#This morning a friend sent me a couple of works by this artist and I found others...

[witchygagirlwrites]

Not The Flu

Greg "Mouse" Gerwitz x Halstead Sister Reader (Nicknamed Dizzy)

Your Brothers find out about you and Mouse in a very big way

You woke up and could feel Mouse’s arms around your waist. His face was tucked down into the bend of your neck, his warm breath teasing the skin with every light exhale. You loved nothing more than the mornings you got to wake up slowly in his arms, neither of you having to rush off to work or you having to rush off because Jess was having an emergency at the studio.

You felt him shift and his breathing changed before his lips brushed against your bare shoulder “Morning D” you grinned “Good morning Greg” his lips followed the path down your shoulder until he got to your collarbone then he gently shifted you over to your back. You smiled when you looked up into those sky blue eyes “I love waking up with you” you whispered, your heart aching to tell him you loved him.

You’d known you were in love with him for a while. There was no way to not fall in love with a man like Greg Gerwitz. He was kind and gentle when the situation called for it but was protective as hell when it was needed.

This man had gone through hell at your brother’s side and was the reason you still had him. He’d pulled himself out of PTSD fueled addiction and made it to the other side. He was everything you’d ever wanted just hadn’t realized until one night in a bar had placed him in your path.

“Where ya go Dizzy?” he asked and you realized you were currently just lying there staring up at him “Just thinking how glad I am you came to that gig” he grinned “Nowhere near as glad as I am baby” and crashed his lips against yours.

Mouse walked into the twenty first and heard his phone ding with a text. When he opened it there was a message from you. He cut his eyes up to make sure Jay wasn’t around then swiped it. It was clear Jess had sent the message because it was a photo of you, curled up in a chair in the corner of Jess’ office and the message read Must you wear her out when we have artists coming in???

He laughed and texted back Hey, that’s on her. I told her she needed sleep he started up the stairs and Jess texted back You two are sickeningly adorable Says the girl dating Dizzy’s brother? He replied and she sent back CASUALLY! I gotta go. I’m gonna wake sleeping beauty BYEEE

He loved you but damn your friends were insane. He’d known he was in love with you for a while. It was probably a couple weeks in, you were at his place. You were wearing one of his old shirts, sitting on his counter and eating ice cream. Your hair was a mess and you were humming the bars of one of your band's songs. He’d never seen a more gorgeous sight.

He’d been keeping his mouth shut to not scare you. He’d prefer Jay actually know you two were together first. It was hard keeping such a secret from his best friend but you asked him to and he’d do just about anything you asked of him.

He got to the palm scanner and laid his hand down. The gate popped so he grabbed it then headed up. He had to get his mind on work.

“Sweets, are you sure you’re good?” Tyler asked, eyeing the fact that you were just poking at the caesar salad you ordered. Normally that was one of your favorites for lunch. “I don’t know Ty. I’ve been feeling like shit, Jess keeps teasing that Greg wore me out but he makes sure I get plenty of sleep. It’s kind of annoying at times the length that man goes to just to make sure I’m taking care of myself”

Tyler grinned “I like him for it but on a serious note Callian had the flu a couple weeks ago. Sounds like you may be trying to get it. Might warrant a stop by Med. Would suck to get a bigger artist in the studio just for you to be contagious” You rolled your eyes “Thanks for the concern for my health there Ty!”

He laughed “That too of course Halstead” and you shook your head “I’ll run by and see how busy they are”

_________________________

You laid back on the bed in an exam room. April had come in and taken like six vials of blood per Connor’s orders and Maggie had come in with juice and a pack of crackers when you told her you hadn’t been able to eat lunch. “I feel like this is special treatment” you told her and she smiled “It is. You’re the youngest and favorite Halstead” you grinned “Thanks Mags”

You were just waiting for the door to come swinging open and your oldest brother to come barreling in, demanding what was wrong with you. For now you were half asleep.

_________________________

Will walked through the E.D. and his eyes flickered towards the board and landed on his own last name. What were you doing here? “Maggie, why’s Dizzy here?” she nodded towards Connor “Rhodes is her doc. Her results should be back. Ask him Will, I’m handling twenty different things”

Will walked over to Connor who passed him your chart “Here, I haven’t even looked yet. I’m going into exam two. Don’t go in without me so I don’t get in trouble for it” Will opened your chart and his eyes flew across the results then landed on the findings. You were pregnant.

Who got you pregnant? He turned to head to your room but stopped at the door when he heard you talking. “I’m ok Greg, really” Greg? MOUSE. THAT SON OF A BITCH.

He turned and tossed your chart on the counter then ran to grab his jacket. Him and Jay would kill the son of a bitch.

_______________________

You heard a knock at the door and sat up “Yeah” Connor walked in and looked confused “Will hasn’t come in?” you shook your head “I haven’t seen him” his face scrunched in confusion “I figured he would’ve told you, be here to support you and all after he read your chart”

“Told me what Connor?” you asked and he shrugged “You don’t have the flu. You’re pregnant” Oh fuck. If Will read it and came to talk to you, he heard you talking to Mouse.

“Shit Connor I gotta go. I’ll come back for discharge papers” “Why?” he asked as you grabbed your jacket and keys “To make sure I don’t raise this child alone because my brothers killed its father”

Mouse was in the tech room, fixing a set of broken coms when Jay and Will came storming in. “Jay?” he barely got his name out of his mouth before he was being snatched to his feet and slammed against the wall by his best friend. “YOU’VE BEEN FUCKING MY LITTLE SISTER!”

“Jay..I..” he tried but Jay cut him off “SHUT THE FUCK UP!” “Leave him alone!” all three men looked towards the doorway to see you standing there, a bit winded and on the verge of tears. “She’s pregnant Mouse” Will told him and Mouse looked from your brothers to you “You’re pregnant?”

You nodded “I just found out” tears forming in your eyes. He could’ve cared less about Jay and Will threatening him. You were there, visibility upset and now knowing you were carrying his child? “Baby please calm down. It’ll be ok” he spoke softly to you. He saw your hands shaking so he cut his eyes back at Jay “Fucking kick my ass if you’ve got to and get it over with. You’re stressing Dizzy”

_______________________

You watched Jay loosen his grip on Mouse then turn to look at you “Dizzy?” you felt tears slip down your face “Please don’t fight with him Jay. He wanted to tell you from the start. I asked him not to” his shoulders sagged and he let Mouse go.

Mouse immediately crossed the floor to pull you into his arms. “Baby are you ok?” He asked and you nodded “Are you” Jay looked from you to him “Diz..why not just tell me?”

You turned in Mouse's arms to look at him “He's your best friend Jay. He means a lot to you. You mean a lot to him. I don't want to be what breaks that but I love him Jay” Mouse's arms tensed and you realized what you said.

You slowly turned back to look at him and a smile slipped onto his face “You love me?” “I have for a while Greg” you whispered and he leaned down to brush a gentle kiss against your lips, having forgotten your brothers “I love you too Dizzy”

Jay and Will both cleared their throats so you broke apart and turned to face them. They both still looked angry but slightly less “Don't hurt her. Be there for my niece or nephew” Jay spoke low and Mouse nodded “Of course”

“We will still kill you and make it look like an accident” you laughed at Will's words but Mouse just grinned “Thanks for that Will”

Jay shook his head “I guess I'm ok with it” then it was like a thought hit him. His eyes widened in horror “IT WAS DIZZY!” You hid your face in Mouse's chest and felt him shake with laughter “In my defense you didn't knock”

“OH I AM NOT DEALING WITH THIS RIGHT NOW” Jay looked at you “I love you. I'm ok with you two and the baby but no just no. And I'm installing chain locks at both of your places” he turned to storm out and Will looked confused “What did I miss?”

Mouse grinned at you before saying “You don't wanna know” then pressed another kiss to your lips “I love you” “I love you too Greg”

@desimarie12

[the-lonelybarricade]

TheLonelyBarricade Feysand Masterlist

All works excluding drabbles are avilable on AO3

🌶️= Smut/Works with explicit content

A Court of Faded Dreams Masterlist🌶️ - acotar rewrite/timetravel fic. (WIP)

Darling, Let's Run 🌶️ - Cat!Rhys and his general trickery (Completed)

As the River Flows Masterlist 🌶️ - Regency Feysand with a magical fated mates twist (completed)

Till Death Do Us Part Masterlist - A slice of life chronicalling the adventures Grim!Rhys and his reluctant wife Feyre (WIP)

Queen of Thieves Masterlist 🌶️ - Con-artist Feyre makes an ill-placed bet with the High Lord of the Night Court (WIP)

Take My Hand, Wreck My Plans Masterlist 🌶️ - Modern AU where Feyre gets pregnant from a one-night stand with a violet eyed stranger (WIP)

We Bleed the Same Masterlist 🌶️ - An acotar retelling where we cut out the feylin love story entirely (WIP)

The Other Side of the Apocalypse 🌶️ - A canonverse AU following human Rhys and Feyre as they journey through all seven courts (WIP)

Canon:

Hate Me If It Helps 🌶️ - Feysand angsty sex pollen fic.

The Most Magnanimous High Lord 🌶️- Rhys gives Feyre a reading lesson

Five Times the Beast Was Subdued (and the One Time It Wasn't) 🌶️ 🌶️ - Part 1 ⟡ Part 2 - Feysand beast form, monsterfucking, breeding kink filth

ACoMaF Wedding Scene - Canon compliant Feysand wedding scene.

The Chains That Bind Us - Feysand are married and Rhysand’s mating bond snaps w/ someone else.��

When The Glass Shatters - Feysand are married and Feyre’s mating bond snaps w/ someone else.

A Conversation At Dawn - Rhys takes a quiet moment to reflect with his mother. 

Just Can't Prove It - Feyre meets a stranger on a flight

All By Design - What if Isaac Hale was Rhys all along?

-

AU:

It’s Nice to Have a Friend  🌶️ - part 1 ⟡ part 2 -  Modern AU best friends to lovers/accidental kiss.

Ten Past Five 🌶️ - plotty Feysand NYE meet cute

Snow on the Beach 🌶️🌶️ - Daddy kink, Feysand join the mile high club

Can’t Keep My Hands to Myself 🌶️🌶️ - Part 1 ⟡ Part 2 - Feysand Sugar Daddy AU 

The Music of the Night 🌶️🌶️- Demon!Rhys visits Feyre in her dreams (dub-con)

Violent Delights 🌶️🌶️ - Feysand vampire smut (dub-con)

Be a Doll, Darling🌶️🌶️ - Feyre's Sex Doll comes to life (dub-con)

Cakes & Cupid - Birthday party meet-cute. (Modern AU)

Scaring Is Caring - Halloween themed meet-cute. (Modern AU)

Arrowmusings B-day Present - Lucien x Rhys x f!reader fluff (Modern AU)

Long Story Short - Feyre gets stood up in a restaurant. (Modern AU)

The Dating Game - Modern fake couple AU. (Modern AU)

The Outlier - part 1 ⟡ part 2 - Timetravel fluff / university AU. (Modern AU)

A Letter Never Sent - Christmas fluff (Modern AU)

Caught Up In You - Rhysand Celebrity AU (Modern AU)

Don't Be a Jerk (It's Christmas) - Coffee Shop Christmas fluff (Modern AU)

Down the Water Well - Eldritch Horror Vibes AU

if you ever think you got it wrong - modern hurt/comfort friends to lovers

Good Morning, Darling - Feysand & baby Nyx fluff 

Behind You - Batboy Snowball fight featuring Nyx

Like An Illyrian - Rhys and baby Nyx fluff

No One Has to Know What We Do - vaguely smutty angst

Every Time I Look at You, It's Like the First Time - Feysand fluffy proposal

Guess I’ll just stumble on home to my cats - Feyre drunk at a party

[ntktblog]

Backbone chat 1/29

So, I'm posting this on a sideblog that way any notes won't get in my main blog and my non-SL friends don't need to deal with this. I am not mad, I'm just documenting everything, but if I got my $2k back and they admit they fucked up with this WHOLE PR Crisis, I would not complain.

Let's start with the basics:

TL;DR: Backbone got caught using AI (source: River's Bsky post)

Read more for sanity and not long dash scrolling. Line breaks are because Tumblr hates long form, nothing has been omitted or changed.

This morning I thought I'd be a little catty but the group chat ate my message and the opportunity was missed. Then River was ejected from the group. So I rolled up my sleeves and got to work, deciding to be genuine and ask about it.

[16:09] Skye Winchester: I'm late to this conversation but how much of Backbone's products contain gen AI and why wasn't it disclosed? [16:21] Skye Winchester: (my chat dropped, sorry if this is sent twice/thrice) -- The silence is alarming tbh. There is no ethical gen AI, it all scrapes work by actual humans who are not compensated for it. If there are products using gen AI, they need to be disclosed so people who want to support artists will not be tricked into purchasing them. [16:39] Skye Winchester: I'm taking the silence for what it is. I guess in a world where everything is user created, it's disappointing that such a big vendor would rely on computer generated art that actively steals from actual artists in order to make money, and then go and charge like 5-10$ USD to sell it to unaware consumers. It's disingenuous at best, and exploitative at worst. All AI is a dangerous tool we don't know how to wield yet, and we're slinging stolen art across the metaverse with no consequences.

The response was deader than a doornail and the chat kept crashing. Unsure if this was intentional attempt to 'mute participant' or if the chat really wasn't about my life today (assuming the latter) And then...

Someone sent their weird little AI bot after me at the same time. IMs from non-friends don't work well on Skye cause SL thinks it's a fun little game, so I got two... but but none from the admin.

Let me repeat that: I DID NOT GET ANY IMS FROM AN ADMIN. Anyways, back to the dumpsterfire. The Clowns decided to audition for the circus.

[16:40] ItsIntuitive: How do ya'll like your steak? [16:41] Chrissy Rhiano: medium is the way to go :) [16:41] VolkKoroleva: What happened? O-O [16:41] Houdis Hancroft: medium-rare…ONLY [16:41] BrianA Corleone: medium well is the only right answer [16:41] SangriaKalakaua: I'd have medium well. [16:41] Samson Rowley: waves hi [16:41] BrianA Corleone waves back [16:41] Kirra Ayashi: I agree with Jettt Medium Rare for life lol [16:41] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): I like my steak like I like my art…hot and stolen! [16:42] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): So I used to be scared of ordering my meat with any pink and I started doing so a couple days ago and LOVE IT. [16:42] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Medium well <3 [16:42] Oakan Corvinus: Med rare [16:42] LilTasty Pudding: I like how ya'll are glossing over people bring up the concern of gen Ai stealing from creators who actually work hard to make the things they make. This group is unhinged, I'll see my way out. [16:42] Ŝɑɱѕση Ẅɑуηε ℜσωℓεу (samson.rowley): best way to have it right [16:42] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): It really is [16:42] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): tears for not being heard [16:42] Gemifer Saphir: I like the rainbow effect thats on slices of meat, looks really amazing. [16:43] LeoProspero: its almost like when you order BBQ, if the restaurant puts sauce on everything, its defnitely n ot good. [16:43] Skye Winchester: It's not their art being stolen, they don't know any artists or do art themselves. That's the sad part. [16:43] genemc: Liltasty, it's best you and Sky take that stuff elsewhere [16:43] Dr Sangria NἶօɾŚαnкợƒα-Kalākaua (sangriakalakaua): Steak with a little pink is easier on the digestive system than steak well done, great choice.

[16:43] BrianA Corleone: wait, what? backbone is using AI theft? [16:43] Ƙαтєяιηα Ƙ. Mιѕfιт (volkkoroleva): I am unsure of what happened o-o [16:43] Skye Winchester: Or what, Calvin? Are we a sundown town suddenly? [16:43] Calvin (genemc): I'll get my steak mid-rare at a place that knows how to properly cook… Medium otherwise [16:43] Skye Winchester: I asked how many products Backbone has used Gen AI on since their latest desk thing has it, and why it was not disclosed. [16:44] YuriBloodfang: Unless it can be proven to be AI art, I don't believe people when they scream it. Seen actual artists accused of using AI when they have the STREAM VIDEOS of them creating the work. [16:44] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I am scared to order rare, I'll have to work up to it [16:44] Calvin (genemc): oh, I won't go rare [16:44] Avery Bae: Rare or medium rare has more flavor imo [16:44] Skye Winchester: It was confirmed to be Gen aI. [16:45] Skye Winchester: By Kiana. [16:45] SufferingFrom Lockjaw: I like my steak blue. [16:45] Calvin (genemc): Let's not feed the trolls [16:45] Riley Amore: You mean still MOOING! lol [16:45] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Blue? [16:45] Leannan McC. Trevellion (sufferingfrom.lockjaw): Yeps:D [16:45] Skye Winchester: No trolls here, just someone who has spent a lot of money and should be allowed to know what the money bought. [16:45] Leannan McC. Trevellion (sufferingfrom.lockjaw): as my Momma used to say, "Just cut its butt off, wave it at the grill three times, and give it to her." [16:45] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): cries for Skye [16:46] Avery Għøυł-Bae (avery.bae): You like to make sure it's still walking across the plate lol [16:46] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): anyway…steak [16:46] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): delicious [16:46] LesliePlain1: why use AI on it? all I can see that could even be worth the effort is the screeen background [16:46] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): cries for Skye [16:46] Maple Moose (drakona.lewellen): Can easily see it n the Peek-a-Boo box and the Glitch. Glitch is an older item so they've been at it for a while

[16:46] Skye Winchester: That was where the gen AI was used, Leslie. And looking at some other stuff now seems suspect, so it should be disclosed. [16:47] Neramew: O.o the new gamer zone is the secretlab desk, that's pretty neat [16:47] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): What kind of jam or jelly on ya toast? [16:47] Avery Għøυł-Bae (avery.bae): Blackberry [16:47] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): Crunchy or Smooth Peanutbutter [16:47] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): CRUNCHY [16:47] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): hell yea [16:47] Skye Winchester: Changing the subject doesn't stop genuine questions, nor does 'cries for' or threatening us to 'take it elsewhere' [16:48] Atheria Vampurr: boysenberry jam [16:48] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Oh and mention of the gamer zone set, I love it so much [16:48] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): more tears…for you know who [16:48] Calvin (genemc): Trolls don't ask genuine questions, they stir the pot for the attention and to cause drama for others…. don't feed 'em [16:48] Leo Prospero (leoprospero): Ai is all over SL now, let it go. [16:48] Nera Ryuka (neramew): I kinda want them to make the standing desk version now for the new release [16:48] Atheria Għøυł-Bae (atheria.vampurr): and smooth peanut butter [16:48] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): feed em jelly [16:49] Skye Winchester: Yes, I paid 2k to get into this group 3 years ago just to troll it now asking about gen ai. [16:49] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): standing desk? Like no seta? [16:49] Nera Ryuka (neramew): Yeee [16:49] Nera Ryuka (neramew): It looks exactly like the magnus desk from secret lab, they have a pro version that rises! [16:49] Leslie Plain (leslieplain1) looks baffled. "yeah, there's a tonne of PD art they could have used that would have taken nothing away from it"

[16:49] Skye Winchester: I'm asking a question and you're all thinking it's funny to troll tells me you don't care and that's fine, but I do. [16:50] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I think that be cool, I'd love to see animation on the desks alone. [16:50] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): You are asking the wrong people Skye. [16:50] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): I love there game sets [16:50] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): gamer [16:50] Skye Winchester: I am asking in the group, for Backbone, about Backbone products [16:51] Skye Winchester: Whereas y'all are talking about… barbecue to detract from the question. [16:51] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Me too, they are so lovely [16:51] Avery Għøυł-Bae (avery.bae): You may have better luck going directly to the creator [16:51] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): ^^^^ [16:51] Calvin (genemc): mmmmm…. BBQ…. I could go for some brisket about now [16:51] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I'm just a consumer ^-^ [16:51] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Ooo brisket [16:51] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive) drools like homer [16:51] Skye Winchester: I don't have IMs on from non friends. And it doesn't turn on, call it a silly SL glitch. So messaging is pointless. [16:51] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): I now want steak and PBJ [16:52] Ŝɑɱѕση Ẅɑуηε ℜσωℓεу (samson.rowley): oh me too [16:52] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I want another juicy steak [16:52] Avery Għøυł-Bae (avery.bae): Then that sounds like a you problem

[16:52] Calvin (genemc): this weekend would be a good time to smoke something [16:52] commandhat: I logged in late enough that I missed Skye's actual question. What was it? [16:52] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Lemme get a plate [16:53] Skye Winchester: How many previous backbone products use Gen AI and why wasn't it disclosed? [16:53] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): ion know [16:53] Calvin (genemc): We're customers, stop being a troll [16:53] Skye Winchester: So am I, Calvin [16:54] Skye Winchester: Again, paid 2k 3 years ago and have bought plenty since then [16:54] Katty TopHat: better question, how many creators in SL use it and don't disclose it? Probably most? I mean….I [16:54] Katty TopHat: oops…not sure they need to disclose it [16:54] Caine MacIntyre (commandhat) blinks, tries to think back… [16:54] Tersa Beverly: eh. probably because when it started it wasnt considered the issue it is now by those that dislike it. and really if that kind of thing is problematic for someone, its up to the consumer to check on the things that bother them and if they find a product that doesnt align with their values they are free to go elsewhere [16:54] Leslie Plain (leslieplain1): sigh, gonna have to reconsider buying any more products here, a pity, they do good work [16:54] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): Look here, Katty! You REALLY care about this! I know you do :p [16:54] Calvin (genemc): Do you go into the grocery store and ask customers where the beef comes from or do you call their corp office? Please stop the drama [16:55] Katty TopHat: lol Jett…mhmm!

Dun dun dun, and then--

As you can see, there is not a single admin/mod in this chat.

[16:55] Skye Winchester: For what? [16:55] Skye Winchester: Jules, answer for what? Asking a question? No one replied except trolls? [16:56] Katty TopHat: I replied…and not a troll.I'm saying I don't see the need for creators to disclose that. Who else discloses it? [16:56] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I joined the group when it was free some time ago, I think my first purchase was Gamer's Heaven Work Station Set [16:56] Jett Hancroft (houdis.hancroft): cries for the trolls [16:56] Caine MacIntyre (commandhat): IIRC they disclosed they were using AI to complete a few of the features in the Winter skybox, Northern Lights Hideaway. They used AI to generate snow textures, to make the textures on the rezzer for the lights themselves, and to create concept art for the house itself, but the furniture models were hand-made. I think that's the first piece they actually used AI for. [16:56] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): I couldn't tell you my 1st purchase. I'm an old SL lady. [16:57] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): oh i feel that in my soul riley [16:57] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): i am ollld [16:57] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I'm just 4 years in [16:57] Caine MacIntyre (commandhat): Does that help, Skye? [16:58] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): oh you're still a baby then nevaeh hahaha

[16:58] Skye Winchester: That would be great if it's true that it was disclosed, that's what I'm genuinely wondering, how many products. [16:58] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): it scares the crap out of me that ive been in here for 16 years [16:58] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): My AV just hit 20 [16:58] Vicious Witch: Skye is right, it was proven to be Gen AI, the creator even admit to it. Then Kiana Writer had the audacity to fling someone out of the group for voicing a concern as well as asking them to fix this and not use the AI anymore. As customers it's our right to decide what we want to support and not to support. Being petty about it won't help the cause. [16:58] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I am but I will say I feel like I caught on quickly, I love it here [16:58] Skye Winchester: And Jules tried to kick me just now but because my SL is so much fun, I'm still in this chat [16:59] Skye Winchester: And being rude to people who have genuine questions is absolutely ridiculous, y'all, come on. [16:59] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): im glad you love it Nevaeh :) honestly i just came back after a hiatus and im re learning and finding new fun places XD [16:59] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): I wonder what sl will be like by the time I hit my double digits [17:00] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): Hopefully less TP crashed

[17:00] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): Crashes. [17:00] Atheria Għøυł-Bae (atheria.vampurr): righttttt [17:00] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): that will be fun to find out..its crazy how much has changed. [17:01] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): ugh i dont think tp issues will ever be fully solved, but at least our shoes arent in our butts anymore [17:01] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): LOL I think I've been experiencing tp crashes lately more than usual [17:01] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): SHOES IN OUR BUTTS? [17:01] Calvin (genemc): yes… even when just logging in [17:01] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): yessss it was hilaaarious [17:01] RíƖҽყ Sɳσσԃʅҽ-Aɱσɾҽ (riley.amore): Same, when I log in I have to relog imediatly most times [17:02] Skye Winchester: Alright, who is the actual creator since everyone in this chat lost the plot and I'll go log in my alt and message them since my IMs are wacky [17:02] Calvin (genemc): You've been in SL for 6 years and don't know how to figure that our yourself? [17:03] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): we are just moving on from the conversation skye. you said your piece and we have nothing further to add. [17:03] Calvin (genemc) facepalms [17:03] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): big facepalms indeed [17:04] Calvin (genemc): You've been in SL for 6 years and don't know how to figure that our yourself? [17:04] Skye Winchester: Kiana is the creator of the group, and she clearly does not want to deal with any commentary, or Jules. [17:04] Maple Moose (drakona.lewellen): Thankfully for anyone that doesn't want GenAI in the stuff they buy, there are resources for that c:

[17:04] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): thats cool maple [17:05] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): ugh im trying to remember the name of the chair i bought like 5 years ago. (rummaging…) [17:05] Caine MacIntyre (commandhat): I will add one more thing, then snooze the chat. It's possible to like things without liking the creator. I'l going to continue to buy BackBone regardless of their AI use. That doesn't mean I support their ideals, it just means I like BackBone. I'll vote with my wallet when that tactic doesn't exclude a supermassive majority of the things I otherwise need to survive. [17:06] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): if you bought it in store you can possible check the vendor [17:06] Skye Winchester: And I want to be aware of the items I want to purchase using any sort of AI. Especially at the prices [17:06] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): mm good idea nevaeh. i hae too much inventory to remember anything haha [17:07] Katty TopHat: Hey Skye…read the room [17:07] Calvin (genemc): trolls just want attention [17:07] Skye Winchester: I am, it's clear y'all don't care, and that's fine, but I won't be shouted over because you don't care. [17:07] Myka Winchester: Just because she doesn't subscribe to the group mentality shown here, doesn't mean her concerns aren't valid. [17:08] Katty TopHat: and I'm not saying her concerns aren't valid, but to keep saying the same things over and over doesn't change it [17:08] Skye Winchester: The fact that Jules tried to eject me from the group without saying a dang thing and other people being thrown out for voicing their opinion is not reflecting well, and y'all just licking the boots. [17:08] Katty TopHat: smh [17:08] Skye Winchester: People keep asking what my question was, what am I supposed to say "you missed it, sorry" [17:09] Roonani Phade (tersa.beverly): AHA. found the darn chair. its a pouffe. headdesks [17:09] Calvin (genemc): We're customers. Stop trying to stir us up and go have a rational conversation with the right person, if it's that important to you. [17:09] ღ νıҳɛŋ Pнøɛŋıҳ (vixenbelle): Could always block and move on.. its what I do when I find someon annoying or what have you. [17:09] Avery Għøυł-Bae (avery.bae): So I have questions but don't want to keep shit going. [17:09] ღ νıҳɛŋ Pнøɛŋıҳ (vixenbelle): someone* [17:10] Skye Winchester: I thought I was asking the right people, meaning the mods of the group, and there was no reply and I was ready to let the matter drop until I was belittled and told 'best take it elsewhere' like I'm in a sundown town run by racists. [17:11] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): Oh wow [17:11] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): That's wild [17:11] Nevaeh Lockhart (itsintuitive): but anyways Imma have to check that pouffe out [17:12] Calvin (genemc): Pouffe sounds more like a pastry than a chair

Then, just now... as I'm typing this. (I'm still somehow in the chat despite being ejected.)

[18:08] Kiana Writer: Thank you all for your support ♥ We truly appreciate it and apologize for the silence, while we were getting the team together to address the concerns as quickly as we could.

[18:24] Skye Winchester: While ejecting people who were asking genuinely? The Gen AI thing isn't even as wild as the PR crisis you just gave yourself. God speed y'all, you'll need it.

[18:27] Calvin (genemc) facepalms [18:28] Kiana Writer: Instead of reaching out to us Skye, you started this group. That's not ok. The only people ejected were you for group harassment and the person posting chat logs on social media. That's not ok. A simple notecard or IM would have been sufficient. That's all I will say about this to you knowing this will end up screenshotted too.

[18:31] Rain McKenna: I must have Skye blocked, cuz i haven't seen anything, but is this mess REALLY still going on an hour later? [18:31] Skye Winchester: I did not start anything, I asked a question about it after someone else did out of concern, not once did a single admin or mod reach out to me in this chat or this group to address it or tell me to stop. I only got dogpiled on by members of this group. And as for posting chat logs, I'm about to post mine with everything and I don't care, cause group messages are not against TOS. [18:31] Kiana Writer: Nope! Not anymore Rain! We do have a new group gift in the store, have you grabbed that yet? :) [18:31] Skye Winchester: But yeah, good luck. [18:31] Rain McKenna: Thank goodness. <3 Ooooh, nope, I sure will pop right in! [18:32] Kiana Writer: Also excited to announce the new Monthly Mystery Madness Theme: Valentine's Vault! ♥ Pre-orders begin Feb 1st and the boxes will be out on the 10th already to enjoy on time for Valentine's Day! ;)

Ironic Rain McKenna decided to pop her head up when she cost my best friend's estate about $300 USD for squatting on his region after he died and LL still thought it was active even though she was told to pick up her shit and go while I tried to get it shut down but I digress.

Anyways, this is long as hell and I did barely anything but copy and paste it, record has been recorded, do with this as you will!

The update:

10:20pm est 1/29/2025

Update 2

Ultra is fighting for his life in my comments to justify AI use by Madpea and Backbone as being 'past tense', despite current proof being held.

[cowgurrrl]

ok what am I supposed to do now the one for the money, two for the show is done!!!?! I would love more lord while I go back a reread everything from the beginning!

If you’re taking requests maybe quick snapshots of the year apart? Not to get too personal but I have a crush and I’ve been stalking their social media but like in a chill way (or I’m trying to) I imagine reader and Joel both seeing each others accomplishments or posts or being tagged in things and just being happy for each other but also….the longing

A Soulmate Who Wasn't Meant to Be

Pairing: rockstar!joel miller x actress!reader

Author's note: this is so angsty i'm sorry

Summary: This ask

Warnings: angst, yearning, oh it's so sad

Joel Miller's New Album Set to Break Records

Everything We Know About Joel Miller's New Album Glass House

Glass House Expected to Go Platinum Before Next Month

What Songs on Joel Miller's New Album Are About Famous Actress Ex?

You almost text Joel about the headlines and theories flooding your timeline. Almost. You actually started typing out a message before reading the last message you sent him almost four months ago and quickly deleting it. You're happy for him. You really are. In the pictures from his album release party, he looked insanely happy, posing with Ellie and Sarah and hugging his musician friends in celebration. He even played one of his newest songs, "Love-in-idleness," at the party with only his acoustic guitar and that deep voice of his. You think you would know it's about you even if he didn't tell you about it before you left. Love-in-idleness is the flower used in A Midsummer Night's Dream to make a love potion to unite the couples. It's common knowledge, but Joel might be one of the only people in the world who knows how much that play means to you. The song quickly becomes one of your favorites, but you don't tell him.

You scroll through his social media unashamedly. Dave Grohl and half the world congratulates him on his album release. He's making the music he's always wanted to make. Sarah told you she got into UCLA, and Ellie is drawing again. He's happy. They all are. So, why do you feel so shitty? Neither of you has deleted the pictures of each other from your profiles. It feels like a staring contest, seeing who will hold the torch of your relationship longer. It doesn't help that people are screenshotting the pictures of you together to "add context" to Joel's lyrics. The one that makes you break down is a quick snapshot someone took of you leaning on him in Central Park when you were watching the guitarist with lyrics from "The Yellow Subway." 

She knows more than me. You better believe

That city couldn't hold her right, but then

I couldn't either.

Despite the heartbreaking lyrics, you two look comfortable together— your head on his shoulder and his hand in yours. You cry in between scenes, ruining your makeup and having a mini-therapy session with your makeup artist, Saoirse, as a result. You don't post anything about his new album, but you put on a happy face and post snapshots from your time spent in Ireland thus far. Pitchers of Guinness, the Cliffs of Moher, stunningly green mornings, and a picture of you and the film crew hiding out in a tent while the rain comes down around you. Joel likes the photos but makes no other move to communicate with you.

You wonder if he's torturing himself in the same way you are. You wonder if he's waiting for a headline about you dating someone new like you are for him. You wonder if he's hurting the way you are. Selfishly, you hope he is because that means he still thinks of you. You also want him to hurt because he hurt you. You still love him, but you can't be the woman who crawls back to someone who can't trust her with things, like telling her the mother of his child is back in town. 

This is what's best. It's what needs to happen. You need to be here, working, and he needs to be there, being a dad and making music. It doesn't make it any easier or soothe the ache in your heart, but it's necessary. It's for your own good. Right? 

Right?

[brokenmusicboxwolfe]

Your photos are genuinely beautiful and show such amazing detail. Please just block and report these people sending those scam asks. Tbh, there is ones who sound completely convincing. My friend who lives in England and takes nature photos of the surrounding countryside, was contacted by someone who then conned them out of £250 using the exact same scam. The person seemed credible as their blog was a personal art and photography blog which had been in use for a long time, with a seemingly solid audience interacting with their work. We don't really know if it's an elaborate trap set up or the person was a genuine artist whose been enlisted to help con people for a fee. My friend is now locked in a war with her bank etc to get her money back. I don't know if there is measures you can take to report it and get your money back too. Genuinely if people want to donate money to you for your work then just keep it to Kofi because the scams are getting more complex and convincing. From now on don't give out your bank details or anything. If they're genuine just let them donate to Kofi and rigorously stick to that routine. I'm just so sorry this happened to you too 🫂

Thank you. Both for both saying you like my photos and the sympathy over what happened.

You are right about how convincing these cons can seem. In this case they even (apparently) used AI to create a believable WIP for the piece of art they were supposed to be creating. The blog was established and had realistic personal posts. When I realized I was probably being scammed I searched for the source of the art they had supposedly made, and discovered they had stolen it from Facebook (specifically a grandmother!) It looked completely real unless you dug.

If my brain hadn’t been so frazzled from life battering me I would have had the sense to check things out carefully. Also, normally I absolutely would NOT have sent money to them via PayPal. But my brain has been less than fully functional lately.

I NEVER give out my bank account info or anything I think is sensitive, but that wasn’t going to help in this case. They weren’t pick pockets reaching into my jacket but con artists tricking me into handing it over.

Yes, I feel stupid and embarrassed. Yes, the lost $100 has already changed what I can and can’t buy. But I am posting about it to warn folks.

See, the scam, for all the flourishes to make it believable, simply depends on the sucker (me) not knowing that when money is deposited into a bank account, it really isn’t “there” yet. Oh sure, it says it is there. The bank says you can spend it. And the first time I called the bank about it, they even said it was fine. BUT it turns out fake checks aren’t necessarily uncovered instantly, despite what you would expect in our high tech world. Days. Weeks. You can’t be sure, and when it bounces you, the victim, are the one on the hook because you are the only one there.

The scammer convinces you they are cutting you in on a share of the money from a painting based in your photo. They are very convincing, take their time, and show you the work in progress. Then, oops, the client accidentally sent all the money to you so could you please PayPal them their share. So a couple days you send it and….

Now I got lucky. Technical difficulties kept me from sending more than $100. And the delay gave me time to talk to someone. And talking gave me a chance to look at things again.

Of course, I called the bank. While the first time they dismissed my concerns, the next morning I got someone that took it seriously and made a proper report about it.

Basically, at this point, it looks like it is done from my end. The reporting is done. The phantom money has been removed form my account. I can’t do anything about the money I sent (and yes, I investigated it too), but no more money seems to be in danger and the bank doesn’t seem to be penalizing me (maybe because I reported it so quickly, rather than finding out when the check went poof?) I can’t really do more than I have done, except to warn others to take care.

And, yeah, from now on I will stick to just hoping for a bit of Ko-fi love now and then. (Maybe my Amazon wishlist too?)

Oh, and if any legit artist wants to us my photos for something, you send my the money vis Ko-fi and just tell me it’s thanks for being the source of inspiration. It would be much appreciated and an ethical choice, while not triggering my enemy alert system.

[theretirementstory]

07/04/2024. Today is my 14th day in hospital and it doesn’t look as if I will be going home just yet! I could wrong of course 😉.

As I am unable to get out and about to photograph the flooding that has been happening here or to take advantage of yesterdays warm sunny day when the mercury hit 27c! I decided to use “throwback photos” from places I have visited. The first photo is of “Temple Saint-Étienne” in Mulhouse, a city I visited in March 2022.

So it was Easter Day last Sunday and to celebrate we were given some appalling food which I returned untouched. The highlight of the lunchtime “plat” was the birds nest cake with jelly beans, it was delicious. In the evening there was a pastry square with chicken and mushroom and as much as I wasn’t going to eat it, it was rather tasty. It certainly beat a lot of the food we get here!

On Monday,we had coffee in the afternoon 😳 with a little cake and a couple of mini Easter eggs. Anie messaged and visited me bringing another couple of Easter eggs.

Everyday it seems that something else is low, red cells, white cells, platelets, potassium or blood pressure! I must admit by Wednesday I felt quite low myself. Asking why my body wasn’t working as it should? It turns out this is quite “normal” for the type of chemo I am having now (wish they had told me earlier). Anyway, a good talking to and I settled myself down, my positivity returned and I was “up there” again.

I now have provisional dates for my stay in the hospital in Paris. However, I really need to go home for a couple of days to get my case packed ready to take.

I have run out of reading materiel so I need more books. I have had to resort to reading the blog from inception December 2016. After two full days I am only at Xmas 2019. It’s interesting to look back on though, I must admit.

This week I have chosen two songs by someone I think has been very underrated. The songs go back to 1967 and 1968 respectively. Apparently the songwriter, Cat Stevens, sold this first song to P.P. Arnold for £30 and it became a big hit for Arnold as well as for other artists including Rod Stewart and Sheryl Crow, the song is “The First Cut Is The Deepest”.

The second song, written in 1967 and recorded by P.P. Arnold in 1968 is “Angel Of The Morning”. I must say I have loved both of these songs since first hearing them in the 60’s and was only too happy to sing them at any opportunity. However, I must admit it was much the same for lots of songs from those decades.

Pauline messaged last weekend, from Barcelona, where she is currently working. At some point over the Easter weekend she had her phone snatched out of her hand and the thief made off on an electric scooter. I imagine that was quite a shock! She, fortunately, had an old phone with her and just needed to buy a sim.

I have been messaging lots of people, French friends, English friends and catching up on “Hatched, Matched and Dispatched, unfortunately it is mainly now the “dispatched” that are known to me.

“The Photographer” had his daughter for the day on Tuesday. He sent me a photo of them waiting for the stately home they were going to visit, to open. They had such fun until my granddaughter fell in mud, all over her new leggings! She was worried Mummy would be unhappy, so they took a photo to let Mummy know what had happened. This weekend he has both of his children, it was wonderful to get photos of their happy smiling faces and then of my grandson catching “forty winks”. It was ok as Grand-mere has slept rather a lot today. Hope I sleep tonight! Last Monday “The Photographer” made the trip to Kings Lynn to photograph the home side v Scarborough AFC. At half-time the score was 3-0 and he felt sure Scarborough were going to be beaten, However, they pulled off an amazing feat to win 3-4. No-one saw that coming at half-time, absolutely brilliant!

“The Reconnect Navigator” is thrilled this week as she has now been given her own cases. She worked overtime one evening and so on Friday she had a 3pm finish which was great! Makes the weekend longer.

“The Trainee Solicitor” is feeling better about his job now. A new “young man” has joined the company and is working full-time. He hasn’t worked before so comes with no preconceived ideas (which is good), he is keen to work (always a plus point) and I think given time will be an asset to the firm. “The Trainee Solicitor” has applied for his Uni course and is hoping to get that done during May, June and July. It’s all positive steps. One thing that he messaged to me, really resonated with me and I thought it was a beautiful thing to say, he messaged “It doesn’t matter how long the road is, as long as you are walking it”. I was quite moved.

“The Jetsetter” is recharging her batteries ready for the next adventure. Not only that but you do need to work to have money to enjoy these jaunts. On Easter Sunday, she spent a lovely day with “The Photographer” around York. They took a photo of the house I once lived in. A view that was a favourite of mine when walking around the city walls and some photos of the Minster and the Clock Tower at the old Terry’s Chocolate Factory.

Monique and Ludivine (her daughter) have been messaging me, plus Nadine sent a message and said she will come and say “hello” on Monday or Tuesday. I messaged the ladies at the knitting workshop, it was thin on the ground, two at first then the 92 year old lady came for the cake and a drink. I am missing all of this but the treatment has to take priority.

My best friend from senior school messaged me yesterday to say that her mum had had a stroke. She is in hospital and I hope that is the best place for her. My friend is an only child who lost her father about eight years ago. Her mum is coming up 93 and although you “expect” things to happen due to age etc., it is still a shocking time because that person is your Mum. Thinking of them both ♥️.

I will leave you with this photo of the Cathedrale Saint-Christophe de Belfort . Thé photo was taken in February last year and I likened it to the Treasury at Petra due to the red hue.

Jusqu’à la semaine prochaine

[timeoverload]

I think that today was slightly better than yesterday. The day didn't start well at all. I had a bunch of stuff to do when I got there but I couldn't get my label printer working so I had to use another computer for a while and it was so inconvenient. I asked the morning team lead to help me with my printer but he was already in a bad mood so that pissed him off more. He was yelling about it and I felt bad for even asking him. He called my boss after that to see if she could fix it but she couldn't do it either. I didn't have time to deal with that any more for a while. People kept coming in to ask me sterilize things because a lot of stuff went wrong today. I didn't have time to wrap a bunch of total instruments but I didn't have a choice because they needed them for an earlier case since the rep didn't bring them in last night like they are supposed to. I was so behind all morning but it was hard for me to make myself care about it. I went to breakfast and I took a full 15 minute break because I'm tired of rushing all the time. I also needed time away from all of the chaos. Things got better as the morning went on. I had time to get caught up after lunch. I got my printer fixed before the afternoon rush and I figured it out on my own. The afternoon was pretty boring but I kept busy until it was time to leave. The time passed quickly today so I'm glad about that.

My co-worker got a tattoo at the shop on Monday because I suggested that she should go there. I told her that all of the artists there are amazing and that everyone is so welcoming and friendly. She really loves my tattoos. She was so excited about getting hers done and she has been asking me a lot of questions. I am glad she decided to come to me for advice and I think she looks up to me a lot so that makes me feel good. I'm glad that we get along well because it's hard for me to make friends. I think her tattoo looks very nice. I also noticed there were 5 flowers so I thought that was interesting. I'm pretty sure I counted correctly. I have been trying to send more business to all of you whenever someone asks me about my tattoos so I wonder if that has made a difference at all over the past couple years.

Anyway, I did buy food today even though I didn't want to. I got mashed potatoes at lunch because I was scared to eat their chicken again. They were good but I still paid almost $7 for that and a brownie. Whatever I guess. I'm just glad I ate something and it didn't make me feel bad afterward.

I had to make a couple stops after work even though I didn't want to. I made myself do it. I called my grandma when I got home because I didn't call her back on Sunday. I just wasn't feeling up to having a conversation at the time. I talked to her for an hour. She seemed to be in a good mood. It is hard for me to talk to her sometimes because she brings up my mom often. I haven't responded to my mom at all. Yesterday she sent me a bunch of messages and links to her videos. I can't watch them. She also called me a cunt so that's kind of shitty to hear from your own mom. I know she is sick but that doesn't make it any easier. I am just going to try to forget it and ignore her because that's all I can do. I think she has figured out a way to take care of herself so I'm not going to worry about that either.

I think I need to relax now because I have had a headache since I got home and it's getting worse. I hate getting headaches. I'm not sure what caused it but I want it to go away. I don't want to take medicine for it. I was hoping I would feel better if I ate something but that hasn't worked so far. I will keep drinking water. I'm probably going to get ready for bed soon and then I'm planning on sitting here in the dark because that usually helps. I really should go to bed earlier since I haven't gone to bed before 11 so far this week. I'm not sure if that is going to happen but I will try. I have a super busy day tomorrow and I'm not looking forward to it but I will try to make it a good day anyway.

I hope everyone else has a wonderful day tomorrow. :) Thank you for listening. 💖💖💖

[lovelyrecs]

we're getting in the thick of it... we're getting in the buckyreader of it all........

Bucky loves the compound. The sentiment carries a lot, considering he’s made it a non-negotiable part of his personal brand to hate everything.

he's so grinch i love him so much

He does his part as a man of honour and righteousness– calls out a very quiet ‘Hello?’ and then doesn’t bother feeling guilt when his heart explodes in joy at the lack of response.  

ah yes. the ability to say he tried... and then look my grinch observation continues. his little troll heart grew three sizes when The Function he was forced to go to was empty

Bucky’s smile falters, and he returns to his default Grinchian state. 

HELLO DID I PICK THAT UP FROM YOU OR WAS THAT ME ohmygod ari.... grinch!bucky au......

“I did a gig as an escape artist for a while. Paid super well,” you dismiss. 

she did a gig as a what

He grumbled all through the morning when he saw fifteen text reminders sent to him through the night telling him he had to shoot a video that day. He grumbled when he couldn’t use traffic as an excuse to not show up because the studio is two streets away from the compound. He grumbled when the toaster actually works for once. Everything is right in the world. This was, of course, devastating to him. 

okay so he has very extensive experience with avoiding this. he's used every single one of these excuses. "oh i forgot" well okay i won't LET YOU FORGET "oh the traffic was so bad" okay no need for a car "oh i had to make breakfast and the thing broke" i bet you they could make tony fix that shit and make it so it doesn't break. the invincible microwave prototype is in his lab right now. i love your one liners so much "This was, of course, devastating to him." I CANT i am having the time of my life

He finally shuts up when Sam gives him a piece of gum. Then he just glowers, but his jaw is otherwise occupied. 

LMAOO HE COMPLAINED TO SAM ABOUT THIS?? love that

You shake your head, swallowing before taking another bite. “No, that was social service.”

HAHA old man joke

“No, I just did a stunt as a wedding videographer once,” you wave off, “It was great. You could always tell which couples were gonna get divorced within a year.”

she's barbie. i would read a book about her idec about bucky

You snort. “The first ghost I hunt cannot be one who sits beside me.” 

PBBT HELP ME

Maya hurriedly leaves after wishing you good luck, probably to fix the walking PR disaster that was Clint, who unceremoniously went live on his Instagram the night before after consuming something he procured from some guy in an alleyway, who described it as ‘carbonated milk’. Bucky watched it for a few seconds and immediately shut down the app when Clint offered to take one article of clothing off for every million people that tuned in.

what'd i say. i can see the memes. he's fucking insane i would also be a huge fan. what is there to fix tbh. this would get me wholeheartedly also i noticed you didn't include it. how naked was he.

“I asked for there to be as few people in the room as possible,” you whisper to him.

AWWWW SHUT UPPP i'm feeling it ari i'm feelin it

So you do what needs to be done, as a person with a responsibility to all these fine and tired souls gathered here on a weekend. You kick him under the table. 

HELP she really was the right person to ask. and she did it all with a smile on her face. (grunts) is so fucking funny i love this woman. also how the hell did you get the buzzfeed font

“First of all, it’s Ravenswood, not Raven’s Woods,” you shoot back. “And it exists.” “Where?” He raises an eyebrow.  “I don’t know– fuckin’ West Virginia?” You shuffle through the papers. “Does it matter? You wanna move there?

that's so. that's such a stupid lie why would she lie about that AND WHY DOES HE CARE SO MUCH LITERALLY DOES HE WANT TO GO THERE??

“Within a few weeks of moving in, strange incidents started to take place. Irene’s friend Thelma, who also worked as a secretary at the press, recalled how Irene developed a persistent cough, was constantly fatigued, and had issues sleeping due to her skin itching. Thelma suggested solutions from ointments to medication, but not one remedy that she provided seemed to work. As time went by, Irene’s symptoms escalated into severe respiratory problems, leaving her breathless just from climbing up a flight of stairs. She even reportedly started having hallucinations of people crawling around in her house in the dark, but she was never able to catch them in their entirety.” [...] “Further, Thelma recalls Irene saying she heard strange sounds at night which kept her up. The only time the woman felt normal was when she left her house to stay with her cousins for a month.”

that sounds like mold. this all started when she moved into the house and stopped when she left. and the strange incidents are health problems. a cough??? how does a ghost cause a cough???

“Asbestos?” you echo. “Or mold. Could be either.” Bucky shrugs, chewing on the same stupid piece of gum that had lost its flavour hours ago. 

EXXACTLYYY also that fucker kept that gum just to make him more assholey. he wanted to be annoying and nonchalant. kick him again

“You never had an itch so bad you just bit it?” “On her legs?” you ask incredulously. “She bit her legs? Is that what you’re saying?”

she has a point i've never bitten my legs and also i'd like to ask how high up the bites were. like is it a place where she could feasibly reach

“'Forces of evil whose reality existed beyond mortal comprehension’?”  “Maybe it was her,” he fires back. “Maybe that's just how she was, how would you know?” “You’re saying the forces of evil are just… her bad vibes?” you say it slowly, as if that would make it better. 

maybe there was that much fucking mold but his take is so much funnier

To Barnes (Work): are you ready for your influencer era To Barnes (Work): influenza

SNBDH SHE'S SO ME I DO THAT

From unknown Just letting you know though– he was lying. From unknown He doesn’t have an aunt.  Motherfucker.

HELLO I TOTALLY FUCKING BELIEVED HIM however upon my reread. it is an extraordinary coincidence that his aunt had the exact same symptoms. i sort of admire his scheming to get his way

i really admire the amount of time and effort you put into this fic like the memes and the buzzfeed audio things are so fucking cool

unsolved (ii)

Summary: Bucky doesn't even believe in the paranormal. So who the hell thought it was a good idea to stick him in a series about everything haunted for the internet's amusement? With his loose-canon of a teammate who has no concept of subtlety or shits left to give, to make things even worse. (Buzzfeed unsolved AU)

Warnings: swearing, frustrated bucky at his little shit supreme, obnoxious reader, mentions of hauntings and the things that come with (body harm, priests, etc). images all have alt texts.

A/N: if you're familiar with the format of BuzzFeed unsolved videos, the pictures in this chapter make more sense. anyway we're starting small to warm up but i assure u there's like actual paranormal shit from next chapter onward <3 thank u for the chaotic response to chapter 1 ily guys sm ! as usual, please send me things you'd like to see in the series! it always make me so happy

Previous part || Series masterlist

Bucky loves the compound. The sentiment carries a lot, considering he’s made it a non-negotiable part of his personal brand to hate everything. 

The lush landscape is quiet, spacious enough that he isn’t forced to run into anyone he’s actively avoiding, and has state-of-the art security that lets him sleep soundly, assured that no one will be able to get to his floor in an assassination attempt. 

All of his deep love and fond admiration disappears when it’s the crackass of dawn and his oakwood door receives the beat down of a lifetime. 

He snaps awake instantly, unsure of whether there was someone actually trying to kick the shit out of his door or it was just another nightmare that often blurred lines with reality. 

But after the third deafeningly loud knock confirms it, he scrambles for a pair of pants just so that he isn’t caught entirely vulnerable. 

The thrashing doesn’t cease, and by the time he makes his way to the door and yanks it open– 

There’s no one on the other side. 

Except a coffee cup on the ground and a note scribbled haphazardly on the side.

Shoot day. See you at the studio!

He stares wordlessly at the cup, unable to differentiate whether the feeling coursing through the very fibres of his being currently is pure blinding rage, or confusion that you apparently knew his coffee order. 

The studio is fucking empty. If Bucky wasn’t still reeling from the effects of being startled awake by a fake intrusion at 5am, he’d have been over the damn moon.

He does his part as a man of honour and righteousness– calls out a very quiet ‘Hello?’ and then doesn’t bother feeling guilt when his heart explodes in joy at the lack of response.  

He spins on his heel to march out, only to come to an abrupt stop when he almost runs into you. He didn’t even fucking hear you come in. 

“Oh, hey.” You look at him, hand on a bagel. “You actually showed.”

Bucky’s smile falters, and he returns to his default Grinchian state. 

“You made sure I fuckin’ did,” he grumbles. “How’d you get on my floor?”

“I have my ways.”

Bucky’s glare presses hard into you almost like a palpable entity. 

“I did a gig as an escape artist for a while. Paid super well,” you dismiss. 

He doesn’t blink once, trying to decipher whether you’re telling him the truth or not. 

You offer him a bite from your bagel in return, seemingly having moved on from the conversation already. 

“Where’s everyone else?” he asks, turning away from you.   

“Maya didn’t actually think you’d show up on time so she told everyone to come an hour later.” You speak through a mostly full mouth. “I figured you could use the company.” 

Bucky immediately feels defensive, as if that wasn’t exactly what he tried to do. 

He grumbled all through the morning when he saw fifteen text reminders sent to him through the night telling him he had to shoot a video that day. He grumbled when he couldn’t use traffic as an excuse to not show up because the studio is two streets away from the compound. He grumbled when the toaster actually works for once. Everything is right in the world. This was, of course, devastating to him. 

He finally shuts up when Sam gives him a piece of gum. Then he just glowers, but his jaw is otherwise occupied. 

“She set you on me this morning?” Bucky questions, tone on the verge of being ticked. 

You shake your head, swallowing before taking another bite. “No, that was social service.”

Bucky’s eye twitches. 

“I’ll come back in an hour,” he mumbles, arms crossed over his chest. 

You give him a look that lets him know you’re entirely unconvinced. “Will you?”

Well. No.

“I’m gonna look around the studio. You’re welcome to join,” you say instead, looking past him. “We’ll need to know where we’re working for the next few months.”

Few months? No no– few hours at max, if this were to go exactly his way. 

“Video’s not gonna do numbers,” he reminds you in a dull utterance.

“With an enthusiasm like that, it’s hard to see why you’re not universally beloved, Barnes,” you comment seriously, before clapping his shoulder. “Come on. You ever look at yourself in a mirror? You’re gonna be a star, baby.”

Bucky, in his current chosen avatar, looks less 'man of the world' and more 'reject of the jungle’. 

But the sentiment is appreciated.

The studio is moderately big. 

You find joy in messing around with set pieces of the other Avengers video series that were being shot there. Bucky finds joy in locating every possible escape route within a three foot vicinity. 

He’s admittedly surprised by learning how much actually goes into making a simple video. He just figured they’d stick a camera in his face and teleprompt him and get it over it. 

You chat animatedly about the use of gimbals and different camera gear, lighting setups and sound quality.

“You into this stuff?” He raises an eyebrow.

“No, I just did a stunt as a wedding videographer once,” you wave off, “It was great. You could always tell which couples were gonna get divorced within a year.”

Something unrecognisable flashes in his eyes. 

“Escape artist and wedding videographer,” he repeats.

You stop talking to look at him.

“Yes,” you say simply and go on to provide no further explanation. 

If the morning’s antics weren’t enough, now he’s convinced you’re fucking with him.

“Anyway, they’ll probably stick us in makeup before we go on camera because it–”  

“Makeup?”

“Well– yeah. For the video.” Your eyes dart toward him, sizing him up in a quick glance. “If you look any paler, you’d basically be translucent.”

Bucky can’t even debate it. His skin looks like it hasn't felt the gentle touch of a sunray in millennia.  

“Just say it’s part of the theme.”

You snort. “The first ghost I hunt cannot be one who sits beside me.” 

So Bucky gets his makeup done. 

By the time the studio fills in, he’s already drunk two cups of the shitty breakroom coffee and found fifteen innocuous things to fashion into weaponry if things were to go awry.

The large bright lights force him to keep wiping beads of sweat away from his forehead. Everything exists in a contrarian state of frenzy, and coordinated down to the second as if it were a damn rocket launch. He’s already had three staff members dart about him cross checking if he’s hydrated and if he’s signed the right forms. 

“Oh, you actually showed,” he hears for the second time from Maya, who doesn’t even make an attempt to hide the earnest surprise from her voice.

Bucky wants to scream.

“The team’s picked a really simple case since it’s the first video. You just need to read it out,” she explains breezily, switching from you to him, “and you need to react.” 

You flash her a thumbs up. Bucky doesn’t move an inch. He’s convinced it’ll trigger another round of people meddling with his hair until it looks ‘sufficiently casual but not artificial’. 

 Maya hurriedly leaves after wishing you good luck, probably to fix the walking PR disaster that was Clint, who unceremoniously went live on his Instagram the night before after consuming something he procured from some guy in an alleyway, who described it as ‘carbonated milk’. Bucky watched it for a few seconds and immediately shut down the app when Clint offered to take one article of clothing off for every million people that tuned in.

“I asked for there to be as few people in the room as possible,” you whisper to him. 

“Still a lot,” he replies under his breath, watching them buzz around him, still brushing up his face and dabbing at his hairline with a napkin. 

Someone hands you a folder full of papers. “We lose any more and we’re filming this video ourselves.” 

“All ready!” The camera guy, Shane, announces. 

“Copy that,” you call back, before leaning forward in your chair, grinning. “Chill. I’m gonna do the talking. All you gotta do is say a few words and look pretty.” 

That sounds…doable. 

“Make it fast,” Bucky mutters, crossing his arms over his chest.

Whether he was talking about the video or his death is still up for debate. 

“Recording in three…two…one–”

The whole studio waits with bated breath, but Bucky stares right ahead. 

“When I said a ‘few words’, I did mean one or two, possibly more,” you talk through your smile.  

Bucky continues looking into the camera like it stole his ancestral property.

You exhale, soldiering on, lips still upturned. 

You look at Bucky, hopeful that he will at least answer a question. He doesn’t offer the same kindness, and now you understand why Maya reached out to you for this. 

So you do what needs to be done, as a person with a responsibility to all these fine and tired souls gathered here on a weekend.

You kick him under the table. 

The crew waits for Bucky to say more. He very pointedly doesn’t. 

At least one sound has been procured from him, which is more than what they can say for some other videos.

You continue, “Our story takes place in 1954, in the quaint, rural town of Ravenswood. Irene–”

Bucky scoffs. “You made that up.”

Would now be a good time for him to bring up your previous job experiences you  had dropped so casually or was this enough to let you know he was onto you? 

Your eyebrows pull together, scanning over the sentence. “I haven't even said anything yet.”

“A horror story. Taking place in Raven’s Woods,” Bucky emphasises. “Really.”

Bitch.

“First of all, it’s Ravenswood, not Raven’s Woods,” you shoot back. “And it exists.”

“Where?” He raises an eyebrow. 

“I don’t know– fuckin’ West Virginia?” You shuffle through the papers. “Does it matter? You wanna move there?”

Bucky doesn’t add anything further. 

You observe him for a moment before deciding to continue. 

“In the quiet town of Ravenswood,” you side eye him but he doesn’t look affected. “Irene Wendelin, a 35-year-old woman moved into a house on the outskirts to save up money. She lived alone, had no immediate relatives and worked as a secretary at the local press.”

Bucky continues chewing his gum. You’re not even sure he’s listening, but everyone got paid by the hour regardless of whether he did, so who gives a shit. 

“Within a few weeks of moving in, strange incidents started to take place. Irene’s friend Thelma, who also worked as a secretary at the press, recalled how Irene developed a persistent cough, was constantly fatigued, and had issues sleeping due to her skin itching. Thelma suggested solutions from ointments to medication, but not one remedy that she provided seemed to work. As time went by, Irene’s symptoms escalated into severe respiratory problems, leaving her breathless just from climbing up a flight of stairs. She even reportedly started having hallucinations of people crawling around in her house in the dark, but she was never able to catch them in their entirety.”

“How long did this take?” Bucky questions out of the blue, arms still crossed over his chest. 

“I think within a couple of weeks of moving in.” You try not to look too surprised. “Further, Thelma recalls Irene saying she heard strange sounds at night which kept her up. The only time the woman felt normal was when she left her house to stay with her cousins for a month.”

Bucky’s head snaps to you, eyes narrowing.  

“What?” you challenge.

“Nothin’,” he says instead. “Go on.”

You cast a look at the crew, who look just as confused as you, but you continue regardless. 

“Things escalated when one day, Irene showed up to work in complete disarray. Thelma says that upon a closer look, Irene had bite marks over her hands and legs. Thelma, a devout Christian, insisted on getting the place checked out by the church since all else had failed. Father Gabriel, a local priest, agreed to visit the house, but upon setting foot inside, claimed it was haunted by ‘forces of evil whose reality existed beyond mortal comprehension’. This was the last straw for Thelma, who had Irene move into her house until she found a new place to stay. Within a few weeks, Irene was back to normal, and the house is still considered one of the most haunted places in the country to this place, with no one allowed to enter.” 

Bucky looks at his arms, jaw tightening. 

Your eyebrow twitches.

You could see Maya shaking her head from across the room, entirely fucking defeated. 

You wait a few seconds but receive no response. Bucky’s gaze doesn’t shift from the table top. 

You start gathering the folder with the story in it, getting ready to read out your conclusion. 

You stare at him, but he doesn’t look up at you.

Collectively, every spine in the room straightens. 

“Asbestos?” you echo.

“Or mold. Could be either.” Bucky shrugs, chewing on the same stupid piece of gum that had lost its flavour hours ago. 

You look at him in bewilderment, partly because you weren’t expecting him to say anything at all, much less this. 

“Had an aunt once who thought she was possessed. Turns out her walls were full of mold.” 

You stare at him. “You’re lying.”

He finally turns to you, no traces of humour on his face. “She got remarried and moved out. Good as new.” 

“That doesn’t mean it’s asbestos.”

“Had the same symptoms an’ everything. Itchy skin, breathing problems, fatigue.” 

“Hallucinations?”

“Stress. Being poisoned twenty-four hours a day’ll do a number on anyone.”

“And the bite marks?” 

“You never had an itch so bad you just bit it?”

“On her legs?” you ask incredulously. “She bit her legs? Is that what you’re saying?”

Bucky shrugs. 

You look like you’re going to lose your mind. 

You clear your throat. “What about the priest?

Bucky snorts. “What ‘bout him?” 

“'Forces of evil whose reality existed beyond mortal comprehension’?” 

“Maybe it was her,” he fires back. “Maybe that's just how she was, how would you know?”

“You’re saying the forces of evil are just… her bad vibes?” you say it slowly, as if that would make it better. 

“Maybe.” Bucky’s shoulders rise and drop again. “My aunt was a real stick in the mud too. I coulda called her a force’a evil when she didn’t let me fire a bottle rocket into the tree.” 

You narrow your eyes at him. Bucky looks back innocently.

“You’re bullshitting.”

“About my aunt?” he scoffs. “I would never. Rest her soul. Made some damn good cranberry pie.”

You roll your eyes. “It’s not asbestos.”

“Then why was she fine every time she moved out?”

“Because the house was haunted.”

“By mold.”

Maya clears her throat, pointing to her watch. 

You look back at her and clear your throat as well, shuffling around your papers. 

“Right. So that’s it for this episode.”

The camera guy yells “Cut!’ and you turn to look at Bucky.

But he’s already gone. 

The video goes up that weekend. 

It takes a considerable amount of time to edit, considering they had to bleep out  the steady stream of expletives that you didn’t even know Bucky was muttering under his breath, but got picked up by the mic anyway.

To Barnes (Work):

are you ready for your influencer era

He leaves you on seen. You think you’ll send him more memes of his stupid face.

To Barnes (Work):

influenza

Five hours since the video has gone up, and your phone starts buzzing more than usual. Nat’s already sent you a clearly AI generated article titled ‘Everything We Know About the Latest Avenger’, full of incorrect information and straight up lies. 

The first reviews are promising. Sort of. The newest generation of kids on Twitter are saying shit and using terms that are beyond you, but it looks good. You think.

And then somewhere close to midnight, your phone chimes with a text from a number you hadn’t yet saved. 

From unknown

Hey. Steve Rogers here. Great job on the video.

Your eyebrows shoot up, discarding your refreshing of the Subreddit that has popped up in your name. 

From unknown

Just letting you know though– he was lying.

From unknown

He doesn’t have an aunt. 

Motherfucker.

here’s my ko-fi if you’d like to support my writing!

to keep up with updates for this fic and others, please follow @shurisneakersupdates and turn on post notifications!

Next part

[microsuedemouse]

15, 16, and 39? <3

Hi hi I didn’t see this last night until I was going to bed, my apologies! But I did not forget you, do not worry

15. Do you have any houseplants? Do any of them have names?

I do!! And most of them have names haha. I worked at a garden centre for a couple years and acquired many plant friends! Okay hang on a sec there’s

Perseus (or Percy) the snake plant, who is my oldest plant; my best friend bought him for me when I was living in a basement room

Andromeda (or Andy) the bird’s nest snake plant

Lali the Chinese evergreen (colour variant: red emerald - she’s very pretty)

D’Artagnan the zz plant

Aramis the arrowhead vine

(if you’re wondering. I did have a couple pothos named Athos and Porthos, but they did not survive our move in 2020)

Raja the rubber plant

Philomena the hope philodendron

Farsen the Norfolk Pine

Drake the monstera

Diesel the dieffenbachia (aka dumb cane)

And Lucky the false shamrock - my newest addition! I’ve had a couple of false shamrocks before, but they never lasted long bc I didn’t have enough sun. I have a MUCH better light situation in my current house though, and I love these guys, so when the grocery store I work at got them in this past spring, I couldn’t resist bringing one home :)

Also, technically, Pembe the arrowhead vine. I recently repotted his roots after trimming off his stems/leaves because they were all dying?? The roots looked healthy enough to POSSIBLY recover but I can’t tell yet whether he’ll pull through or not!

As a fun aside, this ask made me pull out my old planting journal - which I haven’t touched in aaaages - to remember a couple of the species names, and I’ve discovered that I’ve had Perseus since Christmas of 2016?? Oh my god he’s nine years old. I’m getting emotional 😭 I also learned that I apparently never got around to logging Diesel, and it took some creative googling to figure out what he was lmao

Anyway. I love plants :)) I am not a super attentive plant carer though, so I’m not cut out for the finicky ones - they gotta be at least a little tough haha. I am a big believer in snake plants in particular for this

16. Describe your favourite hoodie. How long have you had it? What makes it unique?

Oooough, that’s hard… I have so many favourites ehehe. That said, one of my main go-tos is this gorgeous moth hoodie that I got summer of last year from an artist called xinophin, when they were (tragically!) closing their online shop.

I love it to death. The design and colour are stunning, and the fabric is incredibly soft and thick - it washes AMAZINGLY. I also bought I think a… 4X? for maximum oversized coziness. I have a LOT of hoodies I absolutely love, but the colour and size and comfort level of this one are a hard combo to beat, so it’s been a favourite lately as the temperatures drop again.

39. What was the best part of your day today?

This question is very cute, I wish I had something more exciting to say haha—

Yesterday (when you sent this ask) AND today I think the best parts of my day have been writing! Veronica Mars has truly done insane things to my brain and blasted my writer’s block into particles too fine to be seen with the naked eye. given how little I’ve been writing for most of this year, it’s such a fucking blessing - I feel so, so good, writing this much. This morning I was catching up on my word count log and discovered that I’ve written over 50k words in the last two weeks 😱 I would love to see that translate into being able to get more work done on my original projects as well, but for now I’ll take what I can get and ride this high!!

[apexart-journal]

Mvelo Mahlangu in NYC, Day 23

This morning I woke up to an email, pertaining to a car accident I had met up in last year, that left me feeling extremely anxious and stressed.  Essentially the insurance company that was meant to cover me had not done their job and without any warning I was being sent a letter of demand with invoices by the insurance company of the person I got into an accident with. It was a hefty bill.  I’m specifically mentioning this because it was interesting to see where my headspace went to, and spiralled down thoughts of, “what jobs do I have coming up?”, “I’m going to have to take a loan…” and basically “How am I going to make money?”. Its also interesting because I could see this gap between he vision of apexart and my situation at hand, where the artist does what they can to ensure their works sell, even if it means trying to climb the social ladder, creating more ‘likeable’ works, or giving into the game of it all. After a couple phone calls and calming myself down a bit, I looked at my calendar and saw that I would be going to a Mosque/ Masjid.

Arriving at the mosque, I was warmly greeted by a lady named Latifah, who out of cultural respect I called Aunty Latifah. One interesting thing to note is that a lot of POC communities tend to refer to each other as “aunty” or “uncle” followed by their name, when showing respect to someone you’ve just met who is older than you. Sometimes it even extends to calling someone sister/ brother as opposed to saying their name only. When I told her I was from South Africa, she joked and called my country “winners” because we had won against her country, Morocco, in the African Cup Of Nations - a soccer tournament that happens every 4 years through the continent. This was not my first time in a mosque, with my latest visit being a friend of mine getting married (Nikkah) a few days before my trip over to NY. Its so interesting walking into different spaces of worship because each time, I’ve always felt peace come over me. Today was no different. Even though I came dressed appropriately and with a scarf, Aunty Latifah lent me a scarf and throw-over dress which they usually give to visitors. The mosque was beautiful with influences from Turkish styles, and had a central feature of lights hanging from a domed ceiling in the shape of a circle. Here, I made a little prayer that I would get through my situation as I did still feel uneasy. After leaving the mosque, I made my way back to the apartment and prepped for the zoom with Tom 

I made my way over to the community centre where I would be joining a cardio class. There were quite a lot of people and I recognised 2 ladies who I had previously seen at the belly dance class and Zumba class. The dance instructor, a small middle aged asian woman, came ups to the front and started playing the music and movements. To say I was blown away would be an understatement. I was caught so off guard because I did not expect that she would break into full hip hop moves, Congolese & other African moves, and Zumba dance styles. I swear she could’ve been in the dance movie “Step Up”. She was also ruthless, hahaha, I was sweating so much trying to keep up with her, I had so much fun. While she started instructing us and shouting out counts or even hyping us up, I realised her accent was very Japanese. So once the class was over, I asked someone if she was Japanese just in case, which they said yes. So I made my way over to her and we spoke in Japanese and I just thanked her for such an amazing class and her talent. There was also another Japanese person in the class as well and so we all started introducing ourselves and what parts of Japan we were connected to and how we all found ourselves in NY. One thing that’s become a bit of a  rarity in my life is being able to just speak Japanese only with other Japanese people aside from my mother because in South Africa there aren’t that many Japanese people or people who can speak Japanese. And so I can tell my Japanese is quickly fading from my tongue, so this was nice. The Japanese lady who had also joined the class told me she currently lived in the Bronx and that when she told people, a lot of them would wonder what she was doing there and they would have this idea that it wasn’t safe at all. I definitely related to this because of my upbringing and again another reference to Chimamanda Adichi Ngozi’s TED Talk on the dangers of a single story. 

Once I got home, I realised that the cardio dancing helped me really relive a lot of the stored tension and stress I had due to the email this morning. I definitely felt a whole lot better and more reassured in the outcome of knowing that this was all caused by the insurance cover on my side not doing their job and that they would get it fixed. 

[taegularities]

colour me in: commentary (script)

⋙ wc: 7.3k⋙ a/n: sooo, i figured some don't have the time to listen to a 73 mins audio, so i wrote out this script if it's easier for some of y'all! of course it'd be great if you still support the commentary and listen whenever you're able to, since that was the point of an audio commentary and it was quite a bit of work 😮‍💨 but i hope this is helpful for busy bees like me <3 took me 2 hours to script like i thought it'd be easier than that lmao 😭 i even made a banner!! is it pretty 😁 in any case, enjoy and give it lotsa love and let me know your thoughts to my thoughts if you'd like! 🤍

Tiny glimpses into what was and what will be.

Went through it all one by one. Thank you to everyone who sent something in!! Enjoy!! <3

By Axelle/ @jkaxl

If cmi wasn’t written "for" kookoo, which member do you think the story would have been suitable for?

Honestly, it truly did start out as a Kook story, so there was never anyone else I even considered. But if I had to switch members, or think of switching members, Ii’d probably choose Joon? Purely because I feel like he as the ultimate comfort person vibe that would fit that comforting role well, too. Or Tae, because of the initial fuckboy/friends with benefits trope. I feel like he’s a good choice for that in general. Honestly cannot imagine CMI as a Jin or Hobi or Yoongi story. Maybe Jimin. But then I'd have to change his major, which circles back to me not being able to imagine anyone but Jungkook in this role — because I don’t quite see Jimin as an arts major. Do you guys? Have you guys read an artist!Jimin thing before? I’d be curious to know! So yeah, the artist bit and colours are just so important for CMI, so I guess I’d stick with Tae or Joon, yep.

Be honest!!!! Your favorite scene so far as a writer pov AND as a reader pov (cause of course you read your stuff after writing it :)

Gosh, honestly, I do get scared rereading my stuff. So for example, with Blooming, I spent hours editing the same scene, so I never reread a single word after posting it, because I’m so scared of rereading and finding more mistakes in it. Like, when I was editing it, I was constantly wondering… Does any of this even make sense? As an example, when Jungkook was talking about liking waking up early in the morning now, those were around six-ish paragraphs, but I spent hours editing them!

But anyways, that’s not what you asked. Very interesting question though, because i've never thought about it like this before.

If I had to answer spontaneously…

I’d say, from a writer’s point of view, the pregnancy scare. Because I know, they felt terrible, but writing about their worries and how they handled it and fought the fear together was what I loved the most. I also got the chance to be dramatic, which is something I would never not do. I had been excited about it for quite a while – and with quite a while I mean summer 2021, when I came up with CMI. I've always wanted to include a pregnancy scare.

Also the flashbacks in Blurred since I very much enjoy switching between the past and present. But with this one, I wasn’t sure if it would work out. But I think I managed, and it came out nicely, especially with the outline I had for it. This is something I’d actually reread! I don’t know, I just really love diving into their past, and how their relationship started and bloomed.

And from a reader’s pov, I’d say the dark alley scene in Monochrome. Which is kind of self-explanatory, so many of you liked it, and honestly… same. But also a couple scenes in Lights, especially when Jungkook calls her while drunk. He could’ve spent time with his family and was incredibly busy, but was still just craving that one phone call to tell her that he’d burnt his finger before she went to sleep. And when she asks whether that was all he needed to tell her, he responds with, “No, also to tell you that I missed you.” Which gives me heart eyes even after one year and a half! 

I also just love Blooming as a whole. It made me realise how much I love writing fluff and how it comes just as easily to me as sad stuff, which I thought was the thing I was the best at. But I feel like I’m not that bad at writing cute things either? Lol, and I really hope you felt how much I adored writing it, too.

Which is also why I’m so so so excited for CMI12, I've said it a hundred times and I’ll say it a million times more, but still… it's called Palette, by the way! And it's gonna be great! I hope—

Are we going to see more of hobi?

Mmmh. Not as an important character. I know he’ll come back in some way… but he won’t really be important anymore. Cannot quite say the same about Nara though, so prepare thyselves 😀

Kookoo, which one : cuddles or kisses?

Oh, he’s the kisses guy. OC is the one who does cuddles and would be more than alright spending her entire day, or the rest of her life, in his arms. But he’s the kissy kinda guy, because they waited quite a bit for this, and now he’d be damned if he ever let her breathe again. Also, I do think he’s a very physical touch kinda person; he loves hugging and touching her in general. She is also a very physical, but she’s more into cuddling, and he just he likes kissing her. A lot, a lot.

By Alyssa/@wintrbears

What is your plot-planning process? Do you make a formal outline of the whole story/every chapter, etc. Do you outline it in your head only but know what will happen from beginning to end? or do you start with a general idea and create the plot as you write?

Both, I’d say! I usually have a general plot in my head, but not the details. So for example: I knew I wanted the pregnancy scare and the confession to happen in chapter 11, in Translucent, but I hadn't planned the dialogues yet. Or that his mom would come over. Orrrr, the scene with them chilling under the stars he glued to the ceiling or the projection of the Mikrokosmos lamp. Which only happened because I was rereading Layers and it mentioned the lamp, and I was like, “Riiiight, that still exists! I need to give it some importance!”

So these details come to me as I write. Or at least, when I'm doing the outline. It just flows out of me as if they’re real, like I'm not even kidding, the story writes itself. The characters are alive! Sometimes I reread my outlines a couple days later and I’m like, “Damn, he did not say that. I did not make them say that!”

And then I blush and giggle and internally panic just like OC does. 

So yeah basically, I have an idea of what I want to do, and then when I start outlining, the scenes come to me automatically. I usually do know the beginning and ending of a chapter beforehand, though. So yeah, as I said I'm aware of what the general plot will be. A lot of the scenes you guys love and cherish and hold close to your hearts as favourites… were some I hadn’t planned until I started forming words in the document.

how did you first think of the plot/idea for CMI? what initially inspired and now inspires you to write it?

Hah… Funny story, so what inspired me to write it was that one VCR from their MOTS: One concert. Do you guys still remember that one? Where he’s sitting in that white suit and smearing that pitch black colour over his mouth and smirking through it for no reason at all. And Tae was doing something similar and… yeah, they scarred and fucked me up for life. And I wanted to write… Well, first I was going to go for a smut drabble series. And then it turned into a fic that needed to include a body painting scene? Which we eventually got in CMI5, The Canvas. OC does the colour smearing, too!

Then I kinda started building a plot around it and wondered what could lead to such a smut thing at all. So at some point I was like… okay. Arts student jk, business student OC. They need to fall in love, but will have to fight a lot of hurdles and misunderstandings, and there will be a body painting scene at some point and a drunk scene in which JK picks her up from a club, in whichever context. Stuff like that.

Back in 2021, I didn’t even have a title for the series and – fun fact, I was going to call it Love Won’t Let Me Leave, per a friend’s suggestion (@incorrectlyspn mwah <3). But then I realised that it was a bit long and another friend (@agustdakasuga mwah pt2 <3) suggested including a reference to colours? And then I thought of Colour Me In and was like, yep. That’s the one.

Okay, you got more than you asked for, I apologise, I just always love talking about them :D

How do you decide what type of personality OC will have? does it depend on the type of plot you want to write or does the character’s personality guide the plot?

Once again, love the question, because I appreciate people talking and asking about the OC. Most of us read fics for the boys, but it’s very cool to stay for the other characters, such as OC, too! It does something to my heart.

So… again, both! OC was always going to be soft and fun; a lil scarred but still optimistic and someone who loves deeply. I kinda got away from that personality once she and JK broke up and all that stuff with her mother happened.

‘Cause obviously, it was quite a burden to bear and she was sad for a while. But now that things are looking up, I'm hoping to get back to who she truly is, and I think… or I hope, it’ll make you guys love her a lot, too.

Also, looking at their relationship and their bickering, I think that bit also contributed to how I see and describe OC. Like, they’re a wild but also a very gentle couple, and the joy that they find in each other kinda shapes their personalities, too. Does that make sense? It makes sense in my head haha.

I think they’re more hopeful and more open and more tender now. They’ve learned what love really is. A lot of my OCs were or are sad though, but I want to explore more personality types, despite all that sorrow. Like… I don’t just want them to be sad, because she’s not generally a sad person. You saw that in Blooming. If she gets the chance to be happy, she is happy!

Same with Entertainer — the OC is sad, but I want her to be more than that. Mysterious and so on. And yeah, same with my CMI sweetheart.

AND fun side question: do you have a name for OC in your head besides “Y/N.” I have been conditioned to say my name when I see “Y/N” so i’m wondering if you say Rid while reading it or if you think of another name or no name at all. Do you ever picture yourself as your OCs since it’s technically reader x Jungkook.

No, I never read it as Y/N, and frankly, I stopped using that term a loooong time ago. Now I just say, “He calls your name, he whispers your name” etc. Like if you ever read my stuff, you’ll notice that I don’t use Y/N, or anything.

But I don't replace it with my name either. I know we’re supposed to put ourselves in the lead’s shoes, but I can't help but see her as her own person. She’s so separated from me, she’s like a friend to me. There are moments where I imagine standing there with him, or talking to him. But in general, she’s her own person, and in my head, I call her… OC, tbh. It’s her name now, yup.

not specifically CMI related but of all your OCs who do you think is the most like you? if any at all. Do you ever intentionally put pieces of your own personality into your OCs and/or is there one personality trait you always put in your OCs whether intentional or not. 

My first thought was… Right Amount of Wrongs and The Diary of a Healing Heart, since they’re kinda based on my own experiences? But then again, we’re talking about experiences here, not about the character itself. If we’re talking personality wise… I'd say Swan from Songs About You. It’s one of my earlier fics from 2021, that I am very fond of. I’ve even heard a couple times that the OC reminds people of me. So I’d pick her. She’s also kind but also a lil fragile and sensitive, but also so strong? Which… thinking about it now, sounds like a brag, okay I know, but. She’s very dear to me, and I identify with her a lot.

The traits I put in my OCs are often… my family issues :’D Like, a lot of them struggled as they grew up, and I had a hard time with my family growing up, too. I love them, of course, and everything’s fine now, but yeah, there are some issues that they fight through that aren’t too unfamiliar to me, unfortunately. As you could tell. Maybe.

I also make them say stuff sometimes that I'd say in a specific situation, or I add a convo I actually had with someone before or witnessed, at least. I don’t know, actually. You guys know me a little? Lol, what do you think? Is there anything you see in my OCs that matches my personality? Actually, very curious to know!

and then fun side question: which of the members of bts do you think you would actually work out with if you tried to date. do you think you and your bias/biases would be good together or is it another member/members you could see yourself with.

I mean, of course I’d choose my bias. JK is like… I'd sell my soul to give him all my love and be loved by him, because I feel like he’d be good at it. Tae is my bias too, but I don't necessarily see myself dating him. Like, of course I would also die to marry that man, but I do think we can be very different. And I feel like JK and I are just a bit more alike when it comes to a couple things.

But aside from my biases? I’d absolutely choose Namjoon.

He might even be my first choice. He’s the comfort I seek in people. He’s poetry on two legs. I feel like he could provide the warmth a lover craves, and truly understand what it means to be patient, loving and honest, too. And he’d know when to trust his heart and when to trust his mind. So yeah. Very much in love with him and the idea of being with him.

Also, you didn’t ask for it, but I do want to say, that with Yoongi – I don’t know if I could date him, but I would very much like to be his best friend in real life. I was just talking about it to a friend today, because I was recommending D-Day to them, and I spoke about how much I relate to this man.

Whenever he talks, it’s like, he’s talking about what I’m feeling or struggling with as well. You guys remember the D-Day documentary, and the ending made me sob. The thing he said about not worrying about the future and past and living in the present time… I know we’ve heard this lecture a hundred times, but the way he phrased it was so… ugh. It got to me, and I still cry when I see gifs of it or rewatch that clip.

By Anon

I found CMI when it had 3 or 4 chapters so I wasn’t here when it began and missed the early asks! Im curious to know what inspired you to write cmi? What was your original intention in terms of the plot (as maybe somethings changed), the length of the story, the characters? Was it JK fic from the very beginning? If you could share your favourite chapter or specific scene, what would it be? My fave so far is defo the pregnancy scare cause im such a softie for caring kook!

So yeah, the intention was to make it a drabble thing. Once I had a proper plot and understood that it wouldn’t just end up consisting of drabbles, I knew it’d get pretty long. I just never thought we’d ever surpass 300k words? Can you believe that? I didn’t think it could have 20-ish chapters either. I was thinking, I don’t like, like 10 or so? But a lot of things have happened and I can't let them go just yet, so… here we are.

The characters! Yes! I was always gonna include the whole gang, and I knew I wanted everyone to play a role in their lives. So we have Yoongi, Tae, Jimin as part of their squad, pretty consistent members of the story. And then there’s Joon as his mentor and boss. Jin as OC’s new co-worker. Hobi as her “ex”, and so on. And yeah, it was JK from the beginning!

I’d also say the pregnancy scare is my favourite so far, but also. To tell you a secret… my actual favourite scenes are yet to come, pun totally intended. So sit tight. I really hope you like them, too! I’ve been planning the upcoming chapters for a bit, so I hope you love them as much as I do <3

By Ari/@wintaerbaer

You totally don't have to answer this if you're not comfortable, but I've always been super curious as to how you go about outlining your ~spicy~ scenes. Is it the same as normal scenes? I'm always so impressed by how yours never get stale and manage to give us something about the characters (especially for cmi), and as someone who's starting to delve into that aspect of writing, I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!

I’ve told you many times before, but I appreciate it so much that you appreciate the smut scenes, because it’s what I struggle with the most. Like legit, my smut scenes are the last I tackle… It's just very hard to be original and creative with every chapter. It’s not easy for me, so it’s cool you think so.

As to my answer, yeah, I do outline them in bullet point format. It’s an interesting process that I go into with furrowed eyebrows and absolute concentration. Even while writing it, there’s not that much room to be horny, because I'm so focused on phrasing everything well. Different story when I actually edit and reread, but yeah, I swear I do put a lot of effort into these, and TMI, but I also try to include stuff I like or experienced or would like.

Recently, I've also started putting a lot of dialogue in my smut scenes, and I found that it’s a lot of fun, honestly! I’ve learned to let the characters talk more. Because then I'm not stuck on describing every detail, but have them talk about it, too. In some way, at least. The dialogue does help a lot, really. I mean, I don’t know if i succeed, but I try to make the things they say sound natural. I think having them talk and whisper a lot and just be very vocal and interactive helps make the smut less boring. I'm not sure if that helped, but please hit me up if it didn’t!!

By Anon

I would love to know jungkook’s thoughts when he decided to get the forget me not tattoo and during the tattoo session too like did he get anxious about it? did he love oc back then? did he hesitate to get the tattoo?

Super cool question, something I had to think about for a moment!

He was so anxious about it! He doesn’t get nervous about tattoos, since he’s got so many of them. But you know? He wasn’t anxious because he was fearing he was making a mistake, but more ‘cause… he kept wondering what she’d think of it. Like, would it be cringe if he came back with a tattoo that was basically her? Too much? Would she not like that he got it? Or maybe, if she didn’t feel the way he did… would it be extra embarrassing?

But the thing with JK is that, while OC was always very unsure about how he felt about her, he kinda had a hunch about what she might think of him. He saw it in her jealousy about Nara, and how she looked at him in general. He could hide that a bit easier, especially when he spoke about them just being friends. But she was like… even on the phone calls and when they were videocalling in Lights, she was so sad and crying and he was like, “What’s wrong?”

And she said something like, “Please come back.”

Because she needed him with her, and he noticed that craving. So he was a bit more confident. He didn’t love her then but he was falling. And he was falling hard enough to know she’d leave a mark. No matter what was going to happen, he knew she’d affect him long term. In the worst case, it’d be a pretty flower tattoo — Jungkook loves flowers and he adored the way she drew those forget me nots. That helped make him less hesitant. And the fact that he couldn’t stop thinking of her.

Also, they’d become good friends and were getting closer, and he knew that with time, he would eventually fall in love with her. Like, that was very obvious to him, and very… Inevitable? Like, man is seriously obsessed with her.

So to summarise. He didn’t love her yet, but he was in that mess deep enough to know he’d remember her, with or without a tattoo. Other than that, it was also a bit of a souvenir, like a gift for her, too. He wanted to make her happy, and in some way… he wanted to make her fall for him a bit more, too.

By Ivi/@btscontentenjoyer

Okaaaay I have a few because I always love hearing you talk about anything <3 What's a fun moment from the cmi couple's earlier days that we haven't seen and you would like to share, either now or in an additional part one day?

So there’s something I’ve been thinking about… you know how I said I'd be doing drabbles once the main story is over? I want to explore more of their past but a lot of their future, too.

And one of the past scenes is like… OC has a pretty bad day in, like, spring, around March or April which is when it usually gets warmer, too. Jungkook already knows her home life isn’t the best, but he doesn’t ask, because he figures she doesn’t want to talk about it, she never does.

But like, they’re hanging out and he sees her pouting and all. So he suggests going to an amusement park that opened near the centre of the town, and at first, she’s reluctant about it, but he manages to convince her. They do all that couple-y yet platonic stuff, like, trying to win a plushie for the other (which does not work out, but they have fun trying! But JK says something like, “I really had the intention to win this for you today, to make you less sad”, and she’s like, “Okay, but I already feel so much better!” Still giggling and kicking her feet inside).

Then, they go on one of those small ferris wheels thingies? What are they called? Like in The Notebook? And they talk about that Notebook scene as well, where Noah is hanging off the wheel to impress Allie and make her go out with him, and OC is like, “God, as much as I love that movie and his romantic ass… that was such a stupid thing to do!”

And JK was like, “That’s a bummer.” And she’s like, “Why?”

Already clutching his arm in case he does something dumb. And JK, as reckless as he is, goes, “I was gonna climb up there and cheer you up and convince you to admit that I was the better student in business class.”

Of course he wouldn’t have, but she panics and he acts as though he’s about to get up and teases her, and they spent the rest of the ride bickering and laughing. It’s just extremely wholesome, ‘cause OC catches herself not wanting to go home near the end, and she says bye to him very, very hesitantly.

And I think I should stop talking about this, because I feel like I might tear up? Yeah. But I can assure you that there’s… so much I've planned if things go as I intend them to. There’s a lot ahead and we will see a lot more of their past days and everything they’ll be up to after their story is finished.

What's an unnecessary detail or fun fact that you know about a character from cmi but has no relevance to the plot (for example how jungkook likes his coffee or what flavour ice cream is OC's favourite lol)?

UGH, THERE ARE SO MANYYYY!!

You will see a shit ton of those in CMI12 and 13, since these are the perfect chapters to mention these details, but a couple I can tell you are that these two occupy barely one third of the bed. They cuddle into each other; OC generally doesn’t take up much of her bed, didn’t do it in her old home either, because she curls up into a ball. It’s very cute and he loves that a lot, too!

Hm. More fun facts.

Like, the coffee one. JK is a frappuccino kinda guy. OC’s favourite ice cream flavours areeeee… hazelnut, chocolate chip and matcha. She doesn’t go to the zoo often because cute animals make her cry. Also, she believes they do not belong there unless it’s the only chance for their survival. Also enjoys mugs and cups and has filled a cabinet in their kitchen with them. She usually just uses them for tea, of which mint is her favourite, which… she once mentioned to Namjoon and he very much disapproved.

Also… a very small spoiler for the next part — but she can play the guitar a little, aside from the piano, as we saw in one of the earlier chapters. Her dad taught her both of them. She loves DIY projects, but didn’t get a chance or time to try a lot. She wants to, now that she lives with him and isn’t pressured by her parents anymore.

Jungkook on the other hand… his hobbies are different, but he’s just as passionate about them. He likes coffee rather than tea, likes planting his own flowers every now and then, which he learnt back at home, while he discovered that OC does not have a green thumb. She loves getting plants but he takes care of them, because she's killed a few before :’)

He does random karaoke nights, too, and when she’s not too tired, she joins without him even asking. Get you someone who loves you like that! She’s learned that he’s not just a good but excellent singer, and it’s become a habit to ask him to sing her to sleep every now and then. Isabella’s Theme from The Promised Neverland!! Which!! You should totally listen to and that’s totally not because I just watched it, nope nope. Okay but. That’s a lot… you’ll see so much more ahead and I'm so excited.

What past and future 👀👀👀 scene has been the most fun for you to write? Which ones have been the most challenging?

I looooved writing the entire cooking and house tour scene in Blooming. And the pregnancy scare. Andddd the videocalls in Lights. Future scenes… Oh, I see you’re sneaky. Won’t spoil too much, you’ll see, but I wanna say.

Wedding. Mountains. Playing games in teams… and… oh God.

A dancing scene in a much later chapter.

You’ll know when you read it, but it’s one that made me cry the moment I came up with him because the chapter in general will be pretty heavy, and this scene’s gonna involve– quite a few tears. I want to say so much, but I won't. Won’t do a Kim Namjoon and will not spoil! Also the ones I think will be fun but also emotional to write… the last chapter and the last scene.

The one I found extremely challenging was Blue. It explored a lot of grief and past sorrow, and… it was just a lot? And then same with Letters From The Heart. On one hand, because I wrote a chapter fully from his pov for the first time, but also because it was soooo sad, man, what’s wrong with me. Yeah, it was not easy. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be good at all, or would it be boring? But I’m glad you guys loved it so much.

And for some reason, Blooming was hella hard, too. I really don't know why. Which is why I'm so sad it wasn’t as well read as the other chapters, but that’s okay because I really loved it so much. Fingers crossed everyone enjoys Palette!

What is something you learned through the process of writing the series/ through the characters etc.?

Ah okay, try not to cry. If we’re talking writing, I'd say, I've learned that writing a series and keeping it interesting isn’t easy. Even now, I get so nervous. Posting each chapter is nerve wracking, and it never gets any less daunting. But I've learned that there’s so much you can do with a series. You can explore their personalities, their story; you learn how to love and cherish them and make them part of yourself.

And that’s what they are.

They’re such a big part of him, they’re literally tattooed on my skin. And the fact that they affected so many of you, too is— unbelievable. Like. The fact that some of you find joy and comfort in them, and come back to them when you’re sad. That you love them and me and their story so much. I’ve learned that not only are they able to spread warmth in me but in my readers, too?

I treat them as real people now. Dialogues make me cry, thinking about what’s still going to happen makes me emotional and realising that one day their journey with me will end is just. It’s unbelievable. I don’t want it to. By writing about their relationship, I've started yearning for the same level of affection. I want someone to love me like that, and I want to feel as safe as they do.

And by writing JK’s and her characters the way I have been, I've learned how to be kinder, too. They don’t get angry so easily and they learn to accept other people’s flaws and be gentle and loving and sweet, and… yeah, I guess it makes me wanna be better, too. It makes me wanna be brave and more open, less sad.

It’s crazy to think that my own characters can make me feel that way, but I truly have learned a lot. That love can exist, and that hope is important. I’ve always been someone who holds onto hope so much, my entire foundation is built on hope, no matter what happens. And these two show me that it can be worth it to be hopeful. CMI12 especially, or at least its outline, shows me that it’s so, so important to keep going, because there are beautiful things ahead, and I want them all. Want to be here to experience them.

There’s so much more i've learned, but I feel like thinking about it for too long will have me sobbing in no time lol

By Lidia/@baalkoo

do oc or jk have one specific way of showing the other love? like a little touch while eating, letting the other brush their fingers through their hair..

Yeah! He plays with her hair a lot, like he did when his mom came to visit in Translucent, and she’d be talking to OC, and he was touching her hair and curling it around his finger and all.

He also likes her cheeks a lot, and brushing them. Thumb across her cheek, signature move! Like, especially when they’re in bed and talking, he does that sometimes. And he rubs her back whenever she’s stressed. He does it automatically, touching her back or shoulders or cheering her up is something he noticed she likes a lot. With made up secrets like, “Did you know fish throw up, too?” 😀

They also both also love preparing breakfast for the other when they wake up first. So usually, there’s something on the table when the other gets up, unless they wake up at the same time. And OC is a music enthusiast who loves showing him new songs; he’s the one who sings it. She creates playlists for him and names them in kinda weird, kinda endearing ways. One of her playlists are called, “to colour in outlines” — which I think is very cute and a bit of a reference to the sketch book she got him back in Blurred.

By Nat/@cinnamon-roll-peter

I was wondering what inspired you to start writing cmi? if you've already answered that question, what inspires you to write oc and jungkooks relationship the way that you have? have you already planned out what path the story will take until the end? (i never want cmi to end i love it too much 😭)

Already had the first question, but moving to the others — have you seen Brooklyn 99? Because it’s been my latest obsession! But Jake and Amy in it? I love their relationship so much. They’re so supportive, so unproblematic. They do fight and have their differences, but they always find back to each other. And even though CMI has been going far longer than my B99 rewatch, I’ve learned that that’s the relationship I crave and the relationship I want to describe. I always want them to supportive and find home and comfort in each other, too. So watching B99 kinda gave me that extra inspiration lately.

Is that stupid? I don’t know? I’ve been watching love stories lately, like this and Elemental and I want people to love like that all the time.

About the ending — yes, I have! Which makes me sad, because it makes me realise that there’ll be an end to this. But yeah, I know what’ll be happening in the next parts until the very end, and I'm telling you guys, there’s… so much hurt ahead. And so much joy. So much success and failure and missing and yearning and anger. And just. Everything. There’s everything, and seriously, I'm not kidding, so much more than in the first half of the story. Which is why I really hope everyone’s still there when I post the next chapters, because I feel like the first half is nothing compared to what’s still going to happen.

By 🐼✒️ Anon

OC and JK, when did you first know you were head over heels for the other?

OC knew when she saw the tattoo. The distance did help, but the tattoo kinda sealed the deal for her, like she knew… fuck, Im screwed now. There’s no going back to how things were before he went on vacation.

And with him, it was when he got the tattoo, I’d say. Although, I’d say the moment he truly knew how there was no escaping her anymore was when she walked away that night in the dark alley with a simple, “Okay.”

Fun fact! That was a very spontaneous thing to do, it wasn’t in my Monochrome outline. It was a very simple thing, and I didn’t know so many would freak out about it. But I loved the reactions! Loved seeing the messages about people crying about that simple, “Okay.” And I think it affected him just as much.

He panicked and was like, “Fuck, I do not want to lose her.”

But it was his doing, so he just. Watched her walk away.

OC, how was your relationship with your parents while growing up? Did you feel supported and loved enough from them? How did that affect your self esteem, and relationships with other people?

There’ll be more info on that as we move on, but… it wasn’t always bad. There were good moments when she was a child, but things got worse the older she got and the more they noticed she was approaching an age where she’d be able to inherit the company. So, her teenage years were difficult.

They neglected her feelings a lot, and mostly focused on training her. She lost some of the joys of being a teen, so that’s where things got… bad. Before that, she was their little girl and it wasn’t as bad. But more on that later, because her story with her parents isn’t over yet.

Her relationship with them was like. They supported her, but in a wrong way. Her studies, and wanting her to build a career at their company. They thought that was them supporting her. But she’s always wanted to be a writer which didn’t get any acknowledgement. She wishes they gave that more attention, too. Other than that, as she said in Blooming, she wishes her father would’ve stood by her side more. To defend her, to love her. Etc.

So, her self esteem was definitely affected by that, and her relationship with others… like, she’s a bubbly and open girl, but she does get insecure sometimes. It took her so long to understand that JK felt the way he felt about her. Or that she was worthy of love, and that someone actually wanting to be with her was real and not something that’d end in doom.

She was scared because he left her once already, and she still sometimes fears he’ll do it again. So that’s definitely an effect of feeling alone as she grew up. But let’s hope he’s able to eliminate all those thoughts moving forward and loves her well enough to show her she’s more than worth the affection she gets.

OC and JK, how is it like living with each other? Do you ever annoy each other (or are yall still loveydovey in honeymoon phase)?

It’s challenging, but it’s also lovely. I guess the challenging bit comes from them annoying each other, because there are quite a few things that rile them up sometimes. You might remember from Seven, but they both have little quirks, like him constantly smacking his lips or not cleaning up his working space after drawing and painting. Or her not gathering her documents after working at the desk etc. There’s stuff they need to adjust to and get used to, but it’s also things they’re able to talk about most of the time. Like, they don’t fight about them and converse and talk them out. The more time passes, the more they’ll get used to each other. They will fight, but that’s normal, I guess!

But since they’ve just moved in together, most of the time, they’re still basking in that honeymoon glow.

OC and JK, tips for hopeless romantics out there who have never had any romantic/sexual experiences?

So first of all, they’re giving you a hug. They want to tell you to be patient. We find love when we don’t seek it. There’s a soulmate out there for all of us, and they’re looking for you just the way you’re looking for them because they want to be loved just the way you want to, too. Vibe with your life until they cross it. You’re someone who deserves to be loved and adored and worshipped, so please know you won’t be disappointed. And then, with romance comes sexual experience.

It might take some time, but it’s important to know that you shouldn’t settle for less than you desire and for less than you deserve; but it’ll come to you. Just be yourself and be patient and things will be oaky! <3

Rid, what inspired you to write this story? Do you relate to it on a personal level? What helps/facilitates the writing process for you?

What inspired me was just that VCR from their MOTS: One concert, but. I stuck with it because of the love and comfort it radiates, even for me. There are so many aspects of it that I relate to on a personal level — like, the slight trauma she carries from growing up with a strict family. Or being scared of being left alone. The fear of loneliness and hurt… I'm someone who gets very nervy when it comes to love and stuff, and I'm always, always so scared of everyone leaving, be it in real life or virtually?

I crave love the way these two crave love, because I love loving, and I want to know what it feels to be loved just the same way, too. So yeah. Uhm. I don’t know, that got very sentimental very fast, but. That’s what it is!

Every other thing, like the story and stuff that happens in general comes from their own story. Even though there will be a bit more ahead that comes from personal experience, but most of them is their own thing.

What helps me facilitate the writing process is just. Knowing how much I love them. And the excitement of moving towards some amazing chapters. Also the fact that the story means as much to some people as it does to me. The fact that some wait for it or feel comforted by it. Or that it makes their day or helps them get through their days. It’s just very exciting and rewarding.

Rid, what is the first piece you've ever written? How long have you been writing, and what's your first inspiration? (i used to write when i was in middle school but stopped along the way, and ive thought about slowly picking it up again :") do you have any tips?)

I would just advise you to start! Make an outline or whatever helps you get started. Maybe a character sheet, the story in a couple bullet points that you can expand on. But the most important advise I like to give is to just get started. I also only read back in late 2020 and a friend then suggested to write and post the story I was planning back then. Didn’t know where it’d get me, but here we are. If you’d like to see more advise, you can also browse through my tag “writing tips”. I don’t know if it’s helpful at all, but maybe you can read through them!

The first fic I ever wrote for Tumblr was The Diary of a Healing Heart, which I've now revamped and reposted. But if we’re talking in general? It was a book I wrote with 2 friends called ‘The Camp’. Some fantasy/time travel/romance thing? I would never publish it though because I was 14 back then, and I alsoooo wrote it in another language. I got very inspired by the books I read, especially romance stories and stuff, but oh my God. Would never reread or I’d die.

thank you so much if you read this <3 sending much love to all who participated and everyone in general!! all support is appreciated. if you want, come and talk to me or say whatever's on your mind! love you <3

colour me in – commentary | jjk (m)

⋙ pairing: Jungkook x reader ⋙ rating: 18+ ⋙ content and warnings: mention of toxic relationships (parents), mention of cmi spoilers, heartbreak, love, difficult childhood, mention of smut, teeny tiny spoilers, talk about future and past chapters, future and past scenarios, additional info on the characters and the story, plot background, general behind the scenes, thought and writing process. so many pauses and stuttering im sorry lol 😭 sorry for mispronounced words!! also i'm sick, so pls bear with my potentially confused mind ajsfhjas <3 ⋙ length: 73 minutes ⋙ a/n: that was ☠️ so much fun but my voice is gone lol. i hope the stuff i said make sense and that you enjoy me rambling!! even if you just listen to parts of this, i'm eternally grateful!! and let me know what you think, too? would loveee to know what you think of my thoughts lol 🥺 if you've more questions, drop by anytime!! ily <3

⋙ part of the colour me in series ⋙ listen to the commentary here!

© 2024 taegularities. all rights reserved.

[starperchek]

Art by Yuji Moriguchi.

[fayes-fics]

Portrait: III

Masterpost

PREV | NEXT

Pairing: Benedict Bridgerton x fem!reader

Summary: An evening session causes some leaps forward.

Warnings (for this chapter): nudity, flirtation, discussion of sex.

Word Count: 2.4k

Authors Note: Things are hotting up now ;)

III

Benedict is busy with family matters for a few days, so it is almost a week before you see him again. Unable to do the usual mid-morning time you had previously agreed, he sent word via messenger that he could do that evening only. Usually, on Monday evenings, your parents are home, but conveniently today, they are both out - your father on business, your mother on her social merry-go-round. So it is just you and a few staff members when Benedict arrives after dinner. 

“I wasn't sure that evenings would work, Mr Bridgerton,” you comment as he sets up his supplies, lacking a valet today. “I thought perhaps the light would not be sufficient,” you gesture to the various sconces and candelabras flickering gently. 

The room has some light, but it is very different from the sunlight he has been painting you in until now.

“It is perhaps less than ideal, but I will do my best. I preferred not to wait any longer to see you. To continue the painting, that is,” he rushes out. “I hope you do not mind my company so late in the day.”

“Nothing gives me greater pleasure than your company.” Your answer is honest and forthright, the late hour making you say things you otherwise never might. Perhaps the couple of glasses of wine you had with dinner are also making their presence known.

His eyes flash in a way that makes you unable to look away. Like that first time your eyes met across the gallery, your gaze on each other is almost magnetic. 

“Tell me something about yourself, Mr Bridgerton,” you implore softly as he begins to work. “I find our sessions can be entirely too quiet on occasion.”

He huffs, bemused. “I find chatter when I am attempting to paint somewhat distracting, miss y/l/n,” he supplies, “hence I am perhaps a little taciturn, but if it pleases you…. I am from a large family….”

“I know the Bridgerton family,” you interrupt, “everyone does. Yours is among the most prestigious families of the Ton, after all. I am interested in you. What makes you, you? Not what makes you a Bridgerton.”

He seems lost for words, and the intensity of his gaze seems even heavier. 

“No one has ever really asked me that before…” his voice taking on an unusual tone, just like it did yesterday when you waxed lyrical about his art. “Or at least none outside of my friends. To the members of the Ton, I am usually seen as a number in the family. The second. The spare.”

“I am certain you are so much more than that,” you respond spiritedly. “I have only spent a couple of hours with you, and that is entirely lacking as a descriptor of the man I see before me,” the wine is definitely loosening your tongue. “I would like to be considered a friend if it means you will share more about who you are with me?”

“I write poetry,” he suddenly blurts out, looking temporarily surprised at his admission, but pushes on. “I collect rocks; I am a good shot; I enjoy Pall Mall. I would like to be an artist.”

“You are an artist,” you interject, “if not, I wonder what on earth you have been standing there doing during our sessions to date.”

He laughs at your joke, adorable little lines crinkling the corners of his eyes, and again you feel filled with light. “I dabble, but I fear my work will never be taken seriously.”

“You just need more of a portfolio to showcase your wonderful talent,” you argue back. “And perhaps a few portraits to balance out the landscapes,” you tease gently.

There are a few moments of silence and shared smiles, but your glances are more heated, lingering, and unapologetic in ways they have not been before. Something in the air tonight speaks of inevitability—a shift in dynamic. The lateness of the hour lends something decadent to your session. Tonight, you don't look away as he paints; you keep your eyes on him.

“When I told you I had never painted a woman’s portrait before, I wasn't being entirely truthful,” he confesses from behind the easel, bending so his face is out of sight.

“Tell me more, Mr Bridgerton,” you volley back, the gentle teasing a growing pattern with each minute you spend in each other's presence.

“That is to say, I have painted a female. But she was by no means a lady,” his voice is laden with something dark, and your heart speeds up.

“What does that mean?” your voice curious.

“It means she was a lady of pleasure. In Paris. And… she did not wear clothes when I painted her.” 

All you can hear is blood rushing in your ears. You have the strangest compulsion to expose your body to him. 

“Is that how you would prefer to paint all your female subjects?” the bold question out before you can stop yourself.

“What do you mean?” 

You know he is being intentionally obtuse, but his eyes are visible again now over the top of the easel, and you are struck by his expression. He looks hungry, but not for food or drink—you want to bathe in it.

“Would you prefer all your female subjects be without clothes?” you meet his burning gaze, your lips tingling.

“Only if that is what they wish too,” he seems to purr.

Your heart is pounding in your ears as you stand up and walk over to the door, legs feeling almost stiff, flicking the lock and removing its key. You know his eyes follow you as you cross the room again, and he looks stunned as you walk up to him and hand the key to him. You watch him place it on his easel, and then you turn your back, presenting your dress buttons to him.

“I wish it,” you murmur. 

He makes a noise that sounds like a swallowed growl. Your whole being responds. You want him to strip you nude. 

“Miss, you are promised to another,” he wavers.

“One that I do not wish to marry,” you appeal over your shoulder, “please, I wish for this. So very much,” your last words are a pleading whisper as you turn back.

Victory crests in your blood as you feel a warm gust of air stir your hair, and then warm fingers land between your shoulder blades, sliding over each button, undoing them achingly slowly. He doesn't push you further; he just touches your back gently to signify the buttons are all undone. 

You walk back to the chaise and stand facing him as you push your dress down over your arms, talking the chemise with it. Heart pounding in every cell, blood running hot, your skin alive. Your dress hits the rug, and his inhale is sharp and musical.

The heat from the fire licks your bare skin as you stand there in just stays that hold your breasts up and out. You do not wear stockings or underwear; you thought it would be an illicit thrill for yourself to forego them in his presence. Something you thought he would never know.

You bite your lip and stare at him as you pluck the criss-cross pattern of laces across the front of your stays; glad you chose one you could undo yourself today. Each movement makes your breast bounce slightly, and you see his eyes covetously watching them. When his tongue peaks out of his mouth and licks his bottom lip, you feel something happening between your legs, some wetness leaking there that you know he alone is responsible for.

As the laces give way, you pull the fabric to each side, exposing your chest, and there is a noise from the back of his throat that sounds so delicious you almost run to him and throw yourself into his arms. Instead, you let the material fall away on top of your dress. So now you stand before him utterly naked. Feeling vulnerable but so powerful all at once. His face is a maelstrom, desire writ large in his dilated eyes, a bloom of pink dusting high on his sharp cheekbones.

“Miss….” he begins, and it sounds like a harbinger.

“Sir…” you counter, and his large hand flexes visibly. 

The silence in the room is almost deafening.

“Paint me,” you offer over an exhale. “Paint me like your Parisian lady.”

He swallows audibly and reaches for a sketchpad tucked inside his portfolio. 

“Lay down,” his request is pitched low, and your knees go so weak that obeying seems the only path available.

You recline on the chaise, and although your heart pounds, you force yourself to look at him, awaiting further instruction. Your whole body feels flushed.

“Put your left hand behind your head,” he instructs, and you can do nothing but follow the command. “Beautiful,” escapes his luscious lips that you cannot look away from.

You yearn for him to cross the room, close the distance between you, touch your body, kiss your mouth. But he does not. He grabs a wingback chair, drags it next to his easel, and places his left foot on his right knee, balancing the pad on his bent leg, something in his stance so utterly masculine. He glances at you and then runs his charcoal in sweeping lines over the paper. 

“This portrait must not be hung anywhere,” you insist.

“It will be for our eyes only,” he assures. “I will happily let you keep it.”

“What if I want you to have it?” you posit and hear the charcoal slip on the page and a light curse under his breath.

“Then I would be quite the luckiest man,” he replies, his eyes fiery as he looks at your face.

“And what if I did not want to be alone in this picture?” throwing all caution to the wind, leaving no room for doubt.

“Who else do you wish to join you?” his voice cracking roughly, his gaze raking slowly down your body, so heavy you feel it.

“The door is locked, sir.”

“Don't call me that,” he hisses, more than a touch harried.

“Mr Bridgerton,” you amend, treating each syllable as a tasty morsel, letting your free hand stroke slowly down your sternum as you say it.

“Stop it,” he warns, sounding desperate.

“I don't want to,” you hiss vehemently.

“Have you laid with a man?” his voice is tremulant.

“Never,” you reply softly.

“But you know something of it?”

“Yes,” you admit.

“And you wish to know before marriage?”

“Only from you,” you confess.

“Fuck,” he mutters heavily, and it's the most arousing thing you have ever heard. “We… we should not…” he stumbles, the sketchpad very much left to languish unused in his lap now. 

“You do not strike me as one who plays by societal rules,” you appeal. 

“Indeed I am not, but...” he trails off and swallows heavily yet again.

He watches intensely as you let the hand on your sternum slip down the centre line of your body. You may not know everything about what happens between a man and a woman, but you instinctively need your fingers to quell the burning sensation at the apex of your thighs. 

“You are engaged to another,” he bites out as if he is reluctant to say it himself as he watches your hand trail over your belly.

“Do not remind me of my future,” you lament. “Let me live in this moment, for now. And if you will not touch me, teach me how to pleasure myself properly. So I may be able to keep myself at least partially satisfied in my marriage.”

The moan he makes is so carnal and wanton that your whole body shivers, your nipples pebbling, none of which escapes his notice. He bites off a curse again and closes his eyes, his hand trembling. Suddenly he tosses the sketchpad aside and rubs his hands down his face. When his eyes reopen, they blaze at you.

“Nothing would give me greater pleasure, y/n. But I cannot do this here, not under your parents' roof,” he answers through gritted teeth. 

You want to be impressed with his gentlemanly behaviour, but right now, you pine for him to be the opposite. To give in to the temptation that you can see him fighting.

“But….” and your breath catches with that one syllable. “...I think you should know; I will be insisting the last two portrait sessions be at my private studio—I have a scene curtain there that will make the perfect background to complete your portrait.”

You understand precisely what he is saying and not saying. The euphoric tide that races around your limbic system is better than any rush you have ever experienced.

“And I assume you cannot merely paint the background without me? My presence is very much required, is it not?” your ask is coquettish, your hand spidering circles around your belly button.

“That is indeed most correct,” a lopsided grin that causes butterflies spreading slowly and dangerously over his features.

“Then you may go,” you conclude quietly as the clock strikes 8 pm, standing and picking your clothing from the floor. “And I will see you there tomorrow morning.”

As you slip back into your chemise, he moves closer, so close you can smell his citrus and woody cologne, and he hands you a scrap of paper, your fingers brushing with a jolt of fire as he does so. It contains an address. “Ensure your parents and your fiance know this must be alone.” he intones. “After all, my very thorough artistic process demands it, does it not?” 

You are almost quaking as he moves away and picks up his supplies. You attempt to re-dress, but your fingers seemingly cannot fasten the buttons at the back, so you leave it hanging loose, praying that you don't run into any staff in such an unkempt state.

“And miss y/l/n….” he calls as he unlocks the door and leaves the key in the slot.

“Yes?” 

“...this evening, the sunset sky was scarlet red, so I expect it shall be a hot day tomorrow. I would suggest you wear your portrait dress and absolutely nothing more. I would not want you uncomfortable after all,” he rejoinders silkily with a wink as he slips through the doorway.

You know that statement had absolutely nothing to do with the weather or his concern for your comfort, and you have to grab the back of the chaise to keep yourself upright.

Benedict taglist: @makaylan @foreverlonginguniverse @iboopedyournose @colettebronte @aintnuthinbutahounddog @severewobblerlightdragon @margofiore @writergirl-2001 @heeyyyou @enichole445 @enchantedbytomandhenry @ambitionspassionscoffee @chaoticcalzoneranchsports @nikaprincessofkattegat @baebee35 @crowleysqueenofhell @bridgertontess @fiction-is-life @lilacbeesworld @angels17324 @broooookiecrisp @queen-of-the-misfit-toys @eleanor-bradstreet @divaanya @musicismyoxygen84 @benedictspaintbrush @miindfucked @sorryallonsy @lilithseve @cayt0123

[forever-fixating]

Rewrite the Stars

Summary: Austin is feeling homesick while filming Elvis and gets one hell of a birthday surprise!

Rating: General Audiences

Words: 3.6K (I swear this was meant to be a quick drabble, and yet here I am finishing this at almost five in the morning...oops?)

Warnings: Lots of pining from our boi here

Author's Note: This was written for @foreverdolly. I hope this fills the pining!Austin feels you were hoping for! Perhaps if this gets enough likes (and if school and work permits me), I’ll write a part two! A couple of minor details- I headcanoned Austin here as more of a serial dater rather than anything involving Vanessa. It felt more suitable, given the pining angle I’m going for. Also, I wrote this like COVID never happened because that is a reality I’m sure we’d all love to live in right now. Enjoy!

Austin knew that filming Elvis would be hard. One doesn’t go into a project about a beloved figure of American pop culture thinking it will be a walk in the park. Hell, the months-long audition process made that abundantly clear. But the most challenging part wasn’t the months and months of vocal training, singing lessons, costume fitting, or reading every possible book and watching every video about Elvis Aaron Presley he could get his hands on.

It was being away from his friends and family.

It was just him alone in an apartment halfway across the globe from the place and people he called home. It didn’t matter how many FaceTime calls he made with his sister Ashley or his childhood best friend Y/N or how many care packages they sent filled with his favorite snacks. Eventually, the calls ended, and the snacks were eaten.

His birthday was around the corner, although he was surprised he even registered that it was close. He texted Y/N to see if maybe you would be able to fly down for a quick visit. He even offered to pay for your plane ticket and introduce her to Baz, one of your favorite directors. That morning while he was in hair and makeup, you texted back, “Get me a spot on the soundtrack, and you got a deal!”

He snorted at the reference to the joke you made when he told you that he got the part…after screaming and crying out of excitement and happiness for him. You were the first person he wanted to tell when he got the news. You had been the one that encouraged him to go for the part in the first place. It had become a tradition between the two of you. Celebrating each other’s big moments. He remembered the day you told him about your record deal. He always believed you had the talent to follow your dreams. Growing up, you always wrote poetry and bits of songs, and the two of you constantly played guitar and piano in your room. It was one of the few spaces he felt comfortable enough to be himself. You never got frustrated with his shyness or anxiety, even agreeing to play in the dark to make him feel more comfortable. When you won your first Grammy, he was in the crowd, clapping until his hands ached.

Your subsequent text made his heart sink. “In all seriousness, I wish I could be there for your b-day. (Don’t think I forgot!) But I’m in the middle of recording my next album and my producer is a workhorse. I’m so sorry, Aus.”

“It’s okay,” he texted back. “It’s just 29. Should be done with filming before I turn 30 and we can do that one big!”

You sent back thumbs-up and blue heart emojis, and he tucked his phone into his pocket. There was a small lump in his throat. He closed his eyes for a moment. The last thing he wanted to do was cry over something so dumb. Because it was dumb! People didn’t stop living their lives back home just because he was in Australia. Jobs had to be done, bills had to be paid, and his feeling homesick like a little kid didn’t change that. His sister had sent back a similar response when he asked if she could come for a visit. He told her he understood and to not worry about him.

“Are you all right, Austin?”

He opened his eyes to his makeup artist Trisha looking at him in the mirror. She had a gift for reading his moods. Sometimes, he wished she wasn’t so accurate. He shrugged and mumbled, “Just got a disappointing text from home.”

“Sorry to hear that,” she said. She stayed silent for a moment, brushing more bronzer onto his face. “Want to talk about it?”

The lump in his throat hurt to talk around. “Not really.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The day before his birthday, Baz picked Austin up at his apartment. He had a coffee waiting and was listening to the usual Elvis Presley playlist. He had long stopped being surprised by the Australian director’s eccentric nature. What surprised him was Baz didn’t drive them directly to set. Austin looked at the older man and asked, “Where we goin’?”

Baz just shrugged as he flipped on the turn signal. “The airport.”

This confused Austin. He tried to mask this by joking, “Is this your way of telling me I’m fired?”

That prompted a laugh out of Baz. “Nothing of the sort. I’m just picking up a friend. Flying them in for a special cameo for the film. I thought you’d like to tag along.”

“I’m not needed on set?”

“That is the beauty of being the director,” Baz replied with a grin. “I determine where you’re needed.”

Austin picked up the coffee Baz bought him and took a sip. “That’s not ominous at all, Mr. Luhrman.”

The two of you spent the rest of the drive discussing work. What Baz had planned, any concerns Austin may have, and what could be done to fix them. He loved working with Baz. He was unlike any director Austin had worked with previously. The man had a vision but never let that stop him from treating his cast and crew respectfully. Austin’s time in Hollywood had shown him what a rare quality that was in a director.

Before they knew it, they had arrived at the Brisbane airport. Baz had been tight-lipped about who exactly they were coming to get. He was happy he took care of getting dressed this morning. The weather flipped down in the Southern Hemisphere, so he woke up to a cold snap that morning. He put on a navy cashmere sweater Ashley bought him before he left. The closer his birthday got, the more intense his homesickness felt.

Baz parked the car, and the two of them headed inside. They were stopped a couple of times by fans eager for a selfie or an autograph. Austin watched as a young woman told Baz how she was inspired by his work to go to film school. He gave her some words of wisdom and agreed to take a photo with her. It was touching to witness and a lesson on how to talk with fans. Finally, they arrived at the area where people waited for arrivals. Austin turned and asked, “Gonna let me in on who we’re meeting?”

Baz looked up from his phone and simply gestured in the distance. Austin turned to where Baz was pointing and thought his heart would stop. It was Ashley and Y/N! They were here in Australia! Austin turned back to Baz, who simply said, “Happy birthday, son.”

Austin wasted no time sprinting toward the two women. He pulled his big sister in for a hug first, squeezing her tight and saying through tears, “If this is a dream, I hope I never wake up.”

He felt Ashley rub his back. “This is very real, little brother. And you have Baz and Y/N to thank for all this.”

He pulled away from his sister to see you standing there. Your eyes were glassy with tears even as you joked, “Well if you weren’t going to get me on the soundtrack, I figured I had to do it myself.”

Austin choked out a laugh and picked you up, spinning you around and squeezing you tight. His nickname for you growing up was Tink because of your tiny frame and fiery temper. When he finally set you down, he looked down at you as you explained, “Me and Ashley have been worried about you lately. You seemed really blue. So, I did the L.A. thing: I had my people reach out to Baz’s people and ask if we couldn’t arrange a surprise for your birthday.”

By this point, Baz had joined all three of you. He clapped Austin on the back and said, “I know that the Method is all the rage in Hollywood, but I don’t see sense in tormenting yourself needlessly. We can put production on pause for a little bit. Spend some time with these beautiful women who love you very much.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That night, the three of you decided to stay at Ausitn’s place and order takeout later that evening. You were slightly more experienced with jetlag, but Ashley required a late afternoon nap. That gave the two of you time to catch up. Austin asked how work on your new album was going and just let your voice live and in person wash over him. You wore one of his t-shirts and a pair of sweatpants. Your hair was in a messy bun on top of your head, and your face was covered with one of those Korean skincare masks you loved. But to Austin, plain or dressed for a red carpet, you were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.

He had always been a little in love with you. The timing never seemed to be on his side enough to make a move. As a teen, he was intimidated by your sudden rise to fame through MySpace. One day, you were posting songs you wrote, then suddenly, you had a record deal and were playing across the country. The last thing you needed was some awkward guy next to you whose biggest claim to fame was bit parts on iCarly and Hannah Montana.

As you both got older and started dating people, Austin figured maybe the two of you were meant to be just friends. He remembered watching a movie with that phrase as the title and the rant you went on after the movie ended.

“I swear to God,” you raged, “guys feel like just because they have feelings for a woman and treat her like a human being, that makes them entitled to sex with us! It’s disgusting! ‘Nice guys finish last’ is such misogynistic bullshit.”

You looked at him after finishing and squeezed his arm. “I’m so glad you’re not like that, Austin. You are rare among your gender.”

He never wanted to be that for you, either. He loved you as a person before he fell in love with you. The last thing he wanted was to be another creep trying to get into your pants. You had a long-term boyfriend, Trevor, who Austin could not stand. He was also a musician, and you met while on tour for your second album. It seemed like a match made in heaven. But Trevor had a nasty habit of comparing your careers, with his being more “legitimate” because he didn’t have to use the internet to become successful. It was a point he learned not to bring up around you or Austin unless he was ready for an argument to ensue.

“You know you’re going to have to introduce me to Tom Hanks,” you said, your eyes bright with excitement. “You know Forrest Gump is one of my favorite movies of all time. God knows how often I’ve watched Toy Story, Sleepless in Seattle, or You’ve Got Mail. I practically grew up with Tom Hanks!”

Austin grinned. “Ah, and so the true motivation for this trip emerges.”

“Oh, you were just a great bonus,” you teased as you removed your mask and massaged the excess product into your skin. “I’m here to see Woody.”

Austin laughed. Your presence melted away all of the angst he had been feeling lately. His whole body felt relaxed and at ease for the first time in months. At this moment, he didn’t have to worry about being ready for the set or rehearsing the same sequence for hours on end. He could just be Austin.

He reached out to squeeze your hand. You smiled and squeezed his back. His voice cracked as he whispered, “I’m so happy you’re here.”

“There’s nowhere else I’d rather be,” you replied.

You reached out to pull his head down and kissed his forehead. He couldn’t stop himself from encircling your wrist with his hand as you did. You pulled away slightly, and for a moment, you both breathed the same air. Your eyes connected. It could be so easy. He could just lean forward and do what he had been dreaming about for ages. He rubbed your inner wrist and found a racing pulse. You were so close. But…he wouldn’t do that to you. Austin knew how you felt about cheating, no matter how innocent the act was.

He was the first to break the moment. Clearing his throat, he pulled away and said, trying to force a laugh, “Don’t let Trevor hear you say that. How’s he doing, by the way? Still on tour?”

Something fell over your eyes at that moment. Before he could question it, you laughed harshly and said, “Yup, still touring. I think he’s still pissed because I told him I didn’t want his help on my next album. He’s been weird since I helped improve one of his singles by making it a duet. So now he’s needlessly looking for “improvements” in my work.”

Leave his sorry ass, Austin wanted to snap. You’re twice the songwriter he will ever be, and you deserve someone who recognizes true talent. The words were on the tip of his tongue. Instead, he said, “I’m sorry. Maybe it’s just a rough patch?”

“Yeah, maybe,” you replied. “But…they seem to be coming more frequently here lately.”

Scrubbing your face, you jumped up and said, “Bleh, enough about Trevor. Let’s see if Ashley has recovered enough so we can order something to eat. I’m starving!”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

People could never say that Baz Luhrmann was a subtle man. For Austin’s birthday the following evening, he rented a restaurant with an adjoining karaoke bar. This surprise party had been well-planned. Catherine even decorated the space and ensured the manager secured any recording devices from non-guests. When the trio arrived, Austin hugged Baz and Catherine and thanked them for such kindness and generosity. Ashley wore a dusty rose off-the-shoulder dress with an A-line skirt that looked gorgeous. You looked stunning in a black cocktail dress inspired by Breakfast at Tiffany’s, complete with an updo and tiara. When you finally emerged from Austin’s bedroom, he mumbled, “Hello, gorgeous.”

You winked and said, “Thanks, but wrong movie.”

There was the usual dinner and giving of gifts. Baz, Tom, and others gave speeches, praising Austin so much that by the end, he was a puddle of tears and emotion. At the end of the dinner, he couldn’t say more than, “Thank you for all over this. Making this movie and being here with all of you has been one of the best experiences of my life. I will carry it with me and treasure it always.”

Once the dinner concluded, the party moved to the karaoke bar. Baz and you, as Austin figured, got along like a house on fire. Both of you were music nerds and kept trying to outdo each other in karaoke performances. You won the night with a spirited rendition of Tina Turner’s Proud Mary that saw your heels kicked into the crowd, your updo wholly wrecked, and Olivia holding your tiara as she screamed and cheered. As you exited the stage, Baz stood and bowed, saying, “I know when I’m beaten. Now, what’s this about you wanting to be on the soundtrack?”

A few others took turns on the stage. Dacre, Luke, and Adam tried to sing together to Billy Joel’s Uptown Girl. Tom and Rita sang I Got You, Babe before bidding everyone good night. Olivia, Ashley, Catherine, and you giggled through Wannabe by the Spice Girls. After the song ended, Olivia, Ashley, and Catherine teetered their way back off stage, but you remained. Putting a hand on your hip, you said into the microphone, “Mr. Butler…you are the only one who has not sung this evening. It’s time we fixed that. Get your ass up here!”

Everyone began chanting Austin’s name until he shrugged off his jacket and tie and joined you on stage. You had a look on your face that seemed both nervous and excited. Ever the performer, you turned back to the crowd and said, “Now, D.J., before you start the song we spoke about earlier, I wanna tell everyone here a little story about Austin and me.”

“Oh Jesus,” Austin said loud enough that the mic picked him up.

“Hush you,” you smacked his shoulder. “Anywho, me and Austin have a favorite pastime back home of watching bad movies together. It’s kind of like Mystery Science Theater 3000, snarking comments and all. Well, one of our favorites to watch is The Greatest Showman.”

This prompted boos and shouts from the crowd, to which you replied, “I know, I know. The movie made over a billion, and Hugh Jackman is your national treasure.”

You paused to allow people to cheer for their man before continuing, “But as an American…the movie is ridiculous. P.T. Barnum was a dick who did not deserve the talents of Mr. Hugh Jackman! But that soundtrack fucking rules! There would be nights when Austin and I couldn’t sleep, and we would drive around L.A. screaming that soundtrack at the tops of our lungs!”

You finally turned back to Austin, and he felt butterflies in his stomach. You smiled at him as your voice softened. “So we’re going to sing you of those songs tonight. Apologies in advance to Zendaya and Zac. May you never see this.”

Oh, Jesus…it was that song. You motioned for him to come closer. The butterflies were now a hurricane. He was about to sing a love song in front of a crowd of people to the woman he wanted more than anything. What could possibly go wrong?

“You know I want you,” Austin began, his voice shaky with nerves. “It’s not a secret I try to hide. I know you want me. So don’t keep saying our hands tied.”

A few people cheered, sensing his nerves. He grinned, and as the verse progressed, he felt his confidence growing. The two of you had watched this movie so many times, you began doing a facsimile of the scene from the film on stage. You kept your eyes downcast, your body turned away from him, as if you were fighting against this as much as you wanted to give in. At last, you came together at the end of the chorus, Austin going so far as to put his hand around your waist and tuck your hair behind your ear as he sang, “So why don’t we rewrite the stars? Maybe the world could be ours tonight?”

You took the microphone from the stand and took a giant step back as the music continued. Austin could hear his heart pounding in his ears. The look in your eyes reminded him of the look from yesterday. You lifted the microphone and sang, “You think it’s easy? You think I don’t want to run to you? But there are mountains and there are doors that we can’t walk through.”

You began walking along the edge of the stage and gesturing to the crowd as you continued to sing. Austin followed you as he felt the desperation behind the song's words for the first time. As you sang the chorus to the audience, he led you back to the center of the stage. And what’s more, you let yourself be guided back. You placed the microphone as the chorus ended, and you both began belting the bridge.

“All I want is to fly with you! All I want is to fall with you! So just give me all of you…”

There seemed to be something in your voice as you sang of this being impossible. Was he making this up? Was it just the two of you committing to the bit, as it were? The edges started to blur for Austin. Were they blurring for you too?

“You know I want you,” you sang finally, your voice just as shaky as he was at the song's beginning. “It’s not a secret I try to hide. But I can’t have you. We’re bound to fate, and my hands are tied.”

Both of you were startled when everyone began cheering. In those brief moments, they seemed to fade into the background. Before Austin even had time to process what the hell happened, you said into the microphone, “And that’s enough from me. Austin, thank you for humoring me. Maybe we can get him to sing an Elvis song next?”

He was shell-shocked as you hurried off stage to rejoin Ashley and Olivia. He wanted to follow you. He wanted to take you somewhere quiet and private and ask a million questions. What did you mean by that song choice? Were you trying to tell him something? But before he could even think of what to do first, he heard the all-too-familiar chords of Jailhouse Rock blast from the speakers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A few days after you and Ashley returned to L.A., he got an email from his big sister. She had recorded your performance of Rewrite the Stars that night. The only text in the email stated, “If this is anything to go off of, I think you can, baby brother. Don’t waste this moment.”

Author’s Note: So…do we need a part two? Let me know down below! Likes, comments, and reblogs are cherished and adored.

[eddieloverr]

Forbidden Love ( Eddie Munson x Female Reader)

Series summary; You need to prove you can dump a guy in 10 days, Eddie needs to prove he can make a girl fall in love with him in 10 days. The clock is ticking, what could possibly go wrong?

Authors note; This is my first fan-fic series so I'm pretty excited to publish this & please ignore any errors if you spot any, I've tried my best to revise and edit any errors I saw. If you couldn't tell by the summary, this series is heavily inspired/based off the movie 'How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days'. I will be adding my own scenes and this will have smut in the later chapters so please, 18+ only. I really do enjoy feedback so if you'd like to say something, please do! :) On that note, enjoy this little series! - Jess <3

Chapter word count; 6.2k

Chapter warnings; Mentions of sex, mentions of death ( believe that's all, only read if you're 18+)

Comments, feedback, and reblogs are very appreciated!

"God, Nancy, I busted my ass in grad school to be this magazines "How to" girl and write articles like, 'How to know what color looks best on you' or 'How to use the best pickup lines.'"

"I want to write about things that actually matter, like politics and the environment, the earth - things I'm interested in, things I want to write."

It's true, you worked hard to get into a magazine like this. More to get a name for yourself, to get more offers and opportunities for your writing career. You wanted to write about stuff that mattered, stuff that you cared about, not about shoes or clothes.

"Keep busting your ass, you'll get there." Nancy replied as she gave you a tight lip smile. "Hey, I've got something to help cheer you up.. you know that guy from sports illustrated that you've been recklessly flirting with on the phone for like whooo, a month now? He made a very special delivery this morning." She said, holding up and waving what seemed to be a piece of paper while smirking at you.

"Oh, ha ha, let me see." You then replied, trying to snatch whatever she was waving in the air.

"Don't- no!" She practically yelled, attempting to hide the piece of paper in her hand.

"Hey!" You eventually got it and looked at your now tickets for a basketball game you always end up watching on tv. "Whoooo! Tomorrow night" This was exciting. Guess your 'reckless flirting' paid off.

"What happens tomorrow night?" Nancy said while smirking even more now.

"Only the most exhilarating and artistic display of athletic competition known to mankind."

"The lce Capades are in town?" She questioned.

"No, the NBA Finals are in town, and l got tickets!" You said loudly for your other coworkers to hear. "Nance, come with me?"

"All right, i'll go. But l am not putting out." She said, eying you up and down.

"Oh, please nance two stale jumbo dogs and a couple of beers, you'll be whistling a different tune." You said seductively while walking to your office right next to hers. Only a couple of little grey walls separating your small workplaces apart.

"You know what l like." she smiled.

"Ohhh mmmmwah" you sent a kiss her way.

"Good morning, ladies. Don't forget, staff meeting in 30 minutes." Your very nosy and slightly annoying coworker, Michelle, says as she walks by. Only a couple offices down and you can still hear her loud gossiping.

You and Nancy exchange a look as she walks away. Yep, Michelle was definitely made for this business.

"Robin, I haven't seen her all morning. Have you?" you asked. Robin, your best friend, going all the way back to college. She was your assigned roommate, who knew all it took was for her to spill soda all over your white rug and start rapidly apologizing to form an unbreakable friendship. Ever since then you'd bonded, especially since you both had a passion for writing and were pursuing a degree in that field. Obviously a magazine wasn't a first choice - hell not even a choice at all but this would open many opportunities for you and Robin and you both just couldn't pass up on it.

"Ten to one she's wallowing."

"l'll get her, you get the coffee and meet me in the corner in 20." You said rushing towards the door.

"Wait, Wait, Wait." Nancy shouted as she reached below her desk and pulled out a black bag and stuffed it with samples scattered all over her space.

"Take some samples." She said as she handed them to you.

"Samples! Great idea." You smiled at her, rushing out of there.

"Oh boy. Drama, drama, drama." Nancy said to herself as she stood up, grabbed her purse and also made her way out of the office area.

You rushed down the stairs, grabbed a shirt off a clothing rack that Robin would definitely like and made your way out towards the apartment you shared with Robin.

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Arriving at his designated workplace. Of course this wasn't even a choice for him, if you asked the old Eddie where he'd see himself in a couple years he'd most likely reply with "Traveling the world with my band" or "Living out the rockstar dream". He'd never thought he'd be an advertising executive. It was either this in the big city of Indianapolis or a cashier at a local gas station back in Hawkins.

How could he turn down this job though? Steve, his best friend, who also happens to be one of his coworkers, talked to his dad, basically begging to let Eddie have a job given Steve's dad owns the business.

Luckily, although it took a lot of convincing, Steve's dad finally gave in and offered Eddie a job to work alongside Steve.

Eddie's grateful towards Steve for the opportunity, it helped him get enough cash to stop dealing, move out of his uncle's trailer, and move to Indianapolis to his own apartment.

Life was great for Eddie, he has a decent job, great friends, he even traded his rusty old van for a much better motorcycle. Everything was going well but yet he longed for something more.

"Hello Eddie." Chrissy, Eddie's coworker said as she walked past him parking his motorcycle not even sparing him a second glance

"Hey, hey, good morning, Cunningham" Eddie replied, now getting off his motorcycle and walking towards Chrissy. Who's now reading a magazine.

"What are you reading, girl? You catching up on your current events? ''Turn-On Tricks: How to Make Him Hot.'' You know, if you want to try those out sometime, we should get together." he said jokingly.

"Victoria and l have an appointment at Composure, the fastest growing magazine in the country, and seeing as how our clients run a lot of our campaigns in their nationally-syndicated little girlie magazine, it wouldn't hurt you to do a little reading."

As if on cue, "Hey Eddie" Victoria said as she walked out the building towards Chrissy and himself.

"Good morning, Victoria"

"You finally decided to show up today?" She asked.

"Yes I did."

"You ready?" Victoria asked Chrissy.

"Ready. Later Eddie." Chrissy said as both of Eddie's coworkers walked towards a taxi.

"Have a nice day, ladies." He said walking into the building.

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You knocked on your apartment door, since you knew Robin was home there was no need to search for your key.

"Hi!" Robin said, laughing nervously as she opened the door. You could tell Robin was holding back her tears. You knew her better than yourself and it hurt seeing her like this.

"Oh.." She said as she started sobbing the closer you walked in.

"Good morning, sunshine. Don't cry, go get dressed. Staff meeting, 15 minutes. Let's go" You said as you walked by her to open the living room curtains. As much as you wanted to comfort her you knew she would turn into a sobbing mess if you started asking questions. You only had 15 minutes and getting her ready for her job seemed better than for her to be heartbroken and jobless.

"l'm going back to bed. l have no reason to live." Robin said as she jumped on her bed pulling the covers up.

"Sun's out. Oh..." You said as you walked towards the table and grabbed the little black bag that Nancy handed you.

"Okay, just..." She stopped talking as she harshly blew on her nose with a handkerchief.

"Okay, now..." you said as you sat down on her bed and tossed her the shirt you grabbed on your way home.

"Cashmere?" She asked with a slight smile on her face. You knew she'd like it.

"Put it on. It'll make your eyes look fiercely blue." You smiled at her.

"Oh!" She said as she clutched the shirt tighter to her chest.

"Get up Robin. l'm not going to let you lose your job on top of everything else."

"Oh." she said as if she was on the verge of tears.

"Come here." you extended your arms to pull her in for a hug.

"Oh, Y/N." she got up and pulled you into a tight hug.

"Okay." you said.

"Okay." she replied.

"You only dated the girl for a week."

"It was the best week of my life." She said as she bursted into tears.

"Sweetheart." you squeezed her tighter.

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"Good morning, Ladies! What's up, Jonathan." Eddie greeted as he walked by his coworkers' offices, making his way towards his own office he shared with Steve.

"What's up, kitty cat?" Eddie said to Steve as he walked into their shared office, towards his side of the room.

"What's up, daddy? Big night?" Steve asked as he removed his headphones.

"Not bad." Eddie said as he placed down his helmet on the side of his desk.

"Orgy?" Steve asked.

"Where were you man?" Eddie snorted.

"Not at an orgy." Steve said as he walked to Eddie's desk.

"Did you hear?" Jonathan asked as he suddenly walked into the room.

"What, that my Knickerbockers are now in the championship series and Jonny 'the bone' here owes me 20 bucks?" Eddie said as he removed his leather jacket.

"Pay him." Steve said to Jonathan.

"Oh, man. Well, you were right. DeLauer Diamonds is looking for a new ad agency. Mr. Harrington wants to move on it aggressively." Jonathan said as he pulled out a 20 and gave it to Eddie.

"Yes! Oh, this is a good day. This is a good day! Guys, did you know that diamonds are about as common as taxis on Fifth avenue?" Eddie said as he pulled off his black Metallica shirt to put on a more work appropriate shirt. He felt eyes on him outside his office, probably his other female coworkers he always catches staring at him. It still surprises him that he somehow turned his title from "Freak" to "Ladies man."

"The value is entirely sentimental, maintained by a supply, demand and advertising." Eddie said as Jonathan showed him two shirts to choose from.

"Stripes." Eddie said, pointing to a striped shirt and catching it as Jonathan threw it at him.

"Now, DeLauer dominates the world diamond market. Meaning if l represent them, l basically represent the entire industry." Eddie said as he flicked a little ad of Mrs. DeLauer.

Steve and Jonathan then gave each other a look and muttered something only for them to hear.

"What?" Eddie asked.

"My dad gave it to the judys." Steve said.

"Chrissy and Victoria, they're already on it." Jonathan added.

"No way!" Eddie said disappointed.

"Yeah, well, you know, Mr. Harrington is kind of partial to hot leggy chicks, for some reason." Jonathan said as he looked towards Eddie who was now looking out the glass window at the three girls who were staring this whole time. They quickly looked away as Eddie gave them a glance.

"Yeah, we're the, you know, the sneakers and beer division. Precious gems aren't exactly our forte." Jonathan added.

Eddie, who was now fully clothed, pointed to the window as he made his way towards the door "Lips and Hips are over at a chick's magazine right now. I gotta get to Mr. Harrington before they sink-"

Jonathan got in the way of the door before Eddie could walk out "You can't. You can't. He's on a plane."

"Easy pal, my dads at a Chicago meeting." Steve said as he patted Eddie's shoulder and slightly pushed him back.

"And it's too late anyway 'cause Mr. Harrington's meeting them for drinks at Mullin's tonight to discuss their idea-"

"This isn't happening. You know why?" Eddie said, interrupting Jonathan.

"This was my tip. It's gonna be my pitch, my account, my campaign. This is my baby." Eddie said with determination.

"That's what I'm talking about." Said Steve.

"They will not ace me outta this." Eddie said as he fist pumped Steve and Jonathan.

"I heard that!" Jonathan added.

"Okay.. Mullins tonight." Eddie confirmed as he walked back towards his desk.

"I heard that!!" Steve mocked Jonathan.

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You walked out the taxi and walked towards the other side to Robin blowing her nose and Nancy running towards you both with coffees in her hand.

"Hi!" Nancy greeted Robin as she handed her a coffee.

"Hi. I don't really wanna talk about it okay?" Robin replied as she discarded the handkerchief in her purse and closed the taxi door.

"Okay." Nancy replied, handing you your coffee.

"Okay." Robin replied as you three walked towards the entrance of your work before stopping abruptly.

"Why does this always happen to me?" Robin said as she started tearing up again. "Things are going great for like a week and a half, and then all of a sudden it's over and I am mystified. Seriously, I am mystified because it always starts out so well." She rambled as she walked away from you both and towards the entrance.

"Poor baby." Nancy said as you both tried to catch up with Robin.

"Let's just roll with this" You said.

"Vickie and I had such a connection." Robin said as she stopped again in front of the entrance and turned to face you both.

"The first time that we had sex... it was so beautiful, I cried." She smiled and walked away into the building.

"You cried?" Nancy asked as you both tried to catch up with her again.

"Yeah."

"You mean like one glistening year on your cheek, right?" You asked now side by side with your best friend walking towards an elevator.

"No, I was really emotional. I even told her that I loved her." She said.

"After how many days?" You asked.

"Five.. Two. It was how I felt. I just wanted to express myself. You know how my brain and mouth work."

"Okay. Well, what did she say?" You asked.

"Oh, Vickie didn't have to say anything. I know that she felt the same. But then she started getting really busy and I didn't know where she was. I kept calling her, and calling her but she was never home."

"You kept calling her?" You asked looking into her eyes with a "Really robin?" look.

"I didn't leave a message. She didn't know it was me.. my numbers blocked."

The elevator dinged and you all walked toward the opening doors.

"Oh. I'm.. I'm sure she thought it was one of her friends." Nancy said as you all walked into the elevator.

"Anyway I know why she dumped me. I'm too fat."

"You're not fat!"

"You're not fat!" You and Nancy said in sync as the elevator doors closed.

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Arriving at your floor, the three of you walked into the doors and towards the staff meeting in your bosses office.

"Robin, if the most beautiful woman in the world acted the way you did, any normal partner would still go running in the other direction." You said.

"Oh, no. Nobody would go running from you, Y/N. You could barf all over them and they would say 'Do it again.'" Robin replied.

"That is both incredibly disgusting and categorically untrue. If I did the things you did, I'd get dumped too." You said as you three entered your bosses office and sat in the main area's couch, joining all your other coworkers.

"Okay, family, shoes off..." Your boss Linda entered the room and sat in a chair that faced everybody. Your coworkers, including yourself, proceeded to remove their shoes. "And breathe." She said as everybody inhaled.

"And out." Everybody exhaled.

"Okay Michelle let's start with you." Linda said.

"Well, the "Botox For Beginners" piece is done. Now, it's a little scary, but mostly upbeat. Now I'm on "What your Gyno Won't Tell You," which is also pretty scary but you know, upbeat. I finished my research on "deadly pedicures," about the woman who contracted that fungus from the unsterilized tools. It's a terrible story.. although surprisingly..." Michelle looked towards her boss and noticed her "terrible story" mistake.

"Upbeat." Nancy finished.

"Marvelous. What's next for "How-To with Y/N?" Linda asked. Now all eyes were on you.

"Well, I've been working on something that's kind of different." You said as your boss nodded confused.

"It's.. it's a political piece and it's-"

"No. Y/N. you work at Composure magazine. We are fashion, trends, diets, cosmetic surgeries, salacious gossip, that's Composure." Linda said.

"Okay, but-"

"Look, Y/N, okay. The column is new for you. When you turn it into a must read then you can write about whatever you want. Until then you can write about what I want. Understood?"

"Yeah." You said dissatisfied. You saw this coming. Your boss wouldn't let you write about what you wanted but hearing that once your column gets popular she'd let you write about whatever you wanted certainly catches your attention.

"Robin, what have you got?"

Nancy turned to Robin and gave her an encouraging nod. But there was an awkward silence waiting for Robin to answer.

"Um. I'm sorry, Linda. I wasn't feeling very well" Robin said as she looked at the ground not wanting to see the looks shared amongst others and the disappointed look on Linda's face.

"She got dumped." Nancy quickly added.

"Oh, no, Robin. What a hellish ordeal for you. But I gotta say, you are looking fabulous. Are we loving the way she looks?" Linda said, turning to the others trying to lift up the mood.

"We love the way she looks."

"Oh, you are so right."

"She looks great."

"She looks so great!"

Everyone said as they talked over one another.

"I haven't eaten since the split." Robin said.

"Good for you! Write about it."

You looked at your boss very judgmental. Obviously Robin feels uncomfortable throughout this entire conversation.

"I can't use my personal life for a story." Robin said as she lifted her head and was now looking at Linda.

"I understand completely... who will use Robin's personal life for a story?" Linda ignored Robin's protest and looked at the other workers.

"Oh I will." Michelle said proudly as she raised her hand.

"No, no, no! Linda, with all due respect, Michelle has no business mucking around in my personal life, and I can't... I can't let her. I'm-"

"I'll do it." You suddenly interrupted a rambling, distressed Robin. Of course you wouldn't actually put the heartbreak of your best friend's life in a magazine for the whole world to see but knowing Michelle and Linda, they obviously won't respect Robin's boundaries anytime soon.

Nancy and Robin both turned to you. "What?" Robin blurted out.

"I'll... I will sort of do it. It's- You will be my inspiration." You said looking at Robin.

"For?" Linda asked.

"Look at robin. She's a great girl, right?" You pointed towards Robin looking straight at your boss.

"Yes." Linda replied.

"An amazing woman." You said now looking at Robin. "But.. she has a problem hanging onto relationships and she doesn't really know what she's doing wrong, which is a lot like our readers."

"Uh-huh" Linda nodded for you to proceed.

"So, I was thinking that.. I could start dating a guy, and then drive him away, but only using the classic mistakes most women, like Robin.." You gave her a sincere look and turned back to your boss "make.. all the time. I'll keep a diary of it and.. it will be sort of a dating how-to in reverse." You said looking at Robin and Nancy who were now chuckling.

"What not to do." Your boss says smiling.

"Yeah." You smiled back.

"How to lose a guy in Ten Days." Linda said, looking at the wall, probably envisioning it in her head. "Yes. Go. Alice, what's new in the shoe?"

"Wait, wait, Linda. I'm sorry. Why ten days?" You asked.

"Five days is too short and we go to press at 11. Yes?" Linda turned her attention to Alice.

"Ten." You whispered to yourself. It's a lot longer than what you had hoped for given you only did this to save Robin from humiliation and to stop her from actually hiding under her covers for the rest of her life but then you remembered what Linda had said about you being able to write about whatever you wanted if your column made it big. Could this possibly be a ticket there?

You looked back at Robin and Nancy who nodded in approval and Robin mouthed the words "Thank you". You smiled at them with the big question flying around in your head. You were in for a long ride.

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"Maybe toss in something spiritual as well." Linda said to Nancy walking towards the lobby with you and Robin right behind them.

"Ah, here's my ten o' clock. Welcome." Linda said as you all followed her as she walked towards a blonde and a brunette who seemed to be waiting for her.

"Hi." The blonde said with a smile.

"Ladies, Chrissy Cunningham and Victoria Green from Warren Advertising. We're going to cook up some fabulous tie-ins for the fall." Linda said, turning to you, Nancy, and Robin.

"Nancy Wheeler, Fashion and Trends. Robin Buckley, Fitness and Health." She said as Robin loudly blew her nose.

"Excuse me. Hi." Robin interrupted.

"And Y/N L/N our resident How-To girl." Linda continued.

"Oh, I've seen your column, Y/N. What are you working on now?" Chrissy said as she pointed at you.

"Oh-" You began but you were quickly interrupted by Linda.

"How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days. She's actually going to start dating a guy and then drive him away in a week and a half." Linda said proudly as her, Chrissy, and Victoria started laughing.

"Sounds needlessly vicious." Victoria added.

"It's going to be fabulous. Now all she has to do is run along and find the lucky guy." She said turning to you. "Go, go, go." She pointed towards the exit and turned back to the two girls.

You, Nancy, and Robin both started walking towards the exit.

"Nice to meet you." You said to the two girls.

"Ladies come." Linda said as all three of their footsteps started to reside.

You grabbed Robin's shoulder from behind. "Find the guy. Find the guy." You said distressed.

"Okay." you whispered to yourself.

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"Oh you are never going to pull this off." Robin said as you, Nancy, and Robin walked across the street towards a bar, arms linked with Robin. Moonlight reflecting on your dresses and Robin’s suit.

You put on a cute grey dress with enough cleavage to be shown but to still keep the guys wondering what you looked like with your top off. Matched with high heels and a cute purse. Normally you wouldn't wear this out especially to a bar but tonight, you were on a man hunt.

"Watch me. Tonight I'll hook a guy. Tomorrow, pull the switch. Before the ten days are up, I'm gonna have this guy running for his life." You replied as all three of you laughed.

"You're not gonna burn his apartment down or bite him or anything, are you?" Nancy asked.

"No. I'm gonna limit myself to doing everything girls do wrong in relationships. Basically, everything we know guys hate. I'll be clingy, needy."

"Be touchy-feely." Nancy added.

"Yeah." You said walking towards the bar's entrance.

"Ooh. Call him in the middle of the night and tell him everything you had to eat that day." Nancy said as you both chuckled.

"What's wrong with that?" Robin asked, looking at you both. You both looked at her with concern.

"I'm.. kidding" She then said.

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A waitress escorted Chrissy, Victoria, and Mr. Harrington towards a table.

"There we are. He's waiting." The kind waitress pointed at Eddie waiting for them at a table.

"Hello, Eddie. What are you doing here" Mr. Harrington asked.

"Tom, I'm here for the meeting. Ladies." Eddie replied as stood up, shaking Tom's hand and nodded towards the girls.

"But you weren't invited." Victoria said.

"Yeah, but I should have been. I mean, It was my tip that DeLauer was shopping for a new firm." Eddie said as he passed by Chrissy standing in front of Tom.

"Yes, it was, but I have to think in terms of who's best suited within the company." Tom said, looking at both Chrissy and Victoria.

"Yes, sir, and that's me. I wanna handle this pitch." Eddie replied as Chrissy chuckled.

"Eddie, you sell Joe Blow better than anyone else in my shop, including Steve, but these girls sell luxury better than anyone else in the business." Tom said proudly as he gestured towards both the girls.

All four of them sat down as Tom proceeded.

"We have to put our best foot forward on this pitch. DeLauer would be our biggest account."

"Yes, sir, they would. Annual advertising billings of 50 to 60 million dollars. And I am the man that's gonna bring this home for you, Tom." Eddie said as he poured himself a glass of champagne.

─────────────────────────

"Why this place?" Robin asked as you three entered the bar.

"Because it's perfect." You said grabbing onto Robin's shoulders and giving her a squeeze and walking further into the bar.

"Mullins is the apres-work watering hole for the upwardly mobile." Nancy added with her smart ass vocabulary.

─────────────────────────

"Now, to date, the diamond industry has always targeted men..." Eddie said as he poured champagne for Chrissy, Victoria, and Tom as he continued. "Sending the message that the woman needs the man to buy her the rock. All right, they say 'A diamond is forever.' We say, 'A diamond is for everyone.'"

"I like that." Tom said grinning towards Eddie.

"Yes." Eddie says confidently.

"Uh. We don't." Chrissy said laughingly. "'A diamond is for everyone?' It sends the message that diamonds are everywhere. Which means that they're not rare, and if they're not rare, they lose their status." Chrissy said while looking directly at Eddie.

Eddie rolled his eyes as Chrissy continued. "Status is the reason to buy them in the first place, which Edward would know if he understood women, which you don't." Chrissy finished as they all laughed at Eddie, including himself. Not because of what she said, but the fact that she's so confident with her words.

"You can't feel bad about that, Eddie. No man does." Tom said grinning.

─────────────────────────

"Here. Here." Robin said as she handed both you and Nancy a Martini.

"Dum, dum, dum, dum." Nancy mimicked a clock ticking while looking around the bar. You honestly forgot the real reason you were here for a second.

"Don't pressure her. She's perusing." Robin said, looking directly at Nancy.

"Yes, exactly." You said as all three of you scanned the room.

─────────────────────────

"Selling a diamond to a woman is like making her fall in love." Victoria said to Tom while dragging her fingers along her long diamond necklace starting from her neck to her cleavage.

Eddie scoffed but smiled at this knowing exactly what game Victoria was trying to play at.

"She has to feel giddy, desirous, adventurous and desperate." Victoria continued.

"Take a look around this room Tom. Most women in this bar are looking for just that." Chrissy added.

"Exactly. The skills required to market diamonds are the same as those needed to make a woman fall in love, yes." Eddie said, interrupting Chrissy.

"I'm not talking about lust Eddie. A woman in lust just wants chocolate. A woman in love wants diamonds."

"Yeah, I'm not talking about lust either, ladies. I'm talking about deep.. meaningful, head-over-heels, his-and-her towels, let's grow old together L-O-V-E. Look, I love women. I do. Whether they're four or 40."

Chrissy sighed at his little speech. Looking around the room she spots you.

"I respect women. All right. And I also listen to women." Eddie continued.

Chrissy's still staring at you. You're laughing at something your short hair friend said and she slowly gets an idea.

"And that's why I can sell myself to any woman.. anywhere, anytime." Eddie finished.

"Make a woman fall in love with diamonds, Edward.. or with you?" Chrissy asked, moving her attention from you to Eddie.

"Uh. Either one." Eddie replied slightly hesitating looking at Tom.

"That's cocky, Eddie." Tom said while drinking his champagne.

"No, not cocky. Confident."

Chrissy laughs at this. "I'd like to see you prove that." Chrissy said, raising her eyebrows at him.

"You would?" Eddie questioned looking at Chrissy then at Tom.

"The agency's co hosting a party for the DeLauers at the Astro museum. The party's a week from Sunday. Do you think you can make a woman fall in love with you by then?" Chrissy challenged Eddie.

"Ten days?" Eddie asked.

"Any woman, anywhere, anytime?" Victoria added mocking him from before.

"Any single, available, straight woman, yes." Eddie said.

"Yes. I'm not trying to trick you, Eddie. In fact, we'll choose a woman right here, right now in this bar. And then you'll decide." Chrissy said as Her, Victoria, and Tom laughed.

"So who's the lucky girl?" Eddie said as he adjusted himself in his seat to face the rest of the bar.

"Okay. Let's see here." Victoria began. "Ooh there's that blonde babe in the leopard print." Victoria said as she laughed and pointed to a woman with a messy pointy tail in a leopard dress that was worn out and way too tight on her.

Tom and Chrissy joined in on her laughter. "She looks like fun." Victoria added.

"Be nice, ladies." Eddie said as a little chuckle escaped his lips.

"Or, well, Miss Babylon 5. Now she's on the prowl." Victoria said talking about a curl headed curl with colored hair and mean stare.

"No. Her." Chrissy said.

"Her who?" Eddie asked as he turned to look at Chrissy.

"Her in the grey dress, cute hair, pretty smile." Chrissy added.

Eddie turned away from her looking around the bar for Chrissy's description, then he saw you. Laughing at something a curly headed girl next to you said. Eddie smiled as he saw you laughing.

"Her?" Victoria asked as she removed her gaze from you to Chrissy. Chrissy only held a finger to her mouth not sparing her a word.

Eddie was still staring at you, you're now laughing at something else another short haired girl says.

"Done." Eddie says not removing his gaze from you.

"What?" Chrissy asked.

"Done." He confirmed again, finally looking away from you and now looking at Tom.

"Done." Tom said as he nodded.

─────────────────────────

"See the guy next to the horrible guy in the green shirt that I would never even consider?" You said pointing at a guy with short curly hair, wearing a blue button up shirt with a black blazer over it.

"Very cute." Nancy said.

"Right? Good." You chuckled and squealed, making you way over to the cute stranger leaving Robin and Nancy together.

"Oh." Robin said as her and Nancy chuckled at your cute excitement.

─────────────────────────

"Okay, you're on. But here are the stakes. After I win this bet, this pitch is mine." Eddie said, looking at all three of them.

"Agreed." Chrissy added.

"Tom?" Questioned Eddie.

"Agreed." Tom said as he nodded. "You come to that party with a girl that's really in love with you, Eddie, you can make the pitch to the DeLauers."

"But, Tom, you can't-" Victoria was cut off by Tom.

"Nope. I've made up my mind." Tom said, raising his glass. "To the DeLauers."

"To the DeLauers." Eddie said, clinking his beer bottle to Tom's glass.

"Cheers" Chrissy and Victoria said, raising their own glasses towards Eddie's bottle and Tom's glass.

─────────────────────���───

Nancy and Robin are laughing at how adorable you look laughing at whatever bad joke the guy next to you said.

"I was just wondering if you found..." You said talking to the cute stranger next to you making eye contact with your friends.

"She doesn't seem that interested." Robin said to Nancy who only hummed in reply.

"Exciting." You said looking at the guy in front of you.

"Yes. My wife and I love Indianapolis, especially this time of year." Oh shit, he has a wife. How did you not notice the ring on his finger? What do you do? What do you do?

"She'd been here before and I-" He'd been cut-off by a brunette wearing a pink and white dress grabbing onto his shoulder giving you the smile.

"Hi. Hi." She said, now showing her pearly whites.

You felt so awkward and wanted to leave.

"This is Y/N" The guy introduced you to his wife.

"Hi. Um." You said standing up while grabbing your martini. While his wife took the spot you were just leaning on. "You guys enjoy Indianapolis." You said slowly backing away.

"Okay." The guy said chuckling

"Thanks" The wife said straightforwardly.

"Nice meeting you." The guy said as you walked away, not even passing them a second glance.

Walking away, you glanced at your friends who were already staring at you, presumably the entire time, you mouthed "he's married" holding up your hand.

─────────────────────────

"Good luck." Tom said, patting Eddie's shoulder as he walked by him.

"Thank you, Tom." Eddie said as he left, leaving him with Chrissy and Victoria. Eddie took out a 50 and put it on the table paying for their drinks. "Now if you'll excuse me, ladies.. I have a bet to win." Eddie said, turning around and immediately looking for you.

"Ta-ta" Chrissy said as Eddie walked away.

"Now do you wanna tell me what's going on?" Victoria asked Chrissy.

"You don't recognize her?" Chrissy asked as they both stared at you.

─────────────────────────

Eddie pushed himself through the sea filled with people and began walking towards you. He smiled when he could finally reach you.

─────────────────────────

"Hi!" A man with long black curly hair walked up to you, stopping you in your tracks. He had bangs that framed his face perfectly and was wearing black jeans with a black blazer to pair it.

"Hi." You replied back with a slight smile.

"Hi." He said looking at the top of your head to your eyes. He had the biggest pair of brown eyes you'd ever seen.

You chuckled and waited for him to say something but he only chuckled back. He was obviously nervous so you tried to make it less awkward. You extended your hand with the little space that was between you both.

"Y/N L/N"

"Eddie Munson" He said as he gently took his hand in yours and shook it.

"Cute."

"Thank you." Eddie replied.

"Mm I meant your name." You said, offering him a closed smile. He looked away and smiled when he looked at you again.

"Thank you two times."

"Unattached?" You asked.

"Currently." He answered.

"Likewise."

"Surprising."

"Psycho?" You questioned.

"Rarely."

"Hmm."

"Interested?" Eddie asked.

"Perhaps." You looked away but then looked back at him.

"Hungry?"

"Starving." You said looking deep in his chocolate eyes.

"Leaving?"

"Now?" You asked.

"Mm-hmm."

"Okay."

"Okay." He replied.

"One second." You said pointing a finger and walked past him.

"I'll meet you at the door." He said loudly.

─────────────────────────

"Hey, guys." You said now standing in front of Nancy and Robin

"I think I got one."

"He was married!" Robin said.

"No, not him. It's the guy by the door. But don't look!" It was already too late, their eyes were scanning the door. "No, guys!"

Eddie smiled at your friends who were both staring right at him.

"He is really cute." Nancy said as they both looked at you again.

"I'm gonna check this one out and see if he's the keeper." You said as you handed Nancy your martini.

"Okay." Nancy replied.

"And if he is?" Robin questioned.

"Tomorrow night I'll.."

"Flip the switch" Nancy finished your sentence as she took a sip of your martini.

"I'm doing this for you." You said directly to Robin handing her your apartment keys

"Well, good luck. Be safe. Call me!" Robin said as you walked towards Eddie.

"Mm. Drama, drama, drama." Nancy said as her and Robin watched Eddie gently hold you by the waist and open the door for you.

Chrissy and Victoria, on the other side of the bar, were also watching the entire interaction and smirking at one another, clinking their glasses together knowing that you and Eddie were both secretly playing each other and how badly this was bound to end.

Authors note; If you enjoyed this please leave some feedback and consider reblogging! It would meant a lot. Thank you so much for reading! <3

[ateez-amanda]

Girl Talk

Time: September 8th 2020

Summary: amanda fills in some of her closest friends w/ the latest in her love life while at show champion

Featuring: dreamcatcher’s jiu and sua

a/n: let's say atz and dreamcatcher are good friends thanks to amanda for this scenario. like always, pls let me know what you think

masterlist

taglist: @skzfairies, @3nhyp3nn [send an ask if you want to be on/off the taglist :)]

“Alright, you're all done, Amanda.” 

Feeling soft bristles from the eyeshadow brush lift off her eyes as she flutters her eyes open. Entranced by her new appearance through the mirror, she smiles at ateez’s makeup artist, “Like always, your work is perfecto.”

“It’s because I have a gorgeous model.” Their makeup artist playfully butter up to her.

“Oh, stop.” Amanda went along with it, acting coy and shyly waving her hand.

“Alright. Alright. That’s enough.” The maknae butted in with a repulsive expression.

She grinned, “You're just jealous.” 

Jongho scoffs, “Please. I get just as many compliments about my appearance as you do. Now if you are done, can you get up? It’s my turn now.” He teasingly shooed her away with his hands.

“Fine.” She giggled as she raised from the chair and headed for the couch in the waiting room. 

Finally getting a break, she used this chance to check her messages she hadn’t been able to check since this morning. Normally her phone was the first thing she checked in the morning but she overslept for the first time in her life which had been giving her an ominous feeling since.

The thought quickly left her mind after seeing some text messages she received from the person she had been secretly hoping for. An amused smile spread on her lips as she read through the spams of messages.

[2:34am] Hannie😇: good morning, beautiful😘 

[2:34am] Hannie😇: ik you are asleep rn but dk showed me a cute video of a panda accidentally hitting itself with a stick

[2:35am] Hannie😇: and now i miss u even more😔

[2:36am] Hannie😇: also good luck on your stage today. I know you blow everyone away😁

[2:36am] Hannie😇: and make sure you eat properly 

Wait a minute. Was I just compared to a clumsy panda?

[8:21am] Rara💕: good morning hannie☺️

[8:21am] Rara💕: did u just compare me to a clumsy panda?🧐🧐

[8:22am] Rara💕: i feel like i should be offended but i have decided to spare you for today since you sent such lovely messages after it

[8:22am] Rara💕: aren’t i sweetest🥰

[8:23am] Rara💕: thank you for the luck and i ate a yummy bagel this morning🫡

[8:23am] Rara💕: make sure you also take care of yourself

[8:24am] Rara💕: and i miss you too

As she typed out the last message, she realized how much she actually meant it. It had been a couple of weeks since their last date with her busy with promotion on ateez’s comeback and him preparing for Seventeen’s next comeback, which he had very been remaining tiplipped to avoid spoiling. 

Though the two have been constantly contacting each other through phone to remain in touch, there was still a little part of her that missed having his physical presence around, which is unusual for someone who likes being alone and is nonstop surrounded by people all day.

She missed the way his eyes lit up and the gummy smile appears when he rambles about the things he loves, and his distinct breathy laugh as he throws his head back at some stupid joke she says. The little touches between them that make her heart feel like it's going to shoot out of her chest. 

She let out a longingly sigh. Maybe it is time to take the next step. As she leans back on the couch she thinks back to when Jeonghan and her first reciprocated their feelings.

“Aera, I don’t want to do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. We don’t have to start a relationship right away. We can take things slow. This can be our first date together and we can keep going on dates like this. I’ll wait for you to make it official when you feel ready. How’s that sound?”

She felt a weight finally be lifted off her shoulder as she let out a sigh, “I’d like that.”

‘I’d like that’? Why did I say that? I barely had the courage to ask what was going on between us, so why the heck did I agree to be the one to make things official?

She was about to bury her hands in her face when she remembers their makeup artist's hard work plastered on her face, causing her to let out a small groan instead.

“Knock, knock, knock!” 

The boisterous voices snapped Amanda out of her dilemma enough to register the two girls who were poking their heads through ATEEZ’s waiting room, “Jiu unnie! Sua unnie!” 

It took only a mere second for the three to run and embrace each other in a seemingly endless hug.

Amanda played with the bright red fringes on Jiu’s shoulder, “I’m loving the red leather outfit today.”

“Why thank you. I am also loving your outfit today.” Jiu complimented back before smiling at the boys, “Good luck on your performance today.”

“You too, noona.” Seonghwa said.

“We are going to be stealing Amanda for a bit. I’m sure there are no complaints about that, right?” Sua glanced around the room for any rejections.

“It should be fine since we won’t be on until later.” Hongjoong replied.

“You can keep her too!” Yeosang added from his spot at the makeup area.

Amanda shot him a menacing glare then faced the girls with a sulking expression, “You see what I have to deal with. Please keep me away from them, unnie.”

“Gladly.” Sua linked arms with Amanda, leading her to the door, “Bye boys!” 

Jiu gave the boys a more appropriate goodbye before following the younger girls. The trio hustle down the corridor, none of them knowing exactly where their destination is, but enjoying every minute of their mini adventure.

“How have you ladies been?” Amanda asked as they began walking down the staircase of the emergency exit.

“Same as I was yesterday when we texted.” Jiu answered.

“What about you? Anything dramatically interesting happen to you in the last 10 hours?” Sua returned the question.

“Well…” She halted her steps on the staircase causing a domino effect on her two unnies.

Noticing Amanda’s cautious gaze, Jiu whispered softly, “What is it, Amanda?”

Amanda took a swift examination of her surroundings, noting that no one was in the near vicinity, “There is something I wanted to ask you guys about. Promise you won’t tell anyone about what I’m about to tell you.”

“Promise.” The duo gave their word with curiosity filled in their eyes.

“I have been going on dates with someone lately.” Amanda hushly confesses.

“What?!?” Sua's impulsive exclamation was instantly covered up by Jiu and Amanda’s hand as the three checked their surroundings again. Sua gave an apologetic smile, “Sorry. I was caught off guard. Since when? No wait, more importantly who?”

Amanda bite her lip. It should be alright to tell them who, right? She already told them she was this much and she fully trusted the girls to keep it a secret.

“You don’t have to tell us if you don’t want to.” Jiu interrupted her thoughts.

“No. I want to. I trust you guys. It’s just I still can’t believe we are friends or that he actually likes me.”

“Why? Who wouldn’t like you?” Sua rhetorically asked.

Amanda casually shrugs, replying with a half jokingly, “My millions of haters.”

“Those are inhumane people. We're talking about actual decent humans, which means the answer is no one.” Sua smugly corrected, making the youngest girl smile. “So will you tell us who it is?”

“Is it an idol?” Jiu added.

Amanda shyly nodded, “It’s Seventeen’s Jeonghan.”

Sua’s jaw slacks as she tries to process the information, “Seventeen, Seventeen?” 

“Is there another kpop group named Seventeen I don’t know about?” Amanda giggled at her friend's reaction.

“You’re lying.” Sua is still in disbelief.

“Do you need proof?”

“Do you have proof?” Sua was only playful teasing her, but Amanda was contemplating seriously. “I’m kidding, I belie-”

”Here.” Amanda pulled out her phone and presented the older girls with a selfie of the two of them that Jeonghan had taken on her phone on their last date.

Sua reached for her phone as Jiu looked over her shoulder to view the photo, “Wow. I can’t believe this.”

“You guys look adorable together.” Jiu cooed. Amanda felt heat run across her cheek. 

“I can’t believe the girl who could hardly talk to guys beside her members is actually dating someone now. Our baby is growing up.” Sua pretends to wipe away tears off her cheek before wrapping her arms around the younger girl. Jiu smiled fondly watching Sua continue to baby Amanda, who was grumbling and squirming her way out of Sua’s hug.

It was nice to see the younger girl be more open and not afraid to be herself. Whenever Jiu was around her, Amanda always had these walls built arounds making it hard for Jiu or anyone for that matter to enter. 

Sua was right. She really has grown up.

Amanda broke free of the hug, “But we aren’t actually dating though. We have confessed we liked each other but we haven’t made it official yet.”

Jiu tilts her head to the side pensively, “Why not?”

Sua dramatically gasped, diverting the two’s attention to her, “Is it because he doesn’t want labels? Because if that’s the case then leave hi-”

“No! Jeonghan isn’t like that.” Amanda quickly shut down the idea. 

“Wow, already defending him, I see.” Jiu says wryly as Sua chortle. These girls were enjoying this way too much.

“I was the one who held off making things official. I guess I was just scared to start dating right away.” Amanda explained to the older girls.

Sua gives an understanding nod, “That makes sense. It’s your first relationship. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

The younger girl smiles, feeling a sense of relief knowing her friends thought the same thing, “But I think I’m ready to make things official now. But I don’t know exactly how to go about it.”

“The best way is to tell him how you feel.” Jiu advised.

Amanda lets out a hopeless sigh, “That’s the problem. I’m not very good at expressing my feelings. Everytime I’m with him I’m lost for words.” 

“Why don’t you text him instead? That way you don’t have to worry about his presence.” Jiu suggested.

“I can write it out for you.” Sua offered, holding up Amanda’s phone, already opening up her text convo with Jeonghan.

“I don't know. Isn’t that a little bit too insincere?” Amanda doubted as the girls nodded in agreement. “I could call him.” She wonder out loud then let out a hopeless sigh, “But I know I’m going to end up saying something stupid.”

“Well we can practice. Pretend I’m Jeonghan. Just say what’s on your mind.” Jiu proposed.

“Okay. Umm, Jeonghan…these past two months with you have been incredible.” Amanda glanced at Jiu seeking some sort of reassurance from her, which Jiu returned with an encouraging nod. “I really-y like spending time with you. I-I….” She let out a groan, “I sound like a bumbling buffoon. I can’t do this.”

Jiu frowns, placing a comforting hand on the younger girl’s shoulder, “You are overthinking this too much.”

Sua decided to approach a different strategy, “Amanda, why do you want to be with Jeonghan?” 

Baffled by her sudden question, Amanda gawked at Sua, “What?”

“Why do you want to be with Jeonghan?” Sua repeated with more emphasis.

“I like Jeonghan.” Amanda confusingly answered, only to see Sua peering at her waiting for something more from her. Amanda gazed at her shoes, “...I really like him. I guess being away from him these past couple of weeks made me realize how much I really do like him. I always get this achy feeling inside me when we haven’t talked for a single day. I don’t want what we have to stop. I want something more. I want to be in a relationship with him even if there’s a huge risk of being together as idols because he makes me happy.”

After a moment of awkward silence for Amanda, she glances up at the two girls who were staring at the youngster in awe. Embarrassed by their gaze and flustered by her own words, she clears her throat and begins to ramble, “You know maybe I should just save myself from future embarrassment and just stop dating all together and then drop off the face of the earth.”

“Stop. What you just said was perfect.” Jiu assured her.

“Yeah, but I really don’t think I’ll be able to say that to him. Nor do I remember everything I just said.

“Well, you don’t have to worry about saying it again.” Sua sheepishly mutters, staring down at Amanda’s phone in her hand. The two girls stare at her waiting for an explainance. Sua gave a remorseful expression, “I may have accidentally dialed his number and this whole conversation is being left as a voicemail.”

“WHAT?!” Amanda rushed off to her, glancing at her phone to see his name and photo on the screen. “Ack! Why haven’t you hung up yet?!” She snatched her phone back, clicking the bright red button, which was similar color to her face at the moment, on her screen. “What am I going to do?” She hung her head and placed her hands on her face.

“This is good actually. You said what you wanted to say without having to say it infront of him. Well now you have.” Jiu attempted the optimistic approach.

Amanda raises her head, “Yeah, but we don’t know when it started leaving a voicemail. What if it only recorded the ending? You know the part where I said that I should stop dating.” 

The older duo remained quiet, not able to refute her statement.

“Amanda, I hate to worsen the atmosphere, but your makeup is smudged.” Jiu softly told her. Amanda let out an anguished groan.

That ominous sensation she had felt all day was rightfully so.

© ateez-amanda — all rights reserved. do not copy, translate, or repost my work.