#a lot of the time I’m like I don’t spend as much time thinking about evolution anymore it’s probably not even a special interest of mine

[thejujvtsupost]

It’s Always Been You

🍎F!reader, pet names: (pip/squeak, my girl, sweetheart,) suggestive but not smut, fluff, hurt/comfort, brief miscommunication and lots of groveling but it works out.🍎

Notes: I struggle with editing. This is totally separate from canon bc I’m heartbroken. It’s also my first lads fic, I’ll ALWAYS be a Sylus girlie but Caleb broke my brain for a minute 😭

Caleb joining the DAA wasn’t the problem at hand…No, it was the fact that you were going to be separated. Spending his last night before he leaves wrapped around each other like you always did when things were tough was the best comfort you could get.

“I’m gonna miss you so much, do you really have to go?” This was going to be the longest you’ve ever been apart since you were kids, and even worse, he wasn’t allowed to have his phone.

This wasn’t any easier on him but he couldn’t just back out. “I’ll be home before you know it, don’t worry too much.” Caleb brushed the hair from your eyes and held you closer, “plus, you get to have six months free of my constant nagging.”

That was absolutely the wrong thing to say, the tears you were holding back finally fell. Your hands that were originally wrapped around his waist were now at his chest, between your bodies and fisted tightly in his shirt. “But I love you and your nagging!” You inhaled like you were suffocating. Perhaps you were, under the weight of his impending absence.

“Shh I know, I love you and being a pain in your ass.” That earned him a wet chuckle. “I swear, as soon as I’m home I’ll fulfill my promise and I won’t leave your side. You’ll never have to worry again, about anything.” A soft kiss to your temple solidified his vow.

It took you a few long moments before you were able to get in a proper breath and process what he said. “You made a promise?”

“Don’t remember? Hm that won’t do. Think back to when you were 18, and that boy you had a crush on rejected you and broke your heart.”

“I’d prefer not to remember that, actually.”

“But remember after? When you still hadn’t come home by dinner and I found you alone at the park?” Large hands ran down the length of your back to help soothe you while he spoke.

You’re still lost but it’s coming back to you. Confessing to your crush in the park was supposed to be perfect— except he not only rejected you, but he made fun of you. You could respect rejection, but the way he humiliated you and made a scene wasn’t something you wanted to think about. “That day was awful.”

“You were so upset. I wanted to beat him to a pulp but you didn’t want to be alone. Remember what I told you? The pinky promise we made? It’s only been four years you know, I’d hope your memory isn’t that bad yet.”

The moment flooded you then with a gasp, ‘You’ll never be alone as long as I live sweetheart, and when it’s time, when I finally graduate and become a pilot, I swear I’ll marry you myself to prove it.’ And at the time it made you giggle, because surely he was just joking to cheer you up, right? “You meant it?”

Caleb chuckled and lifted your chin to look at you directly, “of course I did, it’s always been you and me. Don’t you know that?”

A fresh wave of tears formed as you surged forward to meet his lips with yours- and stopped out of embarrassment before you could make contact. “Sorry, I didn’t- I think I’m just being emotional—”

But the space between you closed once again and before you could overthink it, Caleb was kissing you the way he’s wanted to for years. His lips were all consuming and tender. His palm cupped your face like it was glass and you couldn’t resist running your fingers through his hair. Kissing Caleb felt like home, like everything was right.

He tried to break away to bring you both air but you refused to let him, instead pulling him closer and closer until he was on top of you, spreading your legs to accommodate his size. “Slow- slow down, you still need oxygen.” You shook when he started dragging his kisses down your throat, letting out soft moans when gentle sucks were left behind.

“C-Caleb…”

He pulled back and grew tense as if he was afraid he scared you away, “what’s wrong, you tired?” He was trying to give you an out if you wanted it.

You were certain your cheeks were flushed, you shook your head. “I want… more…”

Caleb groaned and buried his face in your neck “you’re killing me, Pip.”

Had you said something wrong? “Sorry- I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable… I’ll just-” you loosened your arms from around him, thinking you somehow embarrassed yourself yet again.

He stopped you. “You’re not going anywhere, sweetheart. You’re killing me because you have no idea how badly I want you; how long I’ve wanted you.”

“Really?” Having someone like Caleb love you was the best feeling, but him being attracted to you left you wanting him even more.

Deciding to just show you, he ground his hips into yours. And god, it felt good against you. Just that little bit of contact felt better than anything you ever achieved on your own. “You’re-” hard went unsaid. He grunted when you spread your legs wider for him. “Yeah, I am. And if you want me, then you have me. But you can’t take it back, so if you’re not ready for that commitment…”

“Can I tell you a secret?”

“This really isn’t the time for that—”

“Shut up, it’s important.” He sighed and let you continue. Your arms dropped from his neck to hold his face in your hands, brushing the stray hairs from his face. “That guy I had a crush on? I only liked him so much because he reminded me of you. So I’m yours, too. If you want me, then you can take me.”

Words were lost on him so actions took hold, “are you sure?” His kisses resumed their path after meeting your lips, the room grew hotter with each new brush against your skin.

“I trust you, Caleb,” you had no idea your neck was so sensitive, your gasps talking for you. “but I should let you know I’ve never done this before.”

“I’d kill anyone who ever touched you if you had”

“Isn’t that hypocritical? Should I hunt down your past lovers?” You worked his shirt over his head, the dog tag necklace you gave him mere hours ago dangled in front of your face.

He chuckled and discarded your top, your sleep shorts were next. “It’s funny how you think I’d ever want someone that isn’t you.” His revelation hit you full force: he loves you so deeply, there’s truly no doubt to have. “I’d never do this with anyone else.”

Two things happened that night: your bond was solidified, and unbeknownst to you, a life was created

The goodbye was brutal the next day, already missing him terribly before night fell again.

You managed to fall into a routine, though. You would go to work, occasionally spend time with friends— Tara spent the night with you at least once a week to keep your mind off of things; and the days she didn’t you laid in bed desperately wishing he would be by your side.

Your routine was solid, until a month into your separation when you were sick almost every single day. You were fed up by the time a week passed and the day after that you made your way to visit Zayne- who congratulated you because in his words, ‘he and his wife were expecting as well, perhaps they’ll be friends, too.’ Finding out you were pregnant without Caleb with you was difficult, there wasn’t a way to reach him and share the news.

But you weren’t alone anymore. You spent the time you felt lonely talking to your baby now, who definitely couldn’t hear you yet but that didn’t matter. You were kept company with a perfect blend of you and your Caleb.

According to the official statement released last week Caleb would be home any time today, any minute, any second.

The anticipation left butterflies in your tummy, your baby moving with your nerves. It didn’t occur to you that he might not be happy to be a father, that you might’ve been presumptuous that he’d be ready to care for another life so soon.

And when the door flew open, as much as you wanted to jump into his arms (carefully, of course,) you held your breath and waited for him to notice. And of course, because he was your Caleb, it was right away. His happiness and relief fell away to shock and— was that anger? You didn’t expect anger…

“Welcome home, I—”

“Who else has been here?”

“What? I mean Tara has been keeping me company a few times a week but that’s it.”

“What man has been in our home, pipsqueak.” He didn’t phrase it as a question, just a demand. He’s never been so terse with you…

His tone made you anxious, “No one, other than Zayne and his wife for dinner occasionally— Caleb what are you talking about?”

Caleb dropped his bag on the floor with a thud, still not moving from his spot. “I’m talking about the fact that I came home after six months and you didn’t seem to miss me at all, nothing like the way I missed you. How else would you be pregnant? So who is he? Someone from the Hunters Association?”

Oh… he thought… “Oh my god how could you think- I’d never cheat on you Caleb— EVER how could you even think—”

“Well, I certainly couldn’t have knocked you up in the time I’ve been away.”

A knife cut through you at his words, the accusation, the betrayal of thinking you’d ever be with anyone else. And how vulgar it was… Did your first time mean so little? Was it something he just wanted to get out of the way before he left? A sob escaped you, tears spilled over. “You’re an asshole, Caleb.”

His eyes went wide, “I’m the asshole here?”

“Yes! You’re a fucking asshole! I expected you to be shocked but accusing me of cheating on you? Thinking that night was nothing? That’s low. I can’t believe you!”

“That night means everything to me!”

“Ask me how far along I am! Go on, fucking ask!”

That stopped him short, “you mean?”

“SIX MONTHS!” Standing there while he dropped to his knees was barely satisfying. “God I can’t stand you right now! You must’ve lost your damn mind and all your common sense!”

His silence was angering you further, stomping off to the kitchen for a drink of water and trying to calm down was a better use of your time; crying from this much stress wasn’t good for you.

Once he gathered himself he followed you, “Sweetheart… you’re telling me that night…”

“Finally used your brain, did you?”

“I’m so, god I’m so sorry. I don’t know what came over me.” His hand reached out to bring you in for a hug but you denied him.

“Do. Not. Touch me.” His audacity made you seethe. No way were you going to give in so easily no matter how much you desired to be in his embrace and reassured.

“Sweetheart—”

“You’re sleeping on the couch. We can decide what to do later.”

His emotions began to overflow, the guilt crushing him; the ring in his pocket practically burning into his flesh. “Decide what?”

“Decide if I should even let you stay.” Your throat felt tight but you continued to hold your sobs back. “Your dinner is in the oven by the way, it’s your favorite so I suggest you don’t let it burn.”

A few hours rolled around before he couldn’t hold himself back anymore hearing your sniffles. You hadn’t eaten dinner, who knows if you had any water, and no matter how (rightfully) mad you were, you still needed to eat.

Grabbing a few of your favorite snacks with a glass of juice instead of the untouched dinner he put in the fridge was his safest option, unsure if seeing the meal would upset you further.

“Pip squeak? I know you’re awake.” Crouching by your side of the bed and setting the snacks on the nightstand, “please talk to me?”

“Go away.”

“You know I can’t do that, you have to eat something.”

You poked your head from the blanket, “oh so you care now that you know it’s yours?”

The jab was deserved but it still earned a wince. “I’d still care even if they weren’t.”

“How noble of you. Sticking around to raise a kid that’s not yours before I even have a ring.”

“Who said I didn’t have a ring?” This time you accepted the comfort of his hand brushing your hair behind your ear and gently cupping your cheek.

Curiosity was a bitch, but you weren’t ready to forgive him yet. “You were really mean.”

“I know, I’m so sorry, sweetheart. So sorry. I can’t imagine you being with anyone else but I didn’t expect to come home to a family either— and I’m beyond happy to be a dad. It’s not an excuse though, never okay to talk to you like that.”

A few leftover sniffles came before he pulled a tissue from the box on your nightstand, opting to dry your tears himself. “Blow,” He said, holding the tissue to help you blow your nose; then offering you the straw of the juice so you could hydrate.

“I missed you so much, I thought you’d still be happy to see me.”

“I’m over the moon, actually. But I hurt my girl, gotta make things right. Think you can forgive me? I’ll earn it forever.”

“Caleb if you ever, I mean ever, speak to me like that again I won’t hesitate to let you talk to the front door. You’ll be out.”

“I’ll cut my tongue out myself.”

“So dramatic as always.” You rolled your eyes, “you mentioned a ring?”

A smile lifted the corner of his mouth, “there’s my girl. You sure you still want it? Or should I earn it first?” He dug into his pants pocket to show you anyway.

“It wouldn’t hurt your efforts.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle fully before presenting the velvet box to you, “I’m pretty close to the ground but if you sit up for me I’ll get on one knee.”

Sitting up to stretch was good for your back anyway, “I think I’ve waited long enough.”

The velvet box opened and your jaw dropped, “picked it out in Skyhaven. Gideon and I helped the elderly owner of a small shop with some boxes he was struggling with in front of his door. Knew it was perfect right away, gorgeous and one of a kind like you.”

“You’re ridiculous, but I love it.” He slid it on your finger and sealed it with a kiss, and you fell into his arms like you’ve wanted to for the last six months.

Pulling away after many minutes of hugs, ‘I love you’s’ and kisses wasn’t welcomed by you. “Now, how ‘bout some dinner? I don’t think snacks are enough, they were backup. Gotta keep you healthy.”

“Did you like it?”

You were pulled to your feet and carried out of the room. “Didn’t eat without you, sweetheart. Having dinner without you and the baby felt empty.”

“Good. You can reheat it then.” You waited for the perfect moment to drop your bombshell, which happened to be when he was carrying a full glass pitcher of water for the table. “We’re having a daughter, by the way.”

The pitcher fell so fast his evol barely managed to catch it before glass hit the ground. It left you feeling smug.

You couldn’t help but cackle at his shocked spluttering, “A WHAT?”

I’m so flattered, I’ve never had so many people interested or had a taglist this long: @pixelcafe-network @kentochronicles @sashisuslover @lunia-likes-pomegranet @elli4ever @mysssticc @kaemaybae @kamisatoaiko @midiplier @jamseashell @llamabois @boba14 @crimsonspring @angrychinchillanoises @ali-shiii @kazbae95 @ifistoptherain @c-I-stinnett @nephelesthoughts @etherealzi @jjoppees @keithkoganeirl

All divider credits to me @thecutestgrotto

[rosedustdreams]

Hey! I’ve been reading your Walker works and I need more from you lovely!

Would it be alright if I asked for a Walker x Reader where they do an interview together and he keeps being so obvious about his feelings for her? And like after the interview goes live, a bunch of fans make ship edits, and basically they’re just never beating the dating allegations?

If not it’s quite alright!! Just keep up the amazing work lovely!!

Not So Subtle

You weren’t nervous, not exactly. It was just a press interview, something you’d done countless times before. Still, being paired with Walker for this particular one had your pulse doing somersaults. Not because of the cameras or the audience, but because Walker couldn’t help himself when it came to you.

As the two of you settled into the studio chairs, the host greeted the audience with her signature enthusiasm, introducing you both and hyping up the upcoming season of the Percy Jackson show.

“So,” the host began, her grin playful, “you two have been spending a lot of time together on set. How’s that been?”

Walker immediately leaned forward, his elbow resting casually on his knee. “It’s been amazing,” he said, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. “I mean, how could it not be? She’s kind of the best.”

Your face heated up, and you laughed nervously, trying to brush it off. “We have a great cast dynamic,” you said, keeping your tone light.

The host raised an eyebrow, clearly catching the subtle tension. “I see,” she said, drawing out the words. “And Walker, I have to ask—there’s a lot of buzz about how much you hype her up in interviews. Care to explain?”

Walker grinned, completely unbothered. “What can I say? She’s insanely talented. And hilarious. And, you know, just… easy to be around.”

You shot him a look, but he just shrugged, his grin turning slightly mischievous.

The host smirked, clearly loving every second of it. “Interesting. And what about you?” she asked, turning to you. “What’s it like working with Walker?”

“Oh, he’s great,” you said, doing your best to stay professional. “Super dedicated, really supportive. Definitely keeps things fun on set.”

“Fun how?” the host pressed, her tone teasing.

Walker jumped in before you could answer. “She’s laughing at me half the time,” he said, his tone playful. “I’m basically just a walking joke to her.”

“That’s not true!” you protested, laughing despite yourself.

“Oh, so you don’t think I’m funny?” he teased, leaning a little closer.

“I think you’re plenty funny,” you said, rolling your eyes.

The host looked between the two of you, her smile widening. “Okay, okay. I think I’m starting to see why fans love you two so much. The chemistry is very real.”

You both froze for half a second before laughing it off, though you could feel your cheeks heating up.

The rest of the interview passed in a blur, with Walker continuing to find small ways to tease you, compliment you, and generally make it impossible for you to escape the growing attention. By the time it ended, you were both smiling, though for very different reasons.

When the interview went live, it didn’t take long for the internet to explode. Within hours, TikTok was flooded with clips of the two of you, complete with dramatic zoom-ins, captions like "Walker is DOWN BAD," and edits set to romantic songs.

One particular video caught your attention: a slowed-down clip of Walker staring at you while you spoke, set to the lyrics of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The caption read, “The way he looks at her 😭 they’re not beating the dating allegations fr.”

You groaned, burying your face in your hands. “This is bad.”

Walker, who was sitting across from you in the trailer, leaned over to peek at your phone. When he saw the video, he just laughed.

“I mean,” he said, grinning, “it’s not that bad.”

You shot him a look. “Walker, they think we’re dating.”

He shrugged, utterly unfazed. “So?”

“So?” you repeated, incredulous. “You don’t care?”

“Not really,” he said, his tone casual. Then, after a beat, he added, “Unless… you do?”

Your breath hitched, and you looked away, suddenly very interested in the floor. “I just don’t want things to get weird.”

Walker tilted his head, his grin softening into something gentler. “It wouldn’t be weird. At least, not for me.”

You looked up, meeting his gaze. There was something in his eyes—something warm and steady and entirely too honest.

“Walker,” you began, but he cut you off with a small smile.

“Hey, relax,” he said, leaning back in his chair. “We don’t have to figure it out right now. But just so you know…” His smile turned playful again. “I’m not in a hurry to beat those allegations.”

Your cheeks burned, and you groaned again, but this time, there was a smile tugging at your lips.

Because maybe, just maybe, you weren’t in a hurry either.

A/N:i love this request so much thank u for requesting

Tags: @izzystylinson, @sophand4n4, @kaiwrites092, @shellsarepretty, @cheoriemoawa, @prettiesteyess,  @vintagewntr10, @hecallmebigpurrr420, @killualovbot, 

[maxiemumdamage]

To me Azula is a tragic character specifically because while she was failed by everyone around her, it also would’ve been unreasonable to expect any of them to save her. Among those who wanted to help her, practically no one had the understanding or power to change her. They couldn’t get Azula to stop being cruel, in large part because they couldn’t change the circumstances that nurtured her worst traits.

Except Ozai obviously. Fuck him. He’s why Azula is like that to begin with. But the power and sway he has over her also made it borderline impossible for anyone else to make her change.

(MUCH more to say about this here:)

People tend to blame Ursa for Azula’s behavior first and foremost. And…yes, Ursa was pretty clearly closer with Zuko than Azula. But of course she was! Ursa’s son was constantly abused and degraded by his father — as per the comics, Ozai outright told Ursa he would do this for all of Zuko’s life in order to hurt his wife. Zuko needed Ursa’s support to have any sense of self-esteem and frankly, for his own safety.

Zuko needed his mother just to be safe and not be alone, while Azula needed her mother for moral education. Even if you don’t think Ursa’s priorities were the right ones…choosing her daughter over her son might not have been enough to change Azula anyway. It would’ve been devastating for Zuko without necessarily improving Azula in any meaningful way, because Ursa didn’t actually have the authority to meaningfully oppose her husband.

By the time it would’ve been evident that Azula had a super skewed moral compass as a result of being around Ozai so much…she still would’ve been like, eight years old max, for one thing. Little kids say and do a lot of fucked up shit, because they don’t understand morals or the world by and by large. For another, once it was obvious she was parroting horrible stuff from her father, Azula also would’ve had no respect for her mother. So what could Ursa do, by the time she realized she needed to do something?

We see in flashbacks that Ursa tried, even when her child didn’t respect her and she couldn’t enforce meaningful consequences for the bad behavior Ozai rewarded. Ursa scolded Azula for saying cruel things. She made Zuko spend time with his sister, rewarding Azula for any moments of kindness or cooperation (even when Azula was just faking it to get an opportunity to bully Zuko and Mai). She tried.

As for Ursa leaving…uh, if she hadn’t, Zuko would have died. He absolutely, 100% would have died if his mother hadn’t cut a deal with Ozai to put him on the throne in exchange for disappearing. She made Azulon and his ultimatum go away because that was necessary to protect Zuko.

Ursa did fail to morally guide her daughter. But to do otherwise would’ve been to neglect her son, then to sign Zuko’s death warrant. I’m not gonna pretend she didn’t choose one kid over the other — I just also think choosing to support the kid whom she knew her husband was mistreating wasn’t necessarily the wrong call.

And even if it was…choosing differently might not have done anything. Because Ursa could only offer affection, while Ozai wielded both the carrot and a stick. Azula would’ve likely still fawned to the more powerful abuser, still learned harmful behavior, and still internalized that her cruelty was not just necessary but acceptable. Rewarded, even.

There’s Iroh to mention as well. He admittedly had a lot more influence and ability to stand up to Ozai than Ursa did, but in fairness…that wasn’t his kid. He had his own son to worry about, and then he was grieving, and then…he chose Zuko too.

For the same reason as Ursa, I don’t quite blame him for it — Zuko needed help much more immediately. When Zuko was banished, Iroh did the right thing by going with. But I do think those in-between years in the palace were a time Iroh (still mourning, but still) had the chance to influence Azula a little. But…

…I’ve seen a post theorizing that Iroh dislikes his niece because she reminds him of who he used to be, and…I think that’s very likely. They’re the golden children of their fathers, the firebending prodigies, the conquerors of Ba Sing Se.

I also think it’s because he and Azula are so alike that he has no idea how to help her.

Iroh didn’t have a moral revelation about the Fire Nation’s conquest, not until it cost him his son’s life. His realization about war being wrong, subsequently becoming more worldly and gaining respect for other cultures, it happened only when the Fire Nation’s system stopped working for him personally. So he wouldn’t know how to make Azula see that system as wrong, to make her change for the better as he did. He can’t recreate his own reasons for changing.

Also, quite frankly — Iroh barely to not at all managed to turn Zuko off the Fire Nation’s propaganda. Zuko always had morals, sure, but he did not have any semblance of the idea that “war (of conquest) is wrong” or even “wow my father is abusive and terrible to me personally” after three years of travel with Iroh. Being an Earth Kingdom refugee and meeting the Gaang was when Zuko really changed. And I think Zuko (who got his face burned off at 13) would probably be a much easier egg to crack on the redemption front than Azula (for whom the cruel and abusive system has always worked, she’s fine with it as long as she’s the one on top).

I also am briefly going off topic here to say…I like the idea of Azula redemption. I agree that she is sometimes condemned too strongly, to harshly, given that she is just a teenage girl. But her youth doesn’t take away from her cruelty. She is someone who knowingly does wrong, because she sees it as a way to protect herself. A meaningful redemption arc for her has to acknowledge that, not just sweep it under the rug by claiming she always loved her victims.

Because yes, Azula’s loved ones who are of a similar age to her but have less power are in fact her victims. They love her, she loves them, but she does hurt them all the same. That also has to be acknowledged in the quest to redeem her.

Zuko and Mai and Ty Lee all flatly have no power over Azula — she has power over them, in fact, thanks to her status as Ozai’s favored child and just as a princess, respectively. Ursa and Iroh were adults who at least wouldn’t be hurt by trying to help Azula, but for her brother and friends? Changing her could be dangerous.

Zuko is nominally safer as the Crown Prince, but…he’s awful at politics and their infinitely more powerful Dad blatantly favors Azula. He can’t stand up to her. And the one time were shown that Ursa, trying to correct Azula’s cruelty, made her son play nice, feels cruel to Zuko. He gets hurt and humiliated for no reason but for his sister’s sake entertainment and (failed) moral education. It’s not his job to redeem his sister.

And then there’s Mai and Ty Lee, who may be nobles, but still can’t do anything to Princess Azula. In fact, even before Mai or Ty Lee have done anything, Azula is threatening their family and bodily safety, respectively, as a loyalty test. They cannot challenge Azula in any meaningful way without endangering their lives and safety. It’s not fair to expect them to fix her.

Who does that leave that Azula is even close to? The Gaang literally know nothing of her but “Zuko’s sister who keeps trying to kill us.” None of the Fire Nation Generals or Nobles will want her to change. Azulon rewarded her bad behavior almost as hard as Ozai. Lo and Li, maybe, but for all they’re the wise old ladies Azula takes advice from, Azula doesn’t actually interact with them very often.

Azula is a tragic character because, while she was a child who should have been redeemed and had better, it makes perfect sense she didn’t. No one could change her. No one could offer a sweeter carrot or bigger stick than Ozai. And by the time he was out of the picture, the story was over.

[muhlsworld]

WHAT ARE WE?

synopsis: bumping into nika at that party did not go the way you expected.

WARNINGS: this is a part two to my previous fic, suggestive themes (no smut), cussing, italics are flashbacks, one use of y/n (sorry), yet again bad writing

it had been 3 weeks since the party. and you didn’t know why you did what you did. it was all such a blur.

“nika?” you asked.

she looked at you and her eyes went wide.

“y/n?” “what are you doing here?” nika asked in complete shock. you were in complete shock as well to even register her questions. your mind was in a frenzy. you couldn’t believe that she was in front of you. your nika. “are you okay?” nika asked, with what someone could confuse with genuine concern, again. and with that question something in you snapped.

“am i okay?” you repeated. “are you fucking kidding me nika?” you asked, your tone laced with anger and disbelief. nika looked at you wide eyed never hearing you speak to her like that.

“hey, are you ready for practice?” lily asked ripping you from your thoughts. lily had become somewhat of your rock these past few weeks. bonding during practice and spending most of your free time with her. although she doesn’t really know what happened that night or why you’ve been acting “off”.

“yeah. just need to grab my racquets.” you replied. “great, let’s get this practice over with so we can go eat.” lily said. you laughed slightly thinking how such a small girl could eat so much. “okay okay i’m going” you replied.

practice was over, it went okay. your shots weren’t as accurate as they normally are. your shots not having the normal amount of power. you weren’t surprised.. your mind was else where. the memory replaying through the whole practice.

“why nika?” you asked after her not answering you beforehand. she stayed silent yet again. your frustration bubbling every passing second. after a few moments of silence you grew tired of her not speaking. “fine i don’t need this right now nika. don’t bother talking to me” you exclaimed.

right as you were turning around to walk away back to your friends, you felt her grab your wrist. you turn around to tell her off but she cuts you off. “wait please, just let me explain” she sighs. “just not here.” she says and you look at her confused. but before you could say anything shes dragging you by the wrist throughout the frat house. “nika where the hell are you taking me” you asked her not wanting to be around her for any longer. without answering you she pulled you into an empty bedroom.

“look i know i have a lot to explain to you and i will just please hear me out” she pleaded. you look at her with a harsh look. a look you’ve never given her. fed up with everything about the night you say “you have 5 minutes muhl, better start talking.”

“i know what i did was wrong, just ghosting and completely cutting you out of my life like that. i regretted it every day. i still do” nika explained. there was something in her eyes that made it seem like she was telling the truth. but you just couldn’t believe her.

“then why nika?” you asked sounding more defeated this time. “did i really mean nothing to you, for you to cut me out like that.” all the emotion being evident in your voice. nikas heart was breaking at the sight that she caused. “i panicked.” nika answered. “what could have been so bad that you couldn’t tell your so call best friend.” you exclaimed. “you know i would’ve helped you through whatever it was.” you said while looking at her straight in the eyes. however she didn’t look at you, she was twiddling her thumbs around one another. something she used to do many years ago when she was nervous.

“because then i would’ve had to face my feelings for you.” nika whispered. almost quiet enough for you to not hear her.

almost.

you’re snapped out of your thoughts yet again but by your coach this time. “what’s going on kid?” he asked you. “you looked off out there today. is there something i should know about?” he asked immediately after the first question. “no i’m good coach.” you said with confidence.. or so you thought but he looked at you skeptically. “i’m just tired, i swear.” you said. and apparently that was convincing enough for him to leave you alone.

after that somewhat annoying conversation with your coach you opted to going to lunch with your teammates. you all had unanimously decided on chipotle, your guys favorite. you all enjoyed your meal talking about nonsense. and for a moment you felt back to normal. your normal without nika clouding your thoughts.

once your lunch was over every one had split up stating how they each had their own things to do for the rest of the day. you only had a self workout and some homework to finish for a class. so you went back to your dorm room, deciding to work out later on in the day.

the whole afternoon had gone by, it was around 8:30 pm, you were in your dorm finishing your homework. scratch that, you were trying to finish your homework. but a certain burnett kept sneaking back into your thoughts.

“your feelings for me?” you repeated almost sounding hopeful. “yes.” nika replied simply. “what do you mean?”you asked instantly. with a deep sigh nika replied “i loved you. and i didn’t know what to do with those feelings. so i did what i could and i ran from you.” you stared at her with a blank expression. your mind running at a thousand miles per minute. you stayed silent for a few minutes. the tension in the room growing. “please say someth-“ nika way saying until you cut her off, placing your lips on hers for a brief second. “you dumbass i loved you too” you stated like it was obvious.

and with those words it was like something switched within nika. she closed the distance between you two again but this time the kiss was more meaningful and deeper, you replied instantly kissing her back. but the kiss grew hungrier. you both grew hungrier for each other. your tongues dancing with each other and saliva mixing together.

nikas hands rested on your waist and you were getting impatient. so you removed your hands from around her neck and placed atop hers, slowly guiding them to your ass and slightly squeezing over her hands. you moaned softly into her mouth and that was music to her ears. she wanted to hear you even more. so with that she moved you two to the bed.

the sound of skin slapping together echoed throughout the whole room. both of you without a single worry in this moment. it was what you had always wanted with nika. your bodies tangled together.

you snap out of your own thoughts not wanting to relive the rest of the memory of that night.

since homework seemed to be out of the window. you decided to finally go do your workout. so with that you decided to get ready. it didn’t take you long to get ready, you opted for a simpler and comfier outfit. and with that you leave your dorm.

you make it to the gym and start your workout. with the music blasting in your ears you didn’t even hear someone walk into the gym. continuing to mind your own business you go on with your workout. but you feel someone staring at you so you take your headphones out and turn around. and that same feeling from years ago and the same one from the party hits you again.

there she is again. staring right at you.

you guys hadn’t talked about what happened that night. so you thought now would be a good a time as any. seeing as you two were alone. you walk up to her “hi.” you said. “hey” she replied coldly. you looked confused as you why she was being this way after what happened. but you let it slide as you were about to talk to her about it anyway.

right as you were about to speak the door to the gym opens and this guy walks in and starts approaching you guys. you were confused as ever, but what you didn’t see was nikas panicked face. he comes up right beside nika and places an arm around her waist and kisses her cheek. you were completely dumbfounded at what was going on. and then he spoke. “hey babe, did you start without me?” he asked.

and then it clicked. why you guys hadn’t spoken about what happened 3 weeks ago.

nika had a boyfriend.

and you had no idea.

A/N: okay so i really don’t know where im going with this or if im even making a part 3 to this but if you guys want it then ill post it.

[ghostsandfools]

Okay guys. Okay. OKAY.

I just went back and watched a couple of the astral related episodes that have released in the past few months and I have a LOT to say.

I don’t think we realize how messed up the astrals truly are. Like, they seem to have noble goals and all, but oh my goodness.

Okay, lets walk through Lunar’s entire life story real quick:

The first episode of TSAMS came out on March 24, 2022. That was a little less than three years ago now. Let’s just keep that in mind.

When Lunar was created, his entire purpose was to serve Eclipse. I’ll be honest, I’m not too familiar with early TSAMS. I joined the fandom a bit late. But Lunar underwent constant emotional and sometimes physical abuse from Eclipse. He was constantly belittled, made to feel worthless, and in the end, Eclipse killed him in front of somebody he cared about. His entire purpose was to serve Eclipse, and suddenly that purpose had been taken away from him.

Lunar was remade in space, granting him the ability to use star power. Gemini then came down to Earth to evaluate if he was a threat and train him in the ways of star power. In the very first episode they appear in, Castor asks Earth to “please leave Lunar alone and stop talking to him.” Earth obviously refuses, but this interaction is still interesting. It’s strange that their first instinct was to try isolating him from his closest family.

Castor and Pollux began training Lunar and eventually becoming closer with him. Lunar was freaked out at first, and it seems like he didn’t really enjoy his training at first, but eventually it kind of took over his life. Star power was his entire purpose. And when he began to develop feelings for Gemini, it only became a bigger part of his life. His personality and goals for the future revolved completely around star power. It was his new purpose in life.

Lunar messes up a couple of times and begins to fear what will happen if he lets his power get out of control. First he attacks Bloodmoon, then kills Eclipse. Killing Eclipse was the especially interesting event here. Afterwards, Gemini makes it very clear to him how much he’s fucked up. They tell him his life could be on the line, that the other astrals want him DEAD, and they seem to be withholding their affection. They don’t spend as much time with him, saying they’re busy with his court case. Killing someone is a bad thing to do, so it makes sense for Gemini to distance themself, but I think we should remember this.

And then, it just stops. Taurus tells him that if he can’t move on from his trauma with Eclipse, he can’t continue to train.

This is detrimental to him. He doesn’t know what to do without a purpose. Eclipse abused him, but he also gave him something to do. He gave him someone to be. His entire identity was serving Eclipse. And now, he thought he had moved on from that. He had a new purpose now, to serve Gemini, to train as an astral and make everyone proud. And now he’s suddenly being told that he can’t anymore? That if he doesn’t get over his trauma (which is exceptionally difficult to do) he won’t be able to train anymore?

And so he makes a mistake. Another very big mistake. He pursues negative star power, he hurts Earth, he’s temporarily shunned by his family. It’s a big mess, he goes to jail, he’s put on trial.

And do you know what Libra does to punish him? She finds him guilty and takes away his star power.

So… This whole time. This entire time, they could’ve taken his powers away. And yet, they didn’t. Why is that? Why is it that they let someone like him, who has been shown to lose control, keep these powers?

Alright. Let’s take a look at the astrals. Let’s take a look at what they’re really doing here, because I think it’s interesting.

I’ve talked about this before, but the astrals operate like a cult.

Lunar is traumatized. He is emotionally broken and he has no idea what to do with his life. He’s just experienced death and lost his purpose in life, and now he has no idea what to do. And all of the sudden, the astrals appear.

Cults will often prey on people who are going through a rough time, as they’re much easier to manipulate and control. Not only that, but when they did appear on Earth, as I mentioned earlier, Castor asked Earth to “stop talking to Lunar” so they could evaluate if he was a threat. Cults will often isolate their victims away from their family and friends. Obviously they didn’t go through with this step, Lunar kept in contact with his family during his training, but it’s clear the astrals will use isolation as a way to control people. Remember when Nebula tried to befriend Earth and Taurus immediately scolded her for stepping out of line?

Next, they trained Lunar. They told him he’d have to leave behind this life on Earth, that he had a bigger purpose now. He wasn’t just an Earthling anymore, he was special. He could become somebody noteworthy if he trained hard enough. And they got closer to him, went on a vacation with him, spent time with him. Eventually they even pursued a romantic relationship with him.

But during this time, it was clear that they weren’t being completely honest with him. If he asked to many questions they’d say “you aren’t far enough into your training to know that yet.” They’d withhold information from him, yet another method often used by cults. They kept him enticed with the promise of something more. If he could get his emotions under control, if he was just a bit stronger, maybe Gemini would like him then. Maybe then they could be fully honest with him. Maybe then he’d be truly worthy.

They stayed committed to him. When he was in trouble, they went to court for him. They trained him diligently, stood up for him, they were always by his side. They cared for him.

And then, of course, disaster struck. They stopped training him. Lunar felt lost, he made a mistake, he had everything taken away from him. He lost his family, his friends, his partner. His entire life fell apart.

But think about why this all happened. They could’ve taken his power away. They could’ve come down to Earth, taken his powers away immediately, and been done with it all. None of this needed to happen.

I don’t think Lunar was justified when he killed Eclipse, and I don’t think it was okay for him to attack Earth either. Trauma isn’t an excuse to hurt people. But Lunar hasn’t had a break within the last two years.

First it was Eclipse, then the astrals, Bloodmoon, Nexus. He was abused every day for years, he died, he was brought back and began spiraling into depression, and then he was indoctrinated into a cult. Now he’s messing around with dark star power and getting himself into trouble.

And even now, he’s trying to be better. He’s been torturing himself, putting himself in that machine Moon made where he listens to his loved ones berate and verbally abuse him. Why? So he can impress Gemini. So he can have a purpose again.

TSAMS is the kind of show that’s meant to go on for a long time. The action has to happen FAST! But because of all the fast paced action, Lunar has been in multiple traumatic situations with no real breaks for two straight years now, and i think it’s messed up. He’s made a lot of mistakes, but he’s trying his best. I feel bad for him.

[nothoughtsjustfic]

Thinking about: Nanny K.MG

💭Who: Kim Mingyu (Seventeen) x female reader 💭What: Friends to lovers. Fluff. Suggestive (18+). Live in nanny Mingyu. Single parent reader. 💭Word count: 2.4k 💭Warnings: Reader chose to be a single mother and medically conceived. Reader is Mingyu’s boss so I guess you could say power imbalance but it’s also very much not - that’ll make sense when you read. Alcohol consumption - they don’t get drunk. Suggestive scenes at the end. 💭Summary: “You expect to go home and hear about your son’s day from his nanny as the little boy sleeps soundly upstairs, just like normal. You certainly don’t expect to wind up in Mingyu’s bed with a dramatic change to your dynamic, but you really aren’t going to complain about that.”

Minors do NOT interact, which means reblogging and/or commenting on this story. I WILL block any account that interacts without an age indicator in their bio.

Masterlist

A/N- This is in the same universe as Thinking about: Nursery teacher L.JH, and the Juni mentioned in this is the same Juni as in that story! In February, I will be releasing a prequel to the Jihoon story, which will have our dear nanny Gyu and little Danil as characters! I’m very excited and hope you will enjoy that one too when it’s available!

Getting home late isn’t unusual for you; with your company in the process of expanding you haven’t had a lot of option but to stay late almost every single day for the past handful of weeks, unfortunately.

Which means that by the time you’re home, your darling son is already tucked up deep asleep in bed, looking so cosy and cute that you want nothing more than to crawl up next to him, pull him into your loving embrace and fall asleep. But you can’t, you don’t want to risk waking him when you know he always fights sleep so much in hopes of seeing you.

Of course, you feel like a terrible mother these days due to rarely seeing Danil during weekdays, what with you having to leave for work while he’s still getting ready for school and returning hours after his nanny has managed to soothe him to sleep. You hope that within the next few weeks, you can return to normal times to join the two for dinner and take over from Mingyu afterwards, allowing him to clock off and do whatever he wants for the rest of the night.

Not that you think the giant hearted nanny would do anything out of the usual even given the rest of the night off. At this point, you think Mingyu would spend his days off with Danil every weekend all the same if not for his friends dragging him off to make sure he remembers that he is a real person outside of his job.

You’ve tried to shoo Mingyu away yourself many weekends and convince him to call up his friends or go on a date, just something other than always being around to dote on your family of two. Yet the tall man always looks at you with round eyes shining sadly and without even needing to say a word, he bends your arm, and you give in, invite him to whatever activity you’ve planned for you and your son. Though at this point, you always make sure to factor in Mingyu when planning, knowing that he’ll likely puppy eyes his way right back to your son’s side.

And honestly, you wouldn’t want it any other way.

Seeing Mingyu with your son always settles you in a way you’ve never experienced. You’ve never seen Danil with a male figure in his life other than Mingyu. There’s never been a father around because you decided to do this solo, and you haven’t once regretted that decision to be a single mother from the moment of planned conception.

But there’s something special about seeing Danil hang off of Mingyu’s every word, or the gentle way Mingyu helps the boy with his homework and teaches Danil how to be a good human, and it makes you feel like maybe there is one person who you wouldn’t mind being the father of your child, and perhaps even more in the future.

Yet Mingyu is someone you’ve been paying to live in your house and look after your son since Danil could walk. In fact, you had been paying Mingyu before then as a babysitter, not a live in nanny, and the man had been there for Danil’s first steps and had looked as proud and emotional as you felt seeing your little boy unsteadily put one foot in front of the other without assistance of either of your hands.

As much as you wish you could pluck up the courage and ask Mingyu on a date, at the very least, you’re his boss and you can’t risk it. If things went wrong, Mingyu might leave and that wouldn’t just break your heart but Danil’s too. So, for the sake of your son, you keep your feelings to yourself.

“Hey,” Mingyu’s soft whisper makes you jolt slightly where you’re leaning against the doorframe of Danil’s bedroom to watch your son sleep.

You should’ve known that Mingyu would appear, he always does when you get home, but only after you’ve had the chance to peer in on your son and whisper your love into the air in hopes that it will reach Danil’s subconscious and bless him with nothing but sweet dreams. Tonight though, you had been too deep in your own mind with thoughts of the tall man to hear him near.

“Hi,” you reply just as quietly as you peer over at him.

“Come on, I’ve got exciting news, and a bottle of your favourite open,” he tempts you, not just with his cheekily grinned words but the outstretched arm and fingers wiggling invitingly at you.

There’s no hesitation, no thought as you put your hand in his and let him lead you downstairs and to the living room where, as promised, there’s a bottle of your favourite wine open on the coffee table and two glasses with the drink already poured within.

You both settle in the dimly lit room, only the sounds of whatever movie Mingyu had left running playing lowly in the background. He doesn’t even look at it, instead turns on the sofa so that he’s got one leg tucked under him and his shoulder against the backrest so that he can look at you as you gratefully swallow down your first mouthful of wine.

“Tough day?” He comments, smiling amusedly as you consume the contents of your glass before he’s even taken his first sip.

“No more than usual, just wish I could be home with you two more,” you reply forlornly as you watch Mingyu top up your glass.

“Two?” He repeats quietly and carefully puts the bottle down on the table.

“Mm. You and Danil.”

“But I’m just-”

“Mingyu, if you say you’re just his nanny, you’re not allowed to spend this weekend with us.”

Immediately, Mingyu looks at you with his sad puppy eyes and slightly protruded bottom lip. “But that’s my favourite part of the week, spending time with you two doing fun stuff.”

“Mine too, but you don’t get paid on weekends, Mingyu, which means you’re not his nanny during those trips.”

“Then why do you let me stay if you don’t think of me as the nanny?” He frowns confusedly. “If you don’t want me there to help and do everything I usually do, why do you let me stay and include me?”

“Because you’re one of us,” you answer honestly. “Our family.”

“What?” His expression melts as somehow, his eyes turn even bigger. “You consider me family?”

“What else would I consider you? You’ve been around since Dan was a baby; you’ve done probably more child care than I have at this point, even when you don’t have to. We love having you here and although I feel bad when you choose to spend weekends with us instead of joining your friends or going to find yourself a girlfriend and start your own family, I’m glad you stay.”

“I don’t want another family,” he admits and puts his slightly trembling hand over yours where they both remain around your glass propped on your folded legs. You look down at his touch and remove one hand from the glass to allow him to hold it. “I only want this one.”

“Mingyu…” you swallow thickly as your heart races with what this could imply, if he is saying family in the way you wish for, or in a broader sense. Maybe he means he wants to be Uncle Mingyu, not the father of your son, which you would accept, of course you’d accept Mingyu wanting to be Uncle Mingyu, but hearing Danil calling him daddy in the same breath as you mama, that would be something wonderful, you think.

“I know I’m overstepping, I’m just the guy you pay to watch your son, and honestly I’d do that for free if this wasn’t my only source of income, but you see…the thing is that I…I’ve fallen in love with you both and I would really, like really love to be a family with you,” he confesses.

For a second longer, you stare unblinkingly at his hand before you register that you haven’t just fantasised his words like you have many times before. Mingyu really did just confess to being in love with you and that he wants to be a family, which sounds like he wants to take on the exact role you’ve been yearning for him to for years now.

“J-just to clarify what you mean,” you say as you slowly look up at him and find his anxious gaze locked on you. “By family are you saying you want to be Uncle Mingyu or…daddy?”

“Uhm…the second one…if-if you would allow me to be.”

“I need to get a new nanny,” you mutter dumbly and watch as Mingyu’s features fall.

“Oh.” He looks away and turns, removing his hold from you as he swallows down the contents of his glass faster than he ever drinks any wine. “Right, I’ll uhm, pack my stuff and be gone by tomorrow evening so the new nanny can have my room.”

“Gyu,” you breathe out and shuffle closer to gently cup his farthest cheek and turn him to look at you. There are tears gathering on his lashes. “Oh, baby, I didn’t mean it like that,” you assure softly and brush your thumb across his cheek as a tear falls and drips down across his skin.

“N-no?” You shake your head and give a little, reassuring smile. “Then h-how?”

“I can’t really keep paying you to be Danil’s nanny when you’re his daddy.”

Mingyu’s breath catches in his throat and his eyes dart over your expression rapidly for a handful of seconds before settling back on your eyes. “You mean it?” He whispers.

“You have no idea how long I’ve wanted this.”

“For Danil to have a dad?”

“For you to be his dad.”

“Oh,” he breathes out. “I love you, I-I don’t know if you love me too or-or just want me to be his dad and I’ll accept that, whatever I need to so I can be that for him, but I just need you to kno-know. I love you and I have for…” he lets out a breath. “It feels like I’ve always loved you, even before I knew you. It’s just…”

“Natural,” you finish, and he nods in confirmation.

“Yeah, it feels natural to love you, like it’s all I was made for; to love you and Danil.”

“Do you have more love?”

“Huh?”

“Well…Danil has been asking to have a little brother; it might take us a few tries to get the right gender, but I don’t mind repeat attempts if it’s with you.”

The tears in Mingyu’s eyes return with a vengeance and start to spill over, trickling down to meet your thumb still smoothing over his cheek. “Y-you want to have babies with me?”

“I do.”

“And that?” You make a confused sound. “Will you say I do in another circumstance with me one day?”

“Are you asking if I’ll marry you one day?” You wonder in surprise. He just nods and then you surge in to kiss him, utterly overwhelmed with emotion and unable to even attempt to verbally answer right now.

Mingyu whimpers slightly at the sudden, passionate kiss but then he’s blindly taking your glass from your hand to place onto the coffee table with his own so that he can pull you onto his lap and wrap his arms around you, all without breaking the kiss.

You kiss for long enough that your lips are bruised and tingling, chests heaving as your lungs search for air by the time you break apart and look at one another with matching hooded eyes.

“I love you, so fucking much,” you inform when you have your breath back enough to speak, running your fingers through his hair to try and tame the mess you’ve already made of it. “I want it all with you, Mingyu; marriage, babies, everything.”

“Fuck,” he pulls you in to another intense kiss with one hand threaded into your hair at the back of your head and his other arm around your waist to pull you even closer and press you down against him where you can feel how aroused he is, and it only makes your body burn brighter. “I’ll be the best daddy, I promise.”

“To me or the kids?” You joke and watch as his eyes darken before his lips spread into a seductive smirk that makes you wish you’re already in your bedroom. Or maybe his; it’s further away from Danil’s, therefore, much more suited for your current urges.

“Tonight, yours,” he answers and leans in to nip at your bottom lip teasingly. “Sound good, baby? Wanna go upstairs and show daddy how much of a good girl you can be?”

“Fuck yeah.”

Later, you lay in Mingyu’s bed naked, where he excitedly tells you that Danil has been invited to his first ever birthday party this coming Sunday, a picnic for a little girl named Juni that you’re both invited to as well, and you’ll repeat your love into one another’s skin in between discussing where to go from here.

Mingyu can’t technically be Danil’s nanny anymore, even if you agree to not tell anyone about the change quite yet as you want to ease into it, so Mingyu will be more like a stay at home dad and although he has savings and you both don’t want you to give him an allowance because it’ll feel too much like paying him to look after his own son, you agree that for now, you’ll keep paying him until things are settled and he can look for a job if he wants to have his own income.

There’s a lot more that needs to be discussed too; how to tell Danil, when to tell Danil, if Mingyu will move into your bedroom so you’re both closer to your son or you’ll move into Mingyu’s so there’s less chance of Danil hearing your private, late night activities, or if you’ll just swap between for the best of both worlds, plus a whole list of practicalities and legalities about the change of status, but for now, you decide to just enjoy what’s fallen into your lap.

Mostly because it’s your new boyfriend’s mischievous grin before he presses your thighs apart to get his head in between them for the nth time, and there’s really not a chance in hell that you’ll ever stop the man from loving you in every way he sees fit when this seems to be his favourite method.

As soon as Mingyu is done and you’ve got your strength back, you’ll return the favour and show the man how grateful you are that he’s agreed to take up the title of Daddy, but for now, you lay back with your fingers in his hair and enjoy the ride.

Don’t forget to reblog if you liked to help spread the story and let others read it too! And don't be shy to leave comments or send an ask so I can see your thoughts 🥺 💖

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Special tag: @ourdawnishotterthanourday

[diekleinesuesse]

Being best friends with Bang Chan:

Being best friends with Bang Chan would be an experience like no other. He’s known for being one of the most caring, hardworking, and reliable people in the industry, and as his best friend, you’d get to see all the different sides of him the serious producer, the fun-loving goofball, and the deeply thoughtful and protective friend.

Late-Night Studio Hangouts

Bang Chan basically lives in the studio, so if you’re his best friend, expect to spend a lot of time there with him. He’d invite you over at odd hours, just to keep him company while he works on music. You’d sit on the couch, wrapped in a hoodie he lent you (probably one of his signature oversized ones), watching him get completely lost in his production. He’d play you snippets of unfinished songs, asking, “What do you think?” and actually valuing your opinion.

Sometimes, when he’s been working too hard and starts getting frustrated, you’d be the one to force him to take a break. “Chan, step away from the computer before I physically remove you,” you’d threaten, and he’d laugh but eventually listen. You’d end up walking around JYP’s practice rooms or grabbing late-night snacks from a convenience store, just talking about everything and nothing.

Endless Encouragement and Support

Bang Chan is known for how much he takes care of the people around him, and as his best friend, you’d get the full force of that. If you were struggling with something—whether it was work, school, or just life he’d be the first to notice. He’d check in on you constantly, sending texts like:

Chan: “Hey, just wanted to make sure you’re eating properly today.”

Chan: “You can do this. I believe in you.”

Chan: “If you need anything, I’m here, okay?”

He’d hype you up all the time, even over the smallest things. Got a new outfit? He’d be like, “LOOK AT YOU!! Fashion icon, let’s gooo!!” Did something even remotely impressive? “I knew you were talented, but wow. WOW.” And if you ever doubted yourself, he’d be there to remind you of your worth.

But it wouldn’t just be one-sided. He’s always giving to others, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, so you’d make sure to remind him to take care of himself too. “Chan, you need sleep, not just caffeine,” you’d say, physically dragging him away from his computer.

Deep Conversations at 3 AM

Bang Chan is the kind of person who can go from joking around to having deep, heartfelt conversations in an instant. As his best friend, you’d have so many of these moments sitting on the dorm’s rooftop, or in his studio, or even just walking around the city late at night.

You’d talk about dreams, fears, childhood memories, and everything in between. He’d open up to you about the pressures of being a leader, how much he worries about Stray Kids, and how sometimes he forgets to take care of himself because he’s so focused on everyone else.

And you’d be there to reassure him. “You don’t have to carry everything alone, you know,” you’d tell him, and he’d smile, grateful to have someone who truly understands.

Goofy Energy & Inside Jokes

Despite his responsible leader image, Bang Chan is actually a huge goofball, and as his best friend, you’d see that side of him all the time. He’d constantly tease you, throwing out random nicknames, making funny faces, and imitating your voice in the most exaggerated way possible.

You’d develop the weirdest inside jokes that no one else would understand. Just one look from him across the room, and you’d both burst into laughter while everyone else is confused.

And the TikToks? Oh, he’d 100% drag you into making dumb videos with him. One second, he’d be filming a dance challenge, and the next, he’d be dramatically lip-syncing to an emotional song while you record him, struggling not to laugh.

Protective Older Brother Energy

Even if you’re older than him, Bang Chan would absolutely take on the role of a protective older brother. If you ever went out together, he’d always walk on the side closest to the road, making sure you were safe. If someone made you uncomfortable, he’d be right there, standing between you and them, making it clear that he wouldn’t let anything happen to you.

And if you ever cried? Oh, he’d be devastated. He’d pull you into a tight hug (you know how he always goes “Big Hug” ? It’s exactly that), rubbing your back and whispering, “Hey, it’s okay. I got you.” He’d stay with you for as long as you needed, playing soft music and making dumb jokes just to get you to smile again.

Being Part of the Stray Kids Family

As Bang Chan’s best friend, you’d automatically become close with the rest of Stray Kids. They’d welcome you in like family, and you’d find yourself being included in everything from their chaotic group chats to their movie nights.

Felix would bake brownies for you. Han would try to steal you as his best friend (which would start fake dramatic arguments with Chan). Lee Know would pretend to be indifferent but secretly look out for you. Hyunjin would use you as a model for his art. Seungmin and I.N would roast you constantly, and Changbin would hype you up as much as Chan does.

The members would tease Chan whenever you were around. “Ohhh, it’s Chan’s best friend!” “Are you sure you’re not secretly dating?” “Do you like Chan more than us?” And Chan would just shake his head, exasperated.

Traveling & Adventures Together

Since Stray Kids tour all over the world, Bang Chan would always be inviting you along. If you ever traveled with them, he’d make sure you were taken care of constantly checking if you had enough water, reminding you to rest, and making sure you weren’t overwhelmed.

If you ever went on vacation together, it’d be pure chaos. He’d be the type to plan everything in detail but still end up getting lost. “I swear, the map said it was this way,” he’d say, while you just laugh and lead the way instead.

Unbreakable Friendship

At the end of the day, being best friends with Bang Chan would mean having someone who is always there for you someone who supports you, believes in you, and cares about you more than words can express. He’d be the friend who listens when you need to talk, makes you laugh when you’re feeling down, and reminds you every day that you’re not alone.

And no matter how busy life gets, no matter how far apart you are, he’d always find a way to check in. Even if it’s just a simple “Miss ya, bestie” text or a late-night call, you’d know that your friendship with Bang Chan is forever.

[hyperions-light]

I am going to answer this one myself and just drop it regardless of the schedule because it’s my game lol

Warden M. Tabris (you will not ask her first name if you like your head connected to your body) probably is mildly amused + has a generally positive opinion of Leth, but she is very quiet and generally unimpressed- looking so she would make Leth uneasy. She mostly just talks with the people she’s closest to + the most genuine with (Sten, Morrigan, Zevran, hardened!Leliana) so she has a tendency to make people uncomfortable.

Vigilance Hawke eh… she’s so tired =( Idk if post-DA2, cynical + bitter Hawke would get along too well with Leth, who would probably remind her of her younger self. She’d think Leth was being kind of naive by spending so much time doing whatever their friends want without question (Vi did not kill Anders, but she didn’t like being lied to about the Chantry thing and she felt betrayed. She was a little… idk carefree and flippant during DA2, but not after =/). Leth would be wary. Vi is dangerous + sharp.

I think Leth would be a bit overwhelming for Revas Lavellan, honestly? She’s very diplomatic + reserved and the whole *everything* with Inquisition made her feel so isolated and and disconnected from people. She was very lonely and was hyper-aware that she was in a precarious position as a Dalish elf in the middle of an almost entirely human organization, and then the one person she managed to form an intense connection with turned out to be Fen’Harel lol. So she would be very polite and outwardly friendly with Leth, but they wouldn’t… hang out. Leth respects her a lot, though + she influences their thoughts about/decisions around Solas.

Companions below the cut!

DAO: Leth would not like Wynne, Oghren or Alistair. Wynne + Alistair would annoy them, Oghren they like… would want him dead lol. They would think Shale is amazing. They like Morrigan but their questions might irritate her, and they would DEFINITELY annoy Sten. They would get along with Leliana! Fashion + assassination? Match made in Heaven! They would attempt to kill Zev on sight, but eventually decide the reward was not worth it and then they would get along famously. Bringing Dog so many treats. Loghain, they would actually really like, I think. They love grumpy people! Love bothering them!!

DAA: still stabbing Oghren with knives. Velanna… they get her, but she’s too intense about stuff for them. They like DAA Anders and Sigrun, although Sig would probably not approve of their rampant disregard for the law and complete lack of remorse about it. They would have a lot of questions for Justice, but he would hate them, so they would just fight lol. Nathaniel would bore them.

DA2: Isabela + Leth would be an amazing/terrible combo lol. Varric is very special to them— first mentor that like… isn’t intense and harsh and paranoid lol. They would detest Aveline and Sebastian. Merrill they would adore and would happily enable whatever inadvisable experiments she was doing and ask a million questions. DA2 Anders is too intense for them. Fenris… they’re sympathetic, but I’m not sure they’d know how to handle him. Bethany would probably bore them a little tbh, but they’d think she was really sweet.

DAI: oh boy. Well they would/do like: Dorian, Leliana, Bull, Varric and ESPECIALLY Sera (particularly post-inquisition). They would have mixed feelings on Cole (they do NOT want to talk about their issues, but they do have SO many questions for him and think he’s fascinating), and Solas (SO many questions, again, but DAI Solas would make them suspicious and they’d think he was too uptight). Blackwall.. they’d be bored by him and suspicious of him pre-reveal, and chill with him after. Vivienne, they admire her intelligence, poise and style, but they really hate the nobility so much. I don’t think Vivienne would like them, though lol. They’d feel bad for Cullen, but probably not like him. They’d like Cassie okay, but the piety is a bit much for them. Leth is like… maybe the only person who doesn’t get along with Josie lmao, they cannot stand the Antivan nobility/merchant princes. She tries so hard but they are so resistant— maybe she could wear them down, eventually?

Hey! It’s Friday! That means it’s Rook Intro Hour <3

How it works: I ask you a question about your Rook(s) and you answer it with as much brevity or verbosity as you desire. You can do this whenever you want, and I’ll reblog it + add some comments! There’s no time limit— if you want to do the older ones, they are collected here! (The post is updated on Fridays!)

Today’s Question(s): Let’s do something special, today, to celebrate DA. What would your Rook think of your other DA protagonists? How about the other companions? Is there anyone they would particularly like or dislike? Why? What would the other protagonists/companions think of Rook?

Answer as much or as little as you like. Hope you’re well <3

[365emotionlessfaces]

This is going to be a 10 part fic 🙃 I wrote it for entirely selfish reasons, but if you guys enjoy it, even better.

Melissa meets a girl at The Aspiring Teachers Program, but she’s just a kid. Many years later, she meets you and wonders if she should let go of the past.

The Aspiring Teachers Program

Part 1 WC~1.5k

Melissa was thirty-five and going through a nasty divorce from a nasty man. She had been in the teaching game for a decade now, and the last thing she wanted to do was volunteer for some Aspiring Teachers Program. Well, second to last. The redhead supposed that the only thing worse would be to be spending the week in the same house as Joe.

When she had told her friend, Barbara from work, the woman had just laughed and said that she had quit going to those things years ago. Too much hullabaloo for her liking. But Melissa needed out of the house, so she decided this would be the first and the last time she signed up for this stupid program.

The end of the school year came faster than Melissa would have liked, and by the second day of summer break, her suitcase was packed and she was on a flight to Chicago, of all places. The stupid program chose a new city and a different mix of teachers every year, so there was no guarantee you’d get an invite. To Melissa, that didn’t sound like too bad a deal. Yeah, sure, she’d have to be around a bunch of eighteen to twenty year olds, answer their questions, try to get them interested in teaching, and she was definitely not thrilled about that, but it beat what was waiting at home. Plus, it was all expenses paid.

When Melissa’s taxi pulled up to the camp, the literal camp, she started to think maybe she shouldn’t have come. It was very… rustic. Looking around, she realized that this thing was a lot bigger than she had anticipated. There must be at least a hundred people walking around. She noted the woman with the bullhorn seemed to have a sense of calm in the chaos that looked to be surrounding her. As Melissa exited the taxi, the bullhorn lady could be heard calling out names and assigning them to cabins. She rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long week.

As she stood amongst the crowd, but far enough back that she had a healthy amount of personal space, she listened for her name. A girl hollering off to her left made her turn her head to see the hubbub.

“Yo, Tie-Dye Girl. A little help here!” A young girl of probably twenty or so, stood in front of a giant pile of duffel bags and suitcases and waved to a woman in her forties wearing a campy tie-dyed shirt, who promptly turned on her heel and came to the girl's rescue. Melissa rolled her eyes.

“It’s giving Parent Trap,” a voice from Melissa’s right jolted her away from the tie-dye scene and to the bright-eyed and bushy-tailed teenager that stood beside her. The shock of the girl being so close startled Melissa so much, she let out a small yelp.

“What the hell are ya doin’, kid?” Melissa snapped. “I coulda killed ya.” The girl was not affected by Melissa’s harshness, or if she was, she certainly didn’t show it. In fact, Melissa was sure she saw the girl’s grin grow wider before she replied.

“Sorry,” the girl was radiating happiness and cheer, and it was almost enough to make Melissa sick. “You were standing here all alone, so I thought I’d make a friend.” The girl’s smile was so bright and strong, Melissa wondered if the girl ever stopped smiling. “It just reminds me of a movie from when I was a little girl.”

“You’re still a little girl.”

“I’m young, sure, but I’m almost twenty,” Melissa huffed at the girl’s response. Her smile still hadn’t faltered.

“Listen, I’m not a good friend, okay? So why don’t ya go make friends with those guys over there?” The redhead pointed randomly in the crowd, hoping the young girl would get the hint and leave her the hell alone. She wanted to enjoy this week as much as she could, and having a thorn in her side would not make that task easy.

After the young girl kept trying to make conversation, and had gone so far as to introduce herself, Melissa felt obligated to at least give the kid a name.

“Em,” she had told her. When the girl asked for her full name, or even her last name, Melissa joked with her. “What are you? The cops? If you’re the cops, you gotta tell me!” The young girl laughed and seemed to leave the matter alone after that.

Melissa had gone to the restroom, and when she returned to her bags, the young girl and her bags had gone. She took that as a small blessing and continued to listen for her name. Once given her cabin, she trudged her way to it, bags trailing along with her. She pushed through the cabin door, looked around the room, and thanked her lucky stars that the remaining bed free of luggage was the bottom of one of the two bunk beds. She’d be damned if she had to climb a freakin’ ladder to get to bed!

She unpacked the clothes and most of things she brought, and headed to the mess hall where the first meeting would be held. This would be where Teacher Buddies would be assigned and Melissa got to find out who she’d be spending the next two weeks with. Melissa was considered a Veteran Teacher, despite the fact that she was only in her mid thirties. She supposed it was due to the fact that the older teachers knew better than to come to these things. Since she was of the higher rank, she would be assigned to an Aspiring Teacher. One of these fresh-faced little things that had their whole lives ahead of them, and they wanted to teach. Poor things.

When she entered the hall, it was all abuzz. It was worse than the cafeteria at her elementary school the day after Halloween. There were grown adults and young adults laughing and yelling happily alike. Despite all the noise, Melissa thought it was kinda nice to see a room full of happy faces. Even if she knew most of them wouldn’t last. She looked around and found a few faces that looked like they wouldn’t be too much trouble for the next week. She hoped that she got one of them.

She was approached by the bullhorn lady, only this time she didn’t have the bullhorn, and was told that as a Veteran Teacher, she would go up on the stage with the other Veterans and draw the name of their Aspiring Teacher. This idea was not as thrilling to Melissa as Bullhorn Lady was trying to make it seem, but she did it anyway. When it was her turn, and she pulled out the name that young girl from earlier had given her, she considered making up a fake name, and pretending that her Aspiring Teacher hadn’t shown up. Unfortunately, before she could enact that plan, Bullhorn Lady took the paper and read the young girl’s name out loud. There was clapping and hooting, and then there the girl was again.

She and Melissa made their way to a table in the back and sat down. Melissa looked at the girl as she made some comments about not believing in fate or destiny and some bullcrap about coincidences, and the redhead wondered why the girl would tell her something like that. The girl had that damn smile, still, and her eyes were… kinda shiny. Melissa wondered if she had been that beautiful when she was younger. Surely not, or she wouldn’t currently be going through a divorce.

“So, whattaya think?” The young girl asked, making Melissa snap back to reality.

“Sorry, Parent Trap. I wasn’t listenin’. Whadja say?” This time when the girl smiled, there was something else to it. The redhead noticed the difference, but couldn’t quite tell what it meant. Melissa had to work to focus on what she was saying instead of getting lost in her thoughts again.

“I was thinking that you could hit me with the worst of it first. Tell me all the horror stories about teaching, so I can steel myself for them now, ya know? And then if I can make it through those, maybe you can tell me why it’s worth it?”

Those plans were foiled before Melissa could be the one to break the girl’s heart. Bullhorn Lady announced that the week would be a series of competitions and games for the Buddies, and the free time at the end of the nights would be dedicated to asking and answering all the questions the Aspiring Teachers had. Melissa groaned. This is not what she thought this week would look like.

When she returned to her cabin after everyone was released from the mess hall, Melissa was surprised to see that not only was the young girl her Buddy, she was also one of her three roommates. ‘Oh, boy. This just keeps getting better.’ She decided that it was in her best interest to mind her business, and only talk to the girl when necessary. So she grabbed her pajamas, and changed in the tiny bathroom provided in the corner of the only slightly larger cabin. The air was warm for Chicago, which made Melissa very glad that she chose the outfits she did. When she returned to her bed in her light pink silk tank top and matching shorts, she was too focused on minding her own business that she didn’t notice the young girl’s eyes glued to her frame or how flushed the girl’s face had become.

Part Two

[kreoleky]

Finance Reading ✨💸💶

Pile 1

Okay Pile 1 so the messages I am receiving regarding your finances for right now are that spirit wants you to leave certain financial habits in the past. Specifically with overspending because with this 5 of Pentacles and 3 of Wands, you may have a bad habit of overindulging in things and it causes you to be at a loss. You could be in some sort of financial debt that you are trying to get out of, but what I am hearing is that you won’t be able to get out of debt if you keep unnecessarily digging a deeper hole for yourself. However with this Death card and the 3 of Wands Spirit wants you to make new moves and decisions in order to have a fresh start with your finances. For example, whenever you do get any new money, that’s an opportunity to put it towards any overdue bills instead of recklessly spending it on frivolous things. Another thing is to stop giving out money to people and things when you know you don’t have it or knowing that money could go towards something you’re dealing with at the moment or even just your savings. Learn to spend your money more wisely, because what I am hearing is that Spirit is not going to keep saving you or giving you more chances with your finances if you’re just going to keep wasting the opportunities. Especially when you choose to spend money on things that do not benefit you long term as there is just a sense of temporary happiness. In order to be more stable financially you need to start thinking about the long term effects of your actions. Some things can wait, learn to decipher your wants and your needs. There will always be another or better opportunity for that “want”. You may even end up not caring for the things that you could have impulsively bought, meaning you could have pocketed the money you spent on something impulsively. Spend money on things that are a genuine investment, put more focus on the “later” rather than the “now”. Also when making purchases get things that will last, I’m specifically getting the example of get a hairstyle that will last. You could spend $200-$300 on a hairstyle that can last you a few weeks rather than a hairstyle that will only last you a few days. Spirit also knows that you are able to make your money stretch. Even when it comes to self maintenance with hair, nails, makeup etc. There are cheaper alternatives that you can look to that will maintain the same look. Invest your time into learning how to make things work for you. Even when you do want to treat yourself pick one day out the week instead of splurging on multiple days throughout the week. I am also picking up on the fact that you need to check your transactions, you don’t realize how much things really add up. Try to Budget things out, and something that can also be helpful is every-time you spend money, put some money into your savings as well. The same money that you spend, you could spend half of that amount and put the other half in your savings. You could look into ways that your money could work for you by doing your research on different types of accounts, to where your money grows overtime just by letting it sit there. You spend a lot of time online, so you could be online looking into different resources that could help you grow financially. An emphasis on investments.

Sending your energies back with love and light 💌 .

Pile 2

okay pile 2, So, what I'm getting is that you probably have some past conflict with your finances. Whether that would be with somebody or with yourself, maybe you have some type of issues with your bank is what I'm getting or I'm also hearing something with like schooling or some type of company, because I'm not necessarily getting it has to be with the one specific person, but maybe like an establishment, but you know, like in the business world they classify you as the person or the party etc. Moving on, I think you're kind of accepting that you're gonna take your loss, because you have put up a fight, but I also feel like you're gonna be moving on from it, because I don't think the loss is a major loss. It's more so just like, I keep hearing like a lesson learnt on what to do next time.

But with this eight of wands and this nine of wands, I do feel like you're gonna be making progress towards making better money moves and just doing moves to where money can start flowing in more frequently for you. But I think you are going to be more cautious of how you do things, basically not being too lackadaisical with your money, especially when it's money that kind of has to do with something about your record with how you keep up with things Because with this ace of wands, I think you do want to take movements towards something but you also know that you have to make newer moves to get newer things and leave other things in the past. don't be so careless about things because you might have just felt comfortable with knowing how you were with your money or just comfortable in the fact that you don't feel like you would ever have to deal with issues of like, maybe that specific party or entity that you did have to deal with. But I think moving forward, you all are just gonna be cautious, not scared, but very much more alert and aware of what you’re doing and looking at your money. I do see like some of y'all may be starting some type of business. So I would definitely say look more into that because money could be flowing in from that quickly as long as you're consistent because with the five of wands, it doesn't have to mean conflict, but it could just mean putting up a fight and putting in the efforts to maintain something because I also feel like the five of wands is about putting your guard down, standing on business. I do feel like you could just be at conflict with yourself as far as making sure that you're on things instead of being so comfortable, relaxed and lackadaisical with people and with past decisions regarding your finances. I see around like spring time or summer your money's definitely gonna be coming in quickly or you're gonna be seeing the growth and the progress of whatever you decide to do financially, especially if some of you are starting a new business specifically. What I'm also hearing is be patient with yourself and don’t feel like you’re in a rush. When you slow down and think things through, that's when you get the best out of everything. don't be so impulsive about everything. things will come as they need to. You just have to trust in the divine, trust in the universe , trust in God, or whoever you believe in. I think you all would be straight wish your money just don't be lackadaisical, be on things and don't let people walk all over you either. heavy on if you need to put up a fight with certain things, do that, because I'm also hearing, maybe even Bill collectors and stuff for like a tenant, something like that, if you know that you're only supposed to pay a certain amount, don't let people try to cheat you out and make you pay more just because you have it, it doesn't mean that you have to spend it. If you're smart enough, if you're really business savvy, you can do a lot of negotiating is what I'm hearing as well. You don't always have to jump for the first option. Just sit and negotiate. I'm also hearing if any of you all with a business, when you come to contracts concerning legal documents and agreements, start reviewing those instead of just being like, I accept or I agree, because you might look over something that you could possibly negotiate to go into your favor, in the future.

Sending your energies back with love and light 💌 .

Pile 3

Okay Pile 3, I see that you all have taken a major loss financially. Maybe a few of you have lost your jobs which could have caused you all to start dipping into your savings. This has caused some of you to be constantly digging a deeper hole. For others you all are just not where you want to be financially. Some of your moods could have been affected because you all feel a little broke right now. Since you all lost so much money it’s a feeling of being uncomfortable that you all are facing, that feeling of instability. However, some of you do like to gamble, especially if you place bets on sports often. I’m hearing more so over the holiday time. This is a habit that needs to stop if you want to grow financially.

Moving forward I do see you all being able to make a major comeback with the King of Wands and King of Cups. You all will be making wiser decisions when it comes to your finances, I think you all have had a lot of time to reflect on your actions and the consequences so it serves as motivation to make better decisions in the future. Some of you had to go through this major loss in order to change your habits since you were so used to having luck whenever you did indulge in things like gambling. Now for those of you who have lost your jobs or didn’t get the position that you wanted, I do see with this Magician here that you all can make ends meet for the time being. I also see that you all will be making big business moves in the future. There are bigger and better opportunities for you.

Once you all get emotionally in tuned with yourselves and stop making irrational decisions with your money things will begin to look better. You all will be moving very carefully and calculated with your finances, where you put your money towards and more particular about who you do business with. Stop doing business with friends, it’s not in your favor if you haven’t fully grasped that idea yet. Some of you have a lot of skills. I’m picking up more of a masculine energy from this collective. Some of you all can still be women though it doesn’t matter.

You all could probably have a skill set that you all either neglected or just haven't put as much effort into, but if you all use your skills, you can literally get right back on track. I'm not going to say it's going to be easy, but if you put the work in, you’ll get there, you all will definitely be having a lot coming in because with the magician you manifest things, a magician is a jack of all traits. you can have multiple side hustles, everything but, you need to stop having multiple people in your business and start having multiple businesses is what I'm hearing. multiple skills, multiple businesses, multiple streams of income, so stop being so dependent on one thing or outsiders, literally. When you start being a bit more independent with your approach to money, things will start looking better for you. Some of you could work with your hands a lot whether that be at a warehouse or just manual labor in general like construction work. If not that I see that some of you could be nail techs, do hair, lashes, makeup, bake, cook, or even being a masseuse. Some of you are definitely entrepreneurs. Honing in on these skills that you have can help you recover from this financial loss that you have faced.

Sending your energies back with love and light 💌 .

Pile 4

Okay Pile 4, So some of you all may have been caught up with bills and managing your money however you all did get it together! The crown may tilt, but it never falls. With the Six of Swords and Two of Pentacles reversed you all were juggling a lot of responsibilities. You did get on your zoom and now you’re establishing how to handle your different financial obligations. I do see some new opportunities coming in for you like a raise or bonus at work, some networking opportunities etc. Just be careful for whenever you do receive this new opportunity, do not get tempted to irrationally spend money just because you got it. It’s always better to save for a rainy day.

Sending your energies back with love and light 💌 .

[bluebirdinhissky]

A best friend’s duty is to make sure there’s something you can eat.

Hyunjin x reader.

Bird notes: This was inspired by Seollal celebrations, though it’s a bit before that. Reminder that Y/N is not korean and is also older than Hyunjin. Thanks for reading!.

[Masterlist]

Hyunjin sat on the couch, phone in hand, staring at his mom’s contact name on the screen. He had been meaning to call her for the past hour, but every time he hovered his thumb over the dial button, he hesitated.

It wasn’t like he was doing anything wrong. He was just inviting his best friend to spend Seollal with them. He had already told his parents about her before, just little things in passing. How she was Hannah’s best friend, how she lived with them, how she painted with him sometimes and played video games with Felix and Seungmin. His mom knew her name, had asked about her a few times, had even teased him when he spoke about her too much, but there was one thing he hadn’t told them: the age gap.

Fourteen years wasn’t nothing.

And even though he genuinely didn’t care, even though it didn’t make a difference to him, he had no idea how his parents would react. Would they think it was weird?, would they assume there was something between them?. He hadn’t even confessed his feelings to her yet, but what if his mom noticed their playful flirting and started getting ideas and made things awkward?. Hyunjin let out a slow breath, ruffling a hand through his hair. He was overthinking. He just had to get it over with. With a final, deep inhale, he pressed call and held the phone to his ear. It rang twice before his mom’s voice answered.

“Hyunjinnie!”

“Hey, Mom.” He smiled despite his nerves.

“You’re calling earlier than usual! Are you on a break?”

“Yeah, just at home,” he said, shifting to stretch his legs across the couch. “How are you and dad?”

“We’re good! Your dad’s outside playing with Kkami”

“Yeah, that sounds like him.” Hyunjin chuckled.

“So, what’s up? You don’t usually call in the middle of the day.”

Hyunjin bit his lip. Here we go.

“Actually, I wanted to ask you something,” he started carefully. “About Seollal.”

“Oh?” His mom sounded intrigued. “You’re still coming home, right?”

“Yeah, of course. I just… I was wondering if I could bring someone with me.”

A beat of silence.

“Someone?”

Hyunjin closed his eyes. He could already hear the teasing smile in her voice.

“Not like that, Mom.” He sighed.

“Mmm,” she hummed knowingly. “So who is it, then?”

“It’s Y/N.”

“Ohh,” his mom said, clearly recognizing the name. “Your best friend?”

“Yeah.”

“Why?”

“What do you mean, ‘why’?” Hyunjin frowned.

“I mean, why is she spending Seollal with us? Isn’t she going to her family?”

He hesitated for a second before answering, “No, mom. Remember she’s not Korean and her family isn’t here. And Hannah is spending it with Changbin’s family.”

His mom was quiet for a moment. “So she was just going to be alone?”

“Yeah,” Hyunjin said softly. “And I didn’t think that was okay. Seollal is a family holiday, but she doesn’t have anyone here. I just thought… if it’s okay with you and dad, maybe she could come with me?”

His mom exhaled. “Of course it’s okay.”

Relief flooded through him. “Really?”

“Of course,” she repeated, her voice warm. “That’s very sweet of you, Hyunjin. I wouldn’t want her to be alone either. You know you didn’t even have to ask, right?”

He smiled. “Thanks, mom.”

“She must be special if you’re inviting her home,” his mom mused. “I’ve been waiting to meet her ever since you mention her. A lot”

Hyunjin froze. Here we go.

“I do talk about her a lot, huh?” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

“Oh, you definitely do.” His mom laughed. “Are you sure she’s just a friend?”

“Mom.”

“What? I’m just asking!”

“Yes, we’re just friends,” he said firmly, though his heart felt a little heavy because he knew he wanted to be more than just “Best friends.”

His mom sighed dramatically. “Fine, fine. I won’t tease. But I am excited to meet her.”

Hyunjin swallowed, the weight of what he still had to say pressing down on him. He had to tell her now.

“Actually, there’s something else I should probably mention before you actually meet her,” he said carefully.

“Oh?” His mom hummed in curiosity.

He hesitated. “She’s… older than me.”

“That’s fine. A couple of years isn’t a big deal.” His mom didn’t sound the least bit surprised.

Hyunjin winced.

“…Mom, she’s fourteen years older.”

Silence.

Hyunjin held his breath, bracing himself.

“…Fourteen?” his mom finally repeated, her tone unreadable.

“Yeah.”

Another pause. “Huh.”

That was it. Just a little huh.

“…Is that a problem?” Hyunjin asked cautiously.

His mom exhaled. “No, I just… wasn’t expecting that.”

He let out the breath he had been holding. “So you’re okay with it?”

“Of course,” she said. “I don’t see why it would be an issue.”

His shoulders sagged in relief. “Thank you.”

His mom laughed lightly. “You sound nervous. Were you really that worried about what we’d think?”

“…A little.”

“Hyunjin,” she said, her voice softer now. “You know we trust you. If she’s your best friend, then we’ll welcome her just the same. Her age doesn’t change that.”

He smiled, warmth spreading in his chest. “You’re the best, mom.”

“I know,” she said playfully. “And tell Y/N not to be nervous when she meets us. We’re not scary.”

Hyunjin grinned. “I’ll let her know.”

“Good. Now go enjoy the rest of your day. And tell Y/N we’re looking forward to seeing her!”

“I will. Love you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.”

As he hung up, Hyunjin let out a long, deep breath. That had gone way better than he expected.

Now all that was left was to convince her that everything would be fine.

*Later that evening*

Hyunjin sat on the couch, scrolling mindlessly through his phone, his mind elsewhere.

She was in the kitchen, absentmindedly stirring a cup of coffee. She had been quieter than usual that night, though she still smiled at his jokes, still nudged his foot with hers under the table, still met his gaze in that way that made his chest tighten just a little too much for comfort. But there was something else, something lingering in the way she exhaled when she thought he wasn’t looking, in the way she stared out the window as if lost in thought.

Hyunjin didn’t like it. It reminded him of the first couple of weeks after she arrived to Seoul, when she was just “Hannah’s friend”, when she arrived there with a broken heart, her eyes sad and filled with feeling of being alone and unworthy or unwanted. He suspected though, that this look was because she was going to “inevitably” spend holidays alone.

He set his phone aside and leaned back against the couch, watching as she walked toward him with her mug in hand. She curled up on the other end of the couch, tucking her feet beneath her, fingers wrapped around the warmth of her cup.

“Are you really spending the holiday alone?” he asked, breaking the silence.

She blinked, looked startled for a second, then gave a small, almost sheepish nod. “Yeah. It’s a family thing, isn’t it?, Hannah is the closest thing to a family but she’s not going to be here, so…” She trailed off with a small shrug, lifting the mug to her lips.

“You don’t have to be alone.” Hyunjin frowned. The thought of her being alone while everyone else celebrated didn’t sit right with him.

“What, should I crash someone’s family gathering?” She let out a quiet chuckle, setting her mug down on the coffee table.

“Yes. Mine.”

The words left his mouth before he could fully think them through, he had planned to be more subtle about the invitation.

“Hyunjin…” Her eyes widened slightly.

“I already told them,” he cut in, sensing her hesitation. He shifted, turning to face her more fully. “My parents. I told them I wanted to bring you.”

She stared at him, processing, her fingers tightening slightly around her mug. “You… what?”

“I told them about you. That we’re best friends, and that I didn’t want you to be alone during Seollal. They said they’d love to have you over.” He studied her face carefully, noting the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “So come with me.”

“Hyunjin, I…” She hesitated, biting her lower lip, and he recognized that look instantly: nervousness.

“What’s stopping you?” he asked, softer this time.

She exhaled, shifting under his gaze. “It’s just… I don’t know. I mean, I’m not korean, and I’m older than you, and I don’t want them to think it’s weird that we’re best friends. What if they…”

“They don’t care,” he interrupted, voice firm. “Trust me. They already like you, and they haven’t even met you yet.”

“How can they like me already?” She blinked again, surprised.

“Because I talk about you all the time.” Hyunjin shrugged, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

“You do not.” Her cheeks flushed, and she rolled her eyes, but he caught the way she tried to hide her smile.

“I do,” he countered.

“Really?” She looked at him like she wasn’t sure whether to believe him or not.

“Really,” he confirmed.

She fell silent, biting the inside of her cheek as she considered it. Hyunjin knew her well enough to see the conflict in her mind, the part of her that wanted to accept, and the part of her that was overthinking every possible reason why she shouldn’t.

“Come on. Do you really want to stay here all by yourself while everyone else is celebrating?” He nudged her knee lightly with his.

“No…” She sighed, running a hand through her hair.

“Then it’s decided,” he said, grinning. “We’ll leave early in the morning the day before Seollal. My mom already said she’d prepare extra food since I told her you don’t like certain dishes.”

“You told her what I don’t like to eat?” Her brows shot up.

“Of course,” he said matter-of-factly. “What kind of best friend would I be if I didn’t tell my mom you’re pickier than me when it comes to food?”

“Hyunjin…” She narrowed her eyes, clearly trying to suppress a smile.

“What?” He feigned innocence, leaning in slightly. “Admit it. You’d eat something you don’t like only to be polite”

“I would not.” She scoffed, but her blush deepened, betraying her.

“You so would,” he teased. “You’d sit there pretending to enjoy it while just swallowing things without even chewing. I’m not going to risk you choking, again”

“I hate you.” She shook her head, laughing.

“You don’t. And you’re coming with me to eat delicious dishes,” he pointed out, tilting his head. “Right?”

“…Right.” She exhaled slowly, but this time, there was no more hesitation.

Hyunjin grinned in triumph, feeling warmth spread through his chest at her answer. “Good. Because I wasn’t gonna take no for an answer anyway.”

She rolled her eyes again, but this time, when she looked at him, there was something softer in her gaze, something that made his heartbeat stutter for just a second. Hyunjin looked away first, clearing his throat. “Anyway. My mom’s gonna love you. Probably more than she loves me.”

“I doubt that.” She laughed, shaking her head.

“You’ll see.” He smirked. “By the time we leave, she might ask you to be her daughter.”

“I don’t think I’m young enough to be her daughter .” She smiled, taking another sip of her coffee.

Hyunjin groaned and laughed as he watched her, something in his chest tightened again, an unspoken feeling lingering in the space between them.

Yeah, his heart was getting impatient and for a moment he feared he might kiss her. Soon, he thought. Soon enough.

[db0xtae]

Winning the Breakup | Chapter 14

- Minho (Xo Minho) X Kitty

;༊ Summary : Y/N, a talented and athletic after an intense breakup, Y/N reluctantly agrees to fake date Minho, to make their exes jealous. What begins as a mutual arrangement soon turns complicated when their fake relationship starts to feel all too real. With humor, bickering, and tender moments, Minho and Y/N's journey proves that sometimes the best way to heal from heartbreak is to allow yourself to fall in love.

;༊ Warnings : None

;༊ WC : 1,253

;༊ Previous Chapters : 12 & 13

;༊ A/N : Chapter 14 is the last chapter but, I’m thinking of writing three extra cute chapters. What do you guys think? Hope you guys enjoy!!

꒰ᐢ. ̫ .ᐢ꒱

Chapter 14: The End of the Beginning

The sun was setting over KISS as the final bell of the semester rang, signaling the start of winter break. Students poured out of their classrooms, ready to head home or off to their various holiday plans. The campus was alive with chatter and excitement, but amidst the chaos, Minho and Y/N found themselves in a little corner of the school grounds—just the two of them, away from the noise. It felt like the perfect ending to a chapter in their lives. A chapter that had been filled with moments of uncertainty, laughter, and most importantly, a whole lot of growth.

“Are you sure you’re ready for the holidays?” Minho asked, a playful smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he leaned against a tree, watching Y/N who was furiously scribbling something in her notebook. She looked up at him, her expression half-exasperated, half-amused.

“Yeah,” Y/N replied, rolling her eyes but her smile giving her away. “I’m ready to eat my weight in food, sleep for at least twelve hours a day, and watch way too many K-dramas.”

Minho chuckled, taking a step closer. “Sounds like a perfect break. No exams or last-minute assignments?”

“Don’t jinx it,” Y/N said, narrowing her eyes at him but smiling all the same. “I swear, if I get one more surprise assignment after all this… I’m going to lose it.”

“Well, just know I’m here to keep you company when you inevitably procrastinate,” Minho teased, his voice dripping with affection. He reached over to gently tug at her hair, a playful glint in his eyes.

Y/N rolled her eyes dramatically, but there was a warmth in her chest that she couldn’t deny. It had been a whirlwind since they’d admitted they were no longer just playing the “fake dating” game. Things had shifted so much between them, and now, a few weeks into their real relationship, it felt like they were in a place where everything was falling into place. They had figured out how to balance school, their social lives, and, well, them.

“Speaking of which,” Minho continued, “I know you’re excited for the holidays, but… I was thinking… Do you want to spend New Year’s Eve with me?”

Y/N blinked, startled by the question. “New Year’s Eve? With you? What do you have in mind?”

Minho’s eyes twinkled with a mischievous glint. “Well, I was thinking of a quiet night—just the two of us, maybe a movie marathon, junk food, and, of course, midnight snacks. You in?”

Y/N couldn’t suppress the small laugh that bubbled up from her chest. “You’re asking me to spend New Year’s Eve with you alone? No grand parties or fireworks?”

“Not unless you want to make it more complicated,” Minho said with a grin. “But, honestly, I think it’s time we had some quiet time together. Just us.”

Y/N’s heart fluttered. She loved how considerate he was, how he had always been thoughtful about what she wanted, even when it came to small things like this. “That sounds perfect,” she said softly. “I’ll even let you pick the movies, but don’t make it all action films.”

Minho raised an eyebrow in mock offense. “What’s wrong with action movies? I’m trying to teach you about real cinema.”

“Real cinema?” Y/N said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Please, I’ll teach you about the wonders of rom-coms and tear-jerkers, and we can have a whole marathon of those.”

“Deal,” Minho said with a nod, before leaning in closer to her. “But only if you let me buy the snacks. I promise I won’t get anything too weird.”

Y/N laughed, shaking her head. “You’re on,” she said, pulling him into a playful hug. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Minho’s arms wrapped around her, holding her gently but with a possessive kind of care that made her heart skip. “Can’t wait,” he murmured against her hair. “It’s going to be nice. Just you, me, and a mountain of snacks.”

Y/N grinned, pulling back slightly to look up at him. “Sounds like the best way to spend the night. No drama, no fake dating—just us.”

Minho’s smile softened. “Exactly. We’ve been through so much in such a short time. And you know, I’ve realized that I’m really glad it was with you.”

The tenderness in his voice made Y/N’s stomach flutter, and she leaned up to kiss him lightly on the lips. When they pulled apart, she looked at him with a sparkle in her eyes. “Same here, Minho. Same here.”

Just as they were about to start walking back to the main campus, they heard footsteps behind them. Turning around, they saw the familiar faces of their friends approaching, their expressions curious.

“Hey!” Dae called out, a playful grin on his face. “Are you two lovebirds finally done with your secret rendezvous?”

“Secret rendezvous?” Y/N teased, raising an eyebrow. “Is that what you think this is?”

Q snickered, nudging Dae. “It’s only a secret if we pretend it is.”

Yuri rolled her eyes, but there was a softness to her gaze as she looked at Minho and Y/N. “So, what’s going on? We’ve heard all about your fake relationship, but now that it’s real, are we supposed to throw you guys a party or something?”

Y/N laughed, feeling her heart swell with affection for her friends. “Not a party,” she said, turning to Minho, who was still grinning at her. “But we’ve got New Year’s Eve plans.”

“Let me guess,” Q said, raising an eyebrow. “A rom-com marathon with pizza?”

Y/N smirked. “How did you know?”

“Because that’s exactly what I would do,” Q said with a wink. “Don’t worry, we won’t crash it—unless you want us to.”

Yuri giggled at that, nudging Q playfully. “I think they deserve their quiet time. They’ve earned it.”

“Exactly,” Minho agreed, putting his arm around Y/N’s shoulders. “We’ll have a proper date night. No interruptions.”

Their friends laughed, exchanging knowing glances but respecting their privacy. There was a shared understanding between them that, even though their relationship had started as a game, it had turned into something deeper. Y/N had never imagined she’d end up here, with Minho, her feelings no longer a tangled mess of confusion but rather a clear and comforting certainty. She was exactly where she needed to be.

“So, are we still doing the whole ‘New Year’s Eve together’ thing, or are you guys ditching us for your cozy little movie marathon?” Dae asked, a teasing grin on his face.

Y/N shook her head, a mischievous glint in her eye. “No way. You’re all invited to join, but only if you promise to let me control the remote.”

The group laughed again, with Q shaking his head dramatically. “We’ll let you have your moment, Y/N. Just don’t forget us when you become all romantic.”

As they all walked back to the campus, Minho’s hand remained firmly in Y/N’s. He squeezed it gently, and she returned the gesture, her heart warm with happiness.

This was the end of their beginning, the chapter of confusion and miscommunication, but it was just the start of something much bigger. Something real. And with the promise of new adventures and quiet nights ahead, Y/N knew that whatever the future held, she and Minho would face it together.

The stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky as they made their way back, and Y/N couldn’t help but smile as she realized that the best was yet to come.

The End.

[hannibalsjuicyass]

Ok I’m actually gonna make my own post about this. As someone with a passion for animal behavior and training, here are some quick tips that will change your interactions with your pets for the better, and require very little effort:

1. Keep a small container of treats in every room that you spend a lot of time in, preferably within arms reach of whichever seat you occupy most. Regularly reward your pet for desirable behavior. Remember that training isn’t a one and done thing. Animals can revert to old habits if they don’t feel like they have a strong reason to keep doing what you want them to do. Be patient and create positive associations with desirable behavior

2. Don’t yell or raise your voice at an animal unless it’s an emergency! If you yell at them frequently it just becomes background noise and will lose all effectiveness when it matters most (like in a dog fight).

3. Avoid scolding as much as possible (this one is hard to unlearn but it’s so so important). If your dog is chewing on something they shouldn’t, skip the scolding and redirect them to a toy instead. Same with cats. Scolding just tends to make animals want to get away with as much as they can before they get dragged away from whatever it is they want, so if the thing that they want is harmful for them, scolding can actually make the situation more dangerous.

4. Try to stay calm even if you don’t feel it. Animals pick up on our emotions, even those we’re not fully aware of. If your pet is acting up, try to de-escalate the situation. Things like yelling, chiding, or raising your voice are more likely to add unnecessary stress to an already stressful situation. Stay calm and stay confident. (Think about it like this: if you’re stressed or angry, are those feeling going to be amplified or softened when someone starts yelling at you for exhibiting stressful behavior?)

Obviously these are just some cursory thoughts, and I could add a lot more, but I think these are the most important things to practice when you’re dealing with problematic behavior (fun fact: most of these methods work on people too).

TL;DR when you’re dealing with animals that like to misbehave, the best things you can do to help are to stay calm, stay confident, and stay positive.

[coyotesinew]

Some recent thoughts about nonhumanity and my relationship to the community + my personal relationship with it that I cleaned up, my writing style is a bit disjointed, I would like to share more of my writing, if anyone would be interested in seeing that :)

[ahalliance]

rotating the UHCs + serveur du lundi qetoiles precanon potentiality in my mind

[pilonciillo]

lol didn’t think someone giving money would give me anxiety