#as in 6 are empty and 3 are full and have 1 of 3 'themes'

[post-mortem-lullabies]

"Free knives for the Stabby Day."

[whumptober]

Whumptober 2023

Welcome to Whumptober 2023 — the sixth year running!

COMPLETIONISTS/PARTICIPANT BADGES CAN BE FOUND HERE

To those of you who participated last year, welcome back! To everyone joining this year, welcome!

Please make sure to read the Event Info carefully, as most of your questions will be answered there already. For everything else, you are welcome to come to our ask box or ask questions in our Discord server here.

This year’s AO3 Collection can be found here.

And this years playlist can be found here.

There are 139 prompt options in total this year - this is including the alternatives list! A special thanks goes out to those who took part in our trope vote back in July. From the 1526 responses to our list of 223 tropes, we looked through the popularity results, as well as your honourable mentions, and were able to produce this years prompts list. Stay tuned, as we will be posting some of the results at a later date!

We’re very excited to see the community come together once more and be a wild, chaotic bunch of creators and consumers of whump. Go wild with the prompts, and support your fellow creators - we wish you all the fun!

Best of luck and happy whumping,

Mods Vanne, Yenn, Kitty and Surro

(All 31 Themes + Prompts, Event Information and FAQs are posted below the cut!)

Whumptober 2023 Prompt List

No. 1: “But now this room is spinning while I’m trying just to fill in all the gaps.”

Safety Net | Swooning | “How many fingers am I holding up?”

No. 2: “I’ll call out your name, but you won’t call back.”

Thermometer | Delirium | “They don't care about you.”

No. 3: “Like crying out in empty rooms; with no-one there except the moon.”

Journal | Solitary Confinement | “Make it stop.”

No. 4: “I see the danger, It’s written there in your eyes.”

Cattle Prod | Shock | “You in there?”

No. 5: “You better pray I don't get up this time around.”

Debris | Pinned Down | “It's broken.”

No. 6: “Do or die, you’ll never make me; Because the world will never take my heart.”

Recording | Made to Watch | “It should have been me.”

No. 7: " “I paced around for hours on empty; I jumped at the slightest of sounds.”

Alleyway | Radio Silence | “Can you hear me?”

No. 8: “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier.”

Overcrowded ER | Outnumbered | “It’s all for nothing.”

No. 9: “Learning everything ain't what it seems, that's the thing about these days.”

Polaroid | Mistaken Identity | “You're a liar.”

No. 10: “Can’t you see that you’re lost without me?”

Broken Phone | Stranded | “You said you'd never leave.”

No. 11: “All the lights going dark and my hope’s destroyed.”

Animal trap | Captivity | “No one will find you.”

No. 12: “I haven't slept in days but who's counting?”

Red | Insomnia | “I’m up, I’m up.”

No. 13: “It comes and goes like the strength in your bones.”

Cold Compress | Infection | “I don’t feel so good.”

No. 14: “Feed me poison, fill me ‘till I drown.”

Flare | Water Inhalation | “Just hold on.”

No. 15: “I don't need you to help me I can handle things myself.”

Makeshift Bandages | Suppressed Suffering | “I’m fine.”

No. 16: “Would you lie with me and just forget the world?”

Gurney | Flatline | “Don’t go where I can’t follow.”

No. 17: “You’re the lump in my throat and the knot in my chest.”

Collar | Touch Aversion | “Leave me alone.”

No. 18: “I tend to deflect when I’m feeling threatened.”

Blindfold | Tortured For Information | “Hit them harder.”

No. 19: “I’ll take one final step, all you have to do is make me.”

Floral Bouquet | Psychological | “I’m not as stupid as you think I am.”

No. 20: “People don’t change people, time does.”

Blanket | Found Family | “You will regret touching them.”

No. 21: “See the chains around my feet.”

Vows | Restraints | “Don't move.”

No. 22: “They never saw us coming, ‘til they hit the floor.”

Glass Shard | Vehicular Accident | “Watch out!”

No. 23: “It’s gonna get me by the end of the night.”

Shadows | Stalking | “Who’s there?”

No. 24: “I’ve got a head full of chemicals; mouth full of ridicule.”

Goodbye Note | Neglect | “I thought they were with you.”

No. 25: “You’re not delivering a perfect body to the grave.”

Storm | Buried Alive | “They’re not breathing!”

No. 26: “Sometimes I get so tired; I don’t even know myself.”

Seeing Double | Working To Exhaustion | “You look awful.”

No. 27: “You drew stars around my scars; But now I’m bleeding.”

Matches | Scars | “Let me see”

No. 28: “We might not make it to the morning; so go on and tell me now.”

Bloody Knife | Sacrifice | “You'll have to go through me.”

No. 29: “I only sink deeper the deeper I think.”

Scented Candle | Troubled Past Resurfacing | “What happened to me?”

No. 30: “It’s okay, just to say, ‘I’m not okay’.”

Borrowed Clothing | Bridal Carry | “Not much longer...”

No. 31: “I thought that I was getting better.”

Emptiness | Setbacks | “Take it easy.”

Alternatives List:

Betrayal

Aftermath of Failure

Brass Knuckles

Decoy

Body Modification

Playing Cards

Examination

Hunting

Drugging

Shaking

Panic

Broken

Miscommunication

Lab Rat

Reluctant Whumper

Event Info & Rules

~ Please read our extensive event info posts before sending us an ask ~

WHUMPTOBER is a month-long, prompt-based creation challenge (think: Inktober, but whumpier). There are 31 official themes this year - one for each day of the month - which can be used, skipped, or combined in any way you’d like. The 'theme' of each day is the line of lyrics.

The prompts are merely to serve as inspiration without being taken literally (e.g. you don’t have to include the exact wording of prompts into your work). Feel free to run rampant on interpretation. For example, if the prompt is "flame", you could create something with reference to a candle/campfire, your character could have suffered a burn, or the flame could be related to the 'spark' of a relationship. It's truly up to you!

In total, there are 4 prompts for each day: there's lyrics, an object, a trope and a line of dialogue to choose from.  We want to give everyone as much creative freedom as possible, as well as increase event accessibility for folks with triggers and squicks.

Creators can PRODUCE work in any media they choose, including but not limited to: writing, visual artwork, photo/video/audio edits, paper crafts and elaborate recommendation lists (not just a list of links). Creators can PARTICIPATE as much or as little as they want (i.e. you don’t have to do ALL the prompts if you don’t want to) and prompts can be used in any order. They are also free to use even after the event ends.

When uploading Whumptober content to your blog, be sure to tag the with:

#whumptober2023 …..(the event tag)

#no.1, #no.2, #no.3, …..(day number)

#lyric, #bruises, #stabbing,  …..(the theme or specific prompt you chose)

#fandom or #OC, … (ironman, originalcontent, oc …)

#medium …..(gifs, fic, podcast, art, etc.)

#teeth, #gore tw, #etc …..(trigger warnings & any additional tags. Add "tw" AFTER the trigger/content warning. )

#nsfwhump …..(only for nsfw content)

#your own tags go here

PLEASE BE DILIGENT WITH YOUR TAGGING. Only properly tagged posts are considered for archiving on the official @whumptober-archive blog. They must be tagged in the order above. An elaborate post about our tagging system can be found [here]

Unfortunately, due to the sheer number of participants in recent years, we cannot guarantee your work will be archived. A random selection of properly tagged posts from all genres will be reblogged each day.

Whumpers who produce content for 31 total theme days are considered event completionists and will be tagged in a masterpost at the end of the month. A form will be published at the beginning of November asking you to tell us if you completed the event. You do not need to post anything you have created, we rely on trust and we will not check this.

Questions not addressed in one of our many event info posts can be directed to this blog. We will not answer any questions that have been answered in the FAQs or rules already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How does this year’s prompt list work? What do I have to choose?

You can create something based on:

The overall theme/lyric of the day

Prompt 1, 2 or 3

One or several of the alternative prompts

A combination of the above

Q. Is [specific anything] allowed?

When in doubt: JUST DO IT!

Q. Do I have to do all 31 days?

Participate as much or little as you like! Just be sure to tag your posts properly (ex. #no.7, #radio silence). If you create works for 31 total theme days you will become a completionist. But apart from that, there are no repercussions if you don’t fill prompts for each day.

Q. Can I post early/late?

Yes, you can post whenever you want. We will only reblog posts during October, but you can use our prompts all year round. The day you post will only affect your probability of being reblogged.

Q. Will you reblog my post?

Due to the sheer number of content posted during Whumptober we can’t promise to reblog every single post. We will make a random selection trying to capture a wide variety of content. The following will increase your chances at being reblogged:

tag your post properly

post within 2-3 days of the theme you want to fill: if you fill the prompt for Day 1 your chances of being reblogged during October 1st to 3rd are highest and will go towards zero afterwards.

Q. What if I don’t understand a prompt/theme?

Send us an ask! We’re happy to help with wild, unhelpful clarifications or brainstorming. That being said, the themes are entirely up for interpretation. Don’t take them too literally. For example: You can be choking on a cherry, someone else can choke you or you could be choked up on emotions, etc.

Q. What kind of content can I make? Can it be NSFW?

This is a MIXED MEDIA event! You can write fic, post meta, doodle or paint, create a gifset or photo edit, link a song, or get crafty with video - anything goes. As for NSFW, make what you like, we just hope that you’ll tag your work accordingly so that others participating in the event can stay safe.

Q. Can I combine Whumptober with other creation challenges?

Absolutely, as long as the other challenges allow it too.

Q. Can I upload/repost my Whumptober content to other social media platforms?

Of course! You can post your own content wherever you like (or you can opt to not publish it at all). Additionally we’ve created an AO3 Collection to archive any fics posted there. It can be accessed here. The tumblr blog @whumptober-archive is the official archive, so please respect the boundaries of any closeted whumpers in your social circle.

Q. Can I use prompts to write a new chapter for an existing fic?

Yes.

Q. An existing fic I am currently writing contains many of the Whumptober prompts, can I use it?

If you are actively writing this fic at the moment with the Whumptober prompts in mind, yes. If you’ve previously posted something that checks the boxes, we ask that you not include it retroactively for this current year. You can, however, add new chapters relating to one or more of the prompts.

Q. What kind of characters can I write for?

Fandom characters, OC characters, human, furry, alien, cyborg, RPF, whoever you like. You can use the generic “whumpee” character or have specific ones.

Q. Does it have to take place in a specific fandom?

No, you can create works for your own worlds or for fandoms or for both. You can also create more generic or pan-fandom works. You can do cross-overs or use OCs, whatever you want.

Q. Can I use a prompt multiple times?

Yes, but it only counts once towards being a completionist.

Q. If I’m not comfortable with one day’s prompts can I use a prompt of a different day as a substitute and still be a completionist?

No, you can’t exchange prompts for different days. However, if all four prompts of a specific day make you uncomfortable, we have created an alternate prompts list that you can draw from. You can exchange any prompt with these, but please make sure not to use them twice.

Q. Where can I post my work?

Post where and how you want. You don’t have to (cross)post it to Tumblr or at all. Just keep in mind if it’s not on Tumblr we will not be able to add it to the blog archive.

Q. Can I start posting early?

You can, but this is an October event and wouldn’t it be more fun with everyone doing it at the same time? That being said, you can post early, but we won’t be reblogging any work predating October 1st.

Q. Do I have to finish a fic I started/can I post WIP’s?

Yes you can post WIPs. And you’re not obligated to finish it in October for it to count towards being a completionist.  

Q. Is co-writing allowed?

Yes, absolutely, and it would count towards being a completionist for both/all of you.

Q. Do I have to create 31 standalone pieces to be considered a completionist or can I write one continuous story?

One continuous story is fine.  The challenge is to write something for 31 prompts. If that’s spread over 31 fics or just one, you are still considered a completionist. (The same goes for every other media you choose.)

Q. Is there a min/max limit on word count?

There is no limit.

Q. Can I combine prompts? Is there a limit on how many?

No limit and combine as many as you’d like.

Q. Is a hc/angst/emotional whump focus ok?

Of course! We are not going to establish a threshold for whumpiness. If you think it’s whumpy enough, then it’s whumpy enough. It can be physical, psychological, emotional, or any combination of the three.

Q. What’s considered nsfw?

See this post

Q. What is whump?

Typically the genre includes situations where a fictional character is hurt, be it emotionally, psychologically, or physically. Fanlore provides information here.

Q. My interpretation of the prompt isn’t whumpy at all, does that count?

If you don’t think your interpretation is whumpy, then it doesn’t count for Whumptober. Remember that whump comes in many forms, though, and that we don’t have a whump-checker or a threshold for how much whump needs to be included. If you think your interpretation contains enough whump to count, then it does.

Q. Can I start working on the prompts before October?

Absolutely! That’s why we post the prompts a month in advance. We recognise how difficult it can be creating for 31 days in “real time” so feel free to start creating early!

Q. How do I tag triggers?

tw at the end of the word, ex. #gore tw

Q. Do I have to use your tags?

Yes, if you want your work archived on the blog. If not, feel free to use whatever tags you want. 

Q. Does combining prompts count towards completion?

Yes

Q. Can we @ you?

Yes but we mostly rely on the #whumptober2023 tag.

Q. Is there anything we are absolutely not allowed to write?

There are no rules, but please make sure to properly tag your trigger warnings. And keep in mind Tumblr’s policies if you are posting it here (or the policies for whatever site you use).

Q. Where can I go for brainstorming help?

Here on Discord or come into our ask box.

Q. My characters are minors, is that ok?

Yes, but as with everything else, use clear and descriptive tags.

Q. Can I cross post on other blogs?

Yes, multiple platforms and blogs are perfectly acceptable. You can also post different works to different accounts under different names, without posting them everywhere at once.

Note: This is a creation challenge, please don’t repost your old work under our tags (unless it’s been changed or edited for the event).

Thanks for reading, and happy whumping!

[back2bluesidex]

Where Do Broken Hearts Go - Chapter 4 (18+)

Pairing: Model, ex-boyfriend!Jungkook X Child psychologist, Fem!Reader X Lawyer, Single Dad!Hoseok. 

Summary: Jungkook stripped your emotions naked, left you bare in the chilly wind of despair and self-doubt with an unending heartache. You tried your hardest to move on from him, to live for yourself but failed miserably. Each night you had to come back to your empty home where memories and broken dreams were scattered all around the floor, until one day a little angel and her unbelievably beautiful father came into your life. Finally, when you find yourself healing, maybe falling too, Jungkook had to show up! Again!

Theme: Angst, pining, heartbreak, break-up, implied smut

Warnings: Mentions of school bullying, multiple pov changes, the budding tension is everything.

Word count: 3.2k

Taglist requests are closed.

Minors and karens are not allowed in this blog

A/N: sorry for being so late and still coming up with a shorter chapter. but we progressed a lot in this!!

Main Masterlist

Chapters:- 

Prologue/Masterpost || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7 - Finale

A wave of nausea hits your gut as soon as you step into the elevator. 

Your eyes are full to the brim but you are determined not to let a single tear slip, not for the man who invalidated you and your feelings by falling for someone else. So you laugh instead. 

A sarcastic, loud laugh escapes your throat as you realize you have spent the better part of your day trying not to run into him but you failed. Just like you failed the relationship and just like Jungkook failed your love. 

Shutting your eyes tight, you take in deep breaths.. One, two, three. 

You have a session, Y/N.You can’t let your personal issues unsettle you now. You tell yourself again and again until the elevator touches the ground. 

And then your eyes fall on him as soon as you exit the building. 

Hoseok looks beautiful today. He is sporting a purple floral shirt, which might have looked bizarre on anyone else, with baggy jeans and a cute bucket hat. He regards you with his signature heart shaped smile and a wave upon seeing you. 

Right then and there, you feel your heart being repaired. You feel as if your fresh wounds have been cleaned and stitched. 

Your heart thumps in your chest as you realize, all your distress just vanished with just one smile from Hoseok. One look at him and you completely overcame the negative feelings that you had been suffering from since coming across Jungkook. 

You also realize that Jung Hoseok is most definitely different from the other guardians of your counselees. He is more, much more than you are proud of admitting. 

“Hey” Hoseok chimes in. His eyes fall on yours and they gradually dip down to your collarbones and then to your cleavage. 

Heat settles on your face. You hope you are not appearing to be too flushed. 

“Hi.” you reply when you find his eyes locking into yours again. But he doesn’t smile this time, rather there is a tinge of darkness inside his brown orbs. The tension is palpable. So much so that you had to divert your eyes and look at the car. 

“Let’s go.” Hoseok murmurs, you nod. 

And then he places his hand on the small of your back, guiding you towards his car. Goosebumps travel all around your body. God! Were you always this sensitive? Or is it because you have been touched deprived for so long now? 

Or is it because of the man himself? 

You try not to show any difference in your posture. Walking steadily you reach the car and settle on the passenger seat. 

Sua breaks into a big smile seeing you and greets you with her usual cheery voice. When you greet her back and take her in you realize that this father-daughter duo is twinning.  

“Oh my- You guys look adorable!” you giggle reaching out to pat Sua’s head through the small-sized bucket hat she is wearing. 

“You are twinning too! Your dress has flowers just like ours!” Sua exclaims and her voice is a pure serotonin boost, you can’t help laughing out loud. 

“Well” you take a look at your dress, “I guess you are not wrong.” 

Feeling a pair of eyes on your figure again, you look up and you find Hoseok staring down at you again. Even though he diverts his eyes, you still feel the weight of his gaze on your chest. 

“The audition though.. Is in the US” Jungkook sighs. His face finds the hollow space created by his palms. His shoulders drop and he feels as if his career is approaching an end. 

“And?” You place your question carefully. 

He sighs again, “You know, Y/N. I can’t afford flying all the way to the states!” 

“But we can.” there is a small smile lingering on your lips. 

“What do you-” 

“What I mean is, Jungkook, you pay as much as you can, I can take care of the rest.” leaning towards him, you place a sweet kiss on his cheek. 

“But, Y/N, I- I don’t wanna be a burden on you.” the words choke on his throat but his mind eases as he looks into your eyes. 

“Kook” you hold both of his hands with both of yours, “It’s okay to ask for help, especially from the people you love and who love you back. I am a part of your life now, we have a long way to go together, so you can pay me back anytime you want. Okay?” 

Jungkook’s heart soars and soars and soars in his chest. His emotions spill through his eyes and you wipe those ever so gently. 

When he locks his lips with yours, you taste like forever. 

He is such a traitor. He left the person who was with him through thick and thin. 

When you got three different offers from three different clinics, he only got rejected in auditions. When you started sending money to your parents every month, his agency got bankrupt. When you reached new heights everyday, jungkook only fell lower and lower. 

But you never once looked down on him, never once treated him like the inferior one he was. Rather you are the reason why he is at his current position. But he couldn’t pay you back. 

He failed. 

He fell.. For someone else. 

And it’s only justified for you to hate him but still the thought only stings him, it angers him, unsettles him. 

But more than everything… It hurts him. And he doesn’t know if he is brave enough to find out the reasons. 

“Jungkook! Jeon Jungkook! Are you even listening to me?” Jimin’s scream brings Jungkook back to reality. 

“Yes? Yes. Yes I am listening.” He tries to overview the situation, trying to find out what the elder has been talking about. 

“No you are not. This is the third time I have asked you if you want me to pack some kimchi or not.” Jimin fusses standing on the opposite side of the kitchen counter. His eyes suggest the fact that he has a very clear idea about what’s going on inside Jungkook’s head. “You are thinking of her, aren’t you?” 

“You should definitely pack some kimchi for me.” Jungkook ignores Jimin’s question, completely changes the topic. 

The elder only nods, deciding not to pry anymore. 

Never in a million years you would have known that a bakery can be this fancy. 

But then… you met the Jung duo. 

The sweet aroma of buttery goodness envelops your senses as you step inside.  

The vanilla scent perfectly matches with the white interior of the bakery and you are forced to think if you're underdressed for a bakery session or not. 

Sua tugs at your hand when she sees you scanning the place with utmost attention. 

"Is it your first time here?" She asks sweetly. 

"Yes. Never thought bakeries could look this fancy." You giggle a little. 

When your eyes fall ahead, you find a young waitress guiding Hoseok towards your table. 

Maybe he had reserved a table earlier. 

The table is situated at a nice cozy corner of the bakery, which is good since you're here to counsel Sua and it's better to keep things within an invisible barrier. 

Hoseok has been trying. 

He has been trying his hardest to keep his eyes away from you, to keep it on only your face when it’s needed but oh boy! 

It’s not his fault that you are looking so gorgeous today or the fact that your dress has a low neck or that it is fitting you like a glove emphasizing your body curves more than he can take in innocently. 

It’s not his fault that he caught your eyes shining when those fell onto his, or the way you smiled at him a little intimately today. He doesn’t know how his thoughts or observations make sense but here he is feeling like a giddy teenager getting to share a desk with his crush for the very first time. 

“Mr. Jung and baby Sua, how are you doing today?” It's the waitress who usually attends them during their visit. 

Hoseok smiles at her and she smiles back wider than needed. 

“We are doing fine, Ms. Shin, what about you?” he returns the courtesy. 

“Same here. You have got a friend today, I see.” she now regards you, taking a good look at you from head to toe. 

You smile at her kindly but refrain from saying anything. 

“Yeah we do. About the order please go as usual for me and Sua and” he looks at you and finds you captivating yet again, “what about you, Y/N?” 

“Just a cup of hot chocolate please with a side of marshmallows.” 

“Sure” the waitress notes down your order with another weird glance and you notice it this time. 

Sua starts giggling as soon as she leaves, when you two look at her she stifles her laugh with one of her tiny hands and says, “she thinks you are daddy’s girlfriend. She is offended. She thought she could flirt with him forever.” 

If Hoseok is seeing things right then you are blushing. Your cheeks and the tip of your ears turn red as Sua mentions you as Hoseok’s girlfriend. 

Honestly, he ain’t doing any better. Hoseok feels as if someone has uncaged ten million butterflies in his stomach. He can’t help staring at you yet again. 

“So shall we play a game till the food arrives?” You break the tension by finally starting with your session. 

“Game? Here? Right now?” Sua enquiries innocently. 

“Yeah. Let's play a word game. I will name a word and you will have to tell me the first thing or person that comes to mind. okay?” 

“Wow, that sounds fun!” Sua replies expectantly. 

“So, let’s start. I will go first and ask you five words, then you can do the same.” hoseok sees you preparing for a bit and then finally uttering the first word, “favorite” 

“Blueberry!” Sua answers immediately. 

You chuckle, “Oh! So blueberry is Sua’s favorite fruit, I see.” pausing for a bit you say, “happy” 

“Drawing” sua’s reply comes within an instant again. 

“Great. Love?” 

“Daddy” Hoseok’s heart fills at his daughter’s answer. He smiles on his own as his eyes become a little moist. 

“That’s so sweet” you coo at her. “Umm.. next is scared” 

Sua’s face dulls at this as she says “Jaemin” softly. 

“Are you scared of him because he pulls tricks on you?” you place the question carefully. Sua nods. 

“What does he do to you, Sua? Tell me so that I and Hoseok can help you.” You place a hand on top of Sua’s. 

Her head hangs even lower but she says, “he- he told the entire class that I am an illigimate child, that daddy is not my real dad and that is why I don’t have a mom. No one talks to me anymore. Not even my best friend Yoo Ri. They don’t play with me, call me an outskirt and laugh at me. Jaemin locked me in the room for a whole period and told me if I complained to the teachers he would tell them what I am and get me expelled from the school. I didn’t tell anyone. Not even daddy. I was afraid that whatever he said was true and dad is not my dad. He even threw my lunch out of the window and made me starve.” 

Hoseok sees red. 

His eyes are full of tears and he is ready to set the world on fire today. The way Sua could not even pronounce illegitimate properly yet she knew what it meant, is absolutely heartbreaking. 

He slaps the table out of anger and both of you and Sua jump out of surprise. 

You look at him, placing a hand on top of his, you whisper softly, “Calm down. I have got this. Don’t worry.” 

And he actually calms down. 

Is this what it feels like having a partner beside you through your high and low? 

Is this what it feels like having you as his partner? If yes then he would kill to have you, even if it’s unethical for him to even think of that. 

“Sua, do you trust me?” you ask the little one. 

She nods. 

“Then do you believe me if I say that you are not an illegitimate child and Hoseok is your real dad?” 

“Is that right, daddy?” Sua asks softly. 

Hoseok stands up from his table, kneels down in front of his girl, holds his little hands with his bigger ones and says “Yes baby. I am your dad. I swear you are my real daughter, I made you with my blood and flesh.”  

Sua breaks into a loud sob, as she hugs her dad tightly. 

“Y/N, we still have a word left?” Sua speaks with a mouth full of blueberry cheesecake. 

“Oh right.” You sit straight again, taking a sip from your hot chocolate. Your red lips attach to the edge of the cup, looking perfectly pouty and kissable. 

Hoseok finds it tough to breathe all of a sudden. 

“So the next word is.. Hate.” 

“Mina aunty.” 

Fuck! Sua had to mention her out of everyone. 

“Who is Mina aunty?” you ask the kid.  

“She is actu-” hoseok tries to handle the situation but his daughter is faster than him apparently. 

“She is daddy’s friend. She often comes to our home whenever I am asleep. And she sleeps there! Does she not have a home or something? Oh I hate her.” 

“Oh I see.” you divert your eyes towards hoseok with a knowing look. His face reddens and he has to avoid looking into your eyes. 

“Now it’s your turn.” Sua chimes in and Hoseok feels relieved when you stop staring at him. 

“Yeah, let’s start.” you take another sip. 

“Color?”

“White.” 

“Drink?” 

“Coke.” 

“Love?” 

“Jungko-” you pause. You seem to surprise yourself with the name you were about to take. 

“Oh? Why did you pause? Is that your boyfriend’s name?” Sua giggles. 

The tightness that Hoseok feels inside his chest is unjustified. 

You definitely have a boyfriend. Why did he even think he had a chance with someone as appealing as you. Why did he even start thinking there’s something cooking between you two? 

On the other hand, you seem to be quite uncomfortable with Sua’s question. 

“No. He is someone I used to know, someone I should not be taking the name of, anymore” you reply finally. 

Your expression turns somber and you start biting your lower lip. 

Maybe you are as broken as Hoseok is. 

And maybe.. Just maybe.. Hoseok has a chance to fix you. 

The air inside the car is heavy with tension again. 

You wanted to avoid Hoseok. You wanted to avoid this fuzzy feeling you feel inside your chest whenever you come closer to him. 

He has a girlfriend after all (or maybe a friend with benefits, not that you are keen to know) and you are not totally over your ex-boyfriend. 

But hoseok and Sua insisted on dropping you, which brings you here to the passenger seat yet again. 

Sua is asleep, which makes things between you and Hoseok even more tense. So, you keep your eyes on the window the entire time and sigh out of relief when your apartment comes into view. 

Taking in a deep breath while unbuckling the seat belt you say, “We’ve overcome the toughest part today. Sua will be fine soon.” 

“Yeah- yeah. Thanks for today.” Hoseok fumbles with his words. 

“It’s my job. Anyway, good night. Drive safe.” and you are already climbing out of the seat and shutting the door. 

Another second in the car and you may just ask him who the fuck Mina is. 

Just when you are about to take steps towards the entrance, Hoseok calls you from behind. 

You stop in your tracks as Hoseok comes to stand right before you. 

“Y/N, I- I actually wanted to clear up that Mina is just my colleague and we, you know, take care of each other at times.” He reasons. 

That’s what you thought too but you don’t know why he is even explaining this to you. 

“That's fine, Hoseok. There is no need to explain your personal matters to me. I am Sua’s therapist only.” yes that’s what you are, just a therapist of his daughter, a temporary addition to his life. You can’t want more. You should never want more. 

“I know but I felt the need to explain this to you. I don’t know why.” Hoseok takes a step towards you and you take a step back. Your back hits the car. 

The look in his eyes is absolutely dangerous. Your heart can’t decipher it. You mind can’t read what the man wants from you or what you want from him. But it’s addictive. You want more of his eyes, more of him.. Fuck.. all of him. Even if it’s a little too early. 

You are free falling… again. 

“Are you okay? You seemed to be uncomfortable with Sua’s question earlier.” Hoseok speaks again. And this time his breath hits your face. 

“I am fine. I should be fine.” you reply avoiding his eyes. 

“Correct me if I am crossing any lines but is that your ex-boyfriend?” 

You nod. 

You usually don’t like messing up personal and professional boundaries but with Hoseok things are different. With Hoseok you feel different. 

“He broke up with me recently after three years of relationship. He-” your voice chokes at the thought of that day when Jungkook confessed things you never even dreamt of, “he fell in love with someone else.” 

Hoseok lets out a low chuckle. When you look up at him, his eyes pierce through yours. 

“How can anyone even fall out of love with you?” His voice reaches a few octaves lower than usual. 

“What- what do you mean?” you murmur. 

“I mean that it’s hardly possible to leave you. Anyone would kill to have you as theirs.” Hoseok’s eyes drop on your lips. Your eyes are fixed on the mole right above his lip. 

“Anyone? Really? You too?” your voice comes out confident, mouth runs before mind can comprehend. 

“Fuck.” hoseok comes even closer, “Yes.. Yes I would too.” 

Hoseok leans down and your heart beats out of your chest in the prospect of what’s gonna happen next. 

But before your fantasies can take shape, the car window slides down and Sua peeks out and says, “Daddy, are we home yet?” while rubbing her eyes. 

You push Hoseok away lightly, he stumbles back replying to his daughter that they are at your apartment right now. 

Everything feels fuzzy and light but.. 

You are completely unaware of the pair of eyes that are watching your every movement through a sheer layer of cigarette smoke. 

Taglist:-

@phenomenalgirl9 @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @sukunabitch @chimchimmarie @coffeedepressionsoup @meowstake @vonvi-blog @nochuel @xjoonchildx @justmewondering-recs @cuteipat @miakey98 @purpleanchorcrown @chimmisbae @ane102 @junniesoleilkth @terjeonbebas @kookssecret @appleh4ad @kayleeshinee @whoa-jo @definetlythinkimanalien @lovelgirl22 @agrika

[kivrumi]

⭑ᡣ𐭩"₊SEVEN 𐙚⁺˚

chapter 1 - psycho

FEM!READER × ? JJK

ʚ PAIRINGS : Satoru Gojo, Suguru Geto, Choso Kamo, Ryomen Sukuna, Toji Fushiguro, Ino Takuma, Higuruma Hiromi, Kento Nanami, Naoya Zenin ɞ

{ it is not stated here who the reader ends up with, the story is to find out.. }

NON-CURSE AU | COLLEGE AU

꒰ SUMMARY : How did you end up in such a mess with various guys? From strangers, friends, and crushes to ex-boyfriends and enemies. How did, what you thought was simple, life turn out like this? And who exactly were you to end up with?

꒰ WARNINGS : SLOWBURN - NSFW 18+ - mature & sexual themes - smut / lemon - language - violence - mentions of obsessive behaviour - sub/dom mentions - angst andd fluff :3

SEVEN MASTERLIST

next chapt

"Told you I'd win this time."

You snicker at Choso, who has now just shamefully lost at a mere game of Mario Kart.

"Doesn't make you better than me does it"

He then reaches out to your lap and grabs a handful of YOUR popcorn from YOUR bowl.

"Seriously? First of all, of course it makes me better than you. In fact, the BEST at Mario Kart worldwide. Second of all, I did not make two packets of popcorn for you to gulp all of yours down in 5 seconds to attack my bowl" You give him a cold, stern, serious look as he smiles with a mouth full of popcorn, slowly reaching out for your bowl again. You wack his hand out of the way, moving your bowl further from him as he chuckles whilst attempting to swallow. With your face glaring back towards the screen where it displayed your victory, he asks

"Do you have a third of all?" He then grabbed his Nintendo controller back to restart the match.

"Hmm, third of all..." You now face Choso, who still has his eyes glued to the screen.

"You like losing to me. "

Choso Kamo. Your best friend since you were only five. He knew every detail about you and vice versa. Growing up with him only drew you two closer, so here, you two were sitting on the floor of your dorm room, backs leaning onto your couch and Nintendo controllers in hands. If someone were to ask you to describe Choso, you would say how kind and forgiving he is and include his sense of humour. He knows right from wrong and is not afraid to stand proud of his beliefs. Many have framed him to be this extremely soft, introverted, shy man; they were along the right lines yet couldn't be more wrong.

"Choso, what are you still doing here? It's nearly 1 am; go back to your dorm." Your roommate, Shoko Ieiri, insists as she walks from her bedroom door to the sofa and plops herself down on it. She then grabs your entire popcorn bowl and multiple handfuls of your popcorn, stuffing it in her mouth

"Shoko- are you serious, you know you can make your own packet." You get up and snatch your bowl back to see nothing but popcorn kernels. Choso stretches his hand to Shoko to pass her a Nintendo controller.

"Okay, one more game, and I swear I'll head back to my room," Choso claims ready to press play.

"finee" Shoko says as she stretches her legs across the sofa as you sadly place your empty bowl to your side and grab your controller.

—

"What the fuck?" Choso and you say in unison. Not only did Shoko win all 6 matches you guys ended up playing, but you and Choso always ended up around last place.

"ooou what can I say" Shoko giggles, then glances at the time. "Oh shit, it's really late. Get to your dorm Choso and you. " she slaps the top of your head. "You get your ass to bed. "

With a defeated sigh from both you and Choso, you get up and drag your feet towards your bedroom. "Night then everyone," you slowly close your door hearing the two individuals still in the living room say goodnight back to you.

Shoko Ieiri has been your close friend for about a year now since you started college. You remember her looking lost in the dormitory halls and asking if she needed help by guiding her to her dorm room, only to shock you that you guys were to share a dorm. Going into college, the only person you knew was your best friend Choso, and Shoko had two of her own best friends you had yet to meet. A white-haired boy and a black-haired boy, you don't think you have ever seen them, but you are very familiar with their names via Shoko yapping to you about their latest drama. Shoko never really bothered, introducing you to them, not that they interested you in any way, but this was because Shoko didn't think they were a very good influence and wouldn't bother to care. Utahime Iori and Kento Nanami are friends to both you and Shoko since Shoko was nice enough to introduce you to some of her friends on your first days. It's been a year now, and all of you are 19 now. Well. Not quite everyone.

Toji Fushiguro. 2 years older than you. He is in mechanical engineering. It was love at first sight for you. The first day you saw him his biceps had you choking on your water, his hair stuck to his forehead sweating, fixing something in the car, who cares about that? He wore a black compression shirt first, which nearly made you melt and wanna scream, his scar by his lip that you just wanted to- GOD HELP ME.

He was an attractive individual.

You have been crushing on this man ever since you've attended this college; you damn sure wanted to get into his pants. But not only you, he also had countless other fangirls. So thinking he wants you and only you, despite never talking to you before, is fucking delusional. Countless rumours of him playing girls, high body count, and being really good in bed were spread around. You did, in fact, believe these rumours, but you really needed proof...

—

All of your friends knew about your obsession with this older boy. Choso always mentioned how Toji is not someone I should go for due to his reputation as a player, and Utahime is always there to agree with him.

"I can definitely agree with you, girlie. Toji is one fine ass," Shoko exclaimed as Choso and Utahime stared with disgust.

"Stop encouraging this Shoko!" Utahime says as she facepalms herself with a twitching eyebrow.

"Kentooo" Shoko purrs as she goes behind him to place her hands on his shoulders. "What are your opinions on Toji Fushiguro?" she asks, rocking him back and forth.

"Never interacted with him before so, don't know and don't care."

"You're all haters," you said to all, apart from Shoko. Just then, you had seen Toji Fushiguro walk past your hangout spot window, an abandoned cafe behind your school, with a girl trailing behind him. She had the same hair type and eyes as you, but everything else about her was the opposite. Mainly her style. She had a huge smile plastered across her face as she followed the man you've been eyeing for a good 2 months now. Despite the man being a whore, you still hope one day you catch his eyes.

—

But it's been 10 months till that day you saw that girl trail behind him. After that, there have been numerous different girls spotted with the handsome compression shirt man, not really fighting his whore stereotypes. Do you want to be one of those girls? You say no, but if he ever went up to you, you don't think you can turn him down. But the idea of you being used once or twice disgusts you. Why would you do that to yourself? But the tiniest minute possibility that you can change him was always there.

—

"eugh- huh- Shoko, what the fuck.." You say as you slowly open your heavy lids from your beauty rest, and to your surprise, you see Shoko leaning over you, a glass of water in hand, tilted to your face.

"Seriously, girl? You ignored your alarm 5 times now. I'm leaving now for class and don't know how you're going to arrive at your class late. Especially with your mad teacher, " She huffs as she chugs from the glass of water, which originally was supposed to be poured on your face, but to your luck, you woke up.

You get up and look at the time. Fuckity fuck.

"Oh my god, Professor Yui will not back down to give me a crazy lecture of disturbing her class, despite me trying to be stealthy to not interrupt."

"All psychology professors are insane like that, huh? Also, you're only noisy because of the dingly dangly earrings you wear every day. "

"Okay, okay.. What are you still doing here? Sho, get your ass to your scientists class. "

"andd what are you still doing in bed girlie.. Don't come for me, I'm dressed up and about to leave. You can always come with me right now, but maybe your Hello Kitty PJs will be too distracting to your crazy psychology professor. "

"ah fuck" you jumped out of bed as you hear Shoko leave your room and the front door slam "fuuuuckkk" It hurts to not put on makeup or your 'dingly dangly' earrings but you were really in a rush. You throw on a random zip-up, over your pyjama top, and change into some loose sweatpants. Grabbing all needed essentials and having to forget breakfast.

"shit, shit-" lecture had started 4 minutes ago, and you had just made it to the double doors. Slowly creaking it open, sadly the door just has to be rusty; you got a few heads turned towards you. Your professor has noticed your presence but remains carrying out her lecture. Wow, those earrings were the problem. You scout the area, and once your eyes land on him, you walk over and sit next to your best friend, Choso. He looks at your face, examining your appearance in great detail. You can see his eyebags look heavier than usual, which is obviously due to hours of Mario Kart last night. he must've-

"You look.. different" Choso states quietly, still staring at you weirdly.

"Wow, you see me without makeup, and you think I look weird, thanks a lot, Cho," you say with apparent sarcasm and chuckle lightly at your words.

"No, no, it's not that - oh my god, where are your earrings? Wow, you look weird without th-"

"Choso Kamo," an erupting voice from slightly afar, shook both you and the boy beside you. Your dang professor. You give Choso a 'haha you're about to get in trouble' look, but her next words made you probably wanna shoot the whole school and then yourself, "Choso.. Why do you continue to let that troublemaker sit next to you? Poor you, you get so distracted in my lectures as soon as she arrives". What? What did this teacher have against you? You look to Choso, who smirks at you lightly before formally replying,

"Well, it's not my fault, she comes to me, and I don't like talking during your lectures, but she makes me feel obliged to.."

WHAT? This man will be the death of you; all you can do is stare at Choso, who is so desperately holding in a giggle to the point he has to cover his mouth with his hand.

"Out of my lecture hall." Well, what was the point of even coming in?

—

"Cho, where the hell do you think you're going?"

"huh- you've been waiting outside the hall this entire time?"

"No, I'm not pathetic like you. I just came back to diss you."

"diss? Did you not get thrown out right now out of the lecture in front of various other students?"

"That's just because she favours you Cho; she's on some pedophilic shit. I just know it."

"Well, I'll let her hit for better grades. I'm failing,"

"ew cho- what- I seriously don't get how people find you sweet and shy, your a disgusting fuck, annoying, bitch, mischievous, and evil man."

"Ow?"

"I still can't believe you did that. What if she reports me for bullying or manipulating?"

"I think she was going to, but right after the lecture, I talked with her. Explained how we were friends, and it was a joke. "

"What? Thanks, but... Did you not get in trouble?"

"trouble? Nah, as you said, she loves me. Plus, if I were to get punished by her, all it would be is a lil spankin on the b-"

"Don't finish that sentence off."

All you get is a chuckle from him as he wraps an arm over your shoulder.

"I'll see you tonight, yeah? Kento needs me to help him build some weird shit for his front room. "

"Right now?"

"Yeah, you're dorm or mine?"

"Don't mind."

"mine it is," and just like that, his arm was off you as he started making his way to Kentos dorm.

You were just standing in a not-so-familiar hallway. Fuck, you were just following wherever Choso was going. Wait, this area was more where athletic students, engineering students, and law students were. Engineering? You accidentally found yourself looking around for a certain guy with a certain mouth scar. You moved around, peeping into classrooms and opening doors. One door caught your eye; you were sure that it was the one you once saw Toji enter, meaning that could be his class. Nearing the door, your heartbeat began to race. Just act like you're trying to find a friend if people get suspicious...

"Need something, sweetheart?"

"A FRIEND, I'M LOOKING FOR - I'm looking for my friend..." FUCK. You turn around to see a man you can't help but slightly recognize. He was no Toji, but you have seen him somewhere.

"And this friend of yours is in the Hunters soccer team? Since you know, that's our changing rooms"

You were in deep shit; you look like such a pervert. Mainly with your face turning a bright red from the embarrassment this alluring stranger has on you. You look back into his eyes nervously, but that's when it hit. This was no one other than Shoko's good friend.

Satoru Gojo.

—

"Girl, I hate Satoru. I think he fucked one of my friends," Shoko complained to you as she sat beside you on the couch.

"Again? Didn't he fuck your friends Keiko and Aiko?"

"Oh yeah, well, my point exactly. He is an ass hole, trying to get his dick wet. I need to hide you from him..."

"Damn, how good-looking is this guy?"

"I think he looks like a rat, but you know he has those deep, alluring blue eyes that everyone is so obsessed with. But apart from a pretty face, he can charm girls with his words. I'm completely unfazed by his words from being friends with him for so long. It just looks like a facade to me. "

—

Deep alluring blue eyes.. The man before you did fit Shoko's description.

It's not mistakable that it is Gojo, you've seen him around the college, not realising that this is the Satoru Gojo. His name is quite famous around here, known as the best football player at this college. Their soccer matches always make the headlines. Not that you were into soccer, but nearly every student knew there was the Hunters team, who wore blue eye-catching shirts, and there was an opposing team within the college. The Curses. Both teams are extremely popular and loved by fan girls, soccer wannabes, and, of course, the professors. You aren't sure which team is deemed better since your focus in life is not about your college soccer matches, but this is stuff you hear classmates rant about.

"You're not going to answer me? That's fine, sweetie. " You forgot said man remained in front of you, and that nickname nearly made you stop breathing. This guy has more than charm alright.

"I wasn't sure what class he was in... I'm sorry, I uh" fuck why are you stuttering? So what if this man was handsome, sexy and cute? You know what kind of man he is. He is just another college fuckboy. "I was just searching for my friend, but now I'm kind of lost."

"Lost? Are you new here? "

"No, but I'm not used to being on this side of college. I was following another friend, but he left my side now. I don't know how to get back to the dormitory"

"I see. Just wait up then. I came here to pick a few things from the locker room and was gonna head there too. You can follow me. "

"Oh really? thanks"

"Yeah, no problem, sweetie, just stay there," and with that, he went into the locker room. You waited outside, thinking back on that interaction. You don't want to be like every other girl that comes in contact with this man, not because you just want to be different but because you know what a real monster this blue-eyed freak is.

"Tojiii, you didn't call me back." You quickly looked to your right to see a girl, much shorter than the man she was confronting, cutely complaining to Toji Fushiguro.

"Lady, I said I WOULDN'T call you back."

"But that night was so.." she starts trailing her acrylic nails down his chest and then whispers into his ear. You see, his face turns into disgust as he slightly pushes her off.

"I said fuck off, no?" With that, the girl huffs as she whispers an insult, going away from the man. You watch her leave to the distance, and your eyes go back to Toji. But his eyes were already on you. From all the days he had a chance to notice you, it had to be when you're dressed down, with no makeup, and your hair looking shit. The eye contact was getting a bit too much for you but ended quite quickly when Gojo came back in sight.

"Okay! Follow me, " He says as you trail right behind him. "Must say it's a bit upsetting you don't go to this part of the college often, would be nice to see a pretty face like yours daily."

'This is just another one of his tricks', you remind yourself 'he just wants to get into any girl's pants'

"yeah, thanks"

'Fuck, did I just make it awkward?' you continued to walk behind him but he randomly came to a stop. 'Well we aren't at the dorms, why'd he stop' He then goes beside you, arm over your shoulder and then carries on walking.

"Don't walk behind me, makes you look like you're a fan girl" Oh you can see his game. He made you feel as if you were different from the other girls, and made you feel wanted and liked. You had the urge to tell him that you can see him right through.

"I know your game"

'Fuck I didn't actually want to tell him, that slipped out of my mouth'

"my game?" he asked, assuming you referring to soccer.

"You have fucked like half of the girls in this school"

'why am I blabbing on?' you get a chuckle from the white-haired man as his eyes remain looking forward.

"Is that so? And you know this for a fact?"

"Well yes, thanks to our mutual friend Shoko"

"ah- I see. Shoko my good cockblocking friend" he didn't seem pissed at your accusations, but in fact, was surprised and thankful he didn't have to create a persona for you "But without Shoko, you would've fallen for me. Right sweets?"

"Who knows, and- you can stop with the nicknames you know now"

"Why? I didn't lie about you having a pretty face, was disappointed I hadn't met you earlier due to you being stuck in another area of the college. What course do you major?" ignoring everything else he said because if you replied, you would be a stuttering mess.

"Psychology"

"ah I see, well I know where those lecture halls are so" he then stops to look at you, making you realise you two have found your destination "I will come to see you sometime, yeah?"

"Seriously? you haven't even gotten my name yet"

"Do I really need it right now? I'm fine with just calling you sweetheart" He then grabs a pen from his pocket, grabs your arm, rolls up your sleeve and jots down his digits. You didn't even get a chance to deny his number. "Don't wash this off before adding my number, text me as soon as you get to your room, okay?" Again not giving you a chance for anything, He leaves to go to the dormitory B building. 'Shoko is going to go feral and protective over me as soon as she finds out what just happened' You think as you walk towards your own dormitory building.

next chapt

@kivrumi do not steal / copy / reword / translate my work

[overandundertarot]

pick a tattoo; message for you

pile 1; Queen of hearts, The Hermit reversed, Ace of swords.

Pile 1 I feel you are taking time to cultivate a specific state of mind. Stillness, being present while at the same time appreciating such intense aspects of human emotions and meeting them with kindness and love. Right now, you are considering pursuing a solo journey, it's not something everyone will understand or that you can even explain. This can be physical or mental; you want to incorporate a potent source of creativity and connection to source in your daily experience. Keep at it, you're still wondering how to go about it. It feels like a half formed idea in your conciousness but let it marinate. You will arrive at a conclusion soon. For some there is something to do with cutting it off with/reaching out to another person. I heard making the best decision for both of you; do what you know and feel is right.

pile 2; 10 of cups, Ace of cups, Ace of swords.

Wow Pile 2! Romance is in the air! You have a romantic prospect right now(or several!) and are trying to be discerning. If not one is coming towards you very soon. You want to protect your heart, but are a secret hopeless romantic! You want in your deepest of hearts to get lost in the feeling and go crazy with love; experiencing the joys and exhileration of being with another person. You hope your partner can be an escape from reality for you, if not a soothing balm to the exhausting end of your day. You want a partner, a family and domestic bliss. Message for you is to give them a chance; let them show you how good it can be. Say yes to that movie or that trip! It seems too good to be true, but it's all you deserve. Enjoy it. So much happiness in in store for you pile 2! Ahhhh I wanna hug you, my heart is feeling full with it.

pile 3; Queen of pentacles, 9 of wands, King of wands.

Pile 3, how're you feeling? It's important to check in with yourself every now and then. You're working hard on a journey but you need to give yourself appropriate time to rest. I'm hearing that you romanticise the suffering. Not to a toxic degree but to make it all the more bearable. You likely already know your message. Keep going. You're doing wonderfully. This pile reminds me of Victoria Monet's words at the recent grammy awards. To paraphrase she explained that her receiving that award last night was a process years in the making; she was growing roots, laying ground. And she's finally begining to sprout. It's the same for you. You are patient with yourself, tending to to your work that you know will put you at the top one day. You have this regal air about you, keep your head held high. Some of you are facing a decision, I'm hearing to go with the shocking option lol.

pile 4; 6 of wands reversed, Queen of cups reversed, Ace of swords.

Things are very much upside down for you pile 4. There's been a thwarted victory(or a hollow one at the very least). It left you feeling empty. I get the feeling like you're crying out to the universe for help but it seems like no one is listening. You're keeping all these things bottled up; refusing to open up. There are people in your life who want to reach out to you but you are not trusting them, very guarded though i feel like its not obvious. Many people may not even know that you are struggling; they think everything is going great for you. The message for you is basically what you just read; you didn't know how to pinpoint what you were feeling. Reframe the situation; are you satisfied with those conditions? That's a no, open up to the people around you, or find a channel to process these emotions. Let yourself bloom again. There's also a big theme of turning your pain into profit. Perhaps use your experience to create art or to find a new persepctive in your work. There are solutions available to you. Use them.

[sasuhinamonth]

SASUHINA MONTH 2024 Prompts and Artist of the Year!!!

Fellas.

It's time!

Welcome to 2024! In June, we'll be hosting SHMonth2024! Thanks all for following along with us during our journey! Your patience and enthusiasm keeps us going, and we appreciate all of you!

As always, let's start with our Artist of the Year for 2024!

Mods of the SasuHina Month Event work hard to not only keep up to date with the happenings of our little part of the fandom, but we also carefully consider all our beautiful SasuHina creators! This year's Artist of the Year is always creating beauty with their works, and we want to shine a light on that!

Everyone, please congratulate Pongalia for her hard work and for being this year's SasuHina Artist of the Year!

Our dear artist always brings awe to everyone who sees her art! As you can see above, she makes the most beautiful, capturing art! Her talent is inspiring, and she's known across the fandom for her beautiful shading!

Please visit her X/Twitter to show her some love! She deserves it for all her hard work and passion!!!!

Now . . .

The time has come.

As a quick reminder, this years theme is Opposites Attract (very fitting for these two, if you ask us). SasuHina Month 2024 is happening in June, so (hopefully) you all will have some time to think and plan!

Thanks all for joining us!

We present to you: The Prompts of SHMonth2024!

Day 1

Beginnings & Ends | Inicios y Finales

New & Old | Nuevo y Viejo

Day 2

Silly & Serious | Bobo y Serio

Fail & Succeed | Fallo y Éxito

Day 3

Shy & Bold | Tímido y Audaz

Few & Many | Poco y Mucho

Day 4

Summer & Winter | Verano e Invierno

Humble & Proud | Humilde y Orgulloso

Day 5

Create & Destroy | Creación y Destrucción

Crying & Laughter | Llanto y Risas

Day 6

Friend & Enemy | Amigo y Enemigo

Empty & Full | Lleno y Vacío

Day 7

Pearl & Onyx | Perla y Ónix

Dawn & Dusk | Amanecer y Atardecer

Day 8

Hidden & Seen | Oculto y Visto

Loud & Quiet | Ruidoso y Callado

Day 9

Kind & Cruel | Amable y Cruel

Past & Future | Pasado y Futuro

Day 10

Angel & Demon | Inicios y Finales

Rain & Shine | Lluvia y Brillo

Day 11

Lost & Found | Perdido y Hallado

Color & Grayscale | Color y Escala de grises

Day 12

Cat & Dog | Perro y Gato

Tea & Coffee | Té y Café

Day 13

Glass & Stone | Vidrio y Piedra

Yin & Yang | Yin y Yang

Day 14

Early & Late | Temprano y Tarde

Far & Near | Lejano y Cerca

Day 15

Sweet & Bitter | Dulce y Amargo

Bright & Dim | Brillante y Opaco

Day 16

Apart & Together | Separados y Juntos

Deep & Shallow | Profundo y Poco profundo

Day 17

Smooth & Rough | Suave y Áspero

Admit & Deny | Admitir y Negar

Day 18

Freeze & Melt | Congelado y Derretido

Water & Fire | Agua y Fuego

Day 19

Love & Hate | Amor y Odio

Fast & Slow | Rápido y Lento

Day 20

Give & Take | Dar y Recibir

Adult & Child | Adulto y Niño

Day 21

Innocent & Guilty | Inocente y Culpable

Doubt & Trust | Dudar y Confiar

Day 22

War & Peace | Guerra y Paz

Yes & No | Sí y No

Day 23

Neat & Messy | Ordenado y Desordenado

Capture & Release | Capturar y Liberar

Day 24

Flowers & Weapons | Flores y Armas

Oblivious & Observant | Inadvertido y Observador

Day 25

Hot & Cold | Caliente y Frío

Rise & Fall | Ascenso y Caída

Day 26

Tall & Short | Alto y Bajo

Single & Married | Soltero y Casado

Day 27

Thoughtful & Selfish | Considerado y Egoísta

Forget & Remember | Olvidar y Recordar

Day 28

Magical & Ordinary | Mágico y Ordinario

Absence & Present | Ausente y Presente

Day 29

Attack & Protect | Atacar y Proteger

Always & Never | Siempre y Nunca

Day 30

Before & After | Antes y Después

Departure and Arrival | Partida y Llegada

[melrodrigo]

Tardy, part 3

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11

Tara Carpenter x F!Reader

Summary: Ghostface makes his first move, how will you and Tara react?

Warnings: Violence, slight gore, suggestive themes, Tara giving powerbottom vibes, kissy kissy noises, fluff

Word Count: 2.2k

A/N: I’m still writing out the plot for the rest of this series, so if you have something you really want to see, send them in my asks! As always, thank you for all the love <3

They say your life flashes before your eyes when you’re about to die.

It doesn’t happen exactly like that; it’s all a blur of feelings and pure animal instincts. When you see Ghostface make his way towards Tara, full force with a knife held over his head, something in you snaps.

You can’t seem to focus on anything else.

Tara whom you’ve been enamored with at first sight, Tara who makes you monthly playlists, who remembers your class schedule, Tara who just kissed you.

Tara. Tara. Tara.

Ghostface’s a finger away from Tara before you grab your computer; still playing Titanic, and slam it across his head.

“Get the fuck away from her.” You spit, watching as Ghostface whirls around bewildered, obviously not anticipating you fighting back.

He’s bigger than you, but he looks unsure. You see it in his stance, in the grip around his knife.

He surges at you, hands gripping around your shoulders tight. The knife is still in one of his hands, you’re acutely aware of it. You guys thrash around wildly, and fall onto the floor; hard. His head connects to the pavement with a loud thud, and for a moment you think he might be dead.

That is until Ghostface lets out a groan, and reaches out to try and grab you again. He’s weakened, and you take the moment to your advantage, kicking at his shins with all your might.

He cries out, grabbing at thin air.

You’re about to reach forward and rip the mask off his face, but Tara stops you with a tug on your arm.

You furrow your eyebrows, sending her a questioning look. Did she not want to find out who Ghostface was?

“Come on, we have to go. They’re still- Sam, she’s still down there.” She rushes out, and it’s only then you notice some messy mascara stains are running down her cheeks.

You frown. You know Tara’s a nervous crier, but it’s never happened right in front of you.

It seems like only then Tara realizes she’s been crying. Her cheeks flush red a little in embarrassment, but she’s still staring at you with urgency in her eyes.

You swipe quickly at her cheeks.

You follow her lead, but not before locking the door to the roof; leaving Ghostface locked up outside.

Sucker.

You and Tara sprint down the stairs and into the apartment, stopping short at the sight in front of you.

It’s a mess.

The coffee table is broken, carpet stained with blood; but worst of all, it’s empty.

You search for any signs of life, any screaming. They were here moments ago, where could they have gone? More importantly, where was the other Ghostface?

There’s always two, you remember.

You decide you don’t want to stick around and find out. You grab Tara’s hand, tugging her out of the apartment and down the stairs of their condo.

“Tara!” Sam’s voice bellows from below you. She looks uninjured, other than a couple of blood stains on her shirt.

You guys round the last corner of the stairs to come face to face with all your friends. Anika and Mindy stood tight together, holding onto each other’s hands for dear life. Chad’s behind them, looking smaller than you’ve ever seen him.

Sam’s at the front, nothing but fury in her eyes.

She rushes to Tara the moment you guys hit the floor, taking her in her arms; holding tight.

Despite the mini-argument they had before, Tara melts into her sister's arms. She sniffs a couple of times and buries her face in her sister’s shirt.

Then, Sam turns on you.

“What were you thinking? Bringing Tara up alone, when Ghostface is on the loose like this?” She hisses, eyes hard.

“How do I know you’re not the killer, hm? Distract Tara, let your partner come in and attack us. Was that your plan all along?” She continues, accusations spewing out of her.

“Sam, I know it looks bad but I did not plan this. I would never, ever hurt Tara. Ghostface came and attacked us too.” You reply, starting to feel agitated.

She scoffs and turns away.

“Are you guys okay?” You ask, turning and searching their bodies for any serious cuts or bruises.

“He didn’t come for us. He came in, gave Anika this, then went straight to the roof.” Mindy answers, voice hollow. She’s staring at the wall behind you, and you’re anger dissipates into uneasiness at her empty gaze.

Her words make your eyes dart to Anika. She’s cowering behind Mindy a little, one arm bloody, the other pressing into the wound. Your eyes widen.

“Oh, my god. Anika, are you okay?” You start walking up to her, but an arm in your way makes you stop in your tracks.

Mindy stares at you, accusatory glance in her eyes. Anika pushes her hand away gently, debating in a silent conversation. It seems Anika wins when Mindy finally let's go, and you send her a grateful smile.

“I’m okay. It hurts like hell right now but I’ll be fine.” She says, voice strong. You breathe out in relief, “I’m glad.”

“I think you need more urgent care than me though.”

You raise your eyebrows, what was she talking about?

“Oh shit YN, you’re bleeding,” Tara says as she pulls away from her sister, quickly rushing to you.

You look down, and you realize that you are in fact bleeding. Quite a lot actually, how you didn’t see it before was a wonder.

Your shirt is ripped at the part below your collarbone, and a deep cut could be seen; from your shoulder to the skin a little above your chest.

Woah, where did that come from?

It must’ve been the adrenaline, that stopped you from feeling it before. Because the minute you see it now you feel a throbbing pain shoot up immediately.

Tara stares up at you, her eyes guilt-filled and worried.

“Does it hurt?” She asks, her hands twitching at her sides; like she wants to reach out and soothe you.

It sure does hurt, but you’re not going to worry her with that now.

You bring your hands to her cheeks again, wiping a new teardrop that just fell. Now that Ghostface isn’t here, you take your time wiping her face. Savoring the feel of her skin against yours.

“No, it doesn’t.” You mutter softly. It might be a lie, but if it lets you stay in this moment forever you’d gladly say it for the rest of your life.

A cough from Sam once again breaks you out of your trance. She’s still glaring at you intensely, but at this point, you don’t even care.

“So, there was only one Ghostface?” You question, mind starting to get slightly woozy.

“Only one for this attack, we don’t know for sure if there’s only one.” Mindy corrects, and you can almost see the cogs turning in her head.

“Can you get your hands off my sister now?” Sam cuts in, still scowling. How are her eyes not tired?

You roll your eyes slightly; not enough for her to see, because well she was Samantha Carpenter. The only family your girlfriend-? had.

Was Tara your girlfriend now? She kissed you, but that could mean anything. She’d agreed to the date, but she could’ve easily changed her mind after it.

You’re snapped out of your thoughts when Tara takes you in a hug.

You can’t help but wince at the sudden contact with your open wound and she pulls back quickly.

“Knew it. You are in pain.” She mutters, before pressing her lips to your cheek.

Your eyes widen and you flush red embarrassingly fast. You stare at the rest of the group while she does this, gauging their reactions.

Sam glares, Chad has a pained expression, Mindy’s eyes soften, and Anika has a small smirk playing on her lips.

You’re still embarrassingly red when Tara pulls away, making her smirk as she eyes you.

“Shut up.” You mumble.

Tara tuts, “That’s not a very nice thing to say to your lover, now, is it? But I’ll let it go just this once. You did take a stab to the shoulder for me, after all.”

You don’t have time to process the fact that she called you her lover before she grabs your hand and pulls you outside; where an ambulance is waiting.

Getting fixed up wasn’t so bad, especially when Tara was by your side the whole time. Sat in peaceful silence; you can’t help that your mind starts to wander.

Ghostface was back, and you could tell it affected everybody in the group. You were lucky in a sense, this was your first time experiencing it; you didn’t carry that same trauma they did.

You glance at Tara, whose eyes are dark and gloomy. She’s watching Anika get fixed up too.

“I can’t believe the motherfucker is actually back.” She says, more to herself than you.

“We’ll get through this, Tara. You’ll get through this. You always have.”

She doesn’t say anything as she scoots in closer and wraps an arm around your waist. You don’t have the heart to tell her the position hurts your wound.

You don’t think you mind though, if it means staying here in Tara’s arms; where you belong.

“I think you should flee the country,” Tara starts abruptly. “It didn’t work for me and Sam but I think it might work with you. Ignore what I said before, you aren’t the star of this movie, it should work.”

You feign offense, hand over your heart.

“Well damn, you didn’t have to attack me like that.”

Tara shakes her head, still looking vexed. She turns to stare into your eyes, a serious look painting her face.

“I don’t want you getting hurt, and if you’re with me you will get hurt. Maybe even more than this.” She says, almost whispering.

You chuckle a bit and pull her head down so it’s resting on your shoulder.

“Tara, you’re crazy if you think I’m leaving you. I was serious about before, as long as I’m with you; I’m content.” You tell her, and her hands wrap tighter around your waist.

She doesn’t say it out loud, but she wonders how she got so lucky with you.

She tilts her head up to kiss you on the cheek.

You don’t tell her, but you’re thinking the same thing too.

-

If Tara was flirty before you confessed your feelings to her, then you could call her behavior now feral.

It hasn’t even been a full day since the attack, and so far; Tara’s managed to pull you into four different rooms in the apartment to make out.

You’re yanked into another one, her hands madly grabbing at you.

“Jesus chr-“ You barely let out before she’s kicking the door closed and connecting her lips to yours.

Her kisses descend to your neck, hands on your waist.

“Tara. Sam’s in the living room.” You warn, trying to push her away gently.

She bites down on your neck, enough to hurt.

“But I want you,” She says, voice muffled by your skin. “I’ve wanted you for so long. Now that I have the opportunity I’m not letting it go.”

You whimper slightly. Now that was embarrassing.

She smiles and takes your lips in a fierce kiss. You reply just as eagerly, fingers curling in her hair.

“Do you not want me?” She asks, biting at your bottom lip.

You stifle the groan that threatens to leave your mouth. Shake your head no aggressively.

“Of course, I do,” You mumble. “I just want you know…our first time to be, special.”

She softens a bit at your confession, reluctantly pulling away.

She huffs as she says, “Fine.”

You miss the feel of her body against yours immediately, and you grab at her; bringing her back into your arms.

“I never said we couldn’t do other stuff though.” You whisper, leaving little pecks on her lips.

She grabs your face and brings you to her lips forcefully, “Don’t do that, kiss me like you mean it.”

You gladly do.

-

“So…any chance you’re taking me on that date anytime soon?” Tara asks, arms propped up on the bed.

You swallow, try and steady your breathing.

Then you nod animatedly, “I really want to, but with Sam and everything…I think we’re on house arrest.”

She hums and falls back into the bed beside you.

“We could still sneak out, I do like pissing off my sister.” She suggests, eyes sparkling.

“Well, I don’t. Sam already thinks I’m a psycho killer, I don’t need her thinking I’m irresponsible too.” You reply, fingers tracing the fabric of her clothes.

Tara whines, pulls you closer by the collar of your shirt.

She flashes you those pleading eyes, and you feel your argument start to dissolve immediately.

“Please? I want to go on a date with you.”

You're silent in your thoughts, debating if it’s worth it to give her what she wants.

“Please,” She whispers a final time, and you decide that her begging is your new favorite thing to hear.

“Okay.” You relent, and she smiles victoriously.

“I can’t wait.” She giggles, giving you a quick peck and letting go of your collar.

When she gets up and out of the bed, you protest. She looks almost guilty as she tells you, “Sam’s gonna kill you if I stay in here any longer.”

You reluctantly nod, agreeing with her statement. She sends you a quick smile before exiting, leaving you sprawled on the bed.

You stare at the ceiling, millions of thoughts racing through your head. One comes out victorious.

How are you going to plan a mind-blowing date in one day?

[keijidragon17-blog]

Sims 2 Monty Starter Houses!

I've been in the process of starting a fresh Veronaville save and as many people have pointed out: the disparity in number of affordable houses on the "Monty" side of town is ridiculous. Two mansions and an abandoned silo? None of these are even remotely affordable for Bianca or Antonio's family. Not to mention, any new Montys will have no choice but to settle on their sworn enemy's side of the river! What if you want some reasonable, base game, Monty-themed starter homes for your sims?

Welcome to my first attempt, you've come to the right post! Here are six base-game compatible builds themed after the Monty side of Veronaville. All have been playtested, run through clean installer, and checked for any mistakes.

The first three homes are affordable for sims with the given 20,000 simoleon budget, and the last three are slightly more upscale (ranging from 20,000 to 28,000) to try and bridge the gap between the larger mansions like 111 Stratford Street and 267 Avon Avenue. The lots are entirely compatible with base game and require no expansions or stuff packs, since I wanted them to easily blend in with the existing Monty architecture.

All lots are 2x2 for convenient placement, and many have enough empty space to expand upon as you wish. I personally would encourage the player to cluster them to match the Capp side of Veronaville (no self respecting Monty would let the Capps have a monopoly on real estate, right?).

Starter House 3/4 is designed for Bianca Monty, while Starter House 6 is designed for Antonio and his twins. They could also make do in Starter House 5, with some light modifications or creative bed placement.

Notes/Quirks:

You may notice Starter House 5 is lacking some doors to back outdoor verandas. This was done purely to keep the price low and the layout succinct, but you may add doors to them and they will not impact the front door placement (though sims may occasionally take an awkward route around the outside of the house).

Regarding Starter House 6, the gate in the back of the house is useless. Sims will not go through it due to the conveniently placed archways, and the gate was placed simply for effect. After numerous attempts and playtesting, I've found it's best to just leave it as is, or delete the gate the leave the fence lest you wish the Welcome Wagon wandering into your private courtyard.

I encourage modifications of these homes, as you deem necessary. I make no claims that they're perfect: after all, Maxis style builds are almost famous for their weird little quirks and slightly impractical design. Feel free to use these as start templates as well, if you prefer to change anything!

All houses path properly (i.e. deliveries and service sims use the archways/doors closest to the main pathways). No awkward deliveries for your sims, hurrah!

Due to Simsfileshare acting up, I wasn't able to upload the full set in one concise folder. For that, please use this link. Individual downloads are below, if you want only certain houses. Happy simming!

Monty House 1

Monty House 2

Monty House 3

Monty House 4

Monty House 5

Monty House 6

[alwayslurkinginthebackground]

Pedrotober Masterlist

I am thrilled to participate in Pedrotober 2024 hosted by @norththelemon and @alyssamariag! View the full prompt list HERE or enjoy my submissions throughout the month of October!

Note: As a writer, I took some pretty drastic liberties with some of the prompts to make them work from a writing perspective. All prompts have been adapted to fit a specific character and will be listed as the month goes on!

Another Note: Note: Drabbles marked with *** are rated E, Minors DNI. All drabbles list specific warnings, if applicable.

Day 1: Mr. Fantastic | "Thank Heaven" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: Frankie can't help but admire his choice of costume for Halloween.

Day 2: Kieran Bromance | "The Competition" Pairing: Mr. Ben x f!reader Summary: Your boyfriend and his arch-nemesis face off in your school's yearly decorating contest.

Day 3: Nails | "All Along" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: Frankie paints your nails.

Day 4: Silva | "Ghosts" Pairing: Silva x Jake Summary: It felt like he was being followed by ghosts. Or perhaps, after all this time, he was still following them.

Day 5: Esquire Bonuses | “Get in the Truck”*** Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader Summary: You won’t get in the truck until Joel tells you why you’re going. He shows you instead.

Day 6: Dieter Bravo | "KitKat" Pairing: Dieter Bravo x f!reader Summary: You and Dieter learn your love languages.

Day 7: Ezra | "Countdown" Pairing: Ezra x reader Summary: He has to let you go.

Day 8: Corona | "Lucky" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: Frankie sets you up on a blind date.

Day 9: Fink the Fox | "The Backyard" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: You watch Frankie and his daughter play in the backyard.

Day 10: Fav Tee/Candids | "Pedialite" Pairing: Mr. Ben x f!reader Summary: Do you think some people have killed themselves over nausea?

Day 11: Any Max | "Turn"*** Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader Summary: Joel convinces you to watch a movie, and then convinces you that he's far better than the man on screen.

Day 12: Rainbow Pants | "The Best Day" Pairing: Javi G x f!reader Summary: A nasty stomach bug forces you to miss Javi's Walk of Fame ceremony.

Day 13: Javi G | "Mariposa"*** Pairing: Javi G x f!reader Summary: Emptiness can always be filled with love. A VERY special collab with @alyssamariag and @imdrinkingpedro.

Day 14: Freebie! | "The Fox" Pairing: Javi G x f!reader (Set in the "Mariposa" Universe) Summary: Sofia gives you and Javi a gift.

Day 15: The Materialists | "Different"*** Paring: Randy x reader Summary: When you meet a stranger at the bar, your shared heartbreak shows you that you're more alike than you are different. Rated M for themes of depression.

Day 16: Whiskey | "Right Place" Pairing: Agent Whiskey x f!reader Summary: Whiskey has been distant lately, but when an undercover op goes wrong, everything becomes clear.

Day 17: Arm Sling | "Useless"*** Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader Summary: Joel's injured...but that doesn't mean he's useless.

Day 18: Oberyn Martell | "Helpless"*** Pairing: Oberyn Martell x f!reader Summary: You sometimes wish you could convince yourself to leave, but then he reminds you why you stay.

Day 19: SDCC | "Excitement" Pairing: Mr. Ben x reader Summary: Ben makes sure you've seen the sizzle reel for Marvel's newest film.

Day 20: Frankie Morales | "Quiet Moments" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: Crossword puzzles with Frankie.

Day 21: Curls | "Picture" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: You can see your future with Frankie so clearly.

Day 22: Gladiator II | "Fate"*** Pairing: Marcus Acacius x f!reader Summary: Two souls that were never meant to cross paths find each other, even as death lurks in every corner.

Day 23: Din Djarin | "Blaster" Pairing: Din Djarin x reader Summary: You and Din differ in opinion when it comes to the Loth-cat that keeps showing up.

Day 24: Sundance | "Before"*** Pairing: Marcus Acacius x f!reader Summary: Whispered words long to fall from your tongue as Marcus makes a vow to you in the moonlight.

Day 25: Javier Pena | "Lies" Pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader Summary: Your entire relationship is formed on lies until you realize that the only one telling the truth is him.

Day 26: Vanity Fair Cover | "Domesticity" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: Four little slices of life with Frankie Morales.

Day 27: The Last of Us | "Promise" Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader Summary: The promises you whisper. Contains major spoilers for TLOU Part II.

Day 28: Any Marcus | "After"*** Pairing: Marcus Acacius x f!reader Summary: At times you know that the man who has returned to you is the same one who left, and in other ways, he's entirely different.

Day 29: The Uninvited | "S'mores"*** Pairing: Joel Miller x f!reader Summary: Your camping trip gets canceled, but Joel finds a way to make it up to you.

Day 30: Fav Awards 'fit | "The Shirt"*** Pairing: Javier Peña x f!reader Summary: If there's one thing you know about Javier Peña, it's that he really loves the way you look in his shirt.

Day 31: SAG Awards | "For You" Pairing: Frankie Morales x f!reader Summary: He's never been prouder than in this moment.

[bradshawed]

nine five albums that got me through 2024 (and some extras)!

this is so cool omg, thank you so much to my wife (@vampteeths) for the tag, i had sm fun! sorry for the essay and i think you'll find a slight recurring theme of indie, pop and indie-pop (with one or two surprises)!

1. the secret of us by gracie abrams, fav song: risk! released at the perfect moment & was exactly what i needed. makes u really realise that you're not alone and that so many others are going through similar experiences. this album to me, is perfection (don't get me started on how much i love the deluxe version)!

2. emails i can't send fwd: by sabrina carpenter, fav song: bet u wanna x i know u might be sick of hearing about sab but this album gave me so much confidence. it's sexy and emotionally validating at the same time. listening to this when ur overthinking about a boy and realising "wait a minute.. fuck him" is the best feeling, only second to listening to it as ur getting ready to go out

3. glass half empty by voilà, fav song: ballerina (with the word alive) indie rock ml, i've missed u! not a fan of all the songs on this album but of the ones i do like, i could listen to on repeat for hours. it's super energetic, great to have a song or two on any playlist to switch up the vibe and their lyrics really tell a story.

4. boy by luke hemmings, fav song: benny moving to something a little slower, calmer, great for a change of pace. really helped me through those moments when i needed to feel a little peace.

5. dreamers by charles leclerc and sofiane pamart, fav song: focus! you wouldn't expect to see me listening to a classical piano album but here we are. honestly fell in love with it sm so that it made it to my most listened to in 2024. incredibly composed, really emotional and grounding at the same time (also makes great background music).

6. MICO, fav song: tears in your eyes! it's not an album but an artist whose 2/3 songs i listened to religiously on repeat towards the end of 2024. honestly don't remember how i found him but i listened to one song and got hooked (if you hadn't realised i'm not a massive album person, i find a song, listen to it on repeat and find another, i rarely like full albums). i think i've been listening to homesick since july!

7. maneater by daryl hall & john oates and honey by coastal club struggled to think of a no. 7 but i can't believe i forgot this song duo that got me through late summer! i listened to a lot of my "trust fall" playlist (made for @sematarygirls) & my retro playlist and that song duo played on repeat for hours! (you can probs see that this year was big on confidence and maneater is the song).

8. beach weather, fav song: seth cohen another artist that i liked a few of their songs. hottest summer on record was great, even if we had the rainiest summer on record (but it was nice to dream). def one of my summer staples! idk why but it's just something about their beat that really has me relaxed, imaging my own obx summer (or maybe the name has something to do with it idk). pineapple sunrise (came out in 2023) was such a good album, i remember listening to sex, drugs, etc and hard feelings for ages!

9. what love is by zimmer90 does anyone else remember this song from 2023 that got really popular as an audio for those yearly wrapped reels? well, it's been on my liked songs since 2023 and got me through the start of 2024 so i believe that's a good reason as any to put it on the list (even if i never seem to remember what i listened to at the start of the year)!

...

tagging, @bruisedboys, @sematarygirls, @zya8tracks, @lilithblackkk, @dixonsbrat, @edwardslvrr, @fallininlust, @thyme-in-a-bubble and anyone else who would like to join x

[ssinnerplazahotel]

╭──────────.★..─╮

*Chapter Ten*

╰─..★.──────────╯

WC: 8k

Warning: 18+, age gap, smut, fluff, toxic elvis, manipulation, drug use, it’s the 50s/60s, painful-difficult-devastating-life-changing-extraordinary love

Pairing: elvis x black reader

Disclaimer: full of inaccuracies, inaccurate timeline, inaccurate depictions of Graceland, historically inaccurate themes and items

Masterlist: Prologue, Ch. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Graceland hadn’t changed—not upon first glance anyway. There were several unfamiliar faces but amongst the bunch there was Dawn and Cynthia. No longer serving at the pleasure of The Presley’s but there to welcome you back to town after your brief MIA stint.

You hugged Dawn enthusiastically. She was thrilled to see you and Joel—you had talked several times but nothing compared to seeing her in person.

“How’d this happen?” She asked, referring to you and Joel as you sat next to her at the dining table.

“It just happened.”

“I followed her around until she agreed to marry me. She refuses to tell anybody that story.”

“Well look what the cat done dragged in.” Sonny appeared suddenly—Jerry and Red trailing along. “Just as ugly as the day he left.”

Joel stood to greet them before re-introducing you. “My lady.”

“My lady, I hate to steal your gentleman, but we have unfinished business to attend,” Red said, throwing an arm over Joel’s shoulder.

He started to say he couldn’t but you reassured him that it was fine.

“I’ll come check on you, I promise,” He said as they dragged him away.

You sighed after he was gone. “They’ve been up all night. I don’t know how they manage.”

“They manage.” Dawn chuckled. “So, how have things been? How’s Atlanta?”

“Busy,” You responded.

Dawn hummed, glancing past you for a moment before speaking again in a lower voice. “Why’d you come back?”

“Elvis invited us.”

“Things seem to be going well, you and Joel seem happy.”

“We are happy.”

“You don’t think being back here will stir things up? I mean knowing what we all know…”

You knew exactly what Dawn was saying. You hated that she was choosing to be the voice of reason instead of being happy to see you.

“Joel begged me to come, I didn’t want to. I thought you’d be happy to see me.”

“I am. But I don't want Joel to get hurt.”

“What about me?”

Cynthia appeared again, this time with Andrea. You froze for a moment but recovered quickly and forced a smile.

“Well well well." She grinned—she was as radiant as the last time you saw her. "Look who finally decided to show her face in these parts again."

"Andrea.” You stood to hug her.

"Mhm," She hummed, hugging you back. "I don’t appreciate you skipping town and never calling me again. You get too busy in the city and forget all about us?”

“No, I just…I was going through a lot,” You said. “I’m sorry.”

“I might be able to forgive you.” She took a seat at the dining table. “What’s this I hear about you marrying a white man? What’s the point if you’re only gonna be married in 19 states?”

“Drea,” Cynthia complained.

“Joel from Hawaii, right?”

“You remember him?” You asked.

“Yeah, he’s cute.” She took your hand and examined your ring. “Did you guys run away together or something?”

“No,” You laughed. “We ran into each at a restaurant.”

“Wow. If you bothered to call me at all I’d know these things.”

You started to apologize again but you were interrupted by Elvis’ voice as he approached the table.

“How are my girls doin?” He asked, walking past you to Dawn. He kissed her cheek and then Cynthia’s before leaning on the back of an empty chair. “Andrea.”

“Elvis,” She said—looking off with a bored expression.

“It’s been a long time,” He said, he seemed to enjoy the fact that she despised him.

“Sorry I didn’t come sooner,” She started. “I was waiting for a good hair day.”

He laughed shortly before his eyes found yours. You averted your eyes. He spoke again, addressing the table. “If y’all need anything you can let Nancy know, she don’t mind. And don’t let the guys bother you, they’re outta their minds.”

Cynthia and Dawn laughed, agreeing that they were indeed crazy. When he finally walked away his hand rested on your shoulder as he passed, sending a jolt down your spine. When you looked up Dawn’s eyes were on you—so were Cynthia’s. You felt like a spectacle.

“Somebody outta take him down a notch,” Andrea said with an annoyed eye roll.

“What’s he ever done to you?” Cynthia laughed. “Keep on blocking your blessings like that.”

“Oh, mama.”

“Don’t ‘oh mama’ me.”

You smiled as they bickered—they hadn’t changed.

Andrea snagged you from the table and the two of you walked around outside. You spent most of the afternoon catching up before she had to eventually take Cynthia home.

“I wish you could stay,” You said, hugging her. “They’ll probably be out all night.”

“I don’t doubt it,” Andrea said. “But I have an appointment tomorrow morning. Divorce court starts early.”

“I’m so sorry, Drea.”

“It’s for the best. We didn’t want to wait until we hated each other to get it over with.”

“I’m glad you’re in a good place about it.”

“Anyway, I have some errands to run.”

“I understand.” You smiled. “I promise I’ll call. Even if it’s every once in a while.”

“You better,” She said. “I mean it. I want to know what’s going on with you. And don’t forget to send me an invite to the wedding.”

Dawn left with Cynthia and Andrea. She didn’t bring up your brief conversation from earlier but you could tell by her expression that she still felt the same. She had no faith in you. You figured if you could go on avoiding him like you had been, the weekend would go by seamlessly.

You guys were put in the spare room upstairs—your old room. It felt like some kind of inside joke when Jerry helped Joel carry your things up.

“Where are you going?”

“Nowhere, just downstairs.”

You forced a smiled in an attempt to hide your disappointment. “You’re gonna be out late, then?”

“No, probably not.” You wondered why he lied. “What?”

You noticed that you’d let your smile drop a bit. “Nothing.”

Joel gave you a look and stepped forward to wrap his arms around your waist. “Let me have it.”

“It’s just that…I’ll hardly see you this weekend and we’re going straight to Virginia afterwards so you’ll be wrapped up with work~”

“Oh, about that,” He started suddenly. “I talked to Bibby and he needs me to head down earlier than I expected.”

“Really?”

“I tried to get out of it, but you know how he is. He said he would let me leave early if I came ahead of time so I’m gonna head down in the morning and get it out the way before the weekend’s over.”

“When are we leaving?”

“I was gonna go tonight and meet you back here Saturday. I figured you could go spend some time with Dawn, she seemed happy when I told her you’d be over tomorrow.”

“You aren’t going to ask me how I feel about any of this?”

“I thought you’d be happy.”

All you wanted was to tell him to call everything off and take you home—but you didn’t want to ruin his time. You could get through the rest of the night, then you’d be able to escape to Dawn’s house.

*

“Hello?”

“Birdie?”

You froze when you heard his voice coming through the receiver. Your first instinct was to slam the phone back on the hook. You stared at it until it rang again, startling you when it did. You hesitated before picking it up again.

“Joel’s not here,” You said, moving to hang the phone up again.

“Don’t hang up,” Elvis said quickly.

“He already left.”

“I-I didn’t call to talk to Joel, honey, I called to talk to you.”

“You can’t…” You closed your eyes for a second and sighed. “I shouldn’t be talking to you while he’s not here.”

“Should I call when he gets back?”

“No.”

You heard him laugh on the other line, prompting you to roll your eyes. “You shouldn’t call at all. There’s no reason for you to talk to me.”

“Oh, well, I beg to differ.” He chuckled. “I think we have a lot to talk about, actually.”

“We don’t. I’m engaged.”

“I’m not trying to come between you and Joel.”

“Then what do you want?”

“You.”

You shook your head, falling silent as you tried to quiet the storm you had brewing inside.

“I want to talk to you,” He continued. “Is that alright?”

“No, it’s not.”

“I think you want to talk to me too, birdie.” His voice dropped and was suddenly drained of any humor. “It’s been a long time.”

“It hasn’t been long enough,” You said. “I don’t want to talk to you. I never want to see you again, Elvis. If you can’t understand that~”

“I do understand.”

“Then why won’t you leave me alone?” You asked, frustrated tears threatening to form in your eyes. “I’m happy. I love Joel and I love the life we’re building together.”

“Who are you trying to convince?” He interrupted. “I never said you didn’t.”

“You’re disrupting everything.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do.”

You laid back against your pillow with the phone to your ear. “Just tell me what you want.”

“I want to see you.”

“No.”

Silence settled between the two of you for a moment before he spoke again.

“You don’t have to,” He said. “I want you to, that’s all.”

“I can’t,” You whispered.

“Why?”

“Joel…”

He hummed on the other line, you couldn’t decipher his tone. “Well…I-If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I’m not going to.”

“You don’t have to. I’m glad you came down this weekend anyway. Dawn really misses having you here.”

“Why are you trying to make me feel guilty?”

“I’m not, honey.”

There was another beat of silence before the line went dead.

You held the receiver to your ear even after he was gone, listening to the mechanic hum of the dial tone. You checked the clock on the dresser.

Joel would be halfway to his conference by now. He’d get to his hotel and call you by eight like he promised. He’d ask you what you were doing and you’d reassure him you were okay—even though there was nothing he could do if you weren’t. Then he’d talk to you for over an hour, hoping that the lengthy phone call would appease you while he was away. He’d promise to call every chance he got—he always did—before ending the call saying: “I love you, I’ll be thinking of your sweet voice all night.”

To which you would laugh and respond: “I love you too.”

You’d blow him a kiss through the receiver and say goodnight. It was the same routine every time he went away. You knew in your mind that going to see Elvis was a bad idea. You knew the effect he’d have on you—he knew it too.

You hung up the phone and sat up to grab your case of cigarettes from the dresser. You opened the case only to find it empty.

You felt the weight of your decision before you’d even made it. A crushing weight in your chest that only nicotine could combat. It was overwhelmingly unlike you. Despite the guilt already consuming you, you knew your mind was made up before you could talk yourself out of it. There were too many feelings swirling around inside of you, old and new.

You had hoped that, maybe, you could put that part of yourself to rest once and for all by going to see him that night.

~

You fidgeted anxiously, smoothing down the skirt of your dress as you waited in the deserted hallway. You knocked but grew anxious after waiting a minute or two and raised your hand to knock again. You hesitated before knocking in the same gentle pattern that you had used so many years ago. The door opened almost immediately and you were met with Elvis’ familiar eyes.

“Birdie,” He muttered with what looked like a genuinely shocked expression.

“E,” You said back. Your heart hammered rapidly against your ribcage as you stared back at him. “You weren’t going to leave me standing in the hallway were you?”

“I-I didn’t know it was you.” He chuckled, still shocked by your presence. “Come in.”

You stepped inside the room and watched him close the door. It was silent aside from the tv blaring loudly. The room was dim, lived in but tidy—just like you remembered.

“I didn’t think you’d show.” He walked past you to turn the tv off.

You stood still, fidgeting with the skirt of your dress. For a moment you felt disconnected from yourself and reality. When you looked back at the door you wanted to leave. You shouldn’t have been there.

“Don’t just stand there.”

You met Elvis’ eyes, shaking your head as you tried to process your emotions.

He met you where you stood and slipped his hand into yours. “I wanna talk to you, honey. That’s all.”

He led you over to the bed and kept a decent amount of space between you as you sat down.

“You’re quiet,” He said, shifting to face you. “That’s one thing you never were.”

“You called me here.” You pointed out. “You wanted to talk. So talk.”

“How can I? You’re ice cold.” He smiled as he spoke. “How d’you like Atlanta?”

“It’s alright. We like it.”

“You and Joel?”

“Yes.”

Elvis nodded, his expression growing amused.

“What?” You asked, instantly annoyed.

“Nothing, nothing. You seem different,” He said it as if he knew something you didn’t. He always made you feel like he understood you better than you understood yourself.

“I am different.”

“I can tell.” He looked away. Was he upset by the change he saw in you?

“Tell me what it is you needed to tell me.” You waited for him to respond. “E?”

His smile had faded and his expression was thoughtful now. “I should’ve gone after you.”

You remembered standing in the hall waiting for him the night you left. You remembered the inkling of fragile hope inside of you fizzling into nothing the longer you stood there—waiting for him.

“I shouldn’t have let you go.”

“It wouldn’t have changed anything.”

“If I had gone after you, you wouldn’t have stayed?”

“You know I would’ve stayed. I loved you.”

“I loved you too.”

You scoffed lowly, turning your head.

“What was that?” He asked.

“What was what?” You responded.

“That sound you made. You don’t believe me?”

“No, Elvis. I never believed you when you said that.”

“It’s the truth.”

“I think you want it to be the truth. But really you only ever said it to make me happy. Not because you meant it.”

“Why can’t you accept the fact that I cared about you?” He asked, narrowing his eyes. “I still care about you.”

“I don’t believe that,” You said. “I think you got what you wanted from me while we were together and that was it.”

“That’s what you want to think, birdie.” He looked upset but he didn’t sound angry. “You tell yourself that because you want to hate me. Because it’s the only thing that makes sense to you~”

“Don’t tell me what I want to think,” You said. “You used me, you know you did.”

“I never used you. I came to you because…” He fell silent, choosing his words carefully.

“Just come out and say it,” You insisted.

“You made me feel good. When I was with you, it was just us. Me and you. No acts, no games. You didn’t expect anything from me, and I didn’t have to worry about you taking advantage. When I talked to you, it felt like you actually gave a shit and I needed that. So if you call that using you, then hell, I guess I fucking used you. That doesn’t change the fact that you were important to me.”

You looked up as you warded off tears. You didn’t want to cry, you’d cried too many nights over him.

“You can hate me.” You tried to pull your hand away but he grabbed it anyway. “You can blame me for everything that went wrong, I don’t care. But don’t tell me I never loved you.”

“Don’t~” You started when he took your face between his hands, trying to avoid his touch.

“I’ve thought about you everyday since you left.” His eyes were intense—desperate and all too familiar. “I ask Dawn about you every time I talk to her~”

“Elvis~”

“You’re always on my mind, birdie. Always.”

Tears welled in your eyes despite your best efforts. You stared into Elvis’ sapphire eyes and shivered with nostalgia.

“There’s no future for us,” You whispered. “It’s not our story, E. You know that.”

“I’m not asking for the future,” He responded. “I’m asking for tonight. One more night.”

He closed the space between you in a tender kiss and the taste of his lips brought on a flood of memories. Memories that flashed in short, sweet successions.

Memories of long nights of laughter and love making. Memories of lust and sadness, passion and rage. You felt his arms around you when he held you the night your mother died. You felt the golden chain resting weightlessly against your collarbone as he secured it around your neck. You felt his lips against your skin as he kissed every inch of your body, praising your very existence. You felt the sparks of being in love for the first time, and the excitement that came with the feeling.

You pulled away from the kiss, alarmed at the sudden influx of emotions. You stood and walked away, rushing to the door in a desperate attempt to escape the version of yourself that you supposedly weren’t anymore.

“Birdie,” Elvis called after you, standing to stop you. “Baby, please, don’t~”

“I have to go.” The door was pushed shut before you could open it more than an inch.

“Don’t leave,” He said as he held it shut. “Please…”

You looked up at him with tears in your eyes. “I love him. He makes me happy, Elvis, he treats me well. He’s a good person, a-and…god, he adores you~”

“We’re not talkin about him.” He put his other hand against the door, caging you between his arms. “This has nothing to do with him.”

“I’m going to be his wife,” You argued.

“You aren’t tonight,” Elvis said. “Tonight we can…we can be who we were. We can feel the things we felt. And tomorrow, we’ll go back to being who we are.”

“Who are we?”

“Right now, we’re who we were.”

“Who were we?”

“We were in love. Weren’t we?”

Elvis slipped his arms around your waist, pulling you against him. You met his eyes and, for a moment, there was nothing. You looked at him and you felt like no time had passed. Like it hadn't been nearly a year between the time you saw him last and now. Your heart hammered wantonly against your rib cage and your body begged for him. There was a rush of excitement coursing through you that you hadn’t experienced since the day you left Memphis. It was exhilarating and it made you feel weightless.

“Why are you doing this to me?” You whispered.

“I need to feel the way you make me feel,” He confessed. “Just tell me you love me. You don’t have to mean it.”

“I love you…you know I mean it. But I can’t do this.”

“I think you need this as much as I do, you’re just afraid to let go.” His voice was low and tempting. “Don’t fight it, birdie.”

He hesitated before he kissed you again, his lips moving slowly against yours as you wrapped your arms around his neck. Nothing else mattered as he lifted you and carried you to bed.

All you wanted was to be close to him, to feel the desperation behind his touch. You knew you’d hate yourself for it, but you gave in to him completely—unbridled and unrestrained.

You undressed in a hurry, you couldn’t tell if it was an eagerness to be close to him or something else. You straddled him, wearing only your underwear as his hands roamed your body. His touch was familiar, and his lips tasted of nostalgia. You broke the kiss and gazed down at him. You wanted to know what he was thinking. You wanted to know if he was feeling everything you were feeling.

You felt like crying, suddenly overwhelmed. Despite him being right in front of you, you needed to know you weren’t alone.

“It’s okay,” He whispered when he noticed your tearsq. “I got you.”

He kissed you more gently than he did before, but you didn’t want him to. You didn’t want him to be gentle.

He kissed your neck, continuing to trail kisses down your chest and stomach before slipping his fingers under the thin band of your underwear. You breathed shallowly—stripped of your final piece of dignity. He ran a cold finger through your arousal and left a kiss between your legs. You tensed as you anticipated his touch. He wrapped both arms around your thighs and soon you were tensing with pleasure. Once upon a time he’d have you falling apart on his tongue with very little effort and in no time at all. You weren’t that girl anymore—you needed more. You let him have his fun before you rushing him along.

“Easy,” He complained, trying to slow you down.

“Do it now,” You persisted, ignoring his expression as you sat up and took the condom from his hand. If he was going to protest he stopped short when you pushed him back and straddled him, looking down at him beneath you. You leaned forward to kiss him but pulled away after a moment to tear the condom open. He swore under his breath, his hips canting at the stimulation as you rolled it on. You wasted no time letting him enter you.

“Goddamnit, birdie~”

“Don’t talk.”

He tried to meet your eyes but you refused. This wasn’t about him, it was about fulfilling something within yourself—you just didn’t know what it was.

He forced you still, lifting his hips to thrust slowly inside of you. You cried as the pleasure grew more intense. You felt yourself surrendering what little control you had of the situation—you didn’t want to. But the more that knot in the pit of your stomach tightened the less grounded you became.

“Slow,” He instructed in a whisper, freeing you to move on your own. You followed his instructions, meeting his deep thrust until you were trembling. Your fingers twitched around his neck and he nodded—you gave in and tightened your grip just enough.

He encouraged you to continue, his voice straining slightly as he met your thrusts.

You admitted defeat and leaned forward until your chest was pressed against his—letting him take control. He hugged you close, leaving you powerless as he thrusted deeply. He watched your expression the whole time, watching you fall apart.

It was all too much—his touch, his smell, the way his eyes bore so deeply into your soul that you felt connect by something greater than yourself.

It was an intense disaster that left you feeling breathless and completely spent.

You stared at the ceiling afterward, neither of you saying a word. The heat of the moment was gone and you were left with the cold, dreadful weight of reality.

“Don’t get lost, birdie,” Elvis said after a while. You turned your head to find his eyes on yours.

You shifted onto your side, facing him. “I don’t know why you call me that.”

“Birdie?”

“Yes.”

He smiled softly, reaching out and stroking your cheek. “Because you’re delicate, like a baby bird.”

“You think I’m weak.”

“No. I think you’re sensitive and emotional. But I don’t think you’re weak.”

“Sensitive and emotional,” You repeated incredulously, a smile forming on your face.

“It’s not a bad thing,” Elvis chuckled. “It’s what I love about you.”

Your smile faltered. “Don’t say that.”

“It’s the truth~”

“Please don’t say that.”

You sighed, closing your eyes as guilt started to form in your gut. You shouldn’t have been there, you shouldn’t have let things go as far as they did. But it was too late. The act had already been done and you would have to face the consequences.

You sat up, holding the duvet over yourself as you gathered your discarded clothes. “U-Uhm, can I use the bathroom?”

Elvis silently nodded in the direction of the bathroom.

You stood and scurried inside before closing and locking the door. You sighed, leaning back against the door. You tried not to let your mind wonder as you forced yourself to clean up and get dressed. When you left the bathroom you found Elvis dressed in a robe with his arms crossed.

“I want you to stay here.” You couldn’t make out his tone.

“I can’t.” You sat down on the end of the bed to put your shoes on.

“Why not?” He continued when you didn’t answer. “Running off won’t fix anything. Damage is done, you might as well stay.”

“I’m not running.”

“Yes you are.”

You scoffed and stood. “Don’t start, E.”

“I’m not starting anything.” He kept his arms crossed as he walked towards you. “I’m telling you like it is.”

“What do you want me to do, spend the night?”

“Yes.”

“Why? You got what you wanted, didn’t you?”

“Did you? What the hell were you expecting?” He asked, narrowing his eyes and stopping in front of you. “You’re a hypocrite.”

You looked up at him, your gaze unwavering. “I’m here because you called me. I don’t know, I guess I hoped you’d be different. But you haven’t changed at all.”

“It has to be exhausting making your problems everyone else’s,” He said with a patronizing laugh. “It’s everyone’s fault but yours, all the time.”

“No, this was my fault. I expect too much from you, I always have.”

“You’re forcing a fight because you regret what just happened.”

You shook your head, looking away. Elvis stepped closer and took your chin in his hand.

“I know you, birdie,” He said. “I know what’s going on inside that pretty little head of yours.”

“Then you know why I have to leave.” Your voice sounded feeble to your own ears.

“I know why you want to leave.” He nodded. “But I promise that leaving won’t make that thing you’re feeling go away.”

You were silent.

“Stay with me t’night,” He insisted. “T’morrow you can pretend this never happened.”

“I’ll never be able to pretend this never happened.” You sighed sitting back down on the bed.

He sat down next to you and put his arm around you.

“I’ve tried so hard to forget you,” You continued. “I can’t count how many nights I’ve stayed awake crying over you. Even after all this time, I can’t help but…You shouldn’t have this hold on me. I’ve finally gotten to a place in my life where you aren’t the first thing I think about in the morning and you show up and take that all away~”

He cut you off. “You don’t think I’ve had sleepless nights? I’ve worried about you every night since you left. I didn’t know where you were, if you’d gotten hurt. I couldn’t sleep until Dawn told me you were safe. And even then, knowing you were okay didn’t make it hurt any less. I loved you.”

“I have a life now.”

“Okay, how’s that going for you?”

“You don’t get to judge me.”

“If you feel judged, that’s on you. You came here because there’s a part of you that isn’t happy. If you were, you wouldn’t’ve jeopardized what you have with~”

“I am happy,” You stressed. “I’ve learned to love someone other than you. I have, and I do~”

“But?” He waited for you to continue.

You sighed in frustration. “Do you have to make me feel insane all the time?”

“I’m just tryna get you to face the truth.”

“I know the truth.”

“Okay.”

You closed your eyes and suddenly you felt him kiss your cheek.

“Stay,” He whispered against your skin.

“He’ll call to check on me,” You stressed. “I can’t.”

“He won’t.” If his words were meant to comfort you they had the opposite effect. He reached down to remove your shoes. After they were off he proceeded to strip you of your dress as well, leaving you only in your underwear.

You shivered as the two of you moved to lay on top of the unmade bed. You laid with your back against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around you. You laid in silence until you inevitably started to give in to your exhaustion. You fought to stay awake, to hold on to the moment for just a little while longer.

But soon, you fell asleep in Elvis’ arms…for the last time.

*

You woke the next morning to find a plain white envelope resting on the pillow beside your head. You lifted the envelope to read the name scribbled across the front.

Birdie.

You sat up slowly, searching the room with your eyes. You were alone. You opened the envelope to find a familiar necklace—holding two rings and a diamond-studded lark charm. You immediately folded the envelope shut and rushed to get dressed. You wanted to be out of the room in case he returned.

You needed to get out as fast as possible. You heard Elvis’ voice from the night before telling you that you couldn’t outrun the guilt you felt—but that didn’t stop you from trying. As you left the room, you left the envelope where it was. You didn’t want it, and leaving it made you feel better. When you walked out of the room you ran into Jerry, who had seemingly been waiting outside the door.

“Oh, hey,” He said, pushing off of the wall.

“J-Jerry,” You stammered, embarrassed.

“He asked me to make sure you made it back.” He interrupted.

“Oh…it’s just right there~”

“I gave him my word.” He interrupted again.

You nodded awkwardly. “Okay then.”

Jerry nodded his head in return. “After you.”

You turned and started walking back to your room. There was an awkward silence as he watched you cross the hall.

“Thanks,” You said when you got there.

“I’ll be around when you leave for Dawn’s. Just give me a shout when you go.” He turned to walk away without another word.

“J-Jerry,” You said before he left. “I’m sorry~”

“Don’t~”

“I know Joel’s your cousin a-and you shouldn’t have to be dragged into this~”

“Don’t apologize,” He said. “Not to me anyway.”

“I’m going to tell him.”

“You should.”

You shifted awkwardly. “I-I don’t want you to think~”

“I don’t think anything,” He said. “It’s a shame, of course but Joel…he’s just a kid.”

You were confused by his response. “Is that what you think?”

He shifted. “I wouldn’t have told E where he worked if I didn’t think he’d get over losing you.”

“What’s that mean? Was this some kind of set up?”

“No…this was always gonna happen.”

You were in shock as he walked away, he seemed completely unapologetic about his role in this entire situation. You felt like an idiot.

You cut the trip short for yourself and called Dawn to let her know. She was sad for you go and made you promise to call. You drove home in silence, the sound of your engine ticking the only thing filling the empty space. You heard Joel’s voice in the back of your mind scolding you for not driving the car enough and causing the tick. He’d pretend to be angry for a moment, then he’d smile and tell you he’d fix it. But only if you promised to “reward his generosity”.

Tears formed in your eyes but you forced them away. You tried to hold them in but ultimately failed when you walked into your house.

You were officially back to reality.

Tears blurred your vision as you showered, cleansing yourself of Elvis’ touch once and for all. You had a knot in the pit of your stomach, it hurt.

You crawled into bed and stayed there for the remainder of the day—well into the night. You didn’t move to eat or even to use the bathroom. You felt detached from yourself and everything else.

Seeing Elvis again, being with him…it made you realize that, maybe, everything you thought you outran had been with you all this time.

The ghost of him and your love had been haunting you since the day you left. It clung to you and showed itself in ways that went unnoticed. It showed itself in the way you loved Joel. It showed itself in the way you waited for your relationship to crash and burn—ignited by the fire you started, the fire you fed.

The ghost of your love for him showed itself in the way you second guess yourself. It showed itself in the way you never thought you knew what was best. Although you had grown to trust yourself more, there was still an infinitesimal part of you that you had every right not to trust. That part of you that was still infected.

You were haunted by him in everything you did. He saw that the moment he laid eyes on you again. He knew that if he called, you’d come.

A lifetime of observation could not aid you in explaining the things you’d do for Elvis Presley. He made you weak, being able to admit that didn’t make you hate it any less.

When the phone rang that night you let it go on ringing. You couldn’t force yourself out of bed in time to catch it anyway. You imagined it was Joel calling, shocked to hear that you’d left Memphis. You cried until you fell asleep. Startling awake from nightmares that you couldn’t remember the details of when you woke.

It was a miserable night filled with shame, regret, and fear.

*

“There you are.”

“You’re early.”

Joel smiled as you met him at the door, dropping his bags before engulfing you in a hug.

You laughed and returned the embrace. “I didn’t expect you until later. I would’ve gotten dressed.”

After spending the last day and a half lying in bed you had only just started getting ready..

“You look perfect.” Joel pulled away from the hug enough to look down at you. “I missed you.”

“You’re only saying that.” You adjusted his collar, avoiding his eyes. “Seems like Bibby kept you busy this weekend.”

“Not too busy to think of you.” He cupped your chin in his hand, tilting your head and kissing you.

You kissed him back, but something felt…off. You felt off.

“What’s wrong?” You hadn’t even noticed that he’d broken the kiss.

“Nothing.” You forced a smile. “I missed you too.”

You stood up on your toes and kissed him again before pulling away to grab one of his bags.

“Don’t worry, sugar, I’ll get it.”

“I got it.” You chuckled, picking up the smallest bag.

He grabbed his suitcase, watching you with an amused expression. “Don’t hurt yourself, now.”

You laughed, walking ahead of him into the bedroom. Before you could take the bag to the closet Joel was already wrapping his arm around your waist. He pulled you towards the bed, making you drop the carryall in the process.

You complained as he plopped down on the bed with you in his arms, your robe nearly coming undone. “Don’t do that.”

“Something I ain’t seen before under there?” He teased, laying on his side facing you.

“You surprised me, that’s all.”

“How was the trip back?”

“Okay.”

“I’m sorry I left.”

“You couldn’t help it.”

He propped himself up on his elbow. “What’d you get up to while I was gone?”

You hesitated for a moment. “…Nothing.”

His eyebrows drew together. “You didn’t make book club on Sunday?”

“No.”

“Did you go to dinner with Sinclair and Marc?”

“No.”

He looked disappointed. “Well…why not?”

You shrugged. “When I drove back the car was making that ticking sound again.”

“I don’t like when you’re alone while I’m gone.”

“I was fine, Jo, honestly.”

“I know, still I don’t like picturing you by yourself all weekend.” He sighed. “It makes me feel bad.”

“Don’t feel bad,” You said. “I can take care of myself.”

His eyes were focused past you, his lips pursed.

“Baby,” You said, making him meet your eyes. “I promise.”

“I worry about you.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head, putting his arm over your waist. “It’s okay.”

“The car is ticking, though.” You reiterated.

“It’s your fault for not driving it,” He said, a trace of a smile on his face. “You’re killing the engine.”

You smiled without effort for a moment.

“If you ain’t gonna drive it, I might as well let it go to shit,” He said, making you laugh. “I’m serious. Or sell it, one.”

“I take it out as often as I can,” You said. “You’ll fix it for me, won’t you?”

“Only if I’m generously compensated for my labor.”

“How will I ever repay you?”

“I have a few ideas.”

“…At least wash the airport off first.”

Joel laughed, kissing your cheek before going to shower. “I’ll be right back. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I’m not going anywhere,” You promised as he disappeared into the bathroom. Your smile faded slowly as that feeling returned, that guilty feeling. You had hoped it would go away when Joel got home. You’d hoped that if you tried, you could move on and forget the whole thing ever happened. But his presence seemed to have the opposite effect.

The feeling was growing more intense.

No matter how hard you tried to ignore it, it was still there. It made everything feel different, even as you made love that afternoon. If Joel noticed that something was off he didn’t say anything. He held you like he usually did and made you laugh as he told you about his trip. You couldn’t keep up as he jumped from story to story, your mind was too preoccupied by the secret driving a wedge between the two of you. As you listened to him, you wondered if he noticed.

“I told him I’d deal with it tomorrow.” You tuned back in to what he was saying. “I’m technically supposed to be off for three days after traveling jobs but he’s up a creek with this one.”

“You’re always there for him,” You said. “He’s lucky to have you.”

“I guess.”

“No, he really is.”

He laughed a little, kissing your bare shoulder. “I love you.”

You don’t deserve him.

You closed your eyes. “I love you too.”

“Let’s go out tonight,” He suggested.

“I was going to cook.”

“I want to take you out.”

“Do you think I’ll go insane if I don’t leave the house?” You asked, looking over your shoulder.

“No.” He smiled. “You should get out anyway.”

“I guess I’ll get ready.”

“Ten minutes.” He tightened his grip on you. “I don’t wanna let you go.”

“Five minutes.”

“Fifteen.”

“That’s not how negotiations work~”

“Fine, I guess twenty will just have to do.”

You laughed as he threw his leg over yours for good measure. “Is this why you’re Bibby’s top sales negotiator?”

“Yeah, I just hold folks down until they give in,” He said. “It’s working, isn’t it?”

“It’s working,” You chuckled, laying your head down. You’re a liar and a cheat. You don’t deserve him. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kissed your shoulder again. “I love love you.”

“Love love, huh?”

“Love love love, even.”

“That’s just overkill.”

He laughed. “There’s no such thing when it comes to you.”

You don’t deserve~

“I love love love you too.”

*

You had to tell him. You knew that was the only way to put an end to the guilt threatening to consume you.

You couldn’t eat, you couldn’t sleep, you were anxious all the time. Keeping a secret of that magnitude wasn’t an option—it was killing you.

Things had been going so well. Convention season was over, Joel was home more often and you were happy. As happy as you could manage to be. You tried to find a moment to break the news, but there was no such thing as a good time in this situation.

Joel had been working all morning when you decided to bite the bullet. You figured it would be the best since he didn’t have work for a couple days. Not that having time off would make it any easier on him. You were grasping for any reason to either put off or justify telling him. There was no right time or place.

You were pacing in the kitchen when he got home, a worried look on your face.

“Hey,” He said, meeting you.

“How was your day?”

“It was a day.” He sighed tiredly, kissing your cheek. “Bibby’s secretary—his cousin Marcy, you know her—she got something mixed up with the books. He doesn’t think they’ll break even unless we get a few more cars off the lot before the end of the month. He wants me to come back today and help him. He said he’d call but I think I’ll just go.”

You deflated before you could think not to.

“Is that okay?” Joel asked. “I don’t have to, I was just tryna help if I could~”

“N-No, it’s fine.”

“What’s wrong?”

You shook your head. “Nothing, it can wait.”

“Can it?” He asked. “You look upset.”

“I’m not.” You lied. “It’s fine.”

“Tell me.” You stepped back when he reached out for you. “Baby, what is it?”

“I’m sorry,” You said, leaning against the counter behind you. “I-I’ll tell you later.”

“I want you to tell me now.” He insisted. His expression grew more concerned when he saw the tears forming in your eyes.

“I’m sorry,” You repeated. “I’m so sorry, Joel.”

“Why are you crying?” He asked, stepping forward and putting his hands on your shoulders.

You met his worried eyes. “I-I…I had an affair.”

He didn’t hear you at first and he ducked his head when you looked away, trying to meet your eyes. “You what?”

“I had an affair,” You stated more clearly.

He looked confused when you looked up. “…With who?”

You swallowed harshly, you didn’t want to say it, but you forced it out. “E-Elvis~”

The phone rang, startling you. Joel was frozen for a moment before he pulled away from you to answer.

“H-Hello?” He turned his back to you. “Bibby, I…yeah, I-I know, I can be there if you just give me half an hour…Just~ yeah….yeah. For fuck’s sake, Bibby, okay.”

He slammed the phone back on the hook, standing there without moving.

“Joel~”

“Don’t…don’t say anything to me.” He walked away, towards the bedroom.

You followed him with a string of futile apologies leaving your lips. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me~”

“Elvis Presley.” He stopped suddenly and faced you. “You had an affair…with Elvis fucking Presley?”

“I can explain~”

“Who are you?” He looked angry, but hurt shone through his expression more clearly.

“It’s me, Joel.” You reached out for him but he avoided your touch. “I’m me.”

“Have I not done right by you?” He asked, stepping away from you. “Have I not done everything I could~”

“You have~”

“When?”

You fell silent, frozen. You felt like cowering under his gaze.

“When?” He demanded.

“When you were in Virginia with Bibby.”

“As soon as I left?”

“N-No~”

“Why?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t say you don’t know!” You startled in surprise at his sudden change of tone. “People don’t do this kinda shit for no reason.”

“I-I d-don’t know,” You stammered.

“Yeah, okay.” He walked away. “You don’t know? Alright, fine.”

Joel had never yelled at you in all the time that you’d known him. Even when you argued he’d never raise his voice.

You did this.

This was your fault.

You snapped out of your shock and followed him to the bedroom. You found him in the closet pulling his clothes off the rack by the hangers. “Please don’t leave.”

He scoffed, throwing the clothes onto the bed before dragging his suitcase out of the closet.

“Please,” You cried. “I’m s-sorry, I-I’ll~ I can explain.”

He zipped his clothes into the suitcase haphazardly. “I don’t want to hear anything from you. I don’t even want to see you right now.”

“It was a mistake. I regretted it as soon as it happened.”

“But it happened.” He stopped for a second. “It fucking happened.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not okay.” He lifted the suitcase off the bed.

“Don’t go,” You continued to plead as you followed him out of the room.

“I have to.” He stopped at the front door and looked at you. “I have to go because I told Bibby I’d be there, and when I make a commitment, I honor that commitment.”

“I know~”

“It doesn’t matter what you say,” He said, the anger behind his voice already fizzling out and turning into hurt. “I love you, I trusted you, and you…It’s always been him, hasn’t it? Since the day you left Memphis.”

“No~”

“You left because of him.” He sounded so sure. “This whole time, I’ve had this feeling—since we met in that restaurant. This feeling that you were hiding something~

“No~”

“~I couldn’t figure it out. I didn’t care, because I loved you. And I thought you loved me~”

“I do love you,” You insisted.

“But you love him too…don’t you?”

The tears you wanted to cry finally formed in your eyes. “I love you, Joel. I only want you.”

Joel nodded, balling his lips as tears threatened to form in his eyes. “I just don’t believe you.”

Your stomach dropped when he turned to leave. The thing you had feared the most was happening and it was your fault.

He was leaving you.

You spoke through a broken sob. “I-I know I messed up a-and it’s my fault. I hate myself for h-hurting you, Joel, I just~ I-I don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

The room was silent for a moment aside from your sniffling. You felt Joel move towards you and you stepped away. Of course he’d comfort you, even now when you least deserved it. He took your wrists and pulled your hands from your face. You kept your head down as he took your face in his hands and thumbed away the tears.

Everything was caving in on you and you had no one to blame but yourself. Things were going so well. You were happy, you were in love, and you ruined it.

You ruin everything.

Joel shocked you by tilting your head back and kissing you. You gripped the front of his shirt, tasting your own tears on his lips.

He stopped suddenly and met your eyes—tear stained and full of shame and regret. He pulled away as if he’d come to his senses all of a sudden. Without so much as another, he turned around and picked up his abandoned suitcase—leaving you there alone and completely shattered.

[haztobegood]

⭐️ Annual Writing Self-Evaluation 2024 ⭐️

1. Number of stories posted to AO3: 16

2. Word count posted for the year: 43,087

3. Fandoms I wrote for: One Direction, BBC Radio 1 RPF, Music RPF (The Snuts)

4. Pairings: so many!

Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles & Louis Tomlinson

Louis Tomlinson/Jack Cochrane

OT5 girl direction

Zayn Malik/Louis Tomlinson

Niall Horan/Greg James & Nick Grimshaw/Harry Styles/Louis Tomlinson & Zayn Malik/Liam Payne

Zayn Malik/Harry Styles

5. Story with the most: Kudos: Figure This Out Bookmarks: Figure This Out Comments: Louis and the no good, very bad day

6. Work I’m most proud of (and why): Stronger Than the Tide was written for the @1daroaceficfest this year. I started writing a different fic but that one got to be much longer than I had time to write, so I quickly changed course, found new inspiration, and wrote this one so fast. This one proved to me that my fics don't have to be long and complicated to be very meaningful.

7. Work I’m least proud of (and why): I am honestly super proud of everything I posted this year. I feel more confident in my abilities and enjoyed writing so much that I couldn't single any out.

8. Share or describe a favorite review you received: This year I took a writing course and practiced what I'd learned while writing a horror story. Sisterhood is so different than anything I've posted before, so I was a bit nervous to post it. The comments were really great, especially this one from @disgruntledkittenface, "Jinny, I'm so impressed! Your prose is so evocative, and the story gave me chills. You gave such a full, rounded picture of the setting and all of the girls' relationships that I felt like I was there. I admit, I hesitated when I saw the cannibalism tag, but I'm really glad I read this!"

9. A time when writing was really, really hard: This spring was difficult. March and April are always busy and stressful, and then I broke my ankle, had two surgeries, and moved back in with my parents while I healed. Toward the end of May I really wanted to write for @wankersday so I forced myself to try despite some severe writer's block. I drafted Louis and the no good, very bad day entirely on my phone while lying on a couch.

10. A scene or character you wrote that surprised you: The ace of clubs in Stronger Than the Tide was my favorite surprise. This wasn't a part of the original draft at all, but while editing it felt like something was missing to indicate that the cave was siren!Harry's home, so I added Harry's collection of human objects. Because this was an ace/aro fic it felt right to put an ace card in. I found out after that the ace of clubs can represent growth and tending to relationships, which fit the theme perfectly.

Louis looked around the empty cave awkwardly. The bright sunlight illuminated some shiny objects laid out on natural ledges in the stone walls that he hadn’t noticed the last time. He slid his hands into the pockets of his red trackies and wandered closer. Shiny agates, broken seashells, smooth sea glass. A fork with a bent tine, dried wildflowers, a bobbin of old thread. A collection of jewelry. A large scallop shell filled with coins from all over the world. A corked bottle with a piece of paper rolled inside. Louis reached out and picked up a single red playing card. He turned it over: the ace of clubs. “That’s my collection. When I find something unique I save it.” Louis had been so intrigued by the items he hadn’t heard Harry come out of the cave. He set the card down carefully where he'd found it. “You keep your collection here in a cave?” “The cave is my home.”

More under the cut.

11. A favorite excerpt of your writing: Niall naming Louis' soulmate goose after Bruce Springsteen in Louis and the no good, very bad day will always make me laugh

Niall and Louis walk down the pavement, with the goose strutting a few feet behind Louis, beak held high. “Did you name him?” Niall asks. “What?” “The goose. Did you name him?” “Why would I do that? He’s not a pet.” “Because he’ll be with you for an unknown amount of time. Seems like he should have a name. Like Horace. Or Lionel. Or Bruce! Bruce the Goose.” The goose lets out a short burst of little honks in what Louis can only describe as a happy goose noise. Louis shakes his head. “No. I’m not naming my Soulmate Goose. He’ll hopefully be gone in a few days and then I can get on with my life.” Honk! Niall says, “Maybe. But I’ve heard that some people are stuck with their Soulmate Goose for almost a year.”

12. How did you grow as a writer this year: This year I took a writing course because I wanted to intentionally work on writing as a craft. I learned a lot from the course and enjoyed dedicating time to practicing and improving my skill.

13. How do you hope to grow next year: I am working on a Pride and Prejudice adaptation and learning a lot from studying the source material. Taking a deep dive into such an iconic novel is teaching me a great deal about what makes that story and its characters so compelling.

14. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc): @lululawrence's @wordplayfics was a huge inspiration. I wrote 5 fics, 3 of which had been sitting in my drafts folder for years. I had so much fun seeing where each random word would take me each week.

15. Anything from your real life show up in your writing this year: Greg twisting his ankle in The Grundy County Corn Maze Incident was inspired by breaking my own ankle. Unfortunately the strong Irish man that helped me get to a car was not Niall . And The Kiss of Sleep that I wrote for @1dtrickortreatfest was inspired by the one and only time I tried melatonin.

16. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers: Keep all your unfinished drafts, even if it seems unlikely you will ever finish them. You never know when the inspiration will strike.

17. Any projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year: I signed up as an author for @onedirectionbigbang for the first time this year! I am also an artist for two others and can't wait to see what these collaborations will bring

18. Tag some writers whose answers you’d like to read.

I tag @disgruntledkittenface @lululawrence @allwaswell16 @voulezloux @red-pandaaa @reminiscingintherain @so-why-let-your-voice-be-tamed @homosociallyyours @justanothershadeofblue @uhoh-but-yeah-alright and anyone else that wants to do this!

Past years (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)

[sunnydaleherald]

The Sunnydale Herald Newsletter, Wednesday, December 11

Joyce and Buffy are sitting on their porch. JOYCE: Do you wanna rent a movie tonight? BUFFY: Sounds like fun. JOYCE: Just nothing with horror in it. Or romance. Or men. BUFFY: I guess we're 'Thelma and Louise'ing it again.

~~Ted~~

[Drabbles & Short Fiction]

BtVS Double Drabble: Playing A Part by badly_knitted (Buffy, PG)

Backstage 49, “So Sad the Song” by aadler (Xander/Cordelia, T)

Weekly Drabbles #198 — Unspoken Words by veronyxk84 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Pay Her Back by Badwolfwho (Buffy, Faith, T)

A Christmas with a new begining by boothspookie (Angel/Cordelia, M)

The Holiday Tie That Binds by spikesgirl58 (Buffy, Giles, Grimm xover, G)

Winter's Bite by burntsecrets (Spike/reader, unrated)

Under Wraps by amarastoned (Buffy/Spike, R)

A Stone's Throw by simmony (Buffy/Spike, R)

A Cozy Little Christmas by Maxine Eden (Buffy/Spike, R)

What the Drabble? Vol. 2 - ch. 198 by VeroNyxK84 (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Hold My Hope by Desicat (Buffy/Spike, 13+)

Weird Challenge by veronyxk84 (Buffy/William Pratt, T)

[Chaptered Fiction]

The Anatomy of Ruin - ch. 1-2 by cj_is_alright (Giles/Spike, M)

Trials of Love - ch. 1 by RessaSilvertongue85 (Angel, Connor, T)

Words Inside a Shell - ch. 2 by tigerf00d (Spike/reader, tagged NSFW)

Ripples - ch. 3 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

Stories of True Love in Capeside - ch. 6 by CheekyKitten (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Lucidity - ch. 14 by Soulburnt (Buffy/Spike, NC-17) COMPLETE!

The Metamorphosis of Moonlit Shadows: - ch. 3 by SlayrGrl (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Whiplash - ch. 15 by Ninereeds (Buffy/Spike, NC-17)

Banacek.Alexander. - ch. 22 by xanfu (Xander centric, Banacek xover, FR21)

Love Can't Fix Us - ch. 7 by calikocat (Xander centric, Herbie and Teen Wolf xover, FR18)

Ripples - ch. 3 by violettathepiratequeen (Buffy/Spike, PG-13)

[Images, Audio & Video]

Artwork: 77 with Xander by yarboyandy (Xander, worksafe)

Artwork: anyanka 56? by yarboyandy (Anya, worksafe)

Artwork: [holding hands] by smoochiekissies (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: Spuffy new year season Made for EF Secret Santa Exchange ❤️‍🔥 by flyora (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: Two pathetic lovers from spuffy by flyora (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: Her vampire ❤ by leeechtherapy (Spike, worksafe)

Artwork: Faith 'accidentally' sending Buffy a thirst selfie... by sideartblog999 (Faith, mildly NSFW)

Header: Buffy, The Vampire Slayer, S03E10 (1998) by slashericons (Ensemble, worksafe)

Edit: Red themed Bangel edit. Also maybe slight Bangelus because of the first image used lmao by kishinuma-yoshiki (Buffy/Angel, worksafe)

Moodboard: aroace dawn summers by courtillyy (worksafe)

Moodboard: fred x wesley by courtillyy (worksafe)

Moodboard: it/she genderfae tara maclay by courtillyy (worksafe)

Moodboard: buffy x tara by courtillyy (worksafe)

Gifset: charles bukowski, days like razors, nights full of rats by dogmetaphors (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

Gifset: Buffy Summers & Faith Lehane in BTVS Season 3 by wicked-chocolatine (Buffy/Faith, worksafe)

Gifset: It's your world up there. Now go! by spikedaily (Buffy/Spike, worksafe)

[Reviews & Recaps]

Review: Buffy comics S9 Buffy and Spike perching on things like cats by xaeyrnofnbe

Buffy s03e10 Amends really has it all. The baby bangs, Angelus with a moustache, Fuffy... by acorpsecalledcorva

Angel 5.14 - Smile Time [previously posted on LJ] by rock-and-compass

A new beginning | S4 E1 “The Freshman” [new viewer] by The_Fullmetal_Titan

A quite frankly EPIC conclusion | S3 E21-22 “Graduation Day Parts 1 & 2” by The_Fullmetal_Titan

Watching empty places for the first time! by MAD1201

On rewatch of "Dead Man's Party", I have a newfound appreciation for the episode. by funditinthewild

PODCAST: Episode 84: The Ring by Gym Was Cancelled: A Buffy Podcast

[Recs & In Search Of]

[multiple BTVS and ATS fandom recs - Spuffy and Fanged Four] by apachefirecat

[Community Announcements]

Buffy/Giles Discord: Extension of deadline for the next Buffy x Giles writing Event! by thecrazyknight

[Fandom Discussions]

POLL: Btvs as Furries [with poll for Giles's animal] by popeisahotsoup

POLL: Do you think that soulless vampires can experience selfless love? by bufferingsummers

it's like season 15 and the scooby gang are facing their worst ever monster... [prompt] by earhartsease

wait wicked au of tillow??? elphie is tara and willow is glinda??? [prompt] by kpchrs

"Best non scoobies like you and me stay out of their way" [Tara and Dawn] by defectivegembrain

[post The Body] Buffy needed to suffer financially while Tara and Willow... by forgiveness-in-the-misery

"You always hurt the one you love, pet." [4 different interpretations of this line] by kpchrs

[any s7 fuffy fic will tell you that Faith slept in Buffy's basement on a cot...] by fictiongods

I think Buffy should have sarcastically been able to call someone “poor little vampire baby" at least once by bufferingsummers

Buffy doesn't think she's better than other people because she's the Slayer... by coraniaid

do you have thoughts on trans girl xander? answered by mattolicguilt

The Spike/Harmony sexy role play scene is so interesting... by aphony-cree

Deus ex machina [discussing the series finale] by Comfortable_Tale_139

Willow’s Character Arc by chasingsunset42

What detail, mannerism or quirk about a character just *bugs* you... ? by MountainFig7244

What's something... Buffyverse fandom views negatively, but you have mixed feelings or [like it]? by PristineSituation498

In season 7 they should have drown the Slayer in the bath tub and then revived her, [and then repeat] until they had an army of Slayers. by USDXBS

Unpopular Opinion: Tara and Willow were groundbreaking TV, but I don't love the characters/relationship. by thatiranianphantom

Season 7s dreadful British accents [and other accents in other seasons] by i_hate_my_username4

buffy’s heaven monologue by angelofmeatt

Does Buffy ever tell Riley she loves him? by StandardPossible9435

Thoughts on the “Graduation Day” battle with The Mayor? by JB92103

[what] ONE episode from the whole series ...best depicts the show's essence without spoiling anything? by missjayelle

Dawn the ASSASSIN! 🥹😭 [her talking to Riley] by EnvironmentOk5610

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Join the editor team :)

[back2bluesidex]

Where Do Broken Hearts Go - Chapter 2 (18+)

Pairing: Model, ex-boyfriend!Jungkook X Child psychologist, Fem!Reader X Lawyer, Single Dad!Hoseok. 

Summary: Jungkook stripped your emotions naked, left you bare in the chilly wind of despair and self-doubt with an unending heartache. You tried your hardest to move on from him, to live for yourself but failed miserably. Each night you had to come back to your empty home where memories and broken dreams were scattered all around the floor, until one day a little angel and her unbelievably beautiful father came into your life. Finally, when you find yourself healing, maybe falling too, Jungkook had to show up! Again!

Theme: Angst, pining, heartbreak, break-up, SMUT (MDNI) (not in this chapter)

Warnings: Mentions of school bullying, Hoseok is so attractive (this chapter is basically me simping over Hoseok), Reader is insecure.

Word count: 4.4k

Taglist requests are closed.

Minors and karens are not allowed in this blog

A/N: The chapter starts with JK's pov and changes into the reader's but it's nothing too tough to understand. I hope you guys like it. Please hit me up on askbox and let me know how is it.

Main Masterlist

Chapters:- 

Prologue/Masterpost || Chapter 1 || Chapter 2 || Chapter 3 || Chapter 4 || Chapter 5 || Chapter 6 || Chapter 7 - Finale

His eyes drift towards the window. 

What time should it be now? 10 am? 11 am? He doesn’t know. Not that he is in a rush for anything. There is absolutely no haste to disappear before prying cameras sneak into his private space. 

He should be at peace, a weird tranquility that is supposed to be easy. But deep down Jungkook is very much unsettled. 

As he eyes the wide blue sky out of Jiwon’s bedroom window, his mind reels back to you. The last day he saw you, the way you were standing with a ring in your hands, the way he broke your heart and the way you marched out of his life with merely a goodbye. You didn’t ask him why he fell out of love with you, nor were you curious enough about what made him fall in love with another woman. 

“What does she have that I don’t? Why can’t I be enough for you? How can you be so cruel?” These are the words Jungkook expected to hear from you when he dropped the bomb. But instead he heard you wishing him a good life and walking away from him without a single complaint. 

Were you always ready for the blow? Were you preparing yourself to let him go? He can’t tell. But no matter how much he tries he can’t stop wondering what you are upto now. How have you been spending your nights or how are you coping up with the pain he has provided you with?

Jiwon scoots her body closer to Jungkook’s. Her nose brushes on his forearm. Jungkook freezes. Is he really thinking of you lying awake in his new girlfriend’s bed after breaking up with you for the same woman?

He is being unfair to both of you and Jiwon. 

His eyes close on their own accord. 

When he opens those again, Jiwon is already smiling up at him. 

“Good Morning, handsome.” she says sweetly. 

“It’s almost noon, I believe.” Jungkook chuckles, turning on his side, facing Jiwon fully. 

“Really? Then we better leave the bed now. You can wash up while I make coffee for you.” Jiwon kisses on his cheek as she sits up. 

“No. It’s fine. I have to leave.” Jungkook sits up too. 

“Why? You don’t have any schedule today. Do you?” Jiwon pouts. 

“Not really. Actually.. my house is a mess and I wanted to clean up before I get busy.” Jungkook reasons. 

“We can eliminate these problems, you know?” Jiwon holds his hand, looking a little shy and sheepish. 

“Umm? I didn’t get you?”  Jungkook is confused. He has no idea what his new girlfriend has to suggest for his house chore. 

“I mean… Why don’t we move in together? It will be easy for both of us. We can take turns on the chore and spend more time together when both of us are free? What do you say?” Jiwon’s eyes are full of hope. But Jungkook doesn’t know what to say. 

“I- Jiwon, I think it’s too early. We will have to talk to the agency as well.” Jungkook runs a hand through his already disheveled hair. 

“Why will we have to talk to the agency? They already know about us. All we need to do is to inform them once we are ready.” Jiwon holds his hand tighter. 

That’s the thing. Jungkook is not ready yet. Your words ring in the back of his head.  

“Home? You mean the apartment you left because your agency said it’s risky to share a space with your girlfriend of three years? The same place you refused to meet at because paparazzi are keeping tabs on you as you are rumored to be dating someone else?”

He sighs. 

Yes, he loves Jiwon but he doesn’t know if he is ready to share a space with her yet. Especially when he left you behind in the excuse of his career and prying paparazzies. 

Jungkook concludes that it’s his guilt that is resisting him from going too far with Jiwon just yet. So he decides to wait, to take a little time to think more deeply about what he actually wants, not what he wants to want for the sake of his girlfriend. 

“Jiwon, I don’t want to rush anything. We can take it slow and understand each other better before moving in. Let’s give each other a little more time, okay?” He says with a tight lipped smile. 

Jiwon’s face falls a bit but she nods in understanding. 

“You must admit, the guardian of your new counselee is too hot.” Miseon mumbles as she chews down a spoonful of bibimbap, “he seems quite young too. Must have gotten married to his high school sweetheart or something?” 

You narrow your eyes at her, “If you are trying to dig down his personal information then let me remind you that-”

“Yeah. Yeah I know. Confidential information and all. I was just curious. I mean usually both of the parents or mothers visit with their children. It’s probably the first time I saw only the dad coming in, that too, looking like a snack.” Your friend looks up at you with a quizzical gaze as if she wants you to validate what she just commented. 

Yes. Hoseok is certainly hot and attractive. But what gripped you more is the way he is determined to be a good father to Sua, despite the complicated fatherhood he faced. The concerned look on his handsome face flashes in your mind.  

“Y/N?” Hoseok calls your name as he stands up from his seat, getting ready to leave your cabin. 

“Yes?” you respond. 

“Sua.. she will be fine, right?” If you are not wrong then you hear Hoseok’s voice trembling a bit.

“I will be able to answer that after two more sessions I suppose.” you smile apologetically. 

“Yeah. Yeah of course. I am sorry. I- I am just very worried.” His eyes drop to stare at the floor. 

“Which is only natural. There is no need to apologize.” You voice. Pausing a little bit, you continue, “Sua seems to be more mature than the kids of her age. She is quite closed up as well. So, it is possible for her to hide some sort of things she is going through. I need to win her trust first to let her open up to me but-” 

“But?” Hoseok grows impatient.

“But that is going to take some time. Especially because I don’t think she liked me. She might refuse to come back for the next session.”  You place carefully. 

“Then? What do you suggest doing in that case?” Hoseok questions. 

“I suggest outdoor therapy. Spending time with the counselee and their guardians in a place they like to visit together occasionally or frequently. And I also suggest Friday afternoons for counseling. Kids tend to be in a better mood and far more approachable when they are in their pre-weekend glory.” Your suggestion seems to put Hoseok at ease. “You already have my number. You can text me the place and time once you decide. Although I prefer the slot after lunch.” 

He nods, “Great then. I will see you on Friday… after lunch.” 

Hoseok’s dark eyes bores into yours once again as he steps towards you.

“It was nice to meet you, Y/N.” he extends one of his veiny hands. 

You slip your hand into his, intertwining the muscles in a shake, “Likewise, Hoseok.”  

Miseon claps her hands in front of your face, shaking you out of the thoughts of Mr. Jung, “Hey mate! Where are you so lost?” 

“What? Yeah? Sorry, I was… thinking something.” you reply, jabbing your spoon in your bowl of bibimbap. 

“No. Don’t tell me you were lost in the thoughts of your douchebag ex-boyfriend.” Your friend regards you with fake anger in her eyes. 

“Ugh no! It was completely different.” you groan. Now that you realize, it’s probably the first time since your breakup that you have gone so long without having to let Jungkook’s thoughts seep inside your head. Meeting the Jungs was one thing but to keep on thinking of them even after they left your work place hours ago, is a completely different matter.  

And it’s a very welcoming change.

You sigh, “Don’t call him douchebag. He is not that bad.” 

Miseon’s eyes go wide at your response, “What is wrong with you? He left you for another girl, Y/N! How can you defend him like this?” 

You sigh, closing your eyes, “I am not defending him, Miseon. Some things are not just meant to be, you know? No matter how much time you invest, some relationships are not meant to last. Just like you can’t help falling in love with someone, you can’t help falling out as well. And he fell out of love with me, he found someone more suitable for him. What’s wrong with that? I should appreciate him that he at least didn’t go behind my back and cheat on me. Yeah, whatever Jungkook did, did not hurt me any less but that does not make him a bad person. Everyone deserves to be happy, be loved, be in love… so does he. I just- I just need to accept it.” Saying these words out loud really lightens your heart. Maybe today can be the first step towards your healing, just as you thought at the beginning of the day. 

“But what about your happiness? What about you being loved, being in love?” Miseon places her question. 

“I don’t really know. At this point I don’t even know if I deserve to be loved or not. Maybe there is something wrong with me, isn’t that the reason none of my relationships were successful?” You smile at her with eyes full of tears. 

“Cut the crap. You- I will strangle you to death if you say stuff like this ever again.”  Miseon jerks a fork in your direction making you laugh a little.

“Calm down, you angry woman.” you joke but your heart still feels heavy beyond measure.

Everything about weekdays is fine.. Apart from the fact that you have to come back to a huge and lonely home. 

It’s Wednesday and you sigh at the thought of entering your condo with absolutely nothing waiting for you. The thought burdens you, saddens you and you almost feel jealous of the newly married couple who just moved in last week. 

You punch the key-code in, which is, by the way, your and Jungkook’s birthdates combined. 

Placing the bag of groceries, you take a seat on the couch. The soft material soothes your aching back right away. You lean your head on the headrest, stare down at the cream-colored cloth of the couch, and caress it lightly as if caressing fragile memories. 

“Jungkook! What is wrong with you?” you sigh in resignation, throwing your purse on the couch.  

“Nothing.” He replies heading straight to the kitchen. 

“Don’t avoid it. You have been sulking all the way home. Did I offend you somehow?” you head towards your boyfriend. 

Jungkook chugs down water, crushes the plastic bottle and disposes of it in the trashcan so ferociously that you can’t help but be more and more amused with each passing moment. 

The moment he is about to exit the kitchen, you come and stand in front of him, “Jungkook, what is it?” 

Jungkook takes in a sharp inhale, avoiding his eyes from yours. 

“Who was that guy?” His voice is low, decorated with a buzz that suggests his annoyance.  

“Which guy?” There were a lot of guys at your reunion party and you don’t know which one Jungkook saw. Especially because he was waiting at the exit inside the car. 

“The one that saw you off with a hug.” He grits these words through his teeth. 

“O-Oh.. that’s Taeho, one of my batch mates. We used to be really close.” you gulp at the face Jungkook is making at your response.

“Really close huh? Is that why he hugged you so intimately? Wrapping up your waist, burying his entire fucking face on your neck? Just like a lover would? Just like I would?” 

Jungkook is jealous. And jealous Jungkook is not a good news. So you clear your voice as you choose your words carefully. 

“I admit that he was a little touchy. But he has always been like this with everyone. I promise, Jungkook, he didn’t have any other intention.” you reply calmly. 

“Really? Are you sure?” your boyfriend starts backing you up on the kitchen counter and soon you feel the cold countertop through the material of your dress. 

“Yes. hundred percent.” Jungkook’s tattooed arm comes to rest on one of your cheeks. 

“Good.” his body presses onto yours. “You know I love you, right? I am sorry for my behavior earlier. I just can’t see you with anyone else. What if they steal you from me?” Jungkook’s expression softens and an adorable pout takes over his lips. 

You giggle a little, “I know. And you, too, should know that nobody can take me away from you unless you give up on me.” 

“I am never gonna give up on you.” whispering these words, Jungkook brings his lips to yours. Locking two pairs of the soft pillowy muscles as if to seal the deal. 

A lone tear rolls down your cheek as you stare at the kitchen counter at present. Jungkook gave up on you and your love so easily, so fast and so readily that you didn’t even get the chance to ask him why and how. He looked so dejected the moment you pulled out the ring, that you had to take a step back out of embarrassment. You felt like you were throwing yourself at him when he was not at all willing to look at you properly. 

You are about to reach for the tissue box kept on the coffee table but you feel your work phone buzzing inside your coat pocket. It’s a text from an unknown number, probably from one of your new patients. 

“Hi.” “Seodaemun Children Park, Friday, 3:30 pm.”  “- Jung Hoseok.” 

If you are excited for an outdoor therapy, then you are not showing it on your face and absolutely not with your dress. 

You decided to keep it casual with a pair of denim boyfriend jeans and a lavender-colored knitted top. You check your face a little before getting out of your car. You look fine. Not that you want to look extra pretty or something, it’s just that you don’t want to convey your internal troubles through your face. 

A gush of fresh wind hits you as soon as you step out of the stuffy interior of your car. And you are smiling, without even noticing. 

You decide to take a moment to admire the beauty of fall, the light chill in the wind and the dimmed sun heading in the west. Maybe Miseon was right. You should have taken a walk around your neighborhood instead of drowning yourself in bottles of Soju back in the days of your pity party. 

Sighing to yourself, you pull out your phone from your purse to call Mr. Jung. 

He receives it just after the first ring. 

"Hello, Mr. Jung. This is Dr. Y/N. I have arrived at the park." You speak into the device. 

"Hey, Y/N. Just walk straight from the entrance and you will see a huge fountain. We are sitting at a bench right beside that." His voice comes out thicker through the speaker of your phone but you can feel the cherriness in it regardless. 

"Okay." You reply briefly as you cut the call.

Unlike you, Mr. Jung has chosen to dress formally. A dark blue three piece suit paired with equally majestic dark Chelsea boots signify an aura of authority in him. The attorney badge, sitting right on his suit, makes him look even sexier all together. He sits cross-legged, a sight that could take anyone's breath away. 

You stare at him from a distance, unable to keep your eyes off of the man for some mysterious reasons. However, you compose yourself before it's too late and look around for Sua. 

She's on the seesaw. She has her signature pigtails with adorable pink bows matching her pink dress perfectly. But the best thing is, she's smiling widely, which makes her look so damn cute. This father-daughter duo could kill people with their looks alone. 

You start walking towards Mr. Jung but Sua sees you before him. Her expressions turn somber as she registers you walking towards her dad. 

"Mr. Jung." You breathe out, standing beside the bench.

"Y/N." He stands up and greets you with the most beautiful smile you have ever had the opportunity to witness. And suddenly you find it hard to breathe.  

"I thought you agreed to call me by my name, which is Hoseok, in case you don't remember." He teases you with a playful grin.

Your cheeks hit up with embarrassment "Ah, yeah. I'm sorry. I tend to be forgetful. But I didn't forget your name, Hoseok." 

"That's good. I would have been seriously offended if you did." He teases you again, gesturing you to sit beside him.

“How is her mood today?” you question, sitting down beside him while keeping a respectable distance between your bodies. 

“Gloomy as always. But she brightened up as soon as I told her we were going to grab some ice-cream here in the park.” Hoseok replies, staring at Sua. 

“Did you see her face turning grey again as I walked in?”  You continue staring at Sua as she climbs off the seesaw and starts walking towards the bench.

“Umm.. yeah. She is usually very friendly but then again she is not quite herself these days.” Hoseok sighs. 

“Hmm noted.” you mumble. 

“Hey my little girl.” Hoseok coos as Sua runs into his embrace. She pulls his collar with her little hands lowering him down to her level to whisper something in his ear. 

“What is she doing here?” you hear her say. It’s impossible to resist your laugh at this cutely angry baby who is very displeased at your presence. 

“Sua. Where are your manners?” Hoseok scolds her. 

“Hey. it’s alright.” you stop him, without realizing that you have reached for his arm in the process and placed your right hand there. 

Hoseok’s eyes shift towards your hold and you remove your hand as swiftly as possible, mumbling a quick apology.   

“I didn’t mind a bit.” Hoseok whispers. There is an undertone in his voice and again you don’t know what it is. 

You have never been as clueless as you are about Hoseok.

Reading people has always been one of your greatest abilities, even far before you got into psychotherapy. Understanding what’s going inside someone’s head is nothing too hard for you. But with Hoseok it’s different. You feel exposed under his dark gaze when you should be the one to make him feel intimidated with you.  

The way he looks at you, makes you feel like he knows exactly how troubled you are, how lonely you feel and how broken you have become. 

Realizing you have been lost in Hoseok’s eyes for far too long, you avert your gaze to Sua. 

“Hey Sua. Annyeong.” you give her a big smile but she remains unfazed. 

“Annoyeng.” her small voices is sounds whiny. 

You sigh. She is harder to approach than you assumed. 

“You know my friends just ditched me. They went shopping without telling me that they had changed their plans. I was feeling so down, so I called daddy and asked him if I could see you.” you can feel Hoseok’s eyes still trained on your profile. 

“Really? Your friends went without you?” from her voice you know she relates. And that is the main reason why you chose this lie. 

“Yup. But it’s alright if you don’t want me to be here. I will-” You start standing up faking to leave the park. 

Sua cuts you off, “No. You can be here.” 

Great. That’s what you wanted all along, “Really? I can?” 

She nods. 

Your eyes divert to Hoseok again, who is staring at you with amusement in his eyes. 

“Then do you want to go swinging with me?” You ask the little girl pointing towards the pair of swings a little far away. 

She looks at Hoseok for permission and when he gives her an affirmative sign, she mumbles a little yes. So you extend your hand towards her, hold her and walk her towards the swing. 

“You know, I used to be so afraid of swings when I was little.” you are staring at the ground but you can feel Sua’s eyes at you. 

“Why?” she asks. You feel a sense of accomplishment as she is finally interacting with you. 

“One of my classmates pushed me so hard that I flew off the swing and ended up hurting both of my knees.” You laugh a little, “I didn’t go near swings for a long time after that.”

“And now? You are not afraid of swings anymore?” She stops her swing rendering it out of motion. Her full concentration is on you. 

“No. I grew up so tall. See.” You show yourself off by expanding your legs.

“So.. when I grow up tall I won’t be afraid of Jaemin anymore?” she looks up at you, her expression is filled with fear. You know you need to be more careful from here. 

“Umm.. that depends on why you are afraid of Jaemin. Is he… your classmate?” you speak softly. 

Sua diverts her attention to her shoes, kicking dirt and avoiding looking into your eyes. She stays silent for a moment and you don’t push her to talk. 

“Yes. He- he is a bad boy.” her soft voice quivers. 

Another case of school bullying. Most of the teenagers you counsel are either a victim of school bullying or an unhealthy domestic atmosphere. But this is the first time you are counseling a kid so small troubled with bullying. Usually kids of Sua’s age are more likely to tease each other over small things but bullying is a complex concept. Hence, counselling Sua may not be an easy task. 

“Does he annoy you a lot?” you place carefully enough so that you don’t trigger her unintentionally. 

“Yes.” her eyes are still trained on her shoes. 

Nodding to yourself, you decide not to push the conversation any further. Sua already looks down enough and you don’t want to ruin her Friday afternoon any more.  

“Sua, what do you like more, chocolate or vanilla? I like chocolate more.”  You say, trying to brighten up her mood. 

Her expression changes within a heartbeat, “Me too. Me too. I like chocolate a lot.”    

“Then should we have some ice-cream?”  you extend your hand towards her. 

This time Sua doesn’t wait for her father’s confirmation, she grabs your hand as you two hop off the swings and walk towards Hoseok, who is currently busy on the phone. 

He smiles up at both of you as he speaks into his phone, “No. not tonight. I am busy. I’ll call you later.” and he cuts the call. 

That sounded pretty much like the cancellation of a booty-call but whatever it is, it’s not your business. 

“Hey you girls. Did you guys have fun?” he asks, taking Sua into his embrace again. 

“Yes. We did. Right sua?” you giggle. 

Sua nods giggling back. 

“But daddy, you promised to buy me ice-cream, why haven’t you bought it yet?”  she pouts adorably and you giggle again. 

“Pabo! It would have melted.” Hoseok laughs at her daughter. 

“Oh. That’s right.” Sua exclaims, wondering hard. Even before you know it, you are laughing out loud. A fit of laughter escapes your throat at the cuteness of this father-daughters duo. The frequency of your laughter increases when two of them join you. Suddenly you realize it’s been an embarrassingly long time since you have laughed this loud, this freely, this genuinely. Suddenly, you feel good, you feel free. 

“Do you think there’s something to be seriously worried about?” Hoseok asks, walking you towards your car. Sua fell asleep right after having a bowl full of ice-cream. Hoseok tugged her into a blanket and put her into the car seat before walking you to yours. 

“It will be too early for me to say anything but I will get there soon. She is a kid after all, I can’t rush with her. I can’t dig into her fears unless she is comfortable enough. That will do more harm.” You come to stand in front of your car. 

Hoseok nods. 

“Yes. You’re right.” he murmurs. 

You swear to all the gods above there, they really took time to craft this man. His sharp jawline is a perfect contrast to his soft features. His dark brown eyes glint under the setting sun. And in this dimming light, he looks like a dream. 

And maybe you are dreaming because there is no way he is stepping close to you now, raising his hand, bringing it closer to your face and touching you. But then his fingers brushes on the skin of your neck, gently picking something off from it. You feel goosebumps all across your skin and at the same time your face feels like it’s on fire, bazing red and hot. 

Fuck. You are deprived of touches for so long. 

“Loose thread.” Hoseok whispers. 

“O-oh. Thanks. This top keeps losing threads.” an useless TMI. 

“It does the job though. You look really pretty.” he whispers again and with that heart-breakingly beautiful smile of his. 

That’s it. You need to run away as soon as possible. 

“Ah, thanks. You are kind. Bye. See you next Friday.” you bow a little. 

He takes a step back without dimming his smile, “Bye. I will be waiting. Drive safe, Y/N.”

You finally find your breath when he turns his back and walks away from you. This is unexplainable, this is not ethically right, you should be heartbroken, and you should stay miles away from stupid feelings but you just can’t stop admiring Hoseok. Currently you are more confused and clueless than you have ever been. And you absolutely don’t know what to do with it.  

Taglist:-

@phenomenalgirl9 @variety-is-the-joy-of-life @soraviie @sukunabitch @chimchimmarie @coffeedepressionsoup @meowstake @vonvi-blog @nochuel @xjoonchildx @justmewondering-recs @cuteipat @miakey98 @purpleanchorcrown @chimmisbae @ane102 @junniesoleilkth @terjeonbebas @kookssecret @appleh4ad @kayleeshinee @whoa-jo @definetlythinkimanalien @lovelgirl22 @agrika

[shefanispeculator]

I saw this on ATRL!

1. "Somebody Else's": We all know this song and it is definitely a great one! It feels like a proper album opener and the lyrics are pretty solid. 8/10

2. "Bouquet": Well, well, the title track. It features an overarching theme of growth using lyrics like "Clouds are like miracles / Appearin' overhead, but raining when you need some peace" and "You go on pickin' the petals and I'll just smile". Basically it's about coming with terms the fact is that you might not need someone to make you happy and it's better if you go your separate ways becuase she doesn't need a bouquet. Sonically, it's similar to "Somebody Else's" but features more prominent bass. 7.5/10

3. "Pretty": Whew!!! The lyrics on this one are a DAMN SERVE!! "Memories are sentimental 'cause we're not who we used to be / Sometimes you lose, sometimes you weep as it creeps / Through the backyards on common ground, we do not stand / Oh my, there is coincidence and then there is circumstance". It has a certain groove to it but it also sounds kinda dark and myserteous (?)! This is for sure one of my favorites on the record. 9.5/10

4. "Empty Vase": Mmm... I understand the concept, but like, I find this song to be a bit boring, truth be told. It's entirely built off of acoustic guitar—which is fine—but it sort of goes nowhere. Also, the outro will definitely catch you off guard the first time because she starts whispering and it's very intimate. 7/10

5. "Marigolds": Okay, VOCALS!!!! She is singing her a*s off here, especially in the final chorus. "Watch me die a little bit each time I come alive". This could have used a bridge but it's one of the tracks that stands out sonically. It's almost reggae but also kind of punk-ish at the same time. 8/10

6. "Late To Bloom": I truly appreciate Gwen diving into the subject matters she does on the song. It's basically about it being too late to realize what you had and/or being emotionally mature enough to fully appreciate someone, but they're already gone. "Maybe I'll see you in the next lifetime, maybe I won't / But first a little pit stop to catch a few rays of sunshine / I say see you at noon, but I'm always late to bloom". The production here is very Rock Steady No Doubt vibes. A highlight! 9/10

7. "Swallow My Tears": So, she posted a snippet of this on her social media and I honestly think she's kinda deceiving y'all. The song builds throughout, and at the final chorus, there's a "drop" with full on production that's comparable to "Guilty as Sin?" by Taylor Swift. It is a bit repetitive, but the bridge is one of the best moments on the album; she kind of sounds chaotic, but like panicked too, and it works ssooo well. 8.5/10

8. "Reminders": For sure, this is the most sentimental song on the album. It's got this early 2000's acoustic pop ballad vibe to it (think Nelly Furtado or even "Don't Speak" by No Doubt themselves). "I saved you a seat / Just like how you gave my heart a beat". 8/10

9. "All Your Fault": Well, if you like "Naughty" from This Is What the Truth Feels Like, you'll enjoy this. It has a very similar vocal style and even some quirky-ish lyrics. I am surprised Diane Warren wrote this one by herself because there are most definitely some signature Stefani lines in here like "Was pretty sure I ran out of power / But you got me lit every single hour" and "And I'll never be the same / Won't catch me taking the blame / Ahhh, it's all your fault!". Overall, I think this is a fun track but it's placement on the album is odd. 7.5/10

10. "Purple Irises" (featuring Blake Shelton): I suppose this works as a closer, but it feels a bit like an afterthought.... Truly, the song itself is fine but I believe it's supposed to make you feel nostalgic and I just feel relief (?). Maybe that's just me, who knows. 7.5/10

As a whole, I believe Bouquet is a pretty strong body of work by Gwen Stefani. It's a confident, self-assured put together collection of 10 nice tracks. I know I'm in the minority here but I still believe This Is What the Truth Feels Like is her strongest album to-date. But for those looking for something completely different, Bouquet is for you, bar elements of "All Your Fault". This album feels like it will age really well over time and I hope we get another No Doubt album in the feature because this is absolutely the closest we have gotten to one as a solo Gwen project.

[cooldadmondmiles]

Cross Our Hearts 2024 is a go!

"Cross Our Hearts" is an open prompt event for creating fanworks of video game crossovers!

Though this event was created with Prototype/Assassin's Creed/Infamous/Watch_Dogs/Thief/etc in mind, any video game crossover/fusion is welcome!

Despite "Hearts" being in the title, your creation does NOT have to be romantic/shippy if you don't wanna! See the link for more details!!

Your prompts for November 2024 are themed around pairs of opposites!! Feel free to take just one or the other word from the pair, or incorporate both into your work!

1. Hot and/or Cold 2. Tall and/or Short 3. Happy and/or Sad 4. Fast and/or Slow 5. Up and/or Down 6. In and/or Out 7. Big and/or Small 8. Early and/or Late 9. Strong and/or Weak 10. Light and/or Dark 11. Full and/or Empty 12. Hard and/or Soft 13. Near and/or Far 14. Rich and/or Poor 15. Young and/or Old 16. Clean and/or Dirty 17. Open and/or Closed 18. Heavy and/or Light 19. Safe and/or Risky 20. Right and/or Wrong 21. Alive and/or Dead 22. Win and/or Lose 23. Love and/or Hate 24. Day and/or Night 25. Easy and/or Difficult 26. True and/or False 27. Friend and/or Enemy 28. Buy and/or Sell 29. Accept and/or Reject 30. Begin and/or End