#i do think that upcoming chapters will be the ones i've been most excited to write tho :) | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

heartsmadeofbooks · 22 days ago

Text

[New Story]: Through Crooked Aim.

Hi everyone! Hope you're all doing great.

I wanted to share with you the preview of my upcoming Klaine fic, Through Crooked Aim, which will start next week, Thursday December 12th.

This is a story that I've wanted to write for a while now, and I'm excited to finally get to share it with you all. I hope to see you next week for the first chapter.

Hope you like this little snippet. Story is beta'd by @christinejaneanderson and the picture for the preview was made by @nerdishedits.

See you on the 12th for a new adventure!

The sun was hinting its presence in the horizon as the car took the last turn. The radio was playing softly in the background, the weather man of the usual show he listened to as he got his day started predicting a lovely April day, Spring in full swing, perhaps a bit chillier as the night returned to cover Lima, Ohio. But until then, it would be a warm, beautiful day – it made Kurt smile as he parked the car in his usual spot.

The diner looked good. They had given the exterior a new coat of paint just last month. The only thing that showed just how long it had been there was the sign on the roof, the one Kurt refused to change because it had been picked by his father, many, many years ago: the second m on Hummel’s was dimmer than the other letters. Kurt knew it could be easily fixed or replaced, but he refused to. Sometimes it was okay to choose history over esthetics.

And there was so, so much history here.

Hummel’s had been around for decades. It was the go-to diner for most of the residents of Lima, founded by his own father when he was barely out of high school. It had had a bumpy start – Kurt had heard the story ever since he could remember, how his father had turned years of savings and some money he’d gotten from his family after graduation, into his livelihood. It had been hard at first, doing everything himself because he couldn’t afford to hire any help, a few friends popping over here and there to help flip pancakes or make small repairs as Burt did everything else. Eventually, though, it began to grow, and Burt had enough money for new furniture, for a better grill, for a couple of waitresses. The business grew, and there had been plenty of sweat, tears and sleepless nights invested in it until it did. But Burt Hummel had been a proud man, and when things got hard, he worked harder, until he beat all the odds that had been against him.

“I didn’t have many choices after high school,” Burt had told his son on more than one occasion. “I knew I had to start my own business – I wasn’t exactly book smart, I’ve never been. For a while I entertained playing football in college, but then I got hurt during my senior year in high school so that was out. My dad owned a garage back then, and I thought about following in his footsteps, but there was enough competition in town that my dad was already struggling and going to work with him would have been a terrible idea. It was also probably a terrible idea to open my own diner – I didn’t even know how to cook, for god’s sake. I don’t even know where I got the idea to begin with. But I just knew I wanted my own business. And we all used to drive all the way to Kenton or even Dayton on the weekends for a good dating spot. There was nowhere decent to have a meal with your friends or your girlfriend here. I know you still call Lima a small town, but it certainly was small back then…”

For a younger Kurt, who dreamed of big cities filled with skyscrapers, Lima was certainly small – small-minded, too. He couldn’t imagine anything smaller than that.

Nowadays, Kurt wouldn’t think of Hummel’s as a dating spot, but he guessed back then it had been a pretty decent option, before places like Breadstix opened when he was a teenager, or even the Lima Bean, the local coffee shop that Kurt had loved when he was still in high school. Slowly, Hummel’s had become everyone’s go-to choice for a quick breakfast before school or work, or even a dinner stop at the end of a long day. Everyone had loved Burt Hummel – he had been a bit gruff, but always decent and kind and he would always sneak an extra scoop of ice-cream on every kid’s order of waffles.

A couple of years ago, that thought had sent a pang through Kurt, ache and grief mixing to make everything in him feel tight, tight, tight. Now, it had dulled into a manageable ache, and he was able to smile whenever one of the patrons shared a memory of his father with him. He still missed him – what he wouldn’t give to get one more hug, one more piece of advice, to hear his laughter once again – but it didn’t take his breath away, as it used to.

Kurt unlocked the door and went into the diner, turning every light on as he went. First order of business, every morning, was to turn the coffee machine on, so he went straight to it on the counter and got it started before he went into the office to leave his bag. As the scent of freshly brewed coffee began to fill the empty diner, he started to take the chairs down from the tables, getting everything ready for the first few customers, who would surely be here soon.

The inside of Hummel’s had a classic American diner vibe. In recent years, Kurt had only allowed himself to change a few things in the décor, mostly those that were too worn with age. He kept all the framed photographs that filled one of the walls, though, the ones that showed the history of his family with this place. He had only added a few, marking the moment he had taken over the diner after his father got sick and eventually passed away. Now, alongside pictures of his parents in their 20s, you could find pictures of Kurt’s twin daughters sitting side by side on the counter, or of his husband, Ryan, helping to fix a leak in the kitchen sink. His chest filled with pride as he stared at them, as he did each morning – he had never imagined they would end up here, and yet now… well, he couldn’t picture himself elsewhere.

The little bell above the door twinkled as it opened. Kurt turned and smiled at Marley, the morning shift waitress, as she came in. She was already wearing the dark blue uniform, her hair pulled up in a pony tail. She was also a recent addition to Hummel’s. Kurt liked her – she was kind and quick and responsible, and she was never late. Whenever he had to hire someone new, he wondered whether his father would approve. He thought he had nailed it with Marley.

About a minute after she had arrived, the door opened again and Blaine Anderson walked in.

#Fic: Through Crooked Aim #Klaine #Klaine fic #Klaine fanfic #Klaine fanfiction #You guys ready? :)#Let's do this

48 notes · View notes

yuseirra · 5 months ago

Text

Commentary on Ai and Kamiki's character

I just can't shut up about them, can I? Since the new chapter will be dropping in just a few days from now (and I personally think there will be more reveals) this is probably going to be my last chance to discuss about them before things get clarified and set in stone once and for all (since we NEED to learn about just what HAS been going on about Ai's bf and his motives!! It's going to be shown to us in this final arc, right)

Here's how I feel about Ai/Kamiki as a character so far from all the things I've seen about them. Let's see how much of it will stand by the end of this manga(and/or the upcoming chapters)

I think they're well-written/would be well-written. I like how Ai's written for one thing, and Kamiki's past made a lot of sense to me, I think it can add on to something really interesting. I thought I got where it's going to get at.. that's why I've been drawing them so much since the latest chapter... hope I will be able to retain this interest and passion because having something to be excited and inspired about is a wonderful thing!

The following post was originally written in a different language and translated in bulk by ChatGPT! Thanks, ChatGPT..; you're a lifesaver

I wasn't meaning to translate these posts at first so that's why they weren't written in English but I feel it'd be such a waste to leave these.. I'd love to share it with everyone! 'v')9

There might be various changes when the next episode comes out... so if it's going to be uploaded, it seems right to do it now.

I'm writing a lot, like light writing (when I focus on something, I think about it a lot), and it might decrease or, depending on the situation, increase when the next episode comes out. There's nothing revealed yet, so I end up thinking a lot.

I think Ai is really a strong person. To survive in the entertainment industry, there must be so many things to think about. When I see that character, I think about those things. Although she has a soft side, she fundamentally seems like a character who lives really hard. Thinking about it, she was young herself, yet she protected her boyfriend and helped him escape from his abuser. She endured quite firmly under tremendous stress.

She's the type to bear everything alone... There are many things she endures, and in that situation, she worked hard to reach the top, and she wanted to be a good mother to her children. The most heartbreaking thing for me in this character's dialogue was when she said in her dying breath, "I wasn't a very good mother, but I still think it was good that I gave birth." That was so sad to me. I thought that was the saddest part. She had many thoughts. I noticed she thought she had to earn a lot to provide good education and conditions for her children. Middle school kids aren't necessarily shallow in thought, and while there's a range between people, I felt they were still serious and mature considering their age.

For a character like her, if she were in front of me, I would want to say that she's amazing and went through a lot of hardship. Before pointing out what she did wrong or lacked, I'd like to acknowledge that she lived with a lot of effort and loved those around her. Ai's efforts were not just for herself, but she had a rather humble character, and it seemed her motivation to strive was significantly for the happiness of those around her. Like when she wasn't sure if a dome concert was such a big deal but then thought it must be good since it was the president couple's dream, and she smiled along with them. For this character, what's important is resolving the curiosity about the lack in her heart, and achievements as an idol seemed secondary. That's why her saying she wanted to live with Kamiki and raise children together struck me, because for Ai, being an idol felt more like a means than an end. That doesn't mean she didn't try hard; she seemed like a responsible person who strives to meet expectations in her work.

Ai is a character who, through hard work, perseverance, and talent, eventually gets what she wants. Ai has a great curiosity and desire for areas she doesn't know well. She knows what she doesn't know but has the tenacity to not give up until the end. I think that's a strong aspect of her.

As for Kamiki, since it's unclear what his plans are at the current point in time (although I have a guess), if I were to describe the impression of him until just before he separated from Ai,

He's simply pitiful. He self-deprecatingly said that his relationship with Ai was one where he was unilaterally dependent on her. While he might have depended on her a lot, it seems Kamiki had to endure alone until the point they met. He grew up in such a broken situation that I don't even want to deeply think about what it must have been like... From what we see, it seems he wasn't just harmed by one person. Ai had President Ichigo at least worrying about her, and people to take care of her children when they were born, but Kamiki didn't seem to have a proper guardian at all. His exceptional looks might have made his situation even worse. He was just left alone in the world, and it wasn't just being alone, he had to endure all the malice and exploitation by himself.

You know how some adults appear in the movie arc, like Kaburagi and Kindaichi? This shows that the adults failed to protect the kids. The adults might have been busy with their own lives, but I don't think they can be entirely absolved of responsibility for the kids being in such situations.

Anyway, in that situation, Ai appeared to Kamiki, and I think Kamiki couldn't help but love Ai, who understood, accepted, and loved him more than anyone else. Ai also saved him. The fact that he sought help from someone only a year older than himself shows how vulnerable he was. It's just so heartbreaking. He must have liked Ai a lot... Fortunately, they connected emotionally, and Ai also liked him and wanted to help him. But Ai was powerless. Until just before she had her children, I think Ai tried her best in her own way. When Kamiki came to her, completely broken and crying, she took him in because she wanted to help him somehow.

But it’s sad that Ai couldn't even rely on her boyfriend... This really needs to be shown from Ai’s perspective too. She became Kamiki's emotional support, but it seems Kamiki couldn't do the same for her. However, I think Ai’s defensive nature also played a part... She absolutely didn't want to show weakness. She was a perfectionist. The others also played a part in this, as shown in the song IDOL. she was pressured by those around her to not forgive herself for not being perfect, so she couldn't let herself crumble or break down.

Still, Ai must have really liked her boyfriend. From the content of the video, it seems she was more worried about him getting better rather than feeling it was hard to help him. If she left a request to her children because she couldn't do it alone, that means she truly loved him. Asking her children for a personal favor about her boyfriend (even though he is biologically their father) shows that she was deeply concerned. (There’s a reason she left the request to her grown children; asking when they were young wouldn't have been fair, and adults are supposed to help children, not the other way around. For Ai, anything related to Kamiki was a lingering concern.)

I've drawn this couple a lot recently, not only because of Fatal being.. really obvious to me?? that it should be Kamiki's feelings and that it clicked and let EVERYTHING make sense but also because it’s confirmed that Ai loved Kamiki a lot too. Considering this, I think the storyline is not fully revealed yet. Kamiki is someone Ai desperately wanted to help, borrowing the strength of the protagonists, even. This is revealed not at the beginning but at the very end, indicating his significance. That must mean there are some things that we'll be able to find redeemable about him. Or at least, he must be a character who evokes a lot of sympathy.

Looking at this narrative, if Kamiki is willing to do anything for Ai, it makes a lot of sense. I was holding off on judging the depth of Ai's feelings until that video scene (you see how careful I'm about it in the analysis I've made about Ai), but it’s been clear that he was truly happy with her on his end. When I saw the lyrics for Fatal, I immediately knew it was from his perspective... it’s clear he has deep feelings about her. The emotions in the song matched, so I looked into the song's content, and it was quite unsettling, giving me the strong impression that he took a wrong path. His character was exactly as I thought, so I wasn’t surprised. He suits well with Ai. Isn't the younger version of him, really soft?? Ai isn’t the type to be dragged around. If she had a boyfriend who's younger than she was, she would have acted like a big sister. If he had been older, it might have had a different sort of dynamic, but at their first meeting, he was even smaller than Ai, so instead of her being swayed, I figured he'd have been the one drawn to her. Seeing Ai hide who the father of her children was, yet genuinely loving them purely, suggests that she wanted to protect him. Their relationship must have been good. The calls felt like Ai had the upper hand. However, you can't predict when someone will snap, so until his appearance, it was all speculation. But everything turned out as expected, along with the emotions they had regarding each other.

I don't know the current state of this character, but it feels like something significant has happened. Because of that, there's been a drastic change about him, but it's clear that this character really loves Ai. I keep mentioning it, but from the character's perspective, it couldn't have been any other way. So, I thought, "Wow... the writing was well done." The key point is how far Kamiki can go with such deep feelings and how it might become distorted, deviate, or turn into a mix of love and hate, depending on how it's handled.

At least, as the lyrics suggest, he loves her to the extent that he would do anything he can. I believe that has been made clear, so I think the development will inevitably go that way.

His past is just so miserable that I want to hug him and tell him he suffered a lot. Both him and Ai. And I want to arrange for them to be protected by adults who can give them lots of love and care in a clean, good environment. It’s no wonder Kamiki felt like there was no one in the world but him and Ai, which is such a sad situation... But there must be lonely kids like them out there. I hope those kids can receive the love they deserve.

I was actually a bit interested in the area of social welfare. However, it’s a very tough path, so I didn't dive so deep into it... While reading the manga, my thoughts wandered in that direction because the characters were in such vulnerable states. This sort of situation isn't 100% fiction.

I once did volunteer work in education, and honestly, the kids who have gone through tough times are much more mature and resilient than I am... They know things I don’t, and I believe that. But they are still young. It’s not about underestimating or dismissing them; at that age, they shouldn't be experiencing such things... It's an age when they should be receiving love.

In my opinion, the likelihood of major character inconsistencies or setting errors with the protagonist’s parents is quite low. The scenes they get are significant but short, so the characters are likely to come out as initially planned. And honestly, how cunning or wicked can two middle school kids be? This isn’t pure fantasy; the manga heavily borrows from reality. So, I liked how their past was revealed in this manner. The key is how things will unfold next, and it’s hard to predict completely.

When I first heard the song IDOL, I immediately thought, "Oh, this character is really struggling." (I mention this a lot but) I can't claim to understand everything since I haven't led such a turbulent life, but I still felt sorry for them. If I were in that character's position, I don't know if I could have lived as earnestly... However, when considering why the character made such choices, I can sense that it seems to come from their own efforts and concerns. Many situations arose consecutively, and I think Ai, as a character, tried her best within them.

And Kamiki is really something else. When he was breaking up with Ai, I didn’t mention much about what he heard, but Ai is really sharp. Even if she didn’t know what the consequences would be later, she said exactly what she needed to achieve her desired result (Kamiki leaving her). It wasn’t cursing, but the words were very cruel. I predicted that he wouldn’t be able to hold onto Ai when they broke up, even before the episode was revealed... LOL. But he ended up hearing such devastating words that he couldn't say anything back and was just left dumbfounded. Those words must have really hurt. I even felt emotionally wounded along with him! Ai is truly remarkable... When you watch the video, you can see that she really loved him, but to be able to say such things to someone she cared about... I don’t think I could do that because it would break my heart. As I mentioned when analyzing Ai, she just did what she thought was the best. She didn’t like herself very much, so it was more important to protect him from the burden of being with her than worrying about him hating her.

Kamiki, on the other hand, talked about those words to his son, saying, "Ai left me because she found out what I did, and it was natural and unavoidable." He has no anger. His self-esteem is very low, and he feels very sad. Although he mentioned that Ai had selfish and cruel sides, the first thing he feels is self-loathing... He believes it was natural to be abandoned, and he thinks he has never been loved by anyone. There’s a scene where he is walking hand-in-hand with Ai, looking so happy, and it’s described as if just being with her made him feel like he could overcome anything. But he accepts that she thought of him that way, which is so pitiful, isn’t it?

Would a character in such a state try to harm Ai? I don’t think so. If he were going to be angry, it would have been then. But I think both Ai and Kamiki knew that he wouldn’t retaliate even after hearing such words. This shows their personalities very well. When Ai said they should break up, he's able to suggest that they get married, this character... has no pride when it comes to Ai... It’s pitiful. He must have been like that in the payphone call too. It’s obvious that he wanted to meet again, saying he “clung on.” People say clinging isn’t attractive, but it seems he did so timidly. He probably couldn’t even speak firmly, and when Ai said no, he was likely left speechless again.

What happened to make him like how he is now? (But if you look at his lines, it doesn’t seem like he changed that much. He still says, "Because of me, because of me," in front of that dying actor. He blames himself for what's happened, and I wonder how it happened) I think this character needs to see a psychiatrist. He seems extremely depressed. It’s not a fair comparison, but his self-destructive behavior feels even worse than Aqua’s, and it’s understandable... Aqua still has people who love him, but this person!! He really has no one!!

Seeing the video of Ai and being so shocked... yeah, it's totally a natural reaction for him. He really didn't realize that Ai loved him in the SLIGHTEST. But if we consider whether it was Kamiki's fault that he didn't know, I don't think it was. Aqua showed the video as part of his revenge, but although Kamiki's heart must have been torn and he felt like dying... did he really do something deserving of revenge? I say that’s actually questionable. If he had killed Ai, then "revenge" would make sense, but it seems like he contributed less to her death than what he even told Aqua. Now that he knows he was loved all along, it will be interesting to see what kind of reaction comes out. Sigh.. so they had mutual feelings towards each other, so it's good, right? Their lives have been so unfortunate. Depending on what Kamiki did in the middle, it might determine whether he deserves such harsh words, but for now, that's my impression.

These two characters seem to be well-written (from a constructed perspective). Ai is really well-written, and Kamiki seems that way too. The chance for them to be happy together disappeared with Ai's death... who knows what will happen next...

Songs like "Mephisto" or "Fatal" really seem fitting. That's why I think those songs are related to Kamiki... the lyrics are so intriguing, so there must be something there.

I hope it all ends well.

#oshi no ko #hikaai #oshi no ko spoilers #ai hoshino #hikaru kamiki #spoilers #kamiai #okay.. I'm going back to sleep now..#the past two weeks have been a ride #I've been so intrigued!!#oshi no theories

36 notes · View notes

jerzwriter · 7 months ago

Text

I've written an extensive background HC for Eli, and I have one for Zoe, too, though it's lived only in my head and never made it to paper. This short series is meant to change that.

Series Summary: About a year after the solstice, Zoe Rivera is dreading her upcoming birthday. It's a day that has always been difficult for her, but with the loss of her sister, the only connection to her past, this year is proving to be harder than most. As her friends and found family attempt to help her through, Zoe makes many discoveries about herself, her past, and the future she hopes to build.

Part 1: Ring the Bells That Can Still Ring

Book: Wake the Dead Pairing: Eli Sipes x Zoe Rivera (F!MC) Characters: Troy Hassan, Shannon Fox, Angel Savage, Mina Arbogast, May, Feather, original characters Rating: Teen TW: Mentions of death & loss Words: 3,200 Chapter Summary: Angel is excited to start new traditions at Olympus, but Zoe makes it very clear that she wants no part in one. As Eli & Troy attempt to help her deal with feelings of grief, Zoe makes a conscious effort to focus on what she has today. But a trip to scavenge for supplies lead to some fateful discoveries.

A/N: I expect this series to be 3 or 4 parts. I'm participating in @choicesjunechallenge2024 - Threshold, Beginnings, and Endings.

It was a relatively quiet night at Olympus. Springtime had returned and brought a multitude of chores to be completed along with it. Most of the colonists had spent the unseasonably warm day gardening or tending to building repairs impossible to complete during the harsh winter months. It was no surprise that most were petered out and already tucked into their beds. But a small group who weren't willing to let the evening just yet were gathered in the great room.

Troy, Mina, and Shannon were in a corner playing an old game of Jenga that Troy had recently acquired as others gathered around the fire to sing and tell stories. Eli sat nearby, half-listening as he worked on repairing his bow, while Angel lounged on a nearby couch, extremely excited over her activity. Tapping the purple pencil in her hand against her notebook, she exclaimed.

“I’m almost done! I only need to more people!

“Who do you still need?” Shannon hollered over.

“Just Feather and Zoe.”

Fresh out of the shower, Zoe entered the room, vigorously drying her long hair with a towel. “You need Feather and Zoe for what?” she responded.

“Oh! I’m making a birthday list for the colony. This way, no one’s special day will ever be forgotten.

Troy’s eyes popped up and darted immediately to Zoe. His brow furrowed in concern; he wished he could have spoken to Angel just minutes sooner.

“Thank you, Angel. But I’d prefer not to be included,” Zoe replied curtly.

But Angel wasn’t taking no for an answer. “Zoe, we need to include you! Do you think we’re going to celebrate everyone’s birthday except yours?”

“Angel, I said no!” the usually affable leader snapped.

Clearing his throat, Eli placed his bow at his feet and went to Zoe’s side. He was almost there when a loud clattering noise caused him to jump, and everyone turned in Troy's direction.

"Sorry!” Troy blushed; the collapsed Jenga tower crumbled before him on the table.

“How did you manage that?” Mina blurted. “There were a dozen safe moves you could have made!”

“Don’t question it!” Shanon grinned. “This might be our chance to finally win!”

With the chaos as a distraction, Eli locked eyes with Zoe as he took her by the hand and cocked his head toward the exit. Once Troy was certain they were gone, he began to reassemble the bits of fallen wood again.

“I want a do-over!” He complained.

“Not a chance,” Angel laughed. “But I still need Zoe’s birthday. Where’d she go?"

“Yeah, about that,” Troy grimaced. “It’s best to let the birthday thing go with her. It’s... complicated.”

“What’s complicated?” Angel shrugged. “We live in a zombie-infested world. I spent most of my birthdays alone, playing whack-a-mole with them at the mall. I want to embrace the good, and that includes celebrating birthdays with my new family.”

“I know. But you have to understand Zoe’s birthday has always been a touchy issue. When we were kids, she didn’t like celebrating because she said it was the day her mother gave her away, then when her fathers died, she didn’t want to celebrate at all. If not for Ana convincing her, she wouldn't have celebrated at all."

"Well, what did Ana tell her?" Shannon asked. "Maybe we could do the same thing."

"She told her how happy she was to have a little sister, so they had to celebrate the day she came into the world.”

“That’s so sad but lovely, too,” Shannon stated. “With Ana gone now, it must be especially hard for her.”

Troy sat back and ran a hand through his well-coiffed hair, a somber look in his eyes. “This stays here... right?”

“Of course,” they all agreed.

“Zoe’s birthday is coming up soon. May 24th, to be exact.”

“Wow! So her birthday was just before we all met!” Shanon remarked.

“It was on the day we met. You had to be 25 to be a scout, and that’s what Zoe always wanted to be. She insisted on starting her new position that very day."

“You’re kidding! That’s how she wanted to... Oh my, God,” Shannon covered her mouth as the tragic realization set in.

“Yep,” Troy frowned. “Ana died on Zoe’s birthday.”

“Oh my goodness!” Angel wailed. “That’s terrible!”

“It makes sense that she wouldn’t want to celebrate,” Mina nodded.

“But she’s so special,” Angel inserted. “And it seems unfair to celebrate all of us... but not her.”

“We have to honor her wishes,” Troy insisted. “Eli and I have both spoken to her and told her Ana would have wanted her to celebrate. But Ana was the family she had, her only link to her life before the outbreak. If she’s not ready, we can’t push her.”

“We could just celebrate on another day?” Angel offered. “Like November 9th is official Zoe day!”

But Troy shot the idea down. “I think it’s best we let it be, at least for now.”

~~~~~

Upstairs, Eli sat in bed beside Zoe, gently rubbing the distressed young woman's back.

“She meant well,” Eli mumbled. “I can talk to Angel."

“I’m sure Troy already has,” Zoe said, leaning into Eli’s embrace. She didn't like dwelling on the losses she had endured, but sometimes, like now, it seemed impossible to escape. She tried to lose herself in Eli's woodsy scent and the warmth that radiated from him, but the seed had already been planted, and within moments, her tears began to flow.

“I miss her, Eli," she wailed. "I miss her so much.”

“I know,” he comforted. “I know.”

In a world where no one was immune to tragedy and loss, Zoe knew Eli truly understood. The loss of his brother and the loss of Ana had many parallels; it was something that had drawn them together. She reached out for his hand and held it close. It was good to not be alone.

“I hate that you lost her on your birthday... of all days.”

Zoe tried to shrug it off. “Birthdays weren’t important at the Tower. It was rare that they were even acknowledged. But growing up, Ana and Troy always went out of their way to make me feel special on my day, and I did the same for them.”

“Would it help to tell me about some of those days?” he asked.

“Well, Troy always knew how to... find... treats and things we weren’t supposed to have, even as kids.”

“Good ol’ Troy,” Eli smirked.

“Exactly! He’d knock at our door with some cookies or candy in hand. They weren’t even all that good – but compared to what we usually ate, we thought it was incredible! Ana did her best to keep some of our family traditions alive, but she even admitted she wasn’t sure she was doing them correctly. We were so young when the outbreak happened, and with all the trauma, her memory wasn't the best.”

“So you started your own traditions,” Eli said. "That's what mattered."

“I guess,” Zoe smiled. “As I got older, one of those traditions became Ana securing a whole bunch of beer. We’d lock ourselves in our room, drink entirely too much, and act like total idiots. The evening usually ended with us dancing or Troy putting on some sort of a performance.”

Eli shook his head. “Please tell me he kept his clothes on, at least.”

Zoe laughed at the thought, and Eli instantly felt some of the tension in his shoulders drift away. Seeing her suffer was never easy, and her laughter warmed his heart.

“If he did, I was too drunk to remember.”

“You were lucky to have each other.”

“We were,” she agreed. “What were your birthdays like ... after the outbreak?”

“My birthday was in the winter. That was good because it meant fewer zombies to worry about. We could let our guard down a bit. But winter also meant fewer supplies and sometimes storms so bad we were confined to the cabin. Still, my parents found ways to make it special. My Mom made pudding or a cake when she could, Dad would play his guitar, and David always drew something for me, too.”

Zoe snuggled against his chest. “You were lucky, too.”

“Yeah...” Eli replied with a soft smile. “I was. We were. We still are. We have each other... and all the lunatics downstairs. I don’t have my family anymore, but I have a family again. In this world, most people aren’t lucky enough to get that once, but we got it twice.”

Zoe lurched into an upright position and turned to Eli with a half-smile. “Is this where you tell me that’s why I should still celebrate my birthday? I get that. But I'm not comfortable celebrating the anniversary of my sister’s death."

“Of course not,” he replied, pulling her back to him. “That has to be your call. I just want you to remember, there are still people who are grateful you’re here, who love you very much... and I’m at the top of that list.”

~~~~~

The following day, the gang was up bright and early to head out and scavenge. They piled into their old van, and as Troy drove them through meandering roads, it took Zoe back to that day nearly a year ago. Her chest tightened as the dark cloud attempted to envelop her once again. Angel sat just a few feet away. She had been especially quiet this morning. Knowing it likely had something to do with her, Zoe reached over and squeezed her hand.

“I hope you don’t think I’m upset with you,” Zoe stated. “Because I’m not.”

Angel had a shadow of a smile when she placed her head on Zoe’s shoulder.

“I didn’t mean to bring up any bad memories. I'd never want to hurt you."

“I know that,” Zoe sighed. “My birthday is... complicated, to say the least.”

“I know, Troy explained.”

Troy looked in the rearview mirror, aghast. “Gee, thanks, Angel! What happened to what happened in the great room, stayed in the great room?”

“It’s all right, Troy,” Zoe chuckled. “I know you’re trying to help me.”

Zoe took a deep breath before addressing her friends. "I'd like to give you an explanation. Ana and I had two fathers; our mother wasn't in my life from the start. From what I was told, she left my father one day when he went to pick up Ana from school. He was distraught and happy when she returned a couple weeks later. But she didn't come back to stay; she wanted to let him know she was pregnant. She wanted a divorce, but she didn't want me. But Papa convinced her to have me and promised he'd raise me and Ana alone. She agreed, and on the day I was born, she handed me over and never saw me again.”

“Zoe,” Shanon whimpered, taking her friend’s other hand.

“Yeah, well, screw her!” Angel blurted. “It was her loss! Your Dad & Ana loved you. That’s all that mattered.”

“But how did you end up with two dads?” Mina asked.

“Papa, my bio-dad, was good friends with Sam. After my mother left, he was there to help my father and Ana through. By the time I was born, they had fallen in love and not long after, they were married, and Sam legally adopted us. Ana said they were so happy; our family was complete."

“So the story had a happy ending,” Shannon started. “Until the outbreak, at least.”

“Yep,” Zoe snapped. “But at least I had Ana and later Troy – they became my family, and Ana insisted I celebrated my birthday each year. But now that she’s gone, I just....”

She shielded her eyes when her voice cracked, not wanting others to see her cry, but she was following no one.

Eli and Troy shot each other a look of concern in the front seat as Shanon, Angel, and Mina tended to Zoe.

“I’m just afraid,” Zoe sniffled. “I’m afraid I’ll forget the little I know about my family. Ana was my touchstone; everything I knew about Papa and Dad was because of her, and she’s gone...”

“You’ll remember,” Eli called back. “You’ll remember, and we’ll help you. You can tell us the stories you know over and over again, and we’ll help keep those memories alive.”

“That’s a great idea,” Shanon nodded. “We could all talk about our former lives so we don’t forget the things that make us who we are today.”

“I’m so glad I have all of you,” Zoe declared.

“And we’re glad we have you,” Angel replied as the women embraced in a group hug.

The van wobbled slightly as Troy pulled over to the side of the road.

“Ladies,” he smiled. “And Eli...of course... we’re here. If you want some time, Eli and I could start, and...”

“No,” Zoe insisted, standing up and dusting herself off. “No, we have a job to do. Let’s do it!”

They split into groups to survey the well-picked-over stores and homes on their route. It didn't take long to realize they weren't going to find much in the rubble. Zoe was about to announce they should call it a day when something caught her eye.

Using her jacket sleeve, she brushed a thick layer of dust off a glass counter and smiled tenderly as she gazed at the treasure inside. She reached in and pulled out an old, weathered doll. The poor thing had seen better days but was in remarkably good condition. Her dainty porcelain face and arms were still in tact, and while her clothing was in need of a wash and had some loose trimming, it was amazing it survived this long. Noticing the enchanted look on his friend's face, Troy snuck up behind her.

“Whatcha got there?” He asked.

“A doll,” Zoe beamed. “I remember Ana and I had similar ones when we were little. Look!” She handed the doll to Troy. “I think her clothing is traditional Mexican attire. Papa was Mexican, and I believe my mother was half Mexican, too...”

“I know that,” Troy winked, handing the doll back to Zoe. “And you did have dolls like this growing up."

"I did? How do you know that?" She asked.

"Because Ana had described them to me. She told me to be on the lookout, and if I ever found one, to please let her know."

Zoe took the doll back, a feeling of contentment she hadn't felt in days washed over her.

"I think you need to give her a new home," Troy smiled.

“I most certainly do!"

Home. Zoe couldn’t wait to get home. She wanted to clean her new treasure and reminisce about a simpler time. Perhaps she could find more information in the old encyclopedia Troy put in the library. She looked out the window of the moving van; the sky was now just whisps amber in a field of grey as the day neared its end. Home. She was heading home surrounded by her new family and the tranquility of the moment was cherished... but, alas, short-lived.

“Whoa, watch over there!” Eli yelled, pointing to a shadowy figure lurking on the side of the road. He raised his bow into position.

But as they neared the figure, something in Zoe came alive.

“Eli, wait,” she blurted. “Don’t shoot... I don’t think that’s a drone; it looks like a person.”

“And that makes them any safer?” Eli questioned.

“It’s an old lady,” Shannon snapped back. “She shouldn’t be out by herself at this time of day!”

��In the woods, no less,” Mina chimed in.

“Troy,” Zoe ordered. “Stop the van.”

“What?” Eli spat. “Are you out of your mind.”

“I said stop the van!”

Zoe opened the sliding door and jumped before anyone could stop her; Eli and the others were quick at her heels.

“What are you doing?” Mina asked. “You have no idea who that is!”

"Finally, some logic," Eli muttered.

“It’s an old woman out alone at night, and I’m not about to leave her. I know we live in a dangerous world, but if we lose our humanity - then we will truly have nothing left."

"Fine," Eli said, holding his bow in place. "But I'm keeping this out... just in case."

“Simmer down there, cowboy,” Troy mocked. “She’s hunched over and looks like she is ninety years old!”

“No matter... one wrong move....”

“Excuse me,” Zoe said, startling the old woman at first. “Do you need help? You shouldn’t be alone at night... especially not in the woods. It will be completely dark any moment now."

The woman turned to Zoe slowly, and even in the dim light, with her wiry grey curls covering much of her face, it was easy to see her gentle smile and the kind look in her warm, brown eyes.

“It’s all right, child. I’ll manage. I always do.”

“Do you live around here? Can we at least give you a ride home?”

"The world is my home."

“You don't... you don't have," Zoe turned and looked at the others, but made the split-second decision on her own. "You're welcome to come with us and stay at our colony, at least for the night.”

The woman looked over Zoe’s shoulder at her friends huddled behind her, nodding at Eli, who still had his bow aimed in her direction.

“That one loves you very much,” the old woman teased.

Zoe looked back and rolled her eyes. “Eli, put the bow down.”

“No, no, no... mi vida,” the old woman smiled. “Leave it be. He’s protecting you; you should be grateful to him. But I assure you, I am of no danger to you.”

“Eli....” Zoe repeated, but he was unmoved.

“Not... just... yet.”

“I'm sorry," Zoe apologized. "If it makes you feel any better, that’s how he and I met, too, and now... I love him.”

“That’s good to know,” the old woman chortled.

“Look, if you don’t have someplace to stay tonight, our colony isn't far from here. Come and stay with us."

“Oh, no," she shook her head, the grey curls bouncing in every direction. "I don’t do well living in colonies.”

Zoe couldn't explain why, but something inside her couldn't let this woman walk away. She had to protect her, and no was an unacceptable answer.

“I understand, but just for the night, then. You can wash up, get a good night's sleep, have some breakfast, and be off in the morning if you like. What do you say?"

She looked between Zoe and her friends, and with a polite nod, she agreed for just one night.

Troy extended his hand before helping the woman into the van.

"Hello, I'm Troy. I'm the nice one.”

"Troy," Zoe laughed, playfully hitting the back of his head. "Shut up!"

"We're all nice," Angel grinned. "Even the scary-looking one up front... as long as you're not a zombie or don't cross us."

"I'll take that into account," she smiled.

"I should introduce everyone. I'm Zoe, and you've already been introduced to Troy. This is Shannon, Mina, and Eli."

"It's very nice to meet you all. My name is Adelina."

Shannon was the first to reply. "It's lovely to meet you, Adelina." She gestured to a bag at her side. "We can eat back at Olympus, but there is water here if you'd like some."

"Thank you," Adelia replied, happily drinking the bottle of water in one long gulp. Zoe smiled. Obviously, the woman needed more help than she let on.

"We should be back home in about twenty minutes," Zoe informed. "You can rest if you like."

"Gracias, mi vida. I think I'll do just that."

Adelia looked out at the night sky. The shades of amber were long gone, replaced by a swath of black velvet. The scattered silver speckles were stars, the stars that would guide them home.

Home, Adelia smiled, then drifted off to sleep.

@choicesficwriterscreations

Tagging others separately.

#wake the dead #wake the dead choices #eli sipes #troy hassan #shannon fox #angel savage #choices fanfic #playchoices #playchoices fanfic #choices stories you play #eli x zoe

45 notes · View notes

sky-swimmer · 5 days ago

Note

Now this isn't so much a theory as much as it is a thing I'm thinking about. But trying to write an upcoming fic and also the latest chapter of yours where Dev and Hazel decide to try to pinpoint what caused them to fall in love brought to mind the poem "Having 'Having A Coke with You' with You" by Mark Leidner (which directly references "Having A Coke with You" by Frank O'Hara) bc it's about the moment the poet realized he wanted to marry his partner. I don't think any one thing caused them to fall in love but I do think there was a "Having 'Having A Coke with You' with You"-style moment of realizing "I want to spend the rest of my life with this person." Anyway that's mousefeelings' poetry corner

Oh my gosh- I just looked up both the Frank O'Hara and Mark Leidner poems...

AUGh- you have such good taste?! It was honestly beautiful. And I LOVE that the recent chapter of my fic reminded you of it?!! 😭😭 That is so thoughtful??!! And yeah yeah YES absolutely I love what you said about it!

I agree, I love the idea that there's not a specific moment where the feelings just suddenly turn on, but more so, a realization of the feelings that had been there 😭😭😭🤧

Hazel and Dev are still stupid highschoolers in my fic, and totally oblivious to romance- so unfortunately for them, they don't have that same reasonable logic of how feelings work. They just believe Hazel's plan of figuring out and avoiding canon events will prevent them from falling in love 🎉✨💪

What you predict / think is VERY interesting 👀👀👀 and honestly we are in agreement heheh. We will see in the next chapter how the conversation turns out!

ALSO I love that, in the poem, the inciting moment was over something so small and seemingly inconsequential to his s/o, but to Leidner, this odd interaction was just the final tipping point and meant absolutely everything. AUGhhhhh yes the inspo is flowing!!! It's probably the most realistic and somehow sweetest way to go about it.

If you're writing an upcoming fic that follows that theme, or tackles that specific moment of realizing you're in love with someone... I may pass away. I would NEVER get enough!!! Regardless, I am so excited to read your works!!! You have such beautiful insight, I know the writing must be incredible!

Thank you so much for sending me this because the poem was amazing and so inspiring!! And hearing that you're associating themes of my story with poetry and then sending it to me- hwhdjdjfjf I feel like I've made it in life. THANK YOU, MOUSEFEELINGS

#devzel #fopanw #ask #fic stuff #fop

11 notes · View notes

hairstevington · 2 years ago

Text

i can't tune you out (part 1)

Eddie Munson x Steve Harrington

Summary: Eddie Munson is an up-and-coming rock and roll artist living in LA. Steve Harrington (under the stage name HARVEST) has been taking the radio by storm lately. When the fans start shipping them together as a couple, Steve and Eddie consider it an opportunity to boost their upcoming albums. There's just one problem - they can't stand each other. (Link to Ao3)

Part 2 Part 3 - the rest on Ao3!

Word Count: 4.5K

Warnings: Rockstar!Eddie, Indie!Steve, modern day AU, enemies to lovers, slow burn, fake dating/PR relationship, they are both assholes lowkey but they'll get better later in the fic I promise, Drunk!Steve, Nancy is still a heartbreaker, oh look Robin and Chrissy are also here

A/N: Here you have it folks, the much awaited return of Rockstar!Eddie. I've had this story on the backburner for a while now and am so excited to dive into it! Don't worry - I will be updating Flowers and Ink soon, I just got inspired and wrote this first chapter as a little teaser for you all ;)

It all started with a t-shirt.

Steve was playing his own show the night Robin went to a Corroded Coffin concert with a friend from work. He wasn’t upset or anything, because Robin had been to Steve’s shows countless times in the past. Besides, he didn’t like Corroded Coffin’s music anyway.

Apparently, Robin liked the show enough to go to the merch table, where she bought a Corroded Coffin t-shirt, and the rest is history.

“Ridiculous,” Steve muttered to himself. His dryer was busted AGAIN, which meant he had to call the stupid landlord to have it fixed AGAIN.

He’d been so busy with shows that he hadn’t had a lot of time to do laundry, and this was him finally catching up. Of course, the damn thing broke. Now he had no clothes.

He sighed and went to the designated Robin drawer she insisted she have at Steve’s apartment. She was there a lot of nights anyway, so she always kept some pajamas and things just in case. Thank god for Robin’s love of oversized clothing.

He grabbed the first shirt he saw, threw it on, and headed to the grocery store.

Steve wasn’t even conscious of what the shirt said. Maybe he should have glanced in the mirror before he left, but he was tired and just needed to get food for the week. He’d been out of town on tour for a while now, so there was nothing at home.

People were staring at him, but that wasn’t too unusual. His stage name was HARVEST, which was nice because he could separate himself from his music when he wanted to. His persona when he performed was vastly different to the guy wandering a grocery store in his best friend’s clothes, and he liked that. It was freeing. It gave him some semblance of privacy, because most fans of his music didn’t even know his real name.

The more devoted fans, however…

People took his picture sometimes without asking first. That was common. It wasn’t great, but it was common. Steve was never that concerned with looking ugly on the internet, anyway. Although, if people went up to him and asked, he usually said yes if they were nice about it.

It took about three hours for the notifications to pour in. Steve ignored them, at first. His publicist would handle whatever it was. But then, Robin called.

“Steve!” she greeted when he answered. “You wore my shirt out?”

“Uh, yeah?” Steve responded. He looked down to see that it was a band t-shirt. Nothing too crazy about it. “That okay?”

“Yeah, it’s fine,” she assured him. “It’s just funny because somehow now people think you’re Corroded Coffin’s number one fan.”

“That’s…strange,” Steve said, confused. “All because I wore their shirt one time?”

“Yeah, well people looked into it and they found out you and Eddie Munson went to high school together -”

“Ah,” Steve acknowledged, starting to understand.

“- and now people are shipping you with him and all that.”

“Wait, what?” Steve’s face fell. “They’re - Like, that’s insane. It’s only been a few hours and - I mean, I don’t even know the guy.”

“Yeah, but do you remember that TikTok you made last year?” she asked. “The one where you took the metal song and stripped it down, sang it in your style instead?”

“Uh, yeah, I think so.”

Steve did that a few times with a variety of genres. He liked taking music to weird and unexpected places. So, sometimes when there was a viral song or sound, he’d put his own spin on it.

“Okay, well that was a Corroded Coffin song,” Robin explained.

“It…was?” Steve genuinely had no idea. He didn’t look into the artist before he’d made the video.

“Yeah,” she confirmed. “You seriously didn’t know?”

“No,” Steve answered. “So, that combined with the t-shirt and now people think I’m having an affair with this guy or something?” He scoffed. He’d never understand why people were so hellbent on creating stories from nothing.

“It’s just the internet, Steve,” Robin replied. “People say all kinds of things.”

“Yeah, but -” Steve sighed, shutting his eyes tightly. It wasn’t just that he was being shipped with some random guy, it was that Steve wasn’t even out yet. It was kind of a whole thing he and his team had been working on. His new album was supposed to announce it, not some random pairing based on zero evidence.

“Yeah, I know,” Robin said. Steve knew she understood completely, even without him saying anything. She knew his sexuality before he did. “I promise it’s not a huge deal. Sorry the internet sucks.”

“Thanks,” Steve responded. He hung up, groaned, and collapsed onto his couch, where he fell into a deep sleep.

“Eddie, we can use this.”

Eddie held back the groan he so desperately wanted to let out. He was on the phone with his manager, Carla, who had just told him that people online were pairing him with some other musician that Eddie had heard on the radio a few times and - yikes. It wasn’t his vibe.

“Use it for…?” he asked, completely nonplussed. He picked up a rubber band ball on his desk and rolled it around in his hands.

“You both have albums coming out soon,” she continued. “So, if you’re dating him then - I mean, think of the publicity.”

“Dating him?” Eddie echoed, confused. “Aren’t we jumping the gun, here? Do we even know if this dude likes other dudes in the first place?”

“No, but you should find out,” Carla insisted. “I mean, it’s HARVEST, Eddie. His music is everywhere right now.”

Eddie knew that much, at least. He didn’t listen to the music when he could help it, but people talked about it all the time. The mysterious HARVEST who wore disguises on stage and left cryptic posts on social media. Eddie couldn’t think of a single person he wanted to date less, and he didn’t even know the guy’s name or what he looked like.

Eddie, on the other hand, had been busting his ass to maintain the little audience he’d accumulated over the last five years. Corroded Coffin started as a high school passion project, then devolved into a more serious band that played sporadic shows in his hometown, and then went through a series of changes and replacements until Eddie was the only original part of it that remained. Well, that and the name, of course.

Eddie Munson. Corroded Coffin. They were pretty much synonymous at this point. The fans he had knew who he was and what he looked like. He rarely used social media, but when he interacted with fans he was blunt and to the point. No games. No mystery. This HARVEST guy kinda seemed like a tool.

“Yeah, I’ll pass,” Eddie said, snapping one of the rubber bands rhythmically.

“Eddie,” Carla prodded. “If you do this, you’ll blow up. Think of what you could do with the money. Merch. A tour. A vacation. A new house. Whatever you wanted, you could get.”

Money sounded nice, but it’s not like Eddie was living in poverty or anything. Well, he was in a tiny apartment in a shitty area of town, but it was Los Angeles. Who could afford anything more than that? Besides, he’d lived in places that small and shitty his whole life. Then again, he’d never had any other choice. Money would give him the choice.

The popularity aspect was also intriguing, because Eddie loved attention almost as much as he loved music. Sure, there were downsides to fame, but he adored the glimpses of it he’d had so far, and it’s not like being around HARVEST was going to turn him into Leo DiCaprio or something.

“Okay, so if I agree to this, what does that mean? Do you want me to DM him or something?”

“Actually,” Carla said. The playfulness in her tone caused Eddie to drop the rubber-band ball, because she only talked like that when she had a creative idea that he tended not to like. “He’s going to be at this launch party tonight that I may or may not have gotten you an invite to…”

Yup. That sounds about right.

“So you want me to crash the party and proposition this guy?” Eddie asked.

“Of course not,” she replied. “You’re invited, so it’s not crashing.”

Eddie had to chuckle at that one. She was a sneaky one, sometimes, and damn good at her job.

“Fine,” Eddie agreed. “Send me the details and I might go.”

“Will do!” Carla responded. He could hear how excited this made her, and he was glad at least one of them was into this whole thing. “You don’t have to do anything too wild, okay? Even if you’re just spotted with him, it will spread the narrative that something is going on. Deal?”

It felt a little gross to go somewhere just to track a random guy down and cling to him for popularity. It was kind of a dick move, really. Then again, Eddie was kind of a dick.

“Deal,” he replied.

“This will never not be the coolest thing to ever happen to me,” Robin said, as she always does when Steve takes her as his plus one to events.

“Yeah, well since Nancy dumped my ass, get used to it,” he teased. “You’ll be filling in for a while.” Steve nudged her shoulder, causing her to laugh. She was wearing this beautiful, brand new jumpsuit. It was pressed and ironed and cost almost a full paycheck. Lucky for her, she didn’t have to pay for it. Steve was doing pretty damn well for himself financially.

The Uber driver pulled up to the bar and dropped them off. Since it was the grand opening or something, the place was entirely closed off and only people on a list were allowed in.

“Name?” the security guard said at the door.

“Uh,” Steve stuttered. He never knew which name was on these stupid lists. “Steve Harrington, and my guest.” He gestured to Robin beside him, who blushed.

The security guard nodded, crossed them off, then opened the door for them to go inside.

“Holy shit!” Robin said as they walked in. The place was nice, even by Steve’s standards. They headed to the bar to order their first round of drinks.

Steve went to these kinds of things pretty often - he’d go, have a few drinks, hang out with people, then do it all again a few weeks later. He enjoyed them, for the most part.

Well, except for one thing.

Steve choosing to do music under the stage name HARVEST was great in a lot of ways. It was kind of like the whole Miley Cyrus vs Hannah Montana thing, except Steve wasn’t gonna show up to these parties wearing sunglasses, a wig, and an ugly vest - his signature look when he performed. He showed up as Steve, who was a nobody, and that felt kind of lame. To everyone else at the party, he just looked like a normal guy. Even Robin stood out more than he did.

Steve had this whole thing where HARVEST rarely posted anything or did interviews, and when he did he was in disguise and using a voice changer. It started as a joke and then just…stuck. HARVEST was a completely separate entity from Steve. HARVEST was all the parts of him that made him popular in high school, and Steve was whatever was left underneath.

He and Robin enjoyed the night anyway. They were handing out some sponsored cocktail throughout the night until everyone was good and drunk. Whatever was in that thing was lethal. Steve had only had two and he was feeling pretty tipsy. Robin was already on the dance floor after one. She’d pulled him to the photo area while a slower song played, urging him to get a picture with her and commemorate the night before she got too sweaty from dancing.

They held up their branded glasses and smiled. The light flashed so bright they both winced, then laughed at their dramatic reaction. When they began stumbling away from the camera, Robin paused.

“What?” Steve asked, confused.

“Eddie Munson is here,” she said.

“Where?” Steve asked. She pointed vaguely in Eddie’s direction, trying to act like she was just playing with her hair. Steve searched the room until his eyes locked in on the curly-haired brunette that the world wanted him to be with, apparently. Eddie was at the bar, talking up some of the other guests. “What is he doing here?” Robin shrugged.

Steve had never seen Eddie at one of these parties before. His band wasn’t really that popular. Their only claim to fame so far was a chorus of one of their songs going viral on TikTok. Then, like an idiot, Steve had done a cover of the damn song, and now he was in a whole mess of a situation. Eddie Munson was going to inadvertently reveal Steve’s bisexuality before his album even came out.

It wasn’t Eddie’s fault, and Steve knew that. Fans were going to say what they were gonna say. But still, Eddie being at the party was a crazy coincidence, considering the circumstances.

Steve took a sip from his third cocktail and decided not to think about it.

Eddie had never in his life been invited to something like this before. He’d had to talk to a guard and get let in, like some bigshot celebrity. If being around this HARVEST guy gave Eddie more opportunities to go to shit like this, maybe it was worth it.

Once he got inside, he went to the bar to get a drink. They were serving some cocktail that Eddie had no interest in drinking, so he ordered a whiskey on the rocks as he chatted with the people around him. They were all nice, although it was a bit too loud to have any actual conversation. Plus, most of the guests were well on their way to being drunk.

All in all, it was Eddie’s exact kind of chaos.

He scanned the room for a man that matched his only reference point of what HARVEST looked like. Eddie had seen a few pictures of him on stage, and his outfits were always a little out there. He had different hair every time, but his absurd style stayed consistent.

Nobody at this goddamn party looked like that.

“Hey,” Eddie said after nudging the person beside him. “You know where HARVEST is?”

He realized as soon as he asked that he probably could have just Googled him to see what he looked like. Whatever.

“Uhh, you mean Steve?” the woman responded. “He’s here somewhere. His date is in this gorgeous glittery blue jumpsuit. Find her and you’ll find him. He follows her like a shadow.” She finished her description with a light chuckle. Eddie turned back to face the rest of the bar and continued searching the crowd.

Okay, first of all - Steve? The man, the myth, the legend known as HARVEST was actually just…a guy named Steve? Eddie almost burst out laughing.

Secondly, he brought a date. Of course he brought a date. A woman, at that. Eddie wasn’t cool enough to have a plus one, but Steve on the other hand…

Wow. Eddie didn’t think he’d be able to find the glittery jumpsuit as fast as he did, but it really was a dead giveaway. It sparkled under the lights of the bar, and the girl next to Eddie was right - it was gorgeous. Steve’s date was gorgeous overall, actually. No wonder he was following her around.

“Him?” Eddie asked, pointing to the guy dancing with the woman in the jumpsuit.

“Yup,” the guest at the bar confirmed. She took the last sip of her cocktail and set the glass down on the counter. “So, do you wanna dance?”

Eddie froze. He wasn’t a huge fan of dancing in public, and he also wasn’t sure if this dance was just a dance or if it was something else.

“Well, I, uhhhh -” he began. “I mean, I’m like - ya know - gay.” She laughed in response, her face red from the alcohol.

“No shit,” she replied. “You obviously have heart eyes for Steve, and he’s dancing with someone else, so let’s go out there and you can make him jealous and I can dance until someone who likes women steals me away.”

Eddie grinned. This chick was dope. He held out his hand for her to take it, and then he walked her to the dance floor. He figured that he could strike up a conversation, get Steve to take a picture with him at the photo area, and then call it a night.

“What’s your name, by the way?” he yelled over the music.

“Chrissy!�� she yelled back.

“Eddie!” he responded. She smiled at him, and he couldn’t help but notice how drop-dead gorgeous she was, too. Everyone at this party was perfect-looking, actually, and it was intimidating and weird. Eddie was grateful he'd decided to wear his nicer clothes.

And then they danced. Eddie did his best to jump to the music and twirl Chrissy around. Over the course of the first song she managed to glide them through the crowd and strategically place them right by Steve.

Chrissy was a total boss.

“STEVE!” she shouted, acting much drunker than she actually was. She threw her arms around Steve, who returned the hug with a warm smile. “How are you?”

Steve said something, but it was so loud on the dance floor that Eddie couldn’t hear it.

“I’M ROBIN,” blue jumpsuit woman said. She looked like she was having the time of her life. “NICE TO MEET YOU!”

“YOU TOO!” Chrissy replied. She turned to Eddie. “THIS IS MY FRIEND EDDIE!”

Oh, shit. Okay then.

Robin and Steve just kinda looked at him and didn’t say anything for a moment. There was no equally loud greeting for Eddie Munson, no sir. He immediately felt judged, and almost bolted right out of there. He didn’t fit in with this crowd at all.

“H-hi, Eddie!” Robin finally said. “I actually know you! I went to your show a few weeks ago!”

“Woah, really?” Eddie responded, shocked. Nobody had recognized him here, yet. Maybe he wasn’t so different from these people after all.

“YOU’RE A MUSICIAN, TOO?” Chrissy asked, amazed. Eddie nodded. Suddenly, the most beautiful man Eddie had ever seen approached Chrissy and asked her to dance. He recognized the guy as this famous actor who’d been in a ton of movies. Score for Chrissy, although she was perfect, too, and barely fazed. Instead, she took the actor’s hand and smiled. “GOTTA GO, SEE YOU GUYS LATER!”

And then, she was off. What a crazy life these people led.

Steve spoke again, but only Robin could hear him properly. She nodded, then gestured for Eddie to follow them to a less loud part of the bar.

“Much better,” Steve said once they could all hear themselves think again. The light in the bar was dim, so it was hard to make out all of Steve’s features, but Eddie could have sworn he looked familiar. “So, you’re the famous Eddie Munson?”

Eddie thought for sure he’d heard Steve wrong. Like, he must have, because no way in hell Eddie could be considered famous among this group of people. Unless Steve was being condescending, in which case…ugh. Sure, whatever.

“I - I mean, yeah,” Eddie replied. He turned back to Robin, who he already liked more than Steve. “So, you’ve seen Corroded Coffin in concert?”

“Yeah!” she said, her face lighting up at the question.

“Why?” Eddie asked before he could stop himself. Robin and Steve laughed. “I just mean, you’re not really my usual demographic -”

“I’m full of surprises, Eddie,” she teased. “Okay, so I only went because my friend had an extra ticket, but still.”

“Ouch,” Eddie responded with a laugh, clutching his heart as if he’d genuinely been distraught.

“What the fuck is in these things?” Steve said, staring intently at the drink in his hand.

“It’s basically a long island iced tea with all their cheapest liquor and a splash of sprite,” Eddie answered plainly.

“How did you know that?” Robin asked, amused.

“I asked,” Eddie replied with a shrug.

“The bartender?” Robin pressed. Eddie nodded.

“Yeah. I have this thing where I never shut up, so I tend to talk to everyone,” Eddie joked. Well, it wasn’t really a joke. “Anyway, how many have you had?” Steve’s brow furrowed as he desperately tried to remember his drink tally.

“One more than he should have had, apparently,” Robin said, taking the glass from Steve and setting it down on a table. “I’ll go get him some water.”

She disappeared with no further warning, leaving Eddie alone with Steve. Am I supposed to babysit this guy until she comes back or something?

“So, you and Robin,” Eddie said, shifting back and forth on his feet. He really could not for the life of him stop talking, especially with whiskey coursing through him. “Are you guys, like -?”

“Just friends,” Steve snapped back. He almost seemed pissed at the question. “She’s been my best friend for, god, I dunno, since college.”

“Cool,” Eddie replied. Steve was clearly very drunk, and Eddie wasn’t sure how much of that was contributing to his standoffishness. “Are you okay, man?”

“Why're you even here, dude?” Steve asked, his words slurred. “What made you come here?”

“Uhhh, I was invited?” Eddie answered. This guy’s a real trip.

“So it wasn’t because strangers online want us to be together, and if that happens you get more fame or whatever?”

Oh, damn. While that's exactly what was happening, Eddie sure as hell wasn't going to admit it. To save face, Eddie did what he did best - he defaulted to assholery.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” he responded. “I’m here for the same reason you are.”

“So, it’s a total coincidence that I see you at one of these things for the first time the same day people started talking about us online?”

“Maybe I’ve been to a ton of these parties and you’ve just never noticed,” Eddie retorted.

“I doubt it,” Steve shot back.

“Why?”

“Because you’re hard to miss, Munson. Always have been,” Steve replied.

“Always?” Eddie echoed, confused. Then, the lights hit Steve’s face and illuminated it entirely. Enough for Eddie to remember where he’d seen him before.

“Got your water!” Robin announced as she returned. She handed Steve the new glass, and he took it without breaking eye contact with Eddie.

“Ohhhh my god,” Eddie said, stunned. “You're Steve Harrington. HARVEST is Steve goddamn Harrington.”

“Sure is,” Steve replied, his voice even.

“I missed something, didn’t I?” Robin asked.

“I mean, kind of,” Eddie said, raising his voice. “Just a couple years of King Steve bullying the school Freak.” Robin turned to Steve, alarmed.

“Wait, you bullied him?”

“How did you not know it was me?” Steve asked, getting agitated now. “Did you seriously come here to try to mooch off me without even doing your research first?”

“I never said I came here for you,” Eddie replied.

“You didn’t deny it either,” Steve reminded him. “You still aren’t, by the way.”

“Okay, fine!” Eddie relented. “You caught me. I came here to cash in on your fame, like some poor commoner in need of charity, and I didn’t even bother to look you up first because honestly? Your music kinda sucks.”

“Oh, I definitely missed something,” Robin muttered nervously.

“You wanna talk about shitty music?” Steve said through gritted teeth.

“Okay!” Robin interjected, inserting herself between them. “No more of this. It was nice meeting you, Eddie, but I think we should split.”

“No need,” Eddie replied. “You stay, I’ll go. You’re the ones who belong here anyway.” He did a slight bow and walked away, leaving Robin and Steve behind.

So much for fame.

@lemondar93 i thought the whole #steddie thing was a reach but saw them together tonight and uhhhh 👀 idk there's something there

@izzierosieb wait omg at the Frolique grand opening? How tf did you get in??

@lemondar93 suuuuper lucky! Matty was supposed to go but he’s sick and I was backup!

@geegeedaheed tell us everything!!!!

@julijmonroe if steddie is real I will actually lose my mind wtf

@chasityseventeen no fr because we have so little and yet I’m already INVESTED

@belloca123 NOT THERE ALREADY BEING FANART OF THEM AHAHAHAHA

@camerohno Everyone just remember that these are real people and we shouldn’t be speculating about their lives even though they’re obviously secretly married

@lemondar93 LMAO

Steve woke up the next morning with the hangover from hell. After Eddie left, he and Robin stuck around for another song or two before heading out themselves.

Steve never really liked Eddie that much in high school because he was a show-off. He loved making a scene in the cafeteria and he always acted like he was better than everyone else just because he refused to like anything that was popular. Sports, music, TV shows. They were never going to be friends, because Steve usually liked the stuff that other people liked. He used to follow the pack, so to speak, and do what the people around him expected him to do. Eddie tended to do the opposite. Eddie was abrasive and loud and obnoxious.

Back in high school, anyway. Steve knew that people had the capability to change (after all, he sure did), but after reuniting with Eddie at the bar, he was skeptical any growth or development had actually occurred in the last six years.

Eddie was still a dick, and Steve had no interest in ever seeing him again.

He pulled out his phone to see that it was still blowing up. There was a new tag trending - #steddie. Yikes. He’d also gotten even more followers. Then, another update caught his eye.

His new album had double the pre-orders it had the night before.

He’d put his heart and soul into this album, and he wanted more than anything for it to be recognized. He was popular, yeah, but mostly for a couple singles that played on the radio all the time. This album was a piece of art from top to bottom that Steve had painstakingly planned and created from scratch.

Maybe. Maybe this stupid ship with Eddie Munson could be worth something. But not enough to contact the guy. No way.

Steve opened his Instagram and then felt his heart drop.

@nancywheeler: Life hack - date a photographer so you get amazing candids on vacation 💕

It hadn’t even been that long since Nancy left Steve for Jonathan Byers. Well, maybe it had been long enough, but still. Cute couple’s posts already?

Oh, no. Steve wanted Nancy to feel like he did, and he knew what would do the trick. She was always a bit of the jealous type.

God dammit.

(Part 2!)

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

@paintballkid711 @abraca-fxckyou @allbimyself26 @jellybabiesforall @allbymyselfexceptformycactus @justaloadofgarbage-blog @alliemunsonsstuff @undreamingscatworld @thefruityfours @hobbitnarwhal @calivanus @wreckmyplans-thatsmyman @antheia @goodolefashionedloverboi @lillemilly @missmagillicuddy @steviesbicrisis @gamerdano @menamesniall eyeslikewildflowers111 @callmesirkay @stringischeese @eds-trashmouth @mnl-enuh @redfreckledwolf @itsanarrum @soulsofstarsliveinyourveins @gregre369 @stevesbipanic @momotonescreaming @aryakanojiaa @wrenisflying @comicmadlover @lilacrobin @itch-my-b0nez @anonymousbandgirl @disastardly @dangdirtydemons @daisyellsong @val-from-lawrence @starryeyedpoet17 @taikawaiteatea @clumsiluni @hollysimone @swimmingbirdrunningrock @witchofhawkins @steddiegarbage @suddenlyinlove @ricekristytreaty @eddielives1986

#eddie munson #steve harrington #eddie munson x steve harrington #steddie #steddie fic #stranger things #stranger things fanfiction #writing #steve and eddie #robin buckley #chrissy cunningham #i can't tune you out #modern day au

150 notes · View notes

laurfilijames · 11 months ago

Text

All week I told myself that on Sunday, I was going to write all day.

I opened my laptop up for the first time in two weeks. I haven't written a word since I finished editing Expensive and tried for over an hour to work on my series Like My Dreams.

I thought about it all week and have been so eager to continue it, only the words won't come.

I know it's not for lack of passion or wanting to; I think about this story (and all the other ones) constantly.

I've been trying to deny some feelings for a while, or chalk it up to getting too much in my own head, but today it's come down heavier than ever and what is ultimately responsible for blocking my creativity and turning my love for my stories from thoughts into actual sentences.

I'm lonely.

I've never felt so alone.

The Charlie fandom seems to be relatively non existent, or just extremely quiet.

I have no space. No where I fit in.

I'm on the outskirts, trying to find a spot, constantly seeing if there is a way I can have a place for my ideas, stories, and even friendship, and have it hold some value to the others I'm around.

The more I post on here, the less I feel seen.

Engagement on this platform has reduced drastically across the board, and it's effecting so many artists.

It's not about numbers. I'm sure some of you are probably thinking "your last fic has over 100 notes". Yeah. It does. Almost all of those notes are likes, and more than half the reblogs are my own.

What I'm seeking is engagement. Conversation. A likeness and kinship started by a common interest that blooms into simple conversations and thoughts shared.

Comparison is a bitch. I see so many people living the Tumblr life I wish to have. Asks, comments, reblogs of teasers and moodboards for upcoming fics screaming of excitement and praise and how eager they are to read it. People dropping everything they're doing to read the latest chapter of their friend's new fic.

I realize the many reasons why I'm in a different position than they are, but lately it's been screaming at me louder than ever that I'm lacking something meaningful or whatever I'm doing on here isn't enough.

I've tried creating a buzz around my stories. I am aware that most of the time I write for unpopular characters with a smaller fan base, so I set the bar lower but am still left feeling inadequate even when I write for the popular ones. Whenever I've shared snippets of WIPs in hopes to gain some excitement from my readers, it falls short. Usually it'll inspire me to keep going, to write better than ever and make this next fic The Best One that makes me so happy and excited to get out. (For Charlie, I'll say, and write something I'm so unbelievably proud of) and then sometimes it makes me wonder if I should bother continuing at all.

I know I am not owed anything by anyone and no one is obligated to read or comment or anything of the sort, and I am beyond grateful for the comments and support I do receive, and the friendships I've made, old and new.

I'm not exactly sure what I'm getting at here, I just needed to write it down and "talk" it out.

I've been battling the decision to continue writing but not share it. I don't want that to happen, because as much as I write these stories for myself, a lot of the fun of it comes from being able to share it with all of you.

Nothing dramatic is happening. I'm not leaving, and I will be writing again because I'm not at all done with what I have to say about these characters, I just felt this needed to be said and already feel a little lighter by sharing it.

Write your stories, comment on your favourite fics, scream with your mutuals about a photo or gif that inspired something in you, tell your writer friends and writers you've never spoken to but love their stories just how much you do... I promise it makes more of an impact than you know. 💗

#personal

36 notes · View notes

ghostofbambifanfiction · 10 months ago

Text

WIP tag game

Thank you to my darling @oyprongs for the tag!

1. List the titles your top five priorities for WIP updates (link your fics for new readers!)

2. An upcoming scene, event, or detail in each fic that you're looking forward to writing

3. Bonus: make a poll for your followers to vote on which top 5 WIP they are most excited to see an update on!

4. Then tag 10 writer friends!

Titles

1. Choose Your Own (sexy) Adventure

2. Wherefore Art Thou, James Potter?

3. The Viscount's Daughter

4. Everything but the Kitchen Sink

5. Oh god, maybe the wrestling fic idea I had, I can't get it out of my head and my brother's been excitedly trying to give me ideas for it

Upcoming Writing

1. Honestly, I'm just excited to get them talking again. I have one chapter left before they're back in touch and I can already feel the story starting to drag because they're not speaking, much as I loved writing their argument. Also the chaos chapter, which is where I throw caution to the wind in the most extreme way I can think of.

2. Supermarket. Bed-sharing. Christmas present.

3. I'm very excited to finish writing the twist ending to chapter four and the twist opening of chapter five. Two twists!

4. Following a period of antagonism there is an antagonism-shattering heart-to-heart on the chilly starlight beach that I've been going over in my head for a very long time.

5. If, if, IF I were to write this fic, and it's a HUGE if because I have too many WIPs, I think I'd be most excited about combining two of my huge passions in general and perhaps making wrestling more palatable for people who know nothing about it.

I'm pretty sure that most of the writers I know have already completed this so if there are any CT girlies who haven't yet been tagged and want to do this, PLEASE consider this your tag!

#tag game #writing #sarah's choose your own adventure fanfic #WATJP #The Viscount's Daughter #EBTKS

28 notes · View notes

twice-inamillion · 2 years ago

Text

Jihyo’s Concern

1.7k words

Chapter 190

(Important concerns that need to be addressed.)

The group has the day off, and most use this opportunity to rest after completing a successful comeback. The night before, Jihyo asked you for some alone time to clear her mind after a busy couple of weeks.

With Jisoo at her grandparents, the both of you have the afternoon to yourselves, so you decide to go for an afternoon drive.

You drive on the road with a fantastic view of the coastline, the windows down, and the air blowing Jihyo's hair. You can't help but admire how beautiful she is, your future wife. "You look amazing, Jihyo. I'm the luckiest man in the world to have found someone like you."

"You're the lucky one. I'm the one that went after the pursuit; you had no chance, haha," as she gives you a loving smile.

She grabs your hand and intertwines it with hers, "I'm glad we took this time apart from everyone."

"Good thing you asked, it's been a hectic these past couple of weeks, but it's finally over."

"Haha, we did a good job; thank you for Fancy, it's such a good song. From what I could see, Once loved the song."

"Really? I'm too afraid to check, so I haven't been on social media."

"Oh yeah, the group chat has been flooded with pics of Once's comments on the song. You really did an amazing job, Mr. Producer."

"It's only going to get better, I have other songs in mind."

"I know they’re going to be great."

"Thanks, also… I got the finalized song list for the upcoming tour, so you might want to tell the rest to freshen up."

"I'm so excited! I can't believe we are going on tour again but this time, its a world tour. Can you believe it, going abroad to sing in front of international Once!"

"It's to be expected, you girls work so hard; you all deserve the best."

"Thanks, but that has been making me thinking about what we are going to do with the babies. They're growing too fast and are more active than before. I don't think we can bring them with us; the constant traveling from city to city, I don't think they will be able to handle."

"You're right. Three of them are over a year old, and they are going to start to run and throw tantrums; it's going to be hard to hide them. There is also Da-eun, who's only a few months old, and she is still too small to travel internationally. It's one thing to Japan and taking them since it's so close but going to other countries, it's going to be hard."

Jihyo's hand begins to shake slightly. "What are we going to do, oppa? I don't want to leave them behind, but we can't take them either."

"We're going to get through this. The tour's first leg is around Asia, so we won't be too far out. Let's see; we have two days in Seoul, one day in Bangkok, Manila, and Singapore. They're spread out that we'll be back home. The only part that would worry me would be the North American concerts and the last leg of Asia. Maybe we can ask your mom to watch over them for the first leg."

“I can ask, but I also don't want to rely on them too much, you know. I feel bad because it's not just Jisoo this time; its four children. Plus, taking care of an infant like Da-eun with Jisoo and Ari, I don't think it's would end well."

"Hmm… I might have another option, but I don't know if you are going to like it." Jihyo sees your hesitation, "Come on, tell me, don't keep it to yourself. You already opened your mouth, just spit it out," as she smacks your arm.

"Okay, but just keep an open mind."

"Yeah, I'll try."

"You know how I go to the company building for meetings, right?"

"The one in the mornings."

"Yeah, well… there are times when we have a long break in between or finish early, so I shop for groceries here and there. Well… I've bumped into Chaeyoung's mom several times, and we talk here and there. She's sweet and friendly; she even invited me for lunch and asked me about Chaeyoung and the rest of the girls."

"Oh really?” with a suspicious looked.

"Yup, she mentioned how lonely she is at home since her two children are adults and no longer live with her. I feel bad because she gets so happy when I stop by to the point that I even bring her groceries from time to time. She's even shown me some childhood pictures of Chaeyoung; she was so cute when she was small, haha."

"Seems like you have a lot of time on your hands," as she gives you a side eye.

"No, it's not like that. I forgot my main point…" as you try to remember why you brought up the subject in the first place. "Oh yeah, during one of our talks, she mentioned how hard it was for her to raise chaeyoung and her brother as a single mother. She struggled a lot until she enrolled them in a nursery. She said that they liked it so much that she ended up as a volunteering at the nursery as well. I remember her saying that she still does it from time to time, so I thought that maybe we can ask her to watch over the kids since she's more than qualified."

You watch as Jihyo remains silent and gives it some thought. "You haven't told her about the kids, right?"

"No, I haven't said anything. All we talked about was your life as an idols and Chaeyoung. Well, she did ask me if I had something going on with Chaeyoung, but I just said that we like to mess around."

"Wait, what do you mean by mess around?"

"Like playful things, you know, joking around that type of stuff."

"Hmm, okay. That's fine."

"So what do you think? Should we ask her?"

"Hmm, if you think she's qualified, then I don't think it's a bad idea. Will we need to talk to Chaeyoung about it and check if she's willing to do it."

"If not then we can ask Mina's mom. Mina has mentioned that she always asks about the kids, so she might be willing to do it if we ask."

"You're right; with my mom and Mina's mom, I think we can make it work. It would be a win-win situation on both sides; the babies get to see their grandparents and spend time with the grandkids."

"Okay, sounds like a plan. All we have to do is talk to the members about it."

As you reach the final destination, you park the car in a spot that has a perfect ocean view. Parking high on a cliff gives you the best view of both the ocean and the surrounding terrain. "It's been a while since we have been right, oppa." "Yes, maybe a year or two?" "You're right, even before Jisoo."

"Wouldn't it be nice to live near the beach?" as you look at the beautiful scenery. Jihyo reaches for the cooler in the back and gives you an ice-old soda and some snacks. "Here, I picked this up before coming here." The both of you stay silent as you take in the view.

Minutes pass in silence until Jihyo says, "What do you think about moving?" You're surprised by her question, "You mean getting a new house?"

"Yes, the house we have right now is doable, but with Sana's pregnancy, it will be difficult. Mina, Dahyun, and I have our own room, but the rest of us share, so it will be hard once Sana gives birth. We don't have the space anymore."

"You're right. I've been thinking the same thing lately."

"I've been looking online for any houses with rooms for all of us or two houses next to each other, but I haven't had any luck," sulks Jihyo. You try to comfort her, "It's going to be okay; we just have to try a pick harder."

"Just thinking about it makes me so stressed; I just can't help it. Eventually, the babies will need a room when they grow up; it's not like they can always sleep with us. They are going to want their room once they're older."

"This might sound like a crazy idea, but what if we build our dream house? We can buy our own plot of land and build it how we want. Just imagine this, a large house, plenty of rooms, a big kitchen, a backyard, and a playroom for the kids."

The idea of having a house built from the ground up sounds like a dream. You watch as she is in deep thought, thinking of what her future house could look like. "Okay, let's do it. If I want to have a big house, enough for all of us to live comfortably."

With Jihyo in agreement, you tease her, "We can even have a room that we can use to have fun," as you wink at her. Jihyo immediately understands what you mean, "you dirty boy," as she smacks your thigh.

"Haha, I'm just joking."

"No, maybe we should," as she looks at you with a lustful face. She slowly rubs your thigh, "We can have some fun and not worry about anyone bothering us," she said before pulling her hand away.

"I would really it; maybe we can try for a second one," as you wink at her. "Stop, you're going to make me really want one. You know how busy we are right now, so maybe later when Jisoo is a bit older."

With a disappointed face, you accept your fate, "Okay. I'll get on the process then." The both of you enjoy the rest of your evening together as you walk by the beach.

————

Jihyo and Jisoo take a bath together once they get home after a long day. You tuck them into bed, kiss them goodnight, and return to your room.

You look online to see the requirements to purchase land in Korea and compare prices between locations like the city, countryside, and suburbs. While browsing, you remember your friend Samatha from college and give her a call. After a long conversation, she recommends you to a friend she worked with for her bathhouse. Your night ends with you making a list of potential requirements for the perfect home.

#twice #twice fluff #kpop fluff #male reader #twice smut #kpop smut #twice jihyo #park jihyo #twice angst #kpop angst #TM smut

119 notes · View notes

the-bar-sinister · 2 months ago

Text

Not Needed, But Desired (8322 words) by VickytheSnake, thesavagesabretooth Chapters: 2/2

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Relationships: Baby 5/Komurasaki | Kozuki Hiyori

Additional Tags: Femslash, Rare Pairings, Getting Together, Developing Relationship, First Kiss, genre: pirate slice of life, Background Slash, Third Corazon Trafalgar D. Water Law, Minor Donquixote Doflamingo/Trafalgar D. Water Law, Fluff and Angst, Romantic Fluff Summary: Baby 5 finds herself head over heals for the newest member of the Donquixote pirates, Komurasaki, the runaway princess of Wano. In the aftermath of a minor scuffle with the marines the two women grow closer despite their wildly different backgrounds.

It took most of the day for the family to denude the island of anything interesting— between the marines, their ships, the materials the Spade pirates had left and, yes— the buried treasure that Pica had unearthed underneath the encampment.

Fred's tidepool had been left where it was, and they took a sliver of the vivre card just in case.

Dinner was the usual raucous affair with the family, everyone back on the ship and talking about the island and the fight, and the haul, and the upcoming Uta concert. Komurasaki sat beside her once again, and once again, came to help with the cleanup after it was over.

Baby 5 scrubbed at a dish as the conversation still buzzed in her mind, her smile lopsided as she glanced over towards Komurasaki to hand her a plate. "Excited for the Uta concert, Saki?"

Saki nodded and handed her another plate, before drying the first. "I imagine that it's going to be a lot different from the musical performances I've been to."

Baby 5 giggled and ran the offered dish under the water. "Probably yeah, what's the music of Wano like anyway?"

"I wish I could play some for you," she said, "unfortunately my instrument was destroyed when the Polar Tang sank."

"Awww…." Baby 5 pouted around her cigarette as she scrubbed hard at the plates. "That sucks, maybe Giolla can make you a new one? She's a talented artist, she could probably figure it out if you told her what it was like."

"Perhaps," she considered, carefully drying more dishes, as they worked together in a dance considerably less brutal than their battle together earlier. "Though I'm almost curious to learn a new instrument now that I've left Wano behind."

"Oooh…Dia's got a guitar, if you're interested in that! I can probably beg him to let you borrow it. I think some of the others have instruments too. I tried to learn one once, but I'm kinda iffy when it comes to musical talent." Baby babbled on as she fussed with a plate, turning it over and over and over again.

"Do you ever sing?" Saki asked her. She cocked her head, giving her a curious look with her sea-deep eyes again.

Baby 5 flushed deeply, catching her eyes with a flustered half smile. She sang, she'd sing for Diamante when he played the guitar, or when Vi danced along to the feverish beat in her dances with Doffy.

She didn't think she was very good, admittedly. Back in the day, Law had always snarled that 'she sounded like a dying cat trying to sing a love song', much to her embarrassment. But the family never seemed to complain.

"S-sometimes," she murmured, "for Dia and Violet, and Doffy when he's feeling lonely."

"If I can borrow Dia's guitar, will you sing with me?"

Baby 5 felt her face heat up even more.

"Y-yeah of course I will! I'd be happy to!" She half turned to look at her with a wide smile "But I warn you, I'm—okay—at best, but I'm going to try my hardest for you, ok?"

Saki smiled at her. "I think a genuine voice is nicer to listen to sometimes than a well trained one. My own is… very well trained." Her smile flickered a little.

Baby 5 reached out and her suds-slick fingers brushed against Saki's cheek near her flickering smile. "Anything I sing'll be genuine, promise. I… can bet it is, Saki. Honestly I'm curious to see how you take to the guitar, huh?"

Komursaki paused and leaned into her touch. "Perhaps we can ask this evening. Oh– speaking of which. I noticed that there were clothes among the things we brought onto the ship."

Her fingers lingered against her skin, brushing softly near the cheekbone as she titled her head. "So there were, actually. A whole bunch of 'em, even. Think anything'll fit you?"

"That's what I was wondering," she said. She turned so that her lips touched her wet fingers and kissed them softly. "Do we need permission to go through them?"

Baby 5 felt a sudden thrill roll through her at the sensation of the woman's lips against her fingers. "You're an officer of the Corazon Army, Saki-baby. You don't need permission for somethin' as simple as that. We can just walk right in and help ourselves.

She smiled brightly and pressed her cheek against her fingers again. "After we're done here then. Would you look with me?"

Baby 5 leaned in and pecked her lips before she grinned widely. "I'd fuckin' LOVE to. Let's hurry up with these dishes, Saki! I'm dying to know what we find!"

"Let's hurry then. So am I." She smiled, and kissed her back softly.

The kiss lingered over the smell of soap for a long moment before Baby 5 redirected their attention to their chore. Usually she delighted in the little chores and tasks she did around the ship, reveling in the small hits of validating happiness at helping her family even in such small ways.

But today she found herself rushing side by side with Saki as she worked to clean the dishes as fast as possible.

She couldn't wait to see what Saki wanted to wear, or how damn good she'd look in it.

Komurasaki had never seen so many unfamiliar clothes. There were several crates of them, including the ones that had been brought from the island, and the ones apparently retrieved from the personal items of the marine ships. There were a lot of various sizes, and styles, and levels of wear, and almost without thinking, she and Baby 5 had started to sort them as they went through.

"They're so different." Komursaki— Saki, as she was starting to like being called— liked how unfamiliar they were. She'd been enjoying wearing Violet's dresses, certainly, but this presented an opportunity to pull herself even further from her roots on Wano.

Baby 5 was holding up a marine coat, her cigarette dangling from her lips as she tossed it over her shoulder into the 'to be heavily altered' pile. She seemed rather happy to be sorting through clothes with her, enthusiastically shoving various pieces at Saki as she found them when they didn't quite fit into this pile or that.

"From the stuff in Wano? I'd say, this stuff came from all over the great blue seas!"

"So I can tell! Are all of these common to wear? Aside from the uniform pieces, I mean."

For most of Saki's life, she'd worn ceremonial clothing— clothing that had been picked for her, and was worn for a specific display purpose, and which she often needed assistance to put on or take off.

Baby 5 grinned at her around her cigarette, the ruffled frill of her maid's apron rustling as she bent down and picked up a pair of tall boots and held them up to her foot to judge their size. "Yeah, most of it anyway. See…this kind of style was really popular around Dressrosa."

She picked up a shirt , meant to be worn open at the chest in a garish pale green animal print of jagged stripes. "Bright, flashy, animal print. Very common where we used to operate."

"It has a very eye-catching look." She ran her fingers over the fabric. "I wonder what it would be like to wear something like that. Do you think I'd look ridiculous?"

Saki was pretty certain that no matter what she wore, she'd look ridiculous. She was ridiculous. She was a princess. An oiran. The best oiran. She was a decorative novelty at best, something to be dressed and cared for. To have her hair brushed and styled.

The fact that she had left Wano was ridiculous.

"You wanna give it a try?" Baby 5 asked her excitedly. "Doffy and Derringer and…geeze, a buncha the other officers and executives all love that kinda look. I think it'd look fuckin' adorable on you! Hell! It kinda goes with your hair, too!"

Baby 5 didn't seem to think it was ridiculous at all. Maybe because she herself was a little ridiculous. If it would make Baby 5 smile her ridiculous smile, then Saki would try it whether she looked adorable or not.

"You think so? Then I'll happily try it. You'll have to show me how to put it on, however."

Baby 5 made a muscle, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm the best at helpin' people put things on. I used to help Derringer out when he was trying different dresses and stuff as a kid. And Sugar has me help her all the time!" She laid out the shirt, and looked around "Y'want a skirt to go with it, or a pair of pants?"

Saki thought about it. "I've never worn pants."

Baby 5 looked up at her with wide eyes "Wano doesn't even have fuckin' pants??? What DO they have? I mean, besides 'way too much fuckin' propriety' I guess."

She tutted her tongue and pulled out a pair of pants in lemon yellow with a little sunburst on the ass.

She held them up with a big grin. "Ta da!"

"Kimono, mostly," she answered. She looked over the pants. They were absolutely ridiculous, and Saki loved them immediately. There was no way anyone would ever think that someone wearing those pants was a princess, or a famous oiran. "Oh those are fascinating. Please show me how to put them on, could you?"

"Y-you got it!" Baby 5 saluted before she turned a deep and flustered red. "but you're gonna have to strip. Is that alright?"

Komurasaki was very familiar with being naked in front of people. Clients and servants mostly. She hadn't even thought for a moment to be embarrassed about it, but as Baby 5 brought up that she might be, she felt her cheeks flush.

"Is it a problem?"

"Not with me, Saki-baby!" Baby 5 chirped as she brushed her hand through her curly and unruly hair. Still, there was that notable flush on her face as she looked her over. "I mean—you're beautiful, and I'm comfy around you, and if you're comfy around me…"

Saki decided to tease her a little. "Would you help me undress, then? If there's no problem."

She turned and raised her arms for Baby 5 to help her out of her dress.

Baby 5 turned a deeper shade of pink before she scurried over in a rather animated fashion to dip down and start unlacing the back of Saki's dress with nimble fingers. "Y-yes ma'am~"

She laughed softly, and teased a little further. "Ma'am, hmm?"

The dress slipped off her, exposing her pale, soft flesh. One day, she hoped, it would be marked with scars from a life well lived. For now it was a soft, unpainted canvas.

"I mean if you want me to call you ma'am! Or I can just call you Saki-baby, like usual!" Baby 5 had started to babble as her fingers trailed down her unmarked skin as she peeled the dress downwards.

"It sounds like you like calling me 'ma'am'," she teased. "So I'd like that."

"S-sometimes," Baby 5 squeaked as she half knelt to lower the dress down Saki's hips. "I mean it's what a maid calls people…and Doffy likes it when I call him Young Master, so, I mean.."

She was certainly flustered now as her smile went lopsided. "I'm glad you don't mind it, ma'am."

Saki chuckled, letting the dress fall around her hips, exposing the soft rise of her breasts, and flustering Baby 5 further– she was certain.

"Not at all."

From the slight tremor and the intense heat coming off her as she eased the dress aside and stood to look up at her—and very briefly but obviously her breasts—it was safe to say she was very flustered.

"You wanted me to show you how to…uhm…wow you're pretty, ma'am."

Saki tilted her chin down to look at her with a coy glance. "Why thank you."

Baby 5 smiled up at her–that wide and ridiculous smile that she wore sometimes, this time with cheeks flushed red as a rose and eyes visibly trying not to drift down to Saki's chest as she fumbled for the yellow pants. "You're welcome, Miss Saki."

Saki liked that smile of hers. It was so unrestrained, so carefree. It made her happy to see.

She lifted her feet, one after the other, to step into the pants as Baby 5 helped her.

Baby 5 slid the ridiculous yellow pants, their fabric slightly thick and stiff but soft to the touch as they slid up her legs as Baby 5 knelt with her arms around her, smoothing out wrinkles as she pulled them up.

Saki watched her with amusement, letting her dress her. Saki was very good at letting other people dress her. It was more fun with Baby 5 doing it. The pants felt strange however. A little bit constricting, but not in an unpleasant way.

"They fit?" she asked.

Baby 5 ran her hands up her legs with a flustered edge to her big grin.

"Yeah, I'd say. They're snug, but they're kinda meant to be? They're the type of pants that are meant to show off your curves, you know? Your hips." She lightly patted the sunburst on the ass, flushing as she did. "That's why it's got a decoration there, too."

"That's very new for me," she said, smirking a little as her ass was patted. She was working to show her emotions more naturally— to restrain herself less. "Showing off curves. When I'm dressed, at least."

Baby 5 seemed to notice, especially with the way she wiggled down there in seeming joy.

"There's a kind of thrill in showing off even when dressed, you know? That's why I wear such a short skirt and low cut blouse." She stood slowly as she grabbed the shirt, still standing rather close to Saki. "Ready for your shirt, Miss Saki?"

Saki ran her hands down her waist and hips– snug in the pants. "How do the pants look without it?"

Baby 5 seemed to have a physical full body shiver—a very strange one as what looked like a brief ripple of small knife edges trailed up her body as she looked at Saki with wide and interested eyes. "Gorgeous, I mean, it's a bold look!"

She chuckled, watching Baby's shiver. "Good. Too bold for now, I think. But perhaps some other time."

Baby 5's eyes lingered on her chest again for a moment as she smiled. "Maybe some other time. You'd look great, Miss Saki."

She shifted and raised the shirt, which she started to help her into with a quiet hum. "so this is meant to be worn open at the front, or at least mostly open."

"Does it need a garment under it?" Saki asked curiously.

Baby 5 felt like her brain was sputtering out in real time. At some point she'd gotten so entranced with Saki that she'd started slipping in her coy little 'Miss' and "ma'am's" before she knew it. Flirtatious deference, not like the desperate and needy deference she showed when she needed, NEEDED, to be wanted—but the same sort she showed for Doffy.

She looked up at her, as she slipped the fabric of the shirt over her arms with a chew of her lip. Saki was beautiful, the most beautiful woman Baby 5 had ever seen and certainly one of the most charming. There was just something about her, especially as she introduced her to things outside the narrow box of Wano.

She'd helped her dress, picking through the admittedly impressive pool of seized clothing to find what might suit her until she found something that just screamed 'Saki the deadly pirate'. A bright and cheerful color that'd well reflect any blood splattered across her in the heat of battle.

As they goofed around together she seemed to start to show more, a smirk here and a smile there, opening herself up to Baby 5 in a way that made it feel almost intimate.

Baby 5's crush was threatening to turn into something deeper as she buttoned up the buttons up to just under Saki's chest.

"You can wear one but they're not necessary. A tube top, or a bustier would probably work, but if you leave it open like this it covers the breasts but shows the curve of them and the overall shape of your torso."

She smoothed out the long lapels of the shirt and tried to arrange it nicely around her chest "just be careful bending over for stuff."

"Hmm." Saki let Baby 5 arrange it for her. The way she let her help her dress reminded Baby 5 of Doffy, too. It was clear that Saki was used to people dressing and undressing her. "I'll keep that in mind. I'm curious how it looks without."

She hoped that familiarity wasn't ruining it for her, she hoped that it wasn't 'too close to Wano'. There were few casual and intimate moments Baby 5 liked more than dressing and undressing someone she cared about. The lingering of touch and the choosing of the right outfits to make sure the person shined—it was something that appealed to her honor as a maid, and the part of her that buzzed with affection and attraction.

"Then I won't get an undergarment! And maybe find you a mirror, Miss Saki!"

Saki leaned into her, letting the touch linger just like Baby 5 had hoped. Her smirk was hitched and comfortable. "Do please find me a mirror, Baby. I'd like to see how it looks."

Baby 5 bowed her body with a widened grin. Impishly, she lifted Saki's hand and kissed it before she scampered away with a nod, looking around the room for any mirror that might help. "There's got to be one around here…"

She remembered seeing one in one of the chests of the Spade Pirates' clothes, and sure enough there was a large mirror under a few pairs of denim pants.

"Do you think it looks good?" Saki asked curiously as Baby grabbed it.

Baby held it up in front of her, peeking out from its side to grin widely at her as she spoke honestly. "I think you look fantastic, Miss Saki. It's very West Blue, or-–I mean, it's very Dressrosa too. You look, wow…you're takin' my breath away."

It was true. All of it. The way the brightly colored pants clung to her thighs and the curve of her hips, and the open dress shirt with its bold minty animal print baring her milky flesh and the just-visible curve of her breast….it was making her a little weak at the knees.

Saki pushed her shining green hair back behind her shoulders. "Taking your breath away? That's a high compliment. I think I like how it feels, anyway."

"It is! Lookit, I can barely breathe!" she put her hand to her throat with a flustered grin. "Wheeze, wheeze." She flushed, that– that was a stupid joke. She looked up at her again and tried to babble it off. "you do huh? It's a comfortable kinda outfit and it REALLY suits ya…Miss Saki."

Saki was, unfortunately, too busy giggling at the joke. She pushed her hair back again and caught her breath. "Thank you… thank you. Can I see the mirror now?"

Baby 5 jolted before running it over to hold it out to her with a grin. "Here you go!"

Saki gazed into it for a moment, and then started to preen, smoothing her new clothes and her hair. "I really need to do something about my hair, I think…"

Baby 5 watched her preen, so much like Doffy in that way again. She flushed, ducking her head. "They look natural on you, ma'am…your hair? Are you gonna cut it?"

"I don't know," she said. She grabbed it and held it back, looking at herself in the mirror. "I've always worn it up."

Baby 5 leaned closer, bringing the mirror up to better reflect her face and hair. "like in a ponytail?"

"No," she shook her head. "Quite complicated hairstyles. I'm contemplating what it would look like simply tied back, versus cut."

Baby 5 chewed her lip for a moment before she reached back with one hand to fiddle with her own hair. The wide curls bounced as she slowly undid her favorite ribbon and pulled it from behind her head.

She paused before she asked. "Can I tie it back for you, Saki-baby?"

Saki paused too, and glanced curiously at the ribbon in her hand. She smiled warmly. "Please."

Baby 5 put the mirror down, and twisted the pale yellow ribbon around her fingers for a moment before she slipped behind Saki.

"Just tied back huh? Alright gimme a sec…I used to do this kinda thing all the time for Miss Monet." Her nimble fingers gathered up Saki's hair "and luckily I had this ribbon on me…I mean, I usually do—"

"I suppose it's still warm from you using it," Saki said teasingly, letting Baby toy with her hair.

"A-absolutely, it is!" she wound it around Saki's beautiful hair, working to tie it back. "It was a gift to me when I was a little girl. It's kinda old now, but Doffy gave it to me when I first joined the gang as a child. I got really into collecting bows for a time, wearing all kinds of different ones, including this really cute big red one. But this one was always the most special to me."

"That's so sweet," Saki leaned into her. "It's… touching that you trust me enough to use in my hair, even for the moment."

Baby 5 flushed, leaning into her from behind as she tied the ribbon and let Saki's hair fall between them. For a moment– one lovely moment, she let herself nuzzle gently against her back and take her in, feel and scent. "Of course I do! I-I mean you're a part of the Donquixote family, right? And we've been getting along, and, I trust you. I know you won't do anything to it."

Saki smiled at her. "No, I wouldn't."

She turned to face her again, and put her arms around Baby 5's waist.

Baby 5 looked into her eyes, her hands lingering on her shoulders as she gave her another broad smile. "Well that looks fantastic on you, too."

"Then I should get some ribbons of my own. I don't think I'm ready to cut my hair just yet." She leaned her forehead against Baby 5's.

"You should, Miss Saki," Baby 5 leaned forehead to forehead, her fingers gently tracking down her upper back. "Did that mean something special in Wano? Cutting your hair? I'd heard some islands have special ceremonies around it."

Geeze, though. Saki was gorgeous like this. Unbuttoned from the prim and proper 'Wano' life she talked about in such a tired voice, dressed colorfully with her hair tied back—she really looked like part of the family.

Baby 5 brushed her thumb in a gentle circle against her shoulderblade. She had really gotten to like Saki. A lot. Her heart pattered in her chest as she met her eyes over the smolder of her cigarette.

She let it fall to the ground where she snuffed it with the tip of her shoe. They'd kissed..--- they'd kissed earlier. That meant that Saki liked her too, right? More than just needed her, maybe. Possibly—if she was lucky.

"Mmm…" she shook her head gently against Baby 5's. "I don't want to think about what it meant or didn't mean on Wano. I want to cut or leave my hair because I like it. That's the way I'd like to do things from now on."

"Good. Then you just gotta keep following your heart, Saki," Baby 5 murmured "and I think your hair looks beautiful. It's nice to see my favorite ribbon on you…"

"You like it, hmm?" she smiled that teasing smile at her.It made Baby 5's heart race. She was being teased, like a whole hell of a lot . But somehow she didn't mind it at all.

"I d-do, yeah. I'd love to help you experiment with your hair, too. If you want."

Saki batted her eyelashes, and her voice lowered coyly. "I'd love to experiment with you, too."

Baby 5's face went brick red, and she was damn sure that she'd started steaming like a kettle or the tank of some kind of explosive. She sputtered a little, unable to find her voice as she tightened her arms around Saki.

"I…ah, you wanna experiment with me, Saki?"

Saki pressed her nose against Baby 5's. "If you'd want to. Tell me, please, if I misunderstand."

She was asking her, directly asking her—so many people in the world outside the Family disregarded her feelings or pressed their advantage on her desperate to please nature, but Saki asked.

She smiled shyly, nuzzling her nose against her. It was no wonder Doffy approved—and it was no wonder that Saki was tightening the threads around her lover's heart.

She nodded slowly. "I want to, you didn't misunderstand Saki—I promise you didn't."

Saki kissed her softly on the lips. "Why don't we go back to your cabin. I believe we had a conversation from earlier to continue."

Baby 5 let the kiss linger a moment before she nodded and offered her hand to Saki with a chuckle "I was hoping you remembered that, Saki. C-come on before someone comes in and teases us huh?"

A conversation to continue, wanting to experiment—Baby 5's heart skipped a beat. She could take that as proof, right? Real proof. Proof that Saki liked her and didn't just 'need' her.

She wanted her enthusiasm, their mutual enjoyment…

Baby 5 was all too happy to give it to her. She gripped her hand firmly for a moment, holding it to her chest with an increasingly warm and eager smile "come on, Saki—Lemme show you around my room."

#femslash #toxic yuri #rare pair #kozuki hiyori #komurasaki #baby 5 #donquixote family #donquixote doflamingo #one piece #fanfiction #fan fiction #fanfic #archive of our own #ao3

7 notes · View notes