#i forgot to write their names... y'all know who they r anyway

[ask-william-bill-overbeck]

/// back with them again

[multi-lefaiye]

MUTUALS POWERPOINT NIGHT: MULTI EDITION

HELLO gamers! it is i, tumblr user xavier multi-lefaiye, here to present my very good powerpoint to y'all. i am posting this early because i like being early <3

as some of you may know, i had a few other ideas for powerpoints, one of which i finished before going "hm i wanna do something else" and doing something else.

as i am sure you are all very well-aware by this point, my biggest fixation is tales from the gas station. so i decided to do my powerpoint about that instead of explaining in-depth how i'd rewrite every episode of notable bad horror tv series lost tapes. you're welcome <3

tagging the participants real quick (if i forgot you i prommy i am just forgetful and it was not intentional, ilsym): @wherearetheplants @nicola-writes @cnnamonrolls @abouttogetshellshocked @approximately20eggs @yourlocal-lichen @astralrunic

anyway! my slides will be under the cut, but if you'd rather see the actual presentation, here's the google slides link: [link]

comments are enabled but no one is obligated to leave any for any reason! i mainly enabled them because i may send this to some discord folks later who enjoy leaving silly comments.

anyway let's gooooo

[Transcript:

TALES FROM THE GAS STATION: A BRIEF SUMMARY

OR: an explanation of my blorbos

by tumblr user multi-lefaiye

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

what the fuck is this series?

Tales From the Gas Station started as a creepypasta series on the NoSleep subreddit

Then it kinda blew up and became popular enough that the creator reworked and rewrote the series to make them into books

There are four books total and also a seven-part comic series in the works!

Essentially, this is a horror-comedy series centering around a character named Jack Townsend, the minimum-wage employee of a shitty gas station at the edge of an even shittier small town, which also happens to be the epicenter of many supernatural happenings

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

DISCLAIMER

I haven’t finished reading the full series yet because [redacted] redacted] [redacted]

But regardless I’m MOSTLY basing this presentation on book one to avoid spoiling later events for people who wanna check this out themselves :)

This is not an exhaustive presentation unfortunately.

Look at this raccoon

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: An image of a raccoon behind the wheel of a car, positioned as though it's driving. End ID.]

[Transcript:

Content warnings!!

So I’m not gonna go into the triggering stuff in this presentation, but if you wanna check out TFTGS yourself I wanna give a heads up where I can.

I also will try to give context to things where I can if I feel that it’s needed, but yeah point is I want to make sure anyone who checks this out knows what they’re getting into.

Anyway full list of warnings on the next slide let’s go

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

Okay here are the actual content warnings

There are a few side/minor characters who are really blatantly racist and xenophobic b/c TFTGS does not shy away from the fact that it takes place in a small, shitty southern US town--these characters are condemned by the narrative and clearly The Assholes but still, tread lightly.

Casual ableism, especially towards Jack, including the use of the r-slur (once again also condemned by the narrative but still)

Lots and lots of violence and murder

Suicide

Lots of talk of terminal illness

Drug use

Cults

Psychiatric abuse

SOME graphic depictions of blood n’ gore n’ corpses, but the gore is never the focus thankfully

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

CHARACTERS!!!

FULL DISCLAIMER: THIS IS ALL PRETTY MUCH MY INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CHARACTERS. Many of them don't have much in the way of physical descriptions and these are all just my personal designs for the characters :) Yay

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

JACK TOWNSEND

The universe’s favorite punching bag

He’s got that autistic tboy swag and I love him so so much

Chronically ill since he was in high school

Just fucking vibing

Frequently gets insulted and beaten down and it stresses me out but he gets less and less chill about it as the series goes on. I think he deserves to throw rocks at people

I relate to him a lot and idk what that says about me <3

Blorbo <3333

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Jack Townsend from Tales From the Gas Station, a tired young white man with dark bags under his eyes, a small beard, and shaggy black hair. He looks worried and is wearing a blue shirt under a black hoodie. End ID.]

[Transcript:

ANTONIO / TONY

So I’m not quite sure how to talk about him without spoiling a bunch of shit

Ah well

One of Jack’s coworkers and his best friend in volume 1!

Kind of a sweet, anxious guy who’s just trying his best

What’s a little accidental murder between besties??? It was an accident, it’s fine.

King of being a really good and trustworthy guy with nothing else going on

I love him genuinely

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Antonio from Tales From the Gas Station, a young Latino man with tan skin, curly brown hair, multiple piercings in his ears, and a beard. He has his mouth open as though he's speaking, and he wears a blue collared shirt under a denim jacket. End ID.]

[Transcript:

JERRY PASCAL

Jack’s emotional support human and bestie

Kind of like a puppy, except that puppy does a lot of illegal shit and kills people

Former member of a murderous cult called Mathmetism

Referred to as Marlboro for most of the first book b/c Jack doesn’t know his name

Big stupid energy but also the smartest bitch in the room. Depends on what would be funnier

Would fight god in the parking lot

If he’s being serious, something is wrong

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Jerry Pascal from Tales From the Gas Station, a white man with shaggy blond hair, a small beard, and multiple piercings in his ears. He has a wide smirk on his face and wears a yellow t-shirt with a graphic of the sun across the front under a red hoodie jacket, and one hand is visibly holding a cigarette. End ID.]

[Transcript:

SPENCER MIDDLETON

MY POOR LITTLE MEOW MEOW

Too sexy and evil for gender

My design for him is very far from canon and I am aware of that. However I think everyone should draw him as a long-haired prettyboy <3

He’s just so babygirl <3

I hate him and love him in equal measure

God let him live another day and that’s everyone else’s problem

Anyway I just think he’s neat and should do more crimes

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Spencer Middleton from Tales From the Gas Station, a white man with long ginger hair, a light beard, and pierced ears. He has a sharp grin on his face, showing his sharp teeth, and is wearing all black. End ID.]

[Transcript:

AMELIA O'BRIEN

Cop (unfortunate)

I have very mixed feelings about her as a character ngl and most of them tie back to her being a cop

I do think she’s interesting though

Wish she’d cool it with the casual ableism though <3 Like I know it’s not just her but goddamn

Anyway I guess she counts as a #girlboss

One time one of my friends compared her to the gay cop in Onward and I can’t stop thinking about it because God So True

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Amelia O'Brien, a Black woman with dark hair pulled back into a bun and pierced ears. She has a stern expression on her face and wears a light shirt under a dark vest and brown jacket, with one hand holding a cigarette. End ID.]

[Transcript:

ROSA VASQUEZ

Sweetest girl in the world

Technically doesn’t show up until volume 2 but I love her so much so I’m talking about her here

Newest hire at the gas station and completely unprepared for The Horrors

She adapts pretty quickly though

Has a really huge really obvious crush on Jack and tbh I think it’s cute

Unfortunately he is oblivious

Besides that though she’s a very fun character and makes me very happy :)

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Rosa Vasquez from Tales From the Gas Station, a young Latina woman with brown skin, dark brown hair that hangs loosely around her shoulders, and pink earrings. She has a wide smile on her face and is wearing a pink shirt under a dark denim jacket, with one hand held up in a peace sign. End ID.]

[Transcript:

SABINE

We don’t need to talk about her

So we’re not going to talk about her

You have to read volume 2 to get this backstory

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picrew of Sabine from Tales From the Gas Station, a young woman with lightly tanned skin, pierced ears, curly brown hair, and freckles. Her mouth is open slightly and she wears a black choker, a black t-shirt with a skull on it, and a red jacket. Two of her hands are held up and her pointer fingers are pressed together. End ID.]

[Transcript:

MISC. CHARACTERS I'M NOT MAKING PICREWS OF

Kieffer - the world’s most killable man! A local politician and, arguably, part of the reason everything goes to shit.

Benjamin - a monster hunter who’s convinced that there’s something evil in the gas station. And he’s gonna kill it.

Vanessa Riggin - another employee at the gas station who unfortunately disappears during volume 1.

Brother Riley - local bookstore owner and ray of sunshine! Got basically excommunicated for teaching kids to read

Dr. V - psychiatric abuse: the character! (Jack’s psychiatrist who doesn’t seem particularly interested in actually helping him)

Deputy Tom - cop (unfortunate), but also Jack’s kinda father figure.

Agents Brick Roscoe - idk how to even get into this so I simply will not.

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

PLOT!!!

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: Two edited memes featuring raccoons. One shows a raccoon facing the camera, with a photoshopped human hand holding a gun pointing at the viewer. The other shows a raccoon in front of a sunset and looking to the left, with a faded image of a screaming raccoon behind it. The second meme reads: "Physically pained, Mentally drained" / End ID.]

[Transcript:

Volume 1 Premise

The premise of volume 1 centers quite a bit around Kieffer, a local politician.

Picture this: your best friend pulls you aside at work and asks you about the guy who just came into the store. After you explain who the guy is, your friend says, “No, that can’t be him. I killed him last night. His body is in my trunk.”

That’s the day Jack is having.

A wild series of events follows, made worse when Jack starts documenting his experiences in a blog to keep himself sane

People start going missing! Other people start dying! Kieffer especially starts dying!

Jack is not being paid enough to deal with any of this!

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

Other things about volume 1 I wanna say, minus context

I think Spencer Middleton is babygirl material and I will not be silenced b/c I am so right

There is a genuinely really clever bit of writing in volume 1 centering around Jack’s leg injury but I don’t know how to explain it without spoilers so just know I think it’s really cool

The Bathroom Cowboy is a cool dude and I think I would like to be his best friend

I think Jack should be allowed to have a nice day for once in his fucking life

Rita the raccoon is a girlboss

The Man in the Raincoat is so gender

Agents Brick Roscoe confuse and frighten me. They’re also really funny

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

Here's a quote from volume 1 that I think captures the style of comedy well

She walked up to the counter and smiled and asked, "What do you think?"

What a great question. I think a lot of things, actually. I ran through a shortlist of answers. I think people spend too much time mowing their lawns. I think Marlboro's probably dead, and I may be somewhat responsible. I think no man ever steps in the same river twice. I think that, in terms of reality, perception outweighs actuality in every case, but if I were to say something like that in this town I'd get my ass kicked for being a pretentious dick. I think Tony was too hard on 'Temple of Doom.' I think every magazine is a scam. (Why should I pay for a magazine when it's already full of advertisements?) I think forcing children to recite the pledge of allegiance is creepy, and hot dogs are not sandwiches (they are, in fact, American tacos). I think things at the gas station are getting worse and I can't explain why.

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

by viewing this presentation you promise that if you ever read tftgs you have to tell me (tumblr user multi-lefaiye) all of your thoughts about it

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

i’m kidding, you don’t have to, i just wanna talk about this series with people

/ End Transcript]

[Transcript:

Thanks

/ End Transcript]

[Image Description: A picture of a raccoon sitting up and with its forepaws together, its teeth bared in a way that makes it looks like it's grinning evilly. End ID.]

[bbyhaikyuu]

idk how to do these things so 👀

I haven't written anything in like 4 years, so.. Hi? Im taking it easy a bit by doing these hc's(is that what you call it? Or is it called a scenario???? Idk help im a babieee) first before doing oneshots/short fics hehe

: Daichi and Sugawara: Finding out that someone is drawing them.

I did not proofread oops i just wanted to get it over with and finish

Daichi

TYPICAL hallway bump shenanigans eheheheeeee

You were carrying quite a lot of stuff, well of course, being the class rep means that you have to pass the class's workbooks to the faculty room.

Your dumbass forgot that you put your sketchbook right on top of the pile??

Chaos suddenly came and the next thing you knew is that the books were on the floor.

Looked up and saw it was Daichi??

Bumping to this mf feels like walking right into a stone wall

lmAO felt like your shoulder dislocated a bit there eh?

Daichi is a gentleman ofcourse he would help you gather the books. Suga and Asahi was with him too, which made the cleanup much more faster.

Y'all exchanged apologies(and thanks) before you sprinted away like your life depended on it.

The trio was about to head to their respective classrooms, but suga noticed something on the corner of his eyes and picked up a black sketchbook.

They knew it wasn't a typical notebook because the cover was sort of like soft leather??? Damn it felt expensive.

Sugawara quickly found your name written at the bottom center and read it out loud.

"Isn't she from class 3-A?" Asahi asked them, they nodded in reply.

All of the 3rd years knew each other's names, despite never talking or interacting.

The bell rang, lunch break was over.

"Guess she's going to be late because of us. " Daichi chuckled, though guilt was evident.

"Aaand that is why you are the one who is gunna return that to her, personally." Suga smiled before shoving the notebook to Daichi's chest and darting towards his classroom.

Asahi is gone too???

Daichi sighed and went back to his own classroom.

The period turned out to be a study hall since the teacher didn't bother to show himself. There isn't really anything to study anymore tho?? They had exams just last week???

Bored Daichi decided to flip through your sketchbook and found himself at awe and intrigued each time he flipped a page.

He quickly learned that you were into action mangas. Each page was littered with dynamic poses. Though there were some full illustrations here and there.

When he got to the last page with a drawing he CLOSED IT BY ACCIDENT BECAUSE HE WAS SURPRISED.

Homeboy got stared at lmao

Anyways he opened it up again and got an even closer look.

On the upper left, there was a messy headshot sketch of someone. Messy yet you can actually tell who it was yk what i mean????

Daichi smirked because he KNEW it was him 100%

the nowhere finished full body sketch of someone recieving a ball with the #1 below the headahot gave it away.

The facy that it has "?????" beside it is very amusing to him. He knew you had a hard time figuring out the pose.

So when y'all got dismissed, he quickly went to your room and searched for you, holding up the black sketchbook in his hand. You almost died that day because you thought you lost it.

"You look like you could use some help there, wanna come watch me and the boys practice? "

You almost blew a fuse but hey, atleast you finished that drawing of yours.

Sugawara

You're at a cafe, hoping that the change of environment will help you think and draw more.

Wrong. You needed a live reference. Pinterest pics just wont cut it.

How do u draw men???? When its women you can go like swoosh and its already decent and *chef's kiss. But men???? Boink.

So when you looked up and saw a pretty boi (cue sugawara) sat across you, you were like "hell yeah, jackpot".

You started doing sketches on your ipad(and apple pencil), your hands felt like they were moving naturally.

You know how weird it is to draw someone you completely didn't know, based from experience.

Soooo you tried to keep your stares to a minimum and only looked up when you really needed to.

Too bad, Sugawara already had his eyes on you and your ipad. he sounds like a thief wtaf

So he decided to stay still and scroll on his phone for a little bit more casually sipping his coffee.

He observed you for a while, whenever you weren't staring at him.

He would smile a lil bit every once in a while.

You thought he saw a meme. Nah hoe, he's entertained that you thought he didn't know 👀

You did 3 sketches of him???? You're so happy????

You finally stretched your arms and let out a smol sigh

Pretty boi started gathering his things already :(

You were sad that you didn't get to know him, but hey atleast you got these bomb ass sketches of him.

You decided to clean it up a bit and colour it in.

Damn his beauty mark beside is eye is perfection.

Your ass was so engrossed in finishing the drawing you didn't notice him coming to your table.

Him putting the coffee on your table startled tf outta you.

Pretty boi??? Smiled??? Im simping????

He hurried out tho, looks like he's busy.

B U T

pretty boi left a sticky note!!!

"Wanna hang out? I'll be your French girl ;)))"

xoxo Sugawara Koushi

Attached: His number with a heart

H E A R T A T T A C K

Took you a while to compose yourself.

You smiled and thought :

J a c k p o t

So that's all for now!! I accidentally made daichi's a bit longer

I kinda like this writing style???

Im thinking something mafia au related for the next one

Feel free to send me some suggestions! I could def use them hehe 👉👈

[imclumsy]

Livestream

(peter parker x actress!reader)

Summary: the reader is an actress starring in stranger things. she starts a livestream as she chills with her best friend, peter. they get flustered when her fans point out their flirting. the fans go crazy once something happens.

Warning: idk, language maybe? if that counts??

A/N: i found this in my drafts on wattpad lmao. thought it was cute and decided to continue writing it for my first tumblr imagine post. oh and ‘Y/c/n’ means ‘your character’s name’.

“Hey, guys.” You smiled at your phone screen, holding up a peace sign as you started a live stream on Instagram. Comments started to flood in.

avengersfan01 - OMG UR LIVESTREAMING FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AGES

y/niswifey - WHERE HAVE U BEEN,, LAST TIME U POSTED WAS A MONTH AGO

msmarvel19832 - notice me senpaiiiii 😭

strangertingzz4life - hiiiiii ❤️❤️💖

"So, I'm kinda bored, my parents aren't home and I thought 'Why not do a Q&A?' since I haven't been so active on Instagram lately because I’ve been busy filming." You shuffled, trying to find a comfortable position to sit in.

"Stop moving, Y/n. I’ve almost got a 10 streak kill." Peter nudged you, keeping his attention on his video game as he ran someone over with a car.

Who knew Spider-Man would enjoy running over pedestrians.

"I'm trying to get comfortable, dickhead, let me be." You smiled, moving the camera so it was away from you and Peter. You finally decided to lay your head on his stomach as he let you lay between his legs.

"Ok, sorry about that, technical- well, physical difficulties." You laughed at the camera, making Peter chuckle, "Anyways, questions anyone? I'll answer as many as I can."

You waited for the comments to load and read out the first one you saw, "From captainamericaswhore, love the username by the way, 'Who's legs are those?'" You giggled as soon as you finished reading.

Everyone in the comments started to freak out.

y/n.y/ln.is.my.queen - YO I BET IT'S PETER SKSJAK

dontreadmyusername - who tf is peter-

peterxy/n.otp - ALJSSJAK IT'S MY SHIP OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M WITNESSING THIS

madmax751300 - [dontreadmyusername] get outta here u uncultured swine

elevenseggos - those r some thicc legs wInK wOnK

suziep00 - [elevenseggos] and i fucking oop-

“Are you livestreaming?” Peter asked, pausing his game and taking his headset off, reaching away to place it on the table.

“Yep,” You replied, popping the ‘p’. Your fans already knew who Peter was since he made a regular appearance in all your social media, especially your stories. “It’s Peter’s legs by the way. Say ‘hi’ to everyone, Pete.” You turned your camera to him.

“Hey.” He waved, sending the fans a charming smile.

“Alright, next question-“ You said, sitting up before hitting your head on Peter’s nose.

“Fuck.” He held the bridge of his nose. You laughed, letting your head fall forward as you clutched your stomach. “That fucking hurt, you idiot!” He shoved your shoulder, laughing to lighten up the mood instead of making it serious.

You turned around, looking at the tears welling up in his eyes, “Aww, alright. I’m sorry.” You reached behind him to grab a tissue from the tissue box on the small table and wiped his tears, “You good?”

"Yeah, kinda hurts, but I'm fine." He laughed, giving you a smile to reassure you that he's okay.

“You’re such a baby.” You playfully rolled your eyes before quickly kissing his nose. “You know, my lips kinda hurt too.” He smirked.

“Nice one, Parker.”

“I try my best.”

“Well, it might just be working.” You flirted back, making Peter blush profusely.

You completely forgot that you were still livestreaming as you felt your phone violently vibrate in your hand. Everyone was going crazy; crazier than normal.

noahpotatoes - WTF WTF WTF WTAF I’M SCREAMING

lucasisunderrated - Y'ALL SHE SAID 'WELL IT MIGHT JUST BE WORKING' OMFG ALL THAT FLIRTING IS GONNA PAY OFF I’M GONEEE

finnwolfhardofficial - real smooth peter,, real smooth

dustybun4life - i wonder what’s gonna happen after this livestream ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

steve_the_mom - [dustybun4life] SOME OF Y'ALL ARE NASTY OML-

Your face heated up after reading some of the comments. “What can I say, Finn? Practice makes perfect." He managed to say one last bold comment before his face turned completely red after reading all the comments shipping you two.

ironlad01762 - PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT-

elizabethz04 - SO I WASN’T HALLUCINATING LAST LIVESTREAM WHEN Y’ALL WERE FLIRTING OML I’M GONNA PASS OUT

sadiesink_ - you guys better get together by the end of this live otherwise we’re no longer gonna have movie nights in my trailer

therealcalebmclaughlin - your flirting is so cute it makes me want to puke

gatenm123 - just saying.. i better be in the front seat for your wedding

elevenseggos - I'M LOVING THIS INTERACTION AND ALL BUT PLS CONTINUE THE Q&A, I WANT THE TEA SPILT ALL OVER THE TABLE CLOTH

You felt really flustered now, feeling Peter’s body heat radiate as he wore his headsets to continue his game in order to avoid showing his flushed face. You cleared your throat, “Alright, guys, come on. Elevenseggos is right, let’s continue the Q&A.”

elevenseggos - OH MY GOD I'VE BEEN NOTICED, WHAT A BLESSED DAY

gayforrobin - [elevenseggos] CONGRATS

milliebobbybrown - [elevenseggos] "I WANT THE TEA SPILT ALL OVER THE TABLE CLOTH" I'M USING THAT FROM NOW ON

flayedforbilly - [milliebobbybrown] MILLIE OMG @elevenseggos IS HAPPY-CRYING ALL OVER ME RN, WHAT DID U DO

You waited until some questions pop up and read the first one I see, "From stony4life, 'What's it like playing a fan-favourite character in Stranger Things?'" I bite my lip as I think of an answer, "I mean - obviously - it's really cool. I actually originally auditioned for a smaller role since this was my first big thing but ended up getting the role of Y/c/n. It’s really fun to be able to play this character; she’s strange but in a mysterious yet cool way, she clicks with everyone in the group and she just straight up vibes.”

You waited for another comment, “Ooh, from peterxy/n- oh, hah, okay.” You blushed because of the username, “Have you met your celebrity crush? See, I actually ran into him 3 years ago but that crush has worn off now.” You shrugged, “But! But this guy,” You turned the camera around to face a deeply concentrated Peter, “does have a celebrity crush and he won’t tell me who it is.”

He immediately paused the game again and took off his headsets, “Because it’s embarrassing.”

“I’m sure it’s not, don’t be so dramatic.”

“Trust me, it is.”

“You know I can probably get my agent to get you to meet them.” You pointed out.

“Yeah, but what if I already met them?”

milevenisrealmfs - OH MY GOD GUYS BRACE YOURSELVES IT’S GONNA HAPPEN

eggosaresuperior - SHIT SHIT WAIT LEMME GET MY SCREENRECORDER ON

milevenisrealmfs - omg y/n better get what he’s saying otherwise i’m gonna cry

“Oh my God, when? Why didn’t you tell me?” You asked. He looked at you like you were joking, “Seriously?”

“What?” You furrowed your brows in confusion.

“You’re actually so dumb.” He said before softly grabbing your jaw and kissing you. You almost dropped your phone from the sudden action but he pulled away just before you could.

You were left with a dumbfounded gaze, you glanced at your phone and saw all the comments flooding in again, “Alright, gotta go guys, bye.” You quickly ended the live.

You sighed then looked at Peter, “You like me?” You asked.

“Well, yeah. I thought it was pretty obvious.” He shrugged, nervously avoiding your eye contact.

You studied his features before gently placing your lips against his. He kissed back, leaning into your touch as you held his cheek. You pulled away, both of you smiling, “Then it’s a good thing I like you too.”

-

-

-

[cupidoargiades]

fuck a keyboard, you're my type.

A/N - its ur thirsty boy jackson yall :) this was SO easy to write like im not even gonna lie, i love this guy so much like CHRIST not to be nsfw or anything but can he please just h*ld my h*nd ???

-

staring at you from the bar, a rather hot guy smiles at you once the two of you lock eyes, gesturing you to come closer. you look around and point at your chest, as if saying 'who, me?'; he nods yes. looking around once again, you try searching for your friends in the busy crowd to check if they knew the guy, but to no avail; everyone was either having other conversations, playing games, or they were just nowhere to be found.

stepping closer to the guy, he holds up a finger to the bartender, ordering another shot of soju. looking at the empty glasses that were already on the bar, he seems to have already drank a few shots. "hey gorgeous" he says, pushing a stool towards you to sit on. "how come you're all alone on this beautiful night?" he asks.

"oh, just the regular," you chuckle, as the bartender placed your shot in front of you. you nodded kindly at him before turning back to the kind stranger. "you know the drill; got dragged here after a break up to find some distraction, friends left me alone, all that bullshit."

he smiles a little and looks around. "they're not looking out for you, either..? because you're exactly the kind of girl those gross and nasty guys like me would hit on. that's so irresponsible, guys like that are just so- ew.." he says playfully, making you laugh a little as you down the shot of soju with ease. "you're one smooth motherfucker, you know that?" you say, ordering another drink.

"oh- just saying, you ordered more alcohol, so if you get wasted, end up fucking me and regret it in the morning, it's not my business" he says. once again, he makes you laugh so effortlessly like the times before, even though you have only known him for a few minutes.

"shit- i'm sorry, i forgot to introduce myself. i'm jackson. jackson wang" he says, urging to hold out his hand but pulling it back once he mumbles that's too formal. "great to meet you, jackson," you smile, holding up your hand, palm to the ceiling. "give me your phone and i'll tell you my name" you demand.

not even doubting your intensions, he smiles contently and hands you his phone. "you knew what i was gonna do, huh?" you say when you see a new contact on the screen, ready to be filled in. "i'm the master of flirting, stranger." he scoffs as you type in your name and number. taking back his phone, he stares at the letters on his screen.

"y/n, hm? that's a pretty name. it suits you" he says, looking at you, then his phone, and once again back to you. "you think so? why's that?" you ask. "like i said, it's a pretty name, just like you"

a blush paints your cheeks a cute red that compliments your makeup and outfit. he seems to notice this, as he tells you how dope your accessories are. "i love your earrings" he says, pushing your hair to the side to admire the studs lining along your earlobe. "i love your necklace" you nervously respond, pushing the hand that was next to your face and about to touch your ear aside so you could look at the golden chinese symbol hanging from his neck.

"it says 'wang'.. stands for my last name and it translates to 'king'. it's perfect, since i'm a king." he says, boosting his own ego a bit. "what are you a king of exactly?" you ask, staring at the pendant for a few more seconds.

"you. which makes you my servant, and you should do as i say." he jokes, making you scoff. "the king's got some tension right here, hm? can you fix that?"

you sigh and push his hands off of yours. "one more sex-related remark and i will actually start considering not going home with you." you say confidently, making him roll his eyes. "as if i'm not gonna talk you into coming with me anyway." he answers.

the two of you keep on talking for the rest of the evening effortlessly, and as tough and manly as he seems, he's funny, soft and really kind. it's no surprise you ended up in the back of his car at midnight, lips crashed together.

"one second-" you pant, taking your phone to see that one your friends is calling. "it's okay, baby, you're with me now.." jackson groans, pushing your phone down and leaning in to continue the sweet kisses. "no- i really have to get this, they're probably worried sick.." you say. admiring the kindness in your voice, he pulls back with a smile. you pick up after swooping your hair to the side, hearing your friend go off worriedly about how they searched the entire place and didn't find you anywhere.

"yeah- yeah, i left already. sorry i didn't text you," you say, watching jackson twirl a strand of your hair into a shiny wave. "no, it's fine, i've got a ride back home, right?" you ask, looking at jackson. he nods, before taking your phone out of your hand. "hey y/n's friend, y/n's future-husband here.. i just want to say that i'll give her a ride back, on one condition." he says.

you raise an eyebrow, telling him to stop whatever he's doing as you hear your friend cursing at him for being a 'filthy playboy-kidnapper-hybrid'. "sweetheart, it's nothing like that," he sighs, massaging his temples slightly. "she's gonna stay the night at my house. i'll bring her back home safe and sound tomorrow, i promise." he says, before hanging up. you shake your head with a roll of the eyes and a scoff. "you could've just said 'hey, this is y/n's hookup and she's staying over for sex.' but you just had to be a mysterious little bitch about it, huh?" you say, hanging your arms around his neck as you lean in for a kiss.

"you know it, baby" he says, pushing your phone back into your purse before getting back to business in the backseat of his spaceous car. "let's just make sure you forget about your ex tonight, and make you fall in love with me, if that's cool with you" he suggests, pushing the strap of your top down your shoulder.

-

coming down from a second high that night, you collapse on the bed, chest raising and falling from heavy breathing. jackson rolls over to kiss your forehead and lets his fingertips glide over the dark rose petals of red and blue he made over your neck, chest and stomach.

the slightest touch of his seems to burn marks into your damp and sensitive skin; just ghosting over you would make you shiver. "you know, you're not like other guys.." you mumble, turning your head to look at him. his hair's now messy, and a splotchy blush covers his face.

"is that a compliment?" he chuckles, kissing the corner of your mouth and running his fingers over yours before intertwining perfectly. "most definitely.." you say, making him nod confidently. "usually, guys that hit on me just want a quick fuck before ditching me. you're different.., i like that" you say softly, feeling so at home next to him.

"fuck yeah," he smiles. "i'm in it for the long run.. no more hook ups, just love making and real love."

soft buzzing fills the comfortable silence, and you pick up your phone to see it was exploding with messages in you and your friends' group chat.

- friend #1, 1:22

LMAOOO i bet she's getting laid

- friend #2, 1:22

No wtf

She's too prude

- friend #3, 1:22

girl ... r u even her friend ??? shes everything but prude lol

- friend #2, 1:23

I did see her talking with a guy at the bar when I went to the bathroom

Maybe that was the guy on the phone?

- y/f/n #1, 1:23

leave her alone shes getting dick tonight

- you, 1:23

LOOOOL y'all are too much

- friend #3, 1:24

omg y/n how was he

- you, 1:24

SO FUCKIN GOOD

... like- personality wise

lmao no nsfw in this christian household

- friend #2, 1:24

Thank you :)

When are you coming home?

- you, 1:24

didn't you hear jackson ??

he's driving me home tomorrow

... after a date

omg i gtg right now he asked if i wanted to shower

i'll update y'all later

- you, 2:07

dont worry girls, i took good care of her

xx jackson wang (y/n's bf)

[awkwardlittlepringle]

Queer ‘n Crazy

CHAPTER NINE

Hello, fellow Fanders!

I really hope y'all are doing okay, with the virus going around and everything. School just shut down where I live, and the gravity of the whole situation is just getting to me, really. I might release this chapter a day late, sorry about that; I'm just a bit shaken up. :)

Are you guys doing okay? You better be! If  you aren't just mention it and I'll give you a virtual hug. Here's a virtual hug, even if you don’t need it. 🤗

(Is that a hug emoji? IDK.)

ANYWAY, HERE'S THE CHAPTER!

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter 

WARNINGS: Swearing, obliviousness, nicknames, mention of suicide, depression, yelling, disaster gays, watching people when they sleep... I think that's it.

.................

"If you're sad, and depressed, cause your life's a fucking mess, if you're sad and you know it clap your-"

Virgil groaned, trying to will his heavy hand to rise. It wasn't working.

The tinkling tune kept playing, and Virgil, instead of turning it off, buried his head in his pillow instead. Usually he'd slap it off immediately, but Logan had suggested leaving it on the other side of the room in an effort to help Virgil get out of bed.

Needless to say, it didn't have the intended effect.

Virgil heard a noise from the other side of the room. "Turn that bloody thing off." Logan grumbled, shifting in his bed to squint at Virgil. Virgil poked his tongue out at him, before turning the other way and clamping his hands over his ears. Logan groaned into his pillow, before lifting his head and putting on his glasses.

Now able to actually see Virgil he glared at the teen, who was watching him with a smirk.

"If you're suicidal and you know it-"

"Why the hell did you make that you're alarm, you bitch." said Logan, cricking his neck. Virgil tossed the covers away from himself and sat up, rubbing his face. "Patton said to change it to If you're happy and you know it. I thought this would be more bareable."

"Well it clearly isn't." Logan scrunched up his nose -How the fuck is he so cute?- and yawned. "Turn it off..." "You do it, you're closer!" "It's your alarm!" Pretty irrefutable logic.

Virgil grimaced before dragging his unwilling feet to hit the frigid ground. You'd think carpet would be warmer. He trudged over to his dresser and grabbed his phone; dismissing the alarm. Upon doing so, he caught sight of his reflection in the mirror.

Almost subconciously, he hissed at his reflection. Gross.

He froze, shoulders hunching, and whirled around to face Logan. A bewildered expression graced the other's usually stoic features, accompanied by a heart-stoppingly hot smirk.

"Did you just hiss?" Oh shit he thinks you're a weirdo. Great job dumba- "That is adorable." Virgil started, heat rushing up his neck.

"What?" "I said, that is adorable." Logan's face softened as he gazed at Virgil. (Who was still frozen.) He thinks I'm cute? "How the hell is it cute?!" "I have no clue. How come you do it?" Virgil hunched in on himself, bewildered. "I dunno, why do you wanna know anyway?" "My roommate, who's already cat-like enough, hisses. It's only natural for me to be curious." "What do you mean, cat-like?"

"You sit on top of high surfaces, humm when you're pleased, are attracted to warmth, curl up when you sleep, you hiss-" "You watch me when I sleep?!" "I- uh-"

Logan began to stammer, his face turning a brilliant crimson. Despite his extensive vocabulary, he seemed lost for words. His sleep-shirt hung off his shoulder, and a dull light filtered through the gap in the curtains. It illuminated his pale skin and reflected off his glasses, casting a halo-like glow around his flustered figure. His bedhead was ruffled and sticking up awkwardly, and a beautiful blush dusted across his exposed collarbones and cheeks. His hand came up to cover his mouth as he avoided Virgil's gaze.

God, he's gorgeous.

Virgil felt his blush returning, and he snapped his open jaw closed. He turned back toward his mirror to see he was grinning. For once, it didn't look too bad on him.

"Uh, so, what class do we have first?" He watched Logan's reflection as he turned back to Virgil. "English." "Shit, I forgot to finish my draft." Virgil snatched his hairbrush off his dresser, running it through his bed-head frantically. Logan chuckled, stretching his arms out. "You can finish it at breakfast." "How long do we have 'till then?" said Virgil, now rummaging through his closet. "40 minutes."

"Okay." Virgil turned toward Logan. "I'm assuming you're gonna take a shower?" "Mhm. I honestly don't understand how you go without one." he said, finally getting out of bed. He grabbed a towel out of his chest. "Is it alright if I go first?" "Go ahead."

Half an hour later the two of them were rushing around, doing a few final checks. Well, at least Virgil was rushing around. "Are you sure I can finish it at breakfast?" Logan frowned. "I don't know, it's your writing." "I'm just editing." "Well then why wouldn't you?" He replied, straightening his tie. Virgil shrugged, grabbing his pencil case off his desk and shoving it into his bag.

"I dunno, Lo. I'm just a mess in general." "You're a pretty great mess, if I do say so myself." Warmth flooded through Virgil at the compliment, leaving him confused. This was the third time this morning he'd blushed because of Logan...

Logan, however, didn't seem to notice his roommates reaction. He grabbed his bag off of his desk before turning to Virgil. "I feel like I'm forgetting something..." said Virgil, ruffling through his bag. "Keys?" "Ah, right. Thanks, Logan." "No problem."

Just as Virgil was about to leave, he spotted an empty pill bottle on his desk. He grabbed it, before shoving it into his pocket. Logan shot a questioning look at Virgil as he joined him in the hallway.

"I'm seeing my phsyciatrist today, she said she was going to switch my meds. Wanted to know which ones I was taking." Logan nodded.

The two walked down the hallway in silence, enjoying each other's company. While it was peaceful, Virgil couldn't help but adress the slight giddiness that seemed to have settled in his chest. It was confusing; he had no reason to feel this way. It was a nice feeling, though. Kind of like he was floating.

He followed Logan down the hallway to an elevator, and stepped inside. As the doors closed, Logan asked-

"How come you didn't finish your draft?" Virgil shrugged. "I dunno, I just couldn't get it done." Logan frowned. "Weren't you staring at your computer screen for like 30 minutes last-" "Shhhhhh~!" Virgil held up a finger.

"What?" "You're ruining it." "What am I ruining, exactly?" "My excuse." The doors opened at the lobby, and the pair stepped out, and began walking to the doors.

"I'm just saying, you can't exactly tell Mrs Von that." Virgil scrunched up his nose. The two walked up to the sliding doors. Just as they cracked open, a familiar voice filtered through.

"Hey guys!!!!" Despite his confusion, Virgil found himself smiling.

Standing in the middle of the courtard was a grinning Roman, waving madly at them. Patton was with him, also waving, although in a much calmer manner. Logan exhaled as he adjusted his bag strap.

"Good morning you two." They joined the others in the courtyard, and the four of them began to walk toward the dining hall. This had become the usual routine for them. Each pair would come out about eight minutes before breakfast, wait for the other, and then they'd walk together.

"Have you guys finished your drafts for english?" "Yup." "Pretty much. I'm gonna look over it at breakfast, though." Virgil groaned. "I swear I'm the only one who isn't finished." He said, shoving his hands in his pockets. "How much do you have left?" asked Patton, falling into step beside him. "Just editing." "Well then you shouldn't have a problem, should you?" He said, smiling encouragingly. Virgil shrugged, looking away.

What if he didn't finish though? He was fine with being in trouble, but being called out in front of everyone was a high possibility, and certainly wasn't one he liked.

"C'mon, Virg!" Patton brushed his shoulder against Virgil's. "You'll be alright. All the teachers are understanding, they take illnesses into account, remember?" Virgil chuckled. "It sounds like you'rer talking about cancer." Virgil's eyes widened. "N-Not that I'm joking about cancer, of course- that's kind of stupid-" "Virgil, I know. Calm down." Patton linked his arm through Virgil's. It was a simple touch, but it certainly helped calm him.

"And anyway, I have something else to mention." Patton slowed his pace, tugging Virgil along with him. Virgil let out a small noise at the movement, before steadying himself and glancing at Patton, worried. Noticing Virgil's expression, Patton let out a small chuckle.

"Nothing bad I promise." Virgil raised an eyebrow, causing Patton to gasp. "How do you do that? You're like Doctor Who!" Virgil scoffed. "Hardly." "Anyway, I just wanted to ask... Are you good?" Virgil looked at strangely.   "Yeah~? I mean I haven't got worse since I got here-" "No no no, not like that. I mean, this morning, you looked kinda spaced out." Was it that noticable?

"I was? I didn't notice." "I'd like to make it clear that I don't believe that for a second."  Apparently Patton could see through him. "Tell me~! That is if you want to, of course." "I'd prefer not to." Patton pouted, but left it alone.

But now Virgil was even more confused. There isn't any reason for him not to tell Patton, so why didn't he tell him? Maybe to avoid sounding crazy?

"Hurry up, slowpokes!" Virgil looked up to see Roman watching them from around 20 feet away, tapping his foot impatiently. "At this rate all the hashbrowns will be gone." "They refill them, Roman." "Shut it, Calculator."

"Roman! What did I say about name calling!" Roman rolled his eyes. "Okay, dad." Patton grinned mischeviously. "That's right. You're all my kiddos now." Logan blinked.

"You're younger than me-" "Hush, Lolo. Respect your elders." "Roman what have you done." said Virgil jokingly. "We're gonna be late!" said Roman, grabbing Patton by the hand. "Accompany me, Padre!"

Logan watched the pair's retreating backs with a dumbstruck look.

"I have never been more confused in my life?" Virgil snickered at the look on his face, before grabbing his elbow. His skin tingled where it met Logan's. "Come on, Logan. If we leave them alone they'll probably find a way to burn the hall down.

"There are no fires lit in the hall?!"

................

Summary : Virgil and Logan are getting ready for bed, Virgil being a blushing gay mess the whole way. They meet the others in the courtyard, and walk to the dining hall. Patton notices that Virgil's spaced out today, to which he responds with "I didn't notice." It doesn't fool Patton though. Platonic Lamp shenanigins ensue, and Virgil is left wondering what the elated feeling in his chest is.

TAGS : 

@someone-idk-is-here

@true-chaotic-dumbass

@tired-babyboy 

@666frostwolf

If you wanna be added to the list, shoot me an ask. :)

[kkaebsongtypo]

Coffee and a Muffin // Mark Lee

(A/N: Wauww,,,, I want to be active and stuff so I'm back with a Mark soulmate scenario! I am also working on a Haechan Soulmate REQUEST. That one should be up maybe this weekend??? I'm hoping T.T Anyways, I'm going to work on these a/n things because, clearly, I'm not very good at them aha. That's all, enjoy some fluffy Mark time ;33)

pairing: mark x reader

genre: floooooffff

warnings/notes: possible language???

word count: 4388

(Side Note: Coffee and a muffin is kind of a lowkey theme but it's not extravagant. again, I didn't proof read, i may or may not proof read later, but I'm in class right now so yeahh♥♥♥)

Theme/Summary thing:

ink au (like my renjun au, swing set :D)

mark lee is Mark Lee from NCT

you're an nctzen

if you didn't read Swing Set then I'll explain the tattoo thingy rn

if you read it then feel free to skip this :)

if one is drawing or writing on themselves, the other can feel the pen/marker/etc. as it’s writing

same goes for tattoos ;333

random tattoo needle pains haha

pen drawings fade/wash off

if you didn't physically get the tattoo yourself, it fades to a very, very faint tattoo, almost to the point where it's barely noticable

OKAY GOOOOO

cute little back story

as younger children, you two didn't really write on yourselves like ever

so you never new about any of that soulmate writing stuff

until you were like 10 and Mark was 11

you drew this little heart on your wrist at school

so Mark felt like a pen was drawing his skin

so he looked down to where he felt the sensation and he was like

??????????

so when he got home he was like

hey mom

why is there a heart on my arm???

I didn't draw this

and his mom is like

that's your soulmate sweetie

they draw on themselves and it shows up on you too

and little Mark is all like

woahhhhh????

so his mom tells him that if he draws on himself it will show up on his soulmate

so he's like

can I write to them?????

so he starts writing to you

,,,,,,

but that only lasts around 2 years because he moved to korea and became a trainee at sm

so he couldn't write on himself/to you anymore

so he just kind of completely cut contact

and his scedual got so busy that he just couldn't contact you ever

OKAY REAL TIME NOWWW

you moved to korea with your family and now you're 16

and you have a job at this small cafe

and it's summer so you voluntarily take the night shifts

did i mention that you fucking love nct

you actually recently got your first tattoo

which was that cool nct u logo

you do sometimes wonder about Mark

you, also being completely oblivious that tattoos show up on your soulmate too

speaking of Mark

(the day you got the tattoo)

Mark was practicing with the boys for their up coming comeback

and all of a sudden,,,,, he feels this pain in his left shoulder

(if you don’t know what getting a tattoo feels like: it feels like the tip of a sharp knife slightly cutting into your skin,,,,,,it’s not that bad,,,,)

(that's somewhat accurate,,,,,, I can't really explain it,,, I mean I have a tattoo so,,,, it's more accurate than not T.T)

so he walks up to the mirror and pulls the collar of his shirt down and sees the nct u logo being drawn onto his skin

and he's like

'what the hell is she drawing with??? a knife????

so he google whether or not a tattoo your soulmate gets will show up on the other

oh snap,,, they do

wow what a surprise

so he's like

'hm so she's a fan'

he is actually looking forward to meet you because he know you like their music

so you must like him

so a week later

you're working your usual night shift at the cafe

not many people come around at night

the ones that do are usually just in a hurry for work or they're on a trip and need to get going

so you're just wiping down the counter

and then the door opens

and in walks Mark with sunglasses, a mask and his hood up

(A/N: rewriting this makes me realize how shadey that would actually be oml lol)

it was around 1:30 am when practice finished so he decided to go to a nearby cafe and get some coffee and maybe a muffin

so he walks up to the counter and you greet him and ask what he would like

so he orders a coffe and the looks over at the small glass case of baked goods

he hums in contemplation before asking you which muffin you'd recomend

you've never been asked that before so you were slightly unprepared but soon spoke

'well, I guess it really just depends on what mood you're in. I like the blueberry more in the mornings, like for breakfast, but i prefer the chocolate chip for late nights. I made a small batch them fresh about 10 minuets ago, they're prreettttyyy amazing,,,, or that might just be me being over confident in my baking skills.'

smiling up at him as he pulled his mask down and chuckled

he returned your smile and finished his order

'well then, I think I'll have one of those amazing, fresh chocolate chip muffins you made.'

so as he was getting the money out of his wallet,,,, you pulled your hair into a low ponytail

he glanced at you as he handed you the cash

and that was when he saw the nct u logo tattooed on your left shoulder

right where his showed up a week prior

he watched as you turned around to get one of the fresh muffins from the cooling rack and place it on a small white plate

he started speaking when you placed it infront of him

'i like your tattoo'

you looked down at your shoulder to peek at it as you started to make his drink

you laugh lightly because you lowkey forgot it was there and reply with

'oh, thank you,,,,,,,'

you trail off, implying you want his name

and he's like

'you can call me Min'

and so you're like

'thank you, Min'

and so he continues running convorsation as he takes a seat at the little bar area infront of you

'so I'm assuming that you're a fan of nct u'

you nod

'yeah, well, I'm a fan of nct as a whole group'

'so is nct u your favourite unit?'

you shake your head as you finishs his drink, placing it infront of him as you spoke

'no, like I said, I love nct as a whole group. But if I had to pick a specific unit, it would definetly be dream.'

he nods and quietly thanks you for the coffee

after wiping down the counter once more, you pull a stool out from under the counter and sit in front of him as he starts up conversation again

'so, who's your bias in nct?'

(oh shit time to spill the tea)

you think for a moment before saying

'Well I love all of the members so kind of just have one from each unit,,,,'

'alright, so then lets's start with u, and then 127, and then dream.'

you giggle and start

'okay well in u,,,, it's probaby~~~'

'hmm, probably Ten,,,, or Jaehyun,,,,'

so Mark is like lowkey disapointed

but nods anyways as you continue to 127

you smile and sigh before mummbling a quiet um

'in 127, Taeyong,,,,,'

you started with confidence and then you're like

',,,or Winwin.

finally you reach dream

and Mark is ike more than hopeful

third time's a charm right?

W R O N G

'in dream, 100% Renjun.'

'but like,,, Jeno.

'ah yeah, 100% Renjun.'

and now Mark is like hella disapointed and lowkey confused because he wasn't mentioned at all

he's in all three unites so he's like

I should've been mentioned at least once,, right- I'm cool ri-

his thoughts are interupted by you saying more

'Renjun is probably my bias in nct as a whole group now that I think about it,,,,,'

'but then Mark like ruins everything,,,'

'ultimate bias wrecker'

you giggled at the last part

and now he's just beaming so he starts talking again

'so, do you like any other groups?'

and y'all continue conversing about music and other interests

Mark decides to keep his identity from you

he's having a good time just talking to you like Mark and not Mark Lee from nct

and since you two are soulmates, he wants you to know him as himself and not mr. long ass ride

and he wants to know you as you and not a fan of nct

(not that the sunglasses can hide that adorable smile of his)

after a while of talking, you decide to make yourself a drink as well

so he's just observing you as you make your drink

you sit down again and get back into convorsation

you two don't even realize the time until Mark gets a text from Taeyong saying that he should come back to the dorms

because it's 3 am and they have paractice again tomorrow

so he says he has to go

but before leaving he asks if you're working again tomorrow

and you just tell him that you have the night shift for the rest of the summer

he nods and gets up to leave

but as he goes to open the door

he turns around and pushes the door open with his back

and he's like

'you're really pretty by the way'

with that beautiful smile

you blush and let out a soft 'thanks'

the next day

he comes back

this routine continues for about a week and a half

and he's falling for you fast

y'all are soulmates after all

so about a week and a half later

he came in at the usual time and you're like

'hey Min, you want the usual?'

and he nods

putting the cash on the counter as you grabbed his muffin

once you both have your drinks

you sit in front of him like usual

and he starts to speak

'hey so,,,, i have something to tell you'

so you nod and he takes off his sunglasses and hood and is all like

'heyy,, I'm Mark,,, from nct'

and you just smile and say

'hey so,,,, I have something to tell you too'

and he's just hella confused like

?????? I'm Mark????? From Nct????? One of your favourite kpop groups?????? Your ultimate bias wrecker??????

but he just nods slowly

and you're like

'i kind of figured that out when you started talking to me that first night haha'

and he's like

'????? you didn't even say anything though????'

and so you smile and explain your reasoning

'well i just thought that if you wanted me to know you were Mark, you wouldn't have come in here with sunglasses, a mask, and your hood up'

and he's just shook™

he's now just looking at you with so much adoration beacuse of your respectful act

he has fallen so hard for you at this point

so he looks down at the sleeves of his hoodie

and then he looks back up at you and asks for a pen

you hand him one despite your confusion

so he rolls up his sleeve and starts writing

all of a sudden you feel that old writing sensation on your arm and you look down to see something being writen onto your skin

when he puts the pen down you look up at him

he smiles and nods towards your arm which now reads

hey, we're soulmates

and you look at his arm too

which read the same little message

so you look up at him and you're just like

'how did you know that????'

and he whispers a quick 'oh' of realization

and takes off his hoodie

he pulls the collar of his shirt down

revealing the nct u logo on his left shoulder

right where you got your tattoo 2 weeks ago

he just smiles and is like

'I saw it that first night I came in,,,, but I didn't want to scare you by walking in and then immidiately going 'oh hey i know we just met buT WE"RE SOULMATES' y'know..'

and you just like smile and walk out from behind the counter to where he's sitting

once you reach him,,, he turns to face you

and you wrap our arms around his neck for a hug

he wraps his arms around your waist and pulls you close to him

between his knees so you could stand in his embrace comfortably

after a few seconds,,,, Mark pulls back to look at you

keeping his hands on your waist,,, and you keeping your hands on his shoulders to look back at him

you two smile at each other

and Mark begins to speak

'I really do like you y/n'

to which you reply with a giggle and

'I really like you too, Mark'

he smiles and leans his forehead on yours

he glances down at your lips for a quick second

he looks back up into your eyes and whispers nervously

'can I kiss you?'

to which you blush and nod with a smile

so he leans in and gently presses his lips against yours in a sweet, innocent kiss

one of his hands moves up to cup your cheek as you both pull away

smiling and resting your foreheads together again

he strokes your cheek with his thumb and you giggle

you peer over to the clock and see that it's almost 5 am

you pull away from Mark and walk back behind the counter and start wiping it down

you glance up to see Mark observing you with an adorable smile

you laugh quietly and speak up

'my shift ends when my coworker gets here if you wanted to do anything'

he looks up at your face and asks

'hm okay, what did you have in mind?'

you shrug and look back down at the counter as you dry it

'maybe we could go on a real date'

he giggle

'a real date, at 5 am'

'yeah'

you laugh as you took off your black apron

'a real date. At 5 am.'

ahhh oml my heart

honestly i love Mark with all of my heart

mr. long ass ride is also yaballa bahiya boy

and i love both sides

i'm working on a haechan request but i might post jeno as a filler

look forward to it

be there or be square

~ Jae☾

[theworstbob]

yellin’ at songs: week 31

brief reviews of the songs that debuted on the 8.9.1997, 8.11.2007, and 8.12.2017 editions of the billboard hot 100

8.9.1997

10) "Never Make a Promise," by Dru Hill

See, the thing about this R&B song in which a person makes an eternal promise that separates it from all the other dozens I've heard in the past couple of weeks is, goddamnit I was really hoping I would come up with a joke by the time I got to the conjunction, I figured, y'know, I'd get the ball rolling, get some momentum, y'know? If I started saying words in the cadence of a joke, I would get with the program and sort of involuntarily make a joke. I see now the folly in my ways. I should've been better prepared for 1997. I knew milquetoast R&B was in store. I dropped the ball on this one, and dropped it in such a way that it did not start rolling, to tie it back to a metaphor from earlier. I promise to do better. And uh, fun fact about me, I never make a promise I won't keep.

87) "Down for Yours," by Nastyboy Klick ft./Roger Troutman

Pitch the Auto-tune a little lower, put in a few of those drums what sound like a dude roiling his rs to imitate a machine gun, and this is a perfectly acceptable 2017 pop/rap song. I just wanna real quick address something: I know I said last week that every 1997 rapper, short Magoo, was better than the best 2017 rapper, but I was speaking in terms of pop/rap. Like, if you only go by what charted, which is a mistake for so... so many reasons, 1997 rap is better? But once -- I mean, the Kendrick and Jay albums were fire, but more importantly, you've got folks like Vince Staples and Brother Ali and Joey Bada$$ and Lupe Fiasco and SZA making awesome, challenging works that aren't gonna chart. These charts are at once a sample of music history and the poorest imaginable representation of music history. Anyhoo, I don't know what previously held the title of 'most innocuous song to throw Bob into an existential tailspin over the general utility of the YAS project,' but it belongs to this dumb sack of song now!

90) "Never, Never Gonna Give You Up," by Lisa Stansfield

Hey: if nothing else, clicking on this edition of YAS 7s should give you a fun and cool new way to Rickroll your friends. Add a meta layer to your Rickroll game. I know this isn't actually a comment on the song, because how could anyone be aware of memes in 1997? All these songs predate Hamsterdance. Someone should have told Lisa Stansfield there was already a song called this, though. Anyhoo, I'm not actually talking about these songs at all. They're boring! This is probably the most okay song so far, but I'm putting it out of my mind to think about a boring meme about a boring song.

92) "Drink, Swear, Steal, & Lie" by Michael Peterson

aw this guy's just a big ol' dork. i love him! ii love his dork ass song about how in love with his girl he is. this song has one joke and it's still a vastly more complex and well-written song than any pi[50,000 word treatise on bro country redacted]anyway, this dude's great. like, i'm a pop/punk main, y'know? i love dorky and earnest jams. this hits that button squarely, y'all. i'm so into this.

only publishing the 1997 top 20 because changes happen with the other two and i value consistency

20) "Step by Step," by Whitney Houston (3.15) 19) "Can We," by SWV ft./Missy Elliott (8.2) 18) "On and On," by Erykah Badu (1.25) 17) "I Want You," by Savage Garden (3.1) 16) "It Must Be Love," by Robin S. (5.24) 15) "Smokin' Me Out," by Warren G ft./Ronald Isley (6.21) 14) "Fix," by BLACKstreet ft./Ol' Dirty Bastard (8.2) 13) "Silent All These Years," by Tori Amos (3.22) 12) "What They Do," by The Roots (1.11) 11) "Step Into a World (Rapture's Delight)," by KRS-One (4.5) 10) "I'm Not Feeling You," by Yvette Michele (2.22) 9) "Bill," by Peggy Scott-Adams (3.29) 8) "Just Another Case," by CRU ft./Slick Rick (7.5) 7) "I'll Be," by Foxy Brown ft./Jay-Z (2.15) 6) "Felton St.," Leschea (6.14) 5) "Bitch," by Meredith Brooks (4.26) 4) "Mo Money, Mo Problems," by The Notorious B.I.G. ft./Puff Daddy & Mase (8.2) 3) "Return of the Mack," by Mark Morrison (3.1) 2) "Hypnotize," by The Notorious B.I.G. (4.26) 1) "Not Tonight (Ladies' Night Remix)," by Lil Kim ft./Angie Martinez, Left Eye, Da Brat & Missy Elliott (7.12)

8.11.2007

47) "Stronger," Kanye West

Graduation is such a goofy album because it has three of the best Kanye singles of all time, including what, let's be real, probably ends up as the best song from 2007, but it's also Kanye's worst and least interesting album. It's Kanye at a crossroads, stuck between being the pop/rap god and the morose Auto-tune sadlord who makes 808s and MBDTF. This song actually finds Kanye at the perfect point in the crossroads. He's still making a towering achievement for the mainstream, but he's breaking out of being chop up the soul Kanye, moving into electronic territory, developing his sound into that direction in a way that doesn't quite sound like MBDTF but sounds like the first step on that road. It'd be a bold experiment if it didn't absolutely work, and this is an amazing song by any objective measure.

65) "Cyclone," Baby Bash ft./T-Pain

Man maybe I just haven't noticed it yet or maybe I'm just coming down from the "Stronger" high, but I forgot how horrible the generic crunk beat was to listen to. It hasn't been quite so prevalent, but heck whoever gave this dude the Lil Jon MP3s. I will say that T-Pain making noises to describe what it feels like when a woman dips it low is the tiniest little miracle of a thing, but boy, is my life not better with this song in it. OK I just got to the part where T-Pain makes that noise three times in a row, this song is an achievement in Western art and culture and the world is saved.

83) "Love Me if You Can," Toby Keith

who the fuck listens to toby keith for the ballads like who is this for who thinks of this song when they think of toby keith no legit dude just make dumbass party jams i don't get why this would ever need to exist

84) "Take Me There," Rascal Flatts

Like legit why would you give "Love Me if You Can" to Toby Keith when Rascal Flatts is literally right there. Songs like "Love Me if You Can" and this treacly pile of love song are why you made Rascal Flatts in the first place. I also enjoy the twist this puts on The Country Song. I don't think anyone ever came to Rascal Flatts for Authentic Country Music, so them saying they want the girl to take them to Main Street and the backroads is actually kinda sweet. Like, they're not posturing, they're saying, "Yeah, we're clearly city softboys, but we wanna see the small town blue jean nights that made my girl." Rascal Flatts: generally inoffensive yet again! They just keep comin'!

89) "Proud of the House We Built," Brooks & Dunn

I like this song because it reminded me of The Wonder Years' "Teenage Parents," and I appreciate the opportunity to think about The Wonder Years. I dunno, country hasn't really been problematic this week! This song is almost good! It's just a nice look back on life. "Yeah, it kinda sucked, butcha know what, we made it." Maybe it could've acknowledged that the tough times sucked instead of looking back smiling and saying, "I wouldn't have it any other way?" Hard times suck, dude. I know you haven't heard that Paramore jam yet, but hard times suck and you shouldn't idealize them. Especially when, you know, you're a millionaire, and people who are actually going through hard times are listening to you and saying, "Welp, guess this is my station in life!" Hey Bob you're going on a treatise on the sociological implications of bro country, and you are actually unable to write that. Please write about JoBros.

92) "Hold On," Jonas Brothers

What a week for songs named after far more notable '80s jams! (Actually Wilson Phillips w)I LOOKED IT UP AND DECIDED I DIDN'T CARE anyway did anyone else forget that Jonas Brothers are like legit songwriters? Like, this is definitely as good as any Simple Plan song, and Simple Plan was like a decade older than these kids. Does Simple Plan make good music? That's beside the point, which is that Jonas Brothers was never garbage. They were always making highly enjoyable pop/rock songs for the whole family, and they were capable of making these songs from an extraordinarily young age. We could've done worse, is what I'm trying to get at. Like, we had it pretty got dang good with the JoBros, friends! There's a world where JoBros fades into semi-obscurity and makes highly enjoyable Christian rock with Hanson, and also no one ever makes "Jealous," and that's a pretty OK alternate reality, that one.

100) "Hood Nigga," Gorilla Zoe

The most optimistic sentence on Wikipedia is, "This is Gorilla Zoe's only top 40 hit on that chart, to date." This song ain't bad! It would've been a fine #1 in some of those weeks where the best song was like "Do it Just Like a Rock Star." He has this really fun and gruff voice, maybe a little laconic but certainly pleasant to put in the ears, the beat is, as the kids might have said in 2007, knockin', and we have certainly heard worse things! Also the radio edit replaces N with F and of all the letters to replace the N, F is easily the funniest, because now this song is about a dude who can't get enough figs in his life. Fuck Cristal, this dude's got a Fig Newton cabinet.

New #1 hype! 20) "Lip Gloss," by Lil Mama (6.9.2007) 19) "Stolen," by Dashboard Confessional (4.21.2007) 18) "Beautiful Liar," by Beyonce & Shakira (3.31.2007) 17) "Cupid's Chokehold," by Gym Class Heroes ft./Patrick Stump (1.13.2007) 16) "The River," by Good Charlotte ft./M. Shadows & Synyster Gates (2.10.2007) 15) "Say OK," by Vanessa Hudgens (2.17.2007) 14) "Alyssa Lies," by Jason Michael Carroll (1.13.2007) 13) "Never Again," by Kelly Clarkson (5.12.2007) 12) "Can't Tell Me Nothing," by Kanye West (6.16.2007) 11) "Get Buck," by Young Buck (4.14.2007) 10) "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," by Jennifer Hudson (1.13.2007) 9) "Thnks fr th Mmrs," by Fall Out Boy (4.28.2007) 8) "Candyman," by Christina Aguilera (1.13.2007) 7) "Misery Business," by Paramore (7.21.2007) 6) "Because of You," by Ne-Yo (3.17.2007) 5) "Umbrella," by Rihanna ft./Jay-Z (4.28.2007) 4) "Beautiful Flower," by India.Arie (6.16.2007) 3) "Dashboard," by Modest Mouse (2.17.2007) 2) "The Story," by Brandi Carlile (4.28.2007) 1) "Stronger," by Kanye West (8.11.2007) Hey guess what the alt-country song doesn’t end up being Record of the Year 2017. Also I made a minor adjustment to #20 because Lil Mama is going to stay around as long as I feel I cannot bop her in good conscience.

8.12.2017

40) "Back to You," by Louis Tomlinson ft./Bebe Rexha & Digital Farm Animals

Huh, well, I think I mind this the least of all the One Direction side projects! I'm down for a duet, even if this is just a little too low-key to ever attain Iconic Duet status -- drunk folks and karaoke wanna shout about love, and while I'm sure they'll appreciate the "you fuck me... up" phrasing, you're not giving them a lot to work wth. I've never minded Bebe Rexha as little as I do here, and just like in his boyhood, Louis Tomlinson doesn't do anything to ruin everything. This was passable. I wouldn't mind hearing this again, I wouldn't mind if a thousand lives were lived before I heard it again.

61) "What's My Name," by China Anne McClain 81) "It's Goin' Down," Descendants 2 Cast

Listen. Am I upset that this young woman's villain song does not in any way hearken back to "Poor Unfortunate Souls" in any way? Of course. Am I 15 years aged out of the target market for this song? I mean fucking obviously, I knew we'd be treading in these waters eventually. These are fine generic pop songs, the only true flaw in any being the fact someone looked at purple-haired girl and said, "She should be in a rap battle. I think she could convincingly hold her own in a rap battle," like I'm sorry sweetie you have an abundance of other talents and zero bars. It's charming. It's charming! Listen. Am I ready for China Anne McClain to rule the world for five yet-to-be-determined years in the future? Yes. Do I love Captain Hook's gay son? I LOVE CAPTAIN HOOK'S GAY SON

77) "Issues," by Meek Mill 79) "Wins & Losses," by Meek Mill 83) "1942 Flows," by Meek Mill 96) "We Ball," by Meek Mill ft./Young Thug 97) "Fuck That Check Up," by Meek Mill ft./Lil Uzi Vert 99) "Heavy Heart," by Meek Mill

So if I'm rating the theme weeks of 2017: 1) Kendrick Week 2) Jay-Z Week 3) Future Week 4) Meek Mill Week 5) Migos Week 6) Ed Sheeran Week 7) Big Sean Week 8) Drake Week 9) Bryson Tiller Week I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed these songs. Like, I'm actually adding the Meek Mill album to the library for future listening. "1942 Flows" and "Wins & Losses" are legit, they're engaging songs and Meek Mill brings passion to them, and maybe I'm just unfamiliar with the rest of Meek Mill's catalogue, but I honestly didn't expect to be involved in these songs. This seems like a fine album with which to kill a summer bus ride or two. Like, I can't remember the last time I heard a song with a Young Thug feature where I wasn't paying more attention to what Young Thug was doing. Meek Mill did fine work. (Worth noting: Wins & Losses is 15 minutes longer than DAMN., and I am curious what makes Meek Mill think he has 15 minutes' more of worthwhile thought than Kendrick.)

91) "Imitadora," by Romeo Santos

It was "Heroe Favorito," right, where I said I might enjoy Romeo Santos' whole thing on another day, when I was ready to accept him into my life? WELL HOT DIGGITY, Y'ALL, 'CUZ TODAY'S THAT DAY. I love his breathy falsetto thing over this song way more, it just fits. I'm also in love with this track, this gentle Latin guitar with occasional blasts of indie platformer main menu music. I don't know a better term to express what I mean because I'm bad at music, but these synth blasts play in the intro and outro and occasionally come back and they just take this track to another level. This is just phenomenal work from someone I now understand to be a veteran in the scene from the past seven months of limited engagement with the world of Latin pop.

I changed the top of the 2017 Top 20 again. 20) "Bodak Yellow," by Cardi B (7.22) 19) "Woman," by Kesha ft./The Dap-Kings Horns (8.5) 18) "Smile," by Jay-Z ft./Gloria Carter (7.29) 17) "Love Galore," by SZA ft./Travis Scott (7.1) 16) "Bad Liar," by Selena Gomez (6.3) 15) "DNA." by Kendrick Lamar (5.6) 14) "It Ain't Me," by Kygo x Selena Gomez (3.4) 13) "Craving You," by Thomas Rhett ft./Maren Morris (4.22) 12) "That's What I Like," by Bruno Mars (3.4) 11) "Chanel," by Frank Ocean ft./A$AP Rocky (4.1) 10) "Strangers," by Halsey ft./Lauren Jauregui (6.17) 9) "Either Way," by Chris Stapleton (5.27) 8) "Run Up," by Major Lazer ft./PARTYNEXTDOOR & Nicki Minaj (2.18) 7) "Imitadora," by Romeo Santos (8.12) 6) "Green Light," by Lorde (3.18) 5) "Hard Times," by Paramore (5.13) 4) "ELEMENT." by Kendrick Lamar (5.6) 3) "Despacito," by Luis Fonsi ft./Daddy Yankee (2.4) 2) "iSpy," by KYLE ft./Lil Yachty (1.14) 1) "Issues," by Julia Michaels (2.11) Like #1 should be a mix of Most Impactful Song and Song I Enjoyed Most, and maybe #1 justifiably belongs to “Despacito” given how great that is, I’m still getting a lot of mileage out of “Issues,” and honestly as long as I’m not keeping up this silly idea that a song that was #90 for one week is the most iconic song of the year this useless list has at least some utility. Shoutout to the true heroes Paramore, though. And also Major Lazer, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and Nicki Minaj. I will never fucking forget you guys.

Who won the week?

2017 actually put up a rather strong fight, but there was no way Meek Mill and the Descendants 2 soundtrack were going to take down “Stronger,” even when it was being weighed down with Toby Keith. 2007 had a couple strong punches, and it was more than able to notch another point. 2017: 11 1997: 11 2007: 9 In next week’s post, we get to listen to Spice Girls AND Billy Joel, 2007 gives us Luke Bryan AND Robin Thicke, and I don’t know what fresh hell 2017 has in store but evidently Tay Tay collaborated with B.O.B. at some point in the recent past and it’s gonna be real fun to deal with B.O.B. the popular musician should it come to that. What an unproblematic and unremarkable artist who has precisely zero bad opinions which he expresses loudly!

[aph-2p-headcanons]

2P!France Boyfriend Headcanons

((pls don't kill me)) ((lots of asks for this garcon))

⦁ MON AH MON ⦁ THIS IS WHAT YOU LIKE??? UNE PUTAIN BAG U E TTE???????? ⦁ y'all're weird ⦁ never let me say that again what the fuck i'm so sorry i've never said y'all inmy life thE SOUTH IS CONSUMING M E-- ⦁ a n y w a y ⦁ sO YA LIKE FRENCH GUYS, EH??? ⦁ WELL THIS FRENCH GUY LIKES YOU TOO ⦁ WHICH IS WEIRD ⦁ BECAUSE HE HATES ??? ?? EVERYBODY?????? ?? ⦁ a h e m ⦁ francois bonnefoy ⦁ he's, ah,, ⦁ il est quelque chose ⦁ (( i'm so sorry i'm trying to incorporate all the french i speak into this )) ⦁ he'S SOMETHIN' ⦁ SOMETHIN GREAT ⦁ no one ever believes that and it makes me sad ⦁ he is like kuro ⦁ he is standoffish and silent an everyone thinks he's cold and rude ⦁ no one gets him - but you get him, right? - ... right..? ⦁ it's true; he has a lot going on with himself - his internal struggle is high ⦁ but he doesn't open up to people often ⦁ then you came into the picture ⦁ he trusts you so much - 'tellement' ⦁ i feel like he's secretly a hopeless romantic, but he never gets to show it and always forgets once he has the chance ⦁ he'll make it up to you, don't worry ⦁ francois needs love ⦁ like ⦁ so mu ch ⦁ please give him attention - my child loves attention, despite what most people think ⦁ he's a softie, it's true ⦁ he has probably cried in his bathtub with a bottle of wine and a chickflick playin on his phone in his lap ⦁ he's very unmotivated and restless due to some things goin' on in his brain, so make sure he gets out of bed to do a health!!! ⦁ he can play the piano and has a lovely voice - he loves to play slow and soft and sad-ish songs, they're so beautiful - coax him to play for you ⦁ you better believe he's a poet - he loves to write - he will probably write you love letters if you give him the chance ⦁ be gentle and aware of his boundaries, but don't baby him to the point he thinks you're pitying him ⦁ he's gonna own you in any card game ever ⦁ his smile and laugh are so adorable and hilarious - he has perfect teeth?? despite his lack of care for his health?? ⦁ speaking of ⦁ you need to make sure he is staying hygenic and healthy - he gets into depressive spurts a lot and wont leave his room, so make sure you (gently) bust in and cater to his needs ⦁ he hates crying in front of people, so if he cries in front of you then you know you're gonna be there for a while ⦁ there's a horrible correlation with depressed people being lazy **THIS IS NOT TRUE** - NEVER call a depressed person lazy - that is N O T what is going on !!! ⦁ h o w e v e r ⦁ he actually is a lazy person ⦁ when he isn't in a state !! i promise im not being hyprocrytical  he's a lazy fuck - "amour hand me my glass" "franc it's right next to you, on the opposite side of me" "it's so far" "its two inches away" *loUD DEMON SCREECH* ⦁ he'S A D I CK LMAO ⦁ BACK TO HIS LAUGH ⦁ ITS SO FUNNY ⦁ LIKE ITS CUTE BUT ITS FUNNY ⦁ IF YOU REALLY GET HIM LAUGHING IT'S LIKE A WEIRD SNORT GIGGLE IDEK MAN IT'S LOUD AND GREAT ⦁ he is a CYNIC he will snO RT IF YOU TRIP his first priority is to lAUGH th En help - he's so clumsy he does not know how that wall got there oops ⦁ im sorry PARDON MY FRENCH but ⦁ he has such a sexy morning voice ⦁ like his voice in general is sexy bUt iN tHe MOrNInG ⦁ AaaaAAAAA ⦁ i'll leave it up to your imagination ;))))) ⦁ his sense of humour is so dry and witty it's great - like, you never could've noticed how fucking funny he was before unless you were th e r e ⦁ he speaks in french a l o t ⦁ like, he hates speaking in english - but he understands not everyone understands french so he does anyway - i hc thats a portion of the reason he's so quiet ⦁ also everyone headcanons him as some sort of gross drunkard who badmouths everyone and blows smoke in their face like??? nah fam ⦁ i say he only smokes when he is stressed - i mean that's like all the time, but,, ⦁ only if he really is stressed ⦁ and for drinking, it's the same, but more leisure ⦁ and he iS NOT GROSS he is WELL DRESSED but ALso depressed so i think that's where that stems-- but he maintains himself most of the time ⦁ he likes fashion like his 1p but is less obvious about it - model for him?  if you're shopping?? ⦁ loves light PDA ⦁ will hold your hand forever ⦁ in a constant state of tsundere grump, so smooch that frown off of his face ⦁ sarcasm and sass ⦁ your relationship is so playful,,!! bu t ⦁ he has a w e a k ne s s ⦁ he is ⦁ the most ⦁ ticklish person ⦁ known to man ⦁ like you fucking high five him and he'll piss himself ⦁ that's a reason for him not allowing people to touch him he will karate chop  your asshole in half ⦁ he likes taking you on quiet place dates like cafes or aquariums;;;;; anywhere he can just watch you and let you talk??? ⦁ yOU ARE THE STARS IN HIS GALAXY MY FRIEND ⦁ STARGAZING AAA FORGOT ABOUT THAT,,, HE LOVES IT ⦁ he's super into art and goes to art shows with Luciano a lot ⦁ go with him please ⦁ him and matt are v close and you might be seeing a lot of him and the rest of the face fam - you will undergo a series of interrogation tactics because they know how difficult it is for him to date ⦁ he will give you cute french pet names and maybe even teach you a lil ⦁ he's a super irritable person but he's so patient with you?? unless you're like strapping him to a rocket and he's like "we need to talk--" ⦁ i feel like he travels interdimensionally all the time - "franco- fraNCOIS"   "quO I ??" <-------- he was debating whether or not mermaids would be able to shoot guns underwater ??? - ????? ⦁ hes so fucking weird lemme tell you ⦁ he will give you existential crises at three am ⦁ im so sorry about that ⦁ you probably wont go to sleep because he wont shUT U P ⦁ it sg reat tho ⦁ he's great ⦁ tres bien ⦁ il est ton/ta amour et tu as son <333 ⦁ fRANCOIS BONNEFOY EVERY bOD Y

[trivia-bangtan]

MY TURBULENCE IN LA EXPERIENCE

So, initially I don't live in Cali. I live in Colorado. But guess what YA GIRL MANAGED TO TALK HER DAD INTO LETTING HER GO AND LETTING HER GET HI TOUCH TICKETS. So anyway, me and my friend got to the venue at like 11 and we got into the wristband line and waited til 12. It was sort of delayed so around 1-ish they started giving out the wristbands and then from there iGOT7's were free to roam until doors opened. My friend and I managed to find a door and they were doing soundcheck and whatnot and we were just hanging out. Then some girls came and they hung out with us and we listened to soundcheck. Then when we heard Mark (we think) speak through the mic I STG we all lost it and by then there had been 7-10 girls and WE ACTUALLY STOPPED THE SOUNDCHECK BC WE WERE SO LOUD. So we left and then one of the girls who was older than my friend and I said we should eat lightly before we went to the event. We had four hours so we said yeah and we found a really cheap sushi spot in Pasadena called Sushi Stop and YAAASSSS. So by the time we were done eating it was already like 3 and so the older girl said since we never tried boba, she would take my friend in an Uber to go get some while I asked about my camera (since the girl, her name was Marion, said that professional cameras weren't allowed in the Departure tour). So I went back to the venue and one member said no but two others said it didn't matter so I didn't bother using it. Then the talented LA iGOT7's who are so creative we're handing out fansigns and gifts and it was s'cute. Then at around 5:30-ish, fans were starting to crowd around the doors so naturally my friend and I stood with Marion and waited. Then we seen someone peek their head out of the window to record us (I could've sworn it was Jackson bc of the case but the person had blonde hair so it might've been BamBam but idk) and then iGOT7's chanted each members name and even Papa Tuan's name. Some even shouted CoCo ??? 😂😂 Then right at six the doors opened and everyone rushed in and was given a raffle ticket. My friend and I were Orch C, Row L and we got right dead ass center of the stage and we're probably 20 ft away which shocked me bc I thought it would've been farther. But I'm glad it was close. Then we waited for a bit and 30 minutes into letting us all in, Papa Tuan, Mama Tuan and the whole gang came in and everyone went nuts. People got up to take pictures and ask for high fives and they talked to him and he was so calm and happy about it all. He was so sweet. Then security came and made everyone sit down and clear the aisles. Then the show began and a little intro vid played and they came out and sang Let Me and I forgot what else but then they left and the host and translator came out and introduced themselves and then they had the boys come back out and they started the Q&A session. Jackson picked the "WHATS your ideal type?" question and YUGYEOM said sexy and cute iGOT7's. BamBam said someone who's cute and sexy for him (I think. It was so loud I couldn't really hear.) Jaebum said he didn't have a type. Then it went to Jinyoung (who looked like a damn prince I stg) and he had the question "What was your impression of everyone?" and he said that he thought Mark was really tan and that Jaebum (when they met 7 years ago) was really quiet and now he's not as quiet and that BamBam was short. He showed Bam's height at his chest level and then Jackson had to come in and torcher Bam saying he was at the ground height. Then Jinyoung said he thought Youngjae was cute and that he thought Yugyeom was older since Yugyeom was so tall. Then Mark picked two questions. I can't remember one of them but I know that one of them was "Which dance move do you like to see?" And Mark ofc said Yugyeom's sexy dance to which Jackson had the crowd chant his name and Yugyeom got up and SLAYED the dance (as per usual.) Then, it was Jaebum's turn and I forgot his question too (tbh so much was happening that I was trying to focus on sm.) Then Youngjae had a question to someone (I think it was Jaebum) that asked him what he does to write his lyrics. And Jaebum says he reads and watches movies (BamBam asked what kind of movies 👀) but I know he said he watched La La Land and cried which was cute. BamBam was next and his question was "Can you dance to JuJu on the Beat?" And him and Yugyeom got up and danced to a bit of it. Then Yugyeom asked his question (I forgot it too. I think it had something to do with Jaebum and why he likes R&B music but I'm not too sure.) Then the Q&A session was over and they performed Boom x3 and Just Right I think and then it was time for fan games and Guess The Song. So the boys picked some fans and they played Guess The Song first and the penalty was that if they got the song wrong they had to squat five times and flap their arms (in their case hands idk????) like a baby bird and literally Mark, BamBam and Jinyoung tried to cheat and use the fans as resources while Youngjae was steady slaying the game. In the end Youngjae won by like 5 and BamBam had 1 and I think Mark had 1 too. Then Mark, Yugyeom, BamBam, Jackson, Jaebum and Jinyoung played Rock Paper Scissors to see who would do the penalty. And ofc, Jackson, Jinyoung and Mark won while BamBam, JB and Yugyeom had to suck helium out of the ballon and do their parts. Jaebum did his part and sang some of La La Land (I think) and then BamBam did his part and then proceeded to say he sounded like Silentó and whipped and nae nae'd like nobodies business. Yugyeom sang his part BUT I KID YOU NOT THE BOY SOUNDED THE SAME AS NORMAL AND I DIED A LITTLE. (keep in mind the order they played the games might be incorrect) Then they brought the fans on stage and they introduced them. BamBam's partner was older then BamBam and BamBam was like "oh noona." And he did aegyo for her. Then JAEBUM introduced his partner but he couldn't understand her name so the fan made kitten claws (cause her came was Cat/Kat) and JAEBUM copied her 😂😂 Then Mark introduced his partner and BamBam pointed at her shoes (cause they were light ups like mine) and said "She's lit." 🙃🙃 then JINYOUNG introduced his partner and whispered in her ear and I assume he said to say MayDay was her favorite song (because then after he asked her what her favorite song was and she said MayDay). Then Jinyoung said "we're a great team." Then Jackson introduced his partner who was from China and her fave song was Boom x3 and then Jackson said "And her favorite member is Jinyoung." The Jinyoung tried to shake the fans hand and Jackson wasn't having it and then Jinyoung tried to protect his fan. Then Youngjae and his partner went up and they got like five and then it was Jaebum and his partners turn and they got two I think and the BamBam and his noona went up and he was like "I'll let my queen go first." And then they got four I think. Then Yugyeom and his partner went up and he accidentally kicked the hacky sack in her chest, by her heart and she pretended to faint (A+ for that fan who played along!!) and then Yugyeom helped her up and they got like two or three points and then Jinyoung went up and his partner hit three times on her first try and then Jinyoung hit it eleven times and his partner hit three more times and they ended at fifteen. Then Mark went up and his partner hit it once or twice and then Mark hit it up to like fourteen. And then the fan hit it like four times and they were in the lead and Mark was so happy he picked his partner up and spun her and I fired a little at his excitement. Then Jackson went up and him and his partner ended up with three or four points. And then the winning fan (Mark's partner) got some gifts and the winning hackey sack and then BamBam pointed out her sweater that said Jackson and he was like "Next time you should wear a different sweater." Then Jackson escorted her offstage. Then I think they showed some behind the scenes of hard carry while the boys got ready to perform If You Do and then they did their speeches. They all pretty much said that they loved LA and that they have some stuff coming up. Youngjae said LA was like a second home and then pointed out that Elliot Yamin was there and that his song was the reason that he passed the JYP auditions and then sang "I'll Wait For You". Then Mark talked about how he's grateful for the fans and that he's happy that iGOT's allow him to come home and see his family and he choked back tears and so did I bc I looked back at Papa Tuan (who was four rows behind me) and he and Mama Tuan were holding Mark signs. Then Jinyoung gave his English speech and talked about how happy he was and that LA was wonderful. Then Jackson, slay me, gave a speech about this year that you should live up to your life and there will always be people who try to bring you down but live your life how you want. YAS JACKSON YAS. Then it was time for the final song and BamBam was like "Can you guys guess what song is next?" and everyone said Hard Carry and he laughed and was like "Why not Girls Girls Girls?" and I was like Bammie please, that was a rough era for y'all. Can we not?????? But they performed Hard Carry confetti came out and then they left and the host and translator thanked us for the night and they brought the boys back out to perform their encore (Home Run) and everyone ran up. Like it was supposed to be just P1 but loads of fans pushed through security so they just left and I was like "okay???" And ran up and I was like soooo close. Like close enough to see Jackson sweating. But y'all my voice was gone and I couldn't scream so I just waved my sign (It was a Markson sign) and Mark stared at it and walked away and I was like 👀🤘🏻. Then they left again and we returned to our seats and then once people who didn't have wristbands left, they started the group photos and then once that was done it was hi-touch time. YALL LEMME TELL YOU. I WAS LOOKING BUMMY BC I DIDNT BRING A STRAIGHTNER AND MY HAIR IS REALLT CURLY SO DURING THE PERFORMANCE AND SUCH MY HAIR FRIZZED UP SO I THREW IT UP IN A BUN AND I HAD A JB SWEATER ON AND A JAEBUM NAME PIN ON AND I HAD LIGHT UP SHOES LIKE ONE YUGYEOM WORE ON HIT THE STAGE AND I LOOKED LIKE CRAP TO SUMMARIZE. So anyway, security was strict and they kept telling us that if they caught us recording they wouldn't let us do the hi-touch. Then, some fans tried to sneak back in line to hi-touch again but they got caught and the even was delayed for like five minutes before it started up again. I was gonna wait to be last but then decided against it and I seen Papa Tuan on my way to the line and I waved at him and he smiled and waved back and then I was like "Can I give you a high five?" and he smiled and laughed and gave me a high five and I thanked him and left and got in line. The line was moving sooo fast and I almost passed out. Like I was really nervous. My whole plan was to like, dab with Bam and make either Youngjae or Jackson laugh. So my friend went first and I went up the steps and I was waiting for security to give me the go and I was literally freaking out saying "oh my god" fifty times nonstop and I was jumping around nervously and Jaebum and Jackson noticed me and laughed a little bit. Then I went up to Jackson and looked him in the eyes and was like "Hi Jackson oh my gosh I love you." And he said "Thank you. I love you too." (So that goal was done lol.) Then I went to Jaebum and I was originally gonna call him JB but ended up saying his real name funny so I said "JAEBUM, I love you so much." And he looked down at the pin I had and laughed and smiled at me real brightly and said "Thank you. I love you too." (YALL MY BIAS SMILED AND LAUGHED AT ME LIEK AGDKSLANDB) and then it was Youngjae so in my head I thought JFC he's so cuteee. So I stuttered a little bit on his name and almost called him Yugyeom (bc Yugyeom was close by) and I was like "Yu-Yu-Youngjae! You're such a sunshine!!" And he giggled and told me thank you and the security guard was like "keep it moving." So I rushed to Yugyeom and stared at his face and was like "Hit The Stage I love you so much!" And he smiled hard and was like "I love you too!" And then I seen BamBam and at this point everything I wanted to ask him left my head bc we made eye contact and I ended up staring at his chest and said "I love you BamBam " and he shook my hand and smiled and then I looked at Mark and I stg that boy looked mighty fine 👀👀 I told him "Oh my god... Mark you're soo handsome." And he started smiling and said "Thank you." And then my friend before LOWKEY yelled at Jinyoung on accident and was like "JINYOUNG I LOVE YOU." and his eyes widened so much and he waved her off and watched her leave and he turned to me and I looked him dead in the eyes and said "I love you so much Jinyoung, you're such a prince." And he smiled and he HELD MY HAND LIKE DAMN I THIUGHT WE WERE GONNA INTERLOCK FINGERS HE HELD IT SO TIGHT and he said "Thank you. I love you too." And I walked off after that and I turned to Jinyoung and was like "Bye Jinyoung." And we waved to me and said bye like I think the girl who was a space behind me didn't get much Jinyoung AND IM SORRY FOR THAt. But then me and my friend waited outside and then we heard cheering on the opposite side of the building and ran there and we caught BamBam and Jackson getting into the car and Mark left and I was gonna follow him but then realized he might've been leaving with family so I stopped. then they cleared the way for the boys to get through and they had to stop at a point and I waved to Jackson and I seen BamBam and dabbed and he pointed at me and waved to all of us after and I cried inside. And that's it. My Turbulence in LA experience. I might upload some vids I got but like I said I didn't wanna take very many pictures and videos because I wanted to remember it through my own eyes and not the eyes of my camera.

[rpchive]

Sixtieth Encounter-- Staring Contest

Collin walks into the console room holding an unfolded letter in his hands. "Hey folks, guess who just got mail, courtesy of a magical hand mirror?" Zomrabitt: I...almost forgot we had that. What's up? Collin: I know, right? I kinda feel bad honestly. I really should keep in touch with him more often. Anyway, Barbell sent me a letter asking how we're doing, what we've been up to, that sort of thing. He says we should stop by again sometime soon. Relana misses having more people in the house, apparently. Nydins: Well, "people" is kind of relative. But it's possible! If you want to go, anyway. Is he even expecting us? Collin: I could send him something back saying we'll be by soon. I get the feeling he doesn't really live on any kind of solid schedule, though... Nydins: That's fair. Just as long as we aren't stopping by uninvited or something. Wouldn't want to intrude! Collin: Heh, wouldn't be the first time we dropped in on him. His golems practically dumped us on his doorstep the first time we met, remember? To be fair, they also thought the IT was an actual vending machine.

I mean, there’s been several cases of that already

Collin: I don't think those guys were made to do critical thinking. Anywho, I'll go write him back real quick so he knows to expect a spaceship on his front lawn soon. Collin steps out of the console room and heads back to his own. Nydins: Do you think we're gonna interrupt any more holidays? I think it'd be interesting to see more, especially since they seem to have different holidays from your human Earth ones! Zomrabitt: Dude, you're asking the wrong guy about human holidays. I hardly even remember celebrating any after everything I've been through. Not like it matters much now. Nydins: Oh, don't be so down! You don't have to be human to celebrate a human holiday! Never stopped me, anyway. Though I will admit, it was a little hard wearing hats...I usually just wound up hanging ornaments on my horns, but I guess you'll just have to settle for hats like everyone else!

Collin reenters the console room. "Alright, message sent. Should I go round up whoever's interested in going while y'all park this thing?" Zomrabitt: Umm, sure. Collin strides out once more, walking slightly faster than he normally does to round up anyone interested in going. Firefly; Rio; and Karumet all come into the console room with Collin Karumet: So we're meeting an old friend of yours? Collin: Pretty much. He's the guy who made my leg, actually. I still need to figure out a way to repay him for that... Karumet: Well, I guess he can't be all that bad if he helped you like that. I'll trust him for now, then. Zomrabitt: For now? He's not a bad guy; please don't fight anybody. Karumet: I won't fight anyone who doesn't attack us first. Besides, I'm not really in a state to do much damage; so don't worry about me actually hurting anybody just because I'm not very quick to trust them. Collin: I think you'll warm up to him pretty quick. So, are we almost there? Nydins: Yep, should be landing soon! Let us know if anything cool happens, okay? Collin: Will do. After the IT finishes landing, Collin opens the door of the IT and steps out into the field in front of Barbell's hill. "It's not much from the outside, but the inside's a lot nicer than you might think, I promise." Rio: It...looks like a hill. Is he a mole?

The Unholy Moley Underworld bully I will crush those who oppose me Just like mummy told me

Collin: No, he's quite human. At least, he looks that way. You never know, maybe he's using magic to hide his true form... Firefly: Hopefully not; then you'd know even /fewer/ humans... Collin: No kidding. I think he and Relana are the only two on my list, come to think of it.

I mean, you met Y and everyone in Area 51. Hussie was also human when you first met. Rai was human; just magical. same with uhh...whoever was the Lumiere captain...can’t remember her name rn

Collin heads for the front door and knocks. After a few moments, the sound of quick, metal feet scurrying towards the door can be heard from the other side and the door clicks and swings open. Sparks, the iron golem with an arm-mounted dart launcher, waves to the group and speaks. "Hey everyone! You guys got here really fast. Got some more new people, I see?" Zomrabitt: Just a few, yeah. How've you been? Sparks gestures for everyone to come in as he answers. "Pretty good, not much to say on my end. Our patrols have been the same-old for months now. Relana's apprenticeship is really starting to take off now. Barbell's been holding lessons all over the house depending on the day's subject. I think they're in the library right now, actually. Oh right! Name's Sparks. I'm part of Barbell's iron golem team. We keep the area monster free and make sure all's right in the neighborhood.” He extends a small iron hand up to Karumet first, clearly intent on shaking new hands in turn. Karumet looks at him like she's not entirely sure what to do, then waves in return. "Um...I'm Karumet. Nice to meet you." Sparks seems to take the gesture as a sign of not wanting to be touched and casually turns to Rio, also waggling his upraised arm at her. "And you...?" Rio: Ah! Um, m-my name is R-Rio! It's nice to meet you too! Rio shakes Sparks' hand so gently it almost comes off like she's scared of making prolonged physical contact. Sparks: There's no need to be worried, I don't bite. I actually don't have a mouth, so at worst I would have to... rub my face against you? That just sounds awkward more than anything. Uhh, moving on, I'll lead you guys to the library. I think they're almost done with lessons for the day. Even if they're not, I'm sure Master wouldn't mind a bigger audience. He seems to really like teaching. Sparks turns and heads up the stairs, eventually taking the group to the door of the library. Barbell's voice can be faintly heard from behind the heavy wooden door. Sparks raps against the door and the words "Come in" answer in kind. Collin goes ahead and opens the door, and inside a large chalkboard covered in sketches of what look like strange humanoids is set up amidst the bookshelves with Barbell standing at its side. Relana is seated in one of the two chairs in front of the chalkboard, while Bug sits in the other. The trio turn to face the group as they enter, and Barbell holds his arms out to greet them. Barbell: Aha, there you are! If I had known my letter would get such a quick response, I would have written ages ago! Good to see you all, come in, come in! We were just getting to the good part of our little history lesson here. Zomrabitt: History lesson? About what? Barbell: Oh nothing, just a little something on the history of magic and the deities that bestowed it upon our world. He smirks as he speaks, clearly trying to reign in his excitement. Firefly: Finally, something actually interesting! If I had to hear XL talk about her blacksmith dads one more time I was gonna seal her room. Barbell: Now now, family is important. He holds up a finger and spins it in a circle a few times, and several chairs slide over to form a second row behind Relana and Bug. Firefly: I mean, I guess? But when you have over 5000 siblings, you kind of stop caring about that. Shrugging, Firefly takes a seat. Relana quietly says something about how Firefly's bathroom must've been really crowded at home while Barbell clears his throat and begins his lecture again.

I mean, the rest were...all bugs; so in all likelihood that wasn’t really a problem. but I guess she doesn’t know that so

"Now, it's a well known fact that our world has a number of drastically different magical systems. Ars Magica, Botania, Blood Magic, and Thaumcraft, just to name a few. Heck, even Thaumcraft has many different schools of magic within itself. So that raises the question, 'Why does our world have so many different kinds of magic?' Well, ancient texts recovered over the years tell of a sort of magical pantheon, or group of godlike figures." Barbell taps the chalkboard with his finger, and the somewhat crudely drawn figures seem to come alive on the board, making idle movements and gestures as he continues to speak. "The names of these gods is still a highly contested topic, and honestly I leave it up to personal choice. The important thing is that each god bestowed upon the realm their own unique magical power. However, magic back in those times was supposedly much simpler and... 'pure', for lack of a better word. There are no records of anything resembling Flux, for instance." Relana quickly raises her hand and Barbell smiles and nods, to which she asks... "So what caused things like Flux? Was it one of the gods?" Barbell: Well, not one of these that you see here. A different deity, one that did not wish to give away its power to the world, grew jealous of how loved the other deities were. In an act of jealousy, the god lashed out and poisoned the magic of the world. After that, a war broke out between the rest of the pantheon and the rouge deity. Eventually the rogue was sealed between the dimensions of reality, but the pantheon had used too much of their power to do so and were forced to ascend from this plane. In its wake, we have our modern day magic systems. It's worth noting that the rogue deity actually does have a verifiable name. The translations differ, but the most common one is "Israphel". Do I have any questions? How about from our guests?

please don’t bring Sand Voldemort into this

Karumet: Are there any dead forms of magic, or are all of those still being used? Is it widely practiced? Barbell: It's hard to tell. We still aren't entirely sure how many members of the pantheon there actually were. Certain forms may have been destroyed in the war, or otherwise faded into obscurity over the years. Ars Magica is actually much weaker in terms of size than it has been in the past. Personally, I only know of one proficient practitioner of the art. Witchery also isn't very commonly used, although I blame that on social stigma. Firefly: That's kind of sad. It would've been nice to see a little variety. Botania's pretty big in the Twilight Forest, though I guess that kind of goes without saying...

Roots would also be very big (probably literally; its functions would be greater than the actual mod); Witchery is probably practiced in some places; basically anything very earthy and not machine-based would be used

Barbell: I feel that diversity in magic can be found within each individual system. Golemancy is a far different experience than artificing in Thaumaturgy, for instance. And don't even get me started on Witchery. That is one deep rabbit hole, hoo boy. Excellent questions, by the way! Anyone else? Rio: Are, uh...are you sure that all the god thingies all died? That sounds kinda sad... Barbell: Well, I'm not sure I would consider them "dead". Like I said, the gods ascended from our plane of existence, but I think in some way they're still connected to us. The only one that I would consider dead would be Israphel, who was sealed inside the Void. Rio: But they're not here, right? They're just...gone? Barbell: Correct, unless I've just been missing the giant people sitting in the clouds. Relana giggles slightly at the joke, and Barbell almost seems to brighten up the room at that. "Any other questions?" Firefly: Mm, doesn't look like it. Barbell claps his hand and an eraser jumps to life to wipe the board clean. "Then I believe class is dismissed for the day! Now I can properly introduce myself. My name is Barbell, Thaumaturge, Golemancer, and slightly above average cook, at your service." He strides toward Karumet and Rio, bows slightly, and extends his hand toward them. Rio: Um, I'm Rio, and this is Karumet! She clumsily shakes Barbell's hand while Karumet continues to avoid handshakes. Relana immediately swoops in beside Barbell and extends her hand to Rio, clearly taking herself very seriously.  "And I'm Relana, apprentice Thaumaturge and Tinkerer." Rio: It's really nice to meet the two of you! I haven't met many uh...nice humans before! Barbell: Well, I've got a few more where we came from, but they don't live here unfortunately- Barbell is interrupted by Bug tugging on the hem of his robe. "Oh right, I'm sorry! This is Bug, one of my iron golems. You can introduce yourself, buddy, you've done it before!" Bug nervously offers his hand toward Rio and seems to be having trouble looking her in the eyes. "H-hello..."

small golem; big crush. chase ur dreams kid~*

Rio: Oh, hello! She shakes Bug's hand as well, equally as gently as she did with everyone else. Bug quickly scurries off as soon as Rio finishes shaking his hand, and Barbell practically has to hide his smile behind his hand. "Now now, what's gotten into the lil' guy?" Karumet: Maybe he's shy... Barbell: Ah well, he'll be fine. Would anyone like refreshments? I'm actually quite thirsty after all that talking... Zomrabitt: Eh, I'm good. Rio can't even eat, so she's probably out of the picture too. Barbell: Ah, my apologies. Still, you should walk with me. It seems we have a bit of catching up to do. Barbell immediately begins walking toward the kitchen, still speaking to Tori. "So, how are XL and Silky doing? I notice they're not here with you this time." Tori follows Barbell out of the room. "Silky wound up leaving the IT temporarily to help another Novakid with...something. I wanna say she had to be his bodyguard since things are still a little hot in his sector after we wound up fighting one of the big bads. XL's still on the ship; she seems kind of bored, but I feel like all of us were kind of reaching that point anyway." Barbell: Ahh, I see. Well, it's good to hear everyone's doing alright. Things have been relatively tame here as well. Relana's been doing surprisingly well with her lessons, although she still needs patience, as do pretty much all kids her age. I've barely had time to keep up with my Flux watch with how busy I've been recently. How about you? Zomrabitt: We haven't done much ourselves. After we resolved the whole Greenfinger mess, the IT just sort of decided to...not land? We met Karumet; that was...something. I don't know; mostly it was just a lot of talking. Getting to know each other; where we all came from...some of it was interesting, but eventually everyone got tired of telling stories. Barbell: Ah, but that's the fun thing about being young; you'll have plenty of time to find new ones, and make some of your own. Zomrabitt: Please; we can't even sneeze without having an adventure of some sort. It was nice for things to slow down for a little while, but you don't really know what you've got til it's gone and all that. I'm sure Rio appreciated not being involved in a combative environment, but fighting things and saving people, that's...kind of what I do; what I'm meant to do. Not doing it just felt like a waste of time. Barbell: Time spent with friends and family is never wasted time, but I do understand what you mean. It feels strange to not be focused on making things for town projects or going out on expeditions- Oh, speaking of that, I have a favor to ask you and the others when they catch up, if you don't mind. Zomrabitt: A favor? Is something wrong? Barbell: Potentially, although I'm not sure how severe it is. I don't think it's anything too big, but an old man and a squad of golems could probably use a little more backup on this one. The group eventually meets up with the pair in the kitchen. Barbell finishes pouring himself a glass of a strange colored tea as the others enter the room. "Ahh, there you are! Perfect timing!" He takes a sip of his tea and then sets it on the table before reaching into his robe and pulling out a scroll. He unfurls it on the table to reveal a map of the area around his home, which rises up from the scroll's surface to form a slightly three-dimensional map. Certain areas are marked with yellow circles, while one spot with grass that appears almost black in color is circled in red ink. Barbell: I apologize for not mentioning this in my letter, but I've been trying to be casual about this around the kid. For the newcomers, a brief crash course; Thaumaturgy comes with a serious byproduct in the form of Flux. It can taint the land, affect the weather, and even cause health problems for biological beings. Normally I can keep the amount of Flux in the atmosphere to a negligible level, but almost overnight this area in red appeared. I'm not sure what's going on, but I think it's being caused by the intentional actions of someone. Firefly: Ooh, that looks...nasty, honestly. So you need our help with this? Well, the person; unless you expect these guys to be punching the Flux away... Barbell: Precisely. The best case scenario is that it's an aura node that's gone off the rails. That can quite literally be solved by punches. But if it is because of a person, I need help subduing them so that I can focus on cleaning up the area. I'm not frail, but I'm not exactly a boxer either... Zomrabitt: Yeah; that makes sense. So do you think it's just some random guy, or have you ticked somebody off that would want to get back at you? Barbell: Haha! Do I come off as the kind of guy that picks fights with fellow mages in the local tavern? I might have to revise my look if that's the case, hehe. But seriously, I don't think I have any enemies like that. I'm not sure what would cause someone to do something like this, but it can't be good. Zomrabitt: Yeah, if it's coming out of nowhere then they're probably just a jerk. Didn't peg you as the type to pick fights, but some people out there can get real petty over little stuff for no reason, so you never know. Better safe than sorry and all that. Barbell: Yes, well, when you get to be my age, petty grudges become more of a rarity. So, would you all be willing to help me? Zomrabitt: Of course! We wouldn't be very good friends to turn you down. Barbell: Excellent! We can head out in an hour, if you're ready to go. I need to gather some things before we head out. Zomrabitt: Take your time; we'll be here when you're ready. Barbell eventually reunites with the group in the foyer with a large backpack hoisted over his back. He mentions that he's having Bug stay behind with Relana at the house to keep her company while they're gone, and then sets out the door with the other three iron golems in tow, along with the group. As they leave, Fawkes steps out of the IT, ducking to make sure his head clears the doorframe. Fawkes: Ah, it appears I'm just in time. Are we going somewhere? Zomrabitt: Yep! Something about some dangerous clouds, I think? Some guy's causing bad stuff; the usual. Barbell: That's close enough, I suppose. Ah, one moment, I almost forgot. He reaches into his robe and pulls out a small, brass whistle. He blows two sharp notes out of it, and after a moment the faint sound of something akin to a train can be heard from the other side of the hill. Suddenly, what appears to be a personal sized train engine turns around the corner. Small mechanical arms on the sides of the train appear to be placing tracks in front of the engine and lifting them back off the ground behind it as it moves. It slows to a stop as it reaches the group, and a series of small platforms large enough for a person to stand on extend out from the train, enough for the entire group minus one. "If we're going to reach the place before nightfall, we'll need to take the Aurum Express."

I know you probably didn’t mean literal human-esque arms, but I’m imagining a train hurriedly dragging itself across the ground with massive, metallic arms, and that picture’s too funny to pass up

Zomrabitt: ...Wh-...? How did you just--?? No, it's magic; questions don't always have answers. Train it is. Barbell: I mean, I made the thing if that's what you're wondering. Fawkes, I apologize, but the platforms the Express makes don't really get up to your size. You have to be standing on one with both feet in order for it to keep you aboard. Do you think you can keep up alongside us? Fawkes: Do not worry, I can keep up just fine. The rest of you climb aboard, I could use the exercise anyway. The group boards the train platforms. Barbell hops on the platform directly behind the engine and pulls a lever, causing the train to jump forward into motion. In seconds, the Aurum Express is cruising over hills and between the trees at a surprising speed. Fawkes is able to keep up on foot at first, but eventually he decides to use his jetpack and flies above the trees over the train in order to keep up more easily. Barbell laughs and leans out to one side, his arm extended outwards. "Haha, it's been a while since I got to take a ride on the old girl! Remember, keep both feet on the platforms at all times! I don't want anyone flying off into the bushes!" Nydins: Oh, don't worry about us! Half of us can fly anyway; we'll probably be alright! Rio: I...don't think you've ever tried opening your wings while going this fast... Collin has latched onto Tori's shoulders with both hands and is trying desperately to  keep as steady as possible. "Suddenly I'm really grateful that the IT doesn't really have windows..."

I debated adding them once, but since the IT isn’t very slow, I figured it’d just like...give people motion sickness or something

After about twenty minutes or so, the train reaches a less wooded area, and the group notices the sky begin to dark slightly as the grass begins to become more green than gray. Eventually the ground turns a color just a few shades off from black, and a small, decrepit house comes into view. Barbell slows the Express to a stop a few hundred feet away from the building and steps off of his platform. "This looks worse than I thought..." Firefly: What even happened here...? Barbell: I'm not entirely sure. I've seen Flux do strange things to an area before, but never something quite so... ominous. We should tread carefully. Who knows what could be in that house. Is everyone ready? Zomrabitt: I mean, we're already here. So, is it actually dangerous to walk around there, or...? Barbell: I meant that more as a turn of phrase, but it never hurts to be cautious. Let's move. As Barbell starts toward the house, the three golems set up a defensive perimeter around him, keeping their eyes close to the ground. As the group nears the building, they notice what appear to be small purple vines growing up from the base of the house and climbing up a few inches up the walls. Suddenly, an armored person emerges from inside the house, swinging the door out forcefully. Their armor is made of a dark gray metal, and a red banner hangs from their chest and back, emblazoned with a gold sigil. Its faceplate is marked with a golden cross shape running across the eye holes and up the middle of the helmet, and the figure calls out in a deep voice. "Halt! Leave this place immediately, or suffer swift judgement!" Barbell: Are you the person responsible for this? ?: I do not answer to you! I tell you again, leave this place at once! Barbell: I will not! This land has been corrupted, and I am here to fix it! You can either stand down or be put down, the choice is yours! You are clearly outmatched, and I do not wish to use such unneeded violence! ?: That is where you are wrong, old man... The figure shouts something in a strange tongue, and suddenly dark clouds of mist rise up from the ground and shift into more individuals armored similarly to the first. Barbell takes a step back and glances around the area at the sudden fighting force. "This is very bad..." At once, the figures unsheathe iron swords and rush toward the group, shouting various warcries that mix in the air. Looking at the oncoming crowd, Tori strokes their chin reflectively for a moment. "Hmm, I'm gonna need more spears..." Karumet: Sp-spears?! Your weapon's a spear?! Zomrabitt: What? Don't be ridiculous, our weapon's whatever we want it to be. So my weapon's going to be spears. Lots of them. Tori spreads out their arms, and roughly 50 rods of yellow light burst into existence behind them, all of them taking the shape of spears mere moments after creation. "So, who should I aim for? One of 'em? All of 'em? Do you think they'd back down if I made an example?"

turns out that in all that time of practice 2ri found out they didn’t have to use the cord every time

I tried to make it not gate of babylon-y, since they don’y come from anywhere specifically. the yellow light could’ve been any color with any other Kleivenn; 2ri’s color is yellow due to their driving wish. consequentially, their light-based form will also be yellow as a result

(unsurprisingly, Collin’s influence is blue and yellow...)

Rio: I-I think doing just about anything would work right now! There's kind of a lot of them! Zomrabitt: Well, there are right now... Firefly: Less talky; more fighty!! Right, right. Swinging their arm out towards the oncoming crowd, the onslaught of spears shoot towards them like arrows. The knights attempt to dodge or deflect the spears, but many fail to do so and are pierced straight through. Those that are hit almost immediately seem to dissolve away into the air, and the survivors fall back for a moment as more of the dark mist rises up from the ground, soon turning into replacement troops. Several knights charge in again, but the remaining begin to charge crimson balls of energy in their hands. Barbell: No! Whatever you do, don't let those attacks hit you! His wand appears to fly into his hand from his pocket, and he immediately begins to quietly chant something and wave his wand in response. Sparks begins firing darts at the approaching knights while Daps and Rumble stand at the ready to fight off the others. Tori takes breaks between conjuring and launching spears to respond: "Well! Whatever you're doing; you better! Do it fast! If all these things are just-! Ghosts or whatever! We probably need to worry more-! About whatever's bringing them out! Firefly! You've got magic! Help him out! Or whatever!" Shooting nervous glances between the red energy and Tori currently being a static target, Firefly carefully attempts to make her way over to Barbell. "Just don't get hit! I can't save you if there's nothing left to bring back!" Instead of responding, Barbell completes his spell and forcefully swings his wand toward the ground. A giant arcane circle formed of blue light expands outward from where his wand points, and the knights crumble away as its border reaches them. However, the spellcasting knights fire their spells just before the sigil reaches them and the projectiles hurtle toward both Barbell and Firefly. Barbell quickly throws himself in front of her, but then Fawkes drops down from above the pair with a groundshaking thud and deploys a massive hard light shield from his arm. The spells collide with the shield and burst into large crackles of crimson energy and then vanish. Fawkes turns his head to the pair once the dust settles. "Are you two alright?"

Firefly can make forcefield shields; I think she’s done it before. she’s about the only one who used Space powers like that though

Zomrabitt: Ohhhhh!! Who needs to be careful now!? Firefly: Ugh! Blushing green with embarrassment, she turns her gaze to Fawkes instead. "I'm fine... Thank you..." Fawkes: I am glad to hear this. He disengages the shield and gets back up onto both feet. Barbell stands up from his guarded position and dusts off his robe. "Well, that should keep the welcoming committee off of us for a time, at least. Lucky for us, it looks like they were using a similar means of getting here as the monsters of the world do, which means my sealing sigil should keep them from showing back up, at least for a time. Is everyone else alright?" Rio: Y-yeah! We're okay! Barbell: Very good, now let's keep it that way. This is clearly the work of more than just one rogue Thaumaturge. The group approaches the building proper and Fawkes takes point at the door, throwing it open and immediately redeploying his shield. However, the house appears to be completely empty, aside from layers of dust now kicked up by the sudden activity and small piles of old, broken furniture. Karumet: ...Seems you're chasing actual ghosts, sir... Firefly: You don't think it's bait or a trap, do you...? But he already said he didn't pick a fight with anybody. Who'd set a trap without knowing they'd have victims? Nydins: Who makes an army without expecting a fight? Barbell stands in silence amidst the conversation, and anyone that listens closely can hear a faint but rapid clicking noise as he looks around the house, until finally he snaps his gaze over to a ruined fireplace. "I fear we've stumbled upon something much larger than I could have ever imagined..." He strides over to the fireplace and presses a stone just off the center of the structure, and a section of the floor drops slightly and slides away to reveal a staircase descending down into the dark. Zomrabitt: ...Is...is this a cult? Lornicai: Barbell: I don't have enough evidence to say yes, but I'm thinking you may be right. Walk quietly. We may still have some element of surprise on our side. Taking a deep breath, Tori nods quietly.

I mean, I kind of expect someone who was nearly ritualistically sacrificed to not like cults

even if I do think the cultists are cool, truth be told, I just want their robes

The group descends the stairs in darkness until glowing balls of cool, orange fire begin to light the stairwell. As they near the bottom, the low chanting of many voices becomes audible to the group, and eventually they reach a simple wooden door, emblazoned with a singular eye using gold lines for the outer shape and an emerald ring dotted by a pitch black pearl to finish the iris. Barbell casts a silent spell at the door's hinges, and then slowly pulls it open without a sound. On the other side is a short hallway that leads out to a large chamber. A large circle of ten figures in red and black robes kneel on the ground around a tall obelisk of obsidian that hovers in the center of the chamber. Standing outside of the circle at a pulpit is another figure, whose robes are slightly more elaborate than the others. Eyes similar to the one on the door adorn each sleeve, and a black four-pointed star is printed onto its chest. /In a hushed whisper, Barbell speaks to the group. "This... This is insanity. I'm not even sure where to begin..." Half scared to speak at all, Tori responds in a shaky whisper: "Well you better think of somethin' quick; sneaking into these creeps' basement's gonna be the least of our problems if this escalates..." ??: I'm afraid things have already escalated beyond your comprehension, interlopers. The figure at the pulpit speaks without turning to the group. Its voice is low and sultry, and distinctively feminine.

sultry...

I will not seduce a cult leader

"However, you are granted the privilege of witnessing the first step toward a new world order. After that, I'm afraid your privileges are over, however..." Barbell, knowing their cover is blown, strides into the room, his wand pointed directly at the figure. "You will stop this madness at once, or I will stop it myself!" ??: Is that so, little Thaumaturge? They finally turn away from the ritual toward Barbell, but their face is still obscured by the hood of their robe. "Do you really think you and your little ragtag bunch of mutants can stop the wheels we have set in motion?" Nydins mumbles "Well someone's never heard of aliens..." Zomrabitt: Sooo, are you gonna just keep this back-and-forth thing going, or do you wanna have a monologue too? 'Cause I've got about...a dimension's worth of spears with all your names on 'em if you're done here, miss. The figure giggles in an oddly cheery tone. "Oh yes, we are quite done indeed." A moment later, what appears to be a dark hole in the air tears open just below the obelisk with a noise like a thunderclap, and the air seems to rush into the newly made opening. A second later, another deafening thunderclap bursts forth and a shockwave seems to ripple outward through the air and beyond the confines of the chamber. Several things happen at once; the hole in the air vanishes in an instant, the iron golems turn purple and collapse to the ground, and the shards inside Collin's prosthetic leg are swallowed up in a bright light contained inside the glass of the leg. Cracks begin to appear on the glass as the leg begins to vibrate, and Collin, realizing what's about to happen, pulls the prosthetic off of his leg and hurls it with all his strength toward the circle as he loses his balance. The leg explodes a moment later, knocking several of the cultists clear and dissolving one of them. Barbell immediately drops down to the golems and scoops them up into his arms as the head figure begins to laugh.

Quickly catching Collin before he reaches the floor, Tori struggles to keep himself from going into his natural form. "You...you..." Karumet: Keep a lid on it...if you fly off the handle, things will only get worse for all of us. Don't let this get to you... Zomrabitt: Don't tell me what to do!! Karumet: Don't get yourself killed! Nydins: Save the fighting for the cultists!! Collin pulls himself up onto his one leg and holds onto Tori for support with his right arm, and points his left hand toward the leader. "You know, I was using that leg you son of a bitch!" A massive blast of lightning erupts from his hand and smashes into them, but the energy seems to bounce off of a field of glowing runes around them and scatter off the ceiling above. After a moment, the figure speaks again. ??: Hmm... How did someone like you... How interesting, heehee. Well, that's something to ponder later. It appears our work here is done. On to the next task, then! There's still much to do. Maybe we'll see each other again soon? 

keep your hands off of my boyfriend or so help meeeee

so help me! so help me.

and cut!

As one, the leader and the remaining cultists draw forth a pendant in the shape of an eye from beneath their robes and kiss the symbol. The cultists seem to be sucked into the pendants head first, and then the pendants seem to consume themselves, leaving nothing behind but the obelisk. Zomrabitt: Ugh, that's just...!! Ugh!  Rio: S-so what do we do now? Can we stop this? Barbell, seemingly oblivious to the others, continues to shake and speak to the unmoving golems. "Come on, wake up dammit! You can't do this to me! Get up!" Nydins: I...don't think we can do anything but leave for now. We have a few more problems that need attention first... Zomrabitt: We can't just leave; they're just gonna get worse!! Nydins: And what are we supposed to do?! We can't just find them; we don't even know if this showed up over time or instantly!

I don’t know when I started writing Nydins in but she’s suddenly here now, oops?

somehow I...never noticed

Zomrabitt: But what if it progresses faster now that they did this?! We can't just ignore them!! Karumet: Then we split up, obviously. Nydins and Rio should go back with Barbell and Collin. The rest of us can find the cultists and try to stop this from spreading. Surely if Firefly's from here she can find them, right? Firefly: It's a different kind of magic, I don't know if I could-- Karumet: If nobody can help us; nobody can help them. If nobody can help them, the cultists will continue their work, and more people will get hurt or killed. We either get help, or we abandon these people. There are no other options; you're adequate or you're a hindrance. That's all this boils down to. So, can we sort this out somehow or not? Should we split up, or leave entirely?

Karumet is kind of A Dick sometimes

Barbell stands up and whirls around to the group. "ENOUGH!" He coughs a couple of times from his outburst, and then takes a few breaths before continuing to speak. "I... I apologize, I.... I know who might be able to help us find them." Karumet: Then let's get them. We're wasting time just standing around fussing, right? She looks to Tori, but Tori refuses to meet her gaze. There is a collective groaning from the floor, and Barbell quickly spins around to find the three newly recolored golems slowly getting back to their feet. Before the golems have time to process their surroundings, they find themselves immediately swept up in the arms of an incredibly relieved Thaumaturge and begin shouting out confused protests. Collin: Well, at least we didn't lose anyone, it seems. Zomrabitt: Fortunately...I just wish they hadn't dragged you into that too. Barbell finally release the golems and twists one of the lens rings on his goggles slightly, and what appear to be wiper blades start scrubbing the inside of his lenses, then clears his throat. "I uh, don't think that was intentional. I'm not sure what that ritual did, but from what I can tell, it seems to have altered something about the very nature of our world. I would guess that the shards in Collin's leg became destabilized in the event and converted themselves into raw, elemental energy. Our first order of business is to get back home, make sure Relana and Bug are alright, and fix Collin's prosthetic. Once we've done that, we can more closely examine what exactly that ritual did, and I can contact a friend of mine about the matter. Sound good?" He steps out to the former ritual site and collects the thaumium foot from the wreckage of the prosthetic as he waits for an answer. Zomrabitt: ...Yeah. Not much else we can do about it. Barbell: Excellent. We have our game plan, then. The group returns to the Aurum Express, which thankfully still seems to be in working order. After that, they make the journey back to Barbell's home where they find a panicked Relana and a similarly transmuted, but otherwise fine Bug. Barbell tells the others to rest for the moment and grab any food or drink they might need, and then takes Collin back to his workshop to begin work on a new prosthetic.

you know; I was both totally relieved that this didn’t have anything to do with Collin and then absolutely irate because I spent months just being mortified because what the fuck could all those lyrics mean what’s going to happen to him but nope the cultists are only semi-interested

but then again how would Collin be way better off after all this if it didn’t have anything to do with him

you

you’re the type of guy that takes his bandaids off real slow, huh?