#i swapped it out for min but then um. I was like wait is that in character (possibly but min would be more enthusiastic if diya was involve

[roitaminnah]

various unfinished sketches part one,,, besties I am so burnt out I wish I could draw more sob emoji,, my little buttsoup heart is crying to draw

[mggpleasedontlookhere]

call out my name

summary: y/n overhears jj confessing to spencer that she’s always loved him (do i even need to explain further how this made my heart drop into my ass)

word count: 3,118                                                                                     reading time aprox: 12 mins

masterlist

The blood ran cold in my veins, making my arms shiver. My face paled an ugly rouge as the words left JJ’s supple lips; each phrase that strung out from her confession wrenched a small piece of my heart each time. It felt like a laceration to my throat, like my oxygen supply had been severed and I was unable to catch my breath.

I love you.

I have always loved you.

My lifeless eyes never tore away from the monitor that laid in front of me. In crystal clear pixels, there lay Spencer and JJ tied up in a convenience store with the unsub and two hostages. My body was visibly tense and my lips parted in bewilderment; the physiological and mental tether that dictated my reactions delayed.

I hadn’t even noticed Penelope gaping at me with doleful eyes, turning off her intercom so the rest of the team was unable to listen in. Although the same idea must have run through their heads as they swapped disconcerted looks at each other.

“Oh - my sweet Y/N - I don’t, do you want - oh -” Penelope stuttered empathetically, pushing herself off of her chair to gather an array of toys to comfort me. “I can - oh you can borrow my purple giraffe, that always makes me hap-” She continued, pushing the plushies into my chest.

“No, no I’m - Garcia I’m okay - thank you...tho” I reassured, gently guiding her back to her seat, despite her pitiful protests. Before she had the chance to argue against my reassurance, her attention was captured by Tara’s voice on the intercom.

“Hey Garcia can you check the satellite feed and see if there’s a side door to the building?” Tara requested. Although her tone was apprehensive and tame like she was tiptoeing around the question.

“Affirmative” Garcia replied enthusiastically, reaching a gentle hand over to where my hands laid on her shoulders. She ran her delicate fingers over my knuckles in a way to say a silent ‘it’s going to be okay’, leaning her head back against my stomach with a tenderness in her gestures.

“And - uh - Y/N? Are you okay?” Tara tentatively asked, in which Garcia proceeded to look into my somber eyes with an expectant gaze. As I saw her through my peripherals, I knew that she could sense my true feelings about the situation. Her eyebrows softened and her red painted lips dropped into a pout. She tilted her head cutely in an attempt to grasp my attention, but I knew the second I locked eyes with her, my facade would eventually dissipate. With the persistence to direct my eyes away from her incessant gaze, she knew.

Before I had the opportunity to reply to Tara, Penelope had beat me to it. “Y/N! She uh - she’s in the bathroom...right now” She explained, mustering up the calmness in her voice to sound convincing. Fortunately enough, the case had been the focal point of the unit for the past week that Tara hadn’t noticed the panicked wince that left Penelope’s lips.

“Garcia just-” Tara sighed, making Penelope’s chest tense up and soften simultaneously. “Just make sure she’s doing fine. Did she hear what JJ said?” She spoke with a sense of concern laced in her sentences, hoping that I was unbeknownst to JJ’s profession.

“Uh-” Garcia paused, looking to me for an answer with wide eyes. I shook my head in denial, not wanting the team to know of my knowledge. As much as I valued our team being a family, I knew I would receive burdened looks and multiple ‘nonchalant check-ups’ from Rossi. I didn’t want the word ‘victim’ painted on my forehead. “-No, she left the room before JJ said anything” Garcia affirmed, nodding her head yes, regardless of her unable to be seen.

“That’s good. Listen I’ll call you back when we get on the jet and keep an eye on Y/-”

“Oh! Y/N’s coming back - see you guys later” Penelope rushed, ending the call instantly before Tara could get out another word.

She swiveled in her chair, facing me once again. She took my hands in hers, standing up to pull me into her tight embrace. I relaxed in her touch, letting all the feelings melt away with every soothing word that permeated the room. Pulling away, she took surveillance of my state and furrowed her eyebrows in worry.

But it wasn’t my poignancy that sparked her perplexity, it was the lack thereof.

My cheeks should’ve been stained by an onset of tears, but it wasn’t. My eyes should’ve masked a similar pearl glaze that coated the film on Penelope’s eyes, but it didn’t. I should’ve been disheveled and overrun by overbearing anguish, but I wasn’t.

-

The numbers on the elevator rose expediently, indicating the arrival of the team. My hands shook in disquiet and suspense, my focus glued to my shoes as I felt my entire body get antsy. Penelope stood in front of me whispering a mellow encouragement, suggesting alleviating mantras that usually worked to calm her down.

Without another word said, the doors to the elevator dinged and revealed exhausted, yet relieved, adults. Although in the midst of it all, there was a heavy air of reluctance that surrounded the reunion, despite the gleeful interactions that were expressed through Penelope’s endearments.

I reveled in the sight of it all, feeling my heart swell at the inspiriting display of affection made by the team; a feeling that is often uncommon with our careers. I stood with my shoulders slumped, hands folded in my pockets, and at a distance from their reconciliation. It was only until I met the eyes of Spencer that my entire body flinched; and it was when I hadn’t met JJ’s gaze as she stared at the floor, when my heart fell flaccid at the bottom of my stomach.  

I approached Spencer with a fictitious content expression, not wanting to confront the issue at bay. I noticed his facial features contort from uneasiness to relief as he reciprocated the reassuring smile I wore for him. He took this as his cue to take hurried strides towards me to encase me with his arms in a bone crushing hug. For a split second I wanted to believe the fervor that swelled inside me while I surrendered in his embrace, but the wandering eyes of JJ had convinced me otherwise.

Spencer cupped both of my cheeks in his course hands, enthusiastically pulling me in for a long awaited kiss. But by instinct I yanked my face away from his hands forcefully, catching him and myself by surprise.

“I - um, sorry. I was having sushi with Garcia earlier and I don’t think you want to smell tuna breath” I joked, wiping Spencer’s touch off of my hands.

“Don’t be silly Y/N I haven’t seen you i-” Spencer persisted, reaching out to handle my wrists.

“Wait Spence - Spencer - um Spencer, I forgot to mention that Diana called earlier to check on you” I interjected, a guilty gut feeling resurfacing as I used his mother as a cheap excuse to divert the conversation. “Oh well, I was actually planning to visit her soon and I was going to ask you if you want to come wi-”

“I- I don’t know Spencer” I laughed, keeping up the phony disguise that I hoped was effective enough to bypass the room of profilers. “I just have a lot of paperwork” I justified, feeling myself shrink under his incessant scrutiny. His lips curled into a small pout and his eyes dulled for a moment. I stiffened in response, paranoid that he had discovered a chink in my armor. “Next time?” I offered, compensating for the lack of ardor in my decisions.

Despite my attempts at assuring him, his expression was still left to alter. By now the formalities between the team had ended, resorting to directing their attention to me and Spencer. Backing away from where Spencer stood, I met the wondering gazes of my peers. I gave a cordial nod to all of them, ignoring the obvious trepidation that was evident in their body language.

Receiving a final look from Penelope, I walked back to my desk, letting them plan their festivities without me.

-

A few weeks flew by since the incident. Despite the passage of time, the latter of the situation still sat heavy in my thoughts, consuming every waking moment I had.

The bags under my eyes became more prominent, the youthful glow on my cheeks had dimmed, and my voice diminished to a low mutter. The input I had contributed to cases followed the change in my demeanor, exponentially depreciating as the numbness increased.

Whenever I sat on my chair, my eyes would linger between Spencer’s desk that sat across JJ’s. At times the sight would invoke a bubbling envy that felt too visceral for me to experience, so I would set my emotions to the side; averting my effort into my paperwork.

Eventually as the cases became more gruesome and my mental paralysis ensued, I gradually reverted to writing up the paperwork instead of participating in active cases. Unfortunately the unanticipated change in my behavior hadn’t gone unnoticed.

Emily called me into her office with a sense of urgency, and we’re both now here sitting across at a distance while she stared at me with a motherly look. Concentration was etched in her facial features, folding her hands together as she tried to dissect the impenetrable expression I wore.

“Emily please don’t profile me” I sighed, a tired grimace playing on my lips. Her shoulders slumped in defeat, leaning back into her chair as she continued to observe me. “I’m just worried Y/N - WE are all worried” She lamented, reaching over to grasp my hand. “You haven’t been yourself in a while Y/N. Did - is something, did something happen? Did you...find anything that made you upset?” She pursued, tiptoeing around the idea of JJ’s confession.

“NO! I, um - I haven’t - I just” I struggled to form coherent sentences, feeling panic flood through my system. “Look Emily, I appreciate the concern, but I’m just not feeling okay and I really don’t want to talk about it” I admitted. “I- I know it’s a lot, but w- would it be okay if I take a couple of personal days - I just can’t seem to figure myself out” I muttered, letting a fragment of my feelings slip into my profession.

“Take as many days as you’d like - and give me a call when things are...handled - just know that if you need anything - and I mean anything - you ca-”

“Thank you Emily” I nodded, cutting her off abruptly. I stood up from my seat with my head hanging low, giving her a tight lipped smile as I made my way to exit her office.

“Y/N!” She called out, stopping me in my tracks. I titled my head to the side, glancing at her. “Take care of yourself...please?” She desperately pleaded, her words laced with genuine concern.

For the first time, my heart ached at her words. The bitter feeling trickling into reality as the sorrowful eyes she beamed at me penetrated through my skin. It was then that I realized that the armor I wore to shield me from Spencer was really to shelter me from myself.

-

Spencer’s POV

My back slumped into the office chair while I played with the Doctor Who knick-knacks that Garcia had gifted to me at a Christmas party. My eyes were focused on the toy, but my mind had astral projected to another place: a place that wasn’t pleasant. The thoughts that were weighing heavy on shoulders had taken its toll on my arms, legs, and body like I was slowly being pulled away from reality into a dimension of isolation.

Although the only feeling I was allowed to experience was this nagging sensation in the back of my head, a thought that permeated my headspace, but wasn’t allowed to be identified or understood. I thought it was the aftermath of JJ’s confession, but that was handled during Rossi’s wedding.

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t know.

I didn’t know what had been circling in my head and I didn’t know how to control it. All I knew is that Y/N had taken a few sick days and that Emily had informed me that she hadn’t heard of JJ’s confession. But those days turned into weeks until a month had passed.

In the beginning of her leave, I’d call her everyday and occasionally visit her apartment whenever we were on a case, she would even call in to check on everybody. But like how the seasons change and the leaves start to decay, her efforts soon became stagnant. Soon after, my calls would be left unanswered, my visits to her apartment ceased due to no one responding, and she would only answer to Garcia.

I missed the way she would waltz into the office with the brightest grin she can offer and every time I’d look into her eyes, it felt like I had a glimpse into what heaven is. I missed the way she would curl up into my arms and breath in my scent, while we shared a book. I missed the way she’d bring the most wonderful orchestra to the moments where I felt my world become overrun by deafening silence. She had done nothing but bring love and devotion into everything she does.

So what dimmed the spark that usually burned interminably in her?

I set the trinket down to the side, taking a needed breath as my eyes were caught by a small picture frame that was delicately placed at the corner of my desk. An elated smile replaced the tired grimace I had been sporting all week, a newfound warmth filling my chest up with a familiar radiance.

It was a picture of Y/N when me and her had visited Central Park to ice skate. In the image she was in mid air, her eyes were shimmering against the snow that fell around us and she was laughing, a melody that I can still hear just by looking at a reminiscence of her. She was and still is the epitome of beauty.

I was taken out of my thoughts when a frantic Penelope zoomed through the bullpen with an unnerved look. She was caught in the arms of Emily, stopping her in her tracks and encouraging her to breathe. Tears pricked the corners of her eyes and her hair was disheveled.

“I - I, oh my god - I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry - I w- wasn’t, it’s my fault - I wasn’t honest” She sputtered out, her hands shaking beside her as she tried to form proper sentences.

By this time the team had surrounded her as they witnessed her frenzy. I watched from afar as JJ and Tara came to Penelope’s side, consoling her. Luke and Matt joined me, watching the event unfold from a distance like I did.

“Is- is she okay? Did something happen?” Luke inquired, his words laced with panic and worry. I shook my head looking to Matt if he had any intel, but he also denied it. “Okay, I’m gonna go and see what’s-” Luke began, before getting cut off by Emily announcing an emergency meeting.

We all gathered around the round table, anticipation engulfing the air and each one of our faces. Penelope sported a perturbed expression while Emily stood behind her with a similar troubled look.

I folded my hands on the table while my legs had gotten antsy from the silence as everyone filed into the room. Finally when everyone was seated, Luke was the first one to break the quietude. “Is everything okay Penelope?” He asked.

It didn’t take a profiler to notice how Emily’s behavior shifted when Alvez spoke. Her shoulders had flinched, her breath had shortened, and her hands had risen up to Penelope’s shoulder in an attempt to encourage her to elaborate. These were the indications that usually meant an onslaught of bad occurrences, but I only had understood Penelope’s concern when Y/N’s name had surpassed her lips.

“What - What do you - What do you mean Y/N?” I blurted out, feeling my heart drop into my stomach. My hands traveled to the pockets of my blazer, feeling sweat begin to accumulate in my palms. My breath hitched at the mention of her, hoping and praying that she was alright.

All the attention had been directed to me, but at the moment I would have cared less if Newton or Pascal was staring at me. It was as if my heart and my mind were tethered together to create a perfect storm that could obliterate me. I searched Penelope’s eyes for direct answers, but she refused to meet my gaze.

“Garcia!” I instinctively called out, making her flinch in terror, which I ultimately regretted as she was already in such a distressed state. “I- I’m sorry. Penelope...what’s happening with Y/N?” I whispered, softening the tone of my voice, cautious of letting my voice crack knowing that the team would dissect my reaction.

She sighed, looking to Emily for help in which Emily nodded at her to continue. “She knows” Penelope admitted, lifting her eyes to finally meet mine. “Sh- she heard what JJ said, and now she’s n- not even talking to me” She sighed, her breath hitching between every phrase she enunciated.

I felt my body freeze, but I didn’t know if it was either in fear, anger, or disappointment in myself. My emotions had become a cluster of hell that would continue to haunt me until I figured things out; until I could fix things with Y/N.

I sensed the apologetic glances I received from JJ, but despite my acknowledgement of her intentions, the festering indignation I was feeling against her had jaded any compassion I had.

“Spence-” JJ apprehensively spoke with a motherly tone.

“Don’t! I-”

My eyes were glued to the table, blocking out any attempt that the team made to pursue a conversation with me. My hands fidgeted as I racked my brain for a concise solution, although the process wasn’t as easy as I’d like since my conscious had been enveloping itself with self reproach. But in the end, I knew where I wanted to be - where I was meant to be.

Without a second thought, I promptly stood up from the chair and fled the bullpen with no attention to how JJ was calling out my name.

part 2

-

taglist: @rexorangecouny @howdycharlie

part 2 coming out tmrw or the day after that

see you soon <3

[brendaaaa]

Bet We’d Be Naked?! (Richie Tozier x fem!Reader)

“Who wants to play some games?” Beverly asked with a sly grin on her face.

“What kinds of games?” Mike questioned, sitting down on the floor next to her, where she had taken her place moments before.

“I was thinking spin the bottle.”

“Ugh.” Eddie groaned. “What is it with you and that fucking spit swapping fest?”

“Yeah.” Stan said. “I hate spin the bottle. Last time I had to kiss both Eddie and y/n. It was disgusting.”

“Hey!” You protested. “I’m a great kisser!”

“No, no. You’re all right. Spin the bottle sucks ass,” Richie said.

“We could p-play se-seven m-m-min-nutes i-i” Bill struggled to get it out.

“In heaven?” Bev finished for him.

Bill nodded gratefully.

“I like that game.” Ben said, non-so-subtly looking at Beverly.

“Yeah me too,” Stan added, and the rest of the losers all nodded along.

“Then it’s decided!” Bev declared. “Seven minutes in heaven it is!”

Mike went to the kitchen to grab an empty beer bottle and laid it in the middle of the circle. “Who wants to go first?” You asked eagerly. “Uh..not me” Bev laughed. “Me either” Ben immediately said. “Not it…” Eddie touched his nose.

A rushed chorus of not-it's and frantically tapping of noses happened, but it was clear that you were last, and therefore was stuck spinning the bottle first. “Ugh,” you said. “Here we fucking go.” You took a deep breath and gave the bottle an aggressive spin. It went around like five times before decisively landing on Richie.

“Oh Jesus,” he muttered, causing a mini panic inside of you. What does that mean? You thought to yourself as you got up and walked towards the closet. You both walked in and Richie quietly shut the door behind him. You both regarded each other for a moment, before Richie spoke, “Look. I don’t wanna be here any more than you do.” You tried not to look disappointed, but you were. Richie was honestly the person you most wanted to be in this closet with. You didn’t really want him to know that, but then thought, oh what the hell, and you said “Why do you assume that?” He scrunched his eyebrows. “What, you mean you actually want to be stuck in a closet with me where we are supposed to be making out? Is that what you want?” You stuttered, “n-no. Richie what are you talking about?” He rolled his eyes. “Look, I get it. You don’t have to pretend to like me.” You were shocked. “What? No...I, of course I like you,” you said. “Yeah, in a friend way.” Richie said blatantly. “Don’t lie to me.” “Uhm…” you mumbled awkwardly. “Yeah. That’s what I thought. This game is stupid. Why are we even here in a fucking closet anyway?” He turned to leave. You grabbed his arm. “Richie wait. I do like you, but why are you acting like this?” He raised his eyebrows. “You like me? Like that?” You immediately blushed from the roots of your hair down to your toes realizing you had just outed yourself. “Uh...yeah?” He bit his lip. “Um...I was, I was acting like that, because, I thought you didn’t feel like that, I, uh, wow I’m such an idiot, uh, so do you, uh I guess I, I like, um I’m sorry?” You smiled and responded by adjusting his misshapen glasses, “It’s ok, Rich,” and leaned in to kiss his lips. He responded with vigor and deepened the light kiss into something more heated. He pressed your back against the wall and continued to kiss you, getting more intense by the millisecond. ~~ “I wonder what they’re doing in there,” Stan absentmindedly asked, picking at a thread hanging off of his sock. “Sucking face, no doubt,” Eddie snorted. “Really?” Mike asked. “Y/n and Richie?” “Y-yeah,” Bill shrugged. “T-t-hey m-make hea-art eyes at e-each-other.” “They do.” Ben agreed. “I’ve seen it.” “Damn.” Bev said. “I must be blind then.” Mike laughed, “me too.” “T-time’s up” Bill pointed at the clock. “Okay place your bets people,” Bev said. “How many clothes will they have on?” “All,” Mike said, still trying to wrap his brain around the idea of a y/n/Richie romance. “None,” Eddie smirked. “Shirts off” Ben guessed. “Pants off,” Stan laughed. “R-Richie’s gl-lasses on th-the f-f-floor,” Bill added. “Yeah, and knowing Richie, imma go for the birthday suits,” Bev giggled. “Five bucks to whoever gets it right. 2.50 to me and Eddie each of they’re naked.” The gang got up laughing, to open that closet door wide. And when they did, they got a surprise. Y/n and Richie sitting calmly on the floor, fully clothed, holding hands. “The fuck?!?” Eddie exclaimed. “You guys were supposed to be naked!” “What?” Y/n made a grossed-out face. “Yeah,” Bev said. “I wanted money.” “And guess who got it?” Mike smirked, doing a lil dance. Richie laughed. “You guys bet we’d be naked?” He snorted. Some of them shamefully nodded. Richie and y/n looked at each other and burst into laughter. “No no no…” y/n grinned. “But we are dating.” She leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, to which he responded with a sappy grin. “See?” Ben said. “Heart eyes. Told ya. I should win the money.” “Seven minutes?” Eddie said, exasperated. “We leave you here for seven minutes!”

“Seven minutes is a long time, my dear friend,” Richie said in an old lady voice.

“Let’s play something else,” Bev said, pretending to be disgusted.

“Y-yeah” Bill agreed.

And so they went on with their Friday night, a new couple happily in their midst.

Word Count: 947

[whitesparrows97]

Heartstring Melodies – Part 2

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Reader

Genre: Soulmate AU, College AU, fuckboy!Yoongi

Summary: Min Yoongi, the fuckboy of the whole college and the guy all girls fall for, should be your soulmate? You don’t believe that, you don’t want to believe that. Therefore, you and your best friend make a pact: She pretends to be you and gets together with Yoongi. Nothing can go wrong with that, right?

Warnings: Light swearing, little bit of angst, mentions of blood

Word Count: 4.7K

Previous / Next

Chapter two: «The truth is rarely pure and never simple.» – o.w.

The next few days you felt miserable. You could hardly eat, barely sleep and in the lectures you were more physically present than you were really listening to your professor. What made the whole thing even worse was the rumor that Min Yoongi had a soulmate. Two girls had watched him in the library and noticed how he had writhed in pain and grabbed his chest. This was considered a clear sign and it took less than twelve hours before the first girls came to him and claimed to be his soulmate. 

The fact that they didn’t know which name was on his chest didn’t seem to bother them. The chance to at least guess the first name correctly seemed sufficient for such people. But you wouldn’t worry about how shameless some people were. What worried you was the fear that he would come looking for you. He had your first and last name, and all he had to do was look around campus before he found out who you were. You felt like someone was standing behind you with a gun to your head. At any moment they might pull the trigger, and Min Yoongi would be standing right in front of you.

You didn’t know how, but you had to think of something to keep that from happening. For a moment you thought about transferring to another university. But you didn’t want to run away either. Your father had taught you that from an early age. You had to face danger and your worst fears, no matter how painful it was. And that it was, almost unbearable. 

Tired and stressed you rubbed your face and closed your eyes for a moment. The bright light of your desk lamp blinded you when you opened them again.

“Everything alright?” you heard Liv’s voice behind you, who was sitting on your bed and was still absorbed in one of her thick tomes.

You needed a moment to get your thoughts in order before you answered her. “Um, sure, all good.” 

You heard Liv slam the book shut and saw out of the corner of your eye as she shoved it from her lap onto the bed. “It’s not all good. Stop lying to me. You’ve been so weird these days. As if your mind was somewhere else.” 

Her reproachful undertone made you feel uneasy. You didn’t want to lie to Liv, but you didn’t want to talk about it either. Sighing, you turned to her on your chair. “Everything’s fine, I’m just a bit stressed because of all the homework and in a few weeks the first exams will start,” you tried to talk your way out of it. You hoped Liv would leave it at that.

She looked at you for a moment and seemed to estimate how honest you were. After a few seconds, she also sighed. “Well, whatever you say. But you know you can always talk to me if you want to, right?”

You nodded and forced yourself to smile as you swallowed the tears that were about to fall. Fuck, the whole topic seemed to bother you more than you thought. You quickly averted your gaze but by then the first tears were running down your cheeks.

“Y/N!” Liv said in surprise, but you gestured with a hand movement that she should stay seated.

“It’s okay, Liv, I’ll be alright in a second,” you reassured her and brushed over your face with the back of your hand to get rid of the tears, slightly annoyed. For a moment it was quiet in the small room, only your irregular breaths could be heard, which you tried to control again to stop the tears.

“I haven’t seen you cry since your–”

“I know,” you interrupted her. You didn’t need her to say it. You took a deep breath and decided you couldn’t hide it any longer from your best friend. “I have a soulmate,” you said as quickly as you could. 

Again, there was a moment of surprised silence. You didn’t dare look at Liv; you knew what expression would be written all over her face. 

“I know you’re not particularly enthusiastic about the idea of a soulmate,” she began cautiously, a slight hesitation in her voice, “but ninety percent of the world’s population envy you for it.”

Irritated, you puffed out air between your lips. “I don’t care what ninety percent of the world would like,” you replied, flinching slightly at your bitter undertone. You knew that you were behaving a bit like a small, defiant child who didn’t want to take a nap. Yet you felt treated unfairly by the world and fate itself.

“Have you spoken to him yet? Do I know him?” Liv tried to steer the conversation in another direction. Excited, she slid forward on the bed and supported herself with her palms on her thighs. 

You shook your head. “Honestly, I hope he doesn’t seek me out at all,” you admitted sheepishly.

Immediately Liv straightened up again and looked at you in anger. “Y/N, you’re being so selfish right now, do you realize that? Just because you don’t want a soulmate doesn’t mean he feels the same way. Is it even a guy?”

You just nodded. You knew Liv was right when she said that. And you probably wouldn’t have been so averse either, if it wasn’t for no one less than Min Yoongi. 

“What’s his name?”

You stared at your sweatpants, which you’d swapped for your skinny jeans the moment you entered your apartment. Gently, you glanced up at Liv, who looked at you with big eyes, waiting. When you didn’t say anything and felt the blush rise to your cheeks, her eyes, if possible, grew a bit bigger. She gasped for air and fanned herself while she stared at you in shock.

“Oh my God!” she cried out and you flinched at her loud voice. “I don’t believe it! Do you know how lucky you are?!”

Lucky. One person’s luck is another’s misery. You were aware that many people would want to take your position. But many of these people did not have the past like you, which is why you were so averse to a soulmate in the first place.

“It is not even sure whether he would like contact at all,” you muttered and stroked over the soft, slightly faded fabric of your pants.

“Are you crazy? I heard he was looking for you!”

Immediately your head snapped towards her. Liv had just confirmed your worst fears. If that was really true and he was looking for you, it wouldn’t be long before he could put two and two together and bump into you. Even if you suspected that he had been talking to more than three people a day and couldn’t narrow it down like you did, the possibilities were limited. 

“Why would Min Yoongi be excited about having a soulmate?” you said lost in thought. “Doesn’t that limit him in his biggest hobby?”

Liv snorted. “I know you don’t like Yoongi. But don’t you think you overestimate him a bit? From what I heard, he’s mostly focused on his studies and music…”

“So what if I do,” you said, shrugging your shoulders. Liv’s opinion on the subject didn’t make it easier for you to hate Min Yoongi. As much as you wanted to, the slight tingling in your chest made you pause. 

Damn, why did it have to be Min Yoongi of all people?!

Liv sighed. “You really should talk to him, Y/N. Maybe you can work it out and in a week you’ll laugh about how you always got so upset with him.”

“And then we’ll walk hand-in-hand in love through the school hallways and live happily ever after,” you mockingly said. “You know it doesn’t work like that, Liv,” you said, looking at her. When you saw her sad and hurt look, you felt regret for a moment. It wasn’t Liv’s fault and it was unfair that you took your frustration out on her. You closed your eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” she reassured you. “But maybe it will help if I tell you that I really envy you and would love to be in your position.” She gave you a smile, which you returned with caution.

A second later your smile faded and an idea crossed your mind. “Liv,” you started looking at her with big eyes.

“No, oh, no, no, no. Definitely not,” bubbled it out of your best friend as she watched your change of mood. “I know that look, and every time I see it, a few hours later, someone or something gets hurt or cries. Whatever you are thinking right now, forget it!”

You didn’t let her dissuade you, even though you didn’t have anything to counter her argument. You had to admit that your ideas were often not necessarily the best. Especially if they came up after 10 pm and you were tired from the day. It seemed as if your brain was switching to low flame and your inhibition threshold was so low that even the best limbo players could not pass under it.

Yet you were sure that you had just found the solution to all your problems. “Liv, just listen to me for a second–”

“I don’t want to hear it!” she interrupted you and covered her ears with her hands.

You laughed, probably for the first time in a few days, and rolled your chair up to the bed. Gently, you clasped her wrists and pulled them off her ears so Liv could hear you. “So you’d like to be in my shoes, wouldn’t you?”

Liv looked at you in wonder and thought for a moment before she shrugged. “Sure, everyone would like to be Yoongi’s soulmate.”

Your grin widened. “What if,” you said, raising your eyebrows “when you pretend to be me.”

Liv stared at you in shock. “What?”

“You go to Yoongi and just say you’re me.”

“Just?”

You lightly punched her upper arm. “Can you speak in complete sentences?”

“Only if you stop saying such nonsense,” she countered, rubbing her aching arm.

“Why nonsense?” you asked and got up from your chair. You had to move so that your thoughts could get going again and you could refine your brilliant idea. “How is he going to prove you’re not me? He never heard your name or mine in the library. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have to keep looking for me.”

“And what if he wants to see proof?”

You stopped in the middle of the room and thought for a moment. “Wouldn’t it be proof enough if you said your name – that is, my name – Nobody knows what name is written on his chest except him and the two of us.”

“What if he wants to see the name?”

“Then you tell him that you don’t want to get naked in front of him right at the second time you meet him. Oh Liv, I’m a genius,” you declared loudly and threw your arms up in relief. It seemed as if a weight was being lifted from your shoulders. 

“That’s crazy,” Liv muttered, but you could see the corners of her mouth twitching upwards.

“Then why are you grinning like a cheshire cat?” you replied with a laugh and dropped yourself on the bed next to her. She also let herself fall backwards so that you lay next to each other and stared at the ceiling.

“This is crazy,” Liv whispered again, this time more quietly. “This will never work.”

“We have nothing to lose,” you returned just as quietly. 

It was quiet for a moment before Liv turned excitedly on her side and supported her head with her arm. “Can I see it?”

You let the thought wander through your mind for a moment. You didn’t know why, but the fine, black lines were something so intimate to you that you didn’t want to share with anyone, not even your best friend. Immediately you pushed that thought out of your head. You had decided, why would you hold on to those stupid lines?

“Okay,” you agreed and straightened yourself up a bit. “Maybe we can take a picture of it and if Yoongi asks, you just show him the picture?”

“That’s a perfect idea!” Liv agreed. “Oh wow,” she breathed as you lifted the fabric of your shirt and Liv’s eyes fell on the tattoo. “Did it hurt?”

“I thought I was going to have a heart attack at first,” you admitted while digging your phone out of your pocket. You shoved that little device into Liv’s hand. “Go ahead and don’t wait too long to tell Yoongi. Don’t let him get ahead of us.”

“Then I’ll talk to him tomorrow,” Liv agreed and gave you a thumbs up when she saw that you had sent her the photo.

“Then tomorrow,” you replied.

❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

You didn’t know why, but you didn’t sleep well last night. Even worse than most nights anyway. You rolled over from one side to the other and then gave it up completely at 4 am. At least you were able to use the time instead of lying half-awake in bed. 

Therefore, you were very sleepy when you sat in your first lecture in the morning. Your thoughts wandered again and again, to the pile of homework you had to do, to Liv and the plan that hopefully would work out and… to Yoongi. Every time your thoughts went down that dangerous path again, you pulled yourself together and shook your head to chase those thoughts away. 

You were probably just nervous that the plan would fail and that you would have to cope with listening to what Yoongi had to say.

That’s why you were a bit nervous when you walked towards the main building, in which, according to Liv, Yoongi had a seminar about an upcoming project. How she knew that you’d rather not know. It was only to your advantage that you didn’t have to search much longer. It was also convenient that the laboratories were in the building next door so you didn’t have to make a big detour.

It took some convincing from Liv to have you agree to come along when Liv would talk to Yoongi. You were glad that she agreed to your plan at all, so you could do her this little favour. And you could understand her too. You wouldn’t want to face him – and, if things got really bad, also his group of friends – alone.

You took a look at your cell phone to see if Liv had backed out and cancelled. But you had no new messages on your lock screen. When you walked through the heavy glass doors, you saw your best friend right away. She was standing at the entrance in front of the bulletin board and seemed to be interested in the posters. But you had known her for some years and knew better that she was probably too excited to absorb the information she was reading. 

“Hey,” you greeted her and ignored the trembling in your voice. 

Liv was so excited that she didn’t even hear it. She chewed on her lower lip and looked at you nervously. “I’ve never spoken to him before, not like this. Just that one time in the library and even then I could barely get a word out. What’s it gonna be like if the plan works and we’re together and I can’t–”

“Oh, my God,” you interrupted her, laughing. The laughter felt good, it covered up your own nervousness. “It’s gonna be okay. Just wait and you’ll see.” You tried to cheer her up as you went further into the building looking for your destination. 

“He should have come out of his seminar a few minutes ago,” said Liv and looked down a corridor where you suspected his seminar room was. Slightly hesitant, she started walking again and you followed her into this very corridor. Liv didn’t say anything else and you were suddenly quiet as well when you heard a deep laugh. 

“As if, I don’t believe you,” bawled Kim Taehyung, one of Min Yoongi’s close friends. You heard several others join in, but you did not know what the young men were laughing at. 

“Believe me or don’t,” Min Yoongi replied indifferently and you could see before your inner eye how he shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t care.”

“You don’t know how you would react if you were in the same situation,” another voice interfered. 

With a beating heart you went around the corner and immediately, as if attracted by a magnet, your gaze snapped towards the dark-haired man. At the same time you felt your heart literally getting warm. It felt as if the warmth radiated through your whole body and welcomed you like a warm embrace.

“Oh no, here are two more,” you heard one of the men murmuring, but you had already turned your gaze to the ground and stared intently at the grey linoleum floor. 

Liv seemed to have it the other way around. With every further step she seemed more and more confident and you had trouble keeping up with her. Your heart was beating up to your neck when Liv suddenly stopped and you came to a halt next to her out of breath.

“Hi,” Liv said and you were surprised for a moment how calm she sounded. You were curious to see what big eyes the others would make when it turned out that you two weren’t like the other hundred girls who had approached Min Yoongi. 

“If you’re here for all this soulmate talk, you can leave right away,” Park Jimin said, who had leaned against one of the lockers and looked at you from head to toe in disdain.

“Wait a minute, Jimin,” Yoongi said to your surprise and checked you out as well. His look was rather curious though and for a short moment something like recognition flickered across his features. “You’re the two from the library.”

Liv nodded and you saw out of the corner of your eye how she smiled. “I’m Y/N Y/L/N,” she introduced herself and it was as if this sentence, this name – your name – had swallowed all the words in the otherwise empty hallway for a short moment. You watched Yoongi as his eyes widened slightly in surprise and his mouth opened a little.

“Wait a minute,” Taehyung interfered, who had appeared behind Yoongi and looked at Liv sceptically. “Is that her?”

You only registered his words along the way. Your focus was still on Yoongi, who watched your best friend with a mixture of confusion and incredulity. A few moments later, you saw a smile spread across his face. His eyes gleamed and a small laugh escaped him. It stung you all the more because your heart leapt with joy at the sound. 

You felt your heart shrinking by the second, collapsing more and more as you watched Yoongi’s face. Yoongi should look at you like this, not Liv.

You felt your eyes start to burn and you knew you had to get out of that situation. There was a lump in your throat the size of a boulder, while your heart was hanging in your chest, shrivelled like an old balloon from which the air had escaped.

Fortunately, you didn’t have to make up an excuse why you had to go. Yoongi made that decision for you. “Do you want to talk in private?” he asked, the warm smile still on his lips. You tried not to let your gaze drop on the cute gummy smile that didn’t seem to fit his cool appearance at all.

“I would love to,” Liv replied and before you knew it, Liv had turned around and disappeared into one of the empty classrooms. Yoongi followed her one blink of an eye later without paying you another glance.

For a moment, you stood there perplexed and rooted to the spot. A cough made you flinch and with big eyes you looked at Taehyung. His gaze lay on you and it made you nervous that you could not interpret his expression. You used the opportunity that presented itself to escape from the unpleasant situation and tried to give him a short smile before you tried to step past him.

The loud, sudden noise made you startle and you had to suppress a surprised outcry when your way was suddenly blocked by an arm. Taehyung smiled at you as he leaned against one of the lockers. 

“What’s the hurry? What’s your name?” 

“None of your business,” you managed to get out and ducked under his arm. Immediately your wrist was grasped by a strong hand and a second later you found yourself right opposite of Taehyung. His dark eyes watched you with furrowed eyebrows and his gaze sent a cold shiver down your back. 

“Now that was rude,” you heard Jimin say, whom you couldn’t see over Taehyung’s broad shoulders, but could only hear. 

“I agree with you, this is no way to treat strangers,” Taehyung agreed without taking his eyes off you. Not to mention the grip around your wrist. 

“Drop it, Tae,” Jungkook, who hadn’t said anything the whole time, suddenly interfered. “Let her go.”

A shadow fell on Taehyung’s face and you looked at Jungkook who appeared next to you. Jungkook’s gaze lay on your wrist and you breathed a sigh of relief as Taehyung’s grip loosened. 

“Oh, Jungkookie,” Taehyung smiled at him and patted him on the back, hard. “We were only joking, don’t be so serious all the time. This girl knows that, doesn’t she?”

Your relief had disappeared just as quickly as it had come when your blood froze in your veins at this statement. “Not really,” you muttered. Your courage was used up for today and you already noticed how exhaustion spread deep into your bones. “I’d better go now,” you pressed out before you turned on your heels 180 degrees and walked along the corridor with quick steps. You only breathed again when you turned the corner and could no longer feel the gaze of the three young men in your back. 

❀ ❀ ❀ ❀

After a short break, which actually lasted half an hour, in the toilet and a panic attack later, you arrived at the laboratories out of breath. 

“Sorry, sorry!” you shouted as you came rushing through the door and put on a lab coat. Quickly you hurried in the direction of Seokjin, who was standing at a tall table and put a liquid into a petri dish with a pipette.

“It was about time,” Seokjin said somewhat grumpy, but didn’t turn his concentrated look away from his task. “You’re almost an hour late.”

“I know, I’m so sorry, Jin,” you apologized as you searched for the container labeled salt water. 

“It’s underneath you on the shelf, I left it for you,” Jin said, pointing his head in the direction indicated.

Immediately, your guilty conscience became even worse. You couldn’t get another word out as you reached for the container and also started to pipette the liquid into different petri dishes. 

“What happened?” Jin sighed after a moment of silence.

“What do you mean, what happened?” you asked in return. Shit. You hated that Jin was so attentive and could tell when something was wrong.

Jin sighed again before putting the pipette aside and looking at you for the first time that late afternoon. “You’re quiet, you usually have the last word in our discussions. And by the way, being late is not like you either.” His gaze almost burned into you as he searched for signs of what might have happened. “Did you cry?”

You shook your head mechanically. “Everything is fine.” A lie that you had used all too often in recent years. Everything is fine; don’t worry; yes, I eat well and healthy; no, I always sleep well and have no nightmares… You could continue the list endlessly. 

“Stop lying to me,” Jin said, and if you didn’t know him better, you’d think he was getting angry. 

“I’m not lying, let’s talk about something else,” you turned him down and concentrated again on not wasting liquid. 

“But I want to know what’s going on,” Jin continued to ask and you could literally feel your patience thread tearing. You could see in your mind’s eye the glaring rage dripping from the thread’s fibers and clouding your clear vision. You were a peace-loving person and rarely got angry. But today, today too much had happened. You hadn’t felt so emotionally tired in a long time and Jin’s persistence caused you to explode.

“I said I don’t want to talk about it, so stop asking me!” You almost shouted. You hadn’t noticed how you clasped the thin edge of the petri dish. Only when the resistance suddenly gave way and at the same moment you heard a clink, did it pull you out of your anger and back into reality. As quickly as the anger had come, it had disappeared again when you looked at the shattered glass in the palm of your hand in bewilderment. 

Confused, you watched your palm turn red. Jin cursed next to you and ran to the first aid box without hesitation. You were in trance when Jin carefully took your hand in his and started to remove the few glass splinters from your flesh with tweezers. He carefully cleaned the wound, which fortunately wasn’t too deep, as he told you in a calm tone before he applied a bandage.

You watched him silently at his work. The pain in your hand was pushed to the edge of your consciousness by the unpleasant and oppressive feeling in the pit of your stomach. Jin said hardly anything either, except for the few statements he had to make about your state of health. 

Carefully, he put the first aid kit back in place before he joined you again. He looked at you in silence for a moment before he carefully stroked your hair. You didn’t know why, but that faint touch was what made you stumble over the edge of your emotions again. You fell deep into an ocean of tears and Jin didn’t hesitate and pulled you into a tight embrace.

For the next few minutes, you couldn’t get a word out, no explanation. Just your constant sobs muffled by Jin’s chest and his short, warm pep talks. When you had the feeling that all tears had left your body, you separated from Jin and brushed your face with your healthy hand. 

“Sorry,” you muttered and looked down.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” it came straight back from Jin. “Even if you don’t want to talk now, I’m always here for you.”

You sighed and closed your aching eyes for a moment before you looked at Jin. “That’s sweet, Jin, but I think I’m just gonna have to do this on my own.”

Jin gave you a sad smile. “You never have to go through anything alone,” he disagreed. 

“Thank you, Jinnie,” you said and gave him a hug. 

“You’ll go home now and get a good night’s sleep,” Jin said against your hair and broke away from you. “I’ll do the rest of the tasks alone.”

Shocked, you looked at him. “What? No! I’m not letting you do this all alone,” you protested but Jin just laughed. 

“I think I’ll get it done faster on my own,” he pointed to the two petri dishes you had filled so far, one of which was still half smashed on the table.

You too had to laugh a bit before you looked at him seriously. “Thank you,” you said again and accepted his offer. You were glad when you met no one on the way to the small room where you stowed your jackets and bags. You didn’t have a mirror at hand, but you knew that after crying twice within an hour you probably didn’t look too cheerful anymore. 

Your bones ached and you felt a hundred years old as you threw your jacket over and searched your backpack for your cell phone. A few seconds later you held the small device in your hands and looked at the display. Astonished, you squinted your eyes together when you saw a message from an unknown number. 

I wonder what Jungkook wants 🤔 Also I hope it’s not too confusing with the whole name changing situation between Liv and the Reader. 

As always, any kind of feedback is appreciated a lot and helps me to stay motivated. So I’m happy about any kind of feedback if you enjoyed the chapter (or if you want to give me tips on my writing, which is appreciated as well)!

I hope you’re all staying safe and see you soon! 💜

————————

Tag list:

@loveyoongles​ @missseoulite​ @mymainaccountlol​

[tslasvegas]

Episode 4: “I'm sorry Daddy, I've been very naughty.” - Keegan

Dan and JAKE! A WORD IN MY OFFICE PLEASE! WHAT THE FUCK IS THIS.

Wow! Today was A Day to say the least. I feel like boo boo the fool with how things went down today, but hopefully, I can recover from that now that there’s a new tribe. I’m excited to get to know new people, but sad to see my old alliances have to come to an end. I guess we’ll see what happens

Finally a swap and golly 5 OG Palazzo! I really hope this works in our favor. Kinda nervous for Joey and Stephanie tho because now they are in the minority of their tribe. I do hope they’ll find a way to survive till merge

LMFAO IM... watching the tribal council for the other tribe and I'm SORRY??? Who the fuck is Jake S he is the most condescending man I've ever seen in my entire life YIKES. Anyways this swap is nice.. I think I've got a good group, I really hope we win the next few immunities because I 1) really dont want to see Rachael on this tribe and 2) i want to try and rebuild my um. tattered relationships. I did the best I could in the challenge for tonight, I'll try to come back tomorrow a little more renewed cus I'm kinda wiped out from today's events. Now that my tribal council cherry has been popped for this Org its time to go crazy woop

So good not to check Luxor anymore! 

Well last tribal went fine, I got to see what was in the Prize Vault which is awesome; now I have a better idea of the twist. Big problem though- Our swap put me in the minority. I was running Luxor and had a core 4, now they have 5 OG Pink so they can pluck us off, one at a time. I went from drivers seat to getting driven over. We need to win the challenge, so I'm gonna go ham in winterbells and hope to pull it out.

We swapped! I think I made a confessional already, but honestly I don't remember. I gave Livingston some of my chips so he can go visit the vault after the immunity challenge. We'll see what is in there and for how much, and maybe snatch up some real nice items to help us out. I've also got Andrew on my side, which is great and he's apparently quite tight with Pat, which is fantastic. Mo is a pretty decent dude and I've been talking with Jake a lot today. Things are going alright. I just hope we can win this challenge. 

Phew, while the swap was not ideal. I was really liking my tribe, we were kind of quiet but individually everyone was great and we also kicked butt at challenges! Anyway, the swap with numbers wise not great, but I know Xavi from a previous game and we have a solid relationship, I hope he and John and Joey and myself can build a solid squad to make it to the merge. The challenge was rough tbh, I am not great at video games, but I think I did ok... Jaiden got like 20 trillion points on a game so really I have no idea how I did. Hoping for the best!

I am losing my mind in my personal life so I am sorry that I have been mia. I appreciate the patience from the hosts and my tribe. It makes me still want to play even though I've been kinda invisible. I'm aware of that. I'll fix it. I promise. Otherwise, its been pretty good as a tribe so far. Andrew, Pat, and NIk and i are all really close from other games, so we're good and Andrew and Pat and I are together, which is just really unfair if you ask me. I can't wait to start scheming!

Uhhhhhh.................................... anyways........ yall hear somethin? Oh I hear something. It's the sound of Joey literally blowing himself up to me hardcore!!!! The narcissism and arrogance really jumped out on this one. So Joey had the idea of calling tonight to go over some stuff and honestly out of the 2 hours we spent, I think about 45-60 mins of it was rather nice and I do feel that I enjoy his presence, but omg... his desire for control is so noticeable and its kinda gross. Joey and I debriefed on what went down on Bellagio and I totally understand why there was the difference in us discussing tribe dynamics - I had to give up all my info while he kinda kept things more reserved. I want to assume this is because of the fact that I went to tribal and he hasn't until now. I won't judge him for that. However, after this he's kinda like dictating the fact that an OG Bellagio needs to go home. Ben is the easier person to throw under the bus since he didn't even bother to do the challenge/let us know what's up. Not a big fan of that, but aight. Then Joey starts suggesting we vote out Kailyn...?? Uh... not on my watch. I have to make it up to Kailyn at least a little bit so even though she's probably got a loaded gun pointed at my head rn, I want to defuse the situation rather than start throwing her out there as a potential target. Even if it isn't coming from me, I'm not here for that. The information that Joey did give up to me relates to the chips in the game. I've never paid much attention to the chips, but I guess it takes 10 to get into the vault and Joey's got between 11 and 15 (he changed his answer on the subject SEVERAL times). He says there are three idols worth 40 chips each, then a super idol worth I think 50 or 60 (can't remember). On top of that, there are nullifiers, vote advantages, and a legacy advantage, too. He seems fixated on the legacy advantage and really wants the chips to get it. Like.. ok do you but we NEED the super idol?? Does he not realize that thing has more power than anything else in the vault combined..? ANYWAYS. What really started to turn me off about Joey is that there was this sudden expectation that I'd be giving him all of my chips thus far. I don't care about them to begin with but knowing what I know now, it doesn't make sense for me to give him my stash just to fuel his hunt for... a measly legacy advantage... I put myself in a compromising position. I told him that once a host gets back to me on my exact total, I'd be willing to trade him my chips for I guess an allyship going forward. I mean that. I want to work with Joey at least through this vote, but I can't guarantee that it'll go much further than that. He is a very risky person for my game right now because if he's coming off this strong to everybody, it's only going to hurt me by association to stick with him longer than a vote or two. However, I'm going to try and divert the attention and just be like, maybe we need to use my five as a bartering piece for new allies at this point. I want to try and build meaningful partnerships right now, especially since that was the only reason I wanted to make it to the merge.. Rebuilding is crucial as well. Kailyn and possibly Nik/Rachael are not going to be fond of me once we all have "the talk" about last tribal. I put myself in an even more compromising position with them, but I'll find my way out of that mess. I think........ As far as this tribe goes, I think between Joey's WILD imagination/constant over-analyzing and the lack of direction this tribe has taken so far.. I'm doing okay. Nobody is really standing out besides Joey and I guess myself in a way, so if I keep him around it MIGHT even shrink my own target little by little - unless people find out we're together then FUK. 

......five seconds later

In terms of my other relationships right now, I love John Coffey but this is old news, I've been in love with this man since like 2016 and it's fine - totally fine - just fangirling a bit rn since I get to spend more time with him!! woohoo. Xavier and Stephanie are straight up non-entities which makes me SO scared of them especially since Stephanie's won an ORG before... how can someone be so irrelevant yet still win something? Hmm... Makes me think that she's secretly a ninja, you never even see her around. Nik has grown more and more quiet as the days go along and I wonder what's goin' on with that. Maybe they've decided since Biden won the election that moving to New Zealand is a bad idea? Lmfao. I dunno. Nik stresses me the hell out because I have no idea what they're thinking at any point in time even in the off-chance that we are talking. I think I might just have a personality they don't mesh with because I noticed on call forever ago that none of my jokes were particularly landing but Nik had a lot to say and a LOT to joke about there... rip. If it's a personality conflict - go off, I guess. I'll try on a couple different hats w this person to try and see if I can get things to go better than they have been. Kailyn.. like I said before, pretty sure she's after me but I am really trying to sell it to her that I like her a lot, because I do. I literally compare her to my best friend irl because they have very similar attributes and I consider Kailyn kinda messy but fun and quirky like my BFF so I hope that Kailyn did truly appreciate me making that comparison. Ben's inability to do this challenge is going to be his undoing. I think the only acceptable move is to vote him off this time because I HAVE to prove to Kailyn that I can stay the course, and I also need to whittle down Bellagio numbers to prevent people from targeting us and having everything go to shit that way. Let Joey control this, please dear god. Don't let me get blood on my hands. Let Rachael integrate herself well on this tribe. Let someone else blow themselves up in the process. Just not me plz and thanks. There is no fear in my soul tonight. Joey might be a fucking crackhead but so am I. I'm breaking down walls that I didn't think existed but Joey basically told me tonight that he thought I was confrontational, rude, chaotic, and all these other things but was impressed at how calm, optimistic, and outgoing I was. Love to hear it. He might think he overestimated me but he was right about the initial impressions... too bad he won't be around long enough to see that side of me :~) 

FIRSTLY, DeNara was robbed. Okay so I already wrote this a while ago in my host chat about how the fact jake and dan are praying for my downfall because after the swap i am the only og bellagio on a tribe with 5 palazzo and 2 luxor. so after I slowly blinked at my screen for a bit I was like okay how do we survive this if I go to tribal. Because I’m under the impression tribes are gonna stick together especially going into merge but since Luxor is already down so many members it’s kinda Bellagio Vs. Palazzo. but then I was like okay wait I’m the only member of bellagio on this tribe after coming from a tribal so I’m the only one who can say what happened and I can create what narrative I want to help me get through the next couple rounds. Because if I was like oh blah blah I was in majority im so fucked then of course they’re gonna target me to get me out. But if I play the victim card and milk the fact that I voted in the minority acting like I hate my og tribe maybe they’ll think to use me as a pawn. To take down others moving forward. Listen if I have to be labeled a goat to move forward then BAA bitch.

.....five seconds later

Things are going good, because not only am no longer in danger this round but that means Rachael is going to the enemy tribe which if she came to our tribe that might’ve disrupted the narrative I had going of me being against og bellagio. Also DeNara should still be here, don’t think I didn’t clock the fact that Ben scored a 0. I also found out from Andrew that Rachael and Ben are apart of the same Tengaged group which explains why Rachael was so set on Ben staying but like, listen, if I end up in a game with someone I’m friends with, and they’re not active and helping the tribe. Good riddance.

What the. We lost yet again. I have lost everything since the start of the game. It's crazy. There are 4 from Bellagio, 2 Palazzo and 2 Luxor. 2+2 seems like an obvious plan, but it looks like it is falling apart already (read: Joey). Sucks to be across the world, so instead of scheming, I'll be sleeping.

Forgive me father, for I have sinned. is the same as I'm sorry Daddy, I've been very naughty. 

The swap did happen. Expected it. Glad we won this first challenge in this new tribe tho in worried for Stephanie and Joey

Vault Shenanigans - Holy shit I did not expect this to be as powerful as it is. I was preparing myself for some sort of payment based search system, but being able to straight up buy the items I want, but its also the same for other people. I had a misconception at how generous the wheel was so I'm probably behind some people with the amount of chips, but I could very well start scooping up some of the steal votes and just say "see ya" to the idols, although getting a super idol would be very wild, it still seems risky to hold out that long to get it, even though there's a great amount of power associated with it. The other issue with a super idol is that I think that its very likely that if I get into a position where I need to use it, that I lose a lot of respect with the jury if it does happen. The only benefit from actually having it would be that I no longer have to worry about someone else whipping it out, so it'd be less for me wanting it, but more for others not having it. As of now, I think my optimal play is to hold on to my chips until around ~40, and then buy both vote steals at once, OR go all out for the super if someone has already bought an idol by that point, because I would be operating under the assumption that the frontrunner is already out of the running. Tribe Swap Shenanigans - This is a hell of a tribe swap. 5-2-1 is always a great spot to be in, I am already good within the 5 that I have so I don't have to worry about anything there, it should be relatively smooth sailing as far as getting to the merge. Mo/Jake are alright so far, neither particularly speak too much. Kevin has not reached out at all, probably will try to talk to him tonight for general purposes, even if he seems like he'd be an easy one to get out first should we go to tribal the next time. But generally I really don't plan on losing so it's kind of a wash. I'll take the smooth sailing, easy path to merge. Premerge is never as relevant as merge is when it comes to FTC as long as you have something to show for yourself at the merge. I've got all game to make my presence known, and I plan on using the entirety of the game to do so.

I feel super anxious today because even though I had a great conversation and built a good connection to Joey, there hasn't been any talk about the vote quite yet. I mean obviously names have rolled out but nothing solid is out there still, I think I just need to let go of the urgency for a name to start being spread early on and just let things be. Stephanie and I have been chatting a bit here and there today so I feel more comfortable with her and hopefully she sees things from a similar perspective as everyone else - the Bellagio foursome needs to get broken up right now. As long as it's not my name of course!!!!! Plz vote Ben @everyone. Or Kailyn tbh save me a little bit of trouble now. Talking to Xavier is SO HARD LMAO. He doesn't immediately contribute information into a conversation and as bad as I wanna get rid of Ben, I almost..almost think going for Xavier is the smarter move, since Xavier doesn't seem too motivated to actually get to know ME and work with me. I'm selfish that way. Kailyn doesn't seem like she wants to do Ben which is a little frustrating but I totally get it, if Ben stays he's going to go after her hardcore but like she needs to actually pitch me an alternative lmfao. I don't wanna go bending over backwards just to appease her right now so if she doesn't gimme a name.. sorry sis but then I think it's gonna be Joey's call on this one :/

I am being very cautious now. The 4 of us (me, John, Joey and Steph) are going to vote together. Now Jaiden wants to vote Nik. And Kailyn wants to vote Ben. Why can't we just agree on one?! And it always has to go down to the wire. Stick together, people!

I think I am possibly leading the charge against Nik rn?? Joey told me he wanted Ben and then I told him I wanted Nik and now he wants Nik LOL take that Stephen 

Okay well I have no idea what's going to happen tonight, but I'm going into tribal not afraid of the vote I am probably going to have to make ... I think the best move is to just vote for Nik and be done with it, but it's going to cause a serious rift in a lot of my relationships if I do so. I've been super wishy-washy to a lot of people I think and right now it doesn't make sense to continuously do one thing when I mean another.. especially since there seems to be zero ground to move upon when it comes to getting the vote to turn from Nik to Ben. Nik doesn't even SEEM ACTIVE?? Why are we making this a bigger deal than it needs to be. Ben can't just walk around deciding what's going on and I think Kailyn would prefer to keep Nik around rather than Ben but it's like... so push for Ben to be the target hun! She's feeding into someone else's move no matter what she does, it's either Ben's agenda or John's agenda. Pick a side, but pick the side I'm on, too. Why don't we just vote for Kailyn tbh. lmao

[myworldsuga]

You sigh as you put your phone away, you where not about to babysit the three drunks left at the table and you definitely didn't want to be a third wheel as Tae and Jimin flirted. You got up and looked over at the other two.

"Tae I'm heading out, make sure Jin and Kook get home safe,please?" You said and Tae nodded "sure,sure" he said not really paying attention.

You sigh one more time as you picked up your bag and walked out. It was dark now but it was fine you where used to going home late when you hung out, but the bus wasn't running anymore and either Taehyung or Namjoon would take you home.

As you stand waiting for a taxi you feel a gaze on you, but before you can turn on your own you hear a familiar voice.

"You going home?" You hear Yoongi call and that's when you turn."oh um yeah, the guys are drunk and Tae and Jimin are flirting..." You say trying not to act to nervous "I thought you had left" you said softly. "Nah I just came out for some fresh air. I'm about to leave too, are you taking a taxi?" He said. You nodded

"Give me a second I'll give you a ride, it's to late for you to be around in a taxi" he said. You blush lightly "N-No it's fine! I don't live far" you say trying to stop your heart from beating so fast. "I insist, let me just go get my jacket" he said as he walked inside as well to check on Hoseok and Jimin.

You quickly fumble and take your phone out of your bag and text the group chat.

No one replies by the time Yoongi comes out. You like look over a dark blush on your face. "Come on, the car is around the corner" he said and all you could do is nod and follow.

-omg, omg, omg I'm going to ride in Min Yoongi's car- you scream in your mind as you see his black car you hear it beep and he opens the passenger door for you. -omg he opened the door for me- you had to take a breath.

"T-thanks" you said as you get on, he nods and closes the door and then goes over to the drivers side. "Alright where to?" He said "um...know the bakery that's 2 blocks away from the shops?" You said hugging your bag.

He nodded and started driving. It was quiet for a while "um...Y-Yoongi, about yesterday.." You start not looking at him to embarrassed "I'm sorry, I got a little jumpy, I'm usually very shy when talking with people that aren't my friends, and I know we talk when I come over but....not about my day..you know?" You said and then shut your mouth because you noticed you where rambling.

Yoongi looked over at you and let out a little smirk "Y/N it's fine, sure I was mad at first because you ruined my favorite pants,but seeing you interact with your friends kinda made me realize that...I don't really know a lot about you even tho we've interacted for 2 years... So..let's get to know each other " he said and you swore your heart exploded when you looked at him.

You ended talking about your career, school, your family, why you each worked at the shops and got to know about each other, even swapped phone numbers. You where to entertained in the conversation that neither of you noticed you where outside your apartment and when you two fell asleep in his car.

Part 4- lil stopid

[taimebangchan]

Jikook Fic Masterlist

since i’m incredibly bored here’s a giant masterlist of all the jikook fics i recommend that you read :)

your little moon face, shining bright at me by cygnus (sunsprite). Words: 89824. Chapters: 16/16.  Jimin lives an unassuming life, working at the small and quaint coffeehouse known for its reoccurring open mic nights to showcase indie performers, while he juggles between who he truly wants to be and breaking the conformity his parents try to shape him into. It's dull and grey, full of sleepless nights-- dreamless, even, how he doesn't have much going for himself. His routine is all but a fixed, tedium cycle. That is, until Jimin meets someone interesting during one of their open mic nights.

We Can Be Golden, Why Don’t We Show Them? by hato96. Words: 37097. Chapters: 12/12. "Your eyes..I remember those amber eyes. Those same yellow-orange orbs that gazed at me before. You're the one who saved me."

Unknown Number by bananacookies. Words: 22384. Chapters: 16/16. J_Paaaark1 is following you. Par9J3333 is following you. Say hi! New follower! JImChim26. ChimChim26 has sent a friend request. Accept? Jiminie000 is following your snaps.

two sides; same story by namjoone. Words: 12569. Chapters: 4/4.  Okay, so maybe Jimin thinks his neighbor is hot. A little. Okay, maybe a lot.

Tonight We’re Okay by vvtaehyungvv. Words: 3236. Chapters: 1/1. Jungkook gets set up on a blind date with the most ethereal person he's ever seen, and starts to believe in fate because of him.

the waiting game by bonnia. Words: 6819. Chapters: 2/2.  It’s a waiting game. Jimin knows that Jungkook doesn’t have to come back, but with every little touch, every time Jungkook does, and every time Jungkook lies down right next to him, pressed up close, torturously warm and smelling like cigarette smoke and cologne, Jimin can’t help but feel like he could — would — wait years just for Jungkook to come back to him again. (Or: In which Jimin is a prostitute and Jungkook is his favourite customer.)

The President’s Son by AmeliaBedelia. Words: 55060. Chapters: 13/13. The man in the suit stepped forward. He bowed deeply, holding his position as he spoke. “Jeon Jungkook,” the agent introduced himself. “It’s an honor to serve you.” Jimin narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the tall man once he stood back up to his full height. “Jeon Jungkook?” “Yes, sir.” Jimin cringed. “Sir?” he echoed in horror. “Don’t call me sir. That’s what everyone calls my dad.” The man nodded. “Yes, sir.” ----- Jimin's surprised when the death threats he's been receiving while attending university warrant additional security. But, he supposes, it only makes sense, considering his father is the president. You know, of the country.

The beginning by CloudLeopard. Words: 26319 Chapters: 1/1.  When Jimin takes a summer job at a cafe owned by Jungkook's mother, he has no idea that it's going to be the start of a series of life-changing events.

texas by honeyrolls. Words: 7937. Chapters: 2/2. Jimin gets a little too horny in Texas.

Tastes Like Victory by eumorious. Words: 170475. Chapters: 13/13.  "You fuck me, then snub me. You love me, you hate me. You show me a sensitive side, then you turn into a total asshole." Jeon Jeongguk's, a successful underground fighter, life collides with the damaged, vulnerable stripper Park Jimin who needs training on how to fight and defend himself against his clients. Jeongguk is the perfect candidate for the job.

Take the pain away by pastelrainbows. Words: 3788. Chapters: 1/1.  Soulmate au where your soulmate can take your pain as their own (under certain conditions). Jungkook has zero interest in soulmates. Jimin is all heart (and soul).

Surreptitious by Bangtanbananas. Words: 69152. Chapters: 11/11. Vampires and lycans have been at war for centuries. For Death Dealer Jimin, his orders had always been the same: hunt the lycans, kill them off. But when a young lycan named Jeongguk crosses paths with him, their worlds collide in a way like never before.

Smile by sweetmxchi. Words: 1274. Chapters: 1/1. I read a headcanon once that said Jimin talks to Jungkook in satoori to cheer him up and thought it was unfair that the other way around wasn't mentioned. or The one where Jimin is upset and Jungkook is having none of it happening while he's around so he goes to make his hyung feel better. or "Are you alright?" "Why are you speaking in satoori? To make me feel better? "Only if it's working."

Rose Quartz and Pink Opal by jiminanna. Words: 21472. Chapters: 1/1. “Everyone is born with either 1 or 2 small powers. If 1, then your soulmate has the other. They will swap the first time you see each other, and you will obtain both when you fall in love. If born with 2, you have no soulmate.”

 Relax, Don’t Do It by yoongidontdoit (sammyinnerdglasses). Words: 24078. Chapters: 4/4.  Jeongguk likes to party. Jeongguk likes to party hard. When he wakes up half naked in a Denny's parking lot, for the third time, he decides to commit to something for once and swear to be completely straight-edge for a full 90 days. That includes no partying, no late nights, and absolutely no sex. Easy until Jimin decides to crash land, literally, into his life.

Registered Alpha by Little_Dimples. Words: 12690. Chapters: 1/1.  Jimin has to order an alpha online. It's required that every unmated omega order an alpha during their heat so nothing dangerous will happen to them. Jimin honestly doesn't want one but he's turning 20 and his heat is scheduled to come in a couple weeks and there's nothing he can do. When his alpha gets there, Jimin doesn't know if he can handle him.

Red Wolf by TheMonarch. Words: 19790. Chapters: 10/10.  Everyone knows about the dangers of the woods. Jimin's father taught him about the monster that lurks there, a wolf. Jungkook, Jimin's childhood friend, is bitten by the wolf making him into the same monster. 9 years later how far will Jimin and Jungkook go to protect each other?

re: I Love You by bonnia. Words: 10658. Chapters: 1/?.  "Um, where exactly did you get that? My… my letter.” The contents of my fucking heart, Jimin thinks in despair. Jungkook looks at him like he’s grown a second head. “The mail box?” “Oh my god,” Jimin says faintly. “Is this really happening?” (or: jimin's world turns upside down when his secret love letters get sent out to all of his past crushes, and jeon jungkook makes an offer he can't refuse)

Pink Lemonades, Tattoos, and I Love You’s by sunrr. Words: 123721. Chapters: 25/25.  Jimin had his summer all planned out, until he was forced to go to his grand mother's house in Busan. He thought his summer was going to be boring and long, until he met Jeon Jungkook.

On Patrol by Ragi. Words: 129876 Chapters: 22/22.  Officer Jeon has his eyes on Mr. Adorable. Officer Min has a strange neighbor he can't seem to keep out of his life. Captain Kim finds comfort in his son's homeroom teacher. Well, cops need some loving too, right?

On Patrol - Season 2 by Ragi. Words: 124616. Chapters: 20/20.  Officer Jeon still has his eyes on Mr. Adorable. Officer Min is a little bit in love with his neighbor. Captain Kim finds comfort in his new family. It's happily ever after for everyone...right? I mean, really, what can possibly go wrong?

Never Judge A Book By Its Cover by whenIseeUsmile. Words: 25266. Chapters: 4/4. Thanks to Jungkook's idiot best friend, he drowned the books he borrowed from the library. Now, he has to work there to work off his debt. He doesn't really like the job but that one boy that always has his nose buried in his books makes his days much better. Or in which Jungkook meets bookworm Jimin and falls harder than he thought he would.

More Than Your Body by whenIseeUsmile. Words: 48670. Chapters: 5/5. Jungkook got an assignment to create a documentary about something he can get involved in and in the beginning, he had no idea what to do. However, when he sees Jimin dance, he knows what he wants. Or in which Jungkook is a film student and may or may not be a little obsessed with the silver-haired man he keeps seeing on his way to university.

more golden than a golden snitch by aborescent. Words: 4542. Chapters: 1/1.  Everyone knows that the first year Slytherin seeker Jeon Jungkook's biggest fan is not from his own house but a third year Hufflepuff named Park Jimin.

Little Soldier Boy (Come Marching Home) by MinatheLast. Words: 41595. Chapters: 8/12.  If you asked Jungkook what was home, he would say his mother's garden. If you asked Jimin, he would say the healer's tent. So what would happen if those two places were ripped away? Maybe two boys, who weren't quite ready to grow up, find a home in each other.

Just For Training [Re-Upload] by bangtanscreams. Words: 42303. Chapters: 23/23.  Jeon Jungkook, using his boxing alias, the Seagull, has recently beat his final opponent, the White Tiger, before entering the National Championship fight, located in the Jamsil Arena in Seoul. Park Jimin, a young masseur just beginning his dream career at the HYYH Club & Spa, and the Seagull’s die-hard fan, doesn’t expect he’d be working his magic on the boxer’s broad, and very naked shoulders, on his very first day of work. But Jimin performs his services with great enthusiasm, and Jungkook realizes that a daily full-body massage won’t really hurt his training.

International playboy (don’t answer) by blt_prf. Words: 95824. Chapters: 19/?. oH I FUCHKED UP I FU UCKED UP YOUR'E NOT NAMJOON yeah what I've been trying to tell you or the one in which Jimin manages to mess up everything in one night and accidentally texts the guy he has a crush on

in which Jimin overworks himself and Jungkook waits up for him by graesun. Words: 1144. Chapters: 1/1.  Jimin drags his feet toward the kitchen where the light over the sink remains on. He’s focused entirely on the fridge and thinking about downing one of his chocolate protein shakes when he spots Jungkook slumped over the kitchen table, his head resting on his arms and a blanket over his shoulders.

Imperfectly Perfect by whenIseeUsmile. Words: 205656. Chapters: 33/33. Jungkook just moved to Seoul and comes to a new school. He's quite naive and believes that there is good in everyone. He loves photography and always carries his camera with him. He thought his life wasn't going to change much, even though he had moved to Seoul. However, that changed, when he took a picture of a certain orange-haired boy with the brightest eye-smile he had ever seen. 

if you by amazingbees. Words: 20928. Chapters: 3/3. When Jimin was just a kid, there was a boy in his class. A boy named Jungkook. (Jimin & Jungkook go separate ways after high school. Hoseok & Taehyung won’t accept it.)

I’m Hella Obsessed With Your Face by sunrr. Words: 42547. Chapters: 6/6.  Jungkook never thought that he would see the boy he fell in love a few summer ago, ever again. Until he bumped into him at a party. (Sequel to Pink Lemonades, Tattoos, and I Love You’s)

i’ll show you how a real pro bends by calipha. Words: 29805. Chapters: 10/10. Jung Hoseok, star airbender of the Bulletproof Boys and crowd favourite for this year's probending championships is injured before a qualifying match. Not to worry though- Jimin and Taehyung are on hand, called in as last minute replacements. Shenanigans ensue.

Hate the way I don’t hate you by blt_prf. Words: 6575. Chapters: 1/1.  10 things Jimin hates about the new kid in his dancing team.

Good Boy by Narsha. Words: 94894. Chapters: 7/7.  Jungkook is homeless. Jimin is lonely.

Emotional Colors by WorldwideWriter. Words: 14214. Chapters: 1/1. An AU in which your hair color changes based on the emotions that you're experiencing. or Jimin has been way too obvious about his feelings lately and Jungkook is a hormonal young man who should know that taking off his shirt in front of Jimin is a bad idea.

Duty Calls by whalien101. Words: 11699. Chapters: 5/?.  “Everyone, greet our new team member!” “My name is Park Jimin. I look forward to working with you! Thank you in advance for your support.” He bowed, hoping his voice hadn’t betrayed any nervousness. Kim Seokjin, leader of Homicide Investigation Team 1, smiled at him approvingly.

Dilaab by ophixx. Words: 827. Chapters: 1/1. (NOTE: this is a teaser to a potential fic but I’m still very hyped for it) Prince Jungkook returns home once war is finished. But he's been out for a long, long time, that when he makes his appearance on the Jeon's manor, a little surprise awaits for the alpha. New servants being hired for the royal family, and a special scent. He doesn't know why, but the young male gets immediately addicted to it. However, the omega owning the scent is a new recruited butler, Park Jimin. From the moment they both meet, life in the palace will become a challenge. A prince and a butler should never, ever, form a bond.

100% by naxariis. Words: 8353. Chapters: 1/1. jungkook's one man mission to get jimin to finally top him.

Cherry on the Cake by pjmjjk. Words: 9131 Chapters: 1/1. “I can’t get hard.” Jimin thinks he misheard what Jungkook said for a minute but he keeps talking. “I mean I can get hard. But I just- I can’t get hard right now.” “Oh my god.” (Or, Jimin brings a boy with cherry hair home, everything is going well until he gets nervous and things become awkward.)

Basorexia by pjmjjk. Words: 9131. Chapters: 1/1.  “You think I won’t be able to get hard again?” “Well, we haven’t talked about it since last time. I don’t know if you’re ready, you haven’t told me.” “You’re right, but…” “But what?” “I wasn’t nervous before but now that you addressed the issue... I just… I don’t know, it’s easier if it comes naturally. I won’t be able to stop thinking about how I couldn’t get hard last time.” “Baby-” “It’s fucking stupid. I’m 22, I should be able to get a hard-on.” (Or, Jungkook is finally ready to try again.)

[toasttz]

From the Tabletop #6

As of the end of the last session, where #5 left off, we've been doing alternating games, between D&D and a new Exalted campaign, swapping every Saturday. So, I'll start with D&D as there's a bit less to report on at-present. We're in an original world of the DM's design, with a design so subtle that the instant he described it to me, I was like "Wait, so the world is all on top of a giant, like Xenoblade Chronicles. Except this is a woman laying on her back?" The main town we operate out of literally has a name meaning "Belly Button". So, for context, a fellow of this party and I were inspired by JoCat's amazing "Crap Guide to D&D" video series and decided to take his advice, form a party of holy class heroes called the A-Men and rock the world around us. This never came to fruition as two of the supposed party fo 4 never showed up for a session. So this is how our party ended up with two clerics out of four players. I guess I'll go first this time. My character is Laga, a Half-Orc Solar Cleric, who follows St. Helbram, an original deity of the DM's. I decided to make Laga as an example to the other half of the party (the same half that was the problem half in Exalted in previous installments), to demonstrate how one plays against type and expectation - by playing a Lawful-Good version of a creature strongly associated with Chaotic-Evil stereotypes. It's a very different mindframe, as I play her as excessively goody-goody in her nature and a strong desire to use diplomacy to get by, rather than force. Our other cleric is Lucius, a Human Forge Cleric, who actually is quite openly racist against non-human characters. He acknowledges Laga, on account she's a lady of the cloth and also in that, despite being half-orc, she's still half-human too. He's been unable to join us for a few sessions, but already set himself up as quite the forceful personality, being the spear to Laga's olive branch. Next is Laguna, a male Drow (apparently those exist) wizard, who runs a pawn shop as a front for the mafia. I actually need to give mad props to his player on this one, as not only has he actually worked really hard to make the character interesting, but he also has very gracefully endured the ribbing the other characters give him. Apparently he is an incredibly beautiful male and, thus, is often mistaken for a woman. And lastly is Kaz. No, that's not his full name, but no one particularly cares. Kaz is the party's munchkin, who decided to play a Aarakocra Monk (and fuck you, where-ever you are right now, Kaz, for making me bother to look up how that stupid race's name is spelled). If you're not familiar, this means that he basically fudged it so he had 20 on Dexterity and then he tried to stack every movement he makes based on Dex. He even tried to argue that Natural Weapons (key word: WEAPONS) counted as unarmed attacks and, thus, should be based on dex. And he also really, really likes the words "BONUS ACTION", on account he's trying to just play himself as a living pinwheel of dex-based attacks. Seeing as he sucks at everything else he tries. So, taking a nod from Rising of the Shield Hero, in town, we find a countdown to the next disaster in town square - 7 days. The people of Belly Button (fuck you, DM-san, that's its name for the sake of these blog posts!) are honestly so used to this that they've become incredibly jaded towards the countdowns. This actually alarms Laga, who finds that the apathy worrisome, as one disaster being worse than the previous ones would be all it takes to cause untold harm. She meets with Laguna, who she has a brief history with (teasing him playfully that he should give up his 'sinful' pawn shop, due to the shady history some of the merch has) and they, more or less accidentally meet Kaz in so doing. Long story short, Laguna and Kaz agree with Laga's assessment, and they set off to try to learn what they can of the impending disaster and what they can do to deal with it. Long story short, they sign up to take on work at a sort of hunter's guild, resulting in a very impromptu battle against a freakin' dinosaur inside the test chamber. Due to... reasons I've honestly forgotten already, Laguna actually wasn't present for this. Laga, seeing this unarmed and unarmored idiot bird-man in harm's way, swiftly takes to the front line, shield and mace at the ready. For reference, Laga's AC is 18, between chain mail and a shield. Due to the aforementioned min/maxing, Kaz has 20. Kaz also wears just a karate gi, essentially. This ultimately results in Laga getting ragdollized as she attempts to protect said idiot bird-man. Thankfully, she has HP for days and, thus, took it like a champ as Kaz rolled 2-3 attacks in a row (this was before the DM and the rest of the party realized he was rolling his talons as unarmed attacks) and easily dropping the beast where it stood. Turns out, it was mechanical and the test was just to see how we'd react, but it was treated as a win, so we were largely satisfied with the results. Some faffing about later (the nature of each impending disaster seems to vary greatly between each instance of such, so information was sparse), so we decided to restock supplies before we leave. There, we meet Gunther, a stout fellow with a shop full of odds, ends, and everything inbetween. He even has wyrmstone, a magically-potent element semi-rare of this world, legendary weapons and tomes, and more. Laga purchased a book that, when united with the other Dragon Ba-- I mean -- copies of the same book, will grant the user a wish. She admitted fully that she wasn't 100% sure she trusted wish-granting magic, or that she could even phrase the wish such that there was assuredly no trouble from doing so, but the mystique won out and she bought it anyway. The entire time, Laguna, default rival of Gunther, kept attempting to... um... smooth things over between rivals. Or... trying to at any rate? On account that everything he said came off as a veiled threat, and it was only because Laga vowed to keep him on a short leash that Gunther relented and let us shop peacefully. Afterward, we ultimately headed to the bar to regroup. There, Laga spotted a proud hound in the corner of the bar. Squeeing like a small girl at a boy band concert, she asked permission to pet and feed doggo. Doggo approved. Turns out he was a mighty hound named Regnar, who the party would soon briefly recruit. I confess this scene made me irrationally happy, even out of character, as the idea of this large, thicc half-orc completely losing her marbles over a cute dog was too endearing not to enjoy. While at the bar, a girl from the DM-original race of Warcur, sought out our help due to a missing sister. She was last seen in the company of a noble, so our goal was clear: we needed to get into the ritzy part of town. No small fear due to us all being demi-human races in a town that really frowns on that. Ultimately, I was able to sweet-talk the guard, on my honor as a cleric. We then spotted the noble in question, and we devised a plan. ... Not... not a particularly SWIFT devising of plans, mind. While Laguna and Laga were largely on the same page, Kaz slowed deliberation down a bit and often confused the nature of the scheme. By the time we broke huddle and prepped to put it into motion, the DM joked that the man was already several blocks down the way, forcing us to race after him in a mad dash. After a brief, but ultimately fruitless, confrontration, the noble went on his way. But not without leaving a note behind. Laga was able to read part of it - something about "Four Sacrifices". Immediately, we put it together: the missing Warcur girl was likely to be killed off in the name of some dark deity! There was murder afoot and it was taking place just outside of town, beyond prying eyes, that very same night! We swiftly recruited Regnar, for his master tracking, and made way for the destined place. There, we saw goblins. Hundreds of them! We approached as stealthily as we could muster, well aware that one misstep would result in us being rushed by hundreds of the green menace, but also the deaths of four innocent maidens! Then, Laguna had a plan. Laga, due to her orc/cleric combination, actually spoke the most languages in the party - common, orc, goblin, and giant. This is important for several reasons, not the least of which was Laguna's plan was to mask Laga as the goblin's primary deity of choice, and then have her, speaking the goblin language, talk down this murderous army from their attempts at sacrificing maidens. His set up was masterful and I actually thought the plan was pretty concrete. We even saw the four girls in question, on a raised platform of some sort at the center of the gathering. Then I screwed up my charisma roll. Laga: You must not proceed with this! This is terrible! Warcur Girl: HEY! How dare you call our band terrible! We only just started playing! Laga: ... WHAT?! Y'ever... have your DM just pull a fast one on you? Well, ours sure as Hell did. And it all started because of a wry observation I made, out of character. In the D&D 5e manual, it lists the available languages and the alphabet they are written in. Turns out that dwarven, golbin, giant, and a few other languages all are written in the dwarven alphabet. DM-san then informs me that he fully planned the dwarves of this world to be very much akin to feudal Japan. Which is a pretty neat idea. And so he began joking that goblin language would be akin to Korean. And if you haven't put it together just yet, we had just walked into a multi-ethnic goblin-pop idol sensation band. G-Pop. And, due to the misunderstanding, Laga herself became something of a pop idol sensation, despite having yet to sing or dance yet. "The Four Sacrifices" was a band name and we had just inadvertently heckled their concert. When they returned to town, bootleg Laga merchandise had begun to make its round, much to Laga's deepest regrets. Not long after, Lucius joined the party, just in time for us to find a help wanted poster. When we sought out the interested party, we found a jilted lover situation - where a terrible witch had seduced and taken away her man! The client wanted us to steal something, which Laga admittedly had a hard time rationalizing away, up until Lucius clarified that liberating items from the witch and turning them over to the church would be a means by which furture generations could be better prepared against black magic - and that set Laga's indecision to rest. We agreed to break into the homestead and "liberate" the item in question. We entered using a magic doorway and this lead us to agreeing to always asking more questions about the nature of our work before we get underway. We were transported into an unsettling and otherworldly library, with strange entities keeping watch over things. Kaz attempted (and spectacularly failed) stealth, nearly knocking an entire bookshelf over on Laga and Lucius - the latter of whom was bopped over the head with a book that he would then claim as his own. We quickly made haste into the hallway, where we engaged with... God-damn Demons. The one race I decided would be fine for Laga to harbor a racial hatred of. The fight was brief, but brutal, as we easily laid them to waste. Then the puzzles began. Each door was guarded by an enchanted, speaking plaque which had a question about the lord of the manor. And, instead of using the... y'know, room FILLED WITH BOOKS AND KNOWLEDGE THAT CLEARLY WOULD'VE HELPED US... we decided to brute force the solution. One instance, when asked what the lord held in highest regard, this exchange actually happened: Kaz: Money? Plaque: No. Lucius: Gettin' laid? Plaque: No. Laga: Love! Plaque: I... y-yes, technically. ("It was actually his 12 wives. But, whatever." ~DM-san, after pointing out how fucking stupid we all had been.) Eventually, we get tired of guessing randomly and head 'forward' best we can manage. This results in our being prompted to roll for perception, which only Laga passes. I then get to be sole witness to a massive, gaunt, nigh-invisible figure approaching us. I desperately attempt to explain what's happening to the others as it nears, and it finally dawns on me (Huehuehue) that one of my basic cantrips is to make objects I touch glow. So, upon nearly getting strangled, I set the figure aglow and the battle begins in earnest, most of the damage being dealt via the two clerics and their divine powers (CoD of War indeed). Eventually we banish the killer and make our way to the safe, which Lucius pries open... only to then have a tiny, cat-like creature (which the DM informs us is called a Poogem) roll out and begin sounding the alarm. With its mouth. Too stunned to think straight, Lucius takes the gambit of the session: Poogem: I'm an alarm! WAY-WOO-WAY-WOO! Lucius: No, you're not! You're my best friend! DM: Roll charisma. Lucius: 20! DM: ... Poogem: I AM?! YAY! Then, we recovered the item and fled as quickly as we could, to the satisfaction of our employer. Afterward, the party split up as Lucius and Laguna went their own ways and Kaz and Laga went to the bar, met by bands of Warcurs. Kaz immediately humiliates himself by failing to understand cultural nuance more complex than "This race is typically NG" and spends 10 real-world minutes trying to fumble a name for his character's father (not a joke). Laga, meanwhile, sits with the female Warcurs and is offered a drink from one after hearing that they spent all day slaughtering demons. Now, due to meta-knowledge, I knew this drink was not safe for consumption. However, I throw my hands up and went with it, having Laga bottoms-up that tankard into her maw. DM: Okay. Roll Constitution. Me: 20! DM: ... Well, alright then. You enjoy it but it has a weird aftertaste. And, holy crap, this has gone on way longer than I expected so, join me next time as the D&D party undertakes a new mission and: Kaz is useless again! Laguna goes on one hell of a trip! Laga seduces a dragon and gets embroiled in TEEN GIRL SQUAD political movements! Laguna gets cursed by MegaSatan! Kaz nearly gets the party killed by offering a dragon a potato sack dress! And Laguna dies in boiling magma! See you there!

[chimyoung]

Oblivious

As requested by @kookiejae: Number 1 with Yoongi

As per usual, the little quaint café you worked at had people lined up out the door. And yeah the coffee was great, and the food was amazing, but you didn’t know if anything like this would be the result of just that. You were rushing around, smiling kindly to each old woman who was looking at you as if they knew something that you didn’t, dodging children who were playing in between the tables and just trying to make it back to the counter without dropping the dirty dishes in your hands.

“Y/n! Can you come make coffee please?” One of your workmates, Jimin, called out to you as you made your way into the kitchens.

“Why can’t Yoongi do it?” You called back, giggling with Jin as he began to laugh at your answer.

“I’m too busy worshiping the ground you walk on, beautiful.” Yoongi answered as you came back out of the kitchens, winking at you as he was running orders. You tried to ignore the burn in your cheeks that came, along with the light squealing from the teenage girls.

“Well thanks babe, but can you do that later? Not while we’re on the clock.” You shot back, watching as he laughed quietly, setting down the meals in front of two elderly ladies who patted his arms and leaned in to whisper something to him. Shaking your head you made your way over to the coffee machine, beginning on the order of coffees that had begun to pile up.

“You should ask him out,” Jimin whispered to you “I think you guys would be a very cute couple.”

“Yeah right, he doesn’t like me that way.” You whispered back, jumping when a hand settled on your hip and Yoongi leaned passed you to grab the two coffees you had just finished.

“Who doesn’t like you? Do I have some competition?” Yoongi questioned, his mouth right by your ear.

“Never. No one can compare to you.” You spoke back, somewhat out of breath due to the close proximity.

“Good. I’ll fight for you if I have to,” Yoongi nodded, removing his hand to grab the other cup “I’ll be back for the rest.” 

The shift in all is good, certainly good for the owner, who has made a lot of money. You notice that as you begin to hang up your apron, the crowd begins to disperse, the shop now much quieter than before. Shrugging, you grab your coat and wrap it around yourself, grabbing your belongings and waving goodbye to everyone in the shop.

“Y/n! Hang on!” Jungkook called out, rushing out of the kitchens and over to you, picking up his keys and wallet as he went.

“What’s up?” You asked, moving outside as he opened the door for you both. The air outside was cold, and you pulled your coat tighter around yourself, silently cursing yourself for not bringing a scarf.

“I just figured that since our shifts ended together, we could walk home together.” The boy answers easily, moving behind you so that he doesn’t bump into the two business men who were obviously in a rush to get back to work. 

You two made easy conversation as you made your way back to your apartments, laughing at the stories you were telling each other, and swapping notes for your college classes before waving goodbye and making it inside the apartment complex.

As you walked through the door of your apartment, greeting your cat as he comes rushing up to you the moment you enter the space.

“Hello, Suga. How was your day, baby?” You dropped your things on the table, taking off your shoes and leaning down to pick up the yowling animal. He began to purr, bumping his head against yours before he began to wriggle in your grip, demanding he be put back on the ground.

As soon as you had put him down, he rushed back into the house, making you roll your eyes. He was a good cat, but he was an antisocial cat. You were in the process of removing your coat when your phone began to buzz. Picking it up, you panicked slightly to read that Yoongi was calling you.

“Hello?” You answered, slightly confused as to why he was calling you. You and Yoongi had never spoken outside of work.

“Y/n, hey. Um, look I’m gonna cut straight to the point, do you wanna go out with me tonight? Go for dinner somewhere or something?” Yoongi all but spewed the words out, sounding insanely nervous on the other side of the line.

“Wait, what? Where is this coming from?” You asked, shaken. 

“Well, we’ve got something going on, haven’t we? I’m pretty sure you like me, and I know I like you so… or have I been misreading things? Holy shit, this is so embarrassing! I’m so sorry, I’ll hang up right now, I’m so sorry.” He said, hurrying to get the words out through his embarrassment.

“No! No, wait! I-I just thought that you were only flirting out of, like, pity or something. I never thought that you actually liked me. So, you’ve been flirting with me this whole time?” You asked, slightly embarrassed by your obliviousness.

“Yeah, only for about a year now. But I mean, thank you for finally noticing.” Yoongi chuckled making you groan. There was a moment of silence before he spoke up again.

“So? Dinner?”

“Yes, Min Yoongi. I would love to go to dinner with you.”

[alltheworldsbackstage]

Working with Local 1

Okay, so some tales from this past weekend in NY. I just joined this tour last month, and it’s my first bus/truck tour so I am by no means an expert. I’ve been trying to pick up what I can as I go. Since joining I have toured from the midwest to the south and now up north. One of the first things I had to tackle learning quickly was trucks. At load in and out, it’s just me and my department head leading the local hands hired for the venue set up to get things unpacked/packed up each day. This weekend was nice because we stayed in the same venue for 3 days in a row! Instead of loading in and out on the same day as has been standard practice. This gave me the opportunity to be well rested for both load in day and load out day, and take notice of some eccentricities that I may have been just allowing to go by without notice from other locals I’ve worked with because I was too tired to make an issue out of things at the time.

Now, everyone who’s been touring for a while now on this crew have been dreading coming to this venue, they don’t like it’s layout, it’s location, or it’s locals. However, I’ve come to find that my colleagues are a bit prone to exaggeration (they complained extensively about Roanoke before we got there, but I found it just fine.) So I entered into this weekend as I have every other new location I’ve come across- willing to give it a chance and not judge. If they’ve been making it work this long, and this tour is returning to it after playing the place last year, it’ll be fine. And we did make it work. 

To the good stuff:

- We get to the venue a little earlier than load in is set to begin so we can get a lay of the land. The locals are typically still arriving/ smoking/ coffee and chatting at this point of the morning. Time to start is called. The steward convenes everyone in the middle of the stage to assign departments. I lean over to the wardrobe head and make the observation that there is not a single woman among them. 40 plus locals for this work call and it’s all men; most of whom are, frankly, past their prime and I’m not sure how much help they will be on this very physically demanding load in when it looks like they are waiting for a spot to open up at the closest nursing home. (this sounds mean, but I was honestly worried about someone breaking a hip, that’s the impression I got from some of these men). I steeled myself for the slew of “little missy” or “darling” I was about to encounter all morning.

- Indeed, as the day progressed, many of the men started swapping tales of their copious health issues resulting from past injuries, but me even offering that they take a less strenuous role and allow me to pick up the heavy item (that I normally move myself every other load in for the last 2 months) garnered responses as if I had personally attacked their honor! followed by them attempting to move said item with much complaining.

- The female electrician was hanging some of her lights and running cables to them (a job she does every load in by herself) when the steward noticed and pulled 6 men off the carpentry team to go take the job from her. When she told them she didn’t need them, she could do it by herself, they proceeded to ignore her, tell her she couldn’t possibly be able to do it by herself, and start hanging them in the wrong positions. Meanwhile, the head carpenter is wondering where his crew went, because he had set them to work building the truss that was going to be flown up, and it appeared they had all wandered away mid task.

- At one point of load in there was a ratchet strap that had been set on top of an item that I was lifting with one of the locals. I did not notice the ratchet until it fell off the item and hit me very hard on the head. As soon as we set down our load, I excused myself to the side to frankly, have a small cry and gather myself together. Well, the self appointed leader of my local crew noticed me trying to not cry, and when he found out I had hit my head, spent the rest of the day following me around and yelling “don’t let her touch anything!” While I appreciated that he was trying to let me take it easy, the impression he was giving with that wording to all the other locals who knew nothing of what had happened was that I was some incapable dunce who should not be allowed to touch anything, and therefore, none of them would listen to me when I gave directions.

- At load out we had a ramp set up on the back of a truck to push light cases up, so I was gathering the cases ready to go onto the truck with a crew on the ground while the head in the truck prepped the area the cases were going to pack into. A local who had been giving me attitude all day cut me off as I was explaining that when we got the all clear call from the truck, I was going to send them up the ramp but they are heavy so I would like 2 people on them (as to not damage both the equipment and prevent strain on the guys) he cut me off before I could say any of this with a “I KNOW HOW TO DO MY JOB, JUST GET OUT OF MY WAY” and proceeded to rush up the ramp alone with a case. The department head had not called for the cases to start coming up yet and made the guy take it back off the truck. I’ve found I’m very much a “if you won’t listen to me on how to do it right, I’ll let you do it wrong then make you fix it and do it right anyway” kind of person.

- At the beginning of load out I told the Steward I usually had 8 people on my crew, he told me he had scheduled 4. When I told him that was unacceptable, the rider called for 8, he said he figured I wouldn’t actually need that many. He then pulled 2 guys off of electrics to join my crew, giving me 6, these guys were pissed to be on my crew, and kept wandering off back to electrics.

- (I go by my initials) when the steward told my crew to report to J, they all assumed it was a man. As the group of men was passing me, I tried to get their attention and had 4 of them simply glance at me like I have an extra head and keep walking past me and the 5th guy say, “No,we’re looking for J” and do the most cartoonish shocked gasp when I confirmed that I am the J they are looking for. Even then, I couldn’t keep their attention as I was explaining to them what jobs I needed them to do for load out. They kept simply walking away as I spoke directly to them.

- At one point, after I had set the men to a job, a couple of them walked up to my department head (a man) and asked what he wanted them to do. The guy asked what I had set them to doing, and the guy tried to say I hadn’t given him a job, to which my head replied, “I can guarantee that’s not what happened,” and called me over to ask what this guy was supposed to be doing. When I told him which job I had set them on, they said they figured the head would have a more important job for them to do. He sent them back to do what I assigned them to and told them “for the rest of load out, you listen to whatever she tells you. you are on her crew” 

- the 2 men then gave me lip when I sent all my crew hands over to my dept head for an all hands lift because “No, we are just on YOUR crew, isn’t that what you said” and I had to point out that their job was to do the jobs I needed them to do, and what I needed was for them to assist my coworker.

- while on the trucks I had a loader come over and try to tell me that if we packed the cases long ways instead of turned horizontal we could save space(wrong). When I told him we were sticking to the pack these trucks have been set as for this entire tour because we know they work, he tried to debate me!

- During the run of the shows, I had 2 locals on my crew, 1 for SR, 1 for SL. At the 15 min intermission we use that time to change the set over to act 2. It’s the last day of the 3 show days, we’ve done this every show all weekend. When suddenly, the first thing we are moving at intermission, the SR local just puts down the item center stage and walks away. We all just look at each other, like ....um? Where’s he going? Is he coming back? One guy went after him, and found him outside smoking. We had to tell him, uh, works not done? Get back in here! Dude just got a sudden hankering for a cigarette and thought he’d just leave mid job.

- Day one, my SL local didn’t show up until the show had started. Call for them is an hour before for a briefing on their cues, and then I usually tell them to relax and be at places at 15 til. But I had the steward calling him looking for him at 15 til when he had never even checked in for the show. When he moseys over SL as the music begins I tell him off. He shrugs me off, tells me he’s been here since the 1 hour call, he was just hanging in his car. Didn’t find anything wrong with not being in the building or checking into his work call, felt he should still be paid for that hour of “work.” proceeded to ignore his cues and try to chat up all the ladies in the cast when they were standing in the wings awaiting their entrances then comment on how rude they were for not wanting to “be friendly” with him when they literally walked away from him to enter the stage for their scene.

I can’t even fit all the stories in here. These men were some characters. Like stereotypical New York Union men- kind of characters. Looking back at it, I find it all more entertaining than maddening. And gosh the accents and choices in facial hair! wowza.

[sodoyouknowbts]

Yoongi x Reader - Guardian (One)

Part of the ‘Souls’ Series.

Summary: Min Yoongi is a cynical guardian angel assigned to look after you.

Pairing: Yoongi x Reader (ft Hoseok)

Genre: Romance, fantasy, soul mates

Author: Pilot

Chapter One

Yoongi is standing in the kitchen drinking coffee when it happens. A shiny silver envelope materialises in front of him. It hovers, wrapped in a bubble. A deep blue seal hinges the folded edges together. Two letters in victorian script are embossed, A.A - Angel Academy.

Yoongi sips his coffee and stares at it over the edge of the cup. Angel Academy. Who came up with such an obvious name? Yoongi scoffs.

He finishes his coffee, washes the cup up in the sink and goes to sit down on the couch, ignoring the floating envelope. He pulls out his phone and scrolls through it, reading the latest news headlines.

Yoongi hears the front door shut and the sound of shoes clonking on the floor.

Hoseok walks into the kitchen holding flowers and spots the envelope.

“Ooh what is this?!” He asks, peering at the envelope. “Yoongi, this is for you. What are you doing leaving it unanswered?”

Hoseok moves past the envelope and pulls out a vase from the cupboard. He gives it a rinse and places it on the counter, arranging his assortment of sunflowers.

“It’s not mine.” Yoongi denies, paying zero attention to Hoseok’s movements.

Done with the arrangement, Hoseok moves over to the bubble and pokes it, his finger pressing into it. His finger is met with resistance. The bubble bounces back and doesn’t pop.

“Hey, it is yours. I can’t access it.” 

Yoongi glances over his shoulder.

“Who are the flowers from today?” he asks, changing the subject.

“Oh those?” Hoseok turns toward the sunflowers and smiles brightly. “One of my assignments sent me these as a thanks, she’s just been accepted into university!” 

Yoongi raises his brows and responds, disinterested. “Good for her.”

“You know, for a guardian angel you’re really not that nice sometimes.” Hoseok says, pulling a face. Yoongi throws his phone down on the table, closes his eyes and lays down to take a nap. Hoseok walks off to his room.

Yoongi sleeps for about ten minutes when he senses something hovering over his face. He opens one eye slowly. It’s the envelope. He waves it away and it’s pushed to the middle of the room by the breeze Yoongi had generated from the motion. 

He rolls over, turning his back on the envelope. He can still feel it behind him. Frustrated, he rolls back onto his back and picks up the pillow from beneath his head and puts it over his face. He sleeps for another fifteen minutes before Hoseok pokes him awake. Yoongi slaps away his hand and sits up, disgruntled. The pillow tumbles into his lap.

“Your phone is ringing.”

Yoongi sits up, hair messy. He gets up and leans across to reach the phone. He scratches his chest and goes to the front door to collect his shoes.

“I’ll be back later.” Yoongi shuts the door behind him.

***

You stretch your arms above your head and let out a yawn, your eyes watering.  You blink. You had been in the university library for a solid six hours. You bundle your hand into a fist and hit your left leg. It had fallen asleep.

You look across at your friend who is watching Youtube videos on her phone.

“I don't know how you managed to study. I kept getting distracted.” She says, pointing at her phone. “I’m dead tired.” She had only joined you half an hour ago. Her books remained untouched and strewn across the table. She had been lost in a loop of kpop videos for 30 minutes. She locks her phone.

“How do you do it?” She asks, leaning forward onto her arms, speaking into the table.

“By swapping my social life for permanent eye-bags and zero sleep.” You retort. “Ah, the life of a budding law student.” 

You were in your final semester of law and journalism. You had one more exam to go. Your university debt had piled up and you had taken up odd jobs throughout the course of your degree to get a head start on it. ‘Adulting’ hadn’t come easy for you.

“Life of a budding law student or death of a budding law student?” she asks.

You raise your arm up, plotting up headlines in the air. 

“Young woman found dead in library. Cause of death: case study boredom and paper cuts.” You burst out into laughter with your friend and receive a few glares from neighbouring students. You bow your head slightly in an apology.

“Please study gods, bless us in our upcoming exams. We want to be out of here!” Your friend exclaims, futilely grasping her hands together. She looks at you. “Imagine if we actually had that - or similar.”

“What do you mean?”

“Like angels. Guardian angels that opened the doors and carried our books and made everything easy and told us the answers to the exam questions!” She exclaims.

“If guardian angels are real mine is probably off somewhere drinking alcohol straight from the bottle and pretending I don’t exist.” You laugh. 

You probably had needed a guardian angel when you were younger, when things were tougher and you had no one to go to. You had gotten through all of it, each trouble and difficulty becoming a new badge on your chest that became a part of what had built you and your character. You learned how to deal with things on your own. Nowadays, your problems revolved around your career, stability and money, or lack thereof.

You look out the window. It’s getting dark. You throw your eraser at your friend and it hits her squarely in the forehead and bounces off. 

“Let’s go.”

***

“What’s up?” Yoongi is holding a basketball in his hands. God, he missed playing basketball. He throws it up and catches it.

He cocks a brow at the young boy who is standing in the middle of the basketball court.

“Why’d you drag me out here?” the boy asks.

“I find playing basketball a good way to clear the mind, Won Young.” Yoongi responds. “Something about the endorphins, science. Whatever.”

He looks at him. He’d been assigned Won Young two months ago. Won Young was a bright fourteen year old boy, but like most other young adolescents he was struggling to cope with the transition from childhood to adulthood. Puberty, school, home life, hormones and social pressures had been hitting him hard. It was only going to get harder.

The boy heaves a sigh and mumbles under his breath. Yoongi scowls.

“I shouldn’t have called you.” 

Yoongi walks over to him, casting a shadow on the ground. Although Yoongi wouldn’t admit it, he had a soft spot for Won Young. His thoughts, feelings and mixed emotions were all things Yoongi resonated with. After all, he had felt them too, when he was the same age. Heck, he was still feeling them.

“Catch.” He throws the ball at the boy and Won Young catches it.

“Let’s play.”

Won Young begrudgingly participates. About an hour later, he’s laughing, smiling and sweaty. Yoongi had taken the opportunity to show off his ‘mad spinning’ techniques, dribbling skills and ability to shoot three pointers. 

“Feeling better?” He asks him, passing him the ball.

“Yeah.”

Yoongi looks up at the sky. The sun was setting, almost hidden along the horizon.

Won Young bounces it back to Yoongi. 

“I’ve been meaning to ask. Why is that envelope following you around?”

Yoongi looks over his shoulder. 

“Oh, so you see it too?”

“Yeah, what is it? Is it another assignment?”

Yoongi shrugs. “Probably.”

Yoongi throws the ball at the envelope and the envelope hits the floor and rises back up.

"Are you going to keep ignoring it?”

“Haven't decided yet.” Yoongi goes to pick up the ball that’s rolled off the court and onto the grass.

“Come on. I’ll walk home with you.”

***

Yoongi pushes the door of the convenience store open. It squeaks. He stuffs his hands in the front pockets of his hoodie and heads to the back of the store.

His grip tightens around a bottle of soju. He grabs a packet of chips for good measure. He makes a sidewards glance. 

The envelope is still hovering, floating behind him. 

He narrows his eyes. It was going to be a troublesome one, he could feel it.

The girl in front of him is taking way too much time to pay. He looks her up and down. He clicks his tongue impatiently.

"Uh, do you need help?” He asks.

You turn around. He’s looking at you with an unimpressed expression on his face. You grow embarrassed, noting a small queue has formed behind you.

“If you’d just kindly wait a moment, I’m just trying to find my card. Thanks for your understanding.” You huff.

You rummage through your wallet trying to search for your card. Too many pockets and you had a bad habit of not putting your card back in the same little spot in your wallet. Damnit, when will I learn?

Yoongi moves past you and throws his chips down on the counter. He waves the bottle of soju up, signalling to the shop attendant. “I’ll just pay for it all.” 

The boy nods, relieved and scans the chips on top of your items. You frown and round on him. Who does he think he is?!

“Um, excuse me, thank you but you don’t have to -”

Yoongi ignores you and you stop mid sentence, watching as he nonchalantly scans his card against the card reader. It’s approved instantly.

“Too late. It’s done.” he says. He nods goodbye to the attendant, leans forward and grabs his chips. He tucks the soju bottle under his arm and opens the chips, leaving the store without a second thought.

You stand there in awe and watch as he turns the corner.

***

Hoseok is sitting on the couch, cuddling a cushion. He’s watching variety shows.

“Oh, you’re back?” Hoseok calls from the lounge. Yoongi kicks off his sneakers and heads to the kitchen.

“You still haven’t opened it?!” Hoseok exclaims, eyeing the envelope.

“Nope.”

Yoongi pulls two small glasses out from the dish rack. He hands Hoseok his packet of half eaten chips and sits himself on the carpet in the lounge. He cracks open his bottle of soju and pours Hoseok a glass. Hoseok accepts it and takes a small sip, his facial expression souring. He continues to drink it anyway.

“Don't forget you need to submit your report tomorrow.” Hoseok reminds him.

Yoongi nods, eyes transfixed on the television, one leg propped up and his arm stretched out on his knee.

“The system is down so you’ll have to submit it in person.”

This catches Yoongi’s attention. “What do you mean the system is down?”

“It’s not working.”

Yoongi groans. Did this really mean he had to physically go in? He hated that place. He’d spent years there and as soon as he could, he made every effort to avoid it.

“Are you going into work tomorrow?” he asks.

“I always go to work. Unlike you. Working from home 24/7.”

“Let’s get lunch tomorrow.”

Hoseok claps excitedly. “Really?! Deal.”

The envelope starts to move from behind Yoongi and floats in front of his face, blocking the tv. Yoongi moves his head and it moves in unison. He sighs, frustrated. He tilts his head the other way again. The same thing happens. Hoseok watches on, amused.

Finally, Yoongi reaches for the envelope and snatches it from the bubble and rips open the seal.

He pulls out a piece of paper. Printed in the same victorian script as the seal, is your name.

To be continued.

[survivormetaverse]

Episode 4 - "Now the fun part begins" ~Colin

All I gotta say....finesse

Look at us go✨ I say us because if I say me that sounds conceited even tho it was literally a hero challenge 😂. [HI THIS WAS BURIED IN MY TABS IT'S FROM ROUND 3 I WAS PROBS GONNA WRITE MORE BUT OH WELL]

We tribe swapped and I was really stressed at first because now im on the tribe that loses all of the challenges. But its fine bcs im friends with everyone now and im in an alliance with Ginny and Amy. I also love Danny he is literally under the influence rn im exposing him. But hopefully when hws sober he remembers how cool i am and we will work together. And Jennifer is on my tribe and we're friendly with each other. But honestly it would be in my best game interests to have her the one voted out. If it comes to that. Bcs Im literally working with everyone and shes pretty inactive.

Welp. Here we are. Swapped. It's a lil fucked up but I saw it coming. So I got stuck with Brayden which is like whatever to me, I'm glad him and I talked enough on original phantoms. But the issue is that it's just him and myself. Along with that its the two S.E.E.S. and one Fool. So I immediately swooped in on Jared, I tried to be relatable with him by talking about Danny and Shaad, who I know, and I think gthat brought him comfort. I spilled to Jared that Danny and Shaad know each other to show him that I have info and I'm willing to be open about stuff and talk with him straight up. We got to talking, and we declared that we want to work together WHICH IS GREAT!! Idk how much I can trust him, but if I show him loyalty and openness I think I'd get it back from him which is clutch. I need him to be the third with Brayden and myself, but I'm sure Jay and Elle are thinking the exact same thing. That's why I swooped in so fast, and I'm sure he'll tell them what they want to hear and theres a chance hes doing that to me as well (and I don't blame him, make your own decisions Jared king), but I need to show him that sticking with me is the better option. Idk idk I'm just trying to avoid playing my idol rn. I'll keep working on Jared, and I'll see what Brayden's been up to. ALSOOO APPARENTLY so Brayden tells me that him and Elle played together (which I knew), but he voted them out so idk how their dynamic is. Lots to think about, I guess now I actually do want to win immunity because I don't feel as secure as I did on original phantoms. But I def have Brayden on my side, and I'm really hoping Jared is truly gonna ride with me. Idols/advantages are also a potential problem here because what if Elle or Jay have one. I hope Brayden is just lying to me and he secretly has something too. I almost told him about mine but I decided against it. Much to think about, much to do, much to win.

I got an idolllll✨ lol so glad i signed up because no one else from my tribe did so it was super easy 😄 Tribe swap!! Sad bc i'll miss Colin 😔 real homie right there um i mean sure others too maybe lol I switched with Jay so no worries there and Anastasia I'm sorry to say we've never really clicked like we've worked together before (and she's backstabbed me before) but we've never really been like *this* y'know??? And Babs and Jennifer I barely talked to Babs likes musical theater and vine references tho so she's cool B) Anywayssss Dennis knows the pain of being a Starbucks barista and I was with Jared in the shape memory and felt bad for them oof so yeah OH! and Brayden helped vote me out in Kyoshi after saying he wouldn't vote for me... Dont Love That but also it was kinda a hopeless situation in Kyoshi kinda tragicccc for me funnily enough I was tribe swap screwed over but that's not like this time (if it is I will SCREAM but also I'm chill with whatever place I get in this game so eh) yeah i kinda made myself stop drinking caffeine/copious amounts of sugar for a year and then started back at Starbucks and immediately broke soooo I have no idea how coherent this is I think we'll do well in the challenge!! It's scavenger hunt but also I am working this weekend :( hate that for me ik me too boo so we'll see how much I can do I remember being upset at myself in prev. seasons because I went too hard in challenges and I feel like in this one I just don't have the time to 😂 the way to get priorities is to get a life apparently lol kidding but also am I??? Idk kinda forgot what I was talking about. Yay in the Phantom tribe now and we will crush this challenge✨

This tribe is getting on my nerves. 2 of them are super nice and I'd love to work with them but I don't know how the pre-alliances worked before this tribe. I really enjoy Amy and Anastasia but trying to talk to Ginnifer is like pulling teeth and Jennifer still hasn't said....anything.

https://youtu.be/maj4CRLrsjQ sorry this is really long i didnt mean to

My tribe is going to council.

At first, I thought I was SCREWED because I got neither Amy, Dennis, or Brayden from my OG tribe for the swap. I barely spoke to Josh, but at least he tries in challenges and we have that going for us. I absolutely adore Colin, he's experienced and he doesn't hide it, but here's a good support system and I see why he goes far in these games. By virtue of me being active, I can hopefully stay alive from this swap. As for the challenge, it's incredibly difficult to do since only the 3 of us are actively doing it, and with 3 slots, it means everyone has to do everything, which is virtually impossible. Shaad complained about his old tribe but a lot of his tribemates' confessionals about him were about him being inactive, and I'm definitely seeing it. Babs hasn't even accepted my message request yet. I absolutely trust Colin and I'm debatable with Josh, but I sure hope that he's not working with Shaad and Babs. But I'm 99% sure that's not the case because even Colin hasn't talked to Babs much and they haven't even been accepting message requests. I absolutely think we're headed to tribal, but honestly, that might be fine because it'll save my other allies in the other tribes. I just hate going to tribal council because it's never fun and it makes me nervous. Every time. But hopefully my social relationships I've made will get me through this swap even if I have to (at last, I guess) go to tribal council. 

~

https://youtu.be/FJOPBi8cnBk

The swap is fun so far doing a fun and hilarious scavenger hunt but yuck my face is sticky blech 

Okay I think I figured out a lot. I think all the idols are on my tribe. The way Jared and Jay talk to me shows me that theyre smart players and I realllllly think they both have idols. And the three of us are just dancing around that subject. So if we go to tribal, I have to move very cautiously and thats why im trying to get another advantage. I think Jay is going for it too, homeboy messages me in 10 minute intervals. I think I can only afford going to tribal once with this tribe, I'm just hoping we win out especially if all the idols are chilling here I don't want to play it yet. Ima just keep hunting i dont have a lot of thoughts rn.

I'm not sure where I'm at. I feel decent about elle, she has familiarity with me, it should be convenient for her and I to stay together. I do like Jared too...the hope is that he links up with us and we can take out Brayden. Nothing personal against Brayden, but I like Dennis more, and I feel like I can work with Dennis in a merge scenario. If we can get Brayden out whenever we go to tribal, I'll also be put in a scenario at that point where I can either go with Jared and Elle, or maybe Jared and Dennis. Dennis seems very low key and more social than strategic, so he's a good person to play with for a decent amount of time. 

Uh idr my last confessional or when it was :( we just did the scavenger hunt challenge and are waiting for results and i really hope we don't have to go to tribal bc what a crappy birthday present that'd be!! Bc my birthday is tomorrow :)))))) I hope people remember bc I'm not going to say anything 😶 just to see who remembereddddd probs no one and ill break midday or maybe I'll leave it alone who knows! I'm going on a picnic tomorrow tho and then probs celebrating with fam so it'd be a bad day for a tribal :( OMG what if I got voted out on My Birthday that'd be so r00d but like kinda iconic too very memorable 21st brithday the one where I was voted out Metaverse... anyways uh hope we win this challenge lol 😅

Okay so it's cute and all that we won but Miss Jennifer needs to go ASAP. I low-key wanted to go to tribal just so I could let her GO, but it's whatever. I get a day to chill finally. I don't have to think as hard anymore. I feel good.

~

I think the thing I am very interested in seeing is what's about to happen with Shaad in that tribe.

~

But also, I really love Amy. I think she's really gonna be good for me.

okay i've been slacking on confessionals so im gonna pretend this is like 2 days ago and make one solely about the swap AHHH TRIBE SWAP i'm kinda excited that none of my alliance members are on my new tribe. that seems opposite but its gonna give me a better chance to branch out and make new connections, then when merge hits rekindle the old alliance that existed pre swap. hopefully that all pans out!! immediately I started vibing with Jodi. she's an absolute QUEEN and we match each other's energies perfectly. we've been shading others in the tribe, joking around, connecting personally, it's been great!! honestly i knew within like the first 20 mins I wanted to duo with her and be a f2. the rest of the tribe however? sheeeeesh babs and shaad are very inactive. apparently shaad blew up on his last tribe bc they almost voted him out... for being inactive? like sir if the shoe fits. pls fix it. babs is going THRU it and I feel for them. but... just say somethin josh is kind of a king. jodi likes him. he's putting in a lot of effort and I appreciate that. not sure if it makes him a threat but it definitely makes him an asset SO I approached both of them with an alliance!! and it worked!! i now have ANOTHER alliance woo!! with josh and jodi!! woo!! here's part of my host chat rambling bc I confess way more there than I do here i think Jodi and Josh might be like a duo tho the way Jodi talks about is kinda sus imma need to weasel my way in maybe I'll suggest a trio alliance as the most 'active' people on the tribe as a means to get close to them, then I'll use that to secure a f2 with jodi jodi radiates the same type of chaotic energy I do in games but she gets more bored than I do which is not good but more fun

~

we LOST but im not SURPRISED i feel like we shouldve won SOLELY bc I got SANDRA DIAZ-TWINE to send me a selfie. that's fucking iconic. one of my proudest org career moments. anyway now the fun part begins. gotta decide who goes. it's either shaad or babs. I think the easiest and most common sense thing to do is vote babs because they've been more inactive. but also its the first live tribal and I think shaad will give drama if we vote him off. and that makes GOOD FUCKING TV. so idk. options options. we'll see!

holy shit phantoms won immunity. phantoms stays the winning tribe 4 times in a row holy shit. i actually wanted to win this time and put a lot of effort into this because no ma'am i need safety rn and work on these relationships. just need time. speaking of time, im about to hit hour 12 of the endurance hunt and im starting to feel like a madman. but babyyyyy i want another advantage and hopefully another fucking idol holy shit can you imagine???? i still haven't told anyone and my lips are gonna remain sealed. however i still think that yall are messy and set up my tribe where u knew brayden and i werent super close and from what ive gathered jay and elle weren't close either. so u put the two pairs that arent close with the one fool. okay so what else could we possibly have in common on this tribe to add more mess? IDOLS!!!!! like the three people that got the idols got swapped onto the same tribe like that has to be it. so jared would have to have one, even though he told me he didnt but the way he talked to me about idols in general literally makes me feel like he has one. i was like it would be so nice to have a little bit of security and hes like yeah i know what you mean. like bro just tell me u got a fuckin idol already. so then jay or elle have to have one. and i am convinced jay has one. maybe elle is gonna gag me with her idol but im gonna assume its jay. jared has spoken with him, and i have spoken with him. the three of us feel really good with each other (but im pretty sure jared has me above him bc i got to him first). we'll probs make an alliance chat shortly. i recognize that jared and jay are good at the strategic part of the game and are really smart and just good overall competitors and ESPECIALLY if they have idols that makes them even more dangerous. so i have to work with them than against them i have to make sure that they know i have them above everyone else. i think three strong players naturally gravitated towards eachother and if we really all do have idols its so funny that we're not telling each other. but im slowly but surely working on getting it out of them but if theyre as smart as i think they are they wont tell me. im just gonna continue being "transparent" with them and we'll see where it goes i hope they dont catch on. also jays a fucking liar because we were on a call today and i asked him if he did any hunts. he gave me a pause and then slurred his speech when he said "i haven't done any" like broooooooo ur fuckin lying to me right through your teeth. im convinced hes doing this one because he was up early for some breakfast and his lil skype thing showed online status allllll day like i gotta assume hes doing it. even if he didnt do the first three like hes def doing the last three dont play dumb with me!!!! i am not the one baby. but actually as im writing this hes not online anymore so if he really was doing it maybe he stopped? so if he was up early i would assume he started at 7 or 8 and ending by 9:30 he did 13 or 14 hours? idk im literally going till i cant stay up anymore ive already hit the 12 hours mark now if i went this long i have to go for the w likeee i have to. thats all i got for ya right now dont ever ask me for anything again.

no joke my brain is melting pls help

~

i want a survivor wiki page :(

During challenge: https://youtu.be/IsGPtYtgnQ4 After challenge results: https://youtu.be/CgmLGWBvEhw

https://youtu.be/Yfsh_odV-Zg

The tribe swap really confused me. I was finally getting the hang of this game but now I'm doubting myself again. I also haven't been active much for the past 2 days and I think my tribe mates have noticed. I need to stay on top of things better if I don't want to (eventually) get voted out.

That this tribe swap screwed me over. It left me with Babs whos been completely inactive and Shaad whos been completely useless. At least I gained an alliance with Jodi and Colin but this is fucking pitiful.

https://youtu.be/pE207b8VRFE

can't wait to vote out jared and jay once jury starts

So I had planned on doing hourly milestone activities like calling a friend at 15 hours, eating ice cream at 16 hours etc and I was filming it to vlog the evening for my confessionals.. but my mom called me around 10:55 for a family emergency and when it was done it was 11:01 and my alarm got overridden by the call. That’s how I dropped and I’m really sad 😔 i low key don’t wanna play the game today but I literally have tribal so I have to stay online, even tho I’d still be more active than babs and shaad ☠️ I wanted this one so bad because the only thing I’m good at is not sleeping. Whoever went longer than 15.5 hours is now at the top of my hitlist, if I find out you also tried this hard for an advantage, I will take u out w my army. Even if it’s a superidol. The only good thing from this L is it ignited a huge motivator for me to play this game hard again (but not too hard) but have a goal and mission to complete. 

~

https://youtu.be/PR8XWvdH-Hc

~

update: i think Amy has it. I'll ask her about it at the merge, she won the 24 hour comp in her last org so it's very possible she gunned this advantage out. if she tells me she has it, then i know I'm absolutely her #1, if not, then we'll see what happens ..... 

~~~

Edgic:

Power Rankings:

Phantom

Jared: He has done well to place himself firmly in the middle of his tribe. The two sides are definitely going by tribal lines at the moment which makes him the most powerful person on the tribe. Everyone wants to work with him. He will definitely be safe if his tribe has to go to tribal council soon.

Jay: This comes as a surprise, but Jay has bonded well with Jared. So much so that Jared listed Jay as the person he trusts the most currently on his tribe. This gives the S.E.E.S. side a bit more longevity on this tribe which is definitely in Jay’s interest. I can see Jared and Jay forming a tight duo.

Dennis: He is definitely in a better spot than he was on his last tribe. No one on this tribe has explicitly said they distrust or want to target Dennis. He’s playing it safe which is good. He lands himself higher than Elle because Jared seems to trust him more. If the decision was between Dennis and Elle, he would be the one safe. Additionally, he’s also sniffed out that the idols are all on this tribe (which is just a coincidence). However, he believes that Jay has it rather than Elle which is an unfortunate guess from him. However, what is excellent game sense is that he wants to form an alliance with Jay and Jared which could definitely benefit him in the long run when he needs to separate himself from his Phantoms.

Elle: It is sad to see Elle near the bottom, but it doesn’t seem like they have won anyone over with their charm on this tribe. Everyone besides Jay sees Elle as someone expendable if this tribe were to go to two consecutive tribal councils. On the plus side, Elle has an idol. If it comes to that, she may be able to keep herself safe.

Brayden: For some reason, no one except Dennis trusts Brayden. In fact, I would not be surprised if Jared, Jay, and Elle came to the consensus that he should be the one to go out of the two Phantoms. Brayden’s unwillingness to work with Dennis rears its ugly head as, even now, Brayden wants to distance himself from Dennis. He seems to believe that he is good with Jay and Jared when both parties have listed him on the bottom of their trust rankings. If Brayden is not careful, he is going to find himself blindsided and voted out premerge in this game.

Fools

Danny: Amy and Anastasia want to keep Danny in spite of their alliance with Ginny. It feels as if both of them want to work closely with him AND want to ditch that alliance. Danny easily has the most control as he has key allies that are willing to go to bat for him if things get messy. I even believe that he would be saved rather than Ginny if this tribe were to go to tribal council consecutively.

Anastasia: Her prior connection with Ginny has instantly landed her in an alliance with Amy despite the fact she doesn’t even know Amy like that. In fact, Anastasia doesn’t even trust Amy that much, but is still willing to work with her and pretend to be allies. Additionally, she has gotten into the good graces of Danny for whom she is trying to work closely with. Anastasia is the most connected with Danny which means she is the safest out of the group. However, Amy sees right through the veneer which means that Anastasia could be labelled as a big threat and be subsequently taken out at the early stages of merge. It was definitely a mistake to inform Amy about their prior connection with Elle.

Amy: What lands Amy here is that Anastasia doesn’t trust her. I was surprised too, but, looking at it, Anastasia would cut Amy over Ginnifer. What puts her above Ginnifer is her activity, however. Hopefully Amy can gain more trust with Danny and Anastasia and be safer in the future. Amy has a good read on Anastasia which keeps her in this position as well. She knows exactly what she needs to do to survive this tribe with the necessary numbers, but can she do it?

Ginnifer: I believe Ginnifer made a misstep by creating an alliance with Anastasia and Amy. At least for Amy, she doesn’t know how to feel considering Ginny never mentioned the alliance and just put them in it. It may have been a bit too presumptuous which leads to hesitation and distrust with the people she wants to ally with. Finally, Danny was also annoyed by Ginny being inactive near the start of the challenge which lowers her overall safety at tribal council

Jennifer: Where is Jennifer San Diego? Her inactivity and unhelpfulness in the challenge makes her the easiest target. There’s not much to say except if she doesn’t pick it up soon and socialize, she will be sitting in the VL.

S.E.E.S.

Jodi: Once again, Jodi has emerged as the tribe leader. Despite being on a plane for the whole day, she has been the most vocal about organizing the challenge. People are very attracted to Jodi’s energy making it easy for her to make allies in any situation she finds herself in. Right now, she has allied with Colin and Josh which easily puts her on the top of this trio alliance. Therefore, she is the safest person on the tribe. She has also been dictating this vote pretty heavily. I fear that Jodi just does not know how to chill though. Her biggest weakness is that she will jump out at anything and try to keep talking when she should just hold back. If she keeps playing the way she is, she will end up as an early jury boot.

Colin: Colin has attached himself to Jodi pretty heavily. I can definitely see this being Colin’s Final 2 rather than any of his allies back on S.E.E.S. The good part about it is that Jodi seems to feel the same way which is great. Additionally, Colin can hide behind Jodi’s massive target at merge.

Josh: Josh does very well in the challenges which keeps him in people’s good graces. His activity definitely helps him survive this tribe as well. He has found himself allied with Jodi out of necessity though. I do not doubt that Colin and Jodi will leave Josh in the dust once merge rolls around and they have their allies back. However, Josh is doing the thing he should be doing at pre-merge: being good at challenges and being active. Anything more would put an unnecessary target on his back at merge.

Babs: Babs is never online and did not even try to help in the challenge. This leaves them low. However, they do still have a Vote Blocker so they can pull some shenanigans if they so choose. Additionally, their inactivity may be used as a shield for now as, at the very least, Jodi is still willing to gtry and get to know Babs.

Shaad: I do not particularly understand why the trio alliance wants to target Shaad. He has a pre-established enemy in Jared and is willing to blow up if he wants to. He could make a great shield in the future, and he would not target these people. However, they believe that Shaad is more useless in the challenges than Babs (despite Babs never being online). And, without any allies on this tribe, there is no one there to vouch for Shaad making his demise seem clear. I hope somehow Shaad can pull himself out, but it does not seem likely.

[jae-bummer]

Feel Better

Request: 15 youngjae from got7? thank youuuuuuuu even though you might not pick this one. ily♥️♥️♥️

15) “I think you’ve had a little too much eggnog.”

Member: Got7′s Youngjae x Reader

Type: Fluff

You wrapped your sweater clad hand around your body and rubbed nervously at the knit. You weren’t supposed to be here. 

Or at least that’s how you felt. Wandering around the company party, you had only had limited interactions with most of the individuals there. Idols and office staff talked amongst themselves, laughing at anecdotes or swapping gossip. This was a world foreign to you, something you had never really imagined being part of. 

After all, you had been at the bottom of the corporate ladder. Placed in a back office as a part of the Marketing team, you spent days coming up with concepts for promotions and photoshopping the beautiful men and women you stood around now. You stared at their faces for hours on end, but had never actually spoken a word to them.  

You looked down to the present in your hands and analyzed your sloppy Hangul scrawled across the gift tag. The idea of holiday parties never really enticed you, but when you were roped into a game of Secret Santa, you knew you would have to attend. The girl who sat in the desk beside you had taken the liberty of adding your name to the list of participants, explaining that she had thought she was doing you a favor - that you needed to venture out of your comfort zone. 

Which, granted, you knew the only way to find new opportunities sometimes involved being uncomfortable. But you thought you should be the judge of that...and you wouldn’t confront her because...well...

it made you uncomfortable. 

“You came!” she gasped, rubbing her shoulder against yours as she joined your side. She held a large stuffed bear in her hands and a wide smile on her face. 

“Wouldn’t miss it,” you hummed, scanning the crowd. The Secret Santa game had gone on for the majority of December, where on certain days, your gift giver would leave small offerings on your desk. Your Santa had been nice enough thus far, bestowing small candies, plushes, and even once a pretty lipstick. The purpose of the party now, of course, was to mingle if you hadn’t participated in the game, but to find your Secret Santa if you had. The excitement of the unknown is what had enticed you to be here tonight...that, and the free drinks. 

“I found my Santa,” she smiled coyly, rubbing her shoulder on yours again. “It was that really cute guy from the mail room.” 

“Oh?” you chuckled, still searching. You hadn’t yet caught sight of the man you were chosen as Santa for. “And he gave you...?”

“This!” she gasped, pushing the plush into the air. “Isn’t it precious?” 

“Sure,” you nodded, furrowing your brows. The bear looked like he had possibly seen better days, but you supposed it was still a sweet gesture. “Did you give your final gift?” 

“I probably should,” she muttered, standing on her tiptoes as she also began to survey the room. “I didn’t really want to deal with giving a gift card to Mr. Min.” 

Mr. Min, the manager of Accounts Payable, wasn’t necessarily the first person you sought out in situations like these. 

“He looks well into his eggnog,” she hummed with a small nod. “Now is my time to strike, I guess.” 

“Good luck,” you grinned, happy to be the secret santa for someone more desirable...well, at least in theory. 

Youngjae paced around the party, his small gift bag held tightly between his whitened knuckles. He wasn’t sure why his stomach flipped with nerves, but it did nonetheless. Wincing, he looked over to Yugyeom laughing too loudly at a joke Wonpil had just directed his way. Jinyoung set his chin calmly on Wonpil’s shoulder and smirked kindly at his friend. In a situation that would normally cause Youngjae’s heart to smile, he felt like it was beating much too quickly. The holiday party was usually an opportunity for idol friends to mingle and see each other before visiting their families and celebrating Christmas. 

Youngjae on the other hand, thought he could easily vomit. 

“Why do you look like you’re trapped?” Jaebum hummed, joining Youngjae’s side. He took a long drink from his cup of eggnog before glancing toward him. “You look like that scene from the Lion King, when Simba looks back at the stampede about to trample him.” 

“Ugh,” Youngjae groaned, stomping his foot. “Stooop.” 

“You know I’m not one to sugar coat a situation,” Jaebum chuckled. 

“But what about sugar plum, am I right?” BamBam grinned, elbowing the older member. Jaebum sent a stern look in his direction, causing BamBam’s laugh to fizzle out. “Uh...get it? Like...sugar plum the situation instead of sugar coat? Cause...Christmas....okay, whatever.” 

Jaebum looked back toward Youngjae and set a hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong?”

“I have to confess to being someone’s Secret Santa,” Youngjae grumbled. His face held a pout as he continued to glance at the partygoers around him. 

“If it was going to make you this nervous, then why did you agree to participate?” Jaebum asked. 

“Because last year I was Secret Santa for Nichkhun,” Youngjae muttered. “And it was fun.” 

“As opposed to...?”

“Being Secret Santa for the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen,” Youngjae whispered. 

“Why are you nervous to be Jinyoung’s Secret Santa?” Jaebum clucked. 

“Not Jinyoung,” Youngjae groaned. “Y/N.” 

“Right,” Jaebum muttered. “I was just testing you. Of course I meant Y/N. Works in um...in uh, Treasury?” 

“Marketing,” Youngjae corrected. “I’ve seen her around before, but I never knew her name.”

“To be fair, we don’t get to frequent many of the same circles,” JB nodded. “I’m sure she does...uh...great work?” 

“She helps make all of our promotion materials,” Youngjae nodded. “I didn’t know that until a few days ago...how did I not know?” 

“Uh...how would you?” JB asked, lifting his brows. “Have you considered having a drink?” 

“Having a drink?” Youngjae muttered. “Why would I have a drink?”

“A little eggnog might be the thing to calm you down,” Jaebum nodded, sliding his cup into the younger member’s hand. “Drink that. You’ll feel better.” 

“Feel better,” Youngjae repeated, looking down at the frothy liquid. “Right.” 

You shifted your position against the wall and sighed, keeping the package in your hands held tightly to your chest. Where was he? 

You had yet to find your Secret Santa or the person you had been the Secret Santa for. Granted, the party was packed with hundreds of people, but you had made your rounds, talking to people you had never met, nor had much intention to. You held discussions with musicians, actors, and on one ill-fated occasion, Jun. K, who caused you to nearly pass out. 

You thought the person you had been assigned was intimidating enough, but having Jun. K smile at you? 

You were unsure of how you were still standing. 

But that was only the beginning...

“Y/N?” a timid voice asked. Looking down from your view of the crowd, you looked directly in front of you, your breath catching in your throat. 

“Youngjae?” you whispered, furrowing your brows. “How did you...you weren’t supposed to know?” 

“...Weren’t supposed to know what?” he hiccuped, now his turn to become confused. 

“That I was your Secret...” you trailed, your eyes shooting up and down his frame. “Youngjae, are you okay?” 

“I’m okay,” he nodded with another hiccup, a slow smile spreading across his lips. “I feel better.” 

“You feel better?” you chuckled, tilting your head. He was obviously drunk.

“Noooo,” he cooed, the smile remaining on his face. “I feel better.” 

“Youngjae,” you chuckled, shaking your head. All previous feelings of nervousness and anxiousness had completely lifted from your chest. Now that he was standing before you, so soft and vulnerable, all you wanted to do was take care of him. “How’d you know it was me?” 

“Who was you?” he chuckled.

“That I was your Secret Santa?” you continued. 

“Noooo,” he hummed again, his eyes disappearing in his cheekbones as he laughed. “I’m YOUR Secret Santa.”

“I think you may have had a little too much eggnog,” you giggled. 

“No, no, no,” he argued. “I feel better and I’m your Secret Santa.” 

“Youngjae-” 

“Wait!” he gasped. “Are you MY Secret Santa?” 

“You know what,” you grinned. “I think we’re each other’s Secret Santa’s.”

“Is that possible?” he whispered, his eyes wide. 

“Unless there’s another Youngjae I’ve been sneaking gifts to,” you laughed. “And there’s another Y/N you’ve been buying things for.” 

“No!” he said, shaking his head quickly. “I would know. Because you’re the prettiest one.” 

“I’m...I’m what?” you croaked, your face immediately growing hot. Youngjae’s cheeks turned a nice shade of red as he smiled at you. 

“The prettiest one,” he repeated. “The best Santa...but like, you don’t look like Santa. You look like...like...not Santa.” 

“I think that’s the eggnog talking,” you laughed, finally remembering you had a gift in your hands for the idol. “Here, this is for you.” 

“What is it?” he asked, dropping the small gift bag in his hands. 

“Open it,” you nodded. 

Without hesitation, his fingers flew over the paper, dropping the shreds to the floor. “Starcraft action figure?!”

“I’m sure it’s silly, and you probably could have gotten it yourself because you’re an idol, but-”

Your words were cut off as your face was shoved into Youngjae’s chest. His arms wrapped tightly around your waist and he began to rock you from side to side. 

“I love it!” he gasped. “I have so many gaming things, it makes me so happy! How did you know?” 

You swallowed. Hard. “Youtube.”

Holding your breath, you tried to remain quiet as you waited for a response. Researching the person you were Secret Santa for on Google was not something you were proud of. 

“That’s so great!” he chirped. “I wish I had Youtube for you.” 

Pulling away suddenly, Youngjae nearly fell to the floor as he grabbed the gift bag he was holding previously. “For you.” 

“For me?” you whispered, looking at it curiously. You began to finger through the paper, gingerly pulling a small jewelry box from it’s contents. You took off the lid, and couldn’t help but smile. Turning the box back and forth, the rose gold necklace caught in the light, and shined up at you. The pendant was in the shape of a small button, and the cuteness factor was too much to handle. “Youngjae, I love it.” 

You looked up at him, his facial expression incredibly blank as he watched you. As the words left your lips and began to sink into his conscious, the smile reappeared. “Really?” 

“Really,” you nodded.

“Wow,” he whispered, his cheeks growing pink again. “I thought I felt better then....but I think I feel much better now.” 

[bonniebird]

Sons of a Thunder Storm (Part Three)

Sons of a thunderstorm Masterlist

Reader x Ragnarssons'

The evening after work had been uneventful in comparison to the one before. Ubbe and Hvitserk cooked and surprisingly managed to keep the mess to the kitchen and that was easily cleaned up.

Ivar, with Hvitserk’s help, spent most of the time rearranging the house so he could move around easier which you didn’t min. Sigurd however found his chosen job of filling, the now three emergency jars, a little harder when Ivar would zip around the corner and see how many jars he could knock over.

Unfortunately the peace couldn’t last and when you said you were going to bed you’d expected them to do what they had the night before and sleep any where they felt like. “Um… hello?” You muttered when Ubbe and Hvitserk burst into your room, stripped down from their armour, chuckling to themselves.

“We have decided to keep you company.” Ubbe explain and when you moved over you found Ivar had snuck in and was now trying to steal all of the pillows.

“So they just don’t please them?” Sigurd asked as he wandered in with some of the bags they had refused to hand over to be unpacked.

“I don’t think we can all fi..!” You trailed off with a small squeak as Ubbe lifted you up and set you between his legs with your back on his chest while Hvitserk Squeezed in on the other side.

“Well there was no one with her so i assume they are simply very bad at it.” Ubbe muttered, his chest rumbling through you as he spoke.

“What’re you… Sigurd!” Sigurd had tossed the bags at his brothers before sliding under the duvet and climbing under it so he could lay in your lap.

“Who is ass face?” Ivar asked suddenly as his brothers started dealing out what ever was in the bags.

“My ex.” You answered him quickly and they all looked at you in confusion. “My old boyfriend?”

“Oh you were his woman, but why are you no longer his woman?” Ivar asked quickly and you shrugged, crossing your arms which were quickly unfolded so Sigurd could look up at you.

“I don’t want to talk about it!” You sighed when they all continued to stare at you.

“Well no matter, you can be our woman now and we shall take care of you!” Hvitserk declared cheerfully and you nodded with a soft sigh escaping you. You were definitely going to have to talk to them about this belonging to them business.

“Here Ivar.” Ubbe passed something over to Ivar and your eyes shot wide when you saw what they were reading.

“Where… Why… why do you have those?” you asked quickly and tried to think where on earth they would have found them.

“They were in a shop a pretty lady told us to go into, we asked her what we should get for you as a treat.” Sigurd informed you as he started flicking through his own.

You blushed as Ubbe opened his and blocked your view of Sigurd. It did how ever give you the eyeful of naked girls all over the glossy pages which all four of them were now engrossed in.

“Treat?” You asked dubiously and Hvitserk grinned as he leaned to look at you.

“Apparently your men do not take care of their women properly so you have little coloured things to keep you satisfied.” He explained quickly and your eyes grew wider, if it was possible.

“Apparently you need it seeing as ass face was so bad at it.” Sigurd muttered and leant his check against your upper thigh making you squeak in surprise and jump which caused a low grunt to escape Ubbe.

Sigurd chuckled and kissed your thigh. Ubbe sighed when you squirmed and Ivar curiously lifted your duvet to get a better view. “Both of you!” he groaned, swatting them with his magazine. “Ask her first!”

“Can we touch you?” Sigurd asked quickly and Ivar nodded as he waited for you to answer. You on the other hand blushed and stiffened.

“Why don’t we all just go to sleep and I can take you to the pub tomorrow afternoon.” You offered quickly and they all fell into confusion again.

“Pub?” Hvitserk asked curiously now finished with his magazines and started on Sigurd’s.

*************

You’d slept wrapped up in the pile of vikings who snored and kicked at each other but made sure you were comfortable. The morning was spent helping Hvitserk figure out his favourite cereal and watching cartoons with Ivar who was constantly scrolling through your phone.

When the afternoon came you took one of the emergency jars and took the boys to the supermarket, tipping the coins into the machine to swap them out for notes. After a two hour tour of the supermarket, stopping in the cosmetic section to grab a huge bundle of hair bobbles, you were home and putting away the food with Hvitserk keeping an eye on his brothers in case they snuck any food.

Because Ivar had been complaining about his hair getting everywhere and his braids from before had fallen out you gently brushed his hair and tied it up, smiling when he gave you a curt nod of approval. Hvitserk yanked his braids out and scooted across the sofa to you and insisted you did the same for him. After that you took the leftover money and, as promised, led them to the pub.

You let them order whatever they wanted and by the time you’d all finished eating the evening regulars were pouring in. The boys were suddenly brighter and more alert than they had been before, chatting and laughing with each other as they tried beer.

“What is tequila?” Hvitserk asked curiously as he turned back to the table after watching a group of girls next to your table doing shots.

Ivar rolled his eyes when Hvitserk’s question drew your attention from his list of reasons that he liked the modern clothes. “You wouldn’t like it.” You told him and Ivar scoffed at this.

“We want some!” He declared and you sighed, reluctantly agreeing as you glanced at Sigurd and Ubbe who both shook their heads.

You went over to order a drink and stiffened when you heard the sound of someone you hopped to avoid. Once you had the tray of drinks you thought you were clear but he followed you.

“Hey!” He called and you slammed the tray on the table which resulted in surprised but amused looks from the boys.

“Leave me alone.” You hissed at him. He chuckled and went to grab at your ass until a larger hand got there first, slowly moving up to your waist.

“Can we help you?” Ubbe almost growled. Sigurd stood and stared him down as well while Hvitserk and Ivar simply glared at him from their seats.

“Back of yeah, this is my girl we just wanna have a chat.” He muttered to Ubbe without looking at you.

“Ah! This must be Assface!” Ivar declared loudly enough for several people to hear. “Can we still not kill this one?” Ivar looked at you and you shook your head.

“Sorry Ivar, Unfortunately not even this one.” You sighed and he made a face that was as close to a pout you’d ever seen.

“She is our woman now so you should leave her alone.” Sigurd shoved ‘Assface’  and stepped closer while Hvitserk also stood and threw his arm over your shoulders, face dangerously blank.

He rolled his eyes and walked off, leaving the pub shortly after. “We really need to talk about this ‘your woman stuff’.” You muttered but quickly got wrapped up in showing Hvitserk and Ivar how to take the tequila.

Tags:  @theasparagusawakens, @archer-whovian-violinist,  @cute-thingy, @umwhatandrea, @belleorleslie, @sugakookiexx, @bluearchersstuff, @crazy-fandom-girl1, @odins-missing-eye, @delightfulnightmarecupcake, @laurel-celestial,  @penguimo10, @chirukye,  @itsall-inmy-head, @kita2309, @jessialchihomie, @fandoms-writings, @charlottelbl2, @thinemineours , @ms-allenbrown, @ivarslittlelamb, @riviewolf, @untilmylastday, @heyitskatrina, @alwaysadreamingoptimist, @cruelle-despairing-fish, @megan-hufflepuff, @evieatepies, @readsalot73

[heathercoladogmom]

You Talkin to Me? (My First & Last 5 LYFT Rides)

On day 1 of self-employment, I decide to pick up a LYFT request while on the way home from the mall. 

Before I continue, let me preface this story with a few important facts about me.

- I’m an introvert through and through. I don’t go out, I stay in. I spend most of the day avoiding eye contact with strangers who might begin to converse with me. Hell, I spend most of the day avoiding eye contact with people I KNOW to avoid conversing with THEM. Anyway, point is, I’m not a people person (but I can fake it really well). 

- I have no sense of direction. Don’t tell me street names, because it means nothing to me. I get lost with Google Maps. I get lost in my own town driving home from Aldi EVERY TIME.

GREAT! So the stage was set for me to pick up my first LYFT passengers. With my charming personality, navigation skills and sweet-as-hell 2010 Silver Mazda 3 my Nanna just turned over to me, I was ready to drive. 

I arrive at my destination. I cannot roll down the windows because I have the child lock on. This prevents Bree from playing with it mid-ride and sticking her giant dog head out the window while I yell from the front seat MOMMY SAYS SIT DOWN. 

Three guys, late twenties, approach the car. Fuck the windows, they aren’t working. I unlock the doors. I’m sure this is perfectly safe. Just get in the damn car people.

But they are pretty big guys and this is a teeny, tiny car. Two of them get in the back, knees up to their chins. The third gets IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. Isn’t this a LYFT no-no? I mean, I guess he had no other choice, but this is weird. 

“Um...sorry it’s a small car. Do you want me to turn the air up? Where are we going?” 

Everyone is apparently comfortable. They’re headed toward Paterson. No problem. They start joking around and laughing. I am wildly uncomfortable with what is going on in my Nanna’s little car. At this point, I am grateful I swapped out her “Happiness is Being a Grandparent” license plate holder for a generic one.

“Yo, how long you been doing LYFT.”

I decide right then that rule #1 of self-employment is always be selling yourself. Fake it till you make it, right?

“About a week.” (LIE. This is my FIRST ride EVER.) “I’m actually a pet-sitter. I just do this on the side.” (WHAT SIDE? Everything is on the side now, bitch, you’re self-employed.) 

“Oh yea, be your own boss. A pet-sitter? You like, go into peoples houses or....”

“Well, yea. But I don’t stay over. I...”

“How old are you?”

At this point, his other friends chime in.

“That is RUDE. You don’t ask that man...”

“Oh, it’s okay. I’m 30.”

“You don’t look 30.”

“Thanks. Ugh, so you guys doing something fun tonight?”

“We’re gonna try to rent a car. Maybe go to the city.” 

“That’s cool.” 

I look at the arrival estimate. 2 mins. YES. 

“Okay so turn....whoops ya missed it. Thats okay, um the next one then.”

We approach the second turn. DON’T SCREW THIS UP HEATHER. We make the turn. We find the drop-off location. Everyone is out of my car. They do not tip, but give me 5 stars. I make $8 on this ride. After, I need to go home and recuperate from the trauma. 

Day 2. First ride is easy. Pick-up at the hospital across the street, drop-off in my hometown 3 minutes away. $3.50 ride plus $2 tip. 

Okay, on to the next. 

Pick-up at oral surgeon in town. 

“Are you Heather. Is this LYFT?”

“Yes sir. You can get in the back. Where are you headed?”

“Franklin Lakes.”

This is the town I used to work in. I find this a little comical, but am relieved to know the area. I start to drive.

“How long have you been doing LYFT?”

I go through my script. 

“Do you know the suicide rates of NYC taxi cab drivers has increased tremendously due to people like you driving for Uber and LYFT?” 

“I did, um, not know that.”

“It used to cost them $1,000,000 to get a medallion. You know what they are worth now? $80,000. Lots of guys committing suicide over this.” 

“Wow. That’s awful....I...”

“But the whole industry is changing. We’re going to have cars that drive themselves. You’ll see. There won't really be a calling for any of this. In the next 5 years, you’ll see it.”

Christ. How much longer is this ride? 5 minutes. Okay, great.

“Yea, well that is very interesting sir. OH, which building is it?”

“This one. Drop me here. Thanks. Do I tip?”

“If you like.”

“Here’s cash. Always take cash. It’s better. Bye now.”

I make $15.50 total for this ride. 

On the way back, I pick up another passenger. She gets in the car and immediately covers her entire face with her hoodie. I check where we’re headed. QUEENS. FUCKING QUEENS? ARE YOU KIDDING ME.

See, here’s the thing with Uber & LYFT. As a driver, you only see the pick-up location. You don’t know where the passenger is going until THEY GET IN YOUR VEHICLE AND IT’S TOO LATE. 

Okay, so Queens. It estimates an hour. Should be decent money.

I’m not the best city driver. My heart is in my throat the entire time this ride is happening. The woman is sleeping in the backseat of my car. While weirded out a little, I am thankful she isn’t awake to watch my struggle. 

After navigating through crazy construction, we arrive at her destination. I wait a few seconds before realizing I would have to awaken her. 

“Miss? Miss? Excuse me, Miss?”

“What, OH.”

“Yea, we’re here so...”

“Okay thanks. Bye.” 

I make $65.60 for this trip with no tip. It takes me 2 hours to get home. I cannot pick up any passengers on the way back (NYC LAWS AND STUFF).

I pick up one final passenger the next day. Easy ride, but the Queen’s ride has sent my anxiety into overdrive. 

When it’s all said and done, I end up with $100.92 in my pocket for about 4 hours of work. I ultimately decide doing LYFT is great for normal people who like other people and know where they’re going. For me, it sucks. On to the next. 

[syao]

Ridiculous Things

Pairing: Neji x Tenten | Read Time: 11 mins

“Good work today.”

Tenten glanced down from the treetop where she sat as she watched over their target’s residence that rainy evening.

Twenty feet below her stood her teammate, Hyuuga Neji, who was clad in a dark gray raincoat to ward off the expected overnight chill during his shift. For the next few days, they would be taking turns keeping an eye on a B-class criminal who was assigned to them for capture by the Tsunade-sama.

Rock Lee and their temporary team member for this mission, Uzumaki Naruto, had already taken their respective shifts during the day. She took the early evening to midnight hours, while Neji was slated for the graveyard hours.

(She initially got the overnight shift when they drew lots to decide their assigned hours, but the Hyuuga clandestinely switched hers with his upon learning what she picked.)

“Aren’t you a little too early?” It was only nine in the evening— three whole hours before she could take off.

He made his way up to the branch. “I had nothing to do back home anyway.” His hand slipped into his bag to pull out a teal-colored tumbler. “Here.”

“What’s this?” She took the container from him and twisted the lid open. The sweet, vegetal aroma of matcha tea filled her nostrils, warming her up with a cozy sensation of calmness.

“When Hinata-sama learned about the team’s new assignment, she took it upon herself to make extra tea for the team members who’d be around during my shift.”

She grinned as the image of the elite clan’s heiress making tea flashed in her mind. “That’s so sweet of your cousin! And it’s still hot, too!” Her eyebrow raised. “Don’t tell me you came here early just for this?”

“Anything unusual going on?” he asked instead, his Byakugan-endowed eyes scanning the place.

… yup, he didn’t tell me. She stifled a giggle. “None so far. There were a few people who had gone in and out earlier today, according to Naruto.”

 “People?”

“Servants of that family manor. Possibly to procure food—KYAAAH!!!” A flash of lightning and a sudden clap of thunder caused her to clamp both hands on her ears. The canteen slipped off her grip, but before the scorching liquid could touch her lap, a pale hand shot up and knocked the bottle away. It plummeted harmlessly to the ground instead.

“N-Neji!” Her eyes widened in alarm when she saw the red patch on the back of his hand. “I-I…”

“It’s fine.” He held out his hand to let the raindrops soothe the pain of the burn. “Tell me about the people who’ve visited the manor.”

When he received no reply, he glanced back at her in puzzlement. Tenten’s attention was on her messenger bag that she was rummaging through.

“Tenten—”

“Found it!” She let out a cry of delight as she fished out her one and only piece of clean towel. Carefully, she held it out underneath the rain to let it soak. “Let me hold your hand for a second.” Without waiting for a response, she gripped his hand and proceeded to wrap it with the damp cloth.

Neji watched her do her ministrations intently. “This isn’t necessary.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Knowing Neji, his whole body would be burning in fever and he would still dismiss medicine as unnecessary.

 “There you go!” With one last quick tug, she finished tying the knot and proudly inspected her work. “It isn’t very pretty, but at least this should hold up for a bit.”

He nodded. “It will.”

“Hold up a bit?”

“Not win any beauty contest prizes from medics.”

Her mouth hung open at hearing his last line. Did he just… make a joke? THE Hyuuga Neji who shames Konoha’s finest stand-up comedians with his inability to laugh at even their most killer quips? A sweat broke off her eyebrow. Should I laugh? But what if it wasn’t a joke? The knots ARE pretty unsightly… She grabbed both sides of her head, a dark expression on her face.  

“Stop it.” He lightly tapped the top of her head with his bandaged hand.

“H-Huh?” One eye peeked out towards him warily.

“Whatever you’re thinking right now.” He shifted embarrassedly away from her. “Focus on the job.”

Oh. He WAS making a joke. Shoot. With the timing to laugh shamefully missed, she heeded his advice and proceeded to scan her surroundings with her alert brown eyes.

“The season of rain has come upon us,” he remarked out of the blue, though he refused to turn her way.

Is it just me, or is Neji being awfully chatty tonight? She unconsciously sniffed the air to see if there was any trace of alcohol in him and found nothing but the lingering scent of matcha. He did smell really good, though, and especially inviting in the chilly nocturnal weather.

“Go home.”

Realizing that she had nearly crawled towards his lap in an attempt to sniff him, she sprang back to her original seat, face burning. “I-I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Her head bowed repeatedly in panic before him. Oh my god, he’s going to sue me for sexual harassment!

“It’s only going to rain harder, so go back.”

Her head shot up from its bowing position. “Eh? I still have a few hours left on my shift!”

“I’m going to be here anyway.”

A vein popped on her face. “Neji, listen.” She tucked her legs underneath her in a lotus sitting position and glared at him scoldingly. “You already swapped shifts with me. You also headed here earlier than you should. And now, you want me to leave my post earlier. I sure hope this doesn’t mean you think I’m less competent than the rest of the team.” Her eyes bored through his challengingly. 

Then and now, she had made it her mantra to prove to the world that gender was immaterial in the battlefield. She had no qualms doing the same, even if it was against her prodigious teammate who happened to smell really, really nice this evening.

To her surprise, he shook his head in almost conciliatory manner. “That was not my intention. It’s just that…”

“What?”

His pale orbs finally met hers. “Earlier, the lightning startled you.”

Her forehead creased.

“Everyone, regardless if it’s a man or a woman, has something one fears,” he continued quietly. “I thought you’ll feel better at home, where the environment is familiar and comforting.”

She felt herself shrinking back in shame at getting testy with him so quickly. And, well, that he figured her out again, as always.  “W-Well... storms don’t scare me. I-I just… need to make sure I know that the thunder’s coming… so I can, um, brace myself.”

“Alright.”

Safe! She brushed her damp bangs off her forehead and vigilantly kept a discreet watch on the skies, resolving not to let him catch her cowering from the elements again. She was a fully-grown adult chuunin, for Pete's sake! She had long outgrown those scary chilly nights from years ago, when she had no one to envelop her in a warm, comforting embrace and tell her that those scary monsters waiting for her outside her bedroom windows were merely tree branches facing the wrath of a powerful storm...

“Tenten.”

She whirled around in surprise, then realized that she had once again displayed her utter lack of attention on the job. “I’m focusing, I’m focusing—”

Neji shook off his raincoat and handed it to her. “Wear this.”

Her eyes fell on the dark gray fabric briefly, then returned to his face. “I’m fine.”

“You were shivering.”

Those blasted gifted Byakugan eyes! “I’m fine,” she repeated, more firmly this time.

“Yes, yes.”

She nearly burst out laughing at his unexpected response. “That… that’s a terrible impression, Neji!” She recognized nearly the same words she used on him when she was tying his hand with a cloth, except that the elegant Hyuuga could not bring himself to say ‘yeah’.

Snickering, she finally conceded and took his coat from his hand. She now understood why he was being so nice to her— it was actually Hyuuga Neji’s own clumsy way of returning the favor earlier!

But instead of slinging her arms into it, she opted to move closer to her teammate and wrap the coat over both of their shoulders. “To be fair,” she said with a grin. “It’s yours, after all.”

He tried to protest and so, instinctively, she held up a finger to motion him to shush. But because of their proximity, her fingertip ended up nearly touching his lips. The surprising softness sent a jolt of electricity through her, making her heart race.

“S-Sorry!” She quickly withdrew her hand and laughed nervously. Tenten, stupid! “W-We’re only sharing this till the end of my shift, don’t worry!”

“Very well,” she heard him say. Heard, because for some reason, she suddenly couldn’t muster the guts to meet his gaze.

After what seemed like an eternity of deafening silence, she snuck a look at her teammate to see what he was doing.

Neji had resumed a careful watch over the manor. He was scanning the parameters carefully, methodically even, the way they had been exactly trained back in the Academy.

See, Tenten? You’re the only one who’s making things uncomfortable for the both of you! she scolded herself. Shame on you, really. Neji’s being awfully nice to you because he noticed you’re acting like a spooked kid, and you’re returning the favor by suddenly assuming he’s attracted to you. 

She followed suit, fully determined to ignore the cozy warmth his shoulder lent to her bare skin. I mean, let’s be realistic here. With his brains, looks, and family name, he can get any girl he wants! Right? She gulped back the bitterness that sprung from within her at the thought.

Right, Neji? She involuntarily glanced up at him and was stunned to see that he was looking her way as well. As if he intuitively knew that she was silently speaking to him.

His gaze was so quiet and gentle and so concerned for her. She vaguely heard him asking if she was okay, and she opened her mouth to respond, But somewhere along the way, her brain malfunctioned and she had leaned in to cover his lips with hers instead.

  It was the second day of their stakeout.

It was also just her second hour in, but Tenten was ready to bolt away at the next possible chance. 

Earlier, she had begged and bribed Uzumaki Naruto with the ramen coupon she bought with her meager chuunin’s weekly allowance so he would swap shifts with her. How was she to know that the ramen dork was granted an eat-all-you-can month by the Hokage for his recent successful mission in Suna?

She glanced at her watch. It was right about this time last night when Neji arrived with his heavenly jug of matcha. Her heart would race wildly whenever she recalled the scene on the treetop (which was, well, every five minutes or so).

What was I thinking?! Wait, was I even thinking then? 

“GRAAAAH!” She knocked the side of her head repeatedly with her fist. “Stupid. Hormonal. Violated his lips.” In a flash, she recalled how soft they felt against hers, and how his scent melded with matcha tea. “No, no, no!” She vehemently shook her head, hoping this was enough to clear her mind of impure thoughts about her poor teammate.

She had already thought about this long and hard last night, after her senses returned and she pulled away from him and mumbled an unintelligible apology and dashed back to her home.

For all her protestations, one thing was undeniable. She was attracted to her teammate of ten years. She didn’t know since when, but somehow she ended up acting on those feelings unexpectedly that night.

But it wasn’t just her feelings that mattered in this situation. What about Neji? 

She tried to imagine what must be running through his mind at the moment— to be kissed by a girl he had known all his life but only really sees as a friend. She knew that the gentlemanly person he was, he must be working out strategies on how he can best smooth things over between them without overtly confronting the issue so he could offer her a graceful way out.

I’m so sorry, Neji, she thought unhappily. After this, I promise I won’t dare approach you beyond ten feet unless we have a chaperone or something. In fact, I’ll— From the corner of her eyes, she saw the gates open. 

It was the same wagon being used by the servants to bring in food, but somehow, she had a feeling that something was amiss. One hooded servant helped himself up the wagon, but the rest leaped on it as if it was nothing. And they were seated away from the said servant, as if they were maintaining a respectful distance…

Something clicked in her mind. Grabbing her radio, she alerted the team. “I’ll be in pursuit. Target heading 60 degrees southwest. Back me up, NOW!”

To her surprise, Neji leaped out from a tree located not too far away from her. “Let’s go!”

 Although taken by surprise, she knew now was not the time to ask. Nodding, she joined him in dashing after their perp.

  “HURRAY! Justice has prevailed once again!” Rock Lee happily raised his fist in a victorious pose.

Naruto happily joined him. “HURRAY! An eat-all-you-can voucher at Ichiraku once again!”

Maito Gai proudly patted the shoulders of Neji and Tenten. “Great job, you two! The traps Neji set and Tenten’s beautiful takedown enabled us to arrest the criminal without needlessly injuring civilians.”

The kunoichi recalled how she jumped and attacked the still-disguised target with the unbridled ferociousness of a baby panda. “Uh, thanks, Gai-sensei.”

“Now let’s go tell the Hokage-sama about our successful mission!”

Neji raised a hand. “You can go ahead. Tenten will be with you in a moment.”

“Why?!” she and Gai chorused, though hers was more decidedly out of despair than curiosity.

 “She needs to fix her hair up a bit.” He pointed to the mop of auburn hair that had come loose from her odango ribbon after her tangle with their perp. “As her teacher, it is your duty to not allow your student to be exposed to the public looking disheveled— especially not a young woman of marriageable age.”

Tenten’s eyes nearly bulged when she saw Gai nod solemnly in agreement to Neji’s blatantly manipulative words. “Sensei!”

 “Forgive your foolish sensei, Tenten.” Gai planted both hands firmly on her shoulders. “Fortunately, Neji was able to stop me from bringing shame and sadness to your maidenly heart!”

“M-Maidenly heart?!”

“Well then, we shall take our leave.” Gai gave them a cheery wave and turned to go. “See you later!”

“Gai-sensei!” Tenten was about to follow suit when she felt a pair of arms lift her from underneath. “Neji!” She then felt them leap up from the ground and land on a nearby treetop.

He finally deposited her back to her feet. “I was afraid you were going to run away before we can properly talk.”

As always, Hyuuga Neji could read her like an open book. Sighing in resignation, she sat down. “Alright, let’s talk. But don’t bring up what happened last night.”

 “That’s what I specifically want to discuss.”

 She grimaced. Oh well, let’s get this over with. “Fine. Let’s start with my apology. I— thank you!” she blinked when he slid off his own hair tie and handed it to her. “I-I mean, sorry! I’m sorry I can’t accept this!”

 “Do you have any spare hair ribbons?”

“I-It’s fine!” she insisted frantically. “Besides, whenever you start lending me things, my daydream machine starts running wild and I start assuming ridiculous things--oops!”

 “Ridiculous things? Like?”

 Her face flamed at his question. “L-Like.. Like… ARGH!” She buried her face in her hands helplessly. Kami-sama, please make this tree come to life and make it swallow me alive right now, pleaseeeeee!

 “I, too, come up with ridiculous notions from time to time,” said Neji reassuringly, but his kind tone did little to appease the colors rioting on her face at the moment.

 “For instance, there was a time I wondered if maybe Gai-sensei and Lee’s spandex suits were really that comfy—”

Her shoulders stiffened.

“Or that one time when I wondered why nearly all the girls including yourself found Uchiha Sasuke cute. His looks aren’t that special to me and Hinata-sama.”

He still hasn’t moved on from that?! That was, like, way back during our genin years!

“But the most persistent ridiculous thought I had is this.” She felt his fingers carefully sliding off the hands covering her distressed face until finally, she had no choice but to look at him. “What would it be like for a caged bird to fly?” He clasped her limp hands in his and held them tightly. “After my father died, I felt that the clan seal will bound me forever into the cage of the Hyuuga’s fate. It’s ridiculous for a caged bird like me to ever dream of the skies. So I forbade myself to think of such impractical things.”

“N-Neji…”

“And then I met you— you who’s so free-spirited and courageous and strong. When I’m with you, I felt it was the closest to freedom I could get, ” he continued quietly. “And this caged bird started thinking of ridiculous things again, like personal dreams and wants and wishes.”

A crooked smile crossed his face. “I know that at best, I could only make one or two of them come true, but if there is one ridiculous thing that fate will guarantee it will grant, I want it to be the one in which I can be where you are.” He gingerly wiped her knuckles with his thumb. “Of all those ridiculous things, that would truly make me the happiest.”

 Tenten self-consciously cleared her throat. “S-So… is it safe to say that you, um, like me?”

 He nodded.

 “A-And that you didn’t mind that I stole a kiss from you last night?”

 “I don’t mind it the slightest. Feel free to take it again anytime.”

She let out a deep relieved sigh. “And I was so worried back there that I was the only one who feels—”

He didn’t give her the chance to finish her words, as she was soon enveloped in the warm embrace of the smiling Hyuuga.

 THE END