#i like to think they joke about it just being like college days fighting against randall in the scare games

[james-p-sullivan]

C'mon, fight that plaque! Fight that plaque! Scary monsters don't have plaque!

[sierrale8ne]

40 DAYS AND 40 NIGHTS CHAPTER TWO

thought i’d be lying if i said ‘i didn’t want you to myself.’ when you look me in my eyes and, tell me that it’s mine, i…

pairing wnba!paige bueckers x singer!oc

taglist @thaatdigitaldiary @ohbueckers @patscorner @wbbgetsmewetter @makethemhoesmad @authentic-girl03 @rosemariiaa

kalena speakss 🪽! wanted to give yall another chapter tonight since college is kicking my butt atm and idk when the next update will be. hopefully soon tho!

May 2025 — Los Angeles, California 

“I just don’t see why you keep acting like our relationship doesn’t matter. I'm tired of acting like it doesn’t piss me off.” Julian spoke, disrupting the peace I had created for myself as I got dressed in the bathroom.

We were supposed to be getting ready for the Sparks home opener game against the Dallas Wings. I was exhausted from getting into LAX at an ungodly hour of the night, and now the conversation was giving me a headache.

“Ju, are we together?”

“Yes—”

“Did you ask me to be your girlfriend?” I turn around, slipping the mini gold hoops in my hand into my ears.

“No, but—”

I cut him off before he gets the chance to defend his position. “Then we’re not together.” I sigh. “I like where this is going, I really do, but we can’t keep having this conversation, Julian. I’m tired of it. This is just the way my career is working out right now.”

“So what? You make more money when the public thinks you’re single?” Julian asks. He’s very visibly frustrated, as he has been since before I even stepped off the stage in New York.

“No. I make more money when I keep the main thing the main thing. And right now the main thing is my music.” The words bounce off the wall for a moment, silence cutting through the air. I feel bad. He really is a great guy, and I hate to put him in a position like this, but it’s the way it has to be. “Ju’ come on. You have to understand where I’m coming from. I’m sorry.”

My hand reaches out for his shoulder, attempting to lessen the blow. Instead he steps back from me, shaking his head with a huff and leaving the bathroom. 

“Have fun at the game, ‘Raye.” He speaks as he leaves, and it’s my turn to huff.

I turned around. Looking intently at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. 

This is the closest thing I’ve had to a relationship in years, and yet, I’m spending the majority of it fighting over something dumb. But is it really dumb, or am I being insensitive?

I really do like Julian. He’s funny and sweet, he never fails to go out of his way to support me; I mean he just caught a flight to see me on Jimmy Fallon. He buys me flowers, he cares about communication, and all the little things. But for some reason I Just can’t keep up with it. 

It sucks.

—

May 2025 — Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California 

The atmosphere in the arena is booming, and oddly enough I find myself surprised at how many people have filled Crypto. I’m seated courtside, underneath the basket nearest to The Sparks bench. The game is halfway through the first quarter and at a timeout when I take my seat. 

I have on a burgundy leather set from Fashion Nova. The shirt is a cropped button up that I only fastened at the bottom button and matching shorts. I’m wearing a pair of matching burgundy Prada slingback pumps that my recent success has gratefully allowed me to purchase. 

I sent a last minute text to my sister, telling her that Julian bailed and I would love it if she joined me, hence the slight tardiness. 

I’ve never seen Cassie as excited as she is right now. She’s beaming with energy, you would’ve thought she’s been planning this for months rather than being invited last minute. She’s for sure more of a basketball fan than I am, I credit that to my uncle. Whereas my dad made me more of a football fan.

“You’re gonna be getting infinite Christmas gifts this year for this, oh my God.” Cassie jokes with a kool aid smile on her face. I giggle, brushing her off.

“I’m glad you’re having fun, Cassie.” I giggle, brushing her off playfully. My phone dings, and I pull it up from my lap to check the notification.

Hey I feel like shit about earlier

Talk when you get home?

It’s Julian. Of course it’s Julian. I try to fight the urge to frown but I can’t help the way the disheartened expression forms in my face. I shut my phone off, shaking the feeling off and turning back to the game.

The buzzer sounds, alerting us that the game is starting again. It allows me to finally bring my attention back to the game. The Sparks are down seven, but you couldn’t even tell that the fans were bothered by it. 

“Jumbotron.” My sister whispers to me and I notice the camera moving past ‘celebrity row’ and getting shots of everyone.

“Bro.” I groan. I don’t hate it, it just gets so awkward. The camera man stays out there for too long and then I forget what to do with my hands. 

But regardless, the camera approaches me and my sister. I look up briefly at the Jumbotron before back down at the camera in front of me. A smile spreads to my face and I wave emphatically. Fortunately it doesn’t take very long and the camera man backs away a little.

Only briefly though, because within a matter of seconds he’s crashing to the ground and his large camera falls into Casandra’s lap.

During all the basketball games I’ve ever watched, I’ve always wondered how common the players run into the media crew or the stands. And every time I've sat in an arena, I’ve always said it would never be me. So you can imagine my surprise when a 6 '1 Paige Bueckers fell right on me after getting fouled going for a layup, knocking over the camera man in the process.

“Oh shit, man you good?” Paige asks him. Her hand helps steady him on his feet and Cassie hands him his camera back, mumbling hurriedly if he was alright. The man nods, patting her on the back.

My eyes meet hers, and suddenly I’ve never seen a prettier set of eyes. A shade of blue that was indescribable. Her hand reaches out to the both of us, palms outstretched as she asks, “Are you guys okay?” It comes out as a stutter and I barely notice it but it’s there.

I nod. And then I remember she still has free throws to shoot. “Yeah. All good, thanks.” I smile. Paige turns around, brushing her teammates off with thumbs ups and high fives when they ask if she’s alright. 

I would be an idiot to say that I wasn’t a little star struck. Sure, I wasn’t completely up to date with all things basketball, but I knew more than enough to know just how much Paige Bueckers was loved in the basketball community. Hell, the city of LA basically through a parade when they got that #1 overall pick.

She was a superstar, in all possible definitions of the word. You couldn’t go more than five minutes without seeing her face on TikTok or some commercial. 

And she was stunning; the last five seconds of me staring at her confirmed it in my mind even more.

—

“Thanks, Holly.” I beam with a smile. It only takes a few seconds of me walking away from postgame to hear yelling in my ear and Cam’s long arms around my shoulders.

In the least cocky way possible, I played an amazing game. Yes, the defense I faced tonight was different than when I was at Connecticut and efficiency wise I did struggle a bit. Who am I kidding— I played phenomenal.

26 points 9 rebounds and 7 assists, the pick-and-roll with Dearica racking up many of those. The team came out with a narrow win over the Wings, getting our season off on the right foot.

“That’s my fuckin’ rook!” I hear Azura Stevens hype me up. I dap her up cleanly, the smile on my face physically impossible to get rid of. For only being on the team for a month, they did a great job of welcoming me with open arms. 

I could definitely get used to this.

A towel hangs around my neck, picking up all the sweat from the game. I’m walking towards the locker rooms with a few of my teammates when I get pulled back for some autographs. I don’t say no, honestly I can’t remember the last time I refused to sign an autograph. Or if I ever did. 

There’s a young girl in front of me alongside her mom. She has on the UConn National Championship shirt from a month ago, her eyes wide as she pushes my sparks jersey up to me. I sign it with a smile, my heart swelling in size when she squeals and thanks me profusely.

“You’re welcome. Thanks for coming out!” I grin. My feet carry me through a few more fans. I sign all sorts of memorabilia from hoodies, to jerseys, phone cases, and shoes. As well as a wild number of selfies before I hear my name.

“Paige, come here!” It’s Rickea, as her voice has become widely recognizable in the last month that I’ve been here. “Oh my God, walk slower!”

I roll my eyes as I pick up my pace. She’s standing courtside with her warmups on. “Finally. I wanted you to meet a friend of mine. Maraye, this is Paige.”

When I look over it’s the girl from the TV last night, standing there with her purse in hand and— oh my God I ran into her like an hour ago. I fell into her lap. Oh my God this is embarrassing.

She looks even more gorgeous than when I was drooling over her last night. Her hair is the same, from what I can remember, but her outfit is completely different. The color she has on is similar to the one from last night, but the set shows off so much more skin. Her legs are toned, the top she wears is unbuttoned just enough to give me a show of the lace black bralette under it, and her gold septum shines in the arena light. 

“Hey.” I greeted her and the girl who sat next to her earlier in the night. “I do apologize about earlier by the way.”

“Don’t worry about it. It happens.” She reassures me.

“P, Cam, and I were watching the show last night. You did great, Raye.” Rickea pushes at Maraye’s shoulder. My eyes catch how she blushes in response. 

“You on a world tour or something? New York last night, and LA tonight.” I joke, and she laughs. Her laugh is possibly more angelic than her singing, and the way her accent popped out when she spoke might even have an edge on that.

“Nah. I just couldn’t miss opening night. Kea’ would never let me live it down, plus my sister is like a huge hoops fan.” She explains, gesturing to the two women next to us. 

I’m towering over her as I look at her but she still keeps eye contact with me. My eyes never leave hers, I didn’t even want them to.

“I was just telling her about Cam and Ben’s dinner party on friday.” Rickea starts. She turns to face me, but I’m still stuck on Maraye and her— well her everything. Rickea swats my arm as slyly as she can to get my attention. My eyes rip away from the musician with an incredulous force. “You are going to that, right?”

“I, uh, I’m not sure. I gotta check on when Drew and my dad are coming to town.”

“Maybe I’ll see you there then?” Maraye speaks. 

Someone please help me figure out why her eyes are so mesmerizing. They’re big and a perfect shade of brown. The slight tilt of her head when she asks me nearly drives me crazy.

“Yeah maybe.” I nod before looking at Rickea. I don’t know how long we’ve stood here, but what I do know is that coach will hand our asses to us on a silver platter if we’re late to the first media session of the season. “Yo, we gotta…” My head tilts towards the tunnel.

“Oh shit you’re right. It was so good to see you guys!” She jumps, pulling Maraye and her sister into a group hug. “Tell y’all folks I say hi!”

The four of us exchange waves and we walk off the court. By the time we make it to the tunnel Rickea is letting out a loud cackle and pushing me away from her. “You’re not even trying to hide it!” She laughs. I know exactly what she’s talking about but I act clueless, it’s too early for my teammates to be ridiculing me over my choices in women.

“You are sooooo going to that dinner party.”

A smirk spreads on my face and I roll my eyes. For the first time all month, I can’t even disagree. Nothing is stopping me from going to that dinner party.

[cloakedsparrow]

Bruce is Tim’s Biological Father AU idea #5

Janet wasn’t in any rush to get married, but being a young woman with a steady boyfriend from a well off family, naturally everyone kept asking when she and Jack were going to take the next step. Janet always remarked that she was happy with the relationship as it was; that she was focused on her career goals; that she and Jack were letting things move organically.

In her presence, Jack always gave similar answers. One day, when he didn’t realize she was in hearing range, he joked with some peers about not wanting to settle until he’d explored all his options. She let him know she’d heard him and told him to feel free to explore his options and that she’d do the same. He pulled a med student; a barista; a couple administrative assistants: young women who were very sweet and equally boring. She pulled men like the Davenport heir, Adrian Veidt,John Constantine (she’d been a Mucous Membrane fan in college), and Bruce Wayne. Realizing he was going to lose the most impressive woman he’d likely ever know, Jack told her he wanted to get back together and proposed shortly after.

When Janet learned she was pregnant with Tim (and what the due and conception date ranges were), she knew right away who the father was. As they’d been split up at the time, Jack couldn’t hold it against her. However, he didn’t want Bruce involved in their marriage (he was a bit jealous of the man). Janet didn’t want anyone telling her what to do with her son, so she agreed not to tell him.

It was always something of an open secret among the Drakes (Jack, Janet, Tim, and Janet’s father who died when Tim was little) that Tim was Bruce’s child. They never talked about it. Ever. Not even to confirm it to Tim who just kinda worked it out for himself. Janet always suspected that Tim knew but again, they never spoke of it.

After he intervened on Bruce’s spectacular breakdown following Jason’s death, Tim assumed it was the same in the Wayne household. After all, Batman was considered by many to be the world’s greatest detective. Alfred and Dick were certainly no slouches in the investigation department either. Of course, they’d figured it out for themselves just like Tim had.

And, just like the Drakes, of course they didn’t openly acknowledge the fact.

It wasn’t until Bruce returned with news that he had a son with Talia that Tim finally acknowledged it, thinking Bruce would get the joke because he already knew.

“If you had a nickel for every illegitimate child you had, you’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s still weird that it happened twice.”

“…”

“Especially with you being, like, the master of preparations and contingency plans.”

“…”

“It’s just weird, is all.”

“Who else do you think is my child?”

“…”

“…”

“Oh, shit, you have no idea.”

“No idea about who?”

“This whole time, you- Crap.”

“Tim.”

“Crap.”

“Tim.”

“Give me a minute, I think I’m having a nervous breakdown.”

“You look completely calm.”

“Yeah, well, my nervous face and my calm face are the same.”

“…”

“…”

“Tim?”

“Not that I want any details, but, uh, do you remember sleeping with my mother?”

Bruce was not expecting that response but he quickly does, in fact, remember having sex with Janet. He then connects the dots to the joke that started the current conversations and does some quick math.

“Sleeve up. We’re drawing blood.”

Sitting down in shock for a minute as the paternity results stare him in the face, Bruce realizes that Tim’s reactions suggest Tim knew and assumed Bruce knew and that just goes in a loop in his head for a bit: all this time his son thought he knew.

He’d sent Tim home to an empty house or overseas to train with strangers, and the boy had gone, thinking that was his father knowingly sending him away.

He’d been dismissive the one time Tim commented on his parents always extending their trips or otherwise fighting, and the boy had kept his silence, thinking that was his father knowingly leaving him in that environment.

He’d given Tim back to Jack when he woke from his coma, and the boy had gone, thinking that was his father making a deliberate choice to give him up.

He’d let Jack take Robin from Tim (and keep him from seeing him) in exchange for his silence on Bruce’s identity as Batman, and the boy had agreed, thinking that was his father sacrificing him for his secret.

He’d offered to adopt Tim after Jack’s murder, and the boy had turned him down, thinking that was his father refusing to publicly acknowledge their true relationship.

He’d helped Tim solidify the records on his fake uncle and the boy had accepted the help, thinking that was his father knowingly passing him off to some stranger.

Tim had been prepared to move into the stable apartment after his fake uncle died, until Bruce brought up the adoption again, and the boy agreed, thinking that was his father telling him their relationship had to remain a secret.

The joy of realizing that Tim was truly his warred with concern over the fact that his son thought such behavior was not only acceptable from a father, but should be accepted quietly.

He’s has no idea how he’s going to fix that, but he’s Batman, he’ll work it out.

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Kinktober Day 7 (& 8): Soft & Slow (Cockwarming)

pairing: college!miguel o’hara x f!reader

contents: 18+/NSFW/MINORS DNI, smut, rivals to lovers, teasing

wc: 735

an: wrote this for the sweetest most lovely @campingwiththecharmings, i hope you enjoy bb 🥰

kinktober masterlist | misc. masterlist

“Are you giving up?” Miguel asks you after several moments of silence.

“What? No!” You glare down at him breathlessly.

Why does the man who grinds your gears like it’s job have to be so attractive? Smooth skin, deep brown eyes, the cheekbones of Adonis. It pisses you off, but at least he can make you feel good. That’s all this is, all you want it to be. It’s sex. Just sex. Or maybe that’s what you keep telling yourself.

His grip on your hips tightens, shifting them up and down slowly. The sweet drag of his cock makes your mind blank, a shiver skating down your spine. He watches you with hooded eyes, drinking in every expression and sound that leaves you. He loves you like this, warming his cock just on the edge of pleasure as he quizzes you over and over again on this week’s physics lecture.

“Then answer the question,” He says, eyes glittering with mischief.

“I-I’m thinking,” You insist, though that couldn’t be farther from the truth. He’s been teasing you for a while now— keeping you pinned on his cock with a thrust or roll of hips here and there. You’re dizzy and needy, all you can focus on is him. On him making you cum.

“About how good my cock feels?”

“Fuck you.”

He laughs beneath you, loud and full, and your breath catches at the way it sends him a hair deeper. “You can’t think that was a good comeback.”

You groan, swatting playfully at his chest, “Please, Mig, can’t we just get off first?”

He sits up in a move that makes you whimper, nuzzling his nose against yours, “Where’s the fun in that? You could just admit that I’m smarter. I’ll fuck you however you want after that.”

“You fucking wish.”

Snaking his hand between your slick bodies he presses two fingers to your clit as he continues to goad you, “We both know it’s true, c’mon angel, don’t you want me to make you cum?”

“Yes,” You moan, head falling to the side. You don’t care anymore, you just need more. You need him.

“Yes, what?”

“You’re smarter, just fuck me. Please.”

He holds you tight to his chest, pressing you into the mattress and pinning your hands down above your head. While he’s fucking you earnestly now, his hips grind against yours at a leisurely pace, pressing against that sensitive spot inside you. All you can do is gasp and groan beneath him, listening to the filth that pours out of his mouth.

I’ve got you. There you go. So cock drunk, look at you. Cum for me, honey.

You do just that, cumming for him with a high pitched wail that he cuts off with a kiss. Your mind whirls, so much so that you don’t notice when he joins you in your peak, or when he rolls to lay beside you, still holding you close.

“I take it back. You don’t play fair,” You quip once your mind returns to you, breath still labored.

He raises a brow at you, cupping your face with his hand to tilt your chin up, “When has this rivalry ever been fair?”

“Yeah, whatever.”

“And clearly, you need some tutoring,” He teases, grin widening when you roll your eyes at him. “Stay— I’ll make us dinner.”

“Dinner,” You repeat skeptically, looking over at him to gauge his seriousness.

“Yes, two people eating a meal together at night. A common occurrence, querida.”

“Like…like a date?” You ask softly.

Miguel’s gaze flatters— something you’ve never seen before. He’s the spokesman for confidence, even if he’s wrong he’s always ready to assure you that he can do better. But right now…he looks shy. It throws you off.

“Uh, yeah. Yeah, like a date.”

Silence spreads between you two. You have to be cautious about this— what if it’s one of his jokes? A way to get in your head.

“What happened to this being a rivalry?”

“I don’t know, maybe I’m tired of fighting,” He looks up at you, and there’s something soft, something gooey about the way he’s looking at you.

Your mouth pulls up into a shy smile as you say, “Well. Dinner’s not gonna cook itself.”

He snorts, shaking his head as he rises out of the bed, shimming into his boxers. Leaning down he kisses you, murmuring into your mouth, “Stay put smart ass.”

oscar: @honeybrowne, @pastanoodles11, @steven-grants-world, @stevengrcnt, @greg-montgomery, @lesbianhotch, @mccn-bcys, @marc-spectorr, @whatthefishh, @simpforbritgents, @maisondenachtai, @silversprings-mp3, @flightlessangelwings

[probably-writing-x]

Pictured.

Summary: hi, i loved just you!! i was wondering if you could write more about conrad and the reader being so in love that never stops. like maybe flash forward to out of college to when he proposes, then their wedding day when he cries seeing her walk down the isle? and then when they have their first child and name her after susannah 🥺 sorry if that’s super detailed

Authors Note: This is the fluffiest thing ever but I hope you love it, it was so fun to write thank you so much for your request <3

“Hello darling!”

You jump a little at the words, tilting your head back against the couch to see Conrad, “I didn’t even hear you come home!”

He grins and leans down to kiss you, your lips upside down against his, “I like the element of surprise.”

You hum in agreement and turn your head back to the task at hand.

“What are you doing?” He asks, throwing his keys down onto the dish on the fireplace before turning back to you and the mess in front of you.

“I’m trying to be organised,” You grimace a little, “But I keep getting distracted.”

“Oh my god!” Conrad laughs, sitting down on the couch beside you, “Where did you find all of these?”

He looks down at the coffee table full of photos littered in piles yet to be formed, one’s passing the decade that you’d been together.

“We look so young,” He chuckles at a photo of one of your first dates when you were only 16, the two of you grinning at the disposable camera.

“I don’t think I look any different,” You joke, brushing your finger over the youthful faces.

Conrad scoffs, “We aged well, I’d say.”

“Oh absolutely we did,” You lean your head into his shoulder, reaching forward to grab another photo, “Look at this one.”

“Wow, god, I remember this day,” Conrad beams at the photo, “It was the day we moved out of college.”

—— 5 Years Ago ——

“Alright, you’ve cleared the kitchen, I’ve done the bathroom, bedroom is done…” Conrad looks around at the space checking for anything that you’ve missed, “I think we’re good.”

It was today that the two of you would be moving out of college. For the past three years you’d been here in Stanford together after Conrad transferred and it had been a dream. You’d lived separately on campus at first and then for the last two years lived in an apartment just a short walk away, a bit of solitude for the two of you. He went to his classes and you went to yours, you came back for lunch together or met on campus and then sat in the library together when you weren’t in class. He brought you coffee when you needed to study for finals and you bought him cheeseburgers when he had his to study for. You cooked on weekdays and he cooked on weekends when he had more time to cook something fancy. You worked a job on campus and he worked a few evenings. It worked. Everything had felt like bliss for the past few years.

You weren’t ready to say goodbye.

“Okay, what’s going on?” Conrad frowns at you, setting down the box in his hands to walk over to where you were sat down on the empty mattress.

“This just feels so weird,” You mumble, glancing around at the empty shelves where your photo frames used to stand.

Conrad nods, “Yeah, yeah it does feel weird. Good weird.”

You swallow the lump in your throat, “Do you think?”

Your eyes are filling with tears and you’re fighting what you can to keep them back.

“Hey, hey, hey,” Conrad crouches down in front of you and places one hand on your leg, the other cupping the side of your face, “Don’t get upset, honey.”

“It’s just,” You let out a shaky breath, “I’m not ready to leave all of this.”

“Okay, we’re graduating, we’re moving, things are going to change. But that’s not a bad thing. God, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us. Isn’t that exciting?” He smiles at you brightly, “We’ve been waiting for this since we first started college. Just you and me.”

You smile down and him and press your hand against his on your cheek, wrapping your fingers around his, “Doesn’t it scare you?”

He nods his head, “Of course. I’m terrified. But in the best way.”

You laugh a little and he brushes his thumb under your eyes before any tears have fallen.

“Now, I was going to wait before I told you,” He leans back a little and reaches into his pocket, “But I think this seems like the right time.”

You frown a little as you watch him, your heart fluttering.

“So, you know how we’d decided on living with your parents for a while until we figured out where to go next…” He takes a deep breath, “Well, you can tell them they don’t need to worry.”

“Wh-“ You let out a breath, “What do you mean?”

“Someone might’ve told me something about a little house in Cousins being free now that Jeremiah’s moving out…” He brings his hand in front of you and a distinct key lays in his palm.

“The beach house?” You exclaim, eyes wide.

“Jere’s moving closer to Belly for now until she graduates and then they think they’ll settle in Boston and come to Cousins for the summer, like we used to. So…”

“The house is yours?” You finish for him, words almost escaping you.

“It’s ours,” Conrad confirms, his face brightening.

“Oh my god!” You squeal, your hands flying to grip his shoulders, “You got us a house! You got us the beach house!”

Conrad chuckles, “Yeah, I did!”

You wrap your arms around him tightly and bury your face against his neck, breathing in the scent that would always be home to you. The two of you stand up together and he spins you around in the small space you had between boxes, before lowering you down and pressing the key into your palm.

“We might just have to set up the spare bedrooms for summer, I think we’ll have some regular visitors,” He shrugs, his arms around your waist.

You giggle, “That’s perfect, it’s all...”

“The start of the rest of our lives, darling.”

——Present Day——

“That’s when this place was officially ours,” You point out, the photo in your hands showing the two of you grinning with the key in your hand.

“Yeah, it was a long time coming,” Conrad chuckles, his fingertips trailing up and down your arm.

“I was so scared to graduate college, and now look at us,” You shake your head, “I had nothing to worry about.”

“There’s still time,” Conrad jokes and you jab him in the side.

“Oh my god! Look at this one!” You beam, “The fourth of July.”

“Yeah there was something important about the 4th that year…” Conrad smirks, taunting you.

“Yeah what could that be?” You roll your eyes.

He moves his fingers down to the thin silver chain around your neck where a single ring hung down like a pendant near your heart.

“God, I loved that day.”

—— 4 Years Ago ——

“Jere how many fireworks does one house need?” You look down at the boxes he’s carrying into the house, “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“Oh, come on, it’s the fourth,” Jeremiah grins, glancing at his brother, “I’ve got reason to celebrate.”

“I tried telling him it was too many,” Belly laughs as she walks in behind him, carrying a couple of bags of groceries.

“Oh you’re a lifesaver!” You smile, taking one of the bags from him, “I can’t believe I forgot so much.”

“It’s the stress of hosting,” Belly jokes, “But I’ve got you covered, I think this is everything.”

“I hope so,” You nod, “I just need to figure out how to make everything like Susannah would do.”

This was your first fourth of July hosting in this house - the first since the house had officially been yours and Conrad’s home. It would just be the six of you, the three couples - you and Con, Jere and Belly, and Steven and Taylor.

“She’d be impressed either way,” Belly squeezes your shoulder, “I’ll go help Jere set up outside.”

“Thank you,” You smile and see Conrad coming in through the door behind her.

“Hello darling,” He presses a kiss to your temple, “Tell me what you need me to do.”

“No, no, I’ve got it here,” You encourage, “Maybe you could just set up Steven and Taylor’s room?”

“It’s going to be perfect,” He reassures you, squeezing your hand, “It’ll be a Fourth of July to never forget!” He yells back to you as he disappears upstairs.

You giggle and turn back to finishing up the plates of food you were preparing for the evening.

To say you were nervous was an understatement. There was always a sort of magic to having the fourth here, and you wanted to replicate it for them all even without Susannah here - especially now the house was yours.

—

When evening falls over the house, you’ve relaxed away from the fear of hosting. The food went down well, everyone was impressed, and the magic of the fourth that you were used to had managed to remain.

You were now all outside waiting to watch the fireworks start over the water.

“Hey, um, do you want to come with me a second?” Conrad asks you, standing up from his seat and outstretching a hand.

“Wh- don’t you want to watch the fireworks?” You frown a little at him.

“We won’t miss them, I promise,” He smiles down at you, “Come on.”

You take his hand and hear the faint whispering of Taylor and Belly behind you as Conrad leads you across the grass and down towards the wooden dock.

“What are we doing Con?” You ask as he squeezes your hand a little tighter.

“I just thought we could have a minute, just us,” He comments but you can sense something slightly off about his demeanour, something that wasn’t completely Conrad.

“Are you going to throw me in the water?” You narrow your eyes at him, “Because I-“

“I just-“ He stops himself, “Sorry.”

“What’s going on Con?” You laugh a little at him, “You’re scaring me now.”

“I don’t know how to start this,” He lets out a shaky breath, “Um…” He presses a hand to his chest.

“Con,” You place your hand over his, “Its me.”

He visibly settles, relaxing against your touch.

“I don’t know where to-“ He stops himself, “I love you (y/n).”

You feel it then. The feeling people described. Knowing what was about to come and yet not ready to prepare for it.

“And I love our life together, and I love the person I am because of you and-“ He lets himself laugh gently, “God, I just… I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you and so-“

“Oh my god,” You mumble as you watch him pull a small velvet box from his pocket, lowering down onto one knee.

He looks up at you and takes a deep breath, “(y/n) (y/l/n) will you make me the happiest man in the world an-“

“Yes!” You exclaim your hands flying to your face as tears pool in your eyes.

Conrad grins wildly and rises up onto his feet, wrapping one arm around you as the other hand reaches for yours to slot the delicate ring onto your finger.

He cups a hand to your cheek and presses a deep kiss to your lips, both of you laughing over spilling tears.

Before you can find the words, the fireworks start around you and the sky lights up into a shower of gold fireworks over the both of you.

“You didn’t let me say it,” Conrad says in your ear over the exploding sound.

“I couldn’t wait,” You laugh in return, holding him tightly against you.

“Will you marry me (y/n)?” He pulls back far enough from you to speak, eyes flicking between yours.

“Yes I will Conrad Fisher,” You beam and he grins brighter than ever before, wrapping his arms around your waist and spinning you around.

Steven and Jere cheer loudly from down by the water and Taylor and Belly scream in unison from the house, all of them applauding you for the inevitable perfection of this moment - more fireworks releasing into the air to make it even more picturesque.

And in that moment, you’re sure you’ll never feel more content.

This was it. This was everything.

—— Present Day ——

He laughs and wraps his arms tighter around you, “I like looking at all of these, what else do we have?”

“Well, this whole album is full of wedding photos,” You stretch over to pick up the detailed cream photo album, “This is the one Laurel bought us.”

It was a wedding present from the woman that was like a second Mom to both of you. She told you the memories would be more important than anything else about your day and told you to make the most of all of it being captured. It was a cream leather decorated in lace patterns with a thin bow across the front, another sheer ribbon tying the two covers together.

“Come on,” He takes the album from you and shifts on the couch so that his back is against the armrest.

You move so that you’re sat between his legs with your back against his chest and he moves his arms around either side of you to look at the album. Before he opens it, his hand comes up beside yours and locks your fingers together, both of your wedding rings settling next to each other like they were made to fit.

He opens the cover and the memories come flooding back once again, every piece of your perfect day.

—— 3 Years Ago ——

“Oh my god I’m so nervous I think I’m going to be sick,” You breathe out, pressing a hand to your chest to try to relieve the pressure there.

“Girl, you have nothing to be worried about,” Taylor encourages, fixing a few strands of your hair.

“Has anyone heard from Con? Is he okay? Is he here?” You ask frantically, checking your appearance in the mirror once again.

“That boy has been head over heels in love with you since you were sixteen, of course he’s here, and he’s probably as nervous as you are,” Belly encourages, her bridesmaids dress matching to Taylor’s in a sage green.

“But, if it helps, Steven just texted me to confirm,” Taylor comments, showing you her phone.

“God, I don’t even know why I’m nervous,” You shake your head, “It’s Conrad.”

“And (Y/n) Fisher has a nice ring to it,” Belly grins, “Are you ready to do this?”

You turn around and nod your head, breathing deeply as you look over your appearance in the mirror once more. You’d opted for a simple dress, fitted at the top with thin straps, flowing loose around your legs and poking at the floor in a small train. It was the only dress you’d looked at and seen yourself in.

The girls walk down first, ahead of you. And then you - walking down the aisle alongside your father.

He links his arm with yours and you hold on tightly as the doors open and you both step through.

So many people and all you can focus on is him.

The music starts and you start to walk, at the exact moment that Conrad turns around.

His suit is perfected from top to bottom, crisp white shirt against his black tuxedo. His hands are behind his back and you watch him squeezing them together to alleviate his nerves. But as his eyes fall on you, cool blue orbs calming yours, everything else just disappears.

You watch as his bottom lip trembles a little and he breaks into a small smile, a tear slipping down his cheek. You shake your head a little at him, the thought slipping into your mind that he promised you he wouldn’t cry, knowing him crying was only going to set you off.

Soon enough, you reach the end of the aisle and your father kisses your cheek quickly, reaching over to shake Conrad’s hand.

And then it’s just you and him. And the seventy people all watching you. But they didn’t matter. It was just him.

“Hi,” He mumbles, reaching down to hold your hand as your fingers lace with his.

“Hi,” You return, looking into his eyes for the home they always brought, “I’m so nervous,” You whisper.

“Hey, it’s me,” He responds, an echo of your own words from only a year before.

“It’s us,” You whisper once more, squeezing his hand before the two of you turn your attention to the ceremony about to begin, your ceremony.

—— Present Day ——

“I love this one,” Conrad points out a photo of the two of you, one from the evening of the wedding where his arm is around you and you’re laughing at something someone behind the camera had said, and all he can do is look at you - focus on you.

Before you can respond, the sound of crackling starts on the monitor before faint whinging breaks through the speaker.

“She’s up!” You smile, “Give me a sec-“

“No, I’ve got her,” Conrad squeezes your shoulders and pushes himself to stand up, letting you lean back against the arm of the sofa.

He disappears upstairs and you hear the bedroom door creak open followed by his bright voice at the sight in front of him.

You set down the wedding album and pull up a pile of more recent photos, all ones from the last eighteen months - the craziest and most content eighteen months of your life so far.

“Should we go and see Mummy?” Conrad’s voice speaks softly as he comes down the stairs, “She’s downstairs, yeah.”

As he steps back into the lounge, the small body on his hip wriggles down from his grip and runs over to you.

“Look who’s awake!” You grin as your daughter hurries over to the side of the couch.

You reach over and lift her up to sit on your lap, her teddy bear still tucked under her arm.

“Did you have a good nap?” You ask her and she nods tiredly.

“Daddy’s home,” Her little voice mumbles, fatigue still lacing her tone.

“Yeah, he came home early today,” You smile and Conrad walks around to take up his place on the couch once again.

Him against the arm rest, you against his chest and your daughter in front of you.

“Do you want to look through some photos with us?” Conrad raises his brows at her excitedly and she nods back at him again, her bear tugged tightly to her chest.

“I think you’re in these ones,” You mention and her eyes brighten widely.

Conrad picks up one of the photos and shows her, “Well look who it is!”

—— 1 Year Ago ——

“She’s perfect, darling,” Conrad beams down at the tiny face in front of him, held tightly in your arms and wrapped in a small pink blanket.

“She’s ours,” You whisper in return, leaning against his chest from where he was perched on the edge of your hospital bed.

“I don’t know how you did that,” He laughs quietly, both of you refusing to speak too loudly to disturb the miniature pair of ears.

“I don’t either,” You joke, and he wraps one arm around your shoulders, one of his fingers brushing over her fragile hands.

Before you can say anything else, the door opens and two familiar faces come through. Belly and Jere.

“Hey…” Jeremiah hisses, “They said we were okay to come in.”

“Yeah, come in man,” Conrad grins, standing up to greet them, “It’s so good to see you guys.”

The brothers both grasp each other in a hug that echoes every ounce of pride they shared before Conrad greets Belly with a warm hug too.

“We brought you some presents,” Belly comments, setting down a powder pink gift bag onto the bedside table.

“Thanks guys,” Conrad smiles, taking up his place next to you again.

“So, have you thought of a name for this little one yet?” Jeremiah asks, smiling brightly at both of you.

You exchange a glance with Conrad before nodding at him as if in encouragement for him to say.

“Yeah, actually,” He takes a deep breath, looking down at his daughter, “This is Darcie Susannah Fisher.”

Belly gasps, “Oh, it’s perfect.”

“Darcie Susannah,” Jeremiah repeats, tears building in his eyes, “I… Mom would be so proud.”

Conrad leans down to take the bundle of pink from your arms, holding her cautiously in his grip before turning to his brother, “Well, Uncle Jeremiah, do you want to hold your niece?”

—— Present Day ——

“Who’s that Darcie?” Conrad points at a photo from when she’d first come home, laying with the same teddy bear that she still refused to ever let out of her sight.

“Me!” She exclaims, tapping excitedly at the small face on the photo.

“It is you,” You chuckle in return, “And here’s you with uncle Jeremiah when we took you to the beach.”

She claps at the sight of Jeremiah on the page, who has self proclaimed himself as the favourite uncle.

“Do you want a snack Darcie?” You ask her calmly, holding her in your arms to focus her short attention on you.

Your daughter nods back, her small smile making her look like the spitting image of her father. He always told you that she reminded him of you, but she was almost exactly like her father in your eyes. To everyone else, she was an exact mix of the two - an addition to the two that were meant to find each other.

“I’ll get it,” Conrad assures you, stepping back up from the couch.

“Oh isn’t Daddy good?” You grin at Darcie, tickling under her arms as she laughs under your touch, her giggle echoing in your ears.

Conrad stops in his tracks, looking down at the sight in front of him. His tiny version of perfection in a vast world. You, him, his daughter. This house. This family. This home. This everything. He’s sure he’ll never be happier, but still so sure that this happiness will never fade. This was everything and it always would be.

“Daddy!” Darcie exclaims, making grabby hands towards him.

“What are you doing?” You laugh a little at his frozen state, the way he seems so stopped in his tracks.

“I’m…” He chuckles, “I love you.”

Conrad leans down and presses a kiss to your forehead, taking Darcie from your arms and hitching her onto his hip, chattering away to her as the two disappear into the kitchen.

You grin, standing up from the couch with a photo of the three of you in your hands. You rummage through the drawers to find a spare photo frame and slip the photo into place, fixing the clasps around the back before setting the photo frame onto a free place on the fireplace.

Conrad and Darcie come back in, with a small bowl of popcorn for her and a bigger one for you and him.

“What are you doing?” He asks you, setting Darcie down onto her playmat.

You turn around and smile at him, “I love you too.”

[gunilslaugh]

Building Blocks

Oh Seungmin Summary: It seemed like your whole life you were destined to live in your older brother’s shadow. Although there are still people who have the ability to see you, one of them being Oh Seungmin, your brother’s best friend. WC:~10.1K  Warning: Inaccurate information about architecture.  Note: Reader is Gunil’s younger sister.

photo not mine credits to owner.

It was your first day of your second year of college tomorrow and you were just the slightest bit hopeful that people would stop comparing you to your older brother. 

“Goo? Like Goo Gunil? You’re Gunil’s little sister aren’t you?” Your sprinkle of hope was quickly crushed upon those words being the first thing your professor asked you. 

“Yes, Goo y/n…Gunil’s little sister” you say a bit reluctantly. 

“I expect great things of you then,” your professor tells you. You nod and go take a seat. 

“So you’re Gunil’s little sister?” A fellow classmate is quick to turn to you. 

“My name is y/n,” you inform them. 

“Right, you’re gonna have it easy,” they said. 

“Huh?” you ask. 

“Oh come on, your brother is Goo Gunil. He’s a legend and like the ultimate cheat sheet for you. If you ever need to help you can just go to your brother. I’d kill to be you man.” 

So you’d rather be referred to as Gunil’s sister more than your own name? You want to have 95% of people who approach you talk about your brother? You’d rather be seen as an extension of your brother rather than your own person? These are all things you want to say, but instead you brush the person off, turning to face the front. 

“Y/n!” your best friend Jiseok, one of the few people who sees you as your own person, excitedly greets you. He slides into the seat beside you. “I was scared they would try to separate us,” he joked. 

“No way. I don’t think I would survive if we got separated. The first thing the professor asked me was if Gunil was my brother,” you state. 

“Already?” Jiseok looked at you sympathetically. 

“Why would my second year of college be any different than the rest of my life?” you say halfway joking. 

“Don’t say that. I’ll come into class shouting your name everyday till people get it through their skull that you and Gunil are two different people.” 

“Thanks” you smile at Jiseok appreciatively. 

“Alright it seems like the last of you have filed in, so I’ll get on with it. Welcome to Architecture 102. For your first assignment I’d like to create your own house model. Don’t worry about it being perfect, I just want to see where you all are at. What your styles are. To get to know who you are as people through your work. Submit your sketch to me by Friday and the model will be due the week after,” your professor announces to the class. 

“You gonna stick to your signature look?” Jiseok asked you. 

“I think that’s the point of this assignment” you chuckle. 

“Yeah, but still figured I’d ask. We’re starting out fresh. Thought maybe you’d want to try something new,” he said. 

“We’ll see,” you say, pulling out your supplies. You and Jiseok get to work, working on your sketches. 

Arriving home after your first day you feel exhausted. Knowing that you have another three years ahead of you fighting against what seems to be your fate of being stuck in Gunil’s shadow. It feels like the title of “Gunil’s little sister” weighs heavier on you than it used to. You really thought college would be better. Everyone was adults now, so certainly they would have more things to care about than who your older brother was, but alas it somehow seems that the comparisons of you and Gunil are about to reach an all time high. 

“Hey y/n you’re back,” Seungmin smiles at you from the kitchen table. “How was your first day?” he asked. 

“I think half the campus knows me as Gunil’s little sister. All the Architecture majors do at least,” you sigh. A frown tugged at Seungmin’s lips. He knew how tiring of a feat it was for you to always be casted into Gunil’s shadow.

“Should I start picking you up from campus everyday yelling your name till everyone gets the idea that you are your own person,” Seungmin suggested. You let out a chuckle. 

“Jiseok said something similar,” You told Seumgmin. 

“What did he say?” he questioned.

“He said that he’ll come into class shouting my name everyday till people get it through their skull that you and Gunil are two different people,” you relay Jiseok’s words. A small smile graced Seungmin’s lips. He looks at you with a sincere look. 

“There are people who see you for you y/n and I-”

“Y/n when did you get back?” Gunil entered the kitchen. 

“Just a bit ago. How was today's meeting?” you questioned before he could ask you about your first day. 

“With the help of your planning and preparations it was smooth sailing. Wasn’t it Seungmin?” Gunil responded. 

“Went off without a hitch. We’re just tying up the loose ends of it now.” He gestured towards their open laptops. 

“You better hurry up and graduate quickly cause as soon as you have your degree I’m passing the business over to you. I love architecture, but being the head of dad’s company was never what I envisioned. He always talked about handing the business over to you and that was certainly for a reason.” Gunil rubs his thumbs over his temples. 

“Dad would be proud of you if was still around,”You tell Gunil. 

“He’d be proud of you too,” Gunil says. You and him exchange smiles of solidarity. 

“Well I have a sketch to work on, so I’ll leave you guys to finish tying up your loose ends,” you  say with a hint of playfulness in your tone. You walk out of the kitchen and head up the stairs. 

Once you’re out of earshot Gunil says, “I wish y/n was the first born sometimes. She’s way more cut out for this than I am. A better architect too.”

“You’re doing a good job Gunil. Plus you’re not alone, you have y/n and me,” Seungmin comforts him. 

“I know and I’m very grateful because I would be at such a loss right now if it was just me.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Your style is much different from your brother’s,” your Architecture 102 professor notes upon viewing your sketch. 

“Well we are different people,” you point out. 

“Right, of course you are,” he says offhandedly. “What did your brother say about your sketch?” your professor asked curiously. 

“I didn’t show him,” I state. 

“You didn’t show him?” he chuckles. “You don’t have to lie. Honestly it would be silly of you not to, so what did he say?” he pressed. You let out a small sigh. You really didn’t show Gunil your sketch, nor did he ever ask to see it. 

“He said it reminded him of our father’s work,” you lied. 

“It is very reminiscent of your father’s work. The old cabin based framework. It’s nice to see. I look forward to your model.” Your professor approves of your sketch. 

“If he brings up Gunil everytime I submit something I’m not going to survive,” you tell Jiseok, slumping down in your seat and letting your head fall onto the desk. Jiseok reaches over and pats your back. 

“I can ‘accidently’ whack him with my carrying tube if he keeps it up.” Jiseok’s insinuation successfully makes you laugh. 

“I might like to see that even if he discovers that there is no need to continually bring up Gunil whenever he speaks to me.” 

“Guess he better watch out for me then,” Jiseok said mischievously.

You and Jiseok are sitting at a table discussing working on your models together when a dirty blonde haired guy approaches the two of you.

“Hey Jiseok, can I get my notes back?” he questioned. 

“Oh yeah, of course.” Jiseok begins to dig through his bag. 

“Who’s this?” the guy asked Jiseok, tilting his head towards you. 

“Oh right. Jungsu this is my best friend y/n. Y/n this is Jungsu he’s in my business management class,” Jisedok introduces the two of you and hands Jungsu his notes back. 

“You major in architecture too?” Jungsu asked, pointing to your sketch that laid beside Jiseok’s on the table. 

“Yeah,” you smile. 

“Jungsu is in his last year. He’s gonna open a flower shop after he graduates,” Jiseok informs. 

“Oh, that’s nice. Jiseok and I will have to stop by once you open it,” you say. 

“Thanks, what are your plans after graduation? Or is it too stressful to ask sophomores that?” Jiseok laughs a little. 

“It’s cool man. I’m gonna work at y/n’s company,” Jiseok states. 

“Who said I’d hire you?” you joke. Jiseok gives you an offended look.

“How could you not hire your beloved best friend?” You shake your head playfully. 

“I’m gonna take over my dad’s company. My brother is running it right now, but he’s more than eager to pass the position over to me,” you inform Jungsu. 

“Who’s your brother?” Jungsu questioned. A shocked expression quickly covers your face. 

“W-who’s my brother? It’s possible for me to be asked that.” You look at Jiseok. Jiseok chuckles at your shocked expression while Jungsu grows very confused. 

“You just made her month man,” Jiseok states, making Jungsu grow even more confused. 

“Sorry,” you say slowly, coming out of my state of shock. “I get compared to my brother a lot. In fact most people know me as his little sister rather than my name, so…thank you.” Seeing how shocked you are and after hearing your words, Jungsu feels a bit of a tug on his heart. He is still a bit confused though. 

“You don’t need to tell me who he is then. I should get going now, but it was nice to meet you y/n.” Jungsu takes his leave. 

“I seriously didn’t think that was possible,” you say, still feeling taken aback. Jiseok laughs again. 

“Looks like Gunil is only a legend in the architecture world. Outside of it there are plenty of people who have no clue who he is.” What just happened gave you some hope that maybe you aren’t fated to be stuck in your older brother’s shadow forever. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You always look so at peace whenever you’re working on a model.” The voice breaks you out of your tranquil, yet focused state. You turn around to see Seungmin sitting on the couch behind you. 

“How long have you been there?” He’s been there a good fifteen minutes. Seungmin has always liked watching you work. You always looked so calm and focused. There was this light in your eyes that showed how much you loved building models. It made Seungmin’s heart feel warm. He thinks that he could watch you work for hours. 

“Not long,” he replied. He gets up from the couch to join you on the floor, taking a good look at the model you're currently working on. 

“Does it get the Seungmin stamp of approval?” you jokingly question. 

“Your own stamp of approval is way more valuable than mine, but yeah I’d give this my stamp of approval.” He gives you a thumbs up. 

“Why are you over so late?” 

“Gunil needed some help with investment paperwork.” 

“He could’ve asked me. You didn’t have to come out here at night.” 

“Ah yes cause the five minute drive between your house and mine is just so intolerable,” Seungmin jests, making you chuckle. “He knew you were working on your model, so he didn’t want to bother you,” Seungmin explained. “Are you nervous about having to present it?” You shake your head. 

“No, I’m not nervous, but I’m not looking forward to the comments I’ll get about how I probably asked Gunil for advice or whatnot,” you voice. Seungmin places a hand on your shoulder, giving it a squeeze. 

“You and Gunil kill me sometimes,” he states. 

“What?” Laughter rumbles through your chest at his unexpected comment. 

“You found yourself stuck in Gunil’s shadow, always getting compared to him. Getting your own talent downgraded because ignorant people just assume you must’ve turned to Gunil for help. Meanwhile Gunil is constantly comparing himself to you. Trying to improve himself to be more like you. It’s like this weird cycle that doesn’t make any sense,” Seungmin informs. 

“It’s oddly ironic in a way,” you say, a solemn feeling stirring in your chest. 

“Finish up your model,” Seungmin gives you a smile, giving your shoulder another squeeze before pulling his hand away. He gets up from the floor and takes his previous spot back on the couch. 

“Shouldn’t you be heading out?” you questioned. 

“I like watching you work,” he said. 

“O..k?” you let out a mix of a scoff and a laugh turning back to put the finishing touches on your model. You quickly fall back into your tranquil, yet focused state as does Seungmin as he watches you work with a small smile etched onto his lips. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Alright, now we're gonna do a fun little group project. Working with the people sitting behind you. You will work together to build a framework that can withstand an earthquake,” Your professor announces. You and Jiseok look at each other first before turning around in your seats to face the two people behind you.

“Ooh we get to work with Gunil’s little sister.” One of your project partners immediately comments upon you and Jiseok turning around. 

“Her name is Y/n,” Jiseok states with a hint of annoyance in his voice. He too has grown tired of the constant use of your nickname. 

“I-I know, but she is also his sister. It’s not wrong to refer to her as that,” they defend themselves. Clearly a bit taken aback by Jiseok’s tone. 

“It may not be wrong, but it does get annoying when I hear that more than my own name,” you voice. 

“Aye come on why are you two being so uptight? I didn’t mean any harm, I was just having fun,” they said. 

“Let’s just get started on the project,” your other project partner cuts in. The four of you begin to design the framework. 

Later towards the end of class the groups took turns setting their designed frameworks on an earthquake simulator to see if their created design was strong enough to withstand an earthquake. When it came time for your group's turn you placed the framework on the simulator and stood back, watching anxiously as your design shook. The shaking of the simulator came to an end and the framework you and your group created was still standing tall. You and your group exchange celebratory high fives.

“I didn’t expect anything less of the group that had Gunil’s sister, but very good job nonetheless,” your professor compliments. However, even in your own victory Gunil’s name was still being brought up. It made your victory feel less sweet. Your happy smile falters slightly and Jiseok notices it. It makes his own happy smile falter as he watches you try to brush it off. Replacing your once happy smile with a fake one. Your group heads back to your seats. 

“Should we have lunch with Jungsu today?” Jiseok suggested. A genuine smile makes its way back onto your face that makes Jiseok feel at ease. 

“Yeah I like eating with Jungsu and we only have five more months with him before he graduates,” you say.

“Precisely, we need to bother him while we still can. I’ll text him,” Jiseok said, pulling out his phone. 

After finishing up your last class for the day you make your way off campus. You walk by a crowd of people. You’re a little curious about what they could be crowding around, but not interested enough to find out. 

That was until,”Y/n!” you hear your name being called. You turn around to see Seungmin emerging from the crowd and hurrying his way over to you. The crowd of people watch and almost follow him making you realize that he was what the people were crowding around. 

“Seungmin, what are you doing here?” you ask.

“I met with a client in the area. Figured I would pick you up afterwards,” he tells you. 

“And create a crowd?” you poke lightheartedly. 

“I didn’t think that after graduating three years ago that I would still be popular on campus. I would’ve stayed in the car if I’d known,” he chuckled. 

“You and Gunil are legends. Top two of your class,” you say. 

“That’s because of you.” Seungmin bumps his shoulder with yours. He escorts you over to his car and opens the passenger door for you. 

“Thank you,” you say, slipping into the car. He closes the door behind you and jogs over to the driver’s side, opening the door and settling in. 

“Have you thought about interning yet?” Seungmin asked. 

“Seungmin I have five, well four cause you need to send in the application a month ahead of time, but still four months before needing to decide where I’ll intern for the summer,” you chuckle. 

“It never hurts to be prepared. I was scrambling at the last minute to figure out where to intern.” 

“I appreciate your concern. I was planning on deciding after we have the intern fair,” you tell him. 

“Speaking of that, I need to prepare for it,” Seungmin notes. 

“You’re having a booth?” you question. 

“My father decided to let me represent the company this year, yeah,” he answers. 

“Represent or draw people in with your pretty face.” You playfully reach your hand out to cup his chin. 

“Behave, I am driving.” He grabs your hand with one of his, taking it away from his chin. His hand remains holding yours for a few moments longer than necessary before letting go and bringing his hand back to the wheel.

“Because holding your pretty face is so distracting,” you snicker. Not knowing how distracting it really is for Seungmin. The way he had to try and control his racing heart the moment your hand cupped his chin. How he wanted nothing more than to turn over and look at you. Too see the cheeky smile you probably had on your face. The sparkles in your eyes. 

He knew that you would have pulled your hand away from his chin on your own accord. Probably only in a matter of seconds, yet he could not fight the urge of wanting to feel your hand in his.

Seungmin has actually long had feelings for you. He may be best friends with your brother, but you were actually the sibling he saw first. His father had some business with yours and just so happened to bring him along. They were walking up to your father’s office when he saw you through the window. Sitting on your dad’s lap helping him with a model. You looked so at peace and content it stirred something inside Seungmin’s little nine year old heart.

“Mr. Oh you are here, welcome,” your dad greets Seungmin’s father. Standing up from the chair and lifting you from his lap, setting you on the ground. “This is my daughter y/n and son Gunil.” Your dad placed a hand on your shoulder then with his free arm gestured over to where Gunil was sitting on the couch. It was only then that Seungmin noticed the presence of your brother. 

“This is my son Seungmin,” his father introduced him. 

“How about you kids go acquaint yourselves over there?” Your dad points over to the couch sitting area where Gunil sat on the couch. “I believe our sons are the same age, nine?” your father checked. Mr. Oh nodded in confirmation. 

“And your little one?” Mr Oh asked, looking at you.

“Six!” you answered proudly. “Come on, let's leave our fathers to their business.” You take a few steps over to Seungmin grabbing his hand and leading him over to the sitting area. Seungmin smiled at the feeling of your little hand holding his. 

“Wait ,does that mean Gunil is going to do a booth for our company too?” you questioned. Seungmin waits a moment before nodding.

“He is, but he doesn’t know if he’s going to go himself or have another company staff go,” Seungmin tells you. 

“He can go,” you say. Seungmin glances at you. He’s about to say something, but you beat him to it. “It’s because of me right? I’m the reason he’s unsure about going himself.” You fiddle with your fingers. 

“It’s not just that. You know he’s still not really comfortable with all the business stuff. He’s worried about not doing a good job at representing the company,” Seungmin discloses. You let out a sigh. 

“Why is he such an overthinker? The intern fair isn't solely about talking business. It’s a lot about talking about the stuff he loves about architecture. Plus most students will just want to intern there because it’s his company. His name on its own will be enough to fill an intern list,” you ramble. Seungmin chuckles lightly at your rambling. 

“Tell him that yourself then,” Seungmin insists. 

“But do I mention that I’m ok with him doing it or do I just smack him upside the head and tell him to stop overthinking it?” Seungmin can’t help but laugh. 

“Do whatever you want,” he says while giggling. 

Soon enough Seungmin pulls up in front of your house.

“Are you coming in?” you asked. 

“Of course I am.” Seungmin smiles at you. The two of you get out of the car and walk up to your house. You and Seungmin enter the house together and your feet stop in their tracks. 

“Mom!” you called out excitedly, dropping your bag onto the floor. Your mom just as excitedly opens her arms rushing over to hug you. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back?” you asked, whilst you two sway side to side, embraced. As far as you knew your mom was supposed to be on her business trip for a few more days.

“I wanted to surprise you,” she says, pulling away to look at you. “How’s college going? I can’t believe you’re already halfway through your sophomore year. Growing up so fast.” She rubbed your shoulders. 

“If you think she’s growing up fast then what am I?” Gunil appears through the front door. Your mom immediately goes over to hug Gunil. 

“Oh don’t worry you make me feel very old. Seeing you run your dad’s company,” your mom said in a playful tone.

“Does Seungmin make you feel old too?” you jest, resulting in your mom chuckling. 

“Yes, of course he does. He is like a second son to me. I watched him grow up with you and Gunil.” Your mom then goes over to give Seungmin a hug too. “Thank you for keeping my house standing,” she tells Seungmin. An offended look falls over both yours and Gunil’s faces. 

“Mom we’re literally architects, how can you imply that we would knock the house down? That’s one problem you shouldn't have to worry about” Gunil states.

“Ok, so maybe you two wouldn’t knock it down, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I walked into it and it was completely remodeled one day.”

“You say that like it’d be a bad thing,” you remark. A warm chuckle erupts from your mother.

“Oh, I’m sure you two would do an amazing job.” She slings one arm over either of yours and Gunil’s shoulders, pulling you each into her sides. “But I like the house how it is right now.”

After your cute little reunion you all settle in. Your mom going off to her room for a bit. You were about to go off to your room to work on whatever you needed to get done, however before you can Seungmin stops you by gently grabbing your wrist. Before you can question what he’s doing his eyes shift over to Gunil, who was sitting on the couch, typing away on his laptop. You remember the conversation you had with Seungmin in the car about the intern fair. Then you nod in understanding and make your way over to Gunil. You sit down beside him and knock him with your elbow.

“What?” He turns to look at you. 

“Stop overthinking it and do the intern fair,” you tell him. 

“How did-” Gunil looks at you puzzledly then looks over to where Seunmgin is sitting at the kitchen table. Seungmin shrugs in response and Gunil sighs. He knows Seungmin must have told you about his troubles concerning the intern fair.

“You showing up only would be enough to get people to sign up for an internship,” you state. Gunil sighs again. 

“But that’s not what I want. I want to show that Building Blocks is a really good company. I want people to apply for internships because they want to work for the company. Not work there because it’s my company,” he explained. 

“Still we spent probably more than half of our childhood inside of those walls. You know what to say to show how great of a company Building Blocks is. Stop overthinking it.” Gunil remains silent for a few moments, letting your words sink in. He knew that you were right, but his head was still filled with doubts. 

“But what if it doesn’t sound professional enough?” Gunil voiced his concern. 

“It’s an intern fair not a business proposal. It doesn’t have to be the most professional thing ever. You’re just talking about the company, what they would do as interns there. Just explain how you would to a friend,” you tell him. 

“See, you’re so much more cut out for this than I am,” Gunil says. 

“Gunil I’m honestly not. You just get too caught up in your own head.” You poke your finger into his head. “Look if you’re too stressed about it I can help you put in together ok?” you offer.

“If you’re offering help I could probably use it too,” Seungmin says in a lighthearted tone, joining you and Gunil on the couch.

“I helped y’all through college, now I’m helping you run companies.” You shake your head jokingly.

“Just think of it as practice, cause Building Blocks will be yours soon enough,” Gunil says. 

“Yeah, yeah, I know. You’re more than eager to pass it over to me, but in order to do that I need to graduate. So if you excuse me I’ll be going to work on my assignments now.” You stand up from the couch. “But seriously. Don’t. Think. About. It. So. Much.” You pat Gunil’s head a little harder than necessary in between words. Gunil smacks your hand away from his head. 

“Go do your assignments,” he sends you away. You chuckle at his bossy tone as you walk away, heading to your room. 

“So you can tell y/n about my problems, but you can’t confess your long time feelings for her?” Gunil turns to face Seungmin after you disappeared off to your room. 

“First off, we both know you wouldn’t have been able to do the fair without her telling you too. Secondly, I can’t just confess to her. I’m pretty sure she only sees me as a brother too. She doesn’t really treat me any differently than how she treats you,” Seungmin said. 

“‘Doesn’t really’ isn’t ‘the same’ now is it?” Gunil points out. 

“We have an intern fair to get prepping for,” Seungmin adverts. 

“Seungmin,” Gunil said sternly. “Are you just never going to tell her?”

“Shouldn’t you be going all protective big brother. ‘Stay away from my sister!’ right now?” Seungmin again tries to escape the conversation. 

“Seungmin, let's be real you fell in love with her the second her little six year old hand grabbed your little nine year old one. I’m shocked she hasn’t caught on to how you really feel about her,” Gunil states. 

“Fortunately she has other things preoccupying her mind,” Seungmin says. Gunil lets out a heavy sigh. 

“I don’t think I can just watch you be silently in love with her for the rest of my life man,” he says. 

“So what? Are you gonna rat me out?” Seungmin questions. 

“Unfortunately, ratting out somebody’s feelings for someone else isn’t really cool, so no. However, I will start bothering you about confessing to her,” Gunil declares. 

“Gunil please, I will tell her how I feel one day. I just don’t think now is the right time,” Seungmin states. 

“No time like the present,” Gunil pokes. 

“Just give me some more time,” Seungmin says. 

“How much more time? Till we’re forty?” Gunil folds his arms. 

“No, not till we’re forty. Just till I get it fingered out,” Seungmin defends. 

“So forty,” Gunil sassed. Seungmin sighed, dropping his head. 

“Not forty,” he refuted again. He doesn’t really know how to go about confessing to you though. How was he supposed to tell the girl that he had been in love with his entire life, that he had been in love with you his entire life? He wanted nothing more than to tell how he truly felt, but at the same time he had no clue how to get the words out. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was the day of the intern fair and frankly as you stood outside of the double doors you seriously debated turning back and just ditching it. Despite the fact that you were so supportive about Gunil doing the intern fair, you were actually dreading it. Mainly because you know that once you walk in through those doors you will be no more than Gunil’s little sister. People won’t want you to intern at their company because you’re you. It will be because you’re Gunil’s little sister. With a deep breath you put on a brave face and walk in through the doors. 

After entering the room your eyes scan the room, looking at all the different booths set up. Your eyes fell on where Seungmin was standing talking to a small group of students. A small smile graced your face as you watched Seungmin interacting with the students. He looked so natural as he went over the information in the pamphlet about his company. 

“I’m a little shocked to see you here,” the voice of one of your classmates pulls you from your trance. 

“Why?” you asked, turning to look at them. 

“I just assumed you’d intern at your brother’s company. Seems like the simple thing to do,” they say. 

“I’m not interning there. I don’t need people gossiping about how I was handed an internship,” you state. Your classmate nods understandingly. 

“But with your last name companies will still probably be quick to offer you an internship you know?” they said. You let out a sigh. 

“I know, I’m cursed into being Gunil’s little sister,” you responded. Your classmate’s lips draw into a line at your words. 

“I’m sorry by the way,” they apologize. 

“For what?” You gave them a slightly perplexed look. 

“I just viewed you as Gunil’s little sister too, but after seeing you work in Architecture 102. I can see that you are a really good architect on your own. You don’t need your brother,” they expressed. 

“Thanks, that means a lot actually. Most people don’t ever bother to try to get to know me after finding out Gunil is my brother,” you say. 

“I will reluctantly say that I was one of them too, but then I overheard you explaining to your group mates during the earthquake simulator and I realized that you really did know what you were talking about,” they tell you. 

“Thanks,” you say once more.

“Well, enjoy the fair,” your classmate tells you. You nod telling them a quick “you too” and part ways.

Admittedly the fair was already going better than you expected. However the real battle had not yet begun. You stand there for a few moments looking around the room, trying to decide which booth you should start with. 

“If you don’t start with my booth I might be a little offended,” Seungmin spoke from over your shoulder making you jump. “Sorry,” Seungmin chuckles, placing his hand on your shoulder. 

“Where did you come from?” you asked, eyes darting over to where his booth was and back at him. 

“I saw you and wanted to say hi,” he tells you. 

“Yet you didn’t start with that,” you said jokingly, making Seungmin laugh. 

“You’re right, my bad. Hi y/n,” he greeted you properly. 

“Hi,” you return with a subtle chuckle. “Show me your booth,” you add. Seungmin nods and leads you over to where his booth was. Once you’re at his booth he humors you by handing you a pamphlet and going over the information with you. 

“Any questions?” he asked you playfully after he finished. 

“Just one I suppose.” You pause for a second before continuing. “If I intern at your company do I get to see your pretty face everyday?”

“I know you’re saying that as a joke, but you’re actually not the first person to say that today,” he informs you. 

“Are you serious?” you asked in disbelief.

“I wish I was joking,” he replies in all seriousness. 

“How’s Gunil doing?” you change the topic of conversation. 

“You can go over there and see for yourself you know?” He gestures over to where Gunil’s booth is set up. “He’d probably appreciate you popping in over there too.” 

“Yeah I should,” you state, looking over at Gunil’s booth. Watching him as he organizes the pamphlets on the table. Despite knowing that you should. You find yourself feeling nervous about going over there. 

“Go on,” Seungmin says, giving you an encouraging smile. You smile back and turn to walk towards Gunil’s booth. It feels like you can hear your steps echo throughout your ears as you approach Gunil’s booth. 

“For someone who was so nervous you look pretty composed right now,” you say announcing your presence. Gunil looks up at you, letting out a breathy laugh. 

“I’ve been managing, but you were also right. This isn’t as serious as it seemed in my head,” he states. 

“See you just need to relax,” you say. 

“That’s easier said than done. Have you checked out the other booths? Any ideas where you want to intern?” he questioned you. 

“Not yet, I only stopped by Seungmin’s,” you tell him. 

“Now who needs to relax,” he used your own words against you. 

“Very funny,” you remark sarcastically. “Plus it’s not like I’m scared about going over there and talking to the people. It’s like how you want people to intern at our company because it’s a good company. Not because it’s your company. I want companies who want me to intern there because I’m me and not because I’m your sister,” you explain. A bit of a glum look took over Gunil’s face, but he perked up pretty quickly to say. 

“Seungmin’s company would gladly take you for you.” A smile tugged at your lips. 

“Yeah they would, but I feel like that’s taking the easy way out,” you voice.

“You can decide that after you check out the other companies,” Gunil tells you. You nod. Your conversation with Gunil ends shortly after that and you find yourself walking to the first booth in the line of booths. 

Unfortunately visiting the other booths seemed to go just as you thought that they would. Once they found out you were Goo Y/n, Gunil’s sister they became ten times more interested in you and the topic naturally shifted over to him as well. You were able to keep up a foe happy persona for the first four booths, but by the eleventh and final booth you felt completely drained. 

A big sigh fell from your lips as  you sat outside in an empty courtyard. You stared at the mess of pamphlets in your hand, recalling all your conversations with the representatives running the booths. 

“We would love to have Gunil’s little sister interning for us.” “Even if you’re half as good as your brother. You’d still be an amazing asset to us.” “Not that we wouldn’t be more than glad to steal you away from your brother, but why aren’t you interning there?” 

“Are you ok?” a voice asked. You turn your head to see Seungmin standing a couple feet away by the door. He makes his way over to you, taking a seat beside you. 

“None of them cared about my preferences or skill set. Once they found out my name was Goo they instantly were ready to offer me an internship,” you vent. “I really should hurry up and graduate. I don’t know how much longer I can put up with this.” 

“Y/n,” Seungmin starts. 

“No, I mean like I’m fine. It just feels really exhausting every now and then and I can’t even really blame Gunil, cause he hasn’t done anything. He actually is a really good brother. I guess it’s my fault, in a way, actually. I’m the one who helped him become the aritech that he is. I set the expectations upon myself really. It's just really frustrating that everyone assumes I get his help, you know? Like they’re constantly discrediting me. Is it really hard to believe that I can be a good architect on my own? Seriously, you know when I showed my Architecture 102 professor my first project he asked what Gunil thought of it? When I told him that I didn’t show him he didn’t believe me. He said that it would be silly to not show him. Others essentially have the same reaction when I say I don’t go to Gunil for help. They think I’m lying. I try my best to not let it bother me but it does,” you let out all your pent up feelings. Some tears gloss over your eyes. 

“Y/n,” Seungmin says your name again. 

“That too.” You take a breath. “I feel like I hardly even get called by my own name,” you say. A sniffle leaves your nose and a tear slips from your eye. 

“You’ve always been y/n to me,” Seungmin tells you. He cups your face ever so gently in one. Almost as if you're made of glass. He swipes his thumb across your cheek, drying your tears. “Ever since I saw you sitting on your dad’s lap all those years ago.” 

“I really miss my dad,” you smile sadly. “We were supposed to be architects together…and I was really looking forward to it.” Seungmin pulls you into a hug. He lovingly cradles the back of your head and rubs your back. 

“I know,” he soothes you. “But you know he would be so proud of you. He talked about you being the future heir of Building Blocks when you were only seven. I’m sure he knows how amazing of an architect you would become.” He pulled away from the hug to look at you. “Plus you know what else?” 

“What?” you ask. 

“You inspired me to become an architect,” Seungmin tells you. Your eyes widen in surprise. 

“I did? Weren’t you always going to become one because of your dad?” you asked. 

“My dad wanted me to become one to eventually take over the company, yes, but I didn’t really want to be one until you,” he informs. 

“What did I do to make you want to be one?” you question. 

“You were so passionate about it and you always looked so at ease when you were drawing sketches or working on models. It made me think that maybe there were things I was missing. You made me want to fall in love with architecture.” 

“And you did?” you smile. 

“So hard and-” The words “and I fell even harder for you” were right on the tip of Seungmin’s tongue, yet he held them back. Maybe now wasn’t the best time to confess to you. You were already upset. A lot of your pent up emotions came spilling out of you. He didn’t really want to confess to you when you were feeling vulnerable. 

“And?” you urged him to continue. Seungmin takes a breath and grabs the mess of pamphlets from your hands. 

“And, I think this company would suit you best for interning.” He hands you the pamphlet for Archway Architecture. 

“I was half expecting you to give me your company’s pamphlet,” you say with a slight chuckle. 

“Oh if you want to come to Construct Creations I will welcome you with open arms, but this company's preferences and style are similar to yours. I think you would be a good fit there,” he tells you. 

“Thank you,” you sincerely thank him. 

“Don’t mention it. You know I’m always looking out for you,” he reminds you. 

“I do and I appreciate it. Know that I’m here for you too,” you say.  Seungmin smiles. 

“I know and I appreciate that too.” 

“And since I look out for you. It’s probably time for you to head back to your booth and draw more students in with your pretty face,” you lighten up the mood. 

“Yeah, I probably should be getting back,” Seungmin stands up. “You sure you’re alright? I can leave Hyeongjun to fend for himself. His pretty face does a good job at bringing in people too.” 

“I’m ok now Seungmin.” You stand up. “Get back to work.” you playfully shove him. 

“Ok, ok, I’m going.” He raised his hands in defense. “But.” He turns around to face you and places his hand on the side of your head. “Let me know whenever you’re having a hard time, ok?” 

“I will.” you nod. Seungmin nods as well and removes his hand from your head. He then turns to go back inside, taking one last look at you before he disappears behind the door. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“It's just really frustrating that everyone assumes I get his help, you know? Like they’re constantly discrediting me. Is it really hard to believe that I can be a good architect on my own? Seriously, you know when I showed my Architecture 102 professor my first project he asked what Gunil thought of it? When I told him that I didn’t show him he didn’t believe me. He said that it would be silly to not show him. Others essentially have the same reaction when I say I don’t go to Gunil for help. They think I’m lying.”  Gunil overhears your words from the other side of the door. He feels a heavy weight tug on his chest. He knew that you had a hard time due to being his little sister. That you could get casted into his shadow, but he didn’t think it was this bad. Certainly people could see how great of an architect you were? If people paid any attention to you at all it would be easy to see that. 

“Oh Gunil it’s you. I was hoping I would get to see you today when I heard you were coming.” The Architecture 102 professor greets Gunil. 

“Yeah, long time no see,” Gunil greets back. 

“So how’s it been running a company now?” the professor questioned.

“Oh I can’t wait to pass it over to y/n. The business running side of things has never really been my forte,” Gunil answers. 

“Pass it over to y/n?” the professor repeats. 

“Yes, she’s so much better at working the business side and she’s a better architect in general. She has been helping me since I started college. You know that first project you have us to do? Building the model.” 

“Yeah it’s my mandatory first assignment, but are you telling me y/n helped you with yours?” the professor checked. 

“She tried,” Gunil chuckles as he thinks back at the memory. “I showed it to her the night before and she told me that the doors didn’t match with the overall style of the house. That they looked out of place, but at that time I was in my first year of college and she was still a mere highschooler. I pulled the I’m a college student I’m sure I know better than you card. And you know what you said to me about my model?” Gunil tells the story. 

“That the doors looked like they didn’t belong,” the professor finishes. 

“It was quite the humbling moment. I always listened to her after that though. I had to get the y/n stamp of approval before I turned anything in.” 

“And you graduated top of your class,” the professor notes. 

“Owe it all to my sister,” Gunil says proudly. “I can only hope that I can be as good as her one day,” he adds. Your Architecture 101 professor feels a great amount of guilt stirring in his stomach. Here your brother was talking so highly of you, so proudly of you and all this time he was thinking that you were going to Gunil for help. It’s not like he didn’t think you were a good architect. He’s seen how you work in class, but he definitely thought that Gunil was playing a part in your skills.

“So she’s the brains behind the operation?” He asked with a bit of a self-reproached tone.

“You could definitely put it like that,” Gunil chuckles. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Y/n can I speak to you for a moment?” your Architecture 102 professor asked you after class.

“Did he just refer to me by my name?” you look at Jiseok with a surprised and confused look. 

“I think he did,” Jiseok replied with a just as confused and surprised look. 

“Well, let’s catch up after,” you say. 

“For sure,” Jiseok said. Jiseok makes his way out of class and you head over to your professor's desk. 

“You wanted to talk to me?” you state. 

“Yeah I talked to Gunil at the fair the other day,��� your professor started. You nod along. “I owe you an apology,” he told you. 

“For what?” you ask. 

“Gunil told me that you were the one who helped him through college and that you’re still helping him now,” he discloses. “So I’m sorry for thinking that you needed your brother’s help to be as good as you are,” he apologized. 

“I learned most of my skills from my father,” you state. 

“That shows a lot in your work honestly. Your style actually differs a lot from your brother’s, so thinking back on it I’m not sure why I was so convinced that you were using him for help,” he says. 

“Once people assume that I’m using him for help they don’t really think about it,” you said. “Once they cast me into his shadow, they don’t care about actually getting to know me,” you added. 

“I’m sorry that I was one of them too. I especially feel that as a professor I should have known better,” your professor apologizes again. 

“I really appreciate your apology sir,” you express. 

“Gunil is really proud of you too, you know?” he checks. You let out a bit of an awkward chuckle.

“I mean surely there is some part of me that knows he is, but it is kinda awkward to have those kinds of sentimental talks with your sibling,” you say. Your professor chuckles at your words. 

“Yeah I get that. Somedays I wouldn’t be caught dead telling my brother I love him,” he laughs lightly. 

“Well if that’s all, I’ll get going now,” you dismiss yourself. You walk out of class feeling lighter. Like maybe you weren’t destined to spend your whole life stuck in Gunil’s shadow. 

When you met up with Jiseok to tell him what just happened his eyes grew as wide as saucers, but he recovered quickly to throw a humorous comment. 

“So I don’t have to accidentally whack him with my carrying tube anymore?” he played. 

“I still think that that would be a funny sight, but no I suppose there is no reason for you to accidentally whack him anymore,” you reply. 

“This is a good thing, but it feels really weird,” Jiseok notes. 

“Oh I know,” you chuckle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“My Architecture 102 professor apologized to me the other day,” you notified Gunil. The two of you were sitting at the kitchen island working on getting stuff done. 

“He did?” Gunil asked. You nod. 

“It was because of what you told him at the intern fair,” you say. Your statement makes Gunil think back to the internfair, but not the conversation he had with your Architecture 102 professor. The one he overheard you having with Seuingmin. 

“You know I have been meaning to talk to you, but I didn’t really know how to bring it up,” he says. 

“Bring what up?” you question, feeling a bit confused at his words.

“I overheard you talking with Seungmin a bit. About how people always assume that you get help from me when it comes to architecture. That it feels like they’re constantly discrediting you,” he speaks with a hesitant and careful voice.

“You heard that?” you ask, feeling a little bad. As frustrating as it was to go through it was never Gunil’s fault either. 

“I never realized how hard of a time you had because of me,” he tells you with a sorrowful look in his eyes. 

“It wasn’t your fault. You are a good brother,” you say. 

“Then why did you never tell me?” he questioned. 

“I didn’t want to stress you out any more than you already were. Plus what really was there for you to do?” you explain. 

“Something, I don’t know what, but certainly I could have done something.” You could hear the upsetness in his voice. 

“Gunil this is why I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want you to be upset,” you tell him. Gunil takes a calming breath. 

“I’m not upset…No I am, but how could I not be? You’re the best architect I know and you’re telling me that no one has been acknowledging your skills. It is upsetting,” he firmly states. 

“Not no one. Jiseok has always acknowledged my skills. He became my best friend for a reason you know and obviously Seungmin treasures my skills. He’s always been there for me,” you smiled. Gunil smiles too. He’s glad that you have people around you who support you, but he still wishes that you got the recognition you deserve.

“You know sometimes I can’t help but think that if dad was still here how different things would be,” Gunil admits. The atmosphere of the room falls to a more somber mood. 

“I think about that too,” you share. “My dream wasn’t just to be an architect, but to be an architect alongside him. I wanted to work with him on projects. I mean I know technically did, but like I wanted to do it when we were both professionals,” you disclose. Gunil nods. 

“I know, you were practically dad’s right hand man. I kinda regret not spending more time with him,” Gunil reveals. 

“Gunil you were being a regular kid, running around and playing. I was the weird one who would rather work on models than play with toys,” you laugh. Gunil can’t help but laugh as well. 

“That’s true you were a weird kid,” Gunil jokes. “I still wished I spent more time with him though. Then I wouldn’t have to rely on you so much.” 

“He left us suddenly, so there are lots of things we didn’t get to do,” you say in a voice filled with penitence. “But I think he would be super proud of us,” you try to bring the mood back up. 

“He would be proud of you for sure, but I feel like a let down sometimes,” Gunil disclosed. 

“Do not say that!” you smack him upside the head. “You are not a let down,” you tell him. 

“I struggle so much with running the company though. It’s hard to not feel like a let down.” He rubs the back of his head. 

“Dad never expected you to run the company. He knew you were never into that. He would be so proud that you still took the task of running Building Blocks on,” you state. “You know I’m right, so don’t even try to say otherwise,” you quickly say before he can argue with you. Gunil sighs, knowing that he is at defeat. 

“This was supposed to be about me confronting you for hiding your struggles from me. How did you flip the tables on me?”

“Cause I’m ok Gunil. It does get rough from time to time and I do have my moments, but I always pull through,” you say. 

“I just wish it wasn’t like that for you,” he said. 

“It’s fine, Seungmin was really good at picking up when I was having a hard time. He always knows how to make me feel better too,” you told. Gunil smirks and lets out a mix of a smirk and a scoff. 

“Obviously he is. Seungmin never wants to see you sad. He always wants to make you happy,” he said. 

“He does,” you replied without thinking much of it. 

“He’d be very pleased to hear that,” Gunil remarks with a hint of something in his voice. 

“What do you mean?” you questioned. 

“Are you really that oblivious?” Gunil remarked. 

“Huh? Oblivious to what?” you shrug your shoulders. 

“Do you see Seungmin as another brother?” he asked. You paused for a moment to think. You didn’t really understand why Gunil was asking you this, but it did make you realize that you didn’t view Seungmin as another brother. 

“No, I don’t. He’s…Seungmin” you chuckle. “Why are you asking though?”

“Cause I don’t wait till I’m forty,” Gunil answers, but it only makes you more confused. 

“What?” Gunil shakes his head as he sighs. 

“You should understand soon, hopefully,” he replies. You and Gunil’s focus returns to the work in front of you, but a piece of your mind is still wondering what Gunil was talking about. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Congrats on finishing your second year of college,” Seungmin says, taking a seat beside you on the couch. It was nighttime and you were just basking in the feeling of not having to get any work or studying done.

“Thanks, I got two more to go though,” you say. 

“You got it no problems.” Seungmin nudges you lightly.

“I wouldn’t say no problems. You know I had a few moments this year,” you chuckle. Of course Seungmin knows that. Cause it became increasingly harder for him to keep his feelings for you in each time he watched you go through a hard time. 

“Yeah, but I was always there for you wasn’t I?” he reminded. 

“You’re always here for me,” you nudged him back. Seungmin was quiet for a moment, seemingly thinking about something before he answered. 

“Cause I care about you,” he spoke. 

“I care about you too,” you return. 

“No, I mean…” he trails off. He wants to tell you how he feels so bad, yet he also doesn’t know if this is the right time. Should he make it more special? He feels like telling the person that he’s loved for his love life that he loves them should be more special. However, he also kind of thinks that special enough doesn’t exist. That if he keeps holding himself back he may actually turn forty before he ever confesses to you and that would be much too late. 

“You mean what?” you asked. 

“Do you remember the first day that we met?” he questioned you. 

“Of course it was at my dad’s office. I was sitting on my dad’s lap working on a model with him when you and your dad came in,” you recalled. 

“You held my hand too.” Seungmin placed his hand over where yours rested on the couch. 

“Yeah I did, so that our dads could talk,” you state. 

“I barely knew your name then, yet I still didn’t want you to let go of my hand once you held it,” he tells you. 

“Seriously?” you ask. Feeling very aware of his hand that was on top of yours, especially as he wrapped his fingers around your hand to hold it. 

“Mhm” he hummed. “And remember how I told you that you made me want to be an architect? That you made me want to fall in love with architecture,” he checked. You nodded. “As I fell in love with architecture I also fell in love with you too. Actually I probably fell for you first,” he confessed. 

“You love me?-Like love love me? Romantically?” you check with a bit of a shocked stutter. Seungmin smiles and holds your hand tighter. 

“Yes, I love you romantically. Has that really not been obvious?” Suddenly you recall your conversation a couple months back. 

“He’d be very pleased to hear that,” Gunil remarks with a hint of something in his voice. 

“What do you mean?” you questioned. 

“Are you really that oblivious?” Gunil remarked. 

Maybe you really were that oblivious. Seungmin’s care for you always did feel different from how Gunil’s felt, so that’s probably why you never viewed him as a brother, yet you never picked up on the real reasoning behind it either. Now you feel a little stupid for not realizing it. 

“I really was that oblivious,” you laugh lightly. 

“Yeah, you were. I don’t know if I'm grateful for it or not,” Seungmin laughed too. “Maybe I would have confessed sooner if you picked up on it,” he adds. 

“I mean you did it before you hit forty,” you say jokingly. 

“How did you know that?” questioned with his eyebrows raised. 

“It really confused me at the time, but Gunil said something about not wanting to wait until he was forty,” you explained. 

“Dude tried to out me,” Seungmin played. 

“Yeah, but I was dense as a rock apparently, so it didn’t do anything,” you say. Seungmin laughs, squeezing your hand tighter and you realize that you quite like the feeling of his hand holding yours. “And even though I was as dense as a rock. You always made me happy,” you tell him. 

“Then are you saying?” He looked at you with hopeful eyes. 

“Maybe I obliviously fell in love with you too,” you reveal, making Seungmin’s eyes light up. 

“So, I can ask you to be mine then?” he questioned. You smiled, squeezing his hand.

“Yes, I’ll be yours,” you answer.

“I’d say that I’ll be yours too, but I’ve already been yours for a long time,” he says. 

“Ok, that was cheesy,” you lean away from him, but Seungmin pulls you into a hug now instead. 

“Whatever, I’ve been in love with you since I was nine. Let me be a little cheesy,” he said, resting his chin over your shoulder. You wrap your arms around him too and lean your head against his. 

“I guess I can let it slide considering that” you say playfully. Seungmin feels his heart fill with warmth, just as it did when he was nine years old and you grabbed his hand. Only this time it was so much better. You were his now. His to hold and love. He surely was never gonna let you go. 

Gunil happens to walk down stairs seeing you and Seungmin embraced. 

“If that’s not a we’re dating now hug. I’m going to be very disappointed,” he says, breaking your and Seungmin’s cute little moment. The two of you pull away from each other to look at where Gunil is standing, leaning against the chair diagonally across from the two of you on the couch.

“I told you I’d do it before we were forty,” Seungmin responded. He holds your hand in his again, lifting it up. 

“I honestly doubted that, but I’m very happy to have been proven wrong,” Gunil said. He stands there for a few more moments before standing up straight. “Ok, I’ll leave you two alone now,” he excused himself. 

“At least don’t have to worry about him being an overprotective ‘stay away from my little sister’ big brother,” you joke. 

“Oh, I think he was ready to shove you into my arms if I didn’t confess soon,” Seungmin says. You chuckle at the mental image of Gunil doing that. You and Seungmin sink against the back of the couch, your head falling onto his shoulder. 

“You know I think I feel as at ease as when I work on models when I’m with you,” you voice after several minutes of silence, just enjoying one another’s company. The warm feeling spreads even farther across Seungmin’s chest. His heart filled entirely with happiness.

“I think that’s the biggest compliment you could ever give me.” He wraps his arm around you, letting you fall into his side. 

“Maybe.” You adjust your head to lay on his chest. That’s where the two of you stay for the rest of the night and if Seungmin could have his way he would have you to stay like that for the rest of your lives. He loves nothing more than having you be by his side and you could say the same.

taglist: @purplelady85 @gingerjunhan @ezlynkisses @chewednails @mon2sunjinsuver @mxlly143 @seungseung-minmin

comment or message me to be added!

A/N: I'm back! Did you miss me? lol I worked really hard on this fic so I hope that you guys like it. I know it's more slice of life than romantic, but I hope I added enough romance to make you all satisfied.

[the-roo-too]

morrow lily x reader; non-idol au

warnings: mean girl lily; mentions of underage drinking

getting into your dream university was a struggle, one that you expected. growing up, money was always tight and you were used to having less. never complaining, only accepting what you could get. that taught you to be grateful and kind to others, two important character traits you’d always be thankful for.

the only way for you to get into that prestige school was by getting a scholarship. at first when you were notified of the opportunity, you were overjoyed. it meant you could fight for your dreams, something you’ve worked so hard to achieve. there was nothing that could ruin it for you.

until you met lily. one of your three dormmates. lily jin morrow, the daughter of some sickeningly rich people. maybe if you grew up visiting auction houses often, you’d know who the morrow family was. to you, it was just another name in the crowd, people like all the others. to everyone else, the morrow’s were one of the most influential families in the whole south korea.

she grew up without every worrying about money, something you were kind of jealous of. sadly, she also was unreasonably mean to everyone less fortunate. going to a prestigious school like yours, she probably didn’t expect to meet people like you.

enough about your one dormmate, you still had two others! one of them was nakamura kazuha, a lovely girl on a sport’s scholarship. her family could easily afford the school but she was accepted specially into the football’s team. kazuha was the girl you were fortunate enough to room with. despite being absurdly spoiled, much like lily, she was a true sweetheart.

the last girl, lily’s roommate was yet another girl from an awfully rich background. an english major, pham hanni, the funniest girl you’d ever met. she joked a lot that if her parents would let her, she would do comedy major. hanni was the perfect game buddy when you were busy after studying the whole day. she and kazuha would absolutely smash you in mario cart any time they could.

then again, lily wouldn’t ever join you. she wasn’t outright mean or anything, but you could feel that distance she forcefully tried to keep between the two of you. when she found out you were in the school on scholarship because you wouldn’t be able to afford it, she made a point to keep away from you. avoiding you between classes, stopping her conversations when you were in the room. she never said anything too bad to your face, but you had a feeling she did talk being your back.

lily never thought she was a bad person per se. she just didn’t like people who were below her league. growing up in luxury, she was just used to having everything her way. getting randomly assigned roommates was bad enough, but one of them was awfully pretty to top it of? it’s not like lily was against any type of love but the idea of coming out in college…

just thinking about it made her head spin. when she looked at you, she couldn’t help but think about how pretty you were, even for someone her family would consider below her. she thought that you looked good in those stupid sweats you liked to wear on colder mornings, but you’d look so much better in one of hers. that thought didn’t sit well with her. of course people would notice if you wore her clothes. why did she even like that idea? thinking you were beautiful was one thing, but thinking about you like that…?

maybe because it was the first time lily found herself liking a girl, or maybe because she never before liked someone poorer than her, she didn’t know how to behave around you. the easiest way out was of course to avoid you.

talking shit to her roommates made her feel better too. they were like her, they should understand.

“i just don’t understand how we got roomed with her.” she mumbled while rolling her eyes and sitting down on your dorm’s couch, next to hanni. kazuha was currently on practice and you were wherever. she didn’t care at all, according to her at least.

“she’s nice actually.” hanni responded finally. she liked lily a lot, the older girl was normally super nice but whenever she was moody, she’d feel the need to shit talk about something. usually you. “i don’t know why you’re so mean to her always.”

“y/n? i’m not mean to her!” she huffed in response. “we barely talk. i could be mean to her, but i avoid her.”

“sure. that makes your case so much better.”

then, they both turned their heads as the doors to the dorm opened. in came kazuha, clearly tired after practice. she had her gym bag slung over her shoulder and her phone in her free hand.

“hey girls.” she greeted them both, cheerful as ever despite having probably ran miles during the practice. “y/n just texted me that she’s finishing her shift in the campus cafe, do you guys want anything? she offered to bring some coffee.”

hanni could hear her roommate scoff at that. “that’s lovely actually! ask her to get me lemonade please? i think that nice boy is on duty with her today and he makes it the best!”

kazuha wiggled her eyebrows at her friends before notting that down. “and you, lily?”

“i don’t want anything from her.”

“gosh, stop being so stubborn!” hanni groaned and punched the older girl’s shoulder. “she never did anything to you.”

“if she’s so rich she wants to buy me coffee, why is she here on scholarship?”

“can’t you just appreciate it when a girl does something nice to you?”

kazuha shook her head in disapproval before sending the text. “don’t bother, hanni.”

“i don’t know why you guys like that girl so much.”

“she’s nice. unlike you.” hanni stood up and walked closer to kazuha. “wanna play mario in your room? just take a shower first, you kinda stink.”

the japanese rolled her eyes but a small smile appeared on her face. she nodded her head and the two went their ways, leaving lily to sit on the couch all by herself.

aside from gossiping with her friends, the one thing lily loved was going to parties. it was just yet another chance for her to dress up and let loose.

imagine her surprise when she saw you out of all people, at a party in the senior’s dorms. how were you even invited? why’d you look like you were having so much more fun than her? how could you look so good?

then, kazuha noticed her. lily knew her and hanni would be here, so that wasn’t much of a surprise.

“hey, lily!” the japanese pushed through the sea of bodies, a red cup in her hand. “good to see you.”

“you thought i wouldn’t be here?” kazuha rolled her eyes subtly before shaking her head. “exactly.”

“never mind that. how are you?”

“i just arrived.” lily glanced at the cup before taking it from her roommates hand. “alcohol? i didn’t take you for someone who drinks underage.”

before kazuha could reply, she the liquid quickly and wincing. “no- i don’t drink. just some tonic.”

“ew. that’s why it tastes like shit.”

“have you seen y/n?”

lily followed the japanese girl’s. you looked good, even she could admit that. “i didn’t think she’d be here.”

“i think chan invited her. they’re friends, you know?”

“oh. right.” lily placed the empty cup on the counter. she wouldn’t use it again anyway. “she’s friends with everyone, isn’t she.”

“y/n is actually nice.” kazuha glanced back at you, but you weren’t standing in that spot. she quirked her brow in surprise before resuming her speech. “you should give her a chance.”

“i don’t like poor people.”

“why?”

the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. “yeah, why?”

lily winced as she heard your voice. there you stood, in that ravishing dress. she turned to you with her neck mocking smile. “y/n.”

“lily.” you acknowledged her with a nod of your head. sensing the shift in the air around you, kazuha decided to head back to her friends. she didn’t want to be a witness to whatever went down.

lily leaned on the counter, scanning you up and down. “i didnt expect to see you here.”

you glanced down at the cup you were holding before taking a sip and humming. “chan invited me.”

“tonic?” she pointed to the red solo cup.

“nope.” you gave her a small smile and took another sip. “some cheep bear. it’s kinda disgusting, but one has to let loose somehow, right?”

“let loose?” lily chuckled quietly and moved closer to you. you felt almost uncomfortable with the sudden proximity. “did you know underage drinking could get your little scholarship cancelled?”

your cheeks turned a little red at her comment. she wouldn’t do that to you, right? “come on, lily…”

her hand suddenly landed on your waist. “you’re so pretty in that dress, you know?”

“hmpf.” you tried to move away from her, but her hand was keeping you in place. “i thought you didn’t like poor people.”

“i don’t.” she leaned even closer. so close in fact, you weren’t sure if your cheeks were red from embarrassment or from how close a pretty girl was to you. “but you’re a little different. you’re so annoying.”

“what-“

“but also so beautiful. i could maybe fix you.” before you could say anything else, she lightly kissed your cheek. stupid rich people. her breath didn’t smell like alcohol when she leaned in though. “shhh, don’t talk baby. you didn’t like me being mean, right? i’ll play with you a little then.”

so that was a couple months ago. now, you and your girlfriend of two weeks were sitting on the couch in your dorm, kazuha and hanni on the opposite side of you. lily had her face buried into your neck as she slept, the ‘l.m.’ necklace she gave you after your first date adoring your skin.

“can’t believe that’s how she got you. you like them mean, huh y/n?” hanni wiggled her eye brows at your and your cheeks turned uncomfortably red.

“i thought she was a little annoying…”

“excuses. i knew you two would end up together. speaking of which…” kazuha turned to hanni and reached out her hand with a knowing look. “you owe me 10$.”

“huh?” with a baffled expression, you glanced between your two dormmates.

hanni groaned loudly before reaching into her pocket. “i was betting you’d end up with chan…”

“you guys were betting on us?!”

[us-the-voices-and-more-voices-2]

I don’t know who need to hear this.

but if highschool, college, university, or just anything like that is stressing you out to the point of suicidal thoughts and tendencies

you just have to quit, there’s nothing wrong with it.

your life is worth so much more than stupid grades or a degree.

for all the people in highschool who were always told “if you don’t do high school you will never get into college/university” I’m so fucking sorry but those people were lying their fucking asses off.

you don’t need a highschool education to get into shit, hell it’s mostly about the money. Knowledge is awesome and valuable but it’s not worth killing yourself for.

don’t burn out in highschool literally this is not even a fucking joke it DOES NOT MATTER fuck highschool.

grades are a sham, the education system is flawed as hell, and your life IS WORTH MORE THAN A 100%/A+

your life is worth so much more than that, grades don’t matter you’ll hurt yourself so much if you keep thinking that.

you can homeschool, you can become a apprentice, you can learn well anything you want online now! You can call up a local science teacher and ask them to tutor you, HELL! do whatever it takes to keep your life and your love for knowledge.

school sucks, I know too many people to say otherwise. Your feelings are valid you ARE NOT A FAILURE for not doing amazing at your homework or at school fuck anyone who says that!

genuinely those fuckers don’t know shit about anything, learning is mistakes and failures and learning FROM IT if you never got a chance to try again how is it your fault you didn’t improve?

don’t kill yourself over school that is such a stupid thing to do, you can quit school and still get a education!!!! people just want you to stay in school and get abused and stressed to death.

I taught myself so much, because the current ways we teach people fucking sucks ass.

remember the grades and numbers and all that shit does not matter, what matters is that you love learning things and you keep learning.

I will fucking slap you dead ass in the face if you say anything more, if your family is abusive and you have to be a high achiever? WELL still don’t fucking kill yourself over their dumb fuck obsession with you being “good at school” there’s no such thing as winning and losing at learning!!!!!!!!

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS WINNING OR LOSING IN LEARNING!

genuinely there’s no such thing! You just don’t get it the first time! But learning and education is about love for knowledge it’s about kindness and respect it’s about finding new things it’s about being happy and knowing things you never did before!

it’s not about you “failing” it’s about learning that’s fucking it.

don’t kill yourself over the modern education system take fucking strikes, advocate for no time limits, advocate for better mental healthcare, advocate and SCREAM protest against it all.

your life is worth living, your life is beautiful and you have done everything to deserve it, you are someone is is worth something, and I will listen and we will fight.

you will get to the next day you will get to the next one after that you will live happily even if you think it’s impossible.

you will and you will love you will cry and you will see and dream and live a life YOU want.

abolish school, and we will make a new system that isn’t fucking what it was!

you are worth so much more than grades and papers, so don’t think so hard about it. You are you and you are worth it <3

-sincerely your local suicidal fucker

[httpino]

hiii! no one asked but i wanted to post my team 10 related headcanons. again not canon compliant at all n its very college au :D

Team 10 Headcanons

- choji has to start using everyone else as his taste testers because ino n shikamaru are sick of his food

- like don’t get them wrong they love it normally but after choji cooks the same hidden cloud dish for the millionth time (he’s preparing a home cooked meal for karui), they’re tapped out

- one time there were rumors that shikamaru n ino were dating and ino almost tf passed out

- she was wondering where she went so wrong

- it was the most embarrassing week of her life and to this day, she can’t think about it without being annoyed

- they drunkenly got matching tattoos

- ino has instigated every single fight to happen in her 4 years at konoha academy

- and trust n believe she got those fight videos too

- ino taught choji and shikamaru all about flowers

- they didn’t gaf that much but they start to find it interesting how many different things can be conveyed with flowers

- especially when they started dating their respective girlfriend

- ino is dramatic and cannot go out with choji n shikamaru if they look messy (in her eyes)

- she’ll see a wrinkle in shikamaru’s shirt and she makes him take it off and shows him how to iron it

- ino damn near threw up when her dad made a joke about her marrying shikamaru or choji

- she called them her brothers n inoichi never bothered her again

- choji brought up his n karui’s 6 month anniversary and shikamaru n ino are like “??? who??”

- choji remembers that he actually forgot to tell them lolz!

- it wasn’t on purpose, after choji went on an extended trip to the hidden cloud n met karui, he just wanted to keep her to himself for a bit

- speaking of dating, shikamaru n choji tried the whole “if you hurt her we’ll kill you” spiel on sai but he was so unphased that they were embarrassed

- they realized their worry was unneeded after sai made a girl who was nasty to ino cry

- when shikamaru tells them that he’s officially dating temari, he watches choji begrudgingly slip ino a twenty dollar bill

- appalled they were betting on him but mainly that choji was betting against him

- they’re all very very comfy with one another

- i’m talking they had sleepovers up until the age of 17 and after they graduated, they moved in together

- no one can really guess what vibe these mfs be on, the only people who truly understand them is them

- their ideal days all consist of spending time with one another

- ino really doesnt play about these two

- they’re her blood (in her mind) and anyone who slights them have slighted her

- which is terrible for shikamaru n choji’s opps because you never want ino fucking yamanaka mad at you

- very unserious trio, we love you inoshikacho!

[husbandhoshi]

Heheh mingyu + cute + 9:27am

[9:27]

on god, i will kill whoever shares a wall with mingyu, is your first thought of the day.

you lay there, head positively spinning, as you hear the perpetrator snooze their train horn alarm for the fifth time that morning.

your second is, fuck, i actually went home with him, and your third falls somewhere along the lines of having the worst hangover headache of your twenty something years of being alive.

the bed next to you is cold (mingyu probably has class), you’re in a big white shirt (must have put it on after getting your back blown out), and curiously, mingyu has a studio ghibli poster you never noticed on the back of his door (good, although it would have ruined the mood if you knew totoro had witnessed all of that).

the unsavory details from last night come flooding back to you like the final chapter of an agatha christie novel, except you still don’t really get it.

kim mingyu, resident heartthrob of sigma alpha epsilon and the guy you just happened to tutor on tuesdays, not only invited you to a party, but somehow landed you in his bed, wearing his clothes.

on an average day, sleeping with a guy five million miles out of your league would be the college fairytale of your dreams, except you have class in two hours and the room is so bright, so flooded with sunlight, you think you will actually die if you open your eyes any wider.

you kind of wished things would be different.

(let’s get out of here, mingyu had said last night, and a part of you already knew what was going to happen. but instead, he walked you to in-n-out, draped in his big letterman jacket, and you spent the next two hours talking about everything and nothing over an order of animal fries.

and you remember him hovering over you, his silver necklace tantalizing and cold against the skin of your neck, asking in that awfully low voice of his—are you sure? we don’t have to.

and you pleaded and begged yes, yes, want it, want you, because you actually had the most embarrassing crush on him and somehow you fell in love all over again watching him get thousand island sauce on that nice button up of his.)

but in true fratboy fashion, he’s gone, and you’re just another girl left to dry in the wretched sigma house.

it’s then that you hear a knock on the door, at first frantic, then softly.

“mingyu’s not here,” you holler, although it’s more of a croak than a shout. “i don’t even live here.”

“um. this is mingyu,” comes the muffled voice. “sorry, i—” you can just picture him rubbing the back of his neck, piecing his next sentence together. “i thought you might want some breakfast?”

hearing the same voice that said basically unrepeatable things last night now shy as ever, asking permission to enter his own room, gives you the worst whiplash of your life. on top of that, you’re embarrassingly relieved that he did not, in fact, abandon you.

“yeah, uh, sure. thanks.” you scramble for your phone to make sure you look ok, but promptly realize the fool is charging it on his desk. so instead you just lay there, trying to look as alive as possible.

the door opens slowly, and through your half-lidded, squinty eyes, you make out what possibly could be the most beautiful man alive, looking like a dream in low hanging sweats and a muscle tee. and he has a plate of pancakes and orange juice.

“sorry, i look terrible.” the words just fly out of your mouth.

“no you don’t,” he chides in that awfully attractive pout of his. “was gonna say you look great. especially after everything that happened last night.”

he grins, all teeth and pretty pink lips, as you fight to not pull the covers over your head and just perish on the spot. “please shut up. i thought you abandoned me, you know. and i decided i was gonna stop tutoring you and let you fail organic chemistry.”

mingyu laughs and sits beside you on the bed, warm gaze falling on you. “i’m sorry. please don’t do that. i need you,” he jokes, and you both laugh again, feeling that post hookup awkwardness permeate the space.

he moves to brush the hair out of your forehead, but stops himself. he’s not sure what to do (he likes you, a lot actually, and that itself is enough to zap all rational thought from his brain).

“are you feeling ok?” mingyu asks instead. “i brought a warm towel and an advil. you know, uh, if you had a headache or something.”

it’s cute seeing him trip over his words, and you nod, giving him the ok to fuss over you.

“can you sit up? do you want me to feed you?” the questions come a mile a minute, but you’re never one to complain over a real life disney prince fawning over you.

so you let him, god, for some reason him propping you up against his pillows is a thousand times hotter than whatever he did last night, and you make the executive decision to waste your entire friday morning to spend it with him.

you’re still not sure what you are—friends, acquaintances, or something in the middle.

you wouldn’t dare think lovers though, except when he blows on a forkful of pancake to cool it down, you briefly consider marriage.

(before you go, he kisses your forehead. “catch a movie with me tomorrow?” he asks, taking his sunglasses off the top of his head and sliding them onto your face—he knows you lied when you said your head wasn’t hurting anymore.

“is this because you wanna—”

“it’s because i want to take you on a date. a real one. can i?”

he smiles at you again, radiant and honest, and you find you don’t doubt him for a second.)

[surplus-of-sarcasm]

#32

TW: Knives, references to violence, restraints, bruises/wounds, flirty? 

I am literally sauurrr sorry for being so inactive but college is destroying me. It's been so long since I've written too, so I do hope the quality of this piece isn't affected. Missed u guys 💙

"Do I scare you?" the hero asked, her voice devoid of any emotion, all while her eyes stared straight through the villain like he was transparent, searching for something in his expression. 

Except his face remained defiantly blank, looking up at her, fire in his honey brown eyes, surprisingly not sparing any effort to attempt escaping his restraints. 

When the hero stuck one of her nails into a small, open cut on his neck, the villain bit back a wince, an irritated frown tugging at the corner of his lip. "Yes," he supplied, his tone even and calm, not even hostile, trying to render himself as passive as possible. 

Except he'd licked his lip in that quick, almost imperceptible manner, something he only ever did when he lied, something the hero wasn't supposed to know. 

But she did. 

"Stop lying," she snarled, sticking her nail again in the cut.

"The hell do you want, Hero?" he snapped, hissing as her finger left his cut. 

The breaking point. The point where the villain was done placating and playing along and already back to his normal, wild state, where he could care less about whatever earned the hero's ire. 

She'd spent the last three hours mostly in silence, only ever talking to ask the villain a question she knew would irritate him. He held up surprisingly well, even though his self-preservation instincts were usually nowhere to be found. So she wondered why he'd act so placidly in the beginning.

The villain liked to talk. He did most of the talking during their fights. The quiet drove him insane, and now he had his teeth bared like an animal, murder in his eyes and tension in his jaw.

This was the part where the hero should've laughed or slapped him across the face, or done anything just as cruel.

The truth was that they'd both been nothing but cruel to each other, enemies by virtue. The villain had beat the hero black and blue, had called her a myriad of flithy names, had screamed at her because of how much he hated that she was quiet. In turn, the hero made sure that every nick with a knife and every punch against skin had left a mark on the villain. She fought to scar, not just to incapacitate. She knew the scars were more a wound to his ego than his body, proof she'd hurt him.

And yet, the villain had pulled her out of a ditch and bandaged up her nearly destroyed leg, effectively saving her life when he had no business being there. In turn, she'd pulled him up when he almost slipped off a roof during one of their fights. 

And situations like that would only keep happening more and more often, almost a staple of their atypical relationship. The villain would laugh, would crack a joke, would be so careful with her wounds, would be anything but his usual abrasive self. 

And the very next fight, they would be even more horrible to each other, as though whatever had happened the day before had never been, as though cruelty was the only language they could speak. 

The hero didn't have friends. They were another luxury she couldn't afford. Her teammates weren't actively cruel or anything of the like, but the agency left no room for any semblance of friendship or love or all the things the hero wanted but could never really have. And the villain wasn't her friend. He wasn't supposed to be anyone. But he was genuine, almost the only person in her life who didn't sound and act like a robot. He'd had actual conversations with the hero. And maybe she was not stupid enough to think that made him any good, but maybe she was stupid enough to think that made him mean something to her.

"Answer me, Hero," he snarled coldly, tearing her chain of thought in half. 

The hero didn't consider spending any time on thinking of an intelligible response. People weren't logical when they were desperate.  Desperate was the hero's hand cupping the villain's jaw so gently that the shiver up his spine was still awfully intense, even with his numb body. Desperate was staring into the villain's eyes, watching the way his lashes fluttered, as his eyes told a completely different story from the harsh frown on his lips. Desperate was the hero's lips on his cheekbone, warm against his skin, shy, terrified, staying there for a fleeting moment that still felt like too long and retracting away with shame written all over her features. 

"I'm sorry."

Villain's eyes had widened, even though it seemed impossible they could grow any bigger. "I- come closer again," he half-whispered, all the roughness from his voice gone. "Lean down a little." 

And the hero obliged, even though it went against every single thing she'd been taught, and in turn the villain's lips were pressed to her jaw, careful but in no way timid. They weren't supposed to be velvet-soft, and hints of the villain's spicy cologne shouldn't have still managed to be distinguishable through the blood and the sweat. But of course the seemingly impossible was happening. 

"Yes," he answered, "you do scare me, but not in the way that you asked, so I was lying," he continued against the hero's jaw.

And she hated how palpable the relief was when he hadn't licked his lips. 

"This is how you actually kiss someone." The smirk on the villain's face may have been merciless as he pulled away, but it was clear he was trying to break the tension that they could have sliced through with a blade. 

God, the hero could barely breathe. She never knew something that felt almost forbidden could feel so right. She was scared the villain's response had been a trick and more scared that it hadn't. She wanted to scream at him and slam her fists into his body, to split his rose-petal-like lips with a jagged streak of crimson. But more than anything, she wanted him close enough to her that they were breathing each other's air, she wanted to kiss his face again, properly this time, so that it truly felt like something, something that set the hero's nerves on fire.

The hero had pulled out her twin knives, cutting through his ropes with one, while the other remained pressed against his carotid artery, as he still remained sitting on the chair. 

Except the villain had pulled the knife out of her hand, slightly scratching himself, and he got up, twirling the knife with his hand and pressing its cold, flat edge to the hero's jaw, his breath warm on her face. "Don't fight it. That's all you've done, all I've done, and I'm sick of it." 

And in all honesty, so was she. Sick of having no one, sick of wanting someone who was right there and yet so far away, sick of pushing a knife into the skin of the same boy who had bandaged her bleeding knuckles and made fun of the stupid kids' designs etched on them, the only thing he had, the next day after it happened.

The hero nodded, slowly putting her knives away when the villain handed her the other blade back, slinging an arm around the villain's waist, surprisingly small for someone so athletically built, but not any less attractive. 

"Let's go home. I mean, my place," the villain suggested, utterly exhausted, but a hint of a smile was still there in his words as he wrapped his arm around the hero's shoulder, his fingers gripping onto the fabric of her suit a little playfully. 

And the hero simply nodded, mirroring the villain's own soft smile.

Emotions are hard to understand, no rules or logic existent that could ever explain the power they hold over a person; the power that the heart exercises so ruthlessly over the mind. And yet nearly nothing could ever leave one feeling so certain, so absolutely euphoric to the point that not even the entire world would seem to matter compared to the one person love tethers you to. 

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Wanna be on the taglist? This'll take you there!

[dxy-drxxm]

SYNOPSIS: Kaeya has a lot of things he enjoyed about you. Or, well, admired, to be frank.

CW/s: tooth rotting fluff, short drabble, kaeya is a hopeless SIMP (/silly), tbh he's just a silly guy who can't confess if his life depended on it (and... It did lol), can be interpreted as platonic or romantic (it's both, but it's a slow transition from platonic to romantic hehe)

NOTE: hi, this drabble is for @ryuryuryuyurboat for @ecrin-de-litterature's "kiss (don't tell)" event! I hope you enjoy a drabble of Kaeya being a hopeless simp because as much as I'd like to write a full blown date with him, I've been busy since college and I want to curl up and pass away. orz.

Kaeya never says a lot about the person he admires.

For him, the Cavalry Captain had more than enough to take care of. Maybe it was due to the job that kept him busy, or even because of how life gave him a batch of lemons that he needed to deal with.

But when it comes to certain people like who he's seen now, it made him feel as though he became but the same child when Cyrus adopted him all those years ago.

He still remembered the first time you two met—you were one of Lisa's attendants. An assistant, one could say. You're always available whenever Lisa isn't feeling the urge to check in the library, which is often, and Kaeya had decided to try and see what you're like.

Sure, you may have panicked and treated him like a stranger, but it wasn't long for you two to get close. Soon, you're treating him like you two have been friends for years, joking and laughing over certain things.

Kaeya couldn't help but smile. He always liked seeing others express joy when he couldn't.

Though, little by little, the dynamic seem to change. Others pointed out to him that you and Kaeya had been together for quite a while now, always speaking and chatting over the most mundane things.

Petty drama from the knights, Lisa's recent books and those who borrowed arriving late, the many foreigners that came about when the traveler would be busy in another region... You two had a lot to talk about, and sometimes, he didn't notice how much you two could never stop speaking of such things.

It was stupid, he's aware, but he wouldn't lie and say he didn't like it. On the contrary, he enjoyed that time being spent on something he considering to be enjoyable.

You made his days less unbearable. Like he can wake up one day and think that things will be fine.

He admired that charm from you. You make it seem so... natural.

There were even moments that the two of you shared. He remembered your first Windblume festival with him, the first time you've spent working for a year with Lisa (it was your work anniversary, he joked to you once), and even down to when you two travelled to different nations together.

He's seen it all— your highs, lows, and even the turnarounds. He's heard you rant and ramble of the nations, and yet he felt his pride raise when you'd return to Mondstadt, still calling it your home.

It was clear that you have seen that place, out of every nation, as the best. In return, he did his best keeping it safe. Although, there had been moments he would mess up.

He may act confident, but when alone, he'd feel like he's a lost child again. He loathed that feeling.

The first time you've seen him act like it was when you two spoke of each other's pasts. Kaeya has told you what happened between him and Diluc, and he could never forget the way you hugged him for hearing his voice crack.

He cares for Diluc, like how he cares for you. However, how could he say the same for his adopted brother? Would he ever do the same thing you did to him?

... Perhaps. Perhaps not, even.

Still, he couldn't help but think how much he can even handle this feeling. It's a secret he's kept that your actions made him feel like he can be free, yet he kept himself trapped by will.

He was trapped in the feeling of admiration and envy, clashing and fighting against each other. It made his heart soar and ache when things happen, both because of you and because of himself.

He felt envious of you. He wanted to say that to you, but seeing you smile got rid of that envy.

...

It was a strange conundrum. One that left him sleepless for nights on end... And that's when it clicked.

He realized that it was a form of self-sabotage.

Kaeya didn't want to ruin the relationship you two had as friends, so he kept it under lock and key. He threw the key away, denying that he felt something to you. Denying that he felt as though he loved you that way. He couldn't. He didn't even know the answer.

...

It was stupid to worry. It truly is.

But now? How could he not worry?

He's done this to himself. Even if others told him to say it, to utter those words he forbade himself from speaking, he kept his mouth shut. You two are friends, and he's far too used to admiring you and your acts from afar.

He's craved to admire someone that would make him feel this way, and he got what he asked. Although, he couldn't bring himself to hate you for charming him like that.

After all, that is what makes you you. And he doesn't want you to lose the only thing that fits you perfectly.

@.dxy-drxxm | do not republish, repost, or copy my works anywhere | 2024

[darkwaveho]

For the mini burden au how about nat and reader going to a parent teacher conference or a PTA meeting

Mini Burden

Summary: Anastasia wants to enroll in school.

Pairings: Mob!Natasha Romanoff x Reader, Mob!yelena

Warnings: cursing, brief mentions of bad parenting, fluff? comfort, mention and alludes to child behavioral disorder.

Series masterlist

“What’s so wrong about her being homeschooled?” Natasha calmy walks around the bedroom grabbing he clothes; she was supposed to be at work an hour ago, but you had other plans that delayed those obligations.

“She needs to be around more kids her age Natasha.” You respond back to her as you sit up in bed with the silk sheets wrapped snug against your body.

“I was barely around kids my age and it turned out just fine and so will she.”

“Why are you so against her going to school?” As your question lingered in the air you had a hunch on the why, but you weren't entirely sure to bring it up yet.

“I’m not against her going to school, I’m against the failure of the education system.” Natasha reveals herself from the walk-in closet, clothes loosely fitted to her body.

“She’s six, the most she’ll be doing is going over basic skills, coloring and eating glitter.” You giggle as Natasha shows distain with your comments.

“That’s another problem, if we homeschool her, she can get advance lessons.” Her expression is unwavering, she's being serious and wasn't in the mood for joking not when it came to Anastasia's education. she had a tough childhood and had the unnerving realization that she could be shipped off to boarding school in a flash if she disobeyed Alexei past his limits. She ended up disobeying him anyway but luckily, she didn't end up in a boarding school she was lucky he went easy on her and settled for making her go to an alternative school.

“Anastasia really wants to go, and she deserves that chance to be around kids and not cooped up in this house.” You wrap your arms around Natasha’s middle leaning your head in her shoulder. "It's safer for her to be home." She responds back to you with a scowl forming on her face. it was a weak excuse out of all the good points she's made during this morning discussion. First it was about the weak education system, now it was about her safety. Which you understood; however, you didn't think anyone could be stupid enough to think about bringing harm to your daughter.

“We both went to school despite the dangers of our family's lifestyle, she’ll be fine Tash.” She doesn't take the chance to reply back to you this time, no doubt fighting in her own mind. "Listen, I know you're scared about her growing up but, she's growing up."

"I'm- I'm not scared about her growing up, who said that?" it was partially a lie, Natasha loved coming home some days and hearing her daughter's feet rush to the door to greet her and annoy her about what she did that day. on the bright side that meant having more free time with you while Anastasia was way at school but then she thought of the dread of attending parental events and school functions. knowing she wouldn't be able to make every single one and knowing she really wasn't interested in going to any of them.

"Oh, you're fucked, and this is just the start of first grade I can't imagine what you'll do when it's time for her to go to high school or away to college." Natasha takes a moment to think it over, zoning out while fixing her dress shirt.

"Fine." She turns around in your hold as you peck her lips in surprise and appreciation., truth of the matter was that Natasha was having a hard time knowing how fast her daughter has grown up despite the fact that she's always telling Anastasia "To be a big girl" or "Big girls don't do this or that." she was just being a protective mother. Natasha wouldn't be Natasha if she didn't have something up her sleeve after losing an argument or giving in to a discussion like this. "But I pick the school." your face falters as hers grows a knowing smug smirk. "Woah, wait that wasn't part of the deal, Nat." She mutters the words "It is now" Before playfully nipping at your bottom lip and turning towards the doorway. “Anastasia!” Natasha yells for the five-year-old from the middle of the bedroom. It doesn’t take long for the small child to run past the threshold of the bedroom door. “Yes, mama?”

“Is this true what mommy is saying about you wanting to go to school?” She nods her head yes. Natasha audibly sighs in frustration before she calms herself down. “Are you sure? no one bribed you with sweets, money or gifts to say this to me?” Natasha not so subtly looks over to you as you roll your eyes at her childish antics. Anastasia nods her head again. “I’m sure.” Natasha releases a breath and kneels down to Anastasia's level. "Well, I guess we need to go school shopping, hm?" Anastasia gasps with excitement and rams into Natasha for a warm embrace.

Anastasia has been in school for about a month now, even though you and Nat went back and forth about picking the right school. She settled on enrolling Anastasia in one of the top schools in the country the only downside about it was the fact that they made six-year-olds wear uniform. regardless of that Anastasia, she loves it. She can't stop her little motor mouth when it's time to pick her up and she always remembers to make something for her family during arts and crafts time. Now you await in the school hallway for parent teacher conference day. You sit next to Natasha in the cushioned seats along the stoned wall both of you deep into your own cellular devices at the moment to talk to one another. You practically had to hold a knife to Natasha's throat just to get her here today. The sound of heels clicking on the floor is what gets you to pull your eyes away from the screen. "Miss Romanoff, Mrs. Romanoff." The woman stands Infront of you with a smile as she greets you.

"It's just y/l/n actually, we're not married." You correct the teacher ignoring how annoyed Natasha is by bringing the topic up. She says her apologies and ushers you both into her classroom. Natasha walks close to you and lowers her voice for only you to hear. " Was that really necessary?" You're amused by her being upset about you correcting the teacher about your marital status. "Was it necessary for you to cheat on me?" You quip back at her with no anger but with a blank but smug expression as you sit down in the wooden chair by the desk. Natasha glares at you for a brief moment until the teacher comes back into the room. "Alright, let's get started, shall we?" She smiles so bubbly and happily it makes you smile softly, and Natasha wants this conference over with even faster. Just tell her that her daughter is smart and perfect so she can get on with her busy day that she had to take time out of to attend this meeting in the first place.

"Anastasia is doing exceptionally well." That alone brought a bubbly feeling to Natasha on the inside so much so that she was in the process of standing up and blurting out her words. "Great this was a nice conference teach." You grab her arm and yank her down into her chair. "Oh, um that's not all." Natasha raises a brow at her and ignores the fact that you just practically manhandled her in front of Anastasia's teacher, she let you have it later. You both could tell she was hesitant on saying whatever it was that was on her mind. You sit forward no longer pressed against the back of the chair and with straightened posture.

"What? is there something wrong?" Natasha hears the concern and panic in your voice and snaps her gaze from you to the nervous woman across from her. "If she is doing well then what else could you possibly need to tell us about?"

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you both its just..." The more she pauses and beats around the bush the more your mind grows rapid with thoughts. "Spit it the fuck out already!" You snap at her which surprises Natasha nonetheless she brings her hand to your back and runs it up and down your back in a soothing motion. "Sorry, about that it might be that time of the month, continue." Natasha sends her apology to the teacher; she didn't need gossip going around town that you two were a bunch of ticking time bombs no matter how true that really is. "She's doing well academically however her socially skills are in a bit of extra need and care."

"What are you talking about? she communicates just fine trust me, maybe she's just not warmed up to the idea of others her age yet."

"She does indeed communicate just fine, it's the fact that she has a hard time expressing her emotions in a healthy way if you can understand what I'm trying to say."

"There was an incident last month the principle said he called, and he spoke with someone about Anastasia and another student here." You and Natasha both look at each other dumbfounded you haven't spoken to the principle about Anastasia and neither has she. "We haven't spoken to anyone about an issue."

"Oh, well I guess he assumed it was you Natasha because of an accent but the person on the phone also said that they'd inform their wife about the situation." You both look at each other with knowing glances. You don't have an accent and Natasha is barely home to even answer a phone that's not in her pocket or in her home office. and know it was Yelena that answered the phone call, Natasha is definitely taking that key back from her. Miss Noelle doesn't ask for an explanation she continues when it's clear neither one of you are going to speak. "Based on my observation as well as other staff members here, we think Anastasia might have a behavioral issue. We aren't sure on which specific kind of disorder, so we think you should take her to see a behavioral therapist." You don't respond to her analysis you're too stuck in your mind with the many possibilities of what this could mean. You tried so hard to not have your daughter fall susceptible to the history of trauma you and Natasha both experienced within this lifestyle. You were really protective and kept a close eye on Anastasia in fear that she'd pick up Natasha's habits. It looks like that fear is coming in full circle. When it's clear you aren't going to respond or react, Natasha once again steps into the conversation.

"That won't be necessary our daughter is fine, now if there isn't anything else you need to discuss with us about Anastasia then we'll be leaving." Natasha says this with confidence as she stands from her chair, but a small part of her knows how combative Anastasia can be sometimes when it comes to discipline, and she finds that shocking considering you and Nastasha practice gentle parenting. Well, Natasha slips up a few times, but she always fixes her mistakes whether if she's alone or if you're there to put her back on the path to healthy parenting. everything after that is a blur you don't recall even leaving the school let alone being seated in the back of the car. Natasha gently nudges you out of your dazed state. "Hey, don't stress about it too much. If there is something going on with Anastasia, we will do everything we can-."

"What? Are you saying it's something wrong with her too?" You scoff and push her comfort away from you. you didn't want the comfort and someone selling you sweet dreams. You wanted the blunt and honest truth contrary to your response to Miss Noelle. Would you be raising a potential psychopath? An enraged child that grows up to become something you fight so hard to shield her from. "I'm not saying that buttercup. I'm just saying if there is something hindering her way of expressing emotions then we'll worry about from there, alright?" She hooks her finger under your chin and turns your face back to her soft but assertive gaze. "Only if we see it with our own eyes that she needs extra care in the department. I don't want to sign our daughter up for things just because teachers say we should, kids have tough times dealing with emotions they're kids for fuck sakes. I'm not signing her up for unnecessary therapy, Tash." She pulls you closer and wrapping her arms around you in a firm grip.

"Only if we actually see her display that behavior that her teachers talked about then we'll take her to behavioral therapy." When Natasha agrees with you there's a brief pause as you watch her, this being the very few times when she's the one comforting you and telling you to be the logical one. "Fine." You agree but you're still pouty and annoyed about this whole conversation. Natasha only smiles and kisses your lips multiple times and a quick manner before you arrive in your driveway. Was it a way to lighten the mood before greeting your daughter? Yes, but she also just wanted to kiss you since the moment you almost went ballistic on the teacher. She doesn't care how turned on she gets when you're mad, Clint lets her know about her weird kinks every chance he gets.

All thoughts of anger and frustration went out the window the moment you step inside the house and hear the small clicking sound of plastic heels. Anastasia was having a tea party with Yelena and Fanny. Everyone dressed for the occasion of a princess tea party with tiaras and of course dresses with princess ruffles, she wouldn't have it any other way. As you scoop Anastasia up in your arms and Natasha heads for her office while practically snatching her sisters arm off in the process, no doubt she's going to berate her for even answering the phone call from Anastasia's school.

She'd be getting an earful from you later but right now you just wanted to show extra love and care towards your daughter. As she tells you about her day while you were gone, as she plasters small wet kisses to your face and giggles with laughter when you bring out the tickle monster. You can't help but think that the teachers were wrong, and you completely have nothing to worry about. That call will never happen and the day of you and your family sitting in a therapist's office will never come. Everything was fine and most importantly your child was fine.

[tlouxx]

Electromagnetism - p.4

~ ellie williams x reader

——————————————————————————

part three | part five <3

synopsis: you and ellie williams have been long time rivals. you're a physics majors at wellesley college, and you’re competing for the same spot in the prestigious dr. ramsey’s lab as ellie. suddenly neither of you can escape the other as you’re both trying to navigate your final year of college

content: college!ellie, mean!ellie, modern au, academic rivals to lovers, forced proximity, the next chapter will pick up right where this ends ;), lots of tension, ellie being flirtatious, reader and ellie finally kiss hehe

taglist: @gold-dustwomxn @skylerwhitwyo @blueberryhalfblood @elliebobellysosmelly @444na0m1 @bellswlw @mikasasbabygirl

——————————————————————————

Day 58

PHYS 208: Intermediate Electromagnetism

I haven’t spoken to Ellie since that night. Although, I can’t entirely avoid her since we have class and work together. I know Ellie and I don’t see eye to eye, but I would never ask this of her. I’ve been keeping my head down, doing my work, dodging Ellie’s attempts to talk to me. Dina thinks it might’ve been a joke since Ellie and I were already fighting, but she wasn’t there. Ellie was serious. The way she looked at me when she said it. She was desperate. The application for Dr. Ramsey’s lab is due in two weeks. I’ve actually contemplated not applying, but I’ve worked too hard to not do this. 

…

I’m dreading walking into another class and having to endure more time spent with her. I sit at the back of my room and rest my head on the desk. I’ve been neglecting sleep lately in order to keep up with school work. I only raise my head when I hear my professor speak. 

“Since midterms are quickly approaching, I have made study groups for you all.” I internally groan. 

“You will make a study guide for the midterm and submit it to me. The group assignments will be on my desk after class.” 

My foot anxiously taps against the floor. I was hoping the professor might let us out early. My eyes can’t stop catching the time, but it doesn’t seem to go any faster. When her powerpoint comes to an end, she reminds us to check our study group assignment. 

Ellie cuts in front of me in line. I know she wants a reaction out of me, but I’m not giving her what she wants. She reads the paper on the desk in front of her. I try to make out what it says, before I can she faces me.  “Well, would you look at that? We’re partners.”

… 

“I don’t want to work with Ellie.”

“And why is that?” My professor closes her laptop. I struggle to gather the words to describe years of my relationship with Ellie leading up to this. 

“We.. We uh just don't get along.” I rub the back of my neck feeling awkward having to ask this. I don’t feel ready to confront Ellie just yet.

“It’s just one assignment. I’m sure you’ll both find a way to make it work.”

I try to protest one more time. She scoots me out of her office with that as her final answer. Maybe she’s right. It’s just one assignment. I’ve avoided her for a month.

I don't think I can avoid her anymore.

2:57 P.M

Well, when do you want to work on this?

E: My place after class?

Sure. 

E: It’s a date ;)

…

“So.. How do you think it’ll go tonight?” Dina sits on my bed writing a paper for her class. I haven’t been able to gather the courage to walk to Ellie’s apartment quite yet. 

“Hopefully quick. It’s not like both of us aren't capable.” 

“Why don’t you ask her about it.” 

I honestly don’t know why I haven’t just asked why she doesn’t want me to apply. On some level, it feels like a betrayal. Yes, we compete with each other. Yes, we fight. But this could be life-changing for me or for Ellie. I have to at least try to do this.

“I don’t know. I’m scared of what she’ll say. We both know how important this could be for a career in physics, research, academia. I find it hard to believe she’d want me to flat out not apply.” 

“Even if you don’t want to hear her answer, I think you deserve to know. Maybe she has a good reason.” 

…

I knock on Ellie’s door. The anticipation is killing me as I wait for her to answer. She opens the door. “Hi.” 

“Hi.” I stand there for a few seconds longer twiddling with the ring on my thumb. 

“Come in. I won't bite.” She smirks and pulls the door open wider. I haven’t spoken to her since the last time I was here. Butterflies are swirling around my stomach. I tell myself I’m just nervous to be around her again. I walk in after Ellie and shut the door behind me. She leads me back to her room. 

Her desk is full of textbooks, art supplies, and little trinkets. My hand traces the edge of her books. Her walls are lined with art and her bed is unmade. I had her pinned as more of a type A with a super organized room. I guess we're all full of surprises. 

The silence is permeating the air, and I desperately need to fill it. “Where do you want to start on the outline?” Ellie sits on her bed getting comfortable. 

“You can take chapters 1-3, and I’ll do 4-7.” 

… 

We fall into a more comfortable silence this time. We’ve been working on the assignment with no end in sight. After two and a half hours, I’ve barely scratched the surface of what we need to cover. Ellie flops back on her bed sighing. 

“How far have you gotten? My brain feels fried.” 

“My brain is also fried. I’ve barely gotten through chapter one.” My eyes feel strained from looking at the computer screen for so long. 

“Want to take a break?” She smiles at me, and I nod back at her. 

… 

Ellie leads me out onto the balcony. She planted a couple of snacks in front of us. The familiar scenery brings back the tension of before. Ellie and I sit on the couch together looking up at the dusky sky. Being out here again with Ellie so near to me, I remember the way she shifted her body to lean in closer, I could almost feel the heat of her touch. I remember how her perfume stuck to me for hours afterward and all I could think about was Ellie Williams. God I was pissed at her. I am pissed at her. 

“It’s uh-a nice night out here.” I smile at Ellie not knowing what else to say. The fluttering in my stomach is coming back with a vengeance. 

“I’m glad you’re finally talking to me again.” She sets down her drink and her arm stretches out behind me. I feel the urge to sink into her. 

“I guess I didn’t need to give you the cold shoulder. Sorry about that.” Her fingers lightly stroke up and down my arm. I like her touch more than I thought I would. 

“I understand why you did it. I do have a good reason for asking..” She trails off her sentence and faces me. 

“Okay.” I inch closer to her until only a small gap remains. “I’m listening.”

“I told my interviewer for grad school that I already had the position.” 

“Oh my god, Ellie… Why would you do that?” I raise my voice unintentionally. How could she be so stupid. Now I know why she looked so desperate. If they find out she lied about this they could rescind her offer.

“Because I’m an arrogant piece of shit who underestimated you. It was before the semester started. and then you got a 100 in quantum mechanics…” Her demeanor softens.

“I freaked out. I thought I would get it no problem. Then suddenly you’re around me all the time and- I’m.. uh struggling to get my shit together.” 

Now that I know, I can’t say I wouldn’t have done what Ellie did. I don't know if I forgive her just yet, but I wish I would have listened to her sooner.

“I’m sorry. I just don’t know what you want me to do Ellie. You know I have to apply.” Ellie reaches out and puts her hand on my knee and her eyes meet mine. 

“I know. I’m sorry for asking. I gotta clean up my mess by myself.” 

… 

Ellie and I head back inside to continue working on the assignment. I go to return to my spot on her rug. 

“You know you’re allowed to sit at my desk or you can sit on the bed with me. We might be working for a while longer.” 

“Oh, are you sure? I don’t want to intrude on your space.” 

She scoots over and pats the spot next to her. I gather my laptop off the floor and sit at the edge of her bed. I feel embarrassed about the way I was feeling outside. Leaning into her touch. Yearning for more. It’s just a lapse in judgment. I was just feeling flustered because we haven't really spoken since we fought. At least that's why I think I’m flustered. 

…

We continued working on the assignment in silence for a while. It’s starting to get late, and my eyes are feeling heavier than before. It's 12:03 A.M. when I look over at Ellie. I think she’s starting to feel tired too. Her hair falls in front of her face and she tucks it behind her ear. I blush knowing she just caught me staring at her.  

“Um. I think I might call it a night and go home.” Ellie shuts her laptop and rubs her eyes. 

“You can stay if you want.” She moves over and starts to close the gap between us. The beat in my chest is rapidly intensifying as the space between us lessens. 

“Oh, uh I don’t know if I should.” I could move away from Ellie right now, but I can’t or maybe I don't want to. The force between us feels magnetic like I can’t make myself stay away from her. Her face is lit up softly by the string lights in her room.

“It’s a long walk for you back.” Her hand makes its way onto my thigh. Her calloused fingers make goosebumps prickle up spine. “I was just thinking we could work on it again in the morning. It’d be safer if you stayed here.” 

“Okay, I’ll stay.” 

…

Ellie brings me a pair of pants to change into. I can’t believe I just agreed to spend the night here. “Thanks. Where’s your bathroom?” 

Ellie laughs. “I won’t look. You can change here.” 

“Ellie, c’mon.” She covers her eyes with her hands. Not wanting to protest more, I changed into the pants she gave me.

She hops onto her bed. I’m suddenly unsure if I’m supposed to get into bed with her or not. Maybe I should just sit on the floor. I’d never live it down if I climbed into bed with Ellie Williams when that's not what she was insinuating. This whole situation is confusing me. We haven’t spoken in a month, and now I’m spending the night and wearing her clothes. I hate that I don’t hate this. God, what is wrong with me? 

I can feel Ellie staring at me as I stand still unsure of my next move. “Um, you can sleep in my bed if you want to. I won’t make you sleep on the floor.”  She fumbles her words. This is uncharted territory for both of us. “Obviously, unless that's what you’d prefer I don’t want to overstep any boundaries.” 

I shouldn’t. 

“Seems like you want me to sleep in your bed Ellie. I think you missed me.” 

Ellie pulls me onto her bed with her. She’s stronger than I thought she’d be. Her thinly lined shirt gives way to her muscles underneath. I find myself on top of her staring at her beneath me. Her hands find my hips, but immediately toss me to the side of the bed. 

“Maybe I did miss you. Is that so bad?” 

Ellie wraps her arms around me pulling me in closer. I can’t help but savor her touch. 

“No, It’s not so bad.” 

The desire burns through me clouding my judgment. I shakily grasp Ellie’s hair and pull her in to kiss me. At first soft, terrified she may not want to kiss me back.

Ellie’s hands wander to my hips pulling me against hers leaving no question of her aching for me. Years of pent up desire bursting out all at once. Her touch feels like nothing I’ve ever felt before. Our bodies pressed together furiously.

She kisses me like she’s needed me all her life with fervor and lust. Her hands wander up my shirt and I don’t stop her. Her lips are soft but rough against my own. She kisses down my neck making me feel weak to her touch. A suppressed moan escapes my lips. God, I need her so badly. Her lips return to mine hungry for more.

My phone rings in the background making us pull apart suddenly. “Um, I should get that.”

… 

“It was Dina. She was worried I hadn’t made it home.”

“Oh, I see.” Ellie sits up in bed. I would’ve thought I'd feel regret for kissing Ellie but I don’t. I feel like it’s unlocked a part of me that’s been missing. 

“Is it okay if I still-“ She lifts up the covers. 

“Oh my god, just get back in.” I laugh and get back into bed with Ellie. This is not how I saw this ending.

[bugsmunched]

💔And I'm so sorry that I failed you || Peter parker X DEAD ! GN! Reader

Summary: Peter visits Y/N's gravesite and tells them everything that they've missed since they've been gone. 

Contents: dead reader, mentions of death, Peter couldn't save reader, hurt/no comfort, angst

Word Count: 1.1 k

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

It was a perfectly gloomy day, clouds looming over New York City, the occasional drizzle falling down onto the people of the bustling city. Peter sighed, head pressed against the glass of the car window, flowers clutched in his hands resting in his lap. They were Y/n's favorite flowers, and he took them every time he visited them. Most of his visits were short, as he couldn't bring himself to stay there for more than a few minutes at a time, but today was different. Today was the one-year anniversary of their death, and Peter thought that deserved to know everything that they had missed since being gone. 

He blamed himself for their death. It had been during the fight with Harry Osborn, they had fallen off the clock tower and he tried to save them, but they were falling too fast and their spine and neck snapped as they were caught by the web. There was no way he could've saved them, but he always blamed himself for their death. The truth was, he was in love with them, but he never got the chance to say it, they died before he was brave enough to say three simple words. He hated himself for being such a coward. 

He was broken out of his thoughts as May placed a hand on his shoulder, "We're here, sweetheart. Remember, we'll stay as long as you need to, okay?" she said softly, rubbing his shoulder as he sat up straight, hands shaking a little bit. "Want me to stay in here so you can talk to them in private?" 

"Please." Peter said softly, looking at his aunt with a broken smile. He opened the car door and stepped out, the cold air hitting his face. He started to walk over to their grave, hands shaking more as he felt his heart rate accelerate. He could feel tears forming already in his eyes, just at the idea of seeing their grave. He had never made it more than three minutes without bursting into tears, and today every single emotion of his was heightened. 

He finally arrived at their grave and sighed, leaning down and placing the flowers on their tombstone. "Hey, Y/n, how've you been?" he asked, a broken smile forming on his face. "I know, it's been a few weeks since we've seen each other, I've been busy, doing Spider-Man stuff...saving the city. " His words were shaky and his breathing was uneven. " I've also been avoiding you, I know, how cruel of me. " he said with a broken laugh. 

"It just hurts to not hear your voice anymore, to not be able to see your smile or hold you in my arms. I've managed to last a whole year so far, but god, it's been so hard." He said as tears fell free, streaming down his face. "Look at me, I'm already crying like a baby." he attempted to joke, wiping his tears away with his sleeve. "Must be record timing. Haven't even been here a minute." He said softly, sniffling and trying to stifle his sobs. 

"Anyway, I know i don't normally stay here that long, but since it's been a year, I thought you should know everything that you've missed since you...passed. " he muttered, reaching into his coat pocket and pulling out a list. 

"May is going to nursing school again, she's passing all of her classes. I'm so proud of her for pursuing her dreams. She's close to graduating." He said, a tear falling down onto the paper and smudging some of the words. 

"Gwen got into Oxford, she's been doing really good there. She's gonna come and visit you sometime soon, a special trip just to see you. Isn't that great?" He asked, wiping his tears and snot from his face once again. 

"I still haven't picked out a college yet- I know, how stupid of me. I have so much potential and I shouldn't waste it. it's just hard to think about leaving you behind. " He choked out, the paper in his hands quivering because his hands were shaking so badly. 

"That deli you really liked- it has a sandwich named after you, it's your favorite sandwich to order from that place. Mr. Wayne told me to tell you that he misses your smile, and your tips. " He said with a broken laugh. "He thought you'd laugh at that. "

" I tried getting a tattoo in your honor, found out that my skin heals too fast to get one. It was gone in a few days, unfortunately. So I just wear a necklace with your picture instead. It's cheesy, you'd hate it. " He smiled softly, biting back more sobs. He folded the paper back up, stuffing it into his pocket as the trickle of tears turned into a downpour, sobs escaping his mouth. 

"I miss you. Every day I miss you. Every day I look in the mirror and ask, 'why couldn't I save them?' Every day I regret telling you that I'm Spider-Man. Every single damn day I regret becoming Spider-Man. The mask is a painful reminder that no matter how many people I save, I can never make up for who I lost. But I can't stop saving people. It's just not in my nature." He muttered out, falling down to his knees in front of the grave. 

" But I would give it all away, just to be able to see you one last time, to be able to hold you in my arms and feel you against me, one last time. To be able to crack a joke and hear you laugh and see you smile one last time. To be able to hear your voice, one last time. I would give up everything I have to be able to see you again. To be able to say a proper good-bye. " he sobbed out, just letting it all out. 

"I don't deserve to wear the mask. I'm just a coward hiding under the guise of someone strong. Hiding beneath the powers, but they don't make me brave. I couldn't even tell you three simple words. I couldn't tell you how I felt about you. " He closed his eyes tightly, feeling small drops of rain begin to fall from the sky onto his hands and face. 

"Every day I'm plagued by words I couldn't say. But I think it's finally time I say them. Y/n L/n, I love you. I always have, and I'm so sorry that I failed you." 

[star-anise]

Pulling a piece out of an already massive post to reply to @zenosanalytic :

Most of this is great, but I feel like this overstates the influence and power of exclusionists; they never took over either Feminist or Lesbian groups or turned them en masse against bisexuals and transpeople, at least not in the US(in Britain it's an accurate description from what I've read). They def were still there, TRYING to(they were majorly annoying in the Fair scene), and you'd meet them or lesbian-separatists moving in wider queer circles, but they were pretty consistently losing that fight especially in academic and political queer orgs and, by the 00s, were pretty much irrelevant. They stayed that way until the Conservative movement deliberately revived/coopted them in the 10s.

Because... here's the bit from the original post I think this is talking about:

That process of expelling bi women from lesbian groups with immense prejudice continues to this day and leaves scars on a lot of bi/pan people. A lot of bisexuals, myself included, have an experience of “double discrimination”; we are made to feel unwelcome or invisible both in straight society, and in LGBT spaces.

It is absolutely true that radfems did not succeed in making exclusionary politics the mainstream policy of LGBT institutions. Hooowever. That's not what I was talking about.

Most people do not engage with the LGBTQ+ community solely by, like... walking into a policy meeting at GLAAD. Generally we do things like finding LGBTQ+ content on social media, or by attending LGBTQ+ social events, or by trying to find people to date!

In those settings, groups that are minoritized within the LGBTQ+ community (bi, pan, m-spec, ace, aro, trans, nb, etc) experience being treated in ways that are invalidating or derogatory. Not all the time! #notalllesbians!! The majority of the community might actually be kind and welcoming, and it might be relatively small microaggressions. But those microaggressions can happen often enough, and in a context where not much is being done to show that we are valued by the community, to create a sense of wariness and unwelcome in a space that ought to be safe for us.

I didn't attend a single LGBTQ+ event, or try to date a single woman, my entire undergrad career, because when I was 16, the first real-life gays and lesbians I ever met laughed and joked, in my hearing, about how bisexual teenage girls are just sluts who are doing it for the attention, not actually gay. It's not that I believed them, since they were obviously wrong; it's just that I went, "Oh okay, so LGBT spaces are still ones where I'll be bullied and shit-talked. I absolutely cannot deal with any more of that, so I'll just never go into those spaces."

Mine is a very small story. There are a lot of little stories like mine, and also ones big enough that they'd look exclusionary even to an outside observer. I know people who actually did get pushed out of their college GSAs, or lost their whole social support network, or had people try to coerce them into thinking they were horrible misguided tools of the patriarchy, in LGBT spaces, because they were bi, pan, m-spec, ace, aro, trans, nb, etc.

If you'd clicked the link in the post labelled "double discrimination", you'd read an NBC article that says, in part:

“This study adds to the growing body of research confirming that bisexual people face unique mental health disparities [that are] closely related to stigma and discrimination [they face] from straight, gay and lesbian communities,” Heron Greenesmith, a senior policy analyst at LGBTQ advocacy organization Movement Advancement Project, said.

(Note: this means "unique" as compared to gays and lesbians, which have been the focus of most mental health research and practice in this area. Namely, bisexuals tend to face certain pressures as a group that cis gays and lesbians don't so much. It does not mean "unique" as in "only bisexuals experience this". Bisexuals are just one of many groups that feel unwelcome or unsafe in LGBTQ+ spaces they ought to belong in.

Maybe you didn't mean to imply that all these experiences didn't happen. I hope you didn't. Because it would be really goshdarn silly for someone who's been on Tumblr for years to suggest that the 2010s were not a fucking golden age of young LGBTQ+ people tentatively reaching out to explore their gender and sexuality, and being deluged with immense volumes of bullshit by other LGBTQ+ people for it.

I don't want to in any way discourage people from reaching out to LGBTQ+ groups, because it's very possible that the reward will far outweigh the risks. It's possible that other people will welcome you and will enforce a code of conduct against anyone who gives you shit. I'm not saying, "Hide forever! You're on your own, kid!"

But on the other hand, it is very easy, in a million different ways, to say "We didn't think very hard about making these groups feel welcome and protected in our space" without ever writing it into official policy.