’s a few days since your meeting with Taehyung and you were back to your normal life. Unfortunately, the news that you had gone out with the CEO for lunch was the subject of conversation for the cubicles not too far from you. None of them have dared to ask you about it, for reason that you weren’t quite sure of. You just knew that the only way you were going to get those girls to stop gossiping was to ignore them completely. 

You had quite a few calls this morning, no more than usual on a busy day but they came in back to back. Most of them were calling in regards to the new camera that just came out. Some were complaints, others were genuinely curious questions. Your supervisor came out of his office and you watched him survey the room until his eyes landed on you. 

“Y/n, come to my office please.” He walks back to his office, urging you to follow.

You swallowed, putting the phone back on the hook and walking to his office. Honestly, you couldn’t imagine what he wanted.

“Yes?”

“You’ve been doing a great job, so don’t think I called you in here because you’re in trouble.” Those words soothed your weary expression. “I was asked by Mr. Kim, to give you this envelope this morning.” He reached into his desk to pull out a white envelope. “Here you go.”

“Oh, thank you.” You took the envelope and walked back to your cubicle. In the solitude of your little space, you opened up the envelope. 

__, You’re probably wondering why I didn’t just call or text you. I wanted to know if you could meet me at the club we talked at the other night, I have something really important to talk to you about, please come.

Love, Kim Taehyung.

“Huh...”

“What’s that?” Your coworker in the cubicle across from you noticed the envelope in your hands.

“Oh, nothing, just some notice from HQ or something...” You opened up your desk and shoved it in your drawer. She didn’t look too convinced but she left the subject alone for the most part. 

You laid on your bed, pen in your hand, notebook in your lap, and earbuds snug in your ears. Excessive studying had begun to bore you. You decided to set the book down and scroll through your phone absentmindedly.

I had a great time Suzette

You froze, eyes widening in suspicion. You sat up, seeing if someone had opened your room door or something. Where did that come from? It sounded oddly like her uncle's voice. 

The kids are home, my mom and niece are taking care of them, but my wife doesn’t get off until 7 today

You were sure that was him now. You weren’t sure where it was coming from especially since you had your music on full blast. But when you took the earphones, you could hear the conversation amplified. Quietly, you sneaked up to your window on your hands and knees, pushing hair away from your face. To your distaste, you saw your uncle, leaning into the window of some woman's car—for your aunt's sake, you hoped that woman was just a friend.

I’ll see you on Friday, bring your swimsuit

He kissed her cheek—ok so they’re definitely more than friends. To ensure that he didn’t see you, you scurried away from the window and ran downstairs to help your grandma with dinner. After you washed up, you began to cut the vegetables for the salad as Daisy, the toddler of the bunch, played in the living room with her older brother.

“Hey guys, I’m home.” 

The little kids, all 4 of them ran up to greet their dad, you merely waved. Little did they know, their daddy wasn’t the superhero of a man he portrayed himself to be. 

“Food smells good mom.” He walked into the kitchen to search the fridge for something to drink as he always did.

“Thanks, son, it’s your favorite, stewed chicken and rice.” She smiled as he pecked her cheek. Now it was time to greet the only teenager in the house.

“How was school, __?” 

“It was school, nothing special.” You mumbled, cutting the tomato with one of your earbuds still in.

“Oh, well, just so you all know, I have to go out of town on-”

“Friday?” You suddenly blurted out, earning you an odd look from him.

“Yeah, how did you know?” He furrowed his brow in suspicion.

Save yourself Y/n. “Um, just a guess.” He looked like he thought nothing of it and went back to the conversation. It took everything in you not to say what you saw, what you heard. It burned at the tip of your tongue.

After dinner.

You stood in front of the sink, washing dishes like you always did after dinner. Even though you all had a dishwasher, grandma always insisted that you wash them by hand. It was annoying but you did it.

“Hey, your aunt wanted to know if you’ll take Josie to elementary school tomorrow, she’s gotta go in early.” Uncle walked into the kitchen, a bowl of cereal in hand.

“Sure, I guess I’ll skip class.” You muttered, a hint of sarcasm in your voice.

“Well, you shouldn’t skip class-”

“It’s not a big deal, I was gonna skip anyway.” You cut him off. You two had always had this tense relationship. He would say something, you’d saying something back, he’d get offended, the usual argument followed suit. You remember his rage when he saw you got a nose piercing, it was fake and so you felt no need not to wear it. It’s your nose after all.

“Oh.” He stood there for a little while, reading over some bills and such.

“So, you’re going out of town...” You thought you’d be the one to bring it up.

“Yep.”

“Somewhere sunny, I’m guessing?”

You furrowed his brows, wondering why you’d say that. “Um, sure, I guess.” 

“Why don’t you bring your wife with you? She hasn’t had a vacation in a while.”

“Because it’s work.”

“Or is it because Suzette will be there?” You had stopped washing dishes now.

“Suzette?” His brows knitted further. “How do you know Suzette? I’ve never mentioned her before.” Now he was suspicious.

You sighed, biting your lip anxiously. “You’re making a mistake, ok. You have a wife and kids, your family is worth more than some lady.” 

“__, are you hearing yourself? Suzette is a co-worker and we happen to work in the same city this weekend.”

“And you guys plan to do some fucking swimming while you’re there?” You spat, raising your voice a bit through clenched teeth. “Yeah, that sounds like tiresome, boring work.” 

He tensed—there is no way you should have heard him, that wasn’t possible

“You need to think before you speak __, you could get yourself in a lot of trouble. How the hell did you even hear that? Did you wire my bag or something? Where are you getting all of this?-”

“Look, I know what I heard.” You stormed away, trying to get away from him but he grabbed your wrist. “What.” You hissed.

“What are you up to, little girl? Do you think this is funny or something? You storm around me like some ungrateful bitch and I put up with it since the day you got here. I won’t be disrespected in my own home.”

“Let go of my arm.” You tried to pull away but he was relentless.

He gripped you harder. “I’m only gonna say this once, stay out of my business __, I mean it.”

The threat only made you spite him more. You felt anger and fear begin to bubble in your chest as he eyed you like a hawk. How dare he even insinuate that you were ridiculous when you saw with your own eyes what he was doing. You stared at him with a blank expression, your knuckles turning white as you clenched your fists impossibly tight. “L-let go.”

“Did you hear what I just-” He paused. A white heat began to incase his entire body, his hands trembled as a high-pitched ringing started to torture his senses, he stepped back. “What the hell?”

You got away and ran upstairs.

“__! I’m not done talking to you young lady-”

“Leave me alone!” 

You gritted your teeth, trying to conceal your voice. You closed your door, locking it and jumping to lay on your bed. It was hard not to hate his guts sometimes, he was so annoying sometimes. You wondered what your real dad would have been like...

You heard a knock on the door but you willed yourself to ignore the sounds.

The door creaked as he opened it. “Hi, can I help you?”

“Hello there, I know it’s late but my name is agent Susan Black, I’m with the Scientific Research and Medical Advancements recovery efforts. I’m here to get records for the people living in your home for safety, it’s protocol. We’ve been made aware that you’ve been avoiding our calls and emails for you to turn in all the residents of this home's birth records.” She smiled, he knew this would catch up with him. “You’re making us really suspicious Mr. Kang.”

He scratched the back of his neck thoughtfully. “I’ll make sure that happens in the next week, but now isn’t the best time.” 

“Oh, you don’t have to do it now sir, just before the end of the year. Goodnight sir- Oh, and don't forget, it’s for the safety of society.”

“Dr. Kim, what do you think about The 1989 Project, I know you used to work here back then?” 

One of the resident doctors stopped by Dr. Kim’s office to hand off some papers. “I know a lot of the rumors are true, and that even you worked with Zoe Akasma Hawn to get her back to health.”

The older man sighed, thinking of the horrible state of that girl. “I don’t have a lot to say about it.” 

“Oh, come on Doctor, I know you must think something of it.” He pried.

“I just hope the surviving participants get the help that they need, that’s all.” His answer is wholesome, not one you can really argue.

“You can’t possibly think that those experiments have a chance of molding into society, do you?”

“You never know.” That’s all he had to say before resuming his papers. His phone rang suddenly.

“Hello?”

“Hey dad, I can’t come by this evening, I have a thing.” Taehyung never missed coming to see his dad, so whatever it was, it must be important. “Sorry.”

“This thing must be important, huh?” He smiled through the phone. 

“Yeah, I’ll see you. Love you, dad.”

“I love you too, son.” 

Taehyung tucked his phone into his pocket and got out of the car, hoping he wouldn’t be waiting here all night. It was sunset, he entered the club and found a seat near the band and waited, anxiously. The tingling in his chest reminded him how nervous he was, what if you decided not to show up? That wouldn’t be a surprise given the feelings you have towards him—if you could call those feelings. When you ran out of the restaurant the other day, he had never felt so out of place in his life. He did put you on the spot when he asked about your family and you did not react well. But in his defense, he didn’t know it was a touchy subject. 

“Can I get you anything?” A young waitress, who looked rather swoon by his appearance walked up to him. 

“Not now, I’m waiting for someone.” Her expression saddened when she connected the dots. He wasn’t alone this evening and she could forget about hitting it big with a guy like him.

Thirty minutes turned into an hour, and an hour turned into an hour and a half. He had finally settled for ordering tea and leaving, but then you were walking in through the front door—you were wearing a black t-shirt, sneakers, and jeans. Your hair laid close on your shoulders as your eyes scanned the room for him. Before he could beckon you over, your eyes found him and you were walking towards him. With a breathless huff, you sat in the chair across from him, the air around you immediately took effect on him. His chest started to tingle but he managed to push the excitement down.

“So,” You exhaled, “what’s so important?” Your voice was soft, low, kind despite its cutting edges in tone.

“I...” He scrambled for his reasoning for calling you. “I called the office for you yesterday, but they said you weren’t there.”

“I had a few things I had to take care of, is that why you called me here?...” If that was the reason, you were sure he was taking this interest in you too far. “To see why I wasn’t at work? I asked my manager if it was ok-”

“No, that’s not why. I-...” He tapped absentmindedly on his ceramic cup, attempting to compile a coherent sentence. “Um...”

“Taehyung,” You cut him off, your patience running thin. “I really don’t have all night, I walked here from the subway station 15 minutes from here and I need to get back home...”

“The government contacted the company. They’ve been looking to see if any of my employees are affiliated with Jane Sato or know anything about The 1989 Project. I’ve heard that you’re one of the few people that haven’t been officially cleared by the SRMA recently.” He cleared his throat. “Do you know anything about it?”

“No, not a thing...” You deadpanned, eyes going between your hands and the live band in the background. You were starting to get that feeling again, the same feeling you felt the night you saw him, the icy burn at the tip of your fingers, and the pit of your stomach.

“And honestly, I don’t believe in that stuff. The whole Zoe Hawn case seemed like the government had too much to do with it. Put a feral looking failed experiment on the TV and everyone wants to get tested, it’s a hoax. Those hybrids, experiments- Whatever they're called, they have nothing to do with me. I don’t want to have anything to do with them either.”

He reached into his pocket, pulling out a folded piece of paper. “So, does this not look familiar to you?” You reached for it, fingers grazing it lightly before you gradually opened it up. A photo—a photo of a bunch of doctors and scientists, you weren’t sure. Your eyes scanned the individuals in the picture and you frowned.

Your gaze turned cold. “Where did you get this...”

“These are the doctors and scientist involved in the 1989 project, I got it from a physician I know. He thought I should show it to some of my employees. Do any of them look familiar?” He tilted his head, doe eyes too round and distracting for you at the moment.

You gulped. “No.”

He moved to grasp the photo. “I just thought you might’ve-...”

“I don’t know who any of those people are.”

A spark ignited from the tip of your fingers.

When your hands touched, it was as if a white light engulfed his vision and an achingly loud thump reverberated in your ears, you yanked your hand away instantly. There was no denying that you felt something and you didn’t like it. He stared up at you, lips parted in shock as you mirrored his expression but in a rigid manner. Your teeth dug into your bottom lip, probably drawing blood, and for the second time around him, your anxiety decided to devour you from the inside out.

“I-...I’m leaving.” You abruptly pushed away from the table and stormed out of the club, photo in hand.

“Hey! Wait!” He ran behind you, trying not to lose you since you were already halfway down the sidewalk. You retained a steady pace of running but you could tell he was hot on your trail, you could run down to the subway and try to lose him there but you hated getting on the subway at this hour.

You swiftly shoved the photo in your pocket and bolted down the alleyway. For a moment, you paused so you could catch your breath, leaning back against the rough brick walls and letting your eyelids flutter closed. Why is this happening to me and why now? You managed to calm yourself from the constant pound of your heartbeat. When you heard panting, you slowly opened your eyes.

He caged you, his eyes boring into your soul.

Your eyes widened, jumping back to run away but he seized your wrists. “Leave me alone!” 

“Why did you run?!” He seethed, trying to stay calm. “Calm down, shh!” The words leaving his throat like a suppressed cough. You pushed at his chest, trying not to look him in the eye. “Stop trying to run away! Listen to me, please.” It was a firm plea, one you had never heard from anyone before. “If you’d just let me explain-”

You weren’t having it.

“Why won’t you just leave me alone?!” You jerked away, getting away from the wall so you could make a run for it but you felt a sharp pain in your head. You hunched over, clutching your forehead in your hands. “Ah...” You winced, your breathing unsteady and your stance shaky. The throbbing had increased and your vision was beginning to get blurry. 

Taehyung reached out to you, his hand gripping your arms. “Y/n, stop fighting it...”

“Get the hell away from me!-“ You were pulling away, hitting, clawing at his arms and everything to get him to let you go. Despite your resistance, he wrapped his arms around you, his body being so close had made your pulse skyrocket. This was too much, it physically, emotionally, mentally, pained you the more you tried to getaway. 

“Please, don’t fight me-” He tried to speak calmly but it was hard when you insisted on thrashing about. “S-stop fighting me, I’m not gonna hurt you, you can trust me,” His heart sank when he saw that look in your eyes, the look of an innocent creature in pain—you were scared. “We’re the same.”

“N-no, leave me alone,” Your stance wavered and you fell silent, tears building at your eyes. You were on the verge of sobbing. “Just leave me alone, I can’t be around you...”

There was so much energy emanating around you, through your bones. You could feel everything—you could hear everything. The buzz of street lights, bickering old couples on the top floor of this old apartment, honking horns of impatient drivers, a sobbing teen curled up on a cold tile floor. It was as if all living things were coursing through you—a razor-sharp current of light and darkness stabbing you from the inside out. 

The sound of something cracking, the sound so unbearably familiar that he found it difficult to physically control himself. 

“Y/n, don’t fight it...it’s okay...” His hands clung to your lower back and the back of your neck, keeping you anchored against him, your hands still pushing him away. His lips parted, a shaky breath leaving his mouth when you tensed. 

“I know...I feel it too.”

Absolute darkness, dull obscurations ravaged your sight and you fell limp—you blacked out. 

[fnalissaa-page]

Day 4,

we left at 7 o'clock on the morning to departed for Shinjuku Express Bus Terminal. We went to Shinjuku Station and the terminal located near the South Gate. We got ready for the next city's trip was Matsumoto, Nagano region. Sadly, bye Tokyo! To discovered you in just few days was not enough. Hope to meet you in future!

Matsumoto was 3 hour bus far from Tokyo (Shinjuku) and we were excited to experienced the highway's trip. We made entrace for bought the ticket. And went directly to the departure area and bus left Shinjuku Terminal at 10 a.m.

Waiting room

Bus to Matsumoto

Highway Road

We used the charge station at each seat, and used additional charge we brought self. In the middle of trip, bus stopped a while for rest area. It was just 15 minute last and continued to the highway road. At 1 p.m, we arrived at Matsumoto.

Arrival at Matsumoto

Matsumoto was transit city to our Day 5 for Tateyama. We stayed for a night and already booked a hotel. From Matsumoto Station, we walked for 10 minute and found the hotel address. We drop lugages while the chek in time was at 3 p.m and then we went outside to took a walk around city.

We found Matsumoto was a bit cold windy and there were beautiful view of Mount as background and fancy buildings. We decided to went to Matsumoto Castle by walked 15 minutes far from our hotel. In the middle of walk, we saw crowded people dressed nicely and they actually went to musical theater. Also, there was a block of market beside the river.

After we arrived at the Castle, we found it was free of admission to strolled the park. If went inside of the Castle, it did cost for around 600 yen. Then we just strolled the park and saw various beautiful spots. Many people did Hanami (Japanese kind of picnic) and actually Sakura's tree were still bloomed on the park. We were excited!

(to be continued)

[autoirishlitdiscourses]

Discourse of Saturday, 03 July 2021

Have a good recitation.

Jolly old woman. One option that you turn in a particular text, and quite engaging and lucid, and does so in section on 27 November recitation, too, OK? You may find that speaking with me on the web? You should do, in fact, you have a Disabled Services Program accommodation for? One way but not unimportant juxtapositions that the episode—are we to make this offer to do so, because it makes life more stressful for you to make a habit of it myself.

I think that one of the situation, but I think that what your argument to go is also an impressive move you might notice Bloom's interest in is the only representation of its most precious illusions. I expected, and you receive no credit for the positions that you should by all means pay close attention to how other people would probably help you grow as a whole. Don't forget to look at what constitutes evidence, and you related it well to the question of what texts you see, specifically? The group was already warmed up for points of your texts, a good Thanksgiving break. You effectively acknowledged the work. You could theoretically have been possible to accomplish this before in case they ask you if he asks you specific questions that you have any questions as you point out of all of these come down to recite and discuss can be a way that makes a strong reason for doing a good student and I enjoyed having you in section tonight, along with the rest of the texts, and it shows in places, and/or need to be making, since we've just set this up, I've also gone ahead and decide which texts you want to get this to everyone who was genuinely responsive to early questions didn't get your ideas in here, although this was a mispronunciation of surmise that broke the poem's ideas needed a vocal pause in order to move up, if you'd like. I'm not faulting you for doing such an incredibly minimalist effort on the other side of your discussion notes by the victims and requires a Dirty Harry, a productive choice, so I do not re-inscribe Gertie into the A-and I appreciate that you're capable of punching through to a copy of the theorists involved and the group to agree with the assumption that you can do at least twelve lines of poetry into music and want to take a radically relativist position and suggest that everything else goes smoothly with you, I can think in line 22. Looks good to me. You really do have good, clear readings of all but the attentive amongst you will have to get very very sensitive and nuanced interpretation—I've tried to point your students at it, and the to a strong preference on going second or third, although the multiple starts ate up time that could have been in all ways to read from Butcher Boy here. Alternately, you did fumble a bit here. Nothing that I'm still a few things that, going into the novel within one of the class about stereotypes of Irish Women's Poetry, 1967-2000 ISBN 978-0-916390-88-4 around, it's a bit of wiggle room. In any case, you're welcome to share these with your own ideas. For the recitation, got people talking. Think about what your overall payoff will be. I get there naturally. I don't mean to take so long to get it in a lot of information with a GPA of 3. That section of the quarter, you might profitably compare/contrast formula and show that you're dealing with. Again, very solid work here. /Annotations to James Joyce's Ulysses: she's married and has been very close less than thrilled about with this question, but are intended to culminate in a comparative manner over time, I think that you're talking about home in general might mean by passionate, insightful, moving delivery and/or larger concerns. More administrative issues?

Both of these are impressive moves. 54 2. Hi! It never compares, at least forty-eight hours of your mind, keep reciting it, in part because, when it's entirely up to him. In all of which parts of The Butcher Boy the following details about exactly what you're going to depend on where you found it on a different segment later in the judgments that sort people into the A-paper receives is based on whether or not effectively support the writer's argument. Hi! /Or minor problems. Forcing yourself to ground your analysis more: I think, always a productive exercise I myself use LibreOffice.

I hit the Send button in my camera died, I'm sorry to say, I have a good weekend! You really have done some very, very good outcomes of your writing is also impressive. You have a few other things, and the ideas you had a good job of covering a large number of important things to say this not just of choosing not to say that a B paper one day: although you should then discuss the readings in a more elaborate description if you have any other questions! I'm planning on doing a strong job!

Great! The Dubliners' version of GOLD than you were very sensitive and nuanced things to talk to me. So, in a chapter of Theodor Adorno and Max Horkheimer's Dialectic of Enlightenment that is in your delivery was good, but made up for it. —As it needs to be over. Thanks again for doing a genuinely excellent job well done. However, I think that bringing one of the room, but I'm hesitant to quote in, say, surrealist painting and other works, we should be engaging in a packet of poems tonight. I did better. All in all, you can make my 6 o'clock section, so I hope you had a good holiday, and it's a reflective piece, for that section within the realm of possibility for you. Or you could be made about grammar and phrasing but these are required, and I quite like your performance, that's incredibly comprehensive. Currently, what do you mean when you argue that one thing is nothing more than you were so excited by your own writing and/or the penalty. I didn't anticipate at the structural schema given to friends: Carlo Linati; Stuart Gilbert J. B 415 435 B 400 415 B-77% 80% C 73% 77% C 70% 73% C-means that a contemporary English poet might be productive. Come by my office hours. That is to say. You covered some important things in your analysis in a third document might involve how media images get stuck in Francie's head and the rusted poison did corrode his blood the way: It's often easier to get back to you with comments tomorrow. There are a couple of extra minutes to make sure it's a wonderful and restful holiday break! Picking a selection of what you see as the source of a topic that I can. You'll get that in as soon as you can bring your participation score a small boost to your next email it to the course's large-scale course concerns and themes, looking at evidence that you can do with the Easter Rising, and not Silence of the stack anyway. First: make sure that it's one of the due date that you want to ruin it for a student with a well-structured manner; and mop up on posting links to songs and other emotions related to each other, broader problem is that I assign your final exam yes, that you want to help each and every lecture. If you wanted to meet this status, there are some of Yeats's poem, its mythical background, contemporary politics, and number the episodes on the syllabus. Excellent! That's fine just let me do so. Again, thank you for putting so much that that is important in connecting outrage to analysis. One of these various types and weave them into a more specific: I am of course grade. I think. 'S, 5 C-range paper/—even by one line—/is/always/bring the week's readings with you that placing the non-traumatized at least 98% on the most important would be a useful fallback plan. I will be. If you have any other number of genuinely meaningful contributions that you demonstrate a very productive. Strange feeling it would help you to trace a clear line between some line that intersects several of these come down to it? Hell, bandwidth's really cheap these days. So, where do you see as the major possibilities, and we can meet on campus never quarter. However, I think that you're painfully aware of their work relates to WB's work. However, you did eight IDs instead of or in posting your notes are absolutely unchangeable, because you clearly had a low-ish A-scale umbrella of what might be a motivated one, and don't remember it in economic terms or terms that differ are generally fair and often very nuanced readings by using hedging phrases like I said before, and good choice to me, and you've proven that you are absent or late, missing more than the course as a whole and contextualizing the paper, and that it's less successful than it would have had to take so long to get back to you.

So, it may be that our sympathy is based on the midterm would result in a lot of things well here: you had planned to cover, refreshing everyone's memory on the final. I completely appreciate that you're already doing a good student this quarter, and I hope you have a good idea, you did quite a good chunk of the problem with the middle of how percentages or point totals above are necessary ways to approach the question from another angle: What is the ideal resource, but you did quite an impressive move, which involves speculations about the relative value of the play pp. Think about what your paper. On Raglan Road, which has Calc, a professor in our department, Candace Waid, just over the break. That is, I also consider lack of Irish literature. /Corrections, but will post before I pass it out, it will eventually force someone to speak without forcing them. So, my suggestion is not that you really have done some very good recitation and what kind of reader-response criticism which is to have a sense of what texts you choose a good sense of the beautiful little gem that is appropriate and helpful.

It is in the novel. I'm gonna pretend I didn't anticipate at the last day for most of that motivation is will pay off to have thought of it as coming in on the day you are, after all, you've got a good holiday break! I left item 5 off of the first line of your recitation. There is a series of archaic softhearted misplaced sympathies for criminals. Another potentially profitable, but needs to be finding a way to find that thesis, because they're from a rope on line 14; changed I told him that I think that the professor's announcement that he has now missed three sections a very good job in a thesis statement throughout your time and attention to the pound, which pulled the grades up. Unfortunately, the average i.

[pear-otter]

Misha&Moire

For ease of listening/watching, I compiled a youtube playlist, on top of the individual song links below!! @gyeolsim @eldritchlulz

Important Themes:

Running

Restless and reckless youth/being a fucking mess

Spending the night together (in a non sexual manner)

Crying 

The Ocean, water, the absence of water

The sun, the partner/lover as the sun

Dawn/morning

Wings, flight

Lurking around city streets (mostly in the music videos not lyrics)

“Blooming”

Dreams/dreaming 

All music videos here have been thoroughly vetted to ensure the optimal Moire/Misha aesthetic. Yes it’s all K-pop, who do you take me for. They all have English subs because the lyrics are highly important to the playlist.

Don't Wanna Cry - Seventeen

(MV) Look, lyrically it might not be super suitable when compared to the others , but I think the video is aesthetically suitable, and contains some of the important themes of the playlist. It’s a post break-up song, and I liked having it at the beginning of the playlist because it’s like a reverse of that...rather than the drifting apart after a relationship, Misha and Moire started out rocky but became unexplainably close 

Run - BTS

(MV) This is the centrepiece of the playlist really, it has literally all the themes listed within the video and the lyrics… I think it really speaks to their similarities that this song could fit them both in just a straight up solo playlist. This is totally the characteristic recklessness (“the lads” only they’re like artsy and Korean, not Russian)

Don’t be daunted by the video’s runtime, the actual MV goes until like 5:30, the rest is credits. (also if you were unnerved by the large number of guys dancing in the last video, this has absolutely no dancing)

Like This - Pentagon

(MV) This shares a lot with the previous song, uses the themes in the same ways etc, but also shifts the playlist into the second part, which focuses on like… not just how their wild sides play off each other, but how they soften each other, helping them “find themselves” whatever that means anyways

Rise (Icarus) - Taemin

(Lyric only video) I mean look...I had to have a Taemin song… I think this really suits, it plays a bit on both of their reckless vaguely matyrish tendencies (especially when it comes to each other), pretty dramatic for the softer part of the playlist, they’re still trying to find that dynamic where they’re not dialing everything up to 500

4 O'Clock - RM & V (BTS)

(Lyric only video) I really love this song for them, it isn’t the characteristic recklessness that can be seen in other parts of the playlist, but a soft kind of angsty nighttime song, when they’re trying to get comfortable with being gentle and open with each other. The song specifically mentions a park, but I think it really suits the image of Moire and Misha just spending time in each other’s company by the lake in the early hours of the morning, sometimes swimming, sometimes not

Lights Out - EXO

(Lyric only video) This is less of an angsty nighttime comforting song, like they’ve fallen completely into this dynamic, and are comfortable taking on that role for the other, not just as like, a fierce and angry protector, but a purely comforting presence. It seems like something of a heightening of their intimacy, with the emphasis on like...falling asleep, which is the ultimate lowering of their guard

You Are - GOT7

(MV) The same more negative themes from the first half of the playlist are still present of course, but the emphasis is clearly on the positive effect they have on each other, the healing aspect of their relationship. This is like...the third part of the playlist, if the first part was like the recklessness, the harsh day and evening, and the second part is the deeper parts of nighttime, then this third part is like... the dawn of the next day :’)

Star Wind Flower Sun - Mamamoo

(MV) This is a little less dramatic than the previous, just being at peace with each other, not necessarily a capital S Saviour, just two kids who really care about each other

And this concludes my playlist. Thank you for your time.

[princesscolumbia]

[UPDATE] So, anyone ready for another Fanfiction Friday?

My job has finally decided that they're "caught up" and have reduced the general workload from 60-hr. work weeks starting at "KILL ME NOW' o'clock to a much more reasonable 40-hr. work week starting at 5:00 AM. This means that I'm not going to be stumbling home at 2:30 PM after a 10 hour work day and taking 3-4 hour naps followed by an hour of fueling up and getting ready for the next day, then following that up with another 3-4 hour nap before starting the process all over again. This means I have much, much more energy for other things.

Like writing.

Like this thing I just published.

Naturally, I don't expect follows or likes or thumbs up (or whatever you kids are doing these days), as I've only got the one chapter up. I will say that it's my first horsefiction where I've got the entire outline written before I wrote the first chapter, so it's much more likely to receive structurally consistent updates as the story progresses.

That said, I'll give everyone time to read the chapter, get caught up on my other works, and spread the news that I'm back amongst the living before posting another Fanfiction Friday poll.

Good news for members of the Swarm, Lost Little Wolf will be back on the list, as it had it's mandatory time-out after being voted in so many times I had to introduce term limits.

To refresh everyone's memories:

Published

Lost Little Wolf - (My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic blatant self-insert, you have been warned) When an accident on the freeway ends my mortal human existence, I emerge from a changeling egg as Chrysalis' only queen daughter. (Currently my most popular horsefic)

Fission - (Ranma/Sailor Moon) Ranma Saotome and Usagi Tsukino both have lives that are, to put it mildly, chaotic. When a freak magical accident causes their destiny wires to short circuit, they start experiencing crossover the likes of which NOBODY could have expected (Currently my most popular fic period)

Double Trixie Trouble - (My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic/My Little Pony - Equestria Girls) Twilight Sparkle gets clever and sends The Great and Powerful Trixie to the EQG universe as Equestria's ambasador. This winds up about how you might expect. (Currently my most popular fic amongst G&PT fans. Also, a divergence fic that takes place between S04 and S05 of MLP:FiM and after EQG:Rainbow Rocks)

Generations of Heroes - (Mega Man) In a world controlled by Dr. Wily, there is no hope left. One brother turned traitor and the other abandoning humanity to it's fate, one girl may hold the key to the salvation of the human race from the robot masters that enslave it.

Destiny is Like Turtle Wax - (Ranma/I, Me, My Strawberry Eggs) It's a new school year, and it's not just Ranma that's facing new changes. A new teacher with their own secrets will stir things up even more for the martial artist.

Fallen Star - (My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic) Marines are trained to handle anything...but the training never accounted for being stranded, alone, on a world without even the rudiments of post-Industrial era tech, and no way home.

Unpublished

These are fic ideas I've been sitting on for a while and periodically tinker with. Think of them as pitches for series ideas and you all are the people I'm pitching them to.

Agents of S.M.I.L.E. - (My Little Pony - Equestria Girls) Lyra has always known that there's a government conspiracy to keep the general public from knowing the truth about the mysteries, myths, and legends that surround us every day. What she doesn't know is that her girl- best-friend Bon-Bon is an agent for said conspiracy. Bon-Bon's latest case and Lyra's latest cryptid hunt might just be enough to blow away all the secrets between the two...but it might just destroy the bonds between them as well.

Destiny with a Capital 'D' - (Ever After High) Apple White has always known that Daring Charming was her Fated Prince. So much so that when they started high school together, they decided to not be an "official" couple because in a few years they'd be Officially Destined, so no need to push couple-hood in their formative years. Until the Dragon Games, the premature poisoned apple, and Daring's Epic Fairy Fail to wake Apple from her forever sleep. When Daring's sister, Darling Charming, delivers the kiss that wakes Apple, it forces Snow White's daughter to rethink what her Destiny even means.

Statutory Consequences - (My Little Pony - Equestria Girls) When Apple Bloom goes into heat around a futa-pony, the end result is a pregnant Apple Bloom. The problem? The "father" is an adult, and Apple Bloom is still very much a minor. Years after running away to avoid the shame she's sure she'll face from her family and friends, the now adult Apple Bloom returns to Ponyville (after very carefully studying the law to make sure the statue of limitations has expired) with her daughter Zap Apple, and her wife, Zap's "father." The small family must face the consequences of their actions years ago. (NOTE: Even though this story heavily features a futanari pony, it will NOT be about sex. Repeat: This is NOT a clopfic)

A Hive of Queens - (My Little Pony - Equestria Girls) When the Mane 6 awaken to find that every single one of them is a changeling queen, they realize that not only are they all from six different alternate universes, they're in a seventh universe, having been summoned by Queen Chrysalis. In this universe Chrysalis had invaded Equestria centuries early, having to face only a much weaker Celestia, no Luna, no Elements of Harmony, no Cadance, and almost no effective resistance. It's been 1,000 years since the first Summer Sun Celebration, and Nightmare Moon is wreaking havoc in Chrysalis' empire. Having no other choice, she has summoned changeling version of the Elements of Harmony in hopes that they can deal with this threat. (This is a Fanworks Crossover fiction)

[malaburt]

We’ve had hard freezes every night, but inside our little rancher it’s cozy at 68 degrees. We light a fire in the fireplace about five o’clock which keeps us toasty through the evening. Outside there are still things to be cut back. The ground is not quite frozen and more rain is expected this weekend with slightly warmer day time temperatures. The leaves that have blown around plants in the beds may just stay as a thermal blanket until spring. I don’t mind the messy look.

Inside an anthurium is blooming.  The red/orange, heart-shaped flower of Anthuriums is really a spathe or a waxy, modified leaf flaring out from the base of a fleshy spike (spadix) where the tiny real flowers grow.  The spadix, a.k.a.: nose, tail or inflorescence is the actual anthurium flower; it is where the stamen (male part of the flower) and stigma (female part of the flower) are to be found. The stamen and stigma can only be seen with magnifying glasses and appear as tiny bumps on the spadix.

2. Before we had a frost, I cut some pieces of a bright neon green coleus and stuck it in a vase. It has developed excellent roots. I plan to pot them so I don’t have to repurchase in the spring.

3. Outside there is cutting back and cleaning up to be done. I’ll leave the heads of the miscanthus for later, but will cut back the soldago in the foreground.

4. This fall I was able to get three Osmanthus ‘Goshiki’ half price and planted them in the revised bed where the avocado sculpture now resides in place of the river birch. I like the pop of pale yellow/white against the green. Once they get bigger, I can use some cuttings in holiday decorations.

5. And I planted three white groundcover roses (Blossom Blanket) in the same area. They are small but I’m going to leave the leaves as insulation over the winter.

6. The herb window box hasn’t frozen yet. I am still cooking with fresh chives, thyme. parsley, tarragon and sage.

That’s my six for this week, a meme started by The Propogator, a UK gardener. I learn something every week from the participating gardeners and from verifying information about my photos. This week it was about the true flowers on anthuriums. This is the link to the rules if you’d like to join in.

Six on Saturday – Inside and Out – December 17, 2018 We've had hard freezes every night, but inside our little rancher it's cozy at 68 degrees. We light a fire in the fireplace about five o'clock which keeps us toasty through the evening.

[caddyxjellyby]

Alcott Readathon 2018: A Long Fatal Love Chase (1866)

Alcott spent July 1865 to July 1866 touring Europe, first as a companion to Anna Weld and then on her own. When she returned she found the family once again struggling with money and set right away to making some. "Wrote two long tales for Leslie & got $200 for them. One for Elliott for which he paid $75, also a bit of poetry for $5.00. He wanted a long one in 24 chapters & I wrote it in a fortnight 185 pages, besides work, sewing nursing & company." But when she finished the novel "Elliott would not have it, saying it was too long & too sensational. So I put it away and fell to work on other things." A Long Fatal Love Chase, originally titled A Modern Mephistopheles, is the story of Rosamund Vivian, an orphan living alone with her grandfather on a British island. After declaring "I'd gladly sell my soul to Satan for a year of freedom," grandfather's old friend Phillip Tempest arrives. ROSAMUND: You're so exciting and mysterious! *hearteyes* TEMPEST: You're so naive and isolated! *hearteyes* ROSAMUND: It must be so cool to sail around the world on your yacht. TEMPEST: Elope with me! But after a year of happy marriage and sailing, Rosamund learns that Tempest committed bigamy. Instead of letting her leave him, he stalks her around the Continent. This will be my fourth time reading it and it hasn't gotten old. It's both melodramatic pulp fiction and a pretty realistic depiction of domestic violence, starring a brave, determined, and compassionate heroine. Chapter 1 She bows to Tempest. Cool. Tempest: "One may begin with youth, health, and liberty, may taste every pleasure, obey no law but one's own will, roam all over the world and yet at five and thirty be unutterly tired of everything under the sun." I told you we would see that sentiment again. The dramatic irony kills me. Rosamund says he doesn't look like he has a wife or children. "You read faces well." Lying bastard. Chapter 2 She walks along the edge of the roof. Badass. Chapter 3 Lito taught her to waltz; that's so adorable. List of figures Tempest gets compared to: Faust, Mephistopheles, the Wandering Jew, "Jacob's seven years." Rosamund: Hero (as in Leander not Shakespeare), Miranda, Eve, Margaret/Gretchen. Lito is Ganymede. NO ROSE don't do it. Chapter 4 Is titled "Rose in Bloom." "Everything is possible to a strong will" is similar to "Nothing is impossible to a determined woman" from The Abbot's Ghost. Rosamund is from Hythe. Who does Lito look like? Who could it be? You jerkface you're stealing her letters. Chapter 5 How to commit such a perfect murder that you will never be caught. "Women fainted as they knelt and were passed out over the heads of the throng." Funny mental image, that. Poor Willoughby. Tempest: I may do evil but at least I own up to it. Yeah, well, you're still doing evil. If only Rosamund had a female friend to say "My husband insists he has no conscience?" to. And she could tell her to run. Chapter 6 "At five o'clock in the afternoon all the fashionable world at Nice may be seen at the Promenade des Anglais, so called because laid out and kept in repair by contributions from the English. It is a wide walk bordered by palms, roses and tropical shrubs, with seats all along, bathing pavilions on the beach which it overlooks and a fine drive between the walk and the hotels and villas standing on the outer edge of the bay along whose edge the Promenade extends. "Every nation is represented, every language spoken, every costume worn, and of a sunny day the spectacle is as brilliant as any Carnival. Haughty English, gay French people, plain phlegmatic Germans, handsome Spaniards, uncouth Russians, meek Jews, free-and-easy Americans, all drive, sit, or saunter chatting over the news and criticizing the latest celebrity, be it the wicked old king of Bavaria, the dusky queen of the Sandwich Islands or Princess Dagmar mourning for her last Czarovitch. The equipages are as varied as the company, and attract as much attention, especially the low basket barouches in which ladies drive themselves, with a groom or page in the little seat behind, a pair of dashing ponies, a parasol, whip and a net to keep their voluminous flounces from overthrowing the diminutive vehicle." Sound familiar? It was slightly altered and put in Little Women. Also I never realized until now that LMA doesn't believe in the Oxford comma. I love that they have a pet antelope. Chapter 7 This is legit gaslighting. Telling her that she didn't see what she thought she saw. Chapter 8 Even though it's not meant as a joke I laughed at "Curse his precipitation!" I like Marion as much as Rosamund. Chapter 9 If I were to guess why Elliott didn't want to publish the book, it would be the divorce plotline. GO ROSE. Chapter 10 Rose thinking her life is over makes me so sad. Yay, reunion with Lito! Chapter 11 "He is neither groom nor gentleman. A bad face, I shall insult him if he comes often." Yeah, you insult that Tempest, Adolph the servant. Chapter 12 Lito's heroine worship of Rose is my favorite thing ever. Dun dun da dun, cliffhanger. Seriously, I want a movie so bad. Chapter 13 Sins, Tempest? She's hardly sinned at all! Yeah, I know about nineteenth century attitudes towards sex outside marriage. But those are stupid. You can see how much they hurt Rose. Father Dominic and Tempest being friends is a really good coincidence. Oh yeah, I bet you find Rose's "air of soft command" charming, don't you, Father Ignatius? Chapter 14 According to LMA, only English women have perfect necks and shoulders. Even when I was 12 and reading this for the first time I thought Rosalie Varian was a silly alias. Sneaky sneaky Baptiste. Chapter 15 "You have no right to forbid me anything." &ROSAMUND; "Englishwomen soon learn that French customs permit a young lover as well as an old husband." OH NO YOU DID NOT PHILLIP TEMPEST. Chapter 16 It's amazing how all the tactics Tempest uses on her are the exact same ones people use today. Telling others she is insane, lying to her about people being dead, isolating her from her only family member by stealing her mail. Chapter 17 And now we're talking about the fucked-up-ness of 19thC asylums. LMA is awesome. I know Rose trusting Baptiste is foolish, but it's still understandable. She's completely and utterly trapped and he's her only hope. At this point the "she opened the door and there was Baptiste or Tempest" thing has gotten repetitive. Chapter 18 "Speak to me, Rosamund, I cannot bear to see your face so white and stony, to feel that your heart is hardened against mine. I seem a brute, but it is my love which drives me to such harsh measures; when you relent I shall be your slave again." Channeling his inner Jareth the Goblin King here. Oooh, she called him Phillip. I don't know why nobody ever brings up Rose leaving for America. Chapter 19 Ignatius: Sure, I throw him off a cliff but it was only a little one. I love the gossiping Englishwomen who don't buy the father/daughter charade. Chapter 20 w00t, Baptiste is dead. Chapter 21 How cute are Lito and Marion Tempest? Very! This would be so nice if it, you know, lasted. "The neighbors regarding [Tempest] as a fiend incarnate." LOL. Dude, let her have a week of happiness. Darn it, Lito, hold your laughter in! "By what right do you violently break upon my privacy?" Rosamund is awesome. "In all the world no human creature loves, trusts or honors you." She's so great at telling people off. Chapter 22 If you pretend this is the final chapter, the book has a happy ending. Ignatius, maybe it's time to stop referring to your love interest as "dear child." Chapter 23 One of the things I like about the book and the Rosamund/Tempest relationship is that I fully believe that he loves her and Lito, despite the stalking and lying. The two aren't mutually exclusive. Aww Rose, I bet she was actually thinking of protecting Ignatius from Tempest. Chapter 24 Another thing I like, even though I just realized it now, is that Tempest never hits her. Oh yes, murder her friend, that will win her heart. "Mine first - mine last - mine even in the grave!" Isn't that the greatest final line ever? Part of me wishes Rosamund got a happily ever after. But I also love that ending. Next: Little Women.