#i wore nice clothes may i add

[cryingforcrocodiles]

good morning

[demaparbat-hp]

Hiya!! 👋🏼😄 How's it going? Your fashion taste for Zuko in a Modern AU seems to be artsy, or maybe "formal" is the word. That shirt he wore when he gave Sokka romantic song advice looked Versace🧐. Anyway, I was wondering how you came up with it, he always struck me more as the type that didn´t care much about fashion, so I'm curious about other´s opinions and heacanons about it. And do you have any other fashion headcanons for the rest of the GAang? Also, their music tastes. How did you come up with them? Especially Katara's! 😍

Hello! As it happens, I have a lot of Thoughts and Feelings™ about this, so I'm leaving these over here, and the rest of my ramblings down below the cut!

Let us begin with the Gaang, shall we?

SUKI always struck me as that Pretty Girl from the Gym. She is so incredibly fit it isn't even funny. She could kick anyone's ass, and we'd all thank her. She has this casual gym style that somehow always looks glorious on her, as it should! Comfy yet fashionable clothes for a nice workout or a day in town.

Her music tastes are basically any and all power songs from the eighties and nineties. (Eye of the Tiger, anyone?) She also enjoys metal via Toph, and bands like BSB, NSYNC, or Boyz II Men with Katara. My girl has a very eclectic Playlist and we all love her for it.

SOKKA is That Guy™. Loose T-shirts and shorts everywhere he goes, no matter the weather. He's stupidly into fashion but it doesn't show! At all! And everyone teases him about it. His closet is about 90% Cactus Juice merchandise, hence the "it's the quenchiest!" shirt.

His fashion and music tastes are pretty much the same. He loves poetry but isn't really into lyrics. He'll misinterpret just about anything you place in front of him. His Playlist is mostly vibes and tiktok songs he kind of enjoys. He isn't really into music...at least not as much as his sister.

AANG owns exactly one hoodie, one pair of shorts, and one beanie (THE beanie). Oh, and the crocs—don't forget the crocs. Somehow, he's always wearing the exact same outfit. Every. Single. Day. Ancient Gaang lore suggests that the day Aang goes out without his beanie, it's the end of the world.

His Playlist is the poppiest, most bizarre thing ever. Every single song is Happy by Pharrell Williams levels of happy. Yet sometimes, among the bouncy dance-to songs, you'll find the strangest of things... (He does know what Good Day by Twenty One Pilots is about. That's the reason he likes it so much, actually. And it's so weird.)

KATARA is all about sundresses and loose pants. The epitome of comfortable loveliness. Light fabrics in blue shades, careful embroidery, delicate shoes, and little to no accessories—hers is a simple, yet quite adorable, style. She just needs to add more colors to her usual palette...

She is, first and foremost, a Florence + The Machine girl. It's the Dark Goddess of the Sea vibes, to be honest. Florence Welch is her idol and yes, she will fight you about lyrics interpretation, and win. It may not seem like it, but her music tastes are also very varied.

She draws a little from each member of the Gaang, so you'll hear her humming along to Gorillaz (where did you even find out about them, Aang?), The Weeknd (I...don't think this song means what you think it means, Sokka...), and Hozier (Zuko why did you dedicate Talk to me, Zuko WHAT DID YOU MEAN BY THAT).

TOPH...ah, lovely girl. I'll summarise everything about Toph’s fashion sense in two words: comfort and rebellion. Stuffy dresses forced on her by billionaire parents? No thank you! Give her tank tops with loose shirts and short pants. Bandaids shared with Aang, bracelets from Katara, and even piercings she got in tandem with Sokka. Shoes? What even is that?

Something I love about this fandom is our collective agreement that Toph is into the dirtiest, heaviest, most ear-splitting and soul-crushing death metal of all times. Her Playlist is full of the most obscure names to ever exist, and she can and will blast through your walls with the sheer volume of her speaker.

Zuko. ZUKO.

Even in a modern AU my boy must suffer. That being said, I envision Tales from the Couch as���well, exactly what it is: an ATLA modern AU. While there is not a war to fight, and a lot of plot lines are discarded or expanded upon, much about the core story remains the same.

This is my way of saying that Zuko still goes trough his redemption arc, and it reflects on his fashion choices.

The way you described it works perfectly because of one single reason: in this AU, Zuko is an artist. He had to suppress his love for writing and drawing because of his background and the expectations Ozai had for him (taking over the family company), and a very large part of his redemption arc directly affects his relationship with art.

In the Couch equivalent of S1, Zuko has fallen out of Ozai's graces, and is desperate to protect his place in the company and the Kasai household. He's pretending to be someone he isn't and trying to live up to his Father's image of a perfect heir while still being somewhat cut-off financially, and it shows.

He's all about imposing long coats and a semi-formal style, imitating what he knows Azula and Father would respect. He's striking and sharp and dark. But no matter how he dresses or carries himself (that air of cold superiority and arrogance)—it won't help him when he needs it the most.

In S2, Zuko has hit his lowest point. He's officially disinherited and tossed away by his father, and would be out in the streets if it wasn't for Uncle Iroh. He goes from sharp, high-tailored outfits to old second-hand clothes that hang loosely on his frame. He starts smoking and cuts his hair off, forgoing the undercut for the first time in years.

But then...Father accepts him back. When Zuko returns home, it's with respect to his name and a very high position in his father's company. He's finally the perfect Kasai heir, dressed in overly expensive suits and finery, even at home... But Father forbids him from wearing Lu Ten's earring, and Zuko can no longer recognize himself without the familiar glint of gold dancing on his peripheral vision.

When Zuko leaves the Kasai name behind him and goes back to living with Uncle Iroh...he's finally at peace with who he is, and what he wants in this life. The sharp edges aren't gone (they'll always be a part of him, after all), but now they're dulled by looser clothes and softer hairstyles.

He's an artist, and for once in his life, he is determined to pursue his own ambitions. Zuko's outfits may not be designer-made anymore, but he takes what he has and makes himself look like he wants to look, like the person he wants to be.

He doesn't read fashion magazines or keeps up to the latest trends like Azula does. He's just...Zuko. And his newfound confidence makes everything he wears look like it belongs on him.

As for music...well, Ursa raised a literature boy.

He loves lyric-heavy music and natural voices, be they soothing or powerful. Dissecting song meanings and possible interpretations with Katara is one of his favorite parts of the day. They're both very passionate and strong-minded individuals, so it stands to reason that their debates can get quite...heated.

Zuko's Playlist is both incredibly eclectic and somehow very...him. There's a common thread that binds together every song and artist he likes, and he's hilariously unaware of this. To take a look into his Playlist is a higher honor reserved only for those closest to him.

In the wide spectrum of things, it is no wonder that Zuko is, first and foremost, a Hozier man. But though Andrew is his God in all aspects of this life, there's someone else that has had a huge impact on him...

Two someones, actually.

Zuko refuses to tell anyone how he got into Twenty One Pilots, but it's kind of a moot point when the beginning of his obsession is nothing compared to everything that came after. They have just about the right amount of everything that makes Zuko...well, Zuko. The poetic lyrics, the soothing or raging music, the heavy, intensely resonant themes...

Up there, in the second artwork, I placed an album cover behind each period of Zuko's life. The election of these records is intentional, as I feel like their general themes work incredibly well with Zuko's arc and growth.

Blurryface in S1. For the demons within us. For giving a name to our fears and shame.

Trench in S2. For escaping the confined walls of a depression city, and fighting to understand the depths of the map of your mind.

Scaled and Icy in the first half of S3. For returning to places you had left behind. For convincing yourself and everyone around you that you're fine, that you're perfect, even though everything is crumbling inside...

Clancy in S3. For recognizing that you can backslide, that you can have fears and shame and pain—but you're shaping yourself with each step you take. For knowing that seeking help from others is okay. Nobody learns to walk on their own.

(And, in the end, you'll always be better than the person you were yesterday. If only because you're still here. You're still alive. You're still yourself.)

.

Overall, I rambled a bit too much, don't you think?

If you made it all the way down here—thank you so much for reaching out and being interested in this crazy AU! I hope you enjoy these ideas and tell me some of your own ❤️

[thebisexualdogdad]

Legacies ask where hope is dating a soft bookworm who can put it down in the bedroom iykyk

To everyone else you were just a soft and gentle bookworm but Hope knew the truth, that in the bedroom you were the complete opposite.

Your dates may have often started innocently enough at the Mystic Falls bookstore but they always ended with Hope screaming your name as you made her see stars.

You'd been together for two years and in those two years you'd broken three desks in the library, two bed frames, one bathroom sink and the shelves in the janitor's closet.

You and Hope had spent the day picnicing at the lake and it was a nice day but once Hope climbed into your lap to make out you needed to get back to one of your dorms immediately.

I mean, you would have been fine going at it right there on the dock but you had already gotten in trouble for doing that early in your relationship.

Hope's shirt and your sweater were long gone as you held her pressed against your door, her legs wrapped around your waist.

You kissed down her neck and to her collarbone so Hope reached around to unclip her bra, exposing her chest to you.

She gasped when your tongue flicked over one of her nipples before doing the same to the other and sucking it between your lips.

Her hips buck into your stomach and groans when your teeth tug on her nipple.

"Y/N, I need you," she sighs.

"Need me to do what love?" You taunt, pressing her even harder into the door.

"I need you to fuck me," she blurts out.

You grin proudly and carry her to your bed, throwing her down as you both get rid of the rest of your clothes.

You stroke yourself a few times to get hard and climb on top of Hope, kissing her again as you gently toy with her clit with your finger.

"Already so wet," you tease, slipping a finger inside her, pumping it slowly.

"Fuck- Y/N, please," she begs and you add a second finger, picking up the pace.

She feels her orgasm looming and lets out a heavy sigh when your fingers disappear but it turns into a moan when she sees you pop them in your mouth and suck them clean.

"God you're so hot," she groans.

"You're one to talk," you chuckle, taking in the sight of the beautiful woman lying underneath you.

Suddenly Hope is flipping you over and settling on your waist, rubbing the shaft of your hard cock against her pussy and now it's your turn to moan.

She raises her hips and guides your cock inside her, her breath hitching as you stretch her out.

"Y/N," she moans, slowly bouncing in your lap.

You take hold of her waist, intently watching her riding you.

She grabs your hands as you attempt to palm her chest and pins them above your head, slowing her movements to torment you.

"Now it's your turn to beg," she smirks, rolling her hips tantalizingly slow.

Hope gasps when you flip your positions once again, "sorry babe, I don't beg."

You immediately start thrusting your hips at a rapid pace, Hopes hands grasping at your back.

You're pounding into her so roughly that she can't control her wolf claws coming out and digging into your skin.

Her claws trail down your back, blood certainly pooling at the surface which wouldn't be the first time, she knows her not so gentle bookworm liked some pain with his pleasure.

"I'm going to cum," she mutters and you reach down to firmly rub her clit again until she's crying out your name.

She rides out her high and you feel yours approaching as well so you pull out, jerking yourself off until you're cumming onto her stomach.

"You good?" You ask, softly running your hands along her thighs.

She's still in a post orgasmic daze but smiles and nods.

"Let me grab a towel," you say, rolling off the bed and digging around in your shower bag.

You find the towel and let her clean up, putting a new pair of boxers on.

"Can I have your sweater?" She asks and you smile, trading it for the now cum stained towel that you throw into your laundry basket.

You always loved when she wore your clothes.

She puts it on, covering her torso down to her thighs and you settle next to her in bed, Hope cuddling into your side.

You grab the book you've been reading from your bedside table and open it up to where you last left off.

"Really? You're gonna read right now?" She laughs.

"Well I was going to finish it last night but Jed needed help with a paper, I only have two chapters left," you tell her.

"Fine but I'm taking a nap," she says, resting her head on your chest.

"Go right ahead," you chuckle, kissing the top of her head, "do you want to go to the bookstore with me tomorrow?"

"Didn't we just go last week? You bought three books," she says.

"Yeah and this is the last one, I read the other two already," you tell her.

"Of course you've already finished them all," she chuckles, "sure I'll go with you to the bookstore.

"Great, I already have a couple picked out that I want to read," you state.

"And how many exactly are a couple?"

"Four… okay five… maybe six if they finally have this one book I've been looking for in stock again."

"You might as well just live at the bookstore," she jokes.

"Trust me babe if I could I would," you laugh.

"Okay have fun reading, wake me when it's time to go down for dinner," she says already dozing off.

"Alright, love you Hope," you say, pulling the blanket over her.

"I love you too Y/N."

[akutasoda]

Hii!! Could I request Obey me brothers with a mc who dresses like misa amane from death note? If not don’t worry!! Have an amazing day/night!<333

stylish fashion

synopsis - when mc has a fashion similar to misa amane

includes - lucifer, mammon, leviathan, satan, asmodeus, beelzebub, belphegor

warnings - gn!reader, fluff, wc - 789

a/n: hii! hope you're having an amazing day/night too!

lucifer ★↷

↪to many demon's surprise, lucifer can be quite into his fashion. while it may be more tailored toward formal wear and jewellery, he still had quite the eye for such things.

↪so he did think your style was quite bold at first. bold, but absolutely stunning. it just seemed to work so well for you and he couldn't help but compliment each of your outfits even if he had seen it before.

↪and because of his eye in jewellery, if you were the type, he would gladly take you out and help pick some to complete your look and still perfectly compliment your outfits.

mammon ★↷

↪ he's a fashion demon. he does regular photoshoots for mainly clothing companies and such so he thought he had seen majority of styles in the off hand chances of passing by other models.

↪and sure he's seen demons wear similar style clothing to you, but for some reason it suited you so much better. that and your outfits and their coordination worked so much better.

↪ isn't his style but would be more than happy to help you adf pieces into your collection by showing you all the best brands for your style.

↪and maybe if you chose to, he'd happily try and get you into a modelling gig with him. perhaps then you could help him pick a outfit in your style.

leviathan ★↷

↪he really couldn't draw his eyes away from how gorgeous he found your style. so much so that he felt a bit weird for staring at you.

↪he just couldn't help it! you're outfits were always stunning and he honestly wished he had your confidence to wear a similar style to yours.

↪he is quite well versed in various fashion/clothing shops surprisingly. so he would happily tell you were they were so you could add more pieces to your collection and maybe he would join you and help pick some for you aswell.

↪ however, he is also very good at carfting from scratch. most of his cosplays are hand made, the clothing mostly, so should you find out he would happily oblige in taking your requests.

satan ★↷

↪to absolutely no one's surprise he has limited knowledge of fashion. sure he may claim he's read books with that stuff in but that can't really be translated into the real world of fashion.

↪but he didn't have to be into fashion to think your style was absolutely amazing. you really never missed with a gorgeous, well planned outfit that always complimented your features.

↪he had to say, he loved the style. it would definitely become one he would be interested in, perhaps a more toned down version but still.

asmodeus ★↷

↪adores it an unbelievable amount. need i say more.

↪ it's no surprise asmo likes to dive into various styles and such, so when something with great fashion like you? it would be a crime not to ask.

↪while it probably wouldn't be a style he'd wear, he still thought it was absolutely brilliant. he loved all the accessories you'd sometimes where and even loved the more simpler outfits.

↪ probably knows the best places in the devildom to match your style. so would never hesitate to take you and help you expand your wardrobe.

beelzebub ★↷

↪another one that doesn't really have knowledge in fashion. it's not that he doesn't care, it's just not his main priority.

↪he rhought you looked stunning regardless of what you wore. but he did have to say, some of your outfits had a very nice look to them and he could understand why you had a strong fashion sense.

↪if you wanted to, he'd happily let you try your style of him. while it probably didn't match him like it matched you, he would still keep some accessories you tried on him.

↪ones that he could wear subtly. but he still could admire your outfits and the dedication you had to having such a fashion sense.

belphegor ★↷

↪ probably the worst when it comes to fashion. he spends most his time asleep and rarely cares about the styling of his clothes so has very limited knowledge on fashion.

↪ didn't really care how you dressed. if you were wearing something that made you comfortable and confident that's all that mattered in his opinion. although he couldn't help but admire the dedication.

↪he figured it must take you ages to coordinate and complete your outfits and pull them off each time, something he'd never really bother with.

↪ although his favourites were definitely your more 'casual' and comfortable outfits. the ones were it was mainly a top and pair of pants. those he could really get behind.

[accio-victuuri]

July CPNs round-up ❤️💛💚

• xz as backing vocals for the song everything is lovely

• clowning about screen protectors

• both of their names together on hs for being posted by xinhua news agency

• same city in Beijing on 7/6 - there was some talk that xz’s flight out has been changed to the 12th, probably to spend more time with wyb who will leave on the 10th. which didn’t happen cause wyb left 7/8 but still got to to spend that time together. some were clowning about how his airport shirt had a crease on it & how that made it seem like it was folded like how xz does it so ya know, is it a sign? lol.

• 7/10 XZS paris vlog clowning: posting so close to yibo’s appearances and similar shots // the two bros focused in the video, paris olympics and torchbearer route.

• 7/12 XZS vlog - possibly texting wyb and little prince figures + snowy mountain ; jacques tati films bgm used

• 7/14 xzs vlog clues! more symbolism and that goose laugh

• walking in the streets of paris

• similarity between tao and yibo showing off a photo of their significant other

• continuing on with the off white with “painting” shirts that xz wears, which is already strike 3 && kind of proves the sdc 3 clowning. he wore this during his off work hours. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

it follows the pattern 👀👀👀

• 7/15 xzs vlog clowning continues - same place different time / confirmation of the bystander lyrics connection and E142 cue

• NOT TOTALLY CPN BUT ME BEING EMOTIONAL. LOL. SEEING YIBO do that torch really in that simple outfit everyone was wearing. mostly bare faced and all eyes on him. that moment — and then you see him wearing that bome necklace makes me go somft. 🥹🥹🥹🥹 he will go to so many places and experience a lot of things but he will always have a piece of xz with him.

some are getting excited about them with silver jewelry necklace but xz’s is boucheron which he is endorsing. as much as i love jewelry cpns, i always get picky when it’s something they endorse, unless there is an additional clue. but i understand why people got 👀 when they saw that silver chain with GG. unfortunately, this is not the necklace we think it is.

another one is this “couple” / same style jacket they both wore when they went abroad. RBS already explained this and i totally agree with their stand on it. i guess what makes this cpn-y to me is the “style” it, showing how their preferences overlap in clothing. and that’s why we think they have a “shared closet”.

<< previous post

• On 7/19, the booting ceremony of XZ’s new film DeXian JinZhi, the cast was revealed and we learned that Yin Zheng is there. Yin Zheng is WYB’s very close friend, so we will definitely keep an eye out on how he will interact with XZ 😂😂😂😂 and oh, Peng Yucheng is also there! who is Bobo’s friend and someone he fake kissed HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! so many common friends!

• some minor cpns from xzs 7/20 vlog + something i forgot to add, same acne studios plain shirt. HAHAHAHAHA! twinning! 👯‍♀️

• xz vlogs appear to be countdowns 🤔🤔🤔

• BJYX related hs on them speaking goose language! HAHAHAHAHA! we shall remain relevant forever!

• what a nice magazine! our boys! side by side! and it’s like a fanfic cover for pairing wei ruolai and chunsheng!

• them posting for public welfare and in support of the olympics for CCTV ( here and here ) also with mengniu’s short film. i love seeing them supporting the same thing and hopefully they get to collab someday for a common cause 🌎 if there is any type of project they can work together, this may be it, cause fans can’t even be outwardly toxic especially if it’s a government project.

• 7/26/2024 xzs vlog candies

• 7/28 coco crush posts clowning

• 7/29 throwback video uploaded by rufeng

• 7/30 XZS vlog clowning time: dancing like wang laoshi, possible mv for bystander and wonderful world lyrics.

plus some more ⬇️⬇️⬇️

ohhhhh. a snowy mountain or is it? i mean who wouldn’t be taken by that and especially someone like xz. love how he took pictures of it and drew it too. in the post by xzs it’s in the c-position, probably cause it’s drawn by xz but also it’s photo #5/18 WYB.

p3 is also our colors! green (ish), red and yellow!

SEE YOU ALL NEXT MONTH!!!!!

<<< previous post

[stnaf-vn]

Hello! I just finished playing Friend and it was a very good experience, I wish a could erase my memory and play it again lol I wanted to know if you had share Friend's backstory or past, if so, I'm interested in knowing about him and the other characters in your blog so please tell me where I can read it🙏🏻😩 I'm currently playing A Cry for Help and I look forward to your next project <3

I have! Back before I like knew how tumblr worked, so the comics and stuff I made may have gotten lost....

I'll make a short list here and add them to the FAQ!

TW: CHILD ABUSE, MANIPULATION, FAMILIAL DEATH, DRUG AND ALCOHOL USAGE

Just A Dream

Friend going to Therapy? Friend....crying? High School Friend Friend comes from a wealthy family Friend's Sexuality Friend wears makeup And feminine clothes How Far Would He Go to Have You? Keagan's Opinion on Friend Keagan Talking about....that night.... Aftermath: The 'Accident' Friend's Side of the Story Friend Falling out of Love?

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

I'm gonna make a small recap of what Friend's childhood was like behind closed doors, as well as what the 'accident' mentioned before was....

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

Friend's Childhood:

Friend grew up in a wealthy home. His mother was a strict and shrewd woman, and his father was also strict. They were both very serious people. Friend's mother wanted to have an heir for the family company that they inherited through their parents (Friend's grandparents). They birthed Friend, and they decided that they wanted to wait to give him a name until they can see what he is capable of, so he didn't receive his birth name until he was old enough to read and write. Because of their lineage of inventors and businessmen and women, Friend's parents expected him to be good at everything he touches as soon as possible. But he wasn't. And so, he was practically cast out of the family. He'd get hit often if he messed up and his mother was very homophobic and hated how "girly" he'd act when he sewed or sung or get in her makeup. Then, he met you. Elementary School. He uh....he was pretty rude to you as kids, and he'd always get annoyed when you'd call out to him.... but, he liked the name Friend. So, he wanted you to just call him Friend. He slowly started getting used to you being around, and he even started being nicer. Although....he was covered in bandages a lot.

His mother thought of him as nothing but a disgrace, so she birthed his sisters: the triplets. After that, his mother gave up on having children as they are "wastes of space" and "can't do anything right." So, she neglected them. Their father, even though he was also pretty stoic himself, was frightened of his wife. Friend practically raised his sisters from elementary to when he was just going into middle school. Which is when the first accident of STNAF happened.... His entire immediate family died in a car crash on their way to a corporate meeting. All Friend has left of them is the amount of wealth given to him and the hair clips his sisters wore. He moved in with his grandparents after that.

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

Accident Two: Electric Boogaloo

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

In high school, you and Friend were always together 24/7. At the time, he didn't realize he had feelings for you and he was just an average delinquent. His grandparents, although they are nice people, never really got involved in raising him. They just let him do what he wanted. If it wasn't for you, Friend would have probably not passed high school. And there, you met Keagan, an athlete of the school. One day, he suddenly asked you out, and you said yes. Keagan didn't like Friend very much due to the weird "serial killer" aura he gave out (in Keagan's terms), and you and Friend eventually started drifting apart. One night, Keagan started taking you and his friends home. You were the only sober one in the car. And his friend and Keagan thought it'd be funny if they left you in the middle of town, at like 3 AM. So, that's what they did. They drove off without you, leaving you stranded. As this was happening, Friend was also high at a different party. He started getting annoyed because other people kept hitting on him, so he went outside and was desperately wanting you to talk to him Then he got a message from you with your location in it. And he high tailed it to you. (This is where Aftermath: The 'Accident' comes in) That's where the...obsession started. At first, he wasn't sure what to call it. He never felt something like this before, but now.... he just can't imagine his life without you in it. And having you away from him for so long....what if you leave him again? But, he knew what it was when you two graduated and you asked him what his plans are for after high school. He wanted to be with you everywhere you go, do everything you wanted to do together. So, he cleaned himself up, cut his hair, cut back on the weed and alcohol (Although he does indulge from time to time). And, he started studying on how to be the perfect partner. He has mastered every domestic skill needed to have a happy fulfilling relationship. He started working out, and he started actually paying attention to his appearance. He has, and still is, learning how to be the best partner for you. How to be patient, how to make your heart skip a beat, how to be confident but not too confident..... he wants to be perfect for you.

[or0ch1maru]

Could you write some fluff of my favorite pretty boy deidara? :)

He’s so cutie and I need to see him go on a date and be happy for once

I apologize for my absence loves. It’s been busy and then my health went to shit for a while so I decided to take a break from most of my socials to fully unwind and heal.

But I’m feeling much better and I’m planning on sending out some requests over the next few days. Also, as I’ve mentioned before, I’d love to get some jjk requests in since I recently finished watching the show and would love to add some characters to my write list!

Fluff, deidara x GN reader first date 🫶🏻

•

-the two of you first met when Deidara visited your weaponry shop for a custom order

-the adorable blonde acting stoic but with a hint of pink blush to his cheeks as he ushered out a thanks before leaving

-just like the rest of the akatsuki, he visited monthly for a fresh set of weaponry. Kunai’s, shuriken, sheaths, the usual

-it wasn’t until his fifth time visiting that the words fell from his lips. “Um, want to go dinner sometime?” And of course, you said yes. Giving him a date and time

-the night came, and from hours before, Deidara was in his room, making sure his liner came out nice and nothing was smeared or smudged.

-the same goes for his hair. He brushed it out(multiple times may I add) making sure there were no knots or frizz

-he even annoyed the hell out of poor Sasori. “You sure I look okay?”, “don’t lie to get me to shut up ya know”

-after Sasori, and Itachi’s reassurance. The explosive blonde made his way towards your place. Your address scribbled on a piece of paper in your neat scrawl

-after knocking, he waited patiently, a small bouquet of flowers sitting in his grip.

-Konan was the one to explain that it’s ‘custom’ to bring some sort of small gift, flowers, or even chocolate to a first date

-and coming from a woman, he took her advice seriously. Picking out a beautiful, yet simple flower bouquet. Deidara didn’t want to go over board in case you ended up thinking he was weird, or overwhelming

-his cheeks flushed a bright red when you opened the door. A gentle smile plastered across your face as you gazed up at him. Your hair styled nicely, on top of a casual yet classy outfit

-just like deidara, you didn’t want to go overboard with your clothing. Wanting something comfortable yet stylish, but also sophisticated and casual

-deidara had picked a cozy, family owned restaurant about twenty minutes from your village

-the food was delicious, and filling. The two of you chit chatting about multiple different things. Mostly how it was being a member of the akatsuki and how it was being a blacksmith for rogue ninjas

-as the night wore down, Deidara walked you home. His fingers grazing your hand for most of the walk. It wasn’t until you took the initiative to hold his hand. Yours fitting so perfectly against his

-not minding his mouth hands in the slightest. Bringing you back to the day you two first met and you complimenting them

-“tonight was great, I had fun” deidara would say softly, his voice even but an underlying tone of nervousness was apparent

-despite the two of you having fun on the date, he was scared that you would ghost him, or simply say you weren’t interested in him anymore

-it wasn’t until you stood on your toes, placing a soft peck to his cheek with the words “I’d like to see you again, if that’s okay with you” fell past your lips as you gazed up at him, your two hands holding onto his that he finally relaxed

-“how does next Friday sound?” He asked you kindly, a soft smile etched on his features

-deidara then walked home, a huge smile on his face, one full of pride and happiness as your soft voice echoed in his mind

-“I’d love that, I’ll see you then” repeating over and over in his mind as he approached the compound

-excited to see you once again

[magicshopaholic]

Past Lives (Hoseok x OC)

Summary: Faced with an ambiguous relationship from your past, you start to doubt your blossoming relationship with Hoseok.

Pairing: Hoseok x OC

Genre: I wish I could tell you what genre this is but let's go with contemplative flangst (fluff + angst)

Word count: 4.6 K

Rating: 18+

Warnings: mentions of parental death

A/N: A lot of OC focus in this one. Takes place about a month after Caterpillar, the same weekend as A Day in the Life.

Tagging: @bbl32 @quarter-life-crisis2 @meirkive  @faearchives @margopinkerton  @dreaming-with-happiness  @confessionsofamarshlily  @purpleseoul7 @sumzysworld @xjoonchildx @infinitehobi @handfullofcandids

Listen to: "it's hard to get around the wind" by alex turner

hoseok masterlist | main masterlist

Chaeyoung spots the restaurant across the street and checks the map on her phone to make sure it’s the right one. A notification pops up on the top of her screen at the same time.

Hoseok [12:40] This interview is taking a bit longer than expected. I’ll keep you posted. 

Her heart leaps lightly, unexpectedly. It’s not that she’s looking forward to hanging out with him exactly, but amidst the chaos of his tour, it’s the friendly thing to do to catch up with him during the few days he is in town.

Right below Hoseok’s message, though, is the one she’d gotten earlier today - unexpected, but unavoidable.

Hi, Chaeyoung! How are you, darling? I’m in Seoul for the weekend and I was hoping we could grab lunch if you’re free? I would love to see you. Let me know!

Hesitating for a fraction of a second outside the restaurant, she wonders if she can still fake an excuse and make a break for it. But then she sighs, knowing she won’t do that. Once, she might have - and she wouldn’t have thought twice about it. But the years have passed and Chaeyoung has grown, and while the past may not have escaped her mind entirely, her reaction to it certainly has.

Stepping in, she’s about to ask the hostess about a possible reservation but then spots a table for two at the far end next to a large window, already half-occupied. Taking a deep breath, she walks over, waving when her companion looks up and spots her.

“Chaeyoung!” Soyeon’s face lights up, the faint smile lines creasing around her eyes. She stands up and moves towards Chaeyoung as if about to give her a hug but hesitates at the last moment. Chaeyoung pauses as well, before leaning forward a bit and meeting her stepmother in a slightly awkward hug.

“This is a really nice restaurant,” remarks Soyeon as they sit down. “Especially these little menus on every table,” she adds, touching the framed cocktail menu with white waves around the edges, a little trinket hanging on the side with a string. “Good choice.”

“A friend told me about it,” says Chaeyoung, glancing out of the corner of her eye at her stepmother. In her late forties, she looks fresh out of a lifestyle magazine, her long summer dress modern but with a subtle bohemian print along the edges. Years ago, that kind of clothing used to make Chaeyoung fume, for it wasn’t what the rest of the mothers wore and Soyeon stood out like a sore thumb. Today, she can’t help but appreciate the originality, wondering if trends really had changed so much over the years. 

“Oh, before I forget -” Seoyeon rummages through her white tote bag and retrieves a clear box with gold tape around it. “Tim Tams. They restocked it at the Foodhall in the mall after ages.”

It takes all of Chaeyoung’s willpower to not lunge for the box. Hands trembling slightly, she takes it at a normal pace, exhaling at the sight of her favourite dessert in the whole wide world. “I - oh, my God. I haven’t had these in so long. I’d given up on ever having these again.” She bites her lip. “Thank you.”

Soyeon beams. “I haven’t seen them in a long time either but I had to go to the mall yesterday to buy a couple of things for the trip, so I thought I’d stop and check.” She shrugs, clearly relieved at Chaeyoung’s reaction. “Guess I got lucky.”

“I mean, I’m dieting right now but Tim Tams I can make an exception for.”

“Why -” Soyeon frowns but stops abruptly. “Well, as long as you enjoy them.” She smiles as Chaeyoung sets the box to the side. There’s a few seconds of silence; now that the initial bit of this lunch has gone without any major hiccups, the pressure to keep the delicate cordiality going is surfacing. A waiter appears and a couple of minutes are occupied while they order drinks (margarita for Soyeon, mojito for Chaeyoung), and then the silence returns.

Soyeon speaks first. “So… how’s work going?” She leans forward with her hands clasped under her chin. “Are you enjoying it?”

“Um, I guess.” Chaeyoung shrugs. “It was a bit daunting at first but I think I’m getting the hang of it.” Not sure how to elaborate further, she lets her eyes wander to the rest of the room. She was right: it is a nice restaurant, breezy and floral, with tons of natural light.

“Your brother mentioned you might have to start travelling a bit,” she says, as their drinks arrive. At that moment, Chaeyoung’s phone lights up on the table.

Hoseok [12:55] The blooper reel for this interview is going to be so embarrassing. Who serves drinks and then tells jokes?

“Cheers?”

“Oh -” Chaeyoung, who had been about to absently take a sip, sheepishly clinks her glass with Soeyon’s. “I don’t know. No one’s said anything yet. I did have to go to Busan last year to cover the arts festival but -” She shrugs. “Nothing since then.”

“You covered the arts festival? That’s amazing!”

“Well, not really covered,” she clarifies, not really wanting to get into something she’d been bemoaning for a while last year. But then she catches sight of Soyeon’s full attention on her and something loosens in her stomach. “I’m still just doing research. It’s not bad, but… you know what, it’s fine. Not everyone in Conde Nast who wants to become a columnist actually becomes one,” she mutters, taking another sip of her drink.

Soyeon nods sympathetically. “I understand. Everyone starts at the bottom but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t get frustrating now and then. But don’t give up,” she adds after a moment. “You have the talent.”

Chaeyoung frowns. “For research?”

“For writing.” She gives her a look. “You used to always do so well in your Korean language class - oh, and you won that essay competition, too.”

Her memories stir. “That was… eighth grade,” she murmurs, touching the edge of her fork. “I think the quality of writing at Conde Nast is probably higher than that.” She glances up to see Soyeon nod and look away. “But… you’re right. I didn’t even remember that competition,” she admits.

Soyeon raises her eyebrows. “It was a beautiful essay. The one about the mother searching for her children after the tsunami? Drove me and your father to tears when we read it.”

“Really?” Chaeyoung frowns, a faint smile appearing on her face. “My dad?”

“Oh, yes. He pretended he didn’t but I saw him tear up.” She grins. “Everyone was very proud of you that day.”

Chaeyoung says nothing. It’s coming back to her now, the fact that her father couldn’t make it to the middle school award ceremony because he worked long hours back then. Soyeon had offered to come but Chaeyoung had immediately rebuffed that by claiming only babies brought their parents along to things like this. The only person who had been cheering for her in the audience was Chanyeol - and his best friend who had been begrudgingly dragged along.

As the waiter stops by again to take their food order, Chaeyoung sneaks a glance at her phone, hoping to see another message from Hoseok. But there isn’t one; pursing her lips, she locks the screen and places it next to her plate.

“So what else is going on with you?”

“Oh, um -“ Chaeyoung tears her eyes away from her phone. “Nothing, really. How’s my dad?” she asks after a moment.

“He’s okay. Getting a little restless after retirement, but he’s adjusting.” Soyeon gives her a small smile. “He really misses you two.”

Chaeyoung tries not to scoff. “Chanyeol, maybe.”

But Soyeon shakes her head. “You, too. He tells everyone that his daughter works for a big magazine in Seoul.”

“But his son works for a tech company in Busan. The saddest day of his life was the day my brother moved out,” she points out. She looks up to see Soyeon’s expression shift to resemble something like sympathy, and immediately changes the subject. “Do you talk to him often?”

“Chanyeol? Sometimes. I travel to Busan every few months so we catch up if he has the time.”

Chaeyoung frowns slightly, unsure of what kind of answer she was expecting. It was no secret that as kids, he got along with their stepmother much better than she did, making an effort to be polite to a grown-up. 

The food arrives then and Chaeyoung clings to a couple of minutes of silence as they dig into their plates of pasta. She wonders briefly why her brother hasn’t brought up Soyeon in their conversations if they indeed talk that often. 

“He told me about his new girlfriend,” says Soyeon, sprinkling some oregano on her plate. “She sounds great.”

“Hayoung? Yeah, they were in the same class in school. She, Chan, Hoseok - all of them. She’s nice.”

“What about you?” She raises her eyebrows with a smile. “Any special boys in your life?”

Ignoring the weak jolt of her heart, Chaeyoung shakes her head. “From high school? Not a single one. I don’t think boys started liking me like that until college.”

“Well, Chanyeol was quite protective of you,” says Soyeon in a matter-of-fact way. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the boys in school thought twice about messing with you.”

It’s not that it’s a surprise, really, but she feels a sudden rush of affection for her brother. She remembers the ice creams and the free use of all his toys and his generosity with pocket money, but maybe it extended further than that. Maybe, just maybe, her childhood idea of she and her brother being a team against the world wasn’t entirely in her head.

“He can get annoying sometimes, too,” she says nonchalantly, recolving to call him later tonight, just to chat. “He pesters me endlessly to download this app that’s supposed to track my spending and savings for me.”

Soyeon doesn’t say anything but the look in her eyes makes it clear she isn’t fooled by the blasé tone. “Would you excuse me for a moment? I’m just going to run to the ladies’ room.” She scoops up her phone and slides out of the chair, walking away as her dress flows behind her.

Chaeyoung picks up her phone. There isn’t a message from Hoseok yet, but she sends him one anyway.

Chaeyoung [13:30] Having one of the stranger afternoons of my life. I’ll tell you about it later. If you’re ever done with your interview, that is.

She sends both messages, hoping a second later that she isn’t coming across as desperate. She begins to panic but then a reply appears.

Hoseok [13:32] Can’t wait to hear all about it.

Her heart leaps as Soyeon returns, a faint citrus scent following her. “Sorry about that. What is it?” she asks.

“What is what?”

“You were smiling just now.” 

“Oh.” This isn’t a topic she wants to get into with anyone, least of all her stepmother. There’s the latent fear that whoever she talks to will automatically think she’s regressed into her obsessive teenage self, while the much more real fear is that it might just be true.

It’s not just you. He kissed you, too. He’s texting you, too. He wants to hang out with you, too.

The mantra repeats itself in her head, objective truths that make all the difference between their old dynamic and their new one.

“It’s nothing.”

Soyeon pauses but evidently lets it go. “Okay. Actually, there is something I wanted to talk to you about. It’s not really the kind of thing I wanted to say over the phone.” She licks her lips, looking slightly nervous.

“Okay,” says Chaeyoung slowly, setting down her phone and sitting back in her chair.

“Um… so, your father and I… well, we’re doing our estate planning. You know, working on our wills.”

“Why?” Chaeyoung asks sharply, hearing the sudden anxiety in her own voice. “What’s - what’s wrong with -”

“No, nothing!” Soyeon shakes her head immediately, holding up her hands. “Your father is fine. It’s just run of the mill stuff, you know. Just so we have all our affairs in order. Nothing is wrong,” she clarifies, waiting for Chaeyoung to nod before continuing. “So… he is, of course, dividing his assets between you and your brother, but since I don’t have children of my own…” She clears her throat, eyes flickering downward.

Chaeyoung says nothing. This conversation is taking an unexpected route and this is the last topic she wants to deal with today.

“Well… there are some things I own that I would’ve probably left to my daughter, if I had one. Jewellery and the like, things I got for my wedding - and I’m not saying you’re my daughter or that I’m your -” She clarifies quickly, and Chaeyoung nods again, wordlessly. “But… I would like to leave that to you, if you’re alright with it.”

Her phone lights up again, another message from Hoseok.

Hoseok [13:45] Fucking hell. There’s a road blocked on the way to the airport so I’ll have to leave earlier than planned. Filming might get pushed up but I’ll still try to make it. Letting you know just in case.

The disappointment in her stomach feels faint, like she’s imagining it - or hoping for it. Chaeyoung forces herself to respond in a steady voice.

“Um, I think you can leave your things to whoever you want. I don’t think you need to ask.”

Soyeon nods, and her eyes fall slightly. “I know,” she says softly. “But I want to ask. We aren’t very close and… I don’t want to presume anything.”

Chaeyoung bites her lip. Her chest feels uncomfortable, and she tries to work out which road on the way to the airport might be blocked. Why it would, today of all days, how much earlier Hoseok would have to leave to catch his flight, and what the odds might be of him actually meeting her at Sephora later today. 

“Chaeyoung?”

“I -” Chaeyoung clears her throat. “Of course, you can. Thank you.”

Soyeon raises her eyebrows for a moment, as though surprised at this quick response. “Oh. Okay. Wonderful. That’s - that’s really… thank you.” She smiles and reaches for her drink, taking a quick sip. “I should ask for some more ice. What about you? More ice?”

“Sure. And… I know we aren’t very close.” Chaeyoung looks down at her plate before forcing herself to meet her stepmother’s eyes. Her stepmother, who made sure that not a single birthday went by without wishes and a gift. “But that’s on me,” she mutters.  “You did your best.”

The waiter stops by and it seems to take Soyeon a moment to remember why she had called him. As she requests him for more ice and to clear their plates, Chaeyoung glances at her phone out of the corner of her eye and feels the knot in her chest loosen. Maybe the road will get unblocked by the evening. Maybe filming will end early, or maybe there won’t be traffic between Big Hit and Sephora.

“You know, you can leave jewellery to Chanyeol, too,” she half-jokes when they get their dessert menus. “He’s not bad at accessorising.”

Soyeon chuckles. “You might be right. I am planning to give him something, though.” She hesitates. “In a year or two, if everything looks like it’s going well… I was thinking of giving him my engagement ring. I’m hoping he’ll propose to Hayoung with it, if he wants.”

Chaeyoung raises her eyebrows. “Wow. That’s… wow, an engagement ring. Oppa’s growing old,” she remarks in wonder, making Soyeon laugh. “He and Hayoung make a good couple, though. I could see her as my sister-in-law.”

“Yes, but I want to ask him when the time is right.” She leans forward slightly. “Can it stay between you and me till then?”

Chaeyoung nods, somewhat endeared by the prospect. They order a tiramisu to share and return the menus, when another message pops up on her phone.

Hoseok [13:55] Interview just got done. Do you think you can meet me at Sephora in about an hour?

Chaeyoung grabs her phone and immediately types out a reply. “Sorry,” she mutters to Soyeon, hastily sending a Yeah, I’ll be there to him.

“No problem. Everything okay?”

“What?” She sets her phone down. “Yes, everything is… okay. It’s good.” But she can feel the smile starting to spread across her face, suddenly glad she had the foresight to bring the gift card with her to lunch.

“Yeah? Someone interesting been texting you all afternoon?” she asks, raising an eyebrow.

“No,” she answers automatically. “I mean, not interesting, just… it’s Hoseok,” she admits lamely.

“Our Hoseok?” Soyeon looks both surprised yet somewhat knowing. “Chanyeol mentioned you two were friendly now, but are you…”

“Friends?” Chaeyoung guesses. “Yeah, I guess. We both live here and I guess we started hanging out last year…” She shrugs, trying to ignore the fluttering in her stomach. “It’s not a big deal. But, yeah… we’re friends.”

“That’s nice,” she says. But there’s that knowing look in her eye again, and Chaeyoung isn’t sure if it’s a guess or if she’s being that obvious. “You two kind of… clashed growing up.”

Chaeyoung rolls her eyes, grudgingly appreciating Soyeon’s attempt at being diplomatic. “That would be an understatement. But, yeah, I guess once I stopped being a creepy stalker and he got his head out of his ass… we actually get along pretty well.”

Soyeon waves her hand as the tiramisu arrives and they each grab a small silver spoon. “Don’t be so hard on yourself,” she says as they attack the dessert together. “You were a kid - and everybody that age wants validation from someone they look up to. You had a crush,” she tells her. “We’ve all been there.”

Chaeyoung knows it’s meant to be comforting, but it struggles to get through. What if I’m still there?

“Can I tell you a secret?” she blurts out. It suddenly occurs to her that there are two people at this table who lost their mothers when they were children. “You can’t tell anyone - especially not my brother.”

“Of course,” says Soyeon instantly. “Is everything okay?”

At this pivotal moment, Chaeyoung’s voice seems to give up on her. It’s happened before, the couple of times she’d been about to confide in Sooah before chickening out, for there was no guarantee anymore that she wouldn’t tell Jimin. Sunmi would be no help in general, her work friends weren’t close enough and had zero context, and Chanyeol was simply out of the question.

She clears her throat. “Hoseok and I… kissed,” she confesses before she can lose her nerve. She sees Soyeon’s face start to relax and hurriedly continues. “It was the night of my birthday. He came over, brought me a Sephora gift card and cupcakes… and we hung out. He offered to go skincare shopping with me and told me about his tour. And then right before he left… he kissed me. Or we - we kissed,” she finishes awkwardly, wishing she was less incoherent about this.

“Oh. So, are you two dating?”

“No,” she answers immediately, realising now that she was also possibly dreading an over-the-top reaction by Sooah, one that would make her want to crawl under her bed covers and never reappear. “No, we’re still friends. We haven’t really talked about it. He’s been abroad ever since. It’s… kind of confusing, that’s all.” When Soyeon doesn’t respond, Chaeyoung worries she may have overshared. “What?”

“Nothing…” Soyeon bites her lip. “I’m trying to decide between the advice I should give and the advice I actually want to.”

“The second one.”

“Okay, then.” She sets her spoon down, their half-eaten tiramisu abandoned between them. “I watched Hoseok grow up and while I love him like family… I would tell you to protect yourself.”

Chaeyoung pauses, not expecting this. “What’s the advice you should be giving?”

“You know…” Soyeon shrugs. “Follow your heart, tell him how you feel, don’t be ashamed of your feelings.” She purses her lips. “I’m not saying you should be ashamed of your feelings or that you shouldn’t follow your heart, but… maybe you want to see where this goes before confessing anything? He’s doing so well for himself and we’re all very proud, but I can’t imagine that that life would be a walk in the park to put up with. Just… don’t be in a hurry, especially if you’re not sure how he feels.” She pauses. “Or how you feel.”

There are too many grudging truths in this piece of advice. For the first time all day, she doesn’t immediately glance at her phone when it lights up with a message.

“Did I spoil your mood?” Soyeon asks as they’re heading out. “I’m sorry, that wasn’t my intention. I was just trying to -”

“No, I know.” Chaeyoung interrupts her. It’s raining now; the sunniness of the day has disappeared as though it never existed and they stand under the roof right outside the door of the restaurant. “You didn’t spoil anything. Maybe… maybe we’re just meant to be friends and nothing more.”

“Maybe. I’m not pretending like I know everything about your relationship with him. I know that he’s a good kid with a good heart, and so are you. And teenage reactions don’t mean much when you’re grown up.” Soyeon tilts her head and places a hand on Chaeyoung’s shoulder. “I’m not at all surprised that you two get along. And he would be incredibly lucky to be with you. But maybe I’m biased.”

They exchange a small smile. It feels a bit more real now: the kiss, the feelings, the fact that Jung Hoseok isn’t just a teenage fantasy anymore. 

“Thanks. That’s good advice. I could’ve used more of it over the years,” she adds. 

Soyeon averts her gaze for a moment before looking up again and smiling. “We have time,” she says. “I’m just a phone call away.”

Chaeyoung nods. One of the stranger afternoons of my life. “And thank you for the Tim Tams.”

Soyeon laughs. “Don’t worry. I bought a second box just for myself.” Chaeyoung grins as Soyeon’s phone pings and a cab pulls up in front of the restaurant. “How are you getting home?”

“Oh, I’m going to Sephora - er, the mall. I’ll take the bus,” she says, pointing at the bus stop across the street. “It’ll be here in a few minutes.”

Soyeon raises her eyebrows. “Alright. Text me when you reach. And… say hi to Hoseok for me.” Her eyes twinkle and without thinking, Chaeyoung steps forward and hugs her stepmother. Soyeon seems to freeze for a fraction of a second before hugging her back. “Take care of yourself, sweetheart,” she murmurs, stroking her hair. “And have fun at Sephora.” Stepping away and tucking a strand of hair behind Chaeyoung’s ear, Soyeon hurries out into the rain and into the waiting cab. 

Chaeyoung waves to her as she leaves, too many mixed feelings churning through her. But it’s lighter somehow and as she crosses the street in the rain, cringing slightly as her hair gets wet, she suddenly feels older and more capable.

There’s too much to unpack from this afternoon so she decides to keep it aside until she gets home. As she nears the mall, the city caught in an unseasonal shower, the only part of her lunch with Soyeon that seems impossible  compartmentalise is the bit about Hoseok.

He would be incredibly lucky to be with you. Part of her knows she’s jumping the gun; apart from the one kiss they shared and the innocent flirting at best, there has been nothing to indicate that they’re anything more than just good friends. 

But there’s the other part, the part where he’s been texting her whenever he can, joking around with her, moving his schedule around just to shop with her. She isn’t imagining it, but the more she has to convince herself of it, the less special is feels.

It’s still raining when she reaches the mall. Splashing through the small puddles in the pavilion, she hurries into the mall, the AC making her shiver.

“Shit,” she mutters, tugging her thin cotton shrug around her. She catches her reflection in a mirror by the door of a clothing store and groans inwardly; her long hair, painstakingly shampooed, conditioned and straightened this morning, is damp and wavy down her shoulders, strands sticking to her forehead. Her eyeliner seems to have smudged as well, making her look like a drowning raccoon.

Hoseok [14:30] Just reached. Where are you?

Chaeyoung sighs and glances back up at her reflection. Taking a selfie of herself scowling, she superimposes it on a dramatic graphic of a stormy sky and sends it to him.

Chaeyoung [14:32] [photo] Got caught in the rain. I look like a crack addict.

Hoseok [14:33] OMG You still look cute, haha. Very punk. Like, bubblegum punk.

Chaeyoung feels a smile spread across her face at the response. Looking back up at her reflection, she shakes out her damp hair so it falls tousled down her shoulder. A lot more confident than she was a few moments ago, she makes her way to the escalator.

Sephora is on the second floor of the mall, with all the other cosmetics and skincare stores. It’s the biggest one, though, looking shiny and expensive.

As she approaches the store, she spots Hoseok inside. He’s wearing a hoodie, a baseball cap and a mask, but Chaeyoung recognises him instantly. He’s standing a bit to the inside of the store, in a corner by the eye creams, rubbing his eyes and looking down at his phone.

At the exact same time that Chaeyoung’s heart flutters at the sight of him, a different part of her conversation with Soyeon resurfaces out of nowhere. She takes a step back so she’s behind a pillar; she’s sure he can’t spot her now. Opening the camera of her phone, she holds it up to her face to look at her reflection again.

It can’t be. A simple text from Hoseok can’t change her opinion in an instant, not this much. Is it true, though? Is she, after all these years, still looking for validation from him?

It’s a more humiliating thought than any memory of her childhood crush. Liking Hoseok all over again is something she can handle; wanting his validation, his approval - it’s a path she can’t go down again.

Chaeyoung lowers her phone to sneak a look at Hoseok again. He’s taken off his mask now. A few people seem to have recognised him, but his attention is on his phone, face pensive.

She realises she hasn’t replied to his last message. Her thumbs hover over the screen; it’s not her finest moment, but she knows she can’t do this until she’s had some time to reflect, alone.

Chaeyoung [14:38] I might need to take a raincheck, literally. It’s pouring and I can’t get a single cab. I’m sorry.

With a heavy heart and hoping she doesn’t regret this, she sends the text. Peering from behind the pillar, she watches as Hoseok gets the message. He stares at his phone for a few seconds, his shoulders falling, before visibly sighing and taking off his cap. He runs a hand through his dark hair and puts the cap back on.

Hoseok [14:39] Oh. That’s cool. Let me know when you get back home safe, okay?

Chaeyoung almost gives it up right then but when she sees Hoseok exiting the store, she immediately flattens herself behind the pillar. Taking great care to not be seen, she watches Hoseok go down the escalator and disappear into the crowd.

—

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to drop a review :)

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Cameos & Familiar Faces

Entirely subjective yadda yadda. Organized by favs in each category. No numbered lists anymore, tumblr be buggn'.

End of Aug Start Sept 2023

Ongoing Series - Thai

Laws of Attraction (Sat iQIYI) 8fin - Oh the DRAMA. Why does the insane ex (my true love) remind me of the cartel leader from Romancing the Stone? Even the sides got HEA! It was fucking great!!!!! Charn remains a bonkers spoiled evil murderous brat with a cruel smile beloved by his one true paladin. Also: post it love note trope! Been a long while my old friend. NO SINGING!!!!! I do love that wedding jacket frock coat cape thing Charn wore. 

In conclusion: This is a great gay suspense thriller with several solid couples, fun plot, killer characters, queer rep, and a happy ending. Charn may be my favorite lead character of 2023. However, this show is not entirely BL, more on the fringe, like Manner of Death. Add that to several "singing incidents" and pairs being a little weak in the chemistry arena, and this lands safely in 9/10 territory. It’s tons of fun tho: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. 

I Feel You Linger in the Air (Sat grey) ep 3 of 12 - This show is getting more and more lakorn each ep. Apparently the straights are having a class divide arranged marriage crisis. Who cares? Our boy is ALWAYS in trouble. Crazy that he has to save the people who betrayed him in a previous life - but I guess he chose revenge! That's unexpected.

Had to switch to grey and couldn’t find a working rip. It was frustrating and I wouldn’t have bothered except I like this show so much. Still, it means no screen caps because the rez is naff.

Dangerous Romance (Fri YT) ep 3 of 12 - Uh oh. Kang wants to save Sailom and be his hero. The fact that K’s Pa puts no pressure on him whatsoever, makes me wonder if K's Ma committed suicide or something? It’s definitely the opposite parental dynamic we normally see in BL. I have to say, the pacing is great in the show. And the acting is on point. It’s really great. 

Hidden Agenda (Sun YT) ep 8 of 12 - these two just kiss well. I mean not "rip your clothes off Taiwan-style," but sweet young boyfriends-esk. Joke wants to be claimed so bad. It’s great. I enjoyed this ep, unfortunately it looks like we have a manufactured angst drama drop in the next episode. Is this a 10 episode arc? I thought it was 12. It’s odd to have doom happening next episode already.

Only Friends (Sat YT) ep 4 of 10 - Back story time! Ray and Mew are HARD to watch. Incestuous friend group gay is the worst. Omg I got such QAF vibes from this ep. Nick Boston Sand chats = very throw back 90s gay soaps. 

Location game moment: Top's hotel room is also Chan’s apartment in Laws Of Attraction. 

Naughty Babe (Sat YT) ep 1 of 8 - Ooo. Est is back! Hi handsome. Head of security suits you. Please lead out the new Waterboyy remake? You’re perfect for the role. (If it must happen.) Yi’s Pa is GREAT. Please give daddy a nice boy? Could that be our secondary couple for this series? 

Meanwhile, with the leads (sorry I was distracted by daddy) we got us an arranged marriage, run away bride, and an amnesia trope. Put in a secret baby and it's squarely 1980's Harlequin. Will there be Vikings? Sex herbs? Pirates? Dub con?

Be Mine Super Star (Mon Viki) ep 9 of 12 - Again with lovely sex scenes, it’s just the plot stringing them together is frayed. Also don’t fuck in an onsen. Both yech and ouch.

That goes for all y’all.  

Wedding Plan (Wed YT & iQIYI) ep 7fin - Trash watch here! Honestly this was an okay ending, I’m not mad at it. If you can tolerate Mame and liars (kinda the same thing) you’ll be fine with this show.

Summation: An innocent wedding planner falls haplessly and hopelessly in love with a groom who relentlessly pursued him, even though he’s about to marry someone else. A somewhat lackluster mame offering with less of the usual stellar chemistry, but all of the usual lies and manipulation. 7/10

Love in Translation (Sat iQIYI) ep 3 of 10 - I skip everything to do with Tammy and it’s fine. There’s only about 20 minutes of fine but that’s more than enough. On the bright side. So far. No singing.

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) ep 2 of 24 eps - Cassanova Begins Part 2. Aw. It was sad. Another variation on the “my ghost boyfriend” trope (usually sad). 2/10 I don't do sad BL.

Next up is Merry Go Round featuring the pair from Destiny Seeker (we likey) who want to marry each other, but end up fake engaged to the same woman. Beard squared? Looks silly.

Crazy Handsome Rich (Sun Gaga) ep 1 of 10 - There are 2 things I like about this. I bet you can guess what they are.

Lee Long Shi

The whipping boy trope

There wasn’t enough of either in this first ep. ALSO the captions, sound effects, and voice over are truly next level bad. Utterly atrocious.

The 2 leads fucking around in the end credits was the funniest part of the whole show. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Jun & Jun (Korea Thur Viki) ep 7 of 8 - I am confused and frustrated about what the communication delay is between the two Juns. It feels artificial and narratively manufactured. But since this is a short form KBL and I know it will be resolved quickly, I’m not as annoyed as I would be if this were Thai BL. Still it feels audience manipulative. I also feel sorry for Simon. BUT it looks like it’ll be a sweet boyfriends final episode.

Stay By My Side (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 10fin - Omg they’re so cute!!! Taiwan the purveyors of ultimate sappy gay domesticity. I am going to miss having these to nonsencing all over my dash.

This show was an interesting take on the "ghost boyfriend" trope. About a boy who is tormented by hearing the dead, except when he is around one other boy - desperation+proximity = love. Unfortunately, the story was erratic and waffled about. While the leads turned in solid performances and the sappy domesticity was off the charts, it never really had the strength of the narrative convictions such a strong concept should have supplied. Highly rewatchable and enjoyable for that sappy domesticity but not a whole lot more. Still I always give extra credit for the diabetes-inducing sugar content and rewatch capacity. 8/10 

Kisseki: Dear to Me (Taiwan Tues Viki & iQIYI) eps 3 of 13(?) - I love the punching thing - there is a lot of violent flirting in this show. I’m not mad about it. Ugh, poor thing has real abandonment issues. And now trust issues. I see why we’re getting 12-14 eps. This gonna be MESSY.

Meanwhile, does EVERYONE have a guest cameo? Not that I’m complaining. Hi BLIHID boys! Now I need to rewatch that show. 

Love Class Season 2 (Korea Fri Viki) eps 7-8 of 10 - Oh my God the next morning w/ couple 2 was so darn cute. They are all such terrible flirts with each other. Honestly, this show makes me laugh more than any other BL currently airing. I’m not sure it is meant to be as funny as I find it. While couple 3 (the mature characters) is by far my favorite, I actually think they don’t work with the other two pairs, they feel superfluous to the show. I like the show better because they’re in it, but it feels like two different BL‘s stuck together. KBL certainly can’t handle more than two couple threads at the same time. 

Why R U? (Korea Wed iQIYI) eps 3-4 of 8 - Ugh. I am such a sucker for the FighterTutor dynamic. Why so good? Uh oh. Real kiss! KBL you're spoiling us. But, isn’t sad-seme-hyung dating some chick? Argh. Poor Sunwoo. This show is even worse at repping Fighter's character sympathetically. Who knew that was possible?

My Personal Weatherman AKA Taikan Yoho (Japan Sat Gaga) ep 3 of 8 - The date episode! Even Japan is doing it now. And these two who have been living/fucking together for ages still dance around each other like junior high kids. I gotta say, I watch this one twice because Vicki has different subs from Gaga. I feel like it’s easier to understand if I watch two different translations of the same script. But it’s still quite a taciturn piece. 

Minato's Laundromat Season 2 AKA Minato Shouji Coin Laundry Season 2 (Japan Thu Gaga) ep 8 of 12 - Sides are great. It was mostly a cute ep with tiny bits of Progress and a proper Confession. I miss Shin’s siblings. And then… the much loathed amnesia trope. Really?

Everyone say it with me: Must you, Japan? 

Stay Still (Hong Kong Tues YouTube) ep 5fin - It ended happier than I was expecting. Optimistic for one couple, and most likely optimistic for the other.

Summation: What to say about this offering from Hong Kong? It’s different, a mix of early CBL, Taiwanese shorts, and Pinoy visuals. It felt like the story was 2 independent shorts that had been lengthen and then stuck together, and I wish they'd been approached as separate and tighter entities. Nevertheless, this was a complex little piece,  interesting in a sweaty grungy way, with a certain aura of queer authenticity that made it simultaneously tense, unpredictable, and refreshing. I’m not sure I would necessarily call it BL, but any county’s early foray into the genre usually starts out this way, so perhaps nascent BL? Worth watching, especially if you enjoy stuff from the Philippines and Taiwan. 7/10

In case you missed it

Dinosaur Love ended its run but the final 2 eps are behind a paywall. Word on the street is they aren't good anyway (shocker) so I'm marking it as DNF and moving on with my life. If I can find em grey I'll watch 'em merely so I can give it a rating, but I can't imagine it will get more than 5/10. Seriously, do not bother.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Coming September

9/15 You Are Mine (Taiwan Gaga) Secretary has to deal with grumpy boss.

9/15 Bump Up Business AKA Bump Up Project (Korea movie) suspected cinema release? I don't know much about what's going on. Last status update. Love story between a trainee who is about to debut and a celebrity from the same agency. Kpop boy group OnlyOneOf has signed up to star in this idol-based BL (based on a webtoon). They’ve been auditioning for this since Libido IMHO. You can watch me chronicle their BL MV series in this post. It’s from Idol Romance who will do sad but can do good kisses (Wish You, Nobleman Ryu, Once Again, Kissable Lips, Poongduck 304, Tasty Florida, Tinted With You).

9/26 I Cannot Reach You AKA I Can't Reach You AKA Kimi ni wa Todokanai (Japan ????) - Adapted from the manga, childhood best friends: The cool, smart one who’s good at everything, and his average, dorky friend who struggles. Always by the other’s side, but not together in the way they truly want to be. No matter how hard they try, their hearts cannot reach each other.

9/27 Absolute Zero (Thai iQIYI) - from 2021, Studio Wabi Sabi and New Siwaj finally bring us this “time loop to prevent tragedy” romance. We don’t always get HEAs from them, so I'm on my guard.

9/? Venus in the Sky (Thai iQIYI) 10 eps

9/? Mr Cinderella 2 (Vietnam YouTube?)

2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED).

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Hidden Agenda hitting us up with a hug + lap + kiss. Very nice.

I think these two might be GMMTV's best cuddlers.

Boys, I think your JoongDunk is showing.

(Last week) 

[silent-raven13]

Hobie is in love

(AU: Hobie (23 years old) saw Miles (30 year old) meeting up with his ex, and it got him feeling some type of way. I was inspired one of @heiibo art where he had 30 old Miles and Hobie. This is a continuation of the idea.)

Hobie grumbles through the sky swinging from building to building, "Can't believe I'm dis fucking late, man!" He sucked in his teeth being super pissed off he had to fight the Green Goblin all the way in Queens and now he's late.

Super late!

"Fuck, man!" He cursed the damn villain till death, because he wanted to be there early. He wants to see him, be with him, be alone together with small chat.

Spider-punk did a flip and twist before landing down a dark alley, quickly changing into his nice dressing collar shirt with his own twist into it. He ripped the sleeves off and add some patches, then got his favorite pairs of Converse. He grabbed his backpack filled with his Spider-man clothes taking it with him.

Going to an Art gallery called, 'Sensual', there's a lot of people coming in on opening night. Hobie awkwardly walks inside to find so many of Miles' close family and friends and- DAMN, does he have a lot of family members.

When he would hang out with his crush at his place, he would look through Miles' photo album and learn all about his family. Hobie hearts flutter when he finds anything new on his beautiful crush like Miles has a sister that's the same age as him. It's kinda of crazy to learn that he loves going to old buildings to tag when he was young or played bass guitar.

The more Hobie finds out about his crush doing the most adventurous stuff, the more his hearts pounds. He's fallen in love and it's hard.

"Do you want me to take your bag?" The receptionist asked the tall young man, "We don't allow large backpacks in the art gallery, there's a chance sculptures can be knocked out."

"Um... sure." He gave his backpack at the receptionist. Seeing how crowded it was, he may knock something over. He's a bit clumsy at times.

The young man slithered his way through the crowd hearing loud chattering and wine glasses clinging against each other. His dark eyes room around the gallery to find his crush, there's so many people.

"Miles! Come over here for a photo!" Hobie quickly snap his neck to a young woman's voice. His eyes quickly landed on his crush dressing so handsomely. Miles wore a maroon suit with black collar shirt and black dressing shows. His tie the same color as his suit. Then, he wore gold earrings, and got a side fade.

God, he looks so fine!

Hobie could feel himself blushing, he quickly took a glass of sparkling water to quench his thirst. Then quickly check at a sheer metal sculpture revealing his reflection, he fixes his hair. His hand dip into his pocket to pull out two breath mints, popping them in his mouth.

Slowly he made his way to the small group where his crush is at. The twenty three year old saw Miles taking a photo with a teenage girl and two middle age adults that were much older than Miles. The older woman and older man were wearing a formal attire.

The older woman happily hugs Miles with her cheek pressing against his own, having a loving smile. Miles hugs her with joy.

Are they his parents?

Hobie tries to connect the dots, the only way he can know is to introduce himself. As he kept walking up to them he could hear the teenager girl in a pretty light blue sparkling dress said, "Wow, bro. This is so cool. Check you out being a Brooklyn Artist."

"Hahaha, really? I feel like I got a lot to prove still." The thirty year old artist gave a weak smile.

"Oh come on, have more confidence!" His little sister playfully punch his shoulder, giving a big pout.

"Si, mi vida. Necesitas tener más confianza!" His mother place her hand on her son's shoulder. "You always been timid with your dreams."

"Yeah, son. This is amazing!" His dad nodded having a glass of wine in his hand. "This place is so fancy."

Hobie almost reached them until a woman wearing a pink dress, Ganke with his fiancee beside him, and a muscular man wearing a vest suit showing off his muscular arms. Well, more than one muscular man, there was three in the same outfit showing off their muscles. They stood with dark brown skinned going from dark to brown skinned like a gradient of the three.

The darkest muscular male had long dark brown dreads, the middle one had long twists with blond hair, and the last one had braids with brown hair. They were greeting Miles by hugging him and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

Hobie stood being jealous, his eyes staring looking unfazed yet he is annoyed. Who's touching his crushes like that? Finally got up he heard the three men talking all at once. "You did amazing work. I never knew my body can look this hot." The one with brown braids happily said.

Hobie glance at one of the art to find the guy is one of Miles' model. Oh, it's the same model he saw in those very detailed drawing from Miles' social media. Only this time the model is in a sexual posed wearing robes with flowers in a large painting. It's a beautiful painting to show beautiful in this man's hair with his body is the accent to it.

The young man slowly went up his way seeing how the women in pink keep being touchy with his crush. He did not like that at all. Why does his crush have to be so damn likable!

"Awe, Miles! Look at you having some cuties at your side and I thought you don't date younger men." The woman in pink had her wavy dark brown hair sways from every movement, she hugs Miles' left arm having the prettiest smile.

It disgust the punker. Normally, he isn't the jealous type, but this is the man he's fallen for. Miles is someone he never felt before, he wants him so bad. Bitting his bottom lip, then licks his lips before going up to greet Miles. "Um.. hey?" Hobie awkwardly went up to his crush.

The group looks at him wondering if he mistaken them for another group around his age. Miles perks up with his big eyes gleaming, "Hey, Hobs! Glad you made it. A bit late, huh?" Miles asked going to him to give him a side hug.

"Sorry... I was held up at work, someone called in sick." Hobie painfully lie to him, yet he didn't like to lie to his crush.

Miles maintain his wide smile, "Okay, it's cool as long as you're here." He pulled him to meet his friends and family, "This is my friend from college, he helped me out in music class. Hobie meet my friends and family." The older artists introduce him to his parents, "This is my mom, my dad and my baby sister, Billie."

"I'm not a baby anymore!" The teenager with the sparkling blue dress pouts cutely, "I am sixteen years old!"

Her dad guff and chuckles, "Hmph, still too young in my book." His mustache would wiggle when he grumbles.

Miles' mother giggles, "Jeff, let her be independent. She's a young lady."

Miles frowns, "You'll always be my baby sister!" Then he turns his head back to Hobie and his friends, "Anyway, these are my friends. You met Ganks, but this his fiancee, Danika. Then, my good friend Barbara, and Judge. These are my models from my gallery, Trey and his partners' Adio, and Rodrigo. Hobie saw the muscular man with brown braided hair with a wide smile being Trey. The other man with dark umber skinned with dreads being called Adio and the other brown skinned man with blond hair named Rodrigo.

"Hello," Hobie felt overwhelmed to see Miles' friends. Normally, the punker always makes people jaw dropped or make them tongue twisted. Somehow he expected Miles' to have fewer friends and maybe be more shy- God, why did he think that? Of course, he would get along with anyone, he's too damn likable.

"Hi, Hobie." Barbara wearing a pink dress flashing her high end jewelry, "So, what did you think of the gallery?" She arched her eyebrows then turn to her friend, "He's a bit young to be your friend, Miles."

"Come on, Barbs. Don't think like that." Miles chuckles, "Hobs, is a cool dude." Miles talking to his friends.

"Awe, he's so young, papí." Rodrigo smirks at the young man, "He reminds me of myself when I was a kid." He had a Dominican accent with more of feminine touch to it.

"Teh," Adio chuckles with a thick Jamaican accent, a bit deeper with one hand on his hips. "He's cute tho. Miles, don't you think he's a bit too young!"

Hobie hates at how they were picking at him for being young. Billie puff her cheeks going up the models, "So what! I'm sixteen and grown! He's grown, too!"

"Billie, stay out of grown folks business." Her dad mumbles.

His wife's giggles, "Awe, leave them alone, mi amor." She tug on her husband's arm, "Let's finish looking at the gallery!"

"Miles watch your sister." Miles' dad said while being pulled to finish the gallery.

Billie huffs and puffs being cutely adorable like Miles. She got the same likable softness with her big dark brown eyes. Barbara coos, "Awe, so cute! I could eat you up!" She snuggles her friend's sister.

Trey chuckles, "Awe, it's great to be young, again." He had one hand on Miles' shoulder, which Hobie stares at it almost like daggers.

Ganke patted Hobie's back, "Don't mind them. They're always like this."

Danika giggles, "Always!"

"So Hobie, how old are you?" Billie faced the punker, even though she was only five foot seven inches.

"I'm twenty three."

"Awwwee, he's so young." Barbara and the three model jokes.

Judge snorted, "Not that old. So Hobs, what's your major?"

"I'm majoring in Music. I like to write songs and make them." Hobie simply say, "But I'm thinking about Engineering..." He has been looking into Stark Industries for their amazing technology. He needs to make a new high tech suit instead of easily ripped spandex.

"Ohh, see you should focus on Engineering. That's where the money is at." Judge said.

Miles said, "He can do both I know he can."

"Awe, you're so sweet, sir." Adio playfully hugs Miles with his head resting on his shoulder. "You watch out for him."

Hobie stares at them being incredibly jealous. Why are they fondling his crush so much and why Miles is letting them touch him? It makes him wonder what's going on during their art session.

"Stop it, you guys. Anyway, let's enjoy the gallery." Miles happily said, "There's still a lot to look at."

"Haha, okay. Okay. We'll like the kiddo alone." Trey patted Hobie's back.

"Let's get some wine." Barbara said to the gang as they went back to where they stop before the speech Miles gave. Hobie saw Billie still with her brother and felt like she should leave too.

Miles saw Hobie giving him a look with a sad pout. Then he understood, "Oh, Billie!"

"Hmm?" His sister turns to her older brother.

"How about you go to Ganke and Danika for a bit? Hmm, tell Ganks to get you some candies. He owes me one let him know." Miles asked his sister.

"Ohh! Okay! I will be back though!" She giggles as she rushes over to her brother's best friend and fiancee.

Miles and Hobie were all alone together, "You good, man. I never expect you to dress up for me. I'm touched." Miles' big eyes on the tall slim young man.

"It was your big day... sorry, I wasn't there for your opening or speech." He rub his hand feeling his rings, another frown formed on his beautiful sculpture, "I wanted to be here- I really did try..."

"Awe, don't worry about it. Look on the bright side, I can give you a full tour." Miles said, "I know you would come, and I'm happy you did. I don't care if you were late, it's New York man. Who's ever on time?"

Hobie took Miles' left arm, finally being pleased to have his crush all to himself. "Man, you must be tired from work, huh? Okay, I'll be short and simple. You don't wanna hear me yap."

"I do." The punker quickly said.

"Oh... okay!" The artist happily took him to the first painting of the gallery, where the entrance is at. "Okay, so I called this 'Mi Gente!', My people in Spanish. I noticed in our art world there's been a few artist, who happened to be Black or Brown showcasing the beauty of Blackness or their culture. I know growing up being a Black Puerto Rican, I got to see how colorism affects views on beauty. Though, I didn't want to focus my works on just my culture... I wanted to enhance beauty in the specific models I pick. I did pick them for a reason."

Hobie looks at the first drawing of a beautiful detailed of a Black woman in the nude holding her new born. The attention to detail with the soft stroke of pencil to highlight the woman's features like her wide nose and lips in shut a delicate pressure. It's in a profile position with her eyes softly glancing on her baby while wearing a head wrap to protect her hair, her skinned glistening. Every stroke is an important decision to her beautiful face, yet... The attention to the silk blanket in extreme detailed being wrapped around the baby with so much love and care.

The punker could feel the mother's love, and her baby boy with full of curls, his eyes closed being in comfort. It's the trust he's placed on his mother that makes him look so comfortable in his sleep. The soft pencils gradient gives a lush soft skin of the baby showing he's well fed. Those cheeks shows he doesn't miss a meal. When Hobie finally noticed the mother holding a Rosary necklace neatly tuck almost hiding in the fancy blanket.

His eyes saw the description of the art work, Miles called this work, "Madonna and Child". The punker said, "Interesting."

"Heh, you think?" Miles smiles, he prefer to stay quiet about his meaning of his work.

"Yes, it's very good."

"Really? My mother and grandmother weeps at the painting. I believe the models are around here, her husband burst into tears." Miles rub his chin thinking out loud. "I didn't see it, but my sister told me."

"You don't seem excited about it." Hobie said.

"As an artists, you always gotta punish yourself. I know my work is good, but I still the mistakes I've made and I want to improve it." Miles admits, "It's a curse of an artist, I suppose."

"Well, for what it's worth I think it's fucking amazing." Hobie admits trying to hide his flustered cheeks.

Miles' smile grew wider with his eyes showing a glint of joy, "I'm glad, Hobie." He took his friend's hand to show him more works. Hobie got to see big beautiful works; Miles added his friends in his paintings. One got the slim punker chuckling, it was a painting of Miles and Ganke as teenagers being at a birthday party.

Ganke got cake on his face and head, while Miles stares in deer in headlights at the viewer. The painting is meant to replicate a photo of Ganke's sixteenth birthday, yet Miles put a massive twist to it. The background of the painting had a group of homage to the Korean Americans and Black American figures, then a lot of mainstream and graffiti overlapping. It seems to show the gentrification of the location of the area and it started off from people of color that built the culture of New York.

Well, this is what Hobie took it for. "What's so funny?" Miles asked.

"It's just..." Hobie squint his eyes, "What the fuck are those?" He pointed at Miles' big Nike shoes. "You're lookin' rather Goofy."

"I didn't grow into them. They were my uncles." Miles chuckles, "I'm surprised you didn't shit on my outfit."

"You're being engulf in clothes, man." Hobie snickers. "What Y2K is this?"

"Hey, me and Ganks were rockin' it. We were trending." Miles playfully wave his suit with a proud huff.

"Whatever you say, lil Bow-wow."

"Wo-oo-oow, cold man. At least call me, Nelly. I got swag like him." Miles grins.

"Swag? Man, you are an oldie." Hobie looks at his crush with giggles coming out of his mouth.

"Hey!"

As the two continue through the gallery, they were laughing and talking about their day. When Hobie got to see a large painting of Spider-Punk, he automatically froze. Miles paused along with him, "Like it?"

"Yeah, it's-It's so fucking awesome." Hobie let out a wide smile, his eyes shimmering with delight.

"Really? I thought I need to add more purple." Miles judging his own work very harshly.

"What are you talking about? This gotta be your best one." The twenty three year old's thick short locs wiggle in joy.

Miles playfully said, "Nah! You really wanna see my best work? Come on, this was my last piece and I thought this one is my best. I would never sell it."

"Oh yeah, what makes it better than Spider-punk?" Hobie scoffs, before taking a quick picture of the large mural of Spider-Punk. He finally loosen up being more care free with his poses, more chill than before with his crush's friends.

The slender man had one hand on his hip following Miles to the last art work. For the moment, Hobie thought his body stopped, time had stopped from what he saw on the white wall. Miles giving his friend a giddy smile, "You like? This is my greatest work."

He couldn't believe it. Hobie had to blink a couple times before his face went bright red. His hand shyly cover his mouth trying to hide his flustered face. "Wha? Stop. You must be joking, eh?" Hobie finally asked feeling difficult to accept this kind of gesture.

The painting is him wearing his favorite headphones sitting in some brick fence with a flat surface wearing his cool style of Punk and Streetwear. His eyes painted looking hopefully while the area of his birth home in Harlem. He remembers him and Miles had a project to go to Harlem into a popular Jazz performance, they spend the day hanging out. Hobie likes to think it was their first date, to his surprise he didn't expect Miles to take a photo of him.

One time, Miles did ask him to model for him. To his disappointment he didn't get naked for him, but only had to make head poses. Hobie swallowed hard as he looks at the name of the art work, 'El Barrio' He had to look at the background painting to see how it's the ghetto part of Harlem yet Miles was able to give it a unique charm with selective color palette of Gold, culture, and richness. It's the good and the ugly of Harlem, Hobie knew its apart of him.

"You say this is your best work..." He finally said.

"Yeah."

"I could see it. You put your soul in it... but" Hobie's eyes sparkles at the large work, "I think all of them are beautiful. I see the love, the passion- you put all your trust in your work. I hope you be kind to yourself, because all of these are fucking amazing."

"OH yeah?" Miles being content with that. "I'll try as long as you keep being my muse."

"Hahaha, fuck off. I ain't shit."

"Come on, Hobie." The thirty year old man nudged him, "You are my muse."

"Alright. Though, I am happy you think I am worthy of being one." He never felt beautiful in that sense. All his life he had to fight, be alone or casually search for someone to be desirable in the way Miles seems him.

Fuck, I do love him.

This made him love the artist even more. How is this possible? Why he's falling for him so hard? Is Miles truly a wonderful person? He's kind, gentle, playful- Not a fucking lustful twit the punker sees at bars. Can his crush the one for him?

"Oh, you are." The older man said, "Oh before I forget, do you want to do to dinner with me and family and friends? We're going to celebrate after this! I wanted to ask you earlier, but I forgot with all the setting up. We found a good restaurant where they make Vegan, vegetarian food! I remember you were one of those right?"

That's right. Hobie started his life as a Vegetarian, he's not ready for Veganism seeing how he's fond of certain dairies. His heart pounds against his chest, "Ye-yeah, I'm vegetarian."

"Oh perfect! So you're coming?"

"Yeah!"

Miles happily grab his arm giving a hug, "Awesome! How about a selfie?"

"Sure." Hobie saw his crush pulling out his phone to take a selfie. The pure joy of him being with his crush made the day so worth it. Hopefully, he can confess to Miles later on.

[thethirdromana]

Kerr Avon's costumes, rated

The sequel to Romana II's costumes, rated, here by popular* request! (*maybe not very popular.)

Screengrabs from here (copied rather than linked per their FAQs). Invaluable record of what Avon actually wears in which episode from here. I haven't included overcoats, spacesuits, or anything Avon doesn't actively choose to wear, like prison clothes. Which means that rating this monstrosity

is left as an exercise for the reader.

I've also not done every single variation on black jackets with studded panels, even when they are technically different black jackets with studded panels, because otherwise we'd be here all night.

As seen in Space Fall and Cygnus Alpha.

Ugh. It's fine. The heights of bonkersness that Blake's 7 costume design would reach are not even really hinted at here. It's a perfectly reasonable outfit - grey shirt, grey trousers, grey tabard-thing. Add a name badge and Avon could be stocking shelves in a fancy supermarket. I'll allow that it does look comfortable, which will not be a theme of much else on this list. 5/10.

As seen in Time Squad.

I don't hate the brown patchwork thing (though brown is rightly Blake's colour), but what's going on with the larger square over his stomach? I feel like he's about to do some welding or something and it's there to protect his clothes, but it is his clothes. Avon only wore this outfit once, and who can blame him? 2/10.

As seen in The Web, Seek-Locate-Destroy, Mission to Destiny, Duel, Project Avalon, Breakdown, and Deliverance.

I think this one may have suffered from the passage of time. Because I look at it and think, why has Avon chosen to dress like an old-fashioned stereo system? But from the vantage point of 1978, I guess Avon had chosen to dress like a decidedly modern stereo system. Look at those rounded corners, he could be a first-gen iPod. And the matching grey of collar and cuffs is a nice touch. None of this answers the question of why he has buttons across his tits, but there are some things that are not for us to know. 8/10.

As seen in Bounty and Orac.

Oooh, green. Green is a nice change. And if you're watching Blake's 7 and you're enjoying those green sleeves, you'd better make the most of them, because other than one very notable exception, this is the last time that Avon wears an outfit that isn't brown, white, black or shades of grey for the entire rest of the series. The rest of it looks a bit like someone's Star Trek Discovery uniform cosplay got out of hand. 6/10, because green.

As seen in Redemption and Killer.

Obviously, this is a classic. And full marks to Paul Darrow for wearing a costume that was literally bought from a sex shop and making it look like something that anyone might wear to their normal day of fighting oppression and engaging in homoerotic tension. 10/10.

As seen in Shadow, Horizon, Gambit, and Children of Auron.

OK fine I threw away the term "classic" too soon, this is the true classic, the time Avon decided to dress as a thermal blanket and then pair that with thigh-high boots. ICONIC. What I love about this is aside from being batshit, it's actually kind of a nice outfit? I imagine that shiny fabric was absolute hell to work with but the gathering at the shoulders means it hangs surprisingly well.

It also gains at least 5 bonus points for featuring in this, one of my all-time favourite Blake's 7 moments:

I wish I could find it as a gif, but you'll just have to join me in pretending these images are moving instead. And in heaving a nostalgic sigh for the era when men were allowed to have normal bodies on TV. 15/10.

As seen in Shadow.

I've tried to go for just one main outfit per episode, because this is already very long and we're only about halfway through. But I had to make an exception for matching! outfits! And all the better for being an outfit that looks great on all three of them. I only wish that Avon could have had some silver boots like Jenna is wearing, I think it would really have completed the look. 9/10.

As seen in Weapon, Pressure Point, Countdown, and Dawn of the Gods.

In some ways, this costume is quite practical. Avon is wearing something not a million miles from bikers' leathers here, and the quilted part of the chest and back would presumably offer him a bit of protection if he got into a fight. But also, it's the colour and style of a brothel sofa, and there's no way in hell he could wear this and retain the ability to lift his arms above his head.

God, I love this show. 10/10.

As seen in Trial, Hostage, Voice From the Past, The Keeper, Star One, Aftermath, and Powerplay.

I have less to say about this because - and I mean this in full tribute to the Blake's 7 costume designers - it's just a nice jacket! It stays in keeping with the design trends we see throughout the series, with panels of different fabrics, and spacewear shiny silver bits, but ultimately you could wear this on the street today and no one would give you a second look. I quite like that about it. 8/10.

As seen Aftermath. (And the loose black shirt in Voice From the Past is similar too).

Maybe this is just my mid-00s goth-adjacent phase showing through, but I am, and always will be, a sucker for a man in this kind of shirt. 8/10, please don't make me justify this further.

As seen in Volcano and Rumours of Death.

The first of many similar black outfits, where I'm going to be selective or this will get tedious very quickly. I think this is the best of them; after this, the 80s started up in earnest, and Avon's shoulders were never allowed to be their natural width again. 9/10.

As seen in The Harvest of Kairos.

My parents haven't been camping in years, but somewhere in the attic they still have an old tent, which lives in a bag that looks a lot like this outfit. As if I needed any more reasons to dislike The Harvest of Kairos. 1/10.

As seen in Ultraworld.

Avon what are you doing. Brown is not your colour. I think I might headcanon that this is Blake's jacket, because aside from the brownness it also seems to be a fair bit too big for Avon. After a couple of seasons of squeezing him into the lobster outfit and other tight leather things, the costume designers seem to have swerved hard into boxy shapes from this point onwards. I disapprove. Honestly, I was going to skip this one except that I love what Dayna is wearing. Wish Avon could have some of that energy. 2/10.

As seen in Death-Watch.

Let's pause for a second, look to the left, and appreciate that Dayna is wearing another fabulous outfit. Now let's take a deep breath, and look at the utter monstrosity that Avon is wearing. Like a matador crossed with a bumper car. 0/10.

As seen in Rescue, Power, Traitor, Stardrive, Animals, Headhunter, Orbit, Warlord, and Blake.

Avon wears some kind of black jacket with studs for nearly all of season D, but I've picked this as the definitive one. I don't know if there's some kind of clever character development thing going on here with how big this costume is, like Avon is expanding into his leadership role, but weighed down by the responsibility too. It could be deliberate, it could just be what fashion was like in the early 80s.

What I do know is that however meaningful this costuming might be, it's not flattering. 5/10, and Avon finishes the series, sadly, no better dressed than he began it.

[greensimp]

First off, I want to say I’m glad I found a fellow asexual in the fanfic community! Considering the majority of it is smut/sexual related, it’s nice to see works being done that don’t correlate to that 😅 I didn’t realize you were one until reading your guidelines when submitting requests, so it was a nice surprise!

Second, I enjoy reading your Gyutaro fics, he became an instant favorite of mine after watching Demon Slayer. If at all possible if requests are open, would you be interested in doing a forgetful reader x Gyutaro? It’s a struggle of mine (ADHD is a factor in my case) and it can get frustrating considering people treat me like I do it on purpose and don’t pay attention, especially if it’s in a scenario where I’m overwhelmed. If not, I look forward to continue seeing your other works regardless!!

Oh my god I get so frustrated with myself when I forget things all the time. I’ve never been diagnosed with ADHD or anything, but I suspect I may have something similar. Especially since I’ve already been diagnosed with Tourette’s and ADHD/ADD often coincides with that. I can relate with you on a spiritual level tbh lol.

Also yes, I do mostly identify with the asexual community! My writings are definitely mostly catered toward fellow asexual people and I agree that there is an oversaturation of smutty content in fanfiction (not a jab at those who enjoy smut, I know it’s the majority of fanfiction consumers that do, but I also think that pretty much everyone can enjoy a story without smut as well. It’s inclusive to asexual people and the average reader.)

Gyutaro x Forgetful!Reader Headcannons(ish)

A/N: AFAB reader (Ace coded in honor of the requestor).

-In the canon setting, I don’t think your forgetfulness would effect your relationship much. Its your personal and internal frustrations about it that would get in the way of anything.

-You’d live in a small room above a clothing store near the Kyogoku house as the owner’s assistant.

-Your boss’s main customer? The Kyogoku house, of course! Gyutaro met you when you had tagged along with your boss to get his sister’s measurements one day.

-From the beginning, he got the impression that you were a little air-headed, often misplacing small objects and frantically searching for them once your boss asked for them. How could someone lose things so easily?

-The first time he would “visit” you (sneak into your room to play with his food), he’d taunt your behavior, only for you to be more concerned about whether you had met him before and had forgotten, absolutely mortified at your own perceived rudeness. Like, his appearance was the least of importance, a rarity in Yoshiwara.

-Once the initial “honeymoon” phase of your relationship wore off, your true worries would begin to affect your relationship (at least, you would believe that to be so).

-Gyutaro caught on from the start that you weren’t normal. Your brain didn’t work like other peoples’. If he was being honest, your common fits of panic when you couldn’t find an important piece of jewelry or document was one of your most endearing qualities. You cared so much about little things in such a drastically different way than other people. You spent so much energy on being the perfect little maid servant to your boss (and him sometimes) and you strove to be kind to others.

-However… the longer you tried to keep him and the people you interact with on a daily basis happy at your expense, the more apparent it was becoming that a breakdown was eminent. Months of masking your abnormal behavior and constantly taking great steps (often repeating a single task in your mind hours on end so you wouldn’t forget) to remember things would come to a head.

-You’d be in your room, frantically searching for an important document with the measurements for a very high profile client. It wasn’t that big of a deal, as the client would be stopping by later that day and could just be measured again. It would only take a few extra minutes at the beginning of the appointment. That didn’t matter to you though. You hated the thought that anyone would be inconvenienced because your brain can’t work right.

-Your brain is just defective. Worthless. Why were you cursed with such an incompetent memory? Why were you so weird?

-Gyutaro would emerge from your window to find you sitting on your knees and looking down.

-At this point, you and him had been in a relationship for almost 6 months. He’d gotten comfortable just appearing in your room whenever. At the moment, it was very early in the morning, the sun not even peeking over the horizon yet.

-“Hey baby, whatcha stressin’ about this time?”

-He could tell you were tense, but when you didn’t turn to face him with those adorably panicked eyes like you usually do, his big toothy grin fell, eyes softening.

-Then he’d notice the tremble in your hands as they gripped the fabric of your kimono.

-Now concerned, he’d furrow in brows in confusion, crouching down to try and get a look at your face.

-only to be met with a thousand-yard stare

-“Sweetheart?”

-“Why am I so stupid?”

-The question would take him aback. You’d never acted like this before, so  what had happened to you?

-“I try to do everything right. I try and try and try. So why can’t I just remember? Why can’t I just be normal?”

-Something about the tone in your words would resonate with his memories long since locked away by Muzan’s influence. Merely a reflexive reaction at this point.

-“Hey, snap out of it, you’re actin’ like it’s the end of the world or somethin’-“

-Your head whipped around and you gave him the most horrified stare he’d ever seen from you. Your eyes were wide with terror and your teeth were chattering. Internally, you felt like your world was ending. An unexplainable sense of doom was gripping your chest without mercy, causing your breathing to pick up rapidly.

-“What if I forget things about you next?! What if I forget our memories?!! What’s HAPPENING to me, Gyutaro?!”

-A panic attack. Gyutaro knew about it all too well. Even as a demon, he would probably still experience those.

-As if on instinct, he would jump to envelop you into an embrace, trying everything in his power to ground you. Guilt would quickly overcome him, now realizing how much you had been bottling up for his sake. You didn’t want to inconvenience him with your problems.

-When you would finally calm down, he’d grab your face and kiss you softly, not caring if your salty tears touched his lips.

-“Even if you do forget about us, I’ll spend every waking moment reminding you. You don’t have to worry, sweetheart.”

-He'd make sure you don't have to burden your insecurities alone ever again.

-And yes, he did help you find those measurements.

AAAAAGH I'm so sorry this took forever to answer I've in the process of moving for weeks and my job is exhausting *sigh*. I really wanna update this blog more regularly from this point onward tho!

[celestialmazer]

Harvey Guillén Brings His “Big and Short” Bombshell Style to the Red Carpet

The ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ actor may only have just recently courted attention for a hot run of looks (the Met Gala, the Oscars), but he’s always been a clothes horse: “I’m like Ariana Grande: I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it.”

BY MIKEY O'CONNELL JUNE 17, 2023 10:00AM

Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/harvey-guillen-red-carpet-style-1235514713/

Harvey Guillén was photographed June 2 at PMC Studios in Los Angeles. He’s wearing a shirt by Daniel Velasco, who also designed the actor’s tux-inspired 2002 Emmys outfit featuring a sheer, blue pussy-bow shirt. PHOTOGRAPHED BY YASARA GUNAWARDENA

Harvey Guillén always loved to get dressed up. He cannot say the same of shopping. “Going to the mall was so hard,” says the What We Do in the Shadows star. “Somebody made a meme of what it is to be a person of size going shopping with your friends. Everyone else is like, ‘I got this cute outfit, I got this cute top, I got these cute jeans.’ Meanwhile I’m like, ‘I got this cute bracelet.’ “

Some brands and retailers have gotten better at catering to plus-size customers, but the evolution remains slow-going. Fortunately for the 33-year-old queer actor, a real sartorial standout with a string of buzzy 2023 red carpet looks, he’s now courting the attention of major labels, though not all of them are able to deliver. “They love him and want to work with him, but they are working with limited sample sizes and limited resources,” says stylist Michael Fusco. “It’s not a challenge for people to want to work with us, it’s the execution part.”

Christian Siriano is one who’s handled the execution. In March, Guillén became the first man to don a plus-size look from the designer at the Academy Awards. The pair collaborated again on a pink tweed suit for the Met Gala, a sly “fuck you” to event inspiration (and well-documented sizeist) Karl Lagerfeld. “Christian just knows how to make Harvey look great and elongate his lines,” adds Fusco. “It’s just magic.”

Even without Siriano on speed dial, Guillén is prepared for his increasingly public life thanks to a not-insignificant collection of clothing — his L.A. home boasts two full walk-in closets and four racks for overflow. A few of those looks will no doubt be sported on the Orange County native’s near-endless promotional circuit for Shadows (season five premieres July 13 on FX), DC feature Blue Beetle (in theaters Aug. 18) and a deep slate that includes recently announced New Line thriller Companion, among many other projects on deck.

You’ve had a lot of major red carpet moments this year. Is there a look you’d consider a favorite?

This year has just been back-to-back-to-back. The Oscars started that. We made so many best-dressed lists. Christian had designed for Billy Porter before, but never has he designed for a plus-size guy — so it was nice to collaborate with him on something that was new and had never been done before. The Met Gala was great. They were obviously honoring Karl Lagerfeld, but you also have to represent yourself. So I wore pink. Karl was known for not liking pink. I like loads of things that he didn’t approve of.

PHOTOGRAPHED BY YASARA GUNAWARDENA

How would you describe your first experience at the Met Gala?

I got to walk the carpet before I hosted the night for E! I’d never really put on that hat before. Maybe next time I’ll just go and do the carpet and enjoy the event. It was really cool to watch everyone come in, but it was also very exhausting to be out there in an outfit, all night, talking to people.

Working in even the most basic tuxedo can be exhausting.

Yeah! You’re just wearing Louis Vuittons, and these shoes are meant for being walked on and taking pictures — not running up the hill for hours and hours on end. I can’t even imagine it wearing heels. There’s no way I could do that for eight hours.

I’ve seen you at a couple of events wearing semi-sheer tops. Even with fashion’s easing of older gender norms, that takes confidence. Were you always so adventurous, or is this a recent development?

I’ve always been one to take risks; I just never had the opportunity to do so. It’s already hard to be confident in your own body, especially in this industry. So, if you’re going to do something, then do it full out. And then there are the people who comment, like, “Oh my God, you’re so confident in that.” Yeah, I want to feel my best in what I’m wearing. Why wouldn’t I wear a sheer top? People are just like, “Wow …” They usually assume that people who are a plus size want to cover up, not show off any skin or curves. I do the opposite. I want to show my curves. I want to show a little peekaboo. The sheer is fun.

Harvey Guillén was photographed June 2 at PMC Studios in Los Angeles. PHOTOGRAPHED BY YASARA GUNAWARDENA

What is your everyday style?

For the day, a T-shirt and jeans will be just fine. Obviously, you’re not going to wear a Christian Siriano gown to pick up bread. But I like to play with old stuff. My place in L.A. has four racks of clothes on top of two walk-in closets that are already full. I’ve collected so many pieces over the years that I’ve probably only ever worn once. I can’t bring myself to get rid of them. I have pieces I haven’t worn that are ready to go for an event. I’m like Ariana Grande: I see it, I like it, I want it, I got it. Because it’s hard to find stuff in your size! So when I find something I like, I don’t double-guess it. In the past, I’d be like, “I’ll get it later.” Then it’s gone!

The clothes that we put off buying haunt us for years.

To this day, there are these shoes that I think about. I was in Germany and thought, “It’s fine, I’m sure I can get them online.” Nope! Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I’ll wake up in a cold sweat of regret. “No! The shoes!”

PHOTOGRAPHED BY YASARA GUNAWARDENA

When you’re at the mall, what do you gravitate toward?

When I do a movie or something, the costume designers will call, and it’s always the same conversation: “Where do you shop for your clothes?” Which is so interesting to me because I was like, “Where do you shop for everyone’s clothes?” The difference is they know that question is loaded because a lot of designers or stores only go to a certain size. It isn’t as easy, and then that becomes their struggle. You’d be surprised how many times I’m like, “See, the struggle is real.” I had one costume designer who gave up. They were like, “Can you just bring some of your own clothes?”

Dior’s pre-fall 2023 show in Cairo. COURTESY OF DIOR

If you have the clothes, that means they’re out there.

You can find it! You can find clothes in a size that fits everyone; you have to search. For me, the easy go-to is ASOS. They’re reliable when it comes to a big selection of sizes — and they deliver overnight — so I do ASOS a lot. I remember spending whole afternoons at the mall just looking for clothes. You find something that you like, but then they don’t make sizes past a large or an XL. They don’t think that people who are our size are fashionable. They think you’ll be content shopping at Big & Tall — which is fine if you want to shop there, but it’s very limited. Big & Tall is for someone who’s big and tall. … “tall” being the key word. I’m big and short. There should be a shop called Big & Short. (Laughs.) The average body is not a size zero, so it’s surprising to me how the fashion industry keeps pushing that idea. The average person wants to look fashionable. But that’s aspirational living, right?

“Since he’s become a badass, we tuck his pants into his boots and roll up his sleeves,” Guillén says of his Shadows character. RUSS MARTIN/FX

And, like any other industry, they want to make money. So it doesn’t make sense to ignore such a significant portion of the market.

It’s always surprising when you see, like, “Well, the sales are low this year.” Why? Sales will go through the roof if you just added two more sizes to your collection — or at least another three sizes on top of that. There’s money out there that people want to spend. It’s like in Pretty Woman. I want to walk in like Julia Roberts with a bunch of bags and say, “I came in yesterday, and you didn’t have my size. Big mistake. Huge.” I have money to spend, but you don’t get my money because you didn’t think I was worth making a garment for my body.

“I like playing with the idea of what’s gender-normal or gender-neutral,” says Guillén of his fondness for sheer items, like this Christian Siriano look for Vanity Fair’s 2023 Oscar party. JOHN SHEARER/WIREIMAGE

How would you describe your discussions with the Shadows costume designer about the aesthetic of your character, Guillermo?

Laura Montgomery, who won the Emmy for costume design, is amazing. She and I get together at the beginning of the season. Because we know what the year’s going to be like for the character, we sprinkle in something new. In season one, he’s more buttoned up. He’s almost suffocating in his own clothing. In season two, he relaxes a little bit. He unbuttons the top button. If you look at pictures of every season, he slowly starts to become the version of who he’s supposed to be — to the point where, in season four, he’s wearing Versace. It’s in a non-fashionable way, of course. That’s just what he thinks people with money should look like.

Who are your own style icons?

There are classic icons that never go away — both male and female. Audrey Hepburn is iconic. But I like the new ideas of fashion. When you look at Maluma and Bad Bunny, they’re oozing confidence, right? Maluma, even offstage, looks amazing in the shirt because he’s wearing it in a way that he’s living his best life. And I strive to do that myself. I could wear a potato sack, but I’d wear it with such confidence that people are like, “I want a potato sack.”

Interview edited for length and clarity.

[snowwolflover]

A deal is deal

part 9

"Wait, what do you mean? I am taking her seriously about changing my clothes a bit but..." Grace stammered before I cut her off with "No buts, Miss Rae is right. Some of what you have is just flat out not appropriate, Especially for someone like you. I warned you about wearing things like you wore today and you did it again anyway. You also agree to behave and do as your told. Your my little sister now and live with me at the house and I promised to take care of you. You also see Miss Rae like a mother and her and I seem to both think this is what's best for you. We are going to get you all taken care of. This weekend you and I will be going in and changeing your WHOLE wardrobe to something more appropriate, end of story." With that I pat her diaper. It was wired, He eyes looked as if she was sad. Maybe even about to cry but I could see her trying not to let out a smile in the corner of her lips. "Now give me a kiss and let's get the rest of what we need so we can get back, Miss Rae is waiting on us." I said. Grace reached over and gave me a kiss on the cheek and we went over to the store. We Made quick work of the list from Miss Rae and got back on the road.

We pulled back up to the house and started to unload everything. Miss Rae had hired a serving staff for the evening and as we entered we saw them setting everything else up. We dropped off the stuff we just picked up in the kitchen and let them take over. Miss Rae came from the back yard and said hello again and let us know where she was with everything. "Everything down here is taken care of, Go ahead and go check on the children Grace. They are your job for the evening. once they are in bed then you may join the party too if you would like" Miss Rae tells her. I jump right in and add "If your not to tiered and cranky by then, since the party will probably be going on well after your ned bed time little one" Graces mouth fell open at that comment. I kept going and said, "Also before you go why don't you show Miss Rae the new clothes we just got you to start your new wardrobe?" I tell her. Grace is a little reluctant but reaches in the bag and pulled out her new dress and showed it to Miss Rae who looked very happy seeing it, Then Grace pulled out the package of Minnie mouse panties and showed those to her as Well. "Well those look more better then that STRING you had up your butt earlier. Very nice. Ok now run upstairs and take care of the kids" Miss Rae said. As Grace turned around to head up Miss Rae added in "if at any point you need to be changed tonight you come get Tiffany or I and we will take care of it, Don't you dare do that yourself". This made Grace go even faster as if she was running from those words.

Miss Rae looked at me after Grace was gone and told me to come see everything. She walked me out back and we looked at the yard being set up. It looked so amazing, like a royal Galla. After so small talk about the party she then told me "I know today was a long day for everyone, expecilly Grace. I want to help as much as I can. When you have time you may take her shopping and use my card. "Get her a new laptop to replace her lost one, New clothes and anything else she needs. I'll pay for it, no problem. Also since she seems to be fitting in this new role so we'll pick up a new ebony hair brush that you can use to spank her if she gets out of line and some pull ups likes she in now too. I want her to grow up to be a true lady." "Yes ma'am, I can do that. Thank you for your kindness." I tell her. "Also if there is anything you need, Please feel free to get it on me as well. I want to support the soon to be president of my sorority and ""Mother"" to my little nanny." she added with a laugh. "Wait, how do you know about that?" I asked. She looked at me with a smile. "I told you before, I still talk to my sister's. I still live this close to my old school and sorority. I sponsor and donate alot to the house and sorority as a whole. As alumni council we keep our eyes and ears open. Also Flora is a legacy and her mother is a close friend of mine. Flora is my god daughter. They should both be here tonight as well." I couldn't believe I didn't know all this. After everything with the house and I now I'm meet someone who does so much and didn't even know it.

We stood around and talked more about her time with the sorority and things she still does until it was time for her to get ready. "I need to go get changed myself, Why don't you go check on the kids and I'll meet up with you soon. Guest should be arriving soon." She said. I agreed and walked up to the kids space. I stood at the top of the stairs watching as Grace played with them kids for a little bit before I said anything, it was too cute to interrupt. Once I saw a good point I did come all the way in the room and Grace gave me a big hug and introduced me to all the kids. We said hi and talked about there toys and everything. As we were sitting there one of the twins yelled I need to go potty, and ran to the bathroom. The other twin seeming to agree said me too and ran to the room as well. Grace followed right behind them "Ok...ok" she called following them in. I walked slowly behind to see Grace interact with the kids. She got the princess training seat down and in place on the toilet and then helped the first girl, then the second. They washed hands and ran back out. I turned and looked at Grace "It's been a while since you have gone? or are you already wet?" I ask. "I'm not wet" Grace said with her stubborn tone. "Then maybe you need to try and go" I teased. She gave me a look for a minute... "Only because I happen to need to go, Not just because you said it" she grumbled... "Yes Baby" I replied sarcastically. Grace reached to pick up the training seat. "Ah ah ah, Don't." I say stopping her. She just looked back and then pulled down her pants and pull up and sat down. With the bathroom door wide open, her pants and pull up pulled down to her ankles and while sitting on a training potty with me watching she went potty. "Oh such a good girl" I praise her. "Now wash your hands for me." I added.

Grace pulled up her pull up and I reached in and check to make sure it was still dry and then she pulled up her pants and washed her hands before returning to play with the kids and I went back downstairs.

Some of the guest had started to arrive and gather in the backyard. I didn't see anyone I knew yet but I started to wonder and meet people. I was introduceing myself as just a friend of Miss Rae's to everyone, unsure what else to say. The music started to play and the grand door to the back yards opened up and out walked Miss Rae and her husband. She was dressed as Bella from beauty and the beast and he was the beast. They went all out on the costumes and looks amazing. The two made there way down the steps in to the courtyard. Miss Rae was handed a microphone and she made a quick speech to the party thank everyone for being her and wished everyone a good night. They started to greet everyone going around the party. When they made there way around to me Miss Rae stopped and introduced me to her husband, "Tiffany this is my Husband, Ryan. Ryan This is a new friend of mine Tiffany. Shes the one I told you about that from the sorority and she is friends with Grace" . Ryan reached out and took my hand in his and gave the top of my hand a kiss "It's very nice to meet you" he says. "Thank you, it's nice to meet you as well Sir." I said. "Oh no, Just Ryan. please " he corrects me. I nodded my head "absolutely, Thank you Ryan." I corrected. "Where is your drink at?" Miss Rae asks me. "Oh I haven't gotten a chance to get one yet." I tell her. "Oh we can't have that, Ryan go get Tiffany and I a drink. please" She says to her husband. without missing a beat he turns "Yes Miss Rae." he says and leaves to go get drinks. I look over at Miss Rae "Your husband calls you Miss Rae also?" I asked. She smirked a little and said "Yes. Everyone does"

"Come on I want you to meet some people" she tells me as she takes my hand and we start to walk deeper in to the party. We walked around for a little bit meeting several lady's ranging from some who were only a couple of years older then I was to some who were more around my parents age. All of them very nice and very well kept. Most were introduced as Miss in front of there name but some were Lady. I did sneak a moment to ask Miss Rae in between greetings why the all were called Miss or Lady. She simply said it was a dignified way of greating. We did run in to Ryan again and he gave us our drinks before Miss Rae dismissed him to go and socialize. Then we came upon a group of 6 women. Miss Rae brought us in to the group and I looked around. I saw that one of them was Flora. We gave each other a quick hug and said hello before Miss Rae started introducing everyone else. First was Miss Amanda, she was Flora mother or as she was introduced Lady Flora. I could tell right away Miss Amanda was the one who everyone else in the group was looking up to but even she seemed to look to Miss Rae. Then we went down the rest of the lady's. Miss Sharon, Miss Ruth, Miss Sylvia and Lady Anna. The it was time for Miss Rae to introduce me. she told the group "This is Tiffany, She is a current members of the sorority and soon to be president of the house when Lady Flora graduates this year." Everyone clapped at that. "She is already showing great promise and I think might also make a good addition to our world as well" Miss Rae added. everyone seemed very excited at this idea. What did she mean? there world? And what about announcing me is the next president? it hasn't even been brought up to the house yet?

My mind was going a thousand miles a minute at this point but I tried my best to stay calm and just smile. All the lady's got in to small talk and the. Miss Rae's phone rang. She looked down and looked at the message and then simply put her phone back in her pocket. She looked at me and said "Tiff, would you be a dear and go check on the kids for me. Grace says everyone is down and the rooms cleaned up." "Yes Miss Rae, I would be happy too." I said as I started to excuse myself from the group. "I'll go with you if that's ok" Flora spoke up. I need to stretch my legs a bit anyway. For a quick moment I was worried, What if I needed to check or even change Grace? what if she didn't have everything done up there? Miss Rae suddenly spoke up and said "That's perfect, it will give you lady's a chance to talk some more as well." So I accepted and Flora and I started to walk back to the house.

As we walked back to the house I looked at Flora and said "I didn't know you knew Miss Rae". Flora smiled at me and replied "Oh yes I have known Miss Rae for a few years now. After my mother joined the group she had the lady's all over at her house and soon I was introduced to them all. I got to see what being in the group did for her and knew I needed to join when I could. So now I am." "Well that's so great to hear." I said. Truly unsure how to respond to all of this. "What about you, It sounds like you have a good connection to the group now and could be joining very soon, And with Miss Rae's and the group backing you your a sure thing for the next president" Flora added. "Well to be honest I haven't really thought about it yet. I was still focused on the president role and everything else going on. The group seems like so much more right now." I said. Flora laughed a little said "It's fine, I know it's a lot but you'll be ok. I'm here for you to help make sure you have anything you need right now. You are me sister first and foremost." By this point we were reaching the top of the stairs in the house. We made it to the kids playroom and both looked around. Grace was sitting in the couch waiting. "Oh hi Flora, what are you doing here" Grace asks in shock at seeing her with me at the moment." Flora just said "Miss Rae and My family have been friends for a long time."

I walked in the room and looked around a little and yes it looked like everything was cleaned up. I peeked in the bathroom and it was also all cleaned up with the princess potty seat still sitting on the toilet Incase any little ones needed it over night. I came back over to the main room where Grace was now standing and talking to Flora and said "Well sweetie, It looks like you have everything ready. Did you want to come down with us or did you want to go lay down for a while and I can come get you when its time to head back to the house.?" Grace said she would like to come down with us for a while so I agreed and we turned to start walking back. Flora suddenly spoke up "Before we go back you should probably check on her, Tiff". Grace went pale as soon as she heard the words and I turned back to look at Flora "What?" I asked. "It's fine lady's. I don't care about it but you should probably make sure she doesn't need to change or go potty before we head down." She replied so nonchalantly. "How....How did you know" Grace asked. Flora just said "Grace, sweetie I suppose to know about my house. It's fine, I haven't told anyone. Your secret is safe." I reached over and grabbed Graces skirt and lifted in a little and reach for her pull up to check it. It felt dry at the moment so I said "She's right baby, you don't need to worry about anything. You feel dry right now but do you need to go potty?" I asked "Why don't we try to be safe" I added. I grabbed Graces hand and started to walk her to the bathroom. Grace didn't say a word and just followed. I helped her pull down her legs and Pull up and sat her on the potty. See took a second and then made a little tinkle and looked up at me. I check the pull up since it was down, I took the time to check it again, It was a tiny bit wet but still ok. I just gave her a little look and pulled everything back up and had her wash her hands.

The 3 of us started to go back to the party, Grace and I holding hands. when we reached the back door and Grace looked out she had a shocked look on her face at everything. "Wow" she said. We reentered the part and Flora excused herself to talk to some others and Grace and I went on to find Miss Rae. We found her a few minutes later walking around "So how was everything, In order?" Miss Rae asked. "Yes Ma'am, Grace did a great job." Miss Rae smiled happily "That's good, and did our little one need to change?" Miss Rae added. "No ma'am she was fine and I made sure she tried before we came back down" I told her. "Very nice. Well you two enjoy the part" She told us. The rest of the of the night went without incident and we just had some fun at the party. About 2 hours later I could tell Grace was getting tiered and we were going to have a big day tomorrow so I suggested we head home. Grace agreed and we started to head back to the house. On the way back up we found Miss Rae again and let her know that we would be heading out for the evening. She wished us a good night and again thanked us for everything. Grace and I went back in to get out things, we went upstairs to the guest room where we left our bags and grabbed everything. I decided it would be better to change Grace to the dress we got her before going home so she would be more comfy on the ride. We got the maid outfit off and I grabbed the dress. As I turned to put it on her I noticed her pants were a little puffy. I stopped and checked her and she had wet her pull up. "Grace your wet, why didn't you say anything?" I asked her. "Well ummm, I didn't think it was that bad and it just happens we were walking back...I'm sorry" she said. I stopped her and just laid her down. I walked to the other room and grabbed a pull up and came back in. I changed her really quick in to a new pull up and got the dress on her. we stopped and tossed it in the diaper pail on the way out.

We loaded in the car and made our way home. By the time we got there she was asleep in my car. I woke her as much as I could and helped her to our room. I stripped her down to just her diaper and got her in her bed and then got myself changed and in my bed for the night. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

[rollofleaf]

WIP Wednesday

Some more Dance of Masks because I swear I'm working on it!

In her clever little disguise, she could overhear people talking, mostly about her. There was praise, wonder, but also contempt. “I heard she sleeps with an incubus every night!” That one stung, the implication that she’d sleep with a man. Thinking of Arueshalae did make her smirk, however. “I know a soldier that saw her in battle, she’s a real demon!” Hilde understood, of course. She had been a demon for years. It was only recently that she had broken free of that. Of course people still didn’t entirely trust her. “You know she came back to Kenabres a month ago? She did some horrible ritual at the Grey Garrison!” Hilde stopped on a dime. She clenched her fists and counted to ten. That infuriated her more than ever. Fighting her inner demon at the Grey Garrison was what saved her, how dare they-. No, they just didn’t know better. Rumors spread like that. Hilde shook those thoughts out of her head and continued walking around.

There was an old woman selling cats, she spotted Sosiel buying one. Something about her just seemed off, so she decided to steer clear. She helped some travelers from Kelesh decide on what flags to hang up, pretended not to notice Arueshalae buying some flowers by a stall, and intervened to stop an illusionist from being arrested. She ignored Daeran’s derision when he spotted her waiting in line like a normal person to enter the faire proper. She liked going unnoticed, it was a privilege she had been denied as the Knight-Commander. She was more than happy to wait and enjoy herself, listen to stories from people and just talk. It almost slipped her notice when someone walked in line just behind her wearing a costume decorated with flowers and two fake butterfly wings behind his back.

Hilde turned and looked the costume up and down. It sort of resembled her, or was at least trying to. “Um…”

The man perked up, grinning down at Hilde. “Oh, do you like it? Handmade myself! What do you think, do I look like the Commander?”

Hilde tilted her head. It would have been unbelievably rude to ask ‘That’s supposed to be a costume of her?’, but the question did linger in her mind. “Oh, um, yes, it looks great! But, the wings…?”

He beamed. “Oh, I’m especially proud of those! I mean, she’s been touched by Elysium’s power, now, so she must have butterfly wings, right?”

Hilde tried to hide the smile and blush that tugged at her features, eventually just turned away with a chuckle. “Yeah, she must.”

Another woman approached from the front, her elven ears perking up at the conversation as she scrutinized the man’s costume. “Well, your costume is magnificent, there’s no denying it. But you did miss something…” She gloated in a sing-song voice. “The Commander’s belt has eighteen holes. Yours only has sixteen.”

Hilde raised an eyebrow, one hand wandering down to feel at her own belt, the one she usually wore. Twelve holes. She turned to the woman, looking her over. “And how would you know something like that?”

The woman scoffed. “I have my sources, but I’m not going to share them with you. You’re not even in costume!” She raised her chin and puffed out her chest. “I know everything there is to know about Knight-Commander Hilde Svalksdottir, I’m her biggest fan!”

Hilde held back a smirk at the irony, then wandered her gaze over the woman’s outfit. She was dressed in her own imitation of Hilde’s new Elysian features, covered in flowers with large butterfly wings. It did still bring warmth to Hilde’s heart to see that some in Kenabres knew that her power had been purified. But right now, Hilde was in the mood to be petty. “Ah. And you even have an Ulfen outfit! It’s very nice. But, ah, are you aware that you’re in men’s clothing? I may not be her biggest fan, but I’m pretty sure the Commander wears women’s clothes.”

“W-what?”

Hilde finally let the smirk show as she took a step forward to demonstrate. “You see, Ulfen leather adds fur padding and support to the chest for women. It helps bind the chest so it doesn’t get in the way while still reinforcing it. You also don’t need to wear a bra under it, though most Ulfen women still do. With your outfit, the leather is as thin at the chest as everywhere else, it’s plain to see.”

A flustered redness began to shine on the woman’s cheeks as she coughed. “I… And how would you know that, hmm?”

Hilde shrugged. She may as well stick with the part she had chosen. “I’m from Varisia, it’s just south of the Land of Linnorm Kings. You learn this kind of thing. I could spout even more trivia about Varisian clothing, if you’d like.”

The man poked at his own chest and grinned. “Huh, the leather’s thick on mine. Did I get that part right?”

Hilde winked at him. “Yes you did, you’re properly crossdressing!” That managed to diffuse the tension enough that the woman laughed alongside Hilde and the man.

She turned to Hilde with a fading blush. “Ah, well… Thank you for the advice. It’s refreshing to meet someone who appreciates the effort it takes! I’m surprised you aren’t in costume!”

Hilde shrugged. “Who says I’m not? There’s a lot of heroes in the crusade aside from the Commander.” The answer was perhaps overly vague, but it seemed to satisfy her. Hilde kept listening to the crowd as the line slowly moved forward. Finally, she was admitted past by a herald in a mask. A very odd mask that struck her as unusually familiar. She could feel his eyes boring into her underneath the mask, as if he could see through her illusion. She was probably just being paranoid. She walked past him, and was finally in the festival proper.

[accio-victuuri]

RIO LIVESTREAM CANDIES. 💙🍬

( edit is owned by -绾抚 / link to original )

We’ve all been missing GG so it’s nice to see him in this event. && he’s so cute and fresh in it, I feel the same vibes as I did with how WYB was in the Thailand roadshow. They both look happy so that makes me ☺️☺️☺️ too!

Now let’s move on to some sweets…

I wanna start with the lychee. I swear. Eversince WYB mentioned his preference for frozen lychee ( during the chunzhen fanmeet ) i’ve been thinking of him when i see the fruit. LOL. and now, a lot of us noticed how XZ was partial to lychees to during the Rio stream. One of the “flavors” of the new product was lychee, and sure he had no control over that, but there was a part where they were making a drink. XZ literally took the lychees first and put them all in.

and it doesn’t help that this was mentioned in an LRLG, where WYB would peel lychees for XZ.

This may be the most random thing but considering the connection to WYB’s love for it. The fake rumor. and now GG — the set is now complete. 😌 plus GG even said “add 10 lychees, perfect!” LOL. I don’t know if it’s random or significant, but my mind is going to the whole 10:10 cpn.

Next up is when other fruits were in, XZ commented that the color is beautiful. What’s the color? Red and Green. Lol. This is like WYB choosing those colors for his graffiti. Thank you for loving your own / each other’s fan colors.

Another interesting bit on this live is what he’s wearing — the blue shirt. Yes, he is going with the theme and colors of the product ( the can ) which is predominantly blue. Also the theme of “summer”. When I look at wardrobe accounts on Weibo like boxiao closet & daytoy closet — they did not identify the blue shirt’s brand. If you know ZZ, what he wears on events almost always name brands. So it’s sus that this one cannot be identified.

Maybe it’s too generic looking? Not one they can identify from his “usual” brands?

Turtles of course have to dig deeper and remembered one LRLG where a random conversation was added:

WYB: "Which one should I buy?"

XZ: "blue"

WYB: "You wear blue too?"

XZ: "Um….”

Add this to how WYB a pretty similar looking shirt on a Super X advertisement. It doesn’t help that these two are both at home in Beijing! Did you borrow WYB’s clothes? The blue one you told him to get? 😂😂😂😂

If you wanna clown some more, it looks dangerously close to what One and Only team wore during their hangzhou roadshow.

How XZ expressed his love for the beach/ sea which reminds us of his ideal life painting. It’s still the same. It’s what he still loves.

During WYB’s chunzhen fan meet to, he actually recommended going to the beach and chillin.

-END.