#how amazing is it to witness such a thing throughout my lifetime

[eatsless]

gonna be a nerd for a sec, but geology is just so fascinating!! geomorphology is fascinating!! and it's all still happening right beneath our feet!! there's movement and life and fault lines everywhere and the mountains are moving and everything is alive and beautiful

[writingmeraki]

cho guesung as a dad hcs !

pairing : cho guesung x gn!reader (gender isn't specified)

genre : fluff !!

warnings : mentions of pregnancy, periods and labour. maybe some cusses.

author's note : sorry anon who waited almost years for this 💀 but hope you like it ! i don't know if I'm satisfied with this but hey it's my first attempt at something like this so i hope i did alright hehe <3 (not fully proofread)

word count : 1.2k

‌Okay so obviously we all know Guesung would be an amazing father especially from his little interactions with his nephews AND the fact that he also wants to definitely have kids in the future as he said in that one interview :(

‌I just feel like he'd be the type to not accept the fact that his partner is actually pregnant because he'd be too fucking excited lol

‌"...babe i think I'm pregnant."

‌"..what."

‌Seeing the somewhat blank look on his face you feared maybe he wasn't ready to have a child just yet even though he was excited but the self-doubt was very much still there, especially from the lack of his reply.

‌"Look I missed my period recently and just to make sure I'm not just jumping to conclusions I did do 6 pregnancy tests and they all came positive, I don't know-"

‌As you were getting more emotional he would literally run up to you and hug you so tight, slightly lifting you off the ground as he span you around and thanked you over and over again as he gushed about how this was the best news you'd ever given him.

‌You would giggle as he let you go and held your face, gently placing butterfly kisses as he murmured words of gratitude and love to you

He already loved you so much but he was sure he'd never ever spend another lifetime with anyone other than you now and you were also grateful to have someone like him as your partner because every sort of self-doubt was dismissed the moment you saw his genuine happiness and love once he promised you to be the best father to your child and how he'd take care of the both of you

‌And this man was truly one to fulfil his promises as throughout your pregnancy he'd make sure you were properly looked after and took good care of yourself as well as your baby whom Guesung seemed even more excited to meet than you at this point

‌And when you went into labour he had wished he was able to take away your pain and this man absolutely shed tears at the sight of you in pain, he couldn't bare it at all even though he'd seen potentially worse, it was too much but he knew it was all worth it when he saw your newborn baby.

‌When he held your baby in his arms, he thinks everything was worth it and was ready to give up the entire universe and everything then and there for your child.

‌You were barely allowed to move in the first few days after your labour, Guesung had read up, especially on all of the things a husband could do in order to help his partner out. There was no way he was going to risk you hurting yourself after all that you’d gone through, much preferring to take things easy at the start.

‌Guesung had already prepared all the things needed for a newborn. The Nursery? He and the boys literally planned that for months and you couldn't help but tear up once you saw how beautifully they had done it. Clothes and other necessities? Let's just say Guesung was a very ecstatic father and had literally bought any type of baby clothes that existed.

‌To say the least, he was the most prepared father to exist at least he believed himself to be.

‌but when your baby spoke its first words, the waterworks made their way faster than ever and even more so when the words were along the lines of 'dada'

‌Man you'd give anything in the world to witness that look of pure joy on his face again but lucky for you, that same joy always stayed whenever your child was around.

‌You both were very delighted when your baby finally learnt how to walk and you actually had to tell Guesung it was still too early to teach your child football and you couldn't help the small giggle that left your mouth once you saw his pout and tiny mock glare directed towards you.

‌I think I accidentally have two kids huh You chuckled as you realised how some of the antics of your child were basically like your husband's

‌It was like just a mini version of him, with the little moles around the face as well the full cheeks which bunched up whenever a full smile was formed.

‌When you both slept with the baby, Guesung slips his arm over your body to catch his baby's little one too, avoiding your baby to fall from your bed at night. His long fingers rest softly on the tiny little back and his lips are against your nape.

‌He also bathes the child. You thought it was his paternal instinct to want to take care of the little angel, but the truth is that he has even a better time than the baby, making foam beards and playing with water toys.

‌Once your child was old enough, Guesung got the kid a football as well as a tiny jersey outfit that resembled his and in the same way of fate, your child also seemed to be fond of the sport as well.

‌Both Guesung and his teammates loved to play with your little champ, who was very much talented in the sports, and Guesung would love to let your kid play and score against him to which he'd get the opportunity to ruffle his little one's head and chuckle at the excitement shown by his baby.

‌Whenever you'd go out to eat, he'd make sure his angel ate well even feeding food from his own plate at which you'd sometimes have to shake your head and remind him that your baby had his own share of food but in the end, Guesung's habit never changed to the point where you'd put your own portion of food onto his so he could eat properly as well too.

‌He makes time from his busy schedule to assist with anything his baby does: scholar plays, dance exhibitions, football games (of course )... it doesn't matter, but you both want to be there, cheering for your baby !!!

‌Reads tales to your little one, even when a fly seems more interesting gets and keeps smiling towards Guesung's hands whenever he turns the page.

‌They both complot against you to go play arcade games and eating loads and loads of cotton candy after practices or after school.

‌He would try his best to help in academics if he can but he knows you're much better at that and just gently listens to you explain to your kid and smiles at your concentrated face.

‌He will spoil your kid to the absolute T and I mean that but he also knows he should teach your child lessons about not being a spoilt brat so he'll always play little games or give rewards once a small task is done or when your baby is in not that good of a mood.

‌Due to him being so tall, he loves to carry the kid on his shoulders and the kid absolutely loves to be that tall just like the dad and to be hugged like that.

‌He just wants his baby to grow up to be a smart, independent and strong individual. But on the other hand, he wishes that his little one would always remain little so he could forever take care of his baby.

all written works as well as images and edits (unless credited) belong to pri. do not plagiarise, repost, re-edit or claim as yours. pics mostly found on pinterest.

writingmeraki Ⓒ 2022

links : main navigation !

[louisupdates]

Louis Tomlinson brings Faith In The Future tour to Oregon!

Louis Tomlinson - June 27th, 2023 - Mcmenamins Edgefield , Troutdale, OR

British musician Louis Tomlinson recently brought his Faith in The Future tour to one of Oregon’s most spectacular outdoor concert venues at the McMenamins Edgefield. The concert grounds were located on the field of their 74 acre property that can seat up to 7,000 concertgoers per show. One thing I always enjoy about Louis Tomlinson gigs are that the openers are always amazing - at our show we got to see incredible opening performance from Andrew Cushin and The Snuts.

First to perform was Andrew Cushin with just his guitar and a keyboardist. Cushin had freshly released his song “It’s Coming Round Again” just two hours before taking the stage, which had him pretty animated through out his entire set. Many fans showed up early and braved the harsh sunlight during his set which goes to show how good of a performance he puts on.

After a short change over, The Snuts took the stage. The four-piece Scottish band has a classic indie rock sound that you’ll be a fan of if you like artists such as The Wombats, The Kooks, and Catfish & The Bottlemen. I’m certain many concert goers who went into the show knowing nothing about The Snuts left as brand new fans - people were singing along to their songs like “Always” and “Hallelujah Moment” and dancing along even when they didn’t know the lyrics.

Anticipation was high as Louis Tomlinson took the stage right as the golden sun rays peeked through the trees. Adorned with a pair of Ray-Bans and a bright yellow Jamaican football jersey, the screams were at an all time high. He opened the show with “The Greatest,” which also happens to be the opening song of his second studio album Faith In The Future that was released in 2022.

You can tell how much thought Louis and his team put into making sure this tour would be one the crowds will remember for a lifetime. The production was a huge step up from his previous tour, with LED screens hanging from the ceiling of the stage and pyro that went off a handful of times. It was fun to sit back and watch the show - there wasn’t a bad seat in the venue. Throughout the night Tomlinson took time to sign fans’ signs when he found them funny, and would occasionally flip fans off which has become more of an inside joke with fans that he’s done throughout his career.

Alongside his impressive touring band, the 31-year-old singer-songwriter performed a total of 23 songs, mostly from his first studio album Walls and his most recent album Faith In The Future (even performing some of the songs from the bonus version of the album that was released this year). But Tomlinson didn’t stop there - we also got to hear a couple of One Direction songs and the cherry on top was his cover of Arctic Monkeys’ song “505.” I personally would love to see him explore the Rock/British Rock genre a little deeper, as it suits his voice so well and you can tell he is heavily inspired by bands within this scene. One of my favorite aspects of Louis Tomlinson concerts is that they feel curated by Tomlinson himself - the pre-show playlists, the openers, the production, and even the merch. It’s truly been a pleasure getting to witness Tomlinson’s musical growth and creativity since the disbanding of One Direction.

The night ended with Tomlinson’s final encore song of the night, “Silver Tongues,” where the singer made his way down to the barricade to interact with fans as red streaming confetti into the crowd further back. This moment surely left the show on a high note.

Louis Tomlinson will be touring through North America til July, then will be heading back overseas to finish up the world tour in Europe and United Kingdom. You can find out if a show is coming near you on his site here.

Photos by Sarina Solem

Photos part 2

[sillytriumphdragon]

The Way I Am Now

Author: Amber Smith

Genre: Young adult friction (second chance, romance)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

My reviews

This is the follow-up to The Way I Used To Be and I definitely recommend reading it first. This story follows Eden and Josh having a second chance now that she's older, and follows the lead up to Eden's time to testify. Josh is genuinely a great guy. This book is definitely more than just romance it's mostly about overcoming such a tragic thing. Also the way that Amber wrote Josh he's the definition of "in a world of boys he's a gentleman". His unwavering love and support for Eden are truly heartwarming. It's amazing to witness Eden's transformation back to her old self, filled with happiness once again. And the fact that they end up together in the end... it's just perfect. They truly make a wonderful couple, willing to go to great lengths to make each other happy. Eden deserves nothing but the best, and Josh is undoubtedly the best for her.

I cried all throughout and was just so proud of both of the characters and how far they have come / how far they're going. Absolutely amazing and impactful writing by Amber Smith. I would definitely say these are must reads in a lifetime!

Favorite dialogue

"No," I gasp, and the tears are coming faster now. "No, I'm crying because I've just never felt like this. Ever. I've never felt so.." So happy, cared for, respected, even. But then I say what all those things really mean:"So loved."

The Way I Am Now by Amber Smith

[dreamlandbarnes]

I WENT TO THE ERAS TOUR 😭😭😭

emotional rambling under the cut

i cannot emphasize how ethereal the concert was. she was so!!! beautiful! sparkly!! SHE WAS GLOWING AND SHE SOUNDED AMAZING AND I SANG MY HEART OUT. i'm still reeling, still crying. i can't believe i got to go. when she came out during the lover set the tears immediately burst out of me. and i was uncontrollably sobbing during the surprise songs because there's no way that it was personal but!! i don't wanna live forever x mine and evermore x peter were sooooo 🥹 she mentioned something about how she gets a sense of the crowd before she chooses the songs to sing and it just felt like she knew i was there (she definitely didn't). it was the same feeling i get when she releases a new song and somehow captures exactly how i've been feeling and what i've been struggling with for months. sidenote: the last time i was at a concert at the rogers centre, i was seeing one direction in 2014. it's a very silly connection i'm making but the last time and place i saw zayn was in toronto at the rogers centre and years later two of my favourite artists make one of the best collabs ever and i got to hear it performed live by sheer luck :'))

i heard so many of my absolute favourite songs in the world live. i witnessed her magic in person. taylor swift takes up so much space on the soundtrack of my life. i remember hearing 'teardrops on my guitar' on the radio in my family's old jeep. i remember writing out the lyrics to 'you belong with me' on a tiny notebook in my childhood bedroom so i could memorize all the words. i watched the 'love story' and 'our song' music videos religiously on my sister's ipod and i spent hours upon hours watching lyric videos. folklore was the comforting hug that i needed and was fundamental in helping me cope with my grief. i blasted midnights whenever i was getting ready to party in my last year of uni :))) the sad songs, the happy songs, and everything in between are so special to me.

looking back it feels like i didn't take enough videos or pictures but i was really just having such a good time dancing and singing and crying throughout the whole concert. i feel so incredibly lucky that i was able to see her, at a once in a lifetime type of show. what an absolute powerhouse of a performer she is!!

~

art and music have kept me going during some of the roughest times in my life. i never considered myself an artist, and it's not the first word that comes to mind when i think of words to describe myself, but creating things within fandom spaces has helped me tremendously. i finished undergrad and was jobless and depressed and considering what i should do with my life, because i honestly, truly didn't think i was going to make it to my 20s. i was having an incredibly hard time last year and i learned how to video edit as a distraction and as a bit of a way to cope. so many of my silly little fandom creations are inspired by the songs taylor has created and released into the world. my editing style isn't super creative or original, but being able to use her music and create my own art enabled me to engage in spaces with people who are so kind and positive and uplifting and it got me out of my own head.

when i felt like i was useless, i was able to work through it by creating something inspired by her music or lyrics or aesthetic and it just. it means so much to me. the night was magical. i'm rambling throughout this whole post and i fear i haven't been able to capture the depth of what it all means. i love concerts. i love taylor swift. and i'm so grateful to have these experiences and reminders and reflections that make me glad i stuck around.

[thefanficmonster]

All The Colors

Corpse Husband x Reader (Gender Neutral)

Warnings: Colorblindness, Swearing

Genre: Fluff, Romance, RPF (Real Person Fic)

Summary: The colors are not always seen but rather felt. Just like Y/N feels the colors through their best friend and boyfriend Corpse. That’s how they realize that what they can’t see is the most beautiful and genuine feeling in the world. The feeling of knowing something and someone so deeply.

Requested by my dear friend Lulu, who you might have known as greenieofshield. Unfortunately she’ll never get to read this fic and I’ll never forgive myself for not putting it out sooner but I’ll also never forgive the universe for being so cruel as to take her away so early. She was one of the best people I’ve ever met, always so full of optimism, always there to brighten up my day and make me smile. Always so strong and brave, never falling victim to the hate she received despite not being deserving of it. The world lost an angel the day she died and I as well as so many other people will forever miss her.

Love you and miss you with my whole soul and hear, Lulu. Hope they’re treating you right in heaven ❤

For what it’s worth, Y/N has never asked people to describe the colors to them. In their eyes that seemed like the equivalent of poorly patching up a wound: they could hear thousands upon thousands of descriptions of each color and still wouldn’t be able to imagine it. The descriptions would only make that worse to them. So to avoid feeling even more like they’re missing out they never asked.

However, that doesn’t mean they haven’t developed their own way to ‘visualize’ and imagine colors throughout the years. They’ve tried loads of different methods, few of which stuck around and not for long either. That is exactly why they frequently used to tell their friends: “You can’t paint me a rainbow with black and white and shades of grey and expect me not to feel like I’m missing out on something. Paint me the gloomy sky on a rainy day and only then we’ll be even cause you’re seeing the same greys I am.”

Little did they know how drastically their logic was about to change in the following years.

Speaking of said following years - they met Corpse who became one of their best friends in practically no time. And within just a few months of that friendship’s blossoming, a romance sparked. A romance their friends would jokingly refer to as ‘romance of a lifetime’. Maybe it was said jokingly but Lord knows they weren’t wrong in saying so because the two were completely head over heels for one another -s till are to this day - and never shied away from showing it.

Y/N and Corpse met through Rae who Y/N was staying with while on a little vacation to Los Angeles. To be even more specific here, the two met through a game of Among Us, the game responsible for many wonderful friendships since its release.

“Guys, guys, guys.“ Y/N said after sparking up a bickering session for falsely accusing ‘blue‘ of faking a task in Navigation during the final round for the day, “Here’s a little rule of thumb for whenever we play together again: don’t trust me if I accuse a color instead of a name.“ It’s safe to say that statement rose a few eyebrows in the Discord call, the confusion serving as amusement to them before they explained themself, “Oh, why that is? Hm, I don’t know, maybe cause I’m colorblind.”

Rae who was in on the scheme the whole time and was struggling to hold in her laughter finally snapped while the rest of the players were left processing the information that had been dropped on them.

“But you practically kicked our ass every single round?!“ Corpse said, amazement and confusion in his tone.

“Expect the unexpected from this schemer, take it from someone who’s known them for a decade now.“ Rae said, winking at her friend from across the room. Not failing to notice the blush on their cheeks while doing so though.

“Corpse, are you calling me a good liar?“ They poked a stick at him teasingly, desperately avoiding Rae’s gaze which widened the second she realized why her friend was so flustered by Corpse’s remark.

“Practically a con artist.“ He replied to them with a laugh, earning one from them in return.

And so they practically conned him into falling in love with them with their quick wit, sarcasm and cuteness. If someone is to ask Corpse if he expected to fall for Y/N, he’d probably say yes.

“They were like a magnet the moment they entered the lobby and started talking.“ He said once on a live stream in response to a question he received in the chat regarding Y/N, “It wasn’t hard at all, falling for them. What took me a while was realizing it. While I was referring to them as ‘best friend’ all my friends were rolling their eyes and going ‘Sure, bud.’ Just took me a bit to realize why.”

Luckily, it didn’t take him too long to grasp what his heart was actually screaming at him. Good thing they came to terms with it so soon too, otherwise they would’ve driven their friends insane.

Anyway, enough about what happened and what could’ve happened under one circumstance or another, what matters is the ‘here and now’ of their relationship. And trust me when I say it has never been better and it keeps getting better every day.

The beauty of what those two have is in the tiny every day things that they do for each other, the good morning texts even though the other person in probably just in the kitchen making breakfast while the other cannot find it in them to get out of bed; or it’s laced within the calls between them when neither of them are home or at least one of them is out and about, busy with a task they’ve probably been putting off for far too long. Don’t get me wrong though, the romantic gestures aren’t rare either. Random gifts are exchanged by them on regular intervals but one consistent and super romantic gesture that repeats a few times every year (of the two years they’ve been dating) is Corpse giving Y/N a bouquet of flowers.

A detail Y/N couldn’t help but take notice of was the fact that the bouquet was always made up of the same flowers with only small changes to the arrangement of them and maybe some tiny ones added too. Unfortunately, they aren’t artificial so they couldn’t have kept them thought they wish they could’ve. That being said, it goes without saying that those flowers mean the world to Y/N, the gesture actually - they know flowers are a common gift to give but anything they receive from Corpse is so special and makes them feel like the only person who’s ever received such a gift.

And so they got curious, they had to ask. They had to ask the question they never thought they’d actively ask considering their view of the topic. But they still did.

“Hey Corpse.“ Y/N spoke up out of the blue, breaking the silence that had fallen over them while they watched the movie they were only partially interested in given how exhausted they both were from devoting themselves to their respective tasks and responsibilities throughout the last few days.

Corpse hummed in response, the arm wrapped around their waist doing a little motion as if encouraging them to continue, his gaze immediately traveling down to his partner.

“What color are the flowers?“ They asked, gazing at the bouquet - a gift they had received from him for their birthday a few days prior - in the vase on the dining table.

They waited a few seconds but when they didn’t hear nor feel any sort of response from him they couldn’t help but look up at him. Upon doing so, they saw his small smile as his eyes too remained on the bouquet. “They’re black and white.“ He replied eventually, “Black roses and white daffodils.“ His gaze wandered away from the vase and down to meet theirs, “I don’t want you to think I’m seeing them in their ‘full beauty’ while you only see them in black and white. You are seeing them in their full beauty and not missing out on anything. They are absolutely beautiful black and white as they are.“

As a response to his answer, Y/N couldn’t suppress the growing smile on their face no matter how hard they tried. So they didn’t try at all, they let the smile lighten up their face before speaking up: “You’re a wonder, Corpse.” They said, pushing themself as upright as they could to be able to kiss his cheek. “However, you’re wrong.” They say when they pull away, smirking up at his confused expression, “My world was black and white until you came into it. You’re all the colors, Corpse. Your love’s red, joy’s yellow, sadness blue, chaos green. Love red. You’re all the colors and out of all the people that have tried to describe to me how they look, you have managed to do that just perfectly without even trying.”

Little did they know that’s exactly what he thinks of them - their world is black and white because all the colors live within them. Because they are all the colors.

And maybe they both are, seeing as how they came into each other’s lives exactly like the rainbow after the pouring rain.

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[echos-newlegs]

So this is an NSFW Alphabet for Echo requested by @smallandangrey . They requested a Tech one as well, and an Echo fic so 😳 expect some more stuff.

I am still working on other requests in my inbox as well! Dw. Just worked on this since it was easier for my tired brain. Hopefully I can write an actual one-shot tomorrow 😌💕💕

No tags since this is strictly nsfw and I don't wanna make the tags uncomfortable 😳 idk it's late and I'm overthinking lmaoo

Echo NSFW Alphabet below the cut

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Since the citadel Echo has been real into affection. Especially with you. It often grounds him and reminds him that he's there, you're there, this is real. This is happening. So when the two of you finish he is almost always pulling you close to him. Though it did take some warming up, since at first he was really worried he'd hurt you or make you uncomfortable with his mechanical limbs. 

After sex he just enjoys a good cuddle. He Especially loves it when you let him lay his head on your chest and you hold him. 

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

After the citadel incident he's never really been into anything on himself. He'd have to say his eyes or his mouth. Since you always say you love his eyes, and his mouth seems to bring you the most pleasure from sex. Though I do hc only his thigh down were blown off in the explosion. He still isn't too sure about it since after citadel he lost a lot of his stamina and he doesn't last as long as he used to. 

On you, I see this hc a lot but it honestly makes sense to me. Don't ask why, but he is a tits man. He enjoys the softer, sweeter things in life. So your tits? Small or big? Sheesh he's on 'em like they're his will to live! He could lay on them, squeeze 'em, or even suck on them all night if you let him. After you got him to open up about what he wanted to try out. Which again- took some time. But he admitted he'd like to fuck your tits. It was awkward at first for him, but he absolutely nearly died after. Especially since that was probably the shortest he'd ever last with you. He just completely lost it, especially when you licked some of the cum that got on the corner of your mouth. He swears his soul left him for a second after that. 

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

He's not too into messes, but he does enjoy Cumming on your chest or your stomach. Echo doesn't really want to even try and risk accidentally impregnating you. Even if you are on the pill. Tech explained to him how even condoms AND the pill can backfire in numerous ways, and now he's just not risking it. So he normally just cums on your chest or. If you're okay with it, he'll finish in your mouth. Which also has him going absolutely nuts. 

As for yours? He loves it on his tongue. Eating you out is one of his favorite things to do, and when you cum from JUST his tongue? Absolutely heavenly for the man. 

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs) 

Echo would be interested in trying out toys I fell. Especially with his mecho hand. He'd find add ons that gave you pleasure. Or was just enough to just tease you with. I feel like he would also have a dirty photo of you saved for just him when the two of you are apart. One that you don't know about so it just adds to his own thrill. 

 E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

Echo at first after the citadel is fairly rusty. If the two of you were together before then he's really insecure he won't meet the expectations like he did before he was in stasis for almost over a year. If the two of you weren't together he's still insecure, but at least he knows that you don't know how he was in bed previous years before. 

He does in fact know what he's doing. His arc twin is Fives, and I am sure that door told him stories and hooked Echo up with at least one or two beings in their lifetime. 

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Since Echo is a tits man he likes you either on your back, riding him, or fucking you with a mirror in front of the two of you. The way your tits bounce mesmerize him and he loves having his mouth or hands on them while the two of you get nasty. What drives him absolutely feral is when you ride him and bring his hands up to your chest. Then squeeze your hands over his his while they squeeze your breasts. Absolutely divine. 

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

It really depends on his mood. Echo has more of a sarcastic, dry sense of humor. So if he is feeling it he will crack a joke here or there, but not too many. If you two are having sex after a long mission where he thought he wasn't going to make it out(or if he didn't think you were, if you travel with tbb.) Then he's normally more serious and sappy while he fucks you slowly into the night. Reminding himself that he has you and you have him, still. 

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Echo is pretty well groomed. He doesn't like a mess, and plus it's too itchy for him when it gets too long. So he always keeps it trimmed down. Never shaved, since for one, he doesn't like the feel of it growing back. Then two he just doesn't like himself with no hair down there. 

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Echo is normally pretty romantic especially when it comes to sex. He doesn't fuck to fuck, he fucks for love. He normally only sleeps with people he has an absolute attraction to. Someone that he knows won't hurt him. Or at least believes they won't. So he normally does his best to keep the moment romantic and perfect for the two of you. 

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

Echo normally doesn't jack off too much. He usually waits to come home to you so the two of you can actually help each other feel good. Rather than a hand and his imagination. Though, if he does get a nasty picture of you? He won't hesitate to use it if the mission lasts longer than usual or he's extra stressed out from his crew mates. 

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Praise Kink: this boy will absolutely love you all night long, the more you praise him. Even simple things like "that feels so good," "you're so amazing," and stuff like that will push him further to make you feel absolutely angelic.

Not sure if this is a kink or what you'd call it, but man would die if you gave him a lap dance. Echo loves taking care of you, but when you take care of him?? He feels like the luckiest guy in the galaxy.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

He prefers the comfort of a bed. Where the two of you have time to appreciate everything you give each other. There has been a rare occasion or two where he gets a little handsy at 79s after a few too many drinks and a guy flirting with you. Where you find yourself getting fingered in the corner or fucked in the bathroom. 

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Echo loves it when you wear lingerie. Even if you don't think you look good in it he thinks you're absolutely beautiful no matter what. And if it's blue or white he goes feral. 

If you kiss him in front of someone hitting on him. Or hold his hand when he's being hit on. Show any signs that he is yours and you are his, he's probably going to take you the moment you two have time. 

Another big turn on for him is when you praise him throughout the day. Man can't resist it. Especially when you say it in a dirtier tone and act all innocent when he confronts you. 

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Bondages is a bug no from him. From all the times in the war he's been held in restraints, or he's witnessed his brothers and Generals in restraints he can't stand them. He can't even handle you in them. It triggers something in him that ruins the mood for the both of you. 

He doesn't like the thought of knife or gun play. If you or him are getting hurt in the process he won't do it. He may spank you playfully here or there, but that’s about it. 

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

He honestly prefers giving over receiving. He loves it when you're a writhing mess and gripping at him or the sheets for dear life. The taste of you and the sound of your lewd moans has him nearly creaming his pants. Plus he just loves the satisfaction of knowing he can make you come undone like that. 

He isn't against you giving him oral here or there though. Some days he loves it, especially when he's stressed out and you just drop on your knees like some sort of gift from above. 

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Echo prefers a more slow and sensual pace. He loves making it last as long as he can. He is definitely one of those, "this could be out last time. Let's make it last." Type of guys. So expect more love making than fucking. Though there are time where he'll give you a good fuck. Maybe one of the nights where he does try and dom. Though it normally ends with you sitting on his face because he absolutely loves it when you do. If you suffocated him he would die a happy man. 

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

He isn't too fond of them, but he isn't against them either. If he is doing a quickie he'd prefer to make sure no one caught you two. He'd probably die of humiliation.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Echo will only experiment if you recommend something new. As long as it isn't really messy/gross, the two of you stay safe through it, and restraints and blind folds aren't a part of it he's all good for it. 

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

After the citadel he lost a majority of his strength in general. Before he could last about 3-4 long rounds. Now he's lucky if he gets 2 in. He normally doesn't last too long either. Though after time he does begin to last longer and you're able to finish with him for the most part. 

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

His hand. As said above he uses his robotic hand for sex quite a bit. He adds on accessories. Anything to make his partner feel absolutely euphoric. 

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

Echo enjoys teasing here or there on his end, but you can normally work your way around it. One simple please and he's normally doing what you want. You have him wrapped around your finger for the most part. 

He normally despises when you tease him. Mostly because he just hates begging for anything. 

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

Echo is a talker and a groaner. He loves muttering sweet nothings in your ear, and will also praise you to the moon. Especially if you praise in return. He grunts and groans to the point the rest of tbb tease him about it til he's flushed red and trying to.make up excuses. 

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

He would like to try sharing you. He knows his brothers like you and has thought about sharing you with one or two of them at a time. He would take charge through it, since you are technically with him and not them, but he just thinks it would be exciting and fun. He doesn't know how to ask and is too anxious you would hate the idea to ask, though.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Echo lost a lot of his muscles while in stasis. He is slowly gaining that and his color back though. Along with getting upgrades for his prosthetics. Like an actual hand that Tech built for him. As for his dick, it's average clone size. Longer and thicker than the average person's.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

His isn't really too high. Even once he gets used to the fact that you love him and his body, he doesn't really have that high of a sex drive. He controls himself pretty good and doesn't really even need to jack off much unless he's really stressed. That doesn’t mean he won't initiate sex with you the moment he sees you after a long mission though. 

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

He for the most part tries to stay up, playing with your hair until your asleep above/below/beside him. Wherever the two of you decide to cuddle against one another. It's sort of his way of making sure it's all real though. Some nights he is the first to pass out though. 

[backandimbamon]

Are you still taking Halloween requests for Bamon? If so, would you be willing to write a fic about Damon watching Bonnie having fun with her magic on Halloween or throughout the season? Like, making things float for trick-or-treaters, lighting candles, making lights flicker to spook kiddos. It's fluffy, but it can be spookier or hotter if you're inclined! If you're not taking requests, that's okay too! Happy Halloween! <:



ughhhhh you’re hitting me right in the feeeeels 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺 i love this idea. this is a pureeee Bamon fluff moment <33333

Damon had a chat with Bonnie- well, vent session really- about how he didn’t give a damn about Halloween. After a century and a half of witnessing angels and devils, he’d seen enough red and white polyester for a lifetime. Halloween was just gimmicky and trite and without any kids, what did it matter?

That was the end of September, and while Bonnie didn’t say much during his rambling, she’d hum her concession at every spare sentence distractedly.

By October first, Bonnie came over with puppy dog eyes and pumpkins, suggesting, (begging,) that they carve out “spooky” faces and hide the seeds in moist soil and well, he couldn’t deny her. Especially not after the puppy dog eyes.

“For someone who didn’t want to do this, you’re pretty amazing at carving pumpkins.”

You’re one to speak, Damon thought to himself as he watched Bonnie use the knife like a floating stylus, you’re carving without using hands.

“I’m brilliant at everything I do.” He stated confidently.

“Can I take my compliment back?”

“Nope.”

When they finished, Bonnie magically lit small tea candles and sat them in the pumpkin heads as lanterns during the nighttime.

“Show off,” Damon mumbled.

The light in her eyes made him think that this Halloween might not be so bad after all.

.

Damon realized very quickly what this whole ordeal was about.

Bonnie was no longer eighteen, or twenty-two, or even twenty-five; she was twenty-eight so it wasn’t far-fetched for him to assume that she was having a severe case of baby fever.

She was just coooing and awwwing a little too much at the kid’s costumes and took it upon herself to use her witchy powers as entertainment, and though she was fooling the stupid kids, Damon knew no “magician” could juggle blow pops in mid air.

“If you really want to use your powers, why not scare the living shit out of them?” He pointed a rigid thumb at the adorable kids behind his back as one dressed as Batman covered his mouth in surprise at Damon’s foul language.

“Ooo, he said a bad word,” one kid whispered to the next and quickly the gang of mini comic book heroes decided they preferred the “magician” over the vampire.

“Damon, please.” Bonnie sighed, then addressed the kids with a big smile as she extended a hand to send candy dropping into their bags out of their own accord.

“Oh wow, that looks so real!” A parent exclaimed.

“It is. She’s a witch.” The dad shook his head and laughed.

“It’s true. And I’m a vampire.” Damon extended his fangs and hissed for added drama. The kids, now fully terrified, ran off noisily and the beloved father only shook his head again and pointed a finger.

“You really almost got me there,” then he walked off to the next house.

Vampires and witches didn’t go bump in the night, only animal attacks did. Damon sighed.

“I might just stab myself and see what explanation they come up with when my body sews itself back together.”

“Please don’t.”

“You wanna talk about it?”

“About what?”

“I don’t know- I can practically hear your ovaries about to burst when you see a baby in an idiotic costume.”

“That’s not true!”

“Bonnie you’ve got a whole side magic show…Care to explain?”

“I want to entertain them, Damon, is that so wrong? It’s Halloween for Christ’s sake,” he cut his eyes up to the ceiling, “get into the spirit.”

.

It was easier for him to be a little more festive when she really started scaring the older kids who were unimpressed with floating candy and making plants grow in front of their eyes.

They insisted it was special effects or hypnotism or this or that so when Bonnie made them hear a voice whispering in one ear and then the other, Damon finally developed a genuine smile on his face.

He could always advocate for a good punishment.

“Try not to enjoy this so much,” Bonnie teased.

“You first.”

.

They had just settled in, down to one bag of candy, The Nightmare Before Christmas on the television screen when Damon heard the last knock.

“I got it!” He called out to Bonnie who was in the kitchen of the boarding house throwing away the empty packages of sweets.

Damon’s breath caught in his throat when he opened the door to a pale little vampire with raven black hair. He looked up at him with crystal blue eyes and a smile missing his two front teeth.

“Trick or treat.” He declared, holding his bag out and open. By his side was a little brown-skinned girl with a black pointy hat and a broom.

“Bonnie this isn’t funny.” He called out.

“What do you mean?” And when she saw them she lost her breath too.

“No more candy, huh?” The little vampire asked with his left brow raised critically.

“You can’t just ask that, manners are important, Bennie.”

“Manners, shmanners. You’re not the boss of me, Dana. Who doesn’t have candy on Halloween?”

Bonnie looked over at Damon and mouthed, Bennie?

Dana? He mouthed back.

Before they could leave, she handed them the rest of the candy and Dana, ever so polite, thanked them graciously while Bennie trekked over to the next house.

Only when they sat on the couch with their bowl of popcorn did Damon speak again.

“Did we just enter the twilight zone?”

“Ya know, I think we did.”

For what it was worth, Damon felt a lot warmer than he had in years.

[vdlest]

For A Lifetime

Characters:

Husband!Bucky Barnes x Wife!Reader

Groom!Bucky Barnes x Bride!Reader

Summary:

You just got married to the man you love, and on the reception, you are asked to give a message to your husband.

Warning:

Fluff

You still can't believe that it's your wedding day, that you are finally married to the love of your life, that you are finally Mrs. Barnes. You find it so surreal and hard to believe that the man you are holding hands with right now is your husband and the man you'll grow old with.

Bucky has been your boyfriend for five years, you two owe your love story to Steve because it was him who introduced you to Bucky. Since then, you two were inseparable, until Bucky finally asked you to be his girl, and you gladly said yes. You two shared a beautiful relationship, traveled to a lot of places already, fought some issues and odds together, and five years later, he popped another question for you, the kind of question that changed your life forever. He asked you to marry him, and you did say yes, and after a few months of planning, here you are, finally Mrs. Barnes.

Realizing the years you and Bucky have been through, you tilt your head and glance at your husband who is sitting beside you. You and the rest of your guests are in the reception and the dinner is being served at the moment, but you are already full of love.

"So my Mrs. Barnes," Bucky glances at you and squeezes your hand that he's holding since the ceremony, "Do you want me to dismiss our guests so we could finally have time for ourselves?" he asked naughtily.

You chuckled and pinched his nose, "Let's not be rude, love. We have every time in the world to do whatever we want," you replied, giving his hand a squeeze, "For now, let's enjoy this night with our family and friends," you added.

Planning a wedding is one of the most stressful things you've done, but it was a good thing that many people helped you and Bucky all throughout the planning. Nat and Wanda helped you in finding the right wedding gown for this once in a lifetime milestone in your life, on the other hand, it was Steve and Sam who helped Bucky to find the best suit he could wear for this special day, and they did a great job, seeing your husband so dapper in his suit tonight.

Gathering all your family and close friends is kind of tough, but with the help of Nat and the rest of the team, everything you dreamed of about your wedding was made possible.

You and Bucky were still munching over the dessert when the microphone echoes right through the whole hall, which made you looked over the stage and you saw Steve standing in the middle holding a wine glass.

"Hey, everyone! Can I have everyone's attention please?" he asked.

You and Bucky exchanged glances, both puzzled with Steve's presence in the middle of the stage.

"What's this punk doing there?" Bucky whispered.

You shrugged, "I don't know. We'll see," you answered.

When Steve finally got everyone's attention, he cleared his throat and speaks again in the microphone, "I know it's not my place to start the message giving kind of thing, and I know Bucky is asking himself and his beautiful wife what am I doing here," he glances at you, which made you smile because of the thought that he called you Bucky's wife, "Well, to answer your question Buck, Nat asked me to start the message giving since I am the best man."

"It's not like I have any other choice, man," Bucky yelled, which made everyone laugh.

"Shut up, Buck. It's not your time to talk. Y/n, can you zip your husband's mouth, please?" Steve joked. He cleared his throat once again, "Anyway, Buck, I have no idea what to tell you right now. You're a great man and I don't need to tell you to be a faithful and a good husband to y/n because I know you will. I don't need to tell you to make her happy all the time because I know you will and you're already making her happy. I don't need to tell you the things that a husband does for his wife, because first, I have no idea how to be a husband, and second, I know you'll figure it out. And for you, y/n," Steve moved his eyes towards you, "I wish you had the best nights of sleep of your life because you won't be getting any now that you're married to this punk."

Everyone laughed again because of Steve's joke. You took a glance at Bucky who is still holding your hand to see his reaction to his best friend's joke, and he hurriedly wiped his mouth using his hand, trying to hide the embarrassment he felt because of Steve's joke.

Steve playfully shook his head, "I think I might have an idea on what gift I should give Y/N on Christmas," he clicked his tongue, "I think I'm gonna get her bunch of Tylenol for her headaches," he joked, making everyone laugh again.

"'Gonna kill this man later," your husband murmured as he pulls you closer to him.

Bucky let go of your hand and wrapped his arms around you, you leaned towards him, feeling his warmth as you both listen to Steve's speech.

"Kidding aside, Y/N, you are married to a good man. Ever since he met you, there's not a day that he doesn't think of what will make you happy, of what will make you feel his admiration and love for you. When you two met, I saw something different in him. He learned how to trust people, even more, he learned to open up, not just to you but to everyone else. So Buck, y/n," he raised his wine glass, "I wish the two of you years of endless love and fruitful marriage. I may not be a husband to anyone, but I promise the two of you that I will be a good uncle to your little ones soon, not just that, I promise you two that I'll be here whenever you two needed a friend. I love you both! Let's cheers to Mr. & Mrs. Barnes, everyone!"

"Cheers!" everyone shouted.

"Cheers!" you and Bucky joined and after you two took a sip from your glasses, the two of you shared a quick kiss.

When Steve walked down the stage, he walked towards you and Bucky. It was you who he approached first and hugged you.

"Thank you, Steve," you thanked him as you hug him back, "Your presence means a lot to us. We love you too," you whispered.

Steve taps your back gently before he pulled away and hugs his pal next.

Seeing Bucky and Steve hug each other made you smile. You did not witness how their friendship started, but you have a lifetime to witness how their friendship will grow even more.

"Love you, Buck," Steve said as he hugs his best friend.

Bucky taps Steve's back, "Love you, brother," he answered.

Before Steve went back to his seat, he handed you the microphone, signaling that it's now your turn to give a message to your husband.

You happily accepted it and find your way to the stage.

"That's one of a good speech, Cap," you said looking at Steve who is now seated in the middle of Sam and Nat. You next took a glance one by one of your guests as you start your speech, "First things first, thanks to everyone for coming here tonight and for taking your time to celebrate this milestone with me and my husband," your eyes landed on Bucky, "God, I still can't believe you're my husband now."

Tears are starting to form in your eyes, and it's making your sight a bit blurry but it won't stop you from seeing the priceless smile on Bucky's face.

"Just like what my favorite song says, my soul found you and fell in love," you recited a part of your favorite song, For A Lifetime sung by Ryann Darling, "When Steve introduced you to me, I wasn't looking for anything, I was so tired of dating and ended up failing because I can't find the guy who would understand me. I promised myself I won't date anymore, but you happened," your eyes remained looking at Bucky as you continue your message for him, "It's like when we met, a voice came over to me and told me that I just found what I am looking and waiting for. I found it the moment we found each other. And I told myself, you are the most amazing man I've ever met in my entire life, apart from my Dad of course," you said glancing at your dad who is sitting behind Bucky.

When your eyes went back to Bucky, you saw him smile and looked down a bit.

He must've remembered the time when he met your Dad. He was nervous as hell. He didn't know what to tell him, so he just told him that he loves you with all of his heart and soul. He told him he can barely give you anything, but he would be 100% willing to give you his whole heart and love.

"Buck," you called him and his eyes met yours again, "Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for bringing so much happiness to my life. Thank you. Just thank you," your tears finally run down your cheeks, "I love you."

As soon as those three words came out of your mouth, Bucky rapidly stood up from where he was sitting and went up to the stage with you. Once he was in front of you, he didn't waste any time, he kissed you.

"I love you more than life itself," he said after kissing you and gave you a quick kiss again. "Everyone," Bucky yelled and raised his wine glass, "Let's cheers for my beautiful wife. To Mrs. Barnes!" he cheered.

"To Mrs. Barnes!" everyone cheered.

You cupped Bucky's face and made him face you, "Love you," you said and rested your forehead against his nose.

Ryann Darling said on his song, my soul found you and fell in love, while for you, your soul found Bucky, fell in love, and stay in love forever.

-v.dl

[firecatvariant]

Solomon Birthday 2021 Collab Project!

Here is my portion of the Solomon Birthday 2021 Collab Project I was a part of! I was partnered with an awesome artist who rendered an adorable image to accompany my work! Please follow @solomonbday2021​ to see everyone’s works, including my partner’s artwork! I had so much fun and it was lovely to work with such an amazing group of people. I definitely want to do this again!

The Contemplation of Stars Solomon’s Birthday Collab Project by FireCatVariant

It was a gorgeous summer night. Solomon stepped out of the portal and found himself in a quiet empty field in the human realm. The night was calm, with a warm breeze blowing, causing the wildflowers in the field to sway gently. The sky was clear, and millions of stars glittered above him. He looked around his surroundings and gave a small smile. There was a pensiveness to his thoughts that night, along with a strong feeling of nostalgia. Choosing a spot, he spread his cape on the ground and sat down on it. Glancing around, he saw that there was no way any being could disturb him, so he leaned back, his arms tucked behind his head. Looking up at the stars, he began to lose himself in his thoughts.

The stars were infinite. It was something he had in common with them. Besides himself, they were perhaps the longest living things he could think of. How many things have the stars seen him accomplish throughout his long life? Perhaps most of the ones in the sky above him were even older than he was. He couldn’t help but feel a deep connection with the night sky. They too, have seen all that he has seen, witnessed all that he had also borne witness to. He even envied the stars a little. They would eventually burn out and die, while he was left to live on. His immortality was a blessing and a curse. But still, he felt companionship with the stars, as he felt with no one else.

Reaching far back into the deep recesses of his memory, he began to reminisce. Together with the stars, they had seen great empires rise and fall. They both had borne witness to most of humanity's progress and most of its failures. Solomon's thoughts suddenly turned less to the stars and what they had in common, to his long, long life. How many magical experiments had been performed in his lifetime? How many millions of spells cast? Knowledge searched for and learned? How many had he loved?

He gave a small chuckle, thinking of the things that were said about him in the history books. To think that he would have had 300 wives at the same time! If he was being honest, it was probably true he had loved 300 or more over his thousand years, but he didn't have them all at the same time! That sounded like something Asmo would do. He frowned. Even though he knew he had loved many, he could hardly remember their names anymore, let alone their faces.

His thoughts turned to his reputation as a wise sorcerer. Well, that had been earned. The baby comment he had made that one time was meant to be a joke, of course. He liked to keep things light-hearted. But they took it and ran with it. And then there was the grimoire he allowed to be published as a joke, not thinking anyone would take it seriously. Those were the things he was known for. He didn't really mind, but deep down he wished there was someone out there that knew him for more than those things.

Over time, he stopped making a name for himself. He was content to work quietly in the background, and not stand out too much. He had made countless friends with all different beings, discovered countless secrets, and developed his magical ability beyond that of anyone else. But he stopped himself from falling in love, from caring too deeply for another. Losing those he loved over and over was too painful, and as time passed, he refused to let himself go through it again. It was hard, but he had been resolute, or so he thought.

And then MC had come along.

Solomon smiled at the thought of them. MC. They were the light in the darkness. Their kindness and gentle care, their courage, and their eagerness to learn. For some reason, no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t stop himself from falling in love with all of it. He never wanted any harm to come to them. He wanted them to keep their charming naivete and bright smile for as long as they could. He wanted to love and protect them until the end of time.

He really did try to stop himself. At first, he just wanted to watch over them, as the fellow human in Diavolo's exchange program. They were so ordinary and seemed so fragile at first, how was he to know that they would possess the greatest of potentials? But the more time he spent with them, the more he found himself developing feelings, despite trying so hard not to. There was just something about MC that drew out those long-forgotten feelings from him.

It wasn't easy, feeling the way he did. It felt familiar, but alien at the same time since it had been so long. Plus, he thought and chuckled, he had competition from the Demon Brothers, the Angels, even Lord Diavolo and Barbatos. He knew they all loved MC to various degrees. He hated the thought of losing. But he loved MC enough to respect whatever they chose. Being his apprentice, assistant and friend would be enough for him, if he could just stay by their side for as long as possible.

He stood up and dusted himself off a little. He had dallied here long enough; it was time to get back to work. As he conjured up another portal to continue his travels, he took one more look around the field and up at the sparkling sky. One day he would bring MC to this place. Together they would look up at the stars, and he would make them a promise. To love them for as long as the stars sparkled in the sky.

Masterlist

[faraway-wanderer]

BOOKS BY ASIAN AUTHORS MASTERLIST #stopasianhate

In light of recent events and the growing anti- Asian hate in the US and UK over the course of the pandemic I wanted to put together a masterlist of books by Asian authors. Obviously, it’s not extensive and there are HUNDREDS out there, but supporting art by Asian creators is a way of showing support; read their stories, educate ourselves. It goes without saying that we should all be putting effort into reading stories of POC and by POC because even through fiction we’re learning about different cultures, countries and heritages. So here’s some books to start with by Asian authors!

Here is a link also for resources to educate and petitions to sign (especially if you don’t read haha). It’s important that we educate ourselves and uplift Asian voices right now. Your anti-racism has to include every minority that faces it.

https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/

for UK peeps, this is a good read: We may not hear about the anti Asian racism happening here, but it is definitely happening. https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a35692226/its-time-we-stopped-downplaying-the-uks-anti-asian-racism/

 THE BOOKS:

·         War Cross- Marie Lu ( the worldbuilding in this is IMMENSE.)

For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. The obsession started ten years ago and its fan base now spans the globe, some eager to escape from reality and others hoping to make a profit. 

·         Star Daughter- Shveta Thakrar

A beautiful story about a girl who is half human and half star, and she must go to the celestial court to try to save her father after he has fallen ill. And before she knows it, she is taking part in a magical competition that she must win!

·         These Violent Delights- Chloe Gong (I told my little sister to read this book yesterday bc she has a thing for a Leo as Romeo- so if you want deadly good looking Romeos, badass Juliet’s and to learn about 1920s Shanghai- this is for you.)

The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city helpless in the grip of chaos. A Romeo and Juliet retelling.

·         The Poppy War- R.F Kuang (My fave fantasy series just fyi- it’s soul crushing in the best way. Rebecca Kuang is a god of an author).

A brilliantly imaginative talent makes her exciting debut with this epic historical military fantasy, inspired by the bloody history of China’s twentieth century and filled with treachery and magic, in the tradition of Ken Liu’s Grace of Kings and N.K. Jemisin’s Inheritance Trilogy.

·         Loveboat Taipei-  Abigail Hing Wen  (Really heartwarming and insightful!)

When eighteen-year-old Ever Wong’s parents send her from Ohio to Taiwan to study Mandarin for the summer, she finds herself thrust among the very over-achieving kids her parents have always wanted her to be, including Rick Woo, the Yale-bound prodigy profiled in the Chinese newspapers since they were nine—and her parents’ yardstick for her never-measuring-up life.

·         Sorcerer to the Crown- Zen Cho (if anyone is looking for another Howl’s Moving Castle, look no further than this book)

At his wit’s end, Zacharias Wythe, freed slave, eminently proficient magician, and Sorcerer Royal of the Unnatural Philosophers—one of the most respected organizations throughout all of Britain—ventures to the border of Fairyland to discover why England’s magical stocks are drying up.

·         Emergency Contact- Mary H.K. Choi (very wholesome and fun rom-com!)

For Penny Lee high school was a total nonevent. When she heads to college in Austin, Texas, to learn how to become a writer, it’s seventy-nine miles and a zillion light years away from everything she can’t wait to leave behind.

 ·         Jade City- Fonda Lee (I am reading this currently and can I just say- I think everyone who loves fantasy and blood feuds in a story should read this.)

JADE CITY is a gripping Godfather-esque saga of intergenerational blood feuds, vicious politics, magic, and kungfu. The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It's the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.

 ·         A Pho Love Story- Loan Le

When Dimple Met Rishi meets Ugly Delicious in this funny, smart romantic comedy, in which two Vietnamese-American teens fall in love and must navigate their newfound relationship amid their families’ age-old feud about their competing, neighbouring restaurants.

·         Rebelwing- Andrea Tang

Business is booming for Prudence Wu. A black-market-media smuggler and scholarship student at the prestigious New Columbia Preparatory Academy, Pru is lucky to live in the Barricade Coalition where she is free to study, read, watch, and listen to whatever she wants.

·         Wings of the Locust- Joel Donato Ching Jacob

Tuan escapes his mundane and mediocre existence when he is apprenticed to Muhen, a charming barangay wiseman. But, as he delves deeper into the craft of a mambabarang and its applications in espionage, sabotage and assassination, the young apprentice is overcome by conflicting emotions that cause him to question his new life.

 ·         The Travelling Cat Chronicles- Hiro Arikawa

Sometimes you have to leave behind everything you know to find the place you truly belong...

Nana the cat is on a road trip. He is not sure where he's going or why, but it means that he gets to sit in the front seat of a silver van with his beloved owner, Satoru. 

 ·         Super Fake Love Song- David Yoon

From the bestselling author of Frankly in Love comes a contemporary YA rom-com where a case of mistaken identity kicks off a string of (fake) events that just may lead to (real) love.

  ·         Parachutes- Kelly Yang

Speak enters the world of Gossip Girl in this modern immigrant story from New York Times bestselling author Kelly Yang about two girls navigating wealth, power, friendship, and trauma.

·         The Grace of Kings- Ken Liu ( One of the Time 100 Best Fantasy Books Of All Time!)

Two men rebel together against tyranny—and then become rivals—in this first sweeping book of an epic fantasy series from Ken Liu, recipient of Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy awards.

·         Wicked Fox- Kat Cho

A fresh and addictive fantasy-romance set in modern-day Seoul.

 ·         Descendant of the Crane- Joan He

In this shimmering Chinese-inspired fantasy, debut author Joan He introduces a determined and vulnerable young heroine struggling to do right in a world brimming with deception.

 ·         Pachinko- Min Jin Lee

Richly told and profoundly moving, Pachinko is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty. From bustling street markets to the halls of Japan's finest universities to the pachinko parlors of the criminal underworld, Lee's complex and passionate characters--strong, stubborn women, devoted sisters and sons, fathers shaken by moral crisis--survive and thrive against the indifferent arc of history.

·         America is in the Heart- Carlos Bulosan

First published in 1946, this autobiography of the well known Filipino poet describes his boyhood in the Philippines, his voyage to America, and his years of hardship and despair as an itinerant laborer following the harvest trail in the rural West.

 ·         Days of Distraction- Alexandra Chang

A wry, tender portrait of a young woman — finally free to decide her own path, but unsure if she knows herself well enough to choose wisely—from a captivating new literary voice.

·         The Astonishing Colour of After Emily X.R Pan

Alternating between real and magic, past and present, friendship and romance, hope and despair, The Astonishing Color of After is a novel about finding oneself through family history, art, grief, and love. 

·         The Gilded Wolves- Roshani Chokshi

It's 1889. The city is on the cusp of industry and power, and the Exposition Universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. Here, no one keeps tabs on dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Séverin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission, Séverin is offered a treasure that he never imagined: his true inheritance.

·         When Dimple met Rishi- Sandhya Menon

Dimple and Rishi may think they have each other figured out. But when opposites clash, love works hard to prove itself in the most unexpected ways.

·         On Earth we’re briefly Gorgeous- Ocean Vuong

Poet Ocean Vuong's debut novel is a shattering portrait of a family, a first love, and the redemptive power of storytelling.

·         Fierce Fairytales- Nikita Gill

Complete with beautifully hand-drawn illustrations by Gill herself, Fierce Fairytales is an empowering collection of poems and stories for a new generation.

 BOOKS BEING RELEASED LATER THIS YEAR TO PREORDER:

·         Counting down with you- Tashie Bhuiyan- 4th May

A reserved Bangladeshi teenager has twenty-eight days to make the biggest decision of her life after agreeing to fake date her school’s resident bad boy.

How do you make one month last a lifetime?

·         Gearbreakers- Zoe Hana Mikuta- June 29th

Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they're fighting for a common purpose--and falling for each other--in Zoe Hana Mikuta's high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu's Legend series

·         XOXO- Axie Oh- 13th July

When a relationship means throwing Jenny’s life off the path she’s spent years mapping out, she’ll have to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love.

·         She who became the sun- Shelley Parker-Chan- 20th July

Mulan meets The Song of Achilles in Shelley Parker-Chan's She Who Became the Sun, a bold, queer, and lyrical reimagining of the rise of the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty from an amazing new voice in literary fantasy.

·         Jade Fire Gold- June C.L Tan- October 12th

Two girls on opposite sides of a war discover they're fighting for a common purpose--and falling for each other--in Zoe Hana Mikuta's high-octane debut Gearbreakers, perfect for fans of Pacific Rim, Pierce Brown's Red Rising Saga, and Marie Lu's Legend series

  Keep sharing, signing petitions and donating where you can. The more people who are actively anti-racist, the better. And if your anti-racism doesn’t include the Asian community then go and educate yourself! BLM wasn’t a trend and neither is this. We have to stand up against white supremacy, and racism and stereotypes and we have to support the communities that need our support. Part of that can include cultivating your reading so you’re reading more diversely and challenging any stereotypes western society may have given you.

 Feel free to reblog and add any more recommendations and resources of course!

[un-beel-ievable]

The brothers reaction to seeing MC all dressed up for a ball/formal event 👠

Author’s note: Please do not repost!! If you like my writing, please leave a like and a comment (and follow me to see similar content in the future :D)

I’m sorry it took me this long to get this written and edited for you guys...I know it’s been a while. Please enjoy!! xxx

( @obeyme-life​ finally got around to answering your request lmao)

_____

Lucifer ☕

• He had to arrive at the venue early to assist Lord Diavolo in supervising the preparation for the event, so he doesn't get to see you beforehand. After spending most of the day running around and helping to make sure the event runs smoothly, the last thing he wants to do is to head to the ballroom and mingle with the crowd. But at Lord Diavolo's insistence that he learn to "lighten up and have some fun", a worn out Lucifer finds himself stepping into the ballroom in search of you and his brothers.

• It sounds cheesy but when he steps into the room, you are the first person to catch his eye. He tries to maintain his composure as he strides over to you, –he has an image to keep up, after all– but his face definitely lights up at the sight of you. You are the perfect remedy for the stressed out Avatar of Pride —even if he'll never admit it out loud.

• Now that he's gotten a good look at you...he can't take his eyes off you. Your outfit really compliments your curves and brings out the colour in your eyes. You are the most ethereal being he's ever seen.

• You become the star attraction, the light of the party —to him anyway, he can't speak for everyone else. He's definitely monopolising your attention, but there's no way he's letting anyone else near you. Especially his brothers. You're his. He steals you away from the crowd and leads you to the rose gardens so that he can enjoy a...private moment with you.

Mammon 💳

• You had told him to head to the event without you –you needed more time to get ready, so you'd meet him there later. There was no reason for him to have to wait around for you when he could go ahead and start enjoying himself first. But Mammon wasn't having any of it; he wasn't going to leave and allow one of his brothers the satisfaction of escorting you to the event. So he insists on camping outside the door to your room, waiting for you to be done with your hair...or your make up. Or whatever it is you're doing in there.

• Half an hour passes. And then another. And another. Nearly two hours have passed, and Mammon finds himself still crouching outside the door to your room, waiting for you to make an appearance. What's taking you so long?

• Too impatient to wait any longer, he barges into your room without knocking, demanding to know why it's taking you forever to get ready. But when his gaze focuses on you, he trails off mid rant. His jaw drops. You look...astounding.

• And then he retraces his steps and backs out of the room the way he came in, slamming the door shut behind him. He's a blushing mess in the hallway; he buries his face in his hands and thanks Diavolo that his brothers have left for the event already, and that no one is here to bear witness to what a human did to his heart.

Leviathan 🎮

• He never wanted to come to this event. He had a plan: he was going to spend the first half of his evening grinding for a special event item, and then he was going to order an extra large Spicy Rainbow pizza and binge watch his entire collection of TSL DVDs for the billionth time. He had a plan, and now his plan was ruined because Lucifer insisted that all eight of you show up to Diavolo's gala. Why did ALL of you have to come anyway? There were so many people milling around that he was pretty sure no one would notice if he didn't show up.

• He's so busy sulking in the corner, that you manage to creep up on him. A shriek resounds throughout the ballroom, and from across the room Lucifer sighs. Heavily.

• Levi's about to tell you off for scaring him...but then his gaze falls on the outfit that you're wearing. He immediately turns beet red. You look...amazing. It's just like that anime he watched the other day – 'My brother forced me to attend a formal event and I thought my night was ruined, but then my really attractive crush came up to me and it was totally worth showing up.'

• He might even go so far as to say you looked even more beautiful than Ruri-chan.

Satan 📚

• It is a well known fact that the Avatar of Wrath is a bookworm. As both a member of the student council and someone who consistently makes the honour roll, he is the very definition of a model student. Satan likes to educate himself of a wide variety of topics, and his room is filled with books on every subject that has ever caught his interest. So it is to no one's surprise that the well read forth born is a master of several languages.

• When he first lays his eyes upon you, however, Satan -for the first time in his entire existence- is at a lost for words. You're...beautiful. Ravishing. Absolutely stunning. He knows that...but the silver tongued demon still finds himself tongue tied as he extends a hand towards you to escort you into the ballroom.

• He spends the entire night admiring your beauty. You were already attractive to him before...but watching you twirl around in an outfit so different from what you'd usually wear make him fall in love with you all over again.

Asmodeus 💋

• Okay, let's be real. Asmo already knew what you were going to be wearing. He'd spent the past month accompanying you around the various shopping districts in the Devildom, advising you on colour palettes and quizzing you on your personal style as you both tried to find the perfect outfit to wear to Diavolo's ball. Did you really think the fifth born was going to miss out on a chance to go shopping with his favourite human? Not a chance. He wanted you to look your best when you showed up to the event...and besides, he wouldn't be caught dead escorting someone whose outfit clashed with his own.

• He showed up to the event knowing exactly what you'd be wearing, he was even aware of what accessories you'd be pairing your outfit with and how you'd style your hair. And yet...when he laid his eyes on you, it felt like the first time.

• He'd been intimate with many, MANY people in his lifetime, but you were the first person to make him feel something...other than lust (the fact that you were immune to his charms definitely helped, but it wasn't the main reason). And in that moment...he knew that he'd give up being the Avatar of Lust if that meant he could spend the rest of his life with you.

Beelzebub 🍔

• Beel's one of the first guests to arrive at the event. Most of his brothers weren't entirely keen to show up to the event, but Beel was more than happy to attend...for the food, if nothing else. Diavolo always spared no expense when it came to catering, and Barbatos's cooking was to die for. He felt a little guilty about leaving ahead of you...but you'd heard his stomach rumble and reassured him that you didn't mind, and would catch up with him later.

• He positions himself by the buffet table and busies himself by laying waste to most of the spread –while the other guests hover awkwardly around him, unsure whether or not braving the Avatar of Gluttony for a bite of food is really worth it. (To his credit, he has set aside a plate of food just for you. Now all he has to do is to keep it uneaten until you show up.)

• When he catches sight of you stepping into the ballroom, he chokes on his food. He can't take his eyes off of you –you're more appealing to him than all the food on the buffet table combined. You always looked good, but tonight you were looking especially...delectable.

• ...he might be hungry for something other than food right now.

Belphegor 🛏

• Belphie can't decide whether he's awake or if he’s still dreaming.

• On one hand...this seems exactly like the kind of dream his subconscious would conjure up to torment him. The person of his dreams, all dressed up in an absolutely stunning outfit that compliments their body and brings out the colour of their eyes. And then getting to escort said person as their date to one of the Devildom's most illustrious balls, and getting to introduce them to everyone as his partner. It's a dream that's taunted him before in the past, before he wakes up too soon with flushed cheeks and a heart that's longing for more.

• On the other hand...your hand in his dreams has never felt this warm. The warmth of your palm against his keeps him grounded as you gaze up at him from behind your eyelashes. He feels the heat rising in his cheeks as he takes in your coy smile and the knowing look in your eye. No, this definitely isn't a dream.

• But if it was then...well, you were the most amazing thing his mind had ever conjured up for him.

[minaslittleone]

Fission & Fusion (Part 3)

Part 1 Part 2 Part 4 Part 5

Summary: How did the refined and proper Wilhemina Venable end up working for two coked-up tech bros out of the back of a van?

An origin story of sorts, dedicated to the amazing @lucyintheskywithxanax who has developed such a beautiful and nuanced depiction of Mina. This was inspired by her incredible story “And I failed to climb the mountain”.

Word count: ~2500

Professor Thompson was not surprised that she had to go searching for Wilhemina the following evening. Part of her had hoped that the young woman would have been waiting for her, a sign that she was allowing herself to accept the genuine support proferred to her. That was not to be. It was only natural, she supposed, as she made her way through the concrete wasteland that served as the hotel's parking lot, that after a lifetime of being belittled and dismissed, of being told she was nothing but a burden, that Wilhemina would find it difficult to accept help. To even believe that the offer of help was genuine.

The older woman shook her head as she raised her her hand to knock on the door indicated by the disinterested girl working reception. The world, and people, really could be so cruel.

When her initial knock went unanswered, she tried again slightly louder this time. Again she was greeted by only silence.

"Wilhemina." she called out, as she knocked for a third time. "Wilhemina, it's Professor Thompson. Can you let me in dear?"

In the beat of silence that followed, she could feel Wilhemina's indecision - her pride balking at the idea of reaching out to accept the tender care that her heart so dearly yearned for. For now, pride relented.

There was a jangle of keys as nervous fingers fought against the lock and deadbolt. The door eased open a crack to reveal Wilhemina, shoulders curled in on themselves, head bowed, face obscured by a curtain of red hair and supporting a significant portion of her weight on her cane. Her form fitting dress from the previous day had been replaced by black leggings and a loose fitting faun jumper which dwarfed her slender frame, sleeves extending well past her wrists where her fingers toyed anxiously with the cuffs. As the older woman eased the door slightly further ajar she couldn't miss the way Wilhemina flinched, obviously uncomfortable with any kind of physical proximity.

"Wilhemina?" the older woman coaxed. Glassy brown eyes peaked from beneath swollen lids, tentatively meeting her gaze. As she did her long hair shifted just enough to reveal the array of grazes decorating her right cheek and temple, chronicalling the previous night's events like braille across her skin. Wilhemina fought against the instinct the pull away as the older woman gently lifted her hair to inspect the damage. And as much as she hated allowing anyone to bear witness to her weakness she couldn't help but wonder when she had last been touched with such tenderness.

And maybe that was what gave her the courage to recount the events of the night before, those soft, caring touches that spoke more than words ever could, that whispered insistently that she deserved so much more. From the grinding weight against her fingers to the sickening crunch of her skull on the concrete, the smell of stale alcohol and tobacco, and the taste of dispair as calloused fingers rifled through her book bag and located the money that was supposed to be her lifeline. And more than all of that, the shame of laying sprawled out on the concrete unable to move.

Eventually the sound of the steal capped boots had disappeared into the distance, apparently deciding she wasn't worth any further humiliation. You're too ugly even for that, her mother's voice cooed. Slowly, she had managed to lever herself from the ground, bracing herself between her cane and the wall. Her trembling fingers had finally managed to overcome the lock but all too late. She stumbled across the threshold, collapsing onto the bed, curling in on herself in a futile attempt to prevent any further pain.

Professor Thompson's fingers were back at her cheek, tenderly chronically the array of scrapes and bruises that were beginning to blossom across her pale skin. How hard had she hit her head? Did she lose consciousness? Does it hurt if I push here? Any blurred or double vision? Any other injuries? Her hands? Her knees? Her back? No. All just bruised, like her ego, and her heart.

Wilhemina remained fascinated by the cuffs of her sweater throughout Professor Thompson's assessment, fingers picking at small imperfections in the fabric. By the time she raised her eyes the older woman was already moving busily around the room collecting her meagre possessions into her discarded book bag. "Have I missed anything dear?" Wilhemina could only shake her head dumbly in response though her confusion must have permeated her features for Professor Thompson quickly added "If you think for one moment I am letting you stay here on your own Wilhemina, after what happened, you are very, very mistaken".

The older woman slung the sum total of Wilhemina's possessions easily over her shoulder, before extending her hands to the younger woman to help her to her feet. And for once Wilhemina felt no pity or judgement in the gesture, only genuine care.

It felt good to let go for a moment, she thought, as she allowed herself to be escorted to the older woman's car. To hand over the reins, even if momentarily, to someone who genuinely had her best interests at heart. She had always been independent, self-sufficient, mature; garnering praise from countless adults for how grown up she was ever since she was tiny. There had been other words too - bossy, control freak, frigid bitch - a need for order and precision in the small parts of her life that she could control. But she was so tired after trying to hold it all together on her own for so long. Because in reality she wasn't in control at all.

Wilhemina jumped as the driver's side door opened, having not really registered that Professor Thompson had disappeared, let alone returned. The older woman shot her a sympathetic glance in apology for having startled her before starting the car and pulling out of that god damn parking lot.

Not long after she found herself seated at her professor's kitchen table, a warm mug of sweetened tea once again pushed into her hands whilst the older woman cooked. She managed to only feel slightly guilty about that. The room reminded her a lot of the woman herself, no frills and practical but with an undeniable warmth, full of mismatched crockery rather than complete sets, as if each piece had been hand picked for its bawdy colour or intricate pattern. Like her office, Professor Thompson's home seemed a little worn around the edges in the best of ways, it spoke of memories and a life well lived. From the rings on the wooden table from endless hours of conversation over tea, to the dings in the plaster from exhuberant grandchildren the house could not be further from the modernist sterility Wilhemina had become accustomed to.

The next thing she knew a steaming bowl of stew was being placed in front of her and the older woman was joining her at the table. "I hope you don't mind, dear, I know it's nothing very fancy" the older woman added as Wilhemina stared fixatedly at the bowl in front of her. Don't be so rude you ungrateful idiot. "No of course not, it's smells wonderful, it's just that I don't think anyone has ever cooked anything for me before. Thank you."

The older woman paused at that, spoon left resting against the side of her bowl. "Surely your mother did, at least?" Wilhemina scoffed at that, the very idea of Fleur Venable undertaking a task a menial as cooking was almost amusing. "No, my mother never had much interest in cooking, especially when she could pay someone to do it for her." A wry smile passed over the older woman's face "Maybe I should have listened when everyone told me to go into private practice rather than academia, it certainly seems to have worked out well enough for your father. Though I don't think I would have found much contentment in commercial law, I don't think I would have been particularly fond of spending my professional life making rich people richer."

"I don't think it brought my father much contentment either, though that might have been living with my mother" Wilhemina muttered, drawing unapologetic laughter from the older woman. After that the meal was finished in comfortable silence.

Wilhemina was about offer to help with clearing the table when something fuzzy brushed against her leg drawing an embarrassing squeak from her, which she quickly clamped her hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle. "Oh it's alright, my dear, it's just Miko. Hello my sweet boy" the older woman cooed to the grey tabby cat rubbing affectionately at her ankles. "Oh I know sweetheart, I missed you too."

Miko, seemingly satisfied that he had greeted his mistress appropriately, took that moment to return his attention to Wilhemina, who's anxious gaze flicked between the cat and his owner. "Oh I'm sorry my dear, you're not allergic are you?" the older woman asked in response to Wilhemina's obvious apprehension. "No, I'm just not very good with animals" Wilhemina replied as Miko began sniffing at her ankles.

"He likes it if you scratch behind his ears" the older woman suggested.

So, slowly, Wilhemina allowed her right hand to unfurl from it's safe home in her lap downwards towards the inquisitive feline, or at least as far as her spine would allow. Miko craned his neck upwards to bridge the gap, first sniffing at her fingers before quickly beginning to nuzzle against them. Hesitantly Wilhemina began to trail her nails along the cats scalp, concentrating her ministrations behind his ears as his owner had suggested. She was rewarded by purrs of contentment, as Miko nuzzled into her hand with increased vigour. She couldn't help but smile at that.

Soon after Miko raised his front paws onto the bottom railing of the chair in an effort to get closer to Wilhemina, and began nuzzling into her thigh in earnest.

"What is he doing?"

"Oh don't worry, dear" the older woman replied. "He's just saying that he likes you. Well I suppose to be more correct he's transferring his scent onto to you to claim you as his, just in case any other cats get any ideas."

"I don't think anyone has ever claimed me as theirs before" Wilhemina whispered, fingers still threading tenderly through Miko's fur.

"Well Miko certainly has and so have I" the older woman replied, "and we both happen to have excellent taste."

Wilhemina could only reply with a small, trembling smile.

"Now come on dear, you've had quite an eventful few days and I doubt you slept much last night"

Wilhemina nodded and allowed herself to be escorted up the stairs towards the guest room, Miko following closely on her heals.

The room which Professor Thompson showed her to was already bathed in warm light from the bedside lamp and her book bag had been placed upon the quilt covered bed.

"Now the bathroom is just across the hall, dear, and I've put out fresh towels for you. If you need anything during the night my room is just down the hall, ok?"

"I'll be ok, but thank you" Wilhemina offered the older woman a shy smile.

Professor Thompson made to leave for the night before turning back unable to stop herself. "Forgive me asking dear, but haven't you heard from your parents? Surely they must be worried where you are?"

Wilhemina did not share her certainty. "I haven't checked my phone." Perhaps childishly she didn't want to check, because until she did she could cling onto the slim hope that maybe her parents did want to know where she was.

"You should check, my dear" the older woman coaxed. "I'll give you some privacy, but I'll be downstairs if you need me"

"Actually" Wilhemina blurted before the courage abandoned her, "would you stay?"

Professor Thompson took a seat on the bed beside her as she rifled through her book bag for her cell phone. One missed call. She almost couldn't believe it when her father's cell phone number blinked back at her on the LCD screen. With trembling fingers she retrieved the voicemail.

"Wilhemina, I understand that your mother can be difficult but surely all this fuss isn't necessary. If this was about making a point, you've made it, you can stop with this childish fit and the two of you can discuss this like adults. Honestly Wilhemina, you know I don't have time for this right now, the McMahon case goes to trial in less than a week, I have better things to be doing with my time than be refereeing some petty squabble between you and your mother. Just sorted it out."

Professor Thompson killed the voicemail halfway through the pre-recorded list of options, they certainly didn't want to listen to the message again.

"I'm so sorry, dear, I shouldn't have pushed you to check."

Wilhemina shrugged. "If I'm honest with myself, I didn't really expect anything different. I just hoped that maybe, I don't know..." she sighed. She did know, she had hoped that for once her parents would show ounce of love and affection, or even just anything more than apathy. Anything to indicate she was more than a burden or the fulfillment of a tickbox in the game of life.

"You would have thought that by now I would have stopped getting my hopes up" Wilhemina muttered, tears beginning to trickle down her cheeks.

"Never" the older woman asserted. "You get your hopes up because you care and you have such a capacity for love, which makes you so much more than either of them will ever be."

She reached up tenderly to wipe the tears from the younger woman's cheeks, careful to avoid to avoid the dark purple bruising now staining her right cheek.

"Besides, their loss is my gain and you have a place here for as long as you need it"

[borathae]

Who is heartbroken, lying on the couch while crying ?? It is I, a reader of SA who is way too involved in the characters and their relationship, so involved that I felt like my heart was being ripped out throughout the last half of the chapter.

Warning : I am writing this right after I finished reading the chapter and my emotions are all over the place. Also this is a fucking novel, sorry about that

Why did yoongi do this?? Why did taehyung do this?? Why were they both ass holes?? I understand that they both are hurting but everything was going so well (except for tae but I'm not gonna lie, with all the happiness the moment with yoongi brought, I kinda had forgotten he was there oopsie)

I just want yoongi happy, and he was... until the shitshow started. And the thing is, everyone is to blame. And I feel like if we have to blame someone in particular, it's oc. Yoongi was hurt before even going in because she is oblivious, dense and completely lacked sympathy for yoongi when she said that she could finally leave and be together with tae, as if this whole morning with yoongi was for nothing. As if he didn't just show his vulnerable side and finally admitted to being happy with her. She completely disregarded his feelings for a man who manipulated her at the beginning and got her to nearly die (even if there was some mind control for that).

Yoongi keeps on saving her, on making efforts to make her happy, he starts to talk about his feelings (which he turned on for her) but no, she does as if it's nothing and goes back to Mr perfect tae. She is so dense and I'm honestly so mad at her...

I am also so mad at tae for goading yoongi, knowing his weaknesses, his insecurities and using them against him. It's such a low blow, it's disrespectful even. And oc goes with him as if she didn't witness the horrible things he said to the man she was with this morning, as if she didn't notice the effects it had on him.

I swear to God the only person I am not angry at (except jk coz he is my boo) is yoongi. My boi did not deserve the disrespect he got from both of them, nor did deserve to be hurt by the woman he loves. She knows that last time he loved someone it didn't go well, and she still pulls this bullshit...

I am honestly so mad and so sad, I just want yoongi happy. I just want him to finally enjoy living, enjoy having emotions. He has been betrayed enough, he has been through enough hardships to last several vampire lifetimes. He deserves peace and happiness and I wanna protect him from the world.

Anyway, sorry about that rant. I really appreciate the work and effort you put into this story. It is amazing, the characters feel so real and are so relatable (even they're vampires). I love this story and I am kinda sad that it's coming to an end. I am too emotionally attached to them to let them go ...

I love your work, I love you and take care of yourself ❤

Putting this all under read more because I added your second ask underneath as well and because of it, the answer's gotten kinda long HAHAH help

Okay so sorry for sending an ask again, but I saw your answer to a reblog that kinda said the same thing as my ask, and honestly I understand your point of view and changed my mind. Well,I slightly changed my mind. Like yoongi's interpretation of her words are not her responsibility and she doesn't lack empathy for that (I really liked how you explained it, it was really clear coz it takes a lot for me to change my mind, but you did in 5 seconds)

But I still think that her leaving with taehyung after what he did, and leaving yoongi alone crying in the cell is wrong?? Like I understand why she does it, because tae is familiar, he is her life from before and she hasn't seen him in forever. But at the same time, shouldn't she also help yoongi?? At this point I'm thinking while writing so I'm probably just saying dumb things. I just wanna know your point of view on that, her leaving yoongi behind. Because that leaves yoongi alone (sure he has jk but I doubt he's gonna talk feelings with him). Doesn't she understand that her leaving is kinda seen as a betrayal and also as an opposite to the conversation she had in the morning with yoongi ??

Also I hope that my asks aren't seen as disrespectful or something, I am not doubting you as an author. It's just that my opinion as a reader is different from yours as an author (but you being the author makes you right, or at least you know the characters better and your opinion is more argmented than mine), so I wanna better understand your point of view !! I really hope I worded my thoughts correctly and that it didn't sound too harsh... if it did, I'm really sorry and I really don't wanna insult you or your work...

Okay now I'm doubting my ask but I spent too long thinking about this not to send, so sorry again if it's perceived as mean, I really tried to make it sound not so bad

Okay so, I won't go into the thing with OC again because as you stated in your second ask, you can now see her point and I feel like I don't need to repeat myself hehe.

I will highlight this however:

I am also so mad at tae for goading yoongi, knowing his weaknesses, his insecurities and using them against him. It's such a low blow, it's disrespectful even.

I agree. It was a really low blow of him. Maybe Taehyung wasn't even aware how much his words would affect him? You know, maybe he is still in the belief that Yoongi is his old "dude whatever you say it's not going to get to me", which would kind of explain why he was so harsh to him. But at the end of the day, I also don't agree with Tae's methods. They were mean and quite frankly he needed to cHILL

Now about the entire leaving him behind thing. Oh dear, it is such a complicated thing because *whispers* i'd have stayed with yoongs *whispering ends*

Like I understand why she does it, because tae is familiar, he is her life from before and she hasn't seen him in forever. But at the same time, shouldn't she also help yoongi??

Now this, I wouldn't even say that she did it because he was familiar? I think she acted more of a will of wanting to truly get Taehyung out of the place? It was more of an instinct of "okay lean on me, I'll carry you out of this awful place, I'll make it better" and not of a feeling of "oh my sweetest love we are finally reunited again". I feel like in the moment (after she finally got ever her hesitation) she just saw Tae with his palms rubbed open and his eyes teary and her insticts to protect kicked in.

BUT BITCH I WOULD HAVE STAYED WITH YOONGS TOO LIKE PLEASE BABY WAS SO BROKEN :( BUT THEN I WOULDNT HAVE WANTED TO SEE TAE SUFFER EITHER AAAH I AM SO :(

Also I feel like she isn't leaving indefinitely? You know, maybe she just wants to make sure that Tae is out of danger and somewhere warm and safe before she takes on another challenge. It's truly such a complicated situation, but what I can confidently tell you is that she did not leave out of spite for Yoongi. That was truly not her intention.

Also don't worry, you didn't sound rude at all. I always love a good and respectful talk about my characters and I'm really happy that my story could awoke such thought processes in you hehe 💜

[companionship]

okay one big post to get the finale out of my system! it's been lovely reading all of your analyses and reactions, and looking at all your amazing gifs and edits :')

fair warning: this is going to be so stinking long omfg

the things i enjoyed:

vincenzo remaining an anti-hero through and through, especially the fact that he didn't hold back at all when it came to myunghee and hanseok's death. he gave them a taste of their own medicine and then some forreal, their deaths were brutal but oddly satisfying, and i'm saying this as someone who usually hates violence/gore. throughout the show, they've always hinted at what he was Truly Capable Of and boy did we get to see it

vincenzo fumbling in hanseok's house and not being his usual self – a lot of people thought it was ooc, which i understand! i felt like that was the Point, to show that for once, he's not the invincible mafia consigliere that everyone thinks he is. what he did to the man who killed his mother and the army of security guards was a reaction, but this is the first time he's flustered, caught at a disadvantage, and faced with the very real possibility that he might lose somebody incredibly important to him. idk it made him more human to me

vincenzo literally not hesitating for even 0.1 seconds to fold his entire body around hers when he thought hanseok was going to shoot again – yeah that whole bit made my heart clench i feel like a crazy person i won't get over it

the chayenzo hospital scene... my god it was so tender my heart broke. the laugh they both shared, out of sheer relief that she's okay. the little joke about paying for the private room. the way not much was being said, but everything was being said at once. the way they looked at each other, as if it wouldnt ever be enough :( the quiet acceptance that this is their last night together, and that he's going to have to kill a bunch of people after this, but for now they have this. for however brief.

chayoung being chayoung – her big ass personality at the courtroom at the end after winning ms oh's case. her hopping around in those heels, looking elegant and sleek, mocking the hell out of rich conglomorates. she's in her element again and it made me so, so happy to see. i absolutely adore her, she's everything really. after all that loss and the whole ordeal, i'm glad she's able to return to what she does best: putting capitalists back in their place

mr lee being Very Much Not Dead – idk how i wouldve been able to handle it after witnessing hanseo's death like im glad he got the chance to be a dad

the kiss – my god....

the things i didn't like:

hanseo's death – lmao is it even a surprise... say what you will about his death being foreshadowed, but i really just hated hated it. i hate that hanseok won this one. i hate that hanseo worked so hard to redeem himself, only to lose it all. i hate that he was given a taste of what a real family was like, and then having it taken away so cruelly. even though i said above that i didn't mind that vincenzo was ooc at the mansion, i was still screaming at the screen because there were plenty of opportunities for the situation to be reversed. i don't necessarily blame vincenzo for hanseo's death, but i do wish that they had a funeral scene for him. i wish they acknowledged his sacrifice, and how pivotal he was in turning the tables. if not for hanseo, vincenzo really couldn't have pulled any of this off, from the interpol tipoff to the tracking device in the watch. idc idc hanseo is in malta rn, enjoying the sun and the beach, going to therapy, and teaching the local kids how to play hockey even though there's no ice :(

chayoung being bedridden the whole finale – like... NAH lmao this aint it chief... if things went my way, she wouldve gotten out of the hospital depite her injury and dealt with myunghee before handing her off to vincenzo. i loved their animosity for each other, and i wanted chayoung to be the one at myunghee's apartment waiting for her, rubbing it into her face. i wanted chayoung to verbally finish myunghee with that sharp ass tongue of hers and really dump a load of salt on her wounds. then vincenzo could do whatever the hell he wanted. you could argue that the show is called Vincenzo but i really dont care lmao it started with chayoung avenging her dad and she should've been able to strike the final blow. also what was her big second party? are we really just going to ignore her capacity for evil? after all that moral work done, after that time she spent coming to terms with using evil to combat evil, we're just going to... keep her bedridden? park jaebum u will pay for this

vincenzo losing his family – besides hanseo's death, i think this was what i hated the most from the ending. the start of the show showed us vincenzo's departure from the mafia with the very clear intention of Not Returning. the capo died, his loyalties lie with no one, paolo can suck it. throughout the show, we see him repeat over and over that he wants to get the gold and skip off to malta to enjoy a peaceful life there, while reflecting/repenting for the things he's done. vincenzo was gearing up for a lifetime of solitude. the whole point of the show was for him to find a real family and have a real chance at happiness. park jaebum really said FUCK THAT! we're gonna have him ditch the family that he built from scratch with the love of his life and then make him return to the family that tried to kill him AND make him the capo... pjb said we're gonna separate vincenzo from the family that accepts his past and sees it as a strength and not a weakness. the family that was formed out of solidarity, the family that he fought for and fought alongside with blood, sweat and tears. not to mention the goddaughter of his? sorry i would laugh if it didn't actually rile me up so bad

vincenzo not being able to come back to korea – i've said this in another post of mine, but given that he is The Vincenzo Cassano with all those resources at his disposal (guillotine file, mr ahn/mr cho/the chief etc.), the fact that he isnt even able to stay in korea for 30 fuckin minutes after finishing hanseok was ridiculous. the whole police chase was dumb as hell considering that the show has managed to stop politicians and mf presidential candidates from going after him like ? huh LMAO park jaebum had an on-demand pigeon army in this show and Yet he can't stop like 10 suddenly-righteous policemen. another big ass HUH

chayenzo (here we go...):

NOPE! i've reflected on the ending and decided that i'm going to be petty and salty for a while more before coming to terms with it

i can rationalise and try to be positive and tell myself that their love is enduring can transcend space and time and that in due time, they will find their way back to each other, and i have no doubt that they will because they're one soul in two bodies. it's quite literally canon that they're soulmates.

but let me wallow for a second

here we have two people who have done questionable and terrible things in their past coming together, growing together, grieving together, fighting together... you get the gist of it. you have two people who have found a home in each other. two people who, for all intents and purposes, were about to live in a whole lot of bitterness and solitude if not for each other and the life they built together (chayoung didn't have friends like that, and her family is gone too). to separate them like that at the very end is cruel. i know chayoung and vincenzo are mature and incredible and will be able to function without the other next to them. i know that they will still excel as lawyers and will defeat evil with their underhand methods the way they do so well but my god are they going to feel the absence and miss each other

my point is that they shouldn't have to. from what i could tell, they can't even communicate on a regular basis bc he'll be tracked and whatnot, hence the postcards. a postcard every month is a poor substitute for all those nights they stayed up drinking makgeolli and celebrating their wins. its a shitty replacement for coffee dates and fist bumps and all the moments in between. after everything they've been through, after literally fighting to death for their family, they don't deserve this. they don't deserve to meet up once a year for a couple of hours. they don't deserve pockets of time in malta or korea, their life in a perpetual countdown to when they're going to see each other next

they both deserve love and some semblance of peace (finally finally). they both deserve to have someone to come home to after a hard day of work, because doing what they do cannot be easy. they both deserve a family, deserve to have someone next to them that accepts their past and would embrace their future. they both deserve a hand to hold and a shoulder to lean on. i know they will still be It for each other despite the distance, i just wish the distance didn't even exist in the first place bc its stupid and cruel and their love shouldnt have to be proven or tested with time and space. let them stay together. let them grow together. let them be.

side note: song joongki and jeon yeobeen need another project together idc take it up with god

tl;dr: park jaebum u will be paying for my therapy bills

[theboywantscoffee]

The Handler is really a fascinating character to me as is her dynamic with Five and how alike they are. Get ready because I’m gonna go on a tangent about them.

I think it goes without saying that in many ways The Handler and Five are very similar people. They’re both pragmatic, goal orientated, cold, and quite simply, both willing to do absolutely anything needed to achieve what they want despite the repercussions others might face at their expense. They both lack a significant level of humanity, something that clearly is a requirement  to be able to do the work they do/did at the Commission. They are constantly at a battle of wits  and attempting to one up the other, both proving to be a formidable foil to the other consistently throughout the show. 

Where things start to contrast between the two is how they grew to be the people they are now. With Five, well, we know why he is the way he is. Five isn’t simply just a product of his childhood. Yes, he still retains a good level of characteristics from his youth into adulthood (arrogant, brash, sees himself as better than everyone else) but Five ultimately was sculpted into the man he is today due to his time subjected to the apocalypse and then shortly after, the Commission. 

The apocalypse did a number on Five. It isolated him for over four decades. It tore layer after layer of humanity away from him until he was left so distanced from other people that segueing into becoming an assassin was like second nature. It forced him to become entirely dependent on himself for survival in every aspect of the word. Physically, of course, he had to take care of all his basic survival needs; food, water, shelter, first aid, etc. Mentally and emotionally? He created a whole ‘nother person in the form of a mannequin to help him retain any semblance of either of those things. It damaged Five so deeply that afterwards he was left almost entirely incapable of empathy (key word, almost), unable to ask others for help/acknowledge he needs help, and able to see assassination as a reasonable means to justify an end. 

Five was left broken by the apocalypse. He is a product of it. And after going through that traumatic ordeal, he was offered a way out but only through accepting employment at the organization that sat by and allowed his suffering to go on for decades. (I’d love to go into the body modifications/DNA manipulation but that isn’t canon compliant for the show anyway (yet) so I won’t). He was transformed into the perfect killing machine. He took the lives of anyone and everyone who stood out of line by the Commission’s standards. Many who I’m sure weren’t actually bad people (ex, Lila’s parents), but because they were deemed irregularities in the timeline (or they were someone who The Handler could benefit from their death, ex Lila’s parents), they had to go. One doesn’t complete a task like that regularly without lacking a level of morality or connection to fellow humankind. 

But The Handler? We don’t really know her back story at all, so perhaps this is going out on a limb here, but I can at the very least say that she did not go through what Five did. There is really no one in the series whose backstory can equate to Five’s. And while I am not entirely excusing Five for being a shitty person sometimes, he and The Handler are very different in the fact that while he was sculpted into one, I think The Handler was just born an awful, monstrous human being. Actually worse than Five. And you know why?

The Handler isn’t even capable of love or empathy or putting anyone else before herself. We don’t see this at all, not even once. The Handler does things strictly for the benefit of herself and no one else. Even when her own self proclaimed daughter asks her if she ever loved her, The Handler doesn’t answer and then proceeds to murder her. Que sera, sera. (Whatever will be, will be). No remorse. No regret. Nothing.

Five, for all of his faults and flaws and uh, murder, still remains more connected to humanity than The Handler. Despite everything he has experienced, everything he has lost, he still has an inkling of heart that’s still beating for others left in him. Because Five still does love and care for people - his entire life purpose is to keep those people, his family, safe and alive, even at the expense of his own happiness and life. Five puts his family before himself every episode, every damn step of the way. He survives 40+ years alone and then works as an assassin for an unspoken measurement of time, all to save his family. 

The Handler throws up the front of being a people person and charming. And she does it really damn well. But in reality she is not morally gray. She doesn’t do some good things and some awful things. She is just all around horrible. She employs Five, again, to work for the organization that tore so much away from him. She dangles the idea of a new body before him, gives him a suit with the claim, “clothing make the man, Five,” as if he isn’t something to be taken seriously in his current physical state, as if he still isn’t the man who survived a lifetime in the end of the world and becoming an assassin. She claims that Five owes her because she ‘saved him from a lifetime of being alone’, which in actuality she watched and allowed him to suffer exactly just that. (I have another meta on here about that scene in particular, which you can read HERE). She tricks Five into murdering the board so she can assume power, all under the guise of claiming to help him get his family back to 2019, only to then use him as a scapegoat in their assassination. She literally kills him (almost) and all of his siblings. She writes the kill order on Lila’s parents, lets Five kill them, and then kidnaps Lila all for her own benefit. She continuously lies to her, ultimately betrays her, and kills her too. She sees zero wrongness in kidnapping a disabled boy from his mother so she can transform him into her weapon just like she did Lila. There isn’t a single instance in the entirety of the show where The Handler shows even an ounce of regret, only shock and anger when things don’t go her way. She is power hungry, merciless, and quite possibly even deranged with how unemotive she is towards other human beings.

And one more thing I want to touch on with The Handler that is a bit of a controversial topic in the show - her handsey-ness with Five. Her unnecessary touching and closeness. I am a firm non believer of the idea many have that her and Five used to be involved romantically or physically in any way. I think it’s quite a reach to imagine Five trusting her whatsoever at any point during their time knowing one another. Five is observant as hell and smart - I just can’t see him ever having an ounce of trust in her, especially with again, how she blatantly admits to him when they first meet that the Commission has been watching him for some time. So no, I don’t think her creepy touches with him have anything to do with a former fling (even if Kate or Aidan play into it that way or claim they might have in the past - sorry, headcanon not accepted lol). 

I view her behavior as demeaning. I see it as her being condescending towards him, like, “Oh, see how you betrayed me and now look at how you fucked up. Small and weak and nothing to be taken seriously.” She treats him like the tiny child he has physically become and she does it to make him feel inferior and like he has no control of the situation he is in or his life. It’s a slap in the face, a reminder of what he has done to himself because he left the Commission, and she does it because she knows how much it bothers him to be perceived that way. Everything she does and says around Five, she does to make him feel small. 

All in all, I really do love The Handler. Do I love that she played a larger role in season 2 than Carmichael? Absolutely not. I don’t love what her character did for the writing or the plot of the show and how it backburnered a lot of things. I think they missed out greatly on a character who was already a fascinating antagonist to Five (Carmichael). However, Kate Walsh is an absolute delight to watch on screen. Her and Aidan have great chemistry and play off one another very well and their scenes are certainly some of my most favorite to watch. I think The Handler is an amazing villain and keeping her as a female as opposed to a male Jon Hamm esque actor as they originally were intending to do was a great idea IMO. I love a female bad ass, even if she is a villain. I’m sad we won’t see more of her purely because she is so fun to watch (and her wardrobe is utter goals) but I’m definitely ready to move on to the next set of antagonists for our favorite dysfunctional family.