#forgive me for likely being a bit ooc XDD

[timeguardians]

@protectxthem

Max shrugs his shoulders at her. "I survived being Patient Zero. So yes, I figured this would get better." He turns away from the mirror in his room. "It doesn't look that bad." He replies, reaching a hand down to touch the scratch, well gash, that he got when he went surfing and crashed into some rocks, which resulted in him getting scraped up pretty bad. "Us doctors make bad patients anyway."

Worriment beckons in the depths of the nurse's eyes. The reminder of his own, quite inspiring story lingers. "Yes, well this WON"T just magically disappear," she clips. And the only reason it is edged with something curt, is because she so deeply cares about his well-being. Maybe it was the way they danced, or the way their eyes met. But the chemistry there is too damnably obvious. "In fact, if anything, they only seem to get infected from the briney waters."

His next remark earns him an exasperated huff. "Not that bad-" Her eyes dartingly hone in on his. "Or maybe it is because you're trying to be macho to impress me." She challenges in the undercurrent of her breath. "I saw you, trying to catch my eye before the wave, Doctor. Surfing is not a sport best done while distracted. Not in these waters."

Avery moves to the cabinet to get the necessary supplies to fix him. "You do know what I do with my bad patients? I have nurse Tristan help me throw them overboard as sharkbait."

[carewyncromwell]

Because she's my character's bae, Merula!

“Must we discuss Merula?”

Where do I even start?

“*sighs tiredly* Look...Merula and I...have a history. And not a very good one at that. From the moment I met her, it became clear to me that she’s the sort of person to take her own insecurities out on others...bullying others in a stupid attempt to puff herself up. And with how she treated Rowan and Ben and tried to sabotage me both in class and with the Vaults...not to mention all the terrible things she’s said about Jacob...yeah, I reckon it’s obvious why she and I don’t get along.

“But...how do I say this? I’m tired. I’m tired of playing around like we’re kids fighting on the playground. I’m tired of getting all hot and bothered because of the stupid things Merula says. I’m tired of wasting my time getting upset about Merula’s bad attitude, when Jacob and Beatrice are the ones who need my focus. And as awful as Merula is a lot of the time...at present, our goal is the same -- to deal with the Cursed Vaults. If we can come together enough that we can reach that goal...then it’d be stupid to handicap myself by refusing to work with her. And as much as I hate to admit it, we have been able to play nice sometimes.”

Though I would’ve appreciated her actually thanking me for giving her my spot on the Frog Choir -- she wasn’t the only person who’d dreamed of being in the Choir --

“...I remember Mum saying once that bullies were often once bullied themselves, so it’s possible that Merula just needs a friend...but frankly I don’t know if she’d even know how to be a real friend.”

Isn’t that sort of sad too, though? I mean, sure, Rowan was my first friend ever -- but imagine thinking friendship was only about putting other people down...

“...Still...I suppose ‘kill ‘em with kindness’ is a saying for a reason. Even if Merula is 95% awful -- well, okay, maybe just 75% awful -- it’d be a waste to throw out the bit of good there is.”

/////

OOC: Ahahahahaaaaa, you went off the deep-end with that question. XDD

Okay, so for me, I find Merula a very interesting character. I’m not entirely sure I like all of the characterization choices surrounding her (like her getting a crush on Jacob -- eugh), and admittedly tsundere characters in general can be very hit-and-miss for me -- but I think there’s a lot of potential in her character, if she ends up breaking away from her parents’ example and becoming better. The only thing I kind of lament is that in the meantime, at the end of year 6, Merula’s arc has sort of stagnated with her in “vengeance mode” and she’ll probably stay that way until we confront Rakepick again. Still, it’s neat that, for a character so clearly modeled on Draco Malfoy, the game did give us, the players, the freedom to express romantic interest in her and spend actual quality time with her outside of the “rivalry” thing, like spending Christmas with her or finding out how much she wanted to be in the Frog Choir.

I can see why Merula is so many people’s “type,” even if as I said before, the tsundere trope is tricky for me, since sometimes it can result in a character just stubbornly refusing to grow or improve themselves and wallowing in their own bitterness and resentment, rather than learning how to connect to others in a healthy way. I’ve known people who channeled the tsundere vibe IRL, and I’m sorry, it can be much less cute than it’s depicted in a lot of anime. The people I knew just came across as mean-spirited, selfish, and short-sighted, expecting others to do the heavy lifting and read their minds, rather than actually taking the time and effort to try to reach out to others. I don’t hate all tsundere characters, but I always prefer ones who figure out that suffocating their emotions that way isn’t healthy and go through an arc where they develop better ways to communicate their feelings.

I like Merula pretty well despite this, but I don’t really think Carewyn and she will ever be close friends, not just because of Carewyn’s inability to forgive past grievances, but also because of Merula’s own resentment toward “little Miss Perfect.” Carewyn does not make herself easy to like, for someone like Merula. XD

Send Carewyn and me a HPHM character!

[starwriterulia]

I Guess I'll Stay (Daehyun x Y/N)

Characters: Jung Daehyun, Bang Yongguk

Word Count: 3k

Scenario: Y/N and her friend are foreign makeup artists who came to pursue their career in a drama Daehyun and Yongguk star in. Y/N is shy and introverted, but that's why Daehyun likes her.

It took me two days to write this because I had to make a relationship in a short amount of time. One blog types Daehyun as an ISFJ, which seems very fitting! If you haven't glanced at my page yet, I'm an ENFP who may be autistic, thus acts INFP, maybe? I want to be a loved, happy, and feel normal, set me free. Having that in mind made this difficult to finish, so I hope the end isn't too OOC of Daehyun or cringey while keeping it open-ended.

Also, if you see any gramar or spelling errors, lemme know; I posted this and caught two as I was rereading it. XDD

Thank you for the request!

-Faith

Aesthetic and scenario requests are open! (Guidelines) (Masterlist)

I scrunch up my face as I wipe it clean from acne lotion with a rag. My forehead acne is getting a lot better because I stopped playing with my bangs and started getting haircuts more often. But, it's still not Korean idol clear, or... whitewashed Korean idol clear, fuck. I still don't like how pasty white some people make their skin, it's just gross. I mean, I don't have yellow fever or Hallyu fever, but I do appreciate me some tan skin and dark eyes. Not that I'm looking for lo-

“Y/N! Hurry up and get finished, we need to leave in ten minutes!” Heeyeong says in English from the other side of the bathroom door.

“OK, OK! I just finished cleaning my face.”

“You haven't even started putting on makeup? Did you brush your teeth?”

“Yes, I put on makeup. No, I haven't put on any makeup. Chill, Heeyeong.”

“Girl, I'm more chill than a polar bear who's taking a cold dip in the ocean.”

“But...” I lower the rag to the sink at the same slow pace my eyes rise to the mirror. “That water is too cold for polar bea-” I turn on my heels and open the door, which was put in the wrong way. I hear a loud thunk followed by a squeak, and realize I hit Heeyeong, who was standing just behind the door. “-Rs, shit, sorry! Sorry!”

“Ouch, mph.” Heeyeong holds onto her nose, and rubs its bridge as I rub her shoulders. “I-It's OK, but... ouch.”

I laugh under my breath, and Heeyeong catches onto it. “L-Lemme just quickly put on makeup, then we'll go, OK?”

“Yeah, I'll get our purses.” We nod a little, then part ways. After putting on enough makeup to look simple and presentable, Heeyeong and I exit the apartment. Heeyeong locks the door, we descend via the elevator, check out at the front desk, and get in the cab we called about eight minutes earlier. We're taken to the studio a good thirteen minutes away, and after Heeyeong pays the driver, we scurry into the front door.

We make our way through the building, get our passes on lanyards, and set up our equipment at the makeup station. After another minute or so, Daehyun and Yongguk approach us with some of their guards. We bow to greet them, each of us saying good morning and introducing ourselves by name. We invite them to sit in the chairs in front of the rectangular vanity mirrors. Daehyun was chosen to sit at my chair, and I begin to apply foundation to his skin.

“Y/N, what country are you from?” Daehyun asks. After I answer him, his eyebrows raise. “You came all the way here for a job?”

I nod twice. “Heeyeong dragged me here because she got a job offering, and wanted me to get outside my comfort zone. I was doing this for theatre productions back home. We met there, and became best friends.”

“Have you met Heeyeong's family, yet?”

I smile a little, a little warmth rising to my cheeks. “Yeah, they're very nice. I feel right at home.”

“Why did you move from Korea, Heeyeong?” Yongguk asks, his face relaxed as Heeyeong works on his face.

“My mom's first husband became alcoholic after he lost his job.” Heeyeong says. “It was a small mistake, and his boss was unforgiving. He began to harass my mom and older brother, but never hit them. My mom divorced him and moved away with my brother, then remarried. That man died half a year later, and I was born a month later.” Heeyeong smiles. “I'm glad to see my grandparents for the first time. They take great care of me and Y/N. Mom says she wants to come home before Christmas.”

“Wow, your mom sounds like a strong woman.” Yongguk says while Heeyeong nods. “It's good that you finally met to see your grandparents.” Heeyeong smiles for a moment, then goes to her kit to get a different brush. Being a quick worker, I begin to contour Daehyun's face.

He closes his eyes and lets me work. When I step away to get a stick of eyeliner, I see him open his eyes in the mirror. “Is your family good, Y/N?”

“Yes, both of my parents work. I also have an older brother, he's a specialist doctor for backs. He married last year. He and his wife are expecting their first baby next month.” Yongguk and Daehyun take turns to congratulate my brother, and I thank them, blushing as I give a little smile. “My parents thought I would be a language teacher because I speak English, Korean, and Spanish. But, I wasn't interested, so I took on a trade.”

“Were they excited to hear that you were going to Korea?” Daehyun asks. I put down the highlighting pen, and go to the eye shadow. I've been asked to give him a dark, matte bronze.

“They were more surprised than anything.” I laugh a little. “I've only been here for two days, now. I really like it, here.”

“Then, stay here.” I smile and nod in agreement. After I finished, I step back to admire my work; it gives Daehyun's face a natural glow, just how I like it. A lump forms in my throat as I watch his eyes open with a grace I didn't realize he had, before. Soft and glimmering in the artificial light of the room, Daehyun's eyes captivate my own. I part my lips in awe. Realizing I was staring, I close my lips and shake my head. “Sorry.”

“No, it's fine.” Daehyun says. “Do I look good?”

I feel warmth rush to my cheeks, and I bow my head in embarrassment for a moment before meeting his eyes with a bit of confidence. “Yes, you look very good.” I step aside to let Daehyun see himself, and he lifts his chin and turns his head to examine himself.

“You know what you're doing. Thank you.” I give a polite bow in reply, then Daehyun and Yongguk are called to the set.

“Alright, one more time from 'Make me', Yongguk.” The director says. Yongguk gives a short nod in reply as he returns to lean against the concrete column. He wears a black tank top, a pair of black capris stained with dried blood in a few places, and black high tops. Daehyun returns to his starting position just beyond the metal roof supported by two concrete columns, one of which Yongguk leans on.

Daehyun wears a dark grey, full-length sleeved shirt with white decorative buttons all the way down, the cuffs, collar and bottom of the shirt also white. He wears a pair of dark washed jeans, and dark grey and black sneakers. The female lead actress, Park Joomi (from Blood and Kang Woo's Story), retakes her position on the street. She sits like she had just fallen with her dust pink dress torn diagonally from the back of her skirt (her shoes also match the shirt, and she just looks fabulous). “Action!” A staff hand uses the clapper, and Joomi whimpers as she turns herself over to sit on her butt instead of her legs.

Yongguk pushes off the column, and comes within feet of Daehyun. “Make me believe that Hanim is dead. I wasn't right about her. Why should I come home?”

Daehyun's chest rises and falls. His character, Insoo, is a respected detective of the Sokchu police agency. Dongyoon has been Insoo's friend since grade school, but it wasn't revealed until a few scenes earlier that Dongyoon had mental issues. “Dongyoon, you didn't lose your medication. Hanim stole it because you're the best detective Sokchu has, and everyone knows. Those pills keep your anxiety under control, right?”

Yongguk hesitates, then nods once. Struggle is written all over his face, and Joomi begins to cry. Her character, Goin, sympathizes with Dongyoon's anxiety because of her position as a female in the police force. “Your partner said you didn't take pills from your new bottle.” Daehyun says. “That's your OCD, finishing what you start, right?”

“Yes, that's right. I have issues.”

“You ran from headquarters when you saw Hanim's body because you couldn't believe it. Dongyoon, she overdosed from your pills and died after she wrote a confession letter. She told us everything, even her motive for killing her younger sister. It's over, Dongyoon.”

Yongguk lowers his shoulders. “She did? It was the older sister, after all? I was right?”

“Yes!” Joomi says. “You were right. She had us fooled, Dongyoon.”

Yongguk smiles. “I'm glad I helped. That makes me feel a lot better.” He coughs up fake blood from a packet he bit on. He wipes some from his lips, and his expression becomes soft.

“Oh, right. My pills.” Yongguk wipes his hands on his pants, then looks to Daehyun. “Shit, Insoo, I thought Gojin was Hanim and hit her.” He frowns as he looks to Joomi. She softens her eyes in understanding. “I'm so sorry, both of you.”

“I forgive you, Dongyoon.” Joomi says, reaching out an arm for a moment. “You shouldn't have been involved in this case so much. The case is closed because of you, Dongyoon.” Yongguk smiles, blood staining his teeth, and he coughs until a horrible wheeze tears at his throat. Daehyun rushes to kneel by his side. Joomi stands just behind Daehyun.

“Did I eat or drink any?” Yongguk asks.

“We don't know, you disappeared for three days.” Joomi replies. “Hold on, please. Help is on the way.”

“I'll do my best.”

“You helped us more than you know, Donyoon.” Daehyun says. “Thank you, really.” He holds Yongguk's left hand. Yongguk swallows with difficulty, then closes his eyes. “Dongyoon? Dongyoon!”

“No.” Joomi shakes her head, and steps around Daehyun to kneel on the other side of Yongguk. “No no no.”

“He's just unconscious. See? His chest is still moving.”

“We still need the ambulance to hurry.” Daehyun and Joomi look beyond the set to the staff towards a cardboard eye that someone holds for them to focus on. The script reads that sirens sound as this happens. “And, hurry a bit more.”

“He'll be OK.” Joomi says, meeting Daehyun's eyes.

“Yeah. I know.” Daehyun strokes his thumb over the back of Yongguk's hand twice, then squeezes it a little.

“And, that's a wrap!” The director shouts. The staff members give a warm applause to the cast and themselves. I heave a sigh and look to Heeyeong. “Yeah, this will be a box-office hit. Yeop Jeongyoon is about to become very famous.”

“She's definitely a talented writer.” Heeyeong says. “She deserves a nomination or two.” The cast members relieve their positions and join the applause, then the actors return to the dressing room. After getting into their normal clothes, we clean the makeup off Yongguk's and Daehyun's faces.

“So, I don't imagine we'll be seeing you two again, will we?” Yongguk asks as he and Daeyhyun rise from their seats.

“If we're lucky, we'll meet again.” Heeyeong says.

“Then, let's meet again.” Yongguk and Daehyun thank us, and we bow to each other as they leave. Heeyeong and I return to our apartment to get into more comfortable clothes, then we head to the streets. We eventually come to a small cafe that serves breakfast foods from 8 AM to 8 PM, called Cinnamon Baked. After removing our shoes and deodorizing our socks, the teen girl at the cashier greets us. 

“Hello, welcome to Cinnamon Baked. I'm Yang Hyangki, my family owns this place. Would you like a menu, or would you like to order something from the counter?” Hyangki gestures to the goods that sit on shelves behind glass to her right.

“We'll both have coffee with sweetener and cream.” Heeyeong says. “The cinnamon buns look good. Do you want one, Y/N?”

“Yes, I'll have one, too.”

“So, two cinnamon buns, and two coffees with sweetener and cream. Will that be all?”

“Yes, that's all.”

“Alright. Please take a seat, and we'll bring you your orders, soon.” Heeyeong and I take a seat at a table for four by the windows to the left in the back. We check our phones and talk about what stores we should visit to get some clothes, and whether we should visit Costco today or tomorrow. We decided to hit Costco tomorrow, and shop for clothes today.

Hyangki comes to our table after a little while with our drinks and treats, and we thank her as she tells us to enjoy. The cinnamon buns weren't heavy on cinnamon or icing. They were fluffy, warm, and just wonderful to eat. We ate them at a slow pace to enjoy the taste. Taking sips of our coffee, which made the buns more enjoyable. We were halfway done eating our treats when a black car pulls up to the sidewalk.

Heeyeong and I both look through the window to observe. Heeyeong says in English, “That looks an awful lot like the kind of car an idol would ride in.”

“Are we gonna be even more lucky, today?” I comment, and we giggle.

“You've been quiet, by the way.” Heeyeong says, directing my attention away from the car. “I thought you would be blushing a little more from doing makeup for a kpop idol.”

I shrug, and look to the table as I frown. “They're talented and nice people, but I didn't feel that special. You know how shy and introverted I am. Besides, it's not my place.”

Heeyeong releases a slow sigh through her nose as we make eye contact. “Y/N, you need to start taking opportunities. Be a little more than honest to your morals. Be brave. Just a little more, that's all.”

My mind begins to swim in rejection as I hear the bell above the door separating the boot room from the cafe ring. “You're saying I should make a move on him? Heeyeong, I can't be brave in a situation like this. I need to stay away.”

“No, I'm not saying you should make a move.” Heeyeong shakes her head. “Just be brave enough to give him a chance, if he happens to like you.”

I lower my shoulders as I exhale, and nod. “OK. I'll give it a try.”

“Hi, Heeyeong, Y/N.” Heeyeong and I look up to see Yongguk, who spoke, and Daehyun. I feel warmth race to my cheeks, again. Shit, they heard all of that, didn't they? “Is everything OK?”

“Um, y-yeah, everything's good.” I answer, nodding a bit as I close my eyes in embarrassment.

“Can we sit here?” Yongguk asks.

“Sure, go ahead.” Heeyeong answers.

“You girls did really good on our makeup, today. Thank you, again.” Heeyeong and I both reply 'you're welcome'.  “Are you going to continue working for TS Entertainment?”

“We're not sure.” Heeyeong says. “We submitted applications to other companies, including ones that manage theatre productions.”

“Well, the musical I'm in is starting in a few weeks.” Daehyun says. “Did you submit an application there?”

“Yes, we did.” I answer. “But, we don't imagine we'll be accepted. We don't have that much experience.”

“But, you have a lot of talent.” Daehyun meets my eyes. “I'd really like it if you were my makeup artist for the show, too.” He gives a small smile, and after a moment, it catches onto my face.

I look away, blushing. “I'd like it, too.”

“I'll recommend you to the costume designer. You'll probably get a call from her, sometime.”

“Ah, that would be really great, thank you, Daehyun.” I hide my face in my hands as I smile. I realize I was kind of embarrassing myself and sniffle, lowering my hands to my lap. “Sorry, I'm way too shy.”

“No no, it's OK.” Daehyun says. “We don't bite.” I catch his eyes again, and smile a bit. He returns the smile, and it's a cute, calming little smile.

“Hey, why didn't you kick us out?” Heeyeong says, directing my attention to her.

“The guards were going to,” Yongguk says. “But we told them we knew you. They're still blocking the door, but that's why.” Hyangki returns to our table with Daehyun's and Yongguk's coffees.

Yongguk ordered an apple fritter, and Daehyun got a raspberry filled pastry. “The cinnamon buns looked good,” Yongguk says, nodding to our half finished deserts. “But, they have too many calories and too much sugar for us. Are they any good?”

“Yes, very.” Heeyeong replies.

“Mm, let me try.” I widen my eyes as Daehyun gently takes my hand that holds the cinnamon bun. He raises it to his mouth, and his lips brush my fingers as he takes a small bite. By this point, my face is flushed red, and as we meet eyes as he pulls away, a smile breaks onto my face. I set down the pastry and cover my nose with my clean hand, and giggle. “Why are you so mean to me?”

“Mean? I was seeing if you liked me.” Daehyun laughs a bit. “You blush and smile really easily, it's cute.”

I feel my head begin to swim from being so hot. “I... I don't know what to say, Daehyun, I...”

“Clean your hand, give me your phone.”

“Hm?”

“Give me your phone, I said.”

“Oh... OK.” I clean my hand with a napkin, then get my phone for Daehyun. He taps a few things, and returns it after a moment. “There, now we can talk more.”

“You gave me your number?” I laugh a little, my face cooling off a bit.

“Well, how else am I going to get to know you when I'm away?” I nod a few times in agreement. Our group of four continues to talk about ourselves and our personal lives for about half an hour. By then, we had finished our drinks and food, and we prepare to leave, putting our shoes back on.

“So, you two are walking?” Yongguk says, once we had reached the car.

“Yeah, our apartment isn't far from here.” Heeyeong says.

“Then, I guess we'll see you around.” Heeyeong and I nod as Yongguk and Daehyun get in the car. A window rolls down, and Daehyun peeks out.

“I hope to see you at the musical, Y/N. Or sooner, if we have time. I'll call you tonight, when I'm home.”

“Oh, OK.” I nod a few times, blush returning to my face a bit.

“Bye, now.”

“Bye.” Heeyeong and I reply, smiling and waving to Yongguk and Daehyung who smile and wave back as the car puls away. Once we got home, I flop onto the couch.

Heeyeong sits beside me. “Well, aren't you a lucky girl?” We giggle.

“I guess I'll stay.”

-End-