#and do a silly dance every time she uploads

[soldierkitten]

did you guys know im a pearlescentmoon fan

[wordsbyrian]

Would you pls do a Mary earps imagine with them filming TikTok’s together and being otp x

A/n: Not exactly what you asked for but close enough i think.

TikTok is the bane of your very existence.

It’s the bane of your professional life as a chef because everytime you turn around one of your crew is using prep time to make a concoction and upload it to that godforsaken app.

And in your personal life?

Well, in your personal life, it feels like every time you blink you're being sucked into filming one of those stupid videos with your girlfriend.

The first time it happened, you were barely even sure what was going on.

The two of you had been getting ready to go on a date to a relatively nice restaurant, when she pulled up in front of her phone’s camera so she could show off what you were wearing.

That had been the beginning of the madness (as well as a very hard launch of your relationship to the public).

It didn’t really matter what you were doing, if Mary had decided that a video needed to be filmed, it’d be filmed.

A literal walk in the park. TikTok.

You driving. TikTok.

You tearing a member of the kitchen staff a new one. TikTok. (Although she’d been asked not so politely by the head chef to never do that again).

You cooking in your shared flat. TikTok.

Hell, she even made a TikTok of you sharpening your knives, a task you find completely mind numbing.

And if having your every move recorded wasn’t bad enough, she also had you joining her in filming one of the more popular trends. You mouthing along to the silly sounds that are currently popular on the app. Or worse, dancing, you hate the dancing.

Asking how often you think about the Roman Empire (only as often as you need to).

Throwing herself fully clothed into the shower  and singing Taylor Swift while you were trying to brush your teeth.

Making you record a two second clip of everytime you changed clothes while on vacation.

The list is neverending.

Which is why you should be more alarmed when you see her walking into the kitchen  with her phone out but you’re too focused on chopping the vegetables you’ll be using in your meal prep.

 “Baby,” she says.

“Hmm?”

“Can we record a TikTok?”

“Can I keep doing what I’m doing,” you ask in return, still not looking up from the cutting board.

“You don’t need to do anything but stand there and look pretty,” Mary says as she sets her phone up next to you. “And answer questions,” she adds as an afterthought.

You roll your eyes but don’t make any additional comments as you see her hit record.

“So a ton of you have been asking in the comments how my wife manages to be a professional chef when she has so many food allergies,” Mary says, looking directly at the camera. “And I figured it was better if I just let her explain it. Babe?”

Admittedly, you hadn’t really been listening to every word that she had been saying, only really listening to every word that she had been saying, only really catching the words ‘allergies’ and ‘professional chef’, which is a topic you get asked about a lot. So you just answer without really thinking.

“My main allergies are seafood, peanuts and treenuts. And since I’m one of 2 or 3 sous on any given night, I just,” you pause, “wait, what did you just call me?”

You can feel cheeks heating up as your brain finally processes what just happened.

“What? Babe?”

Mary’s playing dumb on purpose. She knows it. You know it. And you both know that the other one knows.

“Not that, the other thing.”

“What my wife,” she asks.

A cheeky grin breaks out on Mary’s face as she watches even more color rush to your face.

For you, when she repeats it, you suddenly feel like you can barely breathe and you know that your next words come out a little choked (much to Mary’s amusement.)

“Yup, that.”

As calmly as you can manage, you put your knife down and take off your apron before walking out of the kitchen.

“Wait, where are you going?”

“I have to find my wallet and keys,” you shoot back.

“Why?”

“I gotta go buy a ring before you change your mind!”

The sound of her laughter is the only thing you hear as you close the door behind you.

The video is up on that cursed app by the end of the week.

A photo of the ring on Mary’s finger goes up just a few hours before.

[sol-consort]

Can you imagine tho the aliens reactions when humans all start collectively singing the same song. Like it’s busy in the bar or something, everyone’s doing their own thing, and suddenly Bohemian Rhapsody comes on and every single human in the bar stops what they’re doing to sing along like we’re compelled by some unseen force to do it, maybe some try to pull in their non human friends and get them to join in

You know for a fact Joker and Shepard definitely sang to some stupid y2k songs while sitting on the helm together and roped EDI into joining them.

Especially the meme songs, what's better than a whole ship captain and their pilot singing along to "I LOVE IT!" By Icona pop and Joker really bringing out the vocal cords in the "I CRASHED MY CAR INTO THE BRIDGE. I WATCHED AND LET IT BURN" while in the lower engineering decks, they're not sure why Liara keeps pinging them all panicking and saying "check on joker pls" and "is element zero inflammable?" and "coordinates for the nearest bridge?"

Humans L O V E joint community behaviour. We would do so many things for the bit, walk slower if we hear a song we like in a nearby shop, sing along if it's in a bar or a concert, drum our fingers to the beat if we're in a car with a strangers, have a rhythm to our footsteps when listening to music through headphones.

There are so many different songs, so many different instruments! A vast ocean of potential with more than a 100k songs being uploaded per day based on Spotify.

Hell have you seen these videos of military marches where the soldiers have to sing along to something like "I'm a barbie girl" or "call me maybe" and not laugh as a way to build discipline?

I bet you alliance marines still use the same technique with humans, so all the alliance ships and personals have so many songs memorised back from their training days.

Captian Anderson taking the crew to after a successful mission to unwind and the bar just happened to play a tone familiar to the human ear? Of course the literal whole drunk crew of the Normandy will sing like their it's their last day alive. Some yelling, some quietly, some so offbeat but confident and others nailing the beat perfectly but don't wanna look like show offs.

Humans are so adorable omfg, they love doing things in groups and they'd join stranger humans in singing along to a song they like. Humans love playing even as adults and singing is just a form of play. So is poker, billiard and so many things.

Garrus would definitely be roped into it, give him a hard hitting song about being a winner and he's so on board with the rowdy humans tugging him along to join and commenting on how they've never heard a turian sing before.

Tali would be so shy about it but maybe if it's a nerdy song about something she loves? Some human must have wanted to fuck spaceships and wrote something about it.

Oh and parades and ceremonies too! World cup opening and closing songs! The fan cheers in matches and concerts! Humans invented being cheerleaders and each human has one inside them ready to come out the second their alien friend is hesitant about something and needs a bit of enabling from good old chaotic humans.

Dude, just imagine karaoke night with all human songs. In ME1 boring rover planet exploration, Shepard and Ashley definitely sing along to a playlist they had Kaidan install into the car and he snuck some of his favourite songs in their to join them with.

With time and cycling team members, at first, the aliens are weirded out, wtf is this some kind of cult.

But then they're like.

And it just becomes a tradition to sing along while on long car rides on planets. Sometimes, you catch Wrex humming the lyrics while on long elevator rides. Other times, Liara will have the song playing in the background while she works.

It's just so fun to introduce the aliens to how colorful life can be when you sing along, dance without knowing all the steps and being a silly little race.

On a less pop and enthusiast drunks note.

There are also the emotional songs, ones from sad movies or plays. The known songs people play in wedding slow dances or after a break up. A bunch of humans would sing it slowly, lovingly, emotions showing through the sheer importance this song ment for them.

[baziutawrites]

Tantalizing

Xavier Thorpe x Female OC

Beginnings part 2

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4] [Part 5] [Part 6] [Part 7] [Part 8]

Other smut fics through my Masterlist.

WARNING! There are smutty parts throughout this piece. Proceed with caution if you are under 18 yrs old.

Was she the one that he dreamt about?

If someone said he was making a fool of himself, they would be completely right.

But now Xavier had a bit more pressing matters at hand, than to worry about not looking like an idiot. Like a growing hard-on that would be very hard to conceal while wearing a pair of swimming trunks. Another one was Val and her hands still against his chest, the touch almost burning his skin. But he kept his arm around her, unable to let go as he stared into her face, completely lost for words.

How could it be? Was it truly her? Why?

She wasn't the only one with grey eyes and those glints of green dancing around her hair. Surely there was an explanation for that. Like, a magnetic field? Or chemical imbalance in the air? Or—

"Like what you see?" She wiggled her eyebrows at him, her own face feeling a little warm from the intensity of his stare. 

"Yes." He blurted out, eyes now darting away from her as his blurry vision from before started invading his mind. "Wait, no! No, I mean, yes. I—"

He let go of her suddenly, as if she burned him, almost making her topple backwards.

"Last one in water is a loser!" Ajax came to his rescue, noticing his best friend's distress. 

Xavier bolted towards the lake, praying she didn't notice his raging boner he now sported. Ajax splashed in right behind him and Xavier could swear he felt the judgement of his friend's stare through his skin.

"What was that?" Gorgon murmured, his dark eyes searching his friend's face with a knowing grin.

"I am stupid." Xavier groaned, dunking his head underwater.

***

Somehow he ended up with Divina's camera in his hands and an idea came to his drunken mind.

"Hey, we should document the meetings. Have a chronicle, snap some pictures. What d'yall think?"

That's how he got tasked with being the cameraman for the night, clicking away, catching some silly moments. But he also did some portraits - the idea pitched to him by Ajax and he gladly followed with it. He did everything in his power not to spend too much time taking pictures of Val separately, so he resorted to having her in the frame almost every time he took a group one. He promised to upload them from his own laptop later on if Divina agreed to lend him the camera for longer.

***

When he got back to the dorm with Rowan, he immediately went to the laptop. Thankfully his roommate went straight to his bathroom, so he could flip through the pictures, stopping at the ones with Val without raising suspicion. He felt the heat spreading through his body again and he had to stop himself from palming his dick through his sweatpants. He felt like a pervert, but couldn't take his eyes off of one particular picture of her that made his dick get harder and harder, his still tipsy mind swimming.

His phone dinged and he saw he'd been added to a group chat.

.

Divvy

Yooo

.

BB

Heeey 🥰

.

Jaxxo 

I'm soo drunk

But the pics @Xav

.

Tana

Where the pics!

Just the good ones tho

.

V

Give us the pics pretty boy!

Xavier gaped at the last message. The heat pooled in his core and he felt his body tingling with excitement. Pretty boy. His hand cupped his erection at once but before he could relieve the tension, the door of Rowan's bathroom clicked and he almost jumped out of his chair at the sound. He quickly clicked away to send the entire folder from the night and locked himself in his own bathroom before Rowan could see him in this state.

His phone trembled in his hand as he fought with himself. This would be wrong, so, so wrong to do.

But maybe… just this one time. Just once. Wouldn't hurt, right?

He stepped into his shower, his hard on heavy in between his legs, feeling ashamed of what he was about to do. But when he sat down on the cold floor, warm water spraying his side and he opened that one particular picture of Val - of his friend - he could not help himself anymore. His eyes roamed over the half naked form of her, as she was just out of the lake in the middle of drying her hair with a towel, making a face at the camera. His palm traveled down his stomach to grip his shaft and he let out a small gasp, his eyes never leaving the picture. It felt so wrong, yet so right. He started to work his fist over his cock and as the jolts of pleasure washed through him, every last piece of self control flew out of the window. 

Just this once. Just once. He would not speak about this to anyone, he would never open this picture again, he told himself as he jerked himself off, imagining his friend to be the one that worked her hands over his dick. This would not become a regular thing, surely not.

***

He lied to himself.

The weeks leading up to the Poe Cup were turning more and more unbearable for him. Not only his dreams seemed to overcompensate with the frequency for the brief time he didn't have them, but just her mere presence started to make him hot and bothered. He started imagining his dream encounters in real time, oftentimes having to excuse himself mid conversation, or even worse, during the Foreign Beings and Legends class they were paired together at. He felt ashamed, while he then fisted his cock in the bathroom stall, the picture of Val he promised himself not to look at again, displayed on his screen, among many other pics he took during the meetings. His eyes fixated on her face as he came over his hands, biting his lips not to let out any sound. And then he had to come back and watch her, pretending he didn't do this filthy things mere minutes before, as his imagination ran wild again when she smiled at him.

It only made it worse, being combined with the conflicting, constant need to be around her. He was desperate to hear her voice, listen to what she had to say, to be the one she talked to, that made his chest warm. Without it, he felt this weird tension in it, almost as if his heart wanted to rip its way out of there.

Yet she still confused him. On one hand, she gave him all those signals - every time she touched his hand it made him feel sparks between them, he noticed how her breath seemed to quicken a little, or how she stood a bit closer than she needed to whenever they spoke, the way she looked at him over her shoulder when they parted their ways with a smile that made the butterflies in his stomach go crazy, he was almost sure she liked him a bit more than a friend. The same way he seemed to like her.

But then she did those little gestures with Kent too. She looked from under her eyelashes at Rowan whenever he talked to her about his Botany homework - a subject she seemed to be very good at although she chose not to show off during classes like Bianca. 

Her confidence intimidated him as much as it seemed to draw more people to her the more she socialized. And she didn't even have any social media presence.

Maybe this meant nothing at all? Maybe she just was this friendly with everyone? But this thought did not help him as his eyes actively sought her out in the corridors.

***

Yoko introduced Val to Enid a few days before the Poe Cup. They needed a fourth person onto their Black Cats' team and Val was their first pick. She was a great swimmer, as the word from her practice spread on. Val agreed - the competition was supposed to be very dangerous and she longed for something exciting, different than the schoolwork. There were supposed to be no rules. However, this also seemed to apply to her new friend. She didn't expect Enid to know almost everything about everyone at Nevermore, despite not knowing everyone in person.

"So, what's with you and Xavier? Cuz I've seen the looks he has been giving you and ohmygod that's sooo exciting like, the way he always stands in a way that he could see you, and he looks, like literally, he like stares so much, like this must mean something, right? I mean…"

It went on for hours while they prepared the boat for the competition near the shore. And it made Val feel a bit fuzzy. Could Xavier really like her this much?

"I feel like he isn't really that interested if at all, Enid." Val mused, trying to tone the girl down a notch. "He has been kinda avoiding me lately. Like, he walks away in the middle of us talking quite often. Doesn't really scream 'interested' to me to be honest."

There was a brief pause in which Enid shook her head and giggled.

"Xavier’s the captain of one of the other teams. You could try flirting with him to see if he 'isn't really that interested', you know? Oh, he's also on the team with Ajax, ohmygod, did I tell you about Ajax? He is so cute!"

Val and Yoko shared a look and smiled at each other, as the other girl blabbered away about her obvious crush. At least it saved them from further interrogation.

Val liked Xavier, that was for sure. But she didn't think of him as a person to be interested in her in any other way than just a friend. He seemed really stiff at times, distant and even avoided her recently. However, Enid was supposed to be the observant one, so testing the theory out wouldn't hurt. It might even be fun.

***

The day of the race came fast and Val couldn't help but feel excited about the oncoming challenge. Underneath the shivers however was a weird, a bit heavy weight in her stomach. What if she makes a fool out of herself? She fixed the leather-like material of her catsuit, checking if everything was tied as it should be, feeling the ears flopping annoyingly in the wind. Enid really had a field day with those costumes.

She saw Xavier's team exit their tents and she snorted at the utmost ridiculous sight that greeted her eyes. The jester costumes were something else.

This caused his eyes to meet hers and she gave him a big smile with a wink, that he reciprocated, although his eyes went down, sheepishly and she could see his neck reddened a little. Okay, this could still mean nothing. She needed more solid evidence. Enid giddily nudged her shoulder and gave her thumbs up before they settled into their boats.

The idea of Xavier slowly grew on her and she had to admit, she couldn't help but admire his hands whenever he showed off his abilities to make his art move or how she tried not to stare at his jawline, whenever he had his hair pulled back into a bun. He certainly was handsome.

She looked to the side only to meet Xavier's eyes immediately and went for a bolder move - she blew him a kiss over her shoulder and to her pleasant surprise, heard the paddle clatter as he most certainly dropped it. This was curious.

She missed the knowing glances Enid and Ajax exchanged between themselves.

***

Xavier couldn't even focus on such a simple task as rowing and he cursed under his breath, as the Black Cats kept getting smaller and smaller ahead of them. The picture of Val's ass in that tight, pleather costume and the kiss she blew him were messing with his head and the competition didn't even start properly.

They were the last out of three boats left to arrive on the island. He and Ajax, being the best runners, set out sprinting into the woods. They had no idea where the flags could be, so they separated in order to cover as much ground as possible. 

And then he saw her in this god forsaken catsuit, holding his flag, hers nowhere to be seen, sporting a sneaky smirk on her face. Something wasn't quite right.

***

She smirked, as she watched Xavier stop dead in his tracks like a deer in the headlights. She straightened, planting her feet firmly on the stone she was standing on and hid the flag unsuccessfully behind her back. The top of it comically towered over her head but the gesture seemed to get the point across, as he slowly started towards her, his eyes narrowed.

"I don't think those are your colours." He pointed at the material flapping in the air over her head when he stopped in front of her. She raised her eyebrow at him, a challenge in her gaze, her eyes on the same level with his.

"Maybe, maybe not. But it's mine now. Finders keepers." 

She turned swiftly, her hand stretched out behind her back as Xavier snatched at her from the other side and she laughed at him huffing in fake annoyance, his full lips fighting a smile. They both knew he could easily overpower her if he wanted to but the fact he didn't made her feel tiny butterflies in her stomach. He was a competitive one and yet, he stood there, playing with her instead of trying to get to the boat in time.

"Nuh-uh." She wiggled her finger at him and he let out a chuckle. "You've gotta earn it."

"Earn it?"

"Yeah. Pay for it, in other words."

"Smartass." He mumbled with a smile and tried snatching at the flag from the other side and he lurched forward, bumping his cheek against her nose. "How do I pay for… for it."

He now seemed to notice the proximity of their faces, his breath fanning her cheek as he turned towards her, slowly.

"I'm sure you can figure it out." She breathed, his smell making her slightly dizzy and her half-lidded eyes darted towards his lips. They were adorned with red paint, plump and parted slightly and she swore they were getting closer. And she panicked.

She kinda got what she wanted. This was quite enough of a confirmation for now, she thought to herself as she felt her heart pounding in her throat. Her own lips contorted into a wide, although very nervous grin.

"Catch me if you can then, smartass."

And with that, she was gone, running deeper into the woods, waving his flag at him. After a few seconds she heard heavy footfalls following her and she laughed at the curses Xavier spewed with his every breath, although fighting the laughter himself. It wasn't long before she felt large palms around her middle and with a squeal, their bodies collided and toppled to the forest floor in a tangle of limbs. The flag flew out of Val's hand towards the shore as she wildly grabbed at the front of the jester costume, pulling Xavier underneath her and onto his back before he noticed what happened, his eyes focused on the flag.

Only when she straddled his hips he let out a gasp and his wide eyes flew back towards her face, gliding along her body. He writhed, trying with all his might to pull her off of him, praying she wouldn't notice the constant erection he had since when she got out of her tent in that fucking tight costume. But he failed, fighting his nervous laughter, trying to grab her hands away from him as her fingers dug into his sides, tickling him without mercy. He noticed her hair was now glittering with green, almost taunting him.

Then it all happened too fast for any of them to process what was going on.

Suddenly, his vision changed just as he felt Val's hips grinding down on his crotch after he bucked them a little too hard, trying to throw her off. And before he knew it, a moan tore from his throat, as he watched Val plung herself down on his cock, her pussy swallowing his length repeatedly for a few seconds before his vision turned back to normal.

Val watched, dumbstruck, as Xavier stiffened underneath her all of a sudden, moaned while looking at her with his brows furrowed, eyes wide and looking at her with such intensity she felt herself go red in the face. His fingers dug into her thighs so hard she wouldn't be surprised she would have bruises later that day. She then realized she was pressing against something hard and when she moved forward slightly, her hips rolling against it, she felt a hot jolt running through her spine when he stifled another moan. The shock and realization dawned on her. He was rock hard and she was shamelessly grinding on his dick just now.

Before she could say anything however, a twig snapped somewhere in front of them and she saw Ajax run out from behind a tree, their flag in hand, looking straight at them incredulously, as they were still sprawled on the ground in a very telling pose. She bolted upright, unable to look Xavier in the face and instantly sprinted back towards the boats, shame creeping up her cheeks.

"See ya, pretty loser boy!"

Ajax stood there, watching his best friend let out a long groan and fling his arms over his face, clearly beetroot red under all the white face paint. His bulge clear as day in his pants.

"Bro. I think we have some shit to talk about tonight."

[nereidprinc3ss]

hey cutie pie every time i read one of your works for the first time i wish i could bottle up the feeling i get and just show it to u so u can see just exactly how it looks and i’m telling u rn that if i could make it it would be pink and gold and full of sunbeams and glitter dancing in the light it’s that serious to me

just like heaven is so adorable i’ve said so many times it’s incredible how well you capture the characters even when it’s side characters that only show up for a few seconds in the fic like that is Them! will forever be in awe at how you do it u never cease to amaze me. love loved it as always again every time i see u upload i feel Crazy no high could ever touch this!!! smiling typing this rn as i think of them like spencer is so adorable and r is literally so real my personal favorite parts were the handler line cause it’s cute and silly and also kind of suggestive yummmm and the kiss on the cheek made me want to scream it was so so sweet and cute and perfect also the line about him being worried abt being the butt of the joke made me want to cry like i was so 🥹🥹🥹🥹 UGHH LIKE THATS MY 20/30/40 SOMETHING YEAR OLD BABY (depending on what season i’m feeling into LOLLLL) which omfg that reminds me i don’t think i said this in my dybmn7 review LOL maybe i did but at the end when he is just talking to her about lord byron and ada and she either thinks or says something abt liking to hear him just talk (?? i don’t remember the particulars) but that made me literally want to die like sorry not to be me but like i think his rambles are the cutest thing ever ever and so it made me want to melt that like she didn’t cut him off and just let him talk idk that is the cutest thing everrrrr. anyway back to the subject at hand sorry

i loved their banter and i think that the confession was seriously so good i loved the way it played out and him holding her hand all the way home SCREAMMM loves it they are so cute that was so cute i feel like dying. u are a star as always kissesss🧸

ugh my muse my beautiful wife of 50 years thank u for this I love u forever!!!!!!!

and also i loooove writing for the other team members like i don’t wanna kiss them as severely as i do spencer so i dont write for them outside of my spencer fics and when they appear i love it so much its so fun and i just adore writing them idk hehehe so thank u for appreciating their characterization as well i do my best🫡!!! im a public servant

[allaboutcinderella]

Did you know there was a Cinderella anime?

That’s right!

Known as:

- “The Adventures of Cinderella”

- “Cinderella Monogatari”

- “The Cinderella Anime Series”

Made in 1996, the series follows the tradition story of “Cinderella” with the main girl going on numerous adventures, gaining a deep friendship with the Prince and making lots of new friends (and a few enemies) along the way.

I watched this animated series a long while back on YouTube when the only copy I could find at the time was in French! I was pretty obsessed with it, awaiting new episodes to get uploaded so I could finish the story.

I recently looked the series back up and the entire thing had been translated to English! I was super excited!

The series begins at the start of Cinderella’s tale where her father, the Duke, is alive and leaving for a long trip.

We all knows what happens when he leaves. The stepmother shows her true colors and wastes zero time ripping Cinderella’s previous life from her, making her a servant.

I found this interesting she chose to do this even though Cinderella’s father is still alive. However, this follows the original telling of the story. I think it always adds more dramatic flair when the poor girl is orphaned and trapped in her own home, but there’s something particularly messed up about the father still being alive and knowing what’s going on, saying nothing. In this version he has no idea seeing as they do not write each other at all. So he’s none the wiser as to what’s transpiring at home.

The series also follows the original story line with that her stepsister Gene and Katherine are actually very pretty, just spoiled brats. The stepmother herself is also quite lovely but naturally she’s very bossy and harsh.

Cinderella is beyond sweet as honey, but once in a while has sass. Although she can be a bit too stubborn sometimes. Always having to pick some kind of fight with Charles, the Prince.

Almost every episode Charles sneaks off, disguised in his page boy Alex’s clothes and hangs out with Cinderella. The episodes have at least once meeting with the two friends getting into some sort of shenanigans.

I really like the idea of Cinderella and the Prince becoming friends before the ball. Not that love at first sight (or first dance) isn’t fun, but I think it gives the story something special when you know these two characters have that familiarity between them.

One con I will say about Cinderella and the Prince: some of their meetings are pointless. 😂

I understand they had a lot of episodes to fill but, once in a while I found them just talking for the sake of talking. This can be said for some of the adventures they go on as well. Did they contribute to the plot? No. Are they fun to watch? Yes. I’m not going to be too harsh about that small observation, but it was something I found kinda silly.

Now onto one of the best characters in the entire series is that of Paulette! Aka: the fairy godmother! It’s later revealed she was Cinderella’s mother’s best friend and had promised to watch over Cinderella if anything should happen to her mother. Now Paulette is not subtle, in fact she straight up dresses like a witch. So you can tell right away who she’s supposed to be! But regardless of that, she’s a sweet character and she loves to paint in her spare time. So wholesome! Throughout the series she keeps a watchful eye on Cinderella, helping her through her adventures and checking in on her every now and then. She also makes it so Cinderella has talking animal friends! So clearly she uses her magic for the right reasons.

A unique twist the series gives the familiar tale is that of Duke Zarel and Isabelle.

Duke Zarel is the Kings advisor and surprise surprise he’s a bad guy. (Why it always the advisors? Looking at you Jafar). His plan is to marry his daughter, Isabelle to the Prince, become part of the royal family and eventually overthrow the King to rule the kingdom.

Isabelle is unaware of her fathers true intentions and assumes her father is just extremely pushy in ensuring she marries into the royal family. She does genuinely like Prince Charles and doesn’t seem to have any objections to marrying him, but she picks up on his vibes pretty quick. He doesn’t like her that way but he’s polite and likes her as a friend. Eventually Isabelle finds another man who is in love with her and she runs away, leaving a note for her father and fully knowing he’ll be mad but she doesn’t care!

This puts a damper on Zarel’s plans but he somehow continues to try and overthrow the King one way or another. Again… a lot of his schemes contribute nothing to the plot, it just makes for new adventures for Cinderella and the Prince to encounter. I assumed each thing he attempts gets revisited in the next episode, but instead they brush past any previous evil schemes and continue on as normal.

If your favorite part of Cinderella is the ball scene then I have bad news for you… it’s not until near the end of the series that it happens. So the whole second half of the fairy tale gets kinda smushed together which bummed me out a bit because I think having the aftermath of the ball and having him be love sick for her for a while would’ve been good but, I’m not the writer.

Regardless of the ball being pushed so far back, I gotta say her ballgown has stuck with me since I first watched the series. It’s very unique!

By this time it gets revealed that her friend Charles is Prince Charles. It’s funny how shocked she is to find out even though his alibi was the same name and he did very little to disguise himself BUT it’s a fairy tale. She of course doesn’t feel worthy enough to be in his life EVEN THOUGH she has literally spent every day with this boy… so she really just goes to the all to say goodbye and wish him good luck. In doing this she loses her shoe, keeping the other one and the iconic search for the girl with the glass slippers ensues.

Another twist they toss in is that Cinderella refuses to try the slipper on because she is suddenly so overwhelmed with self doubt that she can’t even imagine herself as a princess.

But thanks to Miss Paulette and her animal friends, the Prince comes back and she is basically magically forced into the shoes.

The series is definitely something to watch if you love the fairy tale. Just know you’ll have to look past the weird plot points. 😅

Also keep in mind that it was originally in another language so the English dub may sound odd. But they overall I think they did pretty well with the translation.

Have you seen this series? What did you think?

[spumonibones]

Chasing Wings: Memoria 03

Pairing: Xiao x Venti First Chapter (Ao3) ; First Chapter (Tumblr)

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter Lore/Story Notes Chapter CW: None | Update Schedule: Every Wednesday Canon Divergence AU; Other Four Yaksha Still Live; Zhongli already retired but Osial hasn't happened; Canon Typical Violence

Note: I am slowly uploading (to mitigate spamming) this fic to be on Tumblr in addition to Ao3 - patience is appreciated!

Summary: "To Err is Human, to Forget is Godly."

Almost 500 years ago, the Cataclysm happened. As the fires and monsters dwindled, most of the Seven had fallen. One, Barbatos, simply disappeared - and in his absence, the mourning songs of Dvalin would serenade the land of wind each yearly anniversary. The surviving Archons presumed him dead, and Monstadt presumed he simply never was.

Then one day, before a Traveler will fish Teyvat's Best Guide from its waters, a young man named Venti is rescued by the Vigilant Yaksha. Without memory a face as familiar as it is foreign, the question then becomes... What path can one take, when new memories meet old?

***

Wangshu Inn was a welcome sight. Venti had assumed that it would be a small building, likely closer to wherever the border was between Liyue and Monstadt. Probably another building of wood and stone, each corner cut straight with no hint of deviation. The same rigidity of Liyue Harbor.

Instead, it was a glorified tree house and he was ecstatic at the idea of sleeping in a bed several stories in the air. At how each night would be spent being rocked to sleep by boughs swaying in the wind, a lullaby in the rustling leaves. Having been built inside a tree, the design was focused exclusively on maximizing space without sacrificing safety. Which meant the sides weren't identical in the slightest! If Venti let his imagination go too wild, he'd almost think Zhongli knew him well enough that he'd prefer this. That was ridiculous, of course. The two couldn't have known each other before today.

Could they?

Getting settled into the inn was relatively lax, as most of the staff seemed aware he was an expected guest. No one asked questions, but he did note a fair bit of smiles his way. Venti matched them easily, and simply allowed them to show him around. The elevator was a blessing, as he knew there was no way he could walk all the way to the top where they were putting him. "What instrument do you play?" One of the employees asked. "We received your items from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, but found no instruments. If you would permit it, I would love to find a replacement for you."

These people really loved their adepti, didn't they? Offering a stranger a room and instrument. All over a silly song that Venti still doubted did anything of real help. Perhaps Barbatos wasn't dead. Perhaps he was just gallivanting around Liyue, saw what was happening, and intervened.

"If you're really okay with it, I'd love that!" Venti beamed up at them, once more missing Hu Tao. Thus far, she had been one of the few people he interacted with that didn't require craning his head backwards just to see their face. "I play most everything, so whatever is easiest for you." It was the one talent that didn't leave his memory, unlike everything else. The notes were on the back of his lids, sheets and scores dancing through his vision every time he closed his eyes. String or wind, percussion or brass… His fingers and lips could never forget how to bring the best sound out of each.

"Really? I have this flute in that case! Please wait in your room, I'll be right back with it and some dinner!" They said, leaving in a rush. Yawning, Venti looked around the space as he waited. The door remained open to allow the lights from the hall to illuminate his temporary room. There was a single, full size bed. Ample room for one person, but space for a second if those two people were really close.

The sheets were made, covering the one pillow by the headboard. A blanket was folded at its bottom, an offering in case a cool enough breeze wafted through the open window. Approaching it, Venti ran his hand across the wooden framing of that window. If he wanted to, he could climb up and just jump out of it. Green eyes looked down, gauging how high up he was.

Far too high up to just jump out a window.

Stretching both arms out, he gave a pleased hum finding fingertips couldn't reach the width of the frame. This was much more homely than where he had first woken up. A shiver went through him, and he chose to blame the night chill in spite of how warm the air actually was. Moving away from the window, he found a nightstand. Rustled through the drawers, and was pleased to find his clothes were in there. While far from fancy, it was the only thing that was his. The first gift he was given since waking in this world, without any expectation of the kindness being returned.

"You're the symbol of freedom, and it's wrong to keep you trapped." The knight had said. Letting out a sigh, Venti returned to the window and let his eyes wander. Much information as he was collecting, things still didn't quite make sense. People wanting a puppet tried to summon a deity, an Archon, and instead got him. The idea that he had some kind of power didn't add up, but the more he thought on it the more he wondered if those people did something to him. After all, he looked just different enough now that he couldn't completely dismiss the idea. His face shape was just different enough to look uncanny in the mirror, and the tattoos he had now weren’t there before.

No longer thinking about it, he moved on.There was no point in changing out of his borrowed pajamas, not with the sun now set. There was a growl from his stomach, and he ignored the pangs that started to follow. With how much he ate earlier, how was there room for more?

Settling on the sill, Venti waited. Let his eyes take in the scenery, his nostrils get their fill of the air. In time, the gentleman returned with a plate in tow.

"My apologies for taking so long." The man said, setting the plate down on the nightstand. The flute was in a box, and placed far more delicately on the bed. "I have other guests I need to check on, but please, if you need anything go to the front desk." Offering a smile, he was just as quickly gone.

The food didn't last much longer than the gentleman's visit did.

However, the flute was given a great deal more attention and time. The instrument needed to be cleaned, and Venti did need to make a trip to the front desk to gather what supplies he could for it. Once he got it as close to pristine as he could, he started tuning it up. There wasn't any damage, and no pieces needed to be replaced. Each note he would test, eyes closed with ears hearing only each sound.

When he started to play, that was when he felt most at home. Back against the window frame, one leg stretched in front of him on the sill while the other dangled off the side. Notes were sharp, then soft, following the song on the breeze. If he wasn't concerned about other guests, Venti would have played the whole night. Unfortunately, there were. While he didn't know exactly how long he played, eventually he forced himself to stop. The moon was high in the sky, and Venti hoped he wouldn't get in trouble if it was especially late at night. No one came to request he stop, at least.

With a yawn, Venti slid from the windowsill back inside the room. A flash caught the corner of his eyes, the bard immediately whipping his attention towards it. Initially, there wasn't much that he could see. Just the view of the surrounding marsh, illuminated by the moonlight. Poking his head back out the window, he craned his neck and tried directing his attention up this time. There, at the the top of the tree… Venti saw a silhouette. His memory of their first meeting was disorienting, there had been far too much panic to recall much clearly. But that flash was familiar, and Venti smiled up at the figure. Gave a friendly wave that wasn't returned. The bard didn't let that bother him too much. It was possible that it was just someone who worked at the inn. Or simply didn’t notice, as the bard couldn’t be certain the silhouette was facing him. Irregardless, he felt better at having attempted the hello.

With that, he went back inside to go to sleep.

On top of the Wangshu Inn the wave had not, in fact, gone unnoticed by the silhouette. Crouched down on the branch, a long, shaky breath left the man whose youthful face betrayed his millenia of years. He had just returned to the inn, though he had been there earlier. Been there since before the bard began to experiment with the flute, tests of songs that blended into one another. Had watched the carriage arrive with Venti, hiding away as he often did. A cry had pulled Xiao away over an hour ago, and it was with discomfort that he had been caught upon his return.

Xiao wasn't sure what to make of the bard. Only knew that Rex La… Zhongli had made a request of him.

Yesterday should have been Xiao's final dawn. He had felt it, the karmic debt he carried was full and weighted. Was dragging him down, further then he had been pulled before. Refused efforts until then to be saved. If he were to be honest, he had become too tired to want to be saved. Was ready to sleep, finally, after over two-thousand years of this. Xiao had enough loss, both seen and caused enough death. Heard a frightened call. Believed it to be the last one he answered, especially when he saw the Riftwolves.

Xiao hadn't seen the creatures in some time, but the times he had seen them were when people were… Doing things they shouldn't, messing with things nothing should mess with. There was a danger to the creatures, the void they carried a poison to elemental beings. All living creatures in Teyvat have a certain amount of elements to them, and Xiao took extra precautions to ensure he dispatched all the hounds that were tracking the poor fool from Monstadt.

That was all Xiao thought the man was.

The roar of the debt was loud, ready to collect from him with a steep interest. Xiao just needed to hold out a little longer, give the mortal a little extra time to get away… To escape so that in his final moments, this time, Xiao could trust the only person he would hurt was himself. The snarls of his karma started to quiet, shifting from primal to melodic. A song. A voice he hadn't heard in centuries, cradling his soul and gently putting the fury of that debt into a peaceful sleep. As easily as the sun behind them rose.

For the first time, Xiao looked at the person he rescued. At the person that rescued him, in return. Black hair with braids by his cheeks, the tips glowing the same turquoise of his eyes. The rest of his hair was short and wild, leaves poking out of it. His clothes were a mess, a white, frilled blouse that was soaked and covered in mud. Most of the shirt was no longer tucked into green shorts, just as dirty as the top was. There were cuts and scrapes on him, all the signs of someone who had been pursued through underbrush and more.

“You're… Barbatos?” Xiao whispered, eyes wide in disbelief. The man's eyes slid closed, collapsing forward. Wasting no time, the yaksha dashed forward to catch the other. Stunned and confused, holding someone that had been missing for five centuries. Leaning in, faces close enough he could feel that the bard was still breathing. That was good. Looked the face over, a face he had only actually seen with his own eyes once. Xiao trusted his memory, but there was one memory he trusted more. Especially in the matter of recognizing Barbatos. Scooping the unconscious body into his arms with a grunt, Xiao tilted the bard backward so that his head could rest on the yaksha's shoulders in order to protect the neck.

There was too much about this that didn't make sense. If this was Barbatos, why didn't the Archon use his Anemo to deal with the Riftwolves? With the Gnosis, Barbatos far exceeded what Xiao could do. Had heard the stories of Barbatos leveling mountains, entirely because his foolish humans kept trying to climb and then die on those peaks. A weird way to coddle humans, Xiao thought, but it wasn't his place to comment.

Verbally, at any rate.

So if this was Barbatos, why didn't he? Letting the energy surround them, Xiao teleported both himself and the bard away from the more quiet riverfront. If this wasn't Barbatos… Had a new Anemo Archon finally appeared? If they had, why did he look almost identical to the previous one? True, there were only finite characteristics in life, and inevitably two creatures would share enough features to appear identical. It was a hard truth of being a long-lived being in a world of very mortal humans. There would come a day you would see someone, and just for a moment, believe they were alive again…

It was never that person.

But having the same features as the previous Archon? The chances were nigh impossible.

The two appeared in a dark space, and Xiao lightly rapped at the bottom of the door with his foot. Didn't want to risk hurting his charge anymore then what he was risking right then. The karmic debt hadn't been fully cleansed, and would begin its trickle of tainting Xiao and the air around him soon enough. If this was a normal human with a unique gift, the yaksha needed him away before the debt made him ill on top of his injuries. Within seconds, the door was open and a worried Zhongli stood before Xiao on the other side.

A worry that shifted immediately to shock. Without a word, Xiao shoved the body into Zhongli's arms. The consultant had been ready to receive the form, well-aware that if the yaksha brought him a body he wanted it to be safe.

Knew that something was very wrong, but amber eyes noted there was also a pleasant surprise amidst all this.

The karmic debt around Xiao was drastically lighter. If the situation wasn't what it was, he would have smiled at the sight. “...This looks like…” Zhongli murmured, pausing when he finally looked at the face. Let the head loll to the side as recognition flickered past his visage. Given the likeness of the face, Zhongli opted a less gentle manner of holding. If this was Barbatos, he would be fine.

It was also deserved.

Now that the bard was secured in Zhongli's arms, Xiao took a step back into the dark space the pair arrived in. It was a closet, with minimal items stored inside. This was by design. Rex Lapis had died, but he also could not bear to leave the yaksha to suffer without support. The neighboring areas could not offer the yaksha the help they needed with the burden each carried, and thus Zhongli made sure each was aware his home was open to them.

Until now, none had accepted his offer. All of them insisted that as Rex Lapis was dead, and Zhongli was a human, they would no more intrude upon him than they would any other citizen of Liyue. The respect they had for his needs was equal parts endearing as it was heart-breaking. Lesser Lord Kusanali was too inexperienced to save the yaksha, and there was no more Barbatos to save them. Until this moment, Zhongli feared before his mind left him, he would suffer watching the minds leaving his loyal yaksha. The medicine he made and sent to his loyal children, ignored next to their graves.

A possible solution was now in his arms, neck at an angle most unfortunate. A sore neck never killed someone, so the bard remained dangling.

“Is it him?” Xiao asked, voice tinged with hints of curiosity.

“...I'm not sure.” Zhongli admitted. The differences were subtle, but living long as he had and suffered as many interactions with the Anemo Archon as he did Zhongli saw them. Each and every tiny deviation that made his brows furrow. The Geo within him could feel it, the brush of Anemo that wafted from the body like an invisible odor. Even more convincing, was holding the body was comparable to holding a bird. Lighter than one would expect, as if the bones were actually feathers. At the bird comparison, amber eyes glanced over at the yaksha.

“Is he an imposter?” Xiao pressed. This is troubling him, Zhongli noted.

“Tell me what happened.” The consultant requested, stepping aside to invite Xiao to actually come into the house. The yaksha didn't need to hide in his closet, not when he was always a welcome guest. Xiao didn't move. Remained where he was, and relayed the events of the morning. It was almost surreal, the sensation of Xiao delivering a report to the man of Geo. If the adeptus let himself, he could even pretend nothing had changed. That Rex Lapis was still at the yaksha's side, the one thing unchanging.

But even mountains wore down as time passed. There was a bitter irony to it. When was the last anyone heard or saw Time? Yet even now, she warped and altered and eroded them all.

“I do agree that if this is Barbatos, he would not have been in need of your help.” Zhongli agreed, frowning slightly. The annoyance at the familiar face had faded. In its place was a sadness. A sorrow that only silence could bring, when the concert had ended and those songs would play no more. With care, Zhongli adjusted the body so the bard would be more comfortable. Barbatos was equal parts menace and friend, and there was an unsavory, coppery taste in Zhongli's mouth at the past tense that came with the name, Barbatos. “Would you be willing to keep an eye on him for me, Adeptus Xiao? If nothing else, it sounds as though he has abilities he knows not how to use. All Archons so far have known they were, because they claimed that power or inherited it. I do not see how one could become an Archon without knowing it… But often strange things happen when people attempt to circumvent the Laws, so I dare not dismiss the possibility.”

“I will.” Xiao agreed, no hesitation. No matter the face he wore, Xiao would always follow him, would always follow the god that saved him. There was no Xiao without Rex Lapis, a name the yaksha treasured from the moment it was his to be called.

“I will see if I can ask him to cleanse you of your karmic debt,” Zhongli was speaking, and at his words Xiao was trying to refuse. The consultant continued, pretending he couldn't hear the protests. “In exchange for being taught Anemo by Liyue's Diligent Yaksha. It would put me at ease, Xiao. I can no more force you than I can your siblings, but please. I can rest better if I know you'll have peace again, even if only for a short while.”

How could Xiao deny his god a request so earnest? Standing stiff, the adeptus nodded his head slightly. No matter who the bard was or wasn't, if he was going to be in Xiao's care it didn't feel right asking anything from him. Dealing with the curse and anger of gods who could not die, that refused to move on from their resentment, was the yaksha's purpose. That was his contract, and he would honor that contract.

Teaching was not his strong suit. It sounded like Ganyu's claims that he was, in fact, quite good at it had reached Zhongli's ears. Because of her silly fantasies, Xiao was going to have to deal with trying to train someone again. If this was combat, that would have been logical. The yaksha had few days in which he didn't have to fight. Anemo was entirely different. The Vision embedded into his glove was quiet, and he wasn't sure when he last made use of it. The Vision served a single purpose: to mitigate humans asking too many questions. The fewer who realized a yaksha saved them, the less hassle he had to deal with.

By the time most mortals pieced it together, Xiao was gone.

“Thank you, Alatus.” Zhongli's voice cut into his thoughts, his misgivings interrupted. The man was smiling down at Xiao, those amber eyes the same ones that always looked into the yaksha's golden ones. The warmth in them was familiar and reassuring, the guilt ebbing away. “Would you like to stay for breakfast? I have brewed a delightful white tea. Should be cool enough for us, if you would like.”

Xiao's eyes pulled down, gazing at the frame of the closet he was in. It felt almost symbolic. Xiao in the darkness, pulling away from humanity. Zhongli in the warmth of humanity, always trying to invite the adeptus back into it. Shoulders tightened, and when he couldn't speak Xiao opted to shake his head. The gentle smile remained on Zhongli's face, but fleks of sadness appeared in his eyes. Little, tiny pieces of pale yellows, taken from a sunset.

“I understand. Should you change your mind, please know I've always tea at the ready and seats at the table.” Zhongli promised. He did not close the door, not until Xiao had teleported away.

[apprenticesofdeweyhigh]

My first encounter with TikTok was 2019 when famous Dr. WangWang started showing me pictures of beautiful girls he was friends with of out of nothing saying that "She is from Germany". Immediately my hope raised he could introduce me, suddenly buried when he continoued in his innocent and honest way "She is on TikTok". I was wondering about this ominous place where all these beautiful girls were to which Dr. WangWang was a friend.

When I grew up, youtube was in it's first years. Clips were uploaded in low quality (often 360p was standard), and the people who were creative didn't have the setup not only regarding the film-equipment, but also regarding the set in general. There wasn't much advertisement like today – opposite to the TV-shows. This was one reason I started watching youtube, to not be interrupted, to freely choose. Freedom – the scent of the Internet.

There was a spirit on the platform, the spirit of awakening – people were creative, doing silly or non-silly things for fun, becoming more and more professional. I remember the song-parodies or the Pokemon-in-Real-Life-Videos. Still, the force of money was acting and for some youtubers clicks in general became more important than creative ideas. The Algorithms promote that: Frequency is key, Clickbait was born. Pray to the red circle.

Often quality is reciproke to quantity. More videos in the same time is most likely equal to more videos in less quality. This is a trend I generally dislike. I think in life we should not try to achieve many things, but the important ones and do them well. Don't aim to write a book, try to write one good sentence. Don't try to make a lot of drawings, try to make a good one. With time, things can evolve to a book or to an Ouvre. It's all about the aim – which doesn't exlude the need of creating a lot of bad paintings and lousy sentences.

The effect of bad quality is accompanied by another important point: The cut down of length. The shorter the videos are, the higher the chance is that people still stay on the platform. If a video is bad you don't loose much time (or even skip). The void in between is important. Void is a chance to get aware of something, to change. To be bored is nothing which feels good, but it is a turning point, leading to ideas what we can do to change that. For some, it is even the source of creativity. The format of TikTok and similiar formats overcomes this gap by easily allowing a switch with a simple hand-move.

This leads to the effect of people staying on the platform, hoping for a good video. On a neuronal level, this can be considered as a dopamine-gamble: People hope to get a good video, if not they loose – but immediately can take another chance. Ending up wasting time, which sounds not so brutal as it is in fact.

The artwork above is exactly about this: It shows a reel of pictures of incomplete dopamine within the format of a short video. While sometimes almost reaching its full state, the molecule stays incomplete. Every picture stands for another video, another coin of time thrown in the slot-machine.

PS.: However, as always – this doesn't exclude good stuff on TikTok. I never dived deep into the platform as I want to avoid it, but I really like in example Charlie D'Amelios dance videos. They are awesome <3

[livingkore]

The Perfect Girl (Part 7 -LAST PART)

Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6

.

TW: drugs, mention of miscarriage (not reader’s though), gore-y scenes, curse words, silly grammar mistakes ‘cause English is not my first language.  

Notes: I had so much fun writing this fic. I loved creating intimacy beyond romantic gestures. I loved every comment that I got and I’m so thankful if you got to this point. 

I’ll take some days off to grieve this fic and I’ll return with more ST related content (probably more Eddie x reader). Also, I’ll upload it to AO3 soon and it’ll be slightly fixed. 

. . .

Y/N covered her ears with the tips of her fingers.

She wondered if one of the reasons why Eddie was so loud when he spoke was because he was losing his hearing, being used to play next to his big amplifier all the time. 

She didn't know what he was playing but, in her eyes, he looked like a force of nature. His eyes shone with euphoria as his fingers moved along the fretboard. His whole body danced along the rhythm in the roof of his trailer.

In that moment, Eddie Munson was the king of the underworld.

The cheerleader grinned in awe. There was something about just discovering his hidden musical talent that contrasted so much with the boys she knew in the basketball team -who would show off all the time -that hypnotized her to no end. 

The electric guitar in his room had been so clean, that at some point she doubted if he could even play it. 

Why did he never show her? Did he think she wouldn't like it?

"O-okay, that was phase two, Eddie. We gotta get moving!" She shouted over the music. "Now!"

The bats weren't visible in the dark, but after she turned off the amplifier, they could be heard at the distance.

The boy nodded and they quickly came down and got into the vehicule.

"That... was so metal!" Eddie screamed excitedly and out of breath. "Ozzy could never!"

"That was... that was so hot." Y/N gasped.

"You think so?" Eddie grinned. "I can --fuck."

Both Eddie and Y/N froze in place at hearing the bats scratching the door.

"Get ready." Y/N loudly whispered.

With one hand they held a spear Lucas, Erica and Dustin made; and with the other, their trash can shield.

The girl thought her heart would get out of her chest by the expectation. In any moment, the animals would break in and if they were one second too slow, they would get in trouble.

Eddie winced when the wooden door started to give up.

"Come on, motherfuckers!" He hyped himself up.

The door finally opened and they both let a war cry before they launched themself against the enemy.

After what seemed like an eternity of pushing the demobats away with their shields and stabbing them with the spears, the battle ended and the room got quiet except for their hard breaths.

It was then when Y/N felt a deep sharp pain on her left thigh that made her bit her lip and internally curse.

They both looked at each other with a relieved smiled and proceded to block the entrance with a metal roof sheet they took from their dimension.

Suddenly, more bats could be heard on the roof.

"Eddie," Y/N fearfully said looking at the ceiling. "You don't happen to have another way they could enter, right?"

"Shit!" Eddie cursed. "Shit, shit, shit!"

Just in time, he closed his bedroom door before another round of bats could break in, but it didn't look like they were going to be safe for long.

"Let's go!" The metalhead yelled and pointed to the rope of bed sheets that linked both dimensions.

The cheerleader put her shield aside and put the spear in her mouth ready to climb up to her world. She grabbed the rope and pushed herself upwards but moaned in pain when her left leg gave up.

"Come on, Y/N! Let's get the shit out of here!" Eddie said anxiously.

"I can't" she winced taking the spear out of her mouth.

"What do you mean you can't?" The boy yelled.

She showed him her wounded leg and the boy looked at her with a terrified expression.

"Fuck Y/N." He muttered in shock.

"I-It's no big deal, really."

But it was and they both knew it.

The bats were seconds away from destroying the door and they knew it.

"Fuck!" The metalhead screamed, his mind completely blank.

"What is it that you always say about running, Eddie?"

The boy quickly approached her and carried her on his arms before running out of the trailer.

"The bike!" She yelled.

With shaky hands, Eddie positioned the cheerleader on the top tube and got himself on the bike.

"I'm going to the Wheeler's!" he announced.

Y/N nodded with her jaw clenched and rested her head on the boy's shoulder, hugging him shakily. The bumps on the road made the wound sting even worse, but she held the spear tightly, trying to focus on anything else.

She watched as the trailer disappeared behind them as Eddie began having troubles breathing normally.

"Don't... look behind... while running!" He ordered.

The girl shook her head and closed her eyes, hiding her face in the crook of his neck. She hugged him strongly this time and inhaled his scent. He smelled like men’s deodorant vaguely mixed with sweat and cigarettes and it made her skin tense with goosebumps. 

She opened her eyes and her heart broke in acknowledgement at seeing the bats in the distance getting closer.

They weren't going to make it.

"Eddie, they're getting close." she whispered in his ear.

"We- we're almost... there, sweetheart." He gasped but she put her free hand on his shoulder so she could stare at him.

"Eddie, stop. I'm getting off the bike."

"What?" he yelled.

"I'm slowing us down, they're gonna get us."

"You're -you're hurt."

"I can still run."

"I'm not leaving... you to die. I still...-- we--"

"And I'm not letting us die because of me and my stupid leg." They both shared a look before Eddie continued looking in front of him. "Look, go to the Wheeler's. I'm getting off and I'll take cover in the woods, okay? We're still close. We'll divide them, it'll be easier."

He groaned dramatically and put a foot on the ground, stopping the bike.

Y/N put a hand on his cheek and caressed it with her thumb, feeling the roughness of his stubble. Then she proceded to shyly place a kiss on his other cheek.

Eddie looked like he was going to explode, whether because riding the bike left him out of breath or because the idea of leaving Y/N to run with a wound on her thigh didn't seem the most brilliant one, even though she was right -or maybe because her touch burned within him in a way he couldn't get enough of.

If Eddie Munson could be described by one word, it would be impulsive. And Y/N recognized that look in his eyes. The look of wanting to throw it all away just to feel each other's lips.

Not so far away from where they were, the bats let a chilling sound, making the girl snap out of it.

"Don't look behind while running, right?" she said with a smile that tried to be encouraging and began racing towards the woods at her left.

The first meters were alright.

Y/N ran with her heart on her mouth, the wind against her face producing tears on her eyes. There was no place for tiredness nor pain, the only thing on her mind was the need to survive.

"THIS IS FOR YOU, CHRISSY!" She screamed at the top of her lungs to gain the attention of the bats.

Then she started to feel it, the adrenaline wearing off. The belief that she could succeed, breaking down to give place to the belief that it was indeed a suicidal mission.

She hissed in pain at her worsening limp. With each step, the girl felt like someone was stabbing her with a knife and rotating it inside her thigh. 

But the woods were so close and she could see the first trees.

She gasped out of breath, it was a matter of seconds before she could reach them and the bats would crash against the branches.

She could make it. She didn't spend an important part of her life suffering in her cheerleading uniform just to get out of breath right now.

She could make it, because Chrissy didn't make it.

Except no extracurricular activity had prepared her for the stab of a demobat on her thigh. 

She yelled mostly in disappointment when her leg gave out, making her fall and lose her grip on the spear that rolled out of her reach.

"Shit!" the cheerleader hissed. "Come on!"

She crawled on the ground, scratching her knees and elbows.

The pain was too much, so she finally desisted and turned to look at the sky.

The uncertainty, what a horrible place to rest, Y/N smiled bitterly.

She was almost in the trailer park, almost in the woods.

She almost kissed Eddie, almost finished high school.

Almost went on her first date, almost didn't find Chrissy's body.

Almost didn't make that terrible joke to her mother.

Almost didn't forget her handmade shield in Eddie's trailer.

She almost died.

She almost survived.

The sky almost looked lovely. If she squinted her eyes, the dust particles could look like snow.

Tears began streaming down her face. 

Eddie would find her and she knew it would crush him. He would feel so guilty and she wouldn't be able to tell him that it was all her fault, not his.

Suddenly she heard her name being screamed. Confused, the girl sat down to see Eddie riding the bike towards her. Behind him, what it looked like a cloud was a mass of demobats in the distance.

Was that a metaphor for death? Maybe her mind went into denial and she was hallucinating.

"Y/N! Fuck, come on... We gotta move!" he yelled desperately.

The metalhead threw the bike aside and grabbed her, ready to carry her but she refused and stood up for herself, supporting her body on his shoulder.

"What are you doing here?" She asked with terror on her voice.

"I'm not arguing right now, let's move." The boy carried her bridal style until they got in the woods.

"Okay, let me down." The girl said and the boy obeyed her.

"We're not safe. Where's your shield? Here take mine--" She denied it with her head and looked around anxiously.

"We can hide inside a tree hollow. I can walk if you help me." But just as she said that, she could hear the bats' wings hit some of the trees. 

"EDDIE, WATCH OUT!" Y/N screamed and did the only thing her mind thought of.

She strongly bit her lip trying to ignore the pain and with all the strength she could muster, she threw all her weight on Eddie making him fall into the ground beneath her.

The boy threw his shield to the side in surprise and groaned in pain when his head hit the ground. His whole body tensed at the bats scratching his legs and arms. He let a terrible sob and hugged the girl firmly when he heard her scream as the bats scratched her back with its claws and tails.

He blandished the spear around in a chaotic motion, but it was useless. Y/N’s body blocked his view of what was happening.

Then it got really quiet. Only their gasps could be heard.

No more bats hurting them. 

No more wings hitting the trees.

Fearfully, Eddie sat down and forced Y/N to do the same, making her moan in pain.

"Y/N, it's over." he whispered with his callused fingers caressing her cheek. "We did it."

"I-it hurts so much, Eddie." she sobbed.

"I know, sweetheart. But we'll be home in no time, I promise." He tried to get up but she refused to move.

"I- g-give me a minute, okay?" Her whole body trembled.

"Y/N?" Eddie asked with a worried frown on his face.

She hissed and grabbed the hand that caressed her cheek and guided it towards the side of her stomach, where a deep wound stained her clothes.

With his eyes wide open, the metalhead gulped half in denial, half in confusion.

"Just... give me --a minute." She closed her eyes but Eddie shook her softly.

"No, no, no." His tears mixed with hers on her cheeks. "Y/N wake up!"

"I'm here" she opened her eyes and tried to smile "I'm here, Eddie."

"Listen, we're getting up. We're returning back home, you hear me? Y/N, you hear me?"

"Mhm..."

"You can't... you can't leave me, sweetheart. We've got a date, I'm taking you -probably nowhere because the whole fucking town is looking for me. But it's gonna be me and you and some beers and we'll listen to Kiss Kiss Kiss me, twice, thrice! I don't care, please--" he sobbed.

"I don't... like beer." Y/N intertwined her fingers with his.

Eddie let a sound that seemed like a bitter laugh, mixed with a sob and scream of frustration.

"Then we'll go and drink some fucking milkshakes. I'll make them for you-- Y/N, Y/N don't close your eyes like that okay? You're creeping me out, here."

"You're --funny and... and-- I love you."

"Y/N?" Eddie shook her up again. "Y/N!"

That was the last thing she heard before it all faded away.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y/N groaned in discomfort.

There was no way she got into Heaven because her body felt like a heavy corpse. 

And there was no way she got into Hell because she could feel the warm sunlight against her skin.

She wasn't in Eddie's mattress either. This bed felt hard and new.

She opened her eyes. 

Maybe she was in some sort of spiritual limbo that took the shape of a wooden room with a big window on the side. 

Where was she?

Her heart suddenly dropped as her mind flooded with images of what had happened.

Was Vecna dead? Did they succeed? Was Max alright? Was Eddie alright?

She took a deep breath and pushed herself forwards trying to get up.

The girl raised her eyebrows in surprise when she noticed that her body didn't hurt all that much. She realized her whole torso was covered in bandages and so was her thigh.

She held into the wooden wall and took a step. Her head was spinning around and her leg didn't seem to have the same strength it used to when she was one of the top cheerleaders.

Little by little, she dragged her body out to what it looked like a living room.

There was a short woman with brown hair that paced around anxiously speaking to... the chief of police Jim Hopper? Wasn't he dead? Y/N could have sworn she read it on the newspapers.

They didn't seem to notice her, but she didn't care and slowly approached the man.

Both adults became still when the young girl put a hand on Hopper's arms, kind of hoping it would go through him like a ghost.

"H-hey... you're awake." The former chief of police raised his eyebrows confused.

"Am I... dead?" she mostly asked to herself.

"Oh, no, no. You're fine, you made it. You must be feeling quite tired." the woman said.

"Yeah, you're not dead. You're just high as hell, kid."

"Where are the others? What happened?"

"Why don't you sit down--" began the woman.

"No, tell me what happened. Who are you? Where is Vecna? Where is Eddie? Where am I?" Y/N demanded confused and the others shared a look that the cheerleader couldn't interpret.

"I'm Joyce, Will's mom." The girl stared at her in confusion. "Maybe, maybe you know my other son? Jonathan? Jonathan Byers?"

That name said nothing to Y/N.

"Right." Hopper said. "You don't have to worry, right now. Your friends are... hanging around somewhere, and your boyfriend is sleeping in the other room. You gave us a pretty rough night, huh?"

Y/N didn't wait for her mouth to say sorry. She clumsily limped to the bigger bedroom.

Eddie slept peacefully on the bed, fully dressed.

He didn't look like the king of the underworld but more like a boy who’ve spent all night awake just to fall asleep in the first place he could find.

The girl let a relieved sigh and slowly approached him. She sat down on the edge of the bed and began taking out his white sneakers like it was the most important task she got.

The boy groaned.

"Eddie?" she whispered nervously.

The metalhead suddenly opened his eyes.

"Y/N?" he stared at her in shock. "Holy shit, Y/N!"

He grinned and sat down and was about to embrace her but he remembered at the last second that her whole body was hurt, so he stopped with his hands in the air opening and closing them in excitement.

She grinned too. His mood was contagious, like always.

Y/N placed her hands on his cheeks and shyly leaned in.

The boy tensed when their lips touched but quickly melted into the feeling.

The cheerleader felt her whole body burning with desire. It was her turn to not know where to put her hands, the anxious thought that if she didn't touch him, she would simply collapse -flooded her mind. 

Still, it wasn't a particularly intense kiss. It was full of relief and tenderness.

They were just happy to be alive.

It was a victory kiss.

Eddie intertwined his finger with hers and got apart.

"This was supposed to be romantic but I've just woken up!" he said out of breath. "I love you, Y/N. Oh my god, I fucking love you."

"I know, Eddie. I love you too--"

"No, you don't get it." the boy spoke with anxiety. "You were dying in my arms and I didn't get to say I love you back --and it was all my fault and--"

"Eddie, look at me I'm here." Y/N said with a firm tone. "It wasn't your fault--"

"Yes, it was. Are you kidding me? I should have never left you alone like that--"

"We would have died." she sighed. "Besides, I didn't want to miss our date."

"Don't do that ever again. In fact, let's not do that ever again. I fucking hate bats now."

"Fine by me."

"How are you feeling?" he studied her body with his gaze.

"I don't think I'll be able to be a cheerleader anymore after this and I'm afraid..." she smiled. "It's so silly, but I'm afraid you won't want me anymore because of that."

Eddie froze with his mouth wide open.

"Excuse me?" He scoffed and she tried to look anywhere else. "No, no, no, look at me. You think that --Did you also hit your head? Y/N, I -I could never -You think I care? I love you no matter what. I'm the freak who is searched for murder I--"

"You're not a freak, Eddie." she played with the hem of his shirt. "And even if you were, I think you're perfect just the way you are." 

Eddie smiled lost for words. 

"Speaking of which," she said suddenly frowning. "Hopper is still alive? He's like in the other room? Shouldn't you be hiding?"

"Nah, he's not chief anymore. Besides, -hell, I've just saved the world... kind of, actually not at all, but I tried, that must count for something."

"What do you mean?" 

The metalhead had a nervous look and before he spoke, he thought about what he was about to say.

"We didn't win, Y/N. Vecna opened the last portal and now the whole town is one big gate, everyone is evacuating--"

"Wait, wait, wait. What? But that means ---oh my god, Max!" she sobbed.

"Actually, Max is fine--"

"What?"

"--I mean, well she's not exactly having fun... she's in a coma. The others went to visit her."

"Oh my god, what are we gonna do?"

"About what?"

"Now that there's a gate in town, I assume the cops are desperate to find you."

"Not really..." the boy looked around. "There's a lot of missing people, you know... presumably dead. Carver is one of them. Hopper's got some contacts. They said that they could make me disappear, fake my death or something like that. I could start a new life wherever I want. The others are going to California, it sounds nice.”

"Oh..."Y/N stood in silence processing all the information.

Jason was dead. 

Jason was dead and so was Chrissy --and Jason was dead? 

Did he think it was Eddie until the end? 

She just spoke with him. Did he die angry?

And Eddie, he would have to start his life all over again? With a fake identity? What would he do? What would it mean to the both of them and what would that mean to Y/N?

It was a lot to take in.

"Look, I'm not even asking you to--"

"You don't want me to come?" Y/N barely said.

"W-what? Of course, I--- I can't ask you to leave everything for me."

"But would you?"

"What if you get tired of me? You find out that I'm not so cool and then what? I wouldn't be able to live knowing I robbed you of--"

"Would you, though?"

"Of course, I would!"

"Then I'm coming with you."

Eddie stared at her like she was an alien.

"I don't think you're list--" he began.

"No, I don't think you are." she interrupted her. "I'll have to leave town anyway. And I've seen you at your worst and I've seen you at your best and I could never get tired of you. I think saving my life from interdimensional bats was the coolest thing ever and I doubt anyone could ever top that. I've been with you when you were searched not only for one murder but for two! It'd never crossed my mind you were the killer of my friend. I've only accepted the date because I want to spend time with you but I actually think we are way past the getting-to-know-each-other stage."

Eddie didn't know where to look or how to hide his smile.

"I don't know..." he insisted. "The last time I agreed to one of your plans--"

"Oh, come on!" 

"Fine. We're moving to California, then."

Y/N got up to go to the other side of the bed so she could lay down with her head on top of his chest.

She hissed in pain.

Whatever drug they put in her, it was wearing off.

Eddie kissed her forehead.

"I love you so much" Eddie muttered "but you kept waking up in pain and fever last night so just... let me... rest my eyes, a little bit."

"I'm sorry. I don't remember any of that."

"Hmm... 's okay." She moved around, thinking about getting up but she felt his hand firmly around her arm." Don't leave. We'll think about it all later, just stay right now."

"I'm not leaving you. Don't worry." She closed her eyes feeling Eddie's warmth and concentrating on his breathing.

He was right, they would have time to think about the future later.

.

.

.

Tags:

@preciousbabypeter

@thel0v3hashira143  

@redgetawaycar

@lunnybunny12

@alysianc

@writers-hes

@daph-505

@a-avengerparker​

@sashaphantomhive

[jester-writing-things]

How would the overlords + Luzifer react when they see the reader comes down like Lil Nas x from montero (pole scene)

And reader be like "I'm here"

Like to know how they would react, Especially Luzifer 😂😂

With an s/o who comes down a pole like lil nas

Valentino

Literally offers you a job at his studio, that takes a lot of skills and strength so he’s thrilled

He ask you to do it again for him in a private setting, he wants to see what else you can do

Kinda laughs since it was silly to climb down a pole just to say hi to him but it was cute

Vox

Surprised but watches curiously, he never expected you to be the kind of person who would do this shit

Ask where you learned to do stuff like that and even wants to know how to do it himself

He jokes with you about it from time to time and says you’d look better doing it in lingerie

Velvet

She recorded it from the very second she say you jump into the pole, she knew it would be good

She laughs and says how damn cute you look then uploads the video and talks about how much she loves you

Gushes about it and tries to get you to do it more often since it was cute and funny to watch

Alastor

Just watches and when you land he says. “Are you done?” He chuckles a bit at it but otherwise doesn’t comment

He tells you that you have some skills but it’s not going to get you anywhere you want to be doing shit like that

He just doesn’t like pole dancing so he’s worried you’ll turn to being a stripper, he’s actually quite interested in your ability

Lucifer

Laughs very openly about it and request you great him like this more often, it’s pretty damn entertaining

Doesn’t tolerate anyone making fun of you, he praises you and gives you little gifts every time you do it to encourage you

He has recorded it in more than one occasion but he doesn’t share the videos, they are for his own personal enjoyment

[angel-riki]

Dazed & Dreaming {Ch. 1}

summary: Y/N's life was always quite normal, some may even consider it boring. However, Y/N enjoyed her simple life and the little pleasures it brought. Unfortunately, that all changed the day she found out her best friend's biggest secret. Her discovery leads her down a rabbit hole of a new and confusing world she never knew existed. She must now navigate this new life filled with love, fear, and the supernatural. What awaits her down this path?

pairing: enhypen x reader (vampire au)

warnings: light swearing

word count: 1,435

chapters: [Ch.2] [Ch.3] [Ch.4]

~~~~~~~~~~

The brisk autumn air pricked at your cheeks, making you shiver as you clutched your coat tighter around your body. You picked up your pace as your shoes tapped lightly against the pavement. Walking to school was nice this time of year, you loved the autumn scenery which was full of rich colors and leaves dancing in the wind. Winter on the other hand, was another story. It was also quite pretty, yet much more inconvenient and impractical. However, right now it was a pleasant walk.

Before you know it, you're at the entrance of your school, trudging up the stairs. Oh how you longed to be back in your warm, soft bed, asleep. You begrudgingly continued on your way when you heard a familiar voice ring out,

"Y/N! Wait up!"

You recognize the voice without even needing to turn around, it was Jake. Jake had been your best friend since he had moved here from Australia way back in middle school. He meant the world to you. You've grown so close over the years, he practically knows everything about you at this point. And you know all about him as well. You smiled and waved at the cheerful boy as he jogged to catch up with you. Slightly out of breath and with flushed cheeks, he greeted you,

"Good morninggg!" He drew out the last syllable with a dorky grin on his face. You giggled, he was always so cute without even trying.

"Good morning," you replied, happily.

"Kind of chilly this morning, huh? Did you walk to school again?" He asked.

"Yeah, I did. I always walk to school, you know that," you chuckled at his silly question.

"You knowww," he began,

Oh boy here we go, you thought.

"Heeseung would totally give you a ride to school if you'd like," he stated. Jake had made this offer to you a few times, however, you always declined. Heeseung was a close friend of Jake's yet he was merely an acquaintance to you at best, you would feel bad having him drive you around. Especially since he already gave Jake rides every morning.

Also not to mention, you found Heeseung incredibly attractive and you don't think your heart could handle that...

"No that's okay, I wouldn't want to impose," you politely declined like always. Jake sighed. You were always so considerate, almost to a fault.

"Y/N, Heeseung totally wouldn't mind, he isn't like that, you know." He smiled, trying to convince you to accept the offer. Especially, knowing that winter was just around the corner.

"I know...I just would rather not," you said trying to escape the topic as your cheeks began to heat up. Jake sighed defeatedly and decided to let it go as you both continued your way into the building.

*****

The end of the day couldn't come soon enough as you headed towards your final class; physics. Yay. You've always hated physics and although you were a straight A student, your grades suffered in that class. Thankfully, Jake was quite good at physics and was always happy to help. Over time, he basically became your tutor. You scanned the front board to see what the topic of the lesson was today. Like usual, you couldn't make sense of any of it. God, I wish I had Jake's brain, you thought to yourself.

As much as you tried not to, you ended up tuning out the teacher and his lecture as your mind wandered to anything but physics. Before you knew it, class was over and students began gathering their books and shuffling out of the classroom. Shit. I didn't pay attention to any of that. You mentally kicked yourself for slacking off. Well, at least the school day is over. You headed back to your locker where you saw Jake waiting for you.

"Hey Y/N, how was physics? I know it's your favorite class," he said sarcastically.

"Shut up," you slapped him playfully on the arm, "I actually totally zoned out the whole period. Therefore, I'm lost and you really have your work cut out for you as my tutor," you retorted.

He laughed and shook his head, "Y/N, you're killing me!" He said while jokingly clutching his chest in imaginary pain.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry I should honestly be paying you at this point," you laughed.

"Nah don't worry about it, I'm happy to help," he said. Gosh he's so sweet, you thought. Sometimes you felt like you didn't deserve him. But if you ever dared to say that out loud, you know you would receive an immediate rebuttal from him. Because that's just how Jake is.

*****

*BZZZ* *BZZZ* * BZZZ*

You rolled over and groaned. Ughhh, it's already time to get up? You had stayed up later than usual the night before. You had been facetiming with Jake as he tried to explain your physics homework to you. Unfortunately, it took you quite a while to understand it since you hadn't paid attention in class earlier that day.

Just 5 more minutes...you thought as you lazily snoozed your alarm.

*****

Your eyes fluttered open as you awoke for the second time. Hm, that's weird. Why didn't my alarm go off yet? You grabbed your phone to check the time. You squinted as your eyes adjusted to the bright screen. Oh shit. You had overslept for 45 minutes. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. You mentally cursed at yourself as you scrambled to get ready in half the time you usually do. You frantically threw on your school uniform and hurried to the bathroom to brush you teeth. You gasped as you saw your reflection. You had the worst bed head you had EVER seen. Just my luck. You quickly threw your hair up into a half updo. Guess I'm going for the messy look today. You hurried downstairs and grabbed a granola bar on your way out. You headed down your driveway only to see a car parked on the side of the road right in front of your house. You were a bit confused but as you got closer you were met with two familiar faces. Oh no. This is Heeseung's car. Your stomach did a backflip. Heeseung smiled and gave a small wave as Jake greeted you from the passenger seat,

"Hey, Y/N! Sorry for the surprise, I knew you would never accept the ride but the weather's getting colder and I don't want you to get sick," Jake rambled.

"Jake told me that you walk to school every morning, but I don't mind giving you a ride, it's no problem at all," Heeseung added with a kind smile.

You appreciated the kind gesture, however, you were mortified. Here you were, looking like the hottest mess of the century in front of the hottest boy of the century. This can't be happening. Of all days, why today?!

You smiled meekly, "Wow, uh, thank you that's very kind of you! I guess I'll take you up on that offer since you already went out of your way to come here," you said apologetically. The two boys smiled at you as you opened the car door and climbed into the back seat.

*****

So far, the ride had been fairly quiet until Jake suddenly broke the silence,

"Y/N, did you do something different with your hair?" Jake asked as he turned around to face you.

God, why did he have to bring that up??

"Uh, yeah, I actually woke up late and my hair was a mess so I just tried to make the best of it," you laughed nervously.

"Ohh, well it looks nice!" he complimented.

"Yeah, you look cute." Heeseung added with his eyes still on the road.

You froze. Your brain began malfunctioning as you tried to compute what Heeseung just said. He called me cute. You chuckled anxiously as you felt your cheeks burning up.

"Thank you," you said shyly.

Jake had noticed your abrupt change in body language, which confused him. But then, it all clicked. Oh...She has a crush on Heeseung. He didn't know how he hadn't noticed it sooner. He grinned to himself, amused by his realization. Suddenly, it made sense why you never accepted a ride.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hi, guys! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! I know it was a bit slow, but once the introductory part is out of the way, hopefully things will pick up the pace. Regardless, thank you for reading! I am also uploading this series on wattpad, so if you’d like to support it over there, that would mean a lot! I'm hoping to publish new chapters a couple times a week so keep your eyes peeled hehehe

~Elle <3

[donaidk]

Looking at me - Arthur Leclerc

Thank you so much for requesting! I already had an idea in my head for something like this and you just gave that last push! It was my first time writing in third person, and I really-really need the practice. Still I hope you will enjoy this 😀🧡 Have a great weekend everyone!

Inspiration song

Masterlist | Taglist/Queue | Request

Getting a chance to walk a well known fashion show at the age of 19 was a huge step in her career. She had jobs and photoshoots all the time, but everyone knew that you’re becoming a name in the industry when well known brands ask you to model for them. She already had a photoshoot with one of them a year ago, but having that break since then and now made her think she probably wouldn’t make it into the real fashion world. However, after Alpha Tauri gave her a chance thanks to Pierre, she was contacted by a well known brand just days after the release of the pictures and they asked her to attend their show at the end of the year. Having the promise of such a big show got her through every harder moment throughout the year and she felt like December couldn’t turn up quick enough.

Luckily as it was well after the end of the season for Pierre he could attend with their parents and siblings. She couldn’t even imagine going through something like this without them. Y/N used her last two guest seats to invite both Charles and Arthur. They were friends of their family and she knew Charles was into fashion and would always take the opportunity to attend shows. He probably could have bought tickets to it himself, but it wasn’t the same as being invited by someone who worked for the company that time. It was also probably the only way to make it seem less strange that Y/N would have liked Arthur to attend. No one asked questions why he was there if he came with his brother. There’s no easier way to do it.

The two of them were quite good friends, as they spent most of their childhood together and later could connect over being younger siblings to well known athletes. It was probably easier for her as she at least went her own way while Arthur was following in Charles’ footsteps, exactly. He was a talented driver, but people and the media always loved to compare the brothers, always bringing down at least one of them even though they were never really in the same championship or position at the same time. They usually talked at least weekly, but after harder races or attacks from the media either Y/N reached out to him or the other way around. It was just easy to support each other as they understood each other’s challenges and hardships. They couldn’t complain though, as both had family and other friends who supported them in their careers and personal lives also.

“ They’re outside. ” Pierre’s voice got her to jump in her chair a little before Y/N took in what he said. “ I’ll get them to the seats and we will meet after the show, yeah? ” He asked, taking the passes from the table next to her. She knew they wouldn’t have time for her to greet their friends and get back here in time.

“ Yeah, thank you. Enjoy. ” Y/N nodded with a grin before getting a kiss on her cheek from him. “ I’m gonna try not to trip. ” She added with a chuckle before he left, watching as he closed the door after himself while she could still hear him laugh. She leaned back in her seat as everything was already done for the show, and it was now just minutes until the start of the show.

She finally chose a photo from the morning when we arrived at the avenue, to share it on her story. Making sure it uploaded fine she could see Arthur’s profile picture in the bottom left, telling her that he already saw it, making her smile immediately. Y/N sent him a quick selfie with her eyes closed and holding up a peace sign as the grin still didn’t leave her face. She was just about to put her phone down when he sent one back, mimicking her pose and making her laugh out loud. He did look silly and seeing Pierre so confused in the background of it just made it even better. She wanted to respond but then had to leave when they were calling her name from the hallway. With one last deep breath she fixed her hair in the mirror before leaving the dressing room and following all the girls to the backstage.

She felt like an anxious mess right until it was her turn and had to step out onto the stage as they counted down for her from the sideline. She made sure her dress wasn’t in the way of her steps, although knew they practiced for any possible outcome and knew she would manage even in a dodgy situation. Her heart was beating so loud Y/N wouldn’t have been surprised if the people watching the show could hear it over all the music and talking. She still tried to look cool on the outside, her grin not faltering for one bit as she walked down the length of the stage stopping at the end and turning for the cameras. Her way back was a bit more relaxed already, knowing she did her job and just had to get back from where they started. She had one more dress at the end of the show but that seemed a lot easier after such a smooth sailing first appearance. The second one felt like a treat for a job well done and she was ecstatic as she changed into her outfit for the after party. Her body felt sore from all the excitement and then adrenaline that already left. However, her mind was still running and looking forward to the night as she went to the lobby where she knew the others would be waiting for her.

“ You looked stunning out there, Y/N! ” Charles greeted her with a tight hug, making her chuckle quietly. Stepping back from his embrace the next ones were Pierre and her family before Y/N could finally turn to Arthur, not forgetting about him in any way.

“ Thank you for coming. ” Y/N said before hugging him, although it was something that was for his brother too, not just him. “ Hope you’re not too tired yet. We have a long night ahead of us. ” She let out another laugh after letting go of him but she didn’t even get to step away too much before he held up a bouquet of blooming flowers.

“ Just a little congratulatory present. Wanted to give it to you prior to the show, but that didn’t really work out. ” He said with a little blush creeping up onto his cheeks, as she took the flowers from his hands, immediately smelling them.

“ Thank you, they’re beautiful. ” Her eyes were still fixed on the bunch of them, taking in how sweet it was of Arthur. It was made from all of her favourite types of flowers, not missing any from the short list she could make up in her head. “ I’ll make sure they get home safe. Wouldn’t want to kill them at the club. ” Y/N let out a little laugh, turning to her mum while they exited the building together.

Luckily her family offered to take her things back home while they went straight to the venue of the after party. Her other siblings went home too after some last minute hugs, leaving the four of them to be the only ones to attend. There were cars that took the guests to the rooftop bar that was decorated perfectly for the occasion. The moon was shining onto the balcony, but there were also lights running over them, making sure everything was visible and people wouldn’t trip over each other or the few steps around the bar and dancefloor. It was the perfect setting for a party that was relaxed but at the same time a true after party, where everyone could let out their pent up energy and adrenaline from the show.

Minutes after they left the elevator, that took them to the floor of the balcony, they were already standing next to a table with their drinks on it. They were watching the crowd dancing just inches away from them while discussing the day. Pierre and Charles were deep into  one of their usual disagreements about their past season, making Y/N shake her head. It wouldn’t have been them if they got through a day spent together without a silly argument. That would have been too easy. She has been watching the crowd blocking out the bickering coming from next to her, gathering courage to join the dancing even though she never backed off being the center of attention it wasn’t the same with strangers. She knew just a few people from here, almost half of it being the ones she invited herself.

“ A dance? ” She turned to Arthur in the end when she could see that his glass was empty. He froze for a second, looking around them. “ You don’t have to, but I would rather turn deaf from the loud music than them roasting each other. ” She chuckled, cocking her head towards her brother and Charles standing across them. She took the last sip of her drink and was about to get into the crowd when Arthur nodded and putting down the glass from his hand was ready to follow her.

“ I’m not a big dancer, I’m warning you. ” Arthur sighed, but wouldn’t have denied himself the chance to spend some time with her in a more private setting. They never mentioned anything about stepping up their friendship, but that didn’t mean they never thought about separately, in their own heads. 

Y/N took his hand with a grin, pulling him towards the dance floor, weaving through the people standing close, leaving them a sliver of space to navigate their way. They had to stop a few times people stumbling in their way or bumping into them while they were getting closer to their destination. Y/N saw two of the girls she knew a bit better, and decided it will be better to be with friends than alone. Arthur greeted them, quickly introducing himself and even though they were already safe, standing in a less crowded space, in the moment Y/N didn’t let go of his hand while they enjoyed the music and the company. Arthur did take part in the dancing, although several of his moves ended up making them laugh and him blush a little although it never made him stop. He was happy to be the source of their joy for the night.

A few songs later Arthur excused himself from the group to get a drink for himself, while the girls stayed in the same position. Y/N spotted a few guys just seconds after he left, watching them, and approaching their group as soon as Arthur was out of the view. They were quite rude, not caring about how the girls tried to ignore them and get them to leave finally. Y/N was about to just leave and not even look back when she felt a hand come around her waist. Without looking up at the owner of the hand she got to know who was standing behind her by just the voice.

“ I think you should search for another company. The ladies aren’t interested. ” Arthur informed the intruders and by knowing him for years, Y/N could tell he was really focusing on the pronunciation. He seemed serious, like never before and it did the trick, getting the guys to turn around and leave mumbling some swears in his way.

“ Thank you! For both. ” Y/N smiled up at their saviour, taking the half full glass from his hand as he held it out for her. Arthur just shrugged his shoulders, relaxing his shoulders and taking a sip from his drink.

What they didn’t see was Pierre and Charles paying close attention to their group from afar. Her brother still had his fists clenched but he was slowly letting up as the situation got resolved and the younger ones could continue enjoying the party and drinks. Looking at each other they agreed with a sigh at being glad Arthur was there with them and helped them get out of a sticky situation. From the outside they did see how the younger Leclerc and Y/N were around each other, although neither of them wanted to push them towards a goal. It seemed simple, inevitable, but they wanted them to find their own way. It wasn’t rare that the only possible way wasn’t the best way in the end. Meaning, even if they looked compatible for an outsider, it was possible that a relationship between them wouldn’t be long-lived.

They stayed until their legs felt sore from dancing and standing around, and their minds were in a comfortable fuzzy state from the few drinks they got. The night wasn’t young anymore when they got into a taxi, heading for Pierre’s apartment that had enough space for all four of them. They all took turns in the shower and decided on who will sleep and where. There was only one guest bedroom and in the end Charles gladly gave it up to Y/N saying she was the one who worked today, taking the couch with a duvet and a pillow. She was about to just go and finally get a chance to fall asleep, when Arthur stepped out of the bathroom now in his pajamas. For a second she debated if she should just let him sleep on the other couch or maybe act on her idea.

“ We can share the bed if you would like. It's big enough for two people. ” She offered in the end, with a shy smile, pointing towards the bedroom down the hallway. “ I promise I won’t snore. Unlike Charl. ” Y/N let out a quiet laugh, making sure the mentioned brother didn’t hear it and wouldn’t try to get back at her for it.

Arthur had to agree with a sigh that sleeping in the same room as her brother, would have been on the same level as some late torture methods. He couldn’t really deny the offer, taking his things as they wished goodnight to the others and walked down to the bedroom. Within seconds they were both under the duvet, managing to share it and not pull it off the other one. They did start out quite far away from each other, but Y/N couldn’t be fed up when she woke up in the middle of the night to an arm draping over her waist. It grounded her while she had to get used to her surroundings and helped her get back to her dream right until the delicious smell of lunch got them back to reality around midday. They shared a moment, gazes locking, before getting out of bed with grins on their faces, both deciding to push the conversation to another time. At least until lunch, as Y/N’s stomach grumbled as soon as she was standing next to the bed.

[monsoonblooms12]

Belamour (Ethan x f!MC)

Summary: Set after Book 3, Pooja finally gets Ethan to dance in the rain.

A/N: A silly something born out of my love for rains and my binge listening to 80s Bollywood classics (I have no idea what kinda mess this is tbh). Also, my first song based fic🤎

A/N 2: The song lyrics are indented (Translation in parenthesis)

Pairing: Ethan Ramsey X f!MC (Pooja Sharma)

Rating: General

Word Count: around 1.5K

Category: Total fluff

Warnings: None that I noticed

Song Inspiration: Aaj Kal Yaad Kuch by Mohammed Aziz

READ ON AO3

A pair of summery blue orbs insistently stare at the world beyond the glass windows.

A world that was now being washed by the consistent droplets that came down from the adobe of clouds to meet their origin.

Their drum was usually henotic, tranquil for him.

But at the moment, it only added to his irritation and deepened the void of disappointment that had formed in his chest.

In another room of the same house, a pair of amber orbs watched the magic of nature with a child-like wonder.

The pleasant, dewy petrichor spread around her, and the mellifluous tunes of Earth's own orchestra made her forget the fast turns her life went through in the past day.

In the faint light, she picked up her hand and let the jewel, the stone that was nothing less than a promise of forever, shine like the billion stars that dot the sky at nights that are devoid of clouds.

As the iridescent lights make her eyes sparkle, a vague idea forms in her brain.

Her thoughts float to reach the person who gifted her happiness, and a smile lit up on her face.

There was a mix of challenge and love in the quest she was about to partake and she was determined to succeed.

In slow, soundless steps, she made her way out of the room and out of the house.

A blur went past and his trained eyes were quick enough to catch the motion.

Shaking his head with realization, he followed behind.

As the steps took him down, and he stood under the shade of the multi-floored skyrise, she stayed yards away from it.

Her hair was wet, her skirt twirling, her face bright and beautiful.

He felt his heart race, whispering an urge to join with hers.

He restrained himself, but the scene in front of him was so spectacular that he doubted just how long his restraint would last.

After what felt like an eternity, she turned to him, half of her face golden under the street lights, the other half bearing the monotones of black and white.

She looked like the personification of their love.

Her life the golden, and his the black and white.

He could write sonnets to describe the picture-perfect scene that played before him like a film, but all he did was stand still, unable to tear his eyes away, unable to speak the words that hadn't already been spoken, his well-thumbed thesaurus gathering dust in the labyrinths of his mind.

She looked at him with a longing, a spoken call for him to join her as the rains continued to fall and purify the earth.

All he did was shake his head in silence.

She took it as a challenge, and he already knew how it was going to end.

For a minute he got lost in her memories, reminiscences from a time, from a moment that passed too quick, yet slow enough for him to remember every moment of it.

And suddenly, the faint tunes of a song brought him back to the present.

Every word of the foreign seeming language lucid clear, setting in a cascade of emotions and bringing pictures etched in past pages of the novel of life, making him go on a trip down the memory lane.

Aajkal Yad Kuch Aur Rehta Nahi

(Nowadays I don't seem to remember anything else)

Ek Bas Aapki Yad Aane Ke Bad

(Once your memories enchant me)

Yaad Aane Se Pehle Chale Aaiye

(Please come to me before the memories reach me)

Aur Phir Jaiye Jan Jane Ke Bad

(And then leave only after my breath leaves me)

The truth of the words came with an epiphany.

Every day of knowing her had been a way of painting the monotones of his life in colours he thought didn't belong to him.

Every moment she had ever spent away from him had made him yearn for her more than ever.

And yet he was foolish enough to think that miles of distance and hundreds of hours could make him forget her.

All the distress he felt could have been so easily ended if she had been with him then.

And now, as he dreams of an aeon with her, he promises to only let her go when his breath leaves him alone.

Apni Aankhon Me Mujhko Basa Lijiye

(Allow me to settle in the world of your eyes)

Apne Dil Me Mera Ghar Bana Dijiye

(Make a home for me in your heart)

Kya Karu Dil Kahi Aur Lagta Nahi

Pyar Me Aapse Dil Lagane Ke Bad

(What's the fault of mine if I can't concentrate on anything other than you, since our hearts connected by the string of love)

As the minutes pass by, melting into each other to form an hour, he loses all tracks of time.

And amidst the sweven he was living in right now, at a moment he could not pinpoint, she had taken his hand into hers and now he stood, lost in the amber of her eyes, forgetting all about the shower that now fell upon him.

As she continued to mutter the tunes in a harmony that went on in rhythm with the rain, he wished he could live in the world of her orbs.

To see the world as she saw it, to live the life from her perspective.

All he wanted was home in her heart, a tiny place on the lands of her soul.

Ishq Ke Maine Kitne Fasane Sune

(I have heard many tales of epic romances)

Husb Ke Kitne Kisse Purane Sune

(And stories about beautiful people from bygone eras)

Aisa Lagta Hai Phir Is Tarah Tut Kar

Pyar Hamne Kiya Ek Zamane Ke Bad

(But I feel I have been broken and got mended by love after centuries)

In muted harmonies, the two of them twirled, forgetting the world around them.

The way their eyes held onto each other, as if holding onto their lives, reminded him of the tales of love the folklores talk about.

The romances of princesses and maidens, and of beauties who earned their fairytale.

But as her palm stroked his cheek in a feather-light motion, he concluded that all those tales faint in front of the story of theirs.

There were no royals, no cruel witches setting up spells and no poisoned apples.

There were just two people, broken by the storms life made them navigate through, fitting perfectly as if parts of a whole.

He tried to remember if he had ever experienced anything as he did now, his lip tracing her ear as his hands wrapped around her waist.

It didn't even take him a second to know the answer.

He hadn't.

Aapka Naam Dil Se Nikalta Nahi

(Your name never leaves my heart)

Dillagi Me Koi Zor Chalta Nahi

Dillagi Me Koi Zor Chalta Nahi

(No force is strong enough to stop the meet of two hearts)

Aapko Bhul Jane Ki Koshish Bhi Ki

(I tried a hundred times to forget you)

Aur Tadpa Hun Main Bhool Jaane Ke Baad

(And suffered a suffering of pain and agony once I forgot you)

The rains accelerate and become a downpour. The mist envelops them but there was no care for the changing environment.

The distance between them ceases to exist as their hearts finally get the pleasure of beating in unison.

In the next moments, she whispers close to his ear, the last of the melody, and it's his story.

The story of how he couldn't get rid of the five-lettered name since the first time he ever came to know about it.

Of how no force in the world could stop two hearts from meeting if that's what destiny had in plan for them.

Who one loves and who loves them back determines so much in one life.

And for him, it was a chance, a risk he was scared to take, dreading the destruction it may cause.

After all when had anything ever-blossoming flowers in the city of his soul?

But this time not only did spring finally arrived with its flowery footsteps but also led to a discovery of himself, a part of him that was buried under layers of snow from the winter that reigned in his life for years.

She taps twice on his heart, indicating how he had tried to forget her, all those years ago. And how he broke himself in the process.

As she hummed the last lines, he bowed down in front of the forces that brought the two of them together.

He thanked the stars which aligned the way did to let him fall for her and agreed to hide, to let the rains fall, to let him have this night with her.

And looked in awe at the woman who brought about the sweetest catastrophe mankind has ever known.

And without uttering a word, he picks her and kisses her, saying all that was left unsaid with it.

PS: I actually have another version of the song, that I sung specifically to go with this, but Tumblr is giving me troubles to upload it. Do let me know if you would like to hear it someday.

Anyways, If you are reading this, I am very grateful for you. Thank you for reading and I hope you have a great day🤎

Tags🤎(Please let me know if you would like to be added or removed):

Perma: @gkittylove99 @neotericthemis @udishaman @aestheticartsx @twinkleallnight @schnitzelbutterfingers @sophxwithers @sweatyrysconnoisseur @nikki-2406 @choicesfanaf @trrfanaddict @starrystarrytrouble @gardeningourmet @parkbarks @mvalentine @lovablegranny @mercury84choices @izzyourresidentlawyer @phoenixrising308 @adiehardfan @quixoticdreamer16 @a-crepusculo @cordonianruby @gryffindordaughterofathena

Open Heart (All fics and edit): @lucy-268 @maurine07 @bellcat2010 @headoverheelsforramsey @estellaelysian @shanzay44

Ethan x Pooja: @aleynareads @choicesaddict5 @stygianflood @mysticaurathings @jamespotterthefirst @ilikemenbutonlyethanramsey @takemyopenheart @mm2305

@choicesficwriterscreations @openheartfanfics

[mariesocuniverse]

Relationships: WayV

MaeKun

if it werent for the the laws of ncity he wouldve asked her to join wayv and stay in their dorms

Since they don’t live together or are part of the same unit they don’t really spend a lot of time together but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t want to be with Mae

Large parent/protective older brother energy

not as protective as 127 hyungs but you know

Yeah she’s a menace when she teams up with other WayV members but she doesn’t clown him as much as they do it’s cause she saves that energy for doyoung lmao

mae claims she visits the wayv dorm for him but he’s 50% sure she’s just there for the animals

the other 50% is because she wants him to cook for her which he does even if she doesnt ask

hes like those parents who insist on giving you leftovers to bring home to your family

he taught her to do magic tricks bc she was insistent on wanting to learn at least one

okay but honestly she thinks he really cool despite all the clowning she does to him

like singing? dancing? cooking? visual? magic? and he can fly a plane????

one of the reasons she has high standards ngl

MaeTen

ten has unofficially adopted her whether people like it or not

he has fought with taeyong and doyoung about it she is his baby

if mark and johnny are his brothers, mae is basically his younger sister

if you look at his photo gallery he has a folder dedicated to mae and mae only

any photo or video of them together is basically ten clinging to her like a koala

he looks at her like she put all the stars in the sky but the same goes for mae

she has admitted in an interview that ten is one of her role models because of his talent and work ethic

whenever she needs help with dancing he’s one of the first people she asks

xiaojun once asked him who’s his favorite between yangyang and mae and you could see him malfunction for like six seconds before jokingly scolding him

“yah how could you ask me that type of question?”

fun fact! ten was the person she asked to go with her when she got her first tattoo!

he arranged the appointment at the place where he got his and held her hand when she was getting it

Lowkey considered getting matching tattoos but never really took the time to think of what tattoos they’d get

MaeWin

another top ship among czennies

these two are so soft for each other omg

just one glance at the two and you’re already melting

You can see Yuta screaming about MaeWin whenever the group is together and they’re interacting

And if you can’t see it you’ll probably hear it

MaeWin: casually talking

Yuta: is this what heaven looks like

MaeWinMark is just yuta’s weakness and he doesn’t even bother to hide it

Okay back to MaeWin before I get ahead of myself and make an entire post about Yuta and MaeWinMark

If they’re gathered in a large group their interactions aren’t really noticeable unless you’re actively looking for it

While the others are talking you can just see Mae playing with his hands or winwin giving her a soft smile while patting her head

They talk more when they’re either in a small group or just the two of them

MaeWin shippers were devastated when they got separated so when nct 2020 happened they went feral

Every once in a while they go out for hotpot and talk about what has been going on

LuMae

this man right here

they first met when she was visiting NCT U dance practice for BOSS with food and she heard him from the hallway

its one of the reasons why she wasn’t intimidated by him even though hes a giant

she was excited to see what kind of energy and personality he would bring to nct

and she was not disappointed at all

personal hype man

whenever they’re on a variety show together and mae is asked to do something he just yells “FIGHT HAEYADWAE”

of course the same goes for mae but less loud bc last time she kept yelling she lost her voice and couldnt talk for the rest of the show

He just has this energy where if he’s hyped up about something she feels energized to be hyped up well so you just hear the both of them cheering loudly

its always interesting to see because you just see a gentle giant cheering loudly with this smol girl next to him trying to match his energy

he always makes sure she’s comfortable when they’re at a schedule

like we know how he’s really silly on camera but he’s also very observant and caring

one time mae complained about how her feet hurt from the heels she was wearing so he just picked her up bridal style and walked to the van without a word

XiaoMae

They’ve heard abt each other from Kun and ten and greeted each other when they passed by each other in the halls but they never really had a chance to grow close until nct 2020 happened

Mae wasn’t in the Make a Wish unit so there weren’t a lot of chances to get to know each other while promoting either but it doesn’t mean they’re not friends

ten also hogs her attention when she visits the wayv dorms but we dont talk about that

these two arent as close as the others but not to the point where they actively avoid each other

whenever they’re together they just vibe

theres no awkward silence or small talk they just talk about random stuff

“no lucas, i dont hate xiaojun hyung we just dont hang out as often as we do”

“yes hendery we do have each other’s numbers we just don’t talk often”

WayV is lowkey tempted to lock the two of them in a practice room together and do a vlive to see what’ll happen

prime candidates for “It’s Awkward but It’s Okay”

their dynamic is kinda DoRen where they pretend to be awkward around each other as a joke

like they went out together once and everyone as excited bc omg they were interacting

XiaoMae shippers are starved for content and will accept any crumbs that come their way

HenMae

the duo people didnt know they needed until they met

its not like people didnt want them to become friends its just that theyre energies match well

these two are such a vibe

you know how there are ppl who don’t see for long periods of times but you still want tackle them in a hug whenever you meet? yeah its like that

kun sometimes wants to separate the two bc of how much chaos they cause together

they’re the duo where they think something is a good idea at the time but ends up as something bad at the end

kun has banned the two from the kitchen bc of a fire they started

HenMae shippers are thriving because of all the stories of the dumb shit they’ve done

lowkey considered doing a series together on nct daily but then the channel stopped uploading vids so it was never mentioned again

one time he was on call with his sister when she walked in and accidentally mistook her as his gf and now they jokingly have each other as bf and gf in their phone contacts

ten nearly had a heart attack when he saw the contact name pop up and mae picked up the call

 yangyang has the whole thing recorded on his phone and refuses to delete it

MaeYang

(A/N everytime i see this gif i need a moment to pause and try and remember my ideas cause my head goes empty when it comes to yangyang)

okay if HenMae are chaotic, MaeYang are worse

kun doesnt need to dye his hair gray bc of all the stress these two cause him

czennies thought they didnt interact much bc of different schedules and groups but once nct world happened they changed their minds

MaeYang slowly climbing up the ranks of nct ships

during one of his lives yangyang mentioned how he spoke a lot with mae and that she wanted to add him to the 00liner gc

czennies lost it that day bc 1) holy shit theres a 00liners gc and 2) why tf hasnt yangyang been added into it yet

insists that she calls him oppa/hyung even though theres only a one month difference between them

Mae and Yangyang: whispering in the corner of the room

kun: theyre either talking shit about someone or world domination and i cant tell whats worse

he tried teaching her some german once and she now knows like three sentences

“Hallo, Ich bin Mae. Was geht ab? Mir geht’s gut.” (A/N this is the outcome of my three years of german lessons everyone)

and basically all the swear words but we dont need to talk about that

haechan jokes that he’s stealing mae away from the dreamies so he wont be the maknae in wayv 

[soramel]

Chained to you (Part 1)

How far can people go for power? How far can you go for love? kthxreader

drabble: You tried to snuck away from your marriage by making a scandal on your own. Have you photographed with someone outside a bar that will cause enough humiliation for your parents. Not knowing the man you chose for your ploy was your fiancé himself. You thought you’ve seen enough of the real world, but being with Taehyung only unraveled so much more. genre: angst, romance, unconventional love warning: eventual smut

A/N: cross-posted from wattpad; updates are uploaded in wattpad first

Part 1 word count: 6.4k

You were having another dinner night with your parents. Silence reigns on your table and only the occasional clink of silverware against the porcelain can be heard. You were used to it. The rectangular table is too enormous for a family of three, the cold marbled floor, the empty hallways. Sometimes you wished for a smaller house because you find the generous space exhausting to stride from and to, but at suffocating times, it provides room to breathe. Like at times like this.

"Mr. Kim's son will arrive in three days. We'll have brunch with the Kims on Sunday," your father informed nonchalantly. You held in a breath as your grip tightened around your spoon. It has been a month since your parents informed you about the marriage they arranged for you.

As a conglomerate heiress, you thought you'll be exposed to a lot of choices for your partner, but as you grew older, your status only narrowed it down. And now, you're left with no choice at all.

At that, your mom started planning for the occasion while you just went on with your meal.

The idea of them meddling with such personal matters like your relationship does not sit well with you. Not that you've been into anything serious for the past two years, but heck, despite your serious disposition, you did not want to tie down yourself in a loveless marriage.

It worked for your parents, but you're not sure if it could work for you. Besides, you barely know the man. You can't even remember his face.

"Mom, dad, I think it's too early to get married. Don't you think?" you uttered. This is your nth time having your dislike laid on the table. Although compared to your past fierce protests, this one's a tamed one, hoping that they'll reconsider your feelings about it now.

Your mom dramatically said, "22 is not young, darling! I was 18 when I was engaged to your father and 19 when we got married."

Your jaw tensed, "I have a lot of things I want to do. Besides, am I not your daughter? Why do I feel like a collateral security?"

"Y/n!" your mom shouted, offended. It's true. You don't know the whole thing but you're sure there's a business partnership behind this arrangement.

Then your father spoke, "You'll end up married anyway, why not do it now? Why waste your time dating around when there's already a man matched for you?"

You've been in this conversation before and it ended up running in circles. A diplomatic approach looked hopeless.

"Love can be learned. What you need to look for in your partner are the benefits he would bring to you," your father smugly said. Turning to your mom at his statement, your mom just gave you a smile.

"Taehyung is a good man, Y/n. You'll love him," she said. You did not respond. Taehyung was a childhood friend, but now he's a stranger. Your family is close with the Kims but you barely see each other, then when college came, you heard that he went abroad for his studies.

Your mom stood up from her seat to go beside you. Placing her hand on your back, she sweetly said, "And do this for us, okay? We've been working hard for your father's presidential campaign for years. This is your chance to help. We're not asking for you to be with us on campaigns."

You wished it was just that.

#

The news of your engagement soon circulated. No articles were written about it yet, maybe it was your mom's doing. She has a strong connection with the press given that she's a famous socialite.

Regardless, the buzzing news was enough for you to receive more stares than usual in your building. You also noticed some paparazzis lingering around when you dine out or shop in your favorite designer store. The increasing attention you've gathered was enough to send you over the edge for the whole week.

To make things worse, tomorrow's the dreaded day. You'll get to meet your fiancé. An estranged childhood friend.

One shot,

then another,

and another.

"Yeah!" your friend, Sunmi, cheered. You got to escape for the night. Your parents thought you'll be sleeping over at your friend, but little did they know, you'll have your share of fun for the longest time you've jailed yourself within the four corners of your office.

"Cheers!" you smirked at Sunmi who's smiling from ear to ear as she bottomed out her shot glass. Then she hugged you, "I missed you! The last time we hung out like this was in college!" she shouted over the loud music. You're in a booth good for ten people. You were hesitant at first to join her and her friends on a night out, but you need to get out of your head for now.

"What's up with you these days?!" she asked.

You took another shot and leaned to her, realizing that she hadn't caught the news yet. "I'm getting married," you said, but it was drowned out by the new music that started to play, making the crowd in the club cheer.

"What?!" she asked, leaning to you.

"I'm getting married!"

"What the fuck?!" her eyes were wide like a bunny caught in a red light. You laughed at her reaction. Then she squealed, making you lean away from her and cover your ears. Her friends didn't mind though and went on with their own thing. "To who?! Oh my god?! Why? How?! You don't have a boyfriend!" she spluttered.

It was actually your first time to find the situation funny. All the time when you think about it, it only stresses you out, but now the whole thing sounded so silly. "I don't know! All I know is that he does not look that good," you complained, making a silly face. You're not sure about his looks but whatever. Your distaste grew towards him the moment your father forced you to marry him.

Sunmi laughed, "An arranged marriage?! Oh god. That's still a thing?!"

You let out a disappointed expression as you held in your smile.

She downed another shot and shook her head, "I won't get rich people like you. So old school."

With a deep frown, you drank another glass that she filled. Sunmi's parents work in one of your mom's companies, you met her in the university as you were in the same classes during your freshman year. Months into your friendship, that's when she knew about your family.

"I really don't like to get married yet but my parents... you know them." you complained, loud enough for her to hear. You did not notice that the two of you already created a world of your own, shutting other people out who are in the same table. They were already playing drinking games, others were dancing, but you two just went on with your conversation.

Sunmi smiled naughtily and poured you another drink, you accepted it, laughing.

"If there's a will, there's a way!"

Raising a brow at her, you crossed your leg over the other and looked up. Feeling the alcohol seep into your system. The buzzing feeling felt good.

Flailing your hand dramatically, you asked, "Great Sunmi, let's hear your advice. Help thy stupid friend."

The cheshire smile that creeped on her lips sent you giggling. "You're not drunk enough. I'll tell you later."

After accepting another shot from her, she took your hand and led you to the dance floor. You were both laughing over nothing while you just swayed your hips to the music.

"Eyyy!!!" you howled at the drop of the familiar song playing. Not minding the bodies brushing against you, you enjoyed your time with your friend. At the end of the song, she dragged you back to the booth and grabbed a tequila bottle from one of her friends. They all cheered when she hoisted it up to you.

"Open your mouth!" she commanded.

You don't drink well straight from the bottle, so you shook your head no. But they egged on. Sunmi laughed, "Come on," then she pushed your shoulder down, "Kneel, bitch!"

The lot roared. You hated it but since your group is starting to get attention, you followed Sunmi to get it over with. With knees on the dirty floor, you opened your mouth as she poured the tequila down your throat.

"One!" they started counting.

"Two!"

"Three!'' That's when you tapped out. Closing your eyes, you gulped it down. You know you're out of it because the alcohol tastes good without the chaser.

This is going to be a good night, you thought.

You're now dancing with Sunmi and her friends. They all said their names as they made small talks, but you were too high to remember them. You twirled as you danced with the music, then at the corner of your eyes, you saw a familiar man. One of the paparazzis who's been following you nonstop. You recognized him because he's not one of those who hides behind the bush. He would casually be in the place where you're in and take pictures.

You felt disgusted. Your whole mood dampened. Your mom can do something about it if ever articles would be released, but you did not want to be scolded over simple stuff like this.

Sunmi noticed the shift in your mood, so she asked, "Hey! What's wrong?"

You stood up straight, getting ready to leave when she stopped you. "Y/n! What's up?"

You sighed, then with a frown, you said, "Saw a paparazzi, he's watching me. I gotta go."

Her mouth formed an "o" before a bright stupid idea popped in her mind. She dragged you back to your booth, urging you to sit down.

"I'm not in the mood anymore, Sunmi!" you whined, you became a bit emotional as you felt tears springing up in your eyes.

"Hey, hey, don't be upset. This is a good thing," she cooed.

"How is that a good thing?! Do you know how the news of my engagement has been buzzing around for days now? People are following me, watching my every move as if... the point is, I didn't sign up for this! I didn't ask for this!"

She patted your back as you rant, then she said, "You can break up your engagement, you know?"

You glared at her for making it sound so simple, "It's not that easy, Sunmi!" you felt hurt. Didn't she realize how pliant you are to your parents' command when they started insisting things on you? Especially when they're mad?

"It is! You're an adult now, you're a lady boss! You can do anything you want."

You huffed. This is going nowhere, your thoughts are fuzzy, the glaring lights and the loud music are not helping.

She tsk-ed when you lied down the couch. You're truly wasted. "I know a way to stop everything. And your chance is that paparazzi," she said as she pulled you up. Scrunching your eyebrows, you asked, "What do you mean?"

She smiled, a naughty one, before letting you in on her plan.

You both surveyed the bar and the dancefloor from where you're sitting at, but no one seems to be the right man for your ploy. In your sober state, you wouldn't agree with your devil of a friend, but you're lost as fuck and besides you like the idea.

"There." Sunmi pointed out a guy who's drinking alone at the bar. You took a swig of a drink you didn't know before strutting heads on to the man she pointed out. He does not look so bad.

Halfway through your stride, you ran your fingers through your hair. You smirked when you realized that you're really doing this.

His doe eyes are adorable, he has a small face and he's tall. He looks serious as he stares at his drink. Then as if he saw you on the corner of his eyes, he looked up and met your gaze.

You look sultry at that moment. You did not let go of his gaze as you approached him. However, the admiration that flashed in his eyes almost sent you back. You averted your gaze, he saw you coming. So instead of going with your initial plan, you just sat two seats away from him and ordered a drink as an excuse.

That flicker of emotion was familiar to you. You see it in parties you rarely attend with your parents. Men who knew who you are and their intention of having a too personal business relationship with you.

Wrong man. You send Sunmi a look as you wait for your drink. She just rolled her eyes back at you.

It's not the time to be picky, but you want to be safe. You're looking for someone who you can invite to take you out then drop them once a picture of you were taken. This one looks difficult to brush off. Scanning the crowd, you eye for your next target. You looked up at the second floor but it's too dark to see faces.

"Hey," the man you were eyeing earlier moved to the seat beside yours. You sent him a disinterested smile, not uttering a reply. You sigh in your thoughts as you find no one good enough for your ploy.

Trying one more time, he licked his lips before saying, "Not having fun here?"

The bartender slid you your drink, you took a sip while thinking whether you should reply or not. Then your attention caught a man who emerged from a staircase. His hair was covering his eyes, but you could tell that he's hot. His aura is something. You watched him intently as he headed towards the bar. To you. You smiled at the coincidence.

Thoughts fogged with your friend, the flowing booze, the music, the blaring lights, different scents of sin, the hazy atmosphere that made you high, your stress, the fucking paparazzi, your traditional parents...

Fuck it.

His stance screams dominance.

He stopped for no one until he reached you. No words were spoken as he claimed your waist, pulling your body against him. You saw him smirk and with dazed eyes you glanced up at him.

Finally, a fuccboi who won't bat an eyelash as you asked him out. A perfect pawn for your plan but everything took a different turn when his lips met yours. "Sure, I'm yours for the night," he answered, his voice deep, before diving in for another kiss. His hands gripping your ass.

He held you tight by his side as you walked out of that damned place. He rained kisses on your collarbone and shoulder while you wait for his car, not giving a damn to those who were staring. You were in just for a picture but his touch and kisses sparks fire that you never felt before.

#

Throat-parched, you woke up in tangled sheets. Your head is pounding and your body's sore. Realizing that you're naked under the sheets, you jolted awake, making you clutch your head as you suffer from a hangover.

Well, fuck. What happened last night? you asked yourself. Crumpling the sheets to your naked chest while you lean on the headboard.

The man beside you stirred at the sudden movement. He's laying on his stomach as he turned his head to face you. Your eyes widened when his eyes met yours. He's beautiful, alright. Blush crept up your cheeks at his wicked smile and he did this weird thing moving his jaw as if chewing something before brushing up his tongue on his upper lip, taking in your presence. He let out a low chuckle at your expression while you're busy putting a name on the man's face. But fuck, you can't remember.

He dragged you down by your waist and nuzzled on your neck, watching his muscles flex in the process. "Thought you'll be gone by the morning," he muttered with his bedroom voice. Is that his way of asking you to leave? You wondered, irritated by his remark.

You were thinking of a smart comeback when your phone rang inside your purse. It was placed on the bedside table together with your last night's dress which was neatly folded along with your lace undies. Much to your surprise.

Dad calling...

Your breathing hitched as you glanced at the time. It says 8 am. You sent a knowing glance to the man beside you, but he just reciprocated your telepathy with a chuckle. You answered the call nonetheless.

"Dad," you started, your voice calculating as you steady your breathing.

"Are you on your way back? The Kims will be here at ten," he said straightforwardly. Your eyes widened in shock. You cleared your throat before replying in a rush, "Yes, yes. I'm on my way from Sunmi. Will be there in time."

You dropped the call right away, not waiting for your father to respond. Wincing, you swung your legs out of the bed and gathered your clothing and slipped in your underwear.

"Now, you're leaving?" the man asked as you clasp your bra back. His tone teasing. You looked back and saw him enjoying your frantic escape. Your forehead scrunched in annoyance before raising a brow at him, "I didn't know if I had fun last night. But regardless, this won't happen again," you retaliated.

His face turned sour at your statement. You hurriedly slipped in your dress and gathered your purse, not minding where the heck your jewelry was. Leaving his apartment in a haste, you failed to see his knowing smile.

#

Memories of last night started flooding back. It was just bit and pieces, but those memories made it clear that you had sex with him. You just wished your memories weren't trustworthy enough but the pain between your legs only confirmed it.

You feel hot all over. You bit your lip at the images that spilled in your mind.

The way he pinned you on the wall right after he opened his door. The way he nipped on your neck, your chest, stomach, and even the inside of your thighs. His feverish touch. Everything felt so sensual.

Your heart beat rapidly as the memories became more vivid. The way he looked at you, his eyes darkened with desire. His low moans and grunts. His silence as he rammed into you, intently watching the little changes in your expression as he thrust deeper.

Time flew fast that now you realized you're in front of the mirror, all dressed and freshened up for the first meeting with your in-laws and fiancé. You still feel like floating due to your hangover and your head aches like hell but that was not enough to bar you from feeling all these emotions. Of helplessness, loneliness, hatred. You browsed your phone to see any news from last night, but you found nothing.

Sunmi told you that she'll make sure you'll get photographed by the paparazzi. Maybe you were too drunk to follow through and were deeply engaged with your last night's companion. You sent a text to your friend,

Was I caught last night?

"Honey, are you ready?" your mom asked from the other side of the door. You didn't notice her knocking.

You sighed as you placed your phone on the charging pad. "Yeah, I'll be out in a bit," you said loud enough for her to hear.

"We'll be at the patio. Don't take too long, okay?"

Should I tell them I have a boyfriend? As you walk downstairs with heavy steps, you were formulating your escape plans but all of them required courage to put shame on your parents in front of the Kims. You're too much of a darling to do that in your sober state.

The least thing you could do is bail your time. However, you doubt if that will work.

The weather outside is nice. It's sunny but not too hot. You saw three house staffs lined outside as they served the elders of their brunch. There was another man sitting on the round table, his back facing yours, you assumed that's Taehyung, your fiancé. A cantilever umbrella was placed against the sun. You encountered some staff walking to and from your kitchen to bring more dishes outside.

When you approached the table, only one seat was left vacant, which was beside your fiancé, his back facing yours. You bowed and greeted everyone good morning, followed by an apology for being late. Mrs. Kim brushed it off, smiling at you, "We just arrived, Y/n. Don't fret."

You reciprocated her warm greeting with a smile. Your father cleared his throat as he told you to take your seat. You did not even bother to look at the man beside you as you felt your hate grow.

The awkward silence was broken when Mr. Kim's son spoke, "How are you feeling, Y/n?" The familiarity of his voice made you snap your gaze at him.

Shock is an understatement. If your eyes could bulge out of its sockets, it already did. The man that you had a one-night stand with is now sitting at an arm's length away from you with a smug smile on his face. You blinked twice. Thrice.

"F-fine. I'm fine. Thanks for asking," you stuttered. Taking a deep breath to regain your composure. You didn't know Taehyung looks this good. You barely remember him from your childhood. You didn't meet him during your teenage years since you weren't really fond of the parties that your parents attend. The time you went with them was only a handful and every time you'll go, Taehyung wasn't there, only his parents. Until you heard of the news that he moved overseas for his studies. You can only care less for you were never interested in him. Until now.

You wonder if you should pretend that you don't know him. Well you really don't. You know him by his name, yes. You weren't even able to recognize him last night. Were you that drunk to fail in putting two and two together? Did he even say his name?

Mr. Kim then said, "I see you haven't forgotten each other. That's a relief."

Your gaze turned to the old man, giving him an awkward smile, while your mother eyes you suspiciously.

The brunch started with a casual talk. Most of the time, it was your parents asking Taehyung about the time he spent abroad. It has been seven years. He would go back here for short vacations but most of his free time was spent for internships. You learned that he's a very career-oriented man. Or that's the picture he's painting. You'll never know.

You were just silent for the whole thing, barely touching your food because you don't have the appetite. You enjoyed the coffee though, as strange as it is. When the fruits arrived, that was the only time you were able to eat properly. The sweetness of the honeydew was refreshing to your system.

Unbeknownst to you, Taehyung smiled at your actions. You were indeed wasted last night, he realized.

"Y/n, I heard you started working for your airline company. How is it?" Mr. Kim asked, pulling you out of your headspace.

They looked at you expectantly, waiting for your answer, including Taehyung. "I'm having fun so far. It's only been six months, but I feel like I've learned a lot," you replied, "Yet, not quite everything," your tone even and casual.

"I actually worked with Y/n before when she was still in Waldorf. We handled their security systems," Mrs. Kim recalled fondly before adding, "Which one do you like more, Y/n?" she asked, making you choose between the airline company and the hotel line you've handled so far.

With a tight-lipped smile, you said, "I grew to be fond of both, Mrs. Kim."

She nodded knowingly, satisfied at your answer. Your hotels are situated near airports all over the world, it's not one of those who caters for tourists in the middle of the city. Though independent from the airline, the two businesses work together symbiotically. Then Mr. Kim asked, "Have you thought of studying abroad, Y/n? It might help with your work. You and Taehyung could have studied in the same university together."

"I had my MBA degree here, Mr. Kim. The curriculum is at par with others, so it was alright. I preferred to study here so I could also come to work."

Your mom then interjected, chuckling softly, "You know how workaholic she is. I'm thankful she's more interested in the corporate world than life in politics."

Her remark sent your dad laughing, "She'd be a darling to my constituents for sure. But I doubt she'll fit right in. You know how my world is." His statement earned a chuckle from the Kims except for Taehyung who just smiled.

Aside from the occasional charity work that you do with your mom for your dad's sake, he never actively made you involved with his activities. He was a city mayor during your childhood years then moved to the national assembly. You were more popular in his world as a cute girl who's tagging along and now, you're well known for being a socialite after your mother, given your family's status.

The chatter died down when phones buzzed. You left yours in your room so you couldn't check for yourself what's happening. The elders took their phones out and seemed to be browsing their phone down.

You and Taehyung just looked at each other out of curiosity.

"Y/n,"

"Son,"

Your fathers uttered at the same time. A stern look was plastered on your dad's face but he's not angry. However, that expression is familiar to you. That's when he tries to see what's beyond the person he's talking to.

Contrary to the reaction of your parents and Mr. Kim, Mrs. Kim gushed at the two of you. "You brats! You're seeing each other behind our back?" she squealed.

Your mom let out an uncomfortable laugh, "I'm sorry, I haven't seen this one coming. Should I have the article pulled out?" she said, turning to your father, her face etched with worry.

Taehyung's face is blank. You figured he also had no idea, but you caught on. Maybe it's your picture last night. Your hands gripped tightly onto your seat.

What have you gotten yourself into, Y/n? you scolded yourself. If you only knew who he was. Wait, does he know who you are when he approached you last night?

You sent him a glare at your realization. This jerk.

Your father turned to your mother and said, "It's alright, have their engagement announced as early as possible," then he turned to the Kims, "I hope that's alright with you."

The move infuriated you. The fact that your father did not even ask if it's alright with you, you were the one who's getting married, not them!

Finally, Taehyung spoke, "May I ask what this is all about, sir?" he asked. His tone is careful.

Your father sighed then answered, "It's a picture of the two of you last night, outside a club. Not a good publicity but the article was decent enough to declare that you're dating. Which reminds me..." he then turned to you and asked, "I thought you were at your friend's last night?"

Shit.

"Ah," Taehyung muttered. He looked at you as he answered for your sake and his, but the playful smile on his lips should have told you he meant nothing good. "I met Y/n the day I arrived in the country. I'm sorry if we hid it from you, we wanted to get to know each other on our own before the engagement. I fetched her last night from her friend's party. That's all."

Great. Almost good Taehyung. Fuck, you should've kept your mouth shut. You were murdering him with your glare when your father's eyebrows furrowed further that you couldn't count the wrinkles on his forehead.

The situation didn't help you from escaping your doomed marriage, if only, it tied you down more. Unfortunately, your father was too smart to not take advantage of the situation, uncaring what it might look like to the people on the table. With a raised brow, he declared, "Y/n just got home this morning, so you were with her the whole time?"

Your mother and Mrs. Kim's shocked faces made your face blush, while Mr. Kim just cleared his throat as he glanced at his son. You couldn't read his expression. So, before Taehyung denies it and turn the situation against you, you answered, "Yes, I was with him."

Days ago, you couldn't even imagine that you will be driving the nail deeper on the veil. Now, you totally screwed yourself over.

Taehyung didn't protest. Instead, he held your hand in his. A satisfied smirk plastered on his face as you force your hand out of his grip, "We can announce the engagement as soon as possible. That, I agree with, sir."

#

Articles were soon released about your rumored engagement. It was your mom's doing, she was the one who's been holding the news off for the week and she just had it released right after your dating scandal that she failed to monitor. Interestingly, people bought it.

"So, when are we having the wedding?" Mrs. Kim enthusiastically asked that day after everyone calmed down. She was looking at you expectantly, but you just returned her look not really knowing what to say. It's not that you have agreed to the arrangement.

Your mom answered for you, "With the situation at hand, I advise it's better if we skip the engagement party. Have their wedding by the end of the month."

"Mom," you called out, protest is evident in your voice at the sudden speed of things. Your heart's beating fast. You don't want this.

In all honesty, you have an idea that this is all for business purposes, but it also looks like a publicity stunt and show of power of your father given that he'll be running for presidency. Your father is famous alright, but the limited campaign period before elections is short that publicizing your wedding months before would help boost your father's image without it counting as a "campaign". Basically, your marriage would hit two stones for him, power and popularity.

You cried that night. Being married off to a man you barely spent time with, horrible images flashed in your head, picturing how miserable your life would be. You missed a lot of calls from Sunmi, but you were nursing your own pain that you didn't want to talk to anyone.

After sending her a text saying that you're fine, you turned your phone off. You've been receiving calls and messages the whole afternoon. Some were asking about the truth behind the scandal while some are sending their congratulations.

You woke up the next morning hearing that Taehyung is in your father's study. Angered at how you're being cornered and not even giving you time to think over it, you hated them for treating you like a thing. You stormed into your father's office downstairs, still in your silk pajamas.

They seemed to be in a deep conversation at that moment. Both heads turned towards your sudden arrival.

"I'm not getting married," you declared without further ado.

Taehyung witnessed your banter with your father so early in the morning. You tried so hard not to shed a single tear, but the gravity of the situation stressed you out more than anything. All the while he just looked out the window and averted his gaze when your emotions started getting the better of you.

"Stop controlling my life for once! I did everything you asked and expected me to do! I can handle your empire without a man!" you argued after a heated exchange with your father.

But that just went through his ears. Then he ended up saying things he didn't truly mean. Hurting you.

"You can't secure your power alone, Y/n. Still, you're a woman."

Your mouth fell agape. You never heard of that word before as an insult but the way your father said it started a wildfire within you.

"Your excuses are bullshit. You need me, a woman, to secure your own power. You know that," you spat. Heaving with rage, you drew your last straw as you said with fire in your eyes, "You're not using this woman. She's leaving."

"Y/n!" your father's voice boomed 'til the empty hallways, startling everyone except you.

You walked back to your room and quickly got dressed. You gathered some clothes and some important things, stuffing everything in your leather duffle bag. This was your last resort, but you have no choice but to drive down this path.

Slamming your bedroom door open to get out of your own hell, your brows furrowed at the sight of three bodyguards blocking your way. They didn't utter a single word.

When you ignored them and tried to push your way out, they stood like steel, holding out their arms to stop you from leaving.

"Get your hands off me!" you shouted.

But they didn't listen.

"Hands off," Taehyung ordered.

The men backed down then you went on your way only for Taehyung to block you.

"Don't touch me," you spat under your breath. Taehyung sighed, "Your father won't allow you to leave."

Snapping, you told him, "I can leave anytime I want."

He wet his lips before looking at you sincerely, "I'll help you."

You didn't believe him. For all you know, he's into this thing witnessing how he just stayed silent while you were arguing your way out earlier.

However, four more men filed in your hallway.

"Y/n's leaving with me, there's no need to stop her." Taehyung said out loud, still holding your gaze.

They obediently cleared a path for you. Taehyung walked off first with you and your leather duffle bag in tow.

He did not throw you a glance to see whether you are complying or not. He walked straight out of the mansion then you saw a Benz parked right in the driveway. He opened the door for you to get in.

You watched him walk to the driver side, still contemplating whether you should go with him. Not that you have much of a choice as the guards were watching your every move. They're all held by the main door. You couldn't remember the last time when you saw this much of security. It's a sudden change in the mansion. It's affirmative they're from the Kims.

After both of you were settled in, Taehyung silently drove off, smoothly passing through the gate.

Down the winding hill, he asked, "Where do you want to go?"

"You can drop me off anywhere. I can handle myself," you coldly said, eyes planted on the road ahead. Taehyung didn't respond and continued to drive.

Several minutes after, you saw a bus stop. "That bus stop will do," you told him.

There's a good chance that he won't truly be of help to your escape. You know that, but still you tried.

And you were right. He drove past the stop you pointed and sped up the highway.

You turned to him, scowling, your faint hope was put in vain though you did not expect any better from him.

"There's a cabin out of the city. You can stay there," he muttered, not minding the dislike shown on your face.

He made some calls after a while. Something about getting a place ready for use. From the conversation, you made out that the place he offered belongs to his family.

A lot of things were running in your mind but then you realized that there's no use to be torn between wanting to compromise with your parents versus running away from it all. You turned to Taehyung when he pulled off. He set the car into a park by the side of the road with fields after your sight. You failed to realize that you were out of the city or maybe he's just a fast driver.

"Y/n," Taehyung started.

"We can have divorce after your father's term," he said.

You let out a bitter chuckle, "Five years is a long time, Taehyung. Forgive me but I'm really curious as to what you will get out of this. What did he promise you?"

"Merger of few companies, an exclusive contract in my tech company, your hand," he told you with full honesty. It's flattering that you are part of a negotiation which involves millions of dollars and maybe displacement of hundreds if not thousands of employees. Not.

"Five years is not a long time, Y/n. Think of it as getting another degree in college," he followed through.

"I accomplished three degrees in five years. Another degree won't take that long," you retorted.

Then you asked, out of curiosity, "And what will happen to the merger after we divorce?"

"I'll give you your shares, enough to have controlling interest. If you want more, we can negotiate that."

You laughed at the insanity, "You think that's easy? You believe our parents will allow that? And having a divorce is a disgrace, Taehyung. Once we get into this, there's no turning back. You know that." Because that's how it works in your world. And you hated it.

He smirked at you, then smugly said, "You underestimate me too much, Y/n. I'm not pliant to my parents' commands."

Good for him.

God, his arrogance is starting to get into my nerves, you thought.

"And if you want, let's not get divorced at all. I'll be that generous to allow you to keep your honor."

"Hah!" you let out in disbelief. Is the air different in the States for it to send his head in such disarray? Your jaw twitched in irritation.

"You see, Taehyung-" your speech was cut off when he started driving back to the road. "Hey!" you shouted, offended at his rudeness. He glanced at you and said, "It's not safe. I just had to talk down your wild thoughts a bit before you jump off the car out of desperation. You may continue. As you were saying?"

If looks could kill, this car already spun off the road.

"Go on," he egged on. You rolled your eyes at him even though he couldn't see.

"I'm not getting anything out of this. Do you think I care about the money?" you calmly said, getting into your corporate demeanor as you see that this is more of a professional relationship for him.

"Aren't you a businesswoman, Y/n?" he retaliated.

With your head held high, you replied smugly, "I don't chase money, Taehyung. I make money chase me."

"And I don't give a damn about power. I highly value respect," you added.

Your head snapped at him when you heard him scoff. He was shaking his head in amusement, but you took it as a sign of ridicule.

"I understand, but being with me will not only solidify your power, Y/n. You can have everything you want. Money will chase you and respect will be given accordingly if we do this right," he simply said.

[wowtobio]

Haikyuu as Idols w/ reader as their manager

──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── 

[1k special]

a/n: to celebrate 1k here’s something i wanted to write for awhile, since pretty much all of the haikyuu va’s sing. i hope yall enjoy! thank you all so much for 1k followers. I appreciate the love and support, y’all too sweet and i really did not expect it all 🥺

warnings: suggestive, cursing

Kageyama

The cool, stoic member everyone biases

Is known to have a soft side that makes eveeeeryone go heart eyes 🥺

If you look up his name on youtube there is probs a good handful of compilations titled “Kags being a huge tsun for 6 minutes” 

One of the lead vocals, has a very nice baritone voice and occasionally posts covers of his favorite songs. 

As your manager, he appreciates and treasures you a lot, though he does not show it often 

He’s just shyyy he’s trying 

Even crushes on you ooooo

And he won’t give any hints other than small gestures; lingering touches, being the only one he’ll speak too in the room, leaving you your favorite snacks and drinks on your desk, etc. 

He would definitely be afraid to involve you and him in a scandal tho, precious bb is just worried 

Tsukishima

aaaa another stoic member, just not as popular as his fellow members

But i can see him having stans that are HARDCORE like it’s tsuki or die no in between. they are a cult. 

Back-up/sub vocalist but the man can DANCE he always denies it in interviews though smh

At fan meets, fans will give him dinosaur plushies. he would always blush and get all flustered while mumbling a thanks cutest shit ever

Like Kageyama, he is secretly envious of you, though he is waaay better at hiding it. to the point you feel like he isn’t even interested lol

But then there is the whole “teasing = flirting” which definitely applies here

A part of me feels like he is known to have painted black nails, like it’s his signature 

you paint his nails for him

It’s so cute, omg imagine sneaking into his dressing room just to blast music and painting his verrry nice nails (tsuki has attractive hands dont @ me) 

But never catch this boy in a scandal, never caught lackin

Nishinoya

BALL OF ENERRRGY

He hypes up the group, the concerts, everything, 100%

Main dancer and back-up/sub rapper 

He is known for being a super good dancer and fans always dieeee when he does his dance solos 

Noya tends to stand out a lot in shows, concerts or so. Intros would go something like: “Hi I’m Daichi! Hello I am Kageyama. HAAAIII I AM NOYAAAAAAH” 

His fashion sense is mwah chef’s kiss. He owns airport fashion. The best street wear around and he rocks his baggy fits to stylish red carpets. 

(you’re his stylist ofc high-five you oooo)

Speaking of you, he also is super thankful to you and shows it often it’s so wholesome and cute.

Times where he would flirt, it would be funny attempts that normally end with you giggling at his flushed demeanor after messing up his pick-up lines.

Overall, I can just see you’re more his mom than his manager. 

“(y/n)-cchi what’s on my schedule for the rest of the day?” “shower, eat dinner then practice dance” 

Daichi

Super warm and welcoming member,, he’s a safe haven

Y’all saw this coming; the leader of the group

Starts with the perfect intros ALL THE TIME. In interviews, tv shows, concerts, etc.

Lead rapper, he spits some bars ngl 

And y’all saw this coming again, he’s the dad of the group.

Like if the members are bein wild children he’s always there yelling and trying to calm everybody down haha

When it comes to you, he definitely shows his gratitude outwardly to you.

He’d probably mention you and how grateful him and his fellow members are for you occasionally on radios and shows.

You always get super flustered when you confront him about it and he just chuckles and head pats you. 

If he were to initiate a relationship with you, he would ask his fans to understand his feelings for you :,) and he would protect and comfort you from any possible backlash bcs he loves you hehe

Sugawara

The sweetheart of the group.

Absolutely UNDERRATED.

Back-up/sub vocals but has the preeeettiest tenor voice ever.

Like could sing you to sleep.

He has his own soundcloud where he uploads his own covers and he sings like Justin Bieber songs, some Bruno Mars, just any romance songs.

Twitter is HIS platform he would post small snippets of him singing and some effortlessly beautiful selcas.

Being his manager, he is super duper sweet towards you. Kinda like Daichi but he is way more flirty.

Can be super sly with his compliments. And lowkey a huuuge tease he will leave you all flustered and all he’ll do is bat his eyelashes innocently smhh

Suga will do all this but since he’s super sneaky abt it, no one will notice so he won’t get caught in that scandal ykk

But, I can see him disguising himself in some silly sunglasses and a hat when going on secret dates with you.

And you’ll giggle while trying to pull the frames off his pretty face and he’ll whine and playfully snatch at your wrists awwwh

Kuroo

Very very popular among his fans.

Once again we got another leader here. 

He is for sure the main dancer and is a back-up/sub vocalist but he probably raps a few verses in a couple of select songs.

His signature is giving cheesy pep talks that hype up the group before performances.

It’s pretty cool but once you hear his words it’s cliche and you can’t help but giggle every time you witness it. 

Speaking of you, he has a huge thing for yah

Like he probably makes it painfully obvious, but only in front of the members and staff. No fans nor paparazzi, he has a reputation to uphold of course.

But that doesn’t stop secret make-out sessions in his dressing room. 

Sometimes he’ll just pull you in, pin you against the door and just stare into your eyes with so much passion before sealing your lips with his. 

When eating with the group, he’ll casually wrap an arm over your shoulder while teasing you playfully in front of everyone.

Other times he’ll rest his hand on your thigh underneath the table wink wink. 

Kenma

Shy small boi of the group

**Most presume him to be shy at first but he will actually roast tf out of his fellow members. Yk those ICONIC moments.

Main rapper, Kenma’s got bars and he can lowkey ruin someone’s career with a single diss track 😳  (he can sing too, has a pretty voice but denies it so he avoids singing most of the time).

MMM his fashion sense as well YES. Like have you seen those fanarts of Kenma rocking streetwear, yeah he would wear exactly that at the airport or somethin. 

Ofc a huge gamer, he will most likely be seen on his switch backstage, during breaks, on the plane, during vlogs, etc.

Being his manager, Kenma finds you very endearing and he’s always blushing and nervous around you. 

He hides his face behind his switch when he asks something from you awwwh 

He won’t mention you in interviews but when he is asked he will just be like “yeah.. i guess she’s pretty cool” with a light pink dusting his cheeks.

Kenma probably wouldn’t have the courage to initiate a relationship in fear of ruining a lot of things. But if it were to happen y’all are super lowkey and good at hiding it.

Yet overall, very wholesome. If a member were to walk into his dressing room unannounced they would see the sight of Kenma laying his head in your lap and playing his games while you play with his hair. 

It’s super cute until Kenma throws some inanimate object at the poor fellow :,(

Oikawa

OH the most fitting character as an idol and for sure the most famous out of everyone. 

Main vocalist hands down (ponyo ponyooo-)

Oikawa is always and I mean always bombarded with the press and fangirls anywhere he goes.

It seems like the only time he has alone time is when he’s in his dressing room with the doors locked and he only allows you inside. 

You two naturally got closer, you were the least annoying thing in his life so he felt comfortable around you and he found it fun to tease you every now and then.

One thing led to another and uhhhh

Definitely some dressing room sex involved with Tooru

You always scold Oikawa for giving you hickeys in very noticeable spots on purpose and he just waves it off while sticking his tongue at yah.

After awhile you probably have sleepovers with him because you both enjoy each others presence so much. 

His schedule is always jammed pack so you tend to have to overwork in order to keep up and make sure everything runs smoothly. 

So late at night when you’re organizing events for the next month after doing plentiful work, Oikawa will come up from behind and scoop you up in his arms carrying you to bed. He’ll cuddle you to sleep while whispering how you’re the best manager in the world.

──── ∗ ⋅◈⋅ ∗ ──── 

a/n: kinda popped off for kenma bcs i haven’t wrote him in so long and i missed him hehe. same for oikawa too i just had a really cute scenario in mind. anyways, hope y’all enjoyed and once again thank you so much for 1k i love you all!

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