#i don’t even think this is even promoting the song like he wants rather than just making them tiktok annoyance of the week

[waterparksdrama]

is anyone going to tell him the otto serial killer joke was only funny for the first 5 seconds from coming up with it years ago

how it feels to see a joke popularized on parx twitter

-iz

[damon-loves-pie]

“Wish I Could Be Your Man.”

I had to reshare this again this morning because I couldn’t find it any of the original hashtags I had done. And I spent WAY TOO MUCH TIME writing this for it to not get the recognition it deserves. 

Pairing: Eddie Munson x female reader.

Word count: About 11k words. ( I GOT CARRIED AWAY)

Warnings: 18+, SMUTTY- FLUFFY- ANGSTY KIND OF SLOW BURN STORY. Talks of reader moving around a lot, there is angst with crying and fighting between the reader and Eddie at some point. Reader was cheated on by an ex who slept with her best friend. LOTS OF POT SMOKING.(Eddie is her dealer.) There is pussy eating, fingering, sex of course, and not really much dick sucking. No safe sex happens, (WRAP IT UP PLEASE, I AM PREGNANT BY ACCIDENT SO DON’T BE LIKE ME), Reader does drive stoned. (DO NOT DO THAT PLEASE.) Cigarette smoking, other than that I think that’s all???

I did use inspiration from Eddie’s and Chrissy scene in their first hang out.

Requested by: Anonymous, link to request is here. Overall was requested for a female reader x Eddie fic based off the ending of the song, The Summoning By Sleep Token. (I am not taking anymore request at the moment.)

Summary: Reader had moved around most of her life leaving her unwilling to let anyone close to her after having her heart broken at a young age, she’d rather spend her Senior year alone than with people who probably wouldn’t care for her. She starts working at Family Video in which she asks Steve if he knew where she could find the local dealer. After learning about Eddie Munson ,reader starts buying from him, overtime starting to grow fond of him till a small relationship forms. Eddie wants more than the reader is allowing, causing a fight to break out over him begging her to come see his band play. Reader in the end pulls her head out of her ass, and realizes she cares about the boy as much as he cares about her.

Author’s note: I WILL SAY THE BEGINING IS LONG, AND EDDIE DOESN’T COME IN FOR A MINUTE. BUT PLEASE bare with me. I HAD TO ESABILISH SOME KIND OF STORY. You don't get to see Eddie till a little over 2,000 words in. BUT I PROMISE YOU, IT’S WORTH IT.

I spent the last few days working solely on this and have proofread but it was superlong so I hope I didn’t miss anything.

But to whoever requested this I hope you enjoy the vision I had came up with.

Writing Masterlist

Hawkins, Indiana. The home of the small town high school, Hawkins High, which I'll be attending till graduation in the spring.

Other than that, Hawkins was just another small town on the list of places I've lived.

It was a place that probably won't cross my mind ever again when I leave for college in the fall just like any of the other towns I have called home over the years.

My father's job caused us to move so often that I stopped being interested in finding ties to a town I wouldn't be in for long.

Ever since getting a promotion before I went into 7th grade, he has constantly moved our family  so he could help run or set up different stores across the country.

In result of that, the longest I tend to stay in a place is just for the school year. Maybe for the summer too if I'm lucky, but that seems to be about every other year.

Growing up with constantly moving made me crave structure. I act like I hate the idea of settling down and making friends, but actually I yearned for it.

I wanted strong friendships, I wanted to be on first name basis with the gas station clerk kind of thing, I wanted everything that came with a normal life.

But over the last few years I didn't see the point in making friends who would stop answering my calls or letters after a few weeks of me moving away.

So that dream life will just have to wait till I go to college next fall.

I had been dreaming of it since the summer of my freshman year.

I even started working that summer to save up for my apartment that I'll have during the four years I plan on attending.

I have so much money saved up because how badly I want this, and have worked my ass off to make sure I will get accepted.

I needed to have control of something in my life and this was the easiest most important way I could.

I thought about my life and the things that made up it as I drove down the run down road towards the high school.

How after having been to five other schools as the new girl, this sixth one probably wasn't going to be any different.

The nerves I had in middle school about starting new were gone now, having died out by freshman year.

The thought of being the new girl wasn't scary anymore, it was now routine.

My tires screech against the pavement as I pull into the parking lot, entering into an empty space.

Knowing what awaited me I grabbed by backpack and Walkman off the passenger side, throwing the worn out headphones over my ears.

My fingers pressing play as I hopped out of the seat of my car.

Walking towards the wide open doors, my eyes studied the school.

Hawkins High wasn't anything special, but neither were most the schools I went to.

It was your normal brick building with the school colors scatter about to capture that 'school spirt', with a big welcome sign seated up front to welcome in the new and returning students.

I reach the doors feeling eyes turn towards me from the lockers lined down the hall, other students taking a glimpse at the unknown student.

I was used to people whispering about me, usually wondering about the newest girl of the year. And I defiantly knew it was going to be bigger news once people found out I was a senior.

Not paying them any mind I followed the wall signs towards the door labeled 'office.'

I spent the twenty minutes before class filling out paperwork as the secretary retrieved my schedule. Reassuring the people in the office multiple times that I didn't need a student to show me around before heading to my classes for the day.

My first few classes were as normal as they could be. The teachers having me introduce myself to the class after realizing there was a new student on their roster. Syllabuses got handed out and read, stating what was expected for each class. And then most students avoiding me like the plague or gave me a small smile and a wave when passing in the hall.

Walking into lunch I felt heads turn towards me, knowing all the small-town kids who've known each other since preschool were talking about the new girl. Wondering if she had somewhere to sit or would dare sit alone.

That was the thing they didn't know though, I would rather sit by myself any day then beg someone to be my friend so I wouldn't be alone.

Finding an empty table near the windows I plopped myself into a seat, music playing through my headphones as I pulled out the work Mrs. Click had given us already.

I wasn't wanting to worry about finishing it later tonight since my first shift at my new job started after school.

I would rather eat a quick lunch on the way there than get off tonight and have to worry about finishing the assignment.

After lunch was over the second half of the day seemed to fly by, surprising me as the clock hit four pm when I got home.

I threw my bag onto my bed, grabbing the dark green Family Video vest off my chair as I made my way back to my car.

The job didn't seem like anything special from the outside and I doubt it was going to change my life or anything. But it was a way to make money and something to keep me occupied during my time here in Hawkins.

The sound of the bell ringing greeted me as I entered the store, causing me to groan internally because I knew soon I was going to loathe the sound.

My line of vision hit the front desk, looking for the man named Steve Harrington, who Keith told me would be training me today.

A tall brunette comes from behind the shelf, huge hands holding a small stack of tapes.

"Welcome to Fam- Oh, you must be (Y/N) the new hire. I'm Steve." He smiles, eyes glimmering as they meet the vest I'm wearing.

"That's me." I shrug slightly, watching as he studied me.

Steve wasn't bad looking and defiantly was not my usual type, but he wasn't something I wouldn't mind looking at from time to time. I memorized the way his longish hair sat and freckles that scattered across his neck to the way his muscles peaked out from under his polo as he held the tapes.

Realizing he had spent 30 seconds too long staring, he coughed awkwardly motioning his head towards the back of the counter.

"We should probably get you clocked in before we start training you in the 'Family Video way." He quotes sarcastically.

His free hand making quotations causing me to roll my eyes playfully in response.

Steve notices, laughing lightly while he placed the tapes on the counter.

"It's what Keith says we have to say when we train someone new. But I think he just likes trying to make my job a little harder." Steve explains, rummaging through a drawer till he pulls out  a blank time card.

Laughing at his comment, I take the time card and pen from his grasp.

"So you can smile, I was worried you were going to have the whole 'I'm going to kill you vibe' all night long." He teases, watching as I write my name and the date across the paper.

"Don't get too excited, if I end up not liking you it could still happen." I shake my head playfully, going to sign on the time.

"You can write you were here 10 minutes earlier, Keith never checks the cameras." Steve promises, catching me off guard as my eyebrow raises in response.

"You trying to get me fired already Steve?"  I mock, watching his lips turn up into a smile.

"I wouldn't do that unless you actually tried to kill me." He jokes, causing me to grin in amusement, scribbling 4:15 onto my time card.

The bell rings again for the second time that night as I look over to him,

"Looks like we have our first customer of the night." I sigh, placing my time card with the rest on the counter.

As the night went on I realized my job here at Family Video was actually one of the easier jobs I've had over the years.

There really wasn't much to it other than helping customers, keeping track and stocking innovatory,  taking care of the store plus it's merchandise and either closing or opening the store depending on your shift.

Not to mention as well that Steve was surprisingly a good trainer. He was fun, light hearted, and didn't get upset or acted like I was stupid if I forgot how to do something. Instead he would explain it again understanding sometimes it was hard to get used to some things.

The night went by fast due to the steady stream of customers we had, which Steve promised wasn't normal for a Monday and that next week would probably feel so slow compared to today.

Steve had allowed me to do honors of locking the door after waving off the last customer of the night,  celebrating a successful evening.

We finished rewinding the brought back tapes and putting them into their designated areas before closing down the register, deciding to save sweeping and mopping for last.

Steve followed behind me as I swept, mopping the hardwood floors.

"How is Hawkins treating you so far?" Steve asks filling the quiet air while swirling the soapy mop against the walkway.

Thinking about my response I stop sweeping, turning towards him.

"Can I be honest or are you going to judge me if I say the wrong thing?" I ask him with a serious look on my face.

Stopping his movements as well, he brings his eyes to mine.

"Why would I judge you?" He asks, bringing his hand to his hip while the other hand leaned against the mop handle.

"Hawkins has been fine the past couple of days, but uh" I trail off, moving my eyes down to the broom handle I was playing with nervously.

"But?" He asks as I sigh, lifting my eyes back up to meet his.

"But I can't seem to find out where to get any uh-stuff around here." I tell him, hoping he would understand.

"What stuff?" He asks confused, causing me to roll my eyes at the boy.

"Weed Harrington, weed. I haven't learned who sells here yet." I laugh watching the realization of what I meant wash over his face.

"Oh okay. Well that's easy, you could go to Eddie Munson." He tells me, dipping the mop back into the bucket of water.

"So where do I find him then?" I ask, going back to moving the broom across the floor, picking up pieces of dirt and dust.

"Uh, I think he's actually in school again this year since I didn't see him at graduation.  So you could probably find him tomorrow." He answers, letting the loud thud of the mop head hit the floor.

"But be careful around him." Steve warns, lifting up a finger to me.

Stopping my movements again I turn towards the boy.

"Wait why be careful?" I ask him, confused on why he would say that. Unless the guy was like a serial killer or something.

"He's just a little bit of a freak. He listens to crazy music and of course as I told you deals drugs. Plus he plays that kid game, DND, and he's also in like a satanic band." Steve explains, the judgment in his voice lingering as he mops the dry wood.

"In a band you say. Does he play the guitar? Can he sing?" I joke, going back to finishing the floor.

"Yeah, I think he does play and if you want to call what he does singing." Steve answers, chuckling slightly.

"Sounds like he may be my type Harrington." I tease, knowing he's rolling his eyes behind me while we finish closing the store.

Heading into the school the next morning I was praying to find this Eddie Munson that Steve had told me to find.

I was desperate need of release because I finished the rest of my stash after getting off work last night.

If I don't get something soon I don't know how I'll survive the stress of senior year and work.

I had asked Steve before getting into my car where I would more than likely find him at school but he didn't have a clear answer since he didn't know much about the boy.

Just said I'll know he's him when I see him, that him and his friends are different from everyone else the high school.

Which basically left me with nothing, because what the hell was the supposed to mean?

I've came to notice two things over the years when figuring out who the dealer or dealers of the schools were. They were usually either the jocks no one would expect or the students with just enough charisma that they could convince anyone they wouldn't dare do that.

But they didn't always fall into those categories.

I scanned the halls as I walked to my first class, seeing the usual cheerleaders and jocks in their letterman jackets but none of them giving off the vibe of the local dealer.

The rest of the students left in the hall looked like they wouldn't dare touch it, let alone sell it.

None of them looked the way Steve had led me to believe Eddie would look like.

I felt discouraged as I sat down at my desk, hopping to find him at some point in the day. But at the moment it felt like I was looking for a needle in a haystack.

By the time lunch came around I wondered if Steve might have been wrong about him still being in school. Maybe he did graduate and Steve hadn't noticed. Or maybe he dropped out, having not wanted to finish school.

Or maybe he wasn't as bad as Steve tried to make him out to be so I'm looking for the wrong person.

Sitting down at the table I had sat the day before, I listened to the music playing through my ears. My eyes scanning the room over the top of my book.

I saw the usual cliques as I looked around the room but nothing screaming "Satan worshipers' like Steve had warned.

Turning my line of vision towards the tables in front of me I see a group stand out over the rest of the students a few tables down.

The occupants of the table were wearing leather jackets, torn vests and jeans. Just overall looking like themselves compared to the other students who looked like they walked out of a page of the latest magazine.

Leaning back slightly I eyed the table. My vision being drawn to the front to see a long curly haired brunette telling what seemed to be a dramatic story. The rest of the table watched in awe, laughing and making comments at the boy.

I took his appearance in, he was wearing black jeans that were ripped at the knee. There was a chain poking out beside him, the leather jacket he wore had a battle vest paired with. It had patches and pins scattered across it. The hand that brought whatever he was eating to his mouth were decorated in chunky silver rings, leather and chain bracelets sticking out as his sleeve rolled down slightly.

That has to be him, I thought to myself as I drooled mentally for a second.

I may have been right, this man was just my type.

I decided to let myself admire him for a second longer, not realizing he would notice the feeling of my eyes observing him so soon.

His eyes turned to meet mine as I adverted my sight quickly towards the words in front of me, feeling my face reddening slightly while the boy watched me for a moment.

I didn't dare to look up from my book the rest of lunch and wondered if the stares I felt were coming from him or someone else in the room.

I was one of the first students out of the lunch room when the bell rang to dismiss us.

Nervous about having been caught, I headed to the bathroom before going to class to catch my breath for a second.

Making my way down the hall I turn the corner not expecting to run chest first into someone this late into the passing period.

"Oh shit I'm so- you're new right?" I hear as I look at the chest of the person I ran into.

The battle vest and leather looking familiar as I took in the pins and patches, realizing as I stepped back that I had ran into the person I've been looking for.

"Are you alright?" He asks with concern in his voice, his hand moving to touch my forearm gently.

"I'm fine, just kind of shocked that's all." I laugh lightly, lifting my gaze to meet his to see the worry in his eyes disappear.

"And uh- yeah I just moved here for my senior year." I finish, watching his brown eyes crinkle while his lip curl up into a smile.

"Well welcome to Hawkins, I'm Eddie. Eddie Munson, I do wish we could of had a less painful introduction than this though." He grins, dimples popping out as he extends his hand towards mine.

"(Y/N), (Y/N) (Y/L/N)." I smile lightly, taking his hand into mine.

The bell above us rings making me pull my hand away in shock as we realize passing period is now over.

"I should get going if actually plan on graduating this year." Eddie chuckles, pulling his hand back awkwardly.

Nodding in agreement we both stand there for a second, neither of us taking the first step to leave.

"Before I go, I uh saw you sitting alone at lunch. And if you want you could always join me and the rest of hellfire." He offers, twirling the ring on his left pointer finger nervously. A small blush playing on his cheeks, while he glances down at his shoes.

"Hellfire? Is that your band?" I ask curiously, watching his demeanor change in response.

"It's not, but you have heard of me?" He questions with amusement in his voice. His body stands a little taller, moving to lean against the lockers next to me as his arms cross across his chest. Smile tugging on his lips playfully.

"I had um- asked around about finding uh- supplies and I got your name along with some warnings." I tell him sheepishly, hearing his laugh escape through his lips.

"Sounds about right, just I can't get you stuff at the moment." Eddie tells me, glancing at the clock on the wall.

"But we are already late, so how do you feel about going out to the woods?" Eddie asks with a raised eyebrow, bringing his fingers to his lips in a smoking motion.

"I would beg please." I laugh, watching his smile widen.

He leads me out the door in the hallway, showing me the way to the picnic table in the woods.

I sit down across from him watching him dig around the pack of camels he pulled out of his jacket pocket.

Pulling out an already rolled joint Eddie smiles in triumph, handing it to me along with his lighter.

"Most people around here have smoked my weed at some point before they even come up to me. So um since you're new I figured you can smoke it before you decide to buy it." Eddie explains, watching as I bring the joint to my lips. The clicking of the lighter lighting the paper into a burning ember.

Inhaling I feel the familiar haze wash over my body and mind releasing all the stress and tension the day had brought so far.

Coughing slightly due to the harsh hit, I pass the joint back to Eddie.

"Thank you, you don't know how bad I needed this." I thank him, exhaling the thick smoke into the air around us.

"Trust me, I get it. High school and life can be rough." He welcomes, bringing the burning smoke to his lips.

"So tonight doesn't work for me to meet up with you because I'm playing at the hideout tonight. But I could meet up with you here tomorrow or after school at one of our places if you're comfortable with that." He tells me, as my smaller fingers takes the joint back from between his.

"I couldn't do tonight anyway because I work Tuesdays, but I can do tomorrow. And meeting at your house will work, I need to learn my way around town anyway." I laugh lightly feeling the high starting to hit me as I breathe out what was left of my hit.

"So what's the hideout?" I ask him curiously, seeing his eyes spark up as he takes a hit.

"It's just some shitty bar here in town, and it's pretty cool actually. And we get a crowd there of about um- five drunks." Eddie tells me, humor in voice.

I hear myself giggle in response, fingers brushing against his more the higher I get.

"Yeah, it's not exactly the Garden, but you gotta start somewhere right?" He finishes, playfully shrugging his shoulders.

"So is that what you hope to do with your life? Get somewhere with your music?" I ask, taking the second to last hit that was left.

"That's the plan. I love music and love the thought of being able to travel the country while doing what I love." Eddie nods, taking the joint between his lips before putting it out on the table.

"If that's what you want, then it sounds nice. I think everyone should do what makes them happy." I tell him, touching his forearm gently.

"How about you? What plan do you have?" He questions, resting his chin on his hand.

"Um, I've moved around every year the last five, six years so I'm really trying to make it to college and decide from there." I admit to him.

"So we're on two different spectrums?" He chuckles, as I nod in agreement.

"So it would seem." I laugh lightly.

"Do you know much are you wanting tomorrow?" Eddie asks, pulling a cigarette out of the pack on the table.

"What are your prices?" I ask him, watching him light the cigarette.

He inhales, chewing on his lip for a second before talking.

"I can do a half ounce for um $20." Eddie offers, lifting the cigarette up for me to take.

"That works and would be great." I smile, taking the cigarette from him.

"You know you don't seem as bad as people say." I tell him as the cigarette rest on my lips, my glassy eyes smiling over at him.

"Mean and scary?" Eddie asks, hand rubbing his cheek while a smile forms.

"Yeah." I nod, biting back my smile as I pass him the cigarette.

"Actually in other good news- flattery works with me. " Eddie smiles, as I raise an eyebrow.

"So uh 25% discount for the half. I can do fifteen bucks. But just so you know, you're robbing me blind here." He finishes, with a grin and a blush across his face when he brings the cigarette to his lips.

The moment in the woods with Eddie helped me surive the rest of my classes and made me ready to set Steve straight at work.

"Steve, he is not that bad." I tell him grabbing my time card out of the stack.

"Who?" He asks, glancing up from the computer.

"Eddie." I tell him scrunching my eyebrow, because who else would I be talking about?

"Whatever you say." He shakes his head, tying away on the keyboard.

"So does that mean you got your stuff?" Steve asks, looking up to me as I peak over from the side of him to watch him check accounts for past due movies.

"No, but I did talk to him. We're supposed to meet at his place tomorrow." I shrug, watching him mark an account with a late charge.

"Meeting at his place huh?" Steve teases, playful smirk on his face as I bump my hip against his shoulder.

"Stop it's not like that, plus I don't do relationships. I learned that after my freshman year." I tell him, crossing my arms over my chest.

"You do know you don't have to be in a relationship for stuff to happen right?" He asks, eyes meeting playfully with mine.

"Steve, we aren't close enough yet for you to tease me like this. Now stop before I do go back to having my murderous stare." I laugh, giving him another small shove.

"I was just saying." He shrugs, going back to typing away.

The next day and a half went by fast as I waited in anticipation for meeting with Eddie.

Pulling into the Munson's drive, I felt more nervous now than I had felt about starting school.

It felt different being here than being out in the woods with him since now I knew he wasn't a dick like some of the drug dealers I had in the past.

Walking up to the door I take a deep breath as I knocked, praying to god Eddie would be the one to answer.

A few moments after my fist met the door, it opens to reveal a smiling Eddie.

"Hey, you made it, come on in." He tells me, extending his arm out into the home.

"Why wouldn't I?" I ask him, taking a step inside.

All the mugs scattered on the walls catches my eye as I scan over them. Turning towards him with a raised brow, I smile watching him redden up a bit.  

"Yeah sorry about that, they're my uncle's. It's just me and him here, but don't worry he's already gone for work. And uh, I was worried you might have decided against meeting here." Eddie tells me, leading me to the kitchen.

"But anyway, my stuff is on the counter over here." He motions to the counter where a scale and a jar sat.

I watched as he set the scale, weighting the product to measure it out.

"You want to take a look?" Eddie asks taking a step back so I could read the scale.

"Eddie that's a little more than a half?" I turn towards him to see him nodding lightly.

"Consider it a gift for being a first time buyer." He winks, going to bag it up for me.

"Can I just give you $20 then, you're already giving me a great deal." I beg digging into my purse for the money before holding it out to him.

"I told you 15 yesterday so it's 15."He shakes his head, pushing away the 20.

"That was for a half though, and this clearly isn't a half." I argue holding the bag he gives me, feeling bad because he gave me two more grams than he was supposed to on top of the deal he was already giving me.

"Sweetheart, it's fine I promise you." Eddie reassures me, as I feel my cheeks redden at the nickname.

"Whatever you say Eddie." I sigh, going to grab a 10 and a 5 to complete the transaction.

Eddie walks me to back to the front door, his hand resting in his back pocket.

"Thank you for this, it should last me a while." I tell him, tapping my purse.

"It's no problem really, thank you for coming to me." He smiles, freehand rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well it's kind of late, I should probably be heading home." I trail, looking around nervously, not wanting to intrude.

I'm about to reach the doorknob as Eddie interrupts.

"Unless you want to stay for a little while?" He asks, causing me to turn back around.

"We could watch a movie and match joint for joint?" He offers as my thumb plays with the strap of my purse while I contemplate staying.  

I don't usually hang out with people, let alone smoke with other people, especially more than once.

But he doesn't seem to be a horrible person to be around, and I probably will be seeing him for a good amount of the next year.

"Okay." I nod, watching Eddie's face light up.

We sat there watching something that was playing on TV, surrounded in thick smoke as we passed the joint back and forth. Bodies naturally getting closer with each pass we do.

"So what do you do in your free time? Other than smoke obviously?" Eddie asks me, pulling my attention away from the movie.

"Oh um, I mostly work or just do homework. Like I said the other day, I've been dreaming of college so I mostly just focus on that." I tell him, blowing out smoke.

"I wish I could say the same for me, this is my third year as a senior. My GPA is like less than 1 if that's even possible." He admits to me, a nervous laugh following as I give him the joint.

I watch him take a hit, feeling shy to look over after sharing the information.

Leaning in a bit more, I rest my hand on his freehand.

"Hey, at least you're here. There's many people who would of gave up after failing the first time. Plus everyone has their own speed, life isn't a race to win." I smile softly, Eddie's brown eyes moving to meet mine.

"Plus, if you ever need help you could just ask me." I tell him, feeling my eyes glimmer.

"Thank you." He nods before opening his mouth again.

"I actually really think this is my year." Eddie tells me smiling slightly, causing me to laugh lightly in response.

"Yeah?" I grin at him.

"Yeah," He nods, giving my hand a light squeeze.

Seeing through the cloudiness in my brain, I realize we're still holding hands after a few moments.

Pulling away, I glance over to the clock by the TV.  

"It's been fun, but I should really get going." I tell Eddie, standing up.

"It is getting late, but I'll see you at school tomorrow right?" He asks, standing up as well.

"Yeah, I'll be there." I nod at him, feeling him watch me gather my things.

"Think you might sit with Hellfire at lunch?" Eddie questions as I start heading towards the door.

Reaching the door I turn around slightly, hand resting on the knob.

"Probably not Eddie, nothing against you or them I promise. I just don't like to make friends, I've lost too many of them over the years." I confess, his face dropping slightly as he nods.

"Well if you ever change your mind, there's always a spot available." He smiles lightly, trying to mask the pain while taking a step forward.

"But really thank you for this Eddie, I really needed it." I tell him truthfully. Taking a step forward before I realize what I'm doing, I find my lips being placed on his cheek.

Pulling away shocked at my actions, I open the door quickly, turning to tell him goodbye.

"I'll see you soon, I promise," I smile, basically running out of his trailer.

It's been a little over a month of me living in Hawkins since that first transaction with Eddie.

School had been decent and working with Robin and Steve had actually been a blessing. I don't know how I would survive there without them.

Eddie and I talk quite a bit actually, sometimes just in passing through the halls. Sometimes before entering lunch as he asks me if I'm sure I didn't want to sit at his table, which I reassure him I'm okay alone especially since I usually work on homework anyway and didn't want any distractions.

Sometimes we just meet up in the woods for a smoke break on days that seem unbearable.

With everything going on with Eddie and the duo at work I've been feeling conflicted and have been questioning everything.

I don't usually allow myself to be so vulnerable with people.

I've had laughs with them, hell have hung out with them all at some point even.

That wasn't who I was when I got here, I hadn't allowed myself to feel for years before moving here.

It has me wondering what was in the air here in Hawkins.

Hell Robin even sits next me in the few classes we have together, leaving me to have a partner when a teacher says to partner up for the first time in years.

I am thankful for her though because she does make school not be as boring.

Exiting our last class for the day, Robin follows me towards my locker.

"What are you doing today on your day off?" She asks as I open the door.

"I have no idea, but I need to talk to Eddie about getting some more.. stuff soon." I whisper quietly motioning to the teachers standing outside their doors.

"On a Friday?" She smirks teasingly.

"Stop, it's not like that." I tell her, rolling my eyes while putting away the books I didn't need.

"Mmmh. Well because of Dustin I know they have Hellfire tonight, but I'm sure Eddie would love meeting up with you after its over, you know late at night." Robin says playfully, leaning against the locker next to mine.

"Robin, I swear to god I will quit our job right now leaving to work with either Steve or Keith alone on all of your shifts." I raise an eyebrow, challenging her to continue.

"Okay, I'll stop but I just think you two would be cute, and I know you two like each other. I can see it." She says holding her books in defense.

"I think you're delusional, plus shouldn't you be leaving to get to work on time since band isn't needed today?" I ask her, packing my backpack.

"Okay, I may be delusional most days but I promise you not on this." Robin laughs, removing her back from the locker.

"And yeah, Steve's probably outside. I'll see you tomorrow night at work though, and make sure you tell me everything that happens." She calls out, turning down to walk towards the exit.

"Nothing is going to happen!" I yell, hearing footsteps approach me on my other side.  

"What's not going to happen?" A curious Eddie asks as I look over.  

"Robin was just being stupid and teasing me about not having anything to do on a Friday since I'm off." I shake my head, throwing my bag over my shoulder while my free hand closed my locker.

"Oh?" He asks, playing with his rings.

"Yeah, but actually would you be free tonight for me to come... visit? I got paid yesterday." I trail off, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"Are you already out again?" Eddie chuckles as I redden.

"No but I'm getting close, I don't think you understand how much I uh-consume a day." I chose my words carefully, waving as Mrs. Click walks pass us.

"Would around 8:30/9 work for you? I have hellfire tonight and it's probably going to go on late tonight." He asks.

"Yeah, I'll be there then. Thank you, see you then." I smile, touching his arm before waving goodbye.

I wait till it's closer to nine to leave my house, determining it would be better to arrive later in case he wasn't done as early as he thought.

Pulling into his driveway I see his van parked and Eddie waiting on the porch for me, smoking a cigarette.

"How was your campaign?" I ask climbing out of my car as he stands up.

"It actually went really well, how was having some free time for once?" Eddie teases while I make my way to the porch.

"Actually I uh did homework for most the night, but now I don't have to worry about finishing anything this weekend." I tell him, shrugging slightly, feeling my lips turn up into a smile.

"You're something else (Y/L/N)." He chuckles, opening his door for me.

"Same as usual right?" Eddie asks as I nod.

As he goes to weight it I sit on the couch opening my draw string bag I brought with me.

"Yow know, I um checked this out last night before I left work because in the next couple months everyone's going to want it once the second one comes out. I still haven't gotten around to re-watching it, and really don't want to waste the money I spent renting it?" I explain, waving Nightmare On Elm Street between my fingers.

"Is that your way of asking if I want to watch it with you tonight?" Eddie grins teasingly, walking over to hand me the bag he filled.

"Might be." I laugh, handing him his money and the tape.

"What if I would of been busy tonight?' He questions, humor in his voice as he puts the tape in.

"Then I guess you would of had to cancel." I tell him, raising an eyebrow as Eddie shakes his head making his way towards the couch.

Smoke filled the room while we watched the movie.

Even though I had seen this a few times, I tucked my head against his shoulder throughout different portions of the movie. My high making me jump more than I would usually.

"Scared princess?" Eddie smirks, lighting another joint he had rolled.

"No," I lie, taking the joint from him as he gives me a blank stare.

"I'm not, I'm more like grossed out." I laugh, bringing it to my lips, still leaning onto him with my feet tucked under me.

"Don't like gore?" He asks, watching my mouth pull away from the joint.

"No, not at all." I admit, holding down a cough as his fingers linger longer than usual when I pass him the smoke.

"Then why would you pick a glory movie?" Eddie snorts.

"I didn't remember it being it this bad." I tell him truthfully, feeling his arm wrap around to hold me while he leans forward to ash the joint.

"You know, if you wanted to cuddle with me you could of just asked." Eddie jokes, leaning back to pass it to me.

"I didn't want to cuddle with you." I shake my head in response, inhaling the smoke.

I felt my cheeks start to redden as the air seemed to shift, wondering if there was tension between us or if I was just high and imagining it.

"Babe, you're already are." Eddie laughs, giving my side that he was holding a light squeeze.

"Munson, if I wanted to get under you I wouldn't have had to use a scary movie, that's just more work on my part." I tell him, smirk playing on my lip as I give him the last hit.

"Are you calling me easy?" He asks, eyes gleaming as he inhales the rest before putting it out, strong grip never leaving my side.

"I don't know, are you?" I tease, feeling my heart starting to beat faster at the way he was looking at me.

"Are you trying to find out?" He questions, eyes moving from my lips to my eyes while his hand traces circles on the exposed part of my hip.  

I took a deep breath, resting my hand onto his chest.

"And if I was? What would you do?" I ask batting my eyes lightly, the glimmer of the forgotten movie lighting his face.

"What would you let me do?" He gulps, other hand moving to hold my knee.

"Honestly? Anything." I barely whisper, this time taking my eyes from his to his lips and back.

Taking that as a sign, Eddie leans in gently. His lips brushing against mine as his hand lightly digs into my thigh, both of us holding our breath as our lips meet.

Kissing back slowly, I feel him part his lips lightly against mine. The tenderness of the kiss making me breath heavy as he presses into the kiss a little harder. I feel my hand grip his shirt tighter as my other hand moved to hold the back of his head.

We sit there for a few minutes, lips connecting sweetly as we explore each other's mouths. His tongue lightly licking my bottom lip before entering. The feeling of his hair between my fingers made me moan as he ran his tongue against mine, a little rougher than how he had been kissing me.

Not removing my mouth from his, I lift myself up slightly so I can slide onto his lap. Straddling him, I feel his hands move to hold the tops of my thighs as I slowly rock my hips against his. The kisses start to get a little heavier as I start pulling his jacket off his chest, biting his lip lightly between kisses.

I felt like I never wanted this moment to end, the taste of weed and cigarettes taking up my taste buds as I slide my tongue against his. Eddie groans against my mouth, his hands roaming up underneath my shirt to hold me close.

Pulling away I felt my chest feeling like my heart was about to burst through my shirt.

"Eddie?" I ask him, resting my forehead against his.

"Hm?" He hums at me, breathing as heavily as I was.

"If you want this, then that's all this will ever be. Nothing more, and I'm okay with it if you are but I just needed you to know in case you thought this was something else." I tell him watching him take in the information as I pull back slightly.

"If you don't want to do that then we can forget this ever happened." I continue nervously, loosening up my grip on his shirt.

Eddie licks his lips lightly as I held my breath. In reality it had only been a few seconds but the cloudiness of my mind made it feel like forever.

"(Y/N), I'm okay with this if you are." He reassures me, hands moving to hold my hips as he looked at me deeply.

"Are you sure? I don't want you to do something you don't actually want to do." I ask, watching as he groans teasingly.

"God, why won't you listen to what I say?"  Eddie laughs, moving to lay me down on the couch beneath him.

Climbing over me, I smile as he hovers above my face.

"When I say I'm okay with something, I'm okay with it. Doesn't matter if it's this, giving you more weed, or anything. If I said it's okay, then it's okay." Eddie tells me, smile playing on his lips.

"Okay." I nod biting my lip as he leans down to connect his with mine again.

Pulling away he starts kissing on my neck, hands running beneath my shirt to pinch my nipples lightly causing me to gasp underneath him.

"Now, let me make you feel good." Eddie breaths against me, licking a sensitive spot on my neck.

"Okay," I nod, eyes closed as I whimper at the feeling of his rough tongue against my neck. The coolness of it soothing the hash bites and nips he trails across it.

"Good, because you deserve to relax princess." He tells me, tongue connecting with my ear lobe, as my shoulder tenses in response.

"Uh, uh. Sweetheart, lets see you loosen up." He tsks, biting my lobe, causing me to cry out beneath him as I take a deep breathe in hopes of relaxing my body.

"Good girl sweetheart, how about we get these pants off?" Eddie praises, pulling up to unbutton my jeans.

Hooking his long fingers with the inside of the pants, he pulls them down completely along with the purple lace panties I had wore tonight.

"Aw did you expect something to happen tonight sweetheart?" He teases, tossing them to the floor.

"No, but I wore them in case." I admit, breathing hitching as he licks up my thigh. His mouth  leaving small bites while one of his hands moved to sperate my legs. Pulling it over on to his shoulder.

A gasp slips my lips when Eddie takes his tongue lightly between my folds, licking softly.

One of my hand move to hold his hair as he dives in, tongue meeting my clit as he slowly circles around it.

"Hold as tightly as you need baby." Eddie tells me, taking one hand and tracing his finger up and down slowly before slipping it inside of me. As I arche my back in response feeling Eddie smirk against me.

Matching speed with his finger, he flicked his tongue against my clit while he pumped his finger in and out of me leaving me moaning beneath him.

Taking my freehand I move to lift up my shirt, feeling Eddie help me slide it up with his other hand.

Pitching my nipple I look down to make eye contact with Eddie as he moans against me, brown eyes shinning towards mine.

He adjusts himself so he can support himself up and pay attention my other nipple while my hand holds his hair.

Feeling that usual squeeze in my stomach, I cry out feeling him add another finger.

The feeling of his mouth licking and sucking lightly on my clit driving me wild as the edges of his rings press inside of me when he curls his fingers, pumping them in and out.

"Come on princess, let yourself go. It's okay to relax," Eddie mumbles against me.

"I feel you tensing beneath me. Just breathe okay? Let yourself cum all over me." He assures me before diving back into pleasing me.

Nodding, I take a deep breath, allowing my body to feel the pleasure coming from all directions.

Eddie speeds up a little bit. Fingers pumping faster as his tongue rubs against my clit at the same pace.

"I'm getting close Eddie." I cry out, leaning forward more as he hums against me, bringing his eyes back to mine.

I feel the usual wave of emotion hit my body as I unwind all over him, screaming out his name as he rides out my high on his mouth and fingers.

He pulls fingers out of me, bringing them to my mouth which I opened up obediently for him, licking and sucking on them while he licks me clean below.

"Such a good girl baby." Eddie smirks, pulling away from me as he wipes his mouth clean.

"Think you're ready for me? Or do you need a moment?" He asks, sitting up to undo his jeans.

"I'm ready for you." I nod, leaning forward to help him pull them down as his cock springs up.

"You're just full of many surprises aren't you Munson?" I smirk, leaning forward to lick up his long shaft, hearing him groan from the friction.

"Sweetheart as much as I would love to see what that mouth could do, I almost came while taking care of you." Eddie chuckles, hand going underneath my chin to stop me  when I tried to go back down on him.

Nodding I sit up, pulling my shirt off completely as he pulls his off over his head as well.

Climbing on to him I position him below me, moving down slowly as his hands grip my hips harshly.

"Fuck (Y/N), you feel so fucking good wrapped around me baby." Eddie breathes, face scrunching up in pleasure as he bottoms out into me.

"You're so big Eddie, stretching me out completely." I tell him, eyes rolling to the back of my head as I rock against him.

The feeling of his huge cock hitting my cervix makes me whimper as I started to lift and roll my hips against his.

Leaning forward I attach my mouth to his Adam's apple that he had exposed while being a moaning mess beneath me.

I bite the area lightly, letting my nails dig into his chest while I worked on his neck.

"Fuck baby, just like that." Eddie groans, making me moan as I feel the vibrations through his neck while I licked and sucked all over him.  

I whimper feeling him adjust below me as he starts pounding into me while I work my hips down.  

Moving his head so his lips meet mine, I moan into the kiss, tongue sliding against his as I struggled to hold myself still against him. All the movement from both us making me cry out as I felt my stomach starting to turn again.

Feeling Eddie let go of one side of me, I feel my body shutter when his thumb meets my clit, rubbing a circular motion as we both chased to find our highs.

Eddie moves his other hand to hold my throat, making me look straight at him as he pounds up into me.

"Come on baby, you can do it. " He mutters, leaning down to bite my collarbone.

"Let yourself cum for me again baby, just remember to breathe okay?" Eddie orders bringing kisses to my jaw.

I feel my airway tightening as he brings his mouth towards my neck and ear, licking and sucking making me want to scream as I try my hardest to breathe through the stimulation at hand.

"Cum for me princess, cum all over my cock." He whispers.

Taking a deep breathe I cry out feeling my stomach twist, knowing I was done for.

"Eddie, I'm cumming. Fuck." I let out, feeling him not stop his motions as I ride out my orgasm.

Once I was done I felt Eddie twitch inside me, warm liquid pooling as his thrusts got sloppier.

Pulling off of him, I lay down onto the couch, not being able to breathe.

Eddie gets up tiredly, walking to find me a cloth get get cleaned up with.  

"Do you want to stay the night?" Eddie asks, still breathing heavily as he hands me my clothes. Shaking my head, I go to pull my shirt over my head.

"Eddie I can't, I told you what this was going to be. That's going out of territory." I sigh, standing up to put on my bottoms.

"Come on just this once, it's late and you're still a little stoned. We smoked more that usual and  I don't want to risk you getting hurt." He pleads, grabbing my hand to pull me towards him.

I sigh, looking up into his eyes while pressed against his chest, knowing he was right.

"Only this one time Munson, I swear." I tell him, watching his eyes light up the few inches above mine.  

It didn't end up being that one night only.

It's been a few more months since that night and I have spent the night at least one time every weekend, breaking my own rule because I couldn't say no to those big doe eyes.

It had became ritual to hook up either before school or after school, (sometimes even during school,) at least once a day.

Robin and Steve have teased me, especially the day after the first night because it looked like I had been mauled by a bear by the time I had gotten to work the next day.

But they say I look happier, which I shrug off because there wasn't any reason for me to be happier. We were just two people hooking up.

At least we were supposed to be.

But not long after, things started to go into a territory it shouldn't have.  

It started off with small things, Eddie leaving notes in my locker. Sometimes leaving hand picked flowers in my drivers side for me to find after school.

Hell he even brought me lunch at work a few times, trying to pass it off that it was because Dustin wanted to visit Steve.

With every action I would ask him if he was okay with what we're doing, scared he wasn't. But he would always say he was fine with our arrangement, it was my fault I listened.

It wasn't that I didn't like how Eddie was treating me, to be honest I was shocked most the time because I had never had anyone do the things he's done.  

The last time I had fully dated anyone was my freshman year and we promised each other to still talk over the summer and see about me coming down to visit. But before I was supposed to visit I found out he had started hooking up with the girl who was supposed to be my best friend.

After that I swore I wasn't going to date again, or make friends, just leave things casual with me and anyone.

Which is why I wasn't sure how casual it was with me laying in Eddie's arms cuddling with him on a Friday night after hooking up for probably the millionth time.

I felt his fingers run up and down my arm as my eyes grew heavy.

"Do you think you could come see me play Tuesday?" He asks out of nowhere causing my eyes to open up wide.

"What?" I question, sitting up slightly to look down at him.

"Would you come see us play Tuesday, it's been months of this and you still haven't came to a show." Eddie tells me, moving to sit up with me.

Holding one of his blankets to my chest, I stand up.

"Eddie, you know I work Tuesdays." I tell him nervously, looking for my clothes on the floor.

"Just ask for the day off." He shrugs, standing up with me.

Grabbing my shirt off the floor, I throw it on.

"Eddie why would I ask for a day off to see you play? We aren't serious enough for me to do that." I ask him, feeling anger starting to take over.

"Not serious enough (Y/N)? Then what the hell have we been doing?" He expresses, raising his voice slightly as I grab my jeans.

"We've been having fun Eddie, and it's not my fault if you couldn't keep your eyes on the agreement we had made." I spit at him, the words hitting him like venom.

"Well I'm sorry for thinking you had started to feel the same way I did." Eddie rolls his eyes,  grabbing his shirt to put on.

"I think we need to end this." I tell him going to grab my purse as he pulls my hand.

"Wait, please don't go." He begs as I take a deep breath, realizing how serious this fight had gotten.

"Eddie, I think I need to leave before you get hurt and your heart gets broken." I whisper, watching his eyes break.

"(Y/N) I don't care if you hurt me, because guess what if you walk out that door my heart is going to break either way. I would rather have whatever this is as long as I can before it does get broken." Eddie admits to me causing my eyes to water, tear slipping down my face.

Shaking him off my arm and wiping away the tears, I start walking towards the door before turning around slightly.

"That's why I have to go Eddie, I couldn't stand to know how much you were hurting and that it was my fault. I might as well leave before it gets worse." I apologize, turning towards the door before rushing out.

Eddie follows me out in his boxers and t-shirt calling out to me, begging for me to stay and fix things.

I ignored his advances pulling out of his drive with tears streaming heavily, seeing  him follow me out into the street, yelling as he watched me drive away.

Getting home I made my parents promise to tell anyone who may show up other than Robin that I wasn't feeling well or accepting visitors.

I called out from work the next two days, knowing Eddie would show up looking for me and I wouldn't be able to handle seeing him.

Robin came by Sunday night after work demanding to know what was going on.

"Tell me what is going on with you? It's not like you to call out one day let alone two in a row." She asks sitting next to me while I sniffle against my pillow, not wanting to look at her.

"I just feel like a bad person. I broke one of my few rules and hurt someone important to me." I tell her, feeling the sympathy radiate off of her.

"Is this about Eddie?" She whispers quietly, bringing her hand to rub my hair.

"Mmh. And god, why do you and Steve have to be so great too? All of you made me break my rules." I sob into my pillow as she laughs lightly, patting my head.

"(Y/N) most rules are meant to be broken at one point or another." Robin tells me as I catch my breath to look at her.

"You don't understand why I have them." I remind her, sitting up slightly as she scoots over.

"Then tell me, and then maybe tell Eddie." She asks as I nod slightly.

"My freshman year I fell head-over-heels for this sophomore,  thought it was love. All that 14-15 year old crap." I laugh lightly as she nods, listening.

"We did everything together, went on dates, car rides, even lost my virginity to him." I continue, playing with my hands nervously.

"And then I moved and we continued talking on the phone for the first month of summer all the time. But then he started missing calls, or getting off the phone earlier than usual. Then when I would try to call my 'best friend' she would be missing calls as well, and that went on for about a month before I was supposed to go down for the fourth of July." I tell her.

"Then what happened?" Robin asks, face in her hand as her arm rests on her knee

"Then a week before I was about to come down Bailey called me crying one night, telling me she was sorry and hated herself. Told me she had started hooking up with Michael a few weeks prior." I sigh, feeling my eyes water as hers widen.

"No way." Robin exclaims as I nod.

"Yeah, and when I confronted Michael he said it was all true. So from there on out I refused to make friends or even try to let someone in." I  finish, feeling her rest her hand on my knee.

"Why didn't you just tell Eddie that? Look I don't know him very well, but I don't think he could ever do that to you, also I think he would understand what that kind of trauma could do to you." Robin reassures me.

"I don't know if I'll ever speak to him again. He deserves better than me, I'm selfish and don't know how to be social since everything. He deserves someone who can match his energy, which isn't me." I tell her, sniffling to hold back tears as she gives me a sympathetic smile.

"Look (Y/N), you clearly care about him. And I know he gives off golden retriever energy once you start talking to him and you're more of a black cat energy kind of girl. But those sometimes are the best combinations." She tells me, smile still holding on her lips.  

"Trust me, I do work in a movie store, so I do know the best couples." She teases softly.

"Do you think you could do me a huge favor?" I ask her as she nods.

"Anything." She agrees.

I spent the next two days avoiding Eddie the best I could. I would turn back down the hall when I saw him walking, would hide in the bathroom telling the teacher's I was having girl problems. Even ate lunch in the my car and parked down the block in case he decided to go see if I was outside.

I had went to work on Monday, and spent most the night in the back putting the newest tapes into the system.

But by the end of the night Steve had said there wasn't any sight of Eddie.

Now I was sitting in my car tapping my fingers nervously as I stared at the little rundown bar in front of me, wondering if I should actually go in.

Robin had agreed to skip band practice this once to take my shift so I could come tonight.

Glancing at the clock I realized it was now and never, and knew if I didn't go in Robin would kill me for making her take my shift.

Walking inside I hear them playing from the corner stage in the bar.

The lights illuminating only the stage and the bar for those wanting drinks.

I take a seat at the bar stool closest to the door, watching as they finished the song.

Eddie looks around at the small crowed who was hooting and hollering before speaking.

"Our last song for the night is a sneak peak of something I'm working on. So far it is unheard of outside of the band, but it's something I've been dealing with recently and it means a lot to me so I hope you all enjoy." He tells the crowd before starting to strum his guitar, fingers moving up and down as the rest of the band seemed to follow.

I watched him play. Seeing his face focus in concentration, tongue peaking out slightly as he worked against the instrument.

His long hair that was usually free was held back by the black bandana that mostly took home in his back pocket.

Pieces of his hair remained free though, peaking out around his face as his arm muscles flexed slightly with every pluck he gave the cords.

I didn't know what to expect when he opened his mouth, I hadn't heard him sing at all yet.

But god when he opened his mouth I thought I was going to die. If I hadn't already fucked him, I would of wanted to right there.

His voice was so raspy and sexy as he sung into the microphone, keeping eye contact with the crowd.

I listened admiring the beauty of him and his words watching him belt out the rest of the lyrics.

"Oh and my love," He sang into the microphone. Lips brushing against the metal as his eyes came to the bar.

"Did I mistake you for a sign from god?" Eddie hums out, his eyes getting pulled to meet mine.

I feel my cheeks redden as he adjusts his guitar, clearly surprised to see me.

I watch him as he continues, not looking away from me.

"Or are you really here to cut me off?" He questions, eyebrow raising slightly, handing moving down the next of his guitar.

"Or maybe just to turn me on?" He teases into the mic, leaning more towards my side of the bar as he gets into his song.

"Cause these days." He continues as I feel different emotions start to run through my body.

"I would be lying if I told you that, I didn't wish that I could be your man." Eddie sings strongly, both hands moving to hold the mic.

"Or maybe make a good girl bad." He sings out breathy as I feel tears start to run down.

Wiping them away I leave, not wanting to be seen crying in the bar.

Wanting to run away from everything I find myself parked at lover's lake, just thinking about my life and the choices I made. Wondering if it was my fault for how miserable it was.

Laying on the hood of my car I smoked, hoping to find some peace while I decided what to do.

Moving to sit in my car I see the time flash as I start it.

10:17pm.

I start my car, not even having a destination in mind as I start to drive.

Just letting my high lead my subconscious as I head down the road.

Which is why I'm not that surprised when I find myself outside of the Munson's trailer.

But Eddie's van was no where in sight, even with how late it was I hoped he would be home at some point soon.  

I opened my car door, lighting a cigarette, listening to music as I waited to the metalhead to get home.

Eddie's P.O.V.

"What do you mean you haven't seen her Robin? She's your friend." I ask her, rubbing my temple feeling a headache starting to form.

"As far as I knew she was supposed to go see you." Robin tells me, loading tapes onto a cart.

"She did, but she left in the middle of a song. It looked like she had started crying." I explain her.

"Why did she start crying? And did you check her house?" Robin questions as I follow behind her.

"Probably because the song was about us, and yes of course I checked her house first. Do you know where else she may be?" I sigh, feeling defeated while she starts loading the sci-fi section.

"I don't really. She is always either at school, work, home, or your house." She shrugs in response.

"Okay, thank you anyway." I tell her, going to head back home in hopes of her calling.  

"Wait Eddie, I think there's something you might want to know about why (Y/N) is the way she is." Robin calls, stopping me.

"What is it?" I ask turning around.

Reader's P.O.V-

I see the van pull up as Eddie's face lights up seeing my car.

Parking next to me, he hops out as I stand up out of my seat.

Eddie takes the first step, walking to wrap his arms around me tightly.

Connecting my body with his, I hold him close. Feeling the tears start to fall down my face as I hug him.

"I'm sorry." I sniffle against his shoulder.

"No it's okay, I'm sorry. I didn't know what you had been through." He shushes me as I pull away slightly, eyes still watering as I look at him confused.

"Don't be mad at Robin, I went to the store looking for you and she told me about what happened your freshman year." Eddie tells me, bringing his hands to wipe away my tears.

"I should of told you before things got this serious." I admit, bringing my hands to hold his wrist as he cradles my face.

"Are we still serious?" Eddie asks hopefully, smiling pulling on his lips as his head tils towards me.

"Do you want to be?" I ask, eyes lighting up as the moonlight danced across his face.

"More than anything." He nods, eyes gleaming down at me.  

"Good, because I want this too." I smile, feeling Eddie bring his lips to mine.

The kiss feeling soft against my lips as he pressed his into mine.

"So does that mean you're going to be my girl?" Eddie smiles, pulling away slightly.

"And you're going to be my man?" I nod happily, referring to the lyrics he sung earlier that night.

Standing up slightly on my the tips of my toes, I connect my lips with his.

Deciding it was okay to be vulnerable with him.

----

If you made it this far just know I LOVE YOU for reading my work even if you didn’t enjoy it. Thank you so much for your time because I know it was long.  

[zilabee]

Derek Burrell-Davis - memo to BBC (May 67): “I had a satisfactory two-hour meeting with all four members of the Beatles Group this evening…..I don’t think it is over-stating it to say that they are enthusiastic about their participation in the ‘Our World’ programme and fully aware of the responsibilities they carry. Their approach is extremely professional and they are in complete agreement with the basic idea, which is that they are undertaking a recording session in the Number One Studio at E.M.I., Abbey Road. They cannot yet forecast what they will be doing in any great detail, but they propose writing a new number. Since this number will be heard in 30 countries, they are going to write the lyric in basic English. They suggest that they should use such words as “Hello, love, you, me, us, them, together, we”. They are wondering if it might be possible to use some of those words in different languages and are receptive to the idea that words such as “love”, “together”, etc. might be shown on large cards at appropriate moments in several languages”.

The BBC/broadcasters briefing meeting on 4 June 1967 to co-ordinate the international co-operation for the Our World Broadcast

The lyrics sheet given to the cameramen before broadcast. They were not impressed. On being told the Beatles wrote the music, they only asked "did they write the words as well?"

“...the day before, the doors were thrown open for a free-for-all picture session, at which I managed to have a quick word with — PAUL: Someone’s just asked if I’m leaving the group. And there seems to be another rumour I’m moving. Both are very wrong. I’ve just finished my house and like it a lot. No, I haven’t bought a kilt yet. GEORGE: We will do a TV show before we do a film. Nothing new to tell you about the film project. No script yet. RINGO: My garden is looking great now. Got some of my building men to help the gardening contractor and everything’s okay. JOHN: This song will be our next single. This TV show will give it a nice send-off.

Indeed, with some 6,500 TV workers and 1,000,000 miles of telephone wire working for the disc, it couldn’t be bad!” - - Andy Gray, NME

“When the musicians and TV crew took a meal break the Beatles tried out the musical instruments left lying around [...] Ringo and George try the trumpets, whilst Paul has a go at the trombone and John plays Jack Emblow’s accordion. In the background, in the left side far corner, the large weight box on the back of the Mole Crane is visible, with one of the white painted Murphy TV monitors on its trolley over on the right of the picture.” - - David Taylor, Postfade

“The BBC want a live trail”, Derek told me suddenly over my intercom. No one knew this had been planned, in fact to this day few people seem to know that such a promotion ever took place. [...]

“I had a few words with each of them in turn. What was the song called? Whose idea had it been? (“His”, they said, pointing to each other). And then I put the question to John that was intriguing me. Ninety-five percent of all popular music is in 4-time, but there was more than a hint of unfamiliar 7-time in “All You Need ls Love“.

“Did you know your song was in 7-time?” I asked. I still remember the cool, serious look he gave me as he replied, “Yes, I know”. Then he indicated Paul, adding “- but blame him”.

“Paul himself, alert as ever, noticed how, against my own instincts, I was trying to inject some breezy gaiety into the proceedings. He spoke encouragingly in my ear. “Yock it up, Steve ! ” he said. He knew that it was my preference to be in the narrator’s box doing a technical job, rather than “yocking it up”. I duly yocked.”

“This was the biggest group in the world, but when they went to the canteen, it was just four guys having a cup of tea. Underneath it all, these were ordinary guys who were in a band.” - - David Magnus (photographer)

“There was a real party atmosphere, similar to what we had witnessed during previous real ‘happenings’, but Richard and I were struck by how visibly nervous John was, which was quite unusual for him: we’d never seen him wound up so tightly.” - - Geoff Emerick

“I did sense that John in particular felt rather apprehensive the nearer to transmission we got. However George seemed to be enjoying the moment, while Ringo and Paul showed no apprehension whatsoever.” - - David Magnus

______________________________

Almost this entire post is stolen from postfade.co.uk, written by David Taylor. It's a wonderful write up because it's only actually interested in the cameras used and the technical setup, but it's so interested in those that it covers every moment in glorious detail and pulls together lots of quotes. If you're interested in the ins and outs of outside broadcasting, oh my. There's a cut out diagram of the OB scanner van, and they've taken the video of the entire broadcast and marked up up to show the different camera shots and cuts and equipment used. There's a bit where they read in a book that some of the broadcast wasn't live, and so the author tracks down who wrote that and he says he copied it from Mark Lewisohn, so they track down ML and ask him why he wrote that and ML can't remember but says 'I wouldn't have written it down if there wasn't evidence for it', which they think is a bit weak, so they decide not to believe it. It's nice to see them belittling ML's lifework because they want to believe in the magic of live outside broadcasting, the same way we do when we want to believe in love.

[beautifulpersonpeach]

Rather than go back and forth in the replies in my post where Tumblr places character limits, I think it’s best to give this it’s own post so OP and other people can more fully respond.

Question from @isaidnothankyou : what do you think could have been the reason Jimin didn't want or push for radioplay? I mean, he bears responsibility for all of it, right, but I really don't see why he would be opposed to hearing his song on the radio. Also that he wouldn't want more than nine days. Or further promotions after his #1. If he had the power to make these demands, why do you think he didn't?

*

What I think:

This is an odd question.

- What could’ve been the reason Namjoon, Yoongi, Hoseok (after a collaboration with J. Cole mind you), and other members didn’t push for radioplay? Why would they be opposed to hearing their solo songs on the radio? Heck, let’s not just stop at their solo songs, why didn’t they push for Black Swan to be played on radio? Or more recently, Take Two?

- Why did Jin think it’s a good idea to exclude PCs from his album? And only relented after BigHit staff insisted fans won’t like that choice? Wouldn’t he want more fan purchases for his work?

- Why would the company allow Taehyung to put out an album filled with sleepy bops when they should know pop songs perform better? Aren’t they hired to advise the members on what’s in their best interest? Why would HYBE sabotage Taehyung by allowing Layover to happen?

- Why did Hoseok ignore people within the company telling him to go for a physical album, even other BTS members telling him it was a bad idea, and he instead insisted on putting out Weverse albums only?

- Why did Yoongi decide to do an arena tour, when he said others within the company told him he could pull off a stadium tour? Wouldn’t he want more revenue and more touring acclaim for his tour?

- Why did Jimin plan to release FACE as a free mixtape in 2022 initially after being told Chapter 2 was the game plan ? Didn’t he think his work was worth the acclaim for an album?

- Why did Taehyung decide to promote his album mostly in Japan and not the US at all? Why would he practically ignore the largest music market and instead focus on Korea and Japan mostly? Didn’t he want the added exposure?

- Why did other members agree to Jungkook only performing at the World Cup? Wouldn’t they want that exposure? Why were they cheering him on so eagerly and hyping him up constantly? Don’t they realize that was an opportunity they should’ve seized for themselves?

*

All these questions represent a mismatch in expectations between what a subset of fans want, and what the members want and/or eventually do. It’s really that simple. Fans would say “of course Yoongi should do a stadium tour!”, “of course Jimin should target putting FACE out as an album and not a mixtape!”, but my guy didn’t have that expectation initially.

Like I said earlier, these are precisely the sort of questions that feel like a waste of time to me. I don’t ever spend my time trying to read anybody’s mind. Short of going on Weverse and seeking a response from Jimin directly, all you’ll get by asking these questions is various fans telling you their fan theories informed by their own preconceived notions, their insecurities and fears for their faves, and their anxieties over the decisions BTS members are making with the team they’ve been with for a decade. A team they’ve renewed exclusive contracts with, early, twice.

*

But you’re curious, so I’ll tell you what I think: I don’t know why Jimin didn’t push for radioplay etc, just as I don’t know why other members chose their own solo debut approaches, but I do know based on everything practically every member has said, they are very involved with the decisions related to their solo work, including packaging and distribution.

Solo stans have been using Jungkook as a sort of benchmark to measure other members against, but like I’ve said, that’s such a stupidly reductive approach it can only make sense in the mind of an akgae, people who by definition have the narrowest tunnel vision in all k-pop fandoms, and are inherently malicious in how the view other members of the team. The word akgae literally translates to ‘malicious fan’, because that’s what they are.

Jungkook has always wanted to be a big pop star, he’s had an exceptionally clear vision for what he wants in this regard, more than I’ve seen from any other member so far (save Yoongi), and I’m happy he’s getting his chance.

Recall, Jimin only decided to start working on his album in earnest in H1 2022. In his FACE ‘Thanks To’ he mentions how he had a sudden realization and went to the in-house producing team at BigHit with nothing but a desire to make the very personal body of work FACE became. He talks about how they helped him through a process he was clearly going through for the first time on his own. We can see that from the notes he made about Bang PD supporting him and the pictures of them together posted in late 2022 and early 2023. Given the personal nature of the project, the short time frame he had to put it all together, and the approach by other members to that point, I can see how Jimin would’ve thought to promote this like any other BTS album that focused on Korean promotions, just as other members who had released their albums at that point (I.e. J-Hope, Jin, and RM) had done.

Jimin started earnestly envisioning his solo album after BTS Vegas concerts in 2022. Jungkook meanwhile, since 2020, already knew he wanted a 10-track visual album with three title tracks all of which would have different choreographies and concepts. Jungkook had been actively writing songs since BTS’s debut album, and had sought opportunities to develop his solo music, to the point that for a long time, he was the only Vocal Line member who had his own studio. Something the members have said is given to them by the company if they request it.

Jungkook has had very clear, grand plans for a long time. Reading his Weverse interviews from 2020 till now, all he really talked about was getting chance to try a full solo venture, he’s had the time to fully flesh out in his head what he wants and how to get it, and in Chapter 2, we’re starting to see the results of goals he’s been explicit about for the last 4 years. And I’m happy to see it.

Solo stans see all of what Jungkook is getting, and want it for their faves. Which is fine. But when they see that’s not what their faves come out with, they cannot envision a reality in which their expectations are simply mismatched with what the members intended, or that there are other internal constraints within the company that influenced the eventual outcome. Hobi’s album rollout is such an excellent case in point for this. Akgaes instead default to raining hell on everyone and everything, abusing other members and actively looking to sabotage the other members’ roll-outs, and has been done by akgaes reporting playlists for all members and most recently, mass emailing KBS to prevent Jungkook from performing 3D in Korea.

Solo stans for some reason think Jungkook was jobless all year and only now just started working. Yeah he was doing hour-long lives several times a month, doing laundry, drinking, otherwise acting bored, but the guy has got a studio in his house and there are 24 hours in a day….

Anyway, like I’ve said many times before, BigHit’s piloted their targeted Western approach with Dynamite (2020), tried it with Life Goes On (2020) and saw it had limited success, honed it with Butter (2021) and PTD (2021), and didn’t bring that toolbox out again until Seven which was always going to be group’s 2023 attempt at what they’d done prior with the PET.

Chapter 2 was always meant to be a period of growth and trying out new things for the members. Solo stans are treating it like a competition and the only defining time for BTS members to make a mark in their solo careers, but no one, not one member, has indicated that this is how they see it at all. Perhaps now that the company has tried a variety of approaches with all seven members, they can modify their strategies going forward based on what each member has learned so far and now wants to attempt.

Jungkook always had something of a headstart given how clear he’s been in his solo goals for a hot minute now, but this doesn’t mean the world ends in 2023, or 2025, and the other members are planning to just roll over and abandon their own solo careers. Despite the whining from all solo factions acting like this is the case.

Jimin specifically appears to be solely focused on his next projects, working on himself based on lessons he’s learned during FACE, and I cannot tell you how excited I am to see what he does next.

All they’ve done is debut. So far, all this agonizing by akgaes and their sympathizers, is over one (1) debut by each member. All the members have said they’re learning from this experience and growing in their identity as solo artists and as members of BTS. ARMYs are determined to support them in whatever way that work looks like, not work from a position of anxiety and then try to interlope between them and their team. Jimin repeatedly asking to take them at their word, the members repeatedly asking to trust them while they figure things out in Chapter 2, Jimin and all the members expressing an eagerness to return in 2025 all reflect a consistency in how I’ve seen BTS operate for years.

It’s fine for fans to leave feedback if they think things can be done better or more efficiently, but ARMYs recognize the difference between doing that, and bringing that sense of toxic competition into the group, remaining in an akgae headspace that speaks over the members by refusing to value the team (a direct opposition to the members’ stated values), and constantly derides the members’ own choices.

[blurryfce300]

i need to get these thoughts out of my brain before i explode okay

so clancy huh? it’s quite a bit more violent than i think any of us were expecting for the final dema story album, isn’t it? not in terms of the music but really in terms of where it tells us the story is headed. and it feels odd to me that the supposed end of this story is centered arøund fire and absolute destruction. like youve got clancy (whø i will be calling tyler før the sake of simplicity but he is also clancy i have a whole post about that) whose main goal currently is to recruit from inside dema and destroy it. then the character who we’ve seen as the leader of the rebellion, the torchbearer (josh) is standing off to the side? he’s just in tyler’s periphery, hence him being blurred in every promotional image we’ve had minus the apple music ones.

so tyler wants complete and total destruction of dema, or at least of its structure. he wants revenge. the problem with this is that he is trapped in tunnel vision so badly that he døesn’t see what’s happening to him. “i fly by the dangerous bend symbol” the dangerous bend symbol is there tø warn yøu that you have a high chance of making a serious mistake, and in some defintions, a common mistake. tyler is ignoring every warning sign being shoved in his face from every direction, and it’s turning him into what he wants to take døwn. he’s using the same methods the bishops use (psyhokinesis) to recruit peøple, which is alsø sømething the banditos never did. they dø nøt gø intø dema and recruit, they ønly help thøse whø already want to escape.

tyler says in overcompensate that he’s døne running, but this is a blatant lie. he’s going back to trench, the place where he ran from the things he is fighting against. he’s using psychokinesis to trick himself into thinking he’s done running.

so what do i think will happen? simple. tyler is going to continue to ignore every warning sign and play into the cycle, he’s going to førget who he was and become blurry again, and the cycle will repeat. i believe what we are seeing in clancy is høw the cycle usually ends and restarts itself. tyler finds psychokinesis and gets so obsessed with destruction and thinking he’s a weapon now that he becomes the very thing he thinks needs to be destroyed.

there are two songs on clancy that corroborate this. “backslide” and “snap back”. backslide means to relapse into bad habits. i think that clearly says tyler will slip back into blurry, and he will stay there for a bit, until “snap back” where someone cømes to help him “snap øut” øf this low point, øf this mindset of destruction. and even if that does happen, it won’t be an instant fix. it will be hard to cøme back after what has happened and pivot to a different direction.

nøw, løøking back at this from a non-lore perspective and one more based in what the story represents as a whole, destroying the things yøu hate abøut yourself isn’t that great, nøw is it? yeah you don’t like these things, but just outright trying to eliminate them is eliminating a part of yourself, and that døesn’t sound gøød. so what is the better solution to this? acceptance and understanding. learning to live with the parts you hate rather than total destruction.

but i think we need to see this total destruction as a show of the incorrect path for tyler and for the story, before someone else cømes in to rescue him. the banditos are representative of your friends, family, yøur support networks. tyler is ignoring them, choosing to fight this battle alone, and this is not the correct way to go about this, but it’s sømething we need to see happen. it’s a message of what not to dø, and we need to see høw bad øf a path it is to ensure that message is heard.

tldr: tyler/clancy’s path of destruction is VERY bad, he is going to fall back into blurry again and the cycle will repeat unless he allows øthers to help him change cøurse. but he’s ignoring every warning sign, and in the end, this is sømething we need to see happen to him.

[vxmpyr-clxb]

☆ . . . HYUNG LiNE!

 ❛ LEE HEESEUNG ❜  ꜝꜞ

CONTACT NAME. doe eyes 🦌  ( his : starry eyed 🌟)

SHIP NAME. sage + heesung = saesung / sungsae / heege

RELATIONSHIP. in the beginning they had a sort of rivalry. during i-land they had a misunderstanding and from then on they were rivals/enemies, but when they realized there was a possibility of them both making it into the group, they sat down and talked out their issues. as of now, heesung takes on a more caring role towards the girl in their day to day life.

the two met before i-land but were never friends, they just knew of each other because of what people told them about each other. 

Heeseung was an ace trainee and everyone knew it, including Sage. This intimidated the girl because of how everyone spoke so highly of him. 

the only time they hung out was when mutual friends of theirs went out to eat to celebrate passing a monthly evaluation and both were invited. 

even then, they only exchanged a few words mostly because they sat at separate tables. 

and skip to i-land days, when heeseung saw her enter he knew she was a tough contestant 

the older opted to be a friend rather than a foe so he quickly went up to her and started a conversation post-first performance

this convo did not go as he planned

the two had a misunderstanding and Sage mistook Heesung's attempt at befriending her for him trying to sabotage her. their “rivalry” continued for a few more weeks ( a couple of episodes ) before the two realized they might debut together and talked it out

Heeseung reminded Sage of one of her best friends from back in New York and she thinks that was why they grew so close in such a short time. 

nowadays Heesung is one of the ones who is very big on making sure Sage is doing alright

being the oldest, even though he doesn’t act it a lot, heesung likes to look after her even more so because she’s the only girl

he knows she doesn’t want to be treated any differently and he tries to adhere to that, but he also understands she has extra stress put on her because she is the only girl 

when she's wearing a skirt and the stylists don’t give her a jacket, he'll lend her his && when she has solo promotions, he always calls to make sure she's doing alright

her knight in shining armor frfr

but that’s not to say she doesn’t help him too. she helps to make him feel like a kid again ( him and jungwon but we’ll get into that later )

when they hang out they typically play basketball together, write lyrics, practice/run through the choreography from their songs, and or play video games

sometimes they’ll also go to the gym together as well. the girl likes to tag along with the other members every once and a while ( usually Heesung, Niki, & Jake).

 ❛ PARK JONGSEONG ❜  ꜝꜞ

CONTACT NAME. bank account 💸 ( his : sage 🌱 )

SHIP NAME. jay / jongseong + sage = song-seong / sang-seong

RELATIONSHIP. although they didn’t know each other before the show, when  the two first met, sage didn’t really like the boy. she thought he was competition and didn’t want to lose to him at all. so she did everything she could to make sure she ranked higher than him. but as time went on, sage began to notice tiny things about his attitude and they soon developed a friendship which was mainly based on looking out for each other and helping the other.

when Jay was struggling in the show, she was the one who could be seen next to him, teaching him and lifting his spirits. she saw how he continued to grow and learn and would’ve hated to see him waste his talent.

in exchange, Jay would be the one protecting Sage from rude comments and her own temper. 

^ whenever the boys on i-land would make any comments about her being a girl or doubting her skills she tended to get riled up and Jay would be the one to calm her down and or defend her

unlike heeseung, who mainly makes sure she's physically okay, Jay is the one who makes sure she is mentally and emotionally okay.

he does a lot of checkups on her because he knows that Sage tends to put up an act a lot of the time to not worry anyone

sage is Jay's official helper/chef. jay likes to cook for everyone else, but sage comes from a family where food is a love language so she likes to give him a break here and there and helps to feed the others.

jay asked sage ( + niki )  to help him with learning japanese and the girl also teaches him bits and pieces of the other languages she knows too

sage also likes to share some recipes she’s learned from her family throughout the years and with these she typically records blogs that she posts on her youtube channel

their favorite activities to do together are cooking, watching movies/shows together, and shopping.

jay also has a habit of shopping for other people when they're out. especially when it comes to sage cause they're very interested in fashion and clothing so he often buys her thing she thinks she'd look good in.

in some of her vlogs/lives sage can be seen shopping for jay and the other boys and she has clothes saved to carts and wish lists she's made in preparation for birthday's and other reasons to give gifts

 ❛ SHIM JAEYUN ❜  ꜝꜞ

CONTACT NAME. PARTY PARTY WHOO 🥳 ( his : don’t answer 🛑 )

SHIP NAME. jake / jaeyun + sage / segye = sae-yun / sa-ke

RELATIONSHIP. these two had became friends quickly on the show due to them being the few who spoke english as a main language as well as sage making jokes and comments in english during their stay at i-land. jake and teagan are the two members who cause the most amount of chaos together and should not be left to their own devices for longer than five minutes. that being said..jake and sage are known for their clumsiness, iconic moments, and their chemistry.

being as though in i-land, they were part of the few who could speak english, they were seen speaking in english with each other almost all the time  

the members say that they're always fighting

teagan loves teasing him by joking that he’s such a nerd for liking physics && jake teases sage for her clumsiness and her bad habits

the two are known for their dynamic where they’re able to joke about anything and go for each other’s throat with jokes

as well as them being the main two ( + jay ofc ) who speak english, they make stupid dirty jokes at the worst times

one of their most iconic moments being when the two of them, mid interview, lock eyes and burst into laughter and throughout the whole video they’re just seen whispering back and forth and holding in their laughter.

ALSO- them both being from wealthy families?? even more of a connection

the two of them showing off things they bought on lives and fans blowing up hashtags on twitter about how the items they showed cost like a 1000+ bucks/millions of won

their favorite activities to do together are having movie nights, play goofy sleepover games when they hang out, exploring places in seoul together, playing puzzle games, doing escape rooms, and talking about their doggies!

these two may not have a whole lot to say about their dynamic but don’t take that as them not caring for the other

the clumsy twins. sage known for tripping, even on nothing, and jake for tripping over people and falling into desks

jake is literally whipped for this girl like whaaat

he’ll deny it every chance he gets, but he’s always there to help her and adores her sm

teagan is also a victim of jake’s charms but the two hang out so often she claims she’s immune now

sage was named Layla's official godmother by Jake and he was named Rex’s official godfather by her

 ❛ PARK SUNGHOON ❜  ꜝꜞ

CONTACT NAME. elsa ❄️ ( his : anna 🍁 )

SHIP NAME. sunghoon + sage = sage-hoon

RELATIONSHIP. due to training at bighit previously, and both of them taking up ice skating as a hobby, these two already sort of knew each other, but they never really spoke to each other one on one. and when teagan’s eye-catching performance got all 23/24 votes? sunghoon wanted to befriend her even more. and later on, her close relationship with jake helped her and sunghoon bond more. the two treat each other more or less like siblings nowadays.

Segye recognized Hoon mostly for his ice skating days. although she was nowhere near as good or in love with the sport, she did like to stay updated on those around Korea & Sunghoon was included in that.

after realizing that it was him, she quickly struck up a conversation with the boy. this took sunghoon by surprise, being as though she knew him for ice skating, and they had a small conversation about their shared admiration of the sport.

during and after i-land they were known as the opposites attract duo

very much popular x loner energy.

they bring each other's playful/chaotic side out

he isn't one to show much affection physically but Sage knows he supports her through his actions

does Teagan need water? he's already on it. she's stressed because of uni? he has set up her game on her computer in her room.

in exchange, Sage is always there when he needs to vent or just someone to sit with.

during one of their comebacks sunghoon was stressing out and having a rough time so on the one day they were free she asked him to come out with her, he said yes thinking she was going to the movies or shopping, but she actually took him to an ice rink she rented for a couple of hours so he could have some fun

he even ended up teaching her one of his old routines

funnily enough, these two— at least in my head, are the real-life embodiment of todoroki and izuku from bnha.

because like, at first Sage would just talk and sunghoon would just listen. so much so that while on i-land, a lot of people thought he was just tuning her out. and when sunghoon heard one of them say it, he recapped word for word what Sage said and she was gassed for the rest of the week.

their convos are 50% sarcastic

people think sunghoon is completely introverted at first, but Sage is one of the first people he opens up around, revealing his true personality on i-land.

whenever Sage, Jake, and Sunghoon get together prepare for chaos-

long story short, sunghoon is a little shit who cares a lot, but hides it very well. 

[blueorchid-95]

Sliding in here to say that I don’t think Reginald has actually been Lead Support Agent for all that long.

First off, the very fact that he ends up working as our handler should say something. At the start of the first game, we’re either a total novice agent or a fresh member of the EOD. Even if we did have experience working in the Agency before the TK implant, it seems unlikely that the Lead Support Agent of all people would settle down to work with us.

Maybe there wasn’t enough support agents available, and therefore Reginald had to become our Handler, you say? That does make sense… but according to the radio in IEYTD 3, the Agency has a surplus of new field agents coming in to help out in the EOD, enough that they “might run out of kinesium for TK implants.” This implies that there’s plenty of handlers set up to handle the sudden influx of field agents, as there’s never any mention of new support agents joining en masse. In turn, this tells us that there definitely was more than enough handlers back before Agent Phoenix became Agent Phoenix.

Second off, his photo in the post-mission rooms during IEYTD 3 tells us a lot too.

Just… look at it.

For comparison’s sake, here is Director Morales:

Most of the photos on the wall are similar in nature to Director Morales—calm and stoic. Yang Jinyi, the Head of Operations, is smiling, but still rather low-key. The only person who fully matches Reginald’s energy is Hank Jenkins, the Head of Public Relations.

But what is that energy? Why are Reginald and Hank smiling so hard in their photos compared to everyone else?

That’s easy. They’re nervous.

We’ve never heard of Hank before, but we all know the Handler. He’s good at his job, but he’s also incredibly anxious. If you’ve listened to the Operation: Jet Set song on IEYTD 2’s soundtrack, you’ve heard him stammer over himself trying to sound cool while addressing his favorite actor. “We’re, ahh, we’re the best in the business! The secret agent business—oh, uhhh…”

Reginald photo captures this energy masterfully. He mainly looks happy and excited, but when placed around all of the other photos, doesn’t it look like he’s trying too hard? Like he’s suddenly found himself on top and didn’t ever expect to?

Of course, there’s the party photo you can find in Roxana’s house. Reginald even refers to it as “a long time ago.” It shows him having a ball with Morales, Roxana, and the ever-mysterious V. Vitti in the back. So that should discredit this theory, right?

Nope! Because everyone in that photo looks the exact same as they do in their respective Agency Lead photograph. The banner above the four implies that they’re celebrating the invention of the TK implant, which seems to be a decently new tool for the Agency—the Handler implies that implants came into play after he left the field, and there’s no way to tell exactly how long it’s been since then—whether a few decades or a few years, it’s at least been long enough for our Handler to adjust to his new position. This fact can crunch our timeline considerably. If Reginald wanted to become Lead Support Agent, he’d have to make his way up through the ranks after he was promoted… which clearly could’ve been much later than we think.

Not to mention that the party photo also doesn’t present any information relative to their ranks in the company at the time. It simply shows a band of friends gathered together to celebrate an accomplishment, making it impossible to date as well. All we know is that it took place a while back.

It’s impossible to know exactly when Reginald became Lead Support Agent. But with this information in mind, it’s easy to believe he’s new to it.

[taehyungfirst]

Maybe just me but I'm feeling increasingly jaded and burned out by the competitive streaming/charts stuff. I mean, congrats to Jimin -- the song is a bop. But given how blatantly unequal resources and promo is distributed, and the way toxic solo era marches forward, it's just feels like it's dividing the fandom where it used to bring us together (because we were moving for the group rather than within it).

I think JM's album really brought out my feelings because he's so absent from promotion so all we have is this company-fandom push to prove it on the charts. More conversation about numbers and winning than the anything else.

It's just feeling so manufactured. I wish, as the leaders they are, BTS would opt out of it a bit. Them doing the same tactics as groups like Stray Kids feels a bit beneath them. (And I get that Taylor Swift is doing the same thing - but I think it's lame of her too for other reasons). But like it's only pushing everything in the same direction -- shorter songs, more versions, etc.

And not everyone is doing this approach, I know. But I do wonder if it's their intent or company neglect in some situations.

And in the long run -- what do these things even mean? They are already global icons.

I feel like Tae's the only one that really understood status and leveraged it for more creative freedom, outputs. He really understands how to blend some K-pop tactics, leverage his status and fame but also do things differently. Clearly he wants and deserves commercial success but it doesn't feel like it's the same conversation. He's not in the same conversation as anyone else.

Hi, I’m sure you’re not the only one sick of the charts obsession, I’ve been tired of it too for a while. Fair enough, my chart side only comes out when it’s about Taehyung.

The fandom IS divided, there is no reparations anymore, the solo chapters and the clear differences between the members promo only reinforced it. You can’t be happy watching your bias getting dust while someone else is getting pushing and whatnot.

They’re global icons, but they will strive to achieve more, I think the multiple versions and remixes is an approach that will get used when they come back as a group too, because it’s what every major pop icon do. I don’t have a problem with it to be honest, they do deserve success, I think it becomes weird and unfair when you can see they’re able to provide all that but they only pick and choose the member to give it to.

On another note, that’s stuff that is pretty superficial to Taehyung, he loves art and music and loves sharing it with us, the routes he took and the collabs he did were because of genuine love for his job.

[ecargmura]

Oshi No Ko Episode 12 Review - Season 2 Is Here

Is it okay for me to review the second season of Oshi no Ko despite me not reviewing the show episodically last year? I have a whole review of the first season, which you can click here. I think it’s okay for me to review it episodically, right? Right?

Oshi no Ko isn’t the most perfect show, but I still like it because it gives a lot of insight to the Japanese entertainment industry, even if it doesn’t do it all that well. Season 1 showed off a glimpse of the idol industry and even how the acting industry goes. For Season 2, it dives right into another big part of an entertainment industry: stage plays. Given that stage plays are super popular in Japan right now, I think a good dive into what they’re like is good for those unfamiliar with the industry like me! They have their own production rules and customs, so it’s interesting to see how different the industry is from film acting.

Because they’re essentially plays, good acting is necessary, hence why up and coming stars of Lala Lai and other rising stars are casted—Aqua is casted too! While it’s nice to see them rehearsing for their roles, I would’ve liked to see them audition for the roles, but I guess I’m asking for too much.

I think what caught my attention the most is the fact it tells a rather cruel truth about adaptations: they will never be faithful and that sometimes, adaptations are more marketing tactics that promote the original source material. Sometimes, characters or scenes must be sacrificed for time constraints. It sucks because I’ve seen adaptations where they butcher a scene or character so bad. Look at the 90’s Sailor Moon. I’m sure some manga fans absolutely hate how Ikuhara changed Rei from stoic and wary of men to being boy-crazy and tsundere. Heck, I’ve seen some Demon Slayer fans upset that Zenitsu’s portrayal is very exaggerated compared to how he is written in the manga with some scenes with him and Nezuko getting cut out too. So, I get Akane’s frustrations with a loose adaptation of the source material. I’m sure that there are those who want to see their favorite characters be portrayed with how they’re supposed to be and not a shadow of their former selves. I’m not surprised that Abiko-sensei wanted to change the entire script because it would hurt to have your babies be butchered—like how Kichijouji-sensei suffered from the terrible adaptation of Sweet Today.

There’s also an introduction to a lot of new characters in addition to returning cast. Other than Aqua, Kana, Akane, Melt and Kichijouji-sensei, there’s Taiki Himekawa, the star of Lala Lai, who plays the MC Blade. There’s Sakuya who plays the green guy. There’s also GOA, a scriptwriter and Kindaichi. To be honest, I hope I can keep up with who is who. Oh, and there’s Ruby, but she only appears briefly and is not that important right now.

What I like is that the visuals have improved because the episode likes to show off the visuals of the characters that the actors will play. The acting with Taiki and Kana was really good because it shows that acting is important in a stage play and that good actors need to keep up with each other. However, I do feel bad for Akane in the sense that her role doesn’t allow her to shine as she’s a method actor and Princess Saya’s role is a small one.

I guess my only gripe is the first 3-5 minutes of introducing Tokyo Blade. Was that necessary? I get that the visuals are nice, but all it did was introduce the characters and actors, whom you can see in the middle. Is that a part of stage play culture or is it just Daga Kobo flexing?

The opening visuals are pretty nice! The song may be a bit of a downgrade from YOASOBI’s Idol, but it’s still pretty catchy. I love the visuals from how Aqua and Ruby take off their ‘masks’ to reveal their past selves, Goro and Sarina.

Anyways, I’m excited to see what this arc has to offer! I also hope there will be more Aqua screen time because I am an Aqua fan—I don’t care what you think of me. I like Aqua! I want him to find what he needs to in this arc! Other than me gushing over Aqua, I do think this was a good introduction to the Tokyo Blade arc. What are your thoughts on the second season?

[lightning-and-sparks]

what was your inspiration for Roland? And your inspiration for the other characters if you’d like to share

Oh my gosh, this is such a great question I’m so excited! This counts as Thorns Chronicles 2

So originally, Roland wasn’t supposed to be the main antagonist. He was just a namesake to throw into the position of manager. I also picked kind of a jerk name bc I’ve dealt with some jackass named Roland. Roland evolved into being a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” character where on the surface he doesn’t look intimidating but you kind of get a strange vibe from him. I wanted to make someone desperate enough to do what he did. He’s hellbent on getting back to Dancity bc his wife is dying and he only took the job as Jack’s manager to pay her medical bills because it was all he could get. I don’t want to say too much here but he is hinted to have a criminal background with his last client that almost ended his career. He also manipulates Jack on things he knows will provoke him, like his past, and possible relationships where he will be used, and wants to keep reminding him that he is nothing but a pretty face and a warm body, if you catch my drift. As a final thing on Roland, don’t underestimate what an animal backed into a corner will do.

Kelly (The Makeup artist) is based off my hair dresser and acts as more of a comic relief and familiar face. You see her in the very beginning and at the very end. She’s a mother and her empathy extends to Jack. She is employed by him so she doesn’t act on it (ex, when he starts showing signs something is wrong before talking to Korzo, chapter 7 I think?) She doesn’t see Jack Rose as the son of a dictator or a celebrity when he’s in her chair.

Kit Korzo (News Reporter) was my attempt to make a Cesar Flickerman character if you have ever seen hunger games. He’s built his life and livelihood around reporting and is well known for it. He wants Jack’s testimony on his mother but he’s patient enough to play the long game. Like other Eternians he is calculating and we will see him again. Also, @charminggold25 told me he reminds him of Ellen which is so funny

Foxx (bodyguard) is based on a real-life person u know and acts as an outsider looking in. He’s known Jack since he was younger and being employed by the Swans had saved him and his family. Although Night Swan wasn’t the greatest person, she kept him and his kids alive and for that, he’s indebted to the Swans. If not for their employment he would have turned back to a life of crime from which he came. He has three kids, (two daughters and a son) his middle child (the son) is a fan of Jack Rose and ultimately serves to bridge their connection. Foxx sees his son in Jack and also remembers how he was as a kid and feels compelled to step in even if just for his son. Like most Eternians, he is not particular about Dancinites so seeing Roland as an enemy is not that difficult. He’s come to see Jack as a friend rather than an employer and shares his triumphs and downfalls.

Sting (Bodyguard) is introduced a lot later than Foxx when Jack realizes the situation is too big for just them. He acts as a refresher character who adds some new eyes into each scenario. He’s less seasoned compared to Foxx and that breaks up Foxx’s stiffness. He lives in the same neighborhood as Foxx but lives with his grandmother (who taught him Spanish) Sting isn’t upset about the promotion but is happy to be included. Originally, he was named Gordy Sting after Gordon Sting who sings for The Police *COUGH COUGH* message in the bottle! But got switched to Sammy Sting bc the chapter he’s introduced in is a song sang by Sammy Hagar.

Electra (sound coordinator) She exists because I needed someone on the inside as far as technology goes. She’s overconfident and knows what she’s doing. She is from a different Eternian city and acclimated to Eternyx City well.

Soong (Doctor) is one of the first characters I made that we see. He’s distant and watches Jack’s gradual deterioration. Like most Eternians, he knows of Jack Rose but at surface level. He sees him after the initial encounter and watches how he shifts from fear to anger. Soong is last seen at the beginning of the second half of arc 1. He sees what happens to Jack at an intimate level. He also knows Roland and is afraid of him knowing what he’s capable of. He sees Jack first alone and scared but in their next encounter sees he is no longer alone. He is haunted by the image of Jack hemorrhaging on the hospital floor.

Sandy (tailor) comic relief character who is zero bullshit. Doesn’t see Jack or Wander as higher figures. Takes her job very seriously but she can tell something is up by the way Wander and Jack interact and puts in her two cents to Wander.

The man in the mirror: Bad ex of Jack Rose, his first (if u know u know) I’ll talk about him another time, He is called “Spike”

Characters are made for a purpose in Thorns 😉

[taylorhawkins]

2002 Singles Roundup! (Spin Magazine)

Dave Grohl and Taylor Hawkins break down this year’s radio gaga…

Nelly - Hot In Herre

Dave: You know this song? Nelly?

Taylor: He could have affiliations, we better be careful.

[Spin:] I don't think he has anymore.

Taylor: Anymore. Once you're in you're never out. I've never even heard this song.

Dave: You hang out at the wrong clubs.

[Spin:] Any idea why he's got a Band-Aid on his face?

Dave: Maybe he popped a zit.

The Hives - Hate To Say I Told You So

Dave: I do love the Hives. This kind of has that 'My Sharona' effect on people. It spans all demographics. It's just a totally bare-essentials rock song.

Taylor: The Stooges did it better.

Dave: Elaborate.

Taylor: It just sounds like if the Stooges were way tighter.

Dave: Or maybe if the Kinks didn't fight so much.

Avril Lavigne - Sk8ter Boi

Dave: Is this Bon Jovi? Don’t tell us. Is Pat Benetar back?

Taylor: I'm sorry, I hate high school lyrics like this. It grosses me out to picture some 50-year-old A&R dude in a limo with her, like [puts arm around imaginary girl], "This is gonna be huge, baby. The kids are going to love this." It's like, God! Go right for the fuckin' mallrats!

Dave: Well she's Canadian.

Taylor: She got a nose ring?

Dave: I don’t know, but I bet her navel's pierced.

Taylor: No, she's got a tattoo of a dolphin on her butt.

The Vines - Get Free

Taylor: I think these guys suck. This song is real fuckin' boring.

Dave: Avril Lavigne's song is more challenging than this. If you really want to challenge the listener give them some of that Canadian stuff.

Taylor: This is just, like, buy your angst at the local Kmart.

[Spin:] Dave, does this Nirvana sound bug you at all?

Dave: It doesn't bother me that much.

Christina Aguilera - Dirrty

Taylor: I'd rather discuss the video. The song doesn't even matter!

Dave: It's a serious career shift.

Taylor: Yeah, like when Guns N' Roses went from Welcome To The Jungle to November Rain. I don't know if it's going to work out for her.

Dave: I think it promotes group sex: it promotes lesbianism.

Taylor: She's a little slut! Just kidding.

Justin Timberlake - Like I Love You

Taylor: Ugh! I'm sorry, Mr Timberlake!

Dave: This is Justin? It sounds like Michael Jackson.

Taylor: Are there young boys in the video? Justin tries to dance like Michael Jackson - he even has the hat on.

Dave: Here's the deal with Justin. I'll go rent Breakin' 2 and put on Thriller, and there you go.

Kylie - Can't Get You Out Of My Head

Dave: Killer song! No question! You're getting ready to hit the clubs, put this on. It's got an old nursery-rhyme melody to it - unforgettable.

Taylor: Kylie - I'm proud of her.

Dave: I've got to say I can't stand it when a singer dances - except for Kylie.

Taylor: Freddie Mercury.

Dave: Freddie didn't dance; he pranced.

Taylor: This songs way better than that Christina Aguilera - Aguilerica.

Dave: I've got an idea! Let's start a Christina Aguleria metal cover band - do all her songs but heavy metal, and call it 'Aguilerica'.

Red Hot Chilli Peppers - By The Way

Dave: What's this song about?

[Spin:] It's about a girl he wants to sleep with who's coming to the show.

Dave: Isn't that what all their songs are about?

Taylor: That's what all our songs are about.

Kelly Osbourne - Papa Don't Preach

Dave: I dig it! She's got a good voice, man.

Taylor: I bet that's Dave Navarro playing guitar.

Dave: He definitely sounds pierced.

Taylor: Whoever's playing guitar has his tits pierced, so it's probably Navarro.

Dave: I'm into Kelly Osbourne. She's the snotty punk-rock kid at your high school - but deep down, she's kinda sensitive.

Dirty Vegas - Days Go By

Dave: Is it a car commercial? You could sell a ton of cars with this song. (adopts portentous car commercial voice) Ford Aspire.

Taylor: A new wave in technology.

Dave: The new Ford Probe!

Taylor: Feel the power. Next!

Eminem - Without Me

Dave I love this. Great song, no question.

Taylor: What's so cool about Eminem is the rhythms of his melodies - he's a step ahead of everybody with his flow. As far as I'm concerned, there's him, Snoop and Kool Keith.

Dave: So good! So Hilarious!

Taylor: Awesome. He's no dummy. He's an intelligent motherfucker.

Dave: Even Moby probably likes this song.

Vanessa Carlton - A Thousand Miles

Taylor: What the hell is this shit? Is it someone's piano recital? Who's Vanessa Carlton?

Dave: Some girl who plays piano.

Taylor: It's kind of like the new Bruce Hornsby. Does the Range play with her? Nah, I don't like it.

Dave: Flashdance.

System Of A Down - Toxicity

Dave: Badass sound.

Taylor: I like the fact music like this is...

Dave: ..challenging people.

Taylor: I'd rather listen to early Genesis or early Rush, just because it's more nostalgic, but it's fucking awesome to me that shit like this is popular.

Dave: Agreed.

Shakira - Underneath Your Clothes

Dave: Shakira sounds like she's got a fuckin' booger in her throat that she's got to cough out. She's like sex education in junior high where you see the cartoon diagrams of a penis entering a vagina; it's just caricatures of sex. That's how I see Shakira. Does that make any sense?

Taylor: No, but I say we leave it at that.

SOURCE: fooarchive.com

[mephinomaly]

[TL] PYSCHOBREAK/Chapter 11

[ This post uses Ois~su ♪ ]

Rei: ~...♪

Adonis: Oh, where did you get that guitar from Sakuma-senpai?

Rei: From Bouzu’s temple. I remembered I left a coupla instruments at his place so went to go get ‘em.

Koga: What are you two, a couple that just broke up?

Rei: That’s what it feels like. Even if we come together ‘n try to get on, I don’t think we’ll be able t’return to how we were before.

Even if he wants to, it’s not gonna happen.

That’s why I feel like meetin’ new people ♪

♪～♪～♪

Adonis: Wow…What a good song. Though the melody is rather intense, I feel weirdly better listening to it.

Amazing, Oogami, and you composed it yourself?

Koga: Oh, uh, yeah… But it only sounds good ‘cos of the person playin’ it… Since it’s Sakuma-senpai, he makes it sound like the best song ever.

Rei: Oooo you’re makin’ me shyyy. Oh to be young and naive~. Wish I could feel like that again~

I wished for that and now Wan-chan has named us UNDEAD.

Like Adonis-kun did, he somehow noticed I was depressed, even though I didn’t… I hope I can be revived.

This music might make me cry… I hope this revives my tired, withered heart.

I’ve been cravin' something this whole time.

And now I feel weirdly content.

This is what I wanted most, more than being showered in millions of compliments.

These are someone’s genuine thoughts.

♪～♪～♪

Kaoru: Hey~, you guys look cheery, hm~?

Rei: Yo, Hakaze-kun. Fashionably late, yeah?

Was worried you weren’t gonna show.

Kaoru: Hey, well, I’m here now… I requested that you guys exterminate the “vampires” so it’s my duty to supervise you all so you don’t slack off.

But I never thought I’d be joining a weird group like this.

Rei: You’re a Yumenosaki idol in the making aren’t you? We need your talent

Kaoru: Don’t expect too much from me, ‘kay? I’m pretty well known for skipping school.

But I’ll help out this time. I need to protect my job, so I’ve gotta work a little harder. It’s so bothersome I could die though~♪

So that’s why I made some promotional flyers for tomorrow’s showdown.

It won’t be hard to hand them out for Mr Worldwide Sakuma-san, so you guys make sure you pull your weight too, ‘kay?

I prepared a fancy stage for you guys. Well, I say it was me, but all the nearby shops who also were troubled by the “vampires” were helping me out too.

I was going to make some special uniforms for you too, but I don’t know you guys’ measurements, and I don’t think I would have had enough time to sew them anyway.

Rei: Don’t worry ‘bout it.

Our opponents won’t have made any special preparations, so I think it’s fine to wear our school uniforms rather than dress up all crazy like.

It’s fairer if we’re on a similar playing field.

Koga: Hm… So you wasn’t late ‘cos you didn’t wanna come, you was late ‘cos you were makin’ preparations?

Guess I was wrong about you, Hakaze…senpai. You get the job done eventually.

Kaoru: Yup! I’m a reliable guy, really really ♪

Koga: Yeah. You seem useless on the surface but you’re actually pretty hardworkin’.

Adonis: Umu. He is very helpful, since he completed the tasks we had not got around to yet.

Kaoru: But I don’t feel like enough has been done, if I’m honest. I’ve fixed up the stage, but isn’t there more we could be doing?

The “vampire” showdown is tomorrow, right? Yet we're going on stage without having rehearsed?

Rei: That’s why we’re here so we can practise. Our unit’s only just been formed, and we’ve barely met each other.

Adonis: It’s more of a reorganisation of members rather than meeting for the first time.

Rei: Ahaha. Adonis-kun, who is the most unfamiliar with Japanese, is the most particular about what words he uses.

Adonis: Words are important.

Rei: Yuup. In this country, there’s the belief that reality is affected by the spoken word. My good friend that passed away a bit ago said that—

Koga: Hasumi-senpai said that, and he’s not dead…

Even though it was his decision t’work behind the scenes, he worked harder than us. And we didn’t even ask him to but he convinced his parents ‘n shit to let us use this place t’practise.

Kaoru: He didn’t need to though. We could have practised at the livehouse.

Rei: Ah well. The weather’s nice ‘n isn’t singin’ in the sun super relaxin'?

Since we’re fightin’ vampires, we’ve gotta get familiar with their weakness so we can use it to our advantage.

♪～♪～♪

Kaoru: Is, is this really okay~? You’re talking about this like we’re in a business meeting, but is it guaranteed that we’ll be able to get rid of those guys?

Rei: Hey, even I can’t predict the future.

But I do think I’m goin’ a little crazy. Feels like someone’s inside me, going “indeed, you’re quite right” in an old man's voice.

Kaoru: Someone inside you? What? Are you drunk?

Adonis: I asked him that earlier.

Rei: I’m 100% sober. We couldn’t defeat the delinquents if I was pissed, and that’s also illegal, so.

Without stooping to their level, we will become the sun and burn the corruption that has infested the earth.

Trust me. I’m feelin’ weirdly good, so I’ll be tryin’ my hardest tomorrow.

Can’t promise after that, but I promise tomorrow.

♪～♪～♪

[ ☆ ]

Chapter 10

Chapter 12

[phantomram-b00]

To Hell with you

So, I was listening to songs. And then an epiphany hit me hit me harder than this fixation of the show; what if…the roles were reversed? Like what if Azirapahle first said no to the promotion yet Crowley said yes instead? I think I saw a fanfic that did this (I don’t remember) but I wanted to take a crack at this, and I feel like I want to cry myself so imma do a fanfic of it, hope you enjoy. And if you still haven’t seen good omens season too, this will contain that so uh spoiler warning ahead. Have fun!

Aziraphale was just done talking with Nina and Maggie just a while ago whilst Crowley walk away; while profusely apologizing for the whole ordeal both for last night and overall, they did give him advice on his love life. Something he never thought he could describe it given their status from their opposing side, but he’ve been in love with Crowley since 1941, so the label wasn’t exactly far off. But nothing official, and thanks to their advice, he though maybe they can? Why not? To hell with both parties that been trying to separate them for millennia now they’re on their own side.

“Right! Let me at least tidy this up before he comes” he spoke to himself while he put some books in their respective spots as well covered the symbol on the floor and make sure nothing was out of the ordinary. Oh ironic given their day to day life on earth. As he does so, he start preparing for the talk as he turn the sign on the front to “very closed”

“Okay, so Crowley!” He chuckled as he talks to himself yet again. “There something I must tell you about, I think it been long overdue for the past 6000 years at this point. And I know I’ve told you you go to fast but-“

He shook his head throwing away that thought like a piece of crumbled paper. That won’t do at all.

“Crowley! Wily serpent! I believe there are thing to be discussed about if that all the same to you…” he said as he put the Jane Austen book in order since Gabriel- err Jim decided to put them away separate by the first sentence they start it. Oh how problematic that organization was it nearly discorperated him the second time. “So we’ve known each other for quite a long time, at this point in time we can even guess each other sentences or predict other moves like Agnes Nutter.” He laughs. “W-well, what I’ve been meaning to say is, w-well, remember when I told you you go to fast? Well, I think I want to retract that statement since I think we can go fast, faster than a rollercoaster as Buddy Holly said-“

He again shook his head, and threw that idea away. But he blushes just thinking about Crowley, how he does want them to make it happen finally, been waiting since 1941 or maybe even longer; his mind begin to wonder around, become a habit for him at this point. He began to think about their life, all the time they’ve been together. Always a risk to be together but deep down, Aziraphale would take that risk all day to see Crowley, the one person that didn’t treat him like an annoyance or dare judge him but instead treated him like an equal, the one person that he would rather dine at the ritz and go on many restaurants with, the one person that he would maybe one day want to live with for all eternity. That feel more like heaven in his eyes than the actual place. In retrospect, he wished if it wasn’t for their side that maybe they could been more braver. Or at least he could’ve been. But he had a smile, maybe they can be now? And they can make up for lost time? And maybe one day, they can move into a cottage? Oh he can never be bored of living with him for all eternity. It make him more giddy just thinking about that possibility.

“Crowley!” He started again. “We need to talk, but I think maybe, this would be best suited if we go to St. James park? You’ve always love that place with the ducks. We can get frozen peas. And we can talk as we sit? Or if you prefer, we can dine at the ritz? I can feel an reservation was just open for two” he giggles while hugging the first edition Jane Erye by Charlotte Brontë. “Or maybe, we can talk here, and have drinks? I’ve got an expensive—“

Ding

Aziraphale look at the door and see Crowley back, couldn’t content his smile even if he tries.

“Crowley!” He said putting the book down and walking over to him.

“Angel” said giving him a smile back in return. He take off his glasses to reveal his Sunny eyes. “Listen angel, there something I need to talk to you about.”

“So do I!” He chuckled lovingly whilst look at his sun. “funny how two minds think alike, but I think first I would like to ask you if-“

“Hold that thought for just a moment angel,” Crowley said as aziraphale stopped his laughter. “Listen, Shax and I talked.”

“I’m quite aware, seen you guys had much to talk about despite what the stunt she pulled.” Aziraphale spoke. “Nearly started a war.”

“Right yeah, uh, so, during the talk, she granted me something. And, well, okay cutting to the chase here angel, she want me to be Duke of hell.”

“Oh.” He said taken aback. “Surely you said no didn’t you? I mean you always complained about how they’re the worst and not to mention that they even have a sign on not licking walls? Frankly you saying…”

He stop to look at Crowley face, reading it carefully like it was one of his books. Only this time he does not appreciate this sudden twist.

“Crowley please tell me…” he choked out. “Please..”

“Angel, maybe I can make this right. If I’m Duke of hell-“

“Oh Crowley” he look away running his finger through his white hair. He then lightly laugh. “Please tell me this is one of your devilish jokes you wily serpent!”

“Shax said…she said I can even bring you down to hell with me. We can make hell nicer, no, we can make hell a better. We can even maybe prevent whatever is happening—“

“Ohhhhhh! Crowley I thought you were better than this.” Aziraphale said choking back the tears. “You should be better than that Crowley!”

“Angel—“

“If I didn’t need heaven then it fairly certain that I don’t need hell neither!” He paced around trying to calm himself but avoiding his eyes. “You know Heaven told me to come back to them with a promotion to be supreme angel before this whole Gabriel and I said “no I will certainly not go back to you” and you shouldn’t neither.”

“Well of course you said no angel, heaven are a bunch of self-righteous arseholes and certainly no better than hell I’ll tell you that much.” Aziraphale face continues to be horrified. “But hell, I know hell isn’t the best neither but angel, if you’re by my side, we can make it better.”

“Crowley are you realizing that if hell ends life here on earth it be just as dead as if heaven ended it.” Azirapahle said this time he open the flood gates and tears are streaming down with his voice cracking. “Crowley… tell me you said no.”

Crowley tries his best to choke back his tears too. Seeing his angel distraught was the last thing to see. The last thing he ever wanted to do. He look away from aziraphale feeling his heart growing heavier the more this conversation prolongs.

“Crowley…?” Aziraphale said not even trying to wipe his golden tears away.

“Angel. Maybe I can make an actual difference. I can try to stop it.”

Aziraphale shook his head, he was too shocked yet to upset to form any form of a sentence. His glossy eyes was enough for Crowley to start his water works, he look away once more. Aziraphale turn around and let out a sigh.

“Right guess you got everything out then, it my turn to say my piece—“ despite this, Crowley waited patiently. “We’ve known one another for quite a long time. We’ve been on this planet more than the human that roam on earth. We can always rely on one another and we can or at least I had hoped we trusted each other. We’re on our own side as you said even four years ago at the ritz. To hear those words was more heavenly than what heaven could’ve ever offered to me.” He feel his heart growing heavier. “And I would love it if we—“ he stop again as he feel his tear roll down his cheeks once more. “Crowley, how is it that Beelzebub and Gabriel can go off to Alpha Centauri, the place you yourself have been dying to run off, then we could too right? Just the two of us.” Crowley wanted to smile, but he was too distraught himself to bring himself to do so. “You’ve always said, that we don’t need heaven or hell, they’re toxic Crowley! We can still run like you always said, we can even go to Alpha Centauri with them” Crowley shook his head repeatedly. “We can— what why are you saying what is it?” He said showing curiosity and concern.

“Angel then come with me. I can run it and you can be right by my side. We can make a different please.” Crowley said pleading now. He want to cup his hand on his face wiping away those golden tears, but even when he toke a step, aziraphale toke a step back shaking his head.

“You can’t leave—“ me. “You can’t leave this bookshop.”

Crowley would never want to leave him alone. He would do anything to stop time just to stay in this bookshop for all eternity with him, basking in their love they been so desperately trying to achieve. To listen to angel’s ramble of a book he know he read for the millionth time. To have quality time with him whether it just them drinking wine or even just them holding each other in their embrace while they listen to classical music to bebop as azirapahle would call his taste. But that not what he said did he?

“Oh Aziraphale..” Crowley said giving a sadden smile. “Nothing last forever.” He wanted to kick himself just for saying those fatal words. The words that finally push azirapahle over the edge as now he can’t hold back. He hold his hand in his face as he let it out, just for a moment. Even in that moment, Crowley want to hug him. But he stopped after a moment, as to try to revert back to his calm demeanor.

“No.” He said grabbing his glasses and giving it back to Crowley. “I suppose you’re right about that one.” Crowley look as he see the glasses. Trying to process what he was even doing. “I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors.”

He proceed to walk out of his own bookshop.

“Best of luck..” then it hits him. “Angel!” He doesn’t stop walking away. “Aziraphale come back!” Aziraphale turn around, he was completely drained. His angelic happiness is no where to be found in his hazel blue eyes. “Work with me.” He still pleads, even aziraphale let out a sigh as he continues. “To hell..we can be on our side even down there. Doing our own things down there.” Aziraphale wince from that sentence as he look away to avoid his eyes. “I-I need you aziraphale!” He finally said which prompted him to finally look at him. Both their watery eyes met. It felt like time stopped again. Maybe Crowley finally convinced him. Maybe they can be in their side even in hell. Maybe they could make things better. Him and Aziraphale against them—“you have to understand what I’m trying to offer here Angel..”

“Oh I think I know quiet well. Maybe even more than you can Crowley.” He said. But he realize it wasn’t his usual tone. He sounded apathetic. Is this really it? This shouldn’t be. Why does it feel…

“Well. If that the case, is there really anything else to say at this point?” Crowley said as he put on his glasses as his tears starts to appear yet again.

“Listen.” Aziraphale said pointing up. “Can you hear anything?”

“No. Angel what are you trying to…”

“That’s exactly my point. No nightingale.” He said, that was it for him. He feel he can’t hold it back any longer. “You stupid snake. We could have been us.” Aziraphale said emphasizing on the term us. Crowley looked away to let tears run, even closing his eyes to hope it be all over. But then he felt his lapel of his blazer being pull and the feeling of soft lips pressed again his own. His eyes shock open as he see aziraphale. Principality. Angel of the eastern gate. Kiss him. This wasn’t what he expected their first to be, not one where tears are mixing with each others. He wanted it to be more romantic, more on a happier note. One that both can enjoy. Not this. Not when his angel is obviously hurt. Oh Satan, what have he done. He lift his hands couple times but he was able to place his hand behind Aziraphale’s back and kiss back. He felt his head spin around like all the planets he created, can feel like he seeing stars he help create. And here he is, kissing the biggest star he’ve every laid his eyes on.

Soon they pull away from each other, Crowley having to catch his breath, not hiding his cries anymore. Aziraphale just stand there in hope, can this finally convince him? Crowley look at Azirapahle, many emotion can be battling each other, anger, lament, happiness, shocked? Maybe all above.

“I…I…” love you. Do it again. “TO HELL WITH YOU” he wanted to cover his mouth. Why did he let them escape. Where the soap when you need it. Aziraphale let out a silent gasp as golden tears escape him once more.

“I forgive you.” Aziraphale said walking out of the bookshop.

“Wait angel!”

He walks out of the bookshop, he almost push people down, forget for a moment that London can get busy. He look around to try to find him. “Aziraphale! Please, come back!”

No avail. He can’t find him anywhere, no white haired tartan wearing angel. He feel down to his knees.

“What have I done?” He said to himself. His scales emerged feeling intense emotions, he wanted to scream as he feel smoke coming out of him.

“Crowley?” He look up and see Shax. “Right, I take it he didn’t take it well.”

“What do you think?” Shax was gonna talk again before he stop her. He stands up “Right don’t answer that. Let just go.” He said drained. Feeling empty. Betrayed.

“Jolly good. Now I will say, I’ve heard word from upstairs.” Shax said as they walk, Crowley look at her but not in interest but he had to know.

“And what do the holier than thou angel say?”

“Well. Something about ahhh. The second coming as they like to call it. We got a role in this too, so best get a move on” Shax chuckled as she walked as she talked more about this role. Crowley stopped. He turn around just for a moment and see Aziraphale, he was far away about to turn the corner. But he can easily see that he left enough room for him to come with him to walk, the finale plead. He can’t make out what his expression was but it didn’t matter, he look at him one last time. Before he start walking backward and turning back to Shax. Completely disappearing from the crowd. “You know. Pity your boyfriend didn’t come. Me and Furfur were betting on it, guess no matter. We got work to do.” He stopped listen as she went on. He wanted more than anything to just run back to him. He wished he didn’t take this. But part of him felt that maybe he can still try. If not fro earth, for aziraphale. To keep him safe as he try to stop this plan. To stop armageddon from happening once more. Even if that meant he can’t see Aziraphale ever again.

Meanwhile Aziraphale just nodded. Understand this was it. It truly was over. He saw Maggie and Nina walk away holding hands as if God was rubbing salt in his wound. He then see Muriel waving at him in glee. He would’ve wave back in mutual respect but not now. Not today. He just walked away leaving them feeling concern. Aziraphale walked, unsure where exactly he walking to but his feet keep moving so he might as well walk wherever his shattered heart take him. He then heard a radio from one of the stores singing the song. That song meant for them.

Snap

Just like that the song stopped. He continues to walk. Walk as far as he can. As golden tears fall once more.

(Reference for the golden tears and Sunny eyes)

[beautifulpersonpeach]

BPP! You mentioned somewhere that releasing music during enlistment was legal. Is that true? My understanding was that idols were not allowed to earn from their day jobs while in the military.

There is talk of two BTS members releasing albums while away during military service. Most likely this is rumoured to be Jimin and RM. Why would they release an album if they cannot earn from it? Hybe would never give a free album.

Also. Why would they release music when they are not able to promote it? Especially Jimin who only went through a 9 day promotion period for Face. And RM, who had been working very hard for something different (I think he said it in his interview/live that next work will be completely different). Would they not want that promotion time?

I honestly find it quite baffling when some fans argue that that Jimin and RM don’t want the commercial success. I am pretty sure they do so it is surprising that they would be releasing albums while away.

***

It being legal has nothing to do with whether or not Jimin/RM want commercial success.

For every question you asked, direct it to Kai who enlisted before EXO released Exist - an album he contributed to and was profiting from while not promoting it. Or to all the actors who enlist and their projects are released for profit without incident. It's legal. They can't access this profit until their service is over, and that's understood and accepted by all parties.

The issue with Baekhyun was a mob of rival stans from SM groups making a stink, because up to that point Baekhyun was perceived to be the favourite of the company alongside Taemin. People were going to use outside pressure, given the issue involves public perception and the military, they were willing to use that to humble Baekhyun. SM acted to protect their own image even though the initial claims were baseless so their action was unnecessary.

The repeat of the same thing is happening now, with EXO/SM stans angry that BTS, the perceived 'favourite', is putting out music their own fave wasn't able to even if that means ignoring people from their own company (like Kai) who also had no issues. These people are hoping HYBE rolls over and pulls the BTS projects. It's just the classic SM stan coping mechanism of directing their angst/anger/frustration at BTS/ARMYs rather than at SM for the company's own incompetence. That's how a company that's been in as many criminal cases as SM, still has this many loyal fans than critics.

Personally, I'm not invested one way or the other. We don't know what the format of the releases will look like. Whether there'll be filmed performances or not. Most of the time Coldplay performed My Universe BTS wasn't there, so it's not like there's no precedent for the members not actively participating in promoting a song. Anyway, we'll just have to wait and see but personally, I'm looking forward to everything the members have prepared.

[throne-for-queens]

While I do agree that everything was unserious, it’s the fact that yesterday everyone was clutching their panties for bringing up his relationship with regards to the lyrics of his new Jelly song which it clearly was, but today they seem very comfortable clinging on to the fact that a so called ‘friend’ who probably knows as much or even less than what we do, cast aspersions on their relationship.

Well if you do want to look for believable information from a credible ‘friend’, I would rather believe Jelly when he called Megan his wife during the video promotions for Harley homecoming a month ago or Bunnie who regularly gushes about them as a unit. Bunnie even reposted couple of days back on her ig , that clip from her interview where Colson was speaking about the relationship.

Lastly don’t know what kind of a ‘friend’ talks so casually about another friends relationship, that they are not even sure about. Maybe she’s better off keeping her husbands d*** off everyone’s face 💀Iykwim

Jelly and Bunnie's relationship with Colson is completely different from his relationship with Tommy and Brittany. Also, Jelly said the whole "wife" thing in July - who's to say the relationship hasn't constantly changed since then? Brittany very lightly brushed up on the topic after praising Colson for being a sweet person because her friend asked if he was single. Brittany is not obligated to know every relationship situation of every friend she has. He texts her for random things like a dog psychic, and I highly doubt that she's going to go out of her way to be in his business about Megan. From how she spoke, she doesn't sound like she's met or interacted with Megan, so there is no reason for her to reach out to him about a girl she's most likely never met. Based on Megan's words and interviews, she assumed, like a majority of people, that they are on and off. Jelly and Bunnie most likely are aware of that, but what would they gain from saying that, and where would they mention that to begin with? Bunnie has a pile of interviews to get through, and Jelly is working on a tour - no one's concerned with updating the world on the many breakups of MGK and Megan Fox. Jelly called Megan Colson's wife, but they are not engaged, so unless there was some paperwork filed, how is that credible? Megan won't even call Colson her boyfriend, ex-fiancé, or husband, so what proof do we have that she even sees him that way still? Everything from our perspective is just speculation until proven otherwise. I still think this whole thing was blown way out of proportion, and if Colson really had an issue with it, he could have texted Brittany or Tommy to have the video edited, and since it didn't happen, I'm going to assume he's fine with it.

[atwooozi]

gojo x oc

Chapter 12: Just Like Starting Over

summary: Ai finds herself emotionally drained and struggling after a tense karaoke session with Gojo. Her discomfort grows during a press junket for Gojo’s new movie, where she navigates awkward interactions and chaotic environments alongside her team, Geto and Junpei.

genre: modern AU, slice of life, comedy, eventual romance, eventual smut, some angst

A/N: This week has been so crazy with the weather lately. I usually love summer storms but because of the strong winds it knocked out my internet for a few days and I gotta say I was so surprised at how difficult it was to do anything on my phone only. A complete first world problem but it was a pain. If you've also been dealing with crazy storms I hope you're doing well and staying safe.

This week's song is Radiant Memories by TANUKI. It might feel a bit redundant given last week's pick, but I think this is a bit more of a continuation of those feelings but with a more uplifting perspective given the instrumental.

Ai spent the last day of her break rotting in bed, exhausted. She hadn’t heard anything from Gojo since karaoke, and much as she wanted to tell herself that it was a good thing, it only felt more painful with each passing day.

She was starting to wonder if being around Gojo for so long had made her a bit more dramatic. Although so much had happened to her emotionally in such a short amount of time, it had only been a day and a half.

“I just want to be friends, Ai-chan.”

Gojo’s words echoed in her head and it made her shiver. She couldn’t help but make an audible disgusted noise to herself from how juvenile she felt.

The silence was deafening. It was partially (if not completely) her fault that she was in the mess, but what else could she do? She could quit the story, of course, but that was not even an option in her mind.

⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺ ‧ ⨯. ⁺ ✦ ⊹ . * ꙳ ✦ ⊹⨯ . ⁺ ✦ ⊹ ꙳ ⁺

Ai and the rest of her tiny team were back with Gojo as he went about promoting his new movie. Instead of following Gojo around at MAPPA studios, they were taken to a ritzy hotel downtown. Currently, Gojo was in a makeshift green room, set up to shield talent from the hoards of interviewers and photographers who were anxiously waiting for them outside.

The room itself consisted of bland-looking temporary walls, spare furniture that the hotel provided, and a couple of vanities set up for the poor actors promoting their much-anticipated project.

From what Ai knew, actors and directors were sent to sit in a conference room for press junkets for hours on end—a day of back-to-back media interviews. Boiled down to its simplest parts, press junkets were nothing more than celebrity journalist speed dating events that everyone, cast and crew alike, seemed to dread.

Unlike everyone else in the room, Gojo was beaming as usual. Ai’s team, on the other hand, felt rather on edge as they squeezed themselves into the green room. Between the different PR teams, multiple stylists, and the three of them–Ai, Geto, and Junpei– the space felt increasingly claustrophobic.

“Are we staying the whole day?” Geto whispered to Ai as he adjusted his camera. After a moment, Geto took some pictures of Gojo as a hairstylist touched up the star’s already perfect-looking hair.

“I don’t think I need help,” Gojo said as he cast a mischievous glance Geto’s way. “I’m already perfect, but my handsome friend needs it.”

Geto arched an eyebrow at Gojo before looking through his viewfinder again.

“Look at his weird bangs!” Gojo teased as he pointed a finger in Geto’s direction.

Before Gojo could say more a bright flash went off, causing him to groan as he turned away. He rubbed his eyes with a pout. “You’re so mean, Suguru.”

“And you look ugly today,” Geto retorted as he looked at the picture he had just taken with a frown.

Out of curiosity, Ai peaked at the camera display. In all fairness, it wasn’t the best picture in the world, but if Gojo having slight bags under his eyes qualified him as ugly, then Ai could be classified as a beast.

Gojo gasped, fake hurt written all over his face. “You shouldn’t lie like that.”

Geto ignored Gojo as he adjusted the settings on his camera.

Ai couldn’t be sure, but from the expression on Geto’s face, she was assuming that the lighting wasn’t much to his liking.

“No…we’re breaking after the hour lunch and then we’ll reconvene as the interviews start wrapping up,” Ai explained, trying to circle back to Geto’s original question.

Subtle relief seemed to wash over Geto as he took in the information. “Sounds good.”

Though Geto didn’t say it, it was clear that this was the last place he wanted to be. Ai couldn’t fault him for that. The crowd and overall stressful atmosphere were draining, but she couldn’t imagine having to try and take pictures in such a mess.

Ai gave him an understanding nod as she watched another person make their way into the already-crowded room. He took a seat next to Gojo and was quickly greeted by a makeup artist, who started working almost immediately. Ai found it almost funny when she saw the artist swipe dark eyeshadow under the actor’s eyes to accentuate his already prominent dark circles unlike Gojo he was cute enough to pull it off.

“Senpai, th-that’s Okkotsu Yuta,” Junpei said quietly as he looked over at the young star in awe.

“Hey supervisor ,” Geto interjected. “You’re in the way of my shot.”

Ai rolled her eyes at the two. “Will you two cut it out?” She looked over her shoulder and caught Geto sticking his tongue out at Junpei.

Geto glanced at Ai and gave her a cheesy smile. “Need something, Ai-san?”

“Stop teasing my kouhai, please,” Ai sighed.

As much as she’d like to believe that she shouldn’t have to reprimand someone older than her, Ai reminded herself that Geto Suguru was just a special case. His best friend was just as bad as he was, after all.

“That’s just how I show my affection,” Geto explained as he looked through his viewfinder once more.

Junpei gave Geto a skeptical look as he watched him take pictures of Gojo and Yuta. “I don’t think that’s how you show someone that you care about them, Geto-san…”

Ai shook her head. “No, he’s being serious, Junpei-kun.”

The way that Geto and Gojo interacted with one another was proof enough. The two men only seem to know how to express affection by being absolute terrors. But then again, maybe that was only when they were in each other’s presence. Gojo had the capacity to be more tender when a certain photographer wasn’t around and in all fairness aside from Geto’s sharp tongue, he also had a bit of a softer side.

“You’re weird, Geto-san,” Junpei mumbled as he reached into one of Geto’s bags and began setting up a tripod.

Although they bickered, Geto and Junpei had found a great rhythm in the way they worked together. Without being asked, Junpei seemed to know what Geto would need or how to adjust the lighting just as the photographer liked it.

“Geto, don’t steal my kouhai, please,” Ai whispered to him as he set his camera up on the tripod.

Geto smirked and gave a chuckle. “Who’s to say that I didn’t already steal him, Ai-san?”

Ai blinked at Geto, causing him to smile even more, his eyes turning into devious crescent moons. Was he some kind of supervillain?

Ai quickly glanced around ‌the room to find out where Junpei was. He was sitting quietly on one of the couches provided by the hotel, taking notes on his observations, much like Ai would do. If she weren’t so panicked at the loss of her kouhai, she would feel so proud.

Ai quickly made her way over to Junpei and tugged on his arm. “We should introduce ourselves quickly before they have to get started.”

“Huh?” Junpei stood up, a bit confused by Ai’s actions.

Ai smiled at Junpei as she led him over towards Okkotsu and Gojo, shooting Geto a glare over her shoulder. In return, Geto stuck his tongue out at her before he went back to taking photos.

“Excuse me, Okkotsu-kun?” Ai called out gently as she walked over to the young man.

“Yes?” Okkotsu gave Ai a gentle smile.

Ai bowed her head slightly to him. “I just wanted to introduce myself and my kouhai. This is Yoshino Junpei,” she said as she gestured ‌to the confused young man standing next to her. “We’re working on a profile about Gojo-san.”

“What about me!” Geto complained as he walked over.

“Amada-san, you forgot to introduce yourself,” Junpei whispered to her.

Ai wanted to bash her head through the wall but decided against it. “R-right, I’m Amada Ai.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Okkotsu chuckled. “A profile on Gojo-san, huh? Sounds…interesting,” he said as he rubbed the back of his neck.

Ai nodded, offering a strained smile. “It has its moments,” she replied. “I’m sure you’re well aware of how interesting it can be to work with Gojo.”

As they continued to talk, Gojo seemed to have had enough of not being included. He smiled at the group with a trademark grin. “What’s all this?” he chimed, “I thought you guys were writing a story on me .”

Ai turned to face him, feeling an unpleasant tightness in her chest in his presence. “Just introducing ourselves to Okkotsu-kun,” she explained, as she tried her best to keep her tone casual.

Gojo nodded, not giving Ai as much of a glance, and looked at Okkotsu directly. “I think it’s time for us to go–right, Yuta-kun?” he said as he wrapped his arm around the younger actor’s shoulder, already leading him out the door.

“N-nice meeting you guys!” Okkotsu called out before the door closed behind him.

When the two actors left, the hoards of people in the green room vanished along with them. The once-bustling room now felt almost barren as Ai, Junpei, and Geto were the only three left inside.

“…Did Gojo-san seem weird?” Ai asked as she glanced over at Junpei and Geto.

Geto pursed his lips and glanced Ai’s way with an arched brow. Although Geto said nothing, his face said it all.

“I don’t think so,” Junpei said thoughtfully as he peered out the door. “It’s pretty hectic around here, though.”

On the inside Ai was panicking, between the way that Gojo seemed to ignore her and the look that Geto gave her she knew that things were off. She wasn’t sure how to fix it, but she needed to fix it. What it was, she couldn’t really say. Part of her was worried about the story, but another part of her felt frosted out by the actor. Both things bothered her immensely but she couldn’t say which one weighed on her more.

Ai found herself slipping into a familiar routine of taking notes, comparing her material with Junpei, and checking in with Geto now and then to ensure that he remembered to take pictures. Despite the chaos of the literal media circus surrounding them, she couldn’t shake the heaviness that she felt in her heart.

During the brief moments of rest between interviews, Ai stole glances at Gojo, unable to ignore the ache she felt. He was effortlessly charming in front of the cameras, his smile radiant, and his wit sharp. He seemed so unbothered, so like himself, but she couldn’t help but wonder if he felt a similar pain that she was feeling.

If only Ai had noticed that when she looked away that sparkling blue eyes would somehow find their way to her. It was only for a few brief moments at a time, but unconsciously Gojo’s eyes would follow the silly journalist.

As the lunch break approached, Ai's stomach churned with a mix of nerves and anticipation. This would be her only chance to talk to Gojo casually before they reconvened later.

“Hey Gojo-san,” Ai called out to him hesitantly. She wasn't sure if she was shaking, but she could feel her inner turmoil almost bubble over. “Can we talk for a minute?”

Gojo looked up from his seat, his usually bright and silly face unreadable for a moment before he nodded. “Sure, Amada-san, what's up?”

Ai winced when she heard Gojo address her so formally. It felt so unnatural coming from him. The wall that she worked so hard to break down had been built up again and it was even stronger than it was before.

Ai hesitated for a moment and played with her hands nervously. “I…I'm sorry.” She mumbled.

She looked up at Gojo, as he looked down at her with furrowed brows. Perhaps it was her nerves clouding her judgment, but she couldn’t figure out what to make of the expression. His silence only made Ai flounder more.

“I feel like I was really unprofessional the other day and I–” Ai bit her lip, her voice trembling as she spoke. She looked down at the ground in embarrassment. Never in her life had she ever felt so nervous before.

Ai took a deep breath trying to calm herself down and looked back up at Gojo again. “I just…I’m sorry.” Her voice wasn’t trembling anymore, but the words were so quiet that she could barely hear them over the hubbub happening in the hall.

Gojo leaned forward with a smirk taking over his features. “What was that?” he asked as he cupped his ear. “It’s hard to hear you over all these people.”

Despite the nerves, she felt she couldn’t help but want to wipe that smirk off of Gojo’s face. It was somewhat relieving to know that things between them were…okay, but it was just as irritating that he was punishing her even if she did deserve it.

Ai gritted her teeth. “I said I'm sorry,” she said, speaking as slowly and clearly as possible so Gojo could hear her.

A wide grin spread across Gojo's face as he looked at Ai head-on. His blue eyes looked alive and vibrant. “Hmm…” he hummed as he tapped his chin in thought.

Ai tried her best to stay composed as she looked at him. “Hm?”

“You don't have to apologize,” Gojo said as he stood up from his seat, putting his hands in his pockets. “We weren't even fighting.” He said as he walked over to the catering table.

Ai quickly followed behind him. It was difficult though given how long Gojo's strides were. “I-I'm not done!”

“What else, Ai-chan?” Gojo said as he grabbed multiple bags of cookies–presumably for himself.

She hated herself for it, but she couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief when Gojo called her ‘Ai-chan’. She found it annoying at first, but when he called her Amada-san she found herself desperately wanting the annoying Gojo back.

“Can we start over?” Ai asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she looked down at her shoes. “Like completely over.”

Gojo looked at her blankly for a moment, but then a smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he stared down at her. He ruffled Ai’s hair–much to her annoyance–as she swatted his hand away. “No.”

“ No ?”

“Yeah, nah,” Gojo said as he stuffed a cookie in his mouth.

Ai looked up at him with her mouth agape. “What do you mean nah ?”

Gojo stopped mid-chew, his expression shifting from playful to bored. Swallowing his cookie, regarding Ai with a hint of curiosity.

Gojo's gaze lingered on Ai for a moment, his expression unreadable. “I mean, why start over when we only just started?” He replied, popping another cookie into his mouth. “Life is too short to dwell on do-overs and all that dumb stuff. Cookie?” He asked with a grin as he held out the bag to her. “Besides, I feel like we’re just getting to the good part.”

Ai was dumbstruck, she shook her head as Gojo offered her a cookie. “Okay…” she said as she met his gaze.

What was the good part?

Gojo flashed Ai a grin, but there was something in his eyes that made Ai's heart flutter. “We'll talk later?”

Ai nodded, a mixture of relief and apprehension washing over her. “Yeah…”

“Leave Suguru and Junpei-kun at home though, ‘kay?” Gojo called as he walked away.

Ai nodded as she watched him walk away. “…’kay,” she said to herself.

As Ai watched Gojo walk away, a mixture of conflicting emotions churned within her. As relieved as she felt for finally being able to talk to him she was left just as confused.

What the hell was the good part?

Lost in thought, Ai barely noticed Junpei’s gentle tap on her shoulder. “Senpai, are you okay?”

Ai flinched when she felt Junpei’s touch, but did her best to force a smile. “Yeah, I’m fine, Junpei-kun. Just…thinking.”

Junpei nodded, concern still etched into his features despite Ai’s words. “Okay, just let me know if I can help in any way.”

A genuine smile spread across her face. “I will, thank you.”

Before Junpei could walk away, Ai stopped him. “Junpei-kun…”

Junpei’s eyes flicked back to Ai and he smiled expectantly. “Yes, senpai?”

“I’m going to speak with Gojo-san later.”

Junpei gave Ai a confused look. “…Okay?”

“What I mean is…” Ai pursed her lips as she thought about how to put it. “I-I’m going to interview him one-on-one.”

“Sick of us already?” Geto chimed in, causing Ai to flinch as she looked at him over her shoulder.

The man needed to wear a bell or something. Geto always seemed to appear at the worst times. She felt like he was haunting her.

Ai shook her head. “No…I just feel that Gojo will be able to speak more freely if it’s one-on-one.”

Ai wasn’t lying; she did truly believe that. However, it felt awkward to her because it wasn’t her call. Gojo had requested it. She couldn’t imagine what Gojo wanted to talk about with her, but she couldn’t help but dread the conversation.

“You think you can handle that, Ai?” Geto asked his tone as sweet as ever but teasing as per usual.

Ai opened her mouth ready to sass Geto, but she opened her mouth before she could actually come up with anything. Could she handle Gojo on her own? Part of her wondered if she could handle him at all.

Junpei’s scoffed at Geto’s question as if he was personally offended on Ai’s behalf. “My senpai can handle anything.”

Ai couldn’t help but feel touched by Junpei’s confidence in her. She didn’t deserve such a good kouhai. He inadvertently placed some pressure on her but gave her the motivation to want to do better at the same time.

When Geto rolled his eyes at Junpei’s remark and Ai scrunched her face up at him as if to say ‘I’m winning’ in their ridiculous competition of who was the better senpai.

“Call us if you need anything,” Geto said with a fox-like smile as he wrapped an arm around Junpei’s shoulder. “Let’s get something to eat, Junpei-kun.”

Bastard…

Ai hated how cunning Geto was. Even if Junpei did prefer her, she was sure that Geto could win over her kouhai soon enough.

Ai nodded gratefully at the two men. “I will, thank you guys. Good work today.”

Junpei shrugged Geto’s arm as they walked away. “I don’t like when you use my name. It feels creepy…”

Ai couldn’t help but giggle as she watched the two slowly disappear out of the hall together.

Once she was alone she felt her unease settle into the pit of her stomach as she left the hotel conference room. This meeting with Gojo felt like more than just another interview, but maybe that was just Ai’s delusions filtering through. Either way, it was happening and she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.