#but it seems so natural after auroras message

[thymeisasocialconstruct]

It very quickly developed from ‘We need to keep the girl out of Targent’s hands because the Azran Legacy is powerful’ -> ‘We need to unlock the Azran Legacy with Aurora’s help.’

[an-insignificant-flower]

Tasogare no Hauringu 黄昏のハオリング

Music and lyrics by Imai Hisashi

I think there has been some sentiment among some (certainly not all) fans that Imai's headstrong optimism and push forward can sometimes seem cold. I have long suspected that's more of a cultural clash, as in the west, a man who doesn't shed tears is doing it to keep a "stiff upper lip" because of the underlying belief that emotion is weakness (except for anger, of course). However, while forms of toxic masculinity do exist in the east as well, you're just as, if not more, likely to run into a motive to keep everyone together, and to not shed your own tears so as not to spread sadness further. I always felt such was Imai's motivation, especially after his tender speech at the 2023 Genshou performance.

I had been thinking that I wish Imai would show his sorrow a bit more. I think it's a vulnerability fans need to touch as much as for his own message of "Be Happy" as for the validation of their own tears. After all, if the man who can find contentment in this hell can also mourn, than can't we who mourn also be able to find contentment?

If there was any remaining concern that Imai might not be capable of tears, publicly or privately, this song blasts them out of the waters.

The Twilight Howling

Tasogare, as a modern term, refers to the time between sunset and night. An older version of the same word, tasokare, refers to the time of night when it has just become too dark to clearly see others' faces. In the Chinese zodiac counting of the day, it falls during the "hour of the dog" (7 p.m. to 9 p.m.) when he takes his place to guard the gate.

While Japanese has many words for dusk or twilight, tasogare specifically also has a colloquial use as an expression of melancholy or nostalgia. As with twilight in English, it can refer to one's "twilight years."

Though I wouldn't say it necessarily applies to this song, but it does to the rest of the album, tasogare can also be used metaphorically to mean that, while the brightest time is past, there is still enough light worth pushing a little further.

And there in just the title alone we have a coming darkness, the inability to see the face of even a friend, the loyal guardian, melancholy, nostalgia, physical decline in aging, and the drive to continue regardless. Now on to the lyrics themselves...

オーロラの地へ　魂のパレード Oh Flyaway ōrora no chi he　tamashī no parēdo　oh fly away

to the land of the aurora, parade of souls, oh fly away

Okay, so, I'm already a hot, sobbing, facial tissue-consuming mess; how is everyone else???

Right off the bat, we know the album has been leading up to this song from the very cover. The aurora as not simply a visual metaphor, but here a lyrical one, specifically the parade that Acchan has ascended to, and the one we all will eventually join.

3000年後の　荒野に立て Oh Memory sanzen nen go no　kōya ni tate　oh memory

standing in the wilderness 3000 years from now, oh memory

Narratively, the lyrics here are less clear, but I'm inclined to see it as the end of humanity, that we as a species as much as we as individuals will leave nothing but a memory, with nature returning to take her place where our cities once stood.

エンジェルの群れ　虹色　風 Oh Flyaway enjeru no mure　niji iro kaze　oh fly away

a flock of angels, rainbow wind, oh fly away

More metaphoric descriptions of the aurora as the place where Acchan and all other beloved souls must be.

薔薇の下　獣たち　Oh Oh bara no moto　kemono-tachi　o-oh

we beasts under the rose, oh

In 2018, Sakurai Atsushi completed a performance in very obvious pain. After apologizing to the audience for not performing his best, he was rushed to hospital, where he was found to be bleeding internally from a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. While in recovery, he penned Kemonotachi no Yoru, ("Our Night" with "our" meaning "we beasts"). A few lyrics near the end of that song imply his promise, for the sake of his fans, to never leave the stage: "Dance for me, Pierrot / Tonight you stay on that stage till the end" (trans. by Cayce). If such was Acchan's intention, then it was in this song that he predicted his own death.

Kemonotachi ("we beasts") here means as much the remaining members of the band as the entire fandom, and "under the rose," the literal translation of "subrosa," the Latin meaning "done in secret," is the unique connection we share, having loved so dearly the one we all lost together.

黄昏のハウリング　歌うように　歌うように　Oh Oh tasogare no hauringu　utau yō ni　utau yō ni　o-oh

the twilight howling, like singing, (like a song), oh

Using the base noun "song" twice would probably be the more natural choice, if only to avoid the repeating continuous -ing form, which is not as it appears in the Japanese.

There's also an implication that what we the audience hear as music, and have heard throughout this album, has actually been the sorrowful cries of a lonely pack this whole time.

黄昏のハウリング　哭いている　咆えている tasogare no hauringu　naiteiru　hoeteiru

This line has two translations. If you're just listening to the lyrics, you might assume naiteiru and hoeteiru are 泣いている and 吠えている, which are the common characters used for those words, leading a listener(-only) to hear:

the twilight howling, crying, howling

with the second howling being the typical Japanese word for the howl of animals. However, with the very specific and uncommon characters used, the meaning is closer to:

the twilight howling, wailing, yowling

While the common "crying" with 泣 very simply means "crying" with no particular nuance, the "crying" with 哭 is a noisy cry, a wail, a sob. It implies uncontrolled emotions and a demand to be heard.

Likewise 咆 can mean "howling" like its common counterpart, 吠, but this roar, this howl, has a distinct undertone of violence, anger, or rage. There is no good direct translation for this one in English. Any word animalistic enough isn't dangerous enough. Any word dangerous enough isn't animalistic enough.

Harkening back to the previous line of "sounding like a song but (is actually) howling" we have a line that sounds like simple "crying, howling" but is actually far more gut-wrenching and unleashed.

From here on out, we repeat the previous lyrics:

オーロラの地へ　魂のパレード　Oh Flyaway

3000年後の　荒野に立て　Oh Memory

エンジェルの群れ　虹色　風　Oh Flyaway

薔薇の下　獣たち Oh Oh

黄昏のハウリング　歌うように　歌うように Oh Oh 黄昏のハウリング　哭いている　咆えている

Oh Oh　歌うように　歌うように Oh Oh　哭いている　咆えている

🌌

This song is only ever so slightly slower than Mudai and follows a similar chord progression. Sakurai has never clearly revealed what he intended for Mudai's message to be, but personally, I'm inclined to see it as the horror and confusion of being brought into existence—a trauma many of us never really recover from—and the inclination to pursue the darkness that once felt safe. From darkness we come and to darkness we go.

Even without interpretation, the theme of birth in the song is obvious. How poetic then, to end the album mourning Sakurai's passing with such an homage to it, reminding us that death and birth are part of a (painful) cycle.

After lyrics such as these, the sound of Imai's guitar ends on the same tones as ended Mudai, more discordant, more painful. A furious and heartrending howl you would almost mistake for a song.

[pablitogavii]

Teacher

SMUT ahead people! ;)

"What's wrong pecas?" Pablo asked me while we were laying on his bed supposedly watching a movie but I was too busy reading the awful messages in the group chat. Your supposed 'friends' were making fun of you for being inexperienced.

"Um..nothing..what did he say to her?" you said putting the phone away pretending to care about the movie but he could see right through you..he was your best friend for almost ten years after all.

"Que pasa? You've been looking at that phone for the past fifteen minutes and I can tell your read something you don't like." he said and I gulped looking again at those messages not really knowing how to explain to your best friend what exactly was going on.

So long story short, there is this guy you wanted to go out with but you know that he likes "experienced" girls which you were far away from..you only had your first kiss which was years ago and with Pablo in a chain game. Everything else was foreign to you.

"Your face got all red. pecas Don't tell me you started you period!?" Pablo acted all shocked but we both knew this wouldn't be the first time you had your period while hanging out with him.

"Shut up! Obviously it's not that! I used Aurora's pads since I was thirteen cabrón!" you say and he rolled his eyes nodding his head and asking what the hell was going on then.

"Um..I can't tell you that..because it's..um..weird..cause we are best friends and you are a guy" you were mumbling and Pablo quickly connected the dots being quite sharp when he tried.

"Talk to me..it's okay..I promise" he said sitting up and I was a blushing mess but actually thought that I could get an advice from him..I mean, he was a guy after all..a very attractive guy who definitely has experience.

"Um..I think I'm ready..and he likes experienced girls but..um..I never..did anything..other than that kiss we had years ago..so I " you were avoiding his eyes and he smiled at how nervous you got grabbing your chin and making you look into his eyes. Pablo was definitely gloating that he was the only one to ever "have" me in any way.

"I'll help you" he said and I nodded before even realizing what he just said pulling back and opening my eyes wide once I realized the meaning of his words..what did he mean "help" me?

"H..how?" I mumbled and he smiled reassuring me that I shouldn't be nervous with him..that I should trust him which I already did..completely.

"So, first of all you only do what you are comfortable in that moment. If you suddenly feel like you want to stop..you say it..and the guy should respect that. Is there anything you want to know?" he said and I was so nervous that I couldn't talk but he raised his eyebrows waiting for my questions.

"Um..I don't know what to..um do.." I said and he smiled nodding his head and moving closer to me which made my heart pound fast when I saw his lips inch closer to mine.

"Do you want me to teach you pecas?" he said looking into my lips and then into my eyes and I was frozen but something in me suddenly submitted to him..I wanted him to teach me everything.

"Mhm.." I mumbled and he nodded moving even closer as his hand came to the side of my neck touching me ever so gently.

"Start by touching the side of face like this then leaning in closer barely grazing the skin of the neck..don't rush it..slowly kiss the side of the neck like this.." he said before kissing the skin softly and I had a moan caught in my throat while he kissed me like it was the most natural thing in the world..fuck I was so turned on!

"Hmm it worked..I see the goosebumps..then you move upwards barely touching the lips before kissing them.." he said kissing me roughly while pulling me to straddle his lap and I relaxed letting him bite my lower lip while holding my hips tightly with his hands.

"Then with tongue.." he added deepening the kiss and this time I couldn't help but moan into his mouth which made me embarrassed but he seemed to admire it when he pulled away.

"Fuck you taste so good!" you heard but he only muttered it underneath his breath.

"How are you doing pecas? Ready for more?" he said and I was a blushing mess feeling my lips being swollen from the hot make-out session we just shared.

"Mhm" I said shyly and he smiled nodding his head before taking off his shirt leaving him only in his grey sweatpants..fuck those abs were hard not to stare at!

"So, every guy goes crazy when a girl kisses his chest..start from the top and slowly move down" he said and I nodded moving off his lap as he laid back and I moved closer touching his naked chest first before moving down and leaving a wet kiss on the side looking at him to check if it was good.

"M..mierda! Yeah like that..just keep looking at me while you do it" he said while his hand went you your hair and you kept moving down leaving wet kisses all over his hot skin..fuck this was turning you on so much! When I kissed his v-line he moved his hand from my hair and raising my chin up so that I could look at him straight in the eyes.

"Give me your hand pecas..trust me" he said and I did as he placed it on his now clearly hard bulge making me so nervous and excited at the same time..fuck he was hard..and so big! I did always caught glance of his jersey shorts..but now I was actually touching it.

"Grab it like that..feel it through the fabric.." he said and I nodded obediently slowly massaging his bulge while he groaned biting his lower lip while watching you do it.

"P..Pablo this is not okay.." you said really wanting to continue but also thinking weather this would ruin your friendship which you didn't want to happen.

"Shh..of course it's okay pecas..I'm just teaching you..it's okay..and you are doing so well" he said caressing my face while my hand was still massagin his bulge and that made me feel so proud of myself.

"R..really?" I said with a pout and he nodded his head.

"Mhm..niña buena..now while you hold it..you look up at him and say: can I please put it in my mouth?" he said and by that point my panties were ruined.

"Can I please put it in my mouth?" I repeated and he groaned looking at my desperate face while I said those words..I was desperate..so desperate for him.

"Then you open the zipper..or undo the knots depending on what he is wearing..and.." Pablo was really getting worked up but then he suddenly stopped saying "I can't teach you that yet..but I can teach you something else..it's my turn..so get on your back" he said and I felt so enchanted that i just obeyed with no words.

"He should always reciprocate..if he doesn't then you get the hell out of there..it was to be equal..always!" he said and I gulp nodding my head that I understood.

"What are you wearing because these need to come off?" he said looking at your jeans and you blushed bright red but he reassured you that it was alright.

"Let me help you take these off" he said and you raised your hips as he took your jeans off leaving you in the red lacy panties that certainly caught his attention.

"Now I'm gonna show you what he should be doing..spread your legs.." he said and you moved them a little making him smirk saying "farther" and you obeyed as he rested in between them comfortably.

"He starts by grabbing your thighs..then kiss them.." he started to leave wet kisses on the inside of my thighs and I felt myself clench around nothing at the foreign sensation.

"He moves upwards..little kisses..maybe some licks and bites" he adds moving closer and closer to your panties while licking and grazing the skin of your thighs making it impossible not to keep moaning.

"It shouldn't be too rough..just enough to make you shiver" he whispered as he came to where you were aching sticking his tongue out and licking the fabric which made you roll your eyes at the sensation that sent your whole body into overdrive.

"Then you lift your hips up..and he grabs your panties and slides them down all the way past your ankles.." I did as he said and he slowly took off my panties tossing them to the ground before adding " puts your legs up on his shoulders.." doing just that before looking up at me with completely black lustful eyes.

"It's really hard to stop myself..you're so wet preciosa..begging for me to taste you..did me teaching you make you turned on?" he spoke and I just nodded desperate for him to connect his lips to my heated core and give me what I desperately craved.

"Mm is this all for me? Tell me.." he said moving close and resting his chin against my clit which made me moan and gulp while looking into his lustful eyes.

"Y..yes..it's all for you" I said and he smirked

"You sure it's not for that capullo!?" he said clenching his jaw but smirking when you shook your head.

"N..no..only for you Pablo..touch me" you admitted and he nodded moving down blowing into your heated folds making you wince at pleasurable feeling spreading through my body.

"I taught you to say please..to beg for it..mhmm" he said while leaving fast teasing kisses on your clit and I moaned his name making his smirk grow on his face.

"You want me to taste you preciosa?? I could really teach you something...say please" he said and I gave in completely whispering softly "please" which made him very satisfied.

"Good girl.." he said before his tongue finally explored my folds making my head fall back while my hands gripped the sheets moaning his name in ecstasy..I completely forgot about that guy or all of my worries..all that existed was Pablo..and the way he was making me feel.

Hope you like it ;)) Want another part?? Comment!

[gldrushh]

SUGAR AND SIN | JK

🧁✧ ˚. TITLE: Sugar and Sin.

🧁✧ ˚. PAIRING: Mafia boss! Jungkook x female oc

🧁✧ ˚. BLURB: Drunk bug facts, cupcakes, and a stubborn promise to save the local animal shelter—Aurora’s got a full plate. Too bad her hangover isn’t as sweet as her cupcakes.

🧁✧ ˚. GENRE: Mafia au, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, slow burn, dark romance, crime/thriller.

🧁✧ ˚. WARNINGS: alcohol consumption, mentions of stress/ anxiety.

🧁✧ ˚. TAGS: oc is a bug geek, new character for girlies who have a thing for shy, awkward nerds!! oc is a yapper

🧁✧ ˚. TAG LIST: @scuzmunkie @eshieslovemaze

🧁✧ ˚. A/N: sorry for the disappointment this filler chapter is girls 🫤

CHAPTER 7: AURORA

"And don’t even get me started on bees. They’re like, nature’s superheroes. Did you know they can fly in the rain? Like, they just tuck their little wings in and go for it!”

Aurora's slurred voice dragged the words out as she almost stumbled over a crack in the sidewalk if not for her best friend's reliable arm and company around her in nights where wobbly steps and carefree energy came somewhat worse with a bit too much wine.

They both were aware of that- of how the brunette struggled with her alcohol, maybe as much as bees struggled with change in the climate. But Lia didn't had it in her to say no to her when she clearly looked like she needed some sort of distraction after her conversation with Mr Suit and tie, who is supposedly the new land owner now, as Aurora had told her. It was all Aurora had told her. The rest had been her endless rambling about one of her bug tangents.

“And I bet they have tiny capes, too.” Aurora laughed, the sound light and easy.

Lia shook her head, but the fond smile on her face was undeniable, as she fumbled for the keys in Aurora’s bag as they were now in front of her apartment.

"Let's get you inside before you grow a cape too and fly away." Lia finally managed to unlock the door and guided Aurora inside, kicking it shut behind them.

Aurora flopped onto the couch, her head spinning slightly as she looked up at Lia. “You think bugs ever get drunk? Like, if they ate fermented fruit or something?"

Lia bit back a laugh as she sat down next to her. "No idea. That seems like something you'd do research on."

Aurora grinned, her eyelids growing heavy as the warmth of the apartment and the exhaustion from the day started to catch up to her. "Maybe I will."

"Only after you get a good night sleep." Lia instructed to which no sound of protest came in response.

Aurora let her lead her to her bedroom, sloppily kicking her shoes off somewhere in the way, her steps unsteady, but her mind lighter as she followed behind.

As soon as her bed was in view, she found herself getting attracted towards it with a magnetic force that she only felt for the combination of her comforter, pillows, and the lady bug plushie tucked nicely in between

Lia sighed as her best friend fell face first on the mattress before adjusting her inside the sheets. "I'll be right back in a minute, okay?" She said, gesturing towards the bathroom door but before she could move away, Aurora was grabbing onto her hand, her face pushing against the pillow with her hair messing up on her face, making the words come out muffled. "You're my superhero, Lia." She dragged out with a lazy smile, but the one on the blonde's face was a soft one. "And you're mine."

୨ৎ

Aurora woke up with her head throbbing —a not-so-gentle reminder of the previous night, but she couldn't deny that the greater the pain in her head equaled to better the sleep. She groaned, burying her face deeper into the pillow, trying to ignore the insistent buzz of her phone on the nightstand.

After a few more seconds of futile resistance, she reached over and grabbed the phone, squinting at the screen. A few unread messages from Lia popped up the first thing, and then only she registered her friend's absence. To her relief, the messages were to inform that she had to leave early in the morning because the manager who had been getting her gigs that would one day lead up to something big, called.

Aurora sighed, setting the phone down and reluctantly dragging herself out of bed to the bathroom, and gods, the sight in the mirror, almost had her gasping in horror. Splashing cold water on her face in an attempt to wake herself up and wash down the remnants of alcohol that had messed up her face, she then started to brush her teeth.

The water streaming down the sink would sometimes fill the silence but not enough to block the thoughts that threatened to surface back in, thoughts she had tried drinking away, thoughts of a certain man who had shaken her world ever since he had stepped in her vicinity.

Would it be so bad if she runs away and never goes back to the place he had so arrogantly staked a claim on? She thought to herself as she stepped in the shower.

Yes. Her conscience answered. It shouldn't matter. The only thing that should is that was still her bakery, her dream, her place that she had grown out of nothing. No man was going to take that away from her, whether it was that creep Choi or the devil himself.

Determined, after a quick shower, Aurora dressed in her usual work clothes—a soft pastel sweater and jeans—and served herself a bowl of cereals while scrolling mindlessly through her phone

It was not long before her phone tinged, making her straighten up and heave out a deep sigh at the message that popped up.

Reminder:

4 months until Maple Street's animal shelter closes.

She had promised Eunji, the woman who ran the shelter, Aurora often found herself visiting often that she'd help her stabilize the cause that was currently holding onto its place with a thin thread, by saving up the required amount of money or somewhere near. Eunji was a kind, genuine girl who selflessly provided for the stray or abandoned animals- and she wasn't just another face in the city; she was one of the few people who reminded her why this place felt like home.

But the chaos that her life had been for the past days, it had completely slipped past her. She was nowhere near the goal she had set because of the whole landlord situation, and that saddened her.

Maybe she had been naive to make such a promise in the first place but it was the strings of attachment with the place that pulled on her the moment the idea of all those animals with no place to live settled in. She might not be able to save the world, but she could at least try to save this little piece of it.

And she had 4 months to do that. Guess she better get to work.

Grabbing her keys, she headed out the door. The walk to the bakery was a short one, but she couldn't help but feel like it felt a little prolonged today.

When she finally reached the storefront, she paused when she saw a familiar tall figure dressed in a hoodie and jeans, trying to peak up inside. "Jiho!" She called out as she catched up to him, catching the boy off guard as he flinched back at the sudden appearance.

"A-Aurora! Hey!" Jiho fumbled, quickly straightening up, his cheeks tinged pink. "I was just... uh... checking if the bakery was closed." His voice cracked on the last word as if he was caught doing something unacceptable. "Relax, Jiho. You were not committing a crime, I got it." Unlike someone. She chuckled, to which he scratched the back of his head in a sly manner.

Jiho was a computer science major in his last year of college with a thing for strawberry cupcakes, specifically hers. He’d been a regular since practically forever, and though a little shy, he always brought a good vibe with him.

"And no, we're not closed, I just overslept a bit which isn't a everyday occurrence since I’m usually up before the sun, but I guess I was so tired and drunk that I passed out like a rock!" She paired her words with a guilty smile before unlocking the door and stepping inside.

The ebony haired boy blinked, his cheeks still flushed, but now with the faintest trace of a smile. "Right... yeah," He hesitated for a moment before following her inside. The familiar scent of freshly baked goods greeting them both. Jiho let out a soft sigh of relief, "I was worried I’d have to go a day without my cupcake fix," he joked, his tone lighter now that the initial awkwardness had faded.

Aurora laughed softly, moving behind the counter to start setting up for the day. "You’d survive, but I’m glad I saved you from that terrible fate." She joked back while knotting the apron around her but not failing to notice how his eyes frantically started to look around, everywhere but her.

The action made Lia's words surface back in her mind- "How can you not notice? That boy's got a big fat crush on you." She brushed them away as she had done that day before starting on to ready the cupcakes he was here for. She believed Jiho's awkward mannerism was because of his own personality, not because he liked or something.

"So how's college going?" She asked as she started to move to the kitchen.

She could hear him shuffle on his feet before his voice replaced the sound. "Good- mostly good. It's my last year, so I'm trying to make the most of it."

Aurora hummed in acknowledgment as she poured the batter into cupcake liners. "As you should. You're not getting these years back ever again, after all, even though I feel like most of them are a blur of energy drinks and all-nighters."

Jiho smiled and nodded, "Exactly." The oven timer dinged, and Aurora carefully pulled out the tray of perfectly golden cupcakes. She quickly frosted the cupcakes, adding a single fresh strawberry on top of each one before placing them in a small box.

"Here you go—freshly baked and ready to save your day."," she said, handing the box to him. Jiho took the box with a grateful smile. "You’re the best, Aurora, and so are these. Seriously."

“Anytime. You're the one keeping me in business, after all." She smiled back, and Jiho managed a chuckle before stepping back with an uncertainty. "I-I should get going. See you later, Aurora."

"See you, Jiho. Have a nice day!" She waved back as he left the bakery. The quiet returned, and she realized how crucial it was that she surrounded herself with people that brought out the lightness in her and managed to block out thoughts she was afraid would send her into spiral again.

As she moved to the back of the counter, her fingers brushed over the familiar surfaces—the worn wood of the cutting board, the flour-dusted counter—small anchors that kept her grounded. The light filtering in through the windows shifted, casting a warm glow across the room, as though the world outside was urging her to let the day begin.

Maybe that's the trick, she thought. Just focus on what’s right in front of you, and everything else will fall into place.

To be continued..

→ Previous chapter.

[sweetmariihs2]

How AURORA's album "The Gods We Can Touch" fits perfectly The Hunchback Of Notre Dame religious oppression theme —————— ⊹₊ ⋆. ♱ ₊˚ .⊹

I am NOT active in this fandom, but I have some things to say about it that might interest you guys. After this post I will go back to posting about my current fandom as always.

Basically, I watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame for the first time in my life last month because I'm hyperfocused on Disney films, specifically the classic 2D films.

It's a masterpiece, really, I wouldn't add anything to the story, everything it's just *chef's kiss*

BUT I WOULD LIKE TO MENTION THAT, ONE OF MY FAVORITE SINGERS, AURORA, HAS A WHOLE ALBUM ABOUT RELIGIOUS ABUSE AND NEGLIGENCE, PREJUDICE, YOU KNOW WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT and I just can't be normal about it

This album is called The Gods We Can Touch.

Yeah the title is pretty clear, while it's still open to interpretation. A huge part of this album is about religion, but also there is a huge part about respect, love and humanity, and she's not only inspired by christianity but also greek mythology. (Aurora says she loves the idea of imperfect gods, because this makes them closer to us, and maybe that's what the title is about. But she also says she sees God in the world around her, the love, the nature, the people, and maybe that's what she can touch. I don't know :/ let's go back to the Hunchback of Notre Dame stuff)

I won't go into detail about this right now, but we all know that there are many (many) people who use faith as an excuse to commit atrocities like Frollo, and this album is about that, I'm not really good at explaining so showing works better for me, some of Aurora's takes are:

The way people use religion to often demonize human behaviors, such as sexuality;

We need to choose between what's right or wrong, there's no in between, which is... questionable;

(Some) People use religion to opress, disrespect and blame anyone who's just living a free life;

And Aurora doesn't like to explain her lyrics, she leaves them up for interpretation. Although their meanings are really clear, I personally see these songs as an ironic criticism of these oppressions, not so much about God himself, but about the people who use his name to oppress. (She's an atheist, so I HIGHLY believe that she's talking about God himself, her lyrics seem to be talking to those people while disguising them as talking to God, and the message is very clear.)

This theme is extremely addressed in the movie, BUT this fandom doesn't know these songs yet. AND THEY NEED TO. IT'S A PITY THEY DON'T KNOW THEM.

Something I HATE is having to watch 'long' videos that I'm not interested in, so if you want to give it a chance but the length of the songs makes you discouraged, just listen to the first 30/40 seconds and decide if you want to watch the rest or not. I know how you feel. I will add videos with lyrics for the songs for people who understand English more easily if they can read the words (like me)

The four songs she really focus on this topic are: Heathens, You Keep Me Crawling, Blood In The Wine and The Devil Is Human.

These songs talk about the same topic but with intensities, explicitness and harshness at different levels. The first song is soft and proposes questioning, the second song talks in a desperate tone about how something that should bring her comfort is just abuse in disguise, the third song portrays revolt and sings the lyrics in a more explicit way, and the last song is harsher, which speaks in a more bold and direct way, like poison.

The song Heathens is soft and makes us question, in a slightly interpretative but still direct way, about what is said to be a sin but is just oppression. How people condemn "sinners" as heathens when everything we come into contact with is considered sin. These lyrics are a little confusing and require interpretation, but it is possible to understand what she meant with them.

You Keep Me Crawling has a double meaning. Both match Frollo really well (lmao). The first is clearer because she says how small and humiliated she feels, begging "on her knees", and this just hurts her — it's not a love relationship, but oppression, "Giving into love should never hurt for me, giving into love should set me free..." But there is also another interpretation, which is that of an abusive relationship, as I said I'm not very good at explanations so it's better for you to read the lyrics (or listen to the song which is a better option). These lyrics really remind me both of Quasimodo and Esmeralda, each one of them with their own situations.

The third song is about the pride of being a "sinner", if being a 'sinner' means being free and loving others. As I said, those lyrics are more explicit and they don't require so many interpretation like the last one. "I was given a name (I'm a human) before I was given blood (before violence), like you were given your faith before there was made a God (you're like this, but not because of your religion, you're evil because that's what you are)" it's pretty clear for me, her word choice and the way she sings these it's simply breathtaking. It's perfect for Esmeralda btw

And finally the song that motivated me to make the post, The Devil Is Human. Again, the title has to do with human beings always being condemned to sin and called pagans, on a level that humanity is so demonized by people, that this title means "our humanity is so hated that we are compared to the devil himself ". "The worst sin we can commit is to give in to what human beings were made to do: love." And again this is where the phrase "proud to be a sinner" comes from, as it is not about true sin, but accepting the judgments placed upon you just because you are... free. (You will be called a sinner if you are part of the LGBTQI+ community for example, even though loving should not be considered a sin. But that's not all, there are more reasons why she says this, such as cultural diversity on the planet and women's independence often result in violence, like the burning of witches, persecution, and more. You know what I'm talking about.)

In this song she sings in a more defiant way, and it seems like she is referring to God, but in fact she is referring to the people who contribute to the culture of hate and intolerance (at least in my interpretation). She's not afraid to be outrageous, bold, tough with her words, and doesn't regret anything she says. Reminds me of Esmeralda's actions and words towards Frollo! She has the same attitude!

This song was previously exclusive to vinyl and later became a single/deluxe. I believe it's because it would be too controversial to be placed on the main album. It would cause revolt and misinterpretations! And she didn't even made an official lyric video to it. That's fanmade.

So basically that's it! I was looking at some reviews of Hunchback Of Notre Dame and this came to my mind, and I hate the fact that people in this fabdom don't know about this wonderful album, as it fits perfectly with some themes in the film.

[pccyouthleader]

Hedgehog Hodgepodge: A Story of Espionage, Confusion, and an Evil Plan Gone Haywire

Chapter 13: A Shred of Evidence

Back downstairs, Shadow was helping Amy clean up after dinner. “You don’t seem quite as upset about Aurora’s decision as Sonic,” he said gently. He paused and studied her briefly. “You know she’ll be okay.”

Amy gave him a small smile. “I do. She’s part Rose, after all. Plus, I’ve had a feeling this was coming. Everything you said earlier was right - she needs to be able to make her own decisions.”

Shadow was about to respond when a notification came through on his communicator. Seeing it was from Tails, he lost no time reading the message. 

Amy looked up when he swore under his breath. “Something wrong?”

“I asked Tails to run some tests on that strange trophy he won recently. He’s only had one test result so far, and it’s showing the material used to make the trophy is organic.”

“Organic?” Amy asked, confused. Then she saw the look on Shadow’s face. “You mean alive?”

“Yes.” Shadow stood lost in thought for a minute. “I hate to leave without talking to Aurora, but I need to see Tails. This is urgent.”

Amy wiped her hands on a towel and moved across the room to Shadow. He felt a pang of guilt when he saw just how weary she looked. 

“Hey,” she reassured, “this is Aurora we’re talking about. Sure, she’ll be disappointed, but she’ll understand. Just don’t make a habit of it,” Amy added with a laugh.

“Thank you, Amy. Please tell her I’ll see her as soon as I get a chance.”

—

Shadow decided to walk to Tails’ lab to clear his head. He rubbed his temples and attempted to calm the noise in his brain so he could think. The more clues he came across, the more valid his theory seemed. But wasn’t it impossible?

He reached Tails’ lab and rapped on the door. That crafty fox had to have more ideas up his sleeve. Shadow was surprised to see a distressed look on Tails’ furry face when he opened the door.

“It’s gone!” Tails sputtered. “I got the one test result back, and now the trophy’s gone!”

Shadow pushed past him into the building. “Show me,” he said hastily. Nothing was surprising to him at this point.

Tails took him back to a part of the lab he’d never seen before. “It was in this clear case, and I had just come back with those results when it started giving off this weird signal.”

“The trophy?” Shadow clarified.

“Yes! Almost like it was sending a message!”

“Did you record the message?”

“I didn’t have time. It was mere seconds between the moment it started and the time it stopped. I ran to get a recording drive, and when I returned, the thing had disappeared!”

Shadow took a second to think. “Have you searched the entire lab?”

“That’s what I was doing when you arrived. CC is going through all available data to see if anything picked up the signal. You’re welcome to help me search.”

Tails and Shadow looked the entire lab over twice before conceding that the trophy was truly gone. The doors had been secured from the inside, so no one could have pilfered it that way. CC’s search also turned up nothing.

But Shadow had an idea. “Rouge and Knuckles also came across a mysterious object that was similar in nature to the trophy. I’ll have them bring it here so you can continue your analysis.”

Using his communicator, he put a call in to Rouge, but there was no answer. A call to Knuckles gave the same result. Frustrated, Shadow decided to retrieve the orb himself.

—

Rouge answered the door almost immediately. 

“Doing business offline, now?” Shadow grumbled, annoyed.

“How’s that?” Rouge asked. His surly countenance had her immediately on the defensive.

“I tried to call you,” he answered gruffly.

“Well it’s kind of hard to answer a call that you never receive,” Rouge responded. At Shadow’s confused expression, she continued. “Something has zapped our communicators. Heck, we don’t even have any electricity!” She opened the door wide to prove her point. 

Shadow closed his eyes and told himself to calm down. Rouge wasn’t an enemy. “I’m sorry. There’s a lot going on right now and I’m a little on edge.”

“You don’t say?” responded Rouge with a smirk.

Still simmering, Shadow decided to get to the point. “Do you still have the orb that you showed me earlier today?”

“No.”

“What do you mean, ‘No’?”

“I thought you took it when you left! I couldn’t find it anywhere when I went back into the vault,” said Rouge.

“Not even on the floor?” Shadow’s heart was racing.

“Not even on the floor,” she said, crossing her arms. 

Shadow apologized again, assured her he didn’t take the orb, and hurried back to Tails’ lab.

—

“Things just don’t disappear into thin air, whether they’re organic or not!” said Tails, scratching his head.

Shadow wanted to hit him with a “Thank you, Captain Obvious,” but decided to hold his tongue. He wasn’t making friends this evening with his sarcastic remarks.

“We still have more research to do,” he tried instead.

“But it’s hard to do research on something that isn’t here,” Tails complained. ���Besides, right after you left, our systems crashed. Our communicators were fried too. The only reason we have power at all is because of the backup generators.”

Shadow was at a loss for words. “I’ll keep looking,” he finally managed, then left the lab. 

—

Back in Aurora’s windowsill, Shadow’s day had come full circle. He was drained both mentally and physically, but found a great sense of calm just knowing she slept peacefully nearby.

Whether from the exhaustion of his faculties, or a sense of rebellion at the day’s adversity, he decided he had to be closer. To touch her.

Slipping into her room from the windowsill, he inched closer to her bed, carefully listening for sounds from the hallway. Shadow knew if Sonic were to find him in Aurora’s room now, after offering to let her move in with him, that the cerulean speedster would wage war.

Finally he was at her side, reaching to smooth the quills at the back of her head…

“Shadow…” she breathed, completely unaware of his presence. Hearing his name in her soft sigh nearly did him in. His fingers tingled at the very touch of her. He wouldn’t be able to stay long.

His mind shifted to the major changes in her life. Not only was she losing her “only child” status, but she was looking to live on her own for the first time. Living with her parents kept her protected and safe. Sonic was right; now she would be vulnerable. 

Shadow couldn’t actually imagine her moving into his apartment. It would be too much of a temptation, and he wanted to honor her wishes. Plus, he didn’t have any furniture to speak of. 

An idea suddenly struck him. After gently kissing her on the forehead, Shadow quietly made his way out of Aurora’s window, heading toward his apartment building. But instead of entering his own abode, he stopped at the apartment next door and knocked loudly.

“Who is it?” asked a voice a few moments later. The door opened and a slender tanuki stood tying his bathrobe. “Can I help you?”

Shadow stared at him with those deep crimson eyes. “I’m going to need you to move out of this apartment by the end of next week.”

-End Part One-

Stay tuned for an intermission chapter and Part Two, coming very soon!

[thesirensoracle]

Weekly Tarot!  Jan 30 - Feb 05, 2023

Card of the Week: The World and 2 of Cups ✧☾゜・。

This week’s theme is beautiful symbiosis.

⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆ No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true. ⋆𓆩✧𓆪⋆

After days of hard work and heartache, we may come home tired with not much hope of our future getting better. We may sometimes look at the moon and the bright stars and, after making an honest wish, feel silly for dreaming the same way we did when we were kids. Well, I’ve come as a messenger of good news, for the shining sky has heard your silent wishes and is now delivering them sweetly along with a kiss in the forehead.

The World and the 2 of Cups describing this weeks energy tells us that ahead of us is a time of happiness, success and pleasure. While not necessarily calm, this are the cards that herald the attainment of our goals, bringing triumph at your doorstep… if you’re willing to answer the door. It is said that the reason a siren’s song was so deadly was because it described perfectly what your heart most desired, so the question of this week is: what would that song sound to you? And if you got to finally hear it, would you follow its sweet lullaby or let the opportunity pass you by?

This week we are being asked to go with the flow, to allow ourselves to drown in the sweetness of the endless possibilities that lie ahead of us and trust with our whole hearts that everything is going to be alright. However, the 2 of Cups tells us that our way to success can be achieved through connections and reconciliations:

In the workplace, these cards tell us that through partnership you may achieve blossoming success. 

In love, the cards speak of a connection so strong and pure that it seemed to be paired by Venus herself. 

And if you’re just trying to focus on some inner work and healing, then the cards speak of a final reconciliation that brings lasting harmony and love where it once was filled with pain.

In whichever path you seem to be at the moment, this week we are being asked to keep dreaming and stay with high hopes at all times, for the universe is now telling us that our dreams are soon to come true. Maybe while opening the door for these blessings to come, we get to realize that all our fear and anxiety was useless, for these divine gifts were always meant to be at our side.

The week starts with moon in Krittika. The moon at the birth of the sun and the beginning of the masculine principle makes today and the rest of the week especially good for ancestral veneration, learning any type of knowledge, but above all to act aligned with our personal truth! This moon gives us the enough determination and fire to attain whatever our soul desires.

☾ Blessings: Success and happiness in any area! As long as you decide to stay positive and trust that the universe is working in your favor, blessings will appear before you nonstop.

☾ Warnings: Envy. Being successful and shining with confidence can make other people jealous, however, if you don’t pay attention to that then you’ll be fine.

☾ Random messages/tips:

The whole reading I had Aurora’s harmonization from Sleeping Beauty playing in my head, and if that doesn’t tell you how much of a good week its going to be then I don’t know what is lmao.

Don’t hold back, go all in.

Owls and a lot of imagery from the forest came to mind, maybe some of you need to ground yourselves with nature to bring more abundance into your life and take owl imagery as a sign.

222

Don’t play attention to insecurities and fear this week, they are your biggest enemies.

This week genuinely gives the energy of Aurora frolicking in the forest while she sings with her animal friends. Enjoy!

[heauxplesslydevoted]

Coming Down (Ethan x MC)

Summary: They break up. Dassit

A/N: I’ve been tired of this imposter Ethan, and the back of forth nature of his romance route for the entirety of book 3, so I wrote this.

Warnings: None

Title Inspo

~v~

Naomi’s fingernails tap impatiently against her leg as the shrill ring of her cell phone rings at her ear. It rings 5 long times before she’s sent to voicemail.

“Hello, you’ve reached Dr. Ethan Ramsey. I’m sorry for not answering your phone call, but leave a message, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you.”

“Ethan, it’s me...again. I haven’t heard from you in,” lifting her wrist, Naomi checks the time on her watch, “wow, in over 24 hours. I’ve been calling and calling, to no avail, and you just aren’t responding.”

The news of Ethan getting hit with a malpractice lawsuit hit her like a freight train. As soon as things started to feel good again, as soon as the diagnostics team started to find its rhythm with two new physicians, this torpedoes any chance of normalcy she could ever experience.

“If you could give me a call back and let me hear the sound of your voice, that’d be great. Bye.”

There’s a lot more that she wants to say, but she’s been given a limited window of time so Naomi hangs up.

Switching tactics, Naomi opens up her messages, and scrolls to her thread with Ethan.

Naomi: Hi

Naomi: Are you okay? I haven’t heard from you in a while.

Naomi: Can you at least reply, telling me to leave you alone?

Naomi: At this point, I’d settle for at least knowing if you’re alive.

She waits a few minutes, and when she gets no response, she shoves her phone into the pocket of her white coat. Anxiousness and worry pools in the pit of her stomach, and the only thing she can think about is Ethan’s well being. And this situation doesn’t bode well because Naomi is still in the middle of her shift.

Her thoughts are interrupted by the sound of quiet chatter as the door to the diagnostics team’s office opens and in walks Tobias and Harper. Their conversation is cut short once they notice the youngest member of the team.

“Hi, Naomi,” Tobias greets, an easygoing smile adorning his face. “What’s up?”

She wishes she could feel as casual as he looks, because every part of her body is twisted inside out and turned upside down.

“Have either of you talked to Ethan today?” Naomi asks, skipping the pleasantries.

“I spoke to him yesterday just to gauge how he was handling the malpractice suit,” Tobias answers. “Obviously, the conversation didn’t last long because he and I rarely interact outside of these four walls, but he seems…” he trails off when he notices Naomi’s face fall. “What’s wrong? Is everything alright?”

Any other time, Naomi would be ecstatic to hear about Tobias extending an olive branch, and Ethan actually accepting the support, but today isn’t that day. She’s been trying to get in touch with him all day with no success, but he answers a phone call from his sworn enemy?

“I haven’t heard from Ethan today, so I’m at least glad to know he’s breathing,” Naomi says, her voice tight.

Too caught up in her own pity party, Naomi misses the way Tobias and Harper exchange worried glances. The team has been through enough the past few months, the last thing they need is romantic friction between Ethan and Naomi seeping into the office.

“Maybe he’s turned his phone off since then?” Tobias suggests. “Times like this can force you into an introspective mood, and he’s probably going technology free.”

Naomi chuckles humorlessly. She appreciates Tobias’s effort to satiate her foul mood, but she can’t think of a single excuse short of death that could justify Ethan’s behavior.

She stands, dusting off her coat and straightening it out. “Thanks. I’m going to get some lab work done on our patient, page me if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

Without another word, Naomi exits the office.

Working helps slightly. For an hour or so, Naomi is successful in turning off her brain and focusing diligently on work. She manages to not think about Ethan at all.

Until she hears his name brought up in conversation. She’s strolling towards the nurse's station when she sees Sarah and another nurse, Ronnie huddled in a corner.

“Sounds like Dr. Ramsey’s not as perfect as everyone thinks, huh?”

“Screwing up a standard tracheotomy that way? Frankly, I’m just surprised it took the patient this long to sue!”

Naomi slows her steps before she stops walking all together. The nurses are so engrossed in their conversation, they don’t even notice her.

“I heard from Marlene that the patient wouldn’t have even needed a trach if they hadn’t dosed her wrong in the first place,” Sarah adds in an excited whisper.

“Seriously? That’s next level…”

Her first instinct is to stop this, to tell them to stop talking, the urge to protect Ethan still as strong as it’s always been.

But she stops herself from doing that. Because why should she? Why should she put forth the effort to defend the honor and reputation of a man that doesn’t even have the decency to answer her phone calls?

And just like that, she’s plunged back into her flurry of conflicting emotions: worry, fear, annoyance, and most of all, anger. The emotions war inside her, all fighting for dominance, and she hasn’t felt like this since her intern year when he left to go to South America without any sort of goodbye or correspondence.

That wasn’t a good period in her life. Naomi can still feel the cold grip of anxiety that plagued her chest when she came into work one day and he was nowhere to be seen. She heard through a LVN that he left before confirming it with Naveen. She can still taste the saltiness of the tears she shed after leaving her 5th unanswered voicemail. Experiencing such a high of beating her ethics trial and getting picked for the diagnostic team,  and the low of him leaving in that short amount of time left her spiraling and isolated, and it took entirely too much time clawing herself out of that dark place.

Turning on her heel, Naomi speed walks in the other direction, her original plan long forgotten. The hospital passes her by in a blur as her legs move, the rest of her body and brain moving on autopilot.

She doesn’t stop moving until she’s in front of the residents’ lounge. She spots Aurora, Bryce, and Sienna sitting at a table.

“Naomi, come join us!” Sienna exclaims. “We’re going to make cappuccinos with this fancy machine.”

“I’ll have to take a raincheck on that,” Naomi says. She turns to Bryce. “Can I borrow your car keys please?”

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah, I just have a couple errands to run and I don’t feel like taking the train. I’ll bring it back with a full tank of gas and everything.”

“I’m not gonna nitpick you about gas, Omi.” Bryce’s warm gaze sweeps across Naomi’s face, studying her. If he notices anything wrong with her, which he probably does because Bryce is a lot more perceptive than he gives himself credit for, he thankfully doesn’t mention it. He reaches into the pocket of his mint green scrub pants and pulls out his keys. He tosses the keys to Naomi with a wink, and she catches them mid air.

“I keep a shovel in the trunk in case you need to bury a body.”

Whether he realizes what is going on with her, or if he just cracked a joke to lighten the mood, Naomi is grateful either way.

~v~

Naomi spends an hour driving around Boston, people watching and attempting to collect her thoughts before she ends up in Back Bay at Ethan’s apartment complex. She didn’t want to go to his house in her previous state, guns blazing and emotions all over her place.

Even on the ride on the elevator up to his unit, her stomach is in knots and her heart beats faster than normal. She hasn’t been this nervous about seeing Ethan in a long time, and it dawns on her just how fucked this entire situation is. Why should she be nervous to talk to the man who claims to want to be with her?

Steeling her nerves, Naomi issues three sharp knocks to Ethan’s front door. Approximately 45 seconds pass before the door opens.

“Naomi!” Ethan’s eyes widen when he sees her standing there. “What are you doing here?”

“Are you going to let me in, or should we have this conversation in the hallway?” Naomi asks. Ethan steps aside, widening the door so Naomi can enter. “Thank you.”

The apartment is stale, like Ethan hasn’t opened the windows in a few days. He looks disheveled, the bags under his eyes are extremely pronounced like he hasn’t gotten a wink of sleep.

For lack of a better word, Ethan is a mess. And she wants nothing more than to just...wrap her arms around him and make everything better. But she doesn’t. She keeps her distance.

Ethan shuts the door before turning back to her. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“No.”

“Well let’s sit down.”

“No, I think I’d rather stand because I don’t plan on being here long.”

The coldness stuns Ethan. Naomi almost seems indifferent towards him, something he’s never experienced before. It doesn’t go unnoticed that she didn’t bother greeting him warmly, no hug or kiss, no excitement in her voice, nothing.

“I needed to see with my own two eyes that you were alive and well,” Naomi starts. “Because you’ve gone radio silent on me. I know you’ve seen me calling and texting. Your phone works just fine because you picked up a call from Tobias of all people.”

He averts his gaze, ashamed of himself. “I’m sorry, I–”

She holds up a hand, stopping him mid-sentence. Naomi doesn’t believe for one second that he’s apologizing due to actual remorse. “I have spent the entire day wracked with intense worry. I feel like I’ve been turned upside down, and I could barely focus on work. Every time I thought I could be productive, something or someone was there to remind me of you. And then I’d spend more time ruminating over you and your situation, and the fact that you’re ignoring me, and then I’d feel like absolute shit. And earlier today, as I listened to the nurses gossip about you, I realized that this feels so much like your two month sabbatical to the Amazon, and our relationship hasn’t changed at all since then.”

“That’s not true,” Ethan argues.

“It is,” Naomi insists. “One step forward doesn’t mean anything if we end up taking two steps back immediately afterwards. A year and a half later, you’re still holding me at arms length, keeping yourself closed off, ignoring my calls.”

“I don’t mean to do this, to be this way.”

“But you continue to do it, so at this point you have to see it’s a pattern. You won’t even open up and talk to me about this lawsuit that’s being waged against you.”

“I just don’t want you getting needlessly involved.”

“While it’s a noble excuse, it’s complete and utter bullshit. If you think you’re doing something to save my reputation, remember nothing you do will ever top me almost losing my medical license my intern year, and then having a resident face a malpractice lawsuit a few months later. So come on, give me another excuse.”

“I’m doing this for you!”

“How? How could this possibly be for me?”

“Everything I touch becomes tainted!” Ethan snaps. “Because there is something wrong, in which everyone arounds me leaves or dies, or everything falls apart. I don’t have control or autonomy over anything, so yes, the one precious thing in my life, I’m too scared to touch.”

“But I have been right here with you! I was right here in this exact same spot when we worked on Naveen’s case. I sat by your side while we watched over Dolores’s son. I was there when they wheeled your mother into the hospital, and when you took her to rehab. Time and time again, I’ve proven to you that my loyalty is steadfast, and not once have I ever wavered, so you don’t get to stand here and punish me for some unrealized fear. You don’t get to treat me like I’m a passenger in this relationship, if you can even call it that.”

That’s what gives him pause. “Of course this is a relationship.”

“This isn’t a relationship, I am just a woman you sleep with. Occasionally you open up to me, we share a cute moment and promises, and then you clam up and up goes the barriers, and it starts all over again. And every single time, we’re a little bit deeper into this thing we’re in. I’ve shared more, I’ve let myself be more vulnerable with you, emotionally and physically, I’ve deluded myself into thinking ‘This time it’s the real thing,’. And I’m afraid that this is going to be our reality. One day I wake up, 3 years in, tentatively living with you, trying to settle into the pieces of a life I’ve scrounged up with you, and you do this again.”

“I don’t speak on it, and I don’t like to because I try to keep it all together, but you don’t understand the toll it takes on me every time we do this back and forth. I was a train wreck when you quit. I had the trial looming over my head, Landry, a guy I considered one of my closest friends betrayed me in the worst possible way, you weren’t the only person scared of losing Naveen, and I couldn’t even verbalize any of it to you because you slammed a door in my face when I tried to bring it up, and then you left me. And then you did it again, and I spent two months worried that you might not even come home because you could contract the deadly disease you were off fighting. And then you go on national television declaring your relationship status, and you made promises to me on my deathbed that led nowhere, and then finally we make some headway in Hawaii and establish what we have going on, and then I come home to this. So while you say one thing to me, time and time again, your actions say otherwise. It’s clear I’m not a priority.” 

This conversation triggers Ethan’s fight or flight response. He doesn’t know where this conversation is headed, but he’s smart enough to know it’s nowhere good.

“Naomi, what are you saying? Spell it out to me like I’m a preschooler.”

“I think we need a break,” Naomi says in one breath, afraid she’ll break if she prolongs this any further. The six words leave a sour taste in her mouth that she has to choke back.

“No,” Ethan’s tone is gruff, and the seriousness almost startled Naomi. “No, we’re not breaking up.”

“From where I’m standing, we already have,” Naomi retorts. “I’m just confirming it.”

Ethan takes one long stride towards Naomi, but she takes a step back. “Look, I am a daft asshole to put it mildly, and I know I have a lot of work to do, but this is by no means a reason for us to break up.” He takes another step forward, and now Naomi is backed up against the door. He tugs her forward, wrapping his arms around her. “I am sorry. I know the words probably sound hollow, but trust me when I say I mean it. I’ll fix this, I’ll do whatever it takes. You’re the only person I want, the only one I’ll ever want, and I’m not losing you. Not now, not ever.”

Through this right embrace, Naomi can feel just how rapidly his heart is beating. He’s scared.

A tear slips from the corner of her eye, and she’s too drained to even wipe it away. “This is reactionary. You’re saying all of this because you’re panicked, but if you meant any of what you just said, it wouldn’t take the threat of a breakup in order to want to change things.”

“It shouldn’t have taken me this long to realize what a fool I’ve been,” Ethan says. He refuses to let go of her, his arms still wrapped so tightly around her petite frame, he almost worries about crushing her.

“I agree.” What does that even mean? She gives him nothing more than that, and Ethan is left to stew in his own doubt and worry. Naomi breaks free of his embrace and presses a palm to his chest, signaling him to give her some space. “But I still think we need some space.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“Trust me, I do.”

It becomes hard to breathe. When Ethan woke up this morning, the last thing he expected was Naomi to dump him. “What can I do? Tell me how to fix this. Do you want consistency? Done, I’ll talk to you every single day, multiple times a day. Transparency? Sit down right now, and I’ll explain this entire lawsuit top to bottom. You want proof that I’m never going to up and leave again, you can take my fucking passport. Naomi, I don’t care what I have to do, I will do it, but I will not accept you walking out of that door.”

Naomi inhales deeply, trying to stop a full son from bursting out of her chest. He’s saying all the right things, but at the wrong time. It’s too late now. “I’ve warred with myself all day about this decision. You’re clearly not in the right space to sustain a healthy relationship, and that’s fine. I just need to remove myself from the situation, for my own health and well-being. And I think you need to do the same.”

“So...what? This is it? It’s over?”

“Let’s be honest Ethan, you never gave us the opportunity to begin.” She wants to touch him so badly, reach out a run her hand through his hair or stroke his beard one more time. It takes everything in her to not. “You’re a great doctor, one of the best ones I know, so I really hope you beat this entire lawsuit and I get to see you back at Edenbrook. Take care of yourself, Ethan.

Ethan shakes his head in denial. He refuses to let things end like this, and for her to give him the same cool professionalism she extends to every other coworker.

“Naomi, wait–”

She’s out of his apartment before he can convince her to stay. It doesn’t register until he hears the soft click of her door shutting that she’s actually gone. And another minute passes before the gravity of the situation finally dawns on him.

For the first time in a long time, he’s truly alone.

~v~

Tags: @mvalentine @choicesaddict5 @professorkingslay @maurine07 @aka-calliope @bluebellot @whimsicallywayward15 @blossomanarchy @takemyopenheart @jamespotterthefirst @fanmantrashcan @whatchique @ao719 @x-kyne-x @colourmeshy @paulfwesley @the-pale-goddess @writinghereandthere @ramseyandrys @perriewinklenerdie @aworldoffandoms @thatcatlady0716 @drakewalker04 @canknot @hatescapsicum @lapisreviewsstuff @senseofduties @badchoicesposts @ethandaddyramseyx @chasingrobbie @zodiacsign1 @choices-lurker @my-heart-beats-for-ya @adrian-motherfucking-raines @riverrune @edith-eggs1 @thatysn @bellcat2010 @blainehellyes @cecilecontrera @junehiratas @choices-love-affair @openheart12 @caseyvalentineramsey @desmaranj @nazario-sayeed @aestheticartsx @ruinedbypixels @nooruleman @rookie-ramsey @uneravine @choicest @schnitzelbutterfingers @missmiimiie @stateofgracious @mooons-isabelle @doilooklikeiknow

[phantasmagoriaoriginals]

Here There be Monsters: Mage Basic Intros (Part 2)

Cybele

She/her, ??? Mage.

Around three hundred years ago, Cybele wanted to help find peace between humans and Creatures. To do this, she found a way to merge with magic itself, change her form, and become something that the world would listen to. From there, with new, unheard-of powers, she formed the Organization and shaped it to work toward her goal and dream. 

While Cybele started out as a remarkably kind, gentle, loving person, her passions reached heights greater than she was meant to handle. Merging with magic turned her into something inhuman, and as it is, she’s slipped into a dream-like mental state where she only sees the reality she wants to. She’s lost in her own head and forgetting the world around her. 

Cybele’s magic is unique in that she can use all seven kinds with near mastery. This should be impossible, however, and the consequence of such power is the slow deterioration of her mental state. 

5′6, early 30′s (physically). Statuesque, shapely build, gentle, pleasing features, and light, rosy skin. Waist-length, golden-blonde, curly/wavy hair with distinct bangs, ocean-blue eyes with a bright sparkle in them. A soft smile almost always graces her lips, and her eyes are kind. 

Gisette

She/her, Blue Mage.

Born to a high-ranking Mage family, Gisette spent her youth with high expectations. She was supposed to be perfect from day one— with all the constant work that comes with that. Indeed, she grew to reach a powerful position in the Organization, but along the way, she’s become jaded to the world and the supposed purpose of making it better. 

Stern, strict, and severe, Gisette is the kind of person who doesn’t need to be big to be terrifying. She holds high, hard-earned authority, and her very posture makes it clear she knows it. An outstanding strategist, Gisette has spent years with the weight of responsibility heavy on her shoulders, choosing“should” over any “want” she may have had. 

Gisette’s magic involves bringing written messages to life. This mainly suits her work as a strategist and organizer, as she can send moving, encrypted, and physically activated text wherever she pleases. 

5′4, early 50′s. Waist-length, dark brown, almost black hair usually worn in a high bun. Dark gray eyes, pale skin, a fair amount of wrinkles. Usually wears earrings. Despite being a petite woman with a fairly slight build, the way Gisette carries herself shows her status well. 

Maximus

He/him, Red Mage.

Like Gisette, he was born to a powerful Mage family and experienced much of the same pressure. The two were childhood friends and held feelings for each other from a young age. Maximus was the one who could never quite let go of them, even after Gisette gave up on her personal longings in favor of what she knew she had to do. 

The opposite of Gisette in almost every way, Maximus is animated, dynamic, and imposing. His physical size makes most people cower, but his boisterous nature either sets them at ease or makes it worse. While he’s more than capable of taking things seriously, a beaming smile and openly held passions get him where he wants to be. 

Maximus’s magic involves augmenting his physical strength. Instead of merely utilizing his energy, he doubles it back and ups his capacity for strength and movement, giving him nearly superhuman capabilities. 

6′10, early 50′s. Huge, heavily muscled, powerful build. Shoulder blade-length, curly/fluffy hair a shade of blue so pale it’s almost white, almost always restrained in a low ponytail. Tanned skin, dark crimson eyes, chiseled, handsome features, and a good few wrinkles from age. 

Rosaria

She/her, Green Mage.

Aurora’s older sister. From a young age, she was considered a prodigy at Green magic and was showered in the attention and praise that followed. While she remains a sweet, caring person, Rosaria’s outlook toward the world and other people has been distorted by the way she was treated growing up. She can be quite oblivious and ignorant. 

Charismatic and sociable, Rosaria is the picture of the person everyone loves. Between her gift for magic and her skills with interpersonal relations, she’s well-respected and well-loved by almost everyone around her. Rosaria is quite a friendly, cheerful, and kind person, but she struggles with considering others’ feelings properly. 

Rosaria’s magic is typical Green magic— drawing from the world around her to manifest various effects. In her specific case, she augments both her physical strength and her speed capabilities. 

5′9, late 20′s. Tall, curvaceous build with an hourglass figure. Short-cut, chin-length white hair worn in a bob that frames her face. Wide, deep gray eyes with a slight green tint to them and pale lashes. Her features are quite appealing and she always seems to be wearing a smile. 

Adrian

He/him, Yellow Mage.

In his early teenage years, Adrian made a mistake with his magic that caused his body to stop aging. He’s forever stuck at the age he was when the incident happened, even though his mind continues to develop. He became a skilled Mage nonetheless... but life seems to never give him a break. An unfortunate incident with a girlfriend was the tipping point. 

Adrian is intellectual, poised, strict, and somewhat snobby. He has the personality of s stuck-up professor, and definitely enough ego to mirror it. Despite being internally depressed and angry with the world, he’s determined to ignore his unpleasant history and pretend like he’s not miserable. He has more than his fair share of pride in himself. 

The magic he uses involves bringing his words to life. When Adrian speaks a command with magical intent, it happens. He has to be quite careful with it, as the exact mechanisms are tricky and complex. 

4′11, late 30′s. Adrian’s body is youthful, small, and unaging. Brown, past chin-length hair in a fairly straight cut, with bangs, and brown eyes only a few shades warmer and more hazel. Carries a near-permanent scowl and posture that conveys his pride and experience. 

Gloria

She/her, Yellow Mage.

Formerly a Mage of high rank, Gloria’s magic started to affect her mind about a decade ago. From there, it’s been a slow slide into delusions and distorted thinking that have left her with a very different role. When she was younger, she loved her magic for what it could show her and the things she could experience, but now, she can hardly keep track of them.

Gloria used to be a composed, passionate woman who handled her job well and enjoyed every second of it. She was outspoken, bold, and graceful in both speech and mannerisms. After her magic changed her, though, she’s become very disorganized in thought. She has trouble telling what’s real, what’s tangible, and what’s in the present.

The magic that twisted Gloria’s mind is the ability to see into the past and future. While limited, it was highly useful, and she pushed herself too far with it, leading to her mind being unable to handle the information. 

5′5, mid 30′s. Graceful, art-like build with a soft figure and not a lot of muscle. Caramel-brown hair worn in a shoulder-length style with longer sidelocks, shining, golden-hazel eyes, and fair skin. Her eyes have a vacant, spacey look in them more often than not. 

Coulson

He/him, Blue Mage.

For the most part, Coulson has a normal past. He fought his way through education and training to be as skilled as he currently is, and that fight gave him an unhealthy amount of pride. He’s always been competitive and authoritative, and can’t stand others besting him in any way. He worked his way into the Organization for the sake of power. 

Coulson is strict, self-absorbed, and demanding of others. In his mind, he’s almost always the most capable person in the room and he acts like it. He’s a stickler for rules (when they suit him), dismissive of other people and their opinions, and aggressively fixated on his authority in the chain of command. He takes a lot of pride in his power and abilities. 

For magic, Coulson uses a variety of small tattoos self-engraved into his body to create a variety of effects. He adds new ones quite frequently as he learns new applications and methods of utilizing them. 

6′0, mid 30′s. Tall, somewhat lanky build with unnerving strength for how little muscle is visible. Dark blue, curly hair slicked back on the right side and left loose on the left. Darker blue eyes, pale skin, and two silver piercings (right nostril and right earlobe) connected with a thin chain.

Rochia

She/they, Brown Mage.

A perpetual hard worker, Rochia grew up with a love of both machinery and magic. She enjoyed experimenting with everything she could get her hands on and seeing what worked. Once she joined the Organization, Rochia wound up assigned to a top-secret project that killed her optimistic view of the world, leaving her bitter and pragmatic.

Sharp-tongued, logical, and no-nonsense, Rochia is dedicated to her work— even when she hates it. She dislikes unrealistic fantasies and people who go against rules and sensible choices and favors those who devote themselves to something tangible with their whole hearts. Despite losing faith in the world, small parts of her still cling to hope. 

Rochia’s magic is something of a mystery. It relates to creating and maintaining magical machines, but the exact nature of what she knows and does is kept secret by the higher-ups of the Organization itself. 

5′2, mid 20′s. Petite and rather stocky in build, with few curves. Dark brown hair worn in a shaggy, somewhat messy pixie cut easily kept out of the way. Gray, brown-tinted eyes with perpetual dark circles underneath, light skin, and forming wrinkles at her brow. 

[noodleisgodd]

Dream SMP-esque Minecraft server looking for new players! pt. 2

I figured I should probably add a bit more info about the server/lore for people who wanted to know, so here’s this! Check out my previous post for the first part! Also again, reblogs are super appreciated :D

So! We essentially have 4 groups/towns/whatever you call them. There’s The Outpost, Eden, Snowdos, and Aurora Veil.

The Outpost makes up most of the spawn area, and is officially allied with Snowdos.

Snowdos is directly west of the Outpost, in the nearby plains biome. It’s home to many of our server members.

Aurora Veil is a bit more west of Snowdos, and is the other largest group along with Snowdos.

Eden is northwest of spawn, the farthest north but definitely a cool place. Eden and the Outpost are pretty (member-wise) small, but have some pretty cool builds.

In canon, Aurora Veil and Snowdos don’t like each other, they’ve never gotten along and it seems they never will. Snowdos (and the Outpost, per their trade alliance) are more of a trade type of town, (half jokingly referred to as capitalists) whereas Aurora Veil is canonically a commune.

The Snowdos-Outpost alliance outlines their agreement to work with each other for the better. It was signed by all the members of both places at the time it was agreed on.

Snowdos hosted a gala to celebrate this alliance, invited everyone to show up for a fun time. The gala went well, but there was some tension between Aurora Veil and Snowdos because of a few previous scuffles. (The main one being Aurora Veil asking Snowdos to keep off of their land)

The same day as the gala, Snowdos and Aurora Veil had a meeting, discussing how to go forward. They met in the Eden library, as Eden is a neutral ground. Aurora Veil stated that they didn’t want anyone, Snowdos or otherwise, in their lands. Snowdos agreed, after getting a better layout of where Aurora Veil’s boundaries are.

Since then, things have been a bit tense. Some worry about a threat of war declaration from Aurora Veil, others remain indifferent. But, for now, there seems to be a very fragile agreement between Aurora Veil and Snowdos.

Also, a bit of the vibe of each place: The Outpost is pretty standard, cool vibes and a public safety hut for that first night. Snowdos is well, in the snow, and it has a pretty cozy feel as well as a mansion or two around that are both beautiful. It was built off the base of a village and has expanded from there. Aurora Veil is also in the snow, and has super pretty builds and is pretty big and they have like the best roofs I’ve seen in Minecraft. Eden has an almost post-apocalypse vibe, more of the nature-reclaiming-builds kinda thing? So lots of vines and mossy cobble.

That’s the big picture of the lore for now! If you have any questions, feel free to message me or send an ask!

[everyhowlmarksthedead]

❛ THE PROPOSITION ❜

with Angel Reyes.

Chapter Three, final. Index.

Request #1: Hola! Angel asking for Felipe to have Marisol's ring cause he went to propose to his girlfriend. But Felipe says No cause he thinks EZ deserve its more. ( And cause WE know he love EZ more ) So Angel is like " Fuck this shit" And either is breaks in Felipe house to steal this ring Or Either he go brought the biggest and perfect ring ! 🤩

BY ANON

Request #2: Hey! Angel do something very impressive for his girlfriend ( like big and impressive asking for marriage or Travel 5 states just for see her) and this ending by Felipe being very impressive by his Sons and take conscience he is a bad dad for Angel. 🙏❤️🤟🤟

BY ANON

Warnings: none.

Word count: about 3k

Aurora says: this writing hasn't been edited, you may find some grammar mistakes, I'm sorry about that!

Gif credits: @pantherclawz

Masterlist.

Almost one week without hearing his voice. Receiving one or two text messages per day, just to tell you that he's tired or that he's working. You know he is hiding something, confirming your suspicion when EZ began to decline all your calls. And, when you talked with Felipe three days ago, the only thing he told you was that he didn't know anything about his kids. So you started to think the worst. At first you thought that maybe Angel had an accident and his brother was trying to cover him, but when you called Bishop this morning, you heard your boyfriend's voice saying that he was ‘going to pick up the girl’. And now, you don't know what to think.

Licking your lips, sitting in the back garden of the house, you play with your phone between your fingers. It's almost midnight and it's a little cold outside, wearing nothing but an Angel's shirt. You decide to call him again, but it's his voicemail who answers again, even if you shouldn't be doing it after drinking too many beers, while your friends are sleeping and resting for the last seminar the next morning. But you wait for the last tone.

“Hey, it's me… your girlfriend, remember? I've been calling you… I don' know, maybe the fucking whole day. Where the fuck are you, Angel? And don't you fucking dare to tell me that you were working, 'cause I heard you this morning talking about some bitch to pick up. But fo' say something, first you have to answer the fucking phone!”

Sounds pathetic the way you are talking to him, saying all the things that you wouldn't say to him being sober. Hiccuping, you find yourself crying unconsolable, with an agonic pain oppressing your chest and squeezing your heart.

“Just… two fucking weeks, Angel! You couldn' keep your fucking dick inside your pants, for two fucking weeks! Is that the… shit I mean to you? Two years thrown overboard because of what? How many times have you done it, ah? All these… shit about not calling during a run… were you doing the same shit, Angel? How many fucking times has you betrayed me?!”

You can't help but laugh bitterly, cleaning your tears with the back of your hand, trying to calm yourself and to not wake up anyone.

“I fucking love you… with all my heart. I didn' complain about anything, never…” Although your voice sounds low and a little bit calmed, inside you there's a storm devastating you. “I put you first, always, since the first moment I met you… I can't fucking believe you're gonna lea—leave me and… the way you're doing it… I thought you were different, but I guess I was wrong”.

Hardly sniffing, you close your eyes letting go everything inside your chest, before finishing the message. Curling up your legs to surround them with both arms, you rest your chin over your knees. You can't avoid thinking about all those times he has promised you a future together, living in a big house and having children. Or about all those times he has been crying clinged to you, talking about how his father has been always putting him apart. You have cared about him more than anyone in his life. You have given him all. Without asking anything back, more than loyalty. And you wouldn't even have to ask for it.

Even so, you're starting to regret all the things you have said, without knowing if it's true or not. But how are you going to find it out, if anyone says nothing?

“Oh, shit… Oh, shit, shit, shit…” Angel is sitting on top of his bike, with a hand holding his phone and the other rubbing the bridge of his nose.

His brothers are looking at all the gestures that he's drawing unconsciously on his face. Rage, sadness, incredulous… When the message ends, he lies down over the handerball, softly hitting his head against it. He tries to call you, but your phone is practically dead, off of battery. Bishop walks towards him, having a sip from his beer.

“All good, Angel?”

“She thinks I'm fucking cheating her, because he heard me say about picking up Leti, this morning”. Stepping out from his motorcycle, he looks for Tori's number, hoping she answers the call.

Walking around the parking like a locked lion in the zoo, he's starting to think about driving right now to Los Angeles.

“The hell is wrong with you, shithead?” The female voice sounds tired, being interrupted by a long yawn.

“Tori, listen. Find (Y/N). She's drunk, thinking I'm cheating on her”.

“Yeah, 'cause you have been ignoring her ass”.

“I've been workin—”.

“Nah, c'mon, Angel. Tell these tales to someone wh—”.

“I was working to buy a wedding ring”.

Silence. Tori suddenly sits up on her bed, turning on the lights and waking up Sarah. The girl who was sleeping peacefully, now is being woken up by shaking her left arm. Having some growls as response, she looks at her girlfriend frowning, while she hears Angel's voice through the speaker.

“Just listen, please. Calm her down, okay? 'Am coming tomorrow to LA. I already talked to your boss and I can't tell you anything else. Just… calm her down, please”.

“Okay, we got this, Angel”.

Hanging up the call, both girls jump off from the bed, walking towards your room. Empty. But following your crying, they stick out their heads by the window, finding you in the garden. This hurts them too. They were with you the night you met Angel, and they also love him a lot. They know how much he cares about you and even if Sarah and Tori couldn't believe that he was with another girl, it wasn't normal his way to act the last days. But now, everything has sense, and they are pretty excited to see him tomorrow and discover what he has been preparing for the proposition.

Going downstairs and trying to hide their happiness, your friends sit by each side to hug you. A collective hug to make you feel somewhat better, but you can't stop crying.

“Baby… what's up?” Tori asks, caressing gently your hair.

“This… fucking bastard… I fucking gave him all, the best of me!”

“You talkin' 'bout Angel? C'mon, (Y/N)! He told you he made the most of his time to work a little more, and not miss you. Two weeks is too much time for you both”.

“I heard him talking about another girl”.

“So, what? Since when he can't have friends, ah? I have slept with him at his house… hundred times, and that doesn't mean that I cheated Tori, or he cheated you. And believe me, your boyfriend is a fantasy even for me”. Sarah says, making you chuckle in some way. “I'm sure he has been working hard, as you do when he is traveling. So, don't think any bullshit about Angel. He loves you more than anything, okay?”

“Let's go to bed, okay, honey? We have to be awake in five hours for a long, long, long seminar. Lucky it's the last one”. Tori says standing up on her feet, helping you to get up from the grass.

Angel comes into the clubhouse with an excited smile on his lips, like a child on Christmas Day, rubbing his hands and clapping happily calling everybody's attention.

“You got it, hermano?”

He nods energetically, walking fast to the main round table, where the oldest were waiting for him to come back from the jewelers. The Reyes tucks a hand inside his pocket in complete silence, putting over the wood a small red velvet box. Between his fingers, he supports the bottom part to open the top, showing the ring for what he has been working too hard the last two weeks; without sleeping, without resting, without a drop of alcohol, without partying. Nothing. Just working hard. The fine gold ring is perfectly resting inside a small gap, showing only the top of it. A king's crown with a diamond in it, that shines so easily with natural light that could illuminate a whole room. The crew is looking at it fascinated. And yes, the ring couldn't be perfect, but it's the feeling of pride for Angel that makes them smile.

“Fuck, brother… If she doesn' want to marry you, I will”. Creeper is captivated by the jewel, with his eyes fixed on.

“Why the fuck she wouldn't want to marry me, dumbshit?”

“Ignore him, carnal”. Coco palms his back, resting his arm on a shoulder.

“So, what you say, ah?” He asks, anxious to hear Bishop, Tranq and Taza's opinion. Without them, it couldn't be possible.

“Fuck, man, I would marry you too if you propose me with this ring”. Che is the first one, taking the step to grab the small box and have a closed look from it.

“You did a good job, Angel. You deserve it”. Tranq just says with both arms on the table.

“Prez?”

Bishop keeps looking at the box, seeming thoughtful, slowly raising his eyes to the others after some seconds in silence.

“I think you are doing the right thing for the first time since I know you. That girl deserves a man like you, Angel. And I know she is not the kind of woman who would care about the ring, but you found the perfect one”.

Your boyfriend can't feel more proud. It would be impossible.

“Go change your clothes, you have four hours of road ahead”. El Presidente places a hand on Angel's nape with a soft narrow over it.

He just nods, keeping again the box inside a pocket to get up and leave the place to his dorm, where he has been sleeping the last two weeks. The black jeans and the white shirt are perfectly stretched over his bed. The Reyes hurries up to have a shower, not wasting a second more, brushing and doing his hair with trembling fingers. He hasn't known anything about you since he talked with Tori and Sarah some hours ago, hoping that they finally calmed you down and got you rid of those ideas about him cheating you. When he's already dressed, sitting on the edge of the mattress to put on his boots, Angel grabs the black bomber jacket trespassing the box from a piece of clothing to the other, zipping the pocket to not lose it.

Coming back to the main room of the clubhouse, his brothers receive him between whistles and cheers.

“Man, you smell good”. Coco says coming too close.

“Ah, ah. Take care, brother. Don't want you to stain my fresh clothes”. He says taking a step back.

“My apologies, your grace”. He chuckles.

“Bishop?”

“Templo”. Taza says having a sip from a coffee.

Checking the hour on his phone, assuring himself that he has enough time, the Reyes leads his steps to the meeting-room, closing the glass colorful door behind him.

“Already leaving?”

“Yeah, prez, I just… want to thank you for giving me the three k left. I will continue working to gi—”.

“Take it as a wedding gift”. The mexican stops him with his own words, shaking his head and making a light gesture with a hand.

“I couldn't do it without you, Tranq and Taza”.

“I heard what you told to your brother. In the office”. He says then, lying back on his chair. “I am not going to… give you my opinion about your father, but he shouldn't behave like that, Angel”.

“I know, Bishop. And… I would thank you for not telling anything about it to (Y/N). She loves my pops”.

“That honors you”.

“Don't know, but I don't wanna be like him”.

El Presidente simply nods.

“Bring back Mrs. Reyes”.

Your head hurts like hell, having to use your glasses because of the blurry gaze you have got by the hangover. The seminar is turning out eternal. The last thing you care about right now is how to operate with an open heart, you have already done it and you could skip this part. But it's for compulsory attendance. So there you are, drawing nothing on your iPad as if you were taking notes, fighting against the pain, the tiredness and the uncertainty about Angel. He continues not answering your text or calls, and you can't help but think about what Sarah told you last night.

“... you for coming, and I hope that these two weeks have been productive for your learning”.

The claps flood the conference room, while the other doctors begin to pick up their stuff and finally leave the place. You can't believe that it's already done and that you're allowed to come back home, checking again your muttered phone expecting to find something. But the notifications bar is empty.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you don't mind, I'm going to steal you a couple minutes. Sit back, please”. The voice of your boss through the speakers makes you raise an eyebrow.

“The desire to be noticed by that man fucks me up”. Tori chuckles with a low tone, sitting again over her seat.

“I know that we all are tired, but it's just going to be a couple minutes, I promise. I just want to help a friend”.

“No…” Sarah looks at her girlfriend really surprised, making you frown confused.

“Girls, the fuck you did?”

“You just… enjoy the show, my dear”.

You can see your boss making a gesture to someone by a side of the stage, to come closer. But when your eyes find Angel walking over it, your blood freezes and your heart stops. Lucky you're between almost more than two hundred doctors and surgeons. Leo gives up the micro to your boyfriend, looking for you. And obviously, your two friends start to yell like crazy to call his attention.

“Hey, ahm… You don't know me and I don't know you, but… I'm Angel. Dr. (Y/L/N)'s boyfriend and I came to… give her an important message”. He says with a nervous tone, before smirking at you, clearing his throat. “Hey, baby, can you… can you come here, please?”

“Go”. Your friends push you to get up, but your legs feel like butter about to fall downstairs.

As soon as he's able to hug you, he does, not caring about the claps from the people in front of you.

“Okay, okay, listen”. Holding one of your hands and pulling himself away, he laughs a little bit nervous for a second. “We met two years ago, in the middle of nowhere. I was fuc— sorry. I was hurt because of a fight. And you fixed up my wounds with so much love, patience and care, that I fell for you”.

“Angel…”

“Sh, listen. I think I'm going to have a heart attack, so let me talk before falter to the floor. Listen, you have been my best friend, my anchor, my reason to live since then. I love you more than I could ever love anyone... I can't live without you, baby. And before you say anything else like last night, no. I didn't try and I'm not going to do it, because I'm lost without you, (Y/N). So, ahm… Hey, boss, can you hold the mic'?” Turning to Leo, the man takes it back.

You're trembling, looking at your friends for a moment trying to find an explanation. But when your gaze is again on your boyfriend, he's already kneeling with a hand inside a pocket grabbing something. A small red box. And you can't believe what's happening. Taking a step back and covering your face with both hands, you start to cry like a child, with your pulse racing under your skin.

“(Y/N) (Y/L/N), would you marry me?”

The crew is waiting anxiously at the porch, after not receiving any news back from LA. But they all get up from their seats on the sofas and the stairs, when they hear Coco's car being driven by Angel coming closer. As soon as he parks it close to the bikes, not finding you on the passenger seat and looking at the devastated gesture on his face, they know that the proposition wasn't as they were expecting. Stepping out of the car, he just shrugs his shoulders.

“Hey, carnal, it's okay. She will reconsider it”. Coco says hugging his friend, trying to comfort him.

“She will say yes, Angel, don't give up”. Bishop palms softly his nape.

And you are drowning in laughs hidden on the floor of the back seats. Looking slightly through the window, you find the crew very affected because supposedly you said ‘no’. Taking some air, you jump out of the car yelling with a huge smile on your lips.

“Surprise, madafakas!”

“Jesus fucking Christ! I'm too old for these frights!” Taza shouts at you back, indignant with a hand on his chest barely breathing.

“I'm confused”. Gilly says from nowhere.

“What? Doesn't sound good Mrs. Reyes for you?” Walking towards them, raising the hand with the amazing ring, they all look surprised.

“I'm going to fucking shoot you, Angel”. Bishop threats him, before leading his steps to yours. “Welcome home, querida”.

“Thank you”. Hugging him, you rest your head against his chest. “Angel told me you help him”.

“It was nothing, kid”. Clicking his tongue and pulling himself away, he caresses your cheek for a second.

“Yo! Mami! You look stunning now that you're engaged”. Coco lifts you up between his arms, narrowing you under his grip.

“Yeah, you see?!”

“Hey, hey, social distancing”. Your future husband takes you off from his friend's hands, to hold you closer with an arm surrounding your neck.

“Look at you, Mr. and Mrs. Reyes”. Creeper says very proud, nodding in accordance.

“Let's celebrate it that you didn' kick my ass, mi dulce”.

✨ Tag list:

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[love-we-write]

Eccedentesiast

Character: RichyxMC (ambiguous platonic or romantic)  Genre: Hurt/Comfort? Friendship/Romance? Unbeta-ed mess is for certain Words: 4,188  Summary: Richy is used to being known to be able to bring a little bit of comical sunshine to everybody’s gloom. He’s just not used to letting anyone know that he’s burning behind that light. But then, you appeared in his life.  Potential T/W: mentions of panic attacks   A/N: Done in conjunction with the Duskwood Secret Santa event~! Dear @anatomical-myocardium, Merry Christmas to you~! Sorry this took so long to post, I swear my laptop crashes on me at the most inconvenient time sometimes. I hope I did this justice as a gift to you, and I hope you like it, just as I absolutely love your gift to me~! Have a safe and happy Christmas~!  ❤️ ❤️

And with a renewed vow to write anything and everything that I want to write without minding if it’s a game, or an anime, or an anime game, or Kpop, here we go~!  ❤️ ❤️

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Richy is most known by his friends and all the Duskwood residents for his carefree nature, and he is very much aware of this. 

With his small group of friends, he has been the joker of the group longer than memory can serve, always light-hearted with that small touch of dry humor to help liven up the mood. From their weekly battle of Doodle Friends to their catch up session at Aurora’s, all seven of them look to Richy to brighten their days with his quick-witted comebacks and his lame jokes that gets even Lily - ever the serious one - to chuckle.

At his job, his bright personality makes him one of the select few who could talk to Alfie without unnerving the boy, and from greeting old ladies who pass by his shop to chatting away with his customers while he repairs their cars, everyone does not have qualms to admit that Richy’s easy-going nature is his most admirable trait, a warm relaxing ray of sunshine that comes out and give others a bit of cheer on their gloomy days.

Richy knows that his ability to not take things too seriously gives comfort to his friends. 

Richy knows this, knows it in the way Jessy thanks him for being there for her when she is frustrated with how Dan is treating her affections, knows it in the way Thomas looks at him silently yet gratefully when he brought them to Aurora’s and filled them with a copious amount of beers and stupid jokes for a self-proclaimed “pity party” after Thomas’ fight with Hannah. 

He knows it during the wake of Hannah’s absence when Thomas is on the verge of breaking down, and when Jessy fought with Cleo over how to handle the investigation, Lilly had reached out to him in the middle of the night,  quiet words of “I feel like you’re the only one keeping this group together,” mumbled into the phone in between sniffles.

Richy knows he is most known for his easy-going personality, and he is used to it. 

He is also used to that horrible feeling of uselessness constantly haunting him in the deep dark solace of his mind. That sinking in his stomach, the heaviness settling in his core as he contemplates whether he has anything worthwhile at all anything good to offer to this world, the constant feeling that he doesn’t have anything at all. It is a dark void spanning the crevasse of his mind that comes up in his solitude, whispering that he is not good enough, that he does not deserve grief and his fear is only going to burden his loved ones.

Because who is he to voice out his sadness and anguish when everybody else has so much on their plate already? Who is he to want to cry at Jessy to look at him, just LOOK AT HIM WHO HAS BEEN THERE FOR YOU when she is heartbroken herself. What right does he have to voice out his grief, his guilt at being the first one to come to Hannah’s house but still unable to save her anyway? What right does he have to say these things, when he only had lost a friend while Thomas lost a girlfriend and Lilly a sister? 

What right does he have?

So, Richy does what he does best. He smiles. He jokes. And he hides. He stopped trying to figure out the line inside him where his smile ends and his fear starts. To him, they all bleed together.

Richy is used to being known to be able to bring a little bit of comical sunshine to everybody’s gloom. He’s just not used to letting anyone know that he’s burning behind the light.   

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 But then, you appeared in his life. You with your contagious kindness, you who are the one person who does not have any personal stakes with Hannah in this investigation but still decided to help out of the sheer good in your heart. 

Richy sometimes thought that you were highly naive when you said that them getting your number and bringing you in this group must have meant that there is something that you could do instead of just seeing it as it is; an ominous invitation from an unknown hacker. However, that thought of your naivete is blown out of the water when he witnessed your bright-eyed curiosity and your sharp perception. 

‘You like Jessy, don’t you?’ you had texted him out of the blue during one of your conversations when during the first few days after you appeared in their lives.

Richy swore he almost dropped his phone in his coffee when he read your text. No one has ever picked up on his one-sided affections towards Jessy, not even their group, not even Jessy herself who has been his close friend. 

He has always been wary of you when Thomas first invited you in. A stranger whose number was given to them by another stranger seemed to Richy like a well-timed disaster waiting to explode in their faces. Richy liked to think of himself as neutral when it comes to matters of your involvement; skeptical enough to not be desperate as Thomas but to the point of hostility that Lilly has shown. 

But with your eagle-eyed intuition, Richy realized he had to be extra careful with himself around you.

‘Uh, gotta go. Coffee’s about ready and I need that caffeine injection for my sanity, in case some more shit happens around here, haha,’ he had typed quickly, adding in several emojis in succession for some good measure. He puts the phone face down almost immediately, as if that would help distract him from your reply, and busies himself with work.

‘That’s okay. Coffee sounds like a great idea. The next time you want to subtly avoid having uncomfortable conversations about yourself, I have a list of ideas :D,’ was your reply to him when he checked his phone during his break. 

Mirth bubbles up in Richy, a feeling of familiarity and comfort fizzing up in him like downing cold soda on a hot summer day. Richy chuckles towards his phone, seeing as you really did provide him with a list of excuses to make to get out of conversation, each item sillier than the previous one.

Your entrance into his and the way Richy felt you seeing through to him feels like a breath of fresh air.

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‘Richy, hi.’ 

 Richy smiles, looking at his phone vibrated on the countertop as he is pouring his third cup of coffee for the day. Seems like the weekend is as good as any for him to gather his thoughts to himself, to compartmentalize his feelings away from the crowd, but the texts from you over the days is a welcome distraction. 

From asking him about Jennifer Manson, to asking him about the phone call he made on the day of Hannah’s disappearance, to random conversation about your favorite movies or music, messages from you have become something he looks forward to daily. He found himself slowly thinking more and more of you; whether you are okay, what you have been doing among other things

‘Now, what more information does my lady seek from me?’ he types quickly, anticipating as the three dots beside your name blinks back at him. 

‘Good sir, is it such a crime if I just want to inquire about your day? :(’

Richy would be lying if he said that his heart did not skip a few beats over those words.

‘Our previous conversations would indicate that you always would have things to ask me after you know about how my day went, so out you go. :D’

It feels nice to see you playing along with his jokes.

‘Cleo told me you fought with your dad?’

Ah.

Not information about Hannah’s disappearance then. Which, to him, is much much easier to divulge.

‘That girl is going to get into trouble one day over how much she’s eavesdropping.’

‘I know. But more importantly, are you okay?’

Are you okay? Wow, Richy thinks as he stares at his idle phone. A simple question, but look at how he is struggling to answer. So he quickly typed in.

‘I’m okay, don’t worry, haha. Listen, the cat outside my apartment is literally meowing my window panes down, I better go check up on it before it eats itself,’ Richy began typing his response, as if him staring down the digitized letters will give him some form of epiphany over what the best course of action is. 

Excuse #12 from that ridiculous list that you gave him from weeks ago. From feeding non-existent stray cats outside his house to a car needing their tires changed, it quickly became an inside understanding between the two of you that this is a signal that he does not want to talk about it. 

But, inside, he wants to talk about it. Wants to talk to you about how this fight is a series of continuous disagreements between him and his father over how to run the family’s garage. Wants to talk about how this garage is not what he envisioned doing in his adult year, that he has no interest whatsoever in running the family’s business. How he had wanted to be a photographer, but was forced to run the garage by his dad to continue the family business. 

And how each time his father berates him over the losses their garage suffered due to the new competing garage in town, he feels a slight vendetta to bring up that he is never interested in what happens in this garage but is only doing it for his father.

He has long perfected the art of hiding anything of him that isn’t polished and brightened, so when you picked it up immediately, he felt flustered. Flustered because he doesn’t know what to do when faced with the idea of someone perceptive as you catching his vulnerabilities that he is ashamed of. But, also flustered with the fact that he feels a small sense of comfort that someone took time to notice the small things about him, and that deep inside, he feels some small part of him wanting to reach back out.

For now, he just added a bunch of cheerful emojis for good measure and hits send.

He wants to talk about it. He wants to.

‘You know, I don’t expect you to exhaust that list so quickly. I would have thought it’d be good for at least 2-3 months.’ came your reply.

‘I worry about you, Richy.’

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And it is true, you are worried for him. It has been close to three weeks since you first got added into this strange group, and if truth be told, you would never have thought that you’d be as invested as you are now. You could not deny that Jessy and Richy were two of the friends you never thought that you would care for as much as you did. You know that Jake had warned you over the group, and you ARE a bit more wary of some more than others, but you did not expect your trust to go wholeheartedly to this small trio that you have formed with Jessy and Richy. 

Jessy is the sweetest girl you have ever met in the world, always kind. She has this effect around people that made them feel cared for, and you are thankful how she had welcomed you and helped you out when everyone else seems to think you are the kidnapper.She wears her heart on a sleeve, and she trusts easily, but she means well. And Richy…

Richy is an enigma. On surface level, it seems that he is a bright ray of sunshine, all lighthearted jokes and wit, a perfect comedic complement to Jessy’s more emotional tendencies, but you notice the things that made Richy much more complex than he lets on.

You see his calm and composed nature when he is the one to suggest the group to think more critically in the case of your appearance and Hannah’s disappearance, how he calmed everyone down and brought their spirits up. But you also see his aversion to talking about how he himself feels.

Even though he does not show it, you know the incident with Hannah affected him just as much as it had affected everybody else. You see the sprinkle of emotions he has shown, from Jessy who told you how quiet he had been on the day his garage was spray painted with the sign of the raven, to his deprecating jokes about himself when you asked about the phone call he had made to Hannah on the day of her disappearance. 

You see that sliver of fear, that glimpse of guilt over those short moments, but come any closer and you could miss it with how subtly and skillfully he averts to more cheerful topics.

But that’s the thing. You worry for him. Jessy goes to the both of you for comfort while Dan goes to Jessy. Lilly has her family, Cleo goes to Thomas and Thomas’s grief is acknowledged and heard by all of them.

But who listens to Richy? Who gives Richy their shoulder for him to grief? Who lift up his spirits the way he does to you? For now, all you can do is put your phone close to your ear, Richy’s number dialing in the background. 

‘I worry about you, Richy.’

‘It gets better, I promise you. You don’t have to be alone. I’m here for you,’ you added under your previous text. It goes unanswered and your calls only gets redirected to voicemail. So all you can do is hold your phone close to you, placing your lips on its receiver, only able to hope that it goes to him, that his cheeks or his forehead feels the warmth as a sign that you are here for him.

Miles away, in Duskwood, Richy only stares in his phone longingly, wanting to call you. 

‘I’m here for you.’ your text that had him feeling hopeful, comforted and flustered him all the same.

It has been a long time since someone sees through him so transparently, heck, the void in him has bled together with his façade so much that even he himself cannot see through the layers of sunshine to where his dark insecurities start. He has crafted so many walls, perfected so many smiles that it even fooled Jessy, the person most close to him here in Duskwood. Perhaps at some point, maybe he even fooled himself.

And yet, here you are. Effortlessly breaking through those walls like it’s paper, unblinded by the fake shine he puts on, and sees the darkness in him for what it is. He has to laugh at that as he leaned his forehead on his phone, somehow feeling a sense of comfort just in doing that. What have you done to him? 

Perhaps one day he can begin to talk about it.

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 That day came sooner that he thought it would be. That night in December, it snowed heavily in Duskwood. Angry snow fell down in a furious blizzard, gusts of wind wailing outside in anguish, doors and window panes shaking almost in fear. Sometimes, the wailing picks up speed and bangs on the window with a scream.

Inside, Richy is just as furious, just as anguished as the blizzard outside. The man without a face seems hell-bent in getting them to stop finding Hannah and to obtain your location. Richy would bend over backwards and go to hell twice before letting your location fall in its hands. And with the search not showing any signs of stopping, so did the threats to them.

Today, it took the threat to another level when it involved their families as well. Richy had woken up with a call from his father. He had expected the call to be his father picking up another fight with him, but the urgency in his father’s voice and the manic sobbing of his mother in the background struck a cold chord in him.

It turned out that his family house has been vandalized with the signs of the raven, only this time it is worse than the one did in the garage. The windows were splashed with red paint, with papers jammed in their mailbox full of threatening letters of ‘give me her’ and ‘Richy, you’re next’. It took him a good two hours to scrub the windows clean, and then another hour to comfort his mother that this is just a prank pulled by some reckless vandals, to clean up the papers from the mailbox and throw them in the trash.

But, deep inside he knows it. This is not a prank. This is a threat to him. To them.

Duskwood is a small town. People will talk and come tomorrow, his friends will find out. He needs time. He needs time to sort out his thoughts. Time to properly compartmentalize.

He needs time to sort out through his guilt of not being able to protect his family from being terrorized from the man without a face. There is the fury with the fact that it has been established that the man without a face is someone within their circle, given how much they know about your presence.

He needs time.

There is the fear that you, being the lynch pin to all that the man without a face wanted from them, will be burdened more. He needs time to sort through the fear that he could not protect you, and even though it is for the best interest of your safety that none of them knows where you are, you are still all alone having to pick up after these seven dysfunctional people and no one to protect you.

Then, there is the confusion, the stress, the angry sadness that this is a game that he has to continue to play with his friends. The betrayal that one of them, one of his close friends is responsible for this, that they could have the balls to laugh with him, smile with him and turn around and do this to him. 

He needs time to sort through this anger and he doesn’t have the courage to face them and continue playing this game tomorrow, not when all he wanted to do is lash out at each one of them and threaten them and ohgodheneedstimeheneedstime-- 

In the solace of his room in his family home, Richy feels his thoughts become as white as the blizzard of snow outside. He hears his breath quickens, a voiceless wail stuck in his throat and he feels the shivers in his spine like the doors trembling in front of the wind.

Heneedstimeohgodpleasegivehimabitoftime----

And like a lifeline, his phone besides him rang and vibrated and he clutched it to him like a lifeline. Like a miracle in December, he sees that it’s your name. Somewhere in his blank white thoughts, he hears a small chuckle and how impeccable your timing is.

He answers and your voice in his ears sounded like a buoy thrown to him that is flailing about.

“Richy, I had a bad feeling about something. Is everyone okay?” and Richy hears himself laugh at that, a horrible mixture of a broken laugh and a hiccup and a helpless wail, all mixed up to become a horrible wounded noise.

Over on your side of the phone, your heart picked up pace when you heard that choked laughter from Richy. It is horrible and it is scary and you would never want to hear it from anyone again, least of all not Richy. He is having a panic attack.

“Richy, are you okay?! Richy, listen to me. Breathe with me, sweetheart. Breathe in, breathe out,” deep inside you tried to stay calm because that is what he needs, but even you feel like being on the verge of tears listening to this man - who has cheered you up so much - break down in front of you.

After he seemed to have calmed down, you tried again.

“Richy, what’s wrong? Please talk to me. You deserve to not be alone in this Richy. I see you. I see you smiling to get everyone to smile. You listened to me and you lifted up my mood when Jessy was attacked, and when I received threats over Lilly’s video. Let me do the same to you, yeah? Tell me what’s wrong?”

And to Richy, who has clutched onto your voice like a lifeline, who wants to share everything with you, just burst like a dam. Everything that he has kept secret from his friends, the sadness behind his smile, everything that he has even kept from himself and just swept under the rug and pushed into a closet at the back of his mind. Everything burst right there in front of you, from his guilt to not being able to stop Hannah’s kidnapping and Jessy’s attack, to him feeling unworthy of being sad compared to others, to his fear when he saw the sign of the raven in his garage and now on his home, his fury at knowing one of his friends are doing this, to his fear for Jessy, his fear for you. 

He hated everything. He hated himself.

You told him that he is strong, that you admired him so much, but he needs to see that he deserves to be comforted just as much as he has comforted everyone else. 

In that snowstorm-clad night, the winds wept and wept, but beneath its howl, you can hear the intermittent wail of a broken man as Richy cried, and cried, and cried. 

As he lets out everything, the blank white fog of his mind begins to clear and gain color. It started from the reds of fury, to the blacks of fear and the blues of guilt, but then your voice came in, and slowly the pinks of comfort, the yellows of hope and the purples of peace began melting through. 

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[EPILOGUE]

Both you and Richy sat over the phone for over 3 hours just talking about nothing and everything after his outburst. 

He seems to have gained his color back, his cheerful self almost back as he cracked his lame stories about gangster seagulls eating his sandwich once in his travels. Richy feels like this time, his color - albeit still a little faded - is much more genuine than the blacks filtered from a rose-colored glass that he has shown before. Your laughter as you listen to his story and object to its credibility, slowly made those faded colors in his mind more vibrant.

“Thank you for listening to me, for um… taking care of me,” he begins a bit meekly after he finishes his story. He’s not so used to being listened to, not at this vulnerable a level and definitely he is not used to being taken care of.

“You did the same to me when Jessy was attacked. And you would have done the same for me again, I’m sure of it,” your voice sounded like a smile would, and God, would he give up everything to see that smile in person. He laughs to himself internally. How has this person made him so whipped for her in such a manner?

“I’m planning on going to Duskwood soon,” you had said out of the blue, bringing him back from his reverie.

“Absolutely not. In case you forgot my magnificent show of tears just now, the man without a face is threatening us to get to you. You coming here is the absolute worst thing to do,” Richy snorted, a mock indignant and wounded tone from him that made you chuckle.

“Well, how bad can it be? If we keep my arrival a secret from the rest of them, and spend the days, just you, me and Jessy, it wouldn’t hurt, would it? Someone needs to go there and give you a hug and take care of you,” you had replied back shortly, almost giving no thought to what you had said.

“Oh my, my lady, are you flirting with me?” Richy’s exaggerated gasp brought you back to reality, and his implication had your heart skipping beats.

“Well I mean… um…” you stuttered, and Richy swore your hesitance and stuttering made his heart soar just a little bit more in hope. But pursuing it is for another time.

“W-Well, someone needs to stop you from being such an eccedentesiast!” you had blurted out, extremely grateful that the distance makes it unable for him to see your bright red hot face.

His laughter after that sounds like the most genuine you have heard from him so far, and he might have said something along the lines of “nooo use small words, your idiot here doesn’t understand what that means,” but you couldn’t remember clearly. All you remembered was you thinking that you would give almost anything to protect that genuine tinkling laughter of his.

[honeycobie]

My Aurora

badboy!Sunwoo x reader, fluff, slight angst

a/n: this is a continuation of ps. i like you! if you have not read it, please do read it first as it will be confusing to read this one first. lots of people have requested me to do a part two to it and i gladly have! I recommend listening to your eyes tell by bts as you read this or break my heart again by finneas. as always, i hope you enjoy this one and stay safe 💓 please don’t be afraid to give feedback!

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Your hands were clammy, slick with sweat as they shook slightly, your fingers slipping against the screen as you tried to type out a message. Your mind was racing, a jumbled mess of thoughts as you recall his letter. It was intimate yet playful, just like Sunwoo. At the very thought of his name, a smile appears of its own accord and you slap your face lightly, trying to knock some sense into yourself. 

Dragging a hand through your hair, you sigh, gazing at the screen of your phone. You sifted through your brain, attempting to organize yourself but only to give up a second later. You slumped against the wall, agonizing over sending a simple text. You inhale deeply to steel yourself before your fingers rapidly dance over the screen, typing out a straightforward “I got your letter”. 

Contemplating, you hesitate, hovering over the send button. For the first time, you found yourself placing the phone down, mulling over a decision that you would’ve already made in a blink of an eye. Worrying your bottom lip between your teeth, you listened to your heart and sent it. Right after, you leaped away from it as if it was a poisonous spider, poised to attack. From a distance, you eyed your phone, waiting for any hint of a notification. 

Sighing, you turned away and busied yourself with tackling the clean laundry that had piled up on your chair. Halfway through placing the last shirt into the drawer, your phone buzzes and you jump, startled. You carefully cradle the phone in your hands before unlocking it, your breath hitching when you realize you have a new message from Sunwoo.

You click on it, face illuminated by the glow as you read. The sentence sinks in and you laugh, your heart feeling lighter than it had been since you had last seen him. 

“So you lost the bet? ;)”

It was so...him. To care about a bet that no longer held any importance, thrown away in a dark corner, unforgotten. Yet Sunwoo was able to revive it and you smiled at the familiarity of his competitiveness, finally breaking the gigantic iron wall that stood before you and him, built by you to protect your heart. Your response did not have your usual retort, instead, it acknowledged that you did indeed lose the bet. 

However, Sunwoo’s response had held a certain weight to it, suggesting more feeling behind just arrogantly caring about winning or losing. It was his own way of clarifying things and you could practically feel his need to know if you reciprocate his feelings or not. You had given Sunwoo the answer he desperately needed to know and he now knew what you felt.

You flopped onto your bed, phone falling from your grasp to safely land on the soft duvet. You close your eyes for a second, your limbs sprawled. A weight seemed to have lifted off of your shoulders and you smiled dreamily. Lulled by the tranquility of the house, you feel yourself giving in to the tantalizing pull of slumber, a yawn escaping as you snuggle into the warmth of your sheets, blindly patting around to grasp at your duvet, pulling it over yourself.

Your eyes shoot open when the doorbell rings, echoing pleasantly throughout the house. Groaning, you sit up, patting down your messy hair and straightening your crumpled clothes.

As the doorbell rings again, paired with insistent knocking, you bolt downstairs, nearly wiping out on the floor. Regaining your balance, you throw open the door, ready to chastise the person for practically abusing the doorbell. Words die in your throat as you stare at him, a familiar smirk on his face, warm umber eyes drifting down your figure to fixate on your slippers, pink and fluffy, with an adorable bunny face.

“Nice bunny slippers.” Sunwoo remarks, suppressing the urge to laugh, lips twitching as he bites back a grin.

Your cheeks burn in embarrassment, suddenly painfully aware of your disheveled hair and mismatched pajamas. “They’re comfortable.” you manage, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible. 

“Are you going to let me in?” he asks, amused.

“No.” 

Sunwoo arches an eyebrow at your response, watching as you wedge yourself in the door, seeming to contemplate before slipping out, closing the door with a soft click. 

You sit on the porch, and Sunwoo follows your actions. Silence ensues, and you shift uncomfortably before glancing subtly at him. Sunwoo, as always, was infuriatingly handsome, with a perfect side profile and you swore that nature loved him, the way the sun’s rays were kissing his skin. 

“So...what are we?” you break the silence, but regret it when he turns to face you, and you almost drown in the captivating depths of his eyes. 

“What do you mean?” Sunwoo asks, tilting his head in an endearing way, reminding you of a puppy. 

“Are we an official thing now?” you venture bashfully, unable to meet his eyes.

“Yes, you’re my lover. Is that what you wanted to hear?” he chuckles, and you flush, reaching over to swat at him, which he easily dodges. 

Lover....you savour the word, running through your mind like a broken record, over and over. So magical, it made your heart palpitate and your palms sweat. 

When you don’t speak, Sunwoo eyes you mischievously, before reaching over to press his lips against yours. Your breath hitches as you make a surprised sound before melting into the kiss. You can feel Sunwoo’s lips curve into a smile but before he can pull away, you cradle his head, pulling him impossibly closer. 

Parting, he smirks at you. “Didn’t know you were so bold, (Y/n).” he says, in sing-song as he pinches your cheeks. 

“Shut up.” you mutter, and you were sure your face was as red as a beet. 

“I’m not surprised you lost the bet, I mean, look at me.” Sunwoo continues, boasting and you glare at him.

“I will literally kill you in your sleep.”

“Woah, no need to get so aggressive.” he laughs, lifting his hands in a placating manner. You stick your tongue out at him before hugging your knees to your chest. Once again, silence falls upon you, but it’s comfortable and you get used to Sunwoo’s presence next to you. 

When he starts humming to a familiar song, you join in, and even though the old lady next door is giving you a dirty look, her hands on her hips, you start singing and dancing with Sunwoo in the street. You can’t help but laugh loudly as he twirls you around.

You almost forgot how elated you had felt with Sunwoo but now, as the sun shines down on you as you frolic around with him, you remember. 

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

“Baby.” 

His voice rouses you from dreamland and you lift your head drowsily, struggling to blink away the sleep that still clung to your eyelashes. You had somehow managed to fall asleep during the Studio Ghibli movie marathon that you and Sunwoo had planned a week prior. Your eyes focused on his face before drifting to the screen before you, the familiar sight of Howl’s Moving Castle greeting you, awakening vague childhood memories.

Sunwoo smiled, drinking in the sight of you, clad in a hoodie and pyjama pants, your hair messy yet still so adorable it makes his heart clench. He gently brushes the strands that fall into your eyes, his delicate touch almost lulling you back to sleep, your eyelids fluttering close.When he draws his hand away, you open your eyes, already missing the warmth of his hand. 

“Put your hand out,” Sunwoo ordered, rummaging in his bag, which sat at his feet. Confused, you heed his order, placing your hand out, palm up.

He places the box in your hand and you peer at it, interest piqued even with sleep muddying your thoughts. The box was covered with a layer of black velvet and you knew that it had to hold some kind of jewelry. Curious, you opened it and you inhaled sharply. A delicate gold bracelet sat within it and you were mesmerized by the way it seemed to beckon to you, gleaming underneath the light emitted from the movie still playing on the screen, now forgotten, nothing but background noise. 

Sunwoo picked it up and you caught sight of the single dainty charm that dangled from the chain. Incredulous, you held it between your fingers, noting the details that were carved into it. The charm itself was so thin and intricate that if you applied too much force, you feared that it would snap. 

He grinned, reading your features attentively. “Do you like it? I specifically designed it myself.” 

“You don’t have to buy-” you began, only interrupted by his finger pressing against your mouth to silence you. Sunwoo shakes his head, mischief evident in his eyes as he moves to fasten it around your wrist, his fingers deft as he nimbly connects the clasp. “Just accept it.”

You tried to object  again but he glared at you, causing the words to die in your throat. Clearing your throat, you changed the subject to not incur his wrath. “Why did you pick the sun?” you ask, accepting the gift, twisting your wrist back and forth to watch it shimmer, admiring it with awe-filled eyes. 

“The answer is simple. Since I’m known as the sun, it’s my way of claiming you and letting others know that you’re mine.” Sunwoo grins cockily, crossing his arms in satisfaction as he leans back, reclining on the couch. 

You open your mouth, searching for words before opting to smack him twice on the head with the nearest pillow. 

“Ow! What was that for?” he protests, rubbing his forehead. 

“You always amaze me, Sunwoo.” you sigh in exasperation, rubbing your temples as you hug the pillow to your chest. 

“Must be because I’m so handsome.” he replied, wiggling his eyebrows as he winked at you, practically shoving his face in yours to prove his attractiveness. 

Wisely, you shove his face away, training your eyes on the screen instead. Sunwoo whines, shaking your shoulders so intensely, you momentarily considered strangling him. 

“Shut up and watch the movie.” you grumble, throwing popcorn at him. 

“Yes ma’am.”

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

You sigh, zipping up your bag as you end another tutor session with Sunwoo. Now that you were dating, both of your mothers had begged for you to continue tutoring. You couldn’t blame them, though, as he still needed help. The sessions continued, dragging for more than the planned week and they were more distractions as he would continuously pepper your face and neck with kisses, despite your requests, no, demands for him to cease. 

One or two of his friends would often tag along for fun — Haknyeon and Eric being the most frequent — and would always leave complaining that Sunwoo was absolutely infatuated with you, disgusted with how he would stare at you with the most loving gaze. To quote, they called him the “real-life heart eyes emoji”. 

“Hey, I gotta go to the restroom real quick,” you mentioned, nudging Sunwoo with your arm. 

Sunwoo glanced up from his task of organizing the sheaf of paper, “Alright,” he gave you a peck on the cheek before focusing on his task. You smiled to yourself. Sunwoo looked cute, nose scrunching as he tried to order the sheets by date. 

You hummed to yourself as you stepped out of the study room, starting down the hallway. You were in a rather cheerful mood today, even able to suppress the urge to yell at Sunwoo for once again, succumbing to distractions.

Finishing, you step out of the stall to wash your hands. Just as you’re lathering the soap to thoroughly scrub between your fingers, you feel a presence next to you. Glancing up, you notice a girl next to you and you offer a friendly smile in greeting. She smiles back, easygoing and you had to physically force yourself from staring at her for too long. She was gorgeous, no doubt a girl that had boys practically tripping over their own feet to chase after her. Actually, you erased that thought as you flushed at her kind smile. 

You couldn’t stop the envy that rushed through your veins. She was a natural beauty, not even a hint of makeup to enhance her features. With flawless skin, doe eyes and lips like rosebuds, she was the exact definition of what society thought beauty was. You brush off the envy as easily as shrugging off a coat. You would get nothing for envying others and it felt ridiculous anyway, admiring others’ features when the personality and the heart were what meant most. 

Turning off the tap, you slip your hands under the dryer, watching as it automatically switches on, a warm gust of air blasting to dry the droplets of water that still clung to your fingers and palms. Just as you were about to walk out, a voice catches your attention. 

“Wait, can I talk to you?” the girl asks politely, eyes crinkling in a rather charming fashion. 

You nod, tensing slightly as you wondered what she might have been scheming. You couldn’t help it, it was in your nature to be suspicious and keep your guards up, even if the opposite person had been nothing but kind. 

“I saw your bracelet and I was wondering where you got it.” she continued, her shining eyes fixated on the delicate gold bracelet that was clasped on your wrist. You blinked, almost laughing at yourself for even doubting whether the girl had sinister intentions. 

“Ah, I’m not sure. This was a gift and I think it’s a personal design,” you replied, hand instinctively going to fiddle with it, the cool metal familiar underneath your fingers. 

“Could I try it on?” she questioned, and you were taken aback by her blunt question. Not many strangers approached others to try on accessories and you were certainly not going to do so. “It’s alright if you don’t want to. I understand,” she laughed airily, noticing that you had recoiled slightly, taking a step away from her. 

You chewed on the inside of your cheek, indecisive. It was weird to let her, someone you didn’t even know, try it on but she seemed so earnest and you didn’t want to turn her away. Deciding on the latter, you nodded before unclasping the bracelet and handing it to her carefully. 

You watch her as the girl gingerly handles it, placing it on her wrist before locking the clasp in place. She lifts her hand, admiring it as the gold glimmers underneath the fluorescent lights of the bathroom. Uncomfortable, you shift before you open your mouth, intent on asking for it back. 

Before you can even speak, your phone rings. Lifting it to your ear, you wince when Sunwoo’s voice blares right in your ear. “Where the hell are you? What’s taking so long?” 

Even though his words are rough, you can tell that there’s concern hidden beneath it, masked by his feigned irritation. “I just got caught up, sorry.” you apologized sheepishly, realizing that fifteen minutes had already passed. 

“Hurry back. We’re taking the bus today, remember? It leaves at four.” You could practically envision Sunwoo’s face, dragging his hand down his face exasperatedly, a sigh escaping his lips. Your eyes widen when you catch sight of the time. There was only three minutes until the bus arrived. Even worse, the bus stop was a distance away from the library, so you and Sunwoo would have to dash to it in order to catch the bus. 

Swiftly, you hang up on him, darting out the restroom into the hall, not even sparing the other girl a glance. You forgot something important, dangling on her wrist, gold like the afternoon sunshine drifting into the space, winking mockingly underneath the light.

»»————-　　—��——-««»»————-　　————-««

Your face brightens the moment you see Sunwoo standing in the park where you had planned to meet. Even before you reach him, you can tell something’s wrong, a brooding and dark look clouding his features. You slow your pace, watching as his head snaps up, gaze locking with yours when he hears your footsteps. You’re positive something is wrong by the way he doesn’t even offer a smile in your direction. Sunwoo’s eyes aren’t dancing with amusement and mischief like they usually are, instead they’re dull and lifeless. 

“What’s wrong?” you inquire, hoping to shake him out of his detached state. At the sound of your voice, his eyes slide down to your wrist and his eyes flare with anger, sudden, like a lit match, flames threatening to overwhelm and destroy anything in its path. 

“Where’s the bracelet?” he rasps, voice low. Although his features are nonchalant and coldly indifferent, you can tell that he’s furious by the way his jaw clenches, the muscles twitching. Your hand goes to your wrist, fingers wrapping around nothing but your own skin. Eyes widening, you curse inwardly as the image of the bracelet, clasped on the girl’s wrist, flashes in your mind, almost as if taunting your terrible memory. 

Before you can even answer, Sunwoo beats you to it. “Why’d you give it to her? If you didn’t like it, you could’ve just told me. You didn’t have to give it away.” Behind the passive mask that he’s constructed, you see hurt flash across his features abruptly, like lightning striking through dark thunder clouds before it’s gone, just as quickly as it appears.

“And you gave it to her, out of all people.” Sunwoo continued, stringing his fingers through his hair in frustration, the action familiar as you had seen him do it many times. You were forgotten as he paced around in tight circles, like a caged panther. 

“What do you mean, her?” You found the courage to speak up, only to regret it as his dark gaze settled on you, causing you to shrink away automatically, feeling so insignificant next to his presence.  

“She is my ex.” Sunwoo reveals, shoulders hunched. You fall silent, digesting the new information. You didn’t understand why he was so quick to assume, when you hadn’t even explained your side of the story. 

You steel yourself, determined to stay calm and talk things out. “Listen, it’s not like I hated the bracelet and gave it away to her. She was curious about it so I let her try it on and I forgot to ask for it back because we were going to miss the bus if we didn’t hurry.” 

“Of course you would say that.” he laughed and you flinched at the anger, no, contempt that tainted his voice, poisoning the atmosphere with its negativity.

“What do you mean?” you countered, a frown marring your brow. “Are you saying that I’m lying?” You couldn’t disguise the brewing anger, like dark, vicious tones of black completely conquering the pure white of calm and placidness.

Sunwoo scoffs, the dismissive sound making you bristle. “Who knows, maybe you are.”

Your irritation prevails over your rationality as you scowl. “You know what? Screw you.” Weren’t relationships all about trust and honesty? You detested the way suspicion and doubt completely ruled over your relationship, erasing all the euphoric and jovial memories that once existed. 

You stormed away, not even bothering to spare a glance in Sunwoo’s direction. If this was how things would play out, your past self had been wise to stay away from him. 

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

“So, did you guys break up?” your friend asks curiously, nibbling on her blueberry muffin. 

You shrug, the straw of your beverage hanging out of your lips. “I’m not sure,” you admit, “we got into an argument and I just left.”

As your friend proceeds to barrage you with questions, you let your focus wander,, from the hanging plants to the dark maplewood floors of the cozy cafe, the murmur of conversations indecipherable, like you were underwater. 

A bell chimes, alerting you of a new customer. Your eyes trail to the entrance, and you stiffen when you realize it’s Sunwoo, talking animatedly to someone next to him. You kick your friend’s shin lightly, grabbing her attention as you nod discreetly towards the entrance. Eyes widening, she turns slightly, observing as Sunwoo takes a seat, inconveniently close to your escape route. 

You slide down in your seat, shaking your head. You could either wait for Sunwoo and his companion to leave or somehow sneak out without him noticing. Gnawing on your straw, you gesture to the nearest waiter, who slips over to you, a bright smile on his face. Hurriedly, you pay for the food, fingers drumming impatiently on the table before practically dragging your friend out the seat, protesting weakly. 

Daring a glance, you lift your eyebrows when you notice that Sunwoo’s companion is his ex. It wasn’t the first time you had seen him with her after your argument. He was almost always with her on campus and you always shook your head scornfully when you caught sight of them together, again. At this point, you felt only numbness, like nothing affected you anymore. This just told you that it was time to forget Sunwoo and move on.

Just as you thought you had successfully gotten to the door without being noticed, you hear his voice call out to you. Gritting your teeth, you turn around, pasting on a fake smile. 

“I’m not in the mood to talk.” you state plainly. Sunwoo stammers, for once, dumbfounded as he tries to find the words to placate you and convince you to stay.

“Go back to your girlfriend.” you add, gesturing to the girl, who remained sitting, pretending to scroll through her phone, concern apparent on her face. “Guess I was just a summer fling, huh? A rebound for you to use?” 

At that, Sunwoo flinches, hurt flooding his features. 

You turn to leave, and this time, he doesn’t stop you. 

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

Chattering with your friend, you pass through the entrance, smiling brightly as you greet the others at the party. Already, you can see some people passed out on the ground, cheeks ruddy from alcohol. The music is loud, the floor vibrating with the bass beat and you can feel it reverberating in your ribcage. 

Your friend had offered to cheer you up by inviting you to one of her mutual’s weekly parties after witnessing your encounter with Sunwoo. You had initially declined, but after serious consideration, you had decided that it would be an effective way to loosen up and relax. 

“Hey, Sunwoo isn’t here, right?” you lower your voice as you address your friend, scanning your surroundings keenly for any sight of the male. 

“He might be. The host is good friends with him.” she answers, eyeing you. 

Immediately, your expression and mood sours but you take a deep breath, determined to not let Sunwoo ruin your night. Your friend pats your shoulder sympathetically before pushing you into the dancing crowd. You squirm as you collide with sweaty bodies, barely avoiding a flailing arm, which threatened to gouge out your eyes. Magenta, violet and cyan lights flash wildly in the otherwise dim room, seeming to heighten the crowd’s emotions as they cheer loudly. You avert your eyes from the glare, trying to adjust to the drastic change.

“Have fun!” your friend yells over the music, before also disappearing into the throng. You  grimace, trying to push your way out of the crowd before sighing, running a hand through your hair in exasperation. You seemed to be at the heart of the group, everyone moving to the rhythm of the music. People shout over the music, trying to communicate to each other and your head momentarily spins as you slowly adapt to the chaos.

Glancing around, you don’t notice your friend anywhere but your tense shoulders start to gradually relax, body automatically swaying to the beat as you sing along to the song, feeling more carefree and untroubled compared to the previous days.

Perhaps it was a good idea to attend this party. 

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

As you talk to a friend, a hand grasps your arm, dragging you away. Twisting, you catch sight of Sunwoo’s face, set in a glower. You struggle against him, but he doesn’t let go until he finds a quiet corner, away from the party and its consuming music. 

“What do you want?” you seethe, rubbing at your arm, where it was sore from his bruising grip. 

“I want to talk about us,” Sunwoo states simply. For some reason, the word ‘us’ causes your blood to boil and you inhale deeply, trying to refrain yourself from lashing out. The last thing you wanted was to create a scene at a party, where you were supposed to have fun and dance away your worries. 

“We have nothing to talk about.” you refute, forcing yourself to keep a polite tone.

“What happened to our relationship? Didn’t we promise to always talk things out?” Sunwoo continues, and you wonder if the desperation in his voice is an illusion, a trick so he can take advantage of you again. His voice is gradually rising in volume, and you can also feel your annoyance progressively getting out of control. 

“You told me I could trust you, right? What happened to that?” you demand, practically piercing daggers with your glare. 

Sunwoo returns your gaze with an equal amount of resentment. “Ask yourself that,” he accused, “why did you think I used you as a rebound to get back together with my ex?”

“I don’t know, maybe it’s the way you act on campus or the way you initiate physical affection with her so easily?” you retort, envy evident. You hated jealousy; the way it easily destroyed foundations of stable relationships, but it felt….almost relieving to let your emotions out. 

Sunwoo is silent, but his heated stare betrays his hostility, provoked by the way you simply dismissed his explanation. He almost chuckles, wondering if this was how you felt. Huffing, you turn to leave, but he pulls you back, your back crashing into his chest, arms settling around your waist. 

You close your eyes, moving to peel his hands off, ordering your body to move, but it betrays you, and you stay in Sunwoo’s embrace, his breath stirring your hair into motion. 

“Tell me….who is she to you?” you whisper, slumping in defeat. 

“She’s nothing more than a friend. She’s going through something right now so she really needed comfort.” he replies softly, moving to gently place a kiss on your neck, goosebumps appearing on your skin. 

“Oh.” you say, your voice tiny as guilt sweeps over you. You start to apologize, but Sunwoo hushes you, twirling you around to face him. 

He lifts his hand, uncurling his fingers to reveal a familiar gold bracelet sitting in it. It dangles from his fingers and you gaze at it, the metal shimmering, as if it was dancing along to the distant bass of the music. His eyes present many questions as he stares at you, offering you the bracelet. Do you still love me? Will you accept me again? 

Quietly, you stretch out your hand, and his eyes; they light up with hope so innocent and bright, it hurts your heart. Sunwoo fastens the bracelet back to its rightful place, almost frantically, like if he didn’t hurry, you would change your mind. 

Awkward silence settles over you as you and Sunwoo stare at each other, uncertainty swimming in his eyes as he fidgets. Laughter bubbles out of your throat when he unexpectedly sweeps you into his embrace, lifting you in the air, almost crushing you with his strength but you don’t complain, a smile stretching across your face, tears brimming in your eyes. 

Words weren’t needed.

»»————-　　————-««»»————-　　————-««

You lean against Sunwoo’s side, gaze fixed on the stunning view of the horizon, the sun lighting everything with a fiery glow. A place that was once only Sunwoo’s safe haven but now he unlocked the gates to welcome you. It had felt like only yesterday when he had introduced you to this place, hidden away from the harsh and demanding reality that criticized and judged everywhere you went and it felt like a shield, coddling you from the cruelty of it all and pushing you into a dream, where everything had an answer and you were free from the stress and worries that seem to mercilessly pursue you, no matter what winding paths you took to avoid it.

You close your eyes, letting your head fall on Sunwoo’s shoulder. A chuckle rumbles through his chest and you feel him pick your hand up, laying a chaste kiss on it before intertwining his fingers with yours. Your heart picks up its rhythm at his display of affection but you keep your eyes closed, ears pricked as you listen to the melodic chirping of birds stationed somewhere within the dense forest. 

A question worms its way into your mind and you squirm slightly, trying to ignore it. No doubt Sunwoo would tease you if you said it out loud. It makes its way down, seeding itself into your heart. Tempted to ask, you open your mouth before closing it just as rapidly. 

You feel Sunwoo shift beside you before gently moving you to lie in his lap, his hands moving to tangle themselves into your hair, twirling the strands. Your eyes fly open and you’re overcome with a wave of determination, to spit the question out before you regret it. Now seemed to be the time, everything at peace, the birds settling amongst the trees, their chirps seeming to quiet, dying down.

“Sunwoo…” you begin, calling his name softly and you cringe inwardly at how loving your voice sounds. Never in a thousand years would you ever imagine yourself in this position, his dark eyes reflecting the sunshine, rendering them the warmest shade of chocolate, bringing out the golden specks that surrounded the irises. You, allowing this boy who you’d only thought as an annoyance to caress your face, to capture your lips with his and to own your heart. 

He lets out a hum in response, eyes flicking from the horizon to meet yours and you resist the urge to permit yourself to drown in them. “If you were to describe me as something, what would I be?” you continue, bracing yourself. 

You expected Sunwoo to reply with something similar to “trash” in a joking tone, so adorably dorky that you couldn’t even bother to be angry at him, knowing that your anger would be short-lived, dissipating like water meeting heat, the mist of evaporation curling through the air. A part of you hoped that he didn’t answer with that, or something overused, like “my world”. It was used in cliche movies, used to the point that when you heard a boy say it to his girlfriend you had the desire to rip out your hair in frustration when she’d blush as if it was something world-changing. 

Sunwoo continues to run his hand through your hair, lips pursed as he considers. Your gaze doesn’t stray from his face, observing his features as they shift through different emotions. “You’d be an….aurora.” 

You sit up, pleasantly shocked. You had not thought that he would actually consider and reply to your question seriously. Shifting to face him, you quickly scanned his face for any sign of teasing or jest but you found none. Sunwoo was oddly solemn, gazing back at you intensely, his hand moving to hold yours. “Why?” you breathe, your voice hushed, as if you were to raise your voice, this moment would end and Sunwoo would vanish, taking all the colour of the world with him.

Sunwoo breaks the eye contact, drifting off to collect his thoughts before he gives you a timid smile. “Because...you’re like a gift to me, ethereal and breathtaking. I don’t know when you’ll disappear and if you’ll move on to someone else and brighten their days with your presence. So I’ll cherish the moments we have together. You could say I’m the dark sky and you...are the aurora, dancing with me and stabilizing me, providing me with an escape. You’ve taught me so much, opening my eyes to finding the radiance in even the littlest things. Everything is washed anew when you're by my side and it seems so much more vibrant and colourful, just like how an aurora brings colour and life to the sky when it appears.” 

Your face heats up at his words, your heart hammering against your ribs, so loud you feared that Sunwoo would be able to hear it. You were unable to tear your gaze away from his, his eyes clear, allowing you to see the sincerity in their dark pools. There were so many emotions present, swimming in his eyes that they threatened to drown you. 

Overwhelmed by emotion, you couldn’t find the words to express how much he meant to you as well. You just sat there, warmed by his words. You clung to that feeling, knowing that it would mean so much more to you when you looked back whether you were still dating Sunwoo or not. 

As if sensing your inability to form words to describe the turmoil going in your head, he slips an arm around your shoulder, applying enough strength so your head fell naturally into the crook of his neck. You let out a sigh, hand instinctively gripping onto his shirt, the feeling of his toned chest beneath the thin fabric spanning underneath your fingertips.

Suddenly, Sunwoo pulls you so you’re settled in his lap, a startled squeal leaving your lips. Facing him, you bury your face into his neck, arms slipping around his neck casually. Although you would have been uncomfortable with such a show of physical affection, he seemed to be an exception and you found the warmth radiating off his arms familiar and secure, placing you at ease.

You listen to the steady rhythm of his heart before turning your head, your cheek now pressed against his chest so you could continue enjoying the breathtaking view of the city, so high above that it was unbothered, the air still and tranquil as sunlight caused the windows of skyscrapers faraway to glitter and your eyes roamed the city, mapping and memorizing the place where you’ve grown up and had so many memorable moments, ones that were filled with joy, sorrow and rage.  

Sunwoo’s arms tighten ever so slightly before he dips to press a kiss to the crown of your head. “My aurora.” he murmurs, and you can hear the hint of possessiveness and love in his voice, his breath stirring your hair into motion and a chill runs down your spine when you feel his eyelashes flutter against your neck as Sunwoo dips his head to graze his lips against your neck.

You wouldn’t trade anything in the world for this, to watch the sunset with your lover at your side.

[maxismatchccworld]

Patch Notes

Update 8/18/2020 PC: 1.65.77.1020 / Mac: 1.65.77.1220 Console: Version 1.30

Spark'd Season One has come to an end, Spark'd Wedding Destination Challenge submissions have closed and you have picked your favorites, and we released the community voted pack - Nifty Knitting. Now we find ourselves here with a small update to tackle some issues including those that you reported to us after Nifty Knitting released.

SimGuruRusskii

Now onto the fixes:

Sims 4

We have once again vanquished yet another villainous version of Error Code 134. This time it is Error Code 134:64b8a94a, distant cousin of the original Error Code 134.

What is Error 134? Baby don't hurt me, don't hurt me... no more.

Fixed an issue related to curvature points on Roofs. They should work better now.

Controller layout screens have been updated to reflect the additional controls used in the Spark’d Challenges tabs in The Gallery. So many buttons, so much to see and do.

Fixed an issue that generated an error message when submitting an item to Spark’d Challenges from Player’s catalog.

Cats & Dogs

Retrained our good Doggos and Cattos so that they can eat also not on command. So they will no longer eat only when they are told. Give them all the treats anyway - they are such good bois and girls!

Eco Lifestyle

Fixed an issue where NPC Sims would continuously steal objects from Lots without having the Kleptomaniac Trait. They were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.

Fixed an issue in ‘Green’ Lots that did not allow Aurora Borealis and other phenomena to display. I’m glad we fixed this, now enjoy what nature has to offer.

Dine Out

Fixed an issue that made some drinks and food options be duplicated, or go missing, on restaurants’ menus. I’m all for more of everything, but this seemed a bit extreme, though double coffees… mmm coffee...

Nifty Knitting

Fixed an issue that prevented PlayStation 4 and macOS players from applying the unlockbytag SP17 successfully. All the knits belong to you.

Sims will no longer constantly knit autonomously. Ok now, we know knitting is wonderful, but there IS a thing like too much knitting. *distant chants of ‘That’s right!’*

Xbox One

If you subscribe to EA Access you may notice the logo displayed on the pack information screens is now displayed as EA Play as part of a rebrand of EA’s subscription.

[fandom-blackhole]

My beloved darling my brain is on overheat, let's get this bread!

Armorer = Andromeda yess, did I tell you that I love your galaxy brain?,

This name can also explains Paz' fixation on the astronomical stuff,

Omg, he'd not only tatoo his babygirl's name but outline of Andromeda galaxy to go with it,

Grogu saying bad words omg,

Next time you and Boba are babysitting him, you are supervising them 25/8,

You let Boba teach Grogu how to swim, since you have a nice huge pool and it does seem harmless right?,

Next second you glance at them, Boba is doing some kind of water wwe with the kiddo, throwing him into the water lol,

LET ME KISS YOUR BRILLIANT MIND,

Also that meme that you've posted earlier of our connected minds is a real manifestation,

Listen, I thought about Rex and Cody too!,

But.. Jaster and Jango omg, honoring great grandpa and grandpa 😍,

Well since you and Boba have a big house, there is no problem with having more than two children,

Omg imagine the future vision of Grogu, Jango, Jaster, Rex and Cody being protective over Andromeda also sibling goals!,

Shit we need names for little Djarins tho,

I believe in you since you came with these brilliant ideas for Paz and Boba's children,

Boba playing guitar and singing for you,

He is secretly a big old fashioned romantic,

Also your jewelry collection must be worth more than entire national reserve lmfao,

Since Boba likes cowboys, space or not, he bought you a pony yeehaaw,

And you've had enough practice with riding, right? 😉,

Paz is really crafty, obviously,

He makes you flowercrowns using flowers from his little garden 🥺,

Boba saw your tumblr and decided to sign up too,

He immediately got attacked in the dms by those obnoxious, p0rn bots,

''Princess, why are random people asking me if I am looking for a sugar daddy? What is this bulshittery'',

You tell him to ignore these messages and that there is no point in responding because these are bots,

He doesn't get it, responding to every single one of them with I WILL FIND WHERE YOU LIVE YOU COCKSUCKER,

He actually commands his best hackers to find who is behind all of this shitshow lol,

No one messes with the Fetts, even bots,

Din doing your make up?,

Since he does a lot of drawing and doodling both in class and with Grogu his skills are pretty decent,

He'd even manage to put fallsies on you!,

I feel that Paz could totally slay your looks,

You'd be beaten to the gods, it's like mixing and adding ingredients so he's got you!,

Boba on the other hand is pro at smudging your lipstick and making your face stained by tears mixed up with mascara 😉,

Also Paz knitting???,

Making cute matching socks for him, you and Aurora and Ad'ika??? 😍,

When Din is home alone he vents to Crest about his existential crisis,

She just throws one of Grogu's plushies at him,

Boba asks if he can post pics of Fennec too,

You agree but under one condition,

You will send him pics done by you that he can post lol,

Paz, Boba and Din brotherly bonding st the shooting range,

They set up a little tournament,

But they all are so good,

Boba and Paz obviously have the work experience, but Din?

Auntie Armorer being a bad ass she is, trained Din and Paz in some martial arts and how to use a gun,

Grogu sneaking up on them and shooting straight bullseye lol,

Getting drunk with them?

Paz, due to his larger frame can drink a lot and still feel somewhat sober,

But when he is wasted he becomes even more of a goofball, wrecking chaos wherever you guys were partying at,

Din becomes drunk easly,

And he gets all blushy on his face,

Also he becomes really touchy and handsy with you 😉,

Boba being drunk?

Yeah, I think he can only become pussydrunk 😳😳😳

Okay sorry darling, but I need to calm down, I became too distracted after the last bit - 🐣

Listen there is no calm over here, and don't apologize for all of this beautiful masterpiece....

So names for Din's kids.... for a girl I like the name Farrah or Luna and for a boy what about Jax??

Boba totally tries to go behind your back and teach little Grogu things

You only find out about them because he tries to teach kids at school the same things and Din freaks out

All of the kids are super close and they all are protective of eachother

Especially little Andromeda, because she's just softer and more caring and she is the target when other kids are around

Rex and Cody are pretty much attached at the hip, doing everything together, and you and Boba aren't sure how but Rex was born with blonde hair, and Cody has a birthmark spanning where his scar is in the movies/show

Boba singing and playing the guitar? Be still my beating heart

Boba singing the the babies to sleep!!!!

Boba owning enough horse for all of you to go horse back riding when ever you want to

Boba has a movie theater in his house

BOBA BEING ON TUMBLR AND JUST GETTING PORN BOTS MESSAGING HIM LEFT AND RIGHT

Boba totally messages them all and tells them to fuck off he already has a princess

Listen Din is actually super good at art, and he loves when you let him do your make up

Grogu loves when Din does HIS makeup

Paz also is so good at making your base makeup look fucking flawless and natural and you aren't sure how he does it

And Boba is the KING of giving you that, just fucked look 😉😉

Paz knitting?!?!? 2739203/10 best image ever

He totally makes Andromeda's baby blanket as well as a bigger matching one for you

Din, Paz, and Boba totally get together every couple of months, especially if they haven't seen eachother in a bit

The Armorer definitely made sure her boys could defend themselves because she didn't want to see them hurt

Grogu is a total natural at shooting, but Boba will claim that he taught it to him because of the babysitting incident

GETTING SMASHED WITH THE BOYS!!

Din definitely can't hold his liquor and he talks so much more with no filter when he is drunk

He also will try to shove his hand down your pants, even if you are in public so watch out

You aren't even sure Boba can get drunk, but he does love drinking with you

Or better yet, drinking you 😉😉

Paz is totally a giggly drunk, and he always thinks he comes up with the best ideas but they are always terrible

But he does come up with some pretty good recipes while drunk

God imagine family dinners with all of the kids and Paz cooking 🥺🥺

Paz would be so overjoyed if you got a tattoo that symbolizes him

You both getting the mando vows tattooed in mando'a!!!!

Bob totally fills all the dad role with the kids so well

You find him telling them stories before bed and giving them each kisses on the forehead

(SEND ME THOTS!!!)

[utterlyinevitable]

Hurricane

Paring: Dr. Ethan Ramsey x F!MC (Dr. Rebecca Lao)  Word Count: 1.5k Warning: Nothing but the story will be rated T+ Summary: A hurricane is falling over Boston and Edenbrook and it’s surrounding area has been evacuated. 

Author’s Note: This was inspired by an anon prompt request for “protection”. I hope I did it justice! This will also be a multi part story.

Taglist: @ohchoices​@dulceghernandez​ @aylamwrites​ @binny1985​ @ramseysno1rookie​ @interobanginyourmom​ @queencarb​ @imactuallytheceoofthecompany @rookiefromedenbrook​ @eramsey28​ @choicesficwriterscreations​ @heauxplesslydevoted​ @schnitzelbutterfingers​ @purpledragonturtles​ @ramseyandrys​ @ermidc​ @mrsdrakewalkerblog​

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There’s a hurricane encroaching on Boston in the early-autumn evening; the sky was ominous as bullets descended in every which way. The moon is full and the tide will be high at 8PM. A seemingly cosmic prank. Although Edenbrook is technically five feet from the flood zone, after the destruction that was Hurricane Sandy a few years prior the board was not taking any chances, deciding to evacuate all patients and staff. 

Harper was in charge of triaging patients, scattering them to three other hospitals closer inland. Ethan was reviewing cases for any patients who aren't in critical conditions and can be discharged into their families care immediately. As Chief, Naveen was delegating staff; he had his assistant send a precautionary page to all employees who live in the flood zone to return home and get their affairs in order. He’s already assigned almost all of the senior attendings, nurses and interns to assist alternate hospitals in the area. Once half of the eager staff members were assigned, all others would be on leave until Edenbrook opened their doors in three days or when FEMA came barreling in - whichever was safest. 

They have six hours to evacuate. 

Tension ran high as the wind increased pelting anything in its path with egregious amounts of rain. The sky was dark, making the bright and stark interior of the hospital seem otherworldly. The familiar sensation of pre-calm washed over Becca as she remembered her mother’s hurricane preparations every year. Pack a bag and some food and a sleeping bag, and take refuge in the primary school on top of the hill. Get as high as you can and away from the bay. 

But where is there to hide in the middle of a small city? 

“This is my first hurricane. Oh my god am I going to die?” Elijah panicky asked Becca as they conversed in the middle of the hallway after quickly doing their second set of rounds that day. 

“You’ll be fine, Elijah,” she reassured. She’d made it nearly 28 years without dying in a hurricane, statistically they will survive this natural disaster. “Has Farley said anything?” If Edenbrook is being evacuated then their building was surely in the flood zone. 

He checked his phone to see the message from their building manager. Farley has sent an emergency email out to all residents that he recommends tenants seek shelter at higher elevation elsewhere as a precaution. 

“We’re going to die.” 

Becca put her hands on her friends shoulders, staring right into his eyes hoping to regulate his breathing, “We’re not.” Elijah nodded his head letting her determination sink in. “Who else do we know that lives away from the hospital?”  

“No one with accessible access if the power goes out…” Elijah trailed off.  

It dawned on Becca then and there that Elijah was afraid. He was terrified of getting stuck somewhere, unable to escape because of his chair. The thought never passed Becca’s mind. She felt immensely guilty. 

Her eyes softened as she encouraged, “We’ll figure it out. I’ll meet you in the locker room in ten.”  

Becca made her way to the nurses station, making sure for the fourth and final time that all her patients have been allocated to another hospital and were already on the buses out. She noticed Ethan had taken command of the station and was sitting there alone going through his files. 

He looked up briefly at the approaching footsteps. “All of your patients have been evacuated,” he informed with his attention back on the computer screen.  

A smile immediately perked at the corners of Becca’s lips at his inane understanding of her behavior - he knew exactly why she was still at the hospital and what she was doing here at the nurse’s station. Becca rounded behind the desk to fully take in all he had left to do. There were three piles set before them and a split screen on the computer. 

Her hand trailed over the leftmost pile of unfamiliar names, “Do you need any help?” 

He shook his head and then asked, “What are you doing?”  

“Haven’t really gotten that far,” she shrugged earnestly. “My main concern is getting all our patients out of here safely.”

That was true. Becca wanted her patients and her friends to be safe. But she also wanted to make sure Ethan was not putting himself in any danger.  

He looked at her. He took in her runaway hairs poking out all over her head, the humidity making them more unruly than usual. The dark rings under her eyes were more prominent given her current ten-hour shift, but her brown eyes still glimmered in the fluorescent lighting. Like always his heart beat just a little bit faster when she’s around.  

His blue eyes turned to her, effervescent and full of a clarity Becca craved. 

“Come stay with me,” he said as if it were any other evening and the world wasn’t falling apart outside. 

Ethan and Becca had been delicately exploring their feelings, stepping over the line between professionalism and temptation every now and again. Ever since that evening of the Mass Kenmore and Edenbrook softball game - the night he finally kissed her first. That was months ago. Since then the pair kept their indulgences secret - not even her closest of friends knowing where she’d spend some of her evenings. They never defined their relationship or came to the conclusion that they even had one. 

They were two people who enjoyed the company of the other. Two people who also sometimes kissed.  

As always she couldn’t contain the butterflies in her stomach and the weightlessness of her chest whenever he looked her in the eye, like he was looking straight into the depths of her soul. She wished she could close the gap between them caress his cheek. 

“I can’t.” 

He looked at her as if she just said the stupidest thing imaginable. His mouth was agape but Becca was quicker to clarify, 

“You don’t live that much farther and I can’t leave Elijah alone.” Her selfless eyes told him all he needed to know. 

She was right. He knew she was right. 

Ethan couldn’t believe what he was about to say, “Bring him.”

Becca took a step back, trying to ground herself because right now she felt like she was hallucinating. “What?” 

He noticed her hesitation and began to stand. 

“Take my car,” he began to explain in his authoritative voice. Ethan was not taking no for an answer. “Go home and pack a bag. Then drive up to Naveen’s cabin. You remember how to get there?” 

She nodded. His words were not fully settling in. Was she even still speaking with Ethan Ramsey?  

“If not it’s saved in the car’s navigation. Also pack some food, knowing Naveen I doubt he has much stored.” He took his keys out from his trouser pocket and took off two keys - his car and the cabin - handing them to her. 

She was still in shock as he took her hand and placed the cold metal into her palm. 

Ethan couldn’t help the light chuckle that escaped his lips as she stood there flabbergasted. “Okay?” his left hand gripped her shoulder trying to coax her out of her daze, his right hand with the keys still lingering against her palm. 

Their eyes locked, reeling Becca back to reality. Even in the uncertainty surrounding them Becca felt an overwhelming sense of comfort.  

“Okay,” she smiled up at him. 

***

Downstairs Elijah was sitting outside Becca’s locker with his backpack in his lap, ready to face the music of his first east coast natural disaster. 

“Hey,” he greeted her nervously once she finally stepped foot into the locker room.  

“Ready to go?” Becca asked.  

“Where are we going? I haven -” 

She grabbed her things out quickly and said with a coy smile, “Come on, pal.” 

Her confidence did nothing to settle Elijah’s uneasiness. She was behind him and moving them along quickly through the halls. 

“What - where are we going?” 

They made their way to the staff parking lot and she unlocked the car door before leaving the awning so they wouldn’t get too soaked. 

“Why do you have a car?” he asked incredulously.  

Elijah was beyond confused.  

Becca threw on their hoods and prepared to dodge the droplets as best they could. “We’re leaving the city!” 

The two made it to their building, luckily getting a spot right out front. They shook off their wet clothes by the front door and noticed Sienna sitting motionlessly on the sofa.  

“Sienna, What are you doing here?” Becca quizzed in confusion, “Aren’t you going to Danny’s?” 

Sienna put her book down and smiled effortlessly at her friends, “He’s taking an extra shift at Mass Kenmore and staying with his parents. It didn’t feel right staying there by myself. And Bryce is at capacity between him, Jackie, Aurora and his sister. So I’ll stay here and man the hatches.” 

Behind her best friend's cavalier attitude Becca knew better - she knew she was scared.  

Without a moment's hesitation she instructed, “Pack a bag and some food, you’re coming with us. I’ll explain in the car.” 

With that all three doctors ran to their rooms and packed their most prized possessions and enough clothes for four days - just in case. Sienna nearly emptied the contents of their kitchen into her bag - all the snacks, alcohol, perishables and baking supplies being of utmost importance. 

It was going to be a very intriguing few days.

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A/N: What do you think is going to happen with all these weirdo’s under one roof??

comment and reblog i need the validation.