#and that includes most of the clubs sadly | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

punkeropercyjackson · 2 months

Text

🎸Hobie Brown headcanons🎸

🎸'Babygirl he's jamaican' < an actual thing i've said about Hobie in response to nonblks writing him like a white brit,pretty sure it's canon actually!Jamaican slang,last name 'Brown',fuckin' WICKS?He's jamaican-english for sure

🎸Transmasc multigender i.e boygirl and nonbinary.When he said he's unlabeled,that's what he meant and he sadly has the gender trauma that comes with being black trans but the black trans swag too,including not needing t or surgeries as he's naturally androgynous on all fronts and flatchested(just like me fr fr)

🎸No masking game audhd.He grew up a bully beater for himself and even kids who didn't like him as his mama taught him he should always stand up for what's right.Ptsd too,a huge contributor of it how targeted for his extremely dark and strong features he was/is and he wouldn't have had it THAT young if he was nonblack(Hobie's only 17........He should've been at the after school club)

🎸His main special interest is the sea.His favorite color is blue,his favorite kind of jamaican cuisine is it's seafood,his favorite season is summer,he diy's ocean material based crafts all the time,he's a surfer,he knows how to play calypso music and he has a thing for mermaid-y black women specifically

🎸And ofc this is because he's black4black in general and THAT and his spinterest is because of his mama.Hobie is black Mama's Boy supreme and his mama loves him just as much and he actually got his nickname 'Hobie' from her calling him that when he was little and him refusing to let it go no matter how dork ass it is.He calls her 'Mama' specifically and has wicks because she does too💚🤎💛🖤

🎸Team Dad of both Spiderbands(comics + Atsv).As in 'Dad Friend',not nucleaur family headassery he'd be against as an anarchist-He keeps the mood and morale up,makes sure they stay feed and well-slept,protects them on and off the field and is masc only in a goofy black sitcom dad typa beat.Hobs tries to not let it show but it does wear down on him so the Spiderbands notice eventually and pay him back all the time now

🎸Hobie had no like.ACTUAL friends as a lil kid and it messed him up most of all because he didn't even realize the nonblack kids were being shitty and fake due to how normalized it is for nonblacks to treat black people as inherently beneath them and it rubbed off on him for ages subconciously and he's still unlearning but little man is getting there!!

🎸Totes loves The Cure,Alt Black Era,D'Angelo,The Misfits,Tracy Chapman,Megan Thee Stallion,Teezo Touchdown and Rihanna.He listens to pop music but literally ONLY black pop artists,black death metal(self-explanatory)and is a gigantic fan of jazz because he's the smoothest in the whole multiverse and also is black.Idk,

🎸His other favorite color is pink and that's why he turns pink around the people he loves the most(Mayday=Baby sister figure,Miles=Crush,Gwen=Girlfriend,etc).He has a small soft spot for pink things in general(Gwen,Miles and Margo)

🎸Gwen is half black dominicana with black hair,brown eyes and light brown skin because literally the only problem with Hobie being into her is she's white but ALSO as a Gwen kinnie she feels more biracial afrolatina to me than anything else so it all comes together.They met Bubbline style at one of his concert's where Gwen's autistic ass thought he was hot as fuck and made an absolute fool of herself but Hobie's autistic found THAT hot as fuck and invited her onstage to sing as a ref to that one concept art.They reunited the next day at Spider Society as Gwen recognized him as that one kid Jessica also mentors and ran after him and introduced herself as the girl from last night and Hobie was stunned but she went to remove his mask so he smirked and did the same,saying 'Eager to see your pretty face again too,Gwendita' and they linked arms as they talked and became best friends from that day on

🎸Hobie got Gwen into the political sides of punk by teaching her the legit history and pratices and that was when all emotional ties to George were cut.Gwen got Hobie into kidcore and pastel transfem things to help him feel like a real teenager and heal his inner child(Hobie has a gummy sharks addiction btw).They say they're 'Soulmates by choice AND by chance' since Gwen isn't 139 Gwen Stacy and Hobie isn't a Peter Parker Variant and even made patches on their battle jackets with the phrases in a mix and match of eachother's colors and Gwen is one of the mermaid-y black women Hobie's type is

🎸Number one dogs and sharks lover.He loves those varying in sizes guys,they're so him-coded,and has the downlow on sooooooo many facts of them and has so many memes and wholesome pics saved!!

🎸Once he learned to use a phone that is😭Total grandpa at first with it,the cockney was NOT helping‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️But he's gotten a pretty good hang of it

🎸Gracias a Margo!!That was actually how they got close,she was friends with Gwen before he was so he asked her for help and she gladly gave it.They accidentally pulled an all-nighter and had an 30 minute special adventure through cyberspiderspace and tried to hide that they hadn't gotten any sleep when they caught with Gwen but Margo fell face first into her loaded nachos and Hobie squeezed his soda can so hard it reached the roof when Lyla spooked him so she knew what was up.Wasn't upset but she did make fun of them

🎸Also Margi is haitian!!!Someone did a fucking gorgeous qpp Punkbyte art with that hc and jamaican Hobie and i haven't been able to unsee it,they're so fucking right.The Spidey Core Four are afrocaribbean4afrocaribbean4afrocaribbean4afrocaribbean and Margobie specifically are the indie games,always in some weird ass situation,can never shut the fuck up duo

🎸Pavitr and him are like brothers.Mainly because Pavitr is the token straight Spiderkid LMAOOOOOOO He got that masc transhet moc swag <3 Just guys being dudes ft.bi wife energy and femme faggotry.They do cultural exchange and no,Pavitr dosen't make fun Hobie for being british because he's not white so he realizes why there's even black-british people to begin with(read:SLAVERY).Hobie likes Bollywood movies and i'll let @refrigeratedboombursts take over on the specifics since he's indian and a Hobie enthutiast like me

🎸Goes on crime sprees for fun,is really into energy drinks but his favorite is Birthday Cake Bash Bang,grafitti's with Miles,adores Pokemon and has an embarrasing crush on Nessa because she's his type,is an Animal Crossing expert and his favorite is Flick and can do a deeply guttural metal scream voice for who knows how long that makes Gwen,Margo and Miles go 😳😳😳😳😳😳

🎸Watches Bluey with Mayday.Bluey fan Hobie is canon idc what y'all cringelords say,he's a 17 year old afropunk with more street cred than y'all let him be a happy kid but actually instead of weird racist fuckery

🎸Yeah,he did in fact kill his canon event cop and the reason he was ashamed in his reveal scene wasn't any emotional attachment but worry Miles wouldn't like him anymore.Also Spider Society KNOWS he's beyond down bad for him,they just didn't say nothin' to not embarrass him but also how could they NOT notice?BABYBOY DID ALL THAT SHIT IN PUBLIC!!!!!!!!

🎸Usually has at least one pink lipstick mark on him,be it electric pink(Margo),pastel pink(Miles)or baby pink(Gwen).Gets called a ladykiller/casanova/etc because of it but is actually the most aroaceflux mf to ever exist and falls in love with every transfem he befriends because of the femme transmasc swagger

🎸And similarly has cutesy stickers on him almost at all times,by gift of Peni.He's her big bro figure and ptsd buddy and she's his lil sis and he's her role model just like he is to so many 139 kids.Mcr isn't his kind of music but he listens to it with her and they talk about pretty much anything(including him taking lighthearted jabs at Noir)

🎸Jessica and him are the cooler Miles and Peter B i.e Jessica is Hobie's mentor from the start of his Spiderpunk days but an actual parental figure to him instead of age difference pseudo-siblings.Very much your classic black mom and black son relathionship but minus the hitting and shit 'cause Jessica's a proud black woman,not a child abuser.Based off that lil 'Hobie,you're not helping' 'Good' exchange that convinced me she's super familiar with his attitude and vice versa.They Get Eachother™️

🎸Uses emulators on anti-capitalist principal and diy's merch of his interests for the same reason but also so he can make it extra personalized✊🏼Once again,he just like me fr-Black Gwen Stacy with locs figure,you WILL be seeing the light of day

🎸He's a Book!Percy Jackson Variant.Full 'fence,full shade,Peter Parker's not good enough to be Percy Jackson and i DO mean Book!Percy Jackson,not 'dark Percy' or 'himbo Percy' or whatever weirdass can't even handle an undiagnosed autistic and implied punk children's protagonist crackheadarry y'all got up to

60 notes · View notes

angelickisscs · 2 months

Text

i’ve never seen you before ~ ‧₊˚

୨ ୧ ˚₊ pairing ~ trent alexander arnold x reader

summary: your best friend getting distracted by her crush leads you to meeting the most beautiful man ever !

THE HIGH NOTES pierced throughout your body, the bass thumping directly under your feet as though it were your own beating heart. Strobe lighting flashed mercilessly in front of your eyes, rendering you as blind for seconds at a time. Your friend had originally promised you that it was only going to be a small house party. However, unless small was now a way to describe over a hundred people, she had certainly lied to you.

Her firm grip on your wrist was one that would be leaving marks in the morning. She dragged you throughout the house, weaving you throughout the masses of people with such ease that it was as though they were not even there to her.

You could not help but let your head turn as you walked, taking in whatever sights you could. People talked, laughed, and danced. And few even went the extra mile with people they had just met.

It was a footballer’s party; you did not know what else you would have expected, they were closing off a long season. But a large part of you had not thought it would have gotten this rowdy.

Sure, you had grown up with the mass of newspapers that described in explicit details the activities they had gotten up to during a night out. It had always drawn you in, a certain intrigue as to what the other half of society would get away with. And even now, it was a small guilty pleasure. Scrolling aimlessly through your feed and lingering those few seconds longer on a news report about whichever one had cheated on their innocent girlfriend this time before realising what you were doing and scrolling onwards.

There was still an uncertainty about how your friend, Grace, had gotten an invite to such a ‘prestigious’ event. She worked for one of the clubs as a public relations intern, though she had always complained about how little time she had to interact with the players. The rare times that she did swiftly cut short by an impending job she or them had to do.

Even then, she had still longed for an invite. Having heard stories from colleagues about the rare times that the guest list expanded to include their names. It did not happen often and when it did, people tended to not allow it to go to waste. At least that it what she told you in her long-winded explanation about why you just had to attend with her.

Frozen air surrounded your blare flesh, waking you up from the daze you had put yourself in. It stuck to you as though it were a plaster or a piece of lone tape, one that was far too painful to remove from your suffering skin. The short black dress that you had opted for that night did little to help, its soft material only shrinking from the pressure.

Your hands had it worse, the pain that riddled them from the mixture of the different ice-cold sensations having you a step closer to hypothermia. Grace had somehow shoved a beer into your hand, one that had clearly originated from a form of freezer. She soon began sipping on it, grimacing when the taste landed onto her tastebuds.

Looking down at your filled hand before looking back at her, you raised your eyebrows, “We drink beer now?”

“We drink beer now.” She repeated your question, instead turning it into a statement as she lifted the bottle up to her lips to take yet again. Between then and the first sip, it had failed to begin tasting any better to before, the face she made making that evident. “Sadly.”

With hesitance, you lifted the bottle up to your own mouth, slowly letting the cool liquid slip into your mouth. It took far more effort than it should not to spit it back out into the bottle, your throat refusing it entry until you forced it downwards.

Grace stifled back a laugh, grateful for getting a first class viewing to your reaction. The both of you had never been good with alcohol. Either you were blackout within two shots, or you could not even get through downing the first shot before you had to back out from the taste. Rarely were there any in-betweens, this night being a lone exception.

“Do you think this is going to get me a good in with the players?” She asked you with a hushed tone, unwilling to let anyone surrounding hear what she was embarrassed to ask.

You were unsure in what to respond with, your lack of time spent with any football players deeming you as a rookie in this department. Your mouth opened and closed in a constant stream of failed attempts to answer, your brain already in such overdrive from the lights and music that it had not prepared to answer such a deep question.

“Probably, yeah. I mean, they wouldn’t invite you otherwise.”

The answer you had opted for seemed to please your friend, her back straightening slightly whilst she looked around the premises. It was empty compared to inside of the house. A constant stream of conversation from the people that had opted to be out here rather than the loud alternative.

A man walked up behind Grace wrapping his arm around her as he looked downwards expectantly to what was her hair until she snapped her head in his direction.

“Dominik!” She exclaimed, a smile covering her face within seconds. It countered the previous frown that she had worn perfectly. It left you in a sense of shock and slight confusion, never had you seen her smile at you in such a manner.

“I was hoping that you would actually come.” He said to her, his smile matching hers. His arm lingered around her shoulder as she turned to look at you, opting to add you into the upcoming conversation, to your disappointment.

She waited a beat, allowing you time to introduce yourself without her intervention but after an awkward five seconds she did not have any choice but to change her own strategy, “This is my friend y/n, the one with the cute dog.”

The man you now knew as Dominik turned to look at you in slight confusion before his eyes opened widely, his mouth dropping as a lengthened ‘oh’ slipped through it.

“Nice to meet you.”

His voice was louder than it was previously, having to talk over the music that took its chance to escape from the hell it had created when a door had opened. A spill of rowdy voices flowed through it, calling Dominik over to which he had refused quickly.

You nodded towards him, smiling politely at what you had thought he had said. Your weight was shifting from foot to foot uncomfortably, it becoming increasingly obvious how much you were not supposed to have come with your friend.

“And of course I would come, you made it sound like a good experience.” Grace’s attention was back to him, her eyes making deep eye contact with his as her hand snuck upwards to meet his gladly accepting one.

Silently, you took steps backwards to give them a slight amount of privacy during the moment that they were currently having. Your attention stayed on them, eyebrows furrowing harshly at the realisation of the failing of your friend. Not once had she told you about this man, keeping it to herself in such a way that it was insulting towards you for not having caught on sooner.

Taking the chance to look at her actions in the past and present, it was simple to see. The mere fact that you had not realised the second she had invited you to a party of all things being disappointing.

It was no time before you mind came running back to you. A heat lingered behind your back, protecting you from the cutting bite of the cold that still managed to hang peacefully in the air. You turned your head to see who had disturbed your trip down memory lane, a slight annoyance injecting itself into your veins.

The person stood behind you matched your furrowed eyebrows expression, not having enough intensity but everything else was creepily perfect. Before you could question his reasonings, he cut you off from something once again.

“I’ve never seen you before.” His bluntness was shocking, forcing you two steps forward. Your body was now facing his, your arms crossing over your chest in an almost defensive manner.

“Sorry?” Your spine straightened. “This is a party.”

His eyes widened when your words finally processed in his mind, his hand coming upwards to scratch the back of his neck. “My bad. Don’t know why I thought that would have worked as a conversation starter.

Laughing slightly, the tension that had taken over your already stiff shoulders beginning to back down.

“I’m Trent.”

He held his hand out to shake slightly retracting it before firmly keeping it in place so you could shake it.

“Y/n.”

You shook his hand briefly, unsure of what you should do after that.

“I’m Grace’s friend so that’s why you haven’t seen me before.”

She was still in deep conversation with Dominik, having not even moved position or as it looked, blinked once since you had moved your presence elsewhere.

“Oh, the one with the cute dog!” Trent said, his high-pitched voice catching your attention.

As it currently seemed, Grace had showed your newly adopted dog around her workplace. The fact did not manage to complete its mission in surprising you, her obsession with it since their first meeting being greater than you could have ever expected.

Trent had managed to notice the way your eyes obviously flicked back to your friend every few milliseconds, a small smirk perching itself above one side of his lips.

“Once they start talking, that is it. No point in even trying to get a word in because they do not hear a thing.” He shared with you as he also looked over towards their hand in hand figures before looking back towards you with slightly hooded eyes.

With a smile, you looked back over towards him, your eyes unexpectantly meeting with his, “I gathered that within a few seconds. I mean, I have never seen her like that with anyone.”

You admitted to him in a smaller voice than usual, hoping that your friend that, who was metres away from you, would not hear.

“They are awful, honestly.” He jokingly condemned the pair. “He’s been late to training a couple times because he was talking to her.”

The smile that covered his face was the most beautiful you had ever seen. It shone with the light that originating by the moon, drawing you in with its hypnotic methods. So much so that his words merged into one for you, not a single syllable made clear by your in-awe mind.

A simple wow was all that you could muster aloud. There was no way to confirm if that had been the correct response to the jumble that you had heard, though by the way you only got put into more of a daze by his charming face, it was no use even trying to figure something like that out.

“Y/n?” Trent called out, his eyebrows returning to their furrowed state as he stared you down slightly. “You alright?”

Your heart began putting in extra work at the realisation you had not gotten away with your staring, this time it being your turn to widen your eyes. “Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“You seemed to have caught yourself a staring problem.” The smile that had originally put you in such a state, mockingly made a return. It almost caught you out once again, your stomach filling with panicking butterflies as your legs jellied.

“Me? No, you definitely had something in your hair.”

You were quick in your response, your hand flicking upwards slightly as your words directed themselves to the same place, both falling flat after receiving their time in the spotlight.

“What was it? A pretty face maybe?” He tried; one side of his smile once again weighing itself down so it could turn itself into yet another smirk. His legs extended into a step in your direction, closing the vast gap in between the two of you.

The thoughts in your head spiralled energetically, bringing your eyes down to the brick floor to find something to say back to him. A small black dot ran dangerously close to your feet, taking the chance to escape from your embarrassing moment. “It was actually a little spider.”

Trent chuckled softly as he shook his head at your attempted lying. A pink flush painted itself upon your cheeks, deciding to differ from the cosmetic blush you had originally put on.

“You could see it from that far away?”

He took another step.

“I have great eyesight.” Your eyes lifted from the dull, muddy ground so they could go back to his. The smile you had was wide with embarrassment at the fact you had not managed to lie your way out of this situation, and he did not seem like the type of man to let you live it down anytime soon.

“I wouldn’t-.” He was unable to continue with his sentence, his words swiftly being cut off by the calling of his name. He soon flicked their head in their direction, nodding slightly to keep them quiet for long enough to say goodbye. “I best get going. It was good to meet you.”

His steps were now backwards, remaking the previous gap between the two of you with over triple the size.

“Yeah, you too.” Your words were to no usage, only going to waste as they were unable to catch up to him. A hand on your shoulder gave you no time to look into it. This time, you turned around to see your best friend, her smile still as wide as ever.

“Trent?”

A shocked look being written all over her face gracefully joined her question, no matter how hard she had tried to cover it.

“Dominik?”

The reaction you she had given in response was all you needed to know. Within seconds, her hand wrapped itself around your wrist in the same manner as before, this time leading you straight for outside.

“Your ears are so red!” Grace laughed as she walked backwards to ensure she could see you properly.

“You have no right to talk. You were laughing so hard.” You scoffed with your words, slowing you pace down to a more natural speed. “And no man is that funny.”

With no warning, she suddenly came to a halt and with your poor reaction time, you had no choice but to bump into her.

“He is that funny.” She pointed an accusing finer at your face, tapping your nose in the process from how close the pair of you were.

“And you got caught staring at him.”

Grace was now screaming with laughter at your expense, her body doubling over. You stared at her as your eyes dropped.

“You saw that?” You called after her now retreating figure. “Grace, you saw that?”

#୨୧ angelickisscs ࿐#trent alexander arnold blurb #trent alexander arnold fanfic #trent alexander imagines #trent alexander x reader #trent alexander x you #footballer imagine

92 notes · View notes

badcaseofcasey · 5 months

Text

one single thread of gold (tied me to you) | Part 4 aka: my Steddie soulmates au, Eddie's POV Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |Steve's POV

Eddie wasn’t sure how he thought Steve Harrington would end up coming back into his life - he wasn’t even sure Steve would come back into his life - but pinned against the wall of a boat shack at the end of a broken beer bottle was not it.

The past 24 hours of Eddie’s life had been something out of a horror movie. He wasn’t sure his heart rate had slowed down since he first saw Chrissy’s eyes glazed over in his trailer. And now, here comes his soulmate tagging along with the most unexpected combination of people he’s ever seen - including Dustin Henderson, one of newest recruits to Hellfire Club, and Max Mayfield, who moved into Forest Hills not that long ago.

He was reluctant to admit that his body instinctively knew to calm down once he realized his soulmate was there, instead choosing to believe it was down to the group of people who - against all odds - heard his story and believed him.

The next few days were… strange. Steve seemed intent not to mention their words at all, so Eddie followed his lead. There was a moment when Steve took off his sweater to dive into Lovers Lake where Eddie was able to see his words, clear as day. If he wasn’t convinced that Steve was his soulmate by then, that would have confirmed it.

Because much as Eddie hated to admit it, Steve had surprised him. Sure, Dustin and the others had spent the better part of the past six months trying to convince him that Steve was a good guy (no, really!), but he never expected it to actually be true. He said as much to Steve, and reveled briefly in Steve’s shy acceptance of the compliment. If it hadn’t been so dark in that godforsaken forest, he would’ve sworn Steve had blushed.

They had made it back topside and now he and Dustin were goofing around while the rest of the crew were setting up supplies and weapons. His eyes drifted briefly to where Robin and Steve were putting together molotov cocktails - a sentence he never would have even considered thinking before today. The distraction was long enough for Dustin to get a drop on him, knocking him to his knees. Eddie rolled sideways to avoid Dustin’s “spear,” laughing along with Dustin.

Dustin sat next to him. “All right, old man, catch your breath.”

Eddie gasped, pretending to be appalled. “Watch who you’re calling ‘old man,’ whippersnapper.”

Dustin looked out at the field and his hand drifted down to run his fingers up and down his forearm, where Eddie knew his soulmate’s words were. Eddie had learned all about Suzie within their first few sessions of Hellfire; it was a point of pride that Dustin got his words before any of the other members of the party did.

“Thinking about Suzie?” Eddie asked.

“Yeah,” Dustin answered, eyes still looking out into the distance. “I always worry when we’re about to do something like this. What if something… happens to me? We’ve kept Suzie out of this so far, so she has no idea that we’re facing off against literal monsters at least once a year at this point. If something happens to me, what will Suzie think?”

Eddie shook his head and sat up. “I hate that you’re having to worry about things like that. You’re only fourteen, man.”

“Yeah, but look at it this way,” Dustin said. “At least I know, for sure, that there’s someone out there for me. That no matter how bad things get, there’s something to look forward to. It gives me hope, and a reason to keep going when I think I can’t.”

Eddie smiled sadly. “That’s quite the bright side.”

“I try,” Dustin said. “What about you, do you have your words?”

Eddie weighed the options of lying to Dustin right now, but decided it wasn’t worth it. Besides, it felt like it would be a betrayal of the trust Dustin had clearly put in him. “Yeah, I do.”

“Really?” Dustin asked. “You never talk about them.”

“For good reason,” Eddie said, bumping his shoulders into Dustin’s. “Not all of us get our words from our adorable girlfriend from camp.”

“Well, whoever it is,” Dustin said, nudging Eddie back. “It can be a reason for you, too. You know, to keep going.”

“Hey, I already have enough of a reason,” Eddie stood and said, “‘86 is gonna be my year, right?”

Dustin smiled and accepted Eddie’s hand up.

“And Dustin,” Eddie said, seriously. “You know that one of us would take care of letting Suzie know. We know she’s important to you. She wouldn’t just be left in the dark.”

“Thanks, Eddie,” Dustin said. “You know, if you told me who your soulmate is, I could make the same promise.”

“Nice try,” Eddie said, ruffling the top of Dustin’s ghillie suit. “Come on, let’s go see if we’ve got our marching orders.” He slung an arm across Dustin’s shoulders as he steered them back towards the group.

Eddie couldn’t get Dustin’s words out of his head, even as they all made their way back into the Upside Down. Is that how Steve thought about him as he went through everything that Eddie gathered had happened over the past few years? Did Steve think about him at all?

The group was getting ready to split up, and Eddie was caught with a sudden need to talk to Steve. He called out his name as the group headed out towards the Creel House, then stopped when Steve turned to look at him.

There was so much to say, so much they had both left unsaid. Eddie didn’t know how he could possibly put all of what he was feeling in that moment into words, but here he was, about to watch Sir Steve walk away from him again, only this time, the dragons were so much more real. He just knew he couldn’t let Steve leave without saying… something.

“Make him pay.”

Shit. He probably could have done better than that.

taglist (let me know if you'd like to be added/taken off!: @awkwardgravity1 @infinitetrashbag @vampireinthesun @swimmingbirdrunningrock @maya-custodios-dionach @thev01dd @obsessivlyme @a-little-unsteddie @anything-thats-rock-and-roll @spectrum-spectre @red-panderz69 @magpiemuseum @minjintea @finalmoondragonn @thatonebadideapanda @estrellami-1 @freyaforestafay @biatcgh @sadcanadianwinter @im-sam-fucking-winchester @bidisastersworld @justanothergirlwithobsessions @anaibis @thing-a-ling @rosered93 @newtstabber @void-o-chaos @thegingerrapunzel @baron-zemo-trash @katireads @child-of-cthulhu @the-s-is-silent @i-must-potato @hellomynameismoo @lovelylilbadone @theotalksalot @lydi-cyan @background-noise-headache @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @slitherynchiken @grapefruitgalaxy @bookbinderbitch @luthienstormblessed @blues-tunes @murdblurdock @grtwdsmwhr @xpaperheartso@anaibis @thedyingwriter

#my fic #eddie munson #steve harrington #steve x eddie #steddie fic #steddie #soulmate au #Stranger Things #met as kids au #steddie soulmate au #finally getting back to this one!

45 notes · View notes

phoebepheebsphibs · 3 months

Text

Double-Mutated Mikey

Chapter 30: Would You Love Me if I was a Worm?

Continued from the short story written by @boots-with-the-fur-club

Prev || Next

After his talk with Raph and CJ, Leo has to do it all over again with the whole family -- April, Draxum, and Cassandra included.

And Mikey, despite Leo's hesitation and objections.

The whole thing goes... very well, actually.

It is tough at first, Leo having been exhausted twice already and having to ask Raphael and Casey Jr. for help explaining on occasion because he just doesn’t have the emotional (or even physical) energy to go through it all a third time.

Tears are shed. Some are Leo's. Most are actually from Splinter.

At first, Leo thinks it is because of his paternal instinct to protect them, but then he remembers how hard it must have been those first several years post-mutation... All the years he'd spent in the Battle Nexus... Splinter understands all too well what Leo is going through.

Second most are from April. She may not have won the award for the most shed, but she won the award for loudest sobs. Leo didn't expect her to be so heartbroken for his sake, but she is, and that makes him cry all over again.

But the most impactful tears for Leo are Donnie's. Maybe it's because they're twins, or maybe it's the fact that Dee typically tends to keep his tears hidden (especially when there was an audience), or bottle them up. Not that he refuses cry ever -- he just doesn't do it often, and especially not when there are so many people around. But here he is, weeping silently for his brother in front of everybody. Leo almost missed it at first, but he happened to glance over and see the stains on his twin's mask and the red irritation surrounding his sclera. So while Donnie didn't make much of a show of his emotions, Leo knows he felt for him.

Cass and Draxum might be the only two not to cry, apart from Raph and Casey -- but those two are exempt, since they'd already knew what happened and had their own moments earlier to shed tears with him. Draxum is stoic and expressionless for the most part, raising an eyebrow at appropriate intervals to show he is paying attention. Cass makes quite a lot of facial expressions, and Leo figures her eyes got watery at one point. She talks a lot, though. So does Draxum.

Everyone has something to say. From advice to give, to words of affirmation, to moments when they felt similarly to Leo -- everyone talks.

All but one, actually.

Mikey stays strangely quiet.

Not that he doesn't understand. He does. Which is one of the reasons Leo was wary to tell Mikey. His eyes go wide with shock, and he cries with the rest when he hears the news. He sits besides Leo the entire time, resting his head on his lap and mewing sadly at him. Leo strokes his head to reassure him he is okay. Though, as the night goes on, he's not certain if Mikey is trying to comfort him, or if that is now Leo's job...

Leo half expects Michael to put on a turtleneck and coke bottle glasses, and don his 'Dr. Feelings' persona to help.

But he doesn't.

The discussion is long and lasts quite a while, with compelling points made from everyone and different ways to help Leo combat the intrusive thoughts and suicidal feelings.

Leo wonders how anyone could ever think he was the hero when they were the ones constantly saving his life.

Exhausted as he is, he weeps again and thanks everyone for their love and support.

The family meeting ends with hugs and kisses and watching a movie together in the hotel room. Leo notices that everyone keeps him in the center of the group, effectively surrounded by their love.

Mikey stays glued to his side the entire evening. He's been mostly quiet the whole night, but now he seems... overprotective of him. Leo is too tired to question it. Besides, he is so grateful for the company. Mikey rests on his lap like a cat, his soft underbelly radiating warmth and his gentle breaths keeping Leo grounded and calm.

They watch movies until Leo falls asleep in his family's embrace.

Leonardo is entirely spent the next day. He wakes up in his hotel bed, exhausted and groggy. He doesn't remember when he fell asleep, just like he doesn't remember being carried to his room, or being given a weighted blanket on top of his sheets. The blanket doesn't even cover his entire body, they just draped it across his chest --

Wait a sec. Why is the weighted blanket breathing?

Leo looks up and blurrily sees a mass of green and yellow sprawled across his torso. He blinks, rubs his eyes free of sleep, and the blur becomes his little brother.

Leon smiles. Did Mikey stay with him the entire night? Was he worried for him? This was exactly why Leo didn't want to tell Mikey... the poor guy doesn’t need another thing to worry about. And yet, he is happy that Mikey is showing him how he loves him. And to be honest, Leo has not slept that well in weeks. Though, that was mostly due to stress from Mikey's disappearance and then camping out on his beanbags once he was home.

Leonardo strokes Mikey's head gently. He doesn't think he puts that much effort or force into it, but Mikey immediately wakes up at his touch and turns to look at him. He chirps before remembering he can speak and clears his throat.

"Hullo," he croaks.

"Hey," Leo simpers. "What's up."

Mikey hums and crawls closer to his big brother so that he's laying beside him rather than across him. He doesn't really respond to Leo, but holds onto his arm. Mikey's tail slides over Leo's knees and swishes back and forth.

"You okay?" he asks, looking over at him. "You're acting a little clingy."

Mikey hugs Leo's arm a bit more tensely. He nods.

"Mikey just... want to be with Leo today."

Leo sighs and snuggles closer to him. He can let Mikey be clingy.

"Okay. How about today is a Leo and Mikey day?"

Mikey glances up at his brother, eyes wide and bright. He chirps excitedly before once again recalling he can speak and answers him with a resounding 'yes'.

Leo is surprised how Mikey's vocal chords still sound raspy and torn. They should have healed by now. They sound better, that much is sure. He just needs a little more time.

Don't we all...

"So, whaddya wanna do today, bud?" Leo inquires. He seems to have caught Mikey off guard with the question.

"Mikey decides?" he asks, surprised. "Why not Llllllleo?"

"I can pick some stuff to do too," Leo adds. "But what do you feel like doing now?"

Mikey considers for a moment before giving a decisive nod followed by a decisive answer.

"Mikey wants food."

"Leo wants food too," he chuckles, getting up out of bed and putting on an oversized t-shirt. He leaves his ninja wraps behind, but ties the mask. Mikey watches with curious investement.

"...Can Mikey wear something, too?"

"Yeah, dude. You packed some clothes, right?"

"Big sweaters," Mikey answers. "Too hot for them."

"You can borrow one of mine, then," Leo says, digging in his thrown-together duffel bag until he finds a shirt that should fit Mikey. "Here ya go!"

Mikey catches the shirt and stares at it like it's a gift from God Himself before delicately pulling it over his head and shell.

"What if Mikey tears it?" he asks nervously. "Will Leo get sad?"

"No," Leo says, sensing that trying to keep Leo from being sad will become a running theme with Mikey for the day. "I won't be sad. You can go ahead and wear it, don't worry."

Mikey looks down at the shirt and smiles. He likes the neon blue swirls and tie-dye patterns, he likes how they contrast so brightly and perfectly with his lemon-bright yellow spots and freckles.

"Does Mikey get a mask too?"

Leo looks back at him, hope shining through his eyes.

"Did you pack your mask?" he asks gently.

"Uuuuummmm," Mikey taps a claw against his chin as he thinks. "I think Cassssssey put one in? Orange cloth, yeah?"

Leo and Mikey walk over to the other bedroom and search through the suitcase. Lo and behold, Casey Jones Jr. did indeed stash a few bright orange masks. Leonardo helps to tie the mask up into a bow behind Mikey's head. The former box turtle scrambles to the mirror and stares at himself in awe.

"I look like Leo and Raphie and Donnie now!" he exclaims. "I-I look like... like... I look like Mikey."

Leo smiles warmly at his little brother, who seems to be crying tears of joy. At least, that's what he hopes. He's smiling pretty big.

Leo helps Mikey to stand on his two feet and the duo walk out hand-in-hand, mostly to help Mikey keep from stumbling or tripping. The boys head downstairs to the free continental breakfast offered.

Mikey is completely awed by the many choices of food. They're all so spread out and numerous! Leo helps Mikey choose, since the Yokai's culinary options are a bit different than theirs, and he isn't sure if the screaming cereal puffs would be appetizing to him just yet...

He picks out a stack bright green pancakes with glowing blue berries mixed in, a bowl of warm milk with non-screaming cereal puffs, and very odd, very large slices of what he thinks is turkey bacon, or something similar to that. Mikey also asks for several fruits and baked goods as well. And while Leo's his bagel is toasting, he assists Mikey with dressing up his oddly-coloured pancakes with strawberry and maple syrup, chocolate chips, and powdered sugar. Leo is going to regret giving him so much sugar later on, but today has been declared a day for fun, so anything goes. Which means a sugar rush, sugar crash, followed by imminent diabetes on a plate, and all at 8am in the morning.

The two sit down and Mikey tries again with the fork and knife. His fingers can't get the utensils to hold still properly, and they slip and clack loudly. Mikey gets flustered and embarrassed that he's making a fool of himself, until Leo points out that the room has very few patrons -- and most of those that are attending breakfast have hooves or tentacles or claws that resemble Mikey's, so they eat without utensils. Mikey beams gladly upon this discovery, and digs into his plate with his bare face.

Leo rolls his eyes with an airy chuckle and noshes on his cheese and bacon bagel-ritto. He wonders how long it will take for Mikey to not treat every meal like it's his very first, lick every plate clean, and beg for seconds and thirds in a timid manner as though he's scared of being punished for being hungry. The good news is that he's gained some weight since his rescue; he isn't so pale and shaky and thin-framed as he was when they first rescued him.

Breakfast for Mikey is over in a flash. He nearly inhales the pancakes at a speed previously unknown to man. Leo is challenged to match the speed in an attempt to finish his food before Mikey's sugar rush kicks in. He almost makes it, too. Almost.

Mikey starts bouncing in his seat impatiently. He watches Leo scarf down his bagel and slurp up his cereal. Mikey rocks back and forth, tapping his fingers rhythmically as he hums.

"You can always go outside and I'll meet you when I'm done," Leo offers, mouth dripping with milk and chin covered in honey-nut wheat bites.

"Nuh-uh!" Mikey says, shaking his head frantically, bows flapping like they're about to take flight. "Mikey stays with Leo! I l-like staying with Leo, I like being with you it's a lot of fun let's go do other fun stuff too are you finished yet huh huh huh are ya are ya are ya hey look at that guy he looks like a rhinoceros that's pretty cool hey can you make this sound with your mouth??"

Mikey starts blowing raspberries at his brother before busting out in mad giggles.

"I'mma gonna go get some more syrup and pancakes!"

"Wooooaaaaah mister!" Leo halts him, grabbing Mikey by the elbow before he can jet off. "I think you've had enough. Raph will kill me if he finds out how much sugar I let you have already!"

Mikey yipes at that claim, instantly going to guard Leo's chair with a growl.

"N-no! No one hurts you! Don't worry Leo I'll protect you Mikey can help don't be hurt no dying I don't like that hey how about we go outside now are you finished with your food I wanna go play outside can we play is that okay is that okay I'm not being annoying am I you'd tell me if I was annoying right I don't wanna be a burden am I being weird how come everything is moving so slowly wow my hands are really shaky can we go outside now I wanna play can we play how long does it take for you to eat food let's go outside now okay???"

Leo swallows the last of the bagel-ritto and half-chokes on it before clearing his throat.

"Okay, Mikey, let's go outside and burn off all that energy, huh?"

"Yaaaaaay!!!" Mikey cheers, grabbing Leo's wrist and racing outside with him.

Leo yelps as his baby brother drags him out at the speed of light, nearly dislocating his shoulder. Mikey dodges sunbathers and resort patrons as he rushes going out towards the beach and fly through the giant magic rainbow arch.

"What should we play first??" Mikey asks, skidding to a halt and buzzing around Leo's ankles excitedly.

"I think maybe let's start with a race," Leo schemes. "Let's see how fast you can go, hmm? First one to round the island wins!"

"THAT SOUNDS LIKE FUN OKAY LET'S DO IT!!" Mikey screams, bouncing and vibrating in a blur from excitement.

Leo crouches, Mikey mimicking him as his tail flaps around so wildly it cracks the air and slaps sand into the wind.

"OnyourmarkgetsetGO!" Leo shouts.

Mikey is instantaneously gone, a trail of smoke and sand billowing behind him as he vanishes around the bend. Leo half wishes he'd brought his katanas so he could make a portal just to mess with him.

Mikey is back in a few minutes, zooming past him and around the bend again. Leo wonders why he didn't stop. He's back after another five minutes or so.

"Hi!" he pants, still hyped up but out of breath. "I didn't see you until it was too late the first time and by the time I realised I passed you I figured it would be faster just to run the island again hey you didn't run at all why didn't you run but I won the race anyway didn't I didn't I huh huh Mikey's the winner Mikey wins at racing I'm fast very fast look what Mikey can do!"

Mikey starts zooming back and forth and running out onto the water to play. Leo laughs and follows after him, taking off his shirt and jumping into the water to wade with his little brother. Several minutes later, Mikey slows and starts to yawn. He shudders and sits on the shore while Leo goes to get him some water and something to combat the sugar crash.

After a peanut butter and apple slices snack later, and a reluctant drink of some cold orange juice, Mikey's shakes dissipate and he takes a quick nap on the beach shore. Leo grabs some beach towels and lounge chairs for the two to relax in. He lets Mikey rest where he is, for the time being, sticking an umbrella in the ground beside him to keep him shaded.

"See you when you get up, buddy..."

Mikey wakes about an hour later, afraid that Leo might have left him while he was sleeping. He sits up and looks around, only relaxing once he sees his brother's signature shade of blue.

Leo is lounging, smiling brightly as he basks in the sunlight. Mikey sees that a lounge chair has been set up besides Leo for him as well.

Instead, Mikey climbs aboard Leo's chair and curls onto his lap, careful not to crush his legs like he tends to do. Mikey feels Leo's hand rub circles onto his back once he's situated.

"Hey, bud," he says quietly. "You doing okay? Need more peanut butter?"

Mikey shakes his head 'no'.

"M'kay. Wanna do something?"

"Leo's turn to choose," Mikey hums back.

"I'm kinda good to just stay here and relax."

Mikey hums and nods. It is good to relax. Mikey likes relaxing. He wasn't really allowed to relax in the labs... well, that's probably not true. They let him sleep at night and have some mealtimes. But his days were mostly tests and experiments and fighting deformed monsters. Nothing like laying back and bathing in pure unprohibited sunshine. And Leo needs his relaxation, too! He needs to feel sunshine, and rest on the beach, and enjoy the peace too. If anyone deserves it, Leo does.

Mikey watches the waves as they tumble over one another. He sees what looks like a dolphin in the distance. The sunlight sparkles across the water majestically. He's sure he's seen this before...

"Well, it's official. Leo is the worst," Mikey mutters.

"You mean the BEST!" Donnie squeals, rushing over to the water and jumping in excitement. "We get a beach vacay! FINALLY! I don't know about you gentlemen, but I have definitely EARNED this."

"Earned it how?" Raph asks, remembering the 'gifts' he made for them, when he tested out his tranq darts on them, how he got addicted to the Purple Game and accidentally trained a giant mech AI to squash them...

"Where exactly are we?" Mikey asks, spotting a red and white flag waving far off in the distance.

"According to my calculations --" Donnie declares, typing on his wrist tech dramatically, "-- Leo has portalled us to Tahiti."

"TAHITI?!" Raph shouts, eyes bulging out of his head. "Wha- How- Why --"

"How about we don't have a conniption," Donnie says, taking Raphael by the arm and leading him to the water, "...and instead we enjoy the serenity that is a beach vacation?"

"But what about Leo?" Mikey asks, already splashing in the waves. "Do you think he's worried? Or in trouble? Why wasn't he portalled here with us?"

"Oh I'm sure he's fine, he said with very little hesitation," Donnie states, waving away Mikey's concern. "He got us into this mess, he'll get us out of it. Now, Tahiti. Is. Ours!"

Donnie supplies the boys with flower leis and coconuts filled with fruity beverages, initiating the chillest of vibes and enticing his brothers to join in.

"Well... maybe just a few minutes," Raph agrees, taking the coconut from Donnie. "But at some point we gotta figure out a way to get home."

"Ooooorrrr we could look into finding a nice sewer here?" Donnie offers.

Raph and Mikey glare at him.

"Kidding!" he quickly rebuffs. "I was of course joking, and have not already been researching the options. It's not like there's one available for a very reasonable price just two miles away or anything..."

Mikey rolls his eyes and kicks a wave at Raph, initiating a splash war between them.

The trio enjoy the sun and surf, laughing and having a wonderful time. Mikey wishes that Leo could enjoy it with them... He's still a bit worried about what happened to his bro. He knows Leo has been feeling really low about his mystic weapon not working right. For whatever reason, he can't get it to properly portal. Mikey figured out how to use his almost instantly, and Raph has been getting the hang of his pretty easily as well. But Leo's odachi keeps malfunctioning. He could barely get a portal to open at first! Mikey remembers how he tricked them all into the minotaur maze to prove he was a champion. They were pretty mad at him, but the more Mikey thinks about it, the more he feels like Leo was hiding his insecurities. And still is.

Mikey's been working on a new persona -- like Dr. Delicate Touch, but softer. Less focused on telling the cold hard truth, and more focused on getting others to admit truths about themselves. A therapist kinda persona, to help with feelings. Hey, that could be his name! 'Dr. Feelings'... that might work.

He wonders if Leo would be willing to talk about it. Leo's pretty cagey when it comes to talking about feelings. But maybe --

Mikey's train of thought is interrupted by a burst of blue light ignites from above, and the three are sucked in very suddenly with a yell...

His stomach does a backflip as he goes from flying upwards to falling downwards, landing with a crash against Raph's back and a hard wooden surface.

"Whoah, where'd you guys come from? I mean, hey check it out! I freed you from your pirate prison!"

Mikey blinks and he's back from the memory. It's always weird and disorienting when he recovers a new recollection. Mostly because he doesn't recognize himself, and can't actually imagine himself walking around so easily without help or not stumbling over his words and referring to himself as 'Mikey' instead of 'I' at times, or not seeing his tail flick around out of his peripherals. He can't possibly comprehend that he was Hamato Michelangelo, and not Mikey from Project Venus of the TCRI, prisoner of the EPF.

Mikey feels Leo's hand on his shell again. He shifts around so he can lay his chin against Leo's shoulder in a lazy hug.

"You sure you're okay?" Leo asks quietly. "I know I said this, but you've been acting a little clingy. Is everything alright?"

"I told you, Mikey wants to be with Leo today."

"I get that," Leo mumbles, shifting his weight a bit so they can sit a bit more comfortably. "But why? Is it because of last night?"

Mikey whimpers quietly.

"I'll take that as a yes. I'm sorry it bothered you --"

Mikey pulls away and stares him in the eyes. That was probably not the right thing to say, Leo figures. Mikey's eyes seem to search Leo's for something.

"Mikey, why are you looking at me like that? Why are you so upset? What about last night upset you?"

"Mikey want Leo happy today."

"But why?" he asks.

"Leo said he's not always happy. Leo said he doesn't love himself sometimes. Mikey... Mikey wants to make Leo happy today so Leo knows I love Leo. Mikey make everything better... Mikey helps, Mikey do good..."

Mikey starts whimpering a little and his eyes tear up. Leo reaches around him and pulls him into a hug.

"Mikey, I know you love me. It's okay, I'm going to work on treating myself better and not letting those thoughts win. It's not your job to do that. But thank you, this really helps."

Mikey sniffles and nuzzles his face into the crook between Leo's neck and shoulder.

"...Mikey knows how hard it is to remember to be loved."

Leo glances out of the corner of his vision at Mikey, not daring to let go of the hug.

"Mikey... Mikey can't always remember things. Mikey has a hard time remembering. The labs... they took everything from Mikey. Nobody loves in the labs. Everybody just hates. Especially Instinct. He hates everyone a lot. Instinct CAN'T love, he just hates. Instinct kept Mikey alive, but not happy. Instinct always says 'Don't trust them', because he thinks everyone is going to hurt Mikey. But... he wasn't wrong. And the people at the labs... the 'evil humans'... they told me... I was a monster. Instinct told me I was a monster. And I had no choice but to believe them."

Mikey slowly glances back at his brother.

"So Mikey knows how it feels to not really love what you are. Mikey knows how hard it is.... and how much it hurts..."

Leo wraps his arms tighter around Michelangelo, squeezing him and not releasing until he hears the little guy squeak.

"We've been trying our best to show you that you're not a monster, Mikey."

"I know...."

"Because you're not a monster, Mikey. Nobody thinks that. Not me, not Raph, not --"

"I bit Raph, though!" Mikey protests meekly. "A-and I attacked you, you still have the scratches on your neck and leg -- aren't you mad? Or scared??"

"If I understand it right, I think technically it was Instinct who did those things," Leo corrects. "And even if it wasn't, Raph and I would never think anything bad about you."

Mikey rests his head against Leo's plastron.

"...Leo...?"

"Yeah?"

"...Will... will you love me if I really AM a monster?"

Leo rubs Mikey's head gently.

"Mikey, I love you so much. I'd love you if you were a worm. I'd love you if you were a non-mutated box turtle. And yes, I'd love you if you were a monster. And I love you now."

Mikey wonders what Leo means by 'I love you now'. He feels some hidden meaning behind the word. It unnerves him slightly, thinking that there is something dark hiding behind the word 'NOW', something terrible that he doesn't understand. Then again, there is very little that Mikey understands.

But he understands that he's different now. Though, somehow, they act like that isn't a bad thing. Or they act like he hasn't changed at all. Mikey's not sure if it's true or not, and he isn't sure how he feels about either prospect.

Looking on the outside, Mikey is astounded by the love they show him. He imagines that he deserves that love, he has earned it. Somehow.

"...Mikey loves you too, Leo. Please remember that."

"If you'll remember that I love you right back."

Mikey nods, churring softly as he hugs Leo again, just for good measure.

Mikey hopes that, if nothing else, he really will remember that.

Agent John Bishop sits at a desk and types several keywords into the computer. He's not a hacker, but he's learned a few tricks from Honeycutt about bypassing codes. He gave Bishop his login username and passkey so that he could piggyback off of his server without drawing attention. He's currently looking for any information that they have on Mikey's status. They can't track him anymore, but that doesn't mean they don't have other means of finding him. Cameras and drones and sweepers, oh my...!

Bishop types another line of code and uncovers a file from Chaplin's server: a map of New York overlayed on top of another schematic. Are those sewer tunnels? No, too winding and varied, plus there are tons of open areas that don't line up with the city plumbing codes. So then what...?

Bishop peers at it before recognizing a few of the structures and symbols. That's a city schematic. So, they've overlayed NYC overtop of another city? What --

Bishop realizes what this map is of.

How have they discovered the Hidden City so quickly?? Bishop and those two idiot mercs only found it yesterday! This isn't good news.

Bishop regrets not asking Casey for his info or a way to contact them. They need to know what's happening! But then again, it's probably for the best. If the EPF were to make any kind of security check on his phone for unknown numbers, they'd immediately find Casey and their whole family would be in danger. Besides, Bishop is aware that Casey probably doesn't own a cell or even have any sort of email. Someone with no records or identification whatsoever isn't going to just have a cell that can be tracked or traced.

He keeps on scrolling, going through the restricted channels. He finds a notice for the employees discussing something about Staten Island. He finds a timetable for some sort of mission or extraction. He finds a work order given to Honeycutt for a new program titled Mechanical Iambic: Mimicry Initiative Cybernetic. 'MI:M.I.C.' for short. Bishop can guess what the program does, but not what they would want it for.

They're planning something. An attack of some kind. For Mikey. Bishop has to act. But how? What can he do...

He quickly makes a printout of the mission timetable and map overlay and logs out quickly.

He messages Honeycutt to be careful and warns him about the program, asking that he intentionally sabotage it in a way they wouldn't notice. He hits send just as he gets up and leaves the abandoned office room.

Bishop is in the elevator. Honeycutt hasn't answered back yet. He usually responds within the first few seconds, especially with everything going. Bishop presses the button for the ground floor. He waits an eternity with the papers hidden in his interior jacket pocket. He presses the button again.

The doors open on the ground floor, and Honeycutt still hasn't offered any kind of response. It doesn't even say he's read the message. That's not like him... He stares down at his phone as he crosses through the lobby.

"Hey, John," says the receptionist, waving him down with a sparkling smile. "Going out again?"

Bishop smiles back at her kindly.

"Yep, just going on a coffee run. Want anything?"

"I might like a cappuccino," a voice says from the front.

Bishop turns in surprise to see Dr. Chaplin, standing with two very large guards at the front door.

"...Didn't take you for the cappuccino type," Bishop jokes.

"Well, we all have our little secrets now, don't we?" Chaplin replies, walking towards him with a strange smile. "Like you, for instance."

He looks Bishop over, analyzing him. Bishop wonders what he's up to... but this ominous talk of secrets doesn't bode well.

"...You know, Ms. Campbell told me about the odd hacker that had infiltrated our systems a few days back. Left a message, 'leave us alone', very ominous... did Honeycutt tell you about that?"

"Why would he?"

"You two have been rather chummy as of late," he says with a snakeish, sickly saccharine smile. "I thought you might have discussed it. But in any case, I tasked Ms. Campbell to search for anything out of the ordinary in the EPF/TCRI servers. Suspicious activity, piracy, hackers, that sort of thing."

$#!%, John Bishop thinks to himself.

"And she told me about someone downloading reports on Project Venus. Looking for information. And some of the researchers and analysts gave reports of important items going missing, like blood reports and DNA samples."

Bishop stays stone-faced.

"Do you want me to look into this?" he asks, hoping that all he has is speculation and no hard evidence.

"No, thank you though. I had Ms. Campbell set up a tracing modem earlier today."

The two guards walk up to Bishop and each grabs him by his arms.

Bishop's eyes widen as he realizes what's happening.

"She tracked you pretty quickly. And not only you," Chaplin informs, his smile slowly fading. "You used your friend's IP server to carry your signal and hide your hacks. Very good, very ingenious. Honeycutt is quite clever. But unfortunately for the two of you, his creations are more clever."

Agent Bishop struggles against the security guards as they start to search him, one taking his EPF standardized concealed weapon, the other reaching into his interior lining of his jacket and pulling out the printouts. He hands the sheets to Dr. Chaplin, who tuts at Bishop disappointedly.

"What are you planning? Where did you get that schematic?" Bishop demands.

"You're not exactly in a position to ask questions," Chaplin replies drably.

"But how could you possibly even know about --"

"What, the quote unquote, 'Hidden City'?" Dr. Chaplin chuckles. "Please. That pathetic ghetto of ghouls hasn't been a secret, especially not since the incident with the mosquitos and that maniac in the baseball field. Did you really think I wouldn't know about something like this? And it's not the only Yokai city I've come across. This is what got me into the study of mutations in the first place!"

"What do you want with them?!" Bishop shouts, pulling his arm as hard as he can to try and punch his former employer in anger.

Dr. Chaplin stares at the agent as though he just asked him the stupidest question in the world.

"My dear Bishop, I want absolutely nothing to do with them. That's the whole point of this."

Bishop is tugged back, his arms thrust behind him as the guards try to cuff him.

"Where's Zayton Honeycutt? What are you going to do to him?!" he snarls, desperate to wrench his arms free.

One of the guards punches Bishop in the gut, causing him to double over. He's half-held up by the guards as he struggles to get his breath back.

"The good old professor still has some usefulness for us. I see no reason to kill the golden goose just yet. You, on the other hand," Chaplin says, leaning close to his face. "You are an expendable agent with no connections or important qualities whatsoever. And you should have known better."

Dr. Chaplin snaps his fingers, and Agent John Bishop is dragged away, kicking and shouting and struggling.

Prev || Next

#tw mentions of suicidal thoughts #double mutated mikey #double mutation mikey #rottmnt #rise of the teenage mutant ninja turtles #rottmnt mikey #rottmnt leo #rottmnt fanfiction #rottmnt fanfic #fanfic update #fanfic rec #fanfics #fanfiction #fanfic #ficlet #short story #short stories #rottmnt angst #would you still love me if i was a worm

28 notes · View notes

bluepr1ntyy · 3 months

Note

I'm so sorry if this is annoying or anything but do you by any chance have any fun facts about Lux or Gradient. . .

About Lux,, I don’t know any outside her basic info as a shipkid :,)

I also know about her being a character in worldview by Alainaprana and Little-noko and having this design but sadly I haven’t informed myself about her(yet)

About Gradient, I actually edited his wiki some time ago!

1. He’s also known as inkerror due being a fusion and not an actual child

2. Thought his birthday is commonly seen as being march 5, it’s actually February 10! Since he celebrates it with the other combos

3. He’s ambidextrous, favors his left hand

4. Can’t draw in traditional at all

5. Doesn’t have a relationship with Ink or Error, the most similar to a parent figure is Gaster

6. Has a roommate(Flip, swapfell combo and the “lider”)

5. Has a brother-like relationship with Splatter(inkswap combo)

7. Spends most of his time in the Combo club’s art room

8. He’s a brat(/hj)

9. He’s 14-15(in 2016) and most likely was born that age since Combos are born like that

10. Doesn’t know any ink/error kid outside of the combo club

11. Has trauma due looking like Error

12. Is friends with Serif(afterdeath kid adopted by the combo club)

13. Fell Gradient is called Fray/Gradiell!

14. To decide the number if tongues he’d have his creator rolled a dice and landed on 4

15. (Connected to point 1) some of his nicknames include: gradi, gray and ninja

#꒰ bp’s asks ꒱#꒰ bp’s rambles ꒱#undertale aus #utmv #lux sans #gradient sans #splatter sans #flip sans

23 notes · View notes

a-silent-symphony · 6 months

Text

The 4 songs Nightwish have only performed live once

They’ve been around for two-and-a-half decades and played nearly 1,000 shows, and through it all symphonic metal’s superstars have only performed these songs one time

You can’t talk about symphonic metal without mentioning Nightwish. Not long after forming in the mid-1990s, Tuomas Holopainen’s majestic mavens became the measuring stick for the genre. They scored regular chart success in their native Finland while at the same time earning critical acclaim, thanks to their unencumbered, all-instruments-blaring vision.

Nightwish have written upwards of 100 songs since they started, and most of them have serenaded fans during their litany of live shows in that time. Hammer’s already listed the tracks that these maximalists have never once performed, but an even more exclusive club is that of the ones they brought out once then immediately scrapped. Below are the four songs Nightwish have only played live on a solitary occasion, according to setlist database setlist.fm.

Moondance (Oceanborn, 1998)

Nightwish’s debut, 1997’s Angels Fall First, was written and recorded with the intention of it being a demo, not a fully fledged studio album. As a result, it’s far more raw, rough and ready than anything else the Finns have ever unfurled. Followup Oceanborn swiftly chartered them down more grandiose avenues, and the instrumental Moondance is indicative of the more heroic sound the band craved: keyboardist Tuomas busts out a bombastic melody as his fellow musicians gallop along.

However, maybe because it would leave Nightwish’s vocalist with nothing to do for a bit, this segue’s only ever made the set once. It was at Club Feeniks in Turku, Finland, on February 13, 1999, performed as part of a broader instrumental suite towards the end of the night.

Sleepwalker (2000)

Oceanborn marked Nightwish’s commercial coming out party. Its lead single, Sacrament Of Wilderness, was the band’s first song to top the Finnish charts, then the album’s cover of Walking In The Air repeated that feat in 1999. Because of such success, the maestros decided to battle for a spot at the 2000 Eurovision Song Contest, hoping to represent their home nation with a newly written piece, Sleepwalker.

Sleepwalker won the public vote when Nightwish made their case on national TV to stand for Finland, but the scores of a judging panel brought them down to third place overall. The bid was disappointingly dashed, meaning that the sole performance of this song was to those stuffy judges in Helsinki on February 12, 2000.

Meadows Of Heaven (Dark Passion Play, 2007)

Nightwish brought the tour for 2007’s Dark Passion Play to an end in poetic fashion. Meadows Of Heaven is the final song on album six (the first to feature Anette Olzen behind the mic), and it ends 75 minutes of cinematic metal in appropriately operatic form. Its live debut was saved for the very last show the band played before retreating into the writing room to dream up Imaginaerum, aptly closing the main set.

Nightwish didn’t return to the stage until 2012, by which point they had 75 more minutes and 13 more songs in their arsenal. Unsurprisingly, then, Meadows Of Heaven became a one-and-done, but it served its role beautifully the one time it did rear its head.

Pan (Human :||: Nature, 2020)

Like many, many other metal bands, Nightwish saw the pandemic through by replacing the touring they should have done for 2020’s Human :||: Nature with a livestream. Actually, strike that: they hosted two. The band played a two-night set, dubbed An Evening With Nightwish In A Virtual World, which marked the debut of numerous songs from the preceding album, including Shoemaker, Tribal and Noise.

The only one that didn’t make it onto real-life stages was Pan. It’s a shame, as not only does the song continue Nightwish’s overblown ways unabated, but it flaunts some pretty gnarly riffs to boot. Sadly, though, the fact remains: this anthem was dispatched following its livestream debut. And, given that Nightwish are currently gearing up to release Human :||: Nature’s successor, it’s unlikely it’ll get its time in the sun.

#nightwish #2024 news

39 notes · View notes

blitzyisfine · 5 months

Text

BLITZFIZZ FICS RECS

Quips and Pains by heyitzhex

It fucking figures that Blitz wouldn’t be able to escape Fizzarolli’s face at his favorite BDSM club, Quips and Pains. He must have walked through the back alley entryway three dozen times over the last few years and didn’t even pay mind to the toybot ads all over the walls of the narrow hallway leading into a smoke-swept basement with red lighting. Not like he necessarily comes here to look at walls though

He comes here to purge every once in a while.

Really fun outlook on Blitzø and Fizz’s sexual power dynamics. Fizz is angry at Blitzø (but is he really?) and shows it with impact play while still being a respectful dom.

.｡*ﾟ+*.+.｡*ﾟ+.｡*ﾟ+*.+

After the Concert by thatACDCchick

After the encounter with the rabid fan, Blitzo comforts Fizzarolli and helps get him home where both of them can't contain themselves anymore and things get a "little" heated.

Most of this work explores BlitzFizz as a "prologue" relationship before Fizz met Asmodeus, exploring personal headcanons on why Blitzø and Fizzarolli hated each other so much for 15 years despite being so close when they were younger.

Why Blitzø and Fizzarolli’s canon relationship is the way it is. Including falling in love, performing together, discovering each other’s bodies, and ultimately ending with everyone’s favorite catastrophic event.

.｡*ﾟ+*.+.｡*ﾟ+.｡*ﾟ+*.+

Left Behind by Blitzwhore

Blitzo wants to confess to Fizz, but is terrified of messing up. Terrified enough to ask his mother for help, even if it means coming out to her. In the end, the confession doesn't go as planned. The rest... well. Sadly, the rest is history.

An exploration of what led to the Oops flashback, as well as what followed it, from Blitzø's point of view.

Short but so meaningful. Also Blitzø is a mommy’s boy.

.｡*ﾟ+*.+.｡*ﾟ+.｡*ﾟ+*.+

The Pale Imp by Drakevarg

A fateful birthday party marks two imps forever. But what if their positions were reversed, and it was Blitzo who was left staring down a box of 'fiyawoiks'?

I don't know either. Let's find out together.

A beautiful story about Fizzarolli caring for Blitzø and him trying to throw his life away after the accident. The author does a really great job at retaining their personalities while changing the characters’ stories.

#helluva boss #blitzo #fizzarolli #blitzfizz #fic rec #my ramblings

24 notes · View notes

devillime · 1 year

Text

ok I've been seeing a lot of how the obey me characters would replace mc but let's think about how they would react after finding out they've been lied too

I just wanna preference this saying that this is about my mc you can feel free to tell me how your mc would react so a lot my Headcanons are in this i.e some of the characters in theater/anime club with nanami (that's my Mc name I just didn't feel like putting down just in case people got confused)

Diavolo thought it might be good to include another exchange student to the course to see how things will play out but sadly don't go how he wanted to

Luke

I can see Luke essential not really liking the new exchange student he knows how mc can be obvious sometimes but for the most part she can with stand a lot of issues on her own so when she starts getting in to trouble he finds it suspicious especially since it after the new exchange student joined

Thirteen

even though she know mc that well she can spot the difference between a liar and the truth so when mc starts getting into trouble out of nowhere she knows it's not mc fault

Mephistopheles

same as thirteen he doesn't know her well but since he cares for his few friends in the newspaper club and mc has help resolve conflicts they tend to run into plus allow them to get the latest scope on the theater club plays he can tell by her actions that mc isn't the type to start drama then act like the victim she admits her mistakes

Raphael

he can only go off the thing mc has done and stories from Luke but he can tell that mc is good hearted helping people despite being around demons she never excludes anyone even if they did her wrong she also makes sure to talk to him even though most people take one look at him and run

Belphegor

He knows mc doesn't fully forgive him for the incident but she still acts civil towards him even after he lied the fact she never excluded him when she was rightly do so he can never replace mc

Beelzebub

simple her cooking he can tell she puts her love into her cooking and he deeply appreciated he never felt ashamed to eat around her once he met mc family in the human realm he felt as if his family was whole again and for that he’s forever thankful but once the new exchange student arrives and mc starts getting into trouble he doesn't believe he knows mc

Satan and Leviathan

I group them together because they don't believe anything that comes out the new exchange student mouth they know how hard mc work just so they could get into the theater club with her and both of them feel closer to each realizing how similar they are and found people with similar interests as them thanks to mc

Barbatos

if he can see into the future then he can see through the new exchange student bs like come on "mc pushed me downstairs all because she's jealous of me" lies you walked down then fell off on three steps

Diavolo

at first he wanted to believe the new exchange student but remembering the time he spent with mc and how hurt he would be in her position so he stayed neutral for the most part until barbatos told him everything let's just say in a fit of rage Diavolo screamed but it ranged throughout devildom

Asmodeus

as much as the new exchange student tries to copy asmo they could never replace mc he's loves her way too much but one the new exchange student starts talking shit about mc during a spa day "listen here my dear you better stop talking about my sweet cotton candy like that or else I'm gonna do something you wouldn't like" after that he kept an eye out

Solomon

ah this stupid old man that I love he obviously lived around long enough to know the difference between a trick so he pulls the new exchange student aside making a very clear statement that scares the the new exchange student

Simeon

he genuinely wants to see the good in people so it hurts mc when he looks at her and say "I didn't know you were like this mc " he feels bad after saying that especially when he bring it up to everyone at the Purgatory Hall he feels as if he did something one the others give him blank expression

Mammon

agh my heart it hurt writing this but since at this point mc doesn't need a body guard especially after going under solomon wing mammon starts to connect with the new exchange student but he doesn't realize how much he's been putting off his plans with mc and once trouble starts mammon lashes out at mc but he does feel guilty once he looks into mc eyes

Lucifer

oh god where to start he doesn't buy some of the excuse the new exchange student throws toward mc but the new exchange student does things that lucifer felt mc hasn't done for him so he starts to believe the new exchange student he does get hurt when mc starts to skip meals because she doesn't want to see him

how mc feels

she knows what the new exchange student is doing and she's choosing to ignore it she not really bothered by it for the most part but normally she fine with things since it means she doesn't have to worry about mammon dragging her away from her friends and since lucifer doesn't check up on her as often she's been eating in her room watching tv

a lie has been exposed

one day mc was in the student council room looking for some notes Satan had left for her "oh mc so nice to see you!" they say approaching mc but mc ignores them and still was searching for the notes till she got hit on the head "don’t ignore me when I'm talking to you" mc held her head looking up at them holding a candle holder "now you're gonna listen to me I want you to tell Diavolo that you would like to drop out of the exchange program and give your D.D.D to the trash since who needs you huh? I know your hurt when lucifer holds my head or how mammon chooses me over you or does it hurt knowing siemon doesn't like you anymore hmm?" Once they turn around they saw the brothers and everyone else there they had no excuse now "ooohh busted"

Luke and thirteen

the first two to yell "I TOLD YOU SO!" thirteen mine that luke

luke checks on mc wounds

thirteen mainly telling mammon off for being stupid

Mephistopheles

mainly making fun of luckier

"huh who would have though the lucifer would be trick by a human hmph"

"I don't even have a pact with them yet I know she never do the things she been accused of"

has the biggest grin

Beel,Belphie, Satan,Levi and Asmo

they are mainly pissed about the fact mc got hurt but are also man realizing what mammon and lucifer had done

"oi mammon lucifer apologize to her you guys are the main cause of this"

*sighs* "I know mammon stupid but you too lucifer so disappointing"

"if you guys don't make things right I'll find ruri Chan and make her force you guys to get things right"

"can't believe you guys trusted someone over mc despite us knowing her for years now"

"lucifer,mammon just make things right between her please I don't want this drama to go on any longer it making me lose my appetite"

Simeon

he felt as if he couldn't trust himself anymore

"I hurt mc trying to be so humble about giving them a chance they ruined my and mc relationship"

Simeon just stared at the ground bearing himself up in his thoughts

Solomon and Raphael

on any other auction they would try to make simeon a bit better he doesn't deserve it

solomon mainly is smiling but something popped in his head

"say simeon,mammon didn't both of you say that demons can know when someone is lying and angel know when someone is good hearted I wonder why didn't you use that power?"

Raphael was even shocked once that phrase left solomon mouth but he couldn't help but agree it was true

"he has a point we have power to know when someone is being truthful with us yet you believe someone who time he wasn’t even as long as mine or thirteen time here yet you ignore someone who might as well know you for a few years now"

Mammon

he started crying violently running to mc hugging them

"mc I'm so so sorry I didn’t mean to ignore you please forgive me please!!"

he clinged on her tightly to the point she almost couldn't breathe

"MAMMON YOUR CHOCKING HER!"

he let go but rested his head against her shoulder sodding a apology through sobs

Diavolo and Barbatos

they don't speak for a bit but clearly agree with what solomon and Raphael had said

"Well you two are very much right but I like to apologize for almost believing the lies as I wouldn't want to be in mc position having people I trust fall for the smallest things with that being said I think we'd be better off with just two human students instead of three"

the new exchange student bags were already packed by the time anyone realized barbatos had disappeared and open a portal

once the exchange student left barbatos cleared his throat

"well now the problems gone I'll gladly make dinner for everyone since things have been so hectic"

Lucifer

he didn't react to much what was going on he was laser focus on mc

"I foolish let someone get between us she can never trust me again"

after the dinner party lucifer dragged mc into his room

once they were alone in his room she instantly "ew it fucking smells in here bleh it you get new candles?? they smell awful!"

he smirked the scoop her into his arm laying her on his bed buiring his face into her neck

"im so sorry for not believing you I know it's gonna take a lot to earn your forgiveness"

she was going to act cocky till she noticed that the others saw that they exposed themselves

kept making face to the others words

was suprised it took mammon so long to cling onto them

the minute barbatos offer to make dinner

"oh how could we not expect it I mean it be a waste to refuse your delicious food"

kept making joke towards simeon,mammon and lucifer

"awww did someone miss my warm hugs but knowing your sadistic ass it probably something else"

couldn't walk the next morning because of lucifer

96 notes · View notes

lucy90712 · 1 year

Note

can you do something for gavi where the reader is watching the parade and gavi sees her and thinks she’s really pretty

WC: 2.3k

A/n: sorry this took so long I had so many requests to get done and I did them in order

There are many things I love about living in Barcelona from the weather to the architecture but one of the things I love the most is the football club. My family have been Barca fans since before I was born so it's safe to say I was raised as a culer. When I got a job offer here a year ago my family practically pushed me out the door as they wanted me to be able to live in the city they adore. Since then I've tried my best to make the most of my time here which means I've been to a lot of football matches and invited my parents whenever they come to visit. It has truly been the most amazing year of my life so far as I've made so many new friends and made the most of any free time I have.

As if things couldn't get any better Barca just won the league so the whole city is on a high and everyone is extra happy. Sadly I couldn't make the game as I had other plans but today there is a parade through the streets for people to celebrate with the whole team. Somehow I got really lucky as the parade is due to go right down my street and if my mental calculations are right my balcony will have a perfect view of the bus as it travels past. To add to my good luck it happens to be my day off from work which means I can spend as long as I want stood out on my balcony without feeling guilty or being told off.

All morning I've been sat outside just watching as they set up barriers at the side of the streets and stop traffic. As the afternoon rolled around people started to gather wanting to get a glimpse of the team that they love. It was so cool to see the sea of red and blue form outside my building and all down the streets. I have never been able to truly visualise just how much support this team has in the city and across the world so seeing all of these people taking time out of their day to stand outside for hours put it all into perspective. There was so many little kids in the crowd sitting on their parents shoulders beaming from ear to ear at the idea that they will get to see their favourite players which was just so cute. I must admit I'm pretty excited too as I've only ever been able to afford tickets what are miles away from the pitch so I've never been this close to any of the team.

As the parade had officially started the streets were absolutely packed and it was so noisy outside that I'd never be able to focus if I was working. Someone started chanting the anthem and of course the whole crowd joined in including me as I think I could sing that thing in my sleep after hearing it so many times throughout my life. It was so much fun just soaking up the atmosphere as I'm not sure how often I'll be able to experience something like this so why not enjoy every second. As I was watching my phone was going crazy in my hand with my family wanting me to send them pictures and videos so I did just that for them as I will definitely be disowned if I don't.

It was easy to tell when the bus reached my street as even though I couldn't see it the crowd of people were screaming even louder than before if that's even possible. For some reason I started feeling a bit nervous knowing that in just a few minutes the bus would be outside my place and I'd be pretty much face to face with the entire team. I'm not usually one for doing something like this I usually like to just watch from the sidelines or stay hidden in the shadows so being right in the mix has got me questioning whether standing out here is really a good idea. Thankfully I had thought about the fact that I would probably get anxious and had brought out something for me to fiddle with as that usually calms my nerves a bit.

There wasn't much time to calm my nerves as before I knew it I could see the bus coming down the street and I had to grab my phone to film a bit for my family and for the memories. As they got closer to my apartment I realised that the top of the bus was directly in line with my balcony so I would literally be face to face with the players if they decided to look in my direction. That thought stressed me out a bit as I tried desperately to fix my hair which was a bit windswept and make sure my makeup was ok as it's a pretty warm day and I wanted to make sure I hadn't sweat it all off. I looked like I usually do which isn't perfect but it's not bad so I just left my appearance as it was.

By the time I had sorted myself out the bus had stopped right in front of my balcony and I was face to face with the players. I could feel my cheeks heating up as I felt a bit awkward being so close to the players and especially making eye contact with some of them. The first player I made eye contact with was Jordi who smiled kindly which made me feel slightly less like I was on the edge of a breakdown. Then I happened to catch Gavi and Pedri's eyes as they were seemingly looking at me which nearly gave me a heart attack but I managed to keep it together. I kept it together until I noticed them whisper to each other which caused Pedri to point right at me which is when the anxiety really kicked in.

Gavi's POV

So far the parade around the streets has been so much fun it's great to see so many fans out in the streets celebrating us being champions. The whole way round I've been jumping around and signing things for fans or taking pictures on phones that have been thrown up to the bus. Along the way we have stopped at certain points so that we can actually interact with the fans which has been nice as it gives me time to really take it all in as it hasn't really sunk in yet that we just won the league.

The bus stopped again and this time the street we were on has apartment buildings with balconies so there is loads of people stood outside who are much closer to is than the fans on the streets. I was looking at all of the people and just thinking about how much diversity there is between all the fans when I saw one particular girl who caught my attention. She was the most beautiful girl I've ever seen and she was stood just a few feet away from me as her balcony was level with the top of the bus. Her hair was blowing gently in the wind and her cheeks were slightly pink which looked like it was natural and not makeup but either way she looked amazing. There was just something about her she wasn't screaming like some fans and she didn't even have a jersey on or anything but she had taken time out of her day to watch the parade which told me that she was a true fan not some crazy fan girl.

To begin with she wasn't looking in my direction so I tapped Pedri's shoulder as he was right next to me so that he could see what I was seeing. Just as we both looked at her she caught my eyes which was a little bit embarrassing as I felt like I just got caught staring which I suppose I was but I didn't want to make her freak out. It was obvious that she felt awkward too as her cheeks turned a deeper pink colour and she didn't keep eye contact for more than a few seconds at a time. Without looking I knew Pedri was smirking at me as he always does that when I do something stupid or in situations like these when there's a girl I think is pretty.

"So you think she's cute" Pedri whispered right in my ear

"Yeah she's gorgeous how could I not" I replied

"Well if you really like her that much you have to do something let's be honest you're never going to see her again if you don't try and do something to change that" he said

"I know but what do I do that's not really obvious I mean thousands of people are filming us right now" I said

"Take something off the bus sneakily write something on it and then throw it to her but make sure you throw things to other fans too so it looks less suspicious" Pedri suggested

"That's actually a good idea" I said

"I know that's why I said it" he said sarcastically

I was done with listening to him as I had no time to waste as at any time the bus could move and ruin my chance. Thankfully we had a few things on the bus so I grabbed some flags and a pen and wrote a message on one before going back to the side of the bus. Her balcony was really close to the bus so I knew I wouldn't miss but just to be sure I threw a few other flags first to see how they went through the air before I used up my one chance to get to know this girl. I was so nervous that I really thought I might mess it up but luck was on my side as the flag landed perfectly on her balcony right next to her so she picked it up before any breeze could take it away. We smiled at each other for a moment before the bus began moving again and I was finally able to take a deep breath that I wasn't aware that I was holding. Now I just have to hope she reads what I wrote and does something with it.

Your POV

Even though nothing was happening it felt like everything was happening so quickly as never in a million years would I have imagined today happening like it has. I really expected just to watch the bus go past and maybe take some pictures and videos to send to my family I never thought I'd gather any attention from the players at all I mean I'm not anyone special. It felt awkward to have their eyes on me but I just smiled and decided I'd freak out about it later when I call my parents. In the midst of my internal freak out I watched Gavi move away from the edge of the bus after talking with Pedri and he looked like he was busy with something so I calmed down a bit as it was having his eyes on me that had me the most panicked. I'm would be lying if I said I didn't find Gavi attractive I mean how could you not so for him to be looking at me and seemingly whispering about me to his teammates felt good but was also a bit anxiety inducing as I have no idea what he was saying.

Just as I was thinking this strange situation was all over Gavi started throwing flags to people in the crowd which I thought was just a sweet gesture until he threw one onto my balcony which I picked up right away so it didn't blow away. Right at that moment the bus moved down the street so we were no longer close enough to even make eye contact. Despite there being no real reason as I could no longer see much I stayed stood outside holding onto the flag wondering what on earth had just happened. It might be delusional but I can't help but feel he did that on purpose but I'm probably getting the wrong impression as everything that's happened in the last hour could just be a pure coincidence.

After some time of gathering my thoughts I went back inside to get myself a drink and call my parents as they are expecting my call. As I came back to the sofa out the corner of my eye I noticed what looked like black pen on the flag which I had placed on the sofa. When I grabbed it there was indeed writing on the flag which made me feel a little dizzy with anxiety as I read what it said.

This may seem a little weird but I thought you looked beautiful and I wanted to talk to you again so here's my number

- Gavi <3

Of course after reading that I completely lost my mind and had to phone my mum straight away to tell her and get some advice as I needed someone to talk some sense into me. My mum probably wasn't the best person to go to for advice as before I could finish my sentence she told me to text Gavi but she then did tell me that I should do it because if I don't I will regret it so no matter how things turn out I can move on with my life knowing I went for it. As always she was right so we talked for a bit longer before I ended the call and text Gavi just to see what would happen because life needs a bit of excitement at times and this is going to be mine.

A/n: if you guys want a part 2 to this let me know

#pablo gavi imagine #pablo gavi oneshots #gavi oneshots #gavi imagines #gavi imagine #pablo gavi imagines #gavi

99 notes · View notes

outsideratheart · 2 years

Text

Reunited (Aitana Bonmati x reader)

Based of this request

Aitana Bonmati would always hold a special place in your heart. As your childhood best friend you would spend every minute of your spare time together, most of that time was spent on the run down pitch that was near the street where you lived. You both dreamt of being professional football players even though back then it seemed highly unlikely.

You loved your life, that was until your parents got a divorce and you had to move to England with your mum. You were 14 years old when you had to leave your old life behind and sadly that included Aitana. A long distance friendship proved too difficult and as time went of the two of you drifted apart and soon the phone calls between you ceased to exist.

When you started playing professionally you made the conscious decision to go by you mother’s maiden name, wanting none of your accomplishments to be linked to the man you once called dad.

Almost 10 years later, you made your return to Spain when Atletico Madrid signed you from Arsenal. You missed out on your inaugural season due to an horrific ankle injury sustained in a pre season friendly. Now a year later you are finally making your debut, against none other than Barcelona, against the girl who was once your favourite person.

The game is 65 minutes in when the board goes up, showing your number.

The crowd errupts, despite not yet playing for the club, you were a fan favourite and a lot of people have been waiting to see you play.

“I’ve never heard the crowd make this much noise for a sub” Patri tells Aitana.

They both look around the pitch and atleti team and even some Barcelona players are giving you a round of applause.

“Even Alexia is joining in” Mapi says now joining in on the conversation.

As if she hears her name been called, the captain walks over to her team mates.

“She is a young kid that they signed last season but she got injured before she could play. From what Lola tells me it was pretty bad and she has been working her butt off to get back on the pitch”

The girls are in shock to Alexia been so nice about an opponent during a game.

“She has also told me that she is a machine, so stay alert”

And just like that their captain was back.

It took minutes for you to ring Lola’s word true, you took a shot from outside the box, Sandra only just getting her fingertips to it, sending the ball over the crossbar. Atleti manage to get a goal back from the corner, a pin point header from you.

Barcelona reset but still Aitana watches you celebrate and she recognises the celebration straight away but refuses to believe what she is seeing.

“Y/N” she whispers.

“What?” Patri asks as they get back in position.

“Nothing” Aitana tries to push her thoughts to the back of her head but it doesn’t work.

Even whilst playing Aitana keeps her eye on you as she tries to work out it you are in fact her best friend from childhood. She watches your mannerisms and every so often you would do things that brought Aitana back to the pitch all those years ago. The way you would stroke you tummy twice when you were thinking or the way you talked, the voice she hears send her back to her childhood.

The match ends 1-1 and still Aitana fails to break her gaze. Her mind is running a hundred miles an hour.

“Has Aitana got a little crush?” Jenni nudges the small midfielder.

The forwards words fail to register.

“Tana!” Patri all but shouts making her jump.

“What!” Aitana snaps, slightly frustrated that her friends won’t leave her be.

“You’re staring and you are making it really obvious”

Heat rises to her cheeks upon hearing that her glances are not a subtle as she hoped. Still her eyes remain on you as you talk to Carmen.

“Go to her” Jenni says.

“Who?” Aitana asks now really listening to what the others are saying.

“Number 15”

When she hears your number another pin slots into place. The girl she knew always wore 15 joking that she had to always one up Aitana with her being 14.

“Do you know her name?” Aitana asks.

“No” Both Jenni and Patri say in unison.

“But I know who will!” Jenni adds.

The forward shouts of the team captain.

“Do you know what number 15’s name is?” Jenni asks Alexia.

“Only her last name, Y/L/N”

“No shit, we know that. It’s on the back of her shirt” Jenni shoves the captain.

Aitana thinks for a moment, it wasn’t the last name she knew but it did sound familiar only she didn’t know where from.

“I only answered your question” Alexia answers innocently “Why?”

“Aitana has a crush”

“I think I know her”

Aitana’s words intrigue the three women.

“Think? How do you think you know someone, either you do or you don’t” Patri says slightly confuses.

“She reminds me of someone I knew when I was younger”

Alexia goes to talk but Aitana cuts her off.

“Wait!” She says as she walks closer to you, her friends following in suit.

You are talking to fan who had a sign asking for your shirt, Aitana watches the interaction intently knowing that this could be her only shot at knowing without asking your directly.

“Why are we watching 15 take her shirt off?” Mapi joins her friends.

“She was in a car accident when she was 7”

“Who wa—“ Patri slaps her hand over the defenders mouth.

“She had to have surgery on her spine, the scar was big”

The group of players watch you, trying to see the marking but someone blocks their view.

“Lola!” Alexia says just now realising how invested she had become.

“What?” Lola say not knowing what she has interrupted.

The goalkeeper gets pushed out the way but is too late as Aitana sees a member of the coaching staff hand you a warm up shirt, now your back was covered.

“Thanks Lola” Aitana says in defeat.

“I didn’t do anything. I only came over here to tell that some of us are going to Sibuya and I wanted to know if you were going to join us”

Jenni looks at Aitana, how her head hung in defeat, a light bulb going off in her own head.

“Will Y/L/N be there?”

“You mean the player who just made her debut and scored, no I think she will want to go home and spend the night alone” Lola replies, her voice filled with Sarcasm.

The other players stand there, waiting for the goalkeeper to reply seriously.

“María Dolores” Jenni warns her friend.

The goalkeeper hold her hands up In defence “Yes, she will be there”

“Looks like you will be able to ask her yourself” Patri tells her friend.

With that the girls agree to meet at 7.

*************************

The Barca girls arrive and they are told that the rest of the party are in the private room upstairs. As they reach the top they see the players that mere hours ago they considered their enemy. Aitana searches the room but she cannot find the person she is looking for.

“Lola said she will be here, relax” Jenni rubs Aitana’s shoulders before pushing her towards a seat.

The table converse for around half an hour before the waiter arrives, ready to take everyone’s order.

“Is it ok for you to come back, we are still waiting for some people to arrive?” Aitana asks as she looks at the two spare seats.

“No, no. You can order, they texted Carmen what they want” Laia reassures the waiter.

“So they’re still coming?” Alexia asks knowing it’s what Aitana wants to know.

“Yes. Y/N and V are on their way” Lola confirms.

Aitana freezes upon hearing your name. Could this be a coincidence or is she really going to see you after all this time.

“They tend to lose track of time when it is just the two of them. They both had media after the game, everyone wanted to speak to Y/N and V didn’t want to her to be alone” Carmen tells the table.

“Honestly they are inseparable” Lola rolls her eyes thinking of the antics the both of you have been apart of.

For reasons she doesn’t fully understand, Aitana had an uneasy feeling in her gut. The thought of you been with someone else didn’t sit well with her. Yes, she understand that nothing ever happened between the two of you, you were only young when you left and she didn’t expect you to wait for her when she gave you no reason to but still she is jealous at the thought of you and V together.

“Aitana, I have a question for you. What’s your obsession with her?” Lola asks referring to you.

At first Aitana doesn’t know how to explain the current situation she faces, truth is she had been trying to figure out since she saw you on the pitch.

“Let me” Patri says confidently “you see Tana here had a best friend when she was younger and for some reason she thinks that your number 15 is that best friend.“

The rest of the table hang of Patri’s every word as they become invested in the possible reunion.

“Then we watched as she took her shirt off”

“You did what!” Carmen asks in disbelief.

Aitana is about to speak but Laia cuts her off.

“Nice of you to finally join us” Laia says when she sees you and V coming up the stairs

But catches Aitana’s attention is how your fingers are interlocked with V’s.

“Don’t blame me. I had to wait till Y/N came down from her adrenaline high, she wouldn’t sit down, picture a kid on a Sugar rush”

“Hey! Don’t be mean, you know you love me” you pretend to act offended.

“That I do” V kisses your temple.

The Barca girls watch the interaction before looking at their friend. Although Aitana never talked about how deep the connection between the two of you went, they figured she had feeling for you, they could see it in her eyes.

You and V take your seats and by luck you are sat opposite Aitana. The first course comes and they two of you are yet to talk.

“How about we play truth or dare?” Lola suggests.

“No” Carmen is quick to answer knowing that Lola will have an alterer motive.

“Don’t be so much a bore Car” Lola playfully slaps her girlfriends thigh “it’ll be fun, Y/N you can go first”

You give Lola a look, one that translates into what are you up to.

“During Christmas break you stayed over, what happened to my blender, actually let me rephrase that, who broke my blender?”

Your eyes goes wide as you look around the room, more specifically to V and Carmen who are the only ones that know the truth

“It was—“ you are on the verge of confirming Lola’s suspicions when Carmen cuts you off.

“Don’t crack”

“We made a promise”

Your two Atleti team mates cut you off.

Looking around you see that all of the table are staring at you but your focus in on the girl opposite. You send her a playful wink, one which causes Aitana to blush.

“You’ll never know” you smile smugly at the goalkeeper.

“Fine by me, now your dare is” Lola taps her chin as if you doesn’t already know your fate “take your shirt off”

“Lola you know I won’t do that, why would you ask me that, here of all places” you are slightly annoyed by her dare, not expecting her to ask this of you.

“I’m sorry, it just that—“ Lola knows she went too far.

“Forget it” you end the conversation on the spot.

Feeling the tension between you and goalkeeper, the rest of the table begin to make small conversations between themselves. The only person still looking at you is Aitana and you can see the curiosity in her eye.

“T” you say barely a whisper, still a bit shaken.

Hearing the nickname only you have called her all but confirms her theories. If not, the look in your eye does, she would recognise it anywhere. In that moment she sees the 7 year old who would obsess over the scar on her back, who would try to cover it with make up because she didn’t want people to stare.

“Y/N” Aitana says barely a whisper.

“Took you long enough. Now I can take my shirt off if you need to see it but—“

“No, I don’t need to see it” Aitana says referring to your scar.

The two of you are lost in the moment, only breaking away when you hear someone clear their throat.

“So you do know each other?” Patri asks.

All of sudden every one starts asking questions.

“How did you meet?”

“Why did you leave Spain?”

“Why didn’t you tell Aitana you were back?”

“Do you wanna?” Aitana tips her head in the direction of the stairs.

“Yes” you push your chair back, your standing form quiets the table.

Without saying another word, the two of you leave and are soon out on the streets of Madrid. As you walk in silence you feel lighter than you have in years and you know that is because you have Aitana by your side.

“I did want to reach out when Atleti signed me but then I got injured and well I wasn’t exactly the best company. V only put up with me because she didn’t have any other choice” you tried to explain your reasoning.

“You and V, are you?” Aitana feels the jealous rise within her.

You swear you could see the green in her eyes.

“We’re just friends. We met in a time where we both needed each other. I would go with her to her treatment and she would keep me company during physio, when she was feeling well enough”

“No need to be jealous” you nudge Aitana’s shoulder with your own.

“Why Y/L/N? It would have been so much easier if you kept your other name”

“That was dad’s name, after the divorce I wanted nothing to do with him. Now I go by Y/L/N, to honour my mum”

“That makes sense” Aitana replies.

“What made you you think it was me on the pitch?” Now it is your turn to ask a question.

Aitana replayed the game in her head as she tries to pin point the exact moment.

“The way you walked, how you used your hands when you talked to Carmen, you always were gesticulative but the moment when I really thought, that’s my Y/N, was your celebration, you never changed it”

It takes you a moment to realise that she has finished talking. The way she said my Y/N gave you butterflies.

“You mean this?” You dramatically do your celebration.

“That’s the one” Aitana says between laughs.

“In the end you thought the only way to now for sure is to watch me strip?”

Aitana buries her face in her hands with embarrassment “you saw that?”

“Four Barcelona players watching my every move, kind of hard to miss”

The two of you discuss all of the big and small things that has happened over the years and soon enough you reach your destination, the beach. You take a seat on a bench that looked out over the ocean, Aitana sits next to you.

“You can see it if you want? I didn’t wanted everyone else to see it, it only leads to questions and I don’t like talking about it”

You can her hesitating as she thinks about it. In the end you make the decision for her. You turn so you are facing away from her as you lift up the back of your t-shirt. You feel her trail her fingers along the scar then you feel her warm breath on your back before you feel her kiss the top of it.

Suddenly feeling very vulnerable you pull you shirt down and quickly adjust your position so you are once again facing Aitana. Only she doesn’t move, if anything you could have sworn she moved closer, so much she that her face is inches away from yours and in a quick swift motion her lips are on yours.

The kiss ends just as quick as it happened, much to your disliking.

“Jesus T, take a girl to dinner first” a smile tugs at your lips as you tease your best friend.

“Would you like to go on a date with me?” Aitana asks. Her tone filled with confidence knowing that you didn’t push her away when she kisses you.

“Of course I will” you steal a kiss before standing, holding you hand out for Aitana to take.

The two of you spend the next hour or so walking down the boardwalk as you reminisce about old times and plan what you will do together in the future.

#woso x reader #woso one shot #woso imagine #Aitana Bonmati x reader #Aitana Bonmati imagine #Aitana Bonmati one shot #espwnt one shot #espwnt imagine #espwnt x reader

404 notes · View notes

olderthannetfic · 1 year

Note

The previous convos about sensitivity readers and purity culture in booktwit types definitely feels familiar. I'll never forget when I was querying agents a few years ago with a novel I wrote, and I was told my writing "caused discomfort," was "problematic" and could be seen as racist/anti-black and having a lot of instances of queerphobia and misogynoir. The novel was a horror-fantasy story that actually was based on the transatlantic slave trade but on a different planet (So, yes, I would hope that this kind of story would be disturbing and cause discomfort in the reader. Mission accomplished). The plot covered several generations of the captured aliens who were enslaved (a la A Hundred Years of Solitude), the fallout of their enslavement, and the mistreatment of the enslaved people as a result. Most of the agents who requested the full manuscript said they liked the story, but I was met with many intrusive questions about my identity, race, gender, and sexuality and urges to work with a sensitivity reader should we progress forward as agent and writer. I am a Black, femme nonbinary, bisexual person. This was all fine and dandy with them, so they wanted to make this information about my identity public for consumers to appease the Twitter crowd and dissuade callout posts from the functionally illiterate. I wanted to maintain my dignity and not disclose any personal information. (They assumed it was because I was in the closet or something. I was not then and am not now. My identity just isn't anyone's business if they want to read a book, simple as that. This was also especially because there are mentions of sexual assault of some characters, and that kind of information definitely isn't anyone's business to know about an author. Period.) I also didn't want to hire a sensitivity reader because they were advertised to me as someone who performed outrage at works for a living (It also didn't help that I was linked to a few sensitivity readers who were very vocal on YA book Twitter and SFF Twitter. No thank you.). This was, apparently, a problem. That was when I decided publishing may not be for me, at least traditional publishing.

Yeah, sadly, I feel there is an audience for that book, but you're going to have to find it yourself. Anything YA adjacent is too outrage-driven without the necessary nuance, but a lot of more oldschool SFF circles are too full of the kind of sensitive, delicate white guys who wouldn't get this book either. Maybe an indie black press? Somewhere with a more literary bent that thrives on controversial books? Depending on how horror-y it is, maybe there's an avenue to pursue there. Horror fans do include a lot of manbabies too, but those circles can be more open to actually dark stuff.

At least self publishing is easy now, but self publishing and then getting a significant number of people to buy and read the book is hard.

I promise that decent sensitivity readers exist, but the ones that crowd is going to send you to are... not equipped to deal with dark horror fantasy, in my opinion.

And as a writer, I wouldn't work with anyone I didn't know pretty well anyway. How are you supposed to evaluate the feedback of a rando? What if they fundamentally don't get your genre?

If you do decide to press on, I think I'd look for like-minded fellow writers to begin with. Start a club. Serialize your stuff in the same place. IDK. There are plenty of grown-ass adults who buy books and who like nuance. There's got to be some way to find your audience.

It would be a pity to give up just because publishing is full of cowards.

94 notes · View notes

icedmatchatae · 2 years

Text

Glimpse of Us | KTH Chapter I: Finding Happiness

Pairing: Problematic Idol Taehyung x Grad Student Reader

Genre: Idol AU, Ex-Childhood Best Friends into—, Angst (Hello, welcome to my angst central), Fluff (mainly in the flashbacks), Slow Burn, Eventual Smut

Summary: BTS’s V has been living a lavished and successful lifestyle, but underneath all of that, Kim Taehyung is far from the perfect image the media and fans made him out to be. All he wants is to relive the feelings of happiness and purpose in his life, but how can he when he left behind those memories years ago? The same memories, he hopes to see a glimpse of.

Warning: Angst (from the start mwahahaha), mentions of alcohol consumption, violence, stalking, faulty media, descriptions of therapy sessions

Word Count: 7.2k

Chapter I: Finding Happiness || Series Masterlist

“BTS is the highly musically acclaimed boy band from South Korea, sweeping the charts across the globe with their wide diversity genres of music. Their lyrics consisted of personal and social commentary that moves those who listen, especially with their fanbase, ARMY. Each member of BTS have their own individual style to their work, yet still continue to play an important role to the group’s success.”

“BTS’s V shook the world, being recognized for his alluring baritone voice and exquisite “duality” and emotions on stage, as well as being coined “The Idol’s Idol” within the Kpop industry. His facial expressions, his motions, his voice, it shows it all.”

“V ranked first on the charts of being the number one most searched keyword for the past five years in South Korea.”

“V was always the first to attract those who don’t know BTS by his unique visuals, strong aura, and his intimidating gaze.”

“V is also part of Wooga Squad, a highly achieving group of men consisted of actors Park Seojoon, Choi Wooshik, Park Hyungsik, and artist Peakboy (Kwon Sunghwan). Their friendship is widely known on their platforms while supporting one another.”

“V caught the attention of many famous fashion brands, as everything he wears turns into gold, including Celine, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.”

“V was ranked number one as the world’s most handsome and beautiful man in the world.”

“Among the members, V has the most followers on Instagram as well as the fastest growing account on the platform.”

“V is well-loved by ARMY and is supported of his endeavors. They hope to see a solo album in the near future.”

“BTS’s V gets followed by sasaeng at the park.”

“BTS’s V attacked by an influx crowd at the airport. Videos of him holding onto j-hope.”

“Kim Taehyung was seen hanging out with Park Seojoon and mystery girl?? Potential new lover?”

“Kim Taehyung (V of BTS) caught smoking before award show! Is he becoming an addict?”

“BTS V gets embroiled in attitude controversy for not greeting fans and journalists.”

“V of BTS: dating rumors with Tzuyu of Twice? JYP denies but HYBE ignores.”

“Taehyung was secretly recorded at night on the streets, drinking more than he can handle.”

“Kim Taehyung fighting in a club?? Reports of getting drunk and the idol throwing punches.”

“Are BTS’s V and Lisa from Blackpink dating??”

The cycle repeated itself as the ever-growing success of BTS continues, with Kim Taehyung being one of the members. Success, scandal, success, scandal. At this point, it was practically the same thing. Though with the achievements, popularity, and passionate fanbase, it, unfortunately, came with a price, specifically with Taehyung.

His life turned into something he didn’t expect, whether good or bad, but it could be safe to say it has been leaning towards bad. During his years as an idol, as V, his life was heavily scrutinized by the media and the fans. Through the hate comments online, unwanted paparazzi photos, and delusional headlines on topics that he didn’t even know about, it was never-ending that sadly took a toll on him.

Taehyung faced straight forward, not wanting to make eye contact with the man across from him, leaning slightly to the left. Blankness overcame his expression with the deep-set dark circles and hollowness of his cheeks. His lips peeled and swollen from the many occurrences of biting the skin off. His hair was messily styled into his “fluffy Tae bear” image as what ARMY loved to say, but he couldn’t care less about his appearance.

The ticking sound of the clock echoed within the tiny room as Taehyung hoped time only went faster. Despite the tight space, the environment was relatively comfortable. The warm fluorescent lights hanging above the two, a brown velvet couch occupied by yours truly, and a rust-toned loveseat also occupied by the professional. The walnut surface of the desk stacked with files and books by a wall and extended shelves on the opposite was in his peripheral vision.

Taehyung could sense the attentive stare the man was giving him, which had no effect on the idol. It wasn’t harsh gazing, almost curious and kind, but Taehyung wasn’t really ready to give his all. He was trying his best but didn’t know what to do. The idol almost felt bad for him, having been assigned to the professional for nearly a year with little to no progress. But the man had some steel grit and was determined for Taehyung to speak about something.

A particular question made Taehyung fidget in his seat and bounce his leg. It wasn’t too personal because everyone knew, but it still gave him chills thinking about it.

Recently, at BTS’s Festa Dinner Party, the boys announced a temporary pause on group activities except for their variety show, Run BTS, to focus on their solo projects and other activities they wished to pursue without the constant clash in the group’s schedule. Each member was currently doing their own thing, whether promotions or taking a short break. In Taehyung’s instance, the company and his fellow members thought it was a fantastic idea for Taehyung to continue focusing on himself.

Through the years and over time, Taehyung has been dealing with the pressure of the idol life and fearing that his privacy would be taken away at any minute. The heavy load caused a strain on him, a concoction of emotions, as well as changes in behavior. He got sad, he got angry, and he drank. He rarely remembered anything the morning after. He got nervous, he got stressed, and he smoked, which led to online hysteria. He got into fights with strangers, friends, and his members. Countless articles on him from a fight dated back months ago. Despite rarely interacting, he got caught up in scandals with various female idols that were obviously not true. The recent one was another Blackpink member. It has been his fourth one in the past year.

Somehow it was Taehyung getting the bitter end of the fruit, having to deal with it alone. He never comprehended how his name got caught in the tongues of the people when there were hundreds of thousands of celebrities they could choose from. Though not wanting to wish it on others, new up-and-coming idol groups were entering this industry. Idols who were quite naive don’t even know half the bullshit he and BTS faced.

Of course, there was ARMY support. But they interrupted the news differently, assuming that he’s trying to be a normal human and that he does indeed make mistakes. Others commented on Taehyung’s behavior as highly inappropriate as younger fans looked up to him. All responses are partially correct but also, in a way, incorrect in Taehyung’s eyes.

The boys’ support was incredibly different, and they understood him until a couple of years back. Now there has been a faint tension between Taehyung and some of the members after a disagreement right before the group’s announcement. Nevertheless, they were there for him, especially now.

But it was a little too much for his liking.

He has been in and out of therapy, having one session every month due to the rigorous scheduling of the group. But now, since that was on hold, it gave Taehyung the perfect time to engage with himself as frequently as possible.

Taehyung eventually gave up and told his therapist what had happened the past two weeks. The professional knew who he was and what happened with the group—having gone through a well-detailed contract of privacy—but it was appropriate for Taehyung to mention it on his own because sitting before the therapist wasn’t V of BTS but simply Kim Taehyung.

“How do you feel about all of that?” Dr. Im continued thoroughly, jotting down notes in his notebook.

Taehyung scrunched his nose, thinking what to say, “Bittersweet, I guess? You know we’ve been doing this for so long. It’s kinda like we don’t know how to act or do without the group.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, everything I’ve done for almost a decade has been in the group, for the group, with the group.” Taehyung shrugged, playing with his fingers. “Now we have this time to ourselves…almost lost I guess.”

“Can you elaborate on when you speak about “lost”?”

Being in a mood, Taehyung felt a little talkative this session. That’s what usually happened. One session, he’s a blabbermouth, the next, silent as a ghost. There was a reason why his progress was so inconsistent. “The group strived for a goal together, we worked hard and had success which made us happy, but…I don’t know. Me, I guess? I’m feeling lost where now it’s just me, and my goals, my happiness?”

“What would be your goals?”

“I don’t know. I just have my schedule.” Taehyung muttered, slowly getting disinterested in the topic. He hated that he didn’t know anything in his life. “Maybe write and do my solo album, but nothing is ever good for me. That’s why I’m probably the last member to do that.”

“I see, all that’s understandable. I can’t imagine your line of work, but I can sense that the craft takes time.” Dr. Im reassured his client with a warm smile. “You worked hard to get where you’re at. Hard work comes success and of course, at times, success can lead to happiness. Yet at the same time, there will always be struggles.” Taehyung barely responded, only with a nod of acknowledgment.

Lightly segwaying into another topic, Dr. Im wondered out loud, “You’ve mentioned your happiness. Could you describe a bit more to me?”

“There’s really nothing.” The idol bluntly replied. “I don’t feel happy. Like with the group, yeah I guess so, but just me? No.”

“So with the group, what is your happiness?”

“Maybe like, our bond?” Taehyung stated frankly. “We sacrificed things for the band and we only ever had each other. We had good times, good laughs, cries and fights. We, of course, had our fans who’ve done so much. Together, we were always so strong and understood one another, until recently…”

“What do you mean?” His therapist inquired, but Taehyung stayed silent and stoic. Though the professional attempted his best to let Taehyung open gradually, there was still a concrete wall up. That also led Taehyung into spacing out and ignoring anything Dr. Im said. But that didn’t mean he didn’t understand his non-verbal communications. He knew that Taehyung would eventually talk about it, but as of right now, it was too much for him.

So Dr. Im simply hummed and nodded before saying, “It’s okay to not say anything about that. Whenever you’re ready.”

Taehyung peered at the profession, mentally applauding how well he was with him. If Taehyung was in his shoes, he’d slap himself.

“However, I hope you don’t mind talking more so about your happiness.” When Taehyung didn’t protest and shrugged, it was a good sign to continue. “So the happiness by yourself? How is that?”

“Again, I’m not happy, or I don’t feel it at all. I never thought about it until now actually.” The idol reiterated.

“How long have you felt that way?”

Taehyung blew his cheeks out as his breath came out of his drying lips. “Probably years...maybe even the whole time since debut.”

“That’s a long time to not feel happy. How is happiness, is it important to you?” Dr. Im pointed out.

“I guess, yeah…I mean look at where I am. Fucking emotions always changing and ruining my life.”

“Emotions are never changing, you know.” His therapist explained. “But how you use it can. How were you able to cope?”

“Well, we were more restricted in the beginning since we were rookies and I used to hide it well with all the bullshit I did.” The idol responded thoroughly. “I guess over time, it got worse and I couldn’t take it anymore hence all the scandals. So yeah, I’m not happy. Life is just there. I’m just here.”

“So, when was the last time you felt happy?” His therapist questioned, sparking a new discussion up.

“Uhhh, I’m guessing before debut, the group, fans? If it’s been years.”

“So imagine the last time you felt it, and I want you to describe to me what your happiness is. What are the thoughts that came up, the emotions?” Dr. Im sought it out in hopes that it could unlock a new memory about his past.

“That sounds pretty loaded…” Taehyung tilted his head as he stared at the window.

Soft tangerine brightness leaked through the reflection. The sun settled down as he was the last client of the day, mainly due to his schedule. It was also perfect so that other clients wouldn’t be sitting and waiting and suddenly looking up to find the V of BTS coming out of his therapy session. He knew for sure that it would spread like wildfire. He wasn’t ashamed, but it was somewhat taboo, and people could warp the story to make it worse.

“Let me reword it.” Dr. Im suggested. “Before the group, before the fans, before you were V, you were simply Kim Taehyung so what was your happiness as Kim Taehyung?”

“Wow, you’re bringing me way back.” Taehyung chuckled lightly, glancing at the man nodding and waiting patiently.

The idol pondered on the question. What was his happiness as just Taehyung? Taehyung mentioned his happiness in previous sessions, but this was the first time it was discussed. Only because it has been a while since Taehyung looked at his past before BTS and as an idol. BTS and being an idol was his life. He didn’t realize that the last time he was happy went way back. It was likely when he lived in Geochang, his childhood days before leaving and going to Seoul to train. It seemed so long ago, being in his mid to late twenties, that it was all blur.

There was his family and school friends, school days, specifically recess and lunch, the farm, the countryside, and the distinct street food you could only get there. God, it felt like a fable. His life went from low-income farmer boy to this international pop star, the whole rags to riches spiel. But these memories didn’t feel real, almost make-believe, maybe even nonexistent. His mind couldn’t replay those memories right now, feeling too shy to reveal it all to his trusting therapist that all the people and their faces were erased.

Well, not all faces.

He remembered one face as clear as day, but he knew that face would forever be a lost longing memory.

It was like everyone Taehyung knew had the sixth sense of knowing when he finished his session because calls and messages bombarded his phone. The tones bounced off his eardrums, grimacing at who was raiding the device.

Sure, his group chats with the members and his friends separately. The name of his sweet, sweet girlfriend popped on the screen with texts asking “how are you” or “let me know when you get home so I could cook dinner <3.” Anyone in the world would think these gestures were supportive and caring as a girlfriend should to their partner, but now, Taehyung did not want to deal with her and eventually ignored it, putting his phone on vibrate. He thanked his therapist before leaving the office and heading down to the elevators.

As he entered the platform, his phone vibrated continuously. He groaned and rolled his eyes, thinking it was her again. But lo and behold, it was his best friend, Park Jimin. Though hesitant, Taehyung accepted the call and answered.

“Hello,” The idol greeted monotonously.

“Why, hello, my lovely giggling bear!” Jimin’s voice sounded too ecstatic for his best friend’s liking, but he didn’t comment on it as it was usually like him. “And how was your time in therapy?”

“You know you don’t have to call after every session I attend.” Taehyung commented when he stepped out of the elevator and then the building. “You’re only gonna get the same answer—less shitty than before.” He spotted one of his company cars waiting in the parking lot and walked towards it.

“I’m just worried about you. You should know that.” Jimin huffed, and Taehyung could almost see the pout evident on his best friend’s face. “Better me than Yoongi Hyung or Namjoon Hyung.”

The mentioning of their names puts a frown on him. He knew that though supportive of his path to improvement and soul searching, the way they spoke to him felt somewhat demeaning and scolding him for every little thing. Do this, not that. You should have stopped yourself before the mess gets bigger. Why are you doing that when you clearly know you shouldn’t do that? I think this is best for you. Blah, blah, blah.

Though he didn’t mention it with Dr. Im, right before everyone split to do their own thing, Taehyung fought with his hyungs, leading to Taehyung walking out of the company building frustrated and getting wasted until the following morning and not talking to them for almost two weeks. Things were said, insults were exchanged; it didn’t matter if they were right or wrong. Taehyung didn’t want to hear what’s been repeated countless times.

“I also miss you. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you.”Jimin announced, hoping to lighten the mood. “When I call, I wanna know how’s life for you.”

“I appreciate the gesture, but Jimin, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me.” Taehyung replied as he rubbed his tired eyes.

“I know you’re not fine, Tae. That’s why I’m worried.”

The idol sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose to calm himself. “Anyways, how’s your family? How’s Busan?” He wanted to switch the discussion over to Jimin, hoping he would get the notion that Taehyung didn’t want to talk about that.

Jimin paused and respired, understanding what he was doing, so he gave in and updated his best friend on his life. While Jimin was talking and he traveled through the city to go home, Taehyung’s mind wandered off, thinking back about his session. What popped into his mind was not spoken, but he explained that those memories were gone as those in it were gone, his environment changed, and the hold on his attachment was slowly loosening.

But then, his therapist said something that got him thinking.

“It’s a pain to not be able to have those things right now, especially when you know they made you happy. But having those memories are key to unlocking more ways of potential bringing yourself closer to your own happiness. Putting words into action.” Dr. Im responded, writing down more scribbles in his book yet staring at Taehyung. “You’ll know the types of people you want, you know where you should be, and understand how much you want it.”

Taehyung understood his therapist, giving him some hope but not as much as the professional intended. “You mentioned people, the types of people I wanted.” Dr. Im hummed. “What if it’s not the type of people, but just…the people?”

“What do you mean, Taehyung?”

Taehyung scratched the back of his head, gradually feeling his nerves tingling. He tried laughing it off as the man before he stared attentively. “It wasn’t the types of people I was with, but the people I was with. Actually, a person, specifically.”

“Are you willing to talk about this person?”

His therapist had no clue what or who he was talking about, but it brought out many mixed thoughts and emotions. The reference to it sent an aching twist in Taehyung’s heart. He didn’t like the feeling. It only reminded him that it was over and nothing had been the best since.

“Not, right now. No.”

Taehyung went into his house, located at the edge of the city, to avoid any disturbances yet be within the vicinity of his work. After a sasaeng threat, he moved out of his luxurious condo in the heart of Seoul and found a comfortable and lovely two-story house in a quiet yet secured neighborhood. It helped with his living situation, but not necessarily his life.

As he closed the front door, he heard feet padding down the hallway and a soft voice speaking whimsically, “You’re home!” Skinny limbs wrapped around his torso, making him tense up, but he ultimately eased himself to the touch.

He pushed out a grin and wrapped an arm around her, kissing the crown of her head. “Hi, babe.” She raised her head with her sparkling almond eyes, smiling only for and at the sight of her boyfriend returning home. He stared back and nodded, biting the inside of his mouth.

There she was—in her raw and glorified self—Na Clara, his girlfriend of five years. Clara came from an affluent family, the Na Group conglomerate, which became a stakeholder for Big Hit back in 2016. That was where the two met—at a stakeholder’s event as Clara was there for her family and Taehyung was there as part of the band to show respect and gratuity for the support the Na family has given. That very night was where everyone said, “Tae and Clara hit it off so well.”

As the rise of Big Hit increased, the CEO at that time, Bang Sihyuk, and Na Seong-jin, Clara’s father, made a mutual agreement to part ways but still own part of the stocks. But the departure didn’t stop the blossoming relationship between the two. After countless flirting and dates, the two made it officially the following year and have been together ever since. They got Yeontan together and moved in with one another, so Clara left her family home to stay with her boyfriend.

Of course, due to Taehyung’s idol status, they agreed to keep their relationship a secret. Clara was indeed a socialite but also had an image to maintain for the sake of her family. Still, it wasn’t as harsh to keep up as Taehyung’s. The company insisted on annual NDA renewal contracts to ensure the idol’s safety. There were no disagreements as Clara happily signed the papers because, in her words, “As long as I have my Tae, then I’m happy.”

Clara was kind and caring, even to the members and others around her, and it was easy to gain the support of their relationship. She was also a philanthropist and animal lover, donating to charities and helping rescue endangered species. She was a real golden goddess, the visual of South Korea. Her shining long, ebony locks, pale glassy skin, glittering eyes, a body many women referenced for surgery, and a heart that melted and attracted many citizens. Men wanted her. Women wanted to be her. But she didn’t care about any of that.

Because Kim Taehyung had her heart and only looked his way.

Those who did know deemed their relationship as perfect in every way. Perfect connection, perfect communication, perfect attraction, perfect visuals, perfect, perfect, perfect.

But it was anything but.

“How was therapy?” She asked as she lets go of him to run back towards the kitchen. Taehyung took his shoes off before dragging his feet to follow his girlfriend. He rolled his eyes at the same old question everyone’s been asking him, and Clara wasn’t any different.

“Less shitty than before.” He mumbled loud enough for her to hear. Then softer taps to the floor amplified before a sharp squeaking bark of fluff came towards Taehyung. He crouched down to carry his pet before standing back on his feet.

“You know you should try to be a bit more enthusiastic about this.” She said as she stirred some kind of soup. Taehyung glanced over at the pot and scowled when he caught a waft of it.

“But I’m not.” He shrugged, caressing Yeontan in his arms.

“Tae, do you even try?” With an annoyed face, she looked up to her unbothered boyfriend.

“Yes, I try. But I don’t know. There’s some shit I’m not ready to talk about.”

“Therapy is supposed to help you open up.” She started out the obvious, which made Taehyung roll his eyes. “If not with your therapist, then with me or the boys.”

“You guys won’t understand if I told you.” He scoffed after settling his dog down. Clara tried to grab him next, but the Pomeranian ran away to his kettle. “You would think I’m psychopath with all my fucked up thoughts and behaviors.”

“Tae, stop calling yourself that! I don’t like it when you say those things.” She scolded as she turned off the stove.

“What, I thought you loved my weird expressions.” He cocked an eyebrow as he sat on the counter table stool. An outsider would look at them and assume that he was only teasing, but in actuality, he was pushing her temper.

“Not when you say shit like that!” Clara shook her head before sighing. “You’re not psychopath, I never thought of you like that.”

“Bet you thought a lot of things of me.”

Ignoring his insufferable commentary, she said sincerely, “This is to help you understand yourself better, and understand we’re here to support you. You know…”

He didn’t even bother listening to her as his messages went off. His group chat, Wooga Squad, had all his hyungs, and they discussed late-night eating plans. Taehyung checked the time, and it was already close to eight on a Tuesday night. Nightlife wasn’t as busy compared to the weekends, so it was possible that Taehyung could hang out with them too.

“Tae! Are you even listening to me?” Clara shouted, snapping her fingers in front of his face and then shaking his shoulder.

The idol blinked rapidly, almost tunneling his vision with the phone conversation. It was a tendency he did as well as spacing out. “What?”

“Ugh, I hate when you do that.” The socialite sneered. “I was just talking to you too.”

“Can you chill? What you were saying wasn’t even that important. Jimin even said the same damn thing.” Taehyung snapped as he typed his reservation for the Wooga outing.

“Who are you texting?” Clara’s eyes attempted to leer at his phone, but she was a little too far, and it was angled in a way she couldn’t see anything.

Taehyung rolled his eyes heavily at her implicit interrogation. “It’s Seojoon Hyung. They wanted to have dinner outside in like an hour.”

“Tae, I’m already done making our dinner.” She pouted as she pushed the pot in his direction. “I made kimchi jjigae.”

“Oh, that’s what it is.” Taehyung gasped sarcastically. “Yeah, I still don’t want it.”

“Hey, I’m trying to cook more, okay?” Clara frowned. With her socialite status, Clara was attended to and pampered by maids and butlers from the day she was born. Ever since she moved in with Taehyung three years ago, she had to learn how to cook and clean without any help. Taehyung had to help her at some points, and he wasn’t the best either. Actual cooking wasn’t done until a couple of months ago as the food was always take-out. But when the idol mentioned how much he missed home-cooked meals in this therapy, Clara tried her best to learn some dishes.

“You are.” He agreed as he stood up, heading towards the door. “But I’m going.”

“Don’t you want to spend time with me?” The socialite followed Taehyung like Yeontan would. She watched him put on his shoes. “I’ve missed you the whole day.”

Taehyung exhaled before standing up straight, “I guess I can spend time with you tomorrow. I have somewhat of a free day. We’ll have breakfast together.” He kissed her head and patted her hair. He held her face in his hands. “But we’ll order in.”

Her pout shifted into a suppressing smile as she pulled his hands off her. She tugged his arms to encircle her waist, then wrapped her arms around his nape. “We better.” She tiptoed to peck his lips, transmitting shivers down his spine with mixed feelings. “I love you.”

“Love you too.”

It was at the ringing of his phone that rescued him off of his girlfriend to take the call. He quickly bid farewell to Clara, who waved hopelessly before he closed the door behind him.

He answered, “Hyung! What’s up?”

“Tae, are you home?” Seojoon exclaimed through the speakers.

“I was, but I’m leaving now.”

“Stay there, Wooshik and I will be there in ten minutes. We’re dropping off Joohyuk home, said he’s got a family birthday to attend.”

There has been a somewhat unofficial addition to the group—Nam Joohyuk. Some may have seen him from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, Start-Up, or Twenty-Five Twenty-One. He has been slowly breaking the acting industry and stealing the hearts of fans worldwide, in addition to his modeling career. The group met him through Seojoon and eventually made his way into Wooga, coming to outings and trips.

However, Taehyung was weary of him. Sure, Joohyuk was pleasant and respectful towards the others and met the group’s criteria of being “too handsome,” but it was a bit off. Still, his hyungs loved spending time with him, and it can be assumed that Taehyung could be civil.

But he also kept his distance from him.

A sour face morphed onto the idol’s face, but his voice was poisonously friendly when he responded, “Aw, Hyung isn’t coming?”

“He said he’ll come next time, but not this time.”

“Yeah, unfortunate…” Taehyung rolled his eyes. “But yeah, I’ll wait for you.”

Walking through empty streets would seem eerie and dangerous, but it was basically heaven in Taehyung’s eyes. Wooshik suggested a place his cousin told him about, but he never looked it up until the group went. When Seojoon parked the car behind a nearby lot and got out, they realized it was completely barren.

They found out they were in a rundown part of Seoul where it was sketchy as fuck. Streetlights flickered, stray animals running, and a few individuals here and there, but they weren’t as approachable. They concluded that they were either a sex worker, a drug dealer, or someone interested in obtaining either or both. That was the one of the only reasons for anyone to be there, but it wasn’t the group’s reason.

“Wooshik, what the fuck is this place?” Seojoon scowled as they walked down the pavement. Eyes were on them, but it wasn’t the typical staring of celebrities. It was more so the eyes trying to hunt prey or wondering why the individual who clearly doesn’t fit in would come to an atypical location.

“Hyung, calm down.” Wooshik checked the maps to ensure they were going in the right direction. “It’s only the path. After that, there’ll be more activity and running places.”

“I just hope it’s not the same place as these watchers stay in.” The eldest of the bunch hoped. Let’s just say many of the sex workers had googly eyes with him the most. Worship was too busy navigating, and Taehyung felt somewhat relieved.

The idol didn’t need to hide his face or get recorded in this part of the city. Though it was a bit high-risk, there was a perk for him. Of course, he was still in constant fear of getting caught but mentally reassured himself.

All he wanted to do was get away from all these problems, but it seemed to keep following him no matter where he went. He fucked up all that time ago, leading him to where he was: sad, enraged, and nervous. He really had no hope in things and went on dragging with what little life he had in him.

To Seojoon’s relief, they reached a pretty lit area. There were convenience stores, bars, low-rated clubs, and a small community. Most people walking and passing by were elderly, but it was safe enough.

“Jesus, this restaurant better be worth it after passing by mini Hell.” Seojoon breathed out with ease.

“You’re literally the tallest, strongest, and eldest among us.” Wooshik bluntly scoffed. “Be tough like a leopard.”

“So what? You know what can kill leopards? Lions! And you know what can kill Lions? Hyenas!” Seojoon countered at his younger. “We were surrounded by hyenas, Wooshik.”

Taehyung was grateful for his friends. Yes, he loved his members to death, but something about his friend group gave him solace, especially in these rough times. They helped him out, taking him out of the fights, limiting his alcohol and smoking, and keeping various eyes on their surroundings. This time was one of them, despite the high severity of it.

“We’re here!” Wooshik disregarded his rant, presenting the restaurant. It was small and rundown, having an entrance made by a bright blue tarp. Trash cans were filled to the brim with waste and other junk inside. Taehyung could have sworn a rat passed by. There were graffiti markings on the side, but it was still the cleanest everywhere.

Out of nowhere, two clearly-drunk large-set men stumbled out of the cloth holding onto one another. They exchanged rambling and laughing so loudly to make the bunch flinch. But out came a gentle-looking old grandmother, ensuring they were leaving safely.

“You two get home safe, okay? I called a cab for you. They’re coming soon.” The lady smiled and patted their back.

“Ohhhh, Halmeoni! Thank you so much!” One of them managed to say. “Always taking care!”

“Of course, for my loyal customers!” She laughed joyfully as she was about to go back inside, but the three extremely handsome men in front of her caught her very eyes. “Oh, welcome! Welcome to DanDan! Please come in!” She lifted the tarp open for them to enter first.

Though they were hesitant, they warmed up to her kind aura, thus going inside the restaurant. Their eyes scanned the place. It was utterly different from the outside. It held a cozier and comforting atmosphere, more intimate as compared to traditional restaurants in Seoul. It had a “family-owned” vibe, despite the customers being middle-aged men or elderly couples enjoying a night out. A male server came out from the back and handed plates, followed by busing the tables and wiping them down. Potted plants surrounded the corner, a TV in the middle, and the succulent aroma of food touched their noses.

“I’ve never seen handsome gentlemen before!” She cheered. Judging by her sentence, she knew nothing about who they were, which was a good sign.

“Oh, Halmeoni! I had a cousin come here and said your yukgaejang was out of this world!” Wooshik complimented, to which the old lady clapped in glee.

“Ahh, he’s too kind. Come, come, sit wherever you want.” She motioned towards the vacant seats. As they settled down, she handed them menus before walking away. They engaged in the list of foods to even realize she was gone.

She headed towards the back kitchen, squealing like a school girl, where she found her husband cooking and one of the only two servers fixing the plates. She eyed the particular worker before she called out their name.

“___!” Your boss whispered loudly in hopes the men didn’t hear from outside.

“Yes, Halmeoni?” You smiled, looking up from the orders that were ready to go.

“Sweetie, there’s a couple of guys out there.” She grinned, hinting at you to serve them.

You squinted your eyes at her and scrunched your nose at the thought, “Please, no more. I know you mean well, but I don’t want to talk to some creep. The last man turned out to be a scum.”

“And my apologies for that. But, this time is serious!” Your boss voiced out. “They’re super handsome, like a mother’s dream son-in-law!”

“Are you talking about me?” Your fellow coworker, Kenji, who was three years younger than you and the actual grandson of your bosses, stepped into the backroom and the conversation without permission.

“She said mother’s dream son-in-law, not Quasimodo’s twin.” You retorted, to which he stuck his tongue out to you.

“Nice one, ___!” Harabeoji laughed at his grandson.

“Kenny, please tell ___ about the handsome men out there.” Though it was bothersome at times that Halmeoni was being persistent, you enjoyed it. It reminded you of how your grandmother was to you.

“Oh, yeah. They’re super hot.” Your coworker joined in on the persuasion. “But you’re probably not their type, maybe even bottom tier that it’s last resort kind of thing.” Meanwhile, Kenji was the irritated brother you never wanted.

“First of all, that was rude, and it’s the reason why you’re still single, and second, whether they’re handsome or hot or not, I’m not looking.” You reasoned, putting up a feigned smile.

“So what, you’re gonna die alone?” Kenji snorted, to which he received glaring eyes from you and his grandmother. He quickly shut his mouth and muttered an apology.

“It’s complicated, okay? I’m just trying to work and earn money.” You said before lifting your tray.

“Just have a look, kinda like window shop.” Halmeoni insinuated before concluding her suggestion. You sighed, giving in to making her happy, so you nodded before leaving the kitchen.

Meanwhile, the bunch wanted to order a whole receipt of the appetizing dishes, completely in awe of the prices and how good they sounded. The range of soups, meats, sides, and drinks was all too alluring.

“Looking at all of this made me hungry. I’m ready to order.” Wooshik bounced in his chair before putting the menu down. “Tae, you good enough to eat a lot?”

“Yeah, yeah.” The youngest one simply said. Though he looked at the dishes, his mind was preoccupied with everything. He thought the food would cheer him up, but it still didn’t meet his expectations.

“Don’t think about it right now. Just have some dinner with your lovely hyungs, and if you want to drink, we’ll buy some.” Seojoon proposed as he smiled reassuringly at the idol. “Also, dinner is on Wooshik.”

Worship was about to protest, but the eldest used his power card to make him shut up. “Yeah, it’s on me.”

During their conversation, you came out with the heavy trey and yelled, “Coming through!” You carefully paced towards another table and laid the food before dispersing it to the customers. All without knowing, you passed by him.

“I’m going to the bathroom!” Taehyung announced as he stood up. The youngest had his back facing the kitchen and passageway. “Do you know where it is?”

“I think it’s just right down the hallway over there.” Seojoon pointed, making Taehyung turn his head in the direction and find the signs leading to the bathroom. All without knowing he passed by you.

“Cute waitress.” Wooshik nudged Seojoon as he caught sight of you.

Seojoon peered towards you, smiling at the elderly couple you were serving, “Looks young though, but agreed, she’s cute.” It was easier for them to spot you as they had a view of the back.

“Let’s get her attention.” Wooshik prompted before raising his hand and hollered, “Excuse me, Miss! We’d like to order.” Once you gave that table’s food, your eyes sought for your following table to attend to until you saw a hand held up. Your eyes widened at your discovery.

Not only were they attractive, but you knew who they were. Park Seojoon and Choi Wooshik were big-time actors in the country and potentially the world. Also, as an avid drama junkie who watched every drama and movie they were in, you could say you were a fan.

But obviously, you hid the fan in you away. As of now, they were somehow customers of the family-owned restaurant in a dangerous part of the city. You were good at hiding your emotions, which was fairly easy when you walked toward them with your customer service smile and gentle approach.

“Hi, welcome to DanDan. I’m ___. I’ll be serving you today.” You greeted to their liking, and you knew this because they smiled so beautifully back. “What can I get for you?” As they ordered, you wrote it down in detail as some orders were modified. They wanted dishes that weren’t spicy, no added coconut shavings, and no lemon on one. It was very particular, but you went with it. You’ve experienced picky eaters in the past, as a waitress and in life in general.

You repeated their order, just in case you misheard, but they agreed to all. “Oh, before I forget, any drinks besides two cups of water?”

“Can we get three bottles of soju, and one coke.” Wooshik asked politely. “Oh, also three cups of water. Our other friend is in the bathroom right now.”

Hmm, another friend, they say. You wondered who it may be, Hyungsik? You knew some actors were friends with them, so it could be. You didn’t want to get your hopes high, but you couldn’t help but think if the other guy exceeded your expectations.

You nodded mindlessly, “Okay, got your orders. I will be back with your drinks.” You turned your back as you walked towards the kitchen but stopped when Kenji came out with no task.

“Oh my God, Ken. Those men!” You whispered at your coworker so no one would hear. “Do you know who they are?”

“No? Am I supposed to know?” He denied it, taking a glimpse of the men talking to one another.

“That’s Park Seojoon and Choi Wooshik!” You beamed.

“Oh my God,” Kenji gasped. “I still don’t give a fuck.” Your mouth dropped as you scorned him.

Taehyung finally left the bathroom, walking down the hallway. While he did his business, he also thought about his happiness. The topic seemed to be under the spotlight in his brain, wanting to be recognized. He wanted happiness, like, who doesn’t? He loved when he was happy. Everything felt safe, comforting, and relaxing in his life. But it felt physically and mentally impossible for him now when those memories of when he was happy had a person in them, a specific person. Someone who truly made him feel alive and shined hope into his life.

But alas, she was no more after events that were too shameful for his liking.

All these thoughts weren’t getting him anywhere. Maybe he should give up on therapy. It was all Clara’s idea, and he just went with it to stop her pestering. It had its pros and cons, but he doesn’t know where he stood with it but him going was something? Like what was said, there was now no hope, and life dragged him. Walls seemed to cave in on him, testing how far he could go.

Then he paused at the end of the passageway with dilated pupils.

He felt his body freeze up, unable to take control of his limbs. His breath stopped for a second to gaze. His growling stomach rumbled with his anxiousness. He had to blink twice to see if it wasn’t his imagination.

It couldn’t be; this was impossible; there was no way. The disbelief was vivid on his face but slowly made his jaw drop in shock as he processed the reality of it all. The door of lost longing memories opened with a flood as it crashed into his mind. Years of joy washed before his very eyes, years of hope sparked his nerves, years of happiness flashed on his face, and the years of the childhood friend he once had were right in front of him back after almost a decade apart.

“___?”

Tagged: @manuosorioh @kaal-ee

#taehyung x reader #taehyung fic #taehyung fanfiction #kim taehyung x reader #taehyung smut #taehyung angst #taehyung fluff #kim taehyung fanfic #kim taehyung #bts fanfic #bts fluff #bts smut #bts x reader #matcha masterlist

236 notes · View notes