#and if he isnt someone in his entourage is

[tou-dai]

Reminded of the fact that people have been keeping tabs on this sort of thing

For decades and that it was foretold by many who were worried about

White Christian nationalism, capitalism, and the military industrial complex which - like many great powers in our world (created by man) - are abominations destroying everything they touch

And it was avoidable

Quietly losing my mind over the fact that Elon Musk has straight up orchestrated a coup of our executive branch and like....I don't even know what, if any, system we have in place to fix this. Like... He's just taken control of the money and locked out the actual appointed officials. What the fuck.

[slumberinglabyrinth]

One thing with (my characterization of) Giffca that I've never gone into here is that part of it is informed by the fact that he wears armor. The game only really comments on laguz not using weapons, but we can kinda assume that because they transform (and by looking at how Giffca's the only one that's wearing actual armor) they don't really rely on armor as much, right?

The closest anyone else gets is like... wrist accessories or maybe slightly heavier fabrics. Armor is clearly more of a beorc thing, and yet Giffca's wearing some. Comparatively light leather armor, sure, but armor nonetheless.

This then begs the question of why he's the odd one out among the laguz. "Why's he doing a 'beorc thing'?", or whatever. This is the fun part where my brain twists into a knot, tightens as much as possible, then unravels to spit this out:

Crimea broke off from Begnoin specifically to pursue a more positive relationship with laguz (canon). This would involve interacting with laguz nations which would involve diplomats and whatever.

A headcanon my brain spat out a while ago was that his parents were diplomats/envoys/whatever from Gallia to Crimea and he spent his early childhood there, growing up alongside the noble scions of Crimea, and the different environment changed how he developed as a kid. (this loosely ties into my headcanon that he was supposed to be the next King of Gallia but bailed at the last moment) (side headcanon that laguz age at the same rate as beorc up until around puberty, like branded)

This was my explanation for why Giffca is several degrees more restrained than other Gallians (that, and how age sands down the sharp edges on most people). Child-rearing is different in the two countries, and it would turn out that Gallians are generally rash and impulsive (the characters that are exceptions to this are giffca, ranulf, and caineghis (who we know very much used to be)) because, culturally, Gallia lets people do whatever they want (canon) and then face the consequences that come (also canon). Gallian parents are generally less paternalistic because their society is less paternalistic, and they don't keep their kids on a tight leash since they believe it to be a better learning experience to do something and get hurt than it is to be told not to do something and get hurt because you do it anyway because you're five.

Because Giffca was raised in Crimea in a high-class environment, he would've had a chamberlain or maid or whoever breathing down his neck and threatening to take away dessert if he continued to misbehave (which is something he would have done, since he was a child and children do not instinctively understand how to navigate the world). He had to learn how to control himself (and would learn the benefits of controlling himself) at a much younger age, which explains why he's more levelheaded. or whatever. (and maybe ranulf saw him as someone to imitate? this post isnt about him though)

Anyway.

Bringing this back the the armor: because he grew up around beorc, it's just what he's used to. He does "beorc stuff" (incredibly reductive phrase, but I trust you to understand what I mean) because that's what people raised around beorc do.

When he participated in training with the prince or whatever (because that's what you do when you're part of a prince's entourage), he'd wear light armor like the rest of them since getting stabbed hurts and there's going to be an international issue if the child of a diplomat dies during sword practice meant for children. He saw other people wear armor, followed along, and never had much reason to stop.

It's not like it actually does much at this point; he's the second most important person in Gallia so I'd have to imagine he has easy access to items that help him stay transformed, and it doesn't really protect much in terms of his vital parts, but while he's since lost whatever mediocre swordplay he learned at the time, the comfort and sense of safety armor brings him remains.

And, if I want to be gay about it, he also wears armor to give Caineghis some peace of mind as he traverses Tellius on his behalf.

[polygonate]

time to do some half analysis, half memeing on the eurovision finalists costuming

Loreen from Sweden

not my favourite look, its very muted and a lot of the cut-outs feel unnecessary, that being said, i loved the thick stitching on the bottom of the bra, the power of the nails literally carved from stone, and the sleeve elements covering the hand tattoos, overall some really great ideas but they dont give any cohesive vibe and feel underwhelming for the spectacle expected rom eurovision outfits.

Käärijä from Finland

this man and his performance is unhinged. the costuming reflects that perfectly, we got spiked collars on them, reminiscent of a rabid dog or a club goer, the backup dancers have cutouts and additions to the outfits whch seem erratic, chaotic, and best of all, serve no purpose whatsoever. the spikes on his jeans add to the superfluousness of it all and add a level of consistency in the design. we have chaos, we have vitality, we have the ridiculousness of it all. and this isnt even talking about the power in this mans not-shirt like what is he doing? i love it 10/10 no notes king.

Noa Kirel from Israel

you know those fantasy videogames where the women have breastplate with weird fantasy shapes which will stab into their chest if they bend over? here we have been given that idea in real life and it looks absurd (in the most wonderful way) more importantly they all look really comfortable which is amazing to see especially with all the movement in their choreography. i really like the lead/backup distinction in the pants with the what looks like pleather black/white highlight. amazing construction, could have gone harder but i dont think it needs to. after her performance of her song unicorn, we see her relaxing with a fluffy unicorn headband and i just thought you should know that.

Marco Mengoni from Italy

bead shirt, shirt made outta beads, pretty to look at, interesting gradient, nice addition of glam, theres not much here to mention.

Alessandra from Norway

the power, the presence. the cape. she is going ham with the aesthetic of both luxurious queen and intense club-goer. i love it. she goes hard, and so do her backup dancers (they look quite similar but less extravagant, as they are her subjects)

TVORCHI from Ukraine

they look like if techbros tried really hard but the only references they had were anime, techwear and egypt for some reason. not for me but i'll still cheer when they get invited to smash brothers

Gustaph from Belgium

let me break this down for you. pink ass-less chaps, on top of pink shorts, on top of pink pants which are too baggy to lie flat. who does this?? ontop of that we have the whole Boy George BigHat (tm) and a white blazer. this man is homo sexualling all over the place. combine that with his entourage of women in high coverage outfits, absolutely living their best lives and someone in a laced bodice with knee length stilletto boots, the energy of this is really well executed, especially for eurovision.

Alika from Estonia

i love a good pantskirt but this? not a pantskirt. this is a marvel of engineering and fabric manipulation. you have to see this one in motion i am begging you.

Vesna from Czechia

!!! the performance of these artists are actually unbelievable. literally perfect. the costumes allign really well with the whole message of the song with its power of the feminine and power of a support system. no notes.

Voyager from Australia

really good cohesive group outfits, the pattern on them is houndstooth but its silver and black which is an amazing aesthetic choice its so good. very fun ride and very eurovision

Teya & Selena from Austria

you cannot convince me they dont have tumblr. really striking outfits, the gloves have a really fun addition of texture to them which elevates the costuming for me.

Mimicat from Portugal

how many elmos did she have to kill for that dress. will she kill again? (i think so) 10/10

Remo Forrer from Switzerland

hes just wearing clothes.

Luke Black from Serbia

didnt know if i should use this pic or the one where hes surrounded by gorpcore ninjas while a mecha kaiju poses dramatically but you can see the pirate shirt better here

really good ruffling, lovely stitchwork on the trousers, just a well made fit overall.

La Zarra from France

this dress is entirely handsewn. the beadwork alone took 4 whole weeks and it is worth it. absolutely delectable. i cant stop looking at it. also the tower of a skirt that she begins in is ridiculous. 11/10 fashion capital of the world for a reason.

Blanka from Poland

she is literally a model. i think that counts as cheating. stll the dress has amazing colourisation and the sleeve is a statement.

Andrew Lambrou from Cyprus but secretly australia

well tailored but thats it? like wheres the anything.

Blanca Paloma from Spain

the top looks uncomfortable, interesting but uncomfortable.

Albina & Familja Kelmendi from Albania

the shapes, the jewelery, the giant sleeve flaps, i love it all. the thigh cut outs confuse me but the rest is amazing

Brunette from Armenia

i dont even know what to call what she is wearing. but it is cool major respect to whoever applied those grommets and to whoever laces it all up for her.

Pasha Parfeni from Moldova

all the costumes here are both intensely connected to the cultural roots of moldova and at the same time just go wild. you need to watch this one. i guarantee you will not be bored.

Lord of the Lost from Germany

anyway i could critique this misses the point of its existence. the purest form of the word egregious.

Monika Linkytė from Lithuania

the fabric manipulation here is crazy. like really technically advanced. only thing is it looks kinda gross, i dont like it

Joker Out from Slovenia

this boy band look like they got their clothes from an op shop. the vibes are quite wholesome which works with their whole performance. they need to stop winking at the camera tho.

Let 3 from Croatia

their costumes take inspiration from croatian military uniforms and combine them with feminine and goofy aesthetics as a political statement against warmongering and some other stuff.

good stuff, actively ridiculous, 10/10

Mae Muller from United Kingdom

well constructed pieces. i love a cropped jacket and this jacket is the most cropped of all. other than that is kinda basic but she makes up for it with all of the graphic design being her passion in the rest of her performance

overall p hype, cant wait for next year :)

[lazywriter-artist]

Time for some character headcanons!!!

I've been storing these on a discord server for the last few months and now I can drown you all with them.

Josuke + Okuyasu headcanon:

Josuke always claims he is 'waiting for the right one' when asked about dating, describing someone who makes him feel happy to be around them, they get along great, and can fight but still love one another

Not realizing he is exactly describing his relationship w/Oku and exactly how he feels about oku cause he is a silly little aro/ace spec bean bby (Probably demi or gray)

Okuyasu & keicho:

Keicho and Okuyasu are very close to one another due to their experiences in childhood, and while keicho is a bit agressive towards his brother due to not knowing how to cope with his anger he still is very protective of Okuyasu, so anyone threatening Oku receives an immediate death sentence. Be it because they're trying to kill them or someone scolding oku as the brothers don't do well with being shouted at.

Jotaro headcanons:

There are few people jotaro will let make contact with him without a very close connection, example his mom and even then he is adverse to the touch, but one being stands above all the rest. One man can invade his personal space (within reason) beyond all set boundaries and jotaro would give gruff 'yare yare' and carry on.

Who is it?

Polnareff.

That man could sit in joots lap and cry into his shoulder while sobbing in French, a move anyone else would be hospitalized for, and jotaro would sigh with a 'good grief' and hold him like a baby so they didn't fall over

Your standard jotaro chart of may I touch:

Jotaro with strangers- NO TOUCH

Jotaro with people he has met - 2 second Hand shake only or death.

Jotaro with friends - you may touch me slightly more then usual.

Jotaro with close friends or family - *a singular 3 second hug is allowed*

Jotaro with polnareff - You are allowed to sit on my lap while we drive in the car and you lay out all over me while sobbing in French about how some girl smacked you for winking at her. No one else.

Polnareff in part 4

Pol:OIII!!! JOJOOO!!! *tackle hugs jotaro hugging and platonically smooching him*

Jotaro: *yare yare daze*

Josuke, conufsed: is- is jotaro dating that guy?? Isnt he married???

Jospeh, a small chortle: no! Haha, jotaro is gay and polnareff is french.

Josuke: I-

Dio minion headcanons

A lot of dio's entourage is queer in some way. A few being trans as they were attracted to the idea of the vampire powers getting rid of parts and replacing them with more appropriate ones

Vanilla Ice and pucci are two trans men, though Ice came to Dio and had him use his vampiric powers for transiton

Meanwhile pucci had received conventional top surgery.

Dio is rather oblivious to modern medicines and thus doesn't really know what the hell top surgery is

So when showing off his scars and explaining them to some of the other trans folk of Dio's mansion, Dio notices and is livid. Confused and demanding to know who gave him these scars.

Pucci explains his doctor at which dio snaps back with an 'I knew healthcare professionals were evil' followed by silence and a small explanation of top surgery to dio.

I also like the idea Dio doesn't fully realize and understand the concept of trans.

He fully supports his minions in switching around parts and things, cause like same he cut off his adoptive brothers head and graphed his head onto it, shapeshifting is a thing he can use so why not use it?

He just doesn't connect they're trans, he just figures they like using his cool abilities like him lol

The d'arby brothers are from deep down south in Louisiana. Why? Bc I like the idea. I also really like the idea of Terence making Jumbo and other foods for Dio's minions and things.

Hol horse is from texas and is very sweet cowboy man, his family owns a farm :) he has a horse named buttercup and he loves buttercup

Vanilla is from like....Wyoming or some made up state like that. Silly little freak. Like Massachusetts. He is giving Massachusetts. Idk y he just is.

Hol horse is the oblivious supportive uncle. the others are all off waving their pride flags at a pride parade and hol horse is there with his texan flag just happy to be included lol. He also give out hugs when he gets dragged to pride parades, he is happy to be there UvU.

General stand headcanons

Stands have shown being directly connected to their user, some more so then others (I.E. Kira's stand 'sheer heart attack' is shown to directly affect the right hand it is connected to when attacked)

THUS meaning people who's stands damn near directly correlate with their body's, say killer queen or the world, if you were to squish their faces this would effect the user. (In this case kira or dio)

Bc this opens up a whole new range of Partner affection, not to mention the hilarious possibility of scenes like so

*sitting next to killer queen, looks around for kira. Very swiftly swishes the stands face*

*violent footsteps approach*

[moonlitlex]

because writing known sapphic icon artemis as someone who kicks people out of her gang of handmaidens for falling in love is weird and bad??

artemis in actual greek mythology literally had lovers - at the very least she had one. orion. most if not all of the sources i've seen for the orion myth name him as her lover. that's at least one person (and he's a man, so her manphobia doesn't make sense). there are also several sources that suggest artemis and callisto were also lovers. artemis is definitely not portrayed as aromantic in mythology.

there are also several sources that suggest that being a "maiden" or a "virgin" in ancient greece could just meant that you would never marry/were unmarried. it wasn't necessarily a celibacy thing. it's possible that people meant the former, but it's also possible that people meant the latter. the truth is probably a combination of the two, but we can't time travel and ask the ancient greeks so we just have to guess.

and the thing is, artemis isn't an invention of rick riordan. if she was, there wouldn't be any problem. if there was, writing her as having this huge issue with men and romance would just be a part of her character, not a perversion of myths that already exist. hell, the hunters weren't even all girls in the myths. it was rare, but there was still the occasional man in her entourage (hippolytus).

joining artemis in the myths isnt a safe haven from romance - it's a safe haven from the extremely patriarchal values of the time. teenage girls would be married off to men twice their age (girls were often married as teenagers while men would often be married at 30. you do the math). the myths about girls running to artemis are them asking her to protect them from these horrific child marriages (though, strictly speaking, they wouldn't have been considered child marriages back then because the age of majority was much lower at the time). some people even kidnapped these girls for marriages (not common, but also not unheard of - this is what the persephone and hades myth is likely based on)

to a lot of people (including me) it's kind of offensive to take this safe haven for literally anyone trying to escape this honestly pretty horrific culture and trying to live a generally nicer and more peaceful life and pretty much go "sorry, no. in my child-friendly wish fulfillment universe, you don't get any protection from the goddess who has been considered a protector of young girls for thousands of years. my artemis hates romance and will kick a 12 year out for having a crush." it's gross and weird to go "no, sorry. the goddess who is considered a queer icon by a lot of people actually just hates romance." (sidenote: there are other goddesses he could've written like this. athena and hestia have both never had any romances in the myths. artemis, on the other hand, has.)

also, these girls are CHILDREN when they take these oaths - there are girls as young as 8 or 9 in the hunters ranks. it's extremely fucked up to write a romance averse goddess who actively recruits actual children and then kicks them out of the only home they've known for potentially hundreds of years if they fall in love.

and it's worse when compounded with other stuff in the books that's just... off. like how all the female characters rick doesn't want to put in a relationship take vows of celibacy. most if not all of his female characters either get into relationships (they're teenagers - it's weird for all your teenagers to be in relationships in the first place. these people are like 14-17) or they take vows of celibacy (thalia, rachel, reyna). (he does this with the boys too, except with them they're either in relationships or dead. and i'm not aro or ace but i think even just having characters who can exist in peace without being in a relationship would be better than being kicked out of your home for love. jason, piper, frank, hazel, leo, reyna, nico were all major characters who would be perfectly fine and in multiple cases would actually be better characters with better arcs if they were single. unfortunately they're all in relationships, apart from reyna who took a vow of celibacy and jason who fucking died in the stupidest way).

when people clamoured for reyna to be a wlw, he spouted some biphobic and lesbophobic nonsense online, made her give an extremely ooc and out of left field speech about shipping in canon, and then made her take a vow of celibacy. (also her leaving camp jupiter when they are completely fucked due to the actual battles they've been in is very ooc. the reyna in hoo who travelled halfway across the world to retrieve a statue because it would fix the divide between the camps would literally never do this. reyna has shown no desire to leave camp jupiter or new rome before this). then when he got criticized for this, he decided to make piper sapphic.... offscreen with a new side character we've never heard of, barely a month or two after her best friend/extremely close friend and ex boyfriend died in her arms of violent causes. that's not a win for representation. that's an extremely troubled and traumatized character deciding to get into a relationship as a coping mechanism.

Can someone explain how somehow Emmie and jo being forced out of the hunters is bad when the vow specifically mentions not dating at all. Or all the people complaining just playing into arophobia and the constant demonization of men? Because the hunters is obviously (in the books at least) a safe haven for aromantics/romance neutral people /romance negative people/ anyone who doesn’t heavily value romantic relationships. So logically, when emmie and jo had a romantic relationship, they would leave before breaking the oath the swore (where they give up romance). Which was 100% their choice from when they joined the hunters to when they left. But apparently, giving up romantic interactions is only a good thing when men are involved.

[wizkiddx]

I lovelovelovelove ur writing. Was thinking if u could do one where readers relationship w tom exposed bcos someone recognises her but she isnt famous? And its all backwards and caught out sort of thing

thanks for being so kind! also I feel like me narrator-y voice has gone WAY too far, what do u guys think? I won't be offended promise I just think it sounds so fucking annoying rn

Tom Holland x reader

summary: you run into possibly the most infuriating family members the one time u and ur boy are showing PDA

warnings = none I think :)

///////////////////////

It was a late late evening, on the last train of the night towards manchester, the British countryside plunged into darkness that appeared as a blank, black canvas out the rounded-rectangular windows. 

And although the serene surroundings were calming, the regular and rhythmic movement of the carriage on the tracks - you were more on edge. Your relationship with Tom had yet to be revealed to the world - though you’d travelled as part of his extended entourage before under the guise of a ‘family friend’. So now it just being you, Tom, Harry, Andrew and Rachel - you felt more exposed. Of course, you were incredibly grateful that Tom had planned this weekend away for the two of you (after a work commitment, hence the presence of his manger, makeup artist and Harry). But it was scary.

Coming out of Euston station, the earlier time meant the train had been more of a hive of activity. Kids running up and down the aisle, inevitably recognising Tom and then asking for a photo. Enough that you’d had to move a few seats down the carriage, so no one would associate you travelling with the a-lister. 

But after you’d past Birmingham and the clocks past eleven pm, everything had quietened down and Tom convinced you to come and sit next to him on the table of four.  Andrew and Rachel were taking use of their little duo seat across for you to catch up on some well needed beauty sleep. They’d all been working with Tom doing promo for his most recent movie in London so it’d been pretty 24/7.

That left you, with all the energy, contrasting greatly with the two flagging Holland boys. 

“Lets play heads up!” You announced to the much less enthusiastic faces round the tables. 

“You can’t play that quietly and the whole carriage dont want to listen to you screeching.” Harry rolled his eyes whilst slightly ripping into you, then picking up his phone - thinking that would shut you up.

“I can play quietly!” You huffed, looking for Tom for backing… which never came. He didn’t even need to try and defend himself before you whacked his chest in false-annoyance. 

“ It’s not a bad thing, just passion.” Tom murmured, desperately attempting to sweet talk your round - which of course, was not going to happen. 

“No way! I’ll prove it to you!” 

“Nonono darling, look I’m tired.” He straight refused, wrappings his arms round your shoulders to try and cage you in. He ended up with his back pressed against the window and your back against his chest. “Lemme just relax with my best girl.”  You huffed in reply, worming round in his clutch before eventually giving up and relaxing your head onto his collar bone. For the reasons previously mentioned, you did not for a second believe he was serious with this PDA. Just sitting next to each other was risky enough,  now he was very clearly hugging you in a public place. Arching your neck back, you were shocked he already had his eyes shut - looking perfectly contented and relaxed. 

“T, are you serious?” You whispered, making him crack one eye open with a questioning look. Instantly he knew what you meant, I mean, it was him that was most worried about people finding out about you - for your sake. His horror stories of previous relationships hadn’t helped, to the point now only your mum dad and siblings knew about your relationship to Tom - mainly for the sole reason your nan was the biggest gossip in the world and could NOT be trusted. 

“Course love, it’ll be fine no ones around and I got my cap on. No one will notice us.”

Foolproof. Or so you both thought. 

And honestly for an hour or so you relished in the fact that in a public space, your boyfriend was showing you physical affection. It was exciting, which meant as Tom’s arms grew lax round you as he slumped slightly in the chair your energy only increased. No one else was being any use either - Harry had his head in his arms on the table and similarly neither Rachel nor Andrew were conscious enough to keep you company. Finally you settled on playing a game on your phone whilst also ever so softly wiggling round on Tom’s chest, purely because you enjoyed the little huffs and the way he’d squeeze you tighter as he snoozed. 

You were engrossed in shitty little iPhone game when a person who was walking down the aisle slowed down, drawing your attention away from the phone. And then your heart literally dropped because you instantly recognised your uncle and cousin, who was 12. Worse though, they had most definitely clocked you. 

Of all people, your uncle and boy cousin too. Possible the best (or worst depending on your point of view) at winding you up, at messing  with you, for genuinely causing all chaos and mischief with you. They were most certainly not going to be discrete. They’d rib you till your dying day. 

“Y/n?” Your uncle spoke first, noticing the that the group you with all seemed to be asleep, so at least trying to be a bit sensitive. Not that it mattered on Tom’s part though, you instantly bolted up and away from him, making him groan as he slowly woke up. 

“Er yeh, I-um  fancy seeing you guys here. Why were you in London?” Because yes half your family did live in manchester - a fact you felt slightly guilty about, considering you couldn’t fit in a quick and explainable reason as to  why you were in that area of the UK during a ‘pop in’. So you’d chosen to keep the whole trip a secret too.

“We’ve been at the footie, could ask you the same question.” Your uncle smirked, noticing toward Tom, who now was blinking his eyes heavily - looking with furrowed brows between the two of you. 

Because yes, the cap had been great to stop people recognising Tom. Neither of you were to expect it’d be you that’d be YOU stopped by someone who noticed you. 

“Oh um… well er this is my friend Tom, he’s got a work thing in manchester so thought I’d tag along. What was the score?” Yes you described your boyfriend of 9 months as a friend, when it was clear to everyone you were more than that. Though frankly, you still felt sick introducing him as ‘boyfriend’ - that itself was cringe as hell. The reference to football was an in-vain attempt to distract them with the most-boring-sport-in-the-world talk. If only Tom had kept his mouth shut. 

“Sorry mate” His voice was a little hoarse, making him force a cough before stretching his hand out. “I’m Tom”

“Nice to meet you, I’m Ritchie and this is Matt” Your uncle motioned to his twelve year old son who was smiling politely but his expression seemed to drop as he made eye contact with Tom. Blissfully unaware, Tom shook Ritchies hand your a soft smile. 

“How do you guys-“

“I’m her uncle. Tell you what, didn’t imagine bumping into my niece on the 11:30 train to manchester.” 

Tom’s face fell and he froze. You’d both been caught out. Massively. It couldn’t get worse, till it did. 

“Y/n is that Spiderman?” Because yes, Matt was prime Marvel fanboy age. And yes, of course his favourite hero was Spiderman. And yes, this would probably be the most exciting day of his life. And the most embarrassing of yours. 

It was at this point Harry was sufficiently disturbed, enough to make him sit upright whilst also backing away into the corner of the booth, watching from afar.

“I-uh” You didnt really want to say it, for the sake of that meant he was revealing this secret you’d guarded with your life. But at the same time, you had this overwhelming sense of pride for Tom because “yeh, yes he is spiderman.” Matt started jumping up and down like an overexcited boyband fan which made you laugh, heart swelling as Tom chuckled along beside you.

Yes by no means was this ideal. And yes you were now forced to tell your family (so ultimately the world) about your relationship. Maybe that wasn’t so bad though?

hope u enjoyed + thank you for reading <333

tagging: @hollandfanficlove @hallecarey1

[0bfvscate]

Halloway’s Night Out

Fanfiction for @nothwell‘s sequel to Mr. Warren’s Profession, Throw His Heart Over.

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: Alcohol use, mild sexual content, references to violence and drug use

Summary: John Halloway celebrates selling his most recent, and most controversial painting, The Fall of Icarus, with dinner and wine, but true to form, neither Halloway nor his dear friend Cyril Graves manage to do anything in a quiet or orderly way.

The reception to the painting was mixed. Some called it a masterful use of technique, others an aesthetic triumph. Others called it a debasement of ancient myth, a clear excuse to indulge in homosexual tendencies, and an affront to good taste. Halloway heard people call him both a genius and a monster for displaying the vaunted Icarus as a scarred and beaten man, and felt a bit thrilled to invoke such strong reaction.

Until he saw Warren in the crowd. Warren was a quiet man with quiet habits who preferred his privacy. Warren’s eyes darted around the room as he squeezed through the crowd toward the painting, trying to reach it without making any sign that he was there. Halloway came to the sudden realization he’d brought a very private friend to an event celebrating his naked, painted form. Halloway could see him struggling to be invisible, squirming in his suit when he bumped in to someone, apologized, and saw their eyes flicker over his scars.

Halloway jumped through the crowd. “Warren!”

His voice did not have its intended effect. Instead of being a life raft thrown into open water, it seemed to act like a bullet at a hart.

“Come here,” Halloway called, struggling with the tools at his disposal for some anchor to ground his model. “Let me shake your hand—find you a glass—no? Very well, as you wish—but do allow me to introduce you to my friend—Mr Talbot—the proprietor of this fine establishment.”

—and reached behind himself to extract one Mr. Edward Talbot, art patron, critic and former tailor. He’d inherited a strong business sense, an eye for color, and a tailor’s shop from his father, which he then liquidated and converted into a gallery for the sake of art.

“How do you do.” said Mr Talbot.

Aubrey replied in kind, but with mounting meekness as Talbot’s eyes widened with recognition. Talbots’ customary congratulations to the model froze on his lips and a yawning silence stretched in its place.

“Mr Warren,” said Halloway, clapping his free hand upon Aubrey’s shoulder, “is the celebrated model.”

“Indeed,” said Mr Talbot. “I thank you, sir, for making such a splendid work possible. Your visage is a most inspiring one. Forgive me for abandoning you so soon, but I’m afraid business calls me elsewhere. Good evening, Mr Warren. It was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you again soon.”

He gave them each a nod and vanished into the crowd as easily as a ghost, where his absence was filled with Halloway’s annoyance. Talbot failed to offer Warren any comfort, and left him still and fragile and unsteady as a newborn fawn. If only Warren drank, Halloway would have given him some liquid courage.

“Talbot thinks we might have an offer on the painting this very night,” Halloway blurted out.

“That’s good,” Aubrey replied, though his uncertainty turned the remark into a question.

“It’s very good,” Halloway confirmed. “Better than I’d hoped—though no less than I feel it deserves, if I may be honest at the risk of being arrogant. Have you seen it yet?”

When Aubrey admitted he’d not yet glimpsed the painting hanging in the gallery, Halloway bid him follow, and carved a path through the crowd to the wall. Every wall in the gallery bore artworks from floor to ceiling, but Icarus Fallen seemed to have a glow all its own. Or did Halloway imagine it? Did it draw his eye for the piece of himself he recognized within it, or was there something universal in its composition? Did it have that unmistakable spark of beauty that every artist chased, or was it just a nice painting that he was proud of?

Aubrey craned his neck upward towards the painting, and for a moment, he seemed at peace.

“What do you think?” Halloway asked.

“It’s… impressive,” Aubrey said at last.

Halloway smiled, but before he could say more, a hand clapped him on the shoulder.

“Halloway,” the man said. “Tell me more about this recent painting. Tell me where you found the nerve.”

And with that, the crowd drew him back in, where he was in his element.

By ten the gallery was shut up, the champagne was gone, and Richard Talbot was using Halloway’s coat and hat as a lion tamer used a chair.

“You ought to apologize to my friend Warren,” Halloway said. Graves had his fingers in the back of his jacket and was trying to pull him toward the exit. “He’s a very handsome man, you know. Very kind, very gentle. He’s sort of like a deer.”

“For God’s sake, John,” Graves grumbled. “The event is over and we’re starving. If we stay here any longer the party will end.”

“I know, I’m coming. And I’m not upset with you, I’m just a bit protective of the poor chap. He’s like a deer.”

“I understand completely.” Mr. Talbot said, advancing on him with the coat and hat.

“He saved an entire factory. That’s why he’s got those scars. Have I told you that?”

“Yes.” Talbot said.

“You’re drunk.” Graves said.

“You’re drunk.”

“I think you’d both do well to have a hot dinner and a nice cup of coffee.” Mr. Talbot said, taking another step forward with the hat and coat.

“Oh, yes. Splendid.” Graves answered.

“I just want you to know—“

“I know, John,” Mr. Talbot said, finally saddling Halloway with his own coat and hat and giving him a gentle pat. “I know.”

And then they were out in the street, unsteadily climbing into the hansom. They collapsed on top of one another and awoke some twenty minutes later feeling like watersodden logs, but after food, coffee, and yet more liquor, they both felt as fresh as spring rain.

“To Icarus!” Graves cried. “To a man who died a noble death, in the pursuit of absolute, ideal beauty. A man who stretched out his hand to touch the sun and felt its fire burning. Here’s to a man who flew out of prison and fell to the sea.”

“Now I’m not arguing against the technical skill,” said Hainsley, the editor and founder of his own magazine. “It is clearly a beautifully painted piece. What I am arguing against is the choice to mutilate Icarus.”

“He fell out of the sky and smashed on the rocky earth,” Halloway argued. “If I wanted to mutilate him, I would have done much worse then a bruising.”

“Exactly. That’s my point. You can’t argue for realism, since true realism would reduce the painting to an unrecognizable, pornographic mess. If Icarus Fallen were pure veritism it would hardly be a painting at all. Your choices were weighed accordingly, which is every artist’s right, but I respectfully disagree with your decisions.”

“Well, sir, I respectfully disagree with yours. Icarus has been portrayed in art for thousands of years, and I for one am tired of seeing unending galleries full of heroes in unblemished death throes.”

“God, are we going to sit at this table forever?” Asked Forsyth from the other end. “I’ve been stuffed in this jacket all day.”

Next they went to the Catullus club, descending on it like a flock of bats if bats waddled on foot after too much food and wine. The club was a relatively sedate place at that time of night, except for a few private parties bursting with exclamations and loud thuds from behind locked doors. They took the main room and filled it with noise and smoke as the company and the alcohol brought them all a new burst of energy. The staff, noticing the celebratory nature of their party, circled them like moths.

Halloway had a very pretty toff sitting on the arm of his chair while Graves proudly recounted his triumphs. The toff was a bit too pretty for Halloway, incessantly barring eyelashes he’d enhanced with kohl and cheeks darkened with rouge. Hainsley was sitting on the other side of the chair and salivating up at the pretty toff. Halloway, eventually, retrieved his arm from the toff and used it to wrap around Graves.

“Couldn’t we move the pronouncements to a private room?” He asked.

Graves, frozen in the act of giving a speech, took his time to arrive at John’s point. “I’m not averse, if you don’t mind leaving you adoring entourage.”

“I’d prefer it.” He admitted quietly.

Graves raised his eyebrows, but got out of his chair without comment. “Very well. Excuse us, gentlemen.”

The orderly at the welcome desk gave them a key to a room on the second floor. By the time they arrived, towels, lubricant and a clean water basin were laid out for them by the bed.

“Didn’t that pretty young gentlemen interest you at all?” Graves asked, pulling off his shoes.

“God, no,” Halloway answered. “Although if you’ve a fancy—“

“Hmm. Do I? Well, I’d certainly give it a try. But why not? He seemed very partial to you.”

“Shame I’m not much for willowy boys.” Halloway grumbled.

Graves laughed. “So it’s another question for aesthetics! Tell me, John, what disinterests you so in beauty?”

“‘Beauty’ isn’t a predetermined factor,” Halloway declared, giving up on untying his tie and just pulling it apart. “If it were, the Asthetes wouldn’t have anything to talk about.”

“Isn’t it? A truth doesn’t become less true for having facets, nor are gems less expensive for them. If beauty were in the eye of the holder, a painting could not be celebrated. As an artist, you must admit that beauty is generally agreed upon.”

“As an artist, I can tell you now that beauty is a trend that comes and goes,” he struggled to pull off his socks and eventually let himself fall forward, onto the bed. “No one today would paint a Rueben.”

“But there is still something enduring about their beauty.” Graves mused. He was stretched out in his chair, waistcoat unbuttoned and only one sock off. He seemed to have forgotten he was unbuttoning his pants.

Halloway jumped up on the bed and flipped over to work on his pants. “Alright, let’s you and I discuss the female form.”

“My, you are in a rare mood.” Graves mumbled.

“Exactly— Exactly!” Halloway cried, triumphant, standing on the bed in his johns and shirt. “We’d never deny a woman her beauty, but would you take one to bed?”

Graves made a few noncommittal noises.

“What about the most beautiful woman at the opera? What if I were to introduce you to Miss Virginia Stendhal, who sat for my celebrated painting of Persephone?”

“Oh but that brings us back to the point, my dear, which is that people find Ms. Stendhal beautiful but pity her for the sitting!”

“No, my point is that she’s beautiful, but neither of us would fuck her.”

“You put the poor woman in an unhappy marriage,” Graves pouted. “Persephone, the goddess of spring, the personification of the bloom of youth, staring at Hades as if wishing she could put him in his own pit. What a waste!”

“But why?” Halloway cried. “Why can’t I? I haven’t done anything wrong. I love those stories just as much as anyone else, and you can’t argue that no one sees them as I do, because people have told me they do!”

Graves was laughing, shaking his chair with quiet mirth. “You see, John, this is why I admire your work. You’ll do what you like and stamp your foot when people tell you they don’t like it.”

“Oh, you’re just mocking me.” Halloway said. He wobbled, fell to his knees, then landed face down on the bed. The darkness there was warm, soft and inviting, and he was in the process of exploring deeper when Graves pulled him upright. He sat on the edge of wakefulness, judging the benefits of each side of consciousness, when Graves tipped the scale. He kissed him, cupping the back of Halloway’s head in his hands. He was so warm that Halloway let him carry him fully into wakefulness, pressing his tongue against Graves’ lips until they opened and let him explore. When they’d gotten all their clothes off he pressed his chest to Graves’ and felt his heart beating on the other side. The rasp of skin and short, dark hairs tingling over his body made him flush with heat, but when he reached between Graves’ legs he found his cock still soft.

“Give me a minute.” Graves promised, pushing John onto his back. His lips tickled his skin as he kissed down Halloway’s collarbone and into the sensitive skin between his thighs, but though desire pumped through his blood his little soldier was too drunk for a full salute.

They tried a few more times, and sometime before three Halloway was startled awake by a sudden knocking on the door.

“Halloway! Graves!” Someone shouted. Halloway waited for them to announce themselves or explain what they wanted, but there was just silence on the other side. There was shuffling, then quiet, disappointed muttering and an embarrassed retreat.

“Who was that?” Graves mumbled, lifting his head up. He made a face and scraped a hair off his tongue, then slowly lifted a bit farther off the bed and took in their surrounded. “Where are we? And, good god— what are these hideous statues?”

“I think,” Halloway said, careful not to make any concrete proclamations in light of his irrational condition. “That we have abandoned our party.”

“Nonesense. We’ve only been gone a few minutes.”

Halloway searched the room for a clock, and was relieved to find a small one on the mantle. He got up and squinted at it, but although he could see both hands, neither figure shared information with him.

“I think we’ve been gone a bit longer then that.” He said tentatively.

Now it was Graves’ turn to stop and think, churning through the butter that was once his brain for all the pieces of the night to lay out in order.

“No,” he said, but that was just a reflex, come from the certainty that Cyril Graves did not abandon a party. As it dawned on him that that was indeed what he had done, the finger resting on his chin migrated north and pushed nervously into his upper lip. “Oh.”

“I think we abandoned the party, Cyril.”

“Oh,” Graves said, then got to work collecting his clothes. “Well, let’s resolve that.”

They abandoned their futile efforts to put the room back together and stopped by the front desk to drop off their key. But when they reached the sitting room, it was empty. Nothing remained of their party except for crystal cups with rings of liquid, and one cigar still smoking in an ashtray. As they stared at the ribbon of smoke rising up, they heard a giggle behind them. Glancing over their shoulder, they saw the pretty toff from before wrapped in a curtain, trying to hide but shaking with mirth.

He explained when they approached; “When you two disappeared, the others went to look for you, and that became a game of hide and seek. Right now it’s Hainsley seeking, and he’s terrific. He gets so angry when he can’t find anyone.”

To prove it, the toff encouraged them to hide behind a large potted plant. Within minutes Hainsley came in and began to turn the sitting room over, cursing the whole time. The toff was helpless with laughter, covering his mouth with both hands to smother the hiccups and gasps that escaped. Hainsley caught the echo of a cough and lifted his head with alertness, as dogs did during hunts. Slowly he inched forward, and pounced on a couch at the edge of the sitting room. He paused, as if checking his success, then threw the pillows aside and cursed again.

The toff was helpless with laughter.

Halloway straightened up and stride towards the editor. “Hainsley!”

The man jumped. “Halloway! There you are! We’ve been looking for you for ages. Don’t tell me you lost Graves on your way back from Fairyland.”

“Of course not,”Graves said, leaning against the potted plant with an air of ennui. “But what are you doing to that poor couch?”

“The bastards all thought it’d be funny to hide after you went missing.”

“Or perhaps they are the ones whisked off the Fairyland.” Graves mused.

“Anyways, all the servants have gone to bed and I need another drink.”

“Perhaps we could use another drink.” Halloway agreed. His poor, pickled brain was trying to shut up for the night, but like a bicycle with the breaks cut he could only keep moving.

As they were making up their minds of where to go and how they could get another drink so late at night, members of their party popped one by one out of doorways and down the stairs.

“Hainsley, you spoilsport!”

“Are we getting a night-cap?”

“Do you know of a place that will still be open?”

“No,” Graves said. “Regrettably, we’ll have to go home for hospitality.”

It was no longer the blackest night, but the blackest morning. Halloway was speculating on the change in atmosphere that seperated morning from night in the wee hours. Was it the dew in the air that changed the texture of the darkness, or simply the knowledge that dawn was approaching? Or was it instead the weight of his body on his mind, dragging just a step behind his alert consciousness, like a cranky child?

“Here we are. At last,” Cyril said, banging on the front door. “Open up! Come on, we don’t have all night.”

But the door did not open. Soon the whole party took up a chorus of the demand and chanted it like a drinking song.

“Open up! We don’t have all night!”

Lights glowed behind the drawn curtains and the door was abruptly opened. The party poured into the foyer, still chanting.

“Open up! We don’t have all night!”

Someone clipped John’s nose in their clumsy effort to remove their jacket, and another fell on his back as they were trying to untie shoes.

“What in heaven’s name is going on?” Demanded a voice.

Graves was trying to reason with the sober individual. “Now, listen, would you turn away an old friend for celebrating the triumph of an artistic master? This is a triumph. Triumphant. We are triumphant!”

“For god’s sake, sit down before you fall down.” Answered the sober tyrant, and orders for bedclothes and water were answered with the drumming of feet which seemed to circle Halloway before entering his skull and stamping around the dome.

“This is not a triumph,” said a second sober voice. “This is tragedy. You look like a platoon of wounded soldiers limping home.”

“Oh, come, have a nightcap with us.” Hainsley slurred.

“You’ve finished off the night, there’s nothing to cap.”

“A toast to our host!” Shouted a different voice, and when John turned to identify it, discovered the toff from the club had come out with them.

“You need to go to bed. You’ll all feel like death in the morning.”     “Oh, thank god. A piano! At last, we’ll have music!” Forsyth had made it into another room, plopped down on to the piano bench, and begun playing a waltz as slurred as his speech, alone, in the dark.

“No-- no! Absolutely not!”

“Gentlemen!” Cried a voice. John turned towards it and beheld a women on the stairs. At first, he mistook her slender, loosely-draped silhouette for Grecian garb, and the woman at her elbow as some Olympian attendant. But then the weights and pulleys in his brain settled into balance and he recognized it as a nightgown. “Welcome! And congratulations!”

The whole party gave out a cheer.

“You all look like you’ve had a fabulous night!”

Another rousing cheer.

“I propose a toast!”

Their party lost their minds. There was applause and stamping of feet.

“One last toast to the hero of tonight, Mr. John Halloway!”

She was like a priest, and they her feverish followers. John felt tears prick his eyes. A servant appeared and put a glass in his hand, with something cool and sweet. It tasted like a fruit juice, and for the life of him he could not settle on the flavor of the alcohol. It was very delicate, and mixed perfectly with the cocktail’s foundation.

“We drink to Artemis, and she brings us ambrosia!” He cried.

“Fine lady, I’d say you should sit for Halloway, but not a soul here can predict how the results will look!” Hainsley brayed, and everyone fell over themselves laughing.

She bowed graciously. “Gentlemen, my house is yours. I place my servants at your disposal. If any of you should need anything, you need only let them know. I beg you to forgive me of my absence.”

The party made a loud, collective noise, but the tone of their response was impossible to decipher. Not even Halloway could tell if he was disappointed that she was leaving them or begging her to do as she saw fit. She, her attendant, and the two masters of the house left them in the sitting room, among the pillows and blankets that were brought down when they first arrived. The toff was fast asleep, curled around a folded blanket like a child. Hainsley, after sitting down and having some of whatever substance was in his glass, was frozen in place, his mouth hanging open.

“What fine people,” Graves said. He was still upright, still smiling his knowing smile, but there was something off-balance about his posture. “What a wonderful night. Where’s Forsyth?”     They discovered Forsyth asleep on the piano.

“They act like they’ve never had a drink before.” Graves muttered.

“Let’s leave them and have another drink,” Halloway said. “That cocktail she gave us was wonderful. What did you think of it?”     “Something with apple.” Graves said pensively.

“She said we could ask for another. Didn’t she leave some of her people with us?”

They checked the rooms and the hallway around the sitting room, but everywhere was dark and empty.

“I can’t see a thing. Where’s a candle?”

“I can’t find any,” Graves said, slapping countertops along the wall for something to light. There was a clang and a bump and a series of heavy metal objects fell to the floor as Graves cursed. “How the devil did they get the lights on and off so fast? I can’t even smell the candle smoke.”

“Perhaps it’s electric?”

“Where are the lamps?”

Halloway tripped on a lurking ottoman and sprawled across the rug. Graves made a show of disgust as he pulled him up.

“John, please.”

“As if I chose to fall!”

Abruptly they found themselves back in the piano room with Forsyth, still peacefully asleep on the bench.

“Witchcraft!” Halloway cried. “She plans to turn us into pigs!”

Graves scoffed. “We must have gone the full circuit of the house. The staff must be asleep.”

“What do they expect us to do?” Halloway cried.

“Sleep, I’d expect,” Graves said. He put his hand between the curtains and lifted up a corner. “The sun is coming up.”

“No.”

Graves stepped back from the window to offer his view. True to his word, there were the pink clouds rising in the east, the red light of dawn coloring the pale sky. They  pushed back the curtains and stood in the early dawn light as the sun rose. The air under the curtain had the same chill as the outdoors, whereas behind it, in the sitting room, was still warm and dark and full of the even sounds of sleep.

“We should get to bed.” Halloway said. They joined the rest of their party on the floor of the sitting room, sober enough to spread out the cushions and blankets to make their bed. Without their shoes, coats or shirts they had a very comfortable bed, and Halloway drifted quickly off to sleep.

Halloway woke up with a headache as fierce as if he’d been beaten. His tongue was so dry it felt swollen in his mouth. He could barely open his eyes. As consciousness overtook him, and pain overtook his body, all he could manage was a helpless groan.

“I thought you’d say as much,” said a familiar voice. “Sit up, we brought you breakfast.”

Sitting up was a tall order to fulfill. Halloway only managed to roll over, and when he did was blinded with a flash of sunlight bright enough to pierce straight through his eyelids.

“Come on.” Coaxed the voice.

Now on his back, he had both arms at his disposal to lift him up, and he managed to struggle himself into a sitting position. Warren and Althorp were standing before him, to Halloway’s relief looking more indulgent than furious. The others from their party were sitting up around him, their collars and hair askew and each looking as glassy and tired as Halloway felt. The ground seemed to be tilting beneath him.

Three trays were placed on the ground of the sitting room, in easy grabbing distance to the drunkards. On each tray was a pile of toast, peppermint tea, butter and a little cold chicken, shredded into easy bites.

“How did we get here?” Halloway asked.

“You would have to tell us.” Althorp said.

“Why did we…” Halloway began, but trailed off as his train of thought left him, evaporating like water in the sun.

“Who was the woman?” Hainsley asked. “Who are you? Where are we?”

“This is my good friend Sir Lindsey Althorp.” Graves said, leaning forward to take a dry piece of toast. “The two women were his wife and sister, Lady Emmeline Althorp and Lady Rowena Althorp.”

“Where are we?” The toff asked.

“Halloway, what happened last night? What brought you here?”

“I can’t for the life of me remember,” Halloway admitted. “We were going to have one last drink and go to bed.”

“We’re glad to help, but don’t do that again.” Warren said.

Halloway grimaced and gave them a toast with his peppermint tea.

“Wonder where my hansom is.” Graves muttered.

“London, I’d expect.” Althorp said.

“Naturally.” Graves responded bitterly.

There was an uncomfortable silence. Very carefully, Halloway put his fears into words.

“Where is London?”

“England?” Althorp answered tentatively.

“Not here,” Warren said. “You’re in Manchester.”

“What!?” Halloway cried. “How in the world did we coordinate a train ride!?”

“That’s what we wondered, as well.” Warren remarked.

“You said they had space for all of us.” Hainsley said.

“This is the beauty of the intoxicated mind,” Graves said serenely. “We are capable of so much, without our inhibitions to hold us back. Gautier wrote extensively on the visions he saw while under the influence of hashish--”     “I hope you weren’t smoking that, last night.” Althorp said with all the sternness of a disapproving parent.

“I hope you don’t need to get that drunk again to find your way back.” Warren said.

“I suppose I could impose on your hospitality a bit longer for a hansom back to my lodgings.” Halloway said. He still couldn’t remember getting on a train with Graves or the others, but it was becoming easier to see why he would argue the party move to Manchester while he was at his drunkest. Despite all the travelling he did, Manchester was still home. Manchester had all the comforting amenities a drunken Halloway would crave, and a drunken Halloway could wax poetic on their benefits until an equally drunken group of men were happy to follow him across the country.

In fact, of all of them, the toff was the only one with any difficulty getting home.

“My mother will be worried.” He said.

“Tell her you were out with friends.”     “I think she’ll expect that. She’ll say not to worry about her, but she does for me, and I do for her.”

As Halloway was putting himself together, smoothing down his hair with a little of Althorp’s pomade, Warren approached him.

“I’ve never seen you like that before last night,” he said quietly. “Do you drink yourself into that condition often?”

“No, not often. Last night was a celebration.”

“I didn’t like to see you that way, Halloway,” Warren admitted. “You weren’t the man I respected.”

Halloway gave him a hard look, drying up any temperance speech that might be forthcoming. “Warren, until my drunken behavior overtakes my life, I’ll thank you not to proselytize.”

“I’m not proselytizing. I’m pointing out to you that you bought a train ticket in a state of total unconsciousness. That you’re safe and sound in our house this morning is pure luck. I’m telling you, as your friend, that drinking yourself unconscious isn’t a habit to make!”

Halloway sighed. It was unfair to treat Warren like a nagging puritan in the wake of troubling behavior. Even Halloway had to admit that last night could have taken a turn for the worst at any point, and he was in Warren and Althorp’s debt for providing them with a safe place to sleep for the night. If they’d forced them to sleep in the horse stables, no one would have blamed them-- not even Halloway.

“You’re right, of course. I was a bit out of control, and I can’t dismiss my behavior just by saying that I don’t do it often. I ought to be more careful in future,” Halloway said. A smile slowly overtook his face. “But it was quite a night.”

Warren gave him a smile in return.

He walked Halloway to the front door, where Graves was waiting to drive with him into town.

“Halloway, I have a final question about art,” Warren said. “Do you ever miss your paintings after they’ve gone?”

“No.” Halloway said.

Warren seemed taken aback by his certainty. “Never?”

“I have better paintings to make.”

Warren was quiet for a moment, and then slowly a genuinely cheerful smile spread across his face.

“Naturally.”

Halloway gave him a warm handshake. “We’ll meet in town, shall we? I’ll send a card around.”

“I’d like that.”

[ff15trashgoldenslumbers]

Could I please request an imagine where the chocobros s/o is being held captive by Ardyn or the empire as a means to get information about the group and to lure them out and a rescue is staged? Can be successful or unsuccessful, whatever you like, if it isnt too much trouble. Thank you

I believe these two go together…This one just kept being the same story, so I made it an OT4 +1 because I kept forgetting who I was writing lol.

~~~~~~

Your head lulled softly to the side as you hissed weakly, trying to recall how it was that you got in this situation. Your eyes felt heavy and you felt like you were going to go under again, a soft pant escaping your body, as you coughed up blood again, destroying the beautiful dress that you were gifted from your boyfriends for tonight’s Gala, but they never got to see you in it.

Since all of them had to be at the Citadel much earlier than yourself, they stated that they would send a car to gather you. Only the car that arrived was actually a trap set for you. Those within the Prince’s entourage are often seen as bargaining chips. You heard one of the kidnappers say something along that line.

“Are you awake?”

You flinched at that voice, the slight motion causing your bindings to tighten further around you and have you muffle a cry in pain. This man was the worse.

“Do let me know if you’re feeling unwell.” The man chuckled, “Tsk, it looks like you’ve gotten blood all over your  pretty dress.”

You let out another cry as he grabbed your hair, yanking your head back so you were forced to look to the man.

“Why the harsh look, I’ve been treating you very well since you’ve joined us last night.”

Last night, it was already in the morning, how long were you out? Your eyes turned to the redhead man as he still had a hold of your hair. How long was he going to keep you here, and you had to wonder, if or when he would get rid of you.

“Now, dear lady, how is your acting?”

*

The Citadel was in a lockdown, had been since last night. It wasn’t common knowledge of the relationship of the Prince and his closest friends had, that was not the King or his most trusted men. Yet when a note appeared last night consisting of a picture of you bound and gagged in a Nif Airship, along with a note of “More to follow”, King Regis canceled the party and had all of his men placed on high alert and refuse to allow his son or his friends to leave the Citadel walls.

“We have to go.” Noctis stated, agitated since he had not slept well last night after seeing the note.

“We are currently under a shut down enforced by the King, even you can not overrule that Noct.” Ignis replied, resting a hand on Noctis’s.

“Besides we don’t even know where they have her,” Gladiolus growled from the other side of the room. “That picture was on an airship, there’s no telling where she could be.”

Prompto sighed heavily, looking to the tea in his hands, Ignis had made it to calm down his stomach, it had grown cold a long time ago, untouched. Only to look up as Ignis reached for the cup, cradling the tearstained freckled cheek. Prompto gave the man a watery smile since the news broke Ignis had been seeing to the others, more than likely to keep his mind off of you.

The four young men turned to the door just after 8:22am when the heard a knock at the door, followed by Cor entering.

“We have received word from Nifhelm.”

The four men stood in an empty conference room, along with Regis, Clarus, and Cor, looking to a disk that had arrive less than an hour ago. With a silent conversation between them, the disk was entered into a player as the tv lite up brightly.

On the screen you sat, tied to a large plush red chair, arms held down by rope to the huge armrests, your head hung forward, your dress covered in blood, ripped to shreds. To each side stood a Magic Tek unit, one holding a gun, the other a shock baton. Everyone in the room worried that you were dead, only for a jumbled voice to sound on the screen.

“Wake her up.”

The M.T to your right, jabbed you with the stun baton, you screamed loudly as it jolted you awake. You panted heavily, before coughing up blood further ruining your once beautiful dress. Slowly your head rose to face the camera, unfocused eyes looking to the camera, blood going down your chin a huge bruise forming against your check, more littered your arms.

“Come now, as we rehearsed.”

You coughed again, only to whimper as the gun of the MT unit to your left, “Ki..King Regis, Prince Noctis, by…by request of Nilfhelm for the safe return of myself, this wish to make an exchange. Myself for the…” You swallowed, looking to the man behind the camera lens, as tears begun to fall down your cheeks. You weren’t a fighter, you had no magic. You were a simple person in love with men that were like a fantasy. You closed your eyes taking a deep breath as you continued, “For the Ring of Lucii, if these requests are not met by sundown today, they will…” You sobbed softly, trying to regain your composer again. “I ask that you please,

“Please don’t! I am not worth this! My life is nothing compared to those you protect! Please don’t, Ah!” You screamed as the MT on your left slammed the butt of his gun into your head, only for the one to your right to shocked you again.

“Stick to what we rehearsed, dear.”

You painted, spit coming from your mouth as you tried to regain yourself, turning your eyes back up to the camera as you gained your voice again, sitting back in the chair. Your hair a mess, your face swollen and bruised, your body ached everywhere still you smiled brightly, “I’m sorry, I’ve been a horrible actress. I would like to try again.

“King Regis, Prince Noctis, and to whomever else may be listening, I could not wished to have been born underneath a more lucky star than to be a part of such a beautiful Kingdom. I love it with all my heart. I’m sorry I could not return home, please forgive me.” You let out another shriek as you were shocked again, this time you head slumped forward and you didn’t move.

Only for the screen to go black and coordinates to appear quickly.

*

“I don’t care!” Prompto yelled. “They don’t care about Y/N but I do, I won’t let them keep hurting her.”

“Prompto, we can not go against the Court’s the orders.” Ignis attempted to reason, even uttering those words made him sick, he wanted absolutely nothing but to have you in his arms again.

As this was a matter of security, Regis had to involve the court, and the at this time it was the entire council against the King’s and Prince’s wishes to go on a rescue mission. Still, Regis dragged it on time and time again, attempting to appeal to the men to at the very least stage a rescue attempt to get you back. Yet the council stood firm, refusing to sacrifice even the smallest resource in an attempt to return you home, at the moment everyone was on a recess to calm down and clear heads.

“It’s not fair, she’s not a fighter!” Prompto growled tears escaping, “She’s hurt and scared, she was trying to be brave so we wouldn’t worry. I don’t, I don’t want the last memory of Y/N to be like that. We were supposed to make sure nothing bad happened to her! We, we promised her.”

Gladiolus sighed, as he walked over to the small blonde pulling him forward to hug the smaller man, stroking his head, “None of us do, Prompto. There are just rules we are required to follow.”

Ignis turned to Noctis who had been silent the entire time, “Noct?”

Noctis growled, his Father was doing everything in his power to get you back, he couldn’t just sit here. Yet Regis had often told him, that fighting with one’s words was always a tougher battle than swords. Still, that sad smile you gave, he knew the other heard it too, your soft call of love to the four of them, apologizing because you failed them, have accepted a death they could easily save you from.

“Noctis?” Ignis called as the Prince stood.

“Prompto’s right, it’s our job to protect Y/N. The council will keep talking in circles until sunset when it won’t matter. We’re going to rescue, Y/N.” Noctis growled as he moved to the door, only to stop as it opened.

“There you are.” Regis called, stepping into the room, flanked by Clarus and Cor. “The recess is almost over, Noctis I need you to understand…”

“I’m going.” Noctis replied, cutting off his Father, he refused to let anyone stand in his way.

Regis looked taken back, before chuckling, “I’m glad to hear that, what I was going to say was that, we’ve supplied a car. We will handle things here.”

Noctis turned to his three boyfriends in the room, seeing that they were all just as shocked to hear the news. “Dad.”

“We’ll keep the council busy,” Clarus replied, “You all focus on your mission.”

“ You will be able to reach Y/N quickly if you take the back road, should you require back up, we will have a medic and two troop vehicles trail you should you require them,” Cor replied handing Ignis the keys, and a smaller walkie.

Regis rested a hand on Noctis’s shoulder, “Bring Y/N back to us.”

*

“Are you awake?”

You attempted to move your head, but at this point, you figured that whatever it was that they broke inside of you was still bleeding and you more than likely would die from internal bleeding shortly. Still you were happy that the man who had entered your room was the small blonde. At least you hoped it was him, since you were blindfolded now, and the red-headed man allowed them MT units to rough you up pretty good.

“…mm.” You muttered weakly.

You heard a sigh of relief at this, “That’s good, can you lift your head?”

You could hardly manage that, as you groaned again.

The blonde made another noise before you heard him move away from you and the woosh of the door opening, “Highwind come here.”

“What is it Loqi?” A female voice called, “Shit! What did they do to her?”

“The Chancellor wants us to keep her alive, he believes that someone will come for her.”

The woman spoke again, “Where is the Chancellor?”

“Returned home.”

The lady scoffed, “Typical. Leave us with the mess.”

“It was a foolish plan to start with, risking the life of a young girl, who’s not even involved in any of this.” A new voice growled.

“High Commander Ravus.” The two called.

You recalled that name, he was Noctis’s friend’s elder brother, you flinched as something brushed your face.

“Careful, take this.”

You felt something push against your lips, but with the previous torment that you’ve been through you rather just die from your injuries than allow them to poison you.

“I assure you it’s not poison.” Ravus’s voice called, “Aranea untie her  blindfold, Loqi post a lookout.”

You blinked rapidly as light flooded your world, attempting to sit up only to gasp at the throb in your chest.

“As I expected, you more than likely have a few broken ribs and internal bleeding. This will slow it down but you’ll need to seek medical attention.” He replied, pushing the blue bottle to your lips again.

“…wha…why?”

“Why what?”

“Help…” You called weakly.

Ravus sighed softly, still tilting the bottle for you to drink, “This was never your fight.”

You smiled weakly, as you cupped his hand holding the potion. You knew all Nifs weren’t bad.

The one name Loqi quickly ducked back in the room, “The Chancellor wants us on the bridge, seems the Prince and some of his friends just go on board without the ring.”

Ravus stood, “Aranea get her out of here, take her to the starboard side, I’ll lead them to us, give her up, without too much of a fight.”

“Ruin my fun.” Aranea chuckled.

Loqi leaned back into the room, “They’ve taken out about 24 units, we need to go.”

You reached forward taking Ravus’s hand, as he turned toward you, “Thank you.”

Ravus gave you a nod before he followed Loqi out the room.

“All right Princess, we’re gonna play a little game,” Aranea called blindfolding you again, before lifting you up. “Try to hold on. It would be a shame if you died when your heroes just got here.”

*

This wasn’t good, they were drawing too much attention, they hadn’t triggered an alarm just yet, but still MT units were coming quickly and they hadn’t a chance to try and look for you. It was only a  matter of time before they were noticed on board.

“In the video, they look to have her in some kind of boiler room or something,” Gladiolus grunted tossing two more MT units over the side of the ship.

“They would have moved her by now, I believe the holding cells are typically just below the deck, toward the center of the ship.” Ignis retorted, back pressed against the hallway wall, his daggers drawn, only to notice blonde hair and red armor go by. “Gladio.”

Gladiolus peaked around the corner and smirked, “Got it.”

As soon as the smaller man stepped around the corner, he was thrown to the floor and had 6 foot 6 of muscle holding him down. “What the, get off me!”

“Loqi Tummelt, if I am not to be mistaken.” Ignis sneered.

Using Loqi as a map, the group followed his directions to the top of the airship, only to find a person in rather sharp black armor holding your body, and from the pale look of your face and the way the person was holding you it wasn’t certain of how long you were to stay with them.

“Highwind!”

The person turned, a spiked mask hiding their face, only to turn again as they saw Ravus approach them from behind. “Any plans now High Commander?”

“Give me the girl,” Ravus called, as you were hand over to the man, turning your head to avoid coughing blood onto his white jacket. “Stay with me a little longer, you’ll be home soon.”

You moaned, vision still hidden behind the blindfold, home sounded lovely. You could maybe wait until then.

“Give us back, Y/N!” Noctis barked, his sword drawn.

“Drop your weapons Prince Noctis, or the girl goes overboard,” Ravus called above the howling winds

You felt Ravus’s fingers dig further into your dress, to make certain the exact opposite would happen. He was rather the sweet gentleman.

“Do it, and we throw pipsqueak over too.” Gladiolus hissed, holding Loqi by the back of his armor, his free hand twisting the man’s right arm to his shoulder blade. This threat was real.

“Fair exchange, him for the girl,” Ravus called.

Noctis glanced over his shoulder at his boyfriends behind him, each ready to take the offense to get you back. “Drop your weapon.”

“You as well.”

Noctis held his sword out, vanishing it back to Armiger, feeling Prompto and Ignis follow his lead as Gladiolus’s broadsword wouldn’t fit in the narrow airship passage, and he was tasked with restraining Loqi.

“There shall be no interference from your friend.” Ignis called standing back as Gladiolus shoved Loqi forward, “An even trade.”

As Gladiolus and Ravus moved their hostages to the center of the ship, both waiting for the other to betray or make an unjusitce move.

“Hand her over,” Gladiolus growled, his grip on Loqi a little tighter than need be.

“Don’t do it.” Loqi growled trying to ignore the pain in his shoulder, he had a part to act. “That girl is our bargaining chip if they came to rescue her think of what else we have.”

Ravus turned to the younger man, hopefully, it was convincing, he felt your breathing start to become more labored, he couldn’t drag this out, but needed to make certain that Loqi came out this live as well. “Here.”

Gladiolus quickly shoved Loqi away as he cradled you in his arms, not daring to turn his back on the Nilfhelms before him.

“You have 5 minutes to get off my ship.” Ravus hissed, turning away from the others, sparing a final glance to you. Hopefully, you would make it.

*

It was a race at this point, once back on the ground, Ignis called the medic, who had determined that you indeed had two broken ribs and had internal bleeding and had gone into shock twice before they had made it back to the Citadel.

It was another sleepless night in the Citadel.

“We’ve got her stable, we just have to wait now.”

So they waited 3 days, you had fallen asleep and had visitors time and time again. Many of the Crownguard had left flowers and stuffed animals around your bedside. Even King Regis made it a point to stop by every day to visit you, and had the doctors personally update him on your situations as he was footing your hospital bill. He had stated that it was the least he could do since the Council through everything still refused to assist well until after sunset and you were already in the hospital.

Which came to the conclusion, they were looking to find someone to put the blame on for acting out and going to rescue you without proper protocol. Only for the entire Crown Guard to state that that did it, and they couldn’t Court Marshal all of them, who would else would be there to protect their old asses. So it was dropped.

“Hey, Iggy.” Prompto called moving into the room with the others, pressing a kiss to the man’s cheek. “How is she?”

They had all taken shifts to watch over you, once you were out the OR and given the clear by the doctors.

“She’s gotten her color back, and the bruises are starting to fade. We received some lab test back and it would appear that she had traces of potion within her.” Ignis replied, setting down some paperwork, that he had been working on.

“So what, they were pumping her just to hurt her?” Gladiolus scoffed, pressing a kiss to your forehead, frowning that an airmask was over your lips due to the collapsed lung.

“I don’t think that would be true, that potion was saving her life. I also don’t believe that Ravus was the one in the video.” Ignis replied, as Noctis all but crawled into his lap, a common occurrence.

“Yeah, when you think about it even when Ravus handed Y/N over he was nice about it.” Prompto replied, pulling up a chair, only to pout as Gladiolus took it instead. Squeaking as he was pulled onto the man’s lap.

“Indeed, Ravus may be of the enemy side.” Ignis stated, adjusting Noctis.

“But even Ravus doesn’t have that big of a stick up his ass.” Noctis scoffed, getting a disapproving look from Ignis.

“I feel we could have phrased that better.” Ignis sighed.

Prompto leaned forward brushing your hair from your face, before noticing the small Moogle beside your head, “Iris stopped by today?”

“Last night, she thought that Gladiolus was still here. She talked to Y/N for a bit.” Ignis replied.

As the small talk grew for a few minutes…

Everyone turned as they heard the EKG machine suddenly pulse, they had watched twice in the OR it flatline, but each time you were brought back. Quickly it fluttered to life as your eyes fluttered open, only for you to inhale deeply before you begun to cough heavily, rolling to your side as you begun to shiver, ripping your IVs out.

Prompto jumped from Gladiolus’s lap as he ran into the hall to grab a nurse, while Ignis and Gladiolus attempted to stop you from causing more damage to yourself. Only to step back as a few nurses entered the room, getting you under control, they checked your vitals and found that you were fine simply too much adrenaline in your body when you awoken.

You smiled weakly as the nurses left the room, stating they would bring you up some food shortly. Only to turn to your four boyfriends, step towards the bed once they gave the all clear, only for you to lower your head and start sobbing.

“I…I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

“Y/N.” Prompto whispered, stepping forward tears falling from his eyes.

“Y/N, you have nothing to apologize for.” Ignis replied.

“I do, if I was better this wouldn’t happen and you wouldn’t, I’m sorry.” You cried trying to push away your tears as quickly as they fell. “I’m so useless and stupid.”

“Come on, Babe, don’t talk like that,” Gladiolus whispered stroking your head.

Noctis stepped forward, cupping your cheeks as he lifted your head, forcing you to look into his eyes, making certain you saw the tears before he pressed a kiss to your lips.  “We will always look for you.”

You sobbed loudly, as he stepped away allowing Ignis to press a kiss to your lips next, followed by Gladiolus and finishing with Prompto, yet your tears kept falling. You tried to stop them when you were aboard the ship but now.

“I was…I was so scared and I…” You cried harder,  it felt so much like when you were a child. Stuck inside your bedroom as a thunderstorm raged outside, lighting up your walls as you cried for someone to rescue you. You were powerless then and now, it was frightening to not have that control. To be reduced to that level of fear again. You wanted comfort more than anything right now, so you held out your arms, much like the child your believed yourself to be at this moment.

Only to find them full of love in a moment.

A fortress of love surrounded you, one that you felt was also shaken to the core. You had played the part of someone who wasn’t afraid, but all you wanted was this moment more than anything, so you allowed your tears to fall and you sobbed into a shoulder before you. You were alive enough to do so.

Two days later you were released from the hospital to the care of your boyfriends, your first stop was to the Citadel as King Regis had requested your presence since he had not been able to see you since you woke up, aside from video chat.

You were placed in your wheelchair once reaching the top stairs, having had explicit instructions that you were to not put any strain on yourself until you healed 100 percent, even though Gladiolus insisted that he carry you around, which was shut down by Ignis, as you needed to properly heal. You knew that part would be easy.

The harder part was stopping yourself from hyperventilating each time you closed your eyes for extended periods of time. Lucky King Regis footed for the best physiatric in the Kingdom, and you had wonderful boyfriends to cuddle those horrid thoughts away.

You were wheeled into the Citadel only to have a maid stop you at the door.

“Excuse me, Miss. Y/N, His Royal Highness has provided you a change of wardrobe.”

You looked back to your four boyfriends who also seemed confused, “I’ll meet you in the throne room.” You smiled, as the maid took over wheeling you to change. Only to find a replica of the dress that you were wearing the night you were stolen.

“We had given it a looser fit. We were all rather worried, and are happy to see you are faring better.” The maid smiled, helping you to stand to assist you in getting undress as you grew teary-eyed. “Oh goodness, we’ll have to fix that, the King has very exciting news for you.” She giggled, “While we get you ready, would you care for tea and cake?”

As you were wheeled into the throne room, you were shocked to see the council there. Clarus had explained the fight they had to go through with you and how the old buzzards refused to assist you, not that it stopped Regis from doing what he wanted when he brought Iris for a visit. Only for your attention to turn to Regis upon the throne, Noctis beside him.

“Y/N, I am happy to see that you are faring better.”

You smiled softly, makeup did wonders for your bruised face, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Regis chuckled, before straightening his spine, clearing his throat, “It seems that unfortunately, you were unable to make it to the Gala, so we will have to this without the paparazzi should you not mind.”

You shook your head, confused as to what he was referring to, “Of course not, Your Majesty.”

Regis stood, only to stop as he heard someone on the council clear their throat, “Does the council have anything to say?”

“It does not matter of her injuries, she will have to reach out to you.” One of the men stated.

Noctis bristled, along with the other men on your side in the room, as he glared down to the men, “She has just been released…”

“If it shall please the court.” You called, as you stood from your chair, stumbling to your heeled feet. “I do not mind Your Majesty, as there are rules, even I cannot be excluded from.”

Regis looked rather concerned, “Are you certain?”

You smiled bright to the court, the biggest middle finger you could do without actually extending your finger,“It would be my honor.”

You lifted your skirts as you moved toward the stairs, smiling as you felt Prompto and Gladiolus flank you to catch you if you lost your footing and stumbled backward. The climb took you quite a bit of time as you moved to the platform just below Noctis and Regis’s throne, thankful for Ignis to offer his arm to you as you stood before them, with a soft sway and very heavy pant mostly leaning on Ignis for support.

“It had been requested for quite some time, and that this thought has been on my mind, yet it seems that there are some that did not believe you deserved this,” Regis stated, his eyes cutting to the council. “Yet the bravery you gave throughout all of this, proves them wrong. The Kingdom is lucky to have one a loyal as yourself. If you would not mind, kneeling.”

You smiled feeling Ignis to one side and Clarus step to the other helping you to kneel in your large dress, before stepping away. You watched as Regis held out his hand, watching a beautiful sword appear in it.

“With the power vested in me, I pronounce you, Lady Y/N of the Lucian court.” He called tapping your shoulders with the flat end of the blade. “It is my honor as your King to bestow this upon you, and I believe no one deserves it more.”

You smiled as tears began to fall, as you bow your head, it still hadn’t completely sunken in just yet, “I am so honored King Regis,” You turned blurry eyes to Noctis beside him, “Prince Noctis. I will do my best to live to your expectations.”

Regis gave you a smile,“I know that you will, as you already have.”

You cooed, as Noctis stepped forward, offering you his hands to assist you in standing, before giving you to Ignis, who helped you to the stairs where Gladiolus was waiting. The large man fed up with your pushing back your healing as he scooped you up easily, and descended the stairs, Ignis and Noctis trailing after him, to your wheelchair where Prompto was waiting.

“I do expect that you will all see to her recovery,” Regis called. “Once Y/N is back to full health she will be taking her seat on the council. It is about time that we get some young fresh ideas.”

You smiled brightly, you were truly born underneath a lucky star.

[fatrainbowmermaidunicorn]

Common, Regular, Ordinary (Jungkook x You x Taehyung ONESHOT)

A/N: Hello @you-need-namjesus Thankyou for your request. I am sorry to hear that. No one deserves to be feeling like you do right now and I might not know you are or know what you are going through but there's always gonna be sunshine after a storm. Im glad you find my writing to be helping you through the rough times, as so many other writers has done for me. If you ever feel the need to talk or rant, feel free to slide into my DM or ask box. I can talk to you about the seriousness of things to the silliest of topics 😊. You can even go anonymously if you prefer. I want to be here for you. And I want you to remember you are not alone. 😘

And I hope this story fits your request and please enjoy <3

MASTERLIST

Y/N pulled her mask to secure it around her face and adjust her black trench coat around her body. Its going to be a long day today, she can already feel it.

"You ready?" She smile behind the mask and nodded her head to the girl next to her, her most loyal assistant and pushed her sunglasses on.

"Lets go," the assistant ushered her out. Y/N takes a deep breath and steps out from her private plane. She secretly thanked god for the invention of private planes, or else she wont know how her tired body is ever going to able to cope. She's been basically living on air and airport to airport for the last six months with her hectic schedule thats being planned for all around the world. Looking back, its funny how just a few years back she have to save up all her money for months just for an economy ticket to Jeju and now she owns not one but two private jets and have a whole entourage walking out behind her. She walks out and lifted her head to sniff the fresh air that smells so familiar and she badly missed.

She's finally back home.

After five most tiring years of her life, shes back.

Shes finally back after she swore to herself five years ago that she wont ever step her foot in her home country ever again before she made it big.

She work night and day to achieve that dream, believing and knowing that someday she will be able to fly home again.

They start walking into the airport and she can already hear the faint screams of her fans. Barriers are already set up along the walkway from her plane to the car and security dressed in black lined up, ready to protect her if need be. Once the main arrival door opened, the screams got so loud and the crowd was overwhelming. She took in her surrounding and saw the whole airport is deck out with her fans, screaming and shouting her name, she felt bad for the other people who is unfortunate enough to fly out at this airport today. She look around and some fans are even crying, some are holding cardboard cards with her name on it and shoving flowers and gifts towards her, which her assistants happily accepted on her behalf. Her managers used to tell her that its dangerous to get close to the fans just to accept their gifts, but Y/N insisted that they do. The fans worked hard to make or buy the gifts, especially for her. The least she could do for these people who made her who she is today is to accept it with a smile and an open heart.

Afterall, without them, L/N Y/N is just another ordinary girl from a small little town.

Ordinary.

Regular. Common.

"We cant do this anymore. I...I mean, I cant do this anymore," he gather all courage and try to look into her eyes. What he sees is clear  pain and sadness. "I'm sorry Y/N. I love you. But... my career doesnt allow me to be with somebody... ordinary,"

"Ordinary?" She mumbled the words. Yes, she knows she is just a normal university student who everyday life only includes attending classes and a part time job in a student's cafe. She doesnt go on tours or spend her days in studios and practice room. But... does Jungkook, the love of her life Jungkook, who was supposed to make her feel special, need to call her ordinary? Y/N looked down at her attire and self conciousness starts to overwhelm her. Jungkook looks like a God with his perfectly fitted skinny ripped jeans and white shirt, paired with a leather jacket and here she sat, in last night's overside shirt and worn out shorts. She starts to pull on her shirt, adjusting it and tucking her hair, trying to make her look more 'less' ordinary, feeling self concious about her looks.

"I... I know I'm just a normal girl, but we are in love... arent we? Does it really matter to you that I'm just someone living an ordinary life?"

"I do love you... but Y/N... its something I have to do. I need someone who is more suited for me,"

Y/N shakes her head to clear the painful memory from her mind and picked up her pace to get to the car faster. She only just landed and she already feeling extremely exhausted, wanting nothing more than to get into the hotel and rest her tired mind away as fast as she could.

/////

"You have this first week free Y/N, before the landslide of schedule comes in. What do you want to do?" Meen A smile at her. Meen A is one of her oldest assistant. She was with her when she was just a young, naive, ordinary girl, and with the years they have spend together, she quickly become her best friend rather than her assistant. "Shopping? Spa? Facial? Walking around? Or just sleeping?" she chuckles. Y/N giggle. Sleeping does sound tempting. She rarely have enough time to sleep as it is. But... she has another exciting plan to execute.

"Do you even have to ask?" They look at each other before squealing at the same time.

"Food!"

/////

They walked along the busy street hand in hand, Y/N wrapped in her masked, coat and scraf, sunglasses donning her face to conceal her identity.

"Do you really think people wont recognize you with this silly getup?" Meen A eyes her before looking at the people walking who are already whispering.

"They wont! Im not that well known! Besides, they are just looking because who wear black clothes that covers almost everything in the middle of summer," Meen A rolled her eyes.

"Are you kidding me? You are currently the world No 1 celebrity! You are the most sought after multi talented singer, composer, actress, director, entrepeneur, model, fashion icon and girl next door rolled in one!" She exclaimed. "You hang out with Taylor Swift! You walk the runway with Kendall Jenner! Tyra Banks invited you to tea and Drake to his album launch! Even Justin Bieber tried to make a move on you. I cant barely keep up with your social calendar. Everybody wants to be you or be with you! How is that not considered a No 1 celebrity?"

"Stop exaggareting! They are just my friends! I'm not all that and you know it,"

"No. You stop being so humble! You are all that and you know it" Meen A huffed in frustration, as she always does whenever they have this conversation, making Y/N smile. "I think you are the only celebrity in this world who didnt let all your fame and riches get over you head. You are really great. But I always wonder why,"

"There's a special someone that I once met and there's just something that he told me that stays in my heart. His words hit me hard and after all these years, I believe he has a point," Y/N smile softly at the memory.  "And I want nothing more than to just be an ordinary girl,"

Her mind drifted back to the day he met that particular stranger. The day that mark the changing of the rest of her life for good.

/////

"Lets eat here! Its secluded and not many people around. Also, I heard they served the best food here!" Meen A pulled her hand into a restaurant and they took a table at a back corner. This restaurant was said to be popular among celebrities and is often frequented by them.

"Oh my god. Isnt that-" Meen A gasps in excitement when they make their way to the back table, making Y/N raised her head from shoving her mask and sunglass inside her bag and look at what is making her friend so happy. She looks up to find seven pair of eyes with a table filled with food, all looking at the two of them. She was confused as her eyes roamed to each and every one of them.

Who are they? Are they someone well known too?

Y/N doesnt really update herself about the celebrities and the music industry in her home country. Not because she thinks she's too good for them. No, not at all. Its because she didnt want to know about a certain someone. She doesnt want to know anything at all.

"But... my career doesnt allow me to be with somebody... ordinary,"

And that certain someone is looking straight back at her as her eyes falls on the seventh person on the table.

"-Bangtan!" Meen A squeal.

Y/N automatically starts to panic as she tries to grabs Meen A, dragging her out from there, surpising her friend who was too caught up with the shocmed of finally meeting her favorite idol.

Jungkook quickly rise from his seat the moment her eyes catches his. The eyes that is so familiar, too familiar. The eyes that he has been looking for for the past five years. Seeing how panic she is and how she started to reached out for her friend and make her exit immediately, Jungkook rushed over and grabbed her hand, the rest of his hyungs watching in confusion and amazement.

What is going on?

"Y/N! Wait. Please. Plesase I'm begging you. Wait," he pleads, but Y/N maintained her head looking at the ground, her body slightly shaking and Jungkook realized she is crying. Meen A finally snapped herself out from the shocked and held onto Jungkook's arm that's holding her hand.

"Sir... I think its best you let her go,"

"No," Jungkook shakes her head, frowning and desperate. "I cant. I wont be able to see her again. Please Y/N. Look at me. Talk to me," he turned towards Y/N and beg. Meen A sense the distress her friend is feeling and her hold on Jungkook's arm tighten.

"You have to let her go. Now. Or else I have no other choice but to call Miss Y/N's security team,"

"No. No. There is no need for that," Namjoon is immediately by their side, smiling his dimpled smile at Meen A. "Im sorry. I dont know what is going on with our maknae. But we will let her go now. Jungkook, let go of her hand," his voice is filled with dominance that Jungkook shakes a little. Its rare to see Namjoon like this. Only during times when he knew he had screwed up big times. And apparently today is one of the time.

"Now, Jungkook,"

"But hyung..."

Y/N's body shakes even more although she kept her head low and turned, not wanting to see even a strand of hair that belongs to Jungkook. Everything about him hurts her and reminds her of the heart break she felt that she had never really recovered from. Meen A began to worry. Y/N is slowly starting to go into hyperventilation.

How does she know Bangtan? She never speak of them before? And what makes her so scared of the maknae? So many questions filled Meen A mind but her hand is quicker as she dialled the other manager who is with the car. Y/N might think that she is able to walk freely, but little did she know that with her mega celebrity status, her manager and security team is always only a few step behind, hidden, whenever she goes out.

Specifically for an emergency occasion like this.

"Kookie... I think you should let go okay. We promise we will get to see her again," Taehyung stood up and try to persuade the determined maknae. He dont know who Jungkook is clinging on to but it seems that the girl is trying her very best to get away from him.

"How do you know hyung? I...I," Jungkook's eyes are already glazed with unshed tears. He cant let go. Not now, when he finally gets her back.

"I know... uh because we will contact this Miss and we will meet them again!" Namjoon quickly came out with something and look at Meen A for help, who nodded her agreement quickly.

"Here is my card. Call me and make an appointment to see Miss Y/N. But for now, please let her go," she tugged on Jungkook's hand who finally lets go. Y/N immediately ran out of the restaurant before Jungkook could say anything.

"Uh thank you. Just... call. If you need anything," Meen A ran out immediately only to find Y/N collapsed on the sidewalk not far fron the restaurant, crying her eyes out.

Oh, Y/N. What happened to you?

"What the hell was that Kook?!" Namjoon yelled at him the moment Y/N and Meen A ran out of the restaurant. "You cant just grab random people like that!"

"Yeah, especially girls who look deathly afraid of you," Yoongi added from the table.

"She's not a random girl..." Jungkook managed to meekly defend himself.

"Yes. She is definitely not random. She's L/N Y/N, the mega superstar. She could sue us and Tae would have to sell every Gucci he owns to pay for it, and that still wont be enough! What are you thinking Kookie?" Hoseok yelled out from across the table.

"Shit. That's the Y/N?" Namjoon turned to Hoseok who nodded. Just realizing with whom they just encountered. "I didnt get to see her face clearly just now,"

"She's not just Y/N to me..." Jungkook explained, head bowed down to the table. The rest of his hyungs looks at him curiously. "She's my first love,"

"What?!"

The rest of the boys starts to bombared him with questions. Demanding the maknae to explain everything that happened between him and Y/N.

During the commotion, they didnt realized that there is someone who is still repeating the recent event in his head, throughly trying to memorize the face that she tried to hide from them. Taehyung is still staring at the door where Y/N just ran out from, his mind spinning, lost in thoughts.

Why does it feel like I have known her before?

/////

"Are you okay? What happened back there?" Meen A turned her body to face her friend who is now wrapped in a blanket curled up in a ball on her bed. It took her a while to dragged Y/N from the sidewalk and coaxed her to stop crying, before the by standers who started to give them weird looks recognized who she is. Y/N was short on breath and panicking the whole time and Meen A was worried to death. She had never seen her like this. Not even before one of her biggest performace. She was always calm, happy and all smiles.

What does Jeon Jungkook have, or possibly did, that could possibly make her like this?

"Y/N? Dont you want to tell me?" She asks softly, as she slides into bed beside her, hands carressing her hair. "I have never seen you like this. Im worried. Can you please tell me what happened?" She tries again and is still met with silenced. Meen A takes a deep breath and reluctantly asks the question that she knew could trigger her best friend.

"Is it... something to do with Jeon Jungkook?

At the sound of his name Y/N turned around and hug her tight, tears wetting her tshirt as she starts to cry again. Meen A just hugged her back and wait until she calms down. Whatever happened between them must have broken her into pieces.

"He... he," she tried to spit out the words between sobs. "He... Jung...Jungkook... is my first love,"

"What?" Meen A's eyes widen. How come she didnt know about this? Y/N was in a relationship with a member of such a well known group? "What happen then Y/N? You can tell me..."

"He broke my heart Meen A," she raised her head and stare straight into her eyes. She can see the hurt and pain in Y/N's eyes so vivid and clear, it gives chills down to her spine. "He broke my heart and changed my life forever,"

People say that being a teenager in love is the best feeling in the world, and Y/N couldnt agree more. She was only 15 when she and Jungkook got together. After countless exchange of shy smiles and late night texts, Jungkook finally found his courage and ask her to be his under a starless sky.Their relationship was strong and happy, even when Jungkook was accepted as a trainee, nothing seem to change for them.

"Nothing will change. I promise. Maybe I wont be able to see you or call you as much as before, but I love you Y/N, wait for me. I will come back for you and make you proud," was the promise Jungkook made her and the promise that she strongly held on too. True to his promise, Jungkook never forgets her, he still comes home to see her whenever he could, spending sleepless nights kissing and holding each other tight.

The success came to Jungkook and his group like rapid fire the moment they debuted, and soon enough his schedule was packed to the brim. Y/N maintained her ordinary life as an ordinary teenager, getting a placed in one of the country top university give her the opportunity to move to town and be closer to Jungkook. Their relationship, although always comes second to Jungkook's career, is still filled with loved and happiness. Y/N was too drunk in love and consumed with happiness that she doesnt care that Jungkook has to hide their relationship, or the fact that he barely has time for her. She thought they would last forever. She thought his love for her would be enough to last them till eternity.

But everything change one fateful day.

She hasnt seen him for months since he was on tour, a normal occurance when you are dating a celebrity. What's not normal is Jungkook seems to call her less, replied to her text less and doesnt seem too excited to hear her voice whenever she managed to call him. She shrugged it off as exhaustion and think nothing of it. They have been together for so long, its already his fourth year after debut. There couldnt possibly be anything wrong right?

"Kookie!" She jumped on him for a kiss the moment he entered but he dodged her, making her confused for a moment before shrugging it off. Maybe he is just tired. They havent seen one another for months now and he is finally back from tour! She miss him so much. "Where's your luggage?" She looks behind him to see nothing.

"I..ah left it at the dorm," he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Why? You are not staying over tonight?"

"Listen... about that. I have to tell you something," he held her hand and lead her to the couch. They sat with their body turned to faced each other.

"What's wrong Kookie? Did something happen? Is everyone okay?" Jungkook just look at her face. The face he knows he's going to miss so much after today.

"Everyone's alright," he answered softly. "Y/N... you know how much recognition Bangtan is getting now right?" She nodded and smile. She couldnt hide how happy and proud she is for him, although nobody knows her relation with the maknae.

"And you know how our every move is being watch right?"

"Yes..." Where is Jungkook going with this?

"I dont think we can hide our relationship anymore," Y/N's eyes widen and sparkle.

"Kookie, are you saying we should go public?" She squeals. "I can finally do boyfriend things with you! I had always wanted to go to the park and watch the city from the top of the ferris wheels with you!" That was her only wish. She didnt want to ride on Jungkook's popularity. She just wants to be in love and spend time with her boyfriend like everybody else does. That is the only thing she ever wanted from him.

"Urm... no Y/N.I'm sorry but that's not what I meant..." her face fell.

"Oh. Its okay Kookie," she let out a small smile. "Then what is it?"

"Listen... urmmm," Jungkook hesitates. "It wont be a problem if any one of us is caught dating. Our fans can accept that now," Y/N kept silent and focus on listening. "Who we are dating is going to be the problem,"

Y/N starts to feel anxious and felt her hear beats faster. What is he implying?

"What are you trying to say Jungkook?"

"We cant do this anymore. I...I mean, I cant do this anymore," he gather all courage and try to look into her eyes. What he sees is clear  pain and sadness. "I'm sorry Y/N. I love you. But... my career doesnt allow me to be with somebody... ordinary,"

"Ordinary?" She mumbled the words. Yes, she knows she is just a normal university student who everyday life only includes attending classes and a part time job in a student's cafe. She doesnt go on tours or spend her days in studios and practice room. But... does Jungkook, the love of her life Jungkook, who was supposed to make her feel special, need to call her ordinary? Y/N looked down at her attire and self conciousness starts to overwhelm her. Jungkook looks like a God with his perfectly fitted skinny ripped jeans and white shirt, paired with a leather jacket and here she sat, in last night's oversize shirt and worn out shorts. She starts to pull on her shirt, adjusting it and tucking her hair, trying to make her look more 'less' ordinary, feeling self concious about her looks.

"Y/N, stop. Please. That is not what I meant..." he grabbed her hand to stop her from covering herself from him. Maybe she wont believe him, but it pains him too to see her this way, hurt and on the brink of crying. But its just something he has to do.

"I... I know I'm just a normal girl, but we are in love... arent we? Does it really matter to you that I'm just someone living an ordinary life?"

"I do love you... but Y/N... its something I have to do. I need someone who is more suited for me," The moment he said it, Jungkook regret it. That is not definitely how he wanted the words to come out.

"More suited?" Her voice cracked. Years they have been together, and her status as a normal girl is apparently more important to him than their feelings. Well, maybe its just her. Maybe Jungkook has lost all feelings for her after all those years he debuted. After all, he met thousands of beautiful celebrities that is 'more suited' for him.

"Y/N..."

"No... its okay.I think you have made yourself perfectly clear. I'm too common. Too regular. Too ordinary to be with you... Jeon  Jungkook, the Golden Maknae of Bangtan, the most popular band right now. Its okay Jungkook, I get it," with that she gave one small smile and walked out, trying her best not to let the tears spilled. But who is she kidding? Jungkook has owned her heart from the moment she even know what love is, and now... he has broken it in every way possible.

"What. A. Fucking. Asshole!" Meen A is fuming with anger once Y/N finished her story. "Does he thinks he is all that?! He is just a singer and a dancer! I'm going to beat his ass up when I see him, that fucking asshole!" Y/N giggled at her friend between her tears.

"Its okay Meen A. It was five years ago. Its his life... I cant force him to love me,"

"But Y/N!" Meen A whined. "Why are you so nice?!" She huffed. "So... did you become this successful because you want to prove him wrong and make him eat his words? He must be crying seeing you now!"

Y/N giggled again. Meen A never fails to fascinates her. She shakes her head.

"Actually no. Contrary to that, its actually the opposite. I didnt want to know about anything in the industry anymore. I didnt update myself about anyone well know, mostly because it reminds me that I'm just ordinary, like Jungkook puts it, and also I didnt want to see him,"

"Then, what made you become... this?" Meen A motioned to her.

"I met a stranger one day. And that was the day my life changed forever," she smile.

She was crying as she finally found a bench in the quiet park. After months of being able to avoid hearing about any news regarding Jungkook, which is very hard since he is really popular, it finally come to her knowledge that Jungkook is now dating another maknae from a popular girl group. Her classmates has forcefully showed her the article, of course, not knowing the history she had with the said man and she cant help but feel her heart clenched at the sight of Jungkook happily kissing a pretty girl.

The girl is beautiful, and Y/N bet she is multi talented too. She is perfect for him. Special, wanted and definitely not ordinary.

"What are you crying for?" A voice from behind her startled her, only then she realized that someone has already occupied the bench that is placed back to back with hers. She turned her head and saw a man with a hat and masked secured on his face. She couldnt see his face clearly, but his piercing gaze is enough to fascinates her. However, there is a clear sadness in his eyes.

"I could ask you the same thing," she whispered back.

"If I tell you my story will you tell yours? I just need someone to talk to," Y/N contemplate for a moment and finally agreed to it. He is a stranger. She will never see him again anyway.

"My fan- urgh I mean my friends expected so much from me. I'm tired of it. I'm still just a normal man. Why cant they see that?"

"But... if they believed in you, doesnt that mean you are not just an average guy to start with? There must be something about you that makes them expect so much from you,"

"I guess... but... I dont like it,"

"Isnt that a great thing?" Y/N raised her eyebrows to the masked man. "To be loved? For people to think you are special? Capable of doing things? Not just someone normal and ordinary?"

"Not for me. I dont want people to see me as someone extra ordinary. I am not. I am just being me. This is who I am. Sometimes I wish that I could just blend in with others and not stand out so much,"

"You are really funny," she chuckles. "In this world where everybody tried to be special, why do you want to be ordinary?"

"No. You are the funny one," he retorted and his sharp gaze look straight into her eyes. Y/N swear she has never seen a pair of eyes looks so beautiful. "Because in a world full of people trying to be special, what is so wrong to ordinary?"

"Wow... that's deep," Meen A exclaimed with her mouth wide open. "But still, what I dont get is how does that makes you want to be who you are now?"

"Well... after I went home that day, I started thinking and he was right. He made me feel that there is absolutely nothing wrong with being ordinary. You might think I become who I am today to prove a point, but no... I just want to send a message to everyone out there, that ordinary people can be and do anything they want too if they put their mind to it. Just because people see you as nothing special, that doesnt mean you are short on deserving anything,"

Meen A looks at her in awe. "You are really something Y/N,"

"I might be something... but I will never be enough for Jeon Jungkook," she smile sadly.

"Y/N... do you... perhaps still love him?" Y/N was silenced for a moment by the sudden question. Jeon Jungkook... Does she still loves him? Its a question that she herself is afraid to ask.

"I dont know Meen A. But all I know is that I could never hate him. He might break my heart to pieces... but he is also the one who taught me what love is..."

/////

Y/N is back.

Jungkook ran his hand across his face as he slide down on the floor. Its been a day since the incident at the restaurant and he is restless. He has been pressuring Namjoon to contact that girl who was supposed to set up an appointment with Y/N but Namjoon has been hesitating, saying he should clear his mind first. He doesnt need time to clear anything! He has been waiting to see her for five years and now she's finally home. He needs to see her now!

His last memory of her has haunt him for years and he needs to talk to her. Even for just a second.

"No... its okay.I think you have made yourself perfectly clear. I'm too common. Too regular. Too ordinary to be with you... Jeon  Jungkook, the Golden Maknae of Bangtan, the most popular band right now. Its okay Jungkook, I get it," with that she gave one small smile and walked out, trying her best not to let the tears spilled.

Jungkook sat on the couchof her apartment after she left, not moving even an inch for hours as he still try to register the fact that he broke Y/N's heart. To say he fully regret what he did wont be true, since a part of him knows Y/N is really too normal to be with him. But he loves her, that much is true, and seeing her hurt is too much for him to bear. He shakes his head to get rid of the feeling and leave the apartment, turning around one last time to say goodbye to the years of memories he had with his first love.

A month passed and all sadness and regret seems to leave Jungkook's mind when he started a relationship with one of the other maknaes from a girl group. He finally got what he wanted. Being in a relationship with someone who is at the same level as him. Yurin is beautiful and talented, Jungkook loves everything about her. The only problem is that he dont feel in love with her.

The kisses are great, nights spend together are amazing but something just seems off. They talked about their music and live the same lifestyle, there is nothing wrong with their relationship at all. But... she's not Y/N.

As time passes by, Jungkook starts to miss the ordinary things that Y/N do. He misses the days when she would talk about her classes, telling him things that he didnt get to experienced as a college students. He misses her stories of working at a student's cafe and how some days she has to starve herself with only instant noodle when the funds ran low. All he ever talk about with Yurin is the new comeback, which designer to wear to the award show and which expensive restaurant they should try next. There is nothing wrong with all that, really, but its the exact same life he's living. He already know all that. He dont need someone else to talk to him about it.

Jungkook only realized too late then, that Y/N being an ordinary girl is what makes their relationship works. They were the opposite, she is e eeythung he is not, and thats why she completes him.

He shouldnt care about what the society demand from him. Y/N didnt, he shouldnt have either. But its all too late when he found out Y/N is no longer living in her apartment or studying in the same college. She's gone and he didnt know where else to find her.

Until he sees her face on an international interview while he's channel surfing on one boring afternoon. Y/N still looks like the Y/N he knows. Beautiful, sweet, her innocent laugh filled the screen. But the way she talked, dressed and interact with the interviewer, amazed him. Jungkook cant take his eyes off her and continue to watch the show until the end. He learned then that Y/N has become an international sensation, a newly debuted singer/songwriter who is also on her way in making a name in the filming and modeling industry.

Y/N has become a mix of everything he had ever wanted.

And he has been trying to find a way to see her again ever since.

"Hey Kookie," Taehyung entered the practice room and slide down on the floor besides him. "Are you okay? You dont seem so well since what happened yesterday,"

"I am not okay hyung," Jungkook turned to faced Taehyung, face etched with sadness. "Y/N... I need to see her but Namjoon hyung is not letting me," Taehyung kept quiet and nibbled on his bottom lips, thinking.

"Kookie... I know you told us she is your first love. But if you dont mind... what happened to the two of you?" Taehyung is really curious about this Y/N girl and the only person who seems to know her personally is Jungkook. "She seems... terrified of you yesterday,"

Jungkook looked hurt by Taehyung's words. He already know that. When he dreamt about seeing Y/N again, he didnt think that she would hate him that much. Its as if she is scared of him. Scared that he will hurt her again. She dont even want to look at his face yesterday. That feeling... the feeling when someone you love is afraid of you, hates you, not even want to look at you... hurts, and Jungkook dont ever want to feel anything like that anymore.

"I... I break her heart into pieces hyung," Jungkook pushed all his pride aside and finally opened up to Taehyung about everything. When he finished his story with a sob, Taehyung was speechless.

"So you are saying... you two were dating during the years we all live together?!" Taehyung exclaimed. How is it possible that none of the boys found out the maknae is dating? "How did you managed to hide a girlfriend that well?"

"Really hyung? That's what important to you right now?" Jungkook give him the stink eye and he chuckle.

"Sorry. Sorry. But you know Kookie... her face and your story sounds familiar. I wonder if I have met her before?" Jungkook shakes his head.

"Im positive you didnt. I never brought her over to meet any of you guys. Maybe you just think you know her because her face fills up every magazine and tv shows you see?" Jungkook guess. He is pretty positive none of his hyung knows Y/N before she becomes well known.

"Nah... that's not it," Taehyung shakes his head. "Nevermind. I'm sure I will figured it out later,"

Before Jungkook can say anything else, the practice room door opened and walked in Namjoon, looking straight at him.

"Kook, your dream has come true,"

"What do you mean hyung?" Jungkook is confused.

"We are having a collaboration with Y/N while she's in Korea,"

/////

"What?! No, no, no, no,no, no!" Y/N slammed the schedule on the desk and wailed her hands around. This cant be happening. A collaboration with Bangtan? Two whole months of composing, performing, photo shoots and interviews with them? With Jeon Jungkook? This cant be real! "Why am I not informed about this earlier? I wouldnt have agreed to it if I knew!"

"But Y/N... you never go through your schedules before. You always leave it up to the management!" One the managers tries to explain. Y/N was neber demanding kr a diva, she is akways essy to managed. Seeing her like this scare him a bit. Why is she so hellbent on not doing the schedule with Bangtan? "Besides, Bangtan is one of the most successful group in the country right now and they really want to work with you! Its a great opportunity to make your mark here, in your home country,"

Y/N bite her bottom lip. Of course it makes sense when they say it like that. Y/n has rejected everything that has to do with her home country before. She didnt want to come back before she's ready. But now that she's here, she didnt think they would be the first thing on her schedule.

"Is there really no way for me to cancel?" She sighed weakly.

"I'm sorry sweetheart," the manager gave her a regretful smile. "but no,"

/////

"Y/N, these are the boys. Boys, this is Y/N," the staff introduced them once Y/N arrived on the set. She pushed her sunglasses up her forehead, smile and bowed to them, introducing herself and gave them their greeting, all the while avoiding eye contact with the doe eyed boy who is shamelessly staring at her.  The older members introduced themselves first, making silly jokes in between to ease the tension that they can feel rising between Y/N and the maknae, but the time for Jungkook to introduced himself finally arrived.

"Hi Y/N. I'm Jeon Jungkook, but I think you already know that," he held out a hand and his bunny smile grew wider when Y/N accept the handshake. He held her hand tight and keeps on staring at her, the smile never leaving his face, making her squirm uncomfortably. Y/N tried to shake her hand lose but Jungkook only held on tighter, as in trying to enjoy every tingling sensation he felt from their touch.

He misses her so much.

"Ehem," Jungkook was broken from his trance and look to his left to see Taehyung looking at him, then their entertwined hands. "I think you can let go now Kook. Its my turn to introduced myself,"

Jungkook huffed and reluctantly lets go, not at all trying to conceal the fact that he was holding her hand hostage on purpose. "Hi," Taehyung flashed her his signature smile. Y/N swore he has never seen a smile so beautiful and sincere given to her before.

"H...hi," Shit, why did I stutter?

Taehyung laughs at how adorable she looks. "So cute," he mumble, making Y/N who heard it blushed hard and Jungkook frowned, sending his hyung a death glare. "I'm Kim Taehyung or V. But you can call me Tae. Nice to meet you Y/N,"

"You... you too Taeyang. I mean Taehyung. I mean Tae," Seriously, what is wrong with me? "Nice to meet you," she slowly brace herself and look into his eyes. Those sharp gaze... it looks so damn familiar.

Taehyung laughs again and shakes her hand. "I have to go with the boys but I will see you in a bit ya?"

Y/N quickly nodded as Taehyung drags Jungkook with him, living her sweaty and blushing. Jungkook who witness the whole exchange happening looks back from his hyung to Y/N and start to feel anxious.

Is something going on with those two?

Days spend with Bangtan passes by in a blur. They were a fun group to be with; funny and talented. There was never a dull moment with them. The best part is always whenever she gets some time alone with Taehyung. There's just something about him that never ceased to amaze her, fascinates her. She loves hearing his deep voice, his laughs, his weird views on things and his funny thoughts. Being able to see Taehyung was always the highlight of her day with Bangtan, and there's just something so familiar about him. About the way his piercing eyes looks at her. Its as if she has seen it before somewhere, some time, long ago. However, what Y/N dreaded the most was when she and Jungkook were left alone, as if it was planned by the boys. She will try her best to get out from the situation, leaving Jungkook who tried hard to get a chance to talk to her frustrated.

She had always managed to get out from the sticky situation until today. She was in the music room during one of their long breaks this time. The boys will usually hang out with each other in their own waiting room, so feeling bored, Y/N sneaked out and found a lone piano in a what she assumed is a music room and started playing one of the song she is currently working on. She only started playing a few lines when a voice surpised her.

"That's beautiful," she turned to her right to see Jungkook already seated down beside her on the piano bench. She immediately stood up, ready to leave but Jungkook pulled her back down.

"No. Please, stay. Can you play the rest of the song for me? Can I hear it? Please?" He plead, eyes looking straight into hers, bringing back both painful and beautiful memories she had tried to forget. Y/N hesitates as she looked around, wishing nothing more than for someone to come in and save her. But no one did and Jungkook is still gripping her hand and looking at her. "Please?"

"O..okay," she nodded her agreement and sat back down, fingers poised to play her song.

I really love the role I play The songs I sing But with all the fame The things that seem so simple Suddenly, so far out of reach Wish that they could see That underneath I'm just an ordinary girl! Sometimes I'm lazy I get bored, I get scared, I feel ignored, I feel happy I get silly, I choke on my own words. I make wishes, I have dreams, And I still want to believe, Anything can happen in this world For an ordinary girl! Like you like me For an ordinary girl Like you like me

The room waa silent when she finished playing. Jungkook felt a lump in his throat as the memory of him recklessly breaks her heart came back to him.

"But... my career doesnt allow me to be with somebody... ordinary,"

"Y/N..."

Y/N stopped him and smile before he could continue, already oredicting what he would be saying. "No Jungkook. Dont say anything. You dont need to say anything. I'm over it," she stood up and bowed, hastily trying to escape but Jungkook is too fast for her and grab her arm.

"But I'm not,"

"What?"

"I'm not over it Y/N. I'm not over you..."

"Stop joking around Jungkook. Its not funny!"

Jungkook stood up and turned her to face him. "I'm not. Y/N... I swear I'm not! Please listen to me first," Jungkook pleaded. "What I did, what I said, everything was wrong. A mistake," Y/N shakes her head, denying his claim.

"No. You were happy without me Jungkook. You were happy with the girls you dated after me. All those girls who are beautiful and a somebody," Y/N blinked back her tears. No, she promised herself that she wont cry for Jeon Jungkook ever again.

"Thats what I thought I wanted Y/N. But I was wrong. I was so wrong," he gripped both of her hands, making her gasps. "I'm so sorry for what I did Y/N. I tried to look for you after you left, but I couldnt find you... and now you are here..." he cupped her chin to tilt her head to look at him. "Y/N, looking at you now, I regret everything I ever did and say to you. Please forgive me Y/N. Please... can we... can we try again?"

Y/N was shocked. She didnt think Jungkook would ever ask her to be together again. She is afterall, still just an ordinary girl... and him. Look at him, he is as perfect as he could ever be.. Then his words appeared back in her mind.

Looking at you now.

"Is this what this is? You want me back because I'm no longer the ordinary little town girl I was five years back? Because I'm successful now?!" Y/N was furious. How dare he. Jungkook was startled by her assumption. How did she even come to think of that? That is absolutely not what it is at all!

"What?! No! Y/N no! That is absolutely not what this is about. Y/N... you are everything that I want. I just realized it too late. Please Y/N. Lets try again. I'll treat you right this time,"

"No!" She shakes her hand loose from his grip. "You cant do this to me Jungkook. It took me five years to even be able to hear your name again. You broke me beyond repair. You make me judged myself to the point where I hated myself Jungkook. You dont know how broken you make me when you left. I loved you. I really really loved you... but you..."

"Y/N, please just give me another chance. Lets try this again," he begged.

"No!" Y/N start to walk out as fast as she could but what Jungkook said next stopped her in her tracks.

"I love you Y/N. I have never stop loving you," Y/N's whole body shakes as tears starts to stream down her face. She ia grateful for the fact that she is not facing him. Jeon Jungkook shouldnt see her cry. Not now. Not ever. But hearing those three words comes our from her one true love, her first love, Y/N felt her heart bursting in both pain and happiness again.

"I love you... please believe me Y/N..." he repeated softly. His voice shocked Y/N out from her tranced and she quickly continue her exit, never once looking back.

Y/N managed to bring herself to an empty park, well, of course its empty, its past midnight, after sending a quick text to Meen A to tell her to cancel the rest of her schedule and postponed it to tommorow. There is no way she is able to face Jungkook again. She close her eyes and leaned her head back, enjoying the cool breeze.

"Do you think the stars are watching we live our life like we watch a reality drama series?" Y/N was startled by the deep voice that suddenly appeared in the dark. She looks up and saw Taehyung walking towards her, smiling and sitting down besides her.

"What are you doing here Tae?"

"The question is, what are you doing here? I have always come here after schedule. This park is very near to my dorm," he pointed somewhere behind him.

"Ahh. Okay. But...what do you do here all alone? You are not a mass murderer or a rapist right?" She jokes and he laughs.

"Nothing. Just sitting in the dark and asks random questions like the one I asked you just now," he grinned.

"Really? You have to do it here? Alone? In the dark?" Y/N questioned, eyebrows arched. "Why cant you discuss it with your group mates? Isnt it better to talk to someone who could actually respond?"

Taehyung hung his head at her statement, feeling sad. "Not really. Sometimes I just want the peace and quiet to think and play with my own thoughts. Sometimes I even wonder if I made the right decision to live this kind of life," he chuckles.

"This kind of life? What do you mean?"

"This life we are living Y/N. People expect so much from us. To be flawless, remarkable in everything," he sighed. "Sometimes I wonder what its like to live an ordinary life,"

Y/N laughs. There's that word again. It seems no matter where she goes, that words haunts her like a nightmare.

"I wouldnt know what you are feeling Tae, because I have been ordinary all my life,"

Taehyung looks at her as if she doesnt make sense at all. Well, to be fair to him,she really doesnt make sense. How can a mega superstar like her, living life that people only dream of could possibly say shes been ordinary all her life? But Taehyung figured she has a reason for saying that and just lets it go.

"You are lucky then," he stood up, both hands in pockets and smile down at her. "Because Y/N, in a world full of people trying to be special, what is so wrong to be ordinary?"

Y/N's mouth drop open. Those words... they are like her secret mantra to survive the broken heart Jungkook left her with. She blinked and look at Taehyung. Those eyes staring back at her. She remembers now. The deep voice, the piercing gaze.

That stranger is Taehyung.

The man she has been searching for all these while is Kim Taehyung.

But before she could say anyhing, he is already gone.

Y/N tossed and turn the whole night. The whole conversation with Taehyung, the recent one and way back five years ago when he was just a stranger, played continuosly in her head. Its Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung.

Everything fits now. For the past month she has been getting to know him, she fell for his dorky ways and the unique things he did. She see the sadness in his face when his fans criticized his fashion choices or hairstyles, how sometimes he rather stay home and not come with them because he is tired to conceal his real self in public. She understand now why the stranger wants to be ordinary. Why Kim Taehyung wants to be ordinary.

Taehyung is beautiful, inside out. And its a shame people are more focus on the facade he puts out rather than his true self. Y/N thinks back about all the time they spend together. Taehyung will mostly ask about her life way back before she was a celebrity, asking her stories about her classes, courses, her part time job and he enjoys her stories. Every bit of it. Sometimes it seems as if he loves it more than listening to her experience touring around the world, working with all these influential people. Its... different. Most people she met in the industry are only trying to be close to her for her name, for her connections, but Taehyung felt sincere.

Taehyung loves how she is when she's just an ordinary girl.

And Y/N finally admits it now. She's in love with that extraordinary boy.

Unfortunately for her, no matter how much she wanted to she Taehyung again and proclaim her love for him the next day, they are having a one day break. So instead, she peeled her sleepless body for a morning walk towards the rows of restaurant. She needed something to clear her head.

Just her luck, she saw Taehyung sitting alone on one of the sidewalk cafe, his breakfast still full on his table, playing with his phone.

"Tae!" A wide grin stretch across her face as she walks over. How can someone look this beautiful?

"Oh, Y/N. Nice to see you here," he smile, and Y/N felt her heart beats faster.

"Are you alone?"

"I'm actually with-"

"Y/N?" Shit. The voice that calls out her name makes her heart rscing and palm swearing in fear, and she wanted nothing more than just to get out from there.

"I..I'll be going first Taehyung," she bowed quickly and make her exit, confusing Taehyung who didnt understand the situation.

"Y//N, please wait," Jungkook grab her arms and turn her around. "Please... dont run away from me,"

"Let go Jungkook,"

"Not until you give me a chance," he gritted his teeth in determination. "Y/N... I love you. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I was a fool, an idiot. I care about my status, my job more than I ever did about your feelings before. But all that will change now. I have changed now. I will love you right this time. Baby... please," his soft doe eyes pierced through hers, begging her for another chance. The way he looks at her, the feeling of his touch on her arms, his familiar scent that filled his nostrils the way he calls her baby... her heart is aching. She misses him so much.

She raised her eyes to look at him. His handsome face and the way the mask hang around his mouth and nose.

The mask. The mask that he needs to conceal his identity. His identity that makes him too good to be with her in the first place.

Jungkook will always be a somebody. He has to hide his identity even he is having his breakfast. And although she is a part of that life now, deep inside she is still just an ordinary girl who unfortunately falls in love with someone extraordinary like Jeon Jungkook.

And what happened five years back proves that Jungkook would never accept that ordinary part of her. And if he cant accept that, then he cant have all of her.

"I'm sorry. I cant Jungkook," she trembled. "I have only known and love you all my life. I love every part of you... but you dont love me for who I really am. I am just still me Jungkook. Underneath all this, I'm still just that girl you broke for being ordinary. You wont and cant ever love me fully... and I wont force you too,"

"Y/N. No. I love you. I love all of you. Everything about you. Please. Give me this chance and I will prove it to you," Jungkook is panicking. He cant loose her like this. She didnt even give her a chance to get close, to show her how he has change. He has been looking for her for five years, how can he just let her slip away?

"You think you do. But I know you better than that. You are just in love with the idea of me," she smile sadly. Oh, how she wished they were still young lovers. Happy and in love. "I thought no one could ever like me for who I really am Jungkook. I loathe myself. For years I loathe myself. But I know now, not everybody hates ordinary. We ordinary girls have to right to be love too,"

"I didnt me-"

"I cant be with you Jungkook. I thought I wont ever get over you, but I was wrong. I fell in love. I found someone worthy to love me now. And I would do anything to make him love me..." she finally quietly admits, leaving Jungkook speechless.

"Wh..what?" Jungkook shakes his head in disbelief. This cant happen. His baby is in love with someone else? Who? Who is the man who stole her heart away? "Who is it? Tell me Y/N! Who is it! I will show you I can love you better than him," his face is etched in anger as he shakes her shoulders.

"You dont need to know..."

"I do. I do need to know Y/N. I need to know so I can show you how much more I will love you than he ever will!" He insisted, crazy with anger. Y/N looks around and see they are starting to catch attention and people are starting to recognized them. She cant let them happen.

"Stop it Jungkook..."

"No! I love you Y/N. Why wont you believe me?" He cried. "Tell me who is he?"

"Its Taehyung!" She screamed, tired of Jungkook's tireless persuassion. "Its Kim Taehyung! Are you happy now? I love Kim Taehyung and he didnt even know! So you dont have to do anything Jungkook!" His grasp on her shoulder soften.

"You are in love with Tae - hyung? My hyung?" His eyes roamed all over her face, looking for any sign that shes lying. But theres none. His heart starts to ache, a feeling so foreign to him. "Since when?"

"Since... sinc..," her eyes flickered behind Jungkook and her mouth dropped in horror. "Taehyung!" Jungkook whipped his head to see what Y/N is looking at, and true enough, his hyung stood there behind him and with the look on his face, its clear he heard everything. His eyes looks straight at her, dark and blank, she couldnt understand what emotions are playing within him right then and it scared her.

"Tae, wait! I can ex-" Y/N started to run after him when he abruptly turned around and walked away towards the other direction.

"Y/N, please. Choose me. Please. I love you. I cant live without you. Choose me Y/N. Dont leave me for Tae," Jungkook held on to her jacket's sleeves, begging her with his brown eyes. Y/N felt her tears finally fell at the sight of Jungkook, the mighty Jungkook begging for her, an ordinary girl.

"Then you have to learn how to Jungkook. Just like how I did before," she shakes her sleeve loose and run after Taehyung. Jungkook was left alone, stunned, and after years of being strong and believing he can do anything, he fell to his knees for he knows this time he wont be able to do it.

Losing Y/N all over again.

/////

"Tae! Tae. Stop. Just stop," Y/N was breathless as she managed to grab Taehyung by the arm. The said man turned and emotionlessly turned to face her. She felt her heart break. Does Taehyung really doesnt have any feelings for her at all?

"You shouldnt say things that you dont even understand Y/N," he suddenly broke the silenced.

"What are you talking about Tae? What you heard-"

"How can you say you love me? How is that even possible?"

"Why isnt it possible? I'm in love with you Kim Taehyung! Why is that not possible?" She huffed. Did Taehyung really thinj no one would ever love him? "I'm in love with every part of you. The real you! Not the facade you put out for everyone around you. But the you that you showed me during the talks we had. I'm in love with that Kim Taehyung!"

"I cant be with you," his words came out so smoothly out from his mouth, it hurts her to think how he doesnt even have to think about it at all.

"Why?" She cried. Y/N can feel her heart broke for the second time after a long time. "Why cant you give me a chance? I know you felt it too. I can see it when you talk to me. When you look at me. Please Tae, why cant you let me?"

"Tae... is there really no chance for us?" Y/N asks again when he kept quiet, eyes fixed on the ground. "You... really cant love me?" Y/N lets out a deep breath and weakly lets go of his hand when he still didnt answer. "Okay... I'm sorry. I just thought..." she didnt finished her words before she turned around, wanting to just walk away from the situation and just buried herself in her blanket back at the hotel. She was always a fool in love. Ordinary or not, no one will ever love her for her. She just need to braced another month of schedule with Bangtan and she can forget all this ever happen.

"Do you want to know why we could never happen?" Taehyung's voice reached her ears, sounding so soft and sad, making her turn around even though she dont think she can ever face him again. Y/N stopped in her tracks for a moment and decide to just walk away. There is no need for her to listen to the list of reasons as to why Taehyung would never ever love her.

"Y/N, listen to me," Taehyung grabbed her hand. Why is he doing this? Why is he forcing her to listen to things that she doesnt want to? Is he intentionally wanting to hurt her?

"I...I dont want to Tae," she sobbed. "I dont need to know why you wont ever love me,"

Taehyung immediately cupped both of her cheeks and make her look at him the moment she said that. "Y/N... I'm sorry for what I said. And I never said I didnt love you back..." he said so softly Y/N almost missed it, but she didnt and her eyes widen. Did... did Taehyung just confess?

"Please dont cry..." his thumbs wipe the tears that slowly rolled down her cheeks. "Look around you Y/N... this is the reason why we cant be together,"

For the first time since they talk, Y/N raised her head and look around her. Fans are gathered all around, cellphones out and snapping photos. She looks up and billboards with her face on it filling the view. Even if the passerby didnt know who they were before, they sure do now. "You are too special to be with me Y/N. I am not the one for you. I'm too strange and weird to be with you. You deserves the world. You are remarkable, and you deserves the best. Me? I'm just an ordinary small town boy who accidentally passes an audition Y/N. I'm not for you. So dont cry for me. These people doesnt like to see you cry," he smile at her. She feels her heart beats faster. She wants that smile. She wants to wake up to that smile everyday and she wont let who she became now stops her from the happiness that is right in front of her.

"Taehyung... I'm still that same ordinary girl you met in the park five years back. The girl who cried because the person she loves broke her. Dont you remember her?"

"What? What are you saying?"

"You are really funny," Y/N repeated what he said to her way back then. "In this world where everybody tried to be special, why do you want to be ordinary?" Taehyung's eyes widen at that. Little did she know, just like her, their encounter that day changed his life forever too. He accepted his life more after their little talk and since then he starts not to think about what his fans would want from him. He is just an ordinary man and if they dont love him for that, then they didnt love him to start with.

"That... that was you?" Y/N nodded with a smile and tears in her eyes.

"Tae... what you said to me that day changed me. Because of you I start to believe that ordinary girls like me deserves to be loved too. I came back to the park everyday in hope to see you again but I never did. You have been a part of my life for a long time Tae, whether you like it or not," she laughs. "And if you think I am too special to be with you, then you are dead wrong. You are everything I could ever want. You are the only person in my life who loves me for that dorky college girl that I am and I'm in love with you for that," she rajsed her hands and carressed his cheeks. Taehyung slowly leaned in into her touched. "You love every lsrt of me and you deserve to have all of me Tae,"

"Dont see me like what the other see me Tae. See me for who I really am. I am just an ordinary girl who falls in love with an amazing man, and she hopes that amazing man would someday fall in love with her too,"

"I am already in love with you Y/N. From the moment you stutter my name the first time we officially met," he laughs out loud at the memory as Y/N blushed. "Why were you so nervous anyway? You are already in love with me back then arent you? My good looks got nothing on you,"

"Yah!" She hit his chest and Taehyung pulled her close in his embraced. "Dont tease me,"

"You are adorable," he kissed her head and they can hear the camera shutter clicking from all around them. They have a lot to answer to their own management tomorrow, but for now that didnt matter. "My beautiful ordinary girl, you make me realized that nothing else matters that just to be and love yourself. You are the best thing that could have ever happen to me, eventhough I dont even know who you were back then. I love you Y/N," he whispered.

"And I love you Kim Taehyung. Just my weird fascinating Kim Taehyung," Taehyung smile and leaned his head closer to her as his lips tremble when he touched the lips of the girl he has dreamt about for years.

As the couple shared their first kiss, and the people around them starts to busily clicking their cameras and cooing at the adorable couple, a pair of teary doe eyes looks from afar...

And for the first time in his life, he admits that his heart is broken to pieces.

By an ordinary girl.

A/N: Ordinary Girl that Y/N played on the music room is actually a real song by Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, with the same title. All credits goes to the original artists and everyone involved in it.

[beerats]

Smiling Devil Emoji Review 😈

A mischievous scamp but his mischief can prob get way out of hand like he looks as though he isn't afraid to shoot you on the spot cold blooded for the pranks 7/10

I like the gradient and unlike the top one his mischief stays in hand he just a goofus i adore him 9/10

A bold color change from the purple to red i dont like how his eyebrows and eyes look like 1 entity the more i look at it he is a weird nose demon and i cant get behind that 3/10

This isnt mischievous, he looks like he has an entourage that roams with him and commit armed robbery or arson and he knows he that powerful and thats a power i crave sometimes 6/10

Now his mischief looks like family friendly fun, he might do a lil poking with his pitchfork but he doesn't go too hard. But holding yourself back from the normal level of mischief is not all the time good 5/10

This the Apple emojis assistant he hides the bodies but doesn't do solo mischief and u cant always rely on others 5/10

What...the honest...fuck.... im pretty sure this emoji is cursed and if u use it too much Satan will come from the depths of hell to personally take your soul and i will spam it until that day arrives 666/10

This one is saucy and his mischief is more on an succubus incubus level like this thing radiates lust and pride 10/10

This is tied with the worst by far in my opinion and i bet his mischief is like " you ask for a cup of ice water so i gave you half a cup of ice haha jokes on you!!!" And ur like ok and fill the rest of the cup up so hes not a fun nuisance hes just annoying 1/10

A cute lil imp that actually fuck you up and fuck you up right. Like he is that pal that cares for you but in a bully kind of way like only he can pick on you and no one else and if he sees someone else mess with he will fight them. A chaotic good friend 10/10

[opasnoe]

Mun Shuu: 10, 13, and 18 [ :3 ]

mun and muse meme ! thank u bb

10: What do you love about your muse?

he’s so....extra.... like between him and pushkin its p obvious that dost’s entourage are basically just doing all the shit they do in order to amuse themselves. like it is totally obvious that theres no NEED for ivan to act like he does with all his ridiculous posing and soliloquies hes just doing it because he woke up one morning and decided he wanted to live the life of a b-movie romance drama lady. hes gonna drape himself across a couch, feather-lined silk robe trailing behind him as he laments the state of his life, enjoying every second of his bemoaning

its ic

hes so extra. he has to consciously decide to be this extra. disgusting

13: What about your muse makes you sad?

GOD hes gotta go and be super obsessed w and in bad-love w dost who just. doesnt give a fuck. like cmon ivan at least fixate on someone who gives a fuckand then w the backstory me and @protectorvm/ @angelmidday gave him like ivan you are so goddamn stupid if u stopped doing dumb shit like trying to pretend that if u let him kick u while ur down dostll love u, u actually would be happy and maybe vaguely mentally healthy but no. no. ivans too stupid to take care of himself.god damn it.

18: What aspect of your muse’s personality is most important to you? What aspect of your muse’s personality do you think is most important to them? Is it the same? Why or why not?

mmmmmmmmmmmnnnnnnnn idk. i think for me its the utter lack of gravity that he treats things with-- excepting dost, of course. but hes kinda evolved thru his life to a point where shes just stopped giving a Single Fuck about anything that isnt named fyodor dostoevsky and its interesting? kinda fun to write if by fun we mean im burying my head in my hands like ‘sweetie no’ as i type

for him its his dedication, he decides to do something and by god hes gonna do it. thats bc hes proud of his title as a butler, a helper, and hes gonna be THE BEST ONE EVER so that his boss will take favour w him and give him the d i mean what butivans very proud of himself for being good at his job and hes very very determined to keep that up

[therealestatesparkblog]

6 Habits From Mark Wahlberg's Schedule That Can Make You a Success

[embedded content] Its hard to find someone more successful at his career than Mark Wahlberg. Yes, Marky Mark. You might know him from tiny little films like Transformers or The Departed or The Italian Job or Boogie Nights. Or maybe you know him from his role as executive producer on shows like Entourage, Boardwalk Empire, or Ballers. Or maybe youve eaten at his burger joint, Wahlburgers. But most likely, you still listen to his early band, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch. It seems like no matter what Mark puts his mind to he accomplishes. How does he do it? Well, I think his daily schedule has something to do with it. In a recent episode of The Late Late Show with James Corden, Mark reveals his typical daily schedule. And as the host of the show, James Corden, finds out, its not a walk in a park. My name is Brandon Turner, blog writer and podcast host from BiggerPockets.com and author of the upcoming 90 Days Of Intention Journal, and today I want to dive into six unique aspects of Marks schedule to see if we can become just. Little more successful because of it. OK, lets get to it. 1. Mark wakes up really, really early. As the video above shows, by waking up early, Mark is able to knock out one of his most important things of the day (which for an actor like Mark is working out) before his family even rouses. So I think its smart to ask yourself: If you woke up an hour or two earlier in the day, what vital task could you get accomplished? 2. Mark spends a moment in silent gratitude. Marks very first activity of the day isnt work, exercise, or even launching into an action. Its prayer time. In other words, Mark takes time each morning to be silent and be grateful. Gratitude has been shown in numerous studies to make people more successful, have a more positive outlook, and even exercise more regularlywhich brings us to number three. 3. Mark work outs early. As Mark says to James in The Late Late Show clip, The workouts going to suckbut youre going to go attack the rest of the day. Mark isnt making this up. By getting a workout in early, you may consume fewer calories and burn more fat throughout the day, Its also said to help you sleep better at night, and it can give you more mental energy while reducing depression and anxiety. In other words, by working out early, youre going to attack the rest of the day. Thanks, Mark. 4. Mark commits to the process. Look, Mark Wahlberg didnt naturally get his physique by accident. He works for it every dayand youre not going to find success by accident either. One thing Mark clearly understands is this simple principle: Results are the result of the process needed to get you there. In other words, whatever you want to achieve in lifefrom business success to weight loss to becoming a better spouseis preceded by some kind of process. Mark doesnt need to stress about getting in shape because he focuses on the process instead. So, what process can you begin consistency and persistently following that will lead to the results you want to see? 5. Mark schedules family time. I know this might sound odd from the onsetdo you really need to schedule time with your loved ones? Well, if they are important to you, why give them whatever is left? By being intentional about the time you spend with your family and friends, youll ensure that time is actually given. Props to you mark for making that a priority in your life. 6. Mark goes to bed early. Finally, Mark goes to bed early enough to make sure he can start the day the same way tomorrow. Getting enough sleep is vital to anyones pursuit of success. Research shows that reduced sleep can lead to higher levels of negative thinking, cause inflammation, and even make you look uglier. One study even showed that people who averaged less than seven hours of sleep a night were about three times more likely to develop the common cold. And one final note on Marks schedule: He has one. In other words, he doesnt leave it all to chance. He schedules the things that are important to him into his daily schedule. And you should do the same! Be intentional about your goals and plan them accordingly. You might even consider using a journal like The 90 Days of Intention Journal from BiggerPockets to do so. And maybe you, too, can as successful in your career as Marky Mark is in his.

Know of any cool (or weird) habits of your favorite celebrities? Comment below! https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/mark-wahlbergs-schedule

[isaacathom]

Mathilda is basically never mentioned by the royal family, and only occasionally brought up when questions of succession come into play in the media, like when they run stories about the ailing King and how his second daughter Sofia came to be the heir apparent (or presumptive im not totally sure whether the King in this scenario has the power to dictate an heir? if he can then shes presumptive, if he cant shes apparent). thats basically it. Mathilda, in the eyes of many, simply isnt there! which does on some level justify Cecilia’s lack of real knowledge about her, because after her death at age 12 (or 13 maybe idk i feel like making her 13 would be cliche and dumb on some level even if that adds up) it just. zip lips. nada zip.

the unspoken idea is that maybe if the dragon threat is resolved that the royal family will bring up Mathilda. Sofia certainly would. shes probably dedicate victory to her sister. or if Sofia takes the throne (regardless of the dragon state at that time) she would mention Mathilda as part of a publicity thing, acknowledging her role in her childhood and being a huge part of the reason she is where she is today. Sofia would absolutely do that.

that, or if they actually SPECIFICALLY kill the dragon that killed her (which is difficult to verify given just how long its been? its been... hmmn.. 15 years? thereabout? sofias around 23 i think) theyd absolutely bring her up then. thats basically it though. Mathilda’s just like.. shhhh dont bring it up. ESPECIALLY around the King, jesus christ, really bad mood. i like to imagine that at some point either during the time in which they hadnt found her yet, someone asked the King what he thought and he just absolutely spaced out immediately and had to be gently escorted away by his entourage or the Queen or some such. and ofc, its the digital age, bitch, someone filmed that and it immediately became the grievous crime, to mention Mathilda in the Kings presence. and when her body was found, ho boy, amplify that sucker, you do noooooooootttttt mention her to him. the queen feels similarly, of course, as does most of the immediate royal family, but the effect lessens the further down you go. like, the toddlers? barely remember Mathilda. not a huge deal for them. they only feel because their family feels, and its more than likely that they themselves have triggered the Kings flashbacks by accident when enquiring about this lost sister of theirs. so. yknow. its a carry on down thing, i guess.

the only way her death could play an immediate role in the narrative, beyond an aforementioned scene with Aria and Cecilia in which Cecilia learns some fucking royal history, is if like..... dragons could talk..... and taunted Sofia about Mathilda’s death. which wouldnt be..... specifically out of line. i like the idea of talking dragons. they are intelligent, after all! theyd speak quite old english, dating back to when they were nearly made endangered, and theyd have some specific terms for stuff they dont know, like guns! the fuck would dragons call a gun? sure as shit aint a boom stick. portable dragon? this would require linguistic research and deciding on a specific time period for the dragons to be emulating. but its be absolutely plausible for a dragon to recognise Sofia and to taunt her about Mathilda. seems a bit too melodramatic, even for me, unless the idea is that ALL the big dragons know about it? wouldnt be unreasonable either, since the attack on the castle was many dragons strong! its quite possible that many of them saw Mathilda and, knowing who she was and who Sofia is, recognise the connection. the problem is they probably dont know her name. the taunt would be quite vague. like ‘young princess, armed with [gun], couldnt save your sister’ or smth, im a really shitty writer.

i could.... roll with that, i think. still be a bit cliche to have a big bad (as talking dragons would be a LATE development, like way later yo) be personally connected to Sofia, though that could dramatically increase diplomatic tensions, since the goal one discovering dragons could talk would be to try and broker peace. shits complex. idk. i havent really thought of any plot developments past the attack of Cecilia’s estate in the 4th(ish) segment. like after that its probably just a mobilisation of troops to enact revenge on dragons in general (cause they kill the specific dragon who, remember, was avenging their child who the ladies killed in segment 3)

shits wild, yo