#especially for their bandmates who all have invites to the wedding

[hyukassubi]

🍪06 | The Letter Tucked Under The Bonsai Tree/ This Shade of Green

♡𓂃 Pairing -> (Former) Knight! Huening Kai x Seamstress! Reader

♡𓂃 Synopsis -> Growing up, you never believed in purpose, nor destiny. Simply following the path of life, becoming a royal seamstress didn't at all seem like a bad idea. Only thing is, it wasn't your idea.

Your best friend who just so happens to be the crowned prince knows what it's like to grow up having limited choices, and Prince Kang Taehyun doesn't want the same happening to you. The commander knight, in turn, has other plans for the future. After Huening Kai closes a profound chapter of his life, he seeks refuge from the chaos of his past, opting for a cozier lifestyle instead.

... And it just so seems that those plans wouldn't be fulfilled without you.

♡𓂃 Wc -> 1,789

Half of the village flooded into the ballroom.

A five-tiered lemon cake stands tall in the middle of the buffet tables spanning the length of an outstretched rice field, guards stationed at every entrance and every windowsill, the royal family in the middle of it all.

What’s the occassion? A royal wedding? Young prince Taehyun’s coronation day? A special notice for war and drought because winter is six months away and the kingdom must take special precautions to ensure another safe Christmas?

No. None of that.

Above the cake sits a white banner with green paint spelling out the words: ‘MY BESTIE IS HALFWAY TO 24 SHOW HER SOME LOVE !!!!!'

It was your 12th birthday, and this time, the king and queen went above and beyond to celebrate it, as they always do.

Your fourth birthday was also celebrated in the castle, not that you or your family wanted it but the king and queen and especially their young son did.

No outsiders, no kindergarten friends or Taehyun’s extended family. Just your small family and the royal family in the throne room with some rich creamy chocolate cake and perhaps a present or two.

No pressure, for sure.

Your parents bowed at their feet while your best friend’s parents called up popes and a mariachi band to bless the birth of the child (only the popes gave your blessings, not the mariachi band. They played ten different catchy trumpet beats to get your four year old feet kicking up in the air).

From that birthday onward, there was no more bowing or negotiating with the king and queen anymore. Your birthdays were celebrated like national holidays, only thing’s left is to start marking it on calendars for all villagers to see. Anything you want, the royal family’s got you.

And they must’ve really meant that, because the current state of the ballroom was pure fulfillment and chaos: The buffet tables almost wiped clean, every piñata exploding open, the gift stash as tall as a pine tree.

“Remind me why you invited half of the human race to my party again?” Not that you were opposed to the idea but inviting three hundred kids to a party at age twelve is just. Beyond you.

“What? No. It’s just your classmates, and my classmates, and my equestrian coach, and your cousins, and all the knights we met two years ago who didn’t make it to the finale.” Taehyun crossed his legs beneath a bonsai tree— the bonsai tree, full of small notes and letters hanging off its branches to wish you a happy birthday.

The sassy little prince had apple cider in a wine glass to make himself look more ‘elegant’.

You jabbed your fork into your slice of lemon cake, wolfing down another heavenly spoonful of that zesty goodness.

Elegance be damned.

“Huh. Okay… And why isn’t Bangchan on stage yet?”

“Ahh, my father says he’s got a sore throat. That’s why his whole show got cancelled, and his band got bummed out.” He took a sip of his twinkling apple cider. “Too bad, I was really looking forward to his performances.”

“Right? I really wanted to see his bandmates too, but that’s besides the point. Your father’s going back to hiring the mariachi band, then?”

“No, some underground pop singer. I forgot her name… Baby Rexha?”

You practically spat his drink out. “Bebe Rexha?”

“Oh yeah, her. Kai told me a friend of his was really into her music, and I thought you’d like it too, so, yeah, I told my father about that, too.”

You couldn’t have asked for a better best friend. You stood up, ignoring your lemon cake for a second, spilling out the most genuine loving way of saying the next couple of words, “Get your ass over here.”

Taehyun beamed.

He got his ass over there, and the prince embraced his platonic soulmate in his arms.

And after that wholesome moment ended, he got back to picking out letters from the bonsai tree. “Wanna start reading these again?”

Hanging birthday wishes on a bonsai tree was your father’s idea, having the little sapling grow with you, the letters adding up as more branches spiraled out of the trunks… your mother’s eyes puddle up just looking at how much it has grown, how much you have grown.

“Let’s get this thing over with.” Is your honest response after jetting through thirty seven short but sincere wishes and a couple bittersweet three-paragraphed birthday notes. (From your two loving parents, of course, and Taehyun).

Taehyun nods, reaching for the deeper ends of the tree, “Alright... Let's see what's left of this.”

Ten birthday notes left.

Ten wishes left.

The ballroom and its occupants have ran out of energy after the main events of the birthday party, some having conversations over circular tables, some lounging around the buffet tables, the entire place looking more like an italian restaurant than a ballroom birthday party.

It didn’t matter that you finally read the king’s birthday wish, you went over that piece of paper the way girlbosses do when they see their ex.

"Y/n, don't do my father like that,” Taehyun retorted, having his third cup of apple cider. “I'm sure he has some nice things to say."

"He scribbled up a 'wish you a blessed day' and the rest is smudged in cake frosting."

“Wow, okay I guess he just really loves your mother's cakes." Taehyun turns to reach for another letter. "Okay, how about this one?"

You sighed as your hand slugs its way to the fighteningly thick rectangular piece of paper that genuinely looked like a typical letter instead of a purple piece of cardstock folded into two.

You opened it.

Your eyes stretched wider.

It's from Kai.

Dear Y/n,

Happy birthday, I hope you're doing well and having fun at this party, because even though I didn't get to spend time with you (I didn't get to see you, hehe) I did have fun. Um... anyways I bought you a present but the present stash is too high up for me to add mine so... I'll place it in Taehyun's room for now if that's okay? (please tell him the gift is NOT for him and is only for you)

Okay, I hope you keep smelling like sunflowers and cookies in the future and stay happy and healthy but mostly happy because I can never get tired of looking at your precious smile and rosey cheeks and enchanting beauty.

Um, pretend I didn't write any of that. I don't want to scribble on the page because guards are telling me to speed up because I'm hogging up the feather-pens and-

Hyuka<3

You both sat there, quiet for a good chunk of a minute.

You spoke first. "See, Taehyun, I told you not to invite the entire kingdom! Now Kai feels left out!"

Taehyun sets his fancy cup aside. "Yeah no you're right. Where did he say he'll go? My bedroom?"

You grab his hand and book it up the staircase. "Yes he is, now come on! I wanna see what present he's got for me!"

He clutched your hand back right. "As we should!"

The last thing you wanted to do on your birthday was to make anyone feel left out, let alone Huening Kai.

Huening Kai, feeble and stiff as he was, stood pensively in front of Taehyun’s bedroom door.

Going to parties with such forgettable people isn’t his go to way of having fun, and a part of his soul did wish the party was limited to, perhaps, a dozen people maximum instead of hundreds of guests…

At least you had fun.

Clutching onto the teal box wrapped in a glossy emerald bow, that’s all he hoped for today, that you remained happy.

A soft trail of footsteps pitter-pattered in the distance.

He looked to the side, eyes widening when he sees a girl with bows in her hair, the crowned prince trailing just behind her.

“Kai! I’m so sorry—” You blurted.

“Both of us are!” Taehyun cuts in, breathless.

“Yeah, no, both of us are sorry. We didn’t mean to make you feel left out. The party was just so huge and there was so much going on and I guess we were all just caught up messing around with the piñatas and bull rides and mini concerts and food.”

“Especially the food. It was my fault for not tagging you along with us, honestly.”

Kai went back and forth making eye contact between the prince and the girl, his eyes finally landing on the prince. “It’s okay, I had fun with my other friends.” He couldn’t tell why and it took him a while to even be aware of it, but his insides were all soft and fluffy, especially around his chest, at his heart. And. Huening Kai liked the feeling.

The feeling of being safe around you two.

It was not Taehyun who answered, but you. “Your village friends? Was it the Bebe Rexha fanatic you’ve been rambling about to me recently? I kinda forgot his name… as well as the others. My bad.”

Huening Kai blinked. He released the box that was previously clutched by his small hands glued to his chest, bringing it forth. “Here.” a little while later, “For you.”

… Purple was your favourite colour, but perhaps you’re starting to like this shade of green, too.

Huening Kai cleared his throat. “Open it, please?” The question sounded more like a plea rather than a demand, but it didn’t matter how demanding Huening Kai tried to sound, he’d never be feared by you because to you, not a single bone in his body screamed ‘if you don’t do this for me, I will eat you alive.’

So, of course, you ripped opened the box (not literally) for the two boys to see, but mostly Huening Kai since he was the gift-giver after all

Taehyun looked over your shoulder, eyes wide, smiling, giggling here and there; Huening Kai remained quiet the whole time, simply watching, and once the lid of the box lifted up?… You gaped.

It's a crochet set, with wool in pastel shades and hooks of all different sizes.

“I noticed you liked doing crafty stuff and.” Huening Kai visibly gulped. “You picked up on embroidering some time ago, did you not?” An awkward chuckle. “I mean, I could’ve totally bought you an embroidery set but my friend- I mean, my gut told me you probably already had everything you needed for embroidering so—”

You attacked Kai.

With a throat-clenching embrace.

And it took him a good minute to hug you back.

Not so long after, it was Taehyun that wrapped his arms around the both of you.

Previous| Masterlist | Next

♡𓂃A/n: Tyunning and the reader having their bittersweet bestie trio moment:

‧₊˚ ⋅ —U_U— \^_^/ —>3•— ‧₊˚ ⋅

Soobin and Yeonjun enjoying a Bebe Rexha concert in a literal ballroom:

(JUST IN CASE YALL DIDN'T CATCH THAT OR NEED CONFIRMATION, YES. KAI'S VILLAGE FRIENDS ARE YEONJUN AND SOOBIN)

♡𓂃Tags: @sweetheartsaku @imcringebutimfree @i-like-to-read-at-4am @pengningie @marloree @stormy1408 @blossommi @flaminghotyourmom

Reblog & review if you like my work !!

[watermelonlovershigh]

Bisexual Harry (MILD SMUT w/ MOSTLY FLUFF)

ATTENTION- THIS IS STRICKLY FICTIONAL (NOT REAL). I'M FULLY AWARE THAT HARRY HAS NOT CAME OUT AS BISEXUAL AND WANTS TO BE UNLABLED. I ENJOY BI HARRY FANFICS BUT THERE ARE NOT MANY OUT THERE SO I DECIDED TO WRITE ONE. ALSO THE TRAITS I WILL BE CONCIDERING AS BISEXUAL TRAITS ARE FULLY DEPENDENT ON THE INDIVIDUAL. I HATE STEREOTYPING. JUST KEEP IN MIND THAT JUST BECAUSE HARRY DOES THESE THINGS IN THIS STORY THAT IT DOESN'T MAKE SOMEONE BISEXUAL OR EVEN GAY. LASTLY I'D LIKE TO SAY THAT I'M NOT BISEXUAL MYSELF BUT THE IDEA OF BEING WITH A MAN WHO IS, IS A TURN ON. NOT IN A FETISH TYPE WAY. JUST THE VULNERABILITY AND OPENNESS OF ENJOYING EITHER WOMEN OR MEN IS INCREADIBE TO ME. THANK YOU AND I HOPE YOU ENJOY.

Harry told me early on into our relationship that he was bisexual. He was so nervous that I would leave him, but it just made me fall more in love with him. He told me late one night about 6 months into dating, on his couch. The second he told me, Harry broke down into real raw tears. The first time I'd seen Harry actually cry. Yeah I'd seen him cry during sappy movies but this was so much more than that. These tears had fear in them. Fear that I would leave him. They had vulnerability in them for being so open. But also a weight was lifted off his chest, just happy to tell me. I held Harry in my arms and cried with him, telling him how much I loved him and that this doesn't change anything. That I loved him just as much.

Only a few people in Harrys life knew he was bisexual. His close family. His close friends. That was it. If it got out in the media, the internet would have gone wild. Of course there were many rumors about his sexuality. Most of them being that he's gay. For the longest time he actually thought he might be gay. He had a lot of 'gay tendencies': painted nails, feminine clothes, pearl necklaces. But he also had very 'mainly tendencies' like watching football and drinking beer with the lads. Harry was just so conflicted all his life. Not knowing what he was. That's until the age of 18. One of his school friends came out as bisexual and that's when it clicked for him. He liked both male and females and he was okay with that. He excepted that part of him. He was more worried about what others would say or think. His family was very supportive. His friends were too. They never treated Harry differently knowing that they were straight and he was sexually attracted to them. Well not so much them specifically because they were more like brothers, but the male species as a whole.

Being in sexual relationships were on a new level of fear for Harry. Fear that when he was having sex with a guy, that the guy would try and convince him he's actually just gay. Or the fear that any women he had sex with would say he wasn't manly enough for them. Needless to say, Harry kept his sexuality a secret from most of his one night stands or short term relationships. He just didn't feel the need to tell them unless they asked specifically if he was bi or not.

Me and Harry meet at a local club in London a few years back. He was with his bandmates at the time. I was by myself because my boyfriend of 2 years just broke up with me. I was devastated and needed to escape reality. That meant drink until my body went numb. Unfortunately for me though, I wasn't that much of a drinker so my body rejected the alcohol pretty fast. I stumbled onto the London streets trying to get fresh air but ended up puking my guts out in a near by bin. Harry just so happened to be outside at that moment and saw the whole thing before his eyes. He rushed over to me and pulled my hair back to prevent more vomit from getting in it. Then he asked if I was alright and who I was with. I told him I came there alone so he insisted I come back to his place. Because my brain was fuzzy from the alcohol, I didn't hesitate one bit. Harry set up his guest room for me and helped me to bed that night. Something I'm forever grateful for. If it wasn't for him, I could've been kidnapped and raped by a stranger on the streets. When I woke up the next day, I realized who's house I was in. All of the music awards on the shelf in the room I stayed in gave it away. I was never a big fan of One Direction, no reason in particular, so I didn't act like a fangirl would have. Before I left his house, he gave me his number to call if I ever needed someone to talk to. Considering he was an international popstar and all, he sure was the most genuine person I'd ever meet. Taking care of a complete stranger and even giving them his phone number. I never thought I'd actually call him though. Or even see him again, but about a week later, I ran into him at a local coffee shop and we started talking form there. The rest was history.

We hung out all the time. He invited me to a few One Direction concerts. Even had sex a few times. Amazing sex I might add. It truly was great. Even though at the time, I had to remain secret from the public. More so said by Harry then his management. Mainly to keep me safe and out of the media knowing how private I liked to be. Three months of seeing each other and he asked me to be his girlfriend. I was thrilled. Then six months into our relationship, Harry realized how serious our relationship was becoming. That we both had strong feeling for each other. So that's when Harry decided to tell me he was bisexual. On his couch. Late one night. He wanted to get it out of the way so he didn't have to hide that part of himself with me. So he could be himself around me. If I excepted him that was and of course I did.

Approximately two years after dating, Harry purposed. He was basically shitting bricks the whole time, but he did it. I didn't hesitate one second before I said yes. We were in love. At this point, the media had found me and Harry out. Most of his fans adored me. Some said our relationship was fake. And others just flat out said I was keeping Harry closeted, not allowing him to be gay. But I knew the truth. I knew he was bisexual, not gay. I never doubted his sexuality one bit. Especially how he devoured my body when we made love. Any gay person would probably gag at the sight of a women's pussy. Not Harry. It was his favorite part of my body. A year after Harry filmed the movie Dunkirk (2017), we got married. It was a small wedding. Just close family and friends invited. It was perfect.

Now here we are in the current year of 2021 and we're still going strong. A few fights here and there, but because both Harry and I have too big of hearts, we always feel bad after fighting and immediately apologize to one another. The media had tried to split us up multiple times but it's never been successful. Our love for each other is too strong and everlasting.

Just because Harry is in a happy, loving heterosexual relationship, doesn't mean he feels completely secure about his sexuality all the time. In the beginning of our relationship, Harry tried to completely throw away any 'bisexual' tendencies he had even though he knew I supported him. For instance, there was many times Harry wanted to paint his nails but didn't. Or would refrain from gushing over sexy guys in movies we watched together. That's when I noticed he was becoming depressed. He stopped writing music. He would disengage in activities we tried to do together. Even pushed me away when I tried to have sex with him. I felt hopeless. Until one morning I asked him what was wrong, and he spilled everything. How he tries so hard to suppress the bisexual side of his character for me. For our relationship. Harry explained that he had the desire to paint his nails vibrant colors and wanted to wear feminine clothes sometimes. Something that was particularly hard for Harry to confess to me was how he even wanted to try anal. On me or me with a strap on fucking him. Right away I made us an appointment to get our nails done at a salon. Then I told him he could wear a trash bag and he'd still be the most beautiful mainly man I'd ever seen. Lastly, I grabbed my laptop and went online shopping for female strap ons, letting Harry pick the girth and size he wanted. Yes I was a little nervous to actually fuck him, but he assured me he would help me out every step of the way. As for anal on me, I mentioned how I would be nervous but how I also trusted him. Trusted him enough to penetrate me anally. That I knew he would be extra careful with me.

Needless to say, I made Harry more confident. Confident in his sexuality. I got him to come out as bisexual to the public. I let him explore his bisexuality in the bedroom. Though of course he still worshiped my pussy. We had weekly appointments to get our nails painted. Harry even wore a dress out to a date night one night. He was super scared and on edge the whole night but I kept whispering in his ear how I couldn't wait to rip that dress off of him and fuck him in the ass until he cried out of pleasure.

I honestly loved that Harry was bisexual. It was almost like a turn on for me. He was both a gym buff and my little princess. He had thick arm muscles and toned abs, as well as pink nails and pearl necklaces. Anytime he mentioned how hot a guy on tv was, we could gush over him together. Or how sensitive and vulnerable he was at times. A lot of guys hold in their emotions, thinking men can't express their feelings, but not Harry. If he felt the need to cry, he would. Right in front of me. It could be triggered by a sad movie or a animal abuse commercial. Also, on the rare occasions he asks for it, I would fuck him with the strap on in his mouth. Though a rubber penis didn't quite taste like the real thing, salty mixed with sweat, he loved to deepthroat it anyways. Watching him choke and gag around the fake penis made my pussy drip. We even bought a strap on dildo that had a vibrator on the back side of it. That way every time the fake cock would enter his mouth, the vibrator would stimulate me clit, giving me pleasure as well.

No matter how much the media tried to convince Harry he was in fact gay and didn't actually like women, he would ignore the rude comments and prove to me everyday that he in fact loved me. Me as a women. Loved my smile. Loved me eyes. Loved the way my boobs bounced while having sex. Often grabbing them in his hands and stimulating my nipples. Loved the way my tight pussy felt around his dick. Or the way my sweet juices tasted on his tongue when he ate me out. Yes he loved dick. Yes he loved balls. Yes he loved being railed to death from behind. But he also liked vagina and he loved boobs. Harry wanted to make love to me and get me pregnant. Watch my stomach grow. Be there to hold my hand when I deliver the baby. Help change diapers at 3 am when I'm to tired to do so. Teach our kids to love and respect everyone and be themselves. Be open to our kids about his sexuality. Give them knowledge on bisexuality and educate them on the matter. Instead of assuming they are straight by asking his future son if he has a girlfriend yet or asking his daughter if she has a boyfriend, Harry will ask if the have a partner or fancy anyone in particular. Love his children for who they are or who they want to become. Be a role model for them. And live happily ever after with me, his supportive wife, by his side.

MASTERLIST

[cheri-translates]

Headcanon - attending a wedding with him

This work, 当你们一起去参加别人的婚礼, was originally written by 君兮耶君兮 on Weibo, and she has given me permission to translate it 🌸

[ VICTOR ]

When you told Victor that you were going to attend a wedding of a good friend, he took out the same invitation card. It turns out your friend is getting married to one of his business partners.

Watching your friend walk down the aisle with her father in a white wedding dress, genuine happiness springs from the bottom of your heart. Your friend’s father places the bride’s hand into the groom’s, telling the latter to take good care of his daughter. 

Your eyes turn a slight red. 

Misty-eyed, you turn towards Victor. 

“Victor, if we ever have a daughter in the future, will you cry when she gets married?”

“No.” His expression doesn’t waver as he glances towards the stage.

You stare at him doubtfully. “Are you sure?” 

Every time you spend New Years at his old residence, you always notice how he’s more patient and tender with the little girls as compared to the boys.

“I won’t let my daughter get married off so easily.” He lowers his head, tone serious.

You decide to tease him. “So you wouldn’t want your daughter to get married?”

“...” His brows furrow as he takes a sip of red wine. “In short, I won’t make things easy for the man.”

Fair enough.

Just before you ask whether he’d like you or your non-existent daughter more, he takes your hand in his.

“The custom-made wedding dress has been delivered from France. Want to try it out tomorrow?”

[ GAVIN ]

The ex-President of the music club is getting married, and has invited you to attend his wedding. Because of their common interest in the bass, Gavin is on friendly terms with the groom, and has also received an invitation.

“They have been together ever since they met in Loveland High. And now they’re finally done with their long-distance race, walking towards the wedding hall.” You adjust the phone camera, snapping shots of this moment filled with blessings.

A gust of wind brushes Gavin’s fringe slightly, and his eyes harbour a smile as he looks at you. “Envious?”

“Of course. Most girls look forward to wearing a pure white wedding dress,” you hint, giving him a wink.

How could the perpetually alert Officer Gavin not receive your hint? 

The tips of his ears grow red.

“Actually...” 

You reach out to straighten his bow tie. “Mm?”

He takes your hand, laces your fingers with his, and pulls you closer to him. “I’ve already filled in the Report of Marriage form. All that’s left is the date.”

His words leave you shell-shocked.

“Gavin...” 

His eyes brim with a smile. 

“Are you willing to become my wife?”

[ LUCIEN ]

Professor Chen is getting married, and has specifically told Lucien to attend the wedding with his girlfriend. As such, you were pulled to the wedding venue without knowing what’s going on.

“Lucien, are you sure this is okay?”

“Why not?” Lucien crinkles his eyes as he looks at the couple on stage. 

You tug at the tassels strung on the box of wedding candies. “I don’t even know Professor Chen.”

He pats your head. “That’s okay. You’re my family member.”

These words are like a gust of wind rippling across the peaceful surface of your heart. You face away, attempting to conceal your reddening cheeks. “Lucien...”

He pulls you to him suddenly. By the time you come to your senses, you’re already in his arms. “The bride is going to throw the bouquet.”

As expected, the guests, who were initially scattered all around, congregate together, wanting to receive this bouquet which symbolises well wishes. 

“Three, two, one!”

The bouquet is thrown. Extending his arm, Lucien easily grabs the bouquet, and hands it to you.

With a genial expression, Professor Chen faces the two of you. “Congratulations, Professor Lucien! I hope to attend your wedding feast soon!”

Red-faced, you accept the bouquet from Lucien. He leans in close to your ear, his breath pooling at your neck. He speaks with a mischievous tone.

“Little Butterfly, let’s fulfil the newlywed’s wish as soon as we can.”

[ KIRO ]

A couple who had once appeared on your program are getting married, and have invited you to attend the wedding. 

As a senior who had once shot a movie with them, Kiro has also received an invitation. The bride is a fan of Kiro’s, so the groom requested for him to perform a song during the wedding. After a slight moment of hesitation, he agreed.

During the wedding, you gasp and realise that they truly are celebrities - there are many big shots present, and media personnel flock to the venue in a continuous stream.

Your gaze lingers on Kiro’s deep eyes. He looks especially good on stage.

“This is a new song which has yet to be released. It was written for one person.” His eyes carry within them a smile as he shoots you a tender gaze. “I’m using this opportunity to sing not just to the newlyweds, but also to pump myself up.”

He gulps, slightly nervous.

“Miss Chips, will you marry me?”

His blue eyes are akin to blooming fireworks, and you get absorbed in them. Without realising it, you nod.

You don’t hear the surrounding cheers nor see the high frequency lights. All you see is that radiant man.

“Miss Chips, we’ll be together for the rest of our lives.”

[ SHAW ]

Although university students can legally get married, this is the first time you’re attending the wedding of a student.

Shaw’s bandmate, who is studying in Loveland University, is getting married at the age of twenty two!

As a regular guest of Live House, Shaw’s girlfriend, and being well acquainted with the groom, you naturally received an invitation.

A Chinese-style wedding can’t do without lively wedding festivities. A group of young people are currently seated together, engaged in a game. The person who draws the Joker card can order the one who draws the lowest value card to do anything, as long as it doesn’t go overboard.

As the unluckiest person in the world, you draw the lowest value. Weeping internally, you place it on the table. The groom, who drew the Joker, rubs his chin contemplatively.

“Why don’t Sister and Shaw and link arms and drink wine?”

[Trivia] Linking arms and drinking wine (交杯酒 - “jiao jiu bei”) is a traditional Chinese wedding custom. The Chinese word “wine” (酒 - “jiu”) sounds like the Chinese word “long time” (久 - “jiu”). This act symbolises how the couple will be together forever :>

Your face flushes. Originally sitting with his legs crossed in a relaxed manner, Shaw sits up immediately fills your cup with a soft drink. “Forget about wine. She should drink less.”

“Oo~” The audience drawls, and you lower your head in embarrassment.

Shaw stuffs the cup into your hand. “Just treat it as a rehearsal. We’ll share the nuptial cup eventually.”

--

More translated and original works: here

--

[ Permission to translate ]

君兮耶君兮: You can - just note the source of the author

[maliby]

Hard | ty (m)

↬ Pairing: sub idol!Taeyong x fem dom idol!Reader | idol!Jaehyun x idol!Reader (if you squint) ↬ Story Genre: smut, pwp, tiny bit of angst, idol!au ↬ Warnings: explicit language, explicit sex scene, improv kinky shit (when the urges call and you ain’t home, you gotta work with what you got lmao) ↬ Word count: 4K ↬ Summary: Jealousy led you to spy on your boyfriend Taeyong at Music Bank. Jealousy also led you to fuck the shit out of him in NCT’s dressing room so everyone could hear who he belonged to.

“So, Jaehyun-ah, who’s your ideal type?” 

NCT 127 was in the midst of their ‘Kick it’ comeback, which meant endless promotions. The show currently airing on the TV in your dorm’s living room was a new one called ‘Glossy Gossip’. You didn’t particularly like this show or the nosy host, but it was really popular amongst fangirls and thus NCT 127 was on it. This time though, only Jaehyun and your boyfriend Taeyong had been invited.

“Mmmh, I’d say Y/N from Pixies.” 

Jaehyun’s crush on you was no news for you, in fact, even everyone in NCT 127 knew of it. The surprising thing was that he was admitting it on national television right in front of your boyfriend. You would be lying though if you said you didn’t enjoy watching Taeyong trying to hide his jealousy by clenching his jaw.

Before you met your boyfriend, you had made out with Jaehyun at Seulgi’s birthday party. For you, it was just a fling, which was why you convinced Jaehyun not to tell Taeyong. Ruining their team dynamic because of an old fling just wasn’t worth it. 

The whole situation changed when Jaehyun decided to out the both of you on a game of truth or dare. He asked you between him and Taeyong who was the better kisser and after assuring your boyfriend that it was a meaningless fling from before the two of you had met, you answered Taeyong. 

“I love it! Keeping it in the SM family! She is very beautiful, you two would make a dashing couple!” The MC said, making you immediately cringe at her words.

“What about you Taeyong-ah, who’s your ideal type?” 

You thought he was going to say your name, after all, you would definitely say his, but your world dropped as soon as another woman’s name fell off of his lips.

“Lisa,” he said nonchalantly, as he plunged a metaphorical dagger into your heart.

“Ohhh, last time she was here she said you were exactly her type! Can I be invited to your wedding?”

You picked up the remote and immediately turned off the TV, not being willing to hear his response.

How could he say that without an inch of hesitation? How could he say fucking Lisa’s name and not yours? Was he that petty because Jaehyun had said your name? Or were you just that insignificant to him?

That day you ignored all of Taeyong’s messages and calls. You even skipped practice and stayed home so you wouldn’t run the risk of bumping into him at SM. You thought that that would be enough to make him understand that you didn’t want to talk to him but as soon as you heard him knocking at your door you realized how stupid you were to underestimate his persistence.

“Y/N let me in, I know you’re in there.”

“You must be mistaken, Blackpink’s dorm is 100 meters from here,” you yelled back at him in a petty tone.

He stopped knocking, a sigh being the only thing you could hear through the door. “Y/N I’m sorry, I was being petty about the whole Jaehyun situation and him saying your name…”

You opened the door and saw him standing there with these sad puppy eyes that tugged at your heartstrings, but you were still fucking hurt.

“You really fucking hurt me, Yong.”

“Fuck, I know,” he ran in to hug you but you were aching so much that you couldn’t even hug him back. “I regretted it the moment I said it, that’s why I said that thing after.”

“What thing?” You broke off the hug, curiosity getting the best of you.

“You didn’t watch it?”

“I turned off the TV. As you can imagine, I wasn’t exactly eager to watch you talk about your future wedding with Lisa.”

He got closer to you and placed his hand on your cheek wanting to comfort you, “I said: ‘I’m sorry, I meant pizza’.”

There was a brief moment of silence before you broke out laughing.

“You really told her your ideal type was pizza?” It hurt that he said her name, but the fact that he regretted it right away and tried to mend it made you feel a lot better.

“Yes, you should have seen her face.” 

The smile on his face was one of relief, a smile so sweet you couldn’t help to stare for, after all, you loved him with all your heart.

Taeyong gave you a soft kiss after a while of just staring, sighing against your lips. “I really am sorry baby, I wish I hadn’t caused you pain like that.”

“It’s fine now,” you leaned into the hand that was caressing your cheek so you could feel his warm touch.

“Will you forgive me?”

“I will.”

You promised Taeyong you would forgive him, but when it came to forgetting it was a whole different story. Especially when you learned that Blackpink was having a comeback and, therefore, going to the same music show programs as NCT 127.

You trusted Taeyong, you did, but the truth of the matter was that Lisa had confessed your boyfriend to be her ideal type, and now with his little slip up on national television you were sure she could get the wrong fucking idea and mess with what was yours. Taking all that into consideration, you decided that you needed to go to Music Bank to spy on them.

You knew your members would never cooperate with your dumb idea, especially your strict leader, so, taking advantage of the fact that your period was due tomorrow you made up some excuse about cramps so you could ‘stay home and rest. It was all a bunch of crap, of course, but something inside of you was telling you that you needed to be there, so you pulled up a favour with your manager and voilà, you were in.

You pulled up your face mask, tugged down your Adidas hat (to try and cover up your identity as much as possible), and went on exploring. 

In reality, there weren’t that many places Taeyong could be in but, knowing your boyfriend’s appetite, you’re almost sure he’d be at the cafeteria. So, with that in mind, you turned right and followed the line of hungry idols to the cafeteria. 

So far, none of the idols you walked by had recognized you, but in all fairness, none of them were your friends. The true test came when you saw Yuta speaking with Yuto from Pentagon near the entrance of the cafeteria. Yuta saw you practically every day, thus it would be highly likely that he would recognize you. So, you turned your head in the opposite direction, sped up your pace, and prayed to the Lord he wouldn’t recognize you. 

What you didn’t expect was, after successfully passing by the two Japanese friends without being recognized and preparing to open the cafeteria doors, going face-first to an exiting Johnny and falling backwards, dropping your hat on the floor in the process.

“Oh, I’m so sor-” he reached for your hand but stopped in surprise as he recognized you, leaving you to stand up on your own. “Y/N? What are you doing here?”

“Y/N?” You heard Yuta also ask behind you.

“Fuck.” You whispered to yourself as you tried to think of an excuse that wouldn’t make you look like a crazy person. “I- Oh! I’m here because Taeyong asked me to bring him something that he forgot,” you smiled, feeling proud of your lie.

“Oh, ok,” he answered, “not like him to forget things though.” 

“Yeah, he must be stressed with this whole comeback thing, you know how he is. Is he in the cafeteria?”

“Yeah, he’s grabbing a snack with-”

“No!” You heard Yuta interrupt him, immediately ditching his friend and coming into your conversation with Johnny. “He left 5 minutes ago, don’t you remember Johnny?”

“Oh, yes, right. I’m so worried about the stage performance that I totally forgot.”

Johnny was a terrible liar, one of the reasons why you loved playing poker with him, and one of the reasons why your heart was beating so fast right now. You knew he was lying. You knew they were lying, and if they were lying, that meant that Taeyong was definitely in the cafeteria and probably doing something that you wouldn’t like.

“Let me through,” you passed through Johnny and Yuta and walked right in the cafeteria, immediately spotting Taeyong and Lisa giggling while they filled their stomachs with sandwiches. You should feel better at the fact that they were in the company of Jennie, Mark and Jaehyun and not alone but in reality, you didn’t.

Taeyong had his back to you so he could never have predicted the way in which you were about to storm into their conversation. You marched towards their table, pulled out the empty chair right next to your boyfriend and stared right at Lisa.

“Is this seat taken? Thanks” you sat even before she could answer.

“Oh Y/N!” she interjected as you took off your mask, “I didn’t know you were promoting,” she innocently smiled at you, not having a clue of the shit storm that was about to happen.

In truth, not even the idols knew of your relationship with Taeyong, only your group, NCT and a few SM people but that’s it. So, you couldn’t really blame Lisa for taking advantage of one of the hottest fucking guys on this planet saying on television that he’d be down to fuck her. Of course not, that would be irrational of you, but see, irrational was all you could manage to be right now.

“Can I join in?” You asked Taeyong, his eyes in shock as he looked at you, “it sounds like you were having a very lovely conversation.”

“Baby, it’s nothing I swear,” he immediately said.

“Oh, it’s not?”

“Ok, we need to get back to the dressing room. Let’s go, Jennie,” Lisa got up and left with her bandmate, fully understanding what was happening.

“Fuck, Taeyong, why are you doing this to me?” Tears were pricking at your eyes and you had the full notion that everybody was staring at you right now but you didn’t fucking care.

“Y/N, I wasn’t doing anything we were just talking about our comebacks I swear. Mark and Jaehyun were here the whole time they can tell you,” he desperately looked at his friends.

“Y/N it’s true, everywhere else was full so I asked them if they wanted to sit with us, it’s my fault,” Mark said. You had always loved Mark, you treated him like a baby brother, and you trusted him completely but, even he couldn’t make you feel better about this whole thing.

“Baby, I love you, I only want to be with you, trust me when I tell you this,” Taeyong grabbed your hand to calm you down, but you were so sick of this Lisa situation that you could only think of one thing. You grabbed Taeyong’s hand, pulled him up, and dragged him to his dressing room.

He tried to talk to you on your way there, to calm you down, but you completely ignored him. Talking wasn’t what you needed right now. You needed to make him yours and make you scream your name and no one else’s. 

When you reached the dressing room you noticed the unnie that did their makeup sanitizing all the products to use on the members. Luckily, she also did your makeup from time to time and was your friend, so you didn’t feel awkward when you asked her if you could talk to Taeyong alone. She kindly conceded to your request and you followed her to the door, making sure to lock it after she left.

“Y/N?” He slowly got near you, testing the waters. When he moved to touch your cheek you blocked it. You placed your hands on his shoulders and pushed until he sat on the nearest makeup chair.

“First, you say another woman’s name on national television, and then, you decide to make friends with her, behind my back. Do you want to fuck her? I know her dressing room is right next to this one, manager unnie told me. I can go in there and fetch her for you to fuck her, how’s that?”

“No! I only want you, you’re the only one for me, I swear!”

“Then don’t you fucking forget that,” you grabbed him by his sharp jaw and made him look right into your eyes before you straddled him and violently kissed him, like a wild animal marking its territory.

Taeyong’s hands promptly grabbed your ass but you swatted them out. “Do you want me? Do you want it? First, you have to be a good little boy, got it?”

This wasn’t the first time you dominated him. It all started with an innocent question: ‘Baby, do you have any kinks?’. From looking at Taeyong’s stage persona alone one would be miles away from imagining that he liked to be a sub from time to time. Everything about him screamed ‘raw dominating sex’, so to say you were a little surprised when he asked you to dominate him in bed was an understatement but the truth was, you liked it far more than you could ever have imagined. So, since then, dom Y/N was a common occurrence in bed, and she definitely was about to make an appearance at one of Music Bank’s dressing rooms.

“Yes,” you pressed harder on his cock to make him realize he was missing a little something. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be your good little boy”

“That’s my baby boy,” your hand slid down his chest and abs which were exposed thanks to the revealing outfit he was wearing for the ‘Kick it’ promotions.

“I need you to do something for me baby,” you got up from on top of him, already missing the way his hardening cock was pressing against your centre, and placed your foot on top of his dick, applying a little bit of pressure. “Untie my sneakers and take out the shoelaces.”

While he worked on your shoes you made sure to massage his dick, you needed him to be nice and hard for what you had in store for him. Once he was finished you picked up one of the shoelaces and placed the other on the vanity right next to you. You then moved to his back and tied his hands behind the chair.

“Taeyong, Taeyong...why are you so misbehaved? Why do you have to make me look like a crazy bitch in front of everyone?”

“I-I don’t know ma’am.” You straddled him once again, the pressure on his cock making him choke upon his words.

“You don’t know?” You reached for the other shoelace and slowly ran it over his body, making his nipples perk up. “I think your problem is that you’re way too damn handsome.”

While your left hand moved between you two to cup his hard cock your right one grabbed his bleached hair to expose his neck to your starving mouth. “You drive me fucking crazy Yong.”

“Fuck,” he moaned.

Your hand slipped through his pants and squeezed his cock, wanting to feel him raw and hard. “Is this all for me baby?”

“Yes, just you. I can get hard just by looking at you-” and then your lips were on his, kissing him like nothing else mattered, like you two were the only ones in the world.

The handjob you were giving him and the making out session were getting you so turned on that you started to ride his thigh. 

Wanting to make you feel even better, Taeyong flexed his muscles and that extra bit of hardness made you pick up your pace, your kiss now becoming a mix of pants and lip bites. You let go of his cock and grabbed the back of the chair to help you ride his thigh better and in no time you were coming undone on top of him. 

“Shit,” you said once you were able to catch your breath. 

You looked into his eyes and noticed he was frustrated because you let go of his dick. “Are you frustrated baby boy?”

“Yes,” he whined.

“Then I’m sorry to tell you, but it’s only gonna get worse,” you took off your shirt and bra and started massaging your breasts right in front of his face, just out of his reach. “You want to touch them, baby?”

“I’d love to ma’am,” he proclaimed, his eyes completely fixated on your moves.

“Beg for them.”

“Can I please suck on your tits, they’re so beautiful.”

You raised yourself a bit so your boobs would be at the same level as his mouth and moved forward so he could kiss them. Instantly his skilled mouth picked up one of your nipples with his teeth and tugged on it, making you moan. The combination of him lapping his tongue around your nipple and then sucking on it was starting to rile you up all over again but, as much as you’d like to make him suck on your tits all day you couldn’t waste much time because the rest of the group needed the room to go on stage. So, after letting him play with your other nipple a bit more you got out from on top of him once again, a string of spit connecting your nipple with his mouth, and pulled his pants down, exposing his hard cock to the air.

“Look at that handsome cock, all hard for me.”

“C-can you please touch it ma’am?” his eyes were glazed, lost in lust.

“Since you asked so nicely baby…”

You got on your knees in front of him, grabbed his cock and proceeded to lick him all over, the moans escaping his sweet lips acting as a soundtrack to your dirty acts. You kissed and sucked, just like you were savouring a delicious lollipop. 

In truth, you just wanted to make his dick nice and wet for what you had planned next for him, but you loved sucking his cock so much that you totally got lost in it. You knew he was getting close to releasing because his moans were getting more aggressive, so you sped up and once he was about to cum you stopped, leaving him a frustrating mess yet again. He tried to get his dick close to your mouth but it was no use.

“Are you getting irritated, baby?” You teased while you dragged the hard tip of your shoelace on his chest again.

“Fuck, yes.”

“See, this is how you made me feel.” You gave a teasing little suck on the tip of his dick before you took the shoelace and tied it tight at the base of his cock, behind his balls, to act as an impromptu cock ring. “Irritated.”

Taeyong loved overstimulation, and you loved teasing the shit out of him. You also loved the way a cock ring would make his cock extra swollen for you and how it delayed his orgasm, a fact that you were definitely gonna use to punish him.

“Get up baby,” you pulled him up so he wouldn’t fall and made him lean on the vanity table full of makeup. You then turned around and started rubbing your ass on his boner rolling down your leggings and exposing your lacy panties to him.

“How are you so fucking hot?” he hissed.

“Wanna feel how wet I am for you baby?” You started rolling down your panties even before he hummed in response. You grabbed his dick from behind you and started rubbing his tip through your drenched folds.

“Fuck, you’re so wet.”

Suddenly someone knocked on the door, making your heart almost stop.

“Y/N leave our leader alone, we need to get ready for the stage!” Johnny’s voice said from the other side of the door.

“Just 5 more minutes!” You answered.

“Fine, make it quick!”

You turned around and searched the vanity for the scissors the makeup artist used to cut the fake eyelashes, rapidly finding them in her little kit. 

“Are you ready to fuck me, baby?” Taeyong had no idea what else you had in store for him, but he sure was about to find out.

“Fuck yes, free my hands please ma’am.”

“I will, but first, call for Lisa.” You were aware that with the scissors in your hand right now you probably looked like a psycho bitch that could cut out his wiener if he didn’t comply, but oh well.

“What? Why?”

“I know she can hear us if we’re loud enough, so you’re gonna call for her and then you’re gonna fuck me like you never have before, are we clear?” You grabbed his dick and spread the bead of precum that was leaking from his tip with your thumb.

“Fuck. LISA!” His eyes were closed in pure bliss as you teased him. “CAN YOU HEAR ME?”

“Taeyong? Yeah, is everything alright?” Her concerned voice sounded from the other side of the wall.

“You’re such a good boy, and good boys deserve treats,” you cut the shoelace that was restraining his hands and in a blink of an eye, he was taking control and bending you over the vanity to fuck you raw.

He didn’t ease into you, he didn’t need to, you were so fucking wet that he slid right into you, your name immediately slipping through his tongue.

“Fuck Taeyong, you’re fucking me so good.” You were sure to moan loud enough so everyone in the area knew what was happening.

“Fuck you feel so tight.”

He was pounding into you like a fucking crazed animal, like he had been starving in a cage and someone came, left a nice juicy steak in front of it and opened the door. In a matter of seconds, you were cumming undone on his cock, your pussy tightening around him even more.

“Oh Taeyong, fuck,” you moaned as he slowed down his pace.

“M-ma’am, I can’t take it anymore, I need to cum. Can you please remove this?” Suddenly he was back to sub Taeyong like he hadn’t just bent you over a table and fucked the shit out of you. That was why you loved him so much.

You slipped out of him, gave him a gentle kiss and led him back to the chair. “I will, but only on conditions: I want the whole floor to hear you scream my name…”

“And the other?”

“I want you to cum inside me.”

He smirked, seemingly happy to comply with your demands. “As you wish.”

You carefully snipped your other shoelace, relief apparent on his features, got on top of him and eased down on his cock all the way to the bottom. Wasting no time, you grabbed onto his shoulders and started fucking him.

“Fuck Y/N you feel so good.”

His praises were like fuel for you, serving to make you go faster and harder. You wanted to make him scream your name. You wanted Lisa to hear how good you made him feel. You, and no one else.

Getting irked by the thought of her, you grabbed onto his jaw to make him look you straight in the eyes. “Tell me who does your cock belong to?”

“Fuck, you Y/N, only you.”

“Then say it. Louder.”

“My cock only belongs to you Y/N, no one else.”

You didn’t need to hear anything else, his confession was enough to make you cum for the third time today. With the combination of your pussy trying to milk him and his edged out dick, Taeyong came inside of you, his seed filling you up. 

You were so fucking spent that you immediately fell down onto his chest panting. 

“Well, next time I’m the one who’s gonna piss Y/N off.” 

For a brief moment, as you snuggled in with your boyfriend, you almost forgot about the world outside, but Johnny’s stupid joke made the both of you break out in laughter.

“Backoff Seo, she’s mine and I’m hers.”

© maliby, 2020. Do not copy or repost without permission.

a/n: hey guys! feels so good to be back to writing filthy smut! this is my first time writing for NCT so fellow NCTzens please accept me <3 Hope you guys like it!

[atruththatyoudeny]

Monthly Reads | October 2020

Happy 28th! I probably sound like a broken record already but I have to say it again: this fandom has an insane amount of talented writers! I am in awe! Every single one of you is my hero! ♥♥♥ Here are all the 23 fics I read and loved this month:

✧ Welcome to The Rivalry | 2tiedships2 | a/b/o - strangers to lovers - enemies to lovers - rivalry - college - 19k “Welcome home!” Niall yelled, clapping his hands in excitement. “Isn’t it great?” Louis looked between Niall and the house, unsure how to respond. “I don’t understand,” Louis finally managed to say. “Aren’t we a little old to be living so close to campus?” Niall scoffed. “You’re only twenty-four for fuck’s sake. There is still plenty of partying left for us to do. What better place than one street over from where a car was set on fire after the Michigan game last year?” “Is there proof of that? Did the car have Michigan plates or something? Is there a photo I can send in a DM to Wolfie?” As if on cue, a Twitter notification popped up on Louis’ Apple watch. He had tweeted again. Or a reverse You’ve Got Mail au inspired by the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry. Featuring duplex neighbors, (kind of) enemies to lovers, and an anonymous Twitter feud between omega Louis and alpha Harry.

✧ Back to Seventeen | crimsontheory | teacher - soccer coach - 26k As a first grade teacher in a small town in Illinois, Harry’s life is pretty simple. He loves his job, is close with his family, and has a best friend he would go to the ends of the earth for. When a new soccer coach starts at the local high school, things start to get a bit more exciting for Harry. Because that coach just happens to be Louis Tomlinson; the guy Harry was unrequitedly in love with in high school. Or the one where Louis moves back to his hometown and Harry realizes he’s still not over his high school crush.

✧ Sigh for Sigh | logogram | historical - a/b/o - regency - miscommunication - pining - marriage of convenience - 11k When his father's sudden illness forces Harry to get married in a hurry, he's delighted that Lord Louis Tomlinson is the one who makes him an offer. Being married to Louis is just as wonderful as he imagined, except for one thing-- they haven't mated yet. Or the one where they're both idiots, Harry's afraid to say what he's thinking, and Louis's just trying to be honorable.

✧ We Can Find a Place to Feel Good | yeah_alright | 1960s - High School - school dances - 8k 14-year-old Harry is ecstatic to finally be old enough to experience the time-honored tradition of school dances. But with each year that passes and each dance he attends, he’s realizing they’re not all he used to hope they’d be. Especially when he can't actually dance with the person he most wants to. Maybe he and Louis can figure out their own ways to keep dancing, anyway.

✧ At Risk, I Fold | clare328 | canon compliant - established relationship - angst - emotional hurt/comfort - miscommunication - anxiety - implied/referenced alcohol abuse - 15k 2015 is a stream of hotel rooms and whisky on the rocks, tired glances and touching hands under tables. It’s the bears and the bees under a rainbow sky, and Harry and Louis have to figure out how to grow up together, instead of apart.

✧ Carry These Feelings | LadyLondonderry | fae Á faires - established relationship - magic - 3k Harry is one of the fae, and has to return to Court once a year to please the Queen. He makes a detour on his way home to Louis. Two weeks and I'll be home.

✧ Hung Up High in the Gallery | lovelarry10 | friends to lovers - slow burn - pining - 14k "Louis, lay still!” Louis sighed loudly, and Harry watched his chest puff out as he inhaled deeply, the breath he let out loudly making Harry’s curls shift. “I am, stop being so fussy. Can I see yet?” “Nope,” Harry remarked, smiling to himself. “I’m doing your chest next. Shit, this is going to look so good, Lou. Your tan and these colours… why haven’t we done this before?” “Because we haven’t been this drunk in a while, and it never occurred to me until tonight?” ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ ❁ When Harry’s best friend, Louis, comes to support him at his art show, he decides they need to do some celebrating afterwards. How fast do the lines between friends and lovers get blurred ... or better, get painted?

✧ Love you in the dark | Perzikje | historical - wedding night - arranged marriage - dubious consent - 10k The story of a historical wedding night: in which Louis is quite unaware as to just how clueless his brand new husband is about sex. They try their best to figure it out together.

✧ Victorian Boy | audreyhheart | historical - victorian - royalty - enemies to friends to lovers - slow burn - angst - murder mystery - 101k Victorian AU. Harry the virgin Duke of Somerset knows little of love, while Louis the sly Duke of Warwick knows too much. When the two dukes come together for the Bilsdale fox hunt in York, Harry finds himself drawn into Louis' bed. But when secrets from Louis' dark past come to light, Harry fears that the fox isn't the only one being hunted.

✧ the anticipation of knowing you | sweetrevenge | strangers to lovers - neighbors - light angst - 13k Hello Neighbor! Just wanted to let you know that you were having sex so loud and scarily I called our building manager and security officer because I thought you were hurt. P.S. I sent them away when I heard you yell ‘cock’. I’m sorry that I heard that, but I wanted you to know in case they stopped by to check on you or something. Sorry! Your neighbor Louis Tomlinson in apartment #306 After Louis overhears his next door neighbor having sex, he doesn’t really expect anything but awkward hallway encounters to come from it. Instead, he’s surprised to find himself in a whirlwind pen pal relationship with the sweet, albeit loud, baker next door.

✧ We'll Be All Right | dandelionfairies | married couple - accridents - 13k Harry is performing his one night only show in LA but there are four very important people missing.

✧ The Last Song of Your Life | reminiscingintherain | famous/not famous - Rays of Sunhsine - homophobia - 21k As Harry glanced around at all of the faces, he froze as a very familiar pair of blue eyes leapt out at him. A pair of eyes that he hadn’t seen since before the One Direction bomb exploded. A pair of eyes that he never expected to see again. ~~~~ or the famous/not famous AU, with first love, miscommunication, interfering bandmates, and adorable little sisters.

✧ Her | jaerie | a/b/o - trans character - transitioning - dysphoria - anxiety - quarantine - 7k The buttery swipe of a high quality lipstick was almost a sexual experience in and of itself. This time a deep colour with purple undertones which drew out the emphasis of long, dark lashes and perfectly contoured cheekbones. It was a look for loose and styled curls, feeling the classy formal nightclub vibes reflected back from the mirror. The silky plum coloured slip dress would be perfect to debut. The tags still needed to be cut free from the new garment that hung in the closet, but tonight was the night to set it free. When Harry gets home, she can finally be who she wants to be. Letting someone else in always feels like a distant daydream to her... until it suddently isn't.

✧ Loving You's the Antidote | lululawrence | Stylinshaw - a/b/o - touch deprivation - hospitalization - soulmates - polyamory - anxiety - friends to lovers - no smut - 11k Nick and Harry had never been an obvious match. When eighteen-year-old Harry, newly presented as an omega, came home freshly bonded to Nick, a man nine years his elder and a beta no less, Anne had been more than skeptical and Eileen had shared some harsh words of her own. That didn’t deter them, though, and their families soon realised there really was something special about the bondmates that allowed them to work together almost seamlessly. It was only a few months later that Harry started getting sick. Or the one where Harry and Nick have been able to keep Harry's disorder at bay over the course of their relationship, but when they move to London and away from their support system, they find themselves in desperate need of help.

✧ Like A Neon Sign | reminiscingintherain | canon compliant - mentions of death - fluff - 8k Harry had always been perfect to Louis, through every age, through every stage, and in all the important ways, he was proud to have been able to witness the growth that Harry had experienced first-hand.

✧ We Had Everything | lightswoodmagic (sarah_writes) | exes to lovers - getting back together - famous/not famous - 3k “You know Harry’s coming, yeah?” Louis’ fingers twitched, faltering where he was straightening the knot in his tie as he tried to ignore the false nonchalance in Zayn’s voice. He had no idea how he missed the name on the invite list, how he skipped over the initials on the small gifts, didn’t notice the elegant swirl of Harry’s name inked onto an emerald green place card. Or, Louis and Harry fell apart, and Louis' never forgiven himself. He gets a second chance at Zayn and Liam's wedding.

✧ True To Your Heart | reminiscingintherain | Mulan AU - a/b/o - 13k The world was at war with itself. In the small country of Enilenif, in a tiny, often overlooked corner of the world, young Alphas were quickly signing up to fight, desperate to protect their Omegas and their country as Aidem began to attack their borders. A few defiant Omegas tried to enlist as well, but were firmly turned away with disapproving looks by the staff in the office. Harry Styles was one such Omega, sighing heavily as he kicked at a small stone on his walk home.

✧ What the Water Gave Me | larryatendoftheday | fantasy - mermaids - long distance relationship - 29k When a mermaid crawls out of the sea to listen to Harry sing, it changes everything.

✧ it’s hard for me to go home | localopa | angst - breakup - getting back together - 5k don’t call me baby again

✧ The Prince and the Thief | jaerie | Fairy Tale - a/b/o - strangers to lovers - violence - kidnapping - threats of rape/non-con - 19k Harry is an omega prince locked in a tower and Louis is the thief sent to kidnap him. Nothing turns out as planned.

✧ Up On The Shore | wordsnnotes | Eroda AU - magic - epistolary - friends to lovers - childhood friends - emotional/psychological abuse - angst - long-distance relationship - domestic violence - 34k Magic has been outlawed on Eroda ever since President Cowell came into power, and all the magic people had to go live on the island of Stonell. Things are not looking good for Harry when he finds out he's a magician and his abilities seem more and more out of control. Thankfully, his best friend Niall's mother has the idea to put him in touch with Louis, a magician boy living on Stonell. They begin a secret correspondence and drama ensues. Or: Louis hides his feelings under sarcasm, Harry is too sweet for his own sake, everyone is a rebel, the mums are amazing, Harry's dad is a jerk, and I'm struggling to make it understandable without using normal narration.

✧ this town's just an ocean now | louistomlinsons | exes to lovers - friends to lovers - summer romance - miscommunication - childhood friends - light angst - fluff - 31k “I have really great friends. Do you remember Louis? You guys were always hanging out when you were growing up.” Harry remembers Louis. Harry remembers Louis. Suddenly, his throat feels way too dry, despite the ice cream he keeps licking at. He chokes a little on a chocolate chip before saying, “I, uh. I remember Louis.” Her face brightens. “We have dinner every Sunday. He owns the house now. His parents moved further north, and he wanted to stay here, so they just gave it over. Now if you want to worry about someone being lonely, that’s who I worry about.” inspired by watermelon sugar, featuring picnics on the beach and boys being dumb

✧ I Am the Blinking Light | dearmrsawyer | ghosts - shipwreck - 19k There is a legend of a lighthouse far out to sea. It can’t be found on any map, and those who do find it never return. They say a ghost haunts the lighthouse, and you can hear it calling out in loneliness on the ocean waves.

[dowoonie-namjoonie]

Day6 When They Fell For You

A/N: This is just for fun, I don't own these gifs or these people. We love Day6 for their talents and such... I feel like this is shitty, but I'm having fun!

Warning: Drinking and minor language.

Jae:

At your and Jae's wedding.

His vows were about how both of you crackheads met.

Around four years ago Jae went to this launch party for JYP.

You, fortunately enough, knew all the right people.

So you got an invite to this momentous party.

Momentous is an overstatement.

Of course, the party was absolutely boring.

Considering the only things to do was eat, drink, and sway to the music.

Although you were there to drool over hot guys.

Anywho, the night was so boring you took matters into your own hands.

Going over to the free bar, you grabbed as many drinks as your person could hold.

You even snuck full bottles of wine and such too...

All while Jae watched you do this.

From the other side of the party hall was Jae.

He stood tall above all of the other bandmates.

More importantly, he was utterly tired of this party.

When he saw you take all that alcohol, he knew something big was coming.

Indeed something was.

By the end of the night, you were on top of a table scream-singing Who's Your Mama by JYP himself.

The table you were standing on, by the way, was where JYP (and all the executives) were sitting.

Most people were enraged by your drunken outburst, this was a "sophisticated" party.

Sophisticated my ass

The only person who'd been laughing, enjoying you was Jae.

He couldn't help but take notice of you in general.

You were everything he wanted in a girl, short, petite, and along the lines of crackhead energy.

There was just something about you completely embarrassing yourself while drunk that made Jae swoon for you.

The vibe you were giving to him never felt better.

Although all good things must come to an end.

Security guards escorted you out, but not without a fight.

Eventually, they got you out of the venue, Jae following close behind.

Jae just wanted to make sure you were actually okay.

When he saw you outside, sitting on the ground, head against a wall.

He realized you were too drunk to walk home.

This sweet, tall, chicken boy totally took care of you.

Taking you back to his small apartment, getting you water and food, and making sure you had a place for the night.

If it wasn't for him, you would probably end up dead in a ditch.

From that day forward, Jae was determined to make you his all because of your drunk ass.

Four years later, and you're married to the Chicken.

Sungjin:

You and Sungjin have been friends for a hell of a long time.

Even before he became a trainee.

Both of you met in high school, in a music class specifically.

Ironically, you were too good at music.

Especially the part where your teacher made you sing for a grade.

Everything about your singing voice was flawed.

Your pitch was off.

Your bridges tended to fall, metophorically and phsically.

You just couldn't sing.

Long story short, Sungjin helped you with the project.

And from that unfortunate project, bloomed a long-lasting friendship.

So you thought.

A few years later...

Sungjin was now a proper musician.

Not shocking, he has brilliant talent.

You worked as a teacher.

For the sole reason you thought teachers sucked, so you wanted to prove that not all of them do.

Both you and he shared an apartment based on the closeness you had.

Sungjin performed anywhere he got the chance.

He loved his job singing and playing the guitar to songs he wrote and covers.

That boy is living his dream.

However...

With a dream, there must be an obstacle.

One night after performing at a music festival, someone had come up to him dissing his singing.

Practically telling him he's the equal of singing garbage.

SO!

When he came home that night, he was in the worst mood imaginable.

You'd never expect him to be so insecure, but he was.

One hate comment had him rethinking his career choices.

Obviously, you saw the glum face.

When you asked him what's wrong he shrugged you off, saying it was nothing.

You knew better than that. You knew him too well.

After a few minutes of annoying the shit out of him, he combusted.

He told you everything.

Your first reaction to this was to kill the guy who said this to him, but I digress.

Sungin went in a febrile, frenzy about how he nothing when it came to singing.

It broke your heart to see him like this.

You said what he needed to hear.

"You're a dumbass."

After that comment, you went into a whole rant about how talented he actually is.

Listing everything he's done to get to this point in life.

Sungjin, nonetheless, was taken aback by you.

He probably wasn't expecting your crazy ass to go off on him like that.

More importantly, your crazy ass proved that you believed in him.

At that moment, Sungjin's heart started to pound at your rant.

God, he hadn't realized it before, but you cared so damn much about him.

You believed in him.

Something took over Sungjin.

Next moment you were yelling at him for thinking lesser of his talents.

The other you were silent.

Sungjin had pulled you in for a suave kiss.

He didn't even realize he did it either.

Both of you were equally as shocked as each other.

That was the day your friendship had come crumbling down...

Younghyun:

You found Kang Younghyun immensely annoying.

And so freaking good looking.

You'd first met him in your Intro to Marketing class.

Anytime the teacher asked a question he'd raise his hand first, begging to get called on.

He definitely kissed the teacher's ass.

From day one, he would talk all the time.

Majority of the time, distracting you from the lesson on the board.

Goodness, he messed with you all the time too.

Passing notes in class to say you stunk or throwing stuff at you in class.

To say the least, you did not consider him your friend.

Even the school acknowledged that you were enemies.

In your class, he was always the top score, and you right below in second place.

You don't know why he started to pick on you.

Never understood it.

Brian, on other hand, had a different reason.

Most definitely, he didn't consider you to be a bitch.

Or even smelly.

Brian only made fun of you because he likes you.

Secretly.

It all started during freshman orientation for your college.

All those months ago, you used to be nervous about the intimidating college.

Younghyun saw you from afar.

You looked so small, in need of help.

Yet, a look of daring, confidence in your eyes.

The student council of the college decided to plan some games for the freshmen coming in.

Younghyun and you were assigned to the same group.

The whole time, his eyes were on you, feeling attracted to you.

The first game you had to do was a scavenger hunt.

You quickly became friends with some girl, going along with her.

The second game was a talent circle.

Brian sang, of course, and you sat and watched.

You didn't have a particular talent.

Then, the night winded down.

The third, and final game, was a chatting session.

All of the people in your group ate and drank together.

Together just having a bash.

Brian couldn't help it.

He had his eyes on you the whole night.

What kicked him into high gear was your laugh.

Some goofball in the group had told this story about how he shit his pants at an amusement park.

Jesus, it was such a funny story snot was shooting out of your nose.

Brian noticed the way you laughed, you didn't cover your mouth.

You didn't care what anyone thought of you.

You just let yourself have fun.

You were just his type.

Wonpil:

Weird story?

Both of you don't know each other.

One could say both of you believe in love at first sight.

I digress.

Even if you didn't know each other, both of you had something in common.

JYP Entertainment employed both of you.

Wonpil a member of Day6 being the keyboard synthesizer.

You were a girl group trainee.

Neither of you came into contact that much.

Occasionally, you'd pass by each other but wouldn't give it much thought.

Until one day...

Finally, today was the last trial before your debut.

A period of assurance that your group was good enough.

It played out like it always did, your group danced to a cover then feedback would follow.

Unfourtantly, the spotlight on you.

The officials at JYP didn't think your dancing was what it takes to be an idol.

Everyone else in your group was fine.

You weren't good enough.

Every word that came out of the judge's mouth, broke your heart.

That meant you had to stay as a trainee for even longer.

Once everyone had left the room, you broke.

Completely.

On the ground crying and everything.

It felt like, all your hard work was for nothing.

Wonpil just got done practice for a new Day6 comeback.

He was walking down the hallways of JYP's building, getting ready to eat lunch with Dowoon.

However, he was stopped.

Stopped with the sound of sobbing.

Wonpil's a nice guy, he hates to see people sad, even if he doesn't know them.

Investigating the noise he saw you.

In one of the many dance practice rooms on the ground.

At first, he thought you were in pain, quickly rushing over to you.

Then he realized you weren't

Wonpil comforted you, even if you didn't know each other.

Somehow he got the truth out of you.

His advice was good.

He told you to fight for what you loved to do.

Maybe his advice was good because he was a trainee himself before.

After you finally calmed down, Wonpil had offered you to come to dinner with him.

You accepted the offer. Becoming friends with him that day forward.

A week went by after the incident.

Wonpil, once again, was getting ready to go to dinner.

He heard loud noises.

This time it was music.

Making his way to the dance practice room, he saw you.

Going through practiced choreography

Wonpil smiled to himself, happy you didn't give up on your dream.

You looked headstrong as you danced in front of the mirror.

Determined to prove the judges wrong.

Well

There was nothing Wonpil liked more than a girl sure about her future.

Luckily he snagged your number at dinner last week.

Dowoon:

This kid is shy as hell.

It was hard for you not to fall for him first.

At last, you did not.

Like Sungjin

You guys met in high school.

Imagine Dowoon in a uniform, I'm crying🙃!

Dowoon was the quiet kid in class, he didn't get much attention for that.

You, on the other hand, were the loudest kid in class.

Constantly, you were talking and telling jokes.

Even poking fun at the teachers.

You're the life of the class.

Dowoon and you were polar opposites.

Interestingly enough, he began to like you.

Class was normal.

No one paid attention.

At the end of class was when it got interesting.

The teachers assigned students to stay after and clean up.

You and Dowoon were spontaneously picked.

Neither of you cared frankly.

After class.

Dowoon was silent, per usual, cleaning the desks off.

You were mopping the floors.

Every minute, you would throw glances in his direction.

Odd, that he didn't talk much.

You assumed he wasn't going to start a conversation.

So, you took matters into your own hands.

"What's your name?"

That was rather loud.

He replied in a near whisper.

You noticed his ears were read just by one question.

You giggled at his cuteness.

For the rest of the cleaning session, you talked his ear off.

Barely any words or sentences came out of his mouth.

You were worried, however.

You felt bad that you were talking too much.

Easily getting embarrassed.

"Sorry..."

"No, no...I don't mind."

Dowoon enjoyed the fact you talked his ear off.

Usually, kids in their class avoided him.

But you

You didn't mind talking to him.

[headheartbellarke]

Speak Now | WILLEX

dear @calamitykaty​ - happy valentine’s day! i’m your secret valentine, and i hope you have a brilliant, lovely day!! i just wanted to say that i absolutely adore your fics hehe :3 this one is for you, i hope u like it, you wonderful human!!

& a million thanks & kudos to @screwunsaidemily​​ / @jatpsecretvalentine​ for organizing this!! happy valentine’s day, raegan! and i hope today is as amazing as you are!!

✿◕ ‿ ◕✿

PAIRING(s): Alex Mercer x Willie, Flynn x Carrie Wilson, Julie Molina x Luke Patterson, past!Alex Mercer x Luke Patterson

WARNING(s): nothing haha just some fluff and we stan bobby in this house.. oh and some language

WORDS: 3.85k

SUMMARY: With his boyfriend marrying Carrie Wilson (well, in his defence, that’s his grandmother’s ‘dying wish’), Willie fancies himself to be the main character of a Shakespearean tragedy. Based on Speak Now by Taylor Swift.

KEEP READING BELOW OR READ ON AO3

     Willie exhales, watching his breath crystallize into tiny ice particles. He extends a hand to catch them, but that action causes the little cloud to dissipate.

  He rolls his eyes. Who has their wedding in Canada, in winter? Plus, not just on any day, but on Valentine’s Day.

  He fancies that he might as well be the main character of a Shakespearean tragedy. Watching your boyfriend get married is painful enough, but to a girl? That shit makes you feel as if your heart has a screw lodged in it. He feels as if he has the weight of the world on his shoulders.

  Willie likes to say that he hates Alex (i.e., the said boyfriend, the love, the light, the star of his life) – but that sentence leaves behind a bitter taste in his mouth, like he’s just had that weird cough syrup that his mother buys.

  Alex’s friends can definitely see through his act, like, right now.

  “Willie, relax! Everything’s gonna be alright!” Julie Molina, Alex’s bandmate, ‘unbiological sister’, and ‘best gossip partner’ exclaims. She is crouching beside him.

  “Julie, I’m not the type of guy to crash a wedding and sabotage it, especially one hosted by those…” His hand moves in circular motions, pointing to the direction of the church, where Alex’s parents are probably seated. 

  Luke Patterson, Julie’s boyfriend and Alex’s ex-boyfriend, and current best friend and bandmate pipes in. “Homophobic, racist mingers?”

  Willie grins. “Don’t know what that means but sounds accurate!”

  “You know, we are saving Alex’s life, right? Literally?” Bobby Wilson chimes in, Alex’s other best friend from his position behind them. They are currently hiding behind a table laden with sweets of all kinds, and it makes Reggie, the last of Alex’s best friend-cum-bandmates’ mouth water. 

  “I still can’t believe that his parents are forcing him to marry a girl!” Julie exclaims, ponytail bobbing as she speaks. Luke adds, “Not just any girl, but Carrie fucking Wilson.” 

  “My fucking cousin!” Bobby says, looking behind to check if anyone’s there. There is, but they’re all either part of the caterer’s group, or the waiters – they are currently outside a church, where the reception will be held, post wedding. The attendees, the families, everyone – are inside the church, for the wedding.

  “Hey, is Grandma Ruth really that sick?” Reggie finally asks, his eyes diverting from the sweets. Luke smiles sweetly at him. “I’m glad you finally decided to join us, Reginald.” 

  Reggie fails to catch the sarcasm in his tone, and he smiles brightly. Luke rolls his eyes, but a faint smile teases the corners of his lips. “Yeah, she really has stage four cancer.” 

  Julie says, “Poor Ruth.” 

  Luke huffs, “I don’t care that she’s dying – she shouldn’t fucking blackmail her grandson like that! Alex, honey, I’m dying. My dying wish, you ask? Marry someone. No, not your boyfriend of four years! Marry a girl, dummy. Homosexuality is a sin!” 

  Bobby adds, “Not just any girl, but your best friend’s cousin! Whose probably into Flynn, but, yeah, whatever.” 

  Julie smiles brightly at the mention of her best friend. “Oh, she definitely is.” 

  Reggie’s brows quirk. “I thought she was still into Nick.” 

  Bobby shakes his head. “They broke up last summer.” 

  Willie clears his throat, finally gaining some confidence. “He shouldn’t be marrying the wrong girl.” He exhales, and adds, as an afterthought, “Or any girl.” 

  “You two should be walking down the aisle, Willie.” Julie says, resting a hand on his shoulder. He nods, grateful for her support. 

  He remembers this morning, when he was at the grocery store, buying as many buckets of chocolate ice cream as he could fit in his arms. Suddenly, he had felt a warm hand wrap around the back of his throat, and he let out a yelp, dropping all the buckets. 

  He remembers thinking that the universe was against him. First, it’s the day of his boyfriend’s wedding, and along with that, someone’s here to kill him. Well, he thought, it’s better to die than – 

  “Willie!” A familiar voice exclaimed, and of course, it’s Julie – he realized that the hand that he thought was here to murder him, belonged to her. She was dressed in a long, pink, A-Line dress, that complimented her skin tone perfectly and – suddenly, Willie understood that it was a bridesmaid’s dress. Yep, she’s Carrie’s bridesmaid, along with Flynn. 

  Willie wondered if she was here to rub salt on his wound. 

  “What do you want?” He had mumbled, averting his gaze from her dress. Sure, it’s a pretty dress, but it reminds him of Alex, because he has a hoodie that he adores in the same colour. (It’s in Willie’s closet now, and he makes a mental note to burn it.) 

  “We have a plan.” She said, conspiratorially. 

  Willie sighed, leaning down to pick up the fallen containers of ice cream. “I’m not in the mood, Jules.” 

  She grinned, evilly. Or as evilly as you could while having an angelic face. 

  Sure, it took her a while to convince him to crash his boyfriend’s wedding, but on the way here, he felt as if it was worth it. Julie helped sneak him in, since he doesn’t have an invite – and he found the rest of Alex’s friends – Luke, Reggie, and Bobby waiting for him. 

  Now, as Carrie’s family emerges from the church doors, he doesn’t feel that way anymore. 

  “God, I think I’m gonna throw up just by looking at them.” Luke murmurs, while Julie slaps his shoulder. ���Don’t say that, they look very… colourful.” 

  Bobby snorts. 

  Carrie’s family includes her parents, two of her cousin sisters and an aunt – and they are all dressed in pastel yellow. To be really honest, that colour looks like vomit. They stand in a circle in front of the church doors, and Willie notices her aunt rolling her eyes at the waiters. He sighs. This is the same aunt who told Carrie that ‘oh, honey, it’s just a phase’, when she came out as bisexual. 

  “Guys, guys, guys!” 

  Willie sees his cousin, Flynn, running in their direction, and stopping at their table. She huffs, catching her breath and he notices that she’s wearing the same dress that Julie is. 

  “Carrie is losing her shit, dude.” She says, once she’s breathing normally again. “Why?” Julie asks, concerned. 

  “Probably because she doesn’t wanna marry Alex? I don’t know, but she yelled at me for eating!” She exclaims, an annoyed expression taking over her face. 

  Willie and Bobby exchange a look – they all know that Carrie can get a little intense sometimes – she doesn’t mean harm, but on a day like this, you can’t really hold it against her. 

  “Where is she?” Julie asks, alarmed. 

  “She’s in the back. Her mom misplaced her veil, and its total chaos out there. Also, her gown looks like a fucking pastry.” 

  Everyone’s eyes widen, and Flynn sighs, looking away. “I hate everything.” 

  Willie knows that she’s feeling just the way he is. 

  Julie stands up. “Come on, let’s help her. And boys?” She points a finger in their direction. “Stick to the fucking plan.” 

  Everyone nods rapidly, and Reggie whispers, “Yes, mam.” 

  She kisses Luke, whispering something in his ear, and squeezes Willie’s shoulder, giving him a sympathetic look, before running off in the opposite direction with Flynn. 

  Watching Julie and Luke, Willie is suddenly overpowered by a memory, a memory that was gathering dust in his brain. He remembers a cold, dark winter morning in their – his and Alex’s – apartment. It was last year, and their first morning in that apartment, in their home. They were nineteen and couldn’t get enough of each other – even after three years of being together. Somehow, somewhere they felt as if an invisible string was pulling them closer and closer, until they merged into one. 

  He remembers Alex combing his fingers through Willie’s hair, and whispering, “Is it crazy if I say that this is everything that I’ve ever wanted in life?” 

  He had smiled, eyes filled to the brim with euphoria. “No, then that would mean that I’m crazy.” 

  “We’re both crazy.” 

  “Maybe.” He had pulled him closer, loving the way Alex buried his face in the crook of his neck. 

  “Willie?” Alex softly asked, drawing patterns on his bare skin. 

  “Hmm?” 

  “I want to wake up next to you every single day. Like, I don’t ever wanna be without you,” 

  “Me, too.” He had said, then adding, “I don’t see myself marrying if not you.” 

  He could feel his boyfriend’s grin. “Not gonna lie, I’ve thought about it. A little.” 

  “A little?” 

  “Okay, I’ve planned it all out.” They both laughed, and Willie felt as if he was flying. 

  Alex continued, “I imagine us getting married on a beautiful summer day – on the beach. Where we met all those years ago. Remember?” 

  Willie smiled. “How could I forget? I will love Flynn forever for bringing me to Julie’s sweet sixteen – I never thought that I’d meet my soulmate that day.” 

  “Yeah. I imagine Luke to be my best man, and Flynn to be yours. Julie and Carrie would be our groomsmaids, yep, I invented that – and Reggie and Bobby could be the other best men. It’s a little messy, because I love them all so much and I can’t choose – but yeah.” 

  “Funny that your ex-boyfriend will be your best man at our wedding.” 

  “Shut up, Willie.” 

  “Carlos could be the ring bearer.” 

  “I think he’s a little too old for that.” 

  “Well, you have a point. But he’s gonna be pissed if he doesn’t get a title like his sister does.” 

  “All right, he’ll be the ring bearer.” 

  “We could have a skateboard shaped cake.” 

  “We will… think about it.” 

  “And we won’t need a band!” 

  “I’m not playing at my own wedding!” 

  “Well, Bobby could take your place. I’m sure he won’t mind taking a day off his solo touring.” 

  “Yeah, that sounds nice.” 

  As they went over every possibility, every dream, the world melted away and all Willie could see were the oceans in Alex’s eyes. 

  Luke’s voice dissipates the haze of nostalgia around Willie’s brain. “Yep, Carrie’s family went inside.” 

  Bobby nods. “Okay, Willie, you stay with Reggie and Luke – I’ll go inside first and distract everyone, and y’all will come at my signal.” With that, he runs towards the church. 

  “Uh… what is his signal…” Willie trails off. Luke and Reggie exchange a panicked look, as Reggie says, “I’m sure we’ll figure it out! Besides – oh my god, are those flamingos?” 

  Willie and Luke’s eyes dart to the church door, where a bunch of flamingos – Carrie’s favorite bird, apparently – are on the loose and the waiters and the staff are running around trying to catch them. 

  “Boys, I think that’s our signal.” Luke says, grabbing their hands and dragging them towards the back of the church, where the girls had previously disappeared into. 

  Luke sneezes, and Willie absentmindedly whispers a ‘bless you.’ He shifts, saying, “There’s so much dirt here! It’s like nobody cares about my allergies!” 

  “I’m sure nobody in Canada will ever care about your allergies, Patterson.” Flynn hisses.

  The trio are currently hiding behind a curtain, the lilac shades sickening them. “Well, you wouldn’t be in this position if Alex’s lovely bride-to-be didn’t uninvite me!” Willie exclaims, looking around to make sure nobody is nearby. 

  “I’m sure she has a very good reason!” Flynn says, and Luke rolls his eyes, saying, “You’re saying that as if you don’t know Carrie. She’s hyper fixating on this wedding to distract herself from the fact that her parents will never accept her for who she is, from her fear about the fact that she’ll never get someone who sees and loves her for who she is and right now, she believes that this wedding would gain her parents’ favour, that somehow they’d be okay with her being bisexual if she’s married a man, a gay man at that, too – and now she’s doing everything in her power to make sure nothing gets fucked up.” 

  Willie and Flynn sharply look at Luke. 

  “Dude, that was deep.” He whispers. Flynn dabs the corner of her right eye. “You should be a therapist, bro.” 

  “I know, bro.” He grins. 

  Willie can’t stop a smile from breaking out on his face. He turns back to the scene in front of him, and his heart seizes because there’s Alex, dressed in a perfect tuxedo, with his hair perfectly done, with a perfect smile on his face, and Willie realizes that that is not the man he loves. 

  The man standing in front of him looks too pristine, too immaculate. It’s almost as if he is being strung up by invisible puppet strings, but his face doesn’t give away any of that – it’s absolutely blank, and Willie would have thought that the man in the front is not real if he hadn’t seen his eyes. His eyes, which houses cyclones, cyclones being fed by the apprehension, the fear, the anger, the sadness that he must be feeling inside. His eyes, that Willie loves to see first thing in the morning, showing off the parts of his soul that he is desperately trying to shield. 

  Willie wonders if he’ll see him standing behind the curtains. He probably won’t. Willie’s at the back of the room, and he’s at the front, waiting, waiting, waiting. For a moment, Willie wonders if Carrie is going to show up at all – because the wedding was supposed to start half an hour ago, and it doesn’t make sense why a person who has never been late in her entire life, would be late on her wedding day. 

  He doesn’t have to wonder long, though. The organ starts to play ‘Here Comes the Bride’, and honestly it sounds more like a death march. Willie is reminded, yet again, of another reason why this is not what Alex wants – he wants to play ‘Lover’ by Taylor Swift at his wedding. 

  Willie takes in a sharp breath when Carrie enters. She looks like a pageant queen – wearing a beautiful, white, classic dress. In one hand, she holds her dad’s arm, and in the other, there is a bouquet of daisies. 

  Flynn whispers. “I have to go. Boys, do not mess this up. Or I swear I’ll kill you.” 

  As the duo watch her run to the front of the room, Willie whispers, “Does she know about Carrie’s big, fat crush?” 

  Luke snorts. “You think so? Come on, let’s sit. They won’t be able to see us here.” 

  As they crouch down and make their way to the benches, Willie casts one last look at Alex, and he knows, he knows that Alex wishes it was Willie walking down the aisle instead.

     “Speak now, or forever hold your peace.” The preacher says, and Willie’s heart erupts into a frenzy. As the room goes completely silent, Luke whispers, “That’s your cue, Willie.” 

  Ignoring his anxiety, he stands up with his hands shaking, and his brain telling him to just fucking run out the doors. 

  Alex’s eyes widen, relief flooding his features, and for a moment, he looks like the real Alex again. Willie catches Julie and Flynn’s eyes, who are standing beside Carrie, and they nod at him, enthusiastically. But the bride, Carrie – she looks absolutely horrified. And so does all the other people in this room, including Alex’s parents, his grandma Ruth, and Carrie’s parents, too. 

  From Alex’s right side, Reggie and Bobby give him encouraging looks, and finally, he averts his eyes back to the man he loves. 

  But he can’t say anything. He feels as if he’s frozen in time, and his mind completely blanks out. For a moment he wonders if this is his rock bottom. 

  But Luke comes to the rescue, thrusting a guitar in his hands, and breaking him out of his trance. “I remember you told me that you can always sing, even if the world was ending. So, I brought this along, as backup.” 

  It’s true. Music is a part of his soul, much like it is Alex’s. Music is what connected them in the first place, and music is what still keeps them connected now. 

  He positions the guitar, and notices that it’s Luke’s acoustic guitar. He strums it, and finally, his mind comes back to himself. He keeps his eyes trained on that of Alex, and he watches the storm of emotions in his irises. 

  “I am not the kind of guy, who should be rudely barging in on a white veiled occasion…” He sings, loving how Taylor Swift has written a song for every occasion.

  “But you are not the kind of boy, who should be marrying the wrong girl!” He sings and hears loud gasps around the room – he knows that people expected him to be in love with Carrie or something. 

  “Or any girl!” Reggie adds, and Alex grins, and that gives him the motivation to continue. 

  “So, don't say yes, run away now. I'll meet you when you're out of the church at the back door… Don't wait or say a single vow – You need to hear me out, and they said speak now!” 

  He drags the ‘now’ for as long as he can, because he knows that the silence that will follow will be excruciating. And it is. Alex just stares at him, an unreadable expression on his face. 

  Willie finally looks at Carrie, and when their eyes meet, she gives him an odd look. He half expected her to kill him, but the way she looks at him, it’s almost as if she’s relieved. 

  Alex clears his throat, the sound piercing through the silence of the room. Whispers arise, and Willie exchanges a look with Luke, who asks him, “You want me to dig you a hole to die?” 

  Before he can nod, Alex says, “Uh…” He fiddles with his hands, before finally saying, “Fuck it”, and untying his tie. His mother gasps, and his father stands up, but he raises a hand. 

  He locks eyes with Willie, and his world spins on its axis. 

  “You are not the kind of guy to be rudely barging in on a white veiled occasion…But I am not the kind of boy… who should be marrying the wrong girl… or any girl!” Alex sings in that raspy voice of his, and Willie feels his heart soar. He can’t help the grin from escaping on his face, and he knows that his eyes are what Julie calls, ‘heart eyes.’ Luke grabs the guitar from Willie’s hand and starts playing along. 

  “And you'll say let's run away now, and I'll meet you when I'm out of my tux at the back door,” 

  Alex walks down the aisle, but suddenly remembers something, or rather, someone. He turns around, locking eyes with Carrie, and Willie can’t see what he’s saying, but Carrie smiles a big, soft one – one probably no one has ever seen on her face, and he sees her mouth ‘go.’ 

  “Baby, I didn't say my vows, so glad you were around; when they said speak now!” 

  He finishes, and stands in front of Willie, and Willie knows that the both of them can feel the air electrifying between them.   

  He turns, facing his grandmother. “Grandma, I’m sorry, but you’re 93, and I’m 20. I’m not going to give up my life for you to live. I love you, though. Mom, Dad, I’m truly sad that I’m not what you wanted. But I’m not gonna apologize for being myself, nor am I gonna apologize for loving who I want to. This is my life, and maybe it’s time that I start acting like it. I can’t keep wasting my life to please you. You – you should love me for who I am, that’s what good parents do.” Alex’s voice cracks, and Willie intertwines their fingers. Alex squeezes his hand. 

  Carrie’s mom stands up, shaking her head. “No, no, no… you do not get to ruin my daughter’s wedding –” 

  Alex’s father stands beside her, his face matching the shade of Carrie’s red lipstick. “I will not accept this –” 

  “Will?” Alex whispers, his eyes trained on his father. 

  “Yeah?” 

  “Run.” 

  With that, Alex tightens his hold on Willie’s hand, and the both of them run down the aisle, and outside. Willie can hear an uproar behind him, but it fades to background noise behind the thump of his heart. 

  “That was so fucking romantic!” Alex exclaims, as they come to a stop before Willie’s car. 

  “I just…” 

  “Wait – I’m sorry, Willie. I shouldn’t have put you through that. I should’ve fought more; I should’ve run away or something. That was not okay. I’m a twenty-year-old adult, and I should – I should – learn to be it, and not hurt any – anyone –” 

  “Hey, hey, hey…” Willie says, stepping closer to Alex. “It’s alright. They’re your parents. It’s not your fault that you want their approval. But I just want you to know that I love you, all of you, for who you are. And all of us do – Luke, Julie, Bobby, Reggie, Flynn, and even Carrie. We all love you, for who you are, and we’re always gonna be by your side.” 

  He smiles, cupping Willie’s face. “Thank you. Thank you so much. I – I love you so fucking much.” He kisses Willie, and the latter feels like he is floating amongst the stars. 

  “That – everything inside – from this tux to the decorations was horrible. I’m really glad that you… you know, stopped it.” Alex says, rubbing his thumb around Willie’s cheek. 

  He shrugs. “Well, it was your friends’ idea.” 

  “Of course it was.” 

  “Guys! Guys, guys, guys!” 

  Willie and Alex break out of their embrace at Carrie’s voice, who is currently running towards them, her dress bunched in her hands. Flynn is following her, holding her veil in her arms. Julie, Luke, Bobby, and Reggie are behind them, and they all have a look of panic plastered on their faces. 

  Flynn yells. “Carrie might’ve told your and her parents to fuck off, and your grandma to just die already, and so there’s a fair chance that we’re all gonna get killed, now that everyone knows that we’re all behind this.” 

  “Also, I threw red wine at our aunt’s dress, Carrie!” Bobby yells. 

  “I might have told your parents that they’re failures, and Julie and I are your real parents, Alex!” Luke yells. 

  “Also, Flynn and I are getting married!” Carrie yells. 

  Alex’s eyes widen, and he looks at Willie. “I think we all need to run.” 

  Willie nods, and he looks around. Maybe they will get killed (probably not), and maybe everything is a little crazy right now – but what he knows is that all of them are a family, and that he’d do anything for them. He also knows that Alex is worth everything, and that someday, they will get married, just the way they want, with the people that love them just the way they are. 

  Plus, is it weird to say that he kind of feels like Taylor Swift right now?

[idcnticxl-1]

Send in two (or more) names and I’ll fill all this out about the ship!

@immortalled​ sent: 

Nova & Bowie

General:

Rate the Ship -   Awful | Ew | No pics pls | I’m not comfortable | Alright | I like it! | Got Pics? | Let’s do it! | Why is this not getting more attention?! | The OTP to rule all other OTPs

How long will they last? - Listen if I were to ever write an original novel staring Nova, her and Bowie would be endgame. The only person who knows Nova better than Bowie is her twin sister, and I can’t think of someone Nova trusts more than she does Bowie.

How quickly did/will they fall in love? - Nova had a small crush on Bowie from a young age. But Bowie doesn’t fall in love with her until she leaves Portland for years and comes back as an adult. Only distance and time would help him see her as a full grown woman and not the nervous/giggly nine year old he met on his first day of work. 

How was their first kiss? - Careful. Slow. Chaste. I get the feeling it would’ve happened late at night? Either working late at the Shop or perhaps at Bowie’s house which is where I imagine Nova would stay when visiting Portland rather than a hotel. 

Wedding:

Who proposed? - Bowie. Probably after one of his shows, his final song of the night some beautiful love song he wrote and dedicated to Nova. When she heads back stage to retrieve him and head home he tells “Just gotta do one thing.” and then gets down on one knee, probably even has a beautiful speech. Nova definitely gets overwhelmed and sobs while she says yes. 

Who is the best man/men? - Bowie’s old high school bandmates who I never thought up names for. 

Who is the braid’s maid(s)? - Jenna is the Maid of Honour of course, other bride’s mades include Jenna’s friends who are also on good terms with Nova (Kimi, Naomi, Maddison)

Who did the most planning? - I like to think they planned together the whole way through. 

Who stressed the most? - Nova. But she always stressed. 

How fancy was the ceremony? - Back of a pickup truck | 2 | 3 | 4 (I think Bowie would’ve wanted something fancier but neither of them are Religious and the both come from small families so something small and casual)| Normal Church Wedding | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Kate and William wish they were this big.

Who was specifically not invited to the wedding? - I know this question is supposed to be about like who do they hate so much they wouldn’t invite them to the wedding but honestly they wouldn’t not invite anyone out of malice. Obviously the only person they don’t officially invite is Ivan because he’s passed away and cannot be officially invited. But they do make sure to have an empty seat at their ceremony and reception just for him.

Sex:

Who is on top? - Despite her anxieties and insecurities, Bowie is one of the few people Nova trusts to be on top. Though he’s not aways on top, and he’s more than happy to allow her to take over.

Who is the one to instigate things? - Mmm probably Bowie. Just because Nova’s drive is just so low.

How healthy is their sex life? - Barely touch themselves let alone each other | 2 | 3 | 4 | Once a couple weeks, nothing overboard | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They are humping each other on the couch right now

How kinky are they? - Straight missionary with the lights off | 2 | 3 | 4 | Might try some butt stuff and toys (I could see Bowie maybe using toys on Nova, also as long as Nova is given detailed information on a kink she’s willing to try at least a few things) | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Don’t go into the sex dungeon without a horse’s head

How long do they normally last? - Bowie’s got some pretty good endurance I’d think. And Nova can take a while just due to the fact that she struggles with that sort of thing. On a good day where they both finish it’d say 23-30 minutes, not including their foreplay.

Do they make sure each person gets an equal amount of orgasms? - I think Bowie would want to make sure Nova is getting as much as she gives. But Nova... she has a lot of issues surrounding sex, she knows that finishing for her is hit or miss (more often than not it’s miss) and on top of that Nova is likely to cry after sex but it’s especially worse (to her) after an orgasm, so she tends to insist that she’s fine going with out. 

How rough are they in bed? - Softer than a butterfly on the back of a bunny | 2 | 3 | 4 | The bed’s shaking and squeaking every time | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Their dirty talk is so vulgar it’d make Dwayne Johnson blush. Also, the wall’s so weak it could collapse the next time they do it.

How much cuddling/snuggling do they do? - No touching after sex | 2 | 3 | 4 | A little spooning at night, or on the couch, but not in public | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | They snuggle and kiss more often than a teen couple on their fifth date to a pillow factory.

Children:

How many children will they have naturally? - 0

How many children will they adopt? - Also 0. But they’re both an amazing aunt and uncle to Jenna’s kid.

Who gets stuck with the most diapers? - Bowie.

Who is the stricter godparent? - Mmm probably Bowie.

Who stops the kid(s) from doing dangerous stunts after school? - The both would.

Who remembers to pack the lunch(es)? - Nova, but only because Bowie makes delicious food the previous night when Jenna’s kid stays with them and Nova just has to pack it up.

Who is the more loved godparent? -  Their nibbling loves the two of them for different reasons but they’re loved equally.

Who is more likely to attend the PTA meetings?

Who cried the most at graduation? - Bowie.

Who is more likely to bail the child(ren) out of trouble with the law? - Nova

Cooking:

Who does the most cooking? - Bowie

Who is the most picky in their food choice? - I don’t think either of them are

Who does the grocery shopping? - Both of them together. Unironically, grocery shopping together is one of their “date nights”.

How often do they bake desserts? - Birthdays and Holidays

Are they more of a meat lover or a salad eater? - I think while neither of them are fully vegan/vegetarian they both lean more plant based.

Who is more likely to surprise the other(s) with an anniversary dinner? - Bowie.

Who is more likely to suggest going out? - Nova.

Who is more likely to burn the house down accidently while cooking? - Nova

Chores:

Who cleans the room? - Nova, usually. Cleaning helps her clear her head when she’s in a bad space. But if she’s in the kind of headspace where she’s overwhelmed Bowie definitely steps up for her.

Who is really against chores? - Neither.

Who cleans up after the pets? - Bowie.

Who is more likely to sweep everything under the rug? - Neither.

Who stresses the most when guests are coming over? - Nova.

Who found a dollar between the couch cushions while cleaning? - Bowie.

Misc:

Who takes the longer showers/baths? - Nova

Who takes the dog out for a walk? - Nova usually but sometimes Bowie joins her.

How often do they decorate the room/house for the holidays? - Christmas. 

What are their goals for the relationship? - To be there for one another. To wake up every morning and choose each other. Other typical relationship stuff.

Who is most likely to sleep till noon? - bisshh they’re their own bosses they both wake up at noon.

Who plays the most pranks? - I don’t think either of them are the prank type.

[all-the-kpop-imagines]

All About Luv Drabbles- You Can’t Hold My Heart

“How’s it gonna work when we can’t admit it?” Shownu avoided your eyes, as much as he avoided your question. You’d had this conversation so many times in the course of your relationship, that now you weren’t even sure what answer you expected. If you were being honest with yourself, you didn’t expect an answer at all. Because neither of you had one. Now, you were just dragging things out, when you knew there was nothing left. “I...Don’t think it can.” He finally admitted, and you nodded, surprising yourself with how detached you felt from the whole situation. There was no desire to cry, or to search for some way to fix it. You had resigned yourself to the situation, and it seemed he had to. With a sigh, you leaned over, and placed a kiss on his cheek, before standing. You looked at him for a moment, debating what to say, before shaking your head and leaving with only a sad smile. He stared after you, wishing things had worked out differently, but knowing there was no different end to be had. 

Wonho sighed as he stood in the corner of the room, watching you dance with someone else. He should have known, you have the same friends, why wouldn’t you be invited to this wedding? He’d been the one to end things, feeling that it wasn’t fair to either of you to be stuck in this relationship, where you were both drifting apart, for any number of reasons. Yet, he found himself hurting more than he had expected. He wanted to walk over, and pull you away, but instead, he ordered a drink for himself, and one for you, and made his way to a table near the edge of the dance floor. It was probably a bad idea, but he just wanted the pain to stop for a bit. When you spotted him, he tilted his head, and pointed out the drink he’d grabbed for you, and you separated from your partner, walking over to join him. “Hey.” He gave you a small smile, and you returned it, taking the drink with a quiet thank you. As you two drank, he took in the sight of you, the words slipping out of his mouth without thought, a plea for you to spend the night with him, to try everything again. You stared back at him with sad eyes, and a sadder smile. “ I’m sorry, Wonho. You can’t hold my heart anymore.” As you walked away, he downed the rest of his drink, and decided it was time to leave. 

Kihyun leaned against the bar, a little more drunk than he would like to admit. He hated the pain that came from losing her, and he hated it even more because he’d never gotten a proper explanation. The pain was what led him to this predicament, in a bar, late at night, alone, and wishing he wasn’t. You had spotted him, and being the kind person you were,  worried about how wobbly and melancholy he was becoming, you made your way over, taking the seat next to him. As he tried to order another drink, you shook your head, asking the bartender to swap it for some water, and he agreed. When the glass of water was set in front of him, Kihyun looked up at you, heart break clear on his face, as he questioned you. “You don’t need any more alcohol, my friend.” He shook his head. “It helps the pain.” You mimicked him, and shook your head back. “No, trust me, you’ll be in plenty of pain later.” He sighed, and sipped his water, before turning to look at you again. “Can you numb the pain? Cause it burns deep in constant waves...” His sober mind would never have said something like that, but drunk he no longer cared. He just wanted it to stop. With a sigh, you pushed both glasses toward the bartender, and stood, helping him up. “Well, let’s start with the hangover pain, and tomorrow we will work on the rest.” 

MInhyuk sat on the couch, staring at his phone screen, as he tried to think of a response to you. You had invited him once again to an event, and both of you were aware he couldn’t go. What you weren’t aware of, was that he didn’t want to either. He cared for you, sure, but now he felt that the way he cared for you, wasn’t enough. He wasn’t sure if it was the distance, or the constant challenges, but everything felt like too much of a struggle- like one of you was always going to be disappointed now. He didn’t want to keep going like this, but he had no idea how to tell you. “Min...” Shownu took a seat in front of him, and he looked up. “You have to say something” Minhyuk nodded. “I know, but I don’t know how to say what I feel.” Shownu shrugged. “ What do you feel?” He took a deep breath, and tried to blink away the tears that started to form. “Like, we’re...trying to drag it out, but we’re barely living.” He admitted, and Shownu nodded, with pursed lips. “Then, say that.” 

Hyungwon read your message for the thousandth time that night, as he waited for a cab, bouncing anxiously on the balls of his feet. He couldn’t say he was entirely surprised when you admitted you were thinking it might be best to end things, but the pain in his chest made him realize just how badly he wanted to pretend that there was no reason to do so. It made him realize just how badly he wanted to fix it, to make it better. So, as soon as he was free from his performance, he dashed out of the venue, in search of a cab, still in his clothes from the last stage. “Hurry, hurry..” He hoped desperately that he would be able to talk to you, to work things out before you were too set in your decision. “Can you stay awake? One more hour, so maybe things can change? Please? I’ll be there soon, just..wait for me, please.” He begged, phone pressed to his ear as he climbed into the car. The quiet, okay that you gave before hanging up, made him wish the car would move faster. 

Jooheon stared at you, as you talked to Wonho. Two months ago, he would’ve been standing next to you, arm around your waist, happily listening to you ramble about whatever topic it was. Now, you two rarely spoke two words to each other that weren’t absolutely necessary. It seemed like there was no spark any more, like there was no desire to spend time together, on either side of the relationship. He knew you were both trying to pretend that wasn’t the case, hoping it would come back, but he had come to realize it wasn’t. Especially as he watched the way your face lit up while talking to his bandmate, and realized he wasn’t bothered by that. In fact, he sat there silently cheering you on, when he knew he should be upset that someone else could ignite that spark in you. When Hyungwon sat down by him, and commented on it, he shrugged. “We had a fire but its dying down. I think neither of us wanted to admit it, but I think it’s time we let it go.” He admitted, standing to pull you to the side, deciding it was time for you both to move on. 

Changkyun stared at the ground, his heart clenching, as he tried to avoid your eyes. Drunk or not, he should have just talked to you, instead of spewing such hurtful words when you asked him why he was avoiding you. He knew it wasn’t anything you had done, just like it wasn’t anything he had done. Sometimes, feelings change. But he’d been to afraid to admit that, and had instead avoided you, and then ended up trying to make up some excuse that only ended up hurting you more. And despite the fact that his heart no longer lied with you, it didn’t mean he didn’t care about you as a person, and as someone who had been a friend first. The fact that you were in so much pain because he had said something idiotic while he was drunk, killed him. Now, as you stood in front of him, demanding an answer, he didn’t have one. Not one that was in any way fair to you at least. “There’s nothing I can say at all.....I was dumb, and should have just told you the truth. I’m sorry.” 

[writing-of-a-british-bitch]

A Night At The Opera- Chapter 5

Fandom: Queen/Borhap

Specified gender: Female

Pairing: Brian May x reader/ John Deacon x reader

TW: threatening, brian is possessive, mention of a noose, mentions of violence, adam being a twat again

Genre: Horror ig?? ( based on phantom Of the opera)

Series: A Night At The Opera

Requests: CLOSED

Masterlist

A/N: sorry this took me so long, my darlings!! I’ve had no inspiration recently

Everyone was on edge. It had been a month since Brian's last appearance, but that did nothing to ease any tension between the band or the managers. Adam continued with his brattish actions, being favoured only by the two new managers. Probably because they had their heads so far up their arses that they couldn't notice how terrible he truly was. Despite their pushbacks from Adam, Freya, Dr Addams and Mr Goldbrooke, (Y/N) and the boys continued to work on new songs, using the savings earnt from their performances to try and afford an album. Deaky had yet to write anything, while (Y/N) and Freddie had already two songs each. Roger had already written a song, complete with all the backing music, called Modern Times Rock'n'Roll, which, in all honesty, was already sounding like a hit. But Adam, of course, seemed to think all the songs that had been written were absolute garbage, despite all his songs sounding like a 5-year-old had written them. Freya had even attempted to contribute. Even the two managers had to shake their heads, though.

Any time a floorboard creaked or something around the theatre made any sort of noise, the band would tense up and (Y/N) would freeze. Sometimes, it would take minutes to get her to move again. A bulb burst on stage once, and she had an entire breakdown, hyperventilating, knees pulled to her chest. Deaky had never in his life seen her so hysterical. She refused to stay late at night without one of the boys with her. She was paranoid whenever someone turned the lights off without any warning. Or when the lights flickered. Brian made her anxious, even when he was he wasn't around. But he still left those roses in Deaky's dressing room.

November 17th 1972

After nearly two months of intense, stressful work, Queen were finally able to afford an album. Freddie was completely over the moon, however, the recording tended to take over the rehearsal time for the show. Adam insisted that he couldn't drive to and from the studio and the theatre, because he'd been working too hard. Adam, as per usual, was lying to himself, much to the aggravation of everyone around him.

"Come on guys, we need to get back to the theatre unless we want our heads on a platter. Goldbrooke and Addams already hate us at the best of times," (Y/N) pressed the button below the microphone, allowing her to contact the boys in the booth. Freddie and Roger smiled at her, before beginning to pack their stuff away. A scoff escaped Adam's lips but Deaky, oh Deaky was giving her a look of being absolutely lovestruck. His eyes sparkled as his gaze lingered on her, even after she'd turned to chat with the man working in the studio. Deaky's normal rosy smile grew in size when he saw he lean back in a hearty laugh. God, he loved her laugh, even when he couldn't hear it. Adam smacked Deaky in the arm sharply, pulling his attention away from his girlfriend. Freya was sat on the couch behind (Y/N), scowling at her as she quickly skimmed through a cheap magazine in the studio. Adam shot her a wink through the glass that nearly made Roger gag. Freddie rolled his eyes, before walking back through the studio, wrapping an arm around (Y/N)'s shoulders, causing her to let out a giggle, especially when Freddie grabbed her arms, pinning them to her side.

"Roger! Come here!" Freddie yelled, ignoring (Y/N)'s fighting and loud, infectious laughter. A mischevious smile appeared on Roger's mouth and he ran over, taking advantage of the situation, and pressing his fingers into her sides. Adam glared at the bunch, his arm placed around Freya's waist.

"Is there a time where you three can act like adults?"Adam hissed, eyeing them as they slowly unwrapped from each other "The only reason she's here is that she's sucking John's dick."

"Oh yeah? And what about your little blonde thing? What does she do around here? I'm still a roadie, even if I'm not a techie anymore," (Y/N) shot back immediately, narrowing her eyes at the pair. Adam let go of his girlfriend, face red with rage and took a few steps closer, only being interrupted when Deaky strode in front of (Y/N).

"Get out the fucking way, Deacon!" Adam snarled, and Roger carefully took hold of (Y/N)'s arm, just in case she tried to lash out, seeing the way she was shaking in anger. Deaky was never one to get mad, but Adam just seemed to get under his skin.

"I'm not moving, Johnson. If you want me to move, you're gonna have to move me yourself, "Deaky replied so calmly, but every word was dripping with venom and bitterness. Adam stared at him a moment longer but shook his head. He turned, grabbed Freya's hand and stormed out the studio, going to wait by the van.

"I don't know where he's going," Freddie produced the keys, dangling them on his finger "Because I'm the one with the keys."

The other let out a collective chuckle, but Deaky didn't even crack a smile, a stern, disapproving frown on his lips. (Y/N) slipped her hand in his and pressed a kiss to his cheek.

"Babe, are you okay?" She whispered, her lips brushing his ear as she spoke. The movement made a shiver run down Deaky's back but he turned his head to look at her.

"Everything's fine, gorgeous. I just wish we could get rid of Adam. I'd much prefer you as our guitarist," (Y/N) giggled shyly at his response and shook her head, tongue between her teeth as she smiled.

"I don't see why Goldbrooke and Addams love him so much. But I'd rather you didn't lose the best performance opportunity that you've got," (Y/N) replied, squeezing her boyfriends hand tightly. Deaky allowed himself to chuckle, finally breaking his sulk "There's that smile that I love so much."

"As soon as we finish here in a few months, the band need to have a serious conversation about the members of the band," Deaky shrugged off her compliment, trying to ignore the burning blush on his cheeks, but she'd seen it. And the enamoured look in his eye. As long as he was by her side, she knew she would always be safe.

December 29th 1972

"Love, there's some post here for you!" (Y/N) walked into the kitchen, where Deaky was attempting to make some lunch, and wrapped her arms around his waist, mindful of the letters in her hand. Her lips grazed his bare shoulder gently and Deaky felt his entire body warm-up at her tender touch. Roger and Freddie were still visiting friends and family when she and Deaky had come back from visiting their own family. Rog and Fred were meant to be out until the 30th, so they finally got to enjoy some, well-deserved, peace and quiet with the loves of their lives.

"Oh really? What is it?" Deaky asked softly, continuing to chop the vegetable in front of him, shooting her a quick love-filled glance over his shoulder. Slowly, (Y/N) unwrapped her arms from his body and pried the envelope open.

"Dear Mr John Deacon, you have been formally invited to a New Years Masquerade at our beloved theatre, on the 31st of December, beginning at 7:30 PM, to celebrate a prosperous year. This invitation admits two people, but two ONLY, and you count as one. A mask and a dress/suit are required for you and your plus one's entry. Wishing you the best, Mr S. Goldbrooke and Dr R. K. Addams," She readout, eyebrows lifting slightly. She normally wasn't one for partying but a masquerade did sound really fun.

"Hmm, I wonder who my plus one will be," Deaky pondered playfully, pausing his chopping to turn around and lean on the counter, a smirk playing on his lips. (Y/N) folded her arms and pretended to look deep in thought.

"I do wonder. Perhaps you can take lovely, old Mrs Wallis next door. She'd love a bit of dancing," She offered, barely holding back her laughter, and Deaky's smile grew. Especially when he caught a look at the ring on a chain around her neck. He'd proposed a few days ago, but for now, it was their little secret. Just so they could enjoy the calm. So they could enjoy each other's company and that alone. Before all the questions about when the wedding would be or where or what kind of dress (Y/N) will wear or what flowers she'll have or who Deaky's best man will be. Before all the drama. It was just theirs. With that blissful thought in his head, Deaky grabbed her arm and tugged her to him, lips instantly pushing against her own. Their shared laughter was muffled but very much there.

"God, I love you," (Y/N) mumbled when they pulled away, pecking his lips quickly, linking their fingers.

"Believe me, I love you so much more," Deaky grinned, bringing her hand to his lips.

December 31st 1972

Glittery dresses and finely pressed suits were clustered together in the main hall of the opera house. Masks that looked much to expensive and an overpowering smell of cologne and perfume lingered in the air.

Knowing fully well, how many people would be there, (Y/N) and Deaky made a point of arriving nearly a full hour later, much to the annoyance of their friends and Deaky's bandmates. But as they made their way through the corridor towards the music, exchanging childish giggles between them, it didn't seem to matter. Their masks were left abandoned in their apartment, too distracted by each other. (Y/N)'s engagement ring still hung around her neck, bouncing as Deaky chased after her, laughter ringing throughout the corridor.

"Oh Deaky, think of it! A secret engagement!" (Y/N) grinned and Deaky smiled back, taking her hand in his own.

"But why must it be a secret? What have we to hide?" The pair had finally reached the party, which was already in full swing, dancers, that had clearly been hired by Addams and Goldbrooke, performing in the centre. A few eyes swivelled to the late arrivals. Deaky went to lean in for a kiss, but (Y/N) began to panic. They were in the opera house now, even if Brian hadn't made an appearance in months, they were in his domain. If anything happened to Deaky because of their affection towards each other, she might just die from guilt. So, with a biting feeling of pain, she pulled back, shaking her head.

"No, Deaks, please don't, they'll see," (Y/N) tilted her head towards the party happening before them but Deaky only laughed quietly.

"Well, then let them see.  It's an engagement, not a crime. (Y/N), what are you afraid of?" He asked tenderly, stroking her cheek with the back of his hand.

"Let's not argue about this, I promise you'll understand in time," Without another word, she used their entwined hands to pull her fiancee into the crowd, instantly spotting Freddie. Just as suspected, he was wearing the most outrageous outfit she'd ever imagine,d just looking at it made (Y/N)'s wallet cry out. Roger wasn't far behind him, a girl on each arm. He hadn't made much of an effort with his mask, or his suit for that matter. It was surprising Addams and Goldbrooke had even let him in.

"Darling, look at you! You're a stunner if I've ever seen one!" Freddie exclaimed, slightly slurred, wrapping his arms around (Y/N) immediately, causing her to giggle quietly. Over his shoulder, Roger smiled and waved at her. The two girls on his arms began whispering to themselves and glaring at (Y/N) but she only rolled her eyes in response.

"You look so handsome Freddie!" Laughter escaped her lips at how sloshed he already was, while Deaky went to greet Roger. When they separated the hug, Freddie and (Y/N) spotted Adam and Freya atop the staircase with Mr Goldbrooke and Dr Addams, laughing between themselves. Lucille was also stood there, but it looked as if she were only there to be polite. Unless she was here because of Brian... no. She had to stop thinking about him. She wouldn't let him ruin her night. A hush fell over the crowd as everyone turned to look at the dancers, so the group fell silent, respectfully. Deaky found his way beside her, at the front of the group, watching how gracefully the dancers moved.  It was delightful to watch and (Y/N) found herself enjoying the performance, more than she thought she initially thought.

However, just as that thought crossed her mind, the music died down, the dancers awkwardly stopped, and confused chatter overcame the room. (Y/N) shot a befuddled look at her friends but they only responded with the same confused expression and a shrug. A gasp of shock suddenly sounded, and everyone's attention became directed to the opening on the right set of stairs. There he was, towering over everyone stood near him, a black mask covering his the upper part of his face and that damned surgical mask covering the bottom part. He was wearing an all-red suit, and there was a full scabbard attached to his belt. Slowly, he began stepping down the stairs, the crowd of people separating as he got closer, fearful looks being exchanged. One woman even fainted into a man's arms, but (Y/N) and Roger was 100% certain that she had faked it. Even Brian rolled his eyes at the dramatics.

"Why so silent, my good people? Did you think that I had left you for good? Have you missed me, my good people?" Brian's taunting voice sent a shiver down (Y/N)'s spine, and she felt Deaky grab her arm softly. And it only got tighter when Brian turned to the band. Freddie and Roger instantly went into best-friend mode and stood in front of her, protecting her from Brian's unsettling gaze. "I have written you some songs, an album name, perhaps. A Night At The Opera!" Brian pulled out a long sword from his sabbath and Freddie had to take a step back at the aggression in his voice.

But Roger stayed put, narrowing his eyes at the opera ghost.  (Y/N) felt her chest getting tighter and tighter and her heart pounding harder, faster as each second passed. The only thing keeping her grounded was the warmth coming from Deaky beside her.

"Fondest greetings to you all. A few instructions just before rehearsals start. Johnson must be taught to play not his normal trick of playing tasteless notes," Brian's sword was pointed soon at Adam, who froze, tightening his grip on Freya. The managers, Adam and Freya had all followed Brian down the staircase earlier, to watch in curiosity. Now, they were regretting that decision. "Miss Alfords must learn to sober up, this isn't healthy in a girl of Freya's age," Brian commented with a bitter voice, making it clear he didn't give a shit about her health. He then spun on his heel and focused on the managers. "And my managers must learn that their place is in an office, not the arts."

Brian sharply shoved his sword back in the scabbard when he heard scuffling behind Roger and Freddie, and pushed the pair aside to reveal the centre of his undivided attention.

(Y/N).

"As for our star, Miss (Y/N) (L/N). No doubt she'll do her best, it's true her playings good- she knows. Though, should she wish to excel, she has much still to learn, should pride let her return to me, her teacher. Her teacher," Brian glared at Deaky as he stated the last part and all around him, he could hear murmurs of surprise. (Y/N) eyes were cast down in disgrace, though, truly, she had nothing to be ashamed of. But then she looked up, and when their eyes met, Brian felt his breath hitch and his heart stutter tremendously, suddenly feeling like the teenager he hadn't been for many thousand a year. His eyes scanned her face, and he couldn't bring himself to believe the beauty she beheld. She'd entranced him. And he was more than okay with that.

Despite how much fear he bestowed upon her, (Y/N) couldn't help but allow herself to wrack her eyes down his form. He was gorgeous and for a minute, she felt pity for the pain and heartbreak he'd endured. How alone he must have felt. How he must feel. Her heart ached for him.  She could see the softness in his eyes. The man he could be. The man the cruel world wouldn't let him be. She saw the love in him.

But Brian's eyes wandered down to the ring, hung on a silver chain, around her neck. And his expression hardened. His eyes grew cold.  Before she could even blink, his hand grasped the chain and ripped it from her neck, a gasp being pulled from her throat at the harsh motion.

"Your chains are still mine! You belong to me!" He snarled, before storming up the stairs, and dropping through a hole that opened up through the ground. (Y/N) couldn't breathe, her eyes wide as saucers, blood pumping through her veins, her pulse throbbing against her skin. However, before the floor could close up again, Deaky ran past her and jumped straight in, soon being exposed to nothing but darkness and the hole slammed shut.  

"Deaky!" (Y/N) ran forward, but Freddie and Roger surged forward, wrapping their arms around her and gently tugging her into a bear hug.

A dim light was all that was allowed, and as Deaky's eyes adjusted,  he saw the room was made of mirrors. He jumped back in surprise when Brian appeared in the mirror and he spun around swiftly but was only met with more reflections. His arm lunged out in a fist, but he met only air. Just as he went to strike again, hoping to actually make a hit this time, a noose swung down, right before his face, causing him to jump back. A hand came to rest on his shoulder and he whirled around, entirely ready to attack, and came face to face with Lucille, a stern expression on her face. Silently, she took his hand and pulled him out of the room of mirrors, leading him down, seemingly endless, corridors.

"Miss Roberts... Miss Roberts!" Deaky called when she began to storm ahead as they came to the main section of the opera house, that he actually recognised.

"Please, Mr Deacon, I know no more than anyone else," Lucille dismissed quickly, turning into her office and sitting down. Deaky, knowing she had more answers than she was revealing, followed her and sat beside her.

"That's not true," Deaky deadpanned, linking his fingers on his lap.

"Mr Deacon, don't ask, there have been too many accidents," she brushed off, looking in the mirror and pretending to organise her desk.

"Accidents?" Deaky placed his hand on top of hers to get her to stop her fiddling, and she met his eyes in the mirror, before her eyes flickered to a photo on her desk of her as a young girl, with a long plait falling over her shoulder.

"Very well. It was years ago. There were travelling fair in the city- gypsies. I was very young, studying to be a ballerina when the opera house was just that. One of many. I was living in the dormitory in the opera. They called him the devil's son. They abused him, hit him and pained him just for the amusement of those that came to gawk at him. He murdered the man that watched his cell, while I watched, and we ran," Her eyes were saddened and she looked on the verge of tears at the memory "I have hidden him from the world and its cruelty. He has known nothing else of life since then. Except for this opera house. It was his home and now his artistic domain. He's a genius, he's an architect and designer! He's a composer and a magician. A genius, sir!"

"But clearly, Miss Roberts, genius has turned to madness," Deaky pointed, feeling sympathy for the elder woman. And even a little bit of sadness for this opera ghost. The hardships he'd faced. "I must get back to (Y/N)."

Deaky had never felt arms wrapped so tightly around him before, until that very moment, when he rejoined the now empty foyer. (Y/N) came running up to her fiance, a few tears in her eyes.

"I thought he'd killed you! I thought I'd- I'd-I'd never-" Deaky hushed her emotional blubbering and placed a hand on her hair and stroked tenderly, pressing his lips to her forehead.

"Breath, sweetheart. I'm okay. I'm alright, I promise," She looked up at him through tear-laced eyelashes. "Nothing's ever going to me, I swear. No phantom or ghost or man will ever come between us."

TAGS: OPEN

Tags (for this series): @queendeakyy@scarlettequinn@stephydearestxo @likesomekindofcheese @mirkwoodshewolf@pirateprincess99 @i-was-born-like-this​ @huskyphilosopher​ @united-fandoms-in-one-home​

Tags:  @writingfortoomanyfandoms @metaphorical-love-for-a-car@queens-n-roses @freaky-dcaky@yourealegendfred@fierce-bab@dusthas-beenbitten​ @bensroger@strangeandwonderfulconcepts@babebenhardy@benhardyjones @silvver-rose @psychosupernatural

[shipsrulemylife]

Jily Fic Rec

Surprise, surprise. Guess who’s back with another fic rec!

It’s Jily this time because who doesn’t love a good enemies to friends to lovers trope?

EDIT: apparently the links only work if you click on the read more??? why is tumblr so weird

Key Limes by cgner [Rated T]

In which Academy Award winner Lily Evans discovers the periphery of internet fandom and the mysteries of Prince James’s gold star system.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7402624

Mother Deer by GhostofBambi [Rated T]

Euphemia Potter is the unequivocal boss of everyone, including and most especially her son, and if the sweet, bright-eyed redhead who frequents her coffee shop doesn't know that yet, she's about to find out.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13594827

Polyjuiced by ladyoftheknightley [Rated T]

A very pregnant Lily invites the Marauders round to help her entertain James. Somehow, this degenerates into 4 Jameses wandering around her living room, with her having to guess which is her actual husband or (horror of horrors) lose a bet against Sirius Black.

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/10101206/1/Polyjuiced

Salmon Fishing in the Olympics by GhostofBambi [Rated T]

Modern Era AU: When Lily Evans seeks assistance from James Potter to avoid the attentions of a suitor who just won't take no for an answer, she accidentally lands them both on the front page of every gossip magazine in Britain. She should have thought about that before pretending to be the girlfriend of a famous athlete.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11393601

Cat in a Fifth Floor Flat by GhostofBambi [Rated T]

Modern Era AU. When Remus Lupin moves out and Lily Evans moves in, James Potter finds himself instantly drawn to his beautiful new neighbour. Little does he know that a mysterious force of nature is secretly pulling the strings.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10610682

The Yeast I Can Do by elanev91 [Rated T]

Dr Lily Evans had an absolute shit day at work. Luckily, there's a bakery nearby that offers a course that she hopes will take her mind off of things.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11677191

Try, Trial, and Try Again by BeeDaily [Rated G]

Spell engineering has never been so complicated than when an afternoon of trying and trialing leaves James and Lily in an interesting position.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12404292

Supermarket Sweep by GhostofBambi [Rated T]

Modern Era AU: James Potter can find anything he needs in his local supermarket - bread, milk, the woman of his dreams - they've got it all.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11608353

we could be gigantic by elanev91 [Rated T]

Lily and James have been best friends since they were kids. Uni, a band, a trip abroad, a few tours and a couple of albums later, things start to change. Half an email fic, half a regular ol' narrative.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13926795

Swipe Right, Swing Left by ShadowRose997 [Rated T]

The unspoken rule of using dating apps in D.C. is that you always start with where you work. James Potter, it seems, never picked up on that one.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16743499

Erotic Porridge by elanev91 [Rated T]

Euphemia Potter thinks her doctor needs to go on a date with her son. This story is so named because I saw it somewhere, could not stop laughing, and my best friend professor-riddikulus hates it so much that I just had to. This story has nothing, literally nothing, to do with porridge. (I really should give my stories better names) - Muggle AU

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10475154/chapters/23112117

Elevator Love Song by BeeDaily [Rated T]

James unexpectedly finds himself trapped in a dodgy apartment elevator with Lily Evans.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/13814355

Motionless by lovesickjily [Rated T]

James Potter always had thought that he was the only person in the world who had the power to stop time, but somehow, just the sight of Lily Evans makes every second feel like an hour.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16720791

Pickup Limes by elanev91 [Rated G]

Lily loves to blow off steam in Waitrose. Tonight, she spots an unbelievably gorgeous man in the bakery. Modern AU, Muggle AU, Grocery Store AU (still def not a thing)

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11603553

Orange Cardamom by ShadowRose997 [Rated T]

James may not believe in love at first sight, but he's beginning to think there may be some merit in love at first sip.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16412123

Too Fic Too Furious by elanev91 [Rated T]

The M25 needs to undergo massive emergency repairs and the entire motorway has been shut down for, well, probably the rest of eternity. Lily Evans was foolish enough to think she could make it through before the traffic properly started. She's absolutely dying of boredom when she spots the guy in the car opposite.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14990837

you exist behind my eyelids by lovesickjily [Rated T]

How could they be in love with someone whose existence was only known because they frequented each other's dreams?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15861750

the one with the white suit and the red beanie by Apalapucian [Not Rated]

james agrees(?) to be a model for lily's photography class project, and jeanne, james, and lily all fall one way or another in the duration of it.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16018502

Wishing you all a Good Evening by thejilyship [Rated T]

Lily Evans is a news anchor for her college news station and James Potter is a football star who has gained quite a bit of local notoriety. Lily's not impressed by him and his arrogance, but James is quite impressed with everything Lily does. After the blunder that was their first meeting, James is determined to change her mind and she's determined not to let him. College!AU

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15408027/chapters/35760174

So Just Act Like You Love Me by twilightstargazer [Rated T]

Lily was looking forward to a nice, quiet Christmas by herself. Instead she's heading back home for her sister's engagement party with a fake boyfriend in tow.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/11616078

the one with the storm and all the texting by Apalapucian [Not Rated]

James and Lily get stuck in a coffee shop during a storm.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16044326

Unexpected Perks by thejilyship [Rated T]

James and Lily meet in an airport after missing their flights, though by the end of the day, it all sort of seems like fate.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15368979

Sing A Reckless Serenade by twilightstargazer [Rated T]

“What kind of work thing?” James asks, warily. Lily takes a breath. It seemed like a brilliant idea last night, when she was more than three drinks under, but now in the light of day it just seems… pathetic. Still though, she needs help, and needs it soon, so she finds herself blurting out: “I need you to fake date me for a week.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/9794741

Dr. Jones and the Witch by jamespotterthefirst [Not Rated]

Who is the stranger Lily drunkenly met at a party? And why can't she stop texting him?

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16477184

no matter what (i love you) by softjily [Rated G]

When Lily’s aunt Rose introduced her to a scrawny twitchy eleven year old boy with frantic hair and glasses that were too big for his face, she certainly didn’t think she’d spend the next seventeen years beside him." Or, the VirtueMoir AU no one asked for.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16216460/chapters/37903337

Have a Biscuit by PetalsToFish [Rated G]

No matter how many biscuits it took, Minerva was too invested in James Potter's relationship with Lily Evans to tell him that he needed to stop eating all her biscuits.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/16301453

The Engagement by itsa_bee [Not Rated]

Lily and Marlene decide to go wedding dress shopping, even though neither of them are even in a relationship much less engaged. One thing leads to another, James Potter enters the scene, some fake dating ensues, and then they eat an engagement cake!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15728991

Sixty-Nine, Nice by a_collection_of_nonsense [Rated T]

In which James Potter and Lily Evans are in a math course together and have absolutely no chill.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/15663510

#Jily by Chie (Chierafied) [Rated G]

Twitter seemed awash with the hashtag Jily. Lily blinked at in confusion, until she realised it was one of those silly couple monikers people had bestowed on her and Potter. …Though there was a small dissenting crowd following a tweet from Potter’s bandmate Sirius Black: Jily? Hah! More like LAMES.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7292149

victorem by gryffindormischief [Rated T]

When God closes a door, sometimes you have to jump out a window.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/14134368

Cheers to That by wotcherpotter [Rated G]

Breakout star James Potter has seen success on the new hit comedy Have You Ever, and has been nominated for his first BAFTA. Upon the announcement he receives congratulations aplenty online, including from fellow actor and long time crush Lily Evans.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12185553

follow your heart gently; by lilevans [Rated G]

social media au + “after lily spotted james on campus, she posted a video to her university’s campus story, telling james: ‘To the cute guy wearing the blue jersey in the university’s snapchat story, I’m seriously in love with you. find me.’ a modern day cat and mouse game ensues with the whole campus urging romeo and juliet to meet because oMG its love at first sight!!”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/12130413

Questions and Answers by lizardcookie [Rated T]

The simple question of whether or not they're dating doesn't exactly have a simple answer. Seventh Year Jily.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7723105

Upside Down by Bob_The_Other_Zombie [Rated G]

Lily’s pop star career seems to be hitting a rut, until her publicity team comes up with the perfect plan- a fake relationship with James Potter, frontman of the hot new boyband The Marauders. Lily’s less than enthused- last time she and James were in the same room together, there was vomit involved, all over her nicest pair of shoes. After a few dates, however, lines begin to blur, and suddenly things between them don’t seem to be just PR anymore...

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7500300

Sweet Tooth by mylifeissocoollike [Rated T]

Lily and James were best friends growing up, but when he moved away and they drifted apart they thought that would be the end of their friendship. But fate has a funny way of working out, and Lily can’t keep herself away from the brownies in the grocery store.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7301335

Lilium Regale by jewishwondergirl [Rated G]

Flowershop!AU. Lily works in a flower shop, and every Friday James comes in to buy flowers. For this prompt: "you keep buying a bunch of flowers so i think i have no chance but it turns out theyre for ur mum" Written (early) for Jily Trope Fest! Nothing but fluff.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/7065067

The Benefits of Recklessness by madnessandbrilliance [Rated T]

Some people really were lucky they had good medical insurance. A Jily AU.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/6779974

Darkest Night by thelittlegreennotebook [Rated G]

"It’s a tiny place, warm and welcoming with soft light and softer croissants. A place so small that if you happened to, say, run into the bloke you had been hell-bent on avoiding—well, there would be no avoiding about it." The third and last in a series of Jily college AUs for the November Fanfiction Challenge.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/2563049/chapters/5699597

Happy reading!

[liannyeong]

all we are

Summary: they say that when you meet the right one, you'll feel something different. they say that when you meet the right one, everything will be a thousand times more beautiful. but what do you do when you and that right one drifts apart?

Word count: 5146

Pairing: Jaebum X OC

Warning(s): angst

A/N: it’s been a long time since i last did angst :) this fic might be a mess because it really feels like a long time since i wrote anything so forgive me for that ><

“don't you think we've grown quite distant over the years?" she speaks her mind on the dining table, when the silence is heavy between them.

she doesn't know how it all boiled down to this: dark apartment, cold bed, silence heavy in the air whether it be with or without him. she doesn't know how they grew distant over the years. eight years of marriage and it's slowly falling apart. they don't talk as much anymore, they don't touch as much anymore, they don't see each other as much anymore.

jaebum always comes home late. on rare occasions, he doesn't come back for two or three days straight. all wrapped up in his work as a singer/songwriter. she doesn't complain though -- she understands that it's the nature of his job as how jaebum has always said. she has been telling herself that it won't affect their relationship, but only make them closer. with less time spent together, their hearts would grow fonder. but of course, it can occur the other way but she has always stashed it at the back of her mind.

and now, it's slowly making its way back to the front, to be the first thought in every situation.

but jaebum only looks up from his plate, and shrugs. "have we?"

she feels incredulous. he doesn't seem to notice their falling out relationship. "you don't think so?" she asks back.

he shakes his head slightly and replies curtly, "no."

just like that, the conversation dies. she doesn't know how else to sustain it when jaebum is being so closed off. when has it come to this, really? how did their relationship start falling apart? jaebum claims to not feel this growing distance between them. how can he not see it? or is it that silence have become a norm for them?

the drag of the chair snaps her from her thoughts. jaebum is already standing up, bringing his empty plate to the kitchen. as he cleans, he informs, "i'm going to the studio later."

"okay."

he dries off his hands and collects his belongings before padding over to the front door. no bids, no kisses, nothing to show goodbye. only silence and then, the click of the door.

///

the sound of hurried footsteps on the floor stirs her awake. hyejin flips on her back, peeking an eye to see what's happening. jaebum's shoving things into his bag, his face annoyed. he must be late. hyejin sits up slowly, rubbing her groggy eyes. then she throws the duvet off her body, padding over to where jaebum is.

"what's wrong?" she asks, voice still heavy from sleep.

"nothing," he answers curtly without sparing her a single glance. "just late."

"have you eaten? i can prepare something for you while you pack your--"

"no need. i can just grab something on the way," he says, tone cold.

"okay."

he zips his bag and throws it over his shoulder as he hasten to the doorstep. within a matter of seconds, jaebum slips on his shoes and is out of the apartment.

only then did hyejin let out a sigh. she throws herself onto the couch, but a yelps when there's a blunt jab at her waist. her hand scrabbles for the object. gripping onto it, she pulls it out from behind and holds it up.

jaebum's notebook. in his haste, it must have slipped off his bag. she sits up, staring at the book for a few moments. jaebum has never explicitly said that she cannot go through his things, but among all the things he owned, he has always been more secretive about this notebook. the book has a hardcover of cartoon cats all over it, of which she has always thought it's childish of him. since jaebum's already out, she reckons it's fine to take a peek. so she fans the pages until it catches on a certain page. a polaroid photo stuffed in between like a bookmark. she plucks it out, staring at the picture so hard that she could burn a hole through. the picture must have been taken quite a while back, for jaebum's hair was auburn in color. he has an arm draped over hyolyn's shoulder, the other hand held up in his signature 'peace' sign. hyolyn, too, has an arm around his waist and a thumbs up.

the photo has got her heart aching but what's even worse is the words "i love you" all over the open pages. jaebum's handwriting goes from legible to scribbles. there's barely any empty spaces on the pages, the words squeezed together in each line. considering the photo sandwiched between the two pages, she doesn't need to think twice of who those words are meant for. the answer to their deteriorating relationship has always been right in front of her eyes, how could she have missed it?

jaebum has known hyolyn almost all his life, way before he met her. he has never admitted it, but hyejin knows that hyolyn was his first love. it was obvious, with the way he looked at her as if she hung the moon and the stars. he looked at her as if she was the most beautiful thing in the world. hyejin had always thought they would end up together, but she never expected for jaebum to confess and a few years later, propose to her instead.

but with the polaroid in her hand, she wonders if everything was what she thought. did jaebum truly love her? or is she just a replacement for hyolyn?

deep in thought, she doesn't hear the rustling of the keys, the swinging of the door, the footsteps approaching. suddenly, the notebook is yanked out of her hands, and she snaps her head up to the sight of a red-faced jaebum, his eyes cold and hard, jaw clenched tight.

"who said you could look?" his voice raised, anger obvious in his tone.

"jaebum--"

he roughly shoves the notebook into his bag before turning on his heels. she tries to catch up, chest heaving as she utters weakly, "jaebum, i'm sorry! i didn't mean to--"

jaebum doesn't cast another glance when he stomps out of the apartment, slamming the door shut behind him.

///

jaebum doesn't return home until the two days after the incident despite all her missed calls and ignored messages. he doesn't even speak a word, only brushing past her as if she doesn't exist. it's frustrating to be treated so coldly, but even when she tried to reach out to him, all he ever gives is a brief reply. the only long sentence he said in those two days were: "sungjin's getting married this sunday, and he's invited us."

sungjin's wedding is a small one -- only family and friends are invited. his own bandmates performed for him, and it's nothing less than a joyous occasion. everybody is having the best time of their lives. hyejin smiles and laughs along despite the ache in her heart. attending wedding invitations only drag her down to memory lane, to her own wedding day. jaebum had looked so ethereal that day, handsome in his suit, smile so wide and blinding that could rival the sun. as her gaze falls onto his face now, she wonders if he even remembers that day. seeing how he's all smiles around his own friends brings a pang of pain in her chest. especially so when hyejin spots hyolyn by his side with matching smiles. on the other hand, she's at the other side of the room, with her fellow friends.

"hyejin-ah!" a voice calls out to her. she turns her head to the direction of the voice.

"oh, younghyun-ah," she says like a greeting. appearance like a fox, but nothing like that, younghyun takes jaebum's empty seat. he places his elbows on the table, his chin resting on a palm. his hair is dyed pink with a dash of blue all over. it's been a long while since hyejin last saw the male. the last time she remembers, his hair was blonde.

"i see you're trying a new hair color," hyejin comments.

younghyun touches the tip of his bangs, smiling knowingly. "well, i'm still trying to find my color."

"sure, whatever. just don't go bald with all that bleaching."

this sends younghyun cackling. "thanks for your concern, hyejin-ah. it's very much appreciated." he presses a hand to his heart to emphasize it. "but you know, my hairstylist suggested purple. can you guess why?"

hyejin cocks an eyebrow, then shakes her head.

"she said it's because i look like a cat, and a cat's favorite color is purr-ple," he recalls.

now it's hyejin's turn to laugh. a poor joke, but a joke is still a joke.

"anyway, why are you alone?" he asks.

"jaebum's with his friends," she says, nodding over to where the said male is.

"and he left you out?" he questions, eyebrows raised.

"hey, that's a little mean." hyejin crosses her arms in disapproval but they both know she didn't take it seriously. "i wanted to chill here so he went there alone."

younghyun hums. "wow, you must getting old, huh?"

"hey!" hyejin retorts, incredulous. but they both crack up anyway.

"you wanna dance?" younghyun offers.

"gosh no, please. i'm old, remember?"

"come on, just a little sway isn't so bad!" he tries.

"i can't dance, you know that."

"neither can i! so let's just do some dumb moves together. at least we both look dumb together."

hyejin sighs. "fine."

they head to the dance floor where there are others twirling around happily. even sungjin and his bride are dancing happily, though hyejin thinks the bride is only laughing so hard at how the groom moves. younghyun starts bobbing to the music, dumb expressions plastered on his face. hyejin lets loose, allowing herself to relax and enjoy the moment. it's all fun and laughter until younghyun's smiles falter and the air turns cold. before hyejin can even open her mouth to ask, her back bumps into someone. a hand rests on her shoulder, and she doesn't need to turn around to know who it belongs to.

younghyun's eyes flick back to hyejin and she swears she sees guilt in them. he opens his mouth to say, "have fun!" before leaving hyejin alone with the newcomer.

a chill goes down her spine, but she braves herself to face the person.

"did you enjoy yourself?" jaebum asks, voice low.

she doesn't think before she answers. "yeah."

jaebum's face tightens and for some odd reason, it makes her proud to be able to extract such a reaction from him. still, fear overpowers. she certainly doesn't want an argument on their friend's joyous day. so she slides her hands to his chest. she leans in, and nearly purrs out, "but it's better with you now."

jaebum's jaw slacken, his hands now on her waist. his gaze softens, like the melting of an ice. hyejin supposes she should feel overwhelmed with the way he's looking at her, but she just can't shake off the feeling of it being faked. that it's all a game of pretense. that it's all a web of lies. she wants to confront him about what she saw in his notebook, but she can't bring herself to. she's afraid of the truth, afraid of the pain it'll bring her. it's already heartbreaking that their marriage is slowly falling apart, but if it truly comes to an end, she doubts she would be able to face the music.

hyejin drops her eyes, landing on his chest instead. as if there's a pull of a force, her hand reaches out for his chest, right on top of his beating heart. she presses her palm and feels the pulse through the layers of skin and dress shirt, its calm rhythm inducing both ache and peace in her.

is it still mine? she wants to ask. but a lump grows in her throat. so she leans in, rests her forehead on jaebum's shoulder.

"are you tired?" jaebum asks softly, nearly a whisper from their close proximity.

yes, she wants to say. that yes, i'm tired of this distance even though we're so close right now. but the answer she gives is a shake of a head. needless to say, she should savor this moment. it doesn't come easy anymore. they continue their slow dance that has turned into a mere sway with the tempo of the music. she shifts her position, effectively hugging him close, cheek to cheek. she brings a hand up to cup his nape, and her fingers dance in the hair at the baseline.

"if you're tired, we can sit down," jaebum says again.

she shakes her head slightly. "let's just stay like this for awhile," she responds. she shuts her eyes and takes in all of jaebum through her senses: the whiff of his cologne, the melody of his pulse in her ears, the warmth of his body coursing through her own.

///

for once, hyejin actually thought they had a chance at repairing their marriage. but when they head back home and the new week begins, it all goes back to square one. jaebum doesn't hold her close, doesn't talk any more than he always did. nothing changed.

hyejin doesn't even notice anything different until one night, when she woke up in the middle of the night to grab a glass of water. jaebum's fast asleep on the couch, still in his shirt and jeans, hair dyed from black to brunette. the only reason an idol changes their hairstyle is when they're releasing a new album. hyejin suspects jaebum will be releasing one soon, but he never told her about it. she only knew it officially from social media. she doesn't even confront jaebum about it, but rather, pretends as if she knows nothing.

as the day approaches, jaebum still doesn't speak a word about it. not even when it's the day itself. hyejin silently hopes that he would invite her to his showcase that night but he doesn't. he pretends that it's a normal day where he goes to the recording studio and do god knows what.

so when jaebum's new album is released that evening, it takes all of her courage to listen. the songs speak of heartbreaks, hopes for an everlasting love. it hits way close to home, nearly spot on. she cries. her heart aches at each song, at each line that resonates with her own relationship. does jaebum actually feel her? does jaebum finally understand her heart?

mindlessly, she scrolls through the comments, finding many with hearts and praises. but there are several comments that stand out.

omg is jaebum singing about hyolyn???

i wonder if he's singing about hyolyn...

jaebum probably made this album as a confession to hyolyn!!! i hope they date!!! TTTT

oh.

of course. how can she forget? jaebum is probably singing about another person, not her. what is she to him now anyway?

her heart sinks. if jaebum is truly singing about hyolyn, wishing and wanting to be with her, why won't he say so? if jaebum's heart has always been for hyolyn, why didn't he pick her? why did he pick hyejin? those toothy grins that he used to smile at her, those boisterous laughs that he used to give her, those sweet cuddles and kisses that he showered her with... what was the meaning of it? was it all a lie? an act? hyejin knows jaebum had taken acting classes back when he was a trainee at the entertainment company. has he been acting all these years? did she not know him at all from the start? did she never knew the real im jaebum?

it's getting hard to breathe. her chest feels heavy, and there's a pressure in her heart. she has heard stories of people dying from a heartbreak, and she briefly wonders if that'll happen to her too. maybe jaebum wouldn't even realize that she's lying dead on the bed. maybe he would think that she's in deep sleep. or maybe... he would be happy that she's gone from his life.

no, she scolds herself. jaebum wouldn't do that. he's not a cold person. he appears to be one but he's the warmest person she has ever met. no, jaebum wouldn't do any of this without a reason. she tries to comfort herself.

she tries to distract herself from any negative thoughts by scrolling through any updates from jaebum's showcase. one user uploaded a clip, captioned with omg!!! jaebum wrote the album for somebody!!!!! just who is this lucky girl??? i'm jealous TTTT

hyejin takes a deep breath as her thumb hovers over the video. it takes her a few more seconds before she musters up the courage to press the play button.

"in this album, each of the songs have their own story. the burning question is: is it from your own experience?" the interviewer asks. the fans cheer, curious with the answer.

jaebum doesn't answer straight away. he looks down onto the floor, stringing the words in his head. "for the first time," he begins, "i will acknowledge it. yes, the songs are based from my own experience."

the crowd coos.

jaebum continues, "the songs in this album are experiences that people could easily relate to. but this whole album was intended to be a message that i've always wanted to deliver but couldn't."

as if the interviewer could read minds, he asks, "and who is this person?"

jaebum stills. she can tell that he feels burdened by that question. it's not hard to guess that he's contemplating on how to answer.

"it's not something i would like to answer," jaebum says, earning a chorus of disappointed whines from the crowd. "but..." jaebum pauses, keeping everyone at the edge of their seat, including hyejin herself. "if i have to give a hint, it would be the person who has stayed by my side for so long. the one who I cannot let go. the one who I love the most."

hyejin lets go of a breath she didn't notice she was holding. her heart drops, the tears in her eyes no longer contained. she drops the phone, shutting it all off at once. what more is there to say when the answer is clear: it's hyolyn.

it has to be hyolyn. why else would jaebum not invite her to his own showcase? why else would they be so distant over thre years? why else would he keep a photo of the two of them with those three words scribbled all over the pages? why else?

jaebum doesn't love her anymore. jaebum never truly loved her. the basis of their marriage -- of their relationship -- was built on nothing but lies. hyejin is the fool that got played.

hyejin doesn't know what to think anymore. everything becomes a blur. memories that flash through her mind feels so unreal. everything just doesn't seem real anymore. she cries her heart out. tears dripping down like an endless rain, flooding her cheeks. she clasps both hands over her mouth, wanting to muffle the sobs even though there's no one else in the apartment. her knees are pulled to her chest, and the world just goes on, oblivious to her sadness.

she lets herself sink into sorrow, before sleep comes.

///

the wind blows across her face, her feet sinking into the sand, the seawater crashing onto the shore. she has never felt so peaceful before. she has never felt so happy before. arms snaking around her waist, then a press of a chest to her back. her eyes flutter open, and she tilts her head to look at the man behind. jaebum is already gazing back at her, eyes so warm and soft in the night.

"it feels like a dream," hyejin says as she leans back, her own arms wrapping around his.

"you're my dream," jaebum mutters to her ear before pressing a kiss on her shoulder. they stay wrapped in each other for as long as they could, before they decide to have a stroll along the beach with fingers intertwined.

"so," hyejin begins. "what's next?"

jaebum brings their intertwined fingers up, and turns so that his lips brush against her knuckles as they stroll. "a happy us."

but suddenly everything hollows out to darkness. jaebum is no longer with her, only the blackness. she calls out his name, panicking. then the clouds of darkness vanish like mists, light pouring in. hyejin squints at the sudden change of brightness, and she spots jaebum's form at a distance. relieved, she runs to him, still calling out his name.

another form -- all curves -- approaches the male, wrapping him in an embrace. hyejin frowns, though she doesn't stop approaching them. she increases her pace instead. just when she holds out her hand to reach for the male, the other form's face becomes visible in the brightness.

hyolyn.

"jaebum!" hyejin screams.

jaebum merely takes one glance at her, disinterest in his eyes, before he shifts his attention back to hyolyn. he slips his hand into hers, and with matching smiles, they turn their backs on hyejin and walk off.

darkness envelopes hyejin once more, and she's dragged away, alone.

///

hyejin's eyes snap open and she sits up, chest heaving, gasping for air. the room is still dark, not infiltrated by sunlight yet. glancing over at jaebum's side of the bed, it's still empty and untouched. hyejin buries her face into her hands, fingers tugging at the hairs along her forehead. she rubs her face and then cards her hair back before slipping out of the bed and out of the room.

the first thing she sees is jaebum dozing off on the couch again, donned in a hoodie and jeans. his head on the armrest, arms thrown over it, his legs dangling over the other end. slowly, her emotions from earlier flicker back to life. hyejin's chest starts to ache again, and it feels like her heart have been clenched tight. her feet takes her closer to the male. she drops to her knees, right where his chest is. it's painful to see him this close, yet feel so far away. hesitantly and timidly, she reaches her hand out for his face. hyejin pushes the strands of his hair away from his face so gently, afraid to wake him.

but even the lightest touch, jaebum stirs awake. she freezes when his eyes flutter open, and she can see how it goes from unfocused to surprise at the close proximity. hyejin resists the urge to tear up, as she mutters, "i love you."

jaebum blinks at her, seemingly dazed at the words. so she repeats it again, "i love you, jaebum." her fingers lightly touching his cheek.

jaebum blinks another time, and shoots her a small smile. "me too."

hyejin's heart sinks. she shouldn't have expected anything more. she had secretly hoped that he would say those words back, but of course he wouldn't. it's reserved for someone else. hyejin's eyes prick with pain and she knows, if she stays for another moment, it will all spill. so she retracts her hand as if the touch burns, and she clears her throat to wish him a good night's sleep as she scrambles to her feet.

but jaebum's fingers wrap around her wrist, pulling her back.

"what's wrong?" he asks.

she doesn't know if that question is even a genuine concern. she doesn't even turn around to face him. she believes it's better not to see his expression, in fear it'll hurt her even more. "it's nothing," she croaks.

"it wouldn't be nothing if you whimpered in your sleep," jaebum points out. she stiffens. he heard?

when hyejin didn't seem to respond, he continues, "you seemed to be in pain." jaebum tugs her back, just enough for him to peer into her face. "and you were saying my name too."

hyejin's eyes fleet over to his face. it's scrunched up in concern, eyebrows narrowed in a frown, eyes glistening in the dark like stars.

"i'm sorry," hyejin ends up saying. jaebum's frown deepens. "i'm sorry for everything. i'm sorry for not noticing earlier. i'm sorry that i didn't know that you were suffering so much because of me. i'm sorry that it took me so long to realize that you haven't been happy in a long time. that you're tired of this. that you're tired of us."

"what are you saying, hyejin-ah?" jaebum speaks. "i don't--"

her vision starts to cloud with tears. she presses on, "i'm sorry that i'm not good enough. i'm sorry that i'm not her."

"what are you talking about, hyejin-ah?"

"hyolyn," she says. it tastes bitter on her tongue. "i saw. that polaroid in your notebook. those words you wrote all over the pages." hyejin doesn't say what those three words were. he should know exactly what they are. "your new album. all of it was for her, wasn't it? she was your first love, wasn't she? no," she shakes her head, "she's your only love, isn't she? she has always been in your heart. it must have been hard on you all these years, having to endure a one-sided love."

"no--" jaebum tries to intercept but she cuts him.

"but fortunately for you, your first love story finally has its happy ending."

jaebum stands on his feet, hands fiercely gripping her shoulders. "no, that's not--"

hyejin tilts her head up to meet his eyes. she doesn't register the horror in jaebum's expression. "you told me once that i was your dream. but deep inside, your dream was never me, was it? i was just a pit stop for you to achieve your real dream." hyejin smiles painfully.

jaebum slides his hands up to the sides of her head, palms on her cheeks. "stop--"

"i'm sorry, jaebum, for not being hyolyn."

"no, wait--"

hyejin's eyes are glassy. "you just have to say it. say it and i'll go. i'll leave."

"stop it please-- don't say such things--" she hears jaebum's voice start to crack, and then, she feels his arms enveloping her body. his warm breath on her neck, liquid on her skin. she stands there, lost, helpless. her hands go to the back of his shirt, pulling at the fabric as if it's her life. she sobs into his chest.

until she becomes tired once more, and darkness takes her away again.

///

the second time hyejin wakes up, she nearly forgets her surroundings and the events that happened. she almost thought that it's a dream, waking up in jaebum's hold, their bodies pressed together on the couch, limbs tangled. but it's not a dream, seeing the tear-stained face of jaebum's. she shifts to break free, but it wakes jaebum too.

"don't--" he starts, voice heavy with sleep. "don't go."

hyejin stills, eyes meeting his.

"please," he softly says, eyes watering.

hyejin lies back down, facing the male in the cramped space. he traces her cheek with his free hand. and while she would have squealed at the touch back then, now, she just wonders if there's anything more to it. if jaebum feels anything.

she gulps a spit. "you don't have to force yourself," she says.

"i'm not," jaebum says like a whisper. he doesn't stop tracing her skin, and proceeds to tuck a strand of her hair behind her ear.

"will you listen to what i have to say?" he starts again.

there's sadness in his eyes, and as much as hyejin doesn't want to fall for the trick, she ends up nodding her head slightly.

jaebum lets out a sigh as if preparing himself. "i always thought it was because i was tired after my schedules, and so i didn't speak much when i came home. but it sounded so much like an excuse after you pointed it out. i didn't want to believe it was the truth, so i pretended like nothing's wrong. but everytime i'm in the company, i couldn't think of anything else but us. and i realized i couldn't even convey my thoughts to you anymore. i felt so awkward when it came to you. anything and everything i wrote in the notebook was meant for you. those words were supposed to be for you, with you in my thoughts. i made them into lyrics and all the songs in the album is meant for you, because i couldn't say it in words anymore. so i had to sing it out, in hopes you'd listen and understand my feelings."

"and this sounds stupid but," he continues, letting out another sigh, "i didn't invite you to the showcase because i was afraid i wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything else but you. i was afraid i would be distracted by you and only look at you." hyejin sees how a blush spreads over his cheeks, and how he drops his gaze onto the material of the couch, as if it's more interesting.

"the photo of me and hyolyn doesn't mean anything. it's just a photo that we took because it was the last day of recording our collaborated song," he continues. "yes, it's true that she was my first love. but only that. you're my last." he flicks his eyes to hers. "i can't love anyone else as much as i love you."

hyejin gasps. it leaves her breathless, the way he confesses. it steals her breath away, and she can't focus on anything but those words. it echoes in her mind.

"i'm sorry to have hurt you all the while," jaebum says again. "i'll be better. i'll try harder."

"jaebum--"

he shifts closer, an arm circling around her body, pulling her into a hug. "so please don't... don't say you'll leave. i can fix this. i'll fix this."

"no, jaebum," hyejin says, pushing against his chest. those words seem to break the male, tears forming in his eyes. his face crumples, disappointment written all over. hyejin reaches for his eyes, sliding her fingers across the lids.

"we'll fix this. we'll fix us," she whispers.

jaebum's face smooths. he stares.

hyejin offers a small smile. "i'm sorry too. i shouldn't have--"

jaebum doesn't let her complete her sentence as he closes the gap and joins their lips. hyejin nearly gasps. it feels so good. it's been so long since they've been this close. his hand comes up to cradle her face and to press their lips tighter. hyejin's own hands goes to his chest, nails digging into the material of his shirt. the kiss is everything they failed to say aloud. it conveys every emotion from i'm sorry to i miss you to i love you.

they pull apart a few minutes later, lips all red and swollen, chest heaving.

jaebum leans their foreheads together, lips ghosting against hers.

"let's start anew."

[hes-woman]

With All My Heart

*At 2K+ words, this is the longest piece I think I’ve ever written, and possibly my favourite. I was going to hold off on posting until I had something else written, buuuut it’s the last show tonight, and this is based nearly a month ago. So, here’s a huge amount of fluff, from msg night one, which just so happened to also be their anniverary.*

Sat on the edge of the stage, legs dangling over the side as they swayed back and forth, Harry could see the whole of the stadium, from the pit a few feet away from his swinging feet to the seats at the very back. It was a stark contrast to the restricted view of the crowd he'd had less than two hours ago, the only evidence of there being people present past the first few rows being the loud cheers that bounced off the walls.  

Looking around the stadium, he felt small. Without the company of his previous bandmates or that of his current band, the space surrounding him seemed so much larger and more intimidating. There wasn't much time to contemplate the size of the stadium when he was performing, too pumped on adrenaline to pay mind to the feeling of apprehension bubbling within him.  

He felt a tad lonely, as well, although he was aware that he was partially to blame for that fact, if not fully. He'd denied your usual post-concert cuddles, that more often than not turned into a pretty heavy make out session. He'd denied the beer offered to him by Adam, along with the invitation of an evening in the bar a few streets away. He'd denied anyone the chance to properly congratulate him before he slipped back onto the stage. He'd denied himself the comfort of another person's company, with the motive of keeping to himself for a while, to clear his head and sit back in a moment of gratitude. 

"Hey, mister, I was beginning to wonder where you'd got to," you called over to him from the side of the stage. You were clad in a merch shirt that was a few sizes too big and displaying ‘6/21 New York’ at the bottom, tucked into a pair of jeans, your hair in a bun and nothing but a pair of socks on your feet, the vans which you'd previously worn hanging off your fingertips.  

His head snapped up to meet yours, a slightly solemn expression on his face until he noticed the way your features were lit up with a grin on your face. A small smile spread across his own face as he gestured for you to join him, laughing as you seemed to trip over everything in your path, which earned him a glare.

"I think everyone's headed back to the hotel now; well, the rest of the band and most of the crew, at least. I think your mum's nearly ready to go, as well. 'M feeling very awake tonight, though, so I was wondering if you fancied going out for a bite to eat?"

He nodded, leaning his head onto your thigh as you rested your hand on his head lightly to stop yourself toppling over from the added pressure. "I'm not surprised you're awake – tossed and turned all night and then slept in until past noon," he snorted, dodging your attempts to swat the back of his head, "But, yeah, I'm up for food. Saw you eyeing up those burgers in the diner across the road from the hotel earlier, s'that what you want?"

"That's a great shout, actually, sometimes I think you know me better than I know myself," you laughed, accepting the hand he offered to help you sit down next to him. You positioned yourself so you were facing him, legs crossed and fiddling with the laces on your feet. "You've been unusually quiet since you came offstage, something troubling you?" The shake of his head you received in response prompted you to continue further, "You don't have to be happy all the time, y'know? Just 'cause you're doing something you enjoy doesn't mean that you're not allowed to feel a bit down sometimes. And, I think you forget that I can see through your façade, H, you're not exactly a very quiet person, usually."

"Just feeling a little overwhelmed," he started, unable to dodge your gaze or questions, "Six years seems like a really long time, but I've experienced things in those six years that most people don't experience in their lifetime. Last time we were here, things were so different. We weren't together, you didn't even come to see me," he paused momentarily when you let out a little scoff of disapproval, "yes, I know, you came to support all of us, but now you're here just for me. And, you're my wife this time, pregnant with my baby, as well. It's strange being back here on my own."

"You've achieved so much in these past six years, and so much hard work has gone into that. Everyone here tonight came for you, you've earned the support of every single one of them. Out in the crowd tonight, the atmosphere was crazy, and I know I'm a little biased but I don't think I've ever been part of such a united group of people. I thought I was proud of you, but I'm no match for your mum, I don't think I've seen her cry so much until tonight," you told him, glad to see the grin had returned to his face, "And I couldn't think of a better way to spend our anniversary than watching you have the time of your life on the stage of probably the most famous arenas."

"I've been a bit of a shitty husband, haven't I? So consumed with nerves and adrenaline that I've barely even paid any attention to you," he frowned, an exaggerated pout on his lips as he pulled you onto his lap, adjusting your knees so they rested either side of his body, "Just been a bit of an idiot and come and sulked out here, when we should be out celebrating."

"Don't be silly, I don't need anything fancy. I'm happy just going out for burgers and milkshakes, and then having a nice long bath when we get back to the hotel."  

"Now, that, I can do. Might have to stop in a shop somewhere and get some bubble bath and stuff. Feel like we should definitely be doing something more special for our five-year anniversary, though, or our first wedding anniversary, whichever way you want to see it."

"We can always go out tomorrow, or even the day after. Properly celebrate you performing here for two nights, as well as our anniversary. Then I'll have your full attention; can't be having you drifting off into your own thoughts every ten minutes," you teased, twirling the small curls at the nape of his neck in your fingers.

"I missed you tonight, y'know? I very much enjoyed our early afternoon cuddles, feel like I haven't seen you since, though," he grumbled, arms firmly wrapping around your back as he pulled you closer to him. He left minimum space in between the two of you, your chest, covered with a t-shirt presenting an enlarged picture of his face on it, pressed tightly to his.  

"I'm not the one who disappeared for nearly an hour," you pointed out, peppering kisses along the expanse of his neck as you rested your cheek on his shoulder. You ignored the slight aftertaste of salt that came with it, evidence of the sweat that once beaded on his skin. "You took away my opportunity to appreciate these bell-bottoms of yours. Never thought I could find someone wearing such things so hot, but you always manage to surprise me."

A small smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth at your declaration; your fingers pulled at the bow hanging on his chest, diverting your gaze from his. He nuzzled his face in the crook of your neck, using his nose to nudge your face upwards as he nibbled playfully at your jaw. You turned to face him again, your scrunched nose acting as a silent reprimand of leaving marks in obvious places. Lifting your hand to push him away, you were met with his tongue licking a long stripe up the palm of your hand, your instincts kicking in and causing you to jerk your hand away, wiping the sticky residue on the shoulder of his shirt.  

"Sorry, baby," he laughed, lips pressing to yours in a half-arsed attempt to stop you narrowing your eyes at him, ending in teeth bashing together due to his inability to stop laughing. He pulled at your jutted-out bottom lip with his thumb, simultaneously giving you the biggest grin possible, "Stop frowning at me. Can't have anyone be seeing that and thinking I make you angry on our anniversary."

"Stop licking me then," you protested, but let him wrap his arms back around you, "And I'm surprised you haven't given me a nosebleed with how hard you knocked into me, give me some warning next time, yeah?"

"What would be the fun in that?" He teased, thumbs sliding into the waistband of your jeans, "I'm really glad you're here with me; I get lonely when you're not. I had a whole speech planned out when I got home from the last leg, full of hundreds of reasons why you should join me on this one, must have rehearsed it in my head at least fifty times on the plane home. I think Jeffrey was beginning to get annoyed with me, kept going on about how I'd forced him to get on a plane he hadn't wanted to and then wouldn't speak to him. You have no idea how glad I was when you said you were coming with me – I don't know if I could've built up the courage to ask you to drop everything for me again, especially after the argument that followed the last time we had a conversation along those lines."

You stretched your arm out over his shoulder, leaning your head on the inside of your bicep and straightening your legs as you began to feel a gentle ache spreading in your limbs but not wanting to interrupt what he was saying. You were pretty content to just sit there and listen to the low tone of his voice, appreciative of the up-close angle you received. From where you were, you could clearly see the slight stubble present just above his cupid's bow, and the strands of hair which refused to co-operate with the rest. It amazed you how, even from this close, it was near impossible to pin-point any kind of flaw or imperfection. 

His line of view met yours in an intense adoration, almost as if his gaze was burning into your own, implanting the thoughts and feelings currently circulating in his head into your mind. His eyes never left yours, yet he was oblivious to your not-so-subtle scope of his face.

"I think some of my favourite memories of us come from being in a foreign country. Exploring new places we've never seen before, getting lost more often than not; sitting in small restaurants on beachfronts and tasting local cuisine, always being sure to finish every last bite even if it's not to our personal taste; travelling from country to country with nothing but each other and a book or two to entertain ourselves. I couldn't think of anyone better to travel the world with than my best friend, wife, mother of my child, the face in the crowd I look for to keep me firmly placed on the ground, and that's just the beginning of a long list of titles you hold. I'm so excited for us to feel our way through the next chapter of our lives together, but I'm glad we've had this time with each other, along with the next month or so to come, away from our more structured life, to properly soak up the time we have left of just being us. Harry and Y/N. Husband and Wife. If I could, I'd get married to you all over again, without hesitation, 'cause our wedding day was by far the best day of my life to date. Not even performing in stadiums like these could even come close to taking that spot. Happy anniversary, I love you, with all my heart, and don't you ever forget that."

Tears welled in your eyes as you listened to the words he spoke, ones which held so much love and emotion that it was as if they sent out waves of infatuation and intimacy. Moisture gathered on your cheeks, which Harry was quick to brush away with the soft swipe of his thumb. The lump in your throat was too immense, and the tightening of your chest was too great, for you to muster up the courage to utter a response, lacking trust towards how coherent of a reply your mouth would produce, instead settling for attaching your lips to his in a desperate, breath-taking reciprocation of affection. You pulled back, foreheads connecting as you both attempted to regain composure over your breathing.  

"You're too good with words, H. Makes my heart hurt."

[grimsircn]

wanted connections 

olivia - so, with the faceclaim change came a few more changes to liv to help make her a bit more interesting. her ultimate goal is to be able to break into the music industry, but currently she just works as a personal assistant for her cousin, naomi, and also does a bit of sex work on the side. liv mostly does onlyfans type stuff, but occasionally will be one of those strippers that are hired strictly for bachelor parties and whatnot (only really when her friends invite her to join them).  - that being said i can see a few fun plots i’d like to do with her now. one, your muse orders a stripper for a party and when they show up, surprise one of them is olivia. i think it’d be more fun if olivia and your muse already have some sort of connection just to up the awkwardness, but i’m open to anything. - i still want a really messy, angsty, maybe borderline romantic connection for her. insert various musing posts here, here, here, here, here, here, here, - i’d love a roommate for her.  - i also would love a poly ship for her.  - based on the fleetwood mac lyric “players only love you when they’re playing.” give me someone who olivia really starts to open up to for the first time, things between her and your muse seem so real. and then your muse ends things suddenly. perhaps they were never serious about her, they were just having fun and made her think they had feelings for her. insert musing posts here, here  - someone she can’t stand and they can’t stand her, there can be bickering and fights and all that.  - a bad influence friend, someone who just encourages her bad behaviors and who liv always ends up getting into trouble with.  - more wanted connections i couldn’t come up with descriptions for are here. 

katya - she’s pretty hung up on jay, but i think it’d be interesting if another guy was to fight for her attention. just someone who’s interested and very persistent in trying to get her to go out with them.  - a roommate maybe? - hook-ups  - more friends. - more wanted connections i couldn’t come up with descriptions for are here. 

warner - everyone has their muse’s careers figured out by now i’m sure, but if anyone ever wants to switch something up i’d love bandmates for warner. they could be friends, they could be bandmates who feud all the time. give me dramatic band dynamics like fleetwood mac. - so i’ve done a bad job of actually making this known, but in his bio i had written that warner is in court-mandated anger management therapy (because of drunken fights and near assault charges). i think it’d be cool to do something like that, maybe someone else is at the same counseling place (for the same or different reason) and they run into each other? they can grow close over it or they can not really get along but theres this tension of “i don’t like you and you better not tell anyone about this”  - an unrequited crush, maybe they even get the idea that warner is actually into them.  - more friends.  - roommates.  - more wanted connections i couldn’t come up with descriptions for are here. 

peter - an ex maybe based off the the fleetwood mac lyric “i’ve been afraid of changing, because i built my life around you.” someone he dated for years maybe, they thought they would be together forever. they planned their wedding and what their kids names would be and then for whatever reason things ended. he’s unsure how to move on from that, it’s not necessarily about his feelings for the person, just that they were such a huge part of his life for so long. - a friend who he helps out with something but they’re very secretive and private about what it is, so people might get suspicious about why they’re sneaking around together. could potentially stir up drama with cleo who will probably be his girlfriend soon, and she might think he’s like cheating or something.  - more friends, especially some male friends.  - more wanted connections i couldn’t come up with descriptions for are here.

asher - he still has nothing so he needs all the basics. - give him friends - a roommate - hook-ups  - an ex maybe, preferably something that ended badly  - people who also act that he works with - stoner buddies  - something like this - something like this 

[sierrabinondo]

2018

this year happened so. fast. i feel like it was just yesterday that we were eating tapas in a cabin in upstate new york for kristen’s birthday in february, celebrating jeremiah’s 30th in july, or waking up to warm weather in may after a long winter. the older i get the more i freak out about my mortality. life seemed to lull and drag when i was a teenager and i had nothing going on.

while i’m sad to see it end i’m really proud of the year i had. i can’t believe how much happened this year. i finally got a new job after years of searching, i worked out a lot and had abs for like a second, traveled a TON, and went on a lot of adventures. this year was probably my most adventurous. i like to believe it was a good year for my friends too- my best friend’s daughter turned one, my other best friend had a baby, and another hosted a kegger wedding. about ten of us trekked to new orleans (some of us flying for the first time) for the most drinking i have ever done in three days (it was more painful than fun for me sadly) and my friend had her fairytale halloween wedding. my weekends were extreeemely busy.

my band had our best year yet. we say that every year, i know, but i am grateful that it’s something that keeps growing. we went on our longest tour yet and played places we haven’t been before, we drew 75 people to our EP release show, played launch, opened for some of our favorite artists and released a record. at the very beginning of this year i set out to have better performances. i like to believe i worked harder and as a result i had a lot better shows. i’m still unhappy with a lot of gigs i had, personally haha, but i think that i showed up and really did well when it mattered most (eidola, tilian, this show in raritan that like 120 people showed up to lmao). i’ve been trying to compare myself as a singer, and ourselves as a band, way less than i used to. it feels like we have been at this forever but at the same time every year feels like brand new. we have had so much fun doing this. i think about everyone once i looked up to who quit, and shudder at the thought that they were my age when they did, but it’s really hard for me to give this up.

god, you could have told me that building a band was going to take forever, and i’d shake my head mindlessly agreeing, but i don’t think i was really prepared for the waiting game. and how long it was really going to take. it feels like we work really hard with no return on investment. so... we got burned out this year. i did. it became hard for all of us to write new material. it didn’t seem like we slowed down this year in terms of productivity because we were playing so many shows, but mentally we did. people kept asking and asking and we couldn’t say no to offers. 

but now we have to put ourselves first and focus on doing what we set out to do, which is create new music. if we can really buckle down this winter like we plan on doing, i think we’re on to something. we may only ever be able to reach a niche audience but we are going to muster every creative ability in our bodies to eventually reveal music that we think will evoke something magical still. but we have to do it right. and we have to take our time. there will be new music in 2019 i just don’t know when. and now that we have an arsenal of amazing creative friends i think this time we will have the right assets (especially visual) to support everything. now that i’m drawing again, i’m going to try really really hard to supplement everything we release with something cool, too. so we’ll see.

at this point, i don’t think we can afford to settle or not have a near-perfect creative output. the reason being is, and i know like 5 people who will hit me over the head for saying this, but it feels like we have a time limit on this. at the same time, i can’t imagine not doing music for the rest of my life. we could always just be an internet band, but that’s no fun. i think some semblance of our existence this upcoming year will be internet-based, because no one goes to shows as much. you really have to pick and choose if you want to bring people out every single time. anyways, i’m really excited for what this band can still morph and shape into, and i am so excited about my bandmates’ creative potential. i can’t wait to finally have a new body of songs to do something with.

the only downside to this entire year was that somehow, despite the many people i am grateful to be surrounded by, it was super lonely! haha! 

most would consider myself to have a really extensive, supportive network. but a lot of times i would sink into a dark place and feel really isolated. i thought that the cure for this was to cut off friends who gave me a lot of anxiety, or people i felt like i couldn’t 100% be myself around, to focus on nurturing friendships i already had that seemed to be working. but that didn’t help. a lot of times it felt like i had no one. i felt like i couldn’t constantly lean on those i already depend on out of fear of sounding like a helpless broken record. i managed to turn simple things my friends said around me while we were together into indications that they didn’t want me around, or that i was just invited out of obligation. i really convinced myself that all of my problems were trivial and not worth mentioning. so when my anxious thoughts came back or i was feeling awful it was just like listening to them cycle over and over with no reprieve. just constantly belittling myself and chipping away at my confidence. i had to really start leaning into writing again because it was the only way i felt peace (and because i can’t afford therapy!). not even just lyrics, just free writing. so journaling again has helped a ton - but i still need to address the thoughts i keep having about myself and really ask myself if these things i’ve manifested in my head are true.

what it all boils down to is my anxiety about getting older. a lot of mornings the past couple months, and as recently as a couple days ago, i lie awake literally counting down the years until i need to have kids. or taking on even more financial burden as a homeowner. and it makes me so mad, because i didn’t ask to be alive on this earth HAHA sorry too dark- what i mean to say is, i often have an enormous difficulty accepting getting older because i think about how much less time i already have just as a young working adult to pursue my passions. 

i think all of us are worried about making something of ourselves before we get too old. i see it when my friends are venting to me about how stressed they are about finding work and on twitter when people are bugging out about others reaching milestones in their lives like getting married. i think that there’s only so much we can do but stay positive- and most importantly- prioritize our happiness, and let our day-to-day choices be informed by that. i’m a realist and so i have almost come to terms with the fact that i may really not get to accomplish everything i’ve ever wanted in time. but that doesn’t mean that i’ll stop working to achieve my goals. though i’ve realized that i’m really happy with everything i already have. i have it pretty damn good. and the more that i accept happiness in multiple facets of my life the better i’ve felt. and the more music i’ve made. 

so i hope that not just in 2019 but down the line everyone else finds happiness too. 

[newssplashy]

But that didn’t stop friends from speculating that she may have been secretly attempting to outdo the royal couple.

Rebecca Pauline Jampol didn’t plan her May 19 wedding to coincide with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s nuptials.

But that didn’t stop friends from speculating that she may have been secretly attempting to outdo the royal couple.

“It all makes sense: If Rebecca’s going to do anything, she’s going to do it over the top and make it a spectacular spectacle,” said Samer Fouad, who was part of Jampol’s 10-person bridal party. Jasmine Wahi, another attendant, added, “The royal wedding had heavy competition.”

Jampol’s wedding to Randy Hayes Harris Jr. was held in Newark, New Jersey’s historic Symphony Hall, an ornate concert space that seats 3,500. The couple’s 350 invitations were letter-pressed, by hand, on antique machines used by The Star-Ledger newspaper in the 1950s.

And to keep things interesting, Jampol arranged for a peacock to strut around a reception held in the concert hall’s palatial terrace ballroom while the bird’s owner, artist Ventiko, snapped shots of guests against a Dionysian backdrop of velvet, pearls and animal skulls. (This same peacock, named Dexter, gained notoriety this year when it was denied entry as an emotional-support animal for Ventiko on a United Airlines flight out of Newark.)

The scene was meant to evoke Jampol’s sense of what Newark, at its creative best, can look like. “I wanted this to be kind of a big thing for the community,” she said.

Jampol, 34, and Harris, 33, met in Newark in 2012. Their flair for the dramatic is not limited to social events. Jampol is a design professor at Rutgers University Newark and a modern art curator. With Wahi, who she calls her “art wife,” she runs a local nonprofit gallery, the Project for Empty Space, where the focus is social issues explored boldly and unflinchingly; sexual violence and immigration rights have been recent subjects.

Jampol’s local claims to fame also include the colorful 1.39-mile mural that runs along McCarter Highway, a major Newark thoroughfare. It’s the longest mural on the East Coast and the second-longest in the country, according to the Newark Downtown District, a nonprofit group dedicated to revitalizing the city’s downtown. Eighteen artists were hand-picked by Jampol in 2016 to tell visual stories about Newark’s culture and heritage.

Harris is a musician who leads a rock band, the Randy Haze Trio, and plays guitar in a jazz outfit, the Velvet Trio. He tours with rapper Justina Valentine, a cast member of MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” comedy series, and moonlights as a carpenter and designer for art exhibitions, including the ones at the Project for Empty Space. Jampol and Harris have not been officially anointed the first couple of Newark’s art scene, but that may be only because such a designation does not exist.

“Rebecca and Randy are beautiful human beings inside and out,” said Fouad, a graphic designer on the Fine Arts faculty at Rutgers Newark. “They not only have each other’s back, they have everyone else’s in this community, too.” Harris, a Newark native, laid the groundwork for their synergetic reputation before the arrival of Jampol, who moved to Newark in 2004 from Charlottesville, Virginia, to study art at Rutgers. “Randy is like the son of Newark,” Jampol said. “It’s a this-is-his-city kind of thing.”

His magnetism first came to her attention at Hell’s Kitchen Lounge, the downtown watering hole where she was working as a bartender in 2012. “Randy was a patron at the time and I had just started my galleries,” she said, including a place on the Lower East Side of Manhattan that has since closed. Harris, whose gentle demeanor is expressed externally by a sweet smile, instantly caught her eye, though she and her then-boyfriend were in the eighth year of what would end up a 10-year relationship.

“We were attracted to each other right from the start,” Jampol said. “I felt I had to be careful around him because of it.” Harris was a Sunday night regular at Hell’s Kitchen out of necessity: He didn’t have cable and needed a place to watch “The Walking Dead.” But he soon started spending more time watching Jampol than the TV, he said. By the time he and his rock band were offered a residency playing Hell’s Kitchen on Sunday nights in 2013, he and Jampol were spending a lot of time together.

“We had the same group of friends,” said Harris, who was also in a relationship then, with the mother of his 7-year-old son, Ian. But the attraction with Jampol was undeniable. It followed him around the city to places like the Lincoln Park Music Festival, held every July, where he and Jampol spent the day together as friends in 2013, connecting through hip-hop, fried catfish and collards.

“Rebecca is super-ambitious, but she’s also caring and she makes people feel safe,” he said. “She gives them the confidence to do things they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do.” This confidence extended to him when, in 2014, he came back from a weekslong tour with his band single and made up his mind to pursue Jampol, who had also exited her longtime relationship.

Fouad, who has known Jampol for a decade, said Harris showed guts in his attempt at maneuvering past friendship. “When I first met Rebecca, I watched her pull up on a bright yellow Vespa,” Fouad said. “She took off her helmet and it was like it was happening in slow motion in a movie. She’s beautiful and has these long, gorgeous legs.” But she quickly seemed less smoldering than big sisterly once he got to know her. “I thought she was so hot, but she ended up taking care of me.”

It’s a familiar refrain among Newark artists. “One of the things that really attracted me to Rebecca is that, through her work and the way she does things, I started seeing all the potential in this city again,” Harris said. The mural especially, with its evocations of Newark’s past and present, is a reminder of her gift for projecting the spirit of the place he knows best. “She made me fall back in love with Newark.”

Still, it was an early date outside city limits both say clinched their romance. In 2014, Jill Wickenheiser, a friend of Jampol who works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, arranged for the couple to see the band Interpol there.

“She knew I loved Interpol and that I had just started dating a musician,” Jampol said. “It was hosted at the museum’s Egyptian exhibit, and we drank whiskey and geeked out to Interpol. We had a total blast. That really sealed the deal for us.”

In 2015, Harris and Jampol moved into an apartment in a prewar building in Newark’s North Ward that checked off all Jampol’s boxes for the perfect home: “I love nostalgia, history and magnificence,” she said.

A trip to San Diego the following year for a friend’s wedding moved them closer to thoughts of marriage. But despite that happy occasion, “it had been a traumatic couple of days,” Harris said. The presidential election had just happened and the outcome was not the one he wanted. “I was bawling for, like, three days,” he said.

On a post-San Diego trip down the coast to Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico, in a rented car, Jampol soothed and sympathized. “He’s an emotional guy,” she said. “But it was a beautiful trip and we learned we travel well together. I think at that moment we realized this was it for us.”

The proposal that transpired a few months later, on Jampol’s 33rd birthday, Jan. 1, 2017, offered a preview of the pageant-like atmosphere that would resurface on their wedding day.

With a cluster of the locals Jampol calls their “framily,” the couple celebrated at their favorite Newark haunt, Jimenez Tobacco, a velvet-walled cigar bar opened by a Cuban woman decades ago and now run by her sons. “For a long time it was like a speakeasy, where you’d bring your own bottle of booze,” Jampol said. “Now they’ve got a liquor license and are a little more established. But they still do Prohibition-style cocktails. And it still feels like the most amazing hole-in-the-wall.” Harris signed on to DJ for the cigar bar birthday bash. But after the first few sets, he was overtaken by an urge to make the night more meaningful.

First it took the form of a performance. The Velvet Trio hadn’t yet formed, but Harris’ bandmates in that group were on hand. He recruited them to play a few songs with him including, for a final number, a cover of the Cure’s “Lovesong.”

“Rebecca was wearing a crown and I saw how beautiful she was looking and I was thinking about how happy she made me,” Harris said. “In my head I felt like the ground became kind of holy.” As the song wound down, Harris spun around, yanked a string out of the bar’s booze-soaked carpet, got down on one knee and tied the string around Jampol’s ring finger. With the entire birthday party assemblage watching, he proposed. The answer was an instant, enthusiastic yes. “I was stunned, but I was also so happy,” Jampol said.

When planning a wedding for 350, a track record for creating an artistic community can be useful. With Wahi, Jampol oversees the Gateway Project Spaces, a downtown artists’ collective with 56 studios attached to the Project for Empty Space. Besides artist Ventiko, a synthetic flower-maker, Mahtab Pedrami, was among the current or former tenants who lent their talents.

Pamela Jampol, Jampol’s mother, said the merging of so many artistic sensibilities for the occasion reflected her daughter’s longtime gift for bringing people together. “She’s always been ambitious in so many things, but especially in loving and taking good care of people.”

On May 19, the elder Jampol, a minister at Christ Community Church in Charlottesville, officiated at a short ceremony alongside Jampol’s father, Mark Jampol, and Harris’ parents, Madeline Juarbe Del Rios and Randy Hayes Harris Sr., as well as his stepfather, Roberto Del Rios. As Jampol walked with her father down the theater’s aisle to an stage covered in Pedrami’s flowers, cellist Daniel de Jesus, ethereal in white robes and pastel face paint, played and sang to the crowd. From the concert hall’s proscenium stage, 20 attendants looked on. Jampol, in a white lace dress with a 12-foot veil, and Harris, in rhinestone shoes and a paisley jacket, listened attentively as each parent spoke.

Harris Sr. recalled his son’s early-childhood flair for salsa and merengue dancing with his mother as she cooked, and ended with words of wisdom, advising the couple to keep dancing and always watch their footwork. “When life gives you a new step, be patient,” he said. But “do your dance and don’t let go.”

—

On This Day

When: May 19, 2018.

Where: Newark Symphony Hall.

Finery for a cause: Jampol bought her Chantilly lace dress at Church Street Bridal in Lynchburg, Virginia, a boutique that sells donated dresses to raise money for women’s shelters. Harris supported local businesses by wearing a wedding shirt handmade by Gambert Shirts in Newark’s Ironbound district.

Fit for royalty: A buffet dinner included a raw bar with lobster, crab and oysters, plus carving stations with pepper-crusted filet of beef and stuffed pork loin.

Lots of dancing: James Gibbs III, founder of the Brick City Soul Collective, led a seven-piece funk and R&B band at the reception in the terrace ballroom. The couple’s first dance was to the Bill Withers’ classic “Lovely Day.”

Smokin’ afterparty: After the reception, the couple passed out personalized cigars at Jimenez Tobacco. Musician friends, including rapper Justina Valentine, who was among Harris’ attendants, were on hand. The party continued until 1:30 a.m., then moved to another Newark location, Hell’s Kitchen Lounge.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

TAMMY La GORCE © 2018 The New York Times

via NewsSplashy - Latest Nigerian News Online,World Newspaper