#having to approach an older version of yourself in the mirror is so interesting

[gummi-ships]

Kingdom Hearts 3

[penmansparadise]

Billy Hargrove and Steve Harrington ~ Three’s a Party

*I DON’T OWN THIS GIF* *CREDIT TO GIF OWNER*

18 + Content

Pairing: Billy Hargrove x Steve Harrington x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: SMUT, unprotected sex, language and a threesome.

a/n: This was requested from my Wattpad.  I have never written anything like this before, and goodness do I hope that it isn't trash lol.  Anyway, I read a comment that someone had mentioned "Still of the Night" by Whitesnake being their song to save them from Vecna.  Well, since I like to stay true to the timeline of Stranger Things, Whitesnake is going on their final world tour, and that song didn't come out until 1987; I decided to mention some of their older stuff.  I mentioned the song "Slow an' Easy," which is off their album titled "Slide it In."  The album is really good and deserves a listen.  As always, that you for the continued support, and I hope you all enjoy this rather dirty imagine lol.  My next post will be a Fred imagine, so be ready for that!

§

You slid on one last line of lipstick before popping your lips at yourself in the mirror. You stepped back and took in your outfit. It wasn’t anything special. A pair of tight high-waisted jean shorts and a black crop top. But it was enough to show off all the curves of your body and some skin. After a final examination in the mirror, you snatched your car keys from your desk and hustled out the door. When you started your car, “Slow an’ Easy” by Whitesnake began playing on the radio. A small smirk spread across your lips at the sound because you couldn’t help but be reminded of two people who had been trying to lay you down in their beds for months – Billy Hargrove and Steve Harrington.

For months the two of them had been pining after you. Day after day, they would try their hand at getting with you, but you never gave in. Instead, you would entertain them and then let them down every time. It was fun. In fact, you kind of enjoyed toying with them. They were complete opposites in their approach to getting with you. Steve was quiet and sweet. He would give you compliments and let his eyes linger on you a beat too long. That was his version of flirting. Billy, on the other hand, was much more forward. He would catcall you from across the lunchroom and let his hands find your waist whenever he had the chance. You didn’t mind either of them, though. It was entertaining watching them get all wound up when you came around. But you decided that enough was enough. Things were going to change, and you were going to relieve the sexual tension that had steadily been building between the three of you. You knew they would be at Tina’s party, which is why you were going in the first place. Had they had other plans tonight, you would be cozied up in your bed with a nice book. But that wasn’t the case. So, you were on your way to Tina’s house to see how interesting the night would get.

By the time you arrived at Tina’s house, the party was already in full swing. You could see drunk teenagers stumbling in and out of the front door and hear the muffled sound of the music. You found a spot on the side of the road to park, then got out. A little way down the road, you could make out what looked like Steve’s car, and perched in the driveway was Billy’s blue Camaro. You took a deep breath, then crossed the street toward the house.

When the front door opened, you were welcomed by a cloud of marijuana and cigarette smoke. You sauntered in, hips swaying with each step. As you walked deeper into the hazy house, you could see people ogling your figure as you passed them. You finally pushed your way into the kitchen, where Tina was pouring cups of her jungle juice. You grabbed a cup, took a swig, found a spot against the wall, and started surveying the room. Your eyes searched until you spotted at least one of the people you were looking for out back. Billy was doing a keg stand and was surrounded by several onlookers cheering him on. You stepped away from the wall and looked into the living room when you finally saw Steve. He was dancing to whatever song was blasting from the speakers. Neither had noticed you yet, and that’s how you wanted to keep it until you had enough liquid courage to go through with your plan. So, you stepped back to the counter and downed another cup of jungle juice.

After four cups of Tina’s weird concoction, you were feeling the effects of the alcohol. Your vision was a little blurry, and you felt like you were floating whenever you walked. Your whole body was on high alert, every nerve ending zinging from the buzz you were feeling. You were just vibing to the music when a pair of hands landed on your waist. At first, you tensed up, but then the familiar scent of pine filled your nose, and you relaxed. Even though you were tipsy, you knew that smell anywhere. And when the pair of hands slid over the bare flesh of your midriff, you knew exactly who it was. You twisted in his grip, allowing his hands to find your ass, and you smiled.

“Hi, Billy.”

His eyes were a little glossy, telling you that he had been hitting the keg pretty hard. Billy gave your ass a little squeeze as a wide grin spread across his lips.

“So, you just show up and don’t even say ‘hello’ to me?”

You chuckled and ran your finger down the center of his chest until you reached the top of his jeans.

“Didn’t I just say ‘hi’?” You asked, tilting your head to the side.

You could feel his chest vibrate under your finger and couldn’t help the way your core tingled at the feeling.

“So,” Billy said, his thumb rubbing small circles over your rear pocket, “that’s how you’re gonna be tonight. Okay.”

You bit your bottom lip, already melting at his touch, until you looked just to the side of him and noticed Steve staring. If you wanted your plan to work, you had to play both boys. You couldn’t just focus on one. So, you gently grabbed Billy’s hands and removed them from your body, earning a pout from him.

“I have to go,” you said, giving his chest a little pat, “It was nice to see you, babe.”

And with that, you pushed past him and entered the living room. Your eyes were glued on Steve, and he never dropped your stare as you navigated through the crowd of people. Steve was standing against the wall next to a side table, and when you finally reached him, you leaned into him so he could hear you over the loud music.

“I saw you staring,” you said low in his ear. “I thought I’d come over and see what I did to capture your attention.”

You could feel Steve let out a puff of air before he turned his head until his lips were just grazing over your ear and said, “Existing. That’s what you did.”

You pulled back and looked at the side table where a candy bowl sat full of an array of sweet treats. You reached down and grabbed a lollipop. Steve watched your fingers unwrap it, then slowly bring the round candy to your mouth. You dragged your tongue over the hard treat a couple times before your lips folded around it.

“Is that so?” You asked, raising your eyebrows at Steve.

Steve’s eyes never left the lollipop as you pulled it to and from your mouth several times. Your eyes dropped, and you could see the bulge forming in his jeans, and the corners of your lips began to lift. But before you had the chance to act on anything, Billy’s voice came from behind you, causing you to turn around.

“Why are you talking to this loser?” He asked, moving to stand beside you.

Billy wasn’t even looking at you. No, his eyes were trained on Steve. Steve pushed off the wall, squaring up to Billy.

“Is there a problem?”

“I don’t know, Harrington, is there?” Billy asked, taking a step closer. “You’re the one talking to my girl.”

Steve barked out a laugh.

“You’re girl? Last time I checked, she rejected your ass. And pretty publicly, I might add.”

The two of them were nearly chest to chest, and people were starting to stare. At parties like these, people would do anything to see a fight. But that’s not why you were there. So, you stepped in between Steve and Billy, placing a hand on each of their chests.

“Boys,” you said, gaining their attention, “calm down, okay? We’re all here to have a good time. And I think I have a good idea on how to make that happen.”

You didn’t wait for either of them to object or question your motives. Instead, you just took each of their hands and started up the stairs away from the crowd. Down one of the many halls in Tina’s house, you found a rather large empty bathroom and dragged the two of them inside. You locked the door and leaned against the cool wood. On any normal day, you wouldn’t be doing this. But you had too much to drink, and you were ready to act on the sexual tension that was damn near palpable in the air. The lollipop stick jiggled against your lips as you chewed on it.

“There’s no reason to always be fighting over me,” you said, voice coming out huskier than you thought possible. You stepped away from the door and approached both boys.

“There’s plenty to go around.”

Billy reached out and carefully pulled the lollipop from your mouth, causing your lips to make a pop, before tossing it in the waste bin next to the counter.

“If there’s plenty of you to go around,” he began, closing the distance between you and him, “why don’t you stop toying with us?” He asked before dipping down and attaching his lips to your neck.

His blonde curls brushed against your cheek, and you closed your eyes and rolled your head to the side, giving him access to even more exposed skin. Billy’s hands crept around your waist until they were on your ass again, and he squeezed. Your hands found his chest, and you could feel his heavily beating heart that only quickened when one hand slid down. You started to rub against his growing erection earning a slow moan. Your eyes opened just slightly to see Steve watching the two of you intently. Even with Billy’s lips attacking your neck, you could see that Steve was getting hard just watching. You locked eyes with him.

“Do you want to join?” You asked a little breathlessly.

Without hesitation, Steve nodded, so you pushed Billy off you and walked over to Steve. You didn’t give him a chance to make a move before your lips were on his. You could hear Billy grumble behind you, but you didn’t care. You were too focused on the way Steve’s soft mouth felt against yours. It didn’t take long for Steve to start kissing you back. He grabbed the back of your head and walked you back until you were pressed up against the wall. You let your hand travel down the length of his chest until you were rubbing over his hard bulge. Steve moaned quietly and then a little louder when you kept going. Your thighs clenched together at the sound. You could feel your panties progressively getting wetter with each sound that came from him.

You stopped rubbing over his jeans just long enough to rip his shirt over his head, and your eyes nearly bugged out when you saw his bare chest. A little bit of hair littered his pecks, and his torso was toned. You had no idea he was hiding such a fit body underneath his clothes.

“Fuck me, Steve,” you said in awe.

He just chuckled.

“Gladly,” he retorted before reattaching his lips to yours.

His bare chest against your body was enough to send your mind reeling, but when you felt another set of lips start nibbling on your neck, you almost lost it. You opened your eyes to see Billy had lost his clothes and was stroking himself as he sucked on your soft skin. With each stroke he gave himself, his hand bumped into you, sending shivers down your spine. Billy was grunting quietly in your ear, and you could hear Steve letting out little moans with each press his lips made against yours. Your core was tightening, and you knew that you needed to feel both of their bare bodies against yours. So, you started to undo Steve’s jeans, but before you could pull them all the way off, he stepped away. You watched as he peeled his jeans off his body, exposing himself to you. Your eyes flicked back and forth from Steve’s to Billy’s naked bodies, and your mouth started to water. You could feel your heart racing as tingles jolted throughout your whole body. Both boys were completely nude, and you knew it was your turn.

You moved around them until your back was to the counter, and you were facing Steve and Billy. Your hands floated over your body as you pulled your shirt over your head and unclasped your bra, letting your breasts bounce free. Your nipples hardened at the sudden cool air, and you could see both boys’ eyes widen. You trailed your forefinger between your breasts, down your stomach, and to your shorts button. Once your shorts were undone, you slid them down your legs until you were standing before Steve and Billy in your red thong. Both boys were breathing heavily as they watched your every move. You hooked a finger on either side of your hips and started playing with the thin fabric. Even you were getting turned on just by the way they both devoured you with their eyes. You could feel how wet you were getting. You tugged on your thong a little more before very deliberately sliding it down your legs until you were fully naked.

“You boys like the view?” You asked as you pushed yourself onto the countertop.

You brought your hands to your neck and slowly started moving them down. They went over your breasts, and you gave each a little squeeze before continuing down over your torso. When your hands reached your thighs, you pushed your legs open wide, exposing your pussy to them.

“You wanna see how wet I am for you boys?”

Billy and Steve eagerly nodded. Both started stroking themselves slow and easy as they watched you. One of your hands traveled down to your pussy, and you slid a finger in, letting out a moan in the process. You slid it in and out a few times, the sound of your wetness echoing through the bathroom. Your eyes never left the boys as you pulled your finger completely out, showing them exactly how badly you wanted them. Your finger was glistening, and they both let out a low groan at the sight. You leaned back, never shutting your legs, and asked, “Why don’t you boys come have a taste?”

Neither of them wasted any time. Billy dropped to his knees between your legs and immediately went to work. You let out a gasp that was swallowed by Steve’s mouth against yours. Steve didn’t stay there long, though. His lips traveled down your collar bone until they found your breast. He started sucking, his tongue running circles around your nipple. You threw your head back and moaned. Billy’s tongue flicked your bud before suckling it over and over again. The sensations they were giving you were otherworldly. You could feel your orgasm building in your stomach as both boys used their mouths to pleasure you.

“Oh, fuck, Billy,” you whined, “I’m getting so close.”

But before you could release, Billy stopped. Your head snapped back up, and you watched him stand up.

“Why don’t we let Harrington get a taste? Sharing is caring after all.”

Before you could say anything in return, Steve had dropped between your legs and started lapping at your entrance. He didn’t do that for very long before he started sucking on your clit. He hummed against it, and the feeling sent you spiraling. Billy started licking the nipple that Steve didn’t get to before he wrapped his mouth fully around your breast. Your head fell back against the mirror as you brought a hand up to your other breast and began playing with the little pink bud that Steve had left wet from his mouth. You fondled yourself while Billy suckled your breast, and Steve licked your pussy up and down. The sounds coming out of you were animalistic. You couldn’t fathom the amount of pleasure they were giving you.

Billy never stopped working your breast when he found your free hand and brought it down to his erection. You took ahold of him and started stroking him. His moans mixed with yours as you both started to unfold. Your whole body was shaking as your orgasm started to build again.

“Oh, Steve,” you whined, “I’m gonna cum. Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”

Steve kept going, sucking your clit with a fervor you didn’t know existed until you were a trembling mess all over his face. You rode out your high then watched Steve stand up, wiping your juices off his face with the back of his hand. Billy stepped in front of you.

“Okay,” he said, scooping you off the counter, “now it’s our turn.”

He used his head to motion for Steve to take your place by the counter before he set you back down. He turned you, so you were facing the mirror. Steve placed a finger under your chin and lifted your head to look at him.

“Are you gonna be a good girl?”

You nodded, then he placed a hand behind your head and guided you down to his pulsing erection. You licked his dick from the base to the tip a couple of times, earning a long low groan from Steve. You lapped at the tip a little, looking up at him through your lashes before fully taking him into your mouth. Steve’s hand held the back of your head as you bobbed up and down on his cock. Your cheeks hollowed as your hand went to his base and began stroking.

“Holy fuck, Y/N. That’s it right there. Good girl,” he said, dragging out the last two words.

You hummed as you continued sucking. And just as you started getting into a rhythm, you felt Billy’s hand on your waist, then the tip of his dick touched your opening right before he guided himself into you. He didn’t give you a second to adjust to his size. Instead, both hands grabbed hold of your waist, and he started making slow and measured thrusts into you. You gasped at the fullness you felt and stopped stroking Steve. He gripped the back of your neck, and you looked up at him. His pupils were so blown out it looked like his eyes were completely black. You could feel his fingers digging into your skin, and you knew there would probably be a mark there when this was all over.

“Don’t stop, Y/N,” he said, voice straining. “Be my good girl, okay?”

Your mouth was being forced to move with every stroke Billy pushed into you. So, you started sucking and stroking Steve again. Your brain was on sensory overload. There was so much going on, but you didn’t want it to stop. Billy’s fingers dug into your hips, and occasionally he would slap your ass, sending a sharp sting into the mix of sensations you were already feeling. The tip of Steve’s dick continued to tap the back of your throat with each downward movement you made. Your eyes were watering. Then you felt Billy’s fingers start rubbing circles on your clit. You arched your back and started bobbing faster on Steve’s cock, hollowing your cheeks and sucking even harder than before. The sounds of Steve’s loud moans blended with Billy’s guttural grunts, and it sounded like the best symphony of bliss you had ever heard. You kept up the pace, and soon Steve’s dick was twitching in your mouth.

“Fuck, baby,” he groaned, “keep going. I’m so close.”

It only took another two strokes, and Steve was busting inside your mouth, shooting his load into the back of your throat. You swallowed and removed your mouth from his cock while Billy’s thrust got sloppier and sloppier. You pushed your ass back into him, allowing him to go deeper than before, and that was all he needed to send him over the edge. He pulled out and stroked himself a few times before cumming onto your back. When he was done riding out his high, he moved to clean himself up while Steve used some tissues to wipe off your back. Once everyone was cleaned up, you started to pick up your garments that were strewn across the bathroom floor. When you finished getting dressed, you looked at the boys. They both looked like they had just run a marathon. Both rosy-cheeked and out of breath. You nodded at them.

“Well,” you said, running your hands over your clothes to try and get all the wrinkles out, “I’m glad we all had a good time.” You unlocked the door, threw it open, and before you walked out, you turned back to them, shot them a wink, and said, “See you later, boys.” Then with that, you exited the bathroom leaving Steve and Billy behind. You knew that this little soiree wouldn’t end their game of trying to bag you, but at least it satisfied their need to get you in bed. For now, anyway.

Tag List: @violetrainbow412-blog @pastel-abyss-x​ @lilliandanelle 

[the-atlas-sister]

The First Date (Damian Wayne X Reader)

So in this, you are the daughter of Green Arrow, Oliver Queen (NOT THE ARROW VERSION!! THE ANIMATED AND COMIC VERSION), and Black Canary, Dinah Lance. Also in this Dinah is dead and you have taken on the role of Black Canary

"Done!" Abby (moi!!!) exclaimed, tying the hair tie in my hair. "Aw, you look so good!" She backed up, admiring her work.

I looked at myself in the bathroom mirror, smiling slightly. "I mean, I usually look beautiful but now I look even more beautiful," I joked.

"I know," Abby said, making me chuckle.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "What time is it?" I asked.

"Six on the dot," Abby said, looking impressed. "Wow."

"It is Damian," I shrugged before my eyes widened. "I'm going on a date with Damian Wayne."

"Chill," y/b/f said, noticing my panic. "You asked him out, remember?"

"But-"

"Hey Damian," y/b/f said from the living room.

I looked at Abby, a panicked expression on my face. "You're okay," she whispered before leading me out of the bathroom.

Damian looked at me before mumbling something in Arabic. I was rusty when it came to other languages but I thought I caught "Beautiful..." which was enough to make my entire face turn red.

"Hey," I said, putting on a confident face. "You look good." My eyes scanned him. He wore a pair of nice black jeans and a matching skin-tight turtle-neck.

"You look..." His eyes scanned me.

"Gorgeous? Beautiful? Sexy?" I guessed, smirking at Damian blushed.

"Yes," Damian said, making me blush.

"Okay... well," Abby said, pushing me forward. "You two have fun," she said as I slipped on my shoes. "But not too much fun." She eyeballed Damian in a very best friend way. "And have her back by 10."

"And be safe!" Myloh added.

"Bye guys," I said, quickly ushering Damian out the door before closing it. "Sorry."

"I had a similar conversation with my brothers before I left," Damian said before cringing slightly. "Although it was a bit more-"

"I don't want to know," I said, shaking my head. "So, what do you have planned, Mr. Wayne?" I asked, walking down the apartment hallway.

"That's a surprise," Damian said with a stoic face.

"Not a huge fan of surprises," I said as we reached the elevator.

"You'll like this one," Damian stated matter-of-factly, pressing the button to the last level.

"Is that a fact?" I challenged as the elevator lowered.

"Yes," Damian stated, making me tilt my head. "I did some research and I'm sure you'll enjoy this."

"I don't know if that was meant to be sweet but it came off as creepy," I chuckled, leaning on the elevator wall.

"I just meant- I asked Abby what you're interested in," Damian explained, slowly going pink.

"What'd she say?" I asked, both worried and curious.

"She explained your love of movies, books, the stars, and food," Damian stated as the doors slid open.

"So, which did you choose?" I questioned, walking backward out of the elevator.

"Still a surprise," Damian smirked, following me.

"Mhm, game on Mr. Wayne," I said, turning around and walking out the apartment building's front doors. My eyes widened a bit as I saw Damian's motorcycle parked in front of the building. "Seriously?" I asked, looking at him as he stood next to me.

"Complaining?" he asked, looking at me sideways.

"Not as long as I get to drive," I chuckled, approaching the motorcycle.

"No," Damian said, standing next to me. He grabbed one of the helmets before handing me the second one.

"I know how," I frowned.

"No," Damian repeated before blinking. "Strange, that felt familiar." He then shook his head before getting on the bike. "Come on," he said looking at me. I rolled my eyes but climbed on the bike behind him. "Hold on," he said before putting on his helmet.

"You sure you don't want to drive as a way to get me to hold on to you?" I teased, resting my head on Damian's shoulder. Damian tensed up, making me chuckle. "I was kidding," I reassured him, putting on the helmet and grabbing his shoulders.

Damian cleared his throat. "I-I respect you, but for your own safety, I suggest you put your arms around my waist."

I blushed, wrapping my arms around his waist. Damian started the bike and drove out of his parking spot. My grip tightened as Damian sped up and we reached the highway. I grinned under the helmet as the adrenaline rushed through me due to the speed.

***

"You have to take me on your motorcycle more often," I said, letting out a breathy laugh and taking off my helmet.

"It's not really mine," Damian corrected, taking off his helmet and getting off the bike.

"But with Promythous-" I furrowed my brows, placing the helmet on the bike's seat.

"That was Robin's bike," Damian explained, leading me to the secret destination. He had parked a block away from the surprise place, just to keep the secrecy. "Damian Wayne does not have a motorcycle."

"Who's-" I continued, getting into pace next to Damian.

"My brother's," he shrugged with a small smug smile.

"You stole your brother's motorcycle?" I asked, laughing slightly.

"He told me, women love men with motorcycles," Damian said. "So I took that as an invitation for me to 'borrow' his." He smirked to himself at the thought. "Also, my other brother said I should. I'm not one to listen to him but, I did enjoy the idea of stealing Jason's bike." I smiled at his mini-rant. He seemed to notice. "I'm sorry for oversharing," he said, his face returning to it's neutral state.

"No, it's fine," I reassured him as we turned a corner. "It's nice hearing you talk more."

Damian blinked, obviously surprised by my answer. "What... would you like to talk about?" he asked slowly.

"You," I said. "I don't know much about you."

"O-oh," Damian stuttered, which was a rare sound. "I grew up with the League of Assassins."

"The group your father trained with?" I asked, interested to learn more. "Lead by Ra AlGugl?"

"My grandfather," Damian confirmed. "When my father was training, he met my mother. She- she tricked him into having... intercourse with her. That's how I was created. My father left before I was born and I was raised by my grandfather and mother. I was trained from birth to be the master assassin. I was supposed to be the best. There was no room for error."

"That doesn't sound like a fun childhood," I said.

"I suppose not," Damian hummed. "I loved my grandfather very much, or more admired him. He told me we would destroy the world and rebuild it in our own image." He scanned our surroundings, almost as if he was imagining how he could make each detail superior.

"That's still partly your mindset isn't it?" I asked, making Damian's gaze turn to me. "You see the world and people and just imagine how you can make them better." Damian blinked. "You even yourself believe you're better than everyone. You think you'll be a better Batman, a better hero."

"I don't-"

"I'm not critiquing, just observing," I stated. I blushed under Damian's intense stare. "I-I interrupted, I'm sorry. What about your mother?"

"She's dead," Damian said.

"Oh," I said.

"She wasn't a mother anyway," Damian continued. "Last I saw her she tried to create an adult 'perfect' clone of me and killed him."

"And I thought my dad was hardcore," I mumbled. "How did she...?"

"Helicopter crashed after trying to kill me, my father, and Grayson," Damian said almost casually.

My eyes widened. "You didn't deserve it," I said as we turned yet another corner. Damian turned to me. "You deserved a loving childhood. Not one with a group of assassins and Batman."

Damian's eyes softened. "I did get, what you call, a loving childhood with my father," he said. "He would set up movie nights. And my brothers are... overly loving, at least Grayson."

"He's Nightwing, right?" I asked, grinning a bit. Damian nodded. "I've met him. He has a bit of an older brother feel. And I'm sure he understands how hard it is to grow up with someone like Bruce."

"He has made it very clear he does," Damian scoffed. "As had Todd." I gave him a questioning look. "Red Hood."

"Oh, never met him," I mumbled.

We walked in comfortable silence for a minute.

"Here," Damian said, stopping in front of a small and quaint ice cream shop.

"Ice cream?" I asked, giving him a lopsided grin. "On Friday."

"You said you and your mother used to always had ice cream on Fridays," Damian said shyly.

I let out a small laugh. "You- this is really sweet," I said, a bit surprised. I remembered when I told him that detail about my childhood.

***Flashback***

"Tell me more about your mother," Damian said after a while of silence. "I assume she's where you got your power?"

"Yeah," I said quietly, looking up at the ceiling. "She was- awesome. She was the first Black Canary. Trained in thousands of martial art styles."

"You're telling me things I already know," Damian stated, making me look at him.

"She was a pretty cool mom," I chuckled, crossing my legs on the bed. "She couldn't cook though. That was something she wasn't taught. She'd always make time for us to have an ice cream night. Every Friday." I smiled at the memory. "Sometimes she'd come back from patrol at midnight then wake me up, just so we could still eat ice cream."

"Do you still do it?" Damian questioned, turning to face me fully. "With your father?"

"Not usually," I stated, trying not to sound bitter. "He's usually busy with the Justice League and his company."

"How did she die?" Damian asked softly, making me go stiff.

"I was thirteen," I recited. "She and my dad went to face Prometheus. It was just in the early stages of my training-at least for the Canary cry, so I wasn't allowed to go. I- I remember my dad calling the house. He told me he'd be home soon, but something happened to Mom. Apparently, Prometheus slit her throat. She didn't want anyone to find out her identity so she insisted that only Martian Manhunter or Batman operated on her."

"But it was too late," Damian assumed. I nodded.

"Dad and I hardly even spoke after that," I sighed. "It hit us both- hard, but after a year, we got through it. He's still protective though."

"What about your powers?"

"I don't use them," I stated. "My mom died before we got far in training."

"Why don't you continue?" Damian asked. "I assume the league would be open to help or your friends."

"I can't," I sighed. "My vocal cords are too old."

"That sounds like an excuse," Damian stated. "I was unaware you were a quitter, Queen."

***End of flashback***

"I just figured you'd enjoy it," Damian shrugged, turning his head to the side to hide his smile.

"I do," I chuckled. "Although this is very cliche."

"I have seen as such in many of the movies Grayson forced me to watch," Damian admitted.

"Thank you, Damian," I smiled before rushing towards the outside counter, Damian following. "Hello!" I said to the person at the counter.

"Hello," the person said. She was a pretty girl, seemingly teen age with flawless makeup. She looked like she belonged at Dutch Brothers.

"I would like two scoops of y/f/i.c (your favirote ice cream) in a cup, please," I said before turning to Damian.

"Awesome," the girl said. "And you?"

Damian glanced at me. "None for me," he answered.

"You're not going to get anything?" I asked.

"I've never had ice cream," Damian admitted.

"Never?" I asked in shock.

"No," Damian said, his face showing me he didn't understand the problem. I scanned his face before turning to the girl.

"He'll have one scoop of almond in a cup," I stated.

"Alright," the girl smiled. "Be right with you."

"I said I didn't want any," Damian said, looking at me.

"You've never had it and you can't just sit there watching me eat," I protested. "Plus, I think you'll like it."

"Why is that?" Damian challenged.

"I'm an observer of people and you seem like an almond guy," I summarized.

"Explain your thinking Miss Queen," Damian said.

"Well, almond is more of a traditional Arabic ice cream flavor (please correct me if I'm wrong, I got this off the internet), and knowing you, you prefer salty and savory over sweet," I explained before leaning back and spreading my hands like I was presenting an amazing discovery.

"We shall see," Damian just said.

"Here," the girl chimed in, interrupting our discussion. She handed us our ice cream.

"Thank you," I said. I placed my ice cream on the counter before pulling out my wallet, but Damian had already paid. "I was going to pay," I said as he handed me my ice cream.

"It's proper etiquette for the man to pay," Damian said, leading me away from the ice cream shop.

"But it's not required," I chuckled. "Besides, we're both the children of billionaires." Damian didn't answer as he led me to a small park beside the shop. "I'll just pay next time."

"Next time?" Damian asked, stopping in front of a blanket with a projector on it.

"Yeah," I smirked. "If I haven't scared you away."

"Not at all," Damian said, sitting on the blanket. He motioned for me to sit down and I obliged.

"Try the ice cream," I said excitedly. Damian glanced at the tan-colored ice cream before taking a scoop and eating it. I stared at him, waiting for some type of reaction. His eyes widened before he took another scoop. "I told you!" I smirked.

"Coincidence," Damian scoffed but took more bites.

"Mhm," I hummed, leaning back on my free hand. I looked around, noticing a screen across from the projector. "You set this up?"

"Pennyworth did," Damian corrected. "Although I choose the film."

"Oh really?" I asked. "What'd you choose?"

"y/f/a/m (your favirote animated movie)," Damian stated. My face lit up. "Abby told me it was your favorite. Although I don't understand how or why a film made for children would be your favorite."

"You've never seen it have you?" I asked. Damian shook his head. "Then you'll figure out that it's not really a children's film. And you'll discover the superior soundtrack."

[itsallyscorner]

just like magic with marvel cast, the vibe is----- a perfect song for a lil b*tch with a good heart and a sarcastic mouth

just like magic is the song we ALL need for 2020😌 Start manifesting ya’ll🖤 Also thank you sm for the request I am so so sorry this took so freakin’ long😭 Love u, happy reading🖤🖤 Tried to add my own lil twist to your request:)

(A lil different from the request, but I tried to make the reader have a bit sas.)

💌.

just like magic

Growing up within the Marvel Cinematic Universe was probably one of things you were most grateful for. When you first started out you weren’t that social. You were new to the business, you didn’t know anybody and you were intimidated by every single actor you crossed paths with.

At first you didn’t feel like you fit in. You felt as if you were a burden to everyone else. You barely talked to anyone which made the others approach you out of force by the Russos. Everyone around you was talented while you were just some newcomer who had jack shit as experience. The first few years you were insecure of yourself mentally and physically. You weren’t as pretty or fit as the other women in the MCU nor did your skills live up to theirs. Which led to some unhealthy habits. Plus there were haters and movie critics who would say horrible things about you and your acting.

You had a rocky start unlike Tom Holland and even Lexi Rabe. Until one day when you realized that you had to change how you were thinking. It took you a while but all that negative thinking you were doing was only bringing you negative energy. So when you had a break from filming movies, your number one goal was to improve yourself.

Wake up in my bed, I just wanna have a good day (Mmm, ah)

Think it in my head, then it happens how it should, ayy

Twelve o'clock, I got a team meeting, then a meditation at like 1:30

Then I ride to the studio listening to some shit I wrote (Oh)

You woke up with smile on your face in a sense of calmness. The sun shined bright hues into your room as you got up from your bed. Today was the first day back on set. You guys were finally filming Civil War and you were honestly so excited. As you did your morning routine, you went over how the day would go in your head. You’re genuinely excited to see the entire cast. It has been almost half a year since you’ve seen everyone and you couldn’t wait to be back.

You took one last look at yourself in the mirror. Compared to the previous year, you looked and felt healthy. Your eyes shined and you looked well relaxed. You know like one of those face cleanser commercials? That’s how you felt. You felt like a breath of fresh air.

The ride to the studio took a good 30 minutes but it felt like seconds. You entered the set with a new sense of confidence and pride. The energy was practically radiating off you.

“(Y/n)?” You hear someone call from behind you. You turn around and see Scarlett looking at you.

“Hey!” You greet her as you approach her. You pulled her into a hug, startling her.

“Oh! Hello to you too, honey.” She laughed as she wrapped her arms around you. “How are you?”

“I’m doing great! Life’s been good.” You answer as a toothy grin graces itself on your face. Scarlett’s eyes are filled with shocked. From the previous times she’s talked to you she’s never seen you so loud or open. You were always shy and closed off from everyone on set.

Good karma, my aesthetic (Aesthetic)

Keep my conscience clear, that's why I'm so magnetic

Manifest it (Yeah), I finessed it (I finessed it)

Take my pen and write some love letters to Heaven

Eventually everyone on set caught on to your new attitude. Though they tried to be discreet about their reactions and shocked expressions, you could still see how they were caught off guard by your sudden change of nature.

Anthony watched as you conversed with Elizabeth and Scarlett on the couch in Robert’s “village” . You were probably the most smiliest person in the room beating Evans, who was eating his lunch.

“She’s like different. But in a good way. It’s like she’s bloomed.” Anthony thought out loud to the men beside him. Chris (E) and Sebastian look in your direction.

“Bloomed?” Chris snorted as he swallowed his food.

“Yeah, like she’s growing into a woman.” Anthony hummed proudly as he went back to his own lunch. Sebastian smiled at you, “I think she’s gained some confidence in herself and finally realized how good of a person she is.”

“If she’s finally realized that, I’m glad she did. She’s like a ball of sunshine, it’s adorable.” Chris smiled proudly at you as your hands move around animatedly while explaining some story to the two women in front of you.

“Y’all think it’s a boy?” Anthony wondered. Sebastian rolled his eyes at his friend. Before he can even respond Anthony is calling you over. You approach the men with a smile and take a seat beside Sebastian.

“What’s up?” You greet them. Chris nods at you as he chews on his sandwich. Sebastian greeting you with a quiet “hey”.

“So who’s the lucky man?” Anthony asks teasingly. Your brows knit together head tilting to the side.

“Man?”

“Yes man, or boy, whatever. Who’s got you feelin’ yourself, (y/n).” Anthony wiggles his brows as he shimmies closer to you. Sebastian, who’s in between you two, cringes at the man to his left.

You didn’t take any offense to the question, knowing that everyone was curious as to why you were so unlike yourself.

You chuckled before smirking at the older man, “Anthony, honey. I don’t need a man to be feelin’ myself. I did this on my own.”

Chris and Sebastian’s mouth drop at your answer. Chris laughed as he pointed out Anthony’s face. Sebastian slung an arm around your shoulder bringing you into a side hug as he laughed with Chris.

“To be fair” Chris began to say but started to laugh, “To be fair, you deserved that.” Anthony’s face went flushed as he nodded to himself. You suddenly felt bad that you put him on the spot.

“Alright, stop laughing at him.” You playfully glare at Chris and Seb. You poke Anthony’s arm, “To answer your question, I’ve just been working on myself. Thinking more positively, I even tried manifestation.”

“You know what, that’s good. You’re taking care of yourself mentally and physically. I’m proud of you for doing this for yourself, we all are.” Anthony tells you as he motions to the two other men.

You look at all three of them, all of them looking at you with pride, “Thanks guys.”

Just like magic (Baby), just like magic (Oh yeah)

Middle finger to my thumb and then I snap it

Just like magic (Yeah), I'm attractive (Oh yeah)

I get everything I want 'cause I attract it (Oh)

As the months passed, the more you evolved into another version of you. You walked with determination, carried yourself with such grace and you’ve gained confidence in your career. You didn’t let your insecurities get to you, instead you faced them and overcame them. You were tired of letting them control you.

Your change in attitude and perspective on life has definitely affected your life in many ways. Manifestation was one of the things that have helped you the most. Writing about your goals and putting that energy out to the world has helped you persevere in your job. You’ve only faced good karma; sending out positive energy and receiving it back from the universe.

So far you’ve been casted in two new projects and have a campaign lined up with Gucci. If you were told a year ago that you’d be working with big time directors and freakin’ Gucci, you wouldn’t have believe them. Life has been unreal ever since you decided to change your life around. But of course you had to thank your Marvel family, without them and their support you probably wouldn’t haven gotten to where you were today.

Looking at my phone, but I'm tryna disconnect it (Oh yeah)

Read a fuckin' book, I be tryna stay connected (Yeah)

Say it's tricky at the top, gotta keep a slim ego for a thick wallet

Losing friends left and right, but I just send 'em love and light (Oh)

As many people recognized your success many people still tried to pull you down. Some fans on social media have noticed your change in behavior and have even praised you for practicing self care. While others still tried to push you off the mountain of success you were currently on and drag you across the ground.

These were the reasons as to why you were barely on your phone anymore. You used to be invested in your phone but after realizing how much negativity it brought you, you’ve decided to slowly disconnect from it. Which led you to becoming more interested into books.

Chris (E) had even brought some of his favorite arts of literature for you to borrow. You were currently on your third book of his, Sapiens A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. You were sitting outside your trailer in a fold up chair under the shade. Your peacefulness was interrupted by Tom (Holland) who had a worried expression on his face.

“Have you not seen it yet?” He asked you as soon as he was in front of you. Being the two most youngest actors on the current set, you guys were closer to each other than with the adults.

“Seen what, Tommy?” You put a finger in between the pages you were reading to save your spot. Tom pulls his phone out and began to type. He tapped on his screen and turned the screen to you.

“She’s been talking crap about you for days.” You read the article and saw that one of your “friends”, Sabrina has been speaking out about your success and how it’s changed you as a person.

“She’s going off about how the more money you get in your wallet, the more bratty and arrogant you become.” He grumbled as he turned his phone off.

“I could care less, honestly. I know I haven’t done anything to her and if I did I was unaware of it. Plus, she stopped talking to me after I said I couldn’t get her a part in a movie.” You shrugged as you placed a proper bookmark in the book.

“You’re not upset?”

“I mean it’s sad that she’s acting so two faced. But if that’s how she wants to roll, then be my guest. It’s her loss, not everyone has great taste.” You flicked a piece of hair away from your face with your hand.

“You’re not gonna release a statement against her?”

“No, probably just wish her well with her life and move on with my own.” You answered much to Tom’s dismay.

Redesign your brain, we gon' make some new habits

Just like magic (Just like magic), just like magic

Filming has officially ended a few months ago and now you guys were doing press tour for Civil War. Before you were the new and improved version of yourself, you dreaded press tours. Some interviewers were nice and respectful, but there were those who would ask inappropriate questions and were just rude in general. All you could remember during those past tours was wanting to leave those rooms as soon as possible.

The q&a panel at New York had a packed room. There were many journalist crowded in the room shoulder to shoulder. You were sat in between Elizabeth and Scarlett, two of the women who have been guiding you and teaching you about life as a woman in the business. They were also like your older sisters.

The panel had been going smoothly for the first half hour until a man with a snobby face and cocky demeanor approached the mic.

“Hello, I’m Keith and my question’s for (y/n).” He began. You nodded in his direction, motioning for him to continue.

“I think everyone’s noticed how you’ve changed and developed as a person. Obviously something’s changed in your life. So I want to know if you’ve had any intimate relationships with any of the men in the cast?” You were surprised at the man’s question. First it was bold of him to ask such a question and second it was just disrespectful to you and the others on the cast.

“I mean someone’s gotta be fucking you good to make you crawl out your shell.” The man finished shrugging nonchalantly. Robert was about to interject but your mouth was quicker than his. The men of the cast were disgusted at the man while they sat at the edge of their seats.

“Well last time I checked my contract, my job was to act, not sleep around with the men who are part of these movies.” You spoke into the mic. All the attention was on you while the room was at a standstill.

“It’s also very upsetting that you think a girl needs to be fucked in order to be confident in herself. I hate to break it to you but women are completely capable of turning their lives around without the help of men and that says a lot about you, sir. So if I were you, I’d take myself back to my seat and rethink my life because if one of us has to redesign our brains it’s you.” You finished as you placed your mic on your lap. The room was silent until the cast began to clap. This was your first time standing up for yourself, usually Robert or Scarlett would swoop in and save you but this time, you were saving yourself.

You shook your head as you blushed, shoving your head in your hands. You felt some pats on the backs and cheers from your dysfunctional family. You look up and see Scarlett and Elizabeth smiling at you proudly.

“Isn’t she amazing?” Robert asked the crowd as he hugged you. The crowd cheering you on.

Just like magic, your life felt like a dream come true, knowing that you were worth it and enough for the people around you and for yourself.

[twistedlymad]

Can you write an imagine where the reader has a twin brother and he suddenly appears in the Twisted Wonderland universe, and everyone gets confuse on who's who.

This was quite interesting! Of course when I first wrote this, I only had Jade and Floyd imprinted into my mind. 

Anyway, I hope this story meets your expectations! Thank you for requesting and have a lovely day!!

What if you had a twin brother? (Ft. Grim, Ace, Deuce, Jack, Sebek, Epel, Jade and Floyd) (Riddle and Trey are mentioned)

You were sitting by the window of your room. You had already finished your homework and it was almost time for bed.

It had been a few months since you first came to Twisted Wonderland, and over that time you regained some memories. You remembered who your family was, you remembered some old friends and you remembered some treasured memories you had before you had gotten yourself involved with Night Raven College.

But most importantly, you remembered a specific sibling of yours. He shared the same womb as you after all! It was your twin brother, (B/N). You were the older twin, by 5 minutes.

You two were identical twins. When you two were still babies, no one could tell you two apart! The only thing that helped the adults differentiate who was who, was a small little ribbon your mom would attach to your hair to tell people that you were the girl and the other was the boy.

Needless to say, you shared everything with him. Secrets, pranks, food and even clothes! He does the same to you too. You two care for each other a lot. If one of you gets bullied or heartbroken, you were 100% sure that the enemy would be taken care of the next day. No one, and you meant no one, gets to do something bad to your carbon copy and gets away with it scott-free.

You two had been through thick and thin together, getting away with pranks, helping one another study for subjects that the other wasn’t too familiar with and avoiding detention like it’s a plague.

The two of you were inseparable. Well, that was until you arrived at Night Raven College.

So there you were, reminiscing your pranks and your memories with your twin brother. You laughed softly while you remembered one of your more devious pranks. Grim noticed this, and crawled up to you.

“Yanno, (Y/N)? What’s wrong?” You snapped out of your daze and looked at Grim on your lap.

“Hmm? Oh nothing, I was just, thinking about my brother.” You said and petted the creature. You then let out a small sigh.

“I’d give anything to see him again.” You said as you looked to the crescent-shaped moon. After awhile, you found Grim asleep on your lap, you giggled a little and tucked him into bed. You got in yourself shortly after and went to sleep.

Little did you know, the mirror in your room started to glow.

You woke up the next morning due to your alarm blaring in your ears. You sat up, rubbed your eyes and started to get ready for school. When you were on your way to the bathroom, you heard shuffling coming from your room. You were immediately alarmed, the sleepiness that was once in you were gone like the wind.

“Grim? You awake?” You asked as Grim was the only reason for the shuffling heard from your room. But, he did not reply you. Now, you were kind of scared. It couldn’t have been the ghosts because the shuffling noise could not have come from them.

Nevertheless, you got into a fighting stance, ready to attack whoever was your intruder. Truth be told, the boys had taught you some fighting skills so you could protect yourself. Usually, Epel and Deuce were the ones who would teach you the most.

So there you were, in front of your door, walking in a step at a time. You saw a figure, hunched over your bed, looking at Grim who was still asleep. You slowly approached the figure, readying your fist as if you were about to punch them. You put your other hand firmly on the figure’s shoulder and turned him around, facing you. You were about to land the first hit.

But, you stopped.

As soon as you saw the figure’s features, you froze in place. They had (H/C) colored hair, (E/C) eyes and looked almost exactly like you. But they had a slightly shorter version of your hair. If someone saw you from afar, they would think that you’re punching a double of yourself. The figure immediately shielded their face, thinking they were to be hit by you.

“Please don’t hurt me! I don’t know how I got here!” The figure spoke.

The voice sounded so familiar to you, but you just couldn’t put your finger on it. You lowered your fist.

“Who are you? What is your name?” You asked the figure, still keeping a firm grip on their shoulder.

“(B-B/N), (B/N) (L/N).” The figure replied. You let out a small gasp.

It wasn’t possible right? The night before you were just reminiscing and thinking about your dear brother and how you wished he was there, now he is really there! But, why was he here?

“(B/N)? Is… Is it really you?” You let go of the figure and he lowered his hands.

“Y-Yes, do… I know you?” Your twin brother replied. You can’t help but feel slightly heartbroken at those words, but you recomposed yourself quickly.

“It’s me! (Y/N)! Your sister, remember?” You said to your brother and he widen his eyes.

“(Y/N)? (Y/N)?! You’re (Y/N)?! As in, onee-san?” Now it was your brother’s turn to grip your shoulders. You nodded furiously. He grinned from ear to ear and proceeded to entrap you in a bear hug.

“I… I can’t believe it! It’s really you!” You smiled and hugged back your carbon copy.

“I know, I know, why are you here though?” You released the hug and asked him.

“I don’t know, one night, I was remembering all our adventures together and the next thing I knew, I was here!” You thought for a moment, but you couldn’t figure out what.

“Hmm… Weird… But you’re here now!” You said and turned to him, he smiled back at you.

“Yes, but, where is here? What is this place? It looks like a dorm! And what is sleeping on that bed?” He questioned and pointed at Grim who was still asleep on your bed.

“Oh, I’ll tell you all about this place, just give me a moment to get ready for today. You can go to the common room downstairs and have a seat at the couch. Don’t worry about anything, it’s just the three of us in here.” You said and walked to the bathroom. Your brother followed your orders and sat down on the couch in the common room of the Ramshackle Dorm.

You got ready and saw that you had some time to spare. So, you headed to the common room and chatted with your brother. You told him how you first arrived at Night Raven College, how you were first treated as a handyman but after the chandelier incident, you were offered to stay in this dorm as the leader and with only one resident. You even told him about your adventures with your first-year friends and how all of you helped the other dorm leaders overcome their overblottings.

Your brother was immediately fascinated by all of this. Who knew such a world existed? Magic and potions? Talking creatures? He was absolutely awestruck. You giggled seeing your younger twin looking at you like a kid seeing candy for the first time.

You continued your conversation, seeing that you had time. You told him more adventures and he told you what your family were like back home. Grim had woken up 5 minutes ago to see the two of you sitting and talking.

Boy, was he confused.

“Yanno (Y/N)! We’re gonna be late if you don’t- WHY IS THERE TWO OF YOU?!” Grim shouted as he saw you and your brother on the couch. The both of you looked at the creature and back at each other. You guys blinked once and smiled at the same time. You brother proceeded to laugh while you walked over to Grim.

“Hahaha! Yep! You’re my sister alright!” You smiled and picked up Grim and introduced him to your brother.

“Grim, this is (B/N), my twin brother. He’s the younger twin.” You said and Grim looked at your brother.

“Ohh… Yanno, I thought you drank a potion that made you have a double of yourself.” Said the creature.

“No, that’s Cater-senpai’s unique magic.” You reminded Grim and he just shook his head.

“You two are really alike! Like those leech brothers, I can never tell who’s who.” Grim admitted. You and your brother shared a mischievous smile.

“Oh, we have a prank for that.” Your brother told Grim. “We called it ‘Switcherupper’.” You giggled and explained to the confused-looking creature in your arms.

“It’s when me and (B/N) switch places for a day to make fun of our family members. But we won’t pull that now, after all, we should introduce (B/N) to everyone!” You beamed at your brother.

“Would it be okay?” Your brother asked and you nodded.

“You could wear one of my uniforms and me and Grim can show you around campus!” You said and handed him one of your uniforms. Since Night Raven College was an all-boys school, they only had male student uniforms. Crowley gave you about 7 sets of the uniform so you won’t have to worry about doing laundry all the time, but you still did your laundry everyday.

So your brother wore one of your uniforms and the three of you left the dorm and walked to the campus. Along the way, you and your brother chatted, you two had so much to catch up after all! Grim would give his two cents whenever he was mentioned. The three of you walked to campus and you and Grim showed (B/N) the school.

Ace, Deuce, Jack, Epel and Sebek were on their way to the cafeteria. On their way, they heard a few familiar voices. They turned to see you, Grim and a boy walking.

Hold up, a BOY?!

They couldn’t believe what they saw. Did you get another friend to hang out with? Do you still want to hang out with them? Or worse,

Did you get a boyfriend?

Wait, hold it, I feel threatened. Reader-san send hel-

“Who’s that?” Ace asked.

“I don’t know, I don’t recognize him.” Jack replied.

“What’s he doin’ with (Y/N)?” Epel asked, his country accent slightly showing.

“Watch it Epel, your accent’s out.” Sebek said to the Pomefiore dorm member.

“Well, we should ask (Y/N). I mean, it isn’t like her to just get a new friend and shut us out.” Deuce said and the group agreed. They also agreed to make it as casual as they can.

Pffft, ‘casual’. As if lmao.

You were talking to (B/N) when the group approached you.

“And so Professor Crewel is most likely the teacher to help you with that sort of thing… I think.” You said to your brother and he nodded. “Now, for Professor Trein, you sh-“

“(Y/N)! Grim!” You and Grim turned to see your friends walking up to you. You failed to notice the dark aura surrounding the group as they walked closer to you.

“Ah! Guys!” You waved and smiled to them. Your brother then turned to see the group and they froze.

There’s… TWO OF YOU?

Ace and Deuce just stood there, mouths wide open while Jack, Sebek and Epel looked taken aback.

“(Y/N)! Did you mess up another potion again?!” Sebek asked you. You looked at them and back at your brother. You remembered Grim’s words on how alike you and your brother were if looked upon from far away. You just started to laugh.

“No! I never even went to Professor Crewel’s class today!” You said, wiping a tear from your eye. “This is my brother, (B/N). We’re identical twins!” You said to them and your brother greeted them with a slight bow.

“Hi everyone! Nice to meet you. Ah, you guys must be the friends my older sister was talking about!” Everyone then took a closer look at the both of you.

“Woah, you’re like those Leech brothers then?” Ace asked.

“Well, sort of.” You said to the group, shrugging.

“Come on! We’re going to miss out on breakfast if we don’t hurry!” Grim reminded you all and started to run to the cafeteria.

When you all got there, (B/N) went to get some food and you found a table to sit at.

“Ne, (Y/N), are you free after class today? Can we go practice some Magift?” Epel had asked (B/N), thinking that your brother was you. (B/N) looked at him and let out a small laugh.

“I think you’ve got the wrong dude, that’s my sister, not me.” Your brother pointed to you sitting at the table. Epel’s eyes widen, knowing he had made a small mistake.

“Ah, sorry, my mistake.” The Pomefiore dorm member said and accompanied your brother, asking if he needs anything.

On your side, Jack sat down beside you, thinking that you were your brother.

“(B/N), if there’s anything you need, we can help.” Jack said to you. You blinked at him and giggled.

“Nope, I’m (Y/N), that’s (B/N)!” You said and pointed at your brother, who was taking his food back to the table alongside Epel.

“ARGHHH! IT’S HARDER TO IDENTIFY YOU TWO COMPARED TO THE LEECH TWINS!” Ace yelled and everyone nodded their heads. You and (B/N) just smiled.

“You two are way too alike!” Deuce stated.

“Well, get used to it!” (B/N) said and the both of you laughed.

You let Crowley know that your brother had arrived at Night Raven College without a clue on how he got there. Crowley decided to have him, you and Grim become a student instead. So, your brother would also go to the same classes as you and live in Ramshackle Dorm.

Everyone except the first years freaked out when they saw the two of you. Riddle was slightly on edge as he thought your brother would be another Floyd, thankfully, Trey was there to calm him and told him that (B/N) would not be another Floyd.

The Leech twins were very intrigued.

“Ehh? Another koebi-chan?” Floyd asked when he saw the two of you as you were trying to show (B/N) to Mostro Lounge. You smiled and introduced your brother to them.

“I see, so you also have a twin.” Jade said to you and you just nodded.

“Ahahaha! There’s two koebi-chans! That’s great!” Floyd said, hugging your brother. You and Jade were having tea.

However, Jade thought he was having tea with your brother.

“It must be hard for the students to tell the two of you apart, right (B/N)?” Jade said to you as you sipped your tea.

“It’s (Y/N), Jade.” You had a small smile on your face when you saw Jade looking taken aback, almost dropping his tea cup.

“A-Ah, my apologies (Y/N), I thought you were your brother.” You just smiled at him.

“It’s okay, after all, you said it yourself. ‘It’s hard to tell the two of us apart.’” Jade just let out a simple laugh as the two of you watched your brother trying to get away from Floyd’s grip.

You had made everyone’s lives far harder because you and (B/N) kept pulling pranks on them. Your ‘Switcherupper’ prank was the most used one out of all the others and you and (B/N) had a good laugh out of all of them.  

It took everyone months to tell the two of you apart. When they finally did, you were glad.

Sure, it might mean your pranks won’t work on them anymore, but you were still glad that they welcomed and accepted your brother as an official student like you.

[theblossomangels]

dream.

summary ⟶ Jay thinks that he is being ridiculous, dreaming about his girlfriend on stage as he was performing.

timeline ⟶ August 2019

characters : Jaebeom (Jay Park), H1GHER Music crew

warning ⟶ none.

❝ No you’re not. My girlfriend wears her business clothes. ❞

Jay looks at his reflection on the mirror, fixing his white shirt and his jeans before taking his phone and snapping multiple pictures, sending to his special someone.

Jay

How do I look?

In just a minute, Jay’s phone made a sound, indicates that he received a message as he quickly takes his phone, already seeing the contact name on his phone screen.

His smile grew wider.

baby hayeon 💕

Omg! Is that the shirt that was made by Blazed? It looks good! Especially when it’s on you! 😊

Jay was about to reply when Hayeon called him and he immediately answered her.

“Hell--

“JAY! OMG! It looks so good! How much is it?!? I hope they are selling it! I’m so gonna support them and buy a couple of it! I’ll probably ask Eunjae to buy a dozen too! Does it come in--

“Hey hey! Babe! Calm down.. Relax..”

“Hehe! I’m sorry! I think I drank too many cups of coffee!”

“Hey, I told you not to drink too much.. It can ruin your health if you drink too much, baby.”

“I’ll try to cut down, just for you okay? Anyways, are Blazed selling the t-shirts? I’m seriously interested on buying it!”

“Baby.. You don’t need to buy it.”

“What?! Why not!? Aren’t you guys not selling it? Aww man..”

“Hayeon. The reason why you don’t have to buy it which is because I already pre-ordered it for you and in about 2 days, I think it will arrive at your door in LA.. by today or tomorrow??”

“......WHAT!? ARE YOU SERIOUS?!! YAH! PARK JAEBEOM!”

Jay quickly distance his phone away from his ear, hearing the screaming on the other end of the receiver.

“What are you screaming for!?!?!”

Jay could hear his girlfriend sighing.

“Baby, you do know that you literally sent me like more than 100 stuffs in just a year?”

“We already talk about this and I will keep saying it even if it’s for a thousand times. You deserve it, baby.”

“But--

“No buts, baby. I hope you’ll like it. I can’t remember what I ordered but there are like a few versions of it. Oh! There’s like the ph-1 version, then there’s like the blaze summer edition version, the flame version and others that I can’t remember.”

“....That’s not a few, Jay.”

Jay chuckled to hear Hayeon’s straightforward tone, his laughter trails off.

“I honestly miss you, Hayeon-ah.”

Jay wasn’t kidding, he really did miss her.

He couldn’t believe that he could survive a long distant relationship.

Each day, Jay would call her without fail. Even if either one of them missed the calls, they will return the call and one of them would answer without needing to call again.

Because of Hayeon’s line of work, Jay couldn’t regularly see Hayeon although they were like in the same state.

Jay knew that one day he couldn’t resist of holding onto the feeling so he decided to flew out to L.A. just to see her, and he gets to spent the night with Hayeon intimately.

Since then, Jay was even more clingy to Hayeon, calling her each night. He even drunk called her causing Hayeon to laugh hysterically.

“I know. I miss you too, baby.”

“I hope you will come back home soon.”

Jay’s voice became softer as he muttered while looking at the door to see staff running here and there knowing the concert was starting soon.

“Baby, I have to go up stage soon.”

“Oh.. Good luck Jay! And have fun too! Don’t get too drunk!”

“Thank you baby, I’ll call you as soon as the concert ends. Love you!”

“Love you too, Jay! Byeeee!”

The call ended with Jay smiling widely, as he quickly checks himself out at the mirror before stepping out of his waiting room, seeing his other H1GHER members coming out of their waiting room.

Just as Jay was about to approach the others, his phone suddenly lit up with a notification sound and he knew who it was.

baby hayeon 💕

Hey Jay. I hope you are not on stage yet but just wanna say GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN BABY! GO ALL OUT FOR YOUR FANS not all till you lose yourself okay? HAVE FUN WITH THE H1GHER GANG AND DO NOT DRINK TOO MUCH TILL U DRUNK CALL ME AGAIN MOANING MY NAME AND SAYING SEXUAL STUFF! its cute but seriously not in public okay i’m out of track but all I’m saying is have fun safely okay Jay? I have to go back to work soon 😔 and once again, good luck Jaebeom. I love you 💋💞💓💘 💖 💝💞

Jay smiled softly as he quickly replied her, before joining the rest of the gang.

Jay

I love you so much, baby.

Jay didn’t know if he is drunk or he is dreaming.

It is ridiculous that he is dreaming of Hayeon as he performs on stage, his eyes were scanning through his fans, him hoping to see the one he wanted to see.

But he knew his hope was just a little one, knowing Hayeon wouldn’t fly back to Korea just to see him performing for the concert launch of his clothing line that his company collaborated with

Hayeon wouldn’t come just for this, her work is too heavy.

Jay smiled a little as he shifted his gaze towards his friends who was enjoying themselves on stage.

Some of them were taking pictures with the fans, at the same time rapping their hearts out.

“Hyung, hyung!” Minsik came running towards Jay, his face leaning towards Jay’s ears.

“I think I saw Hayeon.” whispered Minsik and Jay pull away, looking at the younger one with a deep frown.

Jay knew that Minsik won’t joke about this topic because Minsik is in the same boat as him.

Their girlfriends are best friends, more like sisters.

Jay looked at the younger one, checking if he is drunk since Jay saw him drinking a few shots.

But Minsik didn’t look drunk.

“I think you are going to be drunk, Minsik.” commented Jay and Minsik shakes his head, looking at Jay seriously for the first time.

“Hyung, I’m serious.” answered Minsik and Jay looked towards the crowd of fans, his eyes moving the front, scanning the fans faces.

Jay’s eyes moved towards the back and his eyes slowly widen.

No, it can’t be.

Jay sees Hayeon standing in the middle of the crowd with a smile on her face, seeing her wearing the white blazed design shirt, he just told her that he pre-ordered it for her.

No way...

His eyed then turned towards Minsik.

“You must be really drunk, Minsik-ah.. C’mon..” Jay dragged the younger one away as his eyes turned towards where Hayeon was standing at.

Hayeon wasn’t there.

“Oh no... Our CEO is drunk..”

“Really drunk..”

“Hyung! You’re being too close!”

By the end of the performances, Jay was already too drunk and he was clinging to Harry and Minsik.

“Should we bring him back to the hotel?”

“No..... I wanna see Hayeonnie...” Jay slurred, then letting out a giggle causing Minsik to scoff, followed by the others.

Jay never mentions about his girlfriend whenever his label mates were there since their relationship is a secret to the public, except for his close friends and the people he works with.

Almost all of them knew about Jay and Hayeon’s relationship, because he was being too obvious.

Jay always had his hands on Hayeon whenever and wherever they go and when some of them confronted him about it, he decided to just come clean, saying he is in a relationship with Hayeon since 2-3 months ago.

“We all know clingy Jay hyung is hard to manage..” Jaewook commented as Jay was wrapping his arms around him, his head laying on Jaewook’s shoulder.

“Yah! Stop laughing and help me!” Jaewook whines towards the others who were trying not to stifle their giggles while recording their CEO who is acting cute and just clingy while mumbling english words that some of them couldn’t understand.

“Hyung! Hyung! Hey! We really sh--

Junwon’s words were cut off as his eyes were traveled towards elsewhere.

Although his sight wasn’t clear thanks to people dancing here and there, the dim lights and the neon lights flashing, his smile grew wider, causing the other H1GHER crew to look which direction he was gazing at.

“Noona!” Haon yelled, waving his hands.

Some of the H1GHER crew turns shy as soon as they see Hayeon, waving towards them before gazing towards jay who was clinging onto Minsik.

“Oh my god. He is so wasted.” Hayeon muttered, her gaze was fromthe rounded table that filled with bottles of beers, and all kinds of alcohol bottles and shot glasses.

“Hey! When did you get here and how did you come here?” asked Hwimin before hugging Hayeon.

“Jay hyung didn’t tell us about your arrival.” added Gyujeong and the others nodded, looking at the girl who was staring at Jay.

Jay saw her but he didn’t even turn directly towards her.

“An hour ago. It’s a surprise visit that I planned with Jay’s manager. I don’t think he recognize me..” commented Hayeon, peering onto Jay who was now cuddling Minsik.

Minsik looks extremely uncomfortable.

“Hayeon, d-do something..” Minsik pleaded, his words cause some of the H1GHER crew to laugh.

Hayeon sat beside the drunk Jay.

“Jay--

“Don’t touch me! I have a girlfriend!” Jay whines as he swats Hayeon’s hands away from him.

Her eyes slowly widen, looking towards Minsik and to the others.

“Oh my god. Our Jay hyung has change.” Hwimin commented at the back and Hayeon slightly smirked towards him.

It was the best opportunity for Hayeon to mess with him since Jay is completely drunk and she knew that he won’t even remember anything the next day.

“C’mon Jay. Your girlfriend isn’t here. Let’s have fun!” Hayeon sweet talk towards him while pulling his hand.

Jay groan as he tightly cling onto Minsik.

“No! I don’t want to! I said I already have a girlfriend! Leave me alone!” Jay whines grumpily.

Hayeon tried her best not to laugh or break her acting.

“Aww, c’mon Jay. Your girlfriend won’t know about this. It’s just a while..” said Hayeon sweetly, pulling Jay softly.

The older one turned towards Hayeon.

For a moment, Jay was staring at her causing Hayeon to freeze as he was gazing at her in the eye. She could feel her heart beating a little fast.

The way he looks at her is adorable.

Jay’s face was so red and his eyes were droopy thanks to how many bottles of alcohol he drank.

“I’m sorry.. I have a girlfriend.. She will be disappointed if I’m with you.. She’s my world.. I love Hayeon.. I’m not the old Jay..” Jay was already slurring his words, his eyes becoming droopy.

Hayeon could feel the others grinning towards her because Minsik was covering his mouth, trying not to giggle.

“Okay. I’ll just sit here then.”

As cheesy as it is, Hayeon can’t help but to let out a small smile, nodding as she let go of his arms.

Jay slowly turned towards her with a slight frown.

“But.. why do you smell like her?” Jay mumbled as he was sniffing Hayeon’s side.

The others could only giggle while still recording their drunk CEO.

“That’s because I am your girlfriend..?” stated Hayeon in a questioning tone. Jay frowns as he looks at Hayeon upand down.

“No, you’re not. My girlfriend wears her business clothes.”

“Jay, I don’t always wear my business formal wear everywhere.” answered Hayeon, turning towards him with a slight frown.

This time, Jay’s cheeks turned rosy though his face was already red as he quickly looks away from Hayeon.

His gaze turned towards Minsik.

“Minsik-ah, can you please tell her to go away? Hayeonnie is going to be mad at me if she founds out a girl is flirting with me.” Jay whines towards Minsik, as the younger one sticks out his head towards Hayeon, looking at her for help.

Hayeon could only giggle, shrugging as she turned towards the others who were still recording her and Jay’s interaction.

“I guess I’ll just stay and baby-sit you guys.”

“What?!? We don’t need to be baby-sit!”

“Yeah! We’re adults!”

“Jay hyung is the one who needs to be baby-sit!”

Hayeon intends to bring Jay back to his hotel but seeing how determined Jay look on staying with Minsik, saying he didn’t want to cheat or betray his girlfriend behind her back, Hayeon could only watch him with a smile on her face.

[emiken-070907]

A Different Kind Of Story - Dance and Grace

It was time for some music and refinement. After some business talk with a scammy octopus lady, Yuko decided to show a small feast she once was invited to, arranged by her friends from Scarabia, and some day-to-day life at the ever so gorgeous Pomefiore.

A Different Kind of Story: Chapter 4

Yuko hasn't even been a solid 5 minutes in the Scarabia dorm, but they already were melting. The afternoon sun was brutal on her skin. Grim wasn't doing any better.

"Are you ok, Yuko? Should I get you something to drink?" Yuko turned her head two face two worried, red eyes.

"Is that a yes or a no? You know what? It doesn't matter. I'll get you one," Kalim said as she patted Yuko on the shoulder before getting up. The brunette tried to stop her, but Kalim didn't listen and quickly came back with some drinks.

"You really shouldn't have to..." Yuko said but took the drinks regardless. "You don't have to be so polite! You two are our guests! A drink or two should be the least!" Yuko could have sworn she needed sunglasses with how bright Kalim was. It gave her a warm feeling of familiarity.

All of a sudden, a sweet and flavourful smell filled the lively lounge of Scarabia. A brunette with long hair and a hood came into the room. She carried multiple plates with different foods, which vary from perfectly sweet to super spicey.

"Wow! These smell amazing, Jamil-senpai," The Prefect of Ramshackle praised, clapping their hands together with sparkles in their eyes. Jamil didn't pay her or her compliment any mind and just placed the dishes on the table.

"You can compliment me if it tastes as good as it smells.", the second-year commented blankly.

"Fnyaaa, why can't you take the compliment! She's at least trying to be nice to you, even after what you did, you snake!" Yuko looked down at Grim and smiled fondly while giving Grim some head pats. Jamil just turned around with an angry huff and leaving the room to get more food.

"Seriously, why are you trying to be so friendly with her? It's obvious she doesn't give a damn about everyone but herself."

"That sounds like everyone at this school, to be honest. People deserve a second chance, and I think I'm not the only one who knows this." The first-year turned to Kalim, who looked kind of sad. Yuko knew that Kalim still concerned herself with many things. Yuko didn't know why or what those things were, but they also felt like it wasn't their place to ask questions.

Yuko's train of thought was interrupted by the other members of the dorm, who all decided to dig in and enjoy the sweet and spicy dishes their vice leader made.

-

The feast came along significantly.

Cheerful chattering filled the room. It had accompanied by entertaining music, played by some students who had already finished their meal.

The two guests from Ramshackle were having a small conversation with the ever so joyful host of the party. Mostly Grim was talking with her. Yuko just sat there, enjoying her meal while her furry companion on her lap was having a good time.

The young Crowley roamed the filled room with attentive eyes. She saw students eating and praising the food, telling stories (some real, some not), or were merely telling jokes and were having a good time. Among those students, there was a brunette standing on the sides, watching them. An idea then popped into the first-year's head.

Yuko excused herself politely from the second-year who so kindly invited them. They then proceeded to walk to the vice to start a little chat for herself.

"Hello Jamil-senpai," Yuko greeted. "The dishes were astounding. The sweets felt like they were melting in my mouth! There also was a hint of apple in there, or am I incorrect? Either way, would you mind if I asked for the recipe itself?" Startled, Jamil turned around to face her junior.

"Uhm, of course? I did not know you'd enjoy it that much that you would ask for the recipe. It's a common sweet in my family" Jamil seemed taking back by Yuko's sudden request. Yet only an innocent smile painted their face while listening to their senior reciting the recipe.

-

"You seem to be enjoying yourself there, Yuko," Ace mocked with a sly smile.

"What could you possibly mean, Ace?"

"Don't act this innocent. If you are an alternate version of our buddy Yuu here, then you are just trying to annoy her, aren't you? Also, you and Kalim there are disgustingly sweet, I have to say." The ace of Heartslabyul said. Yuko gasped in offence and put one of her gloved hands on her chest gem.

"Oh, how could be so mean! I just tried to have a nice conversation with my upperclassmen", the girl wailed. "And, ohh, I am sorry that I am just having some fun with Kalim. I didn't know being nice to others is actually 'disgusting'" Ace smirk swiftly was erased from his face. Some of the first years even snickered a bit about the answer to the boy's comment.

"It is just," the girl in the mirror continued. "I like talking to her since she gives up a sense of comfort. She is like the older sister I never had," Yuko said fondly.

Kalim was also beaming with joy and pride. It seemed knowing that someone, who isn't related to him, thought of him as an older sibling figure made him happy. Even though not directly meant.

"A-ah! Let's not get distracted, shall we? Next is Pomefiore," the girl in the mirror announced.

"Of course not. Although, before we start, let me say that it is very nice to hear that you think that way, young one." Lilia was heart warmed. Father instincts, Yuko silently assumed before fading from the other sight.

-

After Yuko got the recipe for the dish Jamila made, they said their goodbyes to her friends and made her way to Pomefiore.

The old castle was as beautiful and graceful as ever. The afternoon wind made it seem even more like it was from a fairytale.

As soon as Yuko entered the big walls of Pomefiore, she got greeted by a petit-looking first-year. The student's long lavender hair swayed behind them as they approached Yuko as if a breeze was flowing through the dormitory.

"Yuko! Perfect timing! Please save me from Vil! She's trying to put me in one of those disgusting, frilly dresses!" the smaller girl whined. She clutched against Yuko's arm as if it would have helped convince Yuko of her need for help. "Epel, please, I can't hide you every time. I also am starting to think that Vil might know our hideouts by now" Yuko kindly smiled as Epel continued to beg for her help. Yet to no avail.

Moreover, Vil appeared. Her long gowns were perfectly put on, with no faults whatsoever. They flowed behind her while she walked down the hall towards the first years.

It was like looking at a goddess.

But alas, this beauty was angry.

Behind her followed NRC's huntress, Rook. Her heavy boots' steps and Vil's high heels clicking echoed through the empty and silent hall, Epel's begging long died out.

"Epel! How dare you try to run away again! You'll never learn how to use those natural looks correctly. Don't get me started on how to treat them right!" Vil pinched Epel's cheek, ignoring the junior's complaints.

"Oh my, oh my! The Trickster has arrived! How splended~ Your little companion is at your side, as well."

Yuko smiled politely and started holding Grim a little tighter in her arms, in case Grim would try to flee from the huntress.

"I am also very delighted to make your acquaintance again, Rook-senpai. How is it currently going?" The senior started beaming at the question with a bright smile. Her hands flew up to her head. "Oh Trickster, how happy I am that you asked! Reine de Poison was only trying to show our little apple how to put on more voluminous dresses, but the little one didn't seem to like the idea, which is a loss, to be honest. Just imagine Mademoiselle Cherry Apple in one! She'd look like an innocent angel~."

Yuko couldn't hide their chuckle at the thought of Epel wearing something like that. Now they sure knew why Epel was so desperate for help.

-

They all made their way to the lounge for some tea, the argument between Vil and Epel never-ending during the short walk.

At this point, the Ramshackle Prefect was holding Grim's mouth shut, knowing that Grim would spit some non-polite comment. Either at Rook or Vil. Which both wouldn't end well for them.

Vil, Epel, Yuko and Grim seated themselves on the beautiful couches of Pomefiore. Rook made her way into the kitchen to prepare the tea. For Yuko's and Grim's ears pleasure, Vil's and Epel's bickering had stopped.

"So tell me, little potato," Vil started, "have you finally renovated your old dorm by now? I am confident that this hideous place could look better," Harsh as ever, Yuko thought.

Nonetheless, the dorm leader was right. It was old and rotten, and it already was hard work to get it into the condition it is now.

"The renovations are coming along, Vil-senpai, yet I highly doubt I will get it finished any time soon. Nonetheless, I am happy to say that I acquired some donations from Azul. For furniture for the interior, as well for the outer parts. Maybe I'll even have to ask someone to help me with the gardens soon if this all keeps going at this pace. But first, the rooms and all should be looking presentable, of course." Yuko explained. Her senior hummed understanding.

Rook re-enters the lounge with a trey, which has some tea and snacks on it. "Oh la la, what did I miss? Where are you talking about the Ramshackle dormitory?" Room asked as she put the trey downs on the table. How did she know that? Until now, she was in another room!

"Yes, we were discussing the Ramshackle dormitory, Rook. The renovations, to be exact," Vil said as she sipped her tea.

"Epel, you were awfully quiet until now. Does the topic of your friend's home not interest you?"

As if being ripped out of a daydream, Epel quickly looked up. "N-no, this isn't the reason! I didn't want to interrupt yall- I mean you all."

Vil inspected her as if trying to figure out if she was lying or not. After 20 seconds of starring, Vil accepted the explanation as genuine and let out a small sigh.

"Epel, at least sit straight and look me in the eyes while talking. The cup goes up to your head, not your head to the cup!" Vil pinched Epel's cheek once again, ignoring Epel's whines. It all ended in another argument.

-

Leona put one of his hands on his temple in annoyance. He just witnessed two arguments, one in full length and the other one's just started. "Is this also like this here?"

"Yep, totally," said all the first-years in unison, except for Epel, who had a feeling of betrayal in his eyes.

"How could you all fall into my back like that?!"

"Epel, you know that they are sadly telling the truth. We, rather often, have different opinions on things," Vil kindly reminded the student he took under his wing. Like a father

"Nevertheless, Leona, you should know how hard it can be to look after your first years. Oh wait, on second thought, you probably don't, since you push all your responsibilities onto Ruggie,"

Leona only growled, knowing that starting a fight with the fellow third-year would be pointless.

Everyone in the room went quiet. Even Rook didn't say anything. After a minute of awkward silence and Vil and Leona starring at each other, Yuko cleared her throat, getting all of the male's attention.

"How about we move on to our last two dorms. Then we'll call it for today? It's been a long day with a lot of new things to process," Yuko clapped their hands together while talking. They were just happy that there weren't any nasty comments on any of her friends.

{to be continued}

First

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[A/n: Sorry for any grammatical or spelling errors, English is not my first language!]

[joon-ipersgirl]

O6 - “the jaded jessica rabbit”

genre: mafia!au, angst, fluff, slow burn, mystery-thriller

pairing: namjoon x reader (f)

word count: 3.8k

warnings: cursing, mentions of alcohol, some vulgar-is dirty talk at the end (not the way you think lol)

summary: charismatic. beautiful. fearless without question. the ambitious team of seven young men in charge of spiral, downtown district’s hottest new club, go above and beyond to provide 100% satisfaction to their clients.

after an eventful night out, you have no choice but to join the team for property damages greater than your intern salary. challenging a series of events that can no longer be left to coincidence, secrets threaten to burst at the seams as your professional and private life collide, and another - more sinister - debt is added to your total. 

how far are you willing to go to pay back your pound of flesh? remember, nothing is ever as it seems...

a/n: hello everyone! wow, i received some really nice comments about this fic so thank you. like seriously. i’ll keep you guys posted on discontinuing or not. i only have a few more parts pre-written so i may just post those and decide after. either way, i hope you enjoy. this was fun to write :) leave me an ask and let me know what you think and any theories as to what you think the boys are up to!

full masterlist // series masterlist // previous // next

Staring at yourself in the full length mirror in your room, you conclude you look crazy. How Suga had approved this uniform is beyond you, especially as winter hasn’t let you out of her cold, damp grip. You adjusted the waist of your skirt again as you try your best to make sure your ass isn’t hanging out the bottom. At least the neckline of the t-shirt is high enough that all of your assets aren’t on display. You guess you could appreciate how nice your legs look in the sheer black stockings you’d paired with the look.

You try your best to fit the vibe Spiral is going for and keep your makeup fairly neutral except for the bright red matte lipstick across your lips. Your hair was swept into a slick low bun, a few tendrils left out to frame your face. Though it probably isn’t part of the vibe, you throw on your chunky gold hoops to add some personality. Honcho could kiss your pretty little ass if he didn’t like it.

A soft meow! broke you out of your inner monologue. “Rosalia!” you coo at your shared Russian Blue cat. She saunters into the room and makes herself comfortable on your Queen-sized bed. “Don’t wait up,” you tell her as you grab your small backpack and trusty black, wool overcoat. It was time to head to Spiral.

“This must be the new spot for the young folk, huh?” your Uber driver, George, asks as he pulls onto the interstate. He’s an older man that could have probably been your grandfather. You pay him no mind. Maybe he would get the hint that you weren’t interested in having a conversation if you barely respond.

“Hmm?”

“You’re the third young woman I’ve picked up to head there tonight,” he explains. You look up at him quickly through the rearview mirror.

“Oh really?” you ask absentmindedly. George nods, his cap looking to flop off of his head.

“Oh yeah. They were so excited about it being back open since it got closed down for that robbery they had 2 months ago, though I don’t know if those young boys can handle running an establishment like that,” he mutters.

“Why do you think that?”

“They aren’t paying their respects to the elders in the business. Respect will go a long way you know?” he adds as he exits off the highway and heads towards the “party” area of downtown. You sit up, intrigued by what he’s saying.

“Respect to the elders? In the business? What do you mean?” you inquire again.

“You can’t just pop up on someone else’s territory without explaining what you’re doing there, even if it was an order for expansion,” he explains. You glance out of the window; you were close to the club. Time is running out.

“I’m not sure I understand what you mean, sir.”

“Of course you do, young lady.” George smiles at you through the mirror as you stare at him confused. “Robberies of that sort don’t just happen outta nowhere,” he elaborates, his words seeming to take on another meaning. You open your mouth to respond, but he cuts you off with a whistle.

“Wow, it didn’t look like that when I was just here.”

You turn to look out the window and your eyes widen as you take in the line, the neon red sign brightly illuminating the street. It wraps around the corner of the club and extends down the street past where your eyes could see. Numerous patrons are huddled together to stay warm as they brave the chilly wind. It’s only 9pm and the club doesn’t officially open until 10pm. Had news of the re-opening spread so quickly?

George pulls up to the curb. “You be safe now, miss,” he says pointedly, turning in his seat to deliver his seemingly innocent warning.

“You too. Have a good night,” you tell him as you step out of the car and he tips his hat in response. The conversation leaves you uneasy as he pulls away and you’re left on the corner of the street looking very much so like the woman of the night you feel in your uniform. You don’t stand for too long as the icy wind slashes across your legs, forcing you to head inside.

You approach the front of the line, much to the groans and protests of the people at the front. You ignore them. No one had told them to arrive at least an hour early and subject themself to this kind of torture for a few measly drinks and to rub up and down on another equally sad individual.

“Y/N!” Jack calls out to you from the front door of the club. He looks good in his own large bomber jacket, black skull beanie pulled low over his dark brown hair and the tips of his ears. Though he’s the size of any pro NFL quarterback, you could only see him as a rugged teddy bear when he grins at you like that.

“Jack,” you greet him with a soft smirk of your own. “How are you?”

“Good. Cold, but good. Ready for tonight?” he asks cheerily.

“As ready as I’ll ever be,” you said, chuckling. He smiles at you again and holds the door open.

You duck under his arm and slip off your coat as you head down the stairs. Spiral looks incredible after the renovation and you’re surprised at how well everything flowed together; Min might actually know a thing or two about interior design. The new, red neon lights along the floors and the ceiling add to the ambience and the sleek black marble furniture fits in well with the leather booths.

Standing around the bar where the rest of your coworkers in their uniforms. Jin, Luca, and Moon are setting up behind the bar, the three of them looking like the city versions of Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. Not necessarily in that order though; Luca would definitely be Hades. Honcho and Suga chat quietly to one another while Savannah prattles on with Tae, her arms moving wildly as she explains whatever story she’s so into. Jeon and Micah are tucked on the other side of the bar, a comfortable silence settling between them. Giselle sits alone on a bar stool as she scrolls on her phone completely oblivious to her surroundings.

“Good evening Y/N. So nice of you to grace us with your presence,” Moon remarks. You ignore the way his eyes flit across your body as you approach the bar.

“Finally Kid. We’ve been waiting,” Suga calls from where he stands, his mint hair falling into his eyes.

“You guys act like I was 45 minutes late or something. What’s going on?” you asks.

“Did you go clock in?” Honcho asks, ignoring your question. You shake your head. “Do that, put your stuff away, and then come back here. We’re having a staff meeting.”

You nod and set off towards the employee lounge. It’s a fairly small room with some lockers available to store your things as well as a miniscule refrigerator to store some snacks as you wouldn’t be leaving until at least 3am. You carefully fold your coat as best as you can before shoving it into one of the lockers and shutting it closed.

The cold metal of the lockers presses into your back as you lean against it for support. It’s finally hitting you that you’re back at Spiral. Where you shot a gun. Where you shot a man. Where you got shot at. You look at the slight burn that’s on your upper forearm. You let out a shaky breath. Fear couldn’t get the best of you now. You had work to do, clues to discover, and a man to find before he found you first.

“Took you long enough!” Honcho calls out as you perch on the edge of the bar stool. A roll of your eyes is your only response. “Great. Everyone’s here. It’s opening night and the line is wrapped around the building. People still want to experience us, and experience us they shall. You all have your positions. Do your job well, and we shouldn’t have any issues. Anything else to add?” Honcho turns to Moon.

“Be engaging and if there are any issues, find myself or Honcho. Only.” Moon directed his last comment to you. “Suga?”

“Don’t fuck up,” Suga says with a shrug and the room erupts in laughter. “Let’s have a good night.”

The meeting is dismissed as Suga heads up to his office and you use the last 20 minutes to do the last of the prep of our stations. Tae has started spinning tunes from his booth as you vibe out. Jin and Luca are tending to the downstairs bar while Moon heads up to the VIP lounge. You and Giselle are tasked with serving tables on the main level, Savannah and Micah on the second. Jeon had left to man the main door with Jack. Everything is set.

You peek at Jin as you secure the little black fanny pack with the notepad and pen to take orders around your waist. Your conversation from earlier in the week flits across your mind and you narrow your eyes in determination; it was time to get to work.

“Here!” Giselle calls over the increasingly loud music. “It’s tequila!” She pushes the shot into your hand. You can hear the chatter of people starting to enter the establishment faintly. You toss the shot back and she grins. It was definitely time to get to work.

“I need a strawberry daiquiri, a lemon drop, a mango margarita, and a blue hawaiian!” you yell to Luca as you lean over the bar, waving the ticket in your hand to try and grab his attention. He serves his customer at the bar before grabbing the ticket from you.

“It’s fucking crazy in here!” he yells back. You nod and look out into the crowd.

Spiral hadn’t been open a full hour and a half, but it was like there was no room to walk. Talk about packed. The air is thick with heat and hormones as people dance in the middle of the floor, bodies swaying sloppily from the amount of alcohol they’d already consumed. You’re grateful you’d decided to tie your hair back because Gods knew how it would look after your shift was over. The demand for drinks hadn’t slowed down once, putting your personal mission on hold.

“Order up!” Luca calls and shoves the drinks over to you on a tray. You huff as you balance it in both hands and head back through the crowd.

As you approach your table, your mood sours. Instead of there being four girls sitting in the booth, a fifth has arrived. Your favorite crime scene investigator. Her hair hangs down around her shoulders in loose waves instead of the tight ponytail it was in when you first saw her. Her white off the shoulder dress clings tight to her body as she rests on the edge of the booth, her legs crossed. You set the tray down a little harder than needed as the rest of her friends jump.

“Oh. It’s you,” she says in disdain. You ignore her as you set their drinks down in front of them.

“Hi, my name is Y/N and I’ll be your server tonight. Can I start you off with anything or would you care to see the menu?” you ask, giving her the usual speech. She looks bored as you stand there waiting.

“Hmm, nothing that you can give me. Have you seen Moon? I need to speak with him,” she says.

“He’s working in VIP. I’m not sure if you have the clearance to be up there,” you say with a smile. She glares at you.

“You barely have the clearance to work here,” she spits. Just as you’re going to respond, you feel a heavy hand on your shoulder.

“Y/N, why don’t you go on break? Jennifer, so nice to see you again. Shall we?” It’s Honcho. If you weren’t so angry, you would have been frightened at his ability to move so swiftly in a crowded room.

Jennifer, in all her raggedy glory, brushes past you with a smirk. You barely resist the urge to drag her back by her half-assed waves and pummel her smug face into the pretty black, marble table. Watching her saunter up the spiral staircase makes your blood boil. Who did she think she was? You excuse yourself from your patrons once you make sure they no longer need you and head for the restroom. If the boss says it was time for a break, who were you to oppose? It was time to figure some things out.

“Y/N!” Jin’s voice is barely audible over the blaring bass Tae is blasting. You roll your eyes.

“I’m on break!” you yell to him as he beckons you over.

“I need you to do me a favor!” he shouts as you approach his side of the bar, Luca hurriedly making drinks on the other.

“I need you to stop lying to me, but I guess we all can’t get what we want,” you say with a shrug and turn away.

“Y/N, please. Honcho hasn’t come back down for this order. Can you run it upstairs for me? I’d do it myself, but -” He gestures to the people surrounding the bar waiting for his attention.

“I told you, I’m on break,” you emphasize.

“Please,” he asks once again, resting his hand on top of the bar. You glare at him.

“Fine, but you owe me,” you say pointedly. He flashes you a beautiful smile before setting the tray filled with a glass of white wine, a pint of beer, and a whiskey sour.

“You’re the best!” he calls as you heft the tray onto your shoulder and make your way to the stairs.

The second level is less crowded than downstairs, but all the booths are occupied with men in luxurious suits and their companions dressed in their finest dresses. It reeks of expensive perfumes and stuffy cigars. Some of the velvet curtains are drawn and you didn’t want to know what could possibly be happening behind them. Honcho is nowhere to be seen and you grow impatient as the tray’s weight settles into your arms. This was becoming tiring.

“Hey Y/N! How’s it going? Do you need some help?” Savannah chirps as she ducks through one of the closed curtain booths, her blonde hair a little disheveled. Interesting. Definitely didn’t want to know what kind of sunshine service she was providing.

“Uh, yeah. Have you seen Honcho? These are his drinks,” you say gesturing to the tray in your hands.

“Hmm, not for the past few minutes. Maybe he’s in the back?” She points to the hallway leading to the third level. You sigh. You’d been sent on a wild goose chase.

“Alright. Thanks.”

You dodge a drunk woman who seemed dangerously close to breaking a heel, the pint of beer sloshing over the side and soaking the front of your shirt. You clench your jaw in anger. Slamming the tray down angrily on one of the high tables, a few of the customers jump at the noise. You know your smile is not friendly by the way they lower their heads and avoid your gaze as you march past. At this point, you were taking an additional half an hour break; they owed you.  

The bathroom on the second level is empty as you try to wipe the stench of beer from your shirt. Your first night and you’re already fed up with Miss Fake Jessica Rabbit, Jin and his favors, and the spilled drinks. In fact, you’re highly irritated. You’re ready to go home. Giving up trying to salvage your shirt and resigning to smelling like beer for the next 2 and a half hours, you head to exit the restroom, but stop when you glimpse the back of Jessica Rabbit herself.

“I don’t know, Moon. It’s not looking too good on our end.” You tuck back behind the door, leaving it slightly ajar to hear what they’re saying. Thank Gods for the acoustics of this hallway.

“Didn’t this case just get planned?” he asks. “Vance was supposed to secure this contract for us after we were down for those couple of weeks. What happened?”

“I don’t know. Things have been a little busy with Julian going haywire. I haven’t seen Vance in two weeks. Someone mentioned something about reputations and what not -”

“We just started this operation. We barely have a reputation, Jen,” he emphasizes. “But we’ve been damn good at what we do, so I’m not understanding what the issue is.”

“What are we not understanding?” You almost stumble back as Min passes the restroom but catch the door with your fingers before it can slam shut. You exhale slowly as you recover, peering through the small slit of the door again.

“We just lost the Fader contract,” Moon tells him.

“Wait, wasn’t that supposed to come out tomorrow? I thought we had it secured before it was set to be released.”

“So did I, but Jen said Vance couldn’t pull through. Something about reputations -”

“Reputations? If anything, we should be getting great reviews; I’ve been quick and effective with every job you’ve sent me on. So much so, we couldn’t take on all the clients because of demand.” You can hear the confusion in Min’s voice even with the music still thumping. “What changed? How is that affecting our operations?”

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out,” Jen replies. “This is bad for business which is in turn bad for me.”

“There has to be something we’re missing. Min, do you think you could contact Santi-”

“Have y’all seen Y/N? She’s not on the floor and Savannah said she was looking for me,” Honcho’s voice rings out and you squeak, letting the door slam shut, effectively cutting off the sound of their conversation. Shit. You duck behind the partitioning wall and try to calm your breathing as someone knocks on the door.

“Is everything okay in here?” It’s Honcho.

“Everything’s great! Just slipped on some water and fell, but I’m good!” you call to him, cringing at your lie.

“Y/N? What the fuck are you doing up here?”

“I work here. What do you mean by what am I doing up here? I was trying to find you so I could give you your fucking tray with your drinks, but you were nowhere to be found,” you reply with just as much attitude, finally appearing around the corner and facing him. He looks at you confused as you stare him down.

“I was busy with a -- customer. Come on, you have work to do,” he says while grabbing your wrist.

“And you don’t?” you retort as he pulls you into the hallway where Min, Jennifer, and Moon are still standing. They look surprised to see you.

“Kitten!” Min exclaims as you approach them. “How’s your shift going?”

You shrug. “It’s going.”

“Shouldn’t you be getting back to work?” Jennifer asks rudely. You can just make out the frown on her face under the low lighting of the side hallway.

“Shouldn’t you have chosen a better outfit to solicit on a corner?” Honcho snorts and she glares at both of you.

“Kitten is feeling a little fiesty today,” Min hums, leaning against the wall.

“Y/N, you can’t say that to customers,” Moon chides you though you can tell from the faint showing of his dimples he’s amused at your words. You raise your eyebrows at him.

“Hmm, I guess it wasn’t dirty enough for good ol’ Jen, huh? How about on your knees in the back of the alley behind Spiral?” you offer. “Maybe you’ll get off if he reprimands you the way he’s trying to do me,” you ponder.

Jennifer’s face is red with anger as she continuously opens and closes her mouth to respond. You smirk as your own anger and irritation settles in your belly, happy that you’d gotten under her skin. Apparently too well as she rears her hand back and slaps me across your face. Tears spring to your eyes from the force of the blow and you blink at Honcho as you slowly comprehend what’s happened. She had well and truly slapped you. You whip your head around to face her and she gasps as she had now just realized what she’d done.

“Holy shit,” Honcho whispers. You grin as you step forward to stand in front of her, holding your ground. You were tired of her shit.

“Is that the way you like it, Jen? Hard slaps to the face?” you goad. “What about your pretty little ass, hmm?”

“Y/N, stop. That’s not necessary.” Moon steps in front of you, blocking your view of an almost teary eyed Jennifer. Ah, an angry crier. Your favorite.

“Oh come on, Moon. It’s just a little teasing, isn’t it? Just like how you all do to me. No harm, no foul,” you say nonchalantly, but your words have a sharper tone. The irritation of the night was getting to you.

“Y/N, let’s go downstairs,” Honcho says as he tugs on your wrist, trying to diffuse the situation. “Give everyone some time to cool off.”

“I am cool. I’m not going to hit her and ruin my chances of filing an assault claim,” you say with a chuckle. “You guys wouldn’t even have to testify against your little friend. The cameras will witness for me. And I can walk by myself, thanks. Continue whatever business you guys had going on,” you reply with a wave of your hand.

“An assault case! Are you crazy?! Bitch, fuck you!” Jennifer calls from around Moon’s large frame. You roll your eyes as you spin around to face them again.

“I’m as crazy as they come, babe. Pencil me in once you're done with your lover boy and I’ll let you know if I can squeeze you in with the rest of my appointments! Business is booming as they say!” you yell back and blow her a kiss. She scowls.

The four of them watch you go and you only rub your stinging cheek once you know you’re out of their eyesight. For a small woman, she had a heavy hand and you’re grateful it hadn’t been a punch; you couldn’t afford a trip to the dentist. It was time for you to cash in on that favor Jin promised you as you head down the spiral stairs. An old fashioned on the rocks is calling your name. You could use the ice.

full masterlist // series masterlist // previous // next

[asimawv]

I write and conceptualize story to music, so I’ve compiled a playlist of 30 Darkest Dungeon-specific songs that I listen to when writing (and subsequently re-writing) in no particular order, which I hope will help you set the vibe too. :+)

Names in bold are links for easy listening - tons of Hozier and Of Monsters and Men up ahead, five minute warning.

1. ‘Fire and the Flood’ - Vance Joy

If you listen to nothing else on this list, listen to this one - it’s the kind of song that’s made for movies about yearning. Folk influences, choruses of trumpets and vocal harmony, and instruments that are layered for a rich, resonant sound. This is the song I imagine Dismas and Reynauld horse-racing through a crowded outdoors market in the hamlet to, and the song I listened to nonstop freshman year when I first started writing The Myth of Sisyphus.

You're the fire and the flood And I'll always feel you in my blood Everything is fine When your hand is resting next to mine Next to mine You're the fire and the flood

The chorus is built around biblical allusions to the fire (the burning bush signifying first contact) and the flood (destruction of the first world), the beginning and end. Every line is similarly evocative of Darkest Dungeon in their simplicity (“I’ve been getting used to waking up with you,” etc.)

2. ‘Soldier, Poet, King’ - The Oh Hellos

By the title alone you can guess who this is for. Even the Guild quote for the Leper approaches these three things as the defining parts of his character (specifically it’s “a ruined man, a warrior, and a poet.”) This song coincidentally has an old world influence to it, with a Medieval Renaissance style from a guitar playing a lute-adjacent melody.

There will come a ruler Whose brow is laid in thorn Smeared with oil like David's boy, oh lei oh lai oh Lord Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh Lord Smeared with oil like David's boy, oh lei oh lai oh Lord

To be smeared with oil is to be anointed by a prophet and thus chosen by god himself to be king, just as David was and his boy after him (presumably Solomon). There’s something strangely wistful about the imagery, which is just how I like my songs about bygone kings.

3. ‘Exit Hymn’ - Bear Attack!

This song is about the end of the world in a version where everyone simply stands together in silence watching, rather than having the masses swarming in panic.

Lovely shapes to the world descending, Brothers and sisters. Lovely shapes to the world descending, Brothers and sisters Mute.

It defies Lovecraftian horror, which is based on the premise that “common human laws and interests and emotions have no validity or significance in the vast cosmos-at-large” - it flies in the face of existential nihilism and the despair that it should bring us. That’s why I like this song for deaths in the end-boss fight; it also has a special place for other death-related ideas, like full-party wipes - entire teams of people vanishing into the dungeons, gone insane, holding hands while the darkness surrounds them.

It’s a bare song which has a sanctity to it, mostly just piano and rain and human voices. Just what you would hear at the end of the world.

More under the cut:

4. ‘Pursuit of Glory’ - Jhameel

This song is laid-back. It doesn’t have the Homeric intensity that some of the other songs here do - it’s a guy with a guitar and vocal harmony. By god is it a great piece of writing though (all of Jhameel’s older songs have that quality to them), and all of it is evocative of Darkest Dungeon.

So many eyes set on the path to glory Too many ties, friendship is for the lonely Can't still my heart, my tongue has tasted folly Thirsty for art, hungry for power and money

This is a song for everyone in the barracks, especially the ‘laundry list’ of people and their approaches to the pursuit of glory.

5. ‘Good Old Days’ - Macklemore (feat. Kesha)

This fucker put a Macklemore song in here. I did, yeah. It’s not even the only song with Kesha in it here (I’m sorry.) 

It’s a sentimental pop song, and I am sentimental to a fault. This is Darkest Dungeon AMV material, and I always mishear one of the lines as “we were underground, loaded mercs in that 12-passenger van” so it’s here.

We've come so far, I guess I'm proud And I ain't worried about the wrinkles around my smile I've got some scars, I've been around I've felt some pain, I've seen some things, but I'm here now Those good old days

6. ‘Past Lives‘ - Kesha

Here it is, the other Kesha song - this was introduced to me by a good friend, also in a Darkest Dungeon context. There’s just something about the lovers spanning time trope and finding each other in one life to the next that is irresistible (for the obvious reason in the context of Darkest Dungeon.) It’s a soft song, totally out of place in Kesha’s typical discography, and has a line about losing someone to the crusades, so... you know.

There's just somethin' about you I know Started centuries ago though You see your kiss is like a lost ghost Only I would know But I, I keep on falling for you Time after time Time after time

7. ‘Viva la Vida’ - Coldplay

You cannot fight this. You know that this is the song for King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, you know it is. Did you know the official name of this genre of music is “Baroque pop”? Yes, that means more songs like this exist. You will live with this information now.

Don’t fight it. Just let it wash over you.

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror, my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can't explain Once you go there was never, never an honest word And that was when I ruled the world

Mirror, sword, and shield, the three other members of his party, his missionaries in a foreign field. Thinking emoji. I typed that out so I wouldn’t have a repeat of the crab emoji incident.

8. ‘The Boxer’ - Jerry Douglas (feat. Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon)

Partly inspired by the Bible, Simon & Garfunkle’s ‘The Boxer’ is a folk rock song about poverty, loneliness, and homesickness. It’s written and sung in a style that’s strongly reminiscent of older times, and the final verse about its eponymous boxer is particularly powerful:

In the clearing stands a boxer And a fighter by his trade And he carries the reminders Of ev'ry glove that laid him down Or cut him till he cried out In his anger and his shame "I am leaving, I am leaving" But the fighter still remains

This is what I use for Dismas’ life leading into organized crime and his foolish abandonment of stable job prospects in a half-baked bid for fame, as well as being punched down over and over again but with nowhere else to go. That last part is widely applicable across the cast.

9. ‘I Will Wait’ - Mumford & Sons

I am but a simple man. I see 'folk rock' and add it to my Darkest Dungeon playlist. This song I use for Reynauld - it has that sort of “salt of the earth,” somewhat biblical humility in its choice of words and style. 

Raise my hands Paint my spirit gold And bow my head Keep my heart slow

10. ‘Little Lion Man’ - Mumford & Sons

Have we not beaten this song to death yet? Can you blame us? This is the people’s song. We reserve it for all of our favorite fuck-up characters, as primal as Saturn devouring his son. We love this song. Jesus.

Tremble for yourself, my man, You know that you have seen this all before Tremble little lion man, You'll never settle any of your scores Your grace is wasted in your face, Your boldness stands alone among the wreck Now learn from your mother or else spend your days biting your own neck

The line about learning from your mother in particular is why I think of this song for Dismas’ introspection, but I also associate it with the Hellion.

11. ’From Eden’ - Hozier

There’s too much Hozier in my playlists. There is so much of it, and it’s all important to me, says the hoarder. There’s something about profoundly intimate folk music that I love, and god put folk, R&B, blues, and alt rock into a Vitamix for 45 seconds to make Hozier.

Honey you're familiar like my mirror years ago Idealism sits in prison, chivalry fell on its sword Innocence died screaming, honey ask me I should know I slithered here from Eden just to sit outside your door

‘From Eden’ is, according to Hozier, about idolizing someone from a distance, written from the perspective of the devil “looking longingly at something he desires - for everything that he does not have.” I associate this song with the Grave Robber for its playfully nihilistic tone - Audrey does say something to the effect of being left for dead by high society and the affectionate bordering condescending address is on-brand.

12. ‘Cherry Wine’ - Hozier

‘Cherry Wine’ is unabashedly about domestic violence, and its sincerity is heartbreaking, the sanctification of the blood spilled in the name of keeping her.

The way she tells me I'm hers and she is mine Open hand or closed fist would be fine The blood is rare and sweet as cherry wine.

This song is strongly tied to the Vestal for me.

13. ‘Work Song’ - Hozier

A song about unconditional love - heaven and hell were just words, indeed.

When my time comes around Lay me gently in the cold dark earth No grave can hold my body down I'll crawl home to her

I think of this song for both Dismas and the Abomination - it’s a song about love transcending spiritual and even physical need, complete devotion, but something about it is also not quite right. It’s morbid and excessive, self-pitying, and almost ugly in its sincerity.

14. ‘Sunlight’ - Hozier

The strong gospel influence with the choruses, church organ, religious fervor - I think it makes a great song for traveling scenes and church/altar scenes.

I had been lost to you, sunlight Flew like a moth to you, sunlight oh sunlight Oh, your love is sunlight Oh, your love is sunlight (sunlight, sunlight) But it is sunlight

15. ‘Arsonist’s Lullabye’ - Hozier

The gospel this time is paired with electric rock instrumentation. Something about the lamentation is unapologetic and matter-of-fact in its disturbing inclinations - this is Paracelsus’ song. Arguably representative of Bounty Hunter and Flagellant as well.

Now that I think about it, it’s great for Abomination as well. Damn.

All you have is your fire And the place you need to reach Don't you ever tame your demons But always keep 'em on a leash

16. ‘We Sink’ - Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men are closer to the indie rock/pop spectrum with influences of folk, with much less biblical influence and more folklore-inspired lyrics. They make for great trailer and action songs.

We are the sleepers, we bite our tongues We set the fire and we let it burn Through the dreamers, we hear the hum They say come on, come on, let's go So come on, come on, let's go

In Lovecraft’s Cthulu mythos, dreams are how the Old Ones commune with humans on the earth’s surface while they slumber in the ocean depths (Cthulhu fhtagn meaning “Cthulhu is dreaming”); I like to think of the ‘sleepers’ as the heroes being tasked to “set the fire” and the ‘dreamers’ being the Heir and Ancestor driven by some unseen force to unearth the antediluvian underground.

17. ‘I Of The Storm’ - Of Monsters and Men

Very somber song, overwhelmingly piano and snare drum and vocals. Also a great death scene song, or for introspection around the campfire, or played to reveal a major event.

If I could face them If I could make amends With all my shadows I'd bow my head And welcome them

18. ‘King and Lionheart’ - Of Monsters and Men

My favorite OMAM song - it’s clearly written about two children, kind of reminiscent of ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ in its fantastical nature, and very upbeat about the end of the world.

His crown lit up the way as we moved slowly Pass the wondering eyes of the ones that were left behind Though far away, though far away, though far away We're still the same, we're still the same, we're still the same

This part is reminiscent of the Leper’s journey, but the mentions of taking over a town, howling ghosts, the end of the world, a black sea and creatures lurking below, etc. are all evocative of Darkest Dungeon.

19. ‘Little Talks’ - Of Monsters and Men

Also very upbeat for its subject matter - according to OMAM, it’s a narrative of a woman speaking with the ghost of her dead husband, or going insane and believing that she’s speaking with her dead husband.

Some days I don't know if I am wrong or right Your mind is playing tricks on you, my dear 'Cause though the truth may vary This ship will carry our bodies safe to shore

The call-and-respond style of the song is haunting. I like this song for expeditions and afflicted heroes.

20. ‘Wolves Without Teeth’ - Of Monsters and Men

Suitable for both Occultist and Abomination, being consumed by an unseen and otherworldly force that inhabits them - well, maybe just rarely seen, in the Abomination’s case. Special mention to OMAM’s ‘Human,’ same conceptual backing but more raw.

You hover like a hummingbird Haunt me in my sleep You're sailing from another world Sinking in my sea, oh You're feeding on my energy I'm letting go of it He wants it

21. ‘Desierto’ (Original Motion Picture Score) - Woodkid

This is a full album, because all of it is dark orchestral cinema music described as ‘unsettling,’ with the sole exception of ‘Land of All,’ which has vocals to it. I reserve this album for writing fight scenes and for particularly unsettling events because it’s tense and wordless. I read Junji Ito to this soundtrack too, it’s insanely high-strung and discordant.

22. ‘Iron’ - Woodkid

‘Iron’ qualifies as Baroque pop - you might recognize this as the Assassin’s Creed: Revelations song. The large-scale, cinematic style of it and thematic lyrics make it great for writing about dramatic encounters or brigands.

This deadly burst of snow is burning my hands I'm frozen to the bones, I am A million miles from home, I'm walking away I can't recall your eyes, your face

23. ‘Never Let You Down’ - Woodkid (feat. LYKKE LI)

Another somber song, orchestral with some industrial noise in the mix - another great introspection song, or one for a scene with some hard decisions to be made.

Will you come along cause I'm about to leave this town In my eyes, a waterfall, all I can hear, a siren call Could you be waiting by the shore, oh I could drown without you Will you be holding out the line when I fall?

24. ‘Run Boy Run’ - Woodkid

Church bells, fast percussion, strong orchestral presence. For chase scenes, obviously, but great for fast-paced sneaking scenes as well. Also has a strong quasi-Medieval fantasy setting style to it.

Tomorrow is another day And you won't have to hide away You'll be a man, boy! But for now it's time to run, it's time to run!

25. ‘I Love You’ - Woodkid

Don’t let the scream effects and aggressive percussion at the beginning deter you (it kind of took me by surprise the first few times too) - it soon fades into more of the church bells and melodic string accompaniment.

Oh yeah, unrequited love song? It’s free (mental) real estate, baby.

Is there anything I could do Just to get some attention from you? In the waves, I've lost every trace of you Where are you?

26. ‘Vagabonds’ - Grizfolk

A rare departure from folk! Grizfolk is alt rock/indie pop. Stylistically it doesn’t match the feeling of Darkest Dungeon, but lyrically it’s almost 1:1 to arrival in the hamlet and the subsequent expeditions. Good song for writing about recruits bonding.

Oh this careless ground, guessing this is home now Oh in no man's land, at least we're still standing And we're all just fighting, some of us will not return And there's no redemption in trying to find your way out

27. ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ - Lorde

Great trailer fuel, if you’ve seen the AC: Unity E3 trailer with this song - I listen to an extended version when writing fights in the Guild, especially one where two heroes are beefing. It’s got a primal kind of thing going on. I also associate this song with the Arbalest - lyrically, it fits her backstory like a glove.

Welcome to your life There's no turning back Even while we sleep We will find you

Acting on your best behavior Turn your back on mother nature

28. ‘Torches’ - X Ambassadors

More alt rock/indie pop - kind of a rallying song for dark expeditions, hopeful but still somber in nature - some gospel elements. X Ambassadors’ more popular ‘Renegades’ is also a fun tavern song.

Come on, carry your flame Carry it higher Leave it in the darkness Carry your torches

29. ‘Passing Afternoon’ - Iron & Wine

This is a song I use for reconciliation or domestic scenes - Dismas with Junia in the garden, for example. It’s soft and kind of meandering, and features vintage piano - you know, the piano you heard in the basement of your church turned community center as a child.

There are times that walk from you like some passing afternoon Summer warmed the open window of her honeymoon And she chose a yard to burn but the ground remembers her Wooden spoons, her children stir her Bougainvillea blooms

30. ‘Some Nights’ - Fun.

You know this song, your mom knows this song, everyone knows this song from like, middle school. Thought it’d be fun to end this list on an uplifting and very popular song. This is the song that a Disney adaptation of Darkest Dungeon would use in the Training Montage™ - from the point of view of Reynauld. It hits all of the points - being their commander rather than their equal, his stern and antisocial zealotry with no true ideology behind it, the ghost of his wife.

Verse 2, starting with “Well, that is it, guys, that is all / Five minutes in and I'm bored again” is where I see it transitioning to Dismas.

Well, some nights, I wish that this all would end 'Cause I could use some friends for a change And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again Some nights, I always win (I always win) But I still wake up, I still see your ghost Oh Lord, I'm still not sure what I stand for, oh What do I stand for? What do I stand for? Most nights, I don't know

_____

Well that’s all from me! Feel free to leave your own recommendations in the replies, and I’d love to know what you think about my personal picks. :+)

[digitalworldbound]

Takari Week, Day One: Confessions

Hi! Here is my contribution for the first day of my favorite week!

Title: Puppy Love ft. Hikari 

Pairing: Takeru x Hikari. Takeru promises himself that he will confess his truest feelings to Hikari by the end of the year. I have a longer version of this story, but made it brief for Tumblr! I had to cut out several months, so the end seems rush, but I will post the full length story on AO3 sometime soon!

JANUARY

As the first sunrise of his sixteenth year bathed him in a glorious light, Takaishi Takeru made himself a solemn promise.  By the end of the year, he would confess it all to the girl he loved.

On the morning of January first, he was surrounded by eleven of his closest friends. They had spent the last day of the year together, sharing stories and eating street food. With their bellies full, they watched the sunrise together for the last time. Come spring, Jou would be moving into the heart of Tokyo to begin his graduate studies. Yamato had already expressed and interest in touring with his band one final time before he started, so Takeru snuggled up to his side as the golden rays of sunshine caressed their cheeks.

“This is it.” His voice was no more than a whisper. The others chattered aimlessly, filling the crisp air with giggles and shared experiences. Despite the noise, Yamato had heard him. He always did.

“Don’t think like that, Keru. You know I’m always just a phone call away.” The older blonde rested his cheeks on Takeru’s head, pulling him closer into his embrace. Despite the reassurance, there was a hint of finality in his voice, as if he, too, believed that this could be the end of all of them.

Growing up was messy business, and Takeru wistfully longed for that one, eternal summer.

“Yeah, but you take after dad. What if you get so busy that you won’t pick up?” Takeru did his best to conceal the worry in his voice, but Yamato could hear his tone waver. “When it comes to you, Keru, I would do anything. Besides,” he nudged his little brother playfully, “I think you will be preoccupied with a certain someone.” He gestured towards the direction where Hikari sat. From his position buried in his brother’s shoulder, Takeru couldn’t see much, but his cheeks colored regardless.

“How did you know?” Takeru cringed as the words left his mouth. If his blush didn’t give him away, his question surely would.

Yamato grinned, shooting his brother a quick wink. “Just call it a brother’s intuition.”

Somewhere to his right, Hikari giggled at something Iori said. The sound seemed to dissipate in the morning air, briefly riding on the wind until it faded away. Takeru suppressed a smile. “Hmm, well what does ‘brother’s intuition’ say about my odds?”

Takeru glanced up to find his brother’s attention on the horizon, the golden haze fading into a sea of milky blues. He tucked himself further underneath Yamato’s arm, feeling like he was eight years old again.

“In all honesty, I believe that you are the only person with odds when it comes to her.”

The pair sat in silence, letting the morning wash over them. Before long, Daisuke would be complaining about his stomach and Taichi would insist on sleeping in and the year would officially begin. For, though, they relished in their friends, the glowing horizon, and each other.

MARCH

“You know, I’ve never understood the point behind a love letter. If you like someone that much, wouldn’t it be easier to tell them in person?” Hikari took another bite of her bento box. Today, her mother had been gracious. Instead of a failed science experiment, Hikari had been able to pack some grilled fish with a small container of rice.

Takeru raised an eyebrow, swallowing the last of his ramen. “I think you only say that because you’ve never gotten a love letter. Personally, I think it takes a lot of craftmanship to be able to express a person’s innermost thoughts on paper.”

She laughed, tilting her head to the side. “Ah, I see. And just how many love letters have you written, Takeru-kun? Is there a special lady I should know about?” Her chopsticks pointed at him accusingly. She seemed tense, but Takeru wasn’t sure if it was her mother’s fish or the context of their conversation.

He could feel his face grow warm while Hikari remained as cool as a cucumber. The unfairness of the situation dawned on him. Takeru, so easily flustered, did not stand a chance against his brunette counterpart. “Ah, um, well-”

“I’ll take that as a ‘no’.” She smiled triumphantly.

“Why? Is there something you would like to tell me, Hikari-chan?” he leaned in, stopping just before she could become uncomfortable. Her mahogany eyes peered up from her dark lashes, widening in surprise. His mouth was just a breath away, and Hikari’s heartbeat wildly in her chest.

“O-Of course not, don’t be silly. It’s about time you get a girlfriend. Besides, spring formal is a month away. There’s about fifteen girls dying for you to ask them, and I’m sure there’s at least one girl you would like to take.” Hikari leaned back into her chair, her eyes focusing on cleaning up her mess.

He waited until she was packed up before rising out of his seat. She followed him to the trashcan, silence hanging between them like a weighted blanket. The pair walked towards the back hallway, preparing for their afternoon classes to start.

“You’re right,” He began, pausing in front of her classroom. A few of their peers leaned curiously from their seats. It was rare that Takeru and Hikari were seen together outside of class. “There is someone I want to invite to the dance, but I wouldn’t make to make my bestest friend in the whole wide world jealous.” Takeru pinched her cheek playfully, smiling as she colored. For once, it seemed that he finally had the upper hand. Giggles could be heard from behind them. Hikari seemed to come to her senses and swatted his hand away, taking a step into the classroom.

“You know,” she shot back from the doorway, skirt swaying behind her, “If you ever needed someone to practice writing love letters for, I’d be happy to proofread it for you.” She winked at him, a teasing glint in her eyes.

MAY

After the fifth failed attempt, Takeru tossed his phone onto his bed. Yamato’s tour was in full swing, and it had been weeks since he had last heard from him.

“Are you ready yet, baby?” His mother’s blue eyes peered in from his bedroom door. She raised an eyebrow at the state of his room. “What’s all this?” She kicked a ball of crumpled paper in Takeru’s direction.

“Mom! At least knock first; I could have been naked!” He rolled his eyes in annoyance. Ignoring her questions, he turned back to the mirror. With a thin comb and a stolen bottle of his brother’s hair gel, Takeru attempted to style his hair to resemble some handsome anime character. Once he was finished, he turned towards the doorway for approval. His mother grinned, admiring his sideways part.

“Come here, I need to straighten your tie.” Her hands felt like a cool breeze against his neck, and it was only then that he realized how warm he was. Glancing down at his watch, his pulse quickened.

“Momma, I have to get going soon; she’s waiting for me.”

Her fingers finished twisting the fabric, resting just above her son’s heart. “Kaori-san?” The disappointment in her voice was undeniable, and Takeru couldn’t help but to share the sentiment. Kaori was the student council president, overall a lovely girl. She had silky blond hair that reach her hips and green eyes that put sapphires to shame. Boys would often pull at her locks, teasing her until she would blush. Kaori seemed to like the attention, giggling like a banshee whenever the opposite sex would approach.

As of last night, she was also the only girl that didn’t have a date to the spring formal.

Takeru only nodded, toeing the crushed papers around his feet.  It was his own fault, really. By the time he had worked up the nerve to look Hikari in her eyes, Daisuke has swept her away. It didn’t help that he dangled his date with Hikari in front of Takeru as if he were a dog, but the blond couldn’t shake the settled look in her eyes.

She had turned down several boys before, almost waiting until the last possible moment like Takeru. ‘Daisuke-kun must have bribed her.’ If Yamato had answered the phone, he might have given Takeru the boost of encouragement (re: kick in the ass) that he needed.

The blond struggled with his civility. Kaori, dressed in green satin, insisted on taking pictures. After the seventeenth click of camera, his cheeks became sore. Walking to the gymnasium had been another ordeal. Kaori was talkative, but the excitement of a first date made her unbearable. As she rattled on about tennis matches and brands of shampoo, Takeru let his eyes glaze over. He missed comfortable silence and the girl that spoke with soft smiles.

‘I’m being ridiculous,’ he thought, struggling to hold back tears as he held another girl in his arms. Across the ballroom, Hikari struggled to keep Daisuke’s hands in place. With each dance, they seemed to slip lower on her hips. She had told him twice already to cut it out.

His palms danced across her lower back. “Daisuke-kun, I told you to stop!” Hikari pulled away, cheeks coloring with indignation. With a scoff, his eyes flickered with anger. “You’re the one that said yes to me, Hikari-chan. I think you know what you got yourself into.”

Her mahogany eyes searched for a familiar mop of blond hair; her rescuer. “This would have never of happened if I went with Takeru-kun instead.” Hikari eyed Daisuke, daring him to come closer. She had enough of his unwanted advantages. Takeru hadn’t picked up on any of her hints, but she couldn’t bear going to her final middle school dance alone. Daisuke had been her only choice.

“It always comes back to him, doesn’t it?” Daisuke raised his voice, and Hikari could feel Takeru’s blue eyes burn into her. Heads turned at the commotion. “You know what? I’m done, Hikari-san. If you want to be with him, just do it. Next time, leave me out of it.” With a huff, Daisuke disappeared, burgundy hair slipping through the gymnasium doors.  A crowd had formed around the pair, Hikari standing helpess in the middle.

Takeru tensed as Daisuke raised his voice, preparing himself to intervene. Before he could interject himself, the boy was gone and Kaori had a vice grip on his arm. Hikari’s face grew splotchy, the first sign of tears. Takeru tugged his arm free, sparing his date a look of remorse. “I’m sorry,” he offered, gentley touching Kaori’s hand. “Hikari-chan needs me.”

“Go to her.” Kaori had been insufferable the entire night, but in the moment, Takeru swore he could have kissed her. Without a reply, he weaved through the mass of people, tugging Hikari away from their wandering eyes.

The cool, night air enveloped them as Takeru pulled Hikari to the swing sets. They sat down beside each other, absorbed in their own thoughts. Despite her flushed cheeks and swollen eyes, Hikari was perfect. Her hair fell in loose waves at her shoulders, a glitter hair clip holding her bangs hostage. Glitter had been brushed across her eyelids, catching in the light. Takeru’s breath caught in his throat. It was now or never.  His silence must have unnerved Hikari, her eyes trailing him nervously.

“I’ve got to get this off my chest,” he started, voice unnaturally loud in the quiet twilight. “I’m sorry, this is going to be weird for you, but I just can’t keep pushing it down. You might not want to speak to me again, and it might ruin everything but...I have feelings for you. Really strong feelings. I know you were kind of with Daisuke-san, so I know that I may be too late. I just… couldn’t fathom living my life without telling you how I felt. That would have been my biggest regret.” Hands shaking, he focused on the gravel underneath the swing. There it was, out in the open. He couldn’t crumple up that love letter.

The silence seemed to stretch on forever. Tears burned in his blue eyes, convinced his feelings were one-sided. As he opened his mouth in apology, Hikari found her voice.

“Wait! What? Who told you I was with Daisuke-san of all people?” Her heart was beating too fast and too loud for her to be able to focus on the gravity of his words. She could feel a warmth rush to her cheeks, staining the tips of her ears. Takeru watched these emotions skirt around her face, the smallest bit of hope igniting in his chest.

“I just assumed. I mean, you went to the dance together, Well, before he left.”

An incredulous laugh slipped between her lips. “Takeru-kun, I only went with Daisuke-san because you didn’t ask me. I was waiting for you.”

His heart was singing. Hikari’s laugh seemed to wipe gravity away; Takeru was floating. His cheeks were pink, pulse erratic. “You…feel that same way?” Hikari must have super-human hearing, as his voice was barely a whisper.

“Yes,” she whispered, and Takeru swore that this would be a moment to remember the rest of his life.

[quixotic-writer]

Right Through the Very Heart of it

A request sent in by: the lovely @birdgirl1772 !

Summary: A girl’s trip to New York is not what you had in mind for a girl’s trip, a trip to the clubs was also not what you had in mind for your second night in the city. When things begin to spiral out of control, the compassion of two strangers named Joe and Q will change your mind just a bit.

———————————————————

The city that never sleeps: New York, New York. This is the destination of our girl’s trip vote and one I think i’ll probably hate the most. I was the only one that voted against it wanting instead to go to Seattle and just have a relaxing, calm, slow paced trip. Here I am now, shuffling desperately through my luggage to find a dress to wear for a trip to the clubs tonight trying to buy myself more time to mentally prepare myself for this evening’s antics. I tried protesting that as well. I insisted we could opt for something more my speed like a broadway show instead, but Ari and Bella just wouldn’t budge and that I HAVE to go. Clubbing it was for tonight’s activity then I guess. I had to remind myself that it wasn’t just my trip, they deserve their share of activities too.

“Come on girlll, pick a dress so we can gooo!” Bella calls from the couch of the hotel room, already dolled up in her midnight blue skin tight dress, raven black hair curled up in loose waves. Her legs dangled off the arm of the couch and she scrolled through her phone.

“Is it a las vegas extravaganza sparkly red night, or is it a sleek black dress kinda night?” I ask over to Ari who is busy looking at herself in the bathroom mirror. She adjusts her wine red dress and teases at her blond hair. She makes her way over to me and peers over my shoulder as she looks at the two lovely dresses I had in each hand. Her eyes narrow as her gears go in her head.

“Black dress, always made you look super hot. Simple is nice y’know, guys like simple especially in a place where everything is complicated.” I wasn’t really looking to get lucky tonight, just mingle and see if anyone sticks out. I shove the red dress back into my luggage and bring out the black spaghetti strap ruched dress holding it up to get a good look at it. I don’t think I ever got a chance to wear this at home, maybe tonight is a night of trying to be an upgraded version of myself. Ari made a good decision, this was probably more New York speed than the other one. “Now don’t be too long getting ready, the fun is waiting for you!” I roll my eyes and step into the bathroom to get myself all gussied up.

When I finally emerged from the bathroom, feeling clean and collected, Ari and Bella’s eyes widen and so did their smiles. I give them a whole 360 spin to show off all the goods I got going. I lacked self confidence, but the energy they had buzzing was enough to get me going.

“Look at you baby girl. If I was a lesbian or a guy, i’d eat you up that’s how good you look.” Bella exclaims.

“Girl I would not want to leave the club without getting your number if I saw you. You look HOT!” Ari chimes in. I feel my confidence soar and I felt a lot better than I did earlier.

“Well, let’s head out then ladies!” The girls hoot and holler as we get our shoes on for the night. Despite the good vibes we had going, deep inside I feel a sense of unease in the pit of my stomach, but I play it off as nerves. It’s been a while since i’ve been able to have fun so i’m determined to have fun tonight, dance with my girls, meet someone, get a little loose. I’ve been so uptight all the time that maybe decompressing and letting go is what my spirit craves and needs.

We walk down the crowded streets of times square, the lights of the signs are so bright it almost seems like it’s still daytime. The streets are packed with people who have somewhere to be, zany street performers doing their thing with swarms of people around them, cars that never stop honking, and people never stop shouting. People kept bumping into me, cat calling after me, and staring. It’s all starting to get a little overwhelming and I feel a sense of dread rising deep in the lowest part of my abdomen and my chest. It all slowly started building and nearly becoming too much for my senses and I tried to ignore the instinct to run back to the hotel room and hide under the covers for the rest of the night.

“Guys? How much farther? Getting a little cramped and anxious here.” I ask as we keep our stride down the side walk, men yelling obscenities to us with a hunger for exotic attention.

“Just another block and around the corner. Don’t get yourself so wound up already, our night is only beginning!” Ari grabs my arm and links it with hers, my feet stumble trying to keep up, but I push forward anyway. Just one good night is all I want.

We finally find the place Ari had been raving about this morning and we stepped inside. Loud music flooded my ears, dim lighting was a change from outside, the seats at the bar are half full, and there are people everywhere chattering away. It seemed like an average bar to me, not sure what there is to rave about like Ari had.

“I need a drink.” I say as I start making a straight shot to the bar. Maybe a drink and a small buzz will help ease my nerves, get me going for the night and keep whatever energy in me alive.

“There’s the party girl we’ve been searching for!” The girls follow me to the bar and we all take a seat, a bar tender with glasses and of seemingly Puerto Rican decent smiles and comes over to get our drinks.

“Back so soon Ari? And I see you brought some friends as well!” He greets us warmly and is already preparing a drink in front of us.

“Of course, last night was fun and I knew I had to bring my girls. Ladies, this is Sal! He runs this ship and sure knows how to make a hell of a drink.” We both smile and introduce ourselves as he slides Ari her drink. “You remembered the drink I got last night? This guy is fucking incredible.” He look proud of himself as he raises his eyebrows and smiles.

“So what can I get for you ladies?”

“Long island iced tea please.” I shoot out immediately, both Ari and Bella turn to look at me shocked. I’m not really one for drinks, let alone some of the stronger ones.

“Damn girl, you’re just diving in aren’t you? If that’s the pace for the night: can I get a screwdriver please.” Sal nods and begins making our drinks. In the meantime I look to others around the bar and I notice Ari had peeled away and wandered off to talk to a guy at the end of the bar with her drink in hand. She has her flirty face on, guess I won’t bother her for the rest of the night.

Sal places my drink in front of me and I take a long sip hoping that the alcohol in this drink will kick in soon. It warms my esophagus as it goes down and I already feel that I might regret this drink later. I sit at the bar and watch silently as Sal and Bella chat away. I was off in my own head trying to block out any bothersome and intrusive negative thoughts. Any thought that came to mind, I took another sip of my drink until I had either drowned the thought out or had nothing else in my glass. I eventually reached a point where I started eating the ice in my glass to sop up whatever alcohol was hiding in there.

“C’mon! Let’s go dance!” Bella grabs me by my arm almost making me bump my empty glass off the counter top. We shuffle over to the open space that was occupied by fellow drunk patrons moving to the music and Bella starts grooving immediately, swaying her hips in smooth motions feeling the rhythm and matching tempo to the tunes that poured into the room. I, on the other hand, tried dancing but I moved in stiff awkward motions, feeling uncomfortable and scared to accidentally bump into anyone around me for fear of it turning into a confrontation.

Before I knew it, Bella had managed to slowly peel away just as Ari had and was off dancing with some other guy and we started drifting away further, and further from each other until I was virtually on my own. I felt sense of regret and dread pounding at my lungs like someone had punched me straight in my sternum and bruised my ribs.

“I don’t belong here.” I say quietly to myself as I stood completely still feeling isolated from the social circle around me. Everything felt like a blur around me, faces seemed like smeared oil paintings, the lights felt brighter than the sun, and the room felt like it was spinning. My lungs felt as though they had stopped working and I was beginning to drown in the warm air of body heat.

“Hey there hottie.” I see a guy start approaching me, already I felt uncomfortable around him. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, I wanted space, I wanted to be alone, I wanted out of here. I have a glazed over look in my eyes and he just ignores all signals to shut him down and keeps on pursuing me. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing all alone?” He tries to grab for my hips to dance and make a move, but I quickly bat his hands off of me back away.

“Don’t fucking touch me.” I say defensively and my fight or flight kicks in as I slightly raise my arms should I need to defend myself. My nerve endings feel like they’re on fire and shame washes over me as I realize tonight was a wash and that I just want to go back to the hotel more than anything. I kept denying myself my own comfort and here I am now in a situation I feel as though I can’t escape. A confrontation I feared in a place i’ve never been to began unravelling before me.

“What’s you’re deal psycho? Can’t a guy just dance with a girl?” He raises his voice and steps a little closer to me. I immediately mentally shut down and I felt as though I was dissociating and off on a whole different plane of existence.

“Hey buddy, back off and leave her alone. She’s obviously not interested.” An older looking guy with spiked up gray and white hair steps in and chases the guy off. He turns to me and rolls his eyes. “The nerve of some people. Are you okay? You looked a little anxious and I wanted to make sure you felt safe. Name’s Joe by the way!” He asks with concern riddling his face. I couldn’t speak, my voice felt trapped in my throat and everything around me began overloading all my senses until my legs gave out and I was left on the floor shaking feeling helpless.

Immediately Joe sprung into action dropping to his knees next to me and supporting me up so I didn’t fall back any more. He looks around to the oblivious crowd that felt like walls closing in on me.

“Hey! Hey! Give her some space, back up!” He waves his hands gathering everyone’s attention. The crowd turns to me and immediately part to create a circle of space and safety around me. I hugged all my limbs in tight close to me, I looked around frightened as tears tracked down my face. I felt mortified, I was making a huge scene. “Okay, take a moment breathe, I know someone who can help. Q! get your ass over here, got a situation!” He rests his hands on my shoulder to stable me and it felt warm and I felt solace in it.

l had sealed my eyes shut trying to block out the overwhelming number of faces and eyes on me. When I opened them and looked up again, another guy with short salt and pepper hair, a scruffy beard and mustache, and sleepy looking eyes steps into the ring. I assume he’s Q. He kneels down next to Joe and in front of me. They start talking to each other and I can’t quite make out what they’re saying, but they both occasionally look over to me so I assume Joe is filling him in on my unfortunate circumstance. Once they’re done talking, they both redirect their attention back to me.

“It’s okay, he was a firefighter, he knows how to help.”

“Hey, not trying to be a wise ass but you’re having an anxiety attack right now. What we need to try first is steady your breathing, okay? Take in a slow deep breath through your nostrils, hold it for a couple of seconds, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Let’s do it together.” He removes his jacket and places it on me as he speaks in a calm tone, his eyes never leaving mine. He begins the exercise and I follow as he does, I felt tension inside me slowly begin to release. Joe never left my side through the whole process, he speaks calmly repeating over and over “steady, steady. you’re doing great.” and other sweet messages as he lightly rubs up and down my back providing father like comfort to me.

“Okay, now that you’re breathing is a little more steady, let’s get you grounded. Tell me some of your favorite things, anything. A place, colors, flowers, just keep going okay. It’ll help distract your mind.” I nod as I was finally able to catch my breath.

“Carnations are my favorite flower... I love spring time... Royal blue is my favorite color with lavender being right under it... My favorite animal is a jellyfish because they look pretty...” I continue listing things and it helps take my mind off of everything that just happened as I try and think of the next thing to add to my list. Soon the sense of panic that was pounding in my chest eased away. The moment I feel 100% better again, I finish off my list. Q smiles to me and so does Joe.

“You did great. Are you feeling well enough to get back up on your feet?” He outstretches his hand and I take his hand. He lifts me back up to my feet and he walks me over to the bar. Everyone else around us went about their business as though I didn’t freak out at all. “Maybe stay away from alcohol for the rest of the night, stick to water. Sal! A water for the pretty lady!” Joe slides a small stack of napkins to me.

“I’m not trying to be rude sweetie, you just cried a bit and I want you to be able to touch yourself up.” He gives a soft smile. I take the napkins and wipe up underneath my eyes. When I look at the napkins I see all my makeup wiped up on it, most of which was some mascara that seemed to stream off my eyes. Sal places a glass of water in front of me and looks me in my eyes with the same look of concern Joe and Q had given me during my break down.

“Where’d your friends go? You doing okay?” He asked leaning over the bar.

“Don’t know where they are, but I think I made some new ones.” I say smiling to the men that surrounded me. “Thanks for helping me out, I don’t even know what happened.”

“It was the right thing to do, I wasn’t gonna let some random guy harass a woman who was clearly not comfortable with him. I’d be pissed if someone did that to my wife or daughter.” Joe says with a slight twinge of anger in that last sentence.

“You needed help, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We all need a little help sometimes.” Q says raising his own glass of water to his statement. I smile and awkwardly chuckle as I raise my glass with him.

The rest of my night was spent with Joe, Q, and Sal (when he wasn’t serving drinks). We talked the whole night away about why I ended up on a trip to New York, I talked about my home town and they talked about Staten Island being theirs, and childhood stories and tales from adulthood were shared as well. It was simple, sober, clean fun. It was all I really wanted from tonight.

Joe eventually left to go home, I bid him farewell and gave him a great big hug. Q and I were left at the bar to continue chatting away, and I gotta say, he was really charming and dare I say kind of cute. We laughed together for what felt like forever and I didn’t want it to end. To think, just an hour or so ago, I just wanted to be in the hotel bed watching shitty movies by myself. All good things must come to an end though, as it started getting a little late, my eyes grew a bit heavy. It eventually became too much to ignore and it wasn’t in my agenda to fall asleep in a bar I just had an anxiety attack in.

“I think I should head back to my hotel room and call it a night. That anxiety attack really wiped me out.” I let out a small yawn.

“Let me drive you back then, I don’t want you taking a cab alone or walking the streets this late at night.”

“You’re not like an axe murderer are you?” I joke with him.

“No I am not. I’m too stupid to get away with murder anyway.” He retorts back.

“Well I just don’t want you going out of your way...” I felt bad, I had burdened him enough with having to deal with my anxiety debacle.

“It’s no problem, let’s get you the hell out of here.” We both say our good bye’s too Sal and head out to find Q’s car. We finally stumble upon the cherry red jeep and I feel surprised to see it. “Are you judging my vehicle choice?” He cocks his eyebrows and smiles.

“It’s just such a loud color for such a seemingly calm and soft guy.” I tease. We hop in and headed out on the road. It was a short ride but it also felt long because of how tired I was. I leaned against the frame of the window, resting my head feeling the sleepiness slowly starting to take more and more control. Q tried helping me out by blasting some up beat music and giving me a special performance by singing along to all the tracks. He was just too cute.

When we reached the hotel, he parked the car and hopped out with me and took his time to walk me all the way back to my room. It’s small gestures that mean the world to me and that show that someone cares, and Q was clearly someone who cares. It felt crazy and in my head all I wanted to spend more time with him. We reach the front of my door and I turn to him and smile as I rub the sleep from my eyes trying to stay coherent for just a little longer.

“I can’t thank you enough for tonight.” I say bashfully as I hug my arms around my body. It was then I remembered something: “Oh my god, i’m sorry I still have your jacket!” I start frantically removing it but he stops me.

“Keep it for now, gives me an excuse to see you again. Which, speaking of...” He brings his phone out from his pocket and hands it to me. “If you don’t mind, i’d love to get to talk to you more and maybe see you again while you’re here. I had a great time tonight.” I gladly take his phone and input all my information. I see as he watches with a big grin on his face. I hand him back his phone and unlock my room door.

“Thank you again, Q.” I say softly. I caress his face and bring it in placing a tiny kiss on his cheek.

“Not even on the lips?” He jokes.

“Give’s you something to look forward to.” I wink at him and I see his face tint pink. “Get home safely.” I say as I begin to retreat into the room.

“I’ll message you tomorrow. Good night!” We both smile to each other and I head inside. I cover my face with my hands, smiling into them as my heart explodes with joy. I throw myself onto the bed and stare at the ceiling as fireworks go off in my head. For such a shitty night, it was the best i’ve had in a while.

[goodproofingwater]

Chapter 13 | Tinder Tommy

Word Count: 2522

Taglist (if you would like to be added just ask!):

@a-dorky-book-keeper @ishoutmarcoandyoushout @idesiretomhardy @theamuz @blinderscaps @peakywriting @justanothershelby @contemporary-mary @auroravipers @moonyscardigans @peakysxshelby @miss-shelby-barnes @vintage-fantasyyy @ly—canthrope @morgan-1830 @i-love-you-green @l0tsofpennies @exploringmycosmicsoul

Notes: 

Thank you all so much again for being so patient! I am going to go back and number all the chapters so they are easier to read through, hence the name on this one being a chapter name and not a wordy name (i am so bad at those!). Anyway, please feel free as always to send me any feedback or questions or comments on Tommy or his girl!

You are left with nothing but filthy texts as Tommy’s workload increases to the point where he barely leaves the office, and you wonder on more than one occasion how he would react if you showed up at his office and offered to help him to relax. But you hold back.

You know that this new relationship, if you could call it that, hangs in a very delicate balance of respect, business and lust, and although the more you learned about him the more you saw yourself feeling more than just the need to get on your knees for him, you don’t want to do anything that could change the way he feels about you. At least not until he is more clear with his own intentions as to where this is going.

And so when Jonathon walks into your office and asks you to make yourself free for a meeting at 2pm the next day, you feel a flush of arousal at the thought of being under Tommy’s keen gaze once more.

It had been weeks since you had seen him, and you dress in a white shirt, black pencil skirt and heels for the meeting, pushing your hair back into a slick ponytail in an effort to look professional in case your expression gives away just how interested you are in the man you failed to mention you were sleeping with.

Heels click along marble floors as you walk into what feels like an entirely different world. Shelby Company Limited’s headquarters were not at all what you had been expecting as you got to know a man who was so fond of whiskey and cigarettes. It’s front facing wall was made up entirely of glass, the white floors matched the white marble reception desk which you approached with caution, allowing Jonathan to take the lead as you did your best to hold your jaw tight as you looked around.

Everything that wasn’t white was silver, steel or black save for a huge painting of library shelves which had been composed in such a way that it looked 3D. As you moved towards it clipping the small visitors tag to the black suit jacket you had chosen to wear, it looked as though you were walking through the stacks. It was only when you were standing next to it that you saw the blocks protruding  from the canvas, and you had been so transfixed you hadn’t heard him approach.

“Interesting isn’t it?” His voice is like silk against your ears, delicious and enticing even when he has his professional face on. “I bought it at an art fair when we moved into this office specifically to entrance those waiting for a meeting. I find it has a way of affecting someone’s mindset.”

“Affecting someone’s mindset how?” You answer without thinking, Jonathan’s eyes darting to you as it seems you disrespect one of the most powerful men in London by talking without a proper introduction. Tommy’s eyes bore into yours, his tongue running along the back of his teeth as his lips remain slightly parted, forcing you to remember how he looks at you as you take him deep in your throat.

“Usually in my favour” is his response, and the eye contact lingers for only a moment before it’s broken by Jonathan holding his hand out.

“Good to see you again Mr Shelby.” He offers both of you a strong handshake as you introduce yourself, a small smirk washing over his lips as his thumb grazes the back of your hand in a way that lets you know he’s enjoying playing this game. That he understands from the short conversations he’s had with your boss that you have not told him the full extent of your ties to Shelby Company Limited.

“Likewise, but I will say Jonathan that you’d be seeing me a right side more if you had accepted my offer.

Jonathan’s smile falters, transforming into something you had never seen before, something fake and on the verge of a grimace as if he had been expecting the jibe, but not so soon or in front of company.

“Well while I’m always willing to help Mr Shelby my answer remains the same. I have loyalties to my film and I won’t be leaving any time soon.”

“Shame” he speaks, but he looks bored, as if this was a well rehearsed dance that he was eager to get out of. And maybe it was. Perhaps this very conversation happened much more regularly than you knew.

Just when you were about to step forward to prompt the men into moving, Tommy’s gaze turned to meet another man you had not heard approach regardless of the echo of the hall.

He was inches taller and years younger than the man you had been used to dealing with, a familiarity dancing on the features of the two men made you wonder if this was the younger brother he spoke of when you first met. His shoulders were broad and strong, his back straight and the air of superiority that radiated off of him was infinitely more frustrating than that of his older counterpart.

The younger man wasted no time in running his eyes up and down your body, his gaze hungry and although you could almost feel the smirk willing to form he kept up appearances.

“What time do you call this, Michael?” Tommy shook his arm to force his sleeve down as he made a show of looking at his Rolex, one which you shouldn’t know that he slept in, one which had left marks on your stomach where he had held you flush against his body.

“Sorry Tom had some acquisition orders to sign off and thought it best to get them rolling before this meeting. Michael Gray. Chief Accountant.”

He holds your hand a beat too long and Tommy notices, guiding the three of you into a lift which looks like something from a science fiction film. The floor is a giant light box, mirrors making up two walls and doors on the other two, and Tommy taps a small fob to an almost invisible black circle to force the box to move.

As Jonathan deals with the pleasantries you wonder how much Tommy has told his Chief Accountant. Does the man who is making no attempt to hide his lust know that his boss had you on your knees less than a month ago? He doesn’t show signs of recognition, only a lack of respect in the form of his eyes taking in every inch of your body that he can.

You get to the floor in under a minute, your stomach curiously okay for such a short flight up 26 floors and you are about to comment when the doors open into something the polar opposite of the reception.

Mahogany radiated from every inch of the room, the desks on the main floor large and important, each of them with an old fashioned green lamp and a chair to match. It felt like hundreds of staff as you walked past rows of desks, each member working on laptops and screens which vastly contrasted the desk beneath them.

The mixture of antique and modern was something that shouldn’t have worked but it did, and you were slightly dazed by obviously amounts of money which had been pumped into things which could easily have been bought for cheaper.

The wall of windows remains, and Tommy leads you toward it before turning left through a set of mahogany doors marked “Managers Suite”.

A large break out desk, also mahogany, sits in the middle of what could only be described as a small hall and two regal looking doors lined each wall, with one double set matching those that you had just come through sitting at the far end of the hall, elevated by a few steps.

There were less people here, but you could see the resemblance between some of them immediately, eyes which matches Tommy’s gazing up at you from a younger version of him, being attractive clearly running through genes.

Tommy led you through the double doors which sat upon the raised platform and into an office filled with more mahogany and polished brass, the wall of windows extending across the back wall of his office with blinds had drawn to fight the glare which must easily catch the screen on the laptop which sat on the huge mahogany desk.

But he did not lead you to the chairs which sat opposite, rather to the small square table which held steaming cups of coffee, a white sugar bowl piled high with brown sugar and a small milk jug to match. Each of the cups were decorated ornately, and were sitting on matching saucers.

You sat on the chair opposite Tommy, with Michael on your left and Jonathan on the right, and you listened as your boss and Tommy discussed formalities.

You could feel Michael’s eyes on you as you did your best to pay attention, and you glanced over at him only once his name was mentioned.

The small smile which washed over his features at your eye contact made your pulse race, his tongue darting out to lick at his bottom lip making you swallow thicker than you would have expected especially with Tommy sitting so close, and it’s the older man clearing your throat which diverts your attention from the younger.

“Why don’t you derail the case for us, Mr Gray” Jonathan speaks, and Michael tears his eyes from you to speak to the lawyer, unveiling a tale of a woman who is spreading a rumour that he sexually assaulted her while they both drank at a bar. The story went on that Michael was with several others, including a man of great influence; Jeremiah Jesus, who saw the woman happily partake in the flirting and touching, and a woman, Polly Gray (who turned out to be Michael’s mother) who overheard the woman scheming to “take Michael for millions” by pretending otherwise.  

It wasn’t long before Tommy began to bring you solidly into the fold, asking for your opinion on matters that otherwise would have been left to Jonathan, knowing that the lawyer would not be able to refuse his whims considering the cost of the service. And the best part was that instead of being incensed that he was losing control, Jonathan seemed incredibly impressed by how you were dealing with it.

“Well the thing about defamation claims Michael is that you have to prove that they’re not true.” You hope the implication in your words isn’t too much, but the silence which stretches as they wait for you to continue speaks volumes.

“I’m asking you if you did it” His leans back, confidence injected into his every move

“Do you really think I would do something like that?” You’re glad for the smirk on his features only for the satisfaction which comes from wiping it away.

“Yes. So did you?” Your fire takes him aback more than anything else, and his eyes dart between your questioning gaze and tommy who pretends to stroke his face in an attempt to hide his smirk.

“Like I said” Michael continues, clearing his throat and leaning forward to take his coffee cup and sip, “there’s proof I did nothing of the sort. And I would never treat a woman like that” The second sentence seems to come as an afterthought, his eyes meeting yours as he says it, and you bite your lip as you move your gaze to Tommy who has gone from smiling to serious in the space of a moment. His eyes met yours as his thumb dragged along his bottom lip, and Jonathan spoke to Michael as you practically felt Tommy undress you with his eyes, dominance filtering through his body language as you failed to hide your attraction to his cousin.

The tension was broken as Tommy fixed his attention to the task at hand, and as the meeting came to a close you began to realise the full weight of what you had done by introducing Jonathan to the idea of helping Shelby Company limited. But It wasn’t until after you had exchanged business cards and loaded goodbyes and you were walking across the courtyard having left the building that you realised its effect on your career.

“You were excellent in there,” Johnathan smiled, “I get the feeling that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership”

And although he was offering you drinks and lunches to say thank you for such an affluent deal, all you could think about was when you would see Tommy again is a less professional capacity. And, if you were being totally honest with yourself, what it would feel like to be bent over that huge mahogany desk.

-

Tommy couldn’t help but watch as the gorgeous figure hugging skirt you chose clung to every inch of you, slowly testing his patience, slowly driving him crazy with the thoughts he had to bat off in an attempt to stay professional. Your hips moved as if in time to music toward the lift, and you shook hands with him and Michael, the smell of your perfume intoxicating him more than it had done when he had woken up next to you.

Something about being in this professional setting, or something about the hint of jealousy he felt as you eyed his cousin, had him keen to book in another date, another tryst, another excuse to touch and lick and kiss you.

When he had finally returned to the managers suite, he grabbed Michael’s arm before he had the chance to disappear into his office. It was not lost on him that Michael had been looking at you the way he had, and although he was a man who was not the exclusive kind, he was also not okay with sharing.

“Don’t even think about trying to fuck our lawyers strategist” he takes he professional angle, but the smirk which spreads across Michael’s face tells the older man that he doesn’t care for professionalism in this instance.

“But she’s—“ a moment of realisation washes over the blonde, and his smirk turns into a grin before he speaks louder than Tommy would have liked, “that was the girl from your phone wasn’t it? The one who’s been sending you nudes?”

Tommy swallows, lips parted ever so slightly as he lets the silence talk for him, and Michael let’s out a short laugh before he shakes his head.

“Well damn, a body like that and brains too.. I would be an idiot not to try something..”

The grip on Michael’s arm tightens, and John notices, freeing himself discreetly from the conversation he was having with his executive assistant incase things took a turn for the worst.

“I’m telling you Michael. She’s off limits. Both because of the defamation case, and for your own sake.”

But lines being drawn had never done anything but enthuse Michael to break them, and the shit-eating grin remained on his lips as he sneered, “we’ll see”

[laurelgavaris]

who: laurel gavaris and anselmo gavaris (mentions of family members and rosa) what: every single minute counts, a minor action causes a reaction and a change in your future. staring at the mirror, laurel would stare at the result of drastic and pervasive situations she found herself in while growing older. she built her strength and kindness despite moments in which she found herself breaking apart, for others. despite moments she’d shatter because of him. when: around nine years ago

The empty warehouse caused the young witch to feel smaller than she actually was, vulnerable even. Her light hues were focused on the path that guided her inside the place she was in; usually this was the kind of situation where every brightness that would be offered through her gaze, would easily vanish away. And, this time, it wasn’t different, not when she watched one of her father’s members of the coven walking away, leaving herself all alone with Anselmo. His invitation to approach was offered with a subtle movement of his hand towards the spot in front of him. Actions she went through effortlessly, because it was her father and he didn’t need a word to command her to act in the way he wanted her to.

Did you practice by yourself, Laurel? She nodded. We’re going to go through everything one more time because I need you to be prepared, another movement coming from her body, accepting his words. Leading her to motion her arm up to touch his own, which caused her father to step back. No touching.

“But, I--” I didn’t raise my children to be weak, Laurel. This time, you’ll have to focus on your magic inside of yourself and channel it in me, without any form of physical touch.

The control he had over her was tactile, Laurel tried her best to seem far more confident than she could be at that moment. Despite her hands clasped behind her back, her voice exchanging her response in a lower tone than usual. Truth was that she had never practiced on her father, he was always there but he was never the person who would become her experiment; using her powers on him didn’t seem ideal, but somehow it was his tactic for the day.

She closed her eyes, trying to do what she had been doing for over an year, befriending her magic and seeking for any source of feelings within others, any sort of sensation that he was holding onto at that moment. So? “Anger, frustration. And��� something else.” Something else? “Yes, it feels it’s hiding from me.” What’s more powerful in this situation? My will of hiding something from you or your powers? What should be more powerful, Laurel?

Laurel didn’t have to answer and so she didn’t. A sigh escaped her lips before she would once again focus on him, trying to break those walls, reminding herself of words that would cause her magic to be far more stronger than it usually was. Everything she had been taught from the moment her siblings died and Laurel became an object of interest. And there it was. The young witch gulped, hand moving a lock of hair behind her ear, eyes brimming with tears, biting her lower lip to allow her own emotions to sink in before she’d have a proper response.  “Shame. You’re ashamed.”

Perceiving it was already painful, but the silence as a response that she wasn’t incorrect was even worse. Despite knowing her connection with her father had been breakable for a long time, there was always this fragment of hope and fantasy that would lead her to wonder if they’d ever be able to repair what they never worked on. Time passed by and as closed as she’d be from her father and everything Anselmo did with his life, the less she craved for it. She just hoped her mind would always understand that dreams would rarely match reality and Anselmo would never be the father she envisioned in scenarios created inside her mind. She was feeding herself with an intangible expectation.

Okay. Now...  would you like to give me a different emotion?

“No.”

Why not?

“I don’t feel comfortable invading your emotions and memories, dad. It feels… wrong.” She promptly stated. You could visit your mother in my memories. And she should know by now that he knew where to hit her. You could see her even before you were born, all those times I was around her and she was smiling and being the beautiful, amazing human being she had been. You could gift yourself with that.

The fabric of her blouse absorbed the tear that ended up falling; something Laurel only noticed the moment it was sliding down her cheek. “It still sounds like invasion.” Her eyes met his, she watched as her father shook his head and walked closer. Your powers are to invade others, for good or for bad. He finally grabbed her hands, placing them on each side of his face. Will you prefer to be weak, not able to control your powers just because you don’t want to figure out how strong you can be? Are you really that eager to be a disappointment for me after I lost everyone I cared about? Oh, the past in that question. Cared. She wasn’t part of that list. And he’d try to correct himself, but she didn’t allow him to.

“Sadness. You’re also sad. And you said no touching, dad.” He nodded, allowing herself to move her hands close to her torso once again. And she could’ve used her father to traverse through a different period of time in which she’d be able to merely see her mother smiling and being the woman Laurel was still able to remind herself of. But she had a different moment in mind.

It was hard. Closing her eyes and travelling through his memories, searching for something in particular, unaware if he’d welcome her to do so, but perhaps Laurel ended up catching him by surprise. Because that memory was out there to be reached, there were no walls hiding the day that changed her parents life for the third time. The day she was born.

Unattached from the present, the young witch didn’t know that she was crying the moment she saw her mother sitting comfortably at the hospital bed, holding a younger version of Laurel on her arms while Anselmo would approach to meet his third child. Oh, she’s so beautiful, Selmo. She looks so tiny, doesn’t it? I think the boys were already taller than her,” and Alselmo did look at their child, studying Laurel’s expression, his little girl. Silence being the first response before he stated: perhaps, more fragile, Sol. But that’s expected.

Not fragile... she’s strong. After everything we’ve been through together to bring her to this world, she’s strong, baby. Laurel is special. You’ll see how they’ll achieve greatness… they are the image of you and me, beautiful children for this world.

Hopefully they’ll be you more than they’ll be me.

Too late for Sebastian, then. 

Not for her.

Not for her. For a moment, a brief moment, she noticed it. That small smile that offered some sort of care coming from her father towards her. Not her future herself that carried wonders and fears about her own father. The baby who had no idea what she was going to go through: all the losses, the loneliness, uncertainties. Anselmo kissed the top of his wife’s head and sat right next to her. Their conversation would continue, but the image was now a blur while their voices were muffled by Laurel wanting so desperately to walk away from that memory.

In the present, she didn’t need to try to use her powers again. His anger was there, transparent for her to notice. And she didn’t care, Laurel wouldn’t focus on how nervous he was that she entered his memories without a warning. “My powers are to invade others, right?” And she noticed his hand lifting, it was a matter of time until her cheek felt warmer than usual, the hit causing pain to come and go in a regular pattern. “May I excuse myself?” Yes, the training is over.

And she left because she wouldn’t allow him to see her reaction, decided strides leading her back to the car that would drive her home. She felt herself trapped in invisible strings between herself and her father until the moment she was finally in her safe haven: her own room. It was the moment the door was close that she allowed herself to feel, everything all at once. It was in the exit of the previous situation and his actions that she felt free to cry, to be consumed by the questions going through her head about Anselmo, about her family, about this constant solitude that would never cease to exist, despite the fact Rosa had walked inside her room to offer an embrace and care for as long as Laurel needed a shoulder to cry on. “I can’t do this anymore, Rosa. I can’t do this anymore.”

You can and you will, Lala. You’re stronger than he’d ever be, child. You’ll see.

Too late for Sebastian, then. Not for her.

[prettywordsyouleft]

Beyond The Palace Walls - Part 8 (Reupload)

Genre: royal au / fluff / adventure / self-growth

Characters: Jung Jaehyun x reader (feat. Ten, Lucas and Taeyong)

A/N: This story was started as a request but it didn’t suit the idol I was writing it for and it was too good to scrap. Originally, it was going to be a Lucas fiction but then I realised I was writing Jaehyun without realising it and so my bias one of them won it out.

Index: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | Epilogue

The group split up intentionally this time around. Ten wanted to show Jane his home and introduce her to his family, and Lucas needed to assure his parents of his sister’s happiness. As for the three of you that remained, it was time to travel to the castle you had seen in the distance last night. Now in broad daylight, it appeared much like something you had known your whole life.

It was strange, you hadn’t once missed home on this journey but the closer you got, the more you craved the normalcy of the routine within the castle walls. You wondered if you would feel at home at Jaehyun’s castle or if it would only compel you to return to your own that much faster.

The entire way there, both Taeyong and Jaehyun prepped you. They gave over the names of the royal family and what to expect. You took it on board and smiled to yourself at their prattling, wondering who it was truly for. You had always thought Taeyong to be someone strong in the face of authority, yet he seemed to be just as concerned as Jaehyun was. You decided you would lend both of them your best manners as well as your strength. Today you would ensure neither suffered.

After all, they had done so much for you already.

The guards at the castle gate eyed your travelling party suspiciously until you were close enough to be recognised. “My goodness! THE PRINCE IS BACK!”

The cries echoed throughout the fortress as the gate was promptly opened and you entered alongside the two men, your eyes soaking in the differences to his castle. Its stone walls were darker in colour to your own and the gothic style seemed rather foreign to you. Whilst you were used to the roundness of your Romanesque home, there was a charm to the structured form of Jaehyun’s castle. You gasped as you walked near a stain-glassed window, stopping to admire it.

Jaehyun came up behind you and pointed at it from over your shoulder. “This is my family. Every stained window in this castle has generations of my family but this specific one represents this lifetime. This piece here with the rose is me.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “I apparently loved our rose garden as a child so now I’m symbolised with the rose in every royal decree.”

“My flower prince,” you mused and Taeyong chuckled at Jaehyun’s flushed expression.

“Come on, they’ll know we’re here and will be waiting now,” Taeyong encouraged and you continued on with your journey through the hallways and grandiose of the castle until you entered a parlour.

There sat an older woman who dropped her cup down with a clatter, getting to her feet with haste. She hugged Jaehyun tightly. “My child!”

“Mama!” he cried affectionately and you felt a twinge of guilt and homesickness whilst watching the reunion. Turning away, you found another set of eyes within the room and you could tell he was Jaehyun’s father. Although he was aged, he bore a similar resemblance to the younger man standing next to you and you smiled graciously.

He eyed you with some interest but was yet to speak, waiting for his turn with his son. Jaehyun approached the chair that he sat upon and bowed lightly. “I have returned, Father.”

“Yes, yes you have,” he mentioned with a chuckle, grasping his son’s hand tightly. He was emotional and blinked back his forming tears, your own gaze dropping to give them their privacy. You almost wondered if you should step out of the room.

Taeyong gave you a small smile and then turned to the Queen. “Your Highness, you look as lovely as ever.”

“Not as beautiful as the treat before my eyes,” she crooned delightfully, reaching to take your hand. She smiled warmly and you couldn’t help but mirror her gentleness. “Who may this be?”

“Princess Y/N of the neighbouring kingdom,” Jaehyun announced, his eyes shining from across the room at you. You felt a strange sense of hesitance, wondering what that gaze entailed. Jaehyun however grinned. “She will become my wife.”

Time moved faster since Jaehyun’s announcement. There was little talk and much action, the Queen jumping into celebration mode. You attempted to keep up but admittedly when you were handed off to a chambermaid, you simply gave into the situation and followed orders. She took you to a plush room and instructed she would assist you with a bath and change. It was odd to be without Jane as your clothing was removed, and once you were naked, you moved away from her to look within the large mirror upon the wall. Lifting your arm and turning your body to the side, you smiled to see your injury had healed very well. The purple and blue tones were gone and there was only a faint discolouration to show you had once sported a large bruise there.

“Are you alright, Your Highness?” the chambermaid questioned and you returned to her side, nodding once. She took you into the adjoining bathroom and helped you sink into the steaming bath, your body relaxing within the water.

It pained you to admit that you missed the luxuries of home greatly once settled within the bath. And once you were dressed within a rich maroon gown, you couldn’t help but admire yourself greatly. You were mesmerised by who you saw staring back at you as the woman laced up the back gently and then left you to empty out the water. At home, you had seen a similar appearance countless of times. But the former image never smiled as brightly as you did now and her eyes were dull. Now, they shone with life and experience. You knew you could return home and face your Father.

You knew with time, you would make a fair and understanding Queen to your people.

When you were finally taken back to the parlour, the members of the room all reacted to your return. The Queen clapped her hands together in joy and the King smiled and nodded appreciatively. Taeyong’s eyes were wide and he looked you up and down, trying to decipher where the dirty and plain looking version of yourself had gone.

Jaehyun approached you, his eyes washing over you once before he took you in his arms.

“This is the real you?” he murmured into your ear and you nodded lightly. “How could you keep this from me for so long? You were beautiful before but now you’re breathtaking.”

You could say the same for him. Whilst you had been scrubbed and dressed to perfection, he had undergone the same treatment. You remembered back to your first time seeing him up on the stage dancing and your thoughts over what he would look like in a suit.

You weren’t prepared in the slightest to see him in the rich fabrics he now adorned and you lightly fingered the rose upon his lapel and smiled. You were right to have called him a Flower Prince before. He was exactly that.

“Dinner will be served within an hour and we’ve already called for your brothers and sisters to join us tonight. It will be a wonderful feast to celebrate in your good news and return, my son. Would you like to show Y/N around the castle some more until then?”

Jaehyun looked as if he would prefer to clear up the misunderstanding with his parents but Taeyong cleared his throat, shaking his head quickly. He then smiled graciously at the leaders. “I think that’s a great idea. Perhaps, you could show Y/N where the rose garden is?”

“Why did you stop me?” Jaehyun asked once out of the room, Taeyong glancing at his friend before letting out a heavy sigh. Jaehyun’s own gaze was dark. “They believe I will bring Y/N here and rule together.”

“Wait until dinner.”

“And drop it on all the guests?” you voiced, concerned. “Taeyong, I don’t think-”

“My brother will be present then,” Jaehyun intervened softly and Taeyong nodded. You grasped onto the idea and smiled. “Taeyong, you might just be the smartest man I know.”

He grinned. “I have to do something well in life.”

“Well, that didn’t go as brilliantly as Taeyong suggested but at least it’s happened now,” Jaehyun announced much later into the evening, walking around the palace grounds with you restlessly. You had found his family dynamics interesting. Everyone was approachable and generous with their questions and praise for you at Jaehyun’s side before talk of Jaehyun’s rule came about.

It was as if everyone at the table changed when the King chortled with joy that the future ruler was back. The sisters grew disinterested and the eldest son was sullen. The other attempted to clap excitedly until his Mother shook her head softly. You watched the matron of the table, her body language conflicted. As a mother, she could tell her children were hurting by this decision and you took a deep breath before addressing the table.

“Do you know much of my kingdom?” you asked and no one responded immediately.

The King pushed his spectacles up further on his nose and then laughed merrily. “Why of course, my dear. Your Father and I have had many years of prosperous trade and communication. You are the one he talks of the most I must say, his pride and joy.”

You nodded.

“Do you know more about her family, Father?” Jaehyun continued, understanding the plan you had initiated. He cut at his steak before glancing up expectantly. “How many children does the King of Y/N’s kingdom have?”

“Well let me see, he has the beautiful Y/N sitting here at our table and, and…” He trailed off then, realisation crossing his face. He refused to speak, his face growing red at the predicament.

Jaehyun smiled at his Mother and then his eldest brother. The man wasn’t looking up from his meal but he was definitely listening. “He only has the one child. And Y/N will rule as heir to the throne.”

The eldest brother’s gaze snapped to you both then but he didn’t say anything.

“Does that mean you will be King in another kingdom altogether, brother?”

Jaehyun nodded simply. “I’m afraid so. I couldn’t ask the King to give up his daughter and his only heir, could I?”

“Did you plan this?!” the King bellowed and then coughed. You were concerned about his health deteriorating over this and grasped onto Jaehyun’s lower arm under the table. “Did you go out there searching for a way not to rule here?!”

“No,” Jaehyun answered and stared firmly at his Father. “I was resigned that I would have to come back here and live in misery ruling after you, knowing full well my brother wants the throne. I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer, even though I had no desire to take what is rightfully his.”

Jaehyun glanced around the table at his family and stopped on his Mother’s face, who was silently crying and smiling. You could tell she was overwhelmed at what Jaehyun had done for this family. He continued whilst staring at her fondly. “I was on my way home when a little bird escaped her cage and flew into my open palms. I helped her find her way as her fragile wings weren’t ready to journey alone. And then when I found that she was royal blood herself, well I almost turned away.”

He glanced at you and you couldn’t help but smile up at Jaehyun.

“Y/N has taught me more about myself during the time I’ve been helping her than these years I’ve been away. I never felt free even when I was far away from here. I always believed I would end up back here and ruling instead of the better suitor. Now, I get to step down from the throne here and instead build a closer relationship between our kingdoms through our marriage. Isn’t that wonderful?”

“I think it’s perfect,” the Queen agreed, smiling warmly and then moving to tend to her husband. “Isn’t it perfect, my love?”

He looked around the table and then got up, leaving the room in a huff.

The room felt lighter with his departure and joy entered the meal once again. You worried the King would dispute this somehow but the Queen told you both she would encourage this union greatly. And when Jaehyun’s oldest brother looked at you next, he was grinning.

You smiled as you walked beside Jaehyun just thinking over how happy he had been.

“You know, we’ve announced these plans yet your Father has no idea of this marriage of ours,” Jaehyun mentioned softly and you nodded, your smile growing as you looked up at him. He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “What if he-”

“How could he not accept what I want?” you mentioned immediately. Reaching for Jaehyun’s hand, you rubbed at the back of it gently with your thumb. “He will accept you.”

“Really?” You nodded but Jaehyun didn’t seem convinced. “How do you know?”

“Because, as you said, I’m his only heir and if he says no, this little bird will fly away with you.”

Jaehyun chuckled and you both started to walk again. “You’re trouble.”

“You taught me to be strong and stand up for who I want to be,” you reminded, shuffling closer and linking your arm with his. “You all have taught me that I need to do what matters most to me. How can I do that without you at my side?”

“Sometimes, I wonder if you are some kind of addiction. How could I fall for you so easily, Y/N? You have intoxicated me.”

“Well, I admit your dancing is not nearly as good as Ten’s,” you started and Jaehyun turned to look at you. You giggled. “But I remember the first time I saw you and thinking you were far too handsome.”

“So you love me for my looks?” he asked, feigning insult. Jaehyun pouted. “It wasn’t my helpful ways or pushing for you to see the ocean? How I kept you safe as much as I could or when we first kissed? You liked me before all that?”

You sighed at his dramatics and nodded slyly. “Having a handsome husband will make me a fine Queen.”

“Ha!”

“Do you remember when Marigold told you that you had to assist me?” you asked and Jaehyun nodded silently. “She knew I was the princess as soon as she saw me.”

“She knew I was a prince too.”

“Did she?” You glanced up at Jaehyun and he nodded again. You nestled back against him and looked at the path ahead. “She told me you would be my saviour. It was then.”

“Then?” he repeated and stopped you from walking again. Turning, he pulled you gently in front of him. He was curious. “What did you realise then?”

“When you offered to take me on my journey without hesitation. That’s when I fell for you.”

He grinned to himself, proud of something. Looking around you both, he then leaned down to kiss you gently. When he pulled back, he appeared triumphant. “I win then.”

“You win?”

“I loved you from first sight.”

You rolled your eyes and shook your head. Jaehyun laughed and grabbed at your face, making you nod it gently instead. “I’m being honest. When I saw you from the stage, I wondered why I had never seen you before. I would have remembered someone as beautiful as you.”

“Oh, so you only fell for my looks too?” you chastised and he smirked, leaning in to kiss you again.

“Only a beautiful wife could make me a fine King.”

_________________

Part 9 

All rights reserved © prettywordsyouleft

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[gimmeyoon]

Drink About [1]

       ↳ Pairing: Jungkook x Reader x Jin

       ↳ Setting: College AU

       ↳ Word Count: 4.3k

       ↳ Warnings: mentions of binge drinking, language

       ↳ Songs: Waste It One Me by Steve Aoki ft. BTS and Hands by the Vamps

       ❝you just wanted to get drunk and dance and now he’s all you think about❞

| Next

    There’s nothing quite as humbling as vomiting in a fraternity bathroom with two people getting it on in the stall next to you.

    Sana hits at the stall wall as if that will stop the wild animals from doing exactly what they came here to do. Joy tries to sooth you as she pulls your hair out of your face, but she’s so drunk and it’s clear she wishes she was anywhere else at this point. You have to agree with her on that.

    If your life was a cheesy teen romantic comedy, a record would scratch and an older, wiser version of yourself would say, ‘I’m sure you’re wondering how I wound up in this mess.” Though, you figure no one would stay to watch a movie that starts this utterly disgusting. The prop department could have at least mopped the floor before letting your bare ass sit on tiles hopefully made sticky by spilt alcohol, though the moment of sobriety that comes as one is barfing up their brains tells you that’s only one of the residues at best. You suppose the fashion department wouldn’t have let you walk on set without underwear under your dress the way that Joy and Sana had.

    “Honestly, _____, fuck him,” Sana says, abandoning her attempt to stop the actual fucking happening right next to you. “If he’s already with Chaeyoung, then he’s an even bigger fuckboy than any of us thought, and we do not cry over fuckboys.”

    You wonder if you’re supposed to respond as you dry heave next to your friend, but figure Sana will understand. She does have a point though, your makeup is absolutely ruined at this point, which is more than he deserves.

    It’s a process. Sitting in front of your mirror on a Friday night, you carefully beat your face to the gods in preparation for your favorite part of the week. It’s the same every time, the plans slightly different, but the process the same. Your shift at the gym’s reception desk ends at 5:00 and you head back to your apartment where you become slightly jealous at the sight of Joy napping on the couch and head back to your room. You stare at your closest until you figure out which of your outfits sparks joy, Marie Kondo style, and then you grab your tools. You turn on one of your favorite beauty guru’s videos and then the craft begins.

    Joy never misses a chance to tease you about the pure time commitment this process is, but you haven’t been late to a pregame yet.

    Now in your second year of college, you can say without a doubt that this process is the highlight of your week. Sure, occasionally something happens that outshines it, but it’s a constant. You have three hours secured to yourself where it’s just you and tasks that at the end of the day mean very little, but when finished, you have something to show for yourself. It’s about the only productive thing you allow on Friday night.

    You surprise your friends back home with how often you go out, but you promised yourself after a failing your first class Freshmen year due to the sheer amount of time you spent with your friends that you would focus completely on school work during the week and that on the weekend you would let yourself be free and unstructured. Joy and Sana knew better than anyone how hard it was to get you to deviate from your color-coded planner for even the tiniest thing. They liked to joke that if they didn’t schedule getting fries at McDonald’s with you three weeks in advance, there wouldn’t be an opening. They weren’t that far off.

    The weekend was different. It was the only time you let yourself give into the part of your soul that screamed to live life on the edge.

    That was how you had ended up at Beta Tau Sigma months ago with Joy and Sana by your side. You were standing in the kitchen talking to the one member of the fraternity that Joy knew when you saw him for the first time.  

    Well, for the first time in person. You had followed Jungkook on Instagram after one of your friends had tagged him in their photo. He had followed back, and you could always count on a like from him on your posts.

    You grabbed Joy’s arm when you saw him, drawing everyone’s attention towards yourself and the deer in headlights look you could only imagine was on your face.

    “What,” Hoseok asked as he followed your gaze. “You look like you saw a ghost. Do I need to kick some asshole out?”

    “No, sorry. I-I thought I saw someone, but I was wrong.”

    “You sure? Taehyung’s too nice, he’ll just let anyone in.”

    You smiled as you released your grip on Joy’s arm. “Seriously, it was nothing. I think I just need a drink.”

    Hoseok nodded and motioned upstairs. “We keep the good stuff upstairs, and since Joy is the only reason I’m going to pass the human machine, you guys are welcome to it. Consider it my penance.”

    “Oh, so you know penance, but an introductory biology class is too much?” Joy teased as you followed Hoseok.

    “My dad’s a literature professor so he used big words at dinner and made us figure them out. I learned penance when I hid my sister’s laptop in the attic.” Hoseok leads you into the first room on the right and pulls back a curtain to reveal a fully stocked bar. “Jimin’s really into mixology and also showing off his money. So, help yourself,” he said with a dramatic bow.

    “Hoseok, when I say you’re my hero, I want you to really hear me,” you said. “You are my hero and two shots from now, I will tell you that repeatedly.”

    “She’s a very nice drunk,” Sana confirms as she pulls a bottle of tequila from the bar. She pours four shots from the bottle and after those have been forced down, she pours another four.

     That’s how you find the courage to move onto the dance floor, an act that normally doesn’t require much liquid confidence. It’s also an act that doesn’t usually include being as close to Jungkook as it currently has you.

     “Joy,” you start with a giggle. “How many times do I have to look at Jeon Jungkook for him to get the message that I want to put my ass on his dick and pose on that shit?”

     “Firstly, if you ever quote a New Boyz song in presence again, you will be excommunicated from our apartment. Secondly, I think it’s going to take more than a look to communicate all of that.”

    “Not if I have very expressive eyes,” you say with a wiggle of your eyebrows.

    “If you do that, he’ll file a restraining order with the college,” Joy laughs.

    “Joy,” you whine.

    “_____,” she teases. “Seriously, you are a 21st century woman, just tell that boy that you want to dance.”

    “If he says no, I can never show my face here again, you know that, right?”

    “We’ll throw the whole fraternity away if we have to, babe.”

    You decide that a sensible person would at least wait for the song to change before making their move, so three songs later you turn to acquire your target. He’s standing with one of his friends, Jimin you think, and you hate how good he looks. He’s in all black, like he usually is, but the dance room is so hot that his normally straight hair now frames his face in waves. You push back the thought that this is what his hair would look like after sex and make your way across the floor. He’s just a boy, you remind yourself the closer you get. Then you’re there, and you realize you probably should have practiced what you were going to say to him during the previous three songs. And now as Usher guides your movements, it’s too late.

    He looks over as you approach and he offers you a smile, which you know is meant to be inviting, but he looks so damn good that it makes your arms break out in goosebumps.

    “Hi,” you manage with a smile.

    “Hi.”

    You think you might let the silence fall for a beat too long, because Jungkook’s friend that may or may not be named Jimin has the time to look between the two of you before you continue.

    “I follow you on Instagram,” is out of your mouth before you can stop it, and you can feel your ears visibly redden once you realize how stupid that sounds.

     He laughs and you pray to whatever god might be listening that he wasn’t laughing at you.

     “I follow you too,” he says.

     “Thanks for that,” you cringe. It’s silent again for a beat too long, but then you think some god must have been listening, because his friend becomes your second hero of the night.

     “He’d love to dance with you,” Maybe Jimin says as he pushes Jungkook in your direction, and that’s exactly the intervention you need to reach out for his hand.

      You pull Jungkook through the crowd of people and begin to dance with him as soon as you find a spot that doesn’t make you feel claustrophobic. You think for a second how ironic it is to find an open space when you place your hips flush with his and begin to dance to whatever overplayed song the fraternity brother playing DJ has chosen.

      He’s a better dancer than you would have guessed, his hips moving heavenly with the music, and the way he hardens beneath you helps heighten the confidence the alcohol gave you. His body is strong behind yours, and for a moment you wish you hadn’t had so much to drink because then you might have invited him back to your place to see what his body felt like on top of yours.

    It’s four songs later when the sound of his name breaks your heart.

    “Jeon!” Someone yells, from across the room, causing Jungkook to pull away from you and search for his friend. He must find him when he grabs your hand and pulls you with him. The culprit is smiling as you meet him and motions for you to follow him. “We need two more for beer pong and it’s time for you to put your money where your mouth is.”

    Jungkook looks back at you, “Do you want to play?”

    Considering your options appear to be leaving Jungkook to writhe around in the dance room with some other people that you are absolutely no longer interested in or play a drinking game with Jungkook and potentially speak to him about something other than the fact that you follow him on Instagram, you do not hesitate to say yes.

    You find out two things about Jungkook very quickly. Firstly, he is very good at beer pong and secondly, he is very competitive, which the first thing helps.

    “Taehyung is going to regret asking us to play,” Jungkook smiles as he hands you a ping pong ball.

    “Less trash talking, and more playing, yeah?” Taehyung raises an eyebrow.

     “Don’t rush my partner, yeah?” Jungkook copies Taehyung’s stature, and you can’t help but laugh at how theatrical he is.

     “Patience is a virtue, young Taehyung,” you say as you aim for a red solo cup.

     The ball lands in the drink with a satisfying slosh and Jungkook high-fives your success. It’s five more games of this and then your stomach betrays you. No longer are you focused on winning. No, now you are focused on feeding whatever beast entered your system with the alcohol.

     “Jungkook,” you start. “How do you feel about shenanigans?”

     His head tilts to the side as he looks at you. “Shenanigans?”

     “Do you trust me?”

     He smiles and nods his head. “Lead the way, Captain,” he says with a salute.

     Your fingers intertwine with his as you lead him out of the fraternity house and onto the streets.

     “Shenanigans,” you say turning around to look at him, continuing to walk backwards, “are what happens after the party. Anything can be a shenanigan if you really set your mind to it.”

     “And what does tonight have in store for us,” he asks.

     “Well, Jungkook, I hope you’re hungry. Because it’s waffle time.”

     “Lucky for you,” he laughs. “I’m always hungry.”

     You laugh as well as you turn in a circle. When you stop your whirling, you find Jungkook’s arms braced, clearly ready to catch you.

     “You’re going to fall, drunkie.”

     “Please call me by my government name, Drunkard Joseph Montgomery Alabama the third.”

     “Wow, that is a name.”

     “Thank you, it was my father’s and his father’s before him.”

     “Thus, the third.”

     “Thus, the third,” You laugh.

     The fluorescent lights of your local Waffle House should make Jungkook look slightly worse for wear as you know they are doing to you and as they do to most humans, but clearly Jungkook is not like the rest of the mere mortals that roam this Earth, because you swear to god his eyes sparkle as he looks at the plastic menu before him. He keeps switching between the breakfast and the lunch/dinner side of the menu, mumbling under his breath that his not sure which he’s in the mood for at the moment.

    You do not face the same problem, as you order the All-Star breakfast every time. There has never been a moment where you have sat in these yellow booths and not wanted waffles. You figure if the establishment is named after a specific food, you should probably order that food, and you’re just about to tell Jungkook as much when he sets his menu down and looks up at you.

    “I have decided,” he said, his tone serious.

    “Do tell.”

    “Burger,” he smiled.

    “Wrong.”

    His face falls at this. “Wrong?”

    “We’re at Waffle House, the only right answer is waffles.”

    “Wrong,” he responds, copying your tone from before. “They sell more than just waffles; therefore, you are meant to order things other than waffles as well.”

     “Okay, IHOB.”

     “What did you just call me?” he asks, his face breaking into a large smile.

     “IHOB, as in the International House of Burgers,” you stick your tongue out, which earns a laugh from your companion. “When in Rome, order waffles.”

     “I don’t think that’s the saying,”

     “I don’t think this is a burger establishment.”

     The waitress approaches your booth at this moment, and Jungkook quickly places his burger order, sticking his tongue out at you as she writes his burger on the ticket.

     “And since I’m a responsible adult, I’ll be having the All-Star breakfast,” you said when it was your turn to order.

    The waitress nods as she writes down your order, “Bacon, sausage, or ham.”

    “Sausage, please.”

    “Wrong,” Jungkook responds as the waitress walks away. “The only valid choice when bacon is an option is bacon.”

    “Oh, grow up,” you roll your eyes. “Sausage is a valid option.”

    He shakes his head, “Only when bacon isn’t available.”

    “Pretty bold talk from a guy who might be asking me to choose his sausage later.”

     He reddens at this, his eyes widening, but never leaving your face. The words were out of your mouth before you could think better, and you’re pretty sure the only reason you don’t get up and leave is because you’re still pretty drunk.

     Jungkook shakes his head, as a smile spreads across his face. “I don’t think any bacon will be present at that moment, so sausage would be a valid choice.”

     You can’t help but laugh at this, and Jungkook joins you. You talk about school after you calm down, and you’ve started to talk about your hometowns by the time the waitress brings your meals. You both shake your heads at the other’s order, causing the laughter to return, and it takes a few moments before you can actually begin to eat.

     You’re almost finished with your waffle, when you realize everyone else in the restaurant is focused on the staff behind the counter. Jungkook is telling you a story about his older brother, but you can’t focus as you try and figure out what has everyone’s attention. You’re not sure if it’s the fact that you’re drunk, or the fact that talking to Jungkook comes so naturally, but you’ve completely missed the altercation brewing between the staff. Their voices get louder with each word, and before it can get any worse, you take money out of your wallet, quickly making sure that it is enough to cover both meals plus the tip and stand up. You reach for Jungkook’s hand, while he stares up at you dumbfounded, and you make your way for the door. You’re just about to make it out, when one of the employees finally makes contact with the other. You freeze at the action, and stand stunned, not sure if you’re waiting to see if he’s okay or if anyone will do anything to stop it. The next thing you know, the punched employee, is grabbing the other by the shirt and throwing him against the counter.

    Jungkook takes action at this, pulling you out the door with him and through the parking lot. You turn to look at Jungkook with wide eyes, not sure how your shenanigan ended up quite like this.

    “Holy shit,” he breathes, as he rakes a hand through his hair. “I guess that’s Waffle House at 2:00 a.m. for you.”

    You can’t help but laugh at this, though you feel a bit of guilt considering how awful the situation is. Jungkook smiles at this and for that alone you’re glad that you laughed.

    “Come on,” you say, as you look at your surroundings. “There’s a river around here, I want to show you.”

    Jungkook follows, not having dropped your hand yet, and you walk like this in the direction of the park you like to go to sometimes. It’s pitch-black as you near the location, which causes you to grip Jungkook’s hand a bit tighter than before. If he’s as nervous as you, he doesn’t let on, but he does pull his phone from his pocket and turn his flashlight on, which you are thankful for. Your pace quickens after this, the excitement of showing Jungkook the river driving you forward, and when you arrive, you drop his hand before skipping towards the bank.

    You turn around to face him, positively beaming as you stretch your arms as if to say here it is, the grand finale, and Jungkook matches your wide smile. He walks towards you, as you bend down to take your shoes off. When you look back up, he’s looking at you with confusion on his face.

    “Well, I’m not going to wear my shoes into the water,” you answered.

    “We’re going in the water?”

    “Shenanigans, Jungkook. They’re not done yet,” you said, as you turned around and made your way into the river. The silence of the night is inviting, and you find yourself closing your eyes and leaning your head back in relaxation. You hear Jungkook wade in behind you, and you only open your eyes when his movement stops.

    He’s looking at you and he smiles when your eyes meet his. “How did you find this place?”

    “I used to babysit these kids freshmen year, and their mom took them to this park.”

    “I haven’t really left campus that much,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’d be nice to run here though.”

    You nod in agreement, turning to look up at the few stars above. Jungkook reaches for your hand in the dark, and you reach back, feeling comforted by his presence here. You think for a moment that it’s nice that you two can just stand here in the silence like this, and you’re about to say something to that effect, when suddenly Jungkook sends a wave of water hurtling towards you. You’re shocked when you look down to see him crouched, ready to splash you again.

    “Shenanigans,” he says, simply, as he launches another attack on you.

    This time you’re prepared, and you block your face, though it does very little to help. Quickly, you’re crouching as well, not one to go down without a fight, and soon both of you are soaking wet and breathless. Jungkook’s hair hangs heavy around his face, water dripping from his black locks onto his cheeks, and you hate to even think about the state that your makeup is in now.

    The smirk on Jungkook’s face, tells you all you need to know, and you shake your head in response. “I look like a monster, right?”

    “You could convincingly be cast in a horror movie.”

     You give him the middle finger at this, before trudging back to land. You’re about halfway back, when you hear Jungkook running after you, and as you turn around to see what he is doing, he’s wrapping his arms around your middle and picking you up.

     “Jeon Jungkook!” you scream, as you pound at his back. “Put me down.”

     He only laughs in response, carrying you the rest of the way to the shore. He finally complies with your demand, placing you underneath a tree. He sits down, and when you don’t immediately follow, he pats the space beside him, looking up at you with big eyes.

    You chuckle as you join him at the base of the tree, and he smiles triumphantly.

    “Maybe it’s too soon to call, but I think I might be better at shenanigans than you.”

    You scoff. “You made me look like the grudge. That is foul play and not allowed during a night of shenanigans.”

    “Oh, excuse me. I was under the impression that there was only one rule and that was to have fun.”

    “I am not having fun.”

    “You’re not?” he frowns. “I don’t know, seemed like you were having fun.”

    “Nope, not anymore. I spent too much time and money on this makeup to consider this fun.”

    “What a shame,” he smiles. “I kind of like this look.”

    “Really?” you deadpan.

    “Yeah, it says ‘just know that if you ever break up with me, I will murder your ass.’”

    “Oh, good. That’s the energy I want to be putting out into the world.”

    Jungkook laughs. “You’re very welcome for helping you achieve your truest form.”

    You’re silent for a beat after this, both of you smiling widely at each other, and you think that you are in no rush to get home. You think that he may lean in and kiss you, because he keeps looking down at your lips, and he moves slightly forward, but his eyes completely leave yours, and he’s reaching for something on the ground instead.

    You’re about to stand up and leave, your new found sobriety horrified that you might have just embarrassed yourself, but then Jungkook is looking at you again and smiling.

   “A geode,” he said, bring a rock between the two of you. “My dad and I used to collect this when I was little.”

   You nod your head, not sure what to say because your brain just keeps screaming about how much of an idiot you are but also how cute he is, and it’s too much for you to come up with a reasonable response.

    “For you,” he smiles widely, as he reaches for your hand and places the rock into it. “Never forget our shenanigans.”

     “Never,” you agree, bringing the hand holding the rock to your heart.

      He beams at this and then stands up. “We should probably try and get home before the sun rises.”

     You nod your head, though you don’t agree. You would stay out here until the sun set again if you got to keep talking to Jungkook.  You begin the walk back to campus, showing Jungkook a shortcut you had found a few months ago, and when Jungkook should veer off to head back to his fraternity house, he keeps going straight with you. You try to fight the blush that creeps up your neck as you realize this.

    He’s talking animatedly about something Taehyung did a few weekends ago when you finally make it to your apartment. He seems to hesitate for a moment, but then he’s smiling and staying firmly on his side of the hallway.

   “Thanks for walking me back,” you said finally.

   “Of course,” he nods. “I’ll see you around, yeah?”

    You nod your head as well, a bit disappointed that yet again he isn’t attempting to kiss you, and you think for a moment that maybe this meant way more to you than it did to him.

   “Tight,” he said. “Then I better get going. Goodnight, _____.”

   “Goodnight, Jungkook.” You watched as he walked down the hallway towards the exit, and once he was out of sight you unlock the front door and make you way inside.

     You sigh as you kick off your shoes and make your way further into the kitchen to pour yourself a glass of water. You’re taking your first sip when there’s a knock at the door. You check quickly to see who it is, and your heart races as familiar doe eyes stare back at you. Goosebumps cover your arms as you open the door.

   “Sorry, I just-” he nervously rubs at the back of his neck. “I forgot something,” he said, as he closed the distance between the two of you and pulled you into a kiss. Your damp clothes rub awkwardly against your body, and Jungkook’s burger breath catches you more off guard than the kiss itself, yet still you melt in his arms, and you think this is the kind of thing people write songs about.

    And when he’s pulling away, you think you want to capture the way he looks at you in a photo and look at it all day long.

    “Goodnight again, _____.”

© gimmeyoon — all rights reserved. reposting, modifying, or translation onto other sites even with proper credit given is not permitted.

[the-angry-pixie]

Yo Pixie, so I was wondering. What do you think it would have been like if Mike and Theo became friends before Starman went down? Like what if they met in drama class and were kind of annoyed by each other but also got along well enough to start forming some inside jokes and then they discovered that they were both theater nerds enough to randomly spout references to each other and it was all over from there? What would it have looked like if they were already friends before Theo dated Will?

Are you kidding me Anon? That is some serious butterfly effect shit right there. It would have changed everything! Basically the events of Starman wouldn’t have happened at all. Theo and Will never would have dated. But don’t worry I plan to illustrate what brings me to that conclusion…

… through the medium of interpretive dance…

… just kidding. Here are my notes of what would happen in response to your delicious prompt (not proofread at all so I apologise for the shoddy writing).

- Ok first of all we need to establish that Mike in this universe is not a drama nerd. Its a popular headcanon I know but in the Starman universe, its Dustin who is more into drama. He’s the one in Drama Club, not Mike.

- But that doesn’t mean Mike and Theo couldn’t meet another way.

- I’m imagining some sort of collaborative effort between the “Writers Club” and the “Drama Club”

- the writers in Writers Club have set themselves a project to try their hands at script writing (just one scene, but the prompt is “tension”, so they gotta be bloody good scenes), and the best ones will be handed over to the Drama club to actually be performed for real

- You guessed it, Theo reads Mike’s scene and instantly absolutely adores it and hoards it all for himself – he’s kind of the King of Drama Club so he can get away with shit like that.

- Its this gritty interrogation scene where the Investigator and the man being interrogated do not realise that they are dopplegangers that look almost identical – a bleak character study that examines narcissism, masculinity, corruption and, and… subtle homoerotic undertones??

- Theo has to know if he’s interpreting these characters right – in his mind he’s already going to be playing both characters himself and filming it instead of performing it live to the club like they’re meant to – like I said, the King of Drama Club can get away with shit like that

- Mike Wheeler is the name on the front of the script – and so Mike Wheeler is who Theo sets out to find.

- its easy enough. Theo is the guy who gets along with everybody. He’s spent years orchestrating it so. He’s got an in with most social circles. And so he quickly works out that the mystery Mike Wheeler is a sophomore?? Holy fuck! So young!

- So talented!

- So handsome (when Theo finally gets a chance to clap his eyes on him)!

- and so Theo approaches Mike

- Mike is very flattered and a little embarrassed that this reasonably popular junior has approached him and seems to like his writing so much and wants to get together with him to discuss character motivations and everything. His little nerdy author’s heart is skipping for joy really!

- and so they meet up and go to a diner or something after school and sit talking for hours about what Mike’s ideas were behind writing the characters the way he did

- Theo is delighted when Mike is not immediately repelled at his suggestion that there is sexual tension in the scene.

- “Well yeah, the corrupt cop is in love with himself, there is definitely an attraction there” - Mike blushes and takes a long drawn out sip of his milkshake while Theo smirks.

- “Very ‘Strangers on a Train’...” Theo murmurs.

- Mike recovers quickly from his embarrassment with a cute excited smile “You’ve read Strangers on a Train??”

- Theo quirks his eyebrows, “Read? No, no darling watched! Hitchcock doofus!”

- And it all snowballs from there. Sure they seem to disagree more than they agree about most things - predominantly which is better, the book or the movie adaptation (they go through several versions of this argument and things almost get physical when The Shining comes up)

- But they appreciate each others moxie and so a respect and an admiration blossoms.

- they leave their diner date as tentative friends. The kind that smile and wave hello to each other in the school hallways. The kind who call each other on their home phone because Theo has more nerdy questions to ask about how he should play the scene – it also helps that Mike is in AV Club and has good knowledge of filming equipment and suggestions about scene blocking.

- it all comes to a head when Theo insists that Mike come and help him rehearse cause “Its not like I can be my own scene mate! And who better than you?”

- the afternoon spent in Theo’s nice house drinking his Mom’s nice mulled wine – Mike is startlingly at ease as they sit in Theo’s room

- We all know Mike has a dramatic flair and Theo is further delighted to discover that Mike makes a great scene partner. This kid should totally join Drama Club!

- We know from Starman that Theo thought Mike was attractive. So sue him for maybe enjoying getting all up in Mike’s business a little bit too much. The scene calls for it he swears!

- So they run the scene several times and keep work-shopping it

- “No I think you should grab my collar here”

- “Nah we can’t start out yelling at each other. If we start too big we’ll have nowhere to go. We gotta let the scene grow and the tension to build.”

- etc etc.

- then one time they are nearing the scene’s climax and they are both really in the zone - Mike’s Suspect is sitting petulantly in Theo’s desk chair while Theo’s Cop stalks around him, zeroing in. It’s Cat & Mouse, but Mike’s character is keeping step easily with Theo’s in this intense dance as their voices rise and their smirks deepen and suddenly Theo’s hands are on Mike’s shoulders and he is kissing him!

- it is brief and thorough and Theo pulls back panting to gauge Mike’s stunned expression. That was stupid of him. Now he’s gotta do damage control. Stupid Theo – why you gotta always be thinking with your stupid gay dick??

- What he’s not expecting is for Mike to laugh and wipe at his mouth with an “Easy there big guy, that’s a bit on the nose don’t you think?”

- And its ok Theo thinks, Mike’s choosing to believe it was all part of the drama, part of the act – so he laughs too and agrees with a sheepish apology

- He notes the flush on Mike’s pretty face though – he’s embarrassed sure, but maybe not as much as he should be…? Interesting.

- And so when they come to that same moment again Theo takes another risk and kisses Mike again – its different this time, because they were playing the scene different – more slow, calm - like a wave slowly building and building and then finally, finally crashing

- This is of course reflected in the kiss which again Mike doesn’t pull away from

- in Mike’s mind he feels like maybe he should but they’re just acting right? Its not real? They’re just following the natural trajectory of these two characters right? It’s fine.

- And besides, Theo’s a good kisser – whoops did he just say that out loud?

- Theo laughs reaching over to ruffle Mike’s hair and put forward that he’s “not so bad yourself. Should I be thanking your bathroom mirror or the crook of your elbow?”

- and that cheeky remark sets a fire burning in Mike’s stomach, slowly stoked and fuelled through the buildup of erratic energy in the scene as they run it again - Mike is on edge and suddenly its like he has no choice but to grasp fingers around Theo’s annoyingly well-sculted jaw and pull him in for the kiss this time.

- Its much more passionate. This time lips are parted and tongues are involved. Wet, hot tongues and Mike sighs as Theo settles himself across Mike’s lap and feels arms around his neck.

- its lasts... quite awhile. Mike’s eyes are closed and his senses are on fire.

- but its not long before Mike’s brain begins to catch up with him and start protesting vehemently against this turn of events – no matter how pleasantly stimulating they might be

- so he pulls back. He can’t look at Theo. All he can offer is a mumbled “Sorry man. Got a bit carried away”

- “I’ll say” is Theo’s smartass response.

- Mike wiggles uncomfortably at the implication in those words “But its just acting right? No harm done. I’m not… I’m not yanno like that.”

- He’s still looking down. He doesn’t have many other places to look as Theo is still sitting in his lap. So close its almost claustrophobic. He doesn’t see the slow, calculating look the older boy is giving him.

- “Yeah. Me neither” he finally says dismissively as he stands up. He’s not about to push Mike. That’s a shitty thing to do before someone is ready.

- Mike looks up at him with big brown pleading eyes. What they are pleading of him he does not quite know. “Can we just like, forget this ever happened? Otherwise I’m never going to be able to look you in the face again.” Mike chuckles nervously. Theo could see the merit in that. Theo wants to be able to too look Mike in the face too. He quite likes looking at Mike’s face. He doesn’t want to lose that just yet.

- “Sure man. Shall we... take it from the top?”

- And so they forget it. And they still remain tentative friends. Good enough friends to wave and say ‘hello’ to each other in the school hallway and sometimes even stop and chat out near the bike racks after school.

- And ALL OF THIS happens before the end of Theo’s Junior year when the production of Hamlet becomes a thing.

- And he gets to know a certain young Will Byers.

- Yes he still is very attracted to him and yes he is still almost sure that Will bats for his team but there is one big difference!

- Theo knows Mike. He is friends with Mike! And these two adorable chaps are apparently best friends!

- In Starman Mike and Theo were kept very separate until after the Halloween party, but here, there would be no reason for them not to all be interacting especially once they all learn of Mike and Theo’s previous connection with each other

- And so Theo gets to observe Mike and Will around each other a lot earlier than he did in the Starman universe. And don’t forget Dustin is there too. So Theo has an immediate comparison to the difference chemistry among the friends. And Theo’s a master of reading chemistry.

- And with this new dynamic it is all very clear to him. As much as he may like Will, he doesn’t have a chance. These two, Mike and Will, they’re going to be together. Sooner or later they will sort their shit out. Theo is sure of it.

- And so he backs off and just enjoys their company platonically. Though he does like to embarrass Mike through sly use of innuendo and suggestive eyebrow wiggles now and then.

- He truly does cherish those blushes that Mike gifts him – that kid is incapable of being subtle about anything. Every emotion so plainly shown and shared. Its charming really.

- And ya know what, there is another huge difference in this timeline – Mike starts down the path of his bisexual awakening much earlier.

- Cause although he says he wants to forget the kisses he shared with Theo, its not as easy in practice.

- He enjoyed them. He knows himself well enough to know that for sure. So what does that mean? And why when he catches himself daydreaming about it now and then does he also find himself sometimes replacing Theo with Will in the fantasy?

- Mike has a long time to contemplate these things and get thoroughly inside his own head - as he is want to do - but there is no urgency like there was in Starman. No catalyst or drive to do anything but tuck it away in the back of his mind for now.

- until Will dressed as Ziggy Stardust struts into his life, that is.

- given everything that has happened before and everything he has been contemplating these last few months - would Mike hesitate in following his strong urge to kiss dear William on Halloween night this time around… I like to think not. ;)