#honestly i miss watching their musicals on repeat

[chuusheartattck]

THAT’S THAT ME ESPRESSO (TTME)

Chapter 18- Feeling lucky ☕️

10 minutes had gone by since Xiao last texted you. You were getting nervous since the reception desk lady has been staring at you ever since you walked in.

“Do you need something or are you going to just wait here?” She rudely asked.

What a bitch.

Just as you were about to answer, the elevator dings.

Xiao walks out and spots you. “You actually showed up.”

“I said I was sorry.”

Xiao only chuckled and began walking to the elevator. You turn to the lady and shrug before following him. You both got inside and he pressed the button for the 12th floor.

The elevator ride was filled with an awkward silence. None of you spoke a word. It had been a while since you last saw each other. The last time you tried to make plans, you did flake last minute. Not knowing what else to do, you checked your phone to see if Scara had texted you.

Nothing.

You turn to Xiao wanting to say something but nothing came out. Luckily, the elevator doors open and you walk out with Xiao following you.

“It’s over here.” He points to the left.

He opens the door to the practice room. You’re blinded by the bright lights. A giant mirror that covers the entire wall is on the right. The room being huge would be an understatement.

“I think Furina hates us because our practice room is half the size of this.” You look around in awe.

“That’s because Venti uses a bunch of backup dancers for his performances.” Xiao replies. “Plus Ei likes to go all out for the company.”

Inazuma Entertainment was no joke.

“So uh how are we going to do this?” You question. “I mean like with the performance how do you want it to go?”

Xiao sits on the floor to think. You do the same and sit down next to him.

He turns to you. “I was probably thinking something like we both do our sets one at a time on the big stage. Then come down to second stage where it’s closer to the audience for the cover.”

“I think that could work. Honestly I feel like you should go first. Your songs are depressing and mine is more upbeat. So it’d be a mood killer if you were to go after me. No offense.” You suggested.

Xiao let out a small laugh. “My songs aren’t that depressing.”

“Your newest song is one I’d listen to if I was going through a break up or something.” You replied back with.

“Like You Do is actually about missing someone.” He corrected you.

You repeated what he said in a nerd voice. He playfully rolled his eyes at you.

“Whatever. I’ll go first and we can work on the transitions to your song later. How should we do the cover?” Xiao asked.

You paused for a moment.

How DO you want it to go?

You took out your phone to look at the performance of the original singers with Xiao.

You did notice that Scara hasn’t texted back.

Maybe he’s busy?

“It looks like all they do is just stand around stage looking hot.” You mention as you turned towards him. “Do you know how to dance?”

Xiao raises an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Let’s choreograph a dance for the song.” You get up from the floor. “It’d be boring if we just stood there and did nothing.”

He looks at you for a moment before sighing and gets up with you. A smile forms on your face realizing he just complied with your decision.

“When I was a trainee I trained for dancing but I don’t normally do it for my songs.” He warns you. “I’m not sure how good I’ll be.”

You walk over to the speaker and begin to play a song.

“And that is why I’ll teach you a bit of the choreo for this song.” You say with a proud smile on your face. “I learned it when I was a trainee.”

.

.

.

As you were watching him, he actually wasn’t bad. If he was in a group he’d probably be the main dancer. It’s a shame he doesn’t use it to his advantage.

“How was it?” Xiao asked.

“I’m going to cut this short since you’re completely out dancing me.” You say pausing the music. “Let’s start making a new dance for the song.”

.

.

.

Hours have gone by and you two finally finalized the final choreo. You checked your phone for the time.

“Oh shit I didn’t even realize the time.” 11 whole hours have gone by since you had first arrived. It was now 9 pm.

Still though, no text from Scara.

What could he be doing?

“We’re basically done so we can wrap this up. Do you want to order food?” Xiao replies with taking out his phone.

“Uhh sure what do you want?”

“Anything is fine.”

“What about Wingstop?” You suggested.

“Ok.” He said while ordering. “What do you want?”

“Korean bbq, lemon pepper, and cajun.”

“It’ll come in 30 minutes.” He said while shutting off his phone. “I already paid for it so don’t worry about it.”

“Are you sure? You know you didn’t have to.” It was nice for him to pay but you were the one that suggested Wingstop in the first place.

“It’s fine.” He goes over to where the mics are. “Let’s try practicing the choreo with the singing before the food gets here.” Xiao passes you a microphone.

Just as you two were about to start, you notice him humming a very familiar tune. One a singer would hum if they were working late.

“Are you seriously humming my song?” You look over at him.

“It’s fitting for right now.”

You couldn’t hold back your smile. It felt nice that he knew the lyrics to Espresso. In the back of your mind however, you wished it was someone else who remembered.

.

It was already the end of the fifth practice and the music has just faded, leaving a lingering echo of its rhythm in the air. You and Xiao are standing close to each other, your breaths slightly heavy from the exertion of the practice.

Your bodies are almost touching, and the heat from the exertion mixes with the warmth of the room. Your eyes lock and you can only hear the panting from being out of breath. Your faces are only inches apart.

Xiao takes a small step closer, his hand gently brushing against yours.

A voice enters the room.

“Hey Xiao I got your- WOAHH.”

You both turn like a deer caught in headlights. You both take a step back trying to gain composure.

Of course it was fucking Venti.

“What are you two doing?” Venti was holding a Wingstop bag.

“Reading!” You quickly replied with.

Shit.

“Yeah more like reading each other’s lips.” Venti giggled while handing the bag to Xiao. “I picked up your Wingstop from downstairs. I knew you would be here but I didn’t know you were with Y/n. Just as I suspected, two know each other. Sorry for cockblocking though.”

You could only awkwardly laugh.

Would you have actually done anything with Xiao?

Venti speaks again. “Well since I’m here and I did pick up the food. I deserve to have some.” He says as he sits down on the floor. “Plus I have some questions for you two.”

Fuck.

You and Xiao sit down next to Venti. There’s now a heavy silence between the three of you. You both watch as Venti opens the bag and takes everything out. Acting like he paid for the damn food.

You watch Venti start stuffing his face. It was like watching a live mukbang.

“What? Don’t just stare at me.” Venti’s words could barely be audible with the amount of food in his mouth. “So how do you two know each other?”

“From the party.” Xiao said while grabbing a piece.

“You two knew each other from that long?” Venti looked surprised. “Damn. I knew something was up though. Can’t believe I was right. What are you two doing so late?”

You took a sip of your water before replying. “Practicing for the tcas. Didn’t you see on twitter?”

“No I deleted twitter for a while. Someone said I sounded like dollar tree Troye Sivan.”

Xiao snickered.

“Not funny. If anything I sound better than him.”

You and Xiao both looked at each other before bursting out laughing.

“Fuck you guys.” Venti huffed.

Another silence came. You had no idea why but it was difficult to talk to them. That is, until Xiao asked you a question.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you. How do you know Scara?”

You almost choked on your food at the mention of his name. Nonetheless, you quickly gained your composure. “He was in my same fifth grade class but he doesn’t remember since we never talked. We went to the same middle school but never talked there either. Junior year I was a TA for his math class. We would occasionally talk and I would help him cheat on the tests by giving him the answer keys. After junior prom is when we got close, and in the summer we would talk a lot. Same with the beginning of senior year.” You paused for a moment. “But during senior year he got distant so we drifted and it wasn’t the same as before. We took graduation pictures but that’s about it. I cut off contact with him shortly after.”

“Well now you’re texting him again right?” Venti piped in. Little did he know, he was being an instigator.

“Not really, we just text each other sometimes. It’s still not the same how it was before.” Reminiscing on the past made you realize how upset you were with how everything turned out. He was a dick before, and still is, but that doesn’t mean you don’t miss your guy’s conversations.

“You shouldn’t worry about him. He doesn’t seem to care.” Xiao finally spoke. “If I were you, I wouldn’t even bother.”

This confused you. “What do you mean?”

“I wouldn’t even be in contact with him still. Me personally, I would block him.” Xiao’s demeanor was different than usual. In his mind, he was panicking. He didn’t want you to be in contact with Scaramouche. It would ruin his chances with you.

None of you guys spoke after that. What was there to say? Even Venti couldn’t think of anything. It was obvious what Xiao was trying to do.

All three of you finished and Venti decided to leave right after. He only came for the food. Xiao offered to walk you to your car, the walk there was pretty quiet.

When you got to your car he finally spoke.

“Sorry for what I said earlier. It’s your choice on what to do.”

“It’s ok. Don’t worry about it.” You reassured him.

You hugged him goodbye and you got inside your car. As you were driving back home, you started thinking about how the day went. It was nice to see Xiao and talk to him, but it didn’t feel right. He was a nice guy, but you found it hard to be yourself around him. Maybe once you get to know him more it’d change.

The whole day went by and Scaramouche still has you on delivered.

Masterlist II Previous II Next

A/N: I hope you xiao stans like this chapter 🤭 I was craving wingstop while writing this if you couldn’t tell. The last two parts of act 2 will be very dramatic!! Also I created the storyline for my next smau (aka xiao centered) so i might post it soon if i feel like it ✊

ALSOOO lmk if you guys want your users to be added to this au and i’ll make you a twitter user :)

Synopsis: You’re a new idol that just debuted under ‘Fontaine Entertainment’ with your new single ‘Espresso.’ You just graduated high school which means all your classmates are shocked to see you into stardom. Including your old situationship, who happens to be an actor.

Taglist: @skyoverkill1 @quacking-simp @lolmeowing @astro-stars @kaitfae @sl-vega @scarawiki @yuminako @samyayaya @skyvella @kur0kki @practicoi @kukikoooo @scaraenthusiast1 @shutingstar @lloovvv @moonjellyfishie @miy-svz @xionri @lalalaloveallmydays @hearts4lizzzz @kathiwis @state-of-grac3 @morgyyyyyyy @scaradooche @theyluvkatt @meigalaxy @noirechomps @crimxeorcremeexistspeacefully @vxcmx @ariesloves @cayl33n @animeobsessed56 @heartsforni-ki @feikyuu @ichcocat @strayharmony943 @chscklvr @kunikissr

[fanaticsnail]

I shared this w/ deerling before she’d deactivated. I’m sososo happy for her! she will always be loved n missed! But, I never got to hear her thoughts! And I thought you might humor it too!

I’m not sure if you’re familiar w/ the song Imitadora by Romeo Santos? A week or so ago I was hyper-fixated on it n it made me think about law. Growing up when the Donquixote pirates would have galas and such celebrations, would he watch Rosi dance w/ partners and just praying on his downfall? He needed something, some type of material to tease & embarrass Rosi w/ to get his lick back. But honestly? the only thing he picked up from observing Rosi dance was the way he danced.

I’m not very familiar w/ the correct type of dance that should be associated w/ this song, and anyone please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong! But the most common one I’d found was bachata, which originated in the Dominican Republic. I know you’d already written something in your series for Bachata, but just hear me out!

Law, after watching Rosi dance during celebrations when he was younger, would have to had learn something and picked up the basics at the very least. Now, I raise you this food for thought. Would Law be a good partner? Would he be rusty? Or maybe just outright refuse and dismiss it? Would he be embarrassed? Or would nostalgia wash over him when you offer, take him by the hand and pull him towards the floor? A bit more willing w/ alcohol in his system. Hand on the small of your back, one knee slotted between your thighs your palm falling to the nape of his neck n fingers threaded through the soft wisps of baby hair a bit before his nape n finally falling into the music. Now! Would he experiment w/ all of the fancy dips and twirls he’d remember Rosi do? I like to think he’s more seasoned n cocky even going as far as trying something on the fly!

Sorry for the ramble! I love your writing andhope to see your thoughts if you humor this!!

-🪼

Hello my love! I have so many thoughts and fics written and coming up for this particular concept. I love the thoughts, 🪼 Anon!

1. Donquixote Rosinante can dance.

This man can absolutely dance. He dances Flamenco, Tango, Salsa, Bachata, Conga, Rumba, Cha Cha: anything that involves hips swinging, feathers flying, legs intertwining, and passion igniting. This is the only time he is absolutely not clumsy. He was also taught the marines waltz while in basic. Donquixote Doflamingo, however, can not. He thought it was a waste of time.

2. Imitadora Romeo Santos

I am not familiar with the song, but now that I've listened to it on repeat a few times, Rosinante dances Bachata to this song. Hips flush against yours, one hand on your lower back while the other is expanded to the side in the hopes you'd take it to spin. Always with a smile on his face, twirling between the rapid brush of drums on the snare, tapping his feet while dragging his toes. He loves it, and makes it known my whispering the lyrics without vocalising them.

3. Bachata

I love Bachata. When my host-sister came back to my country for a visit, she took us all out dancing Bachata on the beach - something that I would love to take up on the regular. It's sultry, romantic, playful, everything you want wrapped in one dance. I see Luffy, Ace and Sabo dancing Bachata - and Rosinante also excels at it.

4. Law and Dancing

Growing up in Flevance, Law's cultural dances would be something similar to the folk dances in Austria and Germany. There is no way he wouldn't grow up learning these dances with Lami. Watching his parents engage in social events, letting loose with their colleagues, some of his happier memories would be watching them in the warmth of each other's embrace and slowly swaying to a waltz. Hearing a 3/4 rhythm beat on the den-den shoots him back to that moment: his parents love for one another swelling his heart and having him yearn for a fragment of the past.

5. Rosinante and Law Dancing

Law would gruffly pout in the corner at these social events, far before Rosinante had bothered to pay him any mind. He hated the events, especially when Doflamingo ordered him to dance with Baby 5 as "an aspect of his training". Once they opened up to one another, baring Corazon's secret mission with the marines, Law paid far more attention to his guardian protector. Watching in earnest as he demonstrated his skills by engaging with partners.

6. Law past the time skip

This man wants to dance. He would never admit it to anyone, but he wants the opportunity to keep a part of his heritage alive and pass on the knowledge of his cultural dances to anyone willing to listen. After Dressrosa, he is far less pent up and full of wrath, and wants to express it through dance. He is so rusty, he forgets a few of the steps, and will need reminding.

7. Law and Sanji

Sanji knows some of these cultural dances. When the Supanova trio catch up and engage in social drinking, firstly: the Victoria Punk crew demonstrate some of their highland jigs, and teach them to Luffy. Luffy, in turn, teaches Killer how to Bachata. Given how large he is in comparison to Luffy - he would opt to teach "Traffy" in response. Law knows these dances, has seen these dances with Corazon, and actually enjoys relearning how to do this dance.

And to repay Luffy, he would offer to teach him a dance from Flevance.

Given how long it's been, he forgets a few steps and slips up with the spins: finding the follow position rather than the lead. With how poorly he seems to remember the steps, Sanji lets out a huff of exasperated cigarettes and opts to "cut in" for Luffy: immediately takes the lead position, and guides Law through the steps flawlessly. Law would become extremely overwhelmed and quite emotional afterwards, having to excuse himself as he takes a moment to remember what was lost to him. After paying his respects to his parents, Lami, and Corazon's memory - he would return and witness Franky attempting to impress Robin with a dance fit for the Cossacks.

8. Dancing with you

After the event with Sanji, you would go and ask the foreign captain if he was feeling alright. You, being the councilor and negotiator for the Straw Hats. Waving away your worries with a flick of his tattooed hand, the music would change into a reminder of the Bachata earlier. Offering to pay you back for checking in on him, he would lead you into a dance immigrating Luffy's earlier twirls and sways.

Demonstrating a particular motion Luffy didn't teach, a twirl that had your back to his chest, hips pressed flush against your ass, and knee slotted between your thighs in the same way Rosinante would catches your breath in your throat.

Feeling a little more bold with his control, he wouldn't let you leave the floor until he was completely satisfied with the way you moved with him. Having cheers from Luffy, and taunts from Kid, would spur him on to keep you in his arms and hum to the music. He remembers his friend, he remembers his parents, he remembers his sister, and he remembers his past through dance.

He also remembers how to flirt. And he enjoys making you blush while he's so close to you. Eyes half-lidded, lips spurring soft praise, speaking his native tongue with a combination of Corazon's to have you squeak out a "thank you" with a hot flush igniting your face.

9. Further notes

I am incredibly grateful you shared these thoughts with deerling. She was such a joy to this fandom and I'm so glad she found her happiness. I have no idea how long this has been in my ask box, considering it had been not working properly for quite a while. Thank you for blessing me with some dance headcanons for the favorites. I love the thoughts, and I hope you enjoy my take on them!

10. I know this isn't a fic, but I thought I'd tag you just in case you wanted to see.

@mfreedomstuff @daydreamer-in-training @since-im-already-here @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @sordidmusings @i-am-vita @indydonuts @feral-artistry @the-light-of-star @empirenowmp3 @racfoam @sunflowersatori @carrotsunshine @skullfacedlady @jintaka-hane @thenotsofantasticlifestory

[lucety]

So...I just watched R7.

First of all that song is absolute fire, though sometimes I was so invested in the visuals that I stopped moving to the music. But seriously why do the songs with Luka go so hard, ruler of my heart was also a song that I listened to all the time when I first heard it.

Anyways how dare they shoot Till right as he reaches for Mizi, that poor girl is already traumatised enough, that was just brutal. And Hyuna is just bleeding out I guess, she seriously doesn't look good. But also what did she download.

Honestly not sure what to say, I loved it but also how are Mizi and Hyuna gonna get off the stage unharmed? I'm scared of what is to come and even if the theories are true this time and Till somehow survives, how the f are they gonna get out of there this time. Maybe Isaac and Dewey will come in clutch.

Also Luka really has a thing for imitating people, maybe he should think about a career change and leave the poor doomed yuri and yaoi alone. He would do really great as an actor just saying. At least it allowed me to see some more Ivan visuals. Miss that stupid boy already.

Well rant over, I'm gonna go listen to that song on repeat now.

[chweverni]

Hiii would like to request a fic from your promt list with the combination 544 (leehan+bestfriends to lovers+“I knew it would be you from the start“)

Don’t stress to do it,thank you pookie!!<333

LOVE YOU LIKE A FOOL

pairing; leehan x fem! reader synopsis; first breakups are hard, but do you know what's harder? admitting that maybe it was always him after all. wc; 1k+ warnings; domestic leehan, break ups (angst involved), fluff at the end, comfort fic :) lmk if i missed sth author's note; hello! thank you for requesting <3 i hope this was satisfactory:) i like writing for leehan js because hes just a book boyfriend HAHA

- its your first break up. and yes, maybe two months have passed since it happened. but firsts are always the ones that hurt the most, because you feel the emotion for the first time, and its almost stranger-like, amplified to make you feel worse, as if you're the problem.

you're currently stuck in your bedroom, music blasting from the speaker on your bedside table, as guilt took over you. why'd i even bring it up again? you wanted to cry but you knew you shouldn't. because the guy you dated, was a jerk.

"she's like a backup plan, if yijin doesn't work out, it's definitely gonna be y/n. she's simple to persuade, and you know what they say about first loves .."

"he's a jerk. and you're okay. you're hot, you're sexy! you got this y/n! don't cry!", you repeated like a mantra, mostly because you hated how bad it felt afterwards. the way your eyelids would get all sticky, and the way your face would puff up, you hated all of it. you hated him.

at times like these, you'd look up at only one person, leehan, who made you feel like a princess, every moment you spent with him. but he wasn't yours. you two were best friends since time immemorial and he understood you inside out. he knew your deepest darkest secret; how you got your first period to how you ended up with your first boyfriend. he helped you get over your break up, but those words still pierced you bad sometimes. it felt like a stab to your heart, honestly.

just when you were contemplating on your messed up love life, your phone started ringing.

it was leehan. it was almost like you two were telepathically connected because he always seemed to call you at times when you're feeling the most— be it happy, or sad.

"hey y/n. i called because something didn't feel right, are you okay?", you could hear leehan's concern in the way he talked, and were kind of surprised at his instincts. but you replied, none the less.

"hey hannie, i'm doing great! it's just that i caught a cold, nothing less or more.", you replied, your blocked nose being evidence that you were going through something.

"do you want me to come over? i'll look after, i'm free today..", he asked, and gosh, you could almost see the way his lips would form a pout, giving a look of concern, as he inquired.

how could one say no to such an offer? you agreed in a heartbeat and got up to fresh up and make your home presentable before leehan arrived.

-

"i made you soup, it's gonna help immensely with your throat, y/n-ie.", leehan smiled, as he placed the soup on the table, carefully putting out the bowl and soup spoons. he rubbed his hands with a towel, removing his apron, as he sat down in front of you.

you hummed and smiled in gratitude, as you poured yourself some.

"you know you didn't have to do this, i know how time consuming it can be..", you trailed off, digging right in the soup.

but leehan simply smiled again, his eyes forming the same crescent moons which released a million butterflies in your stomach, even though you didn't know why.

"you're special to me, and friends always look out for each other. it's like an unspoken rule!"

-

in the evening, both of you decided to just watch a film, because a day of leisure, is nothing without movies. however, the movie just had to be about a girl's first love and break up. and you know what it did? it brought your big girl emotions, and in less than an hour into the movie, your eyes welled up with tears. when people say they resonate with characters in particular films, maybe this is what they meant.

leehan was petrified, because, you began crying out of the blue. the same time as the female lead. but he wasn't dumb, so he instantly wrapped his arms around your shoulders, pulling you close.

"he didn't deserve you. you know that right?"

"or maybe i just wasn't enough.", you said, your voice laced with blatant guilt.

leehan sighed, his look softening, as he turned your body towards him. he couldn't hold it in anymore. the thing about leehan was that, he was patient about everything—even his liking for you. when you got with your boyfriend last summer, he hurt a lot. but as long as you were happy, he was okay with it. but after what he did to you, he regretted not telling you sooner; how much he wanted to be the one to take you out on dates, tell you how much you meant to him, how much he loved you.

"everything about you is perfect, he just didn't understand that. you can ask me about you, and i could list endless reasons for which i love you."

all that escaped his lips felt like a storm to you. but the storm felt comforting for some reason. you were confused, but why did it make your stomach feel fuzzy again?

you stared at him, like he broke you with what he said.

"do you really mean it?"

"i mean every word of it, y/n. it hurt like a bitch when you got together with him, when he didn't treat you right."

"i love you like a fool. i've been waiting for so long to tell you this, i was patient, but seeing you cry like this, hurts me."

due to your lack of response, leehan turned his head aside, preparing to leave, but you pulled him closer, faces inches apart, as you said,

"i knew it would be you from the start. i love you too, hannie."

you closed the gap, as he returned the kiss in a heartbeat. you could feel the weight from your shoulders escape, as he cupped your cheek, to deepen the kiss.

he whispered sweet nothings in the meantime, caressing your cheeks, as you ran your fingers through his hair.

maybe those butterflies were signs that he would be the one.

-

(bonus)

"when you said you had endless reasons for liking me; is it enough to write a book?"

you asked, fiddling with his fingers, as both of you cuddled up on the bed, with leehan wrapping his arms round your waist.

leehan chuckled, replying, "do you want me to, love?"

"i'd rather listen to you talk, i never liked reading novels anyway."

you said, placing a soft kiss on his fingers.

-

end! thanks for reading, visit my profile or access my masterlist here!

all creds to chweverni only on tumblr <3

[acidic-eye]

Now that the Ithaca saga is out, here are some of my fave things from the musical:

In no order, just as I thought of them.

1. Different beast: “we are the ones who feast now.”

I think you mean feasted ON. Cause guess what songs next? Oh look! Scylla! Who feasts on them!

(I love it sm I laugh everytime they say that line.)

2. What? Saga.

All the “HUH? WHAT? WHO? WHERE??” From ody always is so funny, especially those compilations on tiktok for it lol.

3.ody being this really smart man but so fucking dumb at the same time (ties to the last one)

No longer you is SO GOOS. And I love hearing his confusion while (I forgot his name but the guy who sings mainly in that song) like this poor man is just trying to explain it over and over and ody is NOT CATCHING THE HINT.

4. eurylochus singing like a girl.

Just- the concept that he is mimicking circie in that part brings me so much joy holy. Just the

“A woman.” “What??” “She had us in just two words… (activate girl voice) COME INSIDE—“

5. Scylla.

No other words, just Scylla. Best song untill the newest saga but still top three.

6. Circie.

Again. Litterally all her songs are INCREDIBLE. I remember watching gigis concept animatic for the like leaked bits and LOVING IT SO MUCH. Like gigis design is SO GOOD FOR EVERYONE BUT IT ESPECIALLY EATS WITH HER.

7. JUST A MAN MOTIF.

I don’t have to say anything. Just— it’s so good.

Infact all the motifs are TOP TIER.

8. I saw someone point out once that as Athena got to know ody more that she started not just doing straight notes and riffing and stuff. Like-

DAMN THATS SO COOL.

9. All the animatics. Like DAMN YOU GUYS ARE QUICK SND SO TALENTED!!!

10. Jorge himself, everything he has done for the fans, being the incredible man he is and incredible writer and singer. He is just such an incredible person, such a talented artist in general. He genuinely deserves all the fame he has and SO MUCH MORE. Ik that all the time I recomend this musical to everyone and their mothers. Genuinely I think I’ve gotten atleast four people into the musical.

11. Time paused. Athena’s time ability is SO COOL. Honestly Athena’s songs have always been some of my faves, my goodbye and warrior of the mind were ones I listened to on repeat when they first came out, and I still do! I love little wolf SO MUCH. Like seeing her so much in the wisdom saga after being missing was so incredible. Genuinely one of my fave characters.

12. How well emotions are convayed. I mean it’s insane how well the actors portray each emotion from the characters, such as telemecus in Odysseus, or in little wolf etc. it’s SO cool.

13. Open arms.

The motif of polities is INCREDIBLE. The poor vas character died so early yet was NEVER given a break. I think I saw he’s in so many of the songs like damm.

Especially in Odysseus with that one suitor saying “open arms”

Anyway more later. Love you guys.

[itchytitss]

Gingerbread and Champagne🥂🎄

Jill Valentine x Reader

A short, low effort fic for today. Not super proud of this one but I thought the concept was cute so I’m posting it anyway to build my confidence. Sorry if there’s some mistakes or if shit doesn’t make sense, I’m super tired but I wanted to post this on time

Summary: During RPD’s annual Christmas party, you slip outside to get some air. Your coworker Jill follows to check up on you

CW: Fluff, mentions of alcohol, confessions, a smidge of spice, introvert reader, negative self talk

—

It’s Christmas Eve and the RPD is throwing its annual Christmas party. You didn’t really want to go this evening but you’d been told there would be free alcohol, cake and shitty karaoke.

You don’t really connect with many of the folks at work. Most of the guys are honestly kind of assholes and there aren’t many ladies in the department to talk to either. Most of them either staying home or doing nothing to include you whatsoever. So you prepare yourself for a night of people watching and drinking by yourself. Maybe you’ll get a round of karaoke in if you’re brave enough.

At least Jill is going. The other day she practically begged you to come along, promising it would be worth your time, that she’d stick with you and keep you company. You hesitantly agreed and now whenever you pass her in the halls, she won’t stop talking about how she can’t wait to see you there.

Truth be told, you probably wouldn’t have agreed to go if she wasn’t going.

“At least Jill is going to be there.” You repeat to yourself as you get dressed.

“I’ll just stay with her.” You huff as you put on some old earrings shaped like candy canes.

Maybe she’ll let you leave early. Maybe you can convince her that you’ve come down with a sudden cold. You’d much rather stay in and watch a Christmas movie by yourself. That’s what you’ve done the past few years anyway. It’s not that you want to spend Christmas alone, it’s just hard living so far away from home and spending the holidays without a partner.

It’s been an hour and a half since you’ve gotten here and all your predictions had been right. It’s too loud, nobody is talking to you and karaoke isn’t even the fun kind of bad. It’s just… bad bad.

All of the Christmas lights, music and shitty singing start to give you a headache, so you grab your coat and slip outside to the courtyard.

You walk down the steps of the building to a bench under a nearby tree. Your boots crunch on the icy bricks.

It’s so much nicer outside. The moon is peeking through the clouds as it snows slightly. It’s quiet, although you can hear the muffled chatter and music from the party inside as you wipe some snow off a bench and sit down.

You tuck your hands in your pockets and look up into the sky. Your breath fogs up the air in front of your face, your nose waters slightly in the cold and your cheeks tingle from the frosty air. You should’ve brought a thicker coat, or a scarf at least.

“Maybe I should go home.” You mumble to yourself as you kick the snow around your boot. It’s not like anyone would miss you. You doubt anyone even noticed you leave. Jill didn’t even stick with you like she said she would. She’s too busy mingling with everyone else at the party to spend time with you anyway.

Just as you start to think about heading home, you hear footsteps in the snow from behind you.

“Hey.” A familiar voice calls. “What’cha doing out here by yourself? I couldn’t find you anywhere.”

You turn around to see Jill walking towards you. She smiles, though her eyes show hints of concern.

“Oh hey,” You force a smile as you tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. “Just… wanted some air.”

Jill sighs as she walks up to your bench. “Not having a good time?” She asks as she sits down next to you.

“Uh, yeah. Something like that.” You look down, noticing the way her thigh presses up against your own. You can feel the warmth of her body deep through your clothes and into your very soul. You find yourself wanting to lean into her warmth, to savour the feeling as if she were to disappear at any moment.

“Why are you out here?” You turn to her, finding her already looking into your eyes.

“Couldn’t find you.” She shrugs.

Jill is silent for a minute as she looks up to the snow falling from the sky. “You’re kinda the only reason I came tonight anyway.”

That takes you off guard. “Really?” You scoff. “And not to mingle with all your friends in there?” You laugh, waving your hand to the building behind you.

“Nope.” She says, popping the p and looking back at the station. “Chris is just arm wrestling everyone like he does every year and I’d rather hang out with you anyway.”

“Why? I’m not that special.” You laugh awkwardly. “No one even noticed me leave.” You look down to your lap, embarrassed for yourself.

“Well, I did.” Jill nudges you with her elbow. You feel your face heat up as you look to her. Her relaxed eyes and lazy smirk cause your heart to skip a beat. You can’t help but turn away to shield your flustered expression.

You sit in silence together for a few minutes, simply existing in each other’s presence.

“Oh hey, I got you something!” Jill finally pipes up, breaking the silence. She rummages through her coat pockets and pulls out a small jewellery box.

“Oh, Jill. No, you didn’t have to-“

“Shh. Just take it.” She forces it into your hands. “You do so much for me and everyone at the station, I thought you deserved it.” She smiles, waiting for you to open it.

You stare at her in disbelief. Jill blinks at you slowly, with calm, half lidded eyes. God, she looks so beautiful right now. You huff a laugh and look down to open the box.

Inside is a beautiful necklace with a delicate chain and a small pendant that holds a little gem. It glistens under the moonlight as you pick it up and turn it, inspecting it.

“Oh, Jill, this is gorgeous. That’s my birth stone.” You giggle, pointing at the little gem.

“Is it? I had no idea.” Jill lies.

You stare at it for a minute, becoming lost in the way it shines. Such a small thing, but oh so beautiful.

“Here, let me put it on you.” Jill says softly, gently taking the necklace from your hands.

You watch as she leans in, hooking the small chain around your neck with great care as her warm hands brush against your skin. You suppress a shiver at the sensation, exhaling and forming a cloud with your breath.

You look down to see Jill’s hands hovering over your chest.

“There.”

You look up to see her staring into your eyes. She’s so close as she’s not yet pulled away from you. Your eyes flicker back and forth between hers, watching the way the moonlight reflects off her irises.

You can see the way she scans your face, her eyes lingering on your lips for just a second too long.

“You look so beautiful.” She breathes, not even sparing a glance at the necklace.

You blink, huffing out a small breathy laugh as her warm hand snakes up to your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear.

“God, you don’t even know what you do to me.” She murmurs, cupping your cheek.

“Jill…”

“Fuck, can I…” She breathes, unable to finish her words as her thumb strokes your lips. You can see the anxiety and anticipation on her face.

“Please.” The word leave your lips in an eager whisper.

Jill scans your face for a second longer, searching for any signs of uncertainty. When she finds none, she closes her eyes and presses her lips against your own.

Your eyes flutter closes as your body melts into the kiss. Your right hand cups her cheek while your left rests on her shoulder.

Jill giggles into your mouth, you can feel her smile against your lips.

“W-what?” You panic. Fuck, did you do something wrong?

“Nothing! It’s just, you taste like gingerbread.” She laughs, her nose scrunched up as she smiles.

“You taste like champagne.” You murmur, kissing back into her mouth as your body curls into hers.

She’s so soft. She kisses you slowly, gently as her hand snakes its way into the opening of your coat and holds your waist.

A soft moan involuntarily leaves your lips when she pulls you closer. The kiss quickly deepens as Jill’s tongue swipes and parts your lips, licking into your mouth. She swallows your whines as her hand slowly travels up, resting just below your breast. She pulls back, panting softly for air.

“You- you said you wanted to go home right?”

“Yeah?” You breathe out, staring into her eyes as she rests her forehead on yours.

“Let’s go back to mine.” She places small, quick kisses down your cheek and neck. “You’ll have my full attention.” She rubs her nose against your jaw, letting her hot breath fan over your racing pulse point.

“I’d really, really like that.” You giggle.

Jill laughs breathlessly as she pulls you into another kiss. You feel her smile against your lips, you can’t help but laugh back as you just feel her toothy grin.

——

(Happy holidays everyone! I’m sorry if I got details about the snow wrong. It’s Christmas Day in Australia and it’s fucking HOT. I’m sitting in bed under a fan on full blast wishing I could be in the snow rn. Again, not super proud of this one so sorry it’s a bit mid, but I wanted to post something for Christmas so this is what you get)

[dr-spectre]

Talking about Side Order and... Marina. (SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!)

You know, i really enjoyed Side Order, like it wasn't perfect or anything but i had such a blast with it and if they continue to expand on it we could have something REALLY amazing. My reaction to the GOD DAMN TUTORIAL BOSS GOT ME HYPERVENTILATING! IM NOT JOKING! IT WAS SO EXCITING AND SHOCKING!!! THE FINAL BOSS WAS INCREDIBLE TOO! I was singing along to Spectrum Obligato and WHEN THEY BROUGHT IN THE STUFF FROM THE LIVE CONCERT VERSION OF EBB AND FLOW MY JAW DROPPED!!!

However i gotta admit, the story could have been better, what was the deal with the Octoling engineers Marina was talking about? That goes completely nowhere and i thought it was gonna build to something with the repeat playthroughs of the final boss.

And of course, the biggest missed opportunity in my opinion, Marina Agitando.

Now look, i wanna say right off the bat, the design is excellent, it was so smart to bring back her Order outfit and make her into a giant abomination that moves in such a weird way that makes you feel uncomfortable. When i saw her for the very first time when you enter the room, i stood there for at least a solid minute in complete disbelief and shock seeing a giant Marina in some octopus tentacle heart thingy that beats and pumps with the music. The song that plays too "Unconscience" is such a BANGER and honestly it rivals Octo Callie's Bomb Rush Blush remix in my opinion.

The build up for this was pretty good too, seeing Marina say "help me" before she was knocked unconscious and then possessed by Overlorder BROKE ME! I was like "OH NO! ITS HAPPENING AGAIN! NOT MARINA!!" The build up to the 10th floor was so anxiety inducing because you know in the back of your mind that Marina is gonna fight you but you don't know what it's gonna look like, if you were there since Splatoon 2 and have watched Pearl and Marina since the beginning then this build up is even more anxiety inducing and its pretty damn good. And once you free Marina she feels so sorry about what happened and helps you out to put things right, heck she goes through a small character arc of embracing chaos.... but... i have to say...

It is unfortunately not executed that well or with any depth in my opinion because they repeated the whole thing of "oh no a character we know is evil because of (quote on quote) mind control!!!! oh noooo!!" Which is a tired trope in this series that needs to stop or else I'm gonna get REALLYYYYYY pissed off.

I've done enough ranting about Callie's villain arc and how that has been misinterpreted and stuff, but for Marina, i really wish they didn't do the whole "oh no a character is evil because of an evil character oh nooo!! we gotta save them!!" thing again and i wish Marina was more of a villain with a sad motivation for her actions. As much as its cute to see Pearl and Marina act all flirty with each other in Side Order, it kinda ruins the mysterious and dark tone of the story that was teased from the trailers and the tutorial in my opinion. Everything is also explained so quickly early on which really sucks. I really wish Marina was actually conscious throughout her time as Marina Agitando and most of it should have been her fault. She does blame herself for creating Overlorder but it's kinda brushed aside quickly and Marina ends up being totally fine and free of guilt. There isn't enough depth to it which is so lame and a missed opportunity.

Marina is flawed, she makes mistakes and acts emotional and angry sometimes. We have seen a side of Marina where she snaps at Pearl when she loses Splatfests and has shown signs that she still hasn't recovered from her time before she met Pearl.

She picked team Order because she was genuinely scared that her new life would fall apart and she doesn't wanna lose the people (especially Pearl) that she's met and grown to love. Marina is also heavily theorized to be on the autism spectrum and as someone who is autistic, i can see myself in Marina, they could have really explored Marina's psyche and mental health in Side Order but they just... didn't. Instead she's put to sleep and controlled by her ai child and all of the focus is put on stopping it like a traditional "oh no we gotta stop an evil ai!! oh noo!!" story... ugh... I mean Smollusk is cute i guess but there's not a ton to them and they come off as yet another "evil ai that wants order and control!! roarrr!!!"

From reading the most recent interview on Side Order and seeing the concept art, they said that they wanted to tell a story about Marina losing herself to a machine that she created. Could you imagine how tragic it would have been to learn more about Marina and how she's so wrapped up in anxiety that she decides to make this replica of Inkopolis Square and make the Memverse? Maybe at first she makes it to help Sanitized Octolings just like in the dlc, but then maybe due to overwork and burnout (which Pearl mentions in the tutorial by the way), her emotions and anxiety become so strong that she becomes consumed by it, this obsession of order and trying to achieve happiness takes over her and then she gets the idea to spread this order to the real world, where her friends can be "happy" and "safe." Maybe Overlorder is still there but they just whisper to Marina, manipulate and point her in the right direction to continue to her mission of order instead of just fucking knocking her out and using her as a meat puppet for 5 minutes.

Could you imagine how much better the build up would have been to not see Marina until you get to the 30th floor for the first time and you got to unlock her diary entries beforehand? Seeing her thought process and her slow descent into becoming an antagonist. I'm not sure how they would have changed the permanent upgrades but they could have thought of something man. I get that they wanted to subvert expectations but, i think they should have gone WAY further with Marina Agitando.

I was waiting for Pearl and Marina to have their "Tidal Rush" moment where it's this emotional battle between the two, could you imagine how DEVISTATING a remix of Ebb and Flow would have been if it had gotten that "Tidal Rush" type of remix? Pearl singing her parts in this chaotic and emotional way, on the brink of tears trying to get Marina back and calm her down, and Marina trying to fight back against her words, not wanting to believe her because she's so wrapped up trying to make them both happy in her way. She's so caught up in order that she has forgotten what Pearl wants, that Pearl wants to be with her and go against any obstacle that stands in their way together. God i would have cried seeing that I'm not gonna lie. Maybe once Marina starts to think rationally, she breaks free from the machine and then leaps into Pearl's arms, and then we have to go back up the 30 floors to fight Overlorder and we slowly see Marina learn to embrace chaos throughout the floors instead of it just being at the final boss.

I really do feel like Splatoon has this issue of trying to appeal way too hard to kids and being really scared to dive into the flaws of these characters. They are so avoidant of being more serious and they hide it away in optional collectables and obscure posts on social media that creates misinformation and stories that feel way too undeveloped. They just say "oh this character has been brainwashed!!" which is such a lazy and bullshit trope they slap on these characters to avoid getting into their flaws for some stupid reason. (Hell that word has lost all meaning to me now to be honest. Like no, Callie wasn't "brainwashed" per say, hypnosis is not brainwashing or mind control I've said that a trillion times in other blog posts but whatever. Agent 3 was knocked out and had no clue on what was happening. They weren't "brainwashed" they were used as a puppet from a fucking goopy telephone for five minutes while they were asleep. Maybe its poor translation i don't know.)

I know that Splatoon is made for all ages and primarily for children but, i find that to be a stupid excuse for bad storytelling, a good story with depth that's explored and set up properly can be applied to all kinds of age groups not just adults. And the adults that say that shit too, why do you think like that? Why do you wish to dismiss that sort of thing in media? So what if it's made for kids? Adults write these stories and plant themes and arcs into them. Why do you think people cried over the Rosalina storybook in Mario Galaxy and think its the best part of that game? You don't want that kind of stuff in games because "they are made for kids"? Why do you think there are so many adults in the Splatoon community hmm?

I am so worried for Deep Cut in the next game because i really don't want this to happen again, i want an actual proper villain arc for either Frye or Shiver. No hypnosis, no brainwashing, no mind control. Just a pure fucking villain arc caused by the flaws of the characters and without the involvement of a third party. Please, i wanna see growth in these characters that is explored way more clearly and better. Or maybe don't do a villain arc again and just have Deep Cut be fully happy with each other and develop their relationship more with lore and backstory. PLEASE!

Anyways ramble over, thank you for reading!

[1toreyouapart]

What It Cost

****THIS IS A FICTIONAL STORY BASED ON REAL PEOPLE. 18+ ONLY. I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE OR MUSIC MENTIONED IN THIS STORY OUTSIDE OF LILITH AND SADIE AND MAYBE A COUPLE OTHERS. DO NOT READ IF YOU’RE NOT UP FOR FANFIC INVOLVING REAL PEOPLE***

Terrible summary: Five years since she last spoke to him. Since she last saw him. Now his face and his voice is everywhere. She can't escape him.

Five years ago Noah destroyed her and the life they had built. Now he’s back and seeking to make amends. As much as she wants to say that it's too little too late, is it?

CW/TW: Angst, mention of addiction, cheating. Mention of character death. Language. Smut (later on). PinV, unprotected PinV (wrap it before you tap it, friends), oral (f&m receiving). All smutty warnings happen later on, so I’ll update TW/CW warning labels as those parts are written and posted. If I forget anything, please let me know so I can fix it! Thank you!

Part 5 - Noah

Noah laid there in his bed, the only light coming from the screen of his phone. The only sound in the room the old videos he kept watching. It was all that kept him going when sobriety got to be a little too difficult. And right now, it was hard as fuck. Until the other night nobody outside of his therapist had known just how much he despised himself for the shit he had put Lilith through in the end. And now he had gone and blurted it out like a fucking idiot. Such a fucking idiot. So, rather than relapse he was going to watch these old videos as many times as it took until the anxiety passed.

Listening to her laughter, seeing the way her eyes crinkled just a bit at the corners when she smiled, in and of itself was its own form of mental torture, but God, did it help keep the urge to drink away. A reminder of what life was like before the one or two drinks every so often turned into three or four most nights of the week. Then getting blackout drunk most nights of the week. Soon it was steady drinking from the moment he woke up until he passed out later that night. Rinse and repeat.

"Noah, I swear to all that is unholy. If you don't stop recording me right now I'm cutting your hair in your sleep!"

Noah chuckled to himself as Lilly in the video stopped doing her hair to run from him, laughing uncontrollably at his feeble attempt to stop her without dropping his phone. He had been obsessed with recording every moment with her when he wasn't on tour. Some excuse of watching them when he missed her, which he did do, but honestly it was because he just couldn't get enough of her. Even when they bickered he hated not being near her, always finding a reason just be around her while she tried to ignore his presence. Which she inevitably failed at, every time. Because as much as she refused to admit it at first, she needed to be near him just as much as he did her. Once upon a time, anyway.

Heaving a weary sigh he scrolled to the next video, immediately being greeted by her and Danny dressing up a skeleton Halloween decoration. Noah outright laughed as he watched the two of them dressing the skeleton up, neither understanding the directions the other was giving. It was their first Halloween in this house, and Lilly had insisted on going all out for the kids in the neighborhood. She'd had the bright idea of dressing skeletons up as Bring Me The Horizon members to put in the yard as a skeleton band.

Just then Matt walked in, flipping the light on, blinding him.

"Jesus Christ, Matt!" He yelled, covering his eyes. "The fuck do you want?"

"You've been hiding in here too long. Get your ass up and meet me downstairs in five."

"Fuck off."

"See you in five."

Matt left, leaving the door wide open. Fucking asshole. He loved Matt, he did, but he was a fucking asshole sometimes. Couldn't he just be left to rot in fucking peace?

"Fucking asshole," he grumbled, rolling out of bed. If he didn't get down there Matt would be back, likely with a bucket of water to dump on him or something stupid like that.

Noah caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror as he walked past it, and outwardly cringed. He looked like shit. Hair stuck up in every which way, four days worth of stubble on his face. Well, what little bit he could grow, anyway. He reached for the hoodie he'd flung on the back of his chair, pulling it over his head as he stomped out his bedroom door and to the stairs. This better be good.

***

"If you really want to make amends, hiding after having a panic attack in her kitchen isn't the way to do it."

Matt's words swam around in his head, circling over and over again. He was still an asshole, but he meant well. Of course, he was right. But how would he even go about making amends? Would she even be open to allowing him to? The way she had looked at him that night, he wasn't so sure. However, she had done everything she could in that moment to help him. Shit, it had worked better than anything anyone else did after he got home.

Carefully he leaned forward, inspecting his now shaven face. Couldn't miss any spots or it would drive him nuts. He had always been that way, but since getting sober he was more meticulous about it. Everything had to be just so or he couldn't function properly until it was fixed. Satisfied he had gotten everything he stood back up, pulling a plain white shirt over his head.

First order of business was to get cleaned up. Second was to at least attempt to get a hold of her. If she didn't answer he would just show up. Well, maybe not unannounced. That hadn't exactly gone well last time. A repeat sounded like an absolutely terrible idea if he was honest. One panic attack she might forgive, but a second one? Hardly. He was surprised she even answered her phone the last time.

Speaking of, he picked his phone up off the counter, freezing over her name. Was this a call or text situation? Maybe he should have asked one of the guys first. Jolly would probably be the one to know. He knew her best these days. Unfortunately, Jolly was out with Sadie.

Fuck it. He would text her, and if she didn't get back to him after a while then he would call. For all he knew she was at work, anyway. Heart pounding in his chest he hit the button to text her, freezing at the last message he had received from her. The night he had fucked everything up beyond repair.

"Where are you? Noah, you're worrying me."

Tags: @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard

[yoonyeon0]

Hi, I haven't read about Meguro Masaki for a long time.... I'm just begging... Can you write something about him? (I read about Hayami Masaki, I really liked how you wrote, could you write the same thing to the killer cutie Meguro?)

Please... I missed him 🥺

Meguro comin’ right up!

Meguro Masaki General Hcs

let’s go!!

Meguro likes the heat, only because he’s incredibly sensitive to cold. You won’t catch him outside in winter without three coats, two hoodies, and one sweater.

・・・・☆

Meguro loves seeing things die. It’s not even because he’s insane, (but he kinda is) he just finds dead things so beautiful because the way they die are always so different in so many ways, which is weird but it’s okay because it’s Meguro!

・・・・☆

Meguro hates standing on two legs. You’ll never why, he just doesn’t like it.

・・・・☆

Meguro can’t stand phones. He hates how they vibrates and how they look too. It’s not that he’s a caveman but he rather watch television to be informed about things in the world. 😣

・・・・☆

Meguro has a fast metabolism. Even though he doesn’t eat much in front of you, when he’s out of sight he’ll be in the kitchen devouring the fridge. 🤭

・・・・☆

Meguro likes rain. It’s very calming and makes him fall asleep quickly so he probably listens to rain sounds when he’s tired.

・・・・☆

Meguro hates the fact he got cloned but he also loves it. He enjoys the fact that he might have someone that he kill that is basically him but he doesn’t like that there’s another version of him. It annoys him but if he beat up the dumb clone it’s okay!

・・・・☆

Who does Meguro listen to…?

・・・・☆

Well the answer is a tricky one. I partially think that Meguro doesn’t listen to music but let’s say that if he did, it’d be honestly terrible. I’m talking about Yuno Miles or something. He doesn’t even have merch and doesn’t go to concerts; he just listens on repeat 😞

・・・・☆

Just know that Meguros music taste is absolutely trash.

That’s all for Meguro!

never wrote for Meguro b4, let me know if I did good annonie!

𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙤𝙣! 𝘿𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙡, 𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙮 𝙤𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠.

[cobrakaisb]

meet me in the pouring rain

summary: mark's working over time to make things up to you, because when sparks fly, they fly. (part two of life in a glass house)

word count: 886

all he could hear were your words, “i asked you not to waste my time mark,” repeating in his head like a mantra. he couldn’t go one second without hearing them. lifting weights with the team, he was thinking about you; eating at the dining hall, his thoughts were centered around you. 

it was a slap to the face, honestly. he worked so hard to gain your trust, establish a friendship with you, and then blew it in the span of one night. he blew it and he hadn’t even known it. until days later, and it was affecting everything. 

his game was off. he was spending more time than usual in the penalty box, and that’s saying something since he’s already in there an excessive amount of time. his social life was also taking a hit. suddenly, he didn’t even want to think about partying, drinking, or seeing any girls. all he wanted was you. 

he missed your study sessions, your ranting about books, ones he’s never even heard of, and your sarcastic remarks. he missed seeing your encouraging smile when he started to understand the material from english class. he missed sitting side by side on his bed, legs barely touching, as you ripped apart his latest composition. he missed watching you chew on the cap of the red, ballpoint, bic pen as you made small corrections to his revised essays. but most importantly, he missed you. 

after this revelation, mark made it his personal mission to talk to you again. he tried catching you after class, but you were either ignoring him or didn’t hear him. he wanted to believe it was the latter, but he knew there was a higher probability that the former was true. 

then, he tried finding you after your weekly book club meetings. he knew it met on thursdays, because you very adamant about keeping thursdays free, and he knew meetings occurred in a room in the student union. he just, for the life of him, could not find out which room. so that idea went down the drain. 

a week later, he saw you in the stands at yost arena. you were sitting with some friends, your group barely paying any attention to the ice or the people on it. but his eyes found you, and they kept coming back to you. “dude, get your head in the game,” ethan said, speeding by him. all he could think about was how you’d comment on the high school musical reference. 

thankfully, they won that game, and mark was sure that you’d stick around. he was so sure, that he rushed to shower and change back into his suit. imagine his surprise when he walks out of the locker room and can’t find you. he’d lost you again.

the next day, on his run, mark stopped in front of your dorm building. ever since you stopped talking to him, he changed his route, praying for a chance to run into you. it seemed that luck was on his side because you were fumbling around for your id to unlock the door when he slowed to a stop in front of your dorm room. 

“mark? you’re soaked, what are you doing?” you asked, looking at him for the first time in weeks. and that’s all that mattered at the moment, the fact that your eyes were meeting his. and was it raining? it was raining, he realized as he felt the cold water deep into his bones. 

“i ran to clear my head, and i somehow ended up here,” he answered. mark wanted you to respond, but you didn’t say anything. instead, you just stared at him. “look, y/n, the letter thing wasn’t my fault. i had no idea you even wrote me a letter until after you stopped talking to me. i was complaining about it to the guys, and they told me what happened. i really had no idea,” he explained.

“why didn’t you tell me any of this sooner?” you asked, arms crossed as the rain soaked your hair and all other aspects of your outfit. 

“i tried, but you were kind of ignoring me,” mark answered. “is that it?” you replied, after a couple beats of silence. 

“yeah, my pride is telling me that’s it. my pride just wants me to walk away and pretend like nine of this ever happened, but my heart says just forget about your pride, you idiot. you love this girl. and even if you’re gonna catch pneumonia, your ass is gonna stand out here in the rain, until you can convince her to forgive you.” 

“and why should i? forgive you?” she finally asked, giving him a curious look. “because i love you. and you look really hot standing out here in the rain, so i have to kiss you,” mark answered, with zero hesitation. at that moment, y/n smiled, a small one, but it was a smile, nonetheless. 

“oh you have to?” she asked, in that smartass tone that would usually have mark going mental, but with her it was fine. “i have to,” he agreed as her arms wrapped around the back of his neck, one hand digging into his hair. “then you better kiss me you stupid idiot,” she mumbled right as their lips collided.

[lumi-ly]

Honestly, I miss when Honeyworks story actually moved on.

Lately I feel like Honeyworks MVs are stuck in a loop and often go back in time with their lyrics. Like come on, look at these songs and tell me what they tell us (nothing, nothing happens)

Mona is just repeating herself and the others feel kinda boring for me

And yeah we have Last Stage, which I absolutely LOVE

But also, Hiyori and them have been stuck in their first year for 6 years 😭 When are they going to grow up?

It's not like I desperately want them to rush thing but

When I look back to the old MVs, they felt like they were telling a story (they also had manga panels ejem). I loved the songs back then bc I felt like I was watching an anime through music.

And yeah we got Hina and Koutarou's wedding after a proper time I guess...?

But at the same time, Midori and Sena are still too young,

and Shibaken and Arisa are in their second year??? How does the timeline work??

I don't want them to go as fast as the first generation. I love slow burn.

But it also feels like they release a song or 2 where a lot happens and relationships develop (of many characters), and then they release 10 filler songs and kinda drop the development.

Idk, this is a venting post but I'd like to read others opinions about it. I want to see Shibaken's group graduate!!!! And Mona???? Idk anymore...

[weskeyboy]

CONNOR X READER (nsfw)

This fanfic includes: AFAB (but I forgot that miss was for women so..pretend it doesn't say that?) Slight size kink mention, light choking

You have lived with your android for about 6 months now, ever since Connor retired from working with the police and also the cause of Markus making androids and humans live side by side, he now lives with you, handed to you by Hank. He gives the occasional visit when hes off work.

Connor is helpful however, hes like your butler in a way, always keeping calm and things clean, you hardly have to worry anymore unless its with your work, you decided to take his feild of work over, Hank was your relative afterall.

"What are you working on now miss?" Connor peered over your shoulder to see you ar your desk, buried away in tons of paperwork. You look up at him, blinking slowly as you sigh.

"You know you don't have to call me miss, you know what to call me by." You stated firm. "My apologies, my program is used to doing so due to my old job." Connor spoke all monotone.

"Im gonna need to take a break from this, Connor, check if any of my friends are free." You stood up, feeling blood rush to your brain, just the strech alone made you feel more energized for the day.

"Now checking..."

...

...

...

...

"I have found tbat your friend North is free, shall i notify her? Where would you like to go?" Connor stood woth his hands behind his back, having the usual puppy-eye look to his eyes as he stared. "You walked to your couch, a black leather bought due to the amount of spills you had made, Connor had cleaned up most of the time...you'd feel bad if he cleaned up *everything*..which is why you decided to get one so messes wouldn't be as difficult.

Connor had seemed to leave for soemthing, the light taps of his feet hitting the steps as he adventured, you looked over and watched him come back down from the steps, holdign the keys to your car.

"She has stated she wanted to meet you at the café downtown, do you wish to accept?" He asked, standing by the door all cute like, swaying his body slightly. You stare at him for a moment in thought. "Sure, im guessing right now?" You ask as Connor nods, making you sigh and stand up. "Give me a moment." You state as you rush upstairs to change

-Timeskip-

You and Connor are seated in the car, you weren't the kind to just splurge money on things, you still had the old cars from before they were so advanced.

The sky was dim, gray clouds washing over the what was soft blue sky, the evening light made cars passing by shine slightly.

The atmosphere in the car was very soothing, you sort of zoned out, the radio playing "Upgrade" by Jesse Murph all softly, like it was barley in volume. Your eyes were half lifted, only minimal traffic oddly enough.

"I like this song." Connor stated, looking iver at her with his curious eyes. You glanced at him for a moment and gave a nod. "I do too." You answered back in monotone.

There was silence for a moment.

"I believe that you have something on your mind, naturally, humans listen to music based on how their current emotion is." Connors hands layed in his lap all proper, you sort of stayed quiet.

Before you could even try to form a reply the café came into view, making you let out a sigh of relief, truth is you didn't want to reply to that. So you stepped out with Connor, which you honestly had to take him everywhere. He kept track of your sugar intake, telling you of its too much or too little.

North was sat out at one of the tables outside, leaned back and sipping on a coffee. "Hey! I already ordered something. I know androids dont need it but my human claimed it was good." She said dully. You simply smile and sit down across from her.

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

Time had passed, it was the usual little conversation, nothing too far, you were just absent-mindedly listening until you heard your name be repeated, making you look up at her. "What?" You asked, North rolled her eyes. "I *said* my owner said i was good with sex, what..have you seriously not done that before?" She rose a brow.

Connor was sat in-between the two, he seemed to not be payong a single bit attention, he was only there to monitor afterall. The question caught you so off guard, so you stared bla lly for a moment. "What? I mean a lot of humans enjoy it.." she then glanced over at the not paying attention Connor. North looked back at you and smiled, making you frown.

"Im not doing that! Thats my android who helps me clean and keeps track of shit, not some fuck toy." She protested. North then snickered. "Im saying this *AS* an android, most of us were equipped with the knowledge of such things." She smiled, she seemed to be having a good time with it.

"Hey plus..thats gonna help you with..you know..the person." She reffered, making you furrow your brows.

You and your partner had broken up recently, it ended bad, a whole lot of yelling and overall toxicity in the relationship.

"Seriously?"

"Yes seriously."

"What? No."

"But...yes..?"

...

The two stared at eachother, you then sighed.

Look..yeah sure it wpuld help..sex with them was..not the greatest, but still! I think its..wrong." you whispered but North rose a brow. "What? They have human qualities, they have knowledge about it, they'll agree." She reasoned, you stayed silent for a moment. Yet even after a of this, Connor was still in his own little world..besides the yellow LED, but you didn't think anything of it.

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

After a while longer, you stood up and waved, Connor snapped his head over to you and stood up with you, seeing you were ready to go. You waved your goodbyes to North and stepped back in your car.

The car ride home was silent, even more silent then before, it was now a bit more awkward from the conversation you and North had last, just the thoguht of it made you bit the inside of your cheek.

Once the two of you made it inside, you were kicking your shoes off when Connor spoke up. "Miss?" He asked, making you look back. "You seem stressed..is there anything i can do?" He asked, his eyes showing concern..odd.

You shook your head. "Im fine..really i am." You furrowed your brows and instead started to walk upstairs, but he followed you. "Miss, i can sense that your nerves are much higher then normal at the moment." He edged on, making you groan and sut diwn on your bed. "Im fine Connor!" You stated a bit annoyed.

There was silence.

"Y/N...i know what i heard..." he said as he suddenly placed a hand on your shpulder, your wyes widened a bit. "What?" You whispered. "Let me help you. Let me make you feel good again." Connor whispered all caring, he knelt down to be level with you.

You were taken back, you couldve sworn he wasnt paying attention..was he? "Connor i.." you fold your arms over your chest. "I cant do-" "You can, just tell me what you want me to do..you understand what i mean dont you?" He asked as you slowly nod.

His LED went from blue to yellow, making him pause for a moemnt tben go back to blue. He suddenly leaned close, until his lips were beside her ear. "Lay down?" He asked, you sat still for a moment, fully trying to comprehend what he said before you.slowly back up, hesitantly oetring.your.body lay..however you were stiff, very tense overall. Connor took notice and pressed a ahnd against your stomach.

"Do not worry..it is ok to feel these things..even around an android..thats what those clubs are for." He explained as he started to rub his hand all along your stomach, he loomed over you as he moved his hands to your hips, gently massaging you. "You need to relax..i promise it'll be ok." He comforted.

You couldn't deny his artificial hands were comforting, you could feel them start to warm up..was that on perpouse? He pressed his thumbs against your hips, making you let out a soft whine. Connor looked up at you, taking note of how you responded and only snaked his hands uo further, running his hands down your arms, pressing circles and massaging you. "Thats good.." he whispered.

You suddenly had a flashback..the first time you and your ex had sex..it wasnt the best all honestly..you barley got off. You remember laying together after..only for a moemtn before they had to leave, skipping aftercare.

Connor noticed the decrease in behavior and let out a sigh, he suddenly grabbed you by the chin and stared down at you. "Give in to me..please..relax for once and let me take care of you miss please." He whined out, suddenly lifting up your leg to rest on his shoulder.

8

You looked up at him, suddenky suprised at his aggressiveness. Before you could speak Connor forced his lips to touch yours. His lips were soft, which was a plus, he never needed to maintain then either which made it all better.

You softened your gaze and finally gave in, letting your body sink into the soft plush sheets, after a few secinds you pulled away, softly gasping. "Connor..but youre my android...this is gonna be..embarrassing after.." Connor then looked confused. "Oh, i see, well..i can erase my memory of it afterwards if you want too, so that i dont remember. Would you like me to?" He asked as you gave a nod. "Uh..yeah.."

Shaking youre head a bit, you felt a gentle grip on your waist, followed by warm hands scooping your back, proping you up. "Can i tease your entrance? I know its an easy way to make humans..aroused easier." He offered, you nodded, only thing is...once you allowed him to take off what you had underneath, there was already wetness against you, making Connor a bit suprised. "You are..already aroused?" He asked, his blue LED flashing yellow for a moment, then back to blue.

"Do you ever stop talking?" You blurt out, Connors eyes widened for a moment. "Sorry." He stated, then looking down at himself. "I turned up my sensitivity while we were speaking, i...really enjoy your company miss.." he mumbled, making you stop and stare.

You reach up and place a hand on his cheek, stroking it smoothly. "Connor...just do what i need you for.." you whisper back with a grin. Connor hummed and pulled down his attire, his synthetic cock showing itself. "I can adjust size if youd like." He commented, you were a bit dumbfounded..it..can change?"

You shake your head. "No! No its fine..honestly..bigger tben what i ever had.." you admitted. "My..sex life-" "I already know, wasnt very good was it? I can arrange that.." he said as he suddenly spat artificial saliva at your entrance, you shivered and was caught off guard. "Androids are far better at these things.." he then leaned to your ear. "Ill treat you so good...you like being manhandled..dont you?" He asked, making butterflies rumble in your tummy.

Without another word, the android started slow entrance in, makign you jolt and squirm for a moment before he pressed on your chest. "Shh shh..its ok..let me know if it hurts.." he cooed, his eyes all relaxed as he started slow movement, making you suddenly grip his arm, at forat he paused, but seeing you didnt speak up he didnt say anything and continued.

"You deserve to be treated right..treated how you want..you feel..s-so good..my sensors are..overwhelmed." he stated, tilting his head back for a moment before looking back down again. "You feel so..warm.." he rambled, you on the other hand were a bit of a mess, heavy panting already due to the size..yet you didnt try to stop him.

"Mm Connor fuck..i-i cant even-:" you ran out of words, letting the thickness of him smother your walls, suffocating them really. Connor chuckled lowly. "Maybe i wanted that..you know the best part? I can release inside you..you wont get pregnant.." he suddenly pressed a hand against the aide of your neck, feeling of your pulse. "May i..squeeze here?" He asked.

You gulped but nodded, soon a hand pressed against your neck, adding oressure slowly over time, your head felt light, your eyes hitting the ceiling as you had to focus on *something*. "Mm-" you let out, making Connor let go since your cheeks were getting purple. "Apologies...i cant help myself..around you." He admitted, a sigh leaving him as you reached up to wrap your arms around his shoulders.

"Connor fuckin- i cant deny ove thought about this before.." you mutter, making him come down and oress his firehead against yours, both of you staring into eachothers eyes as you oant in sync, he sped uo and you couldve sworn you could see stars.

"I know...i can say the same thing..doesn't it feel good? Finally fucking your own android? I know you feel like its wrong..makes it better doesn't it?" He said as he pushed you into another kiss, feeling of your body with his hands, groaping and squishing your sides. Your entrance ached, clenching around him too desperately.

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

"Connor im-" "Close? Will you..let me cum in you?" He asked with his softness, making you grin, even in this setting he was always so soft and cute. "Cum in me..i wanna feel full.." you groaned, it was mostly pants and grunts coming from the two of you, so when he suddenly released inside you your mind went all fuzzy, groaning loudly as your back arched.

Before any of you spoke. Connor wrapped his arms around you, kissing on your cheek. "Did i satisfy you? May i request aftercare?" He instantly bomed with questions, you held up your finger to silence him, taking a moment to breath.

"Yeah..yeah that would be..nice.." you mutter, he wasted no time with getting uo to provide you with the thinhs you needed, and after he brung the two of you into a cuddle.

Maybe..its not so wrong?

[d1xonss]

Desert Rose

Chapter 4 ~ Black and Blue

✧ Pairing : Daryl Dixon x Rose

✧ Era : Season 1

✧ Word Count : 4.7k

In this chapter ~ After the guys left to head back to the uncharted territory in Atlanta, things back at camp don't exactly go as planned. But even after a day full of sudden surprising turns, the night wasn't any better as a bunch of unexpected guests arrive.

Not long after the guys left to head into the unknown, Carol came in the RV to grab some soap that was stashed away in a few of the cupboards, briefly asking me if I would want to help with some laundry. I almost declined, but then remembered that I did need a handful of my clothes washed, wanting to be the one to do that myself. So, I agreed and met some of the women down by the quarry with a basket full of my stuff.

They were having their own conversation a few feet away from me that I didn't really want to be a part of, though I overheard them briefly talking about life before this and what they missed most about it. And to be quite honest, the more I thought about it, the more I found I didn't really miss anything at all. I didn't have any family or friends really, and the ones I did have, treated me in a way I wouldn't wish upon anyone else. I was practically drowning at work, and I was constantly struggling with money. So yeah, you could say I didn't miss a whole lot.

"Rose? What's something you miss about life before?" Amy suddenly asked me.

I looked up to see all of their eyes on me expectantly, and I just pulled something out of my ass, "Music, I guess. The world just feels so quiet now without it."

Although my answer was bullshit and something to just stay out of the conversation, it was still partly true. I did really love listening to my favorite songs on repeat through my headphones right after a long day, or just something to pass the time while I cleaned or painted. Music made doing things like laundry actually bearable. So, you could only imagine how long this task was taking right about now without it.

"Oh yeah, that's a good one." the younger girl replied, leaving the other women humming and agreeing with me as well as they nodded their heads.

I turned away after that and went back to washing my clothes, subtly hearing them continue on with listing a few things they treasured the most. Jacqui said she missed her coffee maker, Amy said she missed texting, and Andrea said she missed her vibrator. Her response honestly surprised me, causing me to let out a small, surprised short as I ducked my head down and covered my mouth with my arm in attempts to drown out my quiet laughs. But the others heard it regardless, laughing loudly right along with me as they noticed me slightly opening up a bit more.

But then something happened that I didn't quite expect. Carol spoke up next and just meekly agreed, "Me too."

The rest of us couldn't help but burst into laughter again, seeing her sheepish expression as she admitted something like that.

"What's so funny?" came a sudden male voice that instantly sent a chill down my spine. I peered back over my shoulder to coincidentally see it was Carol's husband Ed, and I couldn't help but roll my eyes at how he constantly had to be breathing down his wife's neck.

Andrea was calm as she answered with a shrug, "Oh nothing, just swapping war stories." she said vaguely in hopes to get him off our backs.

But the man didn't move. He just stood there oddly still, watching us with serious eyes with a cigarette in between his chapped lips as we continued to work. I could feel myself growing more impatient and uncomfortable under his gaze, wanting to tell him to back off as if he didn't have anything better to do then stand there. But Andrea seemed to beat me to it; clearly I wasn't the only one growing annoyed.

"Problem Ed?" she asked as she stood up to face him.

"Nothing that concerns you." he snapped.

She nodded to herself, "Ed, tell you what, you don't like the way your laundry is done, you can pitch in and do it yourself! Here." she said as she passed him the shirt she was washing, only for it to come flying back a second later and slap her in the face.

The action caused me to turn around again, trying to get a better look at what was going on, "Ain't my job missy." he muttered bitterly.

"What is your job, Ed? Sitting on your ass smoking cigarettes?" she asked, ignoring the protests of her sister just behind her as Amy tried to get her to stop.

"Sure as hell ain't listening to some uppity smart mouthed bitch, I'll tell you what." he insulted.

I scoffed, shaking my head as I looked back down toward my hands, quickly getting more fed up as I sat there stewing over his words.

"Come on! Let's go." he then demanded towards Carol.

That's what really got my attention. I knew from the beginning when I walked into this camp and met the piece of shit, that he was abusive towards her. I could tell by the dangerous, cold look in his eyes and the slight purple bruising on her forearm that never seemed to go away. It made my blood boil from the very start, but one thing I knew for sure, he wasn't about to hurt her today. 

Carol started to get up to follow her husband wherever he wanted her to go, but Andrea swiftly stepped in again, "I don't think she needs to go anywhere with you." she snapped.

"And I say it's none of your business. Now, come on now." he commanded again, growing even more impatient.

Andrea stepped in between the two of them, trying to stop Carol from going, but all the woman could do was whisper, "Andrea, it doesn't matter." she spoke with a hint of pleading in her tone.

The man quickly noticed the way Andrea wasn't backing down and clearly had enough, "Hey," he started, "Don't think I won't knock you on your ass just cause you're some college educated coos."

The blonde looked taken back at his comment as she scoffed but he continued on, "Come on now." he snapped, "Or you're gonna regret it later."

I slowly started to stand, disregarding the pants that were previously in my hands, watching the interaction get more and more physical. He began reaching around the crowd of women and started to drag Carol out by her arm as much as he could with the others still trying to stop him from taking her anywhere. But I just stood there, waiting. Waiting for him to do something so I had a reason to beat the shit out of him.

He then started screaming inches away from her face as they argued, before slapping Carol across her face, hard enough that it made her cheek start to bleed from the wedding ring on his finger.

At that moment, something inside me seemed to snap.

Without another thought, I rushed over toward the commotion, shoving Ed back before kneeing him in the balls, my fist coming up to sock him across the face. He fell down abruptly on his back trying to recover quickly, but I was quicker. I instantly jumped on top of him and grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, beginning to hit him repeatedly as I watched the bruising began to form on his cheeks. His hands came up to tug harshly at my hips as he desperately clawed to get me off of him, though I barely even flinched at his harsh grip. 

But suddenly I found myself faltering as my senses returned, hearing Carol sobbing from behind me, begging me to stop hurting him. Seeing her tears were enough to cause my chest to ache.

Though Ed quickly took this as his opportunity and punched me across the face in return, harsh enough to send me flying backwards. I landed on my back, feeling my skin getting cut up by the tiny rocks beneath me and my head began to pound. He then surged forward, swinging to clumsily hit me twice across my jaw before I kicked him in the stomach roughly, making him tumble over again with a loud groan. I didn't hesitate to shoot up to my feet once more with the intention on beating him till he couldn't breathe, but someone's hand quickly pulled me back and stopped me from doing so.

I glanced up in time to see Shane pushing me away from the scene, moving toward the man instead to finish what I started. My eyes widened in surprise as he dragged him further away by his shirt, throwing in his own hits as his anger was boiling just as much as mine. I slightly stepped back with a breath, knowing he could easily handle it, but that's when I suddenly felt the repercussions of my actions as my vision began to blur. My hands instinctively grabbed onto one of the bigger rocks beside me for some balance before I face planted on the ground.

Amy's face morphed into worry as she caught me trying to steady myself, "Woah, you okay?" she asked somewhat frantically.

My hand waved up as I said nothing but brushed her off as if I was fine, but I knew I really wasn't as much as I hated to admit it. My face hurt and I felt like I had a small concussion with how hard I came in contact with the ground.

"If you ever hit Carol, your little girl, Rose, or anyone else in the group, I will not stop next time do you hear me?!" Shane suddenly yelled to the beaten man, loud enough for the entire forest to hear.

Ed mumbled a "Yes." with blood pouring out of the gashes on his cheeks, every inch of his face puffy and swollen.

"I'll beat you to death Ed." Shane threatened coldly, punching him once more before finally backing off.

As soon as he stepped away, Andrea finally let Carol go as she sprinted forward towards his still body lying on the rocks, sobbing and wailing upon seeing him get his shit rocked. She apologized profusely, over and over again like somehow the situation was her fault, and somehow that made me feel even more terrible than before. Shane too watched the scene for a moment, before glancing back at me, his eyes widening seeing the state I was in.

Before I could even process it, his long strides made their way over right in front of my face, "Hey, are you alright? Jesus, Rose." he sighed as he tilted my chin down to try and get a better look at my face.

I glanced up at him, "I'm fine." I said, trying to steady my feet. But it was hard to focus on his face considering there were three of him standing in front of me right now.

"No, you're not. Come on let's get you fixed up." he replied, his tone surprisingly soft.

I normally would have argued, not wanting to make a big deal out of nothing, but I was suddenly too tired to put up a fight. My head had its own heartbeat, and my hands shook violently with how much adrenaline running through my system. So, I silently accepted his help as he put a hand on my waist to steady me, slowly walking me back towards the camp. Though I couldn't help but look back to see Carol still hovering over Ed's body, crying loudly while the rest watched the two of us walk off. Their faces painted with worry and fear.

We eventually made it back to the clearing with Lori and Dale instantly on both of our asses, frantically asking question after question about what the hell happened, but I couldn't bring myself to listen. Just trying to focus on staying awake as the RV was just out of reach. Shane didn't hesitate to brush them off, telling them that he would explain everything later as he continued to help me walk straight.

The two of us finally made it into the vehicle after their voices stopped interogating, feeling the man sit me down on the small sofa gently before moving away for a moment. My eyelids felt heavy as my head kept jerking back up every few seconds, nearly passing out with how much pressure I felt in the front of my head. Shane returned quickly, a first aid kit in his hands as he set it off to the side and dug through it, finally finding the things he was looking for.

The man gently cleaned whatever blood and gashes were left on my face as gently as he could, though even if he added more pressure, I didn't think I would be able to sense it. The feeling was far from what I was able to focus on. The rubbing alcohol did sting the smallest bit, and I could've sworn I didn't flinch once it hit my skin, but Shane apologizing under his breath told me otherwise.

He didn't utter a word about the little brawl the whole time, not one word. He just helped clean up the aftermath before finishing with a small smile, noticing how uneasy I looked. The last thing I could remember was him quietly telling me to rest and I wasn't planning on arguing with that as I let my body fall sideways to lay down on the cushions. My eyes shut involuntarily, the last thing I could register was him shutting the RV door quietly behind him as he left me alone.

A soft groan passed my lips as my eyes fluttered open, wincing a little at the throbbing still present in my head. I hissed under my breath at the feeling, shutting my eyes once more as to almost prepare myself before fully opening them again. I was pretty positive that this was one of the worst concussions I've ever had, but with my luck it probably wouldn't be the last.

Taking a small risk, I sat up slowly as my eyes looked out the window beside me, seeing it completely dark outside as I tried to figure out how much time had passed. But my thoughts cut short as I quickly noticed I wasn't alone. Carl was laying right next to me on the RV floor, reading one of his comic books beside the couch I lied on. Though the moment he saw me sit up, his eyes widened, quickly hopping up to sit next to me.

"Oh my gosh, Rose you're okay!" he exclaimed quietly, hugging me with such suddenness and gentleness as if to make sure he didn't hurt me.

I winced a little at the impact but I couldn't help but smile, a genuine one. It truly warmed my heart at the kid's concern, not only that, but the fact that he stayed by my side for however long to make sure I was okay.

"Hey, I'm fine. I promise." I reassured, my arm wrapping loosely around his shoulders.

He nodded against my chest before pulling away to get a better look at my face up close. His expression changed drastically the second he caught sight of my injuries, relieved to upset in a matter of mere seconds. That alone told me I looked like shit.

I instantly noticed his change in mood, "Hey kid, don't worry about me, alright? I'm okay." I said with a nod.

He didn't look too convinced, but nodded his head anyway with a tiny smile, "Everyone was worried about you. They're all eating outside right now, but they didn't want to wake you up." he informed me.

This made me wonder what he meant by everyone. Considering how late it looked, the thought didn't fail to cross my mind on if the guys were back yet, if they were successful in the city. So I slowly swung my legs over the sofa as I gestured for him to follow. "Well, I am pretty hungry so let's get some food, yeah?" I asked.

He grew a little concerned, "Are you sure? I can bring you some if you don't feel good."

I smiled again, this time one that he could see, "My legs still work. Let's go together." I said.

After I convinced him I was fine to move on my own, we made our way out of the vehicle and over towards the fire where the group sat, Carl holding onto me for support if I needed. My eyes silently glanced around the people ahead of us as they all ate some fish and vegetables...well, everyone except Ed that was no doubt hiding out in his tent like a baby. And I noticed the guys weren't back yet either.

Everyone turned and noticed I was up and moving, greeting me with smiles and questioning how I was before quickly handing me a plate of food to get me to eat something, offering for me to join into the conversation. It made my heart flutter at their concern and graciousness, but a part of me was nervous as I glanced over towards Carol, thinking she would be distant toward me or even yell for the things I did. But she did the quite the opposite. She smiled warmly at me and asked how I was feeling, reaching out to touch my arm lightly to make sure I was telling the truth. It made a certain relief wash over me, knowing that I saved her from a beating, and she wasn't mad at me one bit. An invisible weight being lifted off my chest.

But that's when the truth hit me so suddenly; I cared. I cared not only for Carol but this whole group entirely. I looked around the fire, seeing all the smiling faces, some bringing up old stories and laughing, the sight alone causing me to smile a little right along with them as something clicked in my mind.

It was at that moment I decided I would stay. I'll admit I was wildly skeptical at first, but I needed a group, I needed people to have my back, and the truth was I didn't want to be alone anymore. I had been by myself for far too long and having this many people caring about my safety made me feel important...valued. It only took an ass beating for me to see it, but I finally realized how much I truly wanted to stick around.

But my happiness was quickly cut short, being replaced with utter and complete shock when we all suddenly heard Amy scream at the top of her lungs through the quiet night. My head whipped over just in time to see her getting attacked by a walker that seemed to come out of nowhere, about to rip into the side of her neck. Without thinking I immediately stood up and threw my knife at the walker's head, watching it go down instantly with a thud. But it was too late, seeing Amy crying hysterically as she bled from the bite mark embedded in her skin. Andrea gasped in horror as she immediately ran over to her sister with tears streaming down her face, and I couldn't bear to watch.

Instead, I had to snap back into reality when I realized there were tons of walkers starting to surround us, coming out and making themselves known from the tree line. What the actual fuck?

My mouth dropped a little at the sight, staying still as everyone around me began to scream and panic with the amount of dead ones coming at us in record speed. But my attention was pulled away for a moment when I heard my name being called, seeing Shane tossing a shotgun over in my direction that I quickly caught with ease. As soon as the weapon was in my hands, I loaded it and fired at the ones coming at me, breathing heavily as I still couldn't seem to process how the hell this all happened so quickly. How everything was ruined within seconds.

I took note of my surroundings and checked to see where everyone was the moment I knew I was clear, seeing they were safe and sticking together as I turned my attention to keep shooting, watching the walkers fall one by one. Although within only a few seconds, my gun clicked as it ran out of ammo fast and I cursed under my breath as I discarded it, starting to take out my knives to hit the walkers instead. I only had six, so I had to make them count.

I stabbed the one closest to me, ripping it back out of its head just before its body fell to the ground, easily taking out the next one in my vicinity. But another piercing scream caught my attention, my heart dropping as I saw it was Carol. She was trying to protect her daughter from a corpse coming right at them with a giant stick she had found on the ground, her attempts failing miserably as the thing was hardly phased.

I instantly ran over to them, nearly tripping over a few rocks as I chucked my knife towards the walker, hitting it directly in the back of its head before it had the chance of grabbing them. Carol instantly thanked me with tears in her eyes, the two of them sprinting in the other direction to escape the destruction. I kept my eyes peeled as I killed off as many as I could spot. One after another, after another they fell to the ground, coating the dirt below us as they seemed to pile up. And the numbers didn't stop, not for a second as many more emerged from the trees.

But my stomach dropped as I suddenly heard a snarl from right behind my head, whipping around in time to see a walker sneaking up on me and shoving me down harshly to the ground. I gasped in surprise as my hands immediately went to its shoulders, trying to keep it away from me as its jaw was snapping towards the side of my neck. A loud, frustrated groan left my lips as I tried desperately to reach to where I dropped my knife, only being able to barely brush my fingertips against the handle as it was just out of reach. My chest heaved as my arms struggled, trying to keep the dead weight off of me as its face seemed to only get closer to my skin.

Though all of a sudden, the body fell limp against me, and I was able to finally shove its cold and heavy body off of me as I caught my breath. I quickly stood back up to my feet, my eyes immediately zeroing in on the bolt that pierced the back of its head. My head then snapped up upon hearing a pair of rushed footsteps approaching me, seeing Daryl coming toward me in record speed. They were back.

He stopped in front of me, his eyes scanning my body for any bites or scratches. "You good?" he asked, slightly out of breath.

"Yeah," I nodded, "You?"

He nodded once, not wasting another second before turning back to shoot any walkers that were left with his heavy weapon.

After the countless gunshots and terrorizing screams, all of the walkers were taken care of, the only sound now filling the air was Andrea sobbing over the loss of her sister. Guilt began to fill me at just the sight of her cradling the back of her head close to her chest, moving the hair from her face. I found I was unknowingly kicking myself as I wish I had gotten to that walker sooner, maybe I could've saved her. But it all happened way too fast.

My adrenaline slowly started to wear off and my head began to throb again just in the back of my skull, annoying and painful. I stood back and watched as everyone hugged their loved ones, making sure they were okay as they tried to ignore all the bodies on the floor.

Though the next thing I knew, a body was colliding with mine, pulling me into a tight hug as I instantly tensed at the contact. I wanted to shove them off of me, but once I realized it was Glenn, I seemed to keep my mouth shut, patting his chest awkwardly as my arms were bunched in front of me. He held me impossibly close as his heart was beating rapidly in his chest, pulling away from me after a moment to make sure I was alright and got a good look at my face. His eyes seemed to widen upon seeing how beat up I was.

"Jesus Christ Rose, what happened to your face?" he asked worriedly.

I brushed it off with a wave of my hand, "I had a little disagreement with Ed...it's not a big deal, I'm fine." I muttered as I looked away from his gaze.

"You don't look fine," he protested, "What happened?"

"Look, I took a beating instead of Carol, alright? But don't worry, he looks worse than I do." I said, smiling enough to show that I was telling the truth.

He sighed, but didn't ask any more questions, and I appreciated that. He placed an arm around my shoulders as we looked around at all of the dead bodies surrounding the camp, the blood melting into the ground below our feet.

But my eyes then slowly panned over to my right when I felt someone staring at me, my eyes locking with Daryl. His gaze scanned my face, his expression one of anger as his ragged breaths filled the air from exhaustion. Though I couldn't bring myself to understand. Was he mad because the camp was attacked? Or because he had to save my ass? I wasn't too sure.

Though for whatever reason, I gave him a small smile, silently relieved that they had all made it back safely. He looked taken aback at my action, looking away abruptly as if I had somehow offended him. His reaction filled me with confusion, but clearly I couldn't focus it on too long, having much bigger things to worry about.

It took a few hours for people to process what happened around the place we all assumed was safe, everyone still scared out of their minds at the possibility of some still lurking in the shadows. But after taking the time to calm down at least a little, the guys then informed us what happened when they went after Merle. They trailed back up to the roof where they had left him, but only found that he had cut off his hand to get out of the cuffs and escape. Though they were convinced he was still alive since the truck they had taken with them, was suddenly gone when they returned to where they left it, explaining why they had gotten back much later than anticipated.

They also informed that these random men showed up and wanted our guns, taking Glenn in the process, but in the end it all turned out to be a giant misunderstanding. I was just glad everyone made it back okay, and just in time to help us out with the disaster that unfolded. Well...besides Merle I mean. But the missing truck just meant that he had to be alive. Although the part I couldn't quite get over was him cutting off his own hand to save himself, and the guys seemed to brush past it like it was nothing. Meanwhile, as they're telling us all this, I'm trying to re-swallow the food I had just eaten not too long ago.

After their little story hour, explaining every single detail for an extended period of time, I finally got the chance to slip away to get some sleep. My body felt tired and weak, rest being the only thing I wanted more than anything. But I quickly noticed Rick starting to approach me just before I had the chance to leave, his presence halting my movements.

His steps were slow and awkward, though I could tell he looked a little worried, "Hey...you alright?" he asked.

I nodded slowly, silently knowing what he was referring to, "I'm good."

"I heard about the...incident. Just wanted to make sure." he said with a gesture of his hand.

"Shane?"

"Oh yeah." he confirmed with a small chuckle, his eyes lingering on my bag in my grasp as his face dropped a little, "Are you...leaving?" he asked in a more hushed tone.

My eyes softened at his obvious reluctance to see me go, simply shaking my head, "No." I reassured simply.

A small smile then broke out onto his face, not needing to hear another word as he caught onto the decision I made, "Good..."

I nodded at him once more, "Goodnight." I spoke before slowly turning to head off into the forest.

Though I had trouble falling asleep that night, tossing and turning as I couldn't get over the fact that Amy died right in front of me. In front of all of us. I felt extremely guilty, thinking I could've done more to help her at that moment, when the truth was, I did everything I could. In the back of my mind, I knew that. But it didn't stop me from sitting there, rethinking everything for most of the night as sleep never came to me.

Tomorrow was going to be a bitch.

~ Thanks for reading!

[gracefulblabber]

My thoughts on Descendants: Rise of Red. There will be spoilers but anyone who cares about spoilers has already watched it ( the die hard descendants fans).

Right off the bat, my overall impression of D4 is that it was better than I feared but not as good as the original trilogy. The music was extremely fun, and I've been listening to the songs on repeat ever since. Initially I found them to be cringy but they've grown on me, especially Red's intro song.

Red was a super fun main character and I loved her sass. She was not set up as a true VK (she was never evil), and so it made her arc to a "good girl" less convincing. However, I think arc was more about her self perception than a change in actual behavior l, unlike D1.

I enjoyed the dynamic between red and Chloe but it needed more time to develop. Honestly that was my biggest problem with the film overall: it needed more time. Which is weird because it's the same length as the others and they weren't cramming it full? I felt the ending was too abrupt and neat, and I'm hoping it's setting up for a sequel. I wish there was more time for conflict and bonding with red and Chloe, although I get that their relationships with their moms were the focus.

Which brings me to Queen of Hearts/Bridget and Cinderella. I was SO happy to see brandy and Paolo back, they are as dreamy as ever. Rita Ora was a delight and the actress who played young Bridget was adorable. My feelings about young Cinderella were more mixed and I think that's due to my love of the brandy Cinderella movie. It's impossible to watch D4 and not compare it the 1997 film, which makes me wonder what the logic was behind the weird changes. I very much enjoyed the dynamic between Chloe and Cinderella, but young Cinderella felt so odd to me, especially since we never saw the dance. And young charming.... He lacked the dreaminess of Paolo. I'm really hoping there will be a D5 to explore all this more.

I was so happy to see uma again, I love her so fucking much. Uliana made an odd villain choice: she had style but was so similar to uma. I think it would've made more sense to have maleficent be the main villain, which would've been a callback to D1. Although, again, uliana had hella style and the song "revenge" was such a banger I can't really complain. Hook was a straight up disappointment after Harry hook (I wish they had been able to get Thomas Dougherty back 😭). And I miss gil, what a sweetie. The other villains were fun, I want more morgie!

On the whole, D4 only disappointed in how abrupt the ending felt, which I hope will make sense in hindsight with D5. There has been no confirmation from Disney about another installment but it seems to be doing well so im hopeful!

[katyawriteswhump]

(i'm still) watching you—harringrove microfic

my first attempt at harringrove and probably totally weird like my usual shit, so… yeah, nervous. but I love prompts/challenges too much to resist… Pls be kind 🙂 

WC: 914. For @harringrovemicrofic prompt, green (I also got a passing mention of Jason Carver in for the additional prompt.)

CW: None. Tags: angst, pining, chronic illness (Fibro/Chronic fatigue), enemies to lovers, h/c, no Upside Down AU, slightly soft Billy? Rating: M.

…

Steve hated sitting in the stands watching the Tigers win without him.

Hargrove rained all over the hoop, right until the full-time whistle ripped through Steve’s skull. Simultaneously, Billy ripped his vest off—shouting, thudding his chest, scanning the crowd.

His crazily soft-blue eyes rested on Steve. That smug grin faltered, and Steve’s heart gave a crazy little squeeze.

Billy’s attention snapped away. His teammates carried him on a lap of victory, and Steve shaded his eyes. Too fucking much. Since he’d got sick, the doctors had droned on about Steve having to pace himself. Today, that’d been a bust—all for the torture of watching Hargrove play.

Even though Steve hated him.

And he’d chew on that image of shirtless Billy for goddamn weeks.

“Stop bawling, Harrington.” Steve startled, squinted into the suddenly too-bright light. Tommy H waggled a stuffed tiger in front of his nose: “You can be team mascot. This one’s got even less backbone than you.”

“Jesus, I’m gonna punch your stupid face in!”

Steve pushed himself up. Despite his dumb threat, it took all his strength to stumble away. Halfway to the exit, he collapsed onto a seat, slumping forward with his head in his hands. The crowd stomped by, sending shockwaves through his aching bones. Nobody offered to help. Probably figured he’d bite their heads off…

A hand landed on his shoulder. “You okay?” asked Billy.

WTF? Steve flinched away. Up close, he couldn’t handle those stupidly long lashes and gorgeous eyes. “M’fine.”

“Want a ride?”

“You leaving already?” Steve gawked at Billy’s pecs. “Guess there’s only so much showboating even your fat ego can take.”

Billy arched his brow. “I’m sick of this shit. Your ex-teammates are fucking losers, you know that?”

Uh… Yeah?

“Whatever, dude. I’m leaving with Nance.” Steve had just spotted her with freshman golden-boy, Jason Carver, scribbling madly in her notebook.

“She’s writing an essay on that asshole. Couldn’t bag me. Seriously, I need space. Figured you might too.”

Space with me? “Jesus, you still never stop talking! You hate me. What’s your game?”

Billy shrugged. “I don’t hate you, man. It genuinely sucks you had to be benched. Don’t have to believe me, but I actually miss you.”

Miss humiliating me? Miss me rubbing my ass against you while you shoved me around!?! Guess I enjoyed touching you as much as I hated you. I mean, uh, I STILL hate you…

“I don’t need your fucking sympathy, Hargrove.”

“Not offering fucking sympathy.”

Steve’s heart repeated that crazy squeeze. He’d grabbed the hem of Billy’s green shorts before he knew it.

Don’t leave. I honestly can’t get up without help right now. Won’t ask for help, either.

Billy harrumphed vaguely, casually offered a hand. Steve clasped it—since when did he dig slippery palms?—let Billy draw him up and sling an arm around him. Even with Billy’s help, the effort of walking consumed Steve completely till he sank into the Camaro.

Billy winked at him from the driver’s seat. “Don’t worry, I’ll go gentle.”

“Jesus, I’m not gonna break.”

“You wanna go home?”

Yeah, I totally should. “No fucking way. Anywhere but this dump.”  

With minimal wheelspin, Billy tore from the school grounds. He didn’t play loud music. They didn’t talk much either. Seemed Billy did occasionally shut up. Only Steve fizzing nerves—WTF AM I DOING?—kept him awake until Billy slammed to a halt.

Steve blinked. “Where are we?”

“One of the few places in this shithole that’s not a shithole.” Billy hurried around and helped Steve from the car.

“I’m not a fucking princess,” Steve bitched.

“Whatever you say, pretty boy.”

“Screw you.” Steve’s glare melted into a laugh that he almost felt.

They’d arrived somewhere in the hills, which smelled of spring grasses. Steve slipped from Billy’s warm grasp—not without a dumbass pang—lay flat on the soft turf. Beyond the trickle of a stream, it was so quiet, he dozed almost instantly.

Then, through the blur of his lashes, he spotted Billy stripping his shorts. Christ, that ass!

Billy headed for the stream. His smirk was as mind-blowing as his body. “I skipped showers.”

“Fucking show-boater.” Steve snickered.

He watched Billy wade thigh deep, splash sparkling droplets over that lick-able, lithely muscled torso. He wished he could watch this a billion times over, ached to join Billy, then his eyelids grew too heavy, his fatigue winning, and… Shit!

Deep inside, something snapped. He slung an arm across his face and cried, drifted, then cried again, shamelessly sniffling. A brush against his arm stirred him. Billy lay stretched beside him, towel around his waist, chin rested on a fist.

“Tears are cathartic, huh?”

Steve rolled to full-on sneer at Billy. Ended up fixed on Billy’s lush mouth, fretting his own lower lip. “Quit mocking me.”

“I’m not. Tears help. Apart from when they’re too damn painful. You don’t have to say which those are.”

Billy reached out, as if to push hair from Steve’s damp eyes, then hesitated. Steve grabbed Billy’s fingers, like he’d grabbed for his shorts. He barely breathed. He clasped Billy’s stream-chilled knuckles to his own burning face, like his life depended on it.

“Meant what I said about missing you,” murmured Billy, as Steve drowned in those adoring eyes. “None of those dicks are half-decent rivals. It sucks we never got a chance to work through that tension and…"

This is a dream, right?

Billy’s fingers slid up through Steve’s hair, gently drawing him closer, and they tumbled into a kiss.

[buttahpie]

Thank you for tagging me @glowing-gold ! Delighted to participate

Favorite Movie: I have soooo many. Dirty Dancing (i wanna write a McLennon au of this), Howls moving castle, all of the lord of the rings movies (extended editions obviously), a knights tale, surf’s up

Favorite TV Show: I don’t watch a lot of tv. But I’ve always loved Friends and Glee, and as of recent Ted Lasso as been an obsession

Favorite Musical Artists: I listen to SO much music and so many different artists. Kind of fond of the Beatles. Just a little. All of their solo careers (but esp. Paul’s), David Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, I LOVE Jeff Buckley, Hozier (I write all my smut to hozier). Aretha Franklin, Wings, Marvin Gaye, Kirk Franklin, Billy Joel, Frank Ocean, The Stones, lots of Michael Jackson and i listen to a TON of musicals. I love musicals. Hadestown, Something Rotten, Hairspray, anything by Sondheim. I also LOVE twenty one pilots and have seen them live four times.

Favorite Color: Green, but a deep, emerald green

Favorite Season: Summer 100% I have an affinity for all seasons, truly. But long days, warm nights, late sunsets, crisp mornings. I live in a cold climate so summers never exceed extreme temperatures. I just love the summer months.

Favorite Book: I’m terrible and don’t read nearly enough books. I spend all my time reading plays (for my degree) and fan fic. I wished I read more real books, but I honestly would much rather read fan fiction. Oops. I literally only read acting books, but my favorite one of those is An Actor Prepares by Stanislavsky, if you care.

Do you have any Funko Pops? I did in high school but not anymore. I hate junk (oops) and anything that takes up shelf space isn’t worth it unless its a book or record.

Do you play any instruments? Yes! Many actually. My main instrument is actually the bass, both double and electric but my specialty is bluegrass and folk playing! I also play a little piano, and have experience with the little stringed instruments of the world: Ukulele, Mandolin, I even have a Banjo-lele.

Do you have any pets? No :( I lost my childhood dog just last year and miss her. I take care of my best friends little dog a lot, though (aptly named toto)

Do you read or write fan fiction? All day every day. Literally. In all my free time I write fan fic, and every night before I go to bed and every commute to work I read fan fic. Mostly Beatles fan fic, although I just started reading All the Young Dudes for the first time and I am HOOKED. Wolfstar BRAINROT. I love fan fic, and I am pretty open about my love of it with my irls.

What song(s) have you had on repeat recently? ‘You Send Me’ (both the Aretha Franklin and Sam Cooke versions), Changes (David Bowie), Revolution (Kirk Franklin), I listen to ‘Lover You Should Have Come Over’ by Jeff Buckley every single day of my life. The Beatles are always playing around me. Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Let it Be (1970).

Yay! Loved answering these. Tagging @johangeorghohman @cocaineskinny909 @tauruscats @i-am-the-oyster