#especially since it's been months since I've been saying “the next chapter we'll start the ch4 thing!”

[laugtherhyena]

There's something inherently entertaining in writing Kizuna lines to me

[thedecoy-if]

update.

I've gained quite a bit of followers lately (seemingly out of nowhere wow)! Hi! This is a small update just because it's been over a month since the demo dropped and the level of my activity fluctuates a bit with real life and stuff.

What I'm Doing:

I'm polishing the demo (prologue and chapter 1) and adding more meat, especially to the scenes with MC's brothers. I feel like they come across as a bit too cardboard-ish for me. Or not fully fleshed out the way I want them to be.

I think I want to add more options but we'll see!

Adding a 'club route' in which MC does go to the club with their friends and well...we know what happens next

Chapter 2

What to expect from Chap. 2:

Meet Vale!

Leave the estate and the island to actually finally meet the kidnapper squad's world

This is when MC is fully thrust into the realm. When MC starts facing the actual conflicts that was hanging over S' head before they disappeared.

Get to know the kidnapper squad much more. And really, Chapter 2 is the true beginning of the main plot.

I will say this is when the 'dark fantasy' rating starts to really show (uh-oh).

??? POV chapter? No? Maybe!

I'm really excited to release Chapter 2 with the new-and-improved demo! And all the questions have been so fun to answer and to just chat, which is awesome! Thank you!

[crushculture03]

Chapter 25

Jules had now been on tour with the driver era for a week now, they had played 2 shows in LA one in san diego and had just finished the show in san francisco.

Jules's heart had started to heal, it had taken a while and it still hurt everyday, especially when she found out from charli that matty and jade had started dating. When she heard that news her heart broke again, luckly ross was there to hold her in his arms while she cried. She was still in love with matty, he was her first love, first everything really and that's something that's hard to let go. But things were looking up for the blondie, a certain new front man had caught her eye and tonight was about to change everything.

After the set was done, and jules had packed up everything, she made her way backstage to go say hi to ross. She quietly knocked on the dressing room door, "come in" his voice responded , jules slowly opened the door, revealing a shirtless ross. "Oh shit sorry, i can leave" she said, her face turning a dark shade of pink. Ross chuckled "jules you've seen me without a shirt on before" he said, walking over to her and pulling her hands off her eyes. "I know but-" before she could finish her sentence ross connected his lips to her, jule's eyes fluttered closed as she continced to kiss him. The two pulled away from eachothers embrace " wow" jules said, her face turning pink, "I've been waiting to do that forever" he responded. Jules was shocked, she enjoyed the kiss truthfully, and knew it was ok to move on since matty had as well.

Instead of getting into her head to much, she decided to go with her heart " i'm glad you did" she responded back, and leant forward to place a quick kiss on his cheek. "Could i take you out sometime?" he asked, jules nodded her head "i'd like that".

Time Jump 1 month

Lots has happened in the past month, Jade and matty were still together and the 1975 just announced the release date of their new album. 

Meanwhile jules and ross had gotten together, to jules the relationship felt right but part of her knew deep down that her and ross were just using this relationship to substitute for the fact they were both missing their soulmates.

Jules had learned early on that ross too was heartbroken, they needed eachother to ease the pain but both knew that it wasn't long term. But in the mean time both were happy and the driver era had just finished the US leg of their tour, and next stop was Europe!

✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫✫

Jules had heard from charli that the 1975 were playing a "One night only" show in london, she desperately wanted to go, she wanted to see him, she needed too. but still she was nervous to go, seeing him with her would be difficult, but she'd bring ross with her and that would help... maybe?

"Charli you're lucky i love you" jules told her friend over the phone. " it'll be fun! plus carly's not here so i'm sad, i miss my girls and i refuse to befriend jade and i haven't seen you in so long, bring ross along ok? " charli responded back. " ok ok, we'll be there around 6, i'll message you when we get there ok?" jules replied, "yay! see you then! bye girl!" charli said, before hanging up the phone.

"She's coming tonight isn't she?" a voice asked charli after she had hung up the phone. " Yes, i miss her and i'm not letting you be the reason my friend can't enjoy the band she's loved for ages, plus she's bringing her boyfriend " charli said and quickly covered her mouth after realizing she just revealed a secret.

Mattys face dropped when he heard those words, "shit you weren't supposed to know that, they've both kept it quiet she didn't want a lot of people to know" she said, part of her glad she let it slip since jules deserved to rub the fact she moved on in mattys face.

"oh" was all he could muster up "you don't get to be sad healy, you dumped her then got together with jade 1 week after the breakup, if you really loved her you'd just be happy she's happy" charli said to him before leaving the room.

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Jules was quickly running around her apartment, making sure she had gotten everything she needed for the show tonight. Soon she heard a loud knock at her door, signaling that ross was there to pick her up, she quickly opened the door and greeted him "hey babe" she said, and leant forward to give him a kiss, Ross smiled widely at the gesture, "hey jules, you doing ok? I know seeing your ex and everything might be hard, but just know i'm here if you need anything ok?" he said. Jules nodded her head in response, then turned to shut and lock the door, the two then made their way down to his car and headed over to the venue.

Once the couple arrived at the venue, Jules quickly messaged charli, and let her know that they were there.

Soon Jules saw the familiar face of her favorite security guard, "Mark! Its been so long! I've missed you" she said, as she pulled him in for a hug. "I've missed you too jules, it hasn't been the same without you" mark replied back, pulling away from the hug, his eyes quickly met ross's, "Mark this is my boyfriend Ross, Ross this is mark hes like my tour dad, since I couldn't be around my family since I moved to england, he's always been there for me" jules said, smiling at the security guard she had grown to love.

"Pleasure to me you" Ross said, as he extended his hand out to shake his, "You as well, now take care of her ok?" mark said, ross nodded his head in response. "Now charli said to let you both in, i'm assuming you don't want to see him jules so i'll take you to the vip area and you can hang there till the show" he said, handing the couple two passes and leading them to their seats.

✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩✩

Mark made his way back to the green room to tell charli that Jules was here. "Hey charli jules is here, her and her boyfriend are in the VIP area" he said, before walking off to go do the last of his checks. "I'm going to go say hi and chill with them for the show, you'll do great babe I love you" charli said, as she kissed george goodbye and made her way to see her best friend.

"If it isn't my favorite blondie" charli said, causing jules to turn around "Charli!" she exclaimed and quickly ran to embrace her friend. "I missed you so much" jules whispered in her ear as the two hugged, "I've missed you too, we need to catch up" charli responded back, before pulling away, "And you must be ross, i've heard so much about you! It's nice to finally meet you" Charli said, holding out her hand for ross to shake, which he did. "It's nice to meet you too! Jules talks about you all the time" he responded, "All good things I hope" she joked, "Of course" jules chimed in.

"I'm going to get something to drink would you ladies like anything?" ross asked, "I'll just have a glass of red wine" jules said, "Oo that sounds good I'll have one as well" charli chimed in. Ross nodded his head, then placed a kiss on jule's forehead, before leaving to go to the bar.

"He's cute and sweet" charli said, "Yeah he's the best" jules said back, her smile faltering. "You miss him don't you jules, he misses you too I can tell, but you have ross so shouldn't you be happy" she asked her friend. "You'd think but ross and I truthfully are both just using this relationship to fill the void, we both lost the people we love. He told me about his ex and I told him about matty, and though I love ross I think him and I are meant to be friends, I'm honestly not sure why we're dating" jules laughed sadly at what she had just said.

" We've been together for a few weeks but I think we're going to break up soon", charli frowned when she heard jules say that. "Oh jules I'm sorry, you guys will still be friends right?" charli asked, jules nodded her head " of course, hes an amazing guy but I think it's best him and I just be friends" she responded back.

Charli quickly pulled jules into a hug, "You know I'm here if you need anything ok? Also here's something that might make you smile, george told me that matty told him that he has refused to sleep with jade, shes tried but he hasn't gone for it yet. Geez that girl drives me crazy i swear, also apparently the other night in the bus george heard matty moaning your name in his sleep" charli spilled, jules couldn't help but laugh.

"Wow, i mean ross and I haven't done anything either, i think about matty all the time truthfully, i know I should hate him since he broke my heart, I've tried moving on but hes still in my mind" jules mumbled, almost ashamed to admit she still had feelings for her ex, while she was with someone. "It'll work out I promise" charli said, then pulled jules in for another hug.

Eventually the fans were let into the building, all of them quickly running to try and get the best spot up front.

After an hour, when everyone was settled in, the house lights went out and the stage lights went on. Cheers filled the stadium as the band took the stage, matty was the last one to arrive on the stage, his curls were unruly and he was wearing a simple suit, jules thought he looked stunning.

The familiar tune of sex started to play, and before matty started to sing he said "This song goes out to someone special whos here tonight" and looked over to where jules was standing. Her cheeks flushed pinked and she sunk further into ross's arms, which were wrapped around her waist. "What the fuck does he think hes doing" she thought.

About mid way through the show, matty addressed the crowd once more "Now as you know we just announced the release of our new album! Tonight I wanted to play a song from it, I wrote this a few weeks ago about someone from my past, I hope you guys like it this is called "San Francisco". 

Julies heart dropped when she heard the song title, San Francisco was where they said 'I love you' for the first time, thats where she realized that not only did she love him but she was in love with him. He knew that place was special for the both of them, thats why he wrote the song.

"Holding on, I'm holding on to your clothing

Holding on, I'm holding on to our story

remember the time

In San Francisco

With me by your side

In San Francisco

You are such a sight, the deepest brown eyes

My dear, my dear

You know it suffocated our love

You really didn't do a thing wrong

Now I am superstitious of love

And baby, we overplayed our song

Our song, oh

Ah, yeah, yeah

Holding on, I'm holding on to your body

(To, to your body, to, to your)

Holding on, I'm holding on to this feeling (feeling)

Ooh

And we'll drive all night

To San Francisco

Our happiest time

In San Francisco

You know that I'm right, and there's reasons why

My dear (my dear), my dear"

Tears ran down her face as she heard him sing those lyrics, she couldn't sit through it anymore, she had to get out. Quickly, she pulled herself away from ross and ran to the exit.

Matty saw her leave out of the corner of his eye, he also saw a man, who he presumed was her new Boyfriend, follow her. He wanted so desperately to be the one to run after her, but knew he had a show to continue and a girlfriend to see after it.

Outside the venue, jules was stood against the wall, tears now pouring out of her eyes as she repeated the lyrics over and over again. "Jules" a familar voice said, quickly pulling her out of her thoughts.

"Ross" she mumbled, as she looked up at him " You still love him don't you jules, it's ok if you do, i think we both knew how this was going to end" he chuckled slightly, "I think we both just needed someone, but i think our hearts both belong to someone else" he said.

"Ross I'm sorry, you know you're one of the best guys I've ever met, but you're right about everything. We can still be friends right?" she asked. "Of course, you didn't think you could get rid of me that easily right" he laughed, and pulled her into a hug, "You'll still come on tour with us right?" he asked, "Of course" she smiled, as she wiped away her tears.

"I should probably get going then, do you want a ride or are you going to stay with charli" he asked, "I'll probably stay with charli, but thank you for the offer" she responded, and gently placed a kiss on his cheek. "She's lucky to have you ross, go get her while you still can ok?" jules said, referring to his ex, who she knew he still harbored feelings for. "I will" he said, before turning around and heading to his car

[greenhousethree]

Asked and Answered (Chasing chapters 2-3!)

These asks have been making my day since I posted chapter two, and life was unexpectedly a lot last month but we're back and ready to rumble, baby. Chapter four is getting a bunch of final edits, but in the meantime I've been getting a KICK out of your questions...

Spoilers, sneak peeks, and theories below!

I'm sorry it took me so long to get to this one, anon! But rest assured I have not forgotten about Kreacher, and we haven't heard the last about selling Grimmauld Place (more on that in chapter 5). From Harry's letters, though, we're learning that George and Ron think they could use a slave someone to do the washing up, which would be a level of such bougie dichotomy in a shitty London flat that I, for one, would love to see.

Dean In Paris is a little arc that I've been so excited to reveal, and starting with chapter 4 we'll definitely be hearing more about it. We still have a lot to learn about his year on the run, too, and what it was like to come out of the woods and reintegrate with both Muggles and wizards... our poor boy's really been through it.

As far as Luna goes, we'll be getting more of their interactions next chapter too (wouldn't be a party without a little inter-house mingling)! We know she's fresh out of a relationship with his old roommate, so we'll see if Dean will go two for two with DA girls 👀

Cheers, anon!

Thank you so much for this question, anon! I promise we'll get some Charlie moments that have to do with Quidditch, but at this point it would be giving away too much to reveal the role (if any) he might have at her first match. Instead here's something a little out of context:

"What the hell," she snorted, turning a stone over in her left hand before pitching it low over the waves. "You sound like Mum, asking me shit like that. Or Bill." Charlie shrugged, sending his throw so far he must've charmed the rock. "I dunno. Bloke seems moody is all. Not that I blame him... I just wanted to be sure everything was good, I guess." "It's sort of cute, you checking up on me." "Shut up. You think this is the first time?"

Anon I could kiss you for this question because I don't really write A/Ns for these chapters, but now I get to point out one of my favorite self-indulgent little details from chapter three:

“We’re just going to keep him still until someone gets here.” And she took Kirke’s head between both hands, sliding her fingers underneath to gingerly probe through the back of his hair. “Help’s coming, Andrew. You’re okay. We’re going to get you inside.”

I took that last line directly from the text with the intention of thrusting Ginny back into a moment at the end of DH that doesn't really get resolved or explained. More on that to come, but in this moment Ginny is really triggered by this burden of someone else's safety— of caring for the injured— and the helplessness that accompanies it. I'm really looking forward to tying this in with her ambition to be a Healer, which we learn she discussed with Professor McGonagall months after witnessing her father's hospitalization, her brother and friends' injuries, and Sirius's death. As the youngest Weasley she's been barred from so much of the action, so those moments of powerlessness were made more bitter by the fact that she was trying to do the only thing she felt she could. The panic comes from knowing the only thing she could do wasn't always enough...

Gushing over this question! A theory! About my fic!

I've gotten a few different versions of "where's Binns?", and I really don't want to give too much away because it'll come into play in later chapters, but I will say that the situation is a little more complicated than education reform. The only hint I can offer is that it's been really hard to convey everything that hasn't been around at Hogwarts without drawing too much attention to it, especially through Ginny's limited narration...

Priscus, though! Shame that Ginny would (imo) never canonically take a History of Magic N.E.W.T., so we'll have to settle for hearing more about him from Hermione.

🫡

thanks for this prompt, anon! without further ado, here's a peek at two character debuts for this fic:

Demelza grinned over the rim of her mug, eyes narrowed. "Could've told me sooner." "I know." "You know Romilda still doesn't believe you either, right?" "Doesn't matter," Ginny mumbled before tipping her head back to empty her cup, blood thudding sluggishly in her ears as she thought of his jumper and his letters— solace and evidence, tucked away in the same place. "She can't prove anything. Didn't believe me last year either, did they?" Demelza shrugged. "Just thought you'd want to know. She brought it up first thing on the train 'cause she knows we're friends. Can't imagine she's wasting too much brainpower on it right now, though..." At the table by Dean's bed, Dennis was refilling two cups with wine, cracking a grin as Romilda bumped a playful shoulder against his.

(Neither of today's sneak peeks passes the Harry Bechdel test, and for that I apologize.)

I also received a few more questions about Ginny's shoulder, especially after her conversation with Dean this chapter... I answered something similar in this post (if you scroll down a bit) and linked to postwar fics that occur before this story. Cheers! 🌱

[fountainpenguin]

Blog Stuff

^ Like, "FYI if you want to block tags" stuff

Little announcement here: Factor It In is on hiatus for now, probably for the rest of 2023. I know where the story is going overall and I know where the next chapter's going, but I struggled more than expected with the "Torus" voice (took like 6 weeks longer than the other chapters and all of it painful :'D)

I don't want to face a timecrunch struggle with TJ and Rose POVs (two characters who will be new to me), so I'm taking the bi-weekly update stress away and putting the 'fic on hiatus for now. But I wrote 77k before a hiatus was needed so I'm proud of that <3

We've got some 130 Prompts coming up as well as "Unicorn Years" for Origin in September (and hopefully a special Friday the 13th piece in October). In other words, FOP stuff is still bi-weekly as usual.

-> As a reminder, the 130 Prompts are posted in the order they are for a reason. You don't have to read them all if you don't want to, but extra context is always nice. If you've been dragging your feet on "Looking Back" by any chance... I might recommend that before the next update, which is "Sentry" ;)

On the "off" Friday I'm planning one-shots for various fandoms, especially shorter character studies. Really want to practice capturing a variety of voices, some quicker one-shots, and maybe I'll try some characters I don't use a lot. Or I'll be self-indulgent and focus on my faves... who knows.

Hoping to post more Come What May as well since you guys were excited to see it back <3... and it would be nice to actually finish a non-one-shot 'fic for the first time in. 7 years.

It's probably been obvious, but I also took a long hiatus from digital art. Traditional art is more comfy for me and I've been trying new digital programs, but haven't fallen in love with anything (i.e. I've been a vector artist for 10 years and moving from my safe space to different programs and styles is... painful).

I think I'm ready to start pushing my comfort zone, but be forgiving of my digital style because I'm playing around with new tools and this is a big jump for me, ha ha. I think I'm going to do some silly, low-stress fanfic doodles with very little attempt to make them look good, just testing stuff out.

I miiiiiight have a few PMV / animatic ideas, so we'll see

By nature of me posting art for my own 'fics, spoilers be upon ye if you're not up to date with my writing. Relatively recent stuff and/or stuff I consider "big" will get the #ridspoilers tag, but stuff I wrote 6+ months ago is less likely to get the tag, so that's how that goes.

-> #Dog's Life spoilers will get a unique tag because the weekly updates and drama make me say "Yeah, a special tag makes sense," so if that's a 'fic you think you want to read someday without spoilers, consider blocking that sooner rather than later :)

-> I'm also adding a #Pixels Imperfect tag to stuff from that universe (and I'll go back and add it to the chapters I already posted). "Pixels Imperfect" is the series name on AO3 for my digital gremlin Traffic SMP content (Everyone can freely wander around New Star Station outside the game and just puts on their roleplay hats when they go in, everything under this series fits under one umbrella of universe canon, etc.)

-> #Neighborhood Watch is the series name for "we take the roleplay lore seriously, this is their life, no digital world and no roleplay hat to take off" Traffic SMP content. I haven't posted anything for it yet, but I've got stuff in the works (I'm playing with a couple "making every season as canon as possible in one storyline" pieces and </3 it's big divorce speedrun hours for Clocker fam rn)

As for the other 'fics, I've been posting stuff like Origin, the 130, and Knots for 7 years and I feel okay about how that's going- I don't normally get spoiler Asks, but my general rule is to wait 1-2 weeks before I say anything spoilery on my blog. I think that's been working fine and we've got a good system, so I'm not changing anything there.

Lastly - and this is also part of the reason Factor is going on hiatus - it sounds like Traffic SMP Season 5 is just around the corner. For my followers who don't know much about this Minecraft deathmatch series, the creators only play for a few weeks - I think the shortest season was 6 weeks and the longest was 8 - and each creator puts out one episode a week (usually Friday).

So, it's a pretty short chunk of time and I don't want to be juggling too many things while it's coming out. I think this year I want to jump in and create some nice content while it's ongoing instead of just doodling off to the side and keeping it to myself... I need to dig up my old liveblog doodles I never shared, hm.

-> The traffic story canon gets reset every season (i.e. it's unscripted play, there's no continuous plot, and each season starts relationships from scratch), so if you've been enjoying any of my Traffic SMP reblogs, consider looking into it and riding that wave while episodes come out for a couple weeks and we can be hype together <3

-> Stuff for that season will be tagged #traffic spoilers, which is the tag I use across all the seasons, and I'll make a new post with my Season 5 spoiler tag once we get the name reveal.

-> As is traditional when I liveblog, I'll also use the tag #Riddle watches Traffic so you can block that too if you like. Just wanted to let people know in case I have any Traffic SMP followers who want to go in blind and don't want to risk seeing my posts before they have time to block my spoilers tag. #traffic spoilers still covers everything, including new season.

-> I also need to look into maybe switching from Traffic Life SMP as my blog tag to Traffic SMP because I think that's. the right name and it would probably be smart to tag properly... hm.

I think that covers everything I wanted to say. I'll add a list or link to my pinned post as well so people can figure out what to block for spoilers and stuff.

Thanks for enjoying my blog!

[drac-onion]

Back at it again. A year since I posted Beneath Her Mask. Same thing as last time. Fun facts or just looking back at something I done did write once upon a time exactly a year ago.

This is going to be very "stream of consciousness" and probably hard to read, but here goes.

First off, wow that title sucks. I came up with it like right before posting and then rolled with it. Nowadays I would put off uploading something for MONTHS if I couldn't figure out an original and interesting title. Oops.

Anyway, this one is a lot better than the last one. Promise. The whole thing is a little bit iffy still, but I was very new. The formatting is the main issue I have with. The concept is...fine, although I think I could have gone a little bit further with and then lead into where this one starts. Ya know, inform the reader as to the situation that lead to Makoto's desire to keep everything to herself? But I kinda made it ambiguous on purpose. Good thing I didn't have to follow up on this a few months later... Oh wait. The stakes were just: awkward. No gay panic (like the tags say, oops), no internalized anything, no worries over team cohesion with members of the PTs dating, none of that. If I would ever go back and rewrite this (don't fucking tempt me) I would definitely expand on things a lot more. But hey, I probably shouldn't try and go back and fix all my old stuff. I'd never get anything done otherwise.

Oh yeah, Makoto's "113 decibel alarm clock" is a real thing. I actually have one. I sleep through every other alarm clock out there. The thing is so good, it will actually scare you awake. Pretty nice. (If probably a little too loud for apartment living in Japan where the walls are very thin.)

Oh yeah, and the tense a few times. Annoying.

I dunno why I made it three chapters. It's just over 3.5k words. That would have been fine to keep as a single chapter one-shot, but I think I just had a hard time with having scenes switch mid-chapter. Chapters are a good way to signal a scene switch, but nowadays I'll just use a line break and go with it. I've just improved as a writer, I think, and so now my old mistakes bug the shit out of me.

If I named all the issues I had, I'd be here all day. So, what did I get right with this? I think the concept is alright. The dialogue is good at points. The scene in Leblanc is pretty good. Good guy Sojiro being cool with lesbians (very cool of him). And the text convos at the end are also pretty okay. The "out of your league" comment still gets me for some reason. It's kinda funny.

Also I made a custom dialogue option for Akira, referencing the very first thing he says at the beginning of the story. I think it turned out okay. (I'd like to do more art/edits relevant to my writing. I've thought about making cover/chapter art for my current project. I guess we'll see how I'm feeling. A little wattpad-y of me, but it'd be interesting.)

I'm just now realizing that I should've made the "third option" a little cheeky. Maybe something like "Come here often?" or whatever. Ah well. Next time.

So, overall? It's an improvement. It's not perfect, but it was the second thing I'd ever written. (Once again, I don't count the RE one. I should probably anon it tbh.)

Anyway, that was something. The next "retrospective" (I guess that's what these are now) will be on Beneath Their Masks.

That one is a doozy, and I think I'm going to have a decent amount to say about it. It's also really long, so that's also a thing I'm gonna have to worry about. I'll probably do that on 10/1 because that's when I posted the first chapter. Maybe I'll have enough time to write up mini retrospectives for each chapter? And then post those throughout October? That could be interesting. And tiring. But still, interesting. I could pull the original upload dates since I made a tumblr in between ACIFT and BHM. Although those are going to be VERY spaced out, especially near the end. So much for doing a month's worth of prompts WITHIN the month. But I'll save all my whining for when those go up.

Also, shoutouts again to my beta at the time, @makomaki5. I hope you're doing well.

Anyway, I think that's about it. See ya.

[dashawfrostart]

This Week In "Time & Again" #4: Musings, And More Lothar For Everyone!!!

So! I made myself a "To-Do Before Xmas/New Year's" list! And I'll show it to ya! Ta-daaaa!

Some stuff is vibrantly scratched out for the reason of being either a spoiler or something too private. But you get the idea. That is, of course, aside from my grand work on Chapter 5 of "Time & Again", depending on how busy I am with my "wife life" outside of artistic activities. I think I've never mentioned that, but in my scripts and notes I use "JLo" as a short way to say "Jeanny and Lothar". You're welcome 😁 You probably would say I start off the work on Doom anniversary artwork way too early, almost a whole month in advance. But I'd rather do it very well in advance, to make certain it's complete in time. I had a few situations before when I ended up failing my own tasks because I didn't properly estimate time and effort required to complete an artwork... Mind you, this summer I just flat out FORGOT about a celebratory poster with Stu, Alan and Jade that I wanted to draw. It just slipped my mind!.. And now I'm a bit sour about it, for these people celebrated whole 18 years (!) of existence this summer. You might even say, they're now of age!!! 🤣... but I... just forgot to draw a nice artwork featuring them. That's a shame. Well, I guess, I'll try to make up to them 2 years later, on their 20th anniversary 🤦‍♀️😤 (now that I'm thinking about it, it also might magically match with the release of the final chapter of "Time & Again", provided everything goes as smooth as before, and/or I manage to keep up good time-management... but we'll see). "Atlantis: The Lost Empire" is the Disney cartoon that inspired me TREMENDOUSLY back in the day. And it still does. You might clearly see the visual style similarities between "Atlantis" and majority of my works, and particularly when it comes down to "Time & Again". I want to try harder and make my works look even closer to "Atlantis" - which means I'll have to literally break my artist's self in order to simplify/alter peculiarities of my own style to achieve what I want. That will not be easy... But this is what I would love to do. I will most likely talk even further about "Atlantis" in my next posts, perhaps not once, for a wholesome art research is waiting for me. Again. ... And since my dedicated friend Mr. Caco is already wearing the jolly Christmas bells on his head (body?..) and looks pretty excited, I should not disappoint neither himself or myself. I'll try to do everything on my list mindfully and ahead of time, whatever I can (not pushing myself too hard tho, because, according to my experience, this only upsets a person in the end). An incredibly active time awaits me in these pre-Christmas weeks. Yup. ... Aaaand of course I misspelled "practise" again 😫 Ok, memorizing and moving on!

And you know what's cool?!.. As I've been writing this post gradually little by little every day, I've already completed 2 of the tasks on the list, and 2 more are partially complete! Yipeeee! So it's all looking very good right now! 🥳🤩

It's been a few days of nice steady progress - in both life and creative endeavours. I'm trying to attempt a psychotherapy session with myself from time to time, to figure why why my mind - or rather "a radio inside my head") has been pretty much completely stuck on Duran Duran's latest album, Madness and OMD, with a slight prevalence of the latter. I presume, considering overall feel of jolliness these bands have to offer, it must have something to do with a subconscious intention to compensate for a blinding, unbearable rainbow of sh-... 😅 sorry, I meant: "an unfortunate set of events" that will indeed take place in Chapter 5. Because I truly feel I must compensate somehow. Psychological questions of how exactly we choose music to accompany our activities, what the choice is based on, and what exactly it depends on - all of that is extremely interesting to me, especially since music is such a big part of my life. However, the music I've been listening to while working on the chapters of "Time & Again" is a whole huge topic to talk about - possibly for hours at least, but most likely for days. So I presume I'll make a separate post about it a bit later on, depending on my inspiration. I think its fairly safe to give me "a music connoisseur" descriptor for proper identification. This states clearly how much I love, appreciate, and value music as a form of art. This has been always true, since I was a teenager, I believe. I used to collect music magazines, namely "Classic Rock", and books about my favourite bands. And I sure still keep it up, just not as actively as I used to before (for somebody spends nearly all her time drawing some weird graphic novel of sorts, cough... unbelievable!).

But back to "Time & Again" now! Within those last days I've drawn Lothar only, avoiding the other character completely. Currently most of the latest pages only contain his pretty and highly suspicious smile. (like that one, for example... 👇)

That is because the other character still requires a higher degree of certainty in their design. I already had the design finalized and confirmed earlier on, but now it needs a slight correction for a better fit into, mmm, let's say the mood of certain events. I believe, I'll have to refer to Doomguy's mugshot spritesheet working on that peculiar task. Why in the hell (did you hear me?! "why in the hell", 😉 ha-ha, ha-ha, ha-haaaa... *wink wink, twitch twitch* aaah, that was a terrible joke, wasn't it?..) does this game emerge yet again as I write about my graphic novel?.. Well, I believe you will see sometime next year 😉

One more thing that still requires urgent attention from me is the final design of Lothar's underarm pistol holsters. While the choice of his equipment has already been made, I need to invest some little time to do a little training/practice before I start adding that peculiar element of his outfit steadily on each page. To me, one of the trickiest things about redrawing guns from the guns existing in the real world is to find good reference photos, because you need a good look from as many sides and angles as possible, if you want precision and no crooked art. Otherwise... you have to improvise. Which I can do. But I prefer not to. Even though the guns Jeanny and Lothar have in my story are all based off the real pistols, SMGs and whatnot starting from Chapter 2, I allow myself to stray from the actual designs a little (for the high amount of details is going to be appreciated only by the gun nerds around... but I doubt it most of my readers will even pay attention and google for those guns to check if they're taken straight from reality or not). But I deeply enjoy to keep the guns recognizable enough for someone who actually might appreciate that. 🤓🌹 ... But goodness gracious, is it ever difficult to find good reference photos for the guns! 😤 Sometimes it's even hard to find good ones for the guns from the videogames, too. I remember, once I wanted to equip Jeanny with a pair of magnums from Tomb Raider 1, but I could not find any information on what kind of a real life pistol those were based off, and the screenshots from the game - obviously - were pretty pixelated and/or blurry. Soooo... no magnums for Jeanny (yet). No offense, Jeanny. I tried hard, believe me.

What else happened lately, you dare ask me? You see, when you keep drawing and drawing constantly, you might find yourself getting carried away - and sometimes NOT in the direction you expected. When your artworks are stylized - like mine - and when you start to draw details that you see fit or needed, you might find it that you're subconsciously altering your own style, you're "reshaping" it on the go, aaaaand... it might turn weird. You begin to "stumble", you might say. When this happens, I feel like my adorable and treasured creative spark that's always been serving me well has just accidentally and unexpectedly started to burn the curtains, and now the entire room smells funky. Eeeew. When I feel like my head's on fire because I'm overdoing it, I might occasionally take a break and explore the works of the other artists. And that's EXACTLY when "Atlantis" comes in. And then... when I feel like I'm gettin' overly "stuck", it's time to explore and refresh. Makes sense, right?! Currently my "refreshing state" includes gazing at "Atlantis" screenshots, promo arts and animated gifs, as well as sketching the Doom 30th Anniversary poster. The latter still needs a lot of work - but I'm not gonna babble about it here, because this post is primarily about "Time & Again".

Although a lot of stuff still needs to be done for Chapter 5 and the rest of "Time & Again", the work on it goes steady and nicely, and with very little interruptions. A fight with unnecessary perfectionism goes quite well, too. There are still a few dark spots here and there in regard of certain angles and designs - but I'm enjoying the process through and through!

Perhaps, a screenshot from a WIP frame for a farewell will especially cheer you up! Mmmmm, dat look.

Gotta wrap it up, wrote too much again; I gotta keep something exciting for the next post after all, hahaaaaaa! See you next time! 👋

[casspurrjoybell-24]

Sugar Punch - Chapter 8

*Warning Adult Content* SUGAR🥊 🥊PUNCH

Maddox Zane

After a depressive week of working my ass off with training for next month, I had time to fit Theo in for a session with me.

To say it wasn't the highlight of my week I would be lying because right now, he's the only guy I stand being around, apart from my personal trainer and friend, Jorden, who I had known since I was just a brat, not much older than Theo.

I had made up a schedule for today for what I could do with Theo, it wasn't anything too bad as he had just recovered from exhaustion, no thanks to me, so I was taking today slow and had just planned to work on the machines on the top floor with him.

I waited patiently for him by the front desk, occasionally checking my watch for the time as each minute passed, ignoring the looks of a group of girls that came through the doors and started checking me out.

One of them caught my eye but for whatever reason, my dick just wasn't reacting to her the way it would've done if I liked the look of a girl, if anything I've never been softer.

"Hi Maddox," they all say in union as I smiled at them once them passed me.

The girls weren't dressed for breaking a sweat and sometimes we got girls like that, that only came inside to see me or take photos just to say on social media that they showed up and 'slayed'.

Girls like that were too fucking exhausting to be around but of-course, those girls were also not bad in bed either.

I looked at my watch again and saw it had just turned 4:05 and he was now five minutes late but if anything, I was more annoyed that he hadn't shown up yet, rather than being late, which I hated more than anything.

I see a shadow behind the door and just as I suspected from the floppy head of hair, Theo opened the door looking like he wasn't trying to make it obvious that he just ran here.

He looked out of breath as he tried to straighten himself up, unaware I was watching him as he fixed his hair before coming further into the gym, only then did he notice me as his eyes go wide, like he was caught stealing.

With a blush rising on his cheeks, he made his way over to me as I waited, biting back a grin as I stared at the nervous guy dragging his legs over to me.

"Sorry I'm late," he said, standing in front me, his eyes nervously looking at me and then behind me.

"I missed my bus."

I figured it was something like this, so I dropped it and leaned off the front desk.

"It's fine Theo," I said looking at him, red in the cheeks and still trying to catch his breathe.

What I had planned for us today was probably a good idea, looking at him now, already worn out just from running from the bus stop to here, which is what, five minutes away?

"Grab a drink then we'll start with some stretches before we hit the treadmill," I told him, as I started walking over to a machine at the back of the room, Theo following behind me.

"Um..." he starts, walking next to me.

"We're not working out in the basement?" he asked, his brown eyes looking at me shyly as I simply shook my head.

"Today we're stamina building, then I'll put you on a proper schedule once you've built some energy."

He nodded before looking around, his hand gripping the bag I gave him.

"Um..." he started, whipping his eyes back to me.

"I'm just going to put my stuff in my locker..."

With that he was off and all I could do was watch him amused, he was fun to watch and I'd admit, I had wanted to bully him about it more than once, especially when he's all over the place at once.

I started stretching whilst waiting for him, a few minutes later he came out of the locker room and walked over to me, his eyes on the floor as I waited for him on the treadmill.

Once I made him stretch it out, we both got onto the treadmill and started a light walk together, before I chose to pick it up into a light jog until he was at a comfortable pace that wouldn't tire him out quickly.

After ten minutes on the treadmill, I worked with him on other machines and taught him how to properly use them, I knew Rick had probably already done it, but the fucker likes to leave things out, so I told Theo how to do it safely.

He was a weak guy, with my help he could push 15, maybe 20k but on his own he was struggling to lift 10k on each arm, which amazed me as I could probably bench press him until I got old and wrinkly without stopping once.

Our time together flew over and Theo was drenched in sweat, which I was proud of because he had worked hard and not complained once when I told him to try something, even when I corrected him more than once.

Honestly, he was easy to work with, I only wished half my guys were like him, it would make my job so much more fucking easier.

"Let's hit the showers, you could use one," I say, tapping him on the back as he paled and looked at me.

"Um... it's fine I can just do it at home..." he said as I looked at him hard, not going to take no for an answer.

"Fuck that, I'll drop you off if you miss your bus," is all I said before I started walking towards the showers.

I could use a shower myself, before he came here, I worked out with Rick on the second floor, I didn't smell bad but I also didn't want to walk around without feeling fresh either, so I decided I'd just do it now with Theo.

The guy was a nervous wreck as he followed me in, he looked everywhere but me as we walked into the changing room and I started to take my top off.

"I didn't bring anything," Theo said quietly as he stood beside me, as I looked down at him, grinning.

"I'll lend you mine, now come on get undressed," I said, handing him a spare towel I kept in my locker.

I got undressed as I started peeling my shoes and socks from my feet, and then my shorts, I couldn't help but watch from the corner of my eye as Theo turned around and started getting undressed, the back of his neck red.

Was he shy getting undressed around me?

It was only the two of us in the changing room but this sort of reaction, he was more like a girl then a guy, with how red his neck was.

It was pretty fucking cute, if I'm being honest.

Taking my underwear off, I wrapped a towel around my waist and waited for Theo, as he did the same, before I peeked at his ass, not giving a fuck if he saw me or not at this point.I

t was impossible to hide my growing erection if he saw me, so why should I care?

His butt was nice and round without a single bit of hair on it, it looked tempting enough to bite into it was so pale and it looked so smooth, it made my dick come alive at just the thought of biting into another guy's ass.

I knew what I was turning into and I knew it was fucking disturbing, which is why I walked in front so he wouldn't see just how badly I wanted to mess with his ass.

Listen to me, sounding all gay and shit for this guy, I couldn't believe myself.

Once inside the showers I drop my towel and hang it up outside the stall I stood next to, Theo got in next to me as I turned on the water, it was only then that I noticed that this was the first time I saw him without his t-shirt on.

Theo always wore long sleeved tops, but now I saw everything and despite the old bruises on his arms and back, he looked fucking beautiful, his skin was pale and smooth and his butt was nice and perky for a guy.

I was just getting harder by looking at him, so I turned around and tried to think of something disgusting, anything to distract me from taking advantage of this guy right now.

"Here."

I hand him my shampoo bottle, which he accepted shyly as I started to wash my body with gel.

Theo was quiet as I showered, I was almost done and he was still on washing his hair, I noticed from looking at him that his neck was still red and his cheeks were a bright shade of pink as he kept his head down, probably to hide how shy he was around me.

I knew how he felt around me, I was used to it after all with the number of women that threw themselves at me, but seeing it on a guy, a guy I jerked off to, it was fucking refreshing.

There was no damn way I could walk out of here right now with my large erection just not going down, now I know it was probably a mistake coming in here with him, I don't know what it was but I just really wanted to touch him.

The more seconds passed, the more frustrated I got with myself, so fuck it, he could always push me away if he didn't want this, right?

Screw it, I'm making a move.

Swallowing hard, I turned my water off and then stepped closer to him, noticing his body twitch once he noticed that I was standing next to him, under the shower water.

The moment I stepped next to him I saw it, being stood next to him I hadn't noticed but now, now I saw that I wasn't the only one feeling like my dick was about to burst as I saw that Theo was also hard and trying desperately to hide his erection.

"Turn around," I say, standing behind him, my raging hard on inches from touching his perky round ass.

"Theo, look at me."

Theo flinched and stood there, his head down before I grew impatient and grabbed hold of him and turned him around to face me as I put my hand on his shoulder, making his back hit the wall of the shower.

Looking at his face now, it was a miracle I didn't just fuck him then and there, he was bright red with tears in his brown eyes that looked up at me with panic and fear in them but not because of me, no...

He felt the same, as just as I did, he wanted this to happen.

Most importantly, he wasn't going to push me away.

I reached out and slowly wrapped my hand around his erection, making him moan out surprised, before he covered his mouth with his hand, his eyes staring widely at my hand as I gripped it tightly, moving my body closer to him until his back was pressed up against the shower wall.

I leant my head against the wall above his shoulder and touched him, his soft whimpers drove me crazy as I continued stoking him, my own erection, moments from bursting free, as I clenched my eyes shut.

Fuck, why did this feel so good?

And he wasn't even touching me and I hadn't even touched my dick either but just being able to do what I had and only thought about doing, not a day ago, right now in the showers, felt crazy to me.

"Fuck," I hissed out as I grabbed hold of Theo's right hand and wrapped it around my thick hard member, his smaller hand sending shivers down my spine.

How did this fucking happen?

I'm the hardest I've ever been and it's all because of a guy, of all people.

Without so much as a word, he began touching me and the moment his hand started moving, I was riding on cloud nine because, it felt even better than it did when I sat and thought of him alone in my shower.

Suddenly, I heard voices come closer to the shower room but there was no way I was fucking stopping this for anybody so before they walked in, I closed the shower curtain and then turned to Theo, who was looking at me nervously, his hand still wrapped around my junk.

"They won't see us," I whispered, just as the door to the shower room opened and I heard a few guy voices come inside.

I pressed my finger to my lips, telling him to be quiet as he nodded his head, a mischievous grin forming on my lips once I see the panic in his eyes.

"Fuck man, I'm beat."

"I can't feel my fucking legs, I hate leg day man, I'd rather just skip this shit but you know my girl, got to keep this up if I want to get laid."

The guys laugh out as I kept my eyes on Theo's face, grinning once he started to blush and bit down on his lip hard, to stop from moaning out as I began stroking him faster.

This was risky but none of us were planning on stopping as he kept the pace around my length, eventually I felt Theo cry out quietly before I covered his mouth with my hand, to stop him from making any more noise as he came into my hand.

I was close, so fucking close and any moment now I was going to go through the fight of my life to not make a sound because fuck, I could feel it coming as his hand started squeezing me tighter as he rested his forehead on my chest.

There was no way I could hold it in anymore, I pulled my head back and held back a deep groan as I felt myself explode into Theo's smaller, paler hand, my whole-body twitching as I tried to hold myself together.

Both breathing heavily, I catch Theo's eyes in mine and as the guys around us started to shower and talk loudly amongst themselves, I leant down and took a chance, after all, he could still push me away.

So, fuck it, I wanted to know how it felt.

I closed my eyes and captured his lips in mine, ignoring everything around me as I focused on what I was doing, after-all, it was a perfect opportunity to see how he felt about me. 

[shadowsong26fic]

Coming Attractions!

First Monday of the month, so here goes!

(And, as is often the case with these, I'll be keeping an eye on my askbox for an Open Question Night. Anything I've posted about here or on AO3 is fair game; I do take prompts but am not necessarily very fast at filling them)

Year of the OTP

I'm still behind on all of these, haha...I still have to do the three origfic ones for June (but...honestly, I didn't...really like most of the June prompts, ah well) and all five for July, plus get caught up on August. Goal is to get all of that done by the end of the month, but we'll see how it goes (especially since this month involves the Actual Moving sooooooo yeah)

Other SW Fic

Mostly putting this here to say that Precipice is not dead because I refuse to let it die; granted I haven't been actively working on it as much as I should lately, but I will update Someday, I promise. Unless I end up falling out of the fandom entirely, that fic continue.

BSG Fic

Once again plugging the Big Bang/Mini Bang event! There's still time to sign up! We are particularly low on betas, and could also use a few more artists. So given the numbers I'm not going to participate as an author myself (though I'll beta and probably jump in to podfic). Also the idea I had I'm not sure how to structure it (Zarek character study; the general idea was him looking back on his first arrest as he waits for his execution; drawing some on that great quote of his from Kobol "It's a lot easier to get blood off your hands than on it" or something like that; sort of approaching the questions of how much of his rhetoric does he (still) actually believe; some things about charisma and leading other people to their deaths; I was going to title it 'The Blood of Angry Men'...)

Other projects--aside from the OTP stuff, I am still slowly putting The Other Battlestar together. No real ETA on that, but it is coming. And it is going to be. Extremely Long, lol. Even if I do end it after Pegasus, which is my current plan (because while I have Some thoughts, figuring out how drastically things would shift after that is. A Pain. I can more or less do In Spite Of A Nail between Atia and Kimble to get the fleet in Close Enough to that same position by the time that encounter happens but. After. Man.) But yeah, very long, because...I don't need to cover/rewrite everything, but there's a Good Chunk that does need to be reworked, plus covering those six months from the Pegasus side...It's probably going to be Precipice-length (200-250k) by the time I'm done, lol.

There are always other things noodling around in my head, but that's pretty much all that's sort of Actively In The Works.

(But sign up for the event! Join us!!!!)

Les Mis Fic

Yeah so this is the current primary brainrot, lol. Papa and J... is picking up again; Ari will start learning some things in the next chapter! And will find it way easier to identify J than initially expected, lol.

For the stuff Ari won't be able to learn (due to letters/records being lost, either deliberately or because...just...::gestures at the 19th-century French governments:: ), I'm going to post a companion piece after P&J finishes, working title Provenance.

The other project which I'm hoping to start posting soon is a Groundhog Day AU, working title Acheron. I'm excited for that one but. uh. Definitely heed the warnings when it comes out because. Yeah.

Other Stuff

I'm doing the occasional origfic snippet that's not connected to the OTP fills; plus bouncing back to some of the AtLA projects I started on at the beginning of that fandom renaissance, but nothing super concrete coming up.

But also pod_together! Writing is done, recording is mostly done (I think?), I'm really excited for how this one's turned out. Leverage in the style of Shakespeare, it's a delight. (Three scenes; one with Eliot and Parker set fairly early; one with the whole crew in the Exposition scene; and a soliloquy from Sterling which was actually the first thing I wrote XD)

I also haven't forgotten about Incinctus, especially since Nocturne finally has an actual Trailer. But I think I'm going to need to rewatch the show and get in the right headspace in order to actually update it (which I do want to do! I just. Got stuck on the next chapter that needs to come out, haha...)

fun fact: watching castlevania was actually how i ended up getting actively back into bsg fandom XD

...I think that pretty much covers it! Like I said at the top, Open Question Night, and I'd love to hear about what you guys are working on, too!

also this is a reminder to me to finish putting together the Story Details form/do a reminder post about the first GBB checkin coming soon...

[headinthestaticsky]

The Phenomenon of the Immortal Sun: Jasper Hale x Fleur Swan, Chapter 6

None of the characters in Twilight belong to me, all rights go to Stephenie Meyer!

Authors note: I have no idea if I used these song lyrics in a previous chapter in Eclipse... I have a garbage memory.

"Stars did fall. Thunder rolled. Bugs crawled back, In their holes. The couple screamed, but it was far too late. Her jealous heart did retaliate."

Ten Cent Pistol by, The Black Keys.

Jasper, Emmett, and Rosalie looked like they wanted to kill someone. Alice, Dean, Esme, and Bree all looked confused and hurt.

Rosalie inhaled deeply.

"We need to do something about those two..." Rosalie said.

"They're way out of line... Edward especially... human or not I would kill anyone who comes near Fleur." Jasper added, fury was still in his voice.

"What can you guys do he's your brother. Besides after Bella turns they were going to go live in that cabin you guys renovated for them."

"We'll need to do something, you don't need any of this right now... I'm disappointed in him." Esme said sadly.

Before I could say anything else I could hear Bella scream.

"She must've just gotten bitten." I murmured.

"Hey you're probably thirsty, your eyes are starting to turn black, let me get you something," Esme suggested.

"That'd be great thanks... Jazz, could you hand me my phone?"

"Sure, what for darlin?" Jasper said sitting next to me.

"I need to call Sam and Leah... they need to know about this too. If we keep it from them, they could consider it a threat."

Carlisle's office door swung open, Edward ran toward the front door and slammed it. Carlisle came out with an annoyed look on his face.

"He's going to be the second death of me I swear he is."

"Well Seth already knows, maybe he told Leah." Bree suggested.

"Maybe he did but it won't hurt to check." I replied. I dialed Leah's number first thinking she might be a little more understanding.

"Fleur?" I heard her ask on the other line.

"Hey, Leah... has Seth told you anything lately?" My voice trembled slightly. I heard Leah sigh before letting out a laugh.

"Yeah, Seth told me you were pregnant calm down." I heard her reply.

"Oh, so Sam knows too?"

"Yeah but he's a bit skeptical... you know how he is." Leah mumbled.

"Yeah... but what about Bella... he does know that today is her changing day, the transformation is already happening."

"The last thing he told Seth about her is that she's not our concern anymore... it's her choice to change, we can't stop it." Leah explained.

"Listen I gotta go, I'll see you soon."

"See you later." She hung up a few seconds later. I rested my head on Jasper's should and sighed in relief.

"Here Fleur, maybe this we'll make you feel a bit better," Esme said, handing me a glass.

I grasped the cup and chugged it, it was gone a few seconds later. I didn't feel much better.

"Your eyes are still black...each bag should have the exact amount of blood you need for the next few days... How about you have some more?

I gulped down another bag, it still wasn't enough.

"This isn't good." Carlisle explained, he looked puzzled.

"Ehh...why isn't that good?" I inquired

"Well, if you can never be satisfied with the amount of blood your drinking you will eventually begin to starve. You will lose your strength, and could possibly have moments of insanity." Carlisle explained.

"I can handle this... it'll be worth it for him. Besides like you said before it most likely won't be a full 9 months."

"We'll all be by your side darlin." Jasper reassured, kissing my cheek.

"I'll monitor you whenever I can, it seems they're already growing quickly." Carlisle said, gesturing down to my bump.

Over the next few weeks, my baby grew more and more, but I was beginning to get weaker. No matter how much blood I drank, nothing seemed to sedate me. The rest of the Cullens were on edge with Edward and Bella, and since Bella was finally a vampire, they couldn't trust them at all. They weren't around much but when they were Rosalie and Jasper seemingly stood guard for me. I was zoned out, laying in an armchair since I was beginning to get sick of sitting on the same couch when Esme interrupted my concentration.

"Fleur, Leah and Seth are here." She called out.

I sat up and smiled, gesturing for her to bring them in. Leah and Seth walked in carrying some wrapped boxes with them.

Esme walked in with them before giving a quick goodbye as she wanted to help Carlisle and Rosalie with collecting food for me.

"You two did not have to get me anything." I said.

"Look aunt Leah has to get my nephew something." She said a smile was on her face.

I opened the box, a stuffed wolf plushie was inside, a dreamcatcher was underneath the plushie.

"These gifts are great thank you!"

"No problem, I thought they would be nice."

"You are the only one who thinks it's a boy, everyone else thinks it's a girl."

"I trust your instincts." Leah shrugged before pulling up a chair and sitting next to me.

"So how are you Fleur?" Seth asked, he shuffled around in his place, his eyes were scanning for someone else.

"It's getting rougher now since he's growing so big but, I know it'll all be worth it in the end."

"Your eyes look really dark, aren't they suppose to be red?" Leah inquired.

"We're beginning to think he's half-vampire half-human, he has a heartbeat it's just slightly faster than usual humans. He's definitely drinking the blood I get."

"I heard what happens to vampires when they don't feed...it gets rough." Leah said rubbing my back comfortingly.

"I have my moments but, they haven't been too bad."

"Where's the rest of the Cullens?" Seth inquired.

"Hunting, Edward, and Bella don't show up much... they don't want me to have my baby. But the rest of the Cullen's are really supportive and Jasper is ecstatic about it." I rubbed my bump unconsciously.

"But how do you eat?" Leah asked, her eyebrows were furrowed.

"Carlisle and Rose get these bags of animal blood for me." I saw Leah sigh and Lean back against her seat.

"These vampires aren't so bad after all...I'm glad Seth found Bree... she seems nice." Leah smiled.

"Oh she really is, she didn't know what she was doing when she was turned... I'm glad we're able to help her."

"So... when do you think you'll give birth?"

"Carlisle said I could give birth in a week or two... It's nerve-wracking, it's so unpredictable."

"Hey, you'll be fine... I'll stay here for a bit if you need." Leah offered.

"That would be nice but, I don't want to put you through any trouble."

"It wouldn't be any trouble besides If Edward or Bella tries something... they're going to have to deal with me too."

I laughed but before I could say anything I could sense Edward and Bella coming in, but the others were still farther away.

"Great... now we got werewolves constantly coming in." Bella complained.

Seth and Leah looked up shocked.

"Bella... did you forget you were in a toxic, manipulative love triangle for a solid year with a werewolf... for a solid fucking year." I snapped back.

"Jacob doesn't talk to me anymore!" Bella roared.

"Good for him, he needs to move on." I said, Leah nodded in agreement.

"You always have to stick your opinion in don't you?" Bella said.

"Uhh... you walked in for 5 seconds are were already trying to start shit with me." I snapped, the rage in my body burned.

"Hey, don't you snap at my wife." Edward snarled, he started walking up to me slowly.

"Back off Edward." Leah warned, she seemed to feel how pissed off I was.

"Can it mutt."

"Edward... I've been starving for almost a month... don't try me."

"What can you do? You're frail, weak, impaired." Edward pushed, walking up in front of me.

"What in the fuck are you two still doing here? I mean... honestly, you both got what you wanted, Edward you got a mate, and Bella, you became immortal. If you can't stand the decisions we're all making then why don't you just leave?"

"Because we're protected, we're the feared Olympic coven... Who wouldn't want to stay here." Edward explained, he rolled his eyes as if it were obvious.

"Oh I see... you're using them, you're too unskilled to protect yourselves so why wouldn't you want to let everyone else do the work?" I said in fake shock, Leah and Seth began to chuckle.

"I'm not unskilled enough to protect myself from you." Bella smirked, joining Edward in front of me.

"...You two fucking try something I dare you because the way I've been feeling all month I fucking dare someone to mess with me. I growled standing up on my own, it was strange... it was like a new strength filled my body.

Leah came up in front of me and put an arm between us three.

"Just drop it you three... this isn't going to end well." Leah warned.

Edward smirked and then grabbed me, I quickly flipped him around and as I warned before kicked him through the glass wall.

I heard shuffling and turned around to see Leah holding Bella down with Seth helping her out. I turned back around to the window, I saw Edward lying on the ground with Dean, Alice, Esme, and Emmett looking up at me in shock. I saw Carlisle approach Edward, a deadly look was on his face.

"Damn short stack!" I heard three sets of feet running inside Jasper, Rosalie, and Bree came into the lounge room. Bree went to go help Seth and Leah with Bella.

"Darlin are you okay?" Jasper called toward me worryingly. I couldn't say anything however as that newfound strength had dissipated, and I clutched my head. Rosalie and Jasper rushed to me.

"That's it I can't stand those two anymore they have to get out of here!" Rosalie exclaimed, Jasper just nodded in agreement.

When I was sat back down in the armchair I decided to explain what happened. The rest of the Cullens came back in, Edward couldn't look me in the eyes now.

"So sweety, what happened?" Esme inquired.

"I was just sitting with Leah and Seth when Bella started complaining that Leah and Seth were here."

Bella tried to say something but Rosalie gave her a glare.

"I snapped at her I'll admit but... then Edward started coming up to me threateningly... but he then he said that he was just living with you guys because he was being protected... and long story short Edward grabbed me and I kicked him through the glass wall." I finished. I had never seen Carlisle or Esme so mad before.

"Is that true?" Carlisle inquired.

"But..."

"HE SAID IS IT TRUE!" Esme interrupted.

Edward bit down a growl before answering.

"Yes."

"You two can't come around here anymore...nor do you two belong to this coven." Carlisle demanded.

Bella gasped.

"What a second we can work something out..." She started.

"Look I'm not going to spend decades of you three fighting all the time... and personally, I'm personal want to keep the one I like." Rosalie sniped.

"Leave at once," Carlisle said.

Edward and Bella stormed out of the house and ran off. A thick silence overtook the air.

"Uh...sorry about the wall." Jasper shushed me before pulling me in for a kiss.

"You two okay?" He asked, rubbing my stomach.

"Oh yeah he's having a blast...you should've felt him, he was kicking up a storm. He's a fighter I can tell." I said smiling. Jasper curled up to me and rested his head on mine. I saw the Cullens as well as Leah and Seth glance at each other, leaving the room.

"You know, I can feel what emotions they feel," Jasper stated.

"Really? How is he feeling now?"

"They loves the sound of your voice, I can tell. They get so happy when they hear it."

I smiled fondly on my bump before rubbing it softly.

"I'm glad you love it, we both love you that's for sure..."

[factorialsfandoms]

Hello! New to this tumblr, but I found your Downfall Timeline Fairy AU on AO3, and let me just say, it has become my new obsession. I’m a big fan of Fairy!Hyrule, and these fics you wrote just made me love him even more. Would it be possible to set up a possible wait time for the next part of the story? Because I can’t wait - I have so many questions and ideas of what will happen next. Will Hyrule’s fairy side be revealed to the Chain? What will Warriors think of that? Will the princesses provide insight for fixing the land and the Fairy Fountains? Maybe Legend can help with that, since I think there was an implication that he was an ancestor of Hyrule’s mother, who also used to be a Great Fairy. Does Legend end up marrying a Great Fairy and becoming a male one himself? Will the land ever actually get better, and become like the other Hyrule’s? I don’t mean to be rude, or put pressure on you, or anything like that, so you can take as long as you want. Thank you!

Hi hello lovely to meet you!

The next part of the story... I'm not entirely sure? I've got a fic in another fandom with a deadline this month which is causing me bother, so I'm not allowed to write any /new/ Zelda stuff until after that's done. ^^; I intend to then work on the fairy series, and maybe throw in some oneshots between so I don't burn out, at least up to the end of my definite plans, but I may need to do a non-series oneshot or three first to get my head back into it. Especially as the next bit is a chapterfic, which /always/ give me trouble, so I want the whole thing done before I start uploading it. Or at least be a couple of chapters ahead. The first chapter is /nearly/ finished, just needs a start, but I want at least half of it done before I upload anything. The end is the easiest bit to write, of course. xD

As for the other bits... I guess I can put some little hints towards spoilers under the cut

Can't have a fairy au without it getting revealed to everyone sooner or later! That's actually on the agenda in the chapter-fic! Which is Hyrule and Legend swapping the PoV stick, though /after/ that Warriors and time get to have some time. There's an earlier version where Warriors learnt it first half-finished in my drafts, though its been scrapped as it no longer fits with other things the series did. May finish it off sometime and throw it up not connected to the rest.

Legend and Hyrule's mother were acquainted, though its on Hyrule's /father/'s side they're blood related - his mother has been about since Time's era, but only been human enough to have kids for the last hundred years or so. The link in the hair thing is a wee bit more complicated. Try think about what actually causes Legend's hair to swap between blond and pink in LU, and a little on ALTTP. I do have some vague plans for it to come up if the heroes wander by the ranch any time soon, though the blood relation by his father's line likely never will just because the information has been lost.

I don't really have a whole ending in mind, but I have a few odds and ends. I will say though that Hyrule's hometime /is/ in a better state than it was when he ended his adventure (they just hit an especially awful part), and the improvement is continuing. Just. Starting from the more settled areas.

I'd love to drop the Princesses in on this one but we'll see. I'm currently fighting Time, Hyrule, and Warriors to try make them all talk again ^^;

[im-in-love-with-pizza-bites]

It Takes A Village Chapter 10

Chris Evans X Pregnant!Daughter!Reader

Series Master List

Series summary: You find out that your pregnant. After being kicked out of your mom's house you go to live full time with your Dad who you only saw once every few months. Will he react badly to you being a mom at such a young age?  

Chapter Summary: you announce your pregnancy on Instagram and start rethinking everything.

Series Warnings: swearing, fighting with a parent, teen pregnancy, speak of abortion.

Chapter Warnings: teen pregnancy mentions puking

You had been on the couch watching Peter pan but now your morning sickness kicked in. You were home from school today due to it being a half-day, your dad was at the store. So you were home alone and throwing up in the toilet with Dodger staring at you concerned while he whimpered. Once you were done you washed your face and brushed your teeth before you went back to the couch to finish the movie. After you posted the photo showing you were home there were rumors as to why. A few gruesome ones, like your mom died, (in all different ways) and a few normal less gruesome ones, such as your dad was able to get full custody of you.You ignored them you were planning on sharing the real reason tomorrow.

"Sweet-pea! I'm home!" You heard your dad say when he entered the house a few bags of groceries in his hands.

"Hey dad!" You said looking over the couch to look at him.

"Hey you okay? Seeing all those rumors?" He asked from the kitchen as he began putting everything away. You got up and walked in.

"Yeah haven't been on social media much since I got out of school I've been watching movies. And I think I have some baby names." You told him excitedly as you began to help him.

"What happened to not picking a names until you knew the genders?" He asked smirking at you.

"Don't worry one of them are after you." You said. He looked at you smiling silently begging you to continue. "No! You don't get to know! But I'll tell you the middle name ideas I have." You said.

"Continue." He smiled at you.

"Okay, so Christopher and Scott are the middle names if I have boys." You said continuing putting away the groceries.

"Okay what about the girl names?" He asked.

"Maxine, and of course the basic white girl middle name of Anne." You said giggling.

"Basic white girl name?" He shook his head at you but you could see the small smile on his face. "The other one is cute though." He said.

"I know!" You told him smiling.

"And Scott will also be happy will one of those names... He's been telling me how you were definitely going to name your baby after him." He explained, you giggled.

"Because I already told him." You said giggling.

"Sweet-pea how could you tell him first! I'm your dad!" He feigned offense before you both laughed. "But really those are great middle names. Especially the first one you said." He smirked at you. "Okay I'm going to make dinner you can get a movie set up for us to watch okay Bubba?" He asked.

"Okay. What movie?" You asked him.

"You pick bubba." You nodded leaving the kitchen Dodger following.

----

You stood in front of the mirror looking down at you baby bump, phone in hand. Unbeknownst to your dad you were doing this. He was outside with Dodger and you told him you were doing your homework. Of course he'd know that was a lie once this photo goes around. You faced your camera to the mirror the bump was clear from your side you took the photo. You went onto Instagram, a bunch of notifications from your last post filing in. You clicked the new post, you picked your photo before writing a brief caption that said:

"As my last post has cause many questions maybe this with clear some things up. Two new Evans are due in November. I prefer not to go into detail about anything about me being home or about the babies or their father, I just prefer the media and my dad's fans stay out of it. I hope you all can respect that."

You hesitated reading over the caption as many times as possible. Before setting your phone down not posting the picture. You sighed sitting on your bed. You looked back at your phone grabbing it and turning the comments for the post off before quickly clicking it then going down stairs and outside where Chris sat.

"Dad I posted a photo of my baby bump everyone knows." You sat next him sighing. He looked down at you. He pulled you into his side giving you a reassuring smile.

"I told you not to post anything bubs." He mumbled. "Has anyone said anything yet?"

"I turned the comments off..." You mumbled into his shirt.

"That was a good idea. You gotta show me how to do that Bubba." He leaned over kissing the top of your head.

You giggled. "Okay old man." His phone dinged and he looked at it and sighed.

"Well your post is getting attention. Sebastian and Mackie and asking if it's true." He showed you his phone.

"Ooh call'em I want to say hi." You sat up leaning your head on his shoulder. He chuckled shaking his head before face timing them.

"Hey lil Evans!" Mackie said seeing you. "Are you pulling a late April fools prank or was that post real?" He asked.

"It was real... I forgot you guys follow me." You said.

"Your gonna be mom aren't you like 10?" Sebastian asked, slightly teasingly. "Wait... We're you not gonna tell us if we didn't see that post?"

"I'm 15. And before you ask any questions about the babies, I'm having twins, the dad knows, he doesn't want them, I'm 12 weeks along I don't know the genders, and... I think that's all.. Oh and that's why I live with dad, and no I'd tell you eventually, probably next time I saw you and you met the babies." You rambled.

"Who is the dad?" Sebastian asked.

"Jake." You mumbled.

"And your good with this? Two new babies in your house?" Anthony asked Chris.

"We already talked 4 weeks ago when I found out." Chris said.

"You've known for four weeks and didn't tell us Y/n I thought I was your favorite uncle?" Sebastian pouted at you thought the screen.

"Hey I thought I was your favorite uncle!" Anthony said.

"Why do I need to have a favorite?"

"I'll be the babies favorite uncle." Anthony said

"With all of the people I've told about the babies you guys are definitely the most chill about it." You muttered before looking at your phone eyes widening at how many people have already liked the post already. And the press was probably already writing about it.

"Okay bye guys we'll talk to you later." Your dad said before hanging up the face time.

"I think I made a mistake I shouldn't have posted it, dad!! I shouldn't even be a mom now I'm putting my kids into the media! Dad, I had the privilege of not being in the media often since I lived in texas no one is gonna go there and try to take photos rednecks would shoot em! My kids have to live where ever you are because I'm a minor! I'm so dumb! I should've kept it a secret." You rested your head on his shoulder as you rambled. He sighed not knowing how to calm you down so he just looked down at you rubbing your shoulder. "Oh not to mention what is someone from town sees that! They'll all know and show Jake or mom! My kids won't even have their father! Only a mom. I can't take care of the babies I can't even drive! What am I going to do take them to school on a bicycle?" Your rambling continued.

"Bubba... You'll be able to drive when they start going to school besides you have me. Don't worry about town. Or the press." He said. To be honest those were thought he's been having it was why he didn't want you to tell the press. You grew up in a small town in texas with a whole bunch of rednecks even if the paparazzi found out where you lived the town would've chased them away, not because they liked you but because rednecks are crazy. If you still lived there press would be a lot less of a problem. And for the whole, your kids won't have a father thing he knew even if their dad wouldn't be there he would be the best male role model he can for them. But he also noticed that if you weren't at school or work you were always busying your mind, with homework or reading you barely read before. He could only assume it was because of the breakup and being kicked out. Just a way for you not to think of them. Dodger ran over licking your hand as you continued your rant to your dad.

"Shh, bubba." He cooed softly as your rant ended. "I told you, you're not going to be alone. I'll be there to help you the whole way."

Taglist: @toastisgood @coldmuffinpartycloud @thevelvetseries @uniquebeautyqueen

[possiamo-andare]

No More Divisions - Chapter Six: The Key

JJ x Original Character

you guys are really gonna like this one...

MASTERLIST

~

You've ever had that moment in life where you've forgotten something so important that you feel physical pain once you've remembered? If you have, you know exactly what I mean.

A couple months ago, Sarah and I were planning to hang out and I wanted to sleep over. I had packed everything the night before to make sure I didn't forget anything. I had made a list for the first time in forever and I double checked before I left. Yet, once I got to Sarah's house I remembered one thing I forgot. Something I didn't even think to put on the list. Pads. I had gotten my period that night and I had to go looking through Sarah's bathroom cabinet to find a pad like a raccoon. Once I realize I had forgotten it, this awful feeling of dread came over me because I knew I messed up.

I hate that feeling.

When we get to the dock, I got that same feeling. I realized we forgot something; the key. Like idiots, we forgot the thing that starts the damm boat. I swear to god sometimes I think we all share one brain cell.

Although I remember this key piece of information, I don't let them know until the boat is in the water. Once the boat is in the water, I finally decide to break the news to them.

"Wow, guys," Pope chuckled, looking at all of us. "With twenty minutes to spare."

JJ and Kiara are smiling with Pope and I'm expecting a group hug but I know I'm gonna have to rain on their parade.

"Um, guys," I clear my throat. They're all joking around and fist bumping each other and I'm just watching. I kinda feel bad. "There's one problem."

They all look to me, waiting for me to be a little more precise. They all move closer to me and I look to JJ, who is as clueless as a snail.

"What?" He asks me, clearly being able to see that I'm pissed.

"How the hell is John B. gonna be able to start the car without the key?"

I don't think I've seen Kiara get so mad at JJ so quickly. They always have their mini fights here and there but this time she's pissed. "You forgot the key?!"

JJ rolls his eyes. "Sorry Kie, I was a bit distracted by the crazy Kooks trying to kill us all day!"

I want to step in and try to mediate since the both have reasons to be upset but I look to Pope for reassurance and he looks to me and shakes his head. Apparently getting between Kiara and JJ was a bad idea. So, I stay silent along with Pope as Kiara and JJ battle it out.

"I gave you two small tasks. I even wrote them down!" Kiara raises her voice, her hands coming up to her face to rub her temples.

JJ smirks. "Chill Kie, I gotta plan."

Kiara rolls her eyes. "Great. You've got a plan. Ya hear that guys, JJ has a plan. Well, that makes me feel better." Kiara's voice is filled with sarcasm and JJ knows it.

JJ let's out a loud sigh before turning to me. "Callie, you're gonna help me."

I frown. "Why do you always pick me when we have to get in trouble?"

"Because he -" Pope begins to say before Kiara elbows him.

JJ glares at Pope for a second before looking back at me. "Who says we're doing anything dangerous?"

I roll my eyes. "Fine, then what are we doing?"

JJ scratches his head. "We're gonna..." He looks to his house for a moment then back to me.

Then, it clicks. "No." I glare at JJ. "I'm not gonna steal the key from your dad."

"Yeah. If he wakes up, he'll kill you guys." Kiara pipes in, patting my shoulder.

JJ shook his head quickly. "Callie." Once he says my name, my eyes instantly meet his. He grabs me by the shoulders and pulls me closer to him. "Nothing will happen to you. I promise."

He's so serious and calm as he says this I can't help but believe him. Last week I wouldn't have trusted JJ with anything, let alone my life but now it's different. I feel something for JJ. Something I don't have time to figure out just yet.

I nod. "Okay. What's the plan?"

~

"You're a psycho." I angrily whisper to JJ. I can't speak normally because I'm in his house and of I talk normally, his dad will wake up.

He's just told me his plan to get the key and now I'm sure we'll die. The key is on a chain hanging around his father's neck and the only way JJ can think of to get it off is to cut the chain. Not only is this a bad idea, it will get us killed. If either of us makes one wrong move, then JJ's dad will wake up and see what we're doing. Then I can only imagine the suffering I'll endure.

"My dad can sleep through a tornado. He won't even know we're here." JJ shrugs, totally nonchalant about the hibernating bear on his couch.

I take a deep breath. "Fine. Let's just do this."

I tiptoe behind JJ as we make our to the couch where his dad is sleeping. As I move around his cluttered house, I'm surprised. Of course, I never expected his living quarters to be four stars, but at least one would make me happy. No wonder JJ rarely goes home. Not the mention the mean man waiting for him each time he gets home.

The house is a complete mess and from what I can tell, it's mostly at the fault of his father, not JJ. There's empty beer bottles and spare parts. Two things JJ would never bring home, let alone scatter all over his house. It's obvious his dad has never cleaned up after himself which just angers me. Not only does he beat his son, he is beyond ok with letting his son live in these conditions. Maybe I do want him to wake up, so I can beat the shit out of him.

Once we get close enough to JJ's dad, JJ looks to me and extends his hand outward. I take the scissors that I found on the boat from my pocket and give them to JJ. He slowly reaches for them, careful not to even make a creak. I can't even tell if JJ and I are breathing because that's how quiet we are trying to be.

Once JJ grabs ahold of the scissors, he moves closer to his dad's face. This time I'm sure JJ and I aren't breathing. The only loud thing I can hear is my heartbeat which is beating so loud I'm sure it's gonna wake up JJ's dad any minute. I try to take small breaths through my nose and try to stay calm but that proves to be difficult because I watch JJ pick the chain with the key up with his index finger and slowly bring the scissors to the chain.

He slowly but surely slides the blades down on the chain and they make a small sound, definitely not loud enough for his dad to hear. JJ tries again. He reopens the blades and then closes them again, this time they sound even louder. Yet again, the scissors aren't strong enough to cut the chain.

JJ slowly places the chain back on his father's chest and turns to me, scissors still in hand. His brows are scrunched together and I know this means he has an idea. And if I know JJ, it's a stupid idea.

I raise my eyebrows at him. What is he planning. He shifts a little to the right and places the scissors on the table in front of the couch where his father sleeps. There's barely any room on the table with all the junk but he makes room. He then looks back to me and smirks.

I have no idea what he's about to do. Then, he turns back to his dad and does it. He grabs onto the chain with his entire hand and rips it off his dad's neck in a second, breaking the clasp.

I wanna scream at him. I'm wanna punch him. Although I want to, I can't because JJ's dad grumbles, waking up from his deep sleep.

JJ grabs my hand and quickly pushes me into his kitchen and under the table, away from his dad's eyeline. We're both so damn quiet, I'm sure we're not breathing again.

Since we're under the table, we can't see JJ's dad but we can hear him. He wakes up and gets up from the couch. He stretches and wakes closer to the kitchen.

JJ squeezes onto my hand. I forgot that we're still holding hands. I squeeze back and look at him. He gives me a half smile but I know he's terrified.

Just as I think JJ's dad is gonna walk into the kitchen, he passes it completely and makes his way to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

I let out a sigh. "Holy shit."

JJ let's go of my hand. "I thought we were dead."

I scowled. "Yeah we almost did, you ass. Why'd you do that?"

JJ shrugged, smiling at me in a way I can't explain. "I got the key, didn't I?"

I smirked, not being able to contain my happiness. "Sure. But seriously, next time I'm planning -"

I can't even reprimand JJ anymore because he's cuped my face in his hands and is kissing me. JJ is kissing me. It takes me a moment to realize what's going on and at first I'm not kissing him back. My body is limp because I'm in total shock.

I think he gets scared of my reaction because he let's me go and starts apologizing. "Callie, I'm so fucking sorry. I'm really -"

And now im kissing him. Both of my arms wrap around his neck and I dive forward to kiss him. These emotions have been building up since last night and now I'm finally expressing them. Once JJ reacts to me kissing him, he's kissing me back fiercely. His hands are my waist, pulling my upper body closer to him. We're crouched down under this stupid table but I'm having the time of my life. I've never kissed anyone like this.

He tastes like mint gum which I didn't think he would taste like, especially since I haven't seen him chew any gum since I met him. I wonder what I taste like to him.

We hear the toilet flush. This is what makes us pull apart. JJ's dad will be out any second and we haven't left yet.

We scurry out from under the table and JJ helps me up from the ground.

With his hand in mine, we run out of his dad's front door. We cut across the side of his house and run across his backyard. We pass the jacuzzi which is now drained. I can't believe that not even 24 hours ago I was having my first real conversation with JJ and now I'm running hand in hand with him. A lot can change in one day.

Once we make it to the dock, we see Kiara and Pope sitting on the ledge waiting for us. Once our steps are heard on the dock, Kiara looks up at us and smiles.

"You got it?"

Kiara and Pope both stand up once we get closer to them. JJ takes the key, still dangling on the chain, and holds it in front of Kiara and Pope.

"Told you I got it." He hands it to Kiara.

Kiara has the biggest grin on her face. "I always believed in you man."

"Bullshit." JJ laughs, looking to me.

That's when I realize our hands are still interlocked. Embarrassed, I let go and move slightly away from JJ, giving him space. He frowns at me and suppress a smile. Everything he does makes me laugh. If this is what liking someone feels like then I don't think I ever liked Rafe.

Once Kiara puts the key I'm her pocket, she extends her arms, ready for a group hug. We all extend our arms with her and all hug. We're yelling and screaming, joking about how crazy this day has been. I've never felt so appreciated, so loved by anyone in my entire life.

I understand why being a Pogue is so awesome. Being a Kook, there's not much room for community and family but here, I feel like we're our own little family. A week ago I would've never understood why Sarah loved hanging out with John B. and his friends but now I do.

Now I do.

I look up from our group hug and JJ is watching me. I smile at him and he winks at me.

I want to roll my eyes but I don't. I just watch him as he watches me. We're in the moment and I don't think I've ever felt as alive as I do now.

[nish-with-no-niche]

When No One's Around...

Chartered accountant!Jaebeom x Software engineer!Reader

Summary :

Ever wonder how much alcohol tolerance can Jaebeom have for you? Read till the end to find out ;)

Warning :

1) This chapter.....is a long ass ride.

2) I know some people prefer using their name, but I only realised it later that instead of (Y/N) I accidentally gave reader-nim a name, i.e, Yeseul. So kindly bear with me as it's my first time writing a 2nd person perspective and just imagine your own name in its place. Thankyou and.....enjoy!

▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎▪︎

You finally had finished your board meeting and were heading out of the office building with your co-workers to retire to your humble abode.

"It's 7:37 pm ladies and gentlemen, and we are finally free for the night.", said Sarah, one of your close colleagues.

"Aaaand we're leaving 2 hours later than the designated office hours. This is over time!", exclaimed Kyunghwan, your senior, and sales manager. It was totally unusual but justified for everyone to feel this way. After such a heated discussion about the proposals everyone was exhausted and acted dramatically. Even though they were your seniors, almost everybody still treated each other without the honorifics outside of work; albeit they could seem eccentric given the time and place. You yourself had experienced it first hand and maybe tonight had just a little bit more in store for you.

" Everyone, I totally understand how you must feel.....", stated Mr. Yoon-ho, the team director. "We, are not getting paid enough. Let's go to a restaurant and give ourselves a well deserved treat. The person who is wearing blue today will be the ones to pay up!", came his suggestion.

Hearing his sudden offer, each person constituting the 8 people group cheered and hooted but started checking their dress colours as the realization hit in. 'Oh thank god, I'm wearing anything but blue today' , everyone thought simultaneously.

However everyone's eyes landed on you as you were the only one wearing a turquoise blue ruffle shirt with beige coloured cigarette pants. And everybody knew exactly where that suggestion in the director's mind had come up.

' Oh lord, it's Yeseul again.'

Firstly, Yoon-ho was a huge-ass spend-thrift. Even if he knows he wont eat or use something, he would still spend money on it. Especially when it's someone else's money.

And secondly, he despised you. You and your intelligence. And the fact that you were humble made it even worse for him.

Atleast one can hate on arrogant people for their arrogance. As for humble people, we can't even hate them for anything, much less like. Tch.

Sarah, concerned for you asked if you were okay with that. Not that you really had a choice in the first place.

But you had stopped listening-in to their conversation, midway. Because your eyes were solely fixated on this unexpected visitor, standing right across the road, leaning against his car and looking right at you.

Im Jaebeom, your soon-to-be fiancè, in all his glory was right in front of you and you had no idea what he was doing there.

"Sarah, I'll see you later."

Coming to your senses after 3.57 seconds, you waved back at him and quickly crossed the road to reach him.

" Yeseul, hey" started Jaebeom.

"Uh, hi! I didn't know you were here. How have you been?", unsure, you asked him.

"I've been good. I got off work early today so I decided to pick you up like a responsible boyfriend", smirked Jaebeom.

He had his hands in his pant pockets the whole time, was wearing a suit with his hair gelled up and looked like the epitome of a perfectly successful banker.

"How long had you been waiting?", you questioned. "Not too long, about 20 minutes? .... Yeah. Don't worry though, I was busy on my phone." He lied. He knew you'd feel even worse about the truth because in reality he had been waiting for you since two hours thirty-seven minutes and sixteen seconds.

But even then you insisted, " Now this makes me look really bad. You didn't have to come all the way here. Why didn't you call me?"

"I wanted to be here", he replied cheekily and pat your head. "And it was a good surprise, wasn't it?"

(Sighing) "what if I already went home or I was staying in late?"

"Well then lets just say I got lucky" he smiled.

You were about to say something further, but he cut you in, " By the way, your...... colleagues, they seem... expectant?" Looking back at them you see them all wide-eyed and smiley-faces as if they just didn't come out of an exhausting office day. Realizing their expressions , you turned and asked Jaebeom, " oh, um, Jaebeom-shi, you're not too tired, right? Have you eaten something?"

"No, not really, why?"

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" HA, HA, HA, HA, HA! WHAT A NIGHT MAN, WHOO!!" roared a drunk Mr. Yoon. "Wow, Yeseul, you have such a nice boyfriend, he's a keeper, hahahaha. Everyone! say, 'THANKYOU IM JAEBEOM-SSI!'.

Bashfully, everyone complied, giving you sorry smiles and yet enjoying the food and drinks in front of them as if it was their first time eating.

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Since the time the talks of you about to being engaged rounded up in the halls of your office, everybody had been eager and curious to meet this Mr. Perfect who they had only seen in photos. Everyday not only the women but also your male coworkers would come over at your desk asking you to set up a get together with him.

They all wanted to know who this mysterious person was, taking a liking for someone as stoic as you. They never imagined you being in a relationship with anyone- always holding the title of 'Fashion Femme Fatale'.

So now here you were- with Jaebeom- and a gang of 8 people who were doing nothing but wasting Jaebeom's hard earned money.

Yes, he offered to pay up in your stead.

Ah! So chic!

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You were getting really uncomfortable because you felt bad for Jaebeom who was nothing but sweet to everyone all this time. You were barely starting off in a relationship and now he had to witness all of ....... this.

You wanted to just take your bag and run away with him.

"Hmm, Yeseul , how long has it been since you guys started dating?" Asked Yoon-ho.

Huh?

" uh, it's been about...... 2 months?" you replied looking at Jaebeom for confirmation. After getting his nod of approval you continued, "why do you ask though, sunbae-nim?"

"Ah! I didn't get to congratulate you. First of all....... let me pour you a drink!"

"What, out of nowhere?"you retaliated.

"Ahem! I'm your superior."he countered. "You didn't even touch anything yet, Drink~ bottoms up~~".

In the midst of his coercions, you contemplated- 'Why... do I get intimidated by Yoon-ho ssi? .... Soju's too strong ...... Jaebeom won't be able to drive if he drinks it.... house is far tooo. *sighs* it's over for me if I get drunk and act like an idiot in front of them.... hhnnngg. But if I refuse, the mood will get cold.... last time I was fine for the first few drinks, right?-"

"Give it to me."interceded Jaebeom.

"Huh?"

Turning towards the crowd, he stated, "Yeseul's bad with alcohol. I'll drink for her."

"Ooo~ hahahaha~~"

"playing the knight for your girlfriend ? ~~ "

"so cool!! Whoa~"

Sighing you looked at him, starting to get a little worried. But suddenly everyone chimed in- "still! We're not satisfied with one drink!"

"Let's get Yeseul-ah drunk~!"

"Me too!"

"You cant resist our drink! We're your superiors!"

"Aah~ now, let's not push her too hard. Take it slow. Slow~" said Yoon-ho, giving you his ever so sweet smile.

'It is you I hate the most!' You thought.

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"Aah~ Jaebeom-ssi drank them all"

"~Food is great here!"

"Heard this is the hidden place for gourmets."

After a while things seemed to settle down, your thoughts again wandered towards Jaebeom-

'He keeps on tapping his fingers and feet.... all the while maintaining his smile. I wonder if he's getting bothered by them..... ' -

"Hey~ she cant take her eyes off her BOYFRIEND!" chirped Yujin( colleague, same age as you). Following suit everyone got started off- "He's good looking right?" " you didn't even glance at the others ~" "what ? No, when did I.. " you tried to defend yourself. Sarah who was sitting next to you all this time whispered, "don't take them too seriously 'seul- ah, they're only teasing you, and you know everyone is as good as drunk."

Suddenly Kyunghwan, who was sitting opposite to you, waiting for the right opportunity slipped in~ " You can take mild Brandy right?"

"Ah yes, I can"

"NO." Jaebeom interceded. Again.

He took the glass from his hand and drank it.

"Aish intercepting it all, gosh!"he exclaimed.

But leaving no stone unturned, he kept pressing, "hey! You guys are a couple, atleast show us a kiss!" And everyone started hooted demanding such a public display of affection.

Hearing this, your ears flared up, " oof, what's with you all? Dont you think it's too much? ..... please stop it already. I dont really want to do it. ........Why do we have to do it in front of you?"

Now this... was just too much. Right when you were about to give them a piece of your mind-

"Okay."Jaebeom announced.

" ...... "

" ....... "

" ....... "

What.

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The truth is that both of you had never really kissed before, the closest form of affection you were able to showcase for now was simply a hug, that too only when you were alone. You had no idea what went through his mind when he agreed to everyone's plea. Was he finally drunk? You had never seen him drunk before, all though a few of his friends that you had met told you he had a strong temperance. Maybe this was okay for him?.... Did he probably hear it wrong? Not being able to make head or tail of the situation you questioned him, "Jaebeom-"

"You....... and you." Cutting you off, said person pointed at Kyunghwan and then at Yujin.

"If you two do it, we'll do it too. In fact, it doesn't matter if any other two do it either." explained Jaebeom with a smile.

And then you realised what he was actually doing.

"Don't want to, right?..... I stink of alcohol and 'seul said she doesn't want it. Moreover, it won't look good, if a lady's colleagues at work would act like this, much less her seniors."

"Uh. . . . " a flustered Yujin tried to speak.

" Well I wasn't going to force her to do that" resigned Kyunghwan with a pout.

"Yeah let's just forget about it, okay guys? ", Sarah spoke.

"Wow~ get married already Yeseul, reqally" Said Yoon-ho.

"Such a perfect couple. Tch" mumbled Yujin.

However, when everyone went back to their own, Kyunghwan caught Jaebeom giving him a side glance with a poker face who then turned to look at you. Even though such a gesture unnerved him, the alcohol immediately brushed off that feeling.

You on the other hand were getting more and more worried about Jaebeom, you lost count of how many glasses he must've had on your account, and tried one more time to check up on him- " are you alright? You've been really drinking a lot." But he only gave you a smile in return.

(Sighing) 'He drank way too mu-' *plop*

His head suddenly on your shoulder now, he spoke, " I want to rest."

Looking at you Sarah whispered," He must be tired, you should go home now, don't worry, I'll take care of it here."

"Okay. Jaebeom-ssi ....... Jaebeom? Let's go home now, ok?" You asked.

"Seul."

"Yes?"

"My head aches."

"What? Headache?"

"Its too noisy here..... my head aches.....". Alarmed by this sight you wondered ' 'why's he like this ? Since the start he seemed a bit off. Is his head hurting from being drunk? This was such a bad idea."

You see him gently lift his head up and stare at his hands. Or the table. Or the plate? You see jaebeom blink.

"..."

And he blinked again.

'Ohmygod,he's definitely drunk.'

" uhh, hey- let's go get some fresh air, okay?" You asked holding him by the shoulders. You never witnessed something like this before. But he just stared at you.

'Answer me already.' You thought. Helping him stand up you took your bag, "okay, Sarah, we'll be leaving now, I'll catch you tomorrow, take care!"

"Yeah, you too, goodnight~" returned Sarah.

Once outside you tried to remember where the car was, since the restaurant didn't have a parking lot. You walked a few meters and then stopped. Due to him leaning on you, your back and neck hurt a little, so you decided to sit on the nearby bench. 'Ah, I'm out of strength.'

You both just sat next to each other like that for a while and then you asked him where the car was kept.

But he just smiled at you.

Heaving a sigh, you stood up and started searching around. "Just sit here, and dont move Jaebeom- ssi, I'll be right back." He saw your retreating figure as you left.

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After about 10 min you find the car at the backside of the building and return to where Jaebeon was.

"I found the car, give me the keys and I'll drop you off home" you said.

"Yeseul."

"Yes?"

He smiled. Again.

"Seems like you won't get up for a while." So you sat down. Did he even listen to a word you said? And no sooner than you did, he reached his hand out to touch your face, whereas you instinctively moved back. He paused for a moment, mid air, and then touched your cheek. "You look tired", he said thoughtfully.

Well he wasn't completely wrong.

He let his head drop on your shoulder, and again with the same sweet, mellow voice recited you name," Ye.seul.ah."

"Yes, yes I hear you." You laughed.

"I should've just left with you after work was over rather than come here. Everyone just wanted to meet you so bad. I'm sorry."

" . . . "

"Plus I didn't want you to pay for those guys." You confessed.

"Pay?", queried Jaebeom. "seeing how they sat and behaved with you , it's obvious that they were trying to leech off." He finally spoke.

" Yeseul, I want you to be very cautious and smart about who you associate yourself with in that work place and any where else. I won't always be around you, so you must be wary of people like Kyunghwan. Got it?" And then he lifted his head up to stare straight ahead.

So that's what was bothering him.

Trying to lift the strange tense atmosphere you spoke in childish wonder, "how dare they think of you as a pushover! In fact, why did you even drink whatever came my way, I could've handled-"

"What would you have done?" Cut in Jabeom.

You fell silent.

"Those two men and that woman, those three were your seniors. And anyone could notice how they exploited their position. I understood you couldn't do much from where you stand", he reprimanded you.

After a pause he continued, now in a smaller voice- "I dont think I can drive, how will you get back home?"

" Well thanx to a certain someone, I'm completely sober. So I'll drive your car to your house and drop you off. Then I'll take a cab to mine."

" 'seul?"

"Hmm?"

"You like me right?"

"Huh", you sat up straight, taken off guard by his question.

"You're sincere to me right? Whatever I do, I have always been sincere towards you."

Suddenly flustered by this uncharacteristic side of him you just tried to avoid his question, staring straight ahead.

"Just give me the car keys, let's go home now..." you said in a daze.

'Its definitely the alcohol in his brain.'

"Yeseul!"

"Ah, yes-"

chu!~~

"Wha..."

Chu!~~~

Jaebeom kissed you.

And the realization hit in.

Huh.

Huh???!!

" #$%@&**?! Jaebeom-!!! "

" ? "

"What are you ?! Why did you?!-"

"Hm? What? No one's around."

And he kissed you again. This time properly. Making you feel nothing like ever before.

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Sadly, he ended up passing-out right after and you drove him back to his house, aided the house-helper lay him on bed, took a cab, went back to your home, changed into your night clothes, slipped in your bed and you laughed. You laughed until sleep graced you with her presence.

Except she never came.You were awake the whole night, rewinding and playing the scene again and again with the thought that would nag any other girl in your shoes- 'How do I see him after tonight! '.

Adjshklllajsldgddhddfffff !!!!!!

Eeeek!

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That's the end readers! I hope you enjoyed it my very precious people. If you did then do like and comment. Feedbacks are highly appreciated 🤧🤧

And I wish for your good health in such times and hopefully I was able to help make this quarantine maybe a little more bearable for you. Thanx for reading and dont forget- You Da Best!!!

[d-noona]

MAKE OVER

Chapter 16: New Year’s Eve | FINAL

Jung Hoseok x Reader

Reader as Kang Hyeonji

SUMMARY: When Kang Hyeonji transformed herself into a striking redhead, the entire male population of Seoul stood up and took notice. But her make over was for Jung Hoseok’s benefit alone. He began to show interest in the new look but not in the way she wanted. Suddenly he was over-protective, perhaps a little jealous. It seemed that the idea of having a relationship with her couldn’t be further from his mind. The girl however wants more. So it was time for an ultimatum. If Hoseok didn’t want Hyeonji to lose her virginity to another admirer, he had no option but to make love to her himself.

The party was in full swing, a large motley collection of people having gathered in the Jung's house to celebrate New Year's Eve, plus the engagement of Hoseok to his long-time girlfriend slash next door neighbor, Kang Hyeonji.

As the glamorous guest of honor, the happy couple were dressed for the part. The proud groom-to-be was resplendent in stylish Balenciaga navy trousers, an open neck Gucci blue shirt and a suave cream silk sports jacket by Supreme. is bride-to-be was stunning in a strapless party dress of emerald satin by Chanel, with an even more stunning emerald and gold choker gracing her elegant neck. It had been a Christmas present from her adorning fiance, one of many he'd lavished on her during the past year.

Hoseok had, in fact spoiled Hyeonji rotten with gifts of expensive clothes and jewelry, not to mention his myriad smaller purchases of chocolates, flowers and perfume. He'd taught her to drive in his precious car, and would've bought him a new car if she'd let him. Then there were the fantasy getaways he'd taken her on, weekends here and there at romantic places designed to seduce and soften even the hardest of hearts. Not that Hyeonji was a hard girl. Hoseok knew she wasn't.

But she'd been surprisingly difficult to win, he'd found to his consternation. He'd never been quite sure of her feelings. She'd keep him dangling, had often been late for dates, and had sometimes even dared to cancel them. He'd never quite known where he stood with her, which had been both irritating and intriguing. Only in the love making department had he been sure of his domination over her. There, she was a putty in his hands, melting at his touch, quick to be aroused and always willing, no matter how often he wanted her, or where.

She'd never said no, even when there;d been some danger of being discovered. His choosing precarious places, such as behind rocks at the beach or in a sparsely filled movie theater - had sometimes soothed the sense of emotional insecurity she instilled in him, he'd almost felt loved. There'd been no doubt she craved him sexually; could not deny him. But was that love?

Till Christmas Day, when he'd produced an engagement ring for her which would have done Elizabeth Taylor proud. It was huge brilliant-cut yellow Argyle diamond, set in white gold. But it had been his words as he'd given it to her that had seemed to do the trick. "This cost me a fortune, Hyeonji," he said. "But a fortune means nothing to me without you. Marry me, my darling. I love you so much and I think you love me. You don't have to say you do if you don't want to but it would be nice, just once, to hear it from your lips."

Hyeonji had stared at him and then burst into tears. He gathered her to him and heard the words he'd been dying to hear all year. "Of course I love you. Don't you know that yet? I love you, Hoseok. With all of my heart, I love you. I love you..."

He looked over at her now across the crowded living room and caught her eye. She smiled at him, brown eyes sparkling. It wasn't so much different from the smiles she'd given him before, but tonight he saw the love in them. Why hadn't he seen it before? Hoseok was about to walk across the room to join her when someone tapped him on the elbow.

"Hello, you gorgeous hunk, you. If I wasn't married, you know, I'd given Hyeonji a run for her money." It was Choon Hee, from the library. One of Hyeonji's best friends.

Hoseok smiled "You would have to be good."

Choon Hee nodded up and down. "You're right. Hyeonji's a grand girl and I'm very happy for her. You don't know how lucky you are."

"Oh, I think I do..."

"She's loved you for so long, you know." says Choon Hee

Hoseok was about to say he didn't know at all when he stopped himself. It was then he realized Choon Hee was off in another world, smiling at something in her head.

"I can still remember the day she came into the library and told me about Mr X. You must remember Mr X, Hoseok," she added, glancing up at him.

"Only too well," Hoseok said dryly, and he lifted the glass he was holding to his lips.

Choon Hee chuckled. "I nearly cracked up when she told me about him, especially when she said you hadn't twigged. I mean...you have to admit it's very funny, but rather typical of men, not seeing beyond their nose. But I dare say you've laughed together about it since."

"Laughed about what?"

"About you being Mr X, of course."

Hoseok's drink froze midway to his mouth. He stared at Choon Hee over the glass. She grimaced, then groaned. "Oh, dear heaven, you didn't know. I always assumed she'd told you. Oh Lord!"

Hoseok could hardly think. He was Mr X. His head spun with the news, and all it implied. Hyeonji had loved him all along. But she'd also lied to him, laughed at him, manipulated him. She'd been a schemer, as Tinashe had warned she was. He recoiled at his thought, and his feelings showed on his face.

"Don't you dare take that attitude," Choon Hee warned.

"Dont you DARE! That girl loves you. No, she adores and worships you. Always has done. But did you ever see it? Not on your nelly! You sailed on through your glamorous privileged life, tossing her a few crumbs from your table when it suited you. You didn't give a fig for her feelings. You took her for granted and you broke her heart."

"But that's not..."

"Oh, shut up and listen!" Choon Hee snapped. "So what if she protected her self-esteem by inventing Mr X? So what if she had some fun with it? She'd had little enough fun in her life at that point in time. Give credit where credit is due, Hoseok. When she saw her chance she went after what she wanted. She changed for you, lied for you, fought for you. And she won you, by God - won your love and your respect. Look at her, Hoseok. She's beautiful and very brave woman; a woman in a million. Don't you dare tell her I told you about Mr X. Don't take her pride. Go on letting her think you believe she once had a Mr X in her life, because maybe she needs that Maybe she...Oh my God, she's coming over. Promise me, Hoseok. Promise me, you won't tell her I told you."

"I promise Choon," he said faithfully. "And thank you...for making me finally see the light."

Hoseok watched the girl he loved walk towards them, a lovely smile on her lovely face. He felt humbled and incredibly moved as the full import of Choon Hee's words sank in. Hyeonji had always loved him. Oh, how cruel life could be sometimes. And how wonderful. He saw now why he loved her so much. Because she loved him so much. He must have sensed in it at some subconscious level, had known that to let her go would be the worst, most stupid thing he could ever do. He vowed now he'd never let her go. Never.

"What are you two sneaky devils talking about over here?" she asked, glancing from one to another. "You two were looking rather very serious, Choon Hee. You too love."

Hoseok's heart kicked over. Never had the word "love" on her lips sounded so sweet, or so touching. He wound his arm around her slender waist and pulled her against him. "We were having a very serious discussion on having children in this day and age, weren't we Choon?"

Choon Hee laughed. He could see the flicker of surprised pleasure in her eyes "I've been wanting to discuss children with you. I would like to have a baby quite soon, but I wasn't sure about you..."

No, he thought, understanding dawning. She still wasn't sure of him. It was a cruel legacy of all those years when he hadn't noticed her, hadn't wanted her. That's why she kept him unsure. She'd been protecting herself, had made him keep proving his love over and over. There was still a lot of work to be done, he realized, before she would feel totally secure in his love. But having children together would be a good start. He gave her a reassuring smile, and a loving squeeze.

Hyeonji gave a self-conscious laugh. "How about nine months after the wedding day?"

"How about six?" he returned, squeezing her again. The wedding date has been set in March.

"I think this conversation is getting too private for me," Choon Hee exited.

"Hoseok laughed "I like your Choon Hee. I think we'll ask her to be Godmother to our first child."

"Our...first child?"

"You don't honestly think we're going to have only one child, do you? Only children are notoriously spoiled."

"Yes, well..."

He kissed her. Then kissed her again. "Wanna get out of here?" he murmured

"Where?"

"Your room" Hoseok smirked.

Hyeonji sucked in a startled breath. "Mine? But it...it only has a single bed in it."

Hoseok took her hand and began drawing her from her room. "Single beds were just made for lovers." Hoseok loved her, Hyeonji, the simple, solid girl who'd always loved him. He would make sure she would never doubt it again, and he would never cause her to.

Midnight came with cheers and shouts, whistles and car horns. People spilled out of houses into the streets below. Everyone was kissing.

No one missed the guests of honor.

Back to Masterlist

[randomlifeunit]

Paralyzed

Chapter 17

Rated: Teen and up

Sean was feeling restless. He wanted to do new things, reach further, do more. 

Since showing Rebecca his scars, he felt that their friendship had grown even closer. She had a way of making him laugh, and she helped him feel supported when he was down or when old memories tried to get the best of him. 

He was starting to feel confident in his driving skills--- his dad had been suggesting he give the test a try, and he felt that it was within his reach--- he'd try it soon. 

Outside, summer break was only a couple of months away, and he finally felt like his heart was thawing. He was going to be ok. He was going to make it. He wasn't trapped in his pain anymore. He was gaining freedom in his head and in his heart, and he just knew--- he was going to make it.

----------------------------------------------

  Sean and Rebecca were just leaving a movie theater on a Saturday afternoon, laughing and chatting, when Sean's phone rang in his pocket. He hadn't heard from his friend Jonathan in a bit, so he was surprised and pleased to see his name on the display. "Hey!" he answered, mouthing "Jonathan" at Rebecca's inquiring gaze. Rebecca fell into step with Sean's relaxed gait as they headed back to their bikes, but paused when he abruptly stopped in his tracks. "In two weeks?" she heard him say, his voice not sounding quite right. "It sounds like fun. Let me just check my calendar and I'll let you know," he responded, then said his goodbyes and hung up. 

Sean stuck his phone in his pocket, then began walking quickly over to the bike rack. Swiftly unlocking his bike, he nearly jumped onto it and pedaled off. His hand stilled, however, when his awareness zeroed in on Rebecca's gentle touch on his arm. "Is everything okay?" she asked. Sean groaned and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry," he replied after a moment, not immediately explaining himself. He looked around, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Do you mind if we talk back at your place?" he asked her. "Sure, no problem," she was quick to respond, reaching down to unlock her own bike. 

Sean remained quiet as they pedaled back to Rebecca's house. He felt guilty for nearly running off and leaving her. 

As they arrived at her place, they both wheeled their bikes into Rebecca's garage. She quietly led the way into the house. 

By this time Sean was used to the bustle of activity that met him every time he stepped into her home. In the kitchen, her parents enthusiastically greeted both of them. Warm earth tones infused the room with a cozy feeling, and a few hanging plants punctuated the cheerful decor. The family dog, a golden retriever, had ceased his loud barking to lick anyone's hand that was accessible. Down the hall, both music and video game sound effects emanated from her younger brother's bedroom doorway.

"Hi, Mom, hi, Dad!" Rebecca smiled, hugging each of them.

"How was the movie?" Rebecca's dad, Robert, asked.

"It was great! We loved it," she answered with a smile. 

Sean hung back, his smile slightly forced. He liked Rebecca's parents a lot, but his mind was elsewhere. 

"You're welcome to stay for dinner of course, Sean," her mom said, moving to include him in a hug. 

"Thanks, Mrs. Summers," he replied, feeling a little awkward. 

"Come now, we know each other better than that. Just call me Bonnie," she said. 

"I'll try," Sean answered, smiling sheepishly.

"We'll be in my room, Mom," Rebecca said as she started towards the hallway. Sean followed.

"Hey, Danny!" Rebecca called into her brother's doorway as they strode past it. 

"Hey Sis!" he hollered back, sounding a bit distracted. 

Rebecca chuckled as she led the way into her room, and moved to close the door. "Sorry," she apologized with a smile. "I know you wanted a quiet place to talk, and my place isn't always so quiet." 

"That's all right," Sean quickly reassured her. "Your family is really nice. Sometimes it's a little too quiet at my house." 

Rebecca sat on her bed next to her sleeping cat, Rascal. He awakened, looking perturbed at the disturbance, but was mollified easily as she absently stroked his fur.

Sean chose the chair at her desk to sit in. Guilt chipped at him as he chose his words. "I'm sorry if I ruined the mood after all the fun we had," he started in.

"You didn't ruin anything," Rebecca replied calmly.

Sean sighed, looking away. "Jonathan was the one who called me, outside the theater." Rebecca nodded.

"Well, see---and this is the stupid part. All he wanted was to invite me to a pool party he's having in two weeks," he continued. Rebecca frowned momentarily. "Is that bad?" she asked, unsure why this would be upsetting. 

"Yes---no---I mean, it shouldn't be. It should be fine. It should be great!" he threw his hands up in the air, suddenly feeling intense frustration. "It's just me and my stupid hangups that get in the way." 

"Hey, it's not stupid, okay? You've got to cut yourself a little more slack than that," Rebecca countered, shaking a finger in his direction. 

"Thanks. It's just so frustrating when something so simple becomes this big deal." Sean sighed and ran a hand roughly through his hair. 

"So...what makes it a big deal?" Rebecca prodded, stroking Rascal's ear while his purring increased in volume.

Sean averted his gaze, picking up a painted rock from Rebecca's desktop. He ran his thumb across the smooth surface as he quietly said, "My scars." 

Suddenly it all made perfect sense to Rebecca. "I understand now," she said, just as quietly. "What do you want to do? Do you want to go?"

"Well, yeah, I'd love to go. I just don't know how I'm going to...handle what people might say if they notice." His jaw tensed as he closed his hand in a fist around the rock, clenching his fingers tightly.

"What if you just kept a T-shirt on?" Rebecca asked.

"I thought about that. I just wonder if that would look weird? Especially in the pool," Sean thought, his brows furrowed. 

"I don't know," Rebecca hummed in thought. "I wonder if maybe... maybe, you need to feel more at ease with your scars yourself? You could even show your dad, and see what he thinks about it?" 

Sean sucked in a breath. He hadn't thought about that. "I think I don't want to show my dad, because it feels like it would hurt him too much to see," he said sadly. "And I've hurt him enough already as it is."

Rebecca stood and crossed the room to place a hand on Sean's shoulder. "You didn't hurt him," she insisted. "You being hurt...made him hurt for you. It wasn't your doing." 

Sean stood and held Rebecca tightly. "Thank you," he whispered. "You're welcome," she replied, just as softly, hugging him back. She gently laid one hand over his midsection, and said, "You're gonna be okay."

The warmth of her hand felt like it was melting his uncertainties and doubts. Sean had never felt this close to someone before. His heart pounding, he leaned in to press a soft kiss to Rebecca's temple. "Thank you for always supporting me," he said simply, pulling back slightly to gaze at her face. "Of course. And I always will," she responded, and her eyes held a warmth and sparkle that he couldn't look away from. Feeling hopelessly drawn in by his awareness of her, he slowly angled his mouth towards hers, hit by a jolt of surprise and pleasure when she closed the distance between them and pressed her lips to his. The kiss deepened and she wrapped both arms around him. 

They were both a little breathless when they broke apart, and Sean felt almost giddy. He smiled and Rebecca giggled a little. "That was fun," she said, and reached up to tickle him briefly. He laughed and gave her one more quick hug. He was going to hold onto this moment as long as it lasted. 

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