#and we're gonna visit her parents and some old high school friends

[deadrocks]

Next month I am returning to the motherland (Michigan) and I'm excited. Except for the fact that I'm still unemployed and traveling (even road trips) isn't cheap. But I'm sure I'll make it all turn out fine, somehow.

[weirdthoughtsandideas]

I've written a lot of fics, but I do have a lot of original work too. I decided to share some.

I'm gonna put them up into sections.

First section is called "stuff I wrote when I was younger and gave up on":

I am not gonna include stuff I wrote under the age of 10. I'm gonna include stuff I wrote from age 11-15 and thought "this will be a big hit if I just finish writing it".

There was this one story about an entire class of students getting expelled from their school, so they are sent to this boarding school where ~wacky stuff~ happen. All I remember is that they all slept in the same room and there was these giant bunk beds - like we're talking 10+ beds on top of each other. There were two of these 10+ bed bunk beds and then the remaining kids got to sleep in hammocks tied together in the roof??

This story about a girl who discovers she could visit people in their dreams. So she decides to visit all of her classmates and kiss them in their dreams, just so she could see their reactions at school the next day. I mean, what if everyone in class dreamt about the same person kissing them and then seeing said person? Chaos and confusion ensues.

I kinda predicted covid, except I was a bit off. In like 2013/2014, I wrote a story that said that in 2017, a pandemic would come and take a lot of lives. Two girls pass away in this disease, and then when their mutual best friend grows up, she gets pregnant with twins and names them after her lost friends. But, here is the plot twist: Her children are possessed by the spirits of her best friends. So not only have she named her children after them, it's also them *reborn*... oooooohhhh. Also I had too many jokes about her best friends reacting that they were teenagers now trapped in babies' bodies, instead of like. Moving on with the story-

I had this full world of characters that I thought would eventually be included in some animated show I was so sure I'd make and it would be famous. Anyway, it was about these 12 year old twins that were going through life. They had a neighbour who had a rainbow T-shirt and a guy friend who was all silly but he had a tragic past. There was not much plot tbh, everyone just vibed and I just liked drawing them in different scenarios. They still live in my head. I may or may not have created a blog about them when I was 11 and I posted drawings of them there and I have no idea how to delete that blog so it's still there on the internet somewhere.

I have always been liking stories about large families and I have tried to make countless stories based on large families I’ve had on the Sims. They have never gotten far. I have also tried to create stories based on moviestarplanet films.

Alright, and now we are moving on to ”stories I am trying to write every now and then”.

These include two primary ones. The first one is called ”The Six Spins”. You will def see where I have gotten inspo from.

There is six siblings in a household. Oldest is almost 16 and the youngest is 10 months. Their surname is Spins.

They find out their parents have died in a plane crash, so now they gotta live with one of their relatives.

The relatives try to discuss where to put them, and many want to split them up cause no one can take all six. Until their father’s cousin takes them.

He lives up north at the countryside (in which country they live in, it’s never stated. I gave them pretty western names though, and I am wondering if I should change some to make it more diverse + unclear where they really are from).

They find out they are neighbours with these twins named Matias and Martina. I originally wanted them to be named Marcus and Martina but people would think I’d got that from the norwegian twin duo (Markus and Martinus). And it’s very important the other twin is named Martina.

One of the Spins siblings have this thing for Martina and they have a deep conversation in a tree. I actually wrote this very tree scene for a ”short scene” in my writing class in high school and I got an A for it 😊 Which has been my biggest wish in all my years in school - go get top score for a creative writing assignment.

Something is incredibly weird with the twins’ dad. Like his whole vibe is off.

One day, the twins’ mother is missing. They later find her corpse.

After they did, the father suddenly takes the twins and drives tf away from there. So it’s up to the Spins siblings to go look for them.

Here I am not as sure about all the details. I know all six will sit on a rooftop in a city and they’ll also meet their aunt who is like ”wtf are you doing here does your guardian know you’re on the run” and they are like ”Yeah we left a note”

And here is my other story. Currently unnamed and does not have as much plot yet. But I wanna make a comic or something about it later.

It’s about a girl named Monica who when she was 1 lost her parents in a car crash (don’t ask what it is with me and crashes), so she grows up with her aunt and her cousin.

Her aunt is cold asf and both her and her cousin have trauma from her during their childhood. But at some points, they get along fine with their aunt. It depends on the day, really.

Monica is starting upper secondary/high school. I again do not know in which country this should take place in, and I will base it kinda on my own school system… but she starts 10th grade, that is all you need to know.

She gets a friend who is blonde and that is all I know about her looks and personality rn. One time she follows this friend home and learns she’s an identical triplet, so there is just a bunch of pics of three identical girls everywhere.

She also has two other friends who has this thing going on in the bg kind of. One time they start getting a bit intimate in an empty classroom and Monica walks in and then at the same second walks out again before even reacting. Hard to explain, but kinda like this Violetta scene:

Both her and her cousin are WLW in some way and they kinda bond over it. Her cousin has a bigger plot regarding it, though.

The rest is just random half-done scenes in my head that makes no sense or have no context.

So Yeah! That are some original stuff I have written or am trying to write.

[anissanightyoung]

Of kisses and Roman traditions

[SUMMARY] Where Seungkwan enjoys kissing you and blames it on the Romans.

Idk what this is. Fluff? Flirty!Seungkwan definitely. Oh and noona!reader😁

3,087 words

HAPPY 6 YEARS TO MY BOYS💖💎

masterlist

You and Seungkwan have already kissed on three occasions. You didn't want to put too much thought into it, and you never mentioned it anyway. But sometimes it's hard to stop thinking about what those kisses mean.

The first kiss was at Seungkwan's house. All your friends were already asleep, tired of playing all his board games, and drunk innumerable bottles of liquor. You had finished cleaning up when Seungkwan came towards you. "Yah, why did you clean? This is my apartment.” You laughed at his half-asleep state, you could see just how tired he was trying to beat Soonyoung with one drunk. He did his best, but Soonyoung kept giving him +2s and +4s of tequila or vodka and mixing alcohol in Seungkwan's system ended badly. He threw up twice overnight.

"Look at you, hangover's gonna bite your ass in the morning. And you know I can't sleep when this place is trashed." You can hear him laughing lazily, trying to stay awake. "Come on, let's get you to bed." Seungkwan grins, "Starving. Creamy cheese bagels. Feed me?" You laughed at his antiques. You met him a year ago, and you know drunk Seungkwan needs to eat before he goes to bed. "This is a way of waking up hangover-free, noona. You should try it." But you know that Seungkwan will still have a headache the following day, with an Americano as a telling sign.

"You're too cute for your own good, do you know that?" You joked to him, shaking your head. You were warming up the bagel when he took your hand. "Happy anniversary, noona."

"What?"

"Do you think I wouldn't remember? It's the anniversary of the first time we met.”

"What a sappy, sappy man you are." You laugh while finishing his sandwich. You turned around to face him and said "ah" so he could take a bite out of the bagel. When he did, it was as if he had tasted food for the first time. When he had already swallowed his first bite, he suddenly threw his arms into your waist, swallowing you in a cuddle. That surprised you because he's not usually that sweet, and now he's very touchy.

"What are you doing?" You asked him when he set his bagel down on the counter and tugged the ends of your shirt pulling you closer to him. This is the only time you have noticed how he is a few inches taller than you, and that he has long eyelashes a bit like those of a baby. You were that close to notice that. He slowly bent over your face, staring directly at your lips, waiting for you to stop him. When you didn't, he closed the gap between the two of you and kissed you softly.

When he retired, he laid his head upon the counter and slept his intoxication away. You figured he’s too wasted to have done so. When you asked about the kiss the next day, he brushed it off, saying,  “Sorry, got wasted trying to beat that tiger hyung.”  

“Just don’t do it again okay? Friends don’t do that.”

“Yepp,” popping the last letter, “I’ll take you to your favorite burger place to make it up to you.” He drags you to his car while holding your hand. When he was driving, he held your hand still. “Hey, it's not okay to kiss, but it's okay to hold hands?” There was complete silence.

“Friends can hold hands, sure. When did friends start kissing on the lips?

“Friends with benefits do.”

“Ya are you asking me to? Cause you know I’m not into that kind of shit!”

Seungkwan laughed at your outburst. “Joking noona, sheesh. You’re getting old.”

“Shut it, I’m barely a year older than you.”

Throughout the ride, he didn't let go of your hand. However, you didn't seem to mind the extra warmth.

The second kiss took place around a campfire.

Soonyoung told the three of you that he wanted to go for a drive, and you were shocked when he suddenly parked by a beach. You never asked how Soonyoung got all of your clothes and other belongings, but he seemed to need the view of a peaceful ocean at night, so you all decided. You were already there, and the semester had just ended.

While you and Seungkwan were eating dinner you bought near the store, Seokmin began jamming to a guitar and singing his heart out. Soonyoung was on the lookout for the beach's caretaker to inquire about some wood for a campfire.

“I swear, I know Soonyoung oppa is the most spontaneous of us all, but I never expected him to be this bad. Is it really because of the finals?” 

“He may look carefree, but hyung goes through a lot,” Seokmin chuckled. You understand; everybody has their own way of dealing with their baggage, and Soonyoung's are to be daring and laugh his problems away.

“Minnie, can you play the song you submitted for your music class as a group project?” Campfire?” You believe it is appropriate for the atmosphere of the evening. While Seokmin was singing, you glanced over at Soonyoung to see how he was doing. His smile is beaming, and his eyes are glassy as he takes in the stunning scenery in front of him. You were relieved to see that his plan worked.

You looked at Seungkwan, realizing that this was his first time hearing the track. “Kwannie, pay attention to the next line. It's comforting.” You sang with Seokmin when the part came up. It reminds you of how Seungkwan made getting out of bed easier every day. Your anxiety held you awake at night or made you fearful of what might happen the next day. But Seungkwan, he unintentionally shone on you at a difficult period. Slowly but steadily, you began to anticipate waking up knowing that he would face the day with you.

Soonyoung accompanied Seokmin to the market to buy some food after he finished jamming due to his hunger. It was time for you to jam. Of course, you'd choose Taylor Swift's The Way I Loved You, in honor of her Fearless cover. You've always admired Taylor Swift's music, especially the older songs because you identify with the words she wrote. You were grateful for how her music got you through your childish heartbreaks.

You were so engrossed in Seungkwan's angelic voice that you didn't know he was already squatting in front of you. Both of you were grinning at each other when the last chord was struck, and you kissed him as though it were nothing out of the ordinary. The kiss felt right; it felt like it was what completed the song you were singing; it felt like the happy ending the song promised. To keep your balance, you clutched his arm. When you jerked away from him when you awoke from your daydream, he immediately drew you back in and kissed you again, squeezing your hand three times.

The four of you had agreed to spend Christmas Day at Seokmin's. Your mother didn't let you hear the end of it when you told them you couldn't come home because your family has always been conventional. Your mother guilt-tripping you to come home, saying, "We're family, we're supposed to spend time together." “Ah, well, families are supposed to support one another, not nag each other to death when one fails to meet one's expectations.” After that, you hang up, assuming that if you don't agree, your mother will say something else that you don't want or need to hear.

Seungkwan was supposed to pick you up, so while you were waiting for him, you double-checked everything you'd packed to make sure you hadn't forgotten anything. Seungkwan's introduction of Soonyoung and Seokmin is one of the things for which you are grateful. You've outgrown your crappy friends from high school, so the trio is a breath of fresh air for you.

You place your bags in the trunk as soon as you see his car, like a little kid heading to Disney World. “Thanks for picking me up, Kwannie,” she said, beaming. You excitedly slid down to the passenger seat. He immediately hugged you once you were sitting, saying, "Ah noona, you're in a good mood?" You can see his smile doesn't reach his eyes when you've broken free from the embrace. He's giving you a fake one.

“This is my first trip away from my home. I already know it'll be a lot of fun.”

“Really? At Seokmin Hyung's house, you'll feel right at home. His mother prepares the most delicious Christmas dinner. My mother's cooking pales in comparison.” Seungkwan once gave you a dish made by her mother, and one bite was enough to make you feel like you'd died and gone peacefully to heaven. The fact that Seokmin's mother cooks better piqued your curiosity. “Ah really? Then I'd really have to give it a taste.” He smiled again, the false smile, and you're starting to get bothered by it.

“What are you doing, Kwannie?” You're giving me this strange grin.”

“What do you mean strange?”

“Fake smile. It's the first time you've feigned a smile at me. What’s up?”

“You can see right through me, can't you?”

“Yes, I do. Would you like to talk about it?”

“Nope. But I'd like to take your hand.”

Seungkwan is holding your hand and exhaling contentedly. He kept it until you arrived at Seokmin's house.

Seokmin's house is warm and inviting. They live in a house on a corner with a vibrant garden surrounding it. The living room has an L-shaped couch that can comfortably seat all four of you, with additional seating available. Seokmin and his sister have a wall full of family photos and accomplishments. You can tell Seokmin's parents are a laid-back, loving family, as shown by his kindness and good humor. You don't know if it was the long ride, but you fell asleep as soon as you sat on their couch after the house tour.

When you first awoke, you chose to visit their garden, which you recall has a swing set. Seungkwan is seated by himself.

You teased, "Where are your twins?"

“They went grocery shopping with Mrs. Lee.”

“What kept you from going?”

“Too exhausted from driving.”

“Then you should've just slept with me.”

Seungkwan swung his head in your direction right away. “I-uh, what?”

Then it dawned on you what you'd said. This is so humiliating. “Sleep!” you exclaimed, “Sleeping, with eyes closed and resting-“

“I never expected you to finally ask me-”

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAY "FINALLY" YOU LITTLE SHIT?”

He laughed out loud at your reaction while you chased him around the backyard. He quit running around after you told him that you wouldn't smack him in the head.

“I hate you.”

That made Seungkwan stop laughing.

“Do you regret meeting me?”

You were surprised at his sudden change of tone, no longer joking. “Is this what it’s all about?”

“Well. Yeah.”

“I'm not sure what got you to think like that. You said, “But you know our first meeting was a flop.” When people meet for the first time, they usually ask for each other's names, go through some more tedious formalities, and then seal the deal with a handshake. You had an early class with him, and you didn't mind sharing a seat with him almost every time because you thought he was one of the quiet ones. The year was difficult for you because things didn't go your way, you had a lot of misfortunes, and you had a lot of work piling up that was affecting your mental health.

As you sat down in your chair one fateful morning, you put your cup of coffee on your side of the table. This is where Seungkwan got his drink mixed up with yours because you both have the same coffee taste.

“- flop is an exaggeration for that noona-”

“-you drank my coffee in our 8 a.m. class thinking it was yours, I'll never forgive you.” Reliving that moment made you roll your eyes. “But you know what? You wouldn't have replaced it if you hadn't, and I wouldn't have had the best year of my life.” It may seem to be an exaggeration, but it is true. You were grateful for Seungkwan's carefree and playful personality, which helped you get through your lowest point. He had no idea what you were going through, but you were relieved that someone was taking care of you.

He can be seen chewing his mouth, attempting to conceal his smile. “Ah dumb main character in a drama,” air quotes the phrase, ‘I wish I hadn't met you.' “I instantly thought of you.”

“Huh, that's strange.”

“What is?”

“That. As I previously said, this has been the best year I've had in, what, three years? And it's all thanks to you. I might be harsh with you all of the time, cursing at you whenever I get the chance, but that's just how I am. I'm glad I got you as one of my most reliable friends, my rock, and my go-to person. Even Seokmin and Soonyoung oppa were introduced to me by you. Seungkwan, I'd rather live in a world with you in it. Don’t think otherwise.”

Seungkwan stared at you and felt a combination of emotions. He kissed you when he understood what he felt.  At first, you thought it’ll be quick like the last time, a peck. But he deepened the kiss, and when his tongue touched yours, you hear him groan. He tugged you closer, afraid you’ll get away. He reassuringly held your hands, squeezing them three times just like the second time. I can get used to this. You thought. You focused on his soft lips, how you’ve always felt content while kissing him.

He pulled away, his chest heaving for breath. “Holy shit,” Seungkwan said. You nodded in agreement, apparently unable to concentrate because of your heart beating so loudly.

“I-, uh, I--”

“I thought we’ve talked this through?-”

He sighed deeply before adding, “I-I got cold. Sorry, noona.”

“You dumb shit, if you were cold, I would have made you hot chocolate. I’m nice sometimes you know.”

“I don't mind,” he smirked, “you're hotter anyway.”

“What the heck is wrong with you? I swear to god, you've been flirting with me since that drunk uno shit.”

“It's a Roman thing to kiss under the mistletoe,” he said, pointing to the mistletoe he was carrying.

You both laughed it off, thinking about how ridiculous it sounded. “Roman tradition my ass.”

You and Seungkwan are both in the hospital on New Year's Eve.

“Ah, what a dumb plan you had there,” you exclaimed, staring at him in disbelief.

“Well, I've always wanted to go out of my comfort zone...”

You give him a light smack on the head. “Shut up. Now I'm trapped in a hospital over New Year's because of your dumb plan.”

It's never a good idea to combine Seungkwan with hiking. Sure, he's fit, but when was the last time he went hiking?

“Then have Seokmin hyung or Soonyoung hyung accompany me.”

“They're still at Seokmin's.” You and Seungkwan both arrived at your dorms earlier than anticipated. After all, you didn't want to overstay your welcome; it was your first time. You were worried that Seokmin's mother would think you were too at ease in their home.

“Well, if you want to go home, you can.”

“Who will look after you if I go home?”

For a moment, Seungkwan didn't dare add a sarcastic comment on that question. So, instead, “Come on y/n, don't be so mad...”

“Where are your manners, I'm your noona?”

“three kisses in and I still can't call you by your name?”

You blushed when you remembered all of the times Boo SeungKwan kissed you and how sweet his soft lips were.

“Noona is blushing, wah.”

“I hope your ankle doesn’t heal you little shit.”

Raising his eyebrows at you. "You don't mean that. You love me."

"Of course I do. I love all three of you."

He reached for your hand. "I bet you love me more." There it was again, Seungkwan surprising you with his sudden seriousness. He was staring straight into your eyes, waiting for your response. Luckily, a nurse came in to check his vitals.

 A few minutes after the nurse came out, both of you were ignoring each other due to that sudden tension. To ease the situation, both of you just watched television until you fell asleep.

"Y/n wake up." Nudging you by your shoulders. "We're nearing the countdown. Cmon," and urged you to stand by the window, waiting for the fireworks.

Seungkwan then leaned in to put an earphone in, with a song already playing in the background. You realized it was a song written by Soonyoung's classmate, Woozi, for a songwriting class. You were bopping your head to the music when the ten-second countdown started. 

You and Seungkwan alternately sang along.

10

9

"I promise myself, while drinking a glass of water in the morning, to tell you"

새벽에 물을 마시면서 혼자 다짐해 나는 너에게

8

7

"Beautiful words like the lines in a movie"

영화처럼 달콤하고 예쁜 그 말

6

5

"The words I've prepared overnight for days"

몇 날 며칠 밤새 연습했던 그 말

4

3

"I want to say them to you tomorrow with clenched fists"

내일은 꼭 두 주먹을 꽉 쥐고 말해주고 싶어

2

1

Seungkwan turned to face you just in time for the next line.

"You are pretty." 

너 예쁘다

As soon as the clock struck twelve and the fireworks went off, Seungkwan kissed you. What astonished you was how you knew he was about to kiss you and how you returned the kiss with fervor as he deepened it. You can't help but compare this man to fireworks; how dark it was before him, and how awestruck you were when he came into your life.

Seungkwan was the first to back away, touching his forehead to yours and giggling like a joyful little kid. “Did you know that it’s a Roman tradition to kiss on the first minute of the new year?”

“Blaming the Romans again, I see?” playfully raising your eyebrows at him.

He laughed at that, giving you no excuse. "I love you, Y/n."

You grinned as you silently thank the Romans for their weird traditions.

[supercalvin]

Hi! I saw your ficlet that you wrote to cheer up someone who came out and didn't have a good experience with it and I was wondering if you could maybe write another one? My girlfriend and I came out at the same time and no one's taking it too well. We're both big fans of Merlin and especially your ficlets. I was wondering if you can write a nice supportive coming out ficlet to maybe cheer her up?

So I will tell you what I said to @ancient-depressed-druid over on that other ficlet: *Immediately drops all other prompts* LOOK AT ME. I’M THE PARENT NOW.

NEVER SPEAK TO ME OR MY KIDS EVER AGAIN

1. I hope you don’t mind that I based on a fic idea my friend gave me. It’s really funny, although it’s not necessarily a ‘coming out fic’ I hope its enough to cheer you both up.

2. This turned out wayyy too long again. Whoops.

3. Did I take 20 min to make that image?? YES I DID

Prompts + Ficlets

***

Balinor arrived at the oral surgeon’s office with a sigh. To say that this was not how Balinor expected to spend his afternoon would be an understatement.

“I’m here to pick up Arthur Pendragon,” He told the receptionist.

There were a lot of things about the last fifteen years of Balinor’s life that he hadn’t expected. For one thing, he hadn’t expected to run into an old flame when he moved to Camelot. He hadn’t expected her to have a little toddler at her ankles who had looked so similar to Balinor it actually knocked the breath out of him the first time he saw Merlin.

He hadn’t expected to fall back in love with Hunith or to suddenly become a full-time Dad as Hunith worked full-time at the local senior home.

He also hadn’t expected when Merlin came out to him, but Hunith had admonished him for not noticing Merlin’s small probing conversation starters before. Balinor had never been very good at social cues. Merlin had gotten all those genes from his mother.

“Da, can Arthur come over after school tomorrow?”

“Who’s Arthur? You’ve not mentioned him before.” Balinor had asked, not looking up from the wood he had been cutting. (Merlin had become an avid reader and needed a new bookshelf in his room. Merlin had said they could just buy one but Balinor had insisted on making one for him.)

“Um…Well… He’s my boyfriend. Maybe.”

Balinor had looked up at that. Merlin had his arms wrapped around himself and he had hovered by the door, as if he was about to run out.

Balinor had nodded, “Fine. But you have to keep your door open when he’s here.”

“Da,” Merlin’s face had been bright red, but he had also looked pleased.

“Get back here,” Balinor had stopped him before Merlin bolted out the door. Balinor had pulled his son into a quick hug and pressed a kiss to his hair. At seventeen years old, Merlin was skinny and soon he would be just as tall as Balinor himself. When that day came, Balinor would miss being able to coddle him so easily.

“Thanks, Da.”

“Don’t be too happy, I haven’t met this Arthur yet.”

On principle, Balinor did not like Arthur. No one would be good enough for Merlin, but especially not some spoiled brat. Hunith liked Arthur, which was the only reason Balinor tolerated Merlin having the kid over as often as he did. It wasn’t that he was mean to Arthur (of course not) it was just that Merlin was the most important thing in Balinor’s life, and there was a high possibility that young love would turn to young heartbreak. Balinor only wished he could spare his son that.

Today, Arthur was getting his wisdom teeth removed and the original plan was for Hunith and Merlin to pick him up. Apparently, Uther was on a business that had been scheduled for the same week as Arthur’s surgery. But then Merlin had had to help his Uncle Gaius at the shop and then there had been an emergency at the senior home and Hunith couldn’t do it.

Which left Balinor.

Balinor was ushered into the back room where Arthur was holding an icepack to his face, eyes glazed over.

“Arthur?” Balinor leant down to catch the boy’s eye.

Arthur blinked a few times and then he seemed to recognize Balinor.

“Mr. Emrysss!” He said with what Balinor assumed was a smile, although his cheeks were so puffed that it was hard to tell. “Ow.”

“Careful of the stitches,” The nurse said. “Maybe get a milkshake, love.”

“Milkshake,” Arthur said with wide eyes, looking up at Balinor.

Shit.

Which is how Balinor found himself driving down the road trying to remember the closest ice cream shop.

“Sorry you got stuck with me. I know you don’t like me.”

Balinor was surprised that despite the slow and slurred speech Arthur seemed aware enough to say this.

“I don’t dislike you. You’re dating my son. I’m just watching out for Merlin.”

“’das fair.” Arthur said and then poked his own cheek a few times.

“Stop that. You’ll pull the stitches.” Balinor pulled his hands away from his face.

Arthur sat on his hands, looking like a scolded five-year-old instead of a bratty teenager.

Arthur still seemed very out of it and didn’t say much for another few minutes. He might have dozed off, but he woke up again when Balinor handed him a vanilla milkshake.

“’hanks”

With a bit of sugar into him, Arthur became decidedly more chatty.

“You know, I really do like Merlin.”

“I would hope so,” Balinor said as he drove.

“I love him, actually. Haven’t told him yet. Scarred.”

Balinor’s heart tugged a bit. He wasn’t heartless. He just worried over Merlin. But he could also recognize that Arthur was also a young boy in the throes of first love too.

“Don’t be scarred of your own feelings, Arthur.” Balinor said, a phrase that he had told Merlin many times before.

“Not what my Dad says. Always tells me to get over it.”

Balinor had only ever met Uther once, but he was starting to really not like the man. Really, what kind of man had a business trip on the same week as his son’s surgery?

“You know, I really respect you.” Arthur said, “You’re always so good to Merlin. And saying things like that about feelings. Even if you’re all stoic. I like that. Wish my Dad was like that instead of just being an asshole. Shit, sorry for cursing.”

Balinor had to hold in a laugh, although it was hard. The poor kid was out of his mind on pain meds.

“You know, when Merlin invites me over on Sundays, and Ms. E makes dinner and we watch a film, it’s like the best thing that happens to me all week.”

At a stop sign, Balinor looked over at Arthur who was cradling his milkshake with reverent hands. He also was looking out the window, not really aware of Balinor. As if he was just saying his internal monologue out loud.

“Sometimes I don’t see my Dad all week and I’m alone in a big house for days in a row.” Arthur said, his voice sounding distant, “Dad doesn’t have a clue about Merlin. He barely knows I’m alive, let alone gay. So I’m glad Merlin has you,” Arthur looked back over at Balinor, suddenly pinning him in his seat with round dilated eyes. “You’re a good Dad. Maybe you don’t like me, but it’s because you want Merlin to have the best. That’s alright by me. I don’t think I’m good enough for Merlin either. But I’ll stick around because he wants me to.”

Balinor cleared his throat and turned back to the road after realizing he had been stopped at a stop sign for over a minute.

***

A week later, Arthur was fully recovering from the surgery and he had no recollection of anything he said to Balinor. As far as he was aware, he got a milkshake, took a nap, and woke up groggy on the Emrys’ front room sofa.

The following Sunday, Arthur was invited to their family dinner. Afterwards, when Arthur offered to do the dishes, Balinor quietly started drying, telling Hunith and Merlin to go pick a film.

There was tension pouring off Arthur in waves.

“We’re going on a family trip to Ireland in the summer,” Balinor said, wiping down a pan.

“Yeah, Merlin told me. Sounds nice,” Arthur said awkwardly.

“You’re invited.”

“What?” Arthur dropped the bowl back into the soapy water with a loud ‘plop.’

Balinor made eye contact with Arthur, who looked utterly baffled. “Do you want to go?”

“I mean…uh,” Arthur blinked.

“It’d be nice for you to come,” Balinor said. “Merlin would be ecstatic. You two could go off sightseeing while Hunith and I visit old friends.”

“You wouldn’t mind?”

“Arthur,” Balinor said, trying to make himself clear. “Merlin didn’t ask me. He doesn’t even know I’m asking you. I’m asking because I want you to come along.”

Arthur nodded. His mouth was still half open in surprise. “Yeah. Um. I’d like that. Thanks.”

“Good,” Balinor dried off another plate and ruffled Arthur’s hair. “Finish up here. Those two are likely picking some horrible film. I need your vote against another historical drama.”

Arthur looked baffled, but he also looked pleased.

Good, Balinor thought. Maybe it wasn’t too bad having another son around the house.

***

Prompts + Ficlets

Balinor said, “Is anyone gonna adopt this kid?” and then didn’t wait for an answer.

[wearenot7withu]

pairing : jungkook x reader

genre : fluff,bestfriends!au, friendstolovers!au

warning : maybe some swearing, a little bit of jealousy

word count : 2,420 words

summary : Do you know what’s better than summer? Having a summer job as a lifeguard. You are by the water, the sun is making you look tan and of course, your lifeguard partner isn’t a bad thing to see either. Luckily - or well not so much, you’re not the only one thinking that. Will the bad green monster come out or can you be on your best behavior?

masterlist

a/n : so here’s my jungkook as a lifeguard scenario. i hope you like it, your feedbacks are welcome. i really enjoyed writing this, tho i’m more of an angst type of girl so this was challenging for me. nevertheless i’m kinda happy with the outcome hope you are too ♥ also thank you for your feedbacks for the business trip 

July is the month of water. The perfect time to go to the beach, take a vacation at some seaside city, or if you don't have a seashore near you, you can enjoy the swimming pools at the local thermal spa. 

Since you were a child, you loved swimming. You were waiting all year round for summer so you can finally swim. So when you were nine years old, your parents signed you up for the local swim team, and in high school, you became part of the school's girl's swim club too. When your first working summer came, your choice was obvious. You applied to be a lifeguard, and ever since you were sixteen years old, you have come back every summer.

Your first two years went by uneventfully. The first year you got to know the other workers, so during the second year, you were already familiar with everyone. The third-year was a little bit interesting. Jeon Jungkook, the school's number one swimmer, captain of the boy's swim team, the boyfriend of the school's cheer captain joined your little lifeguard group. You two went to the same high school, enjoyed the same sport, but you’ve never really talked with each other. He was the top of the school's social ladder, and even though you were a swim captain too, you liked to be in the background. But that summer - which was already three years ago, oh God time flies by so fast - you two became friends. Best friends actually. You can imagine everyone's face when on the first day back in school he asked you to sit next to him and his friends at lunch. 

Before Jungkook, you had a few friends, was in a good relationship with everyone, and didn't despise anyone. But as said, that was before Jungkook. The first person you lowkey hated was Jiha, his girlfriend. She was a bitch to Jungkook, and even though he knew how to handle her behavior, you still didn't like her. Thankfully they broke up.  Jungkook dumped her before the winter formal and asked you to go with him - but strictly only as friends. Although life had another plan because by the time spring formal came, you were together.

Like it was said before, it's been three years since that. It's again a summer working as a lifeguard with your boyfriend, which is getting harder and harder every year. Have you seen his body? Besides having a masterpiece face, his body is just the cherry on the top, and sadly you're not the only one enjoying the view.

"You know, you're a lifeguard, right?"

A voice pulled you back into reality. You turned your head towards the source of the sound with a confused look on your face.

"Jungkook, we've been doing this for summers... I think pretty much the whole town knows that" you said matter-of-factly.

"But you can't save lives if you're daydreaming"

"I wasn't daydreaming" you defended yourself.

"Admit it, you were daydreaming about me"

"Keep on dreaming, pretty boy"

"You think I'm pretty?"

"Well, I'm not with you because of your brain" you smiled at him.

"Careful y/n or I might throw you into the water" You put your hands up in front of your chest, showing that you're stepping down from this fight. 

"I'm gonna go check the kids' pool" He leaned towards you to give you a kiss.

"Bring me a bottle of water on your way back please"

As he was walking away you looked around. You saw a few ladies' heads following your boyfriend, but you can't really blame them. As long as they're only looking, you're kind of alright with that. As you were waiting for your partner to come back, two girls started jumping into the pool. You blew your whistle, which made everyone look at you. You signaled an X with your arms to the girls, who only rolled their eyes. You hate these I'm the center of the world type of girls. They think the rules aren't for them. 

As Jungkook was walking back, he blew his whistle too. The girls were now giggling. He gave you the bottle of water and sat beside you.

"You know I was thinking" you hummed so he can continue. "I don't want us to come back next year" he shrugged.

"What? Why?" you looked at him with a surprised expression.

"Boys are looking at your tits, checking out your ass, and like yeah, I know they're good and everything but you're still my girl" he gestured around us as if you're not dealing with this same issue.

"Kook, those girls were just now giggling at your attention and are keep on jumping into the pool just so you can acknowledge them again" And because it was true, you blew the whistle. Again.

"And you're fine with it?" You shrugged.

"I'm not fine with their presence, but only because they're annoying. Those who only look at you are can't be blamed" you stood up and sat in his lap "You know, that's what you get for having this gorgeous badass lifeguard girl as your girlfriend" you kissed his cheek both side, then gave a little peck on his lips. "And that's" you pointed towards the jumping girls "what I get for having one of the towns most chased man as my boyfriend" 

He gave you a kiss, and another one, and another one. "They're still jumping" you sighed at that.

"Come with me?" With him, you arrived next to the girls. "I kindly ask you to continue your jumping at the swimmer's pool, this pool isn't for hopping"

"Oh, really?" the two girls looked at each other, then the taller one with light brown hair and tanned skin took a step towards Jungkook. "Can you show me where is that? I think I don't know" Calm down y/n.

"It's two pools away" you answered.

She took another step and now started to play with her hair. "I still don't know"

Jungkook stepped aside, lifted his arm and pointed towards the swimmer's pool "Right there, in front of you" The girl seemed to understand he's not interested. You smiled at her, with a smile which said HA! Told you to go away! 

The day went by after that calmly. A few kids crying, one person bumped into another underwater but nothing major happened. When your shift ended, you two went to take a shower - separately, of course, then Jungkook took you home to your parents' house. "You coming in?" you asked him.

"I promised my brother I will go with him looking for an engagement ring"

You squealed a little "Is he planning to propose Mayah?" He nodded.

You bid him goodbye with a kiss and went inside. You've been living together off-campus during school since starting college, but for the summers, you always go back home to your roots.

The next day you woke up a little later than you should've, which meant total chaos for the morning. On top of that, you didn't have time to eat, because when Jungkook pulled up in front of the house, you were still in your sleeping clothes.

"Your hair looks like you've been fucked through the whole night" greeted your dearest boyfriend. You rolled your eyes at that

"Yeah my other boyfriend visited" you said sarcastically. "Where are you signed today?"

After figuring out you weren't on the same pool duty, you didn't talk that much, not that you were in the car for a long time. "See you at clock-out" He gave you a kiss on your cheek and we said bye. 

Today you'd been paired up with Josie, she was your partner for the first time when you started back in the days. "Are you ready for the old people?"

Her question made you snicker. "I would rather be at the kids' pool for a week"

You replied with a sigh, and Josie erupted in a laugh. It's true, little kids might be louder and more energetic, but old people are on a whole new level. They usually want to play matchmakers for their grandchildren.

"So how you and prince charming have been?" you laughed at the name Josie gave to Jungkook.

"I still don't get why you're calling him that, but we're good" you nod your head with a fond smile on your face "better than ever actually"

"That's good to hear"

Your stomach made some strange noise, signaling it's time for food. You told Josie you're gonna go grab something to eat from one of the food stalls. As you were waiting for your kung pao, you felt someone's presence very close to you. When you turned around, arms were caging you and the familiar smell hit your nose.

"Thanks for the baguette babe, but how can you not know I don't like pickles?" What? What baguette?

"Mmmm what are you talking about Kook?" you grabbed your meal before turning towards him and motioning towards the benches.

"Your memory is not that good anymore, you're getting old" He joked, and you kicked his leg under the table which made him chuckle with a boyish laugh.

"I slept through my alarm Jungkook, I didn't have the time to eat or buy a meal until now" you sighed, somebody must've been trying to get his attention with this. You have to say this is a new boldness, like this has never happened before.

"I have a secret admirer!" you clapped your hands yaaay because my mouth was full.

After finishing your breakfast slash lunch, you went back to Josie. You asked her about her new job and talked about college. She told you some funny stories which have happened to her there and you laughed a lot. From time to time some elders came up to you, showing pictures or pointing towards their grandsons. Sadly for them, both Josie and you are taken so you had to decline their propositions. You would be surprised how disappointed they can be once they find out they plan won't work out. OR how persistent they can be, they can't take no for an answer. That's the two end, no between. When that happens, you feel better with either Jungkook or one of the male colleagues. They're pretty much all Jungkook's friend, which means yours are too.

Clock-out quickly came, and you were cleaning the pools where you were assigned through the day for the other shift’s workers. To get to the locker rooms, you have to go beside the pool where you're boyfriend is on duty for the day. You thought you two will go to the changing rooms together, but as you get there you only see Taehyung cleaning.

"Did Jungkook leave you in the dirt alone?" You beamed at him. He turned his head towards you with a smile but quickly replaced it with a confused expression.

"Why aren't you at the bar?" he asked,

"Why would I be at the bar?" You asked back.

"You left a note to Jungkook to meet you at the bar at 3" You pointed at yourself asking him that you left a note.

"I didn't leave any note, is the note here though?" Taehyung pointed towards the trashcan.

Thank God it was at the top so you didn't have to rummage through it. Reading the note, you didn't know if you should feel offended because he didn't recognize your handwriting, or to be furious because someone actually dared to ask him on a date. You crumbled the note in your hand and made your way towards the bar.

Arriving at the bar you saw your boyfriend and the girl from yesterday. That made your blood boil so much more than before. Poor guy was looking around, searching for someone - you, while the girl was trying to make a good impression on him. You counted to twenty in your head, so you wouldn't jump at the girl first thing. Jungkook's face lighted up seeing you, although he realized something's not right.

"Excuse me" you tapped on the girl's shoulder "I would really appreciate it if you wouldn't try to shoot your shot with my boyfriend." You stepped beside Jungkook, who automatically back hugged you.

"He wasn't really rejecting me though" You’re gonna tear this bitch hair out 

"Listen here you little - " a hand muffled your mouth.

"I didn't really give you the time of the day, I was just being nice and answered you" The girl's face turned red and stomped away from the bar.

"I should've known you wouldn't write me a letter" you hummed while turning towards him.

"Yeah, and you should've recognized my handwriting. I mean c'mon, how many times did I give you my notes in school."

Jungkook mumbled a quiet sorry. He looked like a kid, who was told not to eat any sweets until his vegetables were off from his plate. "What do you think about you, me, in my room doing a Frozen marathon?"

"Alright, but we have to stop at my parents' house first"

So that's what you did. After taking a shower Jungkook drove you to your childhood home. While you packed away your things, Jungkook had a quick chat with your dad  ... about the lawn? You said bye to your mom and joined the two men at the porch.

"I'm ready" you said hugging your dad. He tightened his grip around you and with a serious expression he said to Jungkook

"No funny business" For a minute neither you nor Jungkook could say anything.

You couldn't tell why did your dad say that, and Jungkook probably shit himself. He started to stutter when your dad let out a big laugh. Hearing his laugh, Jungkook also let out an awkward chuckle.

"Alright dad, bye" You said and pulled Jungkook by his hand to his car.

"What the hell was that?" Jungkook asked once you were in the vehicle.

You shrugged "it's not like he doesn't know we do funny business"

"Don't call it that" He commanded, which lead you to repeat it like ten times.

Arriving at his house you helped his mom to make dinner. Following dinner, you started to watch Frozen.

"You know I love you right?" Jungkook asked after a while.

You were already half-asleep, you didn't have the strength to answer properly. You mumbled a quite love you too and snuggled closer to him. You were happily asleep after only moments.

[chiradipdakshi]

Novel: 3 On 1

Author: Chiradip Dakshi

Chapter 1: The Unknown Girl

Genre: College, Slice of Life, Romance, Comedy, Fiction

[ The bell rings]

"Fuck off! I will sure make sure this clock is thrown out in the trash. It's unbearable."

Oh, the story started? Sorry about that. Hello, I am Johnny Western. I'm nineteen years old teen guy. I didn't have much for a hobby. The only hobby I have is basketball. I used to go running about five kilometres daily, but today, I am too late to go for running. It has been about three months since I graduated from Sylvia high, a local renowned high school in the city of Toronto. My family lives in New York City but I had to transfer to Toronto due to the school. It us embarrassing to say, but all girls in my high school were fan of me. Today's is my first day of college. I had no talents for science so I picked up to study Archaeology since I knew taking this subject will help me to go around different parts of the world. When I was in twelfth grade, I used to see travelling videos and it inspired me that I should also go to see the world.

It was a nice weather outside. Birds chirping all over the garden, green everywhere although there was a broad road going across the middle of the society. We had a garden at the back of my house. Actually, my parents had me rented a house near the college I would be visiting. The house was purely white with a garage at the front, a swimming pool at the back. I had a dream to become a YouTuber, so I made a separate studio for me in the first floor. The theme was for gaming. The reason I woke up late was because I went sleeping late because of a live stream, Ha-ha. So, coming to my morning routine. Specifically, nothing, just a shower before college, a bowl of corn flakes with milk. I heavy breakfast light because I heard that there is a short break after having two consecutive lectures. So, I'm late. See you at the college.

[Meanwhile, Arthur running.]

Hello I'm Arthur Rowland. Nice to meet you. I'm eighteen. My hobby is painting. I barely go outside unless my friends ask me out. A little shy. Prefer not to speak, unless necessary. So, after running about three kilometres, I go to the convenience store and take some necessary groceries for the day which includes bread, some instant ramen, and some vegetables. Alright, coming to my extraordinary personalities. Since I was in the second last year of my high school, I had a knack towards photography. So, I joined the photography club of our high school. If you think that what's the use of photography club in high school, then I must tell you the answer. Fortunately, we work with the newspaper club and send them the necessary photographs they need for a particular article and for that they used to share thirty percent of the total budget they get for the year since the budget for the photography club was the lowest of all the clubs in the high school. Beside this, school student council used to ask us out during any fest or any event in the school. And for that we get a fixed amount of money. And I am proud that I was the president of our photography club. But now all things have changed. Now is the time for us to go to a college. So, I'll be joining the same college as Johnny, whom you all heard before. I will be taking arts in the college since this could help me to carry forward my dream of becoming a photographer. Like we said, we are besties. Hehe!

[The phone rings]

"Yes coming!" Arthur shouted.

"Hello! Oh, it's you Johnny! Long-time no call bro. How have you been?"

"Yeah bro, I'm fine. See, we are going to the same college. So, I think we should join the same club. So, choose accordingly" Johnny from the other side.

"Ye... Yeah bro! Of course, if we get so."

Finding a trembling voice over the phone, Johnny got disgusted. " Hey, hey, hey! What you mean by probably? We definitely be joining the same club. By the way where are you now?"

"What's the time?"

"It's nine."

"Oh, fuck man! We're gonna be late bro? I haven't even entered my house yet. The college is from ten. Uuggggh! " Arthur shouted suddenly in between the public.

"Huh! That's why I tell you, be punctual. See I am ready. Just left to have my breakfast. " Johnny with pride.

"Tell me, have to gone running today?"

"Y...ye...Yes! Of course, I've gone."

"Stop lying bro!"

"Heh. You surely see through me all the time. Have you call the other idiot? "

"Who? Tom?"

"Yeah!"

"No. But don't worry. He'll just be alright."

[Meanwhile, Tom sneezes.]

Hello, I'm Tom Henderson, age same as Johnny, meaning Arthur is the youngest among us three. I like experimenting pranks over the other two. I never wasted their weekends without pulling pranks on them. I didn't listen to them. I have a good quality. I always break a serious mood of my friends. And Arthur and Johnny would accept me as they knew that I was only guy who helped them to understand that however may be the reason, we shouldn't let ourselves down and step back from the important days of our lives.

"Who the hell is talking about me?' said Tom after sneezing.

[Phone rings]

"Where are you?" Arthur called.

"In my house. But why? Anything bad happened?"

"Nothing bad but it's worst. We are late for school, man"

"What's the time?" Tom asked curiously.

"Fifteen minutes to start"

"Damn, man! I'm late." Tom keeps the phone in the bag and smiles for a second.

Arthur took the metro and boarded off at 1459 London Road. Then he kept running as fast as he could as it was almost three minutes remaining to enter the campus. On the last minute, Johnny entered. "Ooof...at last we managed" Arthur while relaxing. "But wait, hasn't Tom been here yet?

[From their back]

"Greetings, my friend! Long time no see! How have you all been?" Tom surprises both of them. "I thought you are late since you told me that you were late." "I lied" Tom after smiling. "You damn brat" Johnny got angry. "I'm sorry bro" Tom rubbing the hand at the back of the head. "My family members are all thin even if they eat all the junk food, even me too" Tom after smiling. "Why are we exercising Johnny? Is it that necessary? I'm envious of Tom's physique" Arthur with his crying face.

"Hey, we are late, run!" They started running along the corridors as fast as they could. They decided to enter through the second door, the back of the auditorium where the freshers meeting will be held.

[An unknown girl came running blindly from the front door and got crashed with the three boys]

"Ow! S...Sorry! I wasn't looking" the girl said.

"Don't worry! We weren't looking, so it was our fault too. We should apologize."

When the girl raised his head, something happened at her heart. It felt like she got her future prince. Normally, a girl gets only one prince but here is the story of a girl fascinated by the three boys. The girl blushed out and ran away. The last thing went over the boys' head.4

"What was that?" Johnny asked.

"I don't know."

And the three of them stared at the empty corridor with the girl running out. What will happen in the story? How will the girl react if they meet them again? Find out as the story continues.

                                  ***

If you like, do follow me @chiradipdakshi for new parts. See ya again❤😉

[kenmasgameboy]

PIPSQUEAK

a kuroo x gangmember!reader

summary;

" you like to cause a bit of trouble, pipsqueak?"

" pipsqueak? seriously?"

Life for you got turned upside down after your first year at Nekoma high. Realizing it was too dangerous, your parents sent you back to live in Miyagi and attend Karasuno with your old friends. Kuroo Tetsuro, the Police Chiefs son, comes into contact with you in the most unexpected way possible, bringing trouble wherever you both go.

—————————-

Prologue.

      High school was never that interesting to you. Though, you'll admit that it was a good way to help the days pass. You always found different games to help.

At first, games to you meant sneaking out of the house, slashing tires, almost getting arrested, going to parties. You had a bad reputation. You had been mixed up with all the wrong people before at your old school. But now you were going to turn your life around. Even if that means that now games to you would mean studying. Kind of.

         The closest you'd probably get to your new life would be getting in trouble for minor things at school. For example, falling asleep in class was a specialty of yours. Truly, an art form. Waking up to that sweet slap of a ruler against your desk was better than any alarm clock you'd ever hear. The rush in your chest, the heat to your cheeks, the sweaty palms. Incredible. But that is it. You promised your mother that this year you would be making her proud at Karasuno. You wouldn't be hanging out with those "thugs" as she liked to call them. You would keep up, maybe pay attention, and maybe make some more real friends.

       The truth was that school never felt like a real challenge to you. Sure there were plenty of difficult subjects that made you feel stupid but you always kept out of the drama, minded your business, and kept your head down. It was fine. There really was a target on your back now that you were the new girl at school though, and you had adjusted week by week meeting new people and reuniting with some old ones, too. But ultimately you decided the social system just wasn't made for you. There wasn't really a good place for you to fit in, or maybe it just wasn't comparing to the kind of family you made before.

      Today was one of those days where your motivation was at its peak, you were taking good notes. Studied for a quiz, been overly diligent. Then that sweet beautiful sound of the lunch bell rang, you pulled out your food, grabbed your skateboard, and left the classroom in a bit of a hurry. As you were leaving you started to hear a conversation:

      Dude, don't worry, I have it completely handled. Watch...

      "(Y/N)!" Narita, your classmate called for you once you exited the room and into the hallway. He stood next to Ennoshita who looked like he would explode any second. You knew Narita, him and Ennoshita were in Class 4 with you and you really didn't have that many real friends at school but you wouldn't mind calling them that. They were some of the friends you were reunited with from middle school, they were a big comfort to you when you transferred in.

      "Hey, how's it going?" You slowly walked over, trying to find your excuse to leave and take a nap without seeming impolite.

      "Great, good. Thanks, yourself?" Narita answered for him and Ennoshita. He also seemed in a hurry for some reason but was much worse at covering it up.

      "Pretty tired, but uh, for the most part—" You started but your sentence didn't last long.

      "You should come to my party! Uh— Our party. We're having a party it would probably wake you up. It's in Tokyo! I mean—" Narita came in strong.

       "Nice, buddy. You really do got this handled." Was all Ennoshita followed it up with, "Gotta go, see you guys in class."

       "A party?" You laughed a little, just because these guys were anything but the partying type. You started walking and Narita was following you like a hawk, "Don't you guys have volleyball practice or something?"

        "Yeah, of course. But not this Friday night! I mean technically we do but we'll be done at 6:30. Party can start at 7:30." Narita followed up, "All the volleyball guys will be there, too. We have a summer training camp in Tokyo starting on Monday so this is kind of the only day we can get everyone together. We already had our friends from Nekoma invite pretty much everyone they knew."

       "N-Nekoma, huh?" Your smile wavered, "That sounds like it'll be really fun for you guys. Thanks for the invite, but I don't really know anyone on your team. Plus, I can't get to Tokyo by 7:30." You said, declining as well as you could without making your answer too suspicious.

       "Well, yeah about that. Um, by 'it's in Tokyo' what I meant to say was Tokyo guys will be there. They're volleyball players, too, actually." He explained, rubbing the back of his neck and adjusting his satchel, trying his best to act cool and lean against the vending machine you were using.

       "So, it's a Volleyball mixer with you guys and a bunch of guys from Tokyo but it's not in Tokyo? Where is it, then?" You asked for the elaboration, kind of liking this dancing way to get to the point.

        "Yes, well and other schools in Miyagi, too. It's a lot of schools, I mean I'm talking Nekoma, Fukorodani, Aoba Johsai, Johzenji, Date Tech, Shiratorizawa.. maybe.. Inarizaki.. and more.. again maybe. But it's at Kinoshita's house. Which is still kinda far, but it has a pool! His family is loaded and they'll all be gone this weekend." Narita finally got to the point.

        "Sounds like it'll be a good time for you guys. I'm happy for you, sounds like you've made a lot of friends from other schools." You cheers'd your milk to him and started walking again to find a place to eat.

        "No, no. Girls will be there, too. It's kinda the whole point."

        "You really have to work on your pitch." You said plainly.

        "Please, I need your help (Y/N). I was put in charge of getting girls to come to this party." Narita begged, you couldn't help but let out a laugh at his desperation. In all your years of knowing him and being in the same classes you had never seen him talk to a single girl who wasn't in a group project or something related to it.

        "Why you?"

        "It was either me or Tanaka."

        "Oh, then definitely you are the better choice." You agreed, having known just from the previous stories he's told you. "Interesting proposition. I'll think about it."

       "You'll think about it and say yes?" He tried, "Every time I talk to a pretty girl I feel like I'm going to throw up, I can't talk to groups of girls and invite them to a party. But you're likable, more well known now since you're the new girl."

       "First of all, rude that I don't make you want to throw up. I'm pretty, sometimes."

       "Fair."

        "How about, I'll say yes if you tell me who it is you have a crush on, which girl you most want at this party then I'll help out." You offered. Narita thought for a minute as you started eating your lunch.

       "Fine." He nodded, "This is my duty to my boys." Then he leaned into your ear and whispered the name of the prettiest and smartest girl in your class: Ichika Yua. Ichika was going to be a tough sell.

       "Alright. A deals a deal. You've given me a secret and I will do what I can do. How many girls do you need, anyway? Are we going for a 1:1 ratio or..?"

       "No, these guys need a much higher chance I think. Let's try a 4:1 ratio."

       "Yeah, actually you're gonna take what you can get."

       "Yes, ma'am."

        "Now give me the rundown on your team. I don't really know any of them and I need to know for my pitches I have to do this week. And don't think because I'm doing some work means that you can slack off okay. I really only know 2nd-year girls, if you want 3rd year or 1st you have to go to them. You need to try too. Also, will there be alcohol?" You listed off your demands and were straight forward. Narita made a slow nod,

        "Oh, I almost forgot. Do you know any girls from Nekoma who could come?" He asked you the dreaded question.

        Yup, you were originally supposed to spend your high school years at Nekoma High School. When you were entering high school your dad got a job offer in Tokyo, forcing you to move out there after middle school. Then after everything happened, your Mom knew it was too risky to let you live out in Tokyo still and she shipped you back here to go to Karasuno and live in a small apartment by yourself. You have family friends who come to check on you and your parents visit when they can. It's not horrible, at least now you get to come back to streets more familiar.

      "Um, I think the girls I knew from Nekoma aren't exactly the girls you want at a party. Besides, you should just ask your volleyball brethren to ask some girls and pull their weight. Or are they too pretty for you to talk to?" You teased Narita and knocked his head.

      "Hey, girls are girls." Narita held his head from where you knocked it.

      "Sure, if thats the case then the next time you see me I better be seeing some chunks."

     You and Narita continued to eat lunch together that day. Until you realized you only had a limited amount of time left and had to use the bathroom before class so you excused yourself. You skated away around the outside of the courtyard with a bun in your mouth and around some of your other classmates, waving.

        "Dude, uh. Who was that?" A guy with an aggressive appearance walked up to Narita, having walked past a few minutes before but stayed just to gawk.

        "Huh? (Y/N)?" Narita clarified, innocently.

        "(Y/N)... wow. What a beautiful name." Tanaka sighed in simp, "Is she our year?"

        "Yeah, man. She's in my class. You never noticed her before? I'm surprised she was the talk of Karasuno guys for like the whole first week of this year." He laughed. "She is technically new to Karasuno this year. But she's from Miyagi, I've known her since grade school."

        "My babe sensor has been reserved for Kiyoko only recently. Trying to be loyal." He humphed, "You guys a thing?"

       "What? No, no." Narita laughed, "No, we've just been friends for a while. She's helping me get girls to come to the party on Friday."

       Tanaka jumped up with optimism, "Yes! This is going to be the best party of our high school lives!"

       "I hope so." Narita rubbed his neck to try and tame his nerves again.

       "(Y/N).." Tanaka sighed again, "You know who's gonna go nuts when they get a look at her, right?"

       "I know."

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next

Thank you so much for reading!! Please let me know what you think and keep reading!!

[ghostlight-express]

Thinking that maybe since Rena's grandparents (still haven't decided if they're maternal or paternal bc I haven't decided much of anything for her parents besides them being super chill to the point where they're late for everything & they like gardening) we're from Sinnoh, Rena decided to learn Sinnohan (like maybe in high school they had language classes like in American high schools but it's Kalosian, whatever German Pokémon is, and whatever this new Spain inspired region is called, but I've heard of some high schools also having Chinese or Russian so maybe they have a class for Kantonian, maybe just for my purposes I'll say they have a class for Sinnohan but it can be like how my high school's German classes ended up where not many people signed up so while maybe Sinnohan I had like 15 students, Sinnohan II had like 7 and you need at least 5 students for a class so when Rena was a junior there was no Sinnohan III and maybe she was one of like 3 students in Sinnohan Club so they ended up kinda just continuing to teach themselves together after school idk for the record I took French all 4 years but I had friends who took German and ended up joining German Club & one of them made a little packet for me to learn some basics but I don't think I ever finished the packet)

And actually I just remembered that since Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh are all based on regions of Japan that they would probably all speak the same language (just with different dialects of course). So I guess the class would be whatever language that is, but Rena did research on her own specific to the Sinnohan dialect so I'm just gonna keep calling it Sinnohan here.

So anyway, Rena can speak Sinnohan and will speak it with her grandparents when they visit or whatever.

Years later when she gets yoinked to Hisui it comes in a little handy but ancient Hisuian is still very different from modern Sinnohan. When she initially meets Laventon & he's speaking Hisuian she's like "oh shit I can barely understand what he's saying" but when he introduces herself she's like "that name sounds Galarian, plus his clothes aren't very ancient Sinnohan" and says something in Galarian & of course Laventon is excited that this random woman he found on the beach speaks his first language! And Rena is relieved that even if it's old Galarian, it's easier to understand than Hisuian. Of course, since throughout the game she's surrounded by the Hisuian language she picks up on it quickly and is able to sound less weird to the locals after a little while after all my French teacher always said that the best way to learn a language is to be surrounded by it, since it's how everyone learns their first language, just by picking up meanings based on context clues. When she meets Ingo there she's surprised by how he's picked up the language when as far as she knew, he only knew modern Galarian back home. At some point after she's started letting herself hang out with him she tries speaking Galarian with him and he's initially a little confused because he can perfectly understand what she's saying, he understands that it's some form of Galarian but it's different from the way that Laventon speaks. I think Ingo would like to visit Laventon (even before the start of PLA) just because he's easier to communicate with. Hell, maybe Irida took Ingo to meet Laventon early on because he sounded a little bit like the galaxy team professor. Maybe Laventon helped Ingo learn to understand Hisuian?

At any rate, when Rena & Ingo make it back home to modern Unova, there's a bit of a culture shock (especially for Ingo since he had been living in Hisui longer than Rena). Ingo has recovered quite a bit of his memory by the time they return, but there's still quite a bit of adjustment to be had. If Ingo is quiet for a while but then needs to say something to someone, he may accidentally say it in Hisuian first. (The first time he says something to Sol in Hisuian, with his naturally booming voice, she's so startled that she almost cries, and then when Ingo apologizes she start profusely apologizing for her reaction. It takes Emmet or Rena intervening to break the sorry loop.) Or he may start a sentence in Galarian but then it turns into Hisuian without him realizing it.

Even though the adjustment is easier for Rena, early on she may still say some things in Hisuian or a jumbled mix of Hisuian with modern Sinnohan. Occasionally when she greets Ingo she may accidentally do it in Hisuian before correcting herself.

Rena & Ingo will absolutely speak in Hisuian to each other on purpose if they don't want anyone around them to know what they're saying.

Perhaps Rena starts helping Ingo learn modern Sinnohan as well. Then Sol asks if she can teach her too, & then Emmet doesn't want to get left out. Rena doesn't have her notes from high school, but she still has online resources bookmarked so she compiles them & finds more, as well as reaching out to the teacher from high school to ask for the old syllabi.

Sol initially has a hard time learning because she's a very hands on kind of learner, but Rena checks out some language CDs from the library for her & doing the whole listening & repeating back thing helps her a lot. She'll listen to them at work, and sometimes she'll put one on when she's working on a project at home (but she'll inevitably hyperfocus on the project & then suddenly realize that "it's been quiet for a little while now? Oh shit the CD is over, I could've sworn I just put it in a few minutes ago, has it really already been an hour????" and ends up bringing up a Sinnoh radio station on her phone to just have the music at least in the background while she works).

And of course they teach their kids Sinnohan too! Rena's son picks it up as easily as he does Galarian (in part because he is his mother's biological child, and in part because he's learning both alongside each other). Since Sol's daughters were adopted at elementary school age they haven't been learning it as long as their little brother & may initially be resistant to it, but when they realize that most of the kids at school don't speak it they suddenly find it very cool (they think it's a language that only their family speaks so they'll end up practicing together at recess. When one of the other teachers overhears them and corrects their grammar or something they get very upset & their parents have to explain that there's a whole region full of people who speak that language and plenty of them come to Unova. The girls are a little disappointed but still eager to learn. When they end up having that teacher as their homeroom teacher the following year they're kinda excited & end up trying to be teachers pets. The teacher may give them some old books of theirs to read as well).

[punkscowardschampions]

Rio & Grace

Rio: Gracie! Can't tie either parental down so you're unlucky enough to be my first port of call Rio: If I come down this week (half term, right? God I feel old not knowing, ick!) how many of yous are gonna be about? Wanna catch all of you if I can Grace: I'm not surprised, Nico thinks mum's charger is the most fun thing EVER and you know dad still kicks it like he's at some 70s disco instead of a restaurant kitchen. So cringe! Grace: Iggy's took off in the van and Pablo's never here even when he is (ugh we get it, you're hanging shush) but everyone else maybe? Grace: Unless Junior's nerding it up idk Rio: Bless them, you'll miss them when you go Rio: Mum and Dad, the cats, only your faves and Nico is a little bitch 😂 Rio: Good enough for me! Sure enough I'll only hold any of yas down for a hot second regardless Rio: What've you been up to? Got any fun plans then? Grace: 😂 No way they're the worst and won't give me the chance Grace: Ask Janis they're always in her grill now she has a bf she can't ever peel herself off of Grace: Gurl you better make time for me! 😚 London's like another planet and I need that goss Grace: Gotta keep uploading that 🐰🐣 content Grace: but keeping it lowkey 👌 Rio: They're highkey nerds, tis true, least they give a shit, eh? 😘 Rio: Fucking knew it, sneaky bitch. I asked her at NYE and she said nah but I KNEW Rio: Ugh, gonna give her SO much shit when I come back 😂 Rio: Duh! My goss might not set the teenybop influencer world alight but think you'll be into it Rio: Also, got some lush bunny ears from work you can style up if you like, there's the content Rio: Very Ariana Grace: We're so blessed 🙏 Grace: OMFG THANK YOU 👏 she's such a lying bitch Grace: And they are so 😍💍💘 it's HONESTLY disgusting like I can't Grace: YAS 👑!! babes I knew I was missing you Grace: Such a mood Rio: 🙌 Rio: Steady on 😂 Fill me on the beef before I'm taking sides Rio: Can't roll like that babe 🙉 Rio: Is he a twat? I could barely get a look in, hot property with the whole fam that night not just Jan, like 😏 Rio: Right? My turn to THANK YOU 'cos all the other girls were raging after me lemme tell you, saying it reeked of misogyny and cheesy old school playboy Rio: Not educated in Hef paving the way for ladies being allowed to be sexual, ESP the sistas 💣💥 Rio: Its iconic, yeah? Like hush Grace: Honey not even! Now he's got her feeling the 💖 we all benefit Grace: Like from 💀 to 😍!! Grace: Here's the thing he's NICE!! 😮 How and who tf !! 😂 In THESE ends Grace: He's pimped my feed with his 📷 more that once. Lush! Grace: Trust her to find the one decent lad Grace: OMG how shaming! it's literally so on point I feel bad for how off they are. Beyond awkward Grace: 👯💜 Rio: Can't argue with that Rio: It'll be nice to see her happy Rio: All of yous Rio: Yeah, had noticed your new lad was off the feed Rio: Just not the one or do I need to crack skulls on YOUR behalf? Spill! 😘 Maybe Gus has had his 💔 Rio: Right? Not complaining when they were raking in the tips and looking fly doing it, this is why Vinnie listens to me and not them though so 💋 win win for me Grace: 🤞 Grace: UGH don't go there babe Grace: I'm off men rn 🙏 so you can relax Grace: Give Gus and Diego their time to shine 😂 Grace: OMG PLEASE say you can finally get me in sometime soon! 💋 Rio: Good girl 👍 Rio: Me too, more trouble than they're worth, and I'll always check what they're worth, feel me Rio: Love 'em 😂 I'd say they keep me sane but not with the shenanigans they still manage to get themselves into, nah lads Rio: You're old enough that I can vouch for you with him to get you in but Imma need to go out in Dubo with you first Rio: See how you handle your liquor, can't be risking the boss' license if you're gonna get #WGW 😏 Grace: I 100% swear down that D has a 💘 at his school but he's pulling a Jan over it so Grace: Yay! I'm buzzing Grace: Say when and I'll be on it Grace: The vibe looks EPIC in every insta it's 💕 Rio: Surely not! My babies! 😭 Rio: I've changed all ya nappies, it ain't right, I tell ya! 👵 Rio: Whenever you can pencil me in darling 💋 If you come back on the plane with me you'll only have to do the one back alone Rio: Unless you want to bring a mate but you've gotta vouch for them 'cos I don't know them enough to put my name on the line, they ain't my little sister 💛 Grace: 😂😂 I had to go full spa on him cos he was 🙎 and not vibing with the sheet masks he'd been stealing from me for WEEKS 😂😂 Grace: He's so 😍 for someone Grace: This is HAPPENING 👌 Mum'll say yes cos it's obvs for my mental health Grace: It's enough for collab our schedules tbh imagine trying to get the squad hooked up Rio: Aww! What a little sweetie! 😭 Giving me so much fodder to get 'em all with, yas gurl! 🙊 Rio: She defs knows the benefit of letting ya hair down and if she disagrees then she ain't our Muvva 👽 Rio: Same when I was your age, so many parties, so much time stretching ahead...ugh, hark at me Rio: Speaking of though, Pabs has managed to keep outta the drunk tanks since my last visit, yeah? 🙄 Chief Grace: I'd say go easy cos the acne is !! but where was mine was I was a 🍕 me and payback are bitches that have each other's backs like 😂 Grace: So welcome 💋 remember who treated you right hun 😚 Grace: Oh babe that's proper tragic 😂 Are you okay?! Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: I'd lie to spare your feels but I can't even cos he is not forgiven! Fuck him truly Rio: Way harsh babe! Gotta share that knowledge and spot treatment 🙏 older sib duties ✌ you only gotta look out for them 3, feel MY pain when I wanna be a petty bitch please 😉😂 Rio: Clearly not, like...What tf am I like? 🙈 Rio: Still in the dog house then...I hope little miss tiny tits is too, seen her being snide on the 'gram Rio: we know she's no 😇 so as long as she's getting her share of the 💩 from you, I ain't judging on the Pabs score 👌 Grace: 😈 LMAO jks obvs I'm living for getting to flex like that Grace: Nobody else lets me near their face, their loss but still BOO Grace: Ugh yes cos he doesn't even see that he did me WRONG she was trying he's just an idiot and its like BOY NO Grace: Never learning them lessons Grace: 🚫 No worries there she's BEYOND cancelled 🚫 Grace: I hate that bitch Rio: That's why you gotta get them clients honey, just you wait, people will be BEGGIN' for your time and expertise 😘 Rio: Yeah, he's a fool in general though Rio: Not to say that ain't valid, 'cos 100% babe, but it wasn't personal, like Rio: Try to remember that 'cos he's not that boy, no matter what typa foolishness he's caught up in rn 😒 Rio: 👏 I like what I'm hearing, Gracie! So much growth! Rio: Here for it Grace: I feel you but also it's like idk it was personal to me cos she was my best friend and he knew that Grace: On some level idk Grace: Whatever I'm trying to be over it Grace: There's bigger 🐠 Rio: Fair Rio: Idk if he knows he knew...Mouthful Rio: Give him time and a chance, but that's it, sensible big sister said her piece on that, you're free to go on doing what you're doing 😜 Grace: Thanks 👑 Grace: Rio, I can forreal come to london right? Like you're not just shhing me Grace: I'm so done with this place atm Rio: Of course you can Rio: As long as the 'rents sign off on it, you can stay for as long as you like Rio: That's Dubo for ya...gets under your skin Rio: Anything else I can do, tho? Grace: 💜 Grace: Ugh it's just everything Grace: There's barely anything I can do Grace: Ignore me I'm a hormonal 👾 Rio: Have you had your B12 and folates checked? Billie and Edie were anaemic you should double-check 'cos that will have you feeling rough as Grace: 👼 You're adorbs Grace: Enough of my chatter anyway, how are you? Rio: 👀 okurr but we're coming back to this later Rio: 'cos I'm same old same old Rio: Nothing beyond the promised goss of London to report Rio: No boys, remember? Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: Oh please you always have a boy Grace: Spill it Rio: 😨 Swear on my life, babe! Rio: Nothing and no one Grace: We're twinning then 💕 Grace: Do tell Janis 😂 Rio: Coming for ya brand Rio: Shameless 😏 like to think I could pass, not that old or having THAT crisis tho, jfc Grace: 👯💣🔥 Grace: You're flawless babe don't even stress Grace: when I'm your age I'll have to pray Rio: Aww, you doll, extra brownie points for boosting my ego 💋 Rio: What you chattin'?! We're all babes, lbr Grace: 😂 shhh avó be repping herself hard in me and no offence 👵 it's not goals 💔 lmao Grace: obrigado,... mas não, obrigado like she rocks it but she's also way old so Grace: the struggle is real 😂 Rio: You're mad gal Rio: don't be wasting your youth hating on what you'll miss Rio: though we all age like fine wine, avó paving the way 💣 Rio: Ma was onto something having us so young Grace: Don't let her hear you say that Grace: My ears are still ringing from her calling me out Rio: umm Rio: BISH YOU WHAT Grace: 🤷 No drama just Rio: You weren't on the pill? Or missed a day? Rio: We've all had the scare but I never got as far as needing to tell Mum Rio: You poor thing! 😨🙈 Grace: Well obvs that was my bad but she only made me die about a thousand times Grace: I survived Rio: Eeep! Rio: At least she didn't march you down the clinic in a shame cone like most would round here Grace: OMG like she made me go but my ootd was my own doing 🙏 Rio: Not so much as a high collar in sight 🙌 Rio: Explains your hormones though, babe, that shit will FUCK you up for ages Rio: so no worries there Grace: I know exactly what I'm in for Grace: Ugh Rio: Forreals Rio: Who'd be a fucking woman, eh? Grace: Mia. To fuck over the others Grace: kms Rio: 😂 Rio: Fueled by her PMS that one Grace: [Sends her 2 very similar selfies} which one do you vibe the most with? Rio: 1st one, s'more natural Rio: smile ALMOST reaches your eyes Grace: lmao Grace: Thanks babes Rio: if you gonna fake it 'til you make it Rio: gotta keep you the realest, ain't I? 😉 Grace: gotta keep me 😂 Rio: Wanna Rio: Blood ties aside 😘 Grace: 💜 Rio: Best get ready for work Rio: Could use you here to do my look for me, cba tonight 😐 blah Grace: I'd be living for that you know it but you'll be killing it with or without me, honey Grace: You got this gurl Rio: Cheers 🍸 Rio: I'll get the first round in when I see ya boo 💋 Grace: Yay! So excited 😚