#if I do make this it’ll be officially the most expensive drink I’ve ever made

[stealingyourbones]

META NO

Write below a Batfamily meets Danny Fenton story but choose the wildest relationship that you can think of that isn’t adoption or a romantic relationship

For instance:

- breaking into a building for a drug bust but they got the wrong building number and broke into Danny’s apartment.

- gets met over and over because Condiment King of all people continuously kidnaps him for plots

- was brought to the GCPD for wrestling Killer Croc at 3am high as a kite over a new fear gas drug that’s been making its rounds through Gotham.

- accidentally smacked the coffee out of Danny’s hands while catching a perp.

[alovesthis]

First Date With Sam...

SAM WILSON - drabble/headcanon

Summary: Being best friends with Sam Wilson, for years, meant that you two were always together and extremely close. But eventually, this led to falling in love with him and him falling in love with you...and then a first date: something you two have never done with each other. 

Word Count: 1.2k

Warnings: none.  just fluff, best friends to lovers, first date 

Being best friends with Sam Wilson, for years, meant that you two were always together and extremely close. But eventually, this led to falling in love with him and him falling in love with you...and then a first date: something you two have never done with each other. The two of you had shared experiences with bad dates with people ever since you were old enough to remember. From puppy love in school, or to bad dates and bad breakups, you two were there for each other when needed. 

This also meant that you two knew how bad you both had it when it came to dating. Sarah, his sister, knew you two would end up eventually, so to try and help you or give Sam the courage to tell you how he felt, she instantly came up with a plan one night. 

On the front porch of Sam and Sarah’s childhood home, she had locked the two of you out after she blurted out that you two had crushes on each other. Sam was gonna kill her and you were just gonna scold her the next morning. 

But...that didn’t exactly happen. Instead, and surprisingly, you two found each other on the steps of the house confessing your feels to one another. Underneath the blue sky with the full moon lingering above you. The shining and dancing stars making it a night to never be forgotten. It was like the universe was rooting for you, just like Sarah and Bucky had been for months. 

“Ah fuck it,” you said that night. “I’ve loved you for so long. I don’t know why I even waited to tell you. Especially with everything that’s happened to us, to the world…I don’t even know if you could ever feel that way for ME-”

“Hey.” He reached out for you, gently caressing your neck. “You know I’ve always cared about you. I’ve always looked up to you, felt for you...loved you.” 

You shared loving glances that night and he instantly kissed you, holding you in his gentle yet muscular arms. The two of you hung out on the porch all night, talking, kissing that neither of you even bothered to check if the front door was even locked. It wasn’t. Sarah unlocked it the moment she heard Sam sigh in annoyance. 

For weeks, and even more so than ever, you were both jointed at the hip. Bucky came to visit and a smile never left his face when he saw you two acting much different towards each other. 

Sam was the happiest he’s ever been despite everything that happened. All that mattered was that his family was safe: his sister and nephews, the community the two of you grew up in, Bucky… 

And when things finally settled down for the next few weeks, Sam thought it was time for the first official date: and to make the relationship between you two more official. 

Sam’s idea for a date would to be wine and dine you. 

Not an over expensive place, because he knows you (for years) and you know him...that wasn’t something you both leaned towards.

If you had it your way for the night, because Sam insisted to treat you like the queen you were, you would be drinking at home, spending the night listening to music and never taking your hands off each other. 

But, like he insisted, he wanted to get dressed up with you, take you for a night of good food and drinks and have a good night. 

No phones, no alerts were allowed. It was his first date with his best friend, he didn’t want to be bothered. 

Sam’s always chill. No matter what the situation is he was never the one to panic. 

But as you texted him you were ready, he was beginning to feel incredibly nervous. His hands were beginning to sweat and his heart was thumping against his chest.

Although you were all living down in Delacroix for awhile in Sam’s childhood home (you were waiting to figure things out with a new job, picking a place to live… figuring out your feelings for Sam…) and you were just upstairs, you texted him you were ready to go. 

“Oh...uh…” you were speechless. Sam in dark blue dress pants and a white dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. You couldn’t deny how handsome yet insanely hot he looked. “Jesus, Sam… you look-”

“Yeah,” he smirked, “You, you do too.” 

You two felt like damn teenagers that night: tripping over your words and being speechless.  Walking down the stairs in the home and him waiting by the door nervously….When he saw you, he knew he loved you. He also wished he would’ve told you how he felt before you did and yeaaaars ago. 

But that didn’t matter, because now he was here looking at the most beautiful person he’s ever know. Ever loved. 

At the restaurant, the entire night felt different. It wasn’t just two best friends hanging out or grabbing beer after work. It was awkward, unlike all the books and movies. But it was a cute kind of awkward.

He would still smoothly say his lines and complimented you a lot. But instead of your snarky remarks back to his, your heart would swell and cheeks would heat up. 

As the night came to an end, you ended up drinking on the porch. 

Just like the night you admitted his feelings for you, you two ended up wrapped in a blanket sitting up the steps looking out to the water ahead. The date was awkward, different but the way it ended…

Him holding you, drinking beer out of the green glass bottles… It was like being best friends but intensified. 

Ever since you admitted your feelings weeks ago and vice versa, everything was even stronger than before. Trust. The love. The beauty you both saw in each other. It didn’t matter if the first date felt weird, because eventually the more dates you went on, or the more romantic nights at home you two had...the more everything fell into place. 

The moon that night your date ended was just as bright as a few weeks ago. 

“I’m really glad Sarah locked us out that night.” Sam whispered. 

“I think Bucky told her to do that.” 

“I don’t like that they’re scheming together.” 

“Oh shut up, let them be friends...let them be happy.” You snuggled into his arms. 

“Are you happy?” 

“I’m so much more than just happy.” You closed your eyes. The feelings that the night sky used to give you had been replaced with the way Sam’s voice and hold...nothing could compare with the way Sam made you feel. “You?” 

“Hell yeah.” He said and the two of you laugh together. You sit up and stare into his eyes. 

“I love you.” You told him. 

“Damn, I really love you.” He said, pulling on you to kiss you on the lips. “Sorry if the date wasn’t what you expected-”

“No, no. Don’t you dare.” You leaned your forehead on his. “It might’ve been awkward-”

“Glad I’m not the only one who thought that.” 

You laughed, “It’ might’ve been awkward, Sam, but I was with you. If it was someone else, it would’ve sucked like every other date I’ve been on. But it was with you, and I made it back here. Speaks volumes if you managed to get me home.” 

“Oh baby, you had no choice.” He joked. “It’ll get better from here. As long as it’s me and you.” 

“If you think you can promise forever.” 

“We’ve already grown up together, been through everything...I know I can promise forever.”

<3 <3 <3 <3 

I’m ALSO on AO3:  https://archiveofourown.org/users/womanwhowritesformany

[katzkinder]

Tarte Tatin

[Here's the follow up to "Strawberry Madeleine" I said I'd do! 🥳 Feat: Tsurugi getting all the presents. All of them. And a very special gift from Freya.]

Tsurugi can’t remember the last time he was so excited for his birthday.

Actually, that’s a lie. He absolutely can. The last time was when he turned twenty and had gone out, ID in hand and stupid grin on his face, to buy as much beer as Yumikage’s credit card could handle as the first official adult of their little trio (or as much as the clerk would let him purchase). Two bikes, three idiots, and three cases of cheap beer, all pedaling towards the ocean on a beautiful, moonlit night, not a cloud in the sky.

The only thing that had dampened his mood then was the heat of Yumikage’s back against his as he stared up at the sky, at the moon, and recalled the promise he had asked his friend to make, and the offer of freedom he had turned down.

Neither of those things were a problem anymore.

Never again would Hod have to worry over killing Baldr to save him from himself.

~~~

The venue is, of course, Yumikage’s apartment. The walls are thick, the living room is large, and there’s no one there but him to bother if they get rowdy (aside from the neighbors, but Tsurugi never cared much for what they thought).

Most importantly, though, it’s a familiar place. Every year, ever since Yumikage started living in the high end apartments, each of them would have their birthday there. It was also the place Tsurugi went to when he no longer had a home, his best friend opening his own to him, and Tsurugi had felt so guilty, had been so worried, about what that change would mean for them.

As it turned out... It didn’t mean much at all.

Of course, with his weird sense of boundaries and how touchy he can get with people he likes, other people might not agree. --Especially when he and Yumikage still shared a bed.

~~~

All the guests had arrived. First, of course, were Jun, Takuto, and surprisingly, Jun’s parents. Tsurugi had hefted Takuto onto his hip, chirping at them all to come in, and led them to the living room where they had prepared snacks, drinks, big, big bowls of pretty much everything you would need for a party. Chips and dips and little trays of veggies, big two liters of soda and a store bought cake chilling in the fridge, hard candies and caramels, even a crummy cheese platter with little tiny sausages and crackers.

Next had been Freya, Iduna, and the two subclasses Takuto had taken to calling his uncles, much to their delight. Opening the door, he’d been met with three party poppers being set off in his face, Iduna, Gil, and Ray shouting their congratulations at him while he had stood there, stunned, trying to process the colorful streamers and confetti now decorating his head, shoulders, and the entry hall. Soon, though, he was laughing, dragging them all in by the arms while Freya shook her head and tried not to look too fond, a gentle scolding on her lips while C3’s ace inventor promised to clean up the mess herself.

Four presents joined the pile, and four more members of his family joined the festivities.

Finally came the Sloth pair, Kuro and Mahiru, and the gift he had been told to open immediately. The one that almost made him cry. So small, so little, so… Perfect.

Turning to bring them back to the group, Tsurugi thought to himself, All these people… Are happy I was born.

At that point, the tears he had been holding back started to overflow, quickly dripping down his face and onto the floor, much to the Sloth pair’s worry. Even Kuro, as blank faced as he normally kept himself, was clearly startled. Clearly worried. About him.

It only made the tears come faster.

“Uwah! Tsurugi-san?! Why are you crying!”

A watery laugh, quickly wiping his face on the back of his hand while Mahiru crowded closer to fuss. “I’m just glad you’re all here is all…!”

Ah. How embarrassing.

~~~

As it turned out, they didn’t need that second, store bought cake at all. The one Mahiru had brought with him, had made himself from scratch, was more than enough. There were even leftovers, sitting happily in Yumikage’s fridge and waiting to be devoured the next day.

And, of course, after cake came presents.

Jun’s parents had given him a new set of chopsticks, glossy black ones patterned with colorful paper cranes, and a matching paper crane shaped ceramic rest to go with them. From Gil and Ray, he’d received a new wallet, smelling of leather and, frankly, making him too nervous to ask if it was genuine or not. Such an expensive gift was… Not something he deserved, he felt, but he’d accept it gratefully nonetheless. From Takuto, he’d gotten the most adorable little wolf themed coin purse, as well as a handmade card. Jun gave him a new to go mug. Yumikage had grinned, sliding him a little box containing earrings that sparkled and showe and Tsurugi very nearly leapt at him if it weren’t for his idiot friend clarifying “They’re fake, dumbass. You like sparkly stuff though, right?”

“Don’t scare me like that!” he had complained, swatting Yumikage on the chest while the other man had snickered to himself. Really, he should have known better.

And now, he is here, with Iduna thrusting a misshapen gift into his arms with the biggest, most excited grin.

… He hopes it doesn’t blow up.

Tearing the bright, shiny paper away reveals a pillow shaped like a strawberry, red fading into pink and green leaves at the top. The smell immediately slaps him in the face and he wastes no time burying himself in it, a reverent, “It’s so soft…!” on his lips that make the people around him giggle. “Jun-chan, feel how soft it is!”

“I modified a pillow I bought for you!” Iduna gushes, and Tsurugi’s attention snaps to her, her cheeks just as rosy as his no doubt are with elation. “Freya helped me add a little pocket with velcro so I could put a scent pack inside! Also it’s made with memory foam so you can squish it as much as you want and it’ll always go back to it’s proper shape! Oh, and, here’s the remote, cuz I added a temperature change feature, too, so it’s never too hot or too cold and…” A hand on her shoulder has her chattering trailing off and she peeks at Ray, who seems to be holding back laughter. “Ah, oops! Sorry...” A sheepish chuckle, the girl wilting ever so slightly. “I just got so excited from your reaction…”

“I love it,” Tsurugi assures her, squeezing the gift tight. “Iduna-chan’s so smart! I’d be excited to give this to somebody, too!”

Iduna perks up once more, back to her beaming smile, and Freya… Nudges her present forward. For some reason, she looks nervous, and Tsurugi reaches for it curiously.

“Lately, I’ve been… Looking into making jewelry,” she explains, arms folded across her chest and black gloved fingers digging into her skin, awaiting Tsurugi’s response as he slides back the cover on the box. “Iduna showed me how to work with some of her tools, like things for cutting metal…”

“Freya…” Tsurugi breathes, cutting what he now realizes are anxious ramblings over having an overlapping gift short, “You made these?” In that little aqua colored box, with its white ribbon and bow so cutely done on top, are a set of earrings. Where Yumikage’s had been studs, these would dangle, little seashells carefully connected to ribbon by a simple loop of gold and a single bead, the same yellow as his eyes. Picking one up, the deep, navy colored ribbons, satin finish, flutter delicately. “They’re beautiful…”

He glances away from his gift just in time to see Freya start to turn pink. He swallows, wets his lips, and carefully, carefully, brings the box closer to his chest. “I can really have this? Like, really really?”

“Of course you can,” Freya answers, relaxing ever so slightly. “I made them for you.”

Right. That’s right. These were… Made especially for him. Him, Kamiya Tsurugi, twenty seven years old today. This gift… Is his. It’s his alone.

… Oh. That’s right. Back then… Freya had asked for…

I don’t have anything I can give to you…

You have two of these. Maybe you can give me one.

We… Except this body… Have nothing else to call our own. Aside from that… There is nothing I can offer.

In this world… Exists things that you should share and bear the burden of with other people, as well as things you yourself must treasure. You must… Understand which is which.

A… Are you angry...?

I am.

Back then, he had told her… That he had given up. Back then, what she had wanted… Was for him to take her hand. In the end... He hadn't. But they were happy.

“... Freya. Are you proud of me? I finally… Grew up!” I finally got angry. I finally fought back.

“... I am. Very, very, proud.”

[letters-from-eros]

I know you don't have rules for that already but can I ask for relationship hc's for Chuuya and Dazai with a fem or gender neutral s/o?😳❤

A/N: Am I foaming from the mouth for my first BSD request? Maybe. I hope this is good though. I added in a short part on how they asked you out cause I wanted this to be different and unique from most dating HCs.

Pairing(s): Dazai Osamu, Chuuya Nakahara x GN!Reader

Warnings: Slight mention of suicide in Dazai's, cursing

Form: Headcanon

Also: These ran super duper long I'm so sorry

You managed to cuff the suicidal maniac, huh?

Well done, my friend, well done

It took him so long to ask you out, and even when he did it wasn't planned. In all honesty, he never planned to tell you about his feelings. The excruciating part for him is that he did fall pretty fast, and realized he was falling even faster.

He didn't deny them, that wouldn't make it go away. He knew that. He sat and let it festered, hoping it would just disappear at some point.

Had the mindset of anything he loved he'd lose, y'know? Sad but so.

The way I'd imagine it happening is that you both are either working late at the ADA (with just the two of you there) or just at his place hanging out into all hours of the night.

Both of you are laughing at some dumb joke Dazai made and as the laughter dies out he feels.. Bittersweet. You make him feel genuinely happy, like there's no need to put on any mask or facade. That was not a feeling he had with anyone else.

Once silence fully overtakes you both it slips out of his mouth, purely on accident.

"I love you"

"More than suicide?"

"Y/n I'm serious!"

From that night forward you had the pleasure of being the partner of Dazai Osamu, with his feelings being released in an extremely cliche coming-of-age-movie way.

Okay, onto actually dating Dazai

Still goofy as all hell. Honestly the only thing that has really changed is the he lets you in a lot less hesitantly on small things. Its easier to put cracks in his walls, per se

Unbothered by PDA and will probably make out with you in public and not see why that isn't a thing that should be done or why you wouldn't like it.

(Just tell him if you don't, he'll get over it eventually)

Will kiss you everywhere, doesn't exactly have a favorite place, but where he does end up kissing you the most is your forehead for convenience. He'll kiss your wrist if he's holding your hand, too.

Clingy as all hell, always wants to be touching you in some way and becomes the biggest dramatic bitch when he can't be around you.

Kunikida will actually punt him if he says he'll die if he's away from you for another second. For the tenth time

No more suicide attempts once you two are dating, and doesn't ask for a double suicide with you because he knows it'll upset you quite a bit

He flirts with you like he's trying to get you to date him lmao he will never ease up, especially if it gets you bashful.

Dazai would NOT be dating you if he did not trust you a whole lot, so thats something that is pretty vital to the relationship.

That being said, please be understanding of the pieces of Dazai he keeps locked away to never see the light of day again and trust him just as much as he trust you. Its important especially if you don't want the relationship to be one-sided

Also with the high amount of trust he places in you, he doesn't get jealous easily. I mean he may get pissy that you're not giving him any attention but jealous is never the right word to use

Mf finally washes his fucking clothes once he starts dating you. Doesn't smell like the bottom of the ocean on a regular basis anymore.

Dates are always chill and rarely super extravagant. Park dates are often but Dazai's truly preferred date is snuggling inside, watching a few movies and slipping in and out of naps.

Belladonna is his go-to petname for you, of course, but he may bounce around with other petnames for kicks.

He will start calling you weird shit if you ignore him for to long.

Never raises his voice at you unless its in some joking manner. On the rare occurrence that you two have an argument he would need to get extremely riled up before he resorts to raising his voice. He tries to have patience and usually succeeds.

Dazai gets SO soft and SO loving sometimes, and it can be out of no where or something minuscule could have sparked it. All I know is that its nice and cute 🥰

He's usually pretty vulnerable himself when he gets like that so match his energy, alright? If you don't he might end up a little sour for some short amount of time and be more hesitant to get like that

10/10 Lover. This is by no means an effortless relationship, its a constant battle of figuring out boundaries, running into walls and respecting them. Dating Dazai isn't toxic if you treat him right and when you do? It definitely pays off.

(This got so long. I've had so much pent-up Dazai love and all around BSD love and I finally had an outlet to completely let it out)

HUSBAND. THE LOML

Okay, sorry. But this man is the love of my life, and he will be yours as well.

Took him a while to really figure out his feelings for you, or to better put it, it took him a while to label the feeling he had towards you "love"

But ONCE HE DID mans was practically whipped before you officially started dating omg.

You could notice the shift in attitude when he figured out his feelings. He got nervous, went stiff and blushy all against his will. Maybe a tad bit more snappy.

He'd try to keep his cool and then just eat shit and become a babbling angry mess.

After every encounter and interaction with you he'd end up overthinking all of it and when he catches himself doing that he gets so upset with himself. It's really when he realized that he won't be able to keep his feelings a secret forever.

Definitely started avoiding you when planning on the 🌈perfect🌈 way to ask you out and blamed work if you asked him why he was avoiding you.

Anyway, the way he asks you out was almost as calculated as a proposal.

He asks you to meet him at the port and dress comfortably towards the end of the day

When you get there, Chuuya has a nice place set up for you both. A blanket and a bottle of expensive wine because we all know he's lowkey an alcoholic along with a very nice view of the ocean/port.

Chuuya made sure it didn't radiate too much romantic energy to give his plans away; also, he wasn't that nervous. Once he gets truly determined to do something, he doesn't let something like anxiety get in the way of it. The idea of being rejected was essentially an afterthough

Made an effort to make sure he didn't drink too much and neither did you. He didn't want to take advantage of the possibility of you being drunk by the time he asks you out and he knows he himself has a low tolerance

Once the sun began to set is when he asks. Stutters a little bit towards the beginning but smooths it out.

"Y/n, I uh.. I brought you to tell you that I love you."

"Have you drank too much already, Chuuya?"

"No! I'm completely sober!"

It was overall super cute and unforgettable, just as he planned.

Honestly, being in a relationship with this boy is just 🥰

Spoils you so much. You'll deadass be dripped out head to toe purely in stuff Chuuya has bought you.

Dw, he has an alright sense of fashion

Don't try to discourage him, that'll only get him to buy more stuff.

Chuuya's short and the concept of a size difference doesn't bother him at all, he'll find a way to kiss you regardless lol

On the topic of kissing, his favorite places are your lips and hands

He takes of his gloves whenever he's with you and let me tell you his hands are the softest things ever. Albeit his knuckles are a little calloused sometimes.

If you're anything like me, you'd want his soft hands on you 24/7 and y'know what? Chu would happily oblige.

He isn't like the biggest fan of PDA but certainly isn't against it. He'd rather keep things behind doors as much as he can. Holding hands and small kisses on the cheek are very fine by him.

He isn't like the biggest jealous type? He doesn't become overly irate or anything but certainly doesn't take any pleasure in watching you talk to other guys.

Chuuya does have some form of self restraint when it comes to that. Him getting a lil jealous is one of the only things that'll have him completely make-out with you in public or smth

Chuuya is very snuggly and touchy behind closed doors. He practically becomes Dazai but a lot less goofy

Oh yeah he definitely rants about how much he fucking hates Dazai now n again

Isn't huge on petnames but definitely calls you them every now and again.

Princess, babe and baby are his top few.

Chuuya definitely has a morning voice where it drops 2 octaves and its just 🥰

Never yells at you, its pretty shocking. The only times he's ever raised his voice with you is when its very obvious that he's not genuinely upset with you. Almost for comedic affect because it is angry short boy Chuuya

One may think arguments are often with Chuuya, but they're sort of not. He may be a pretty stubborn individual but he never argues to argue unless its Dazai-

He always works towards and agreement to end the argument as soon as possible. He keeps his cool and will never raise his voice. You can barely call them arguments because of how much he tries to keep his cool.

When he's stressed or had a bad day he gets extremely quiet because he doesn't even want the opportunity to open his mouth and take it out on you. The only words he'll say to you while he's in that state is that he's stress and you didn't do anything wrong just to make sure you're not worried over it.

All and all? Chuuya is the best and there's no way around it. He has his faults but always tries to improve and be his best self for you :)

(I had even more pent-up love for Chuuya and it got even longer, whoops-)

[paintingraves]

A purr-fect day

Went to OPT prompts and received a prompt about Percival being swarmed by a pack of kittens so here - have this very soft thing ❤️

------------

It’s Percival Graves’ birthday. 

The man himself doesn’t seem to care, but  every single one of his Aurors know about it. So does Newt, who's been living in a rented flat in New York for a few months now, working in an official capacity as a consultant for the MACUSA. They are trying to reform some of their laws about magical creatures: it is a long, tedious process -- one that sets back the publication of his second book by months -- but it’s important and Newt really feels like he is making a difference. 

His routine these days is usually the same. Newt wakes up at the crack of dawn and tends to his creatures; then he gets dressed and drops by Jacob’s bakery on his way to work in order to grab coffee and a delicious pastry. His favourite at the moment is a croissant-like delicacy filled with warm chocolate.  Newt always wolfs it down like he hasn’t eaten in three days and licks his fingers clean afterwards, unashamed. 

He steps into MACUSA through the magical revolving door and heads to the Aurors’ bullpen, where his office and work await him. They chatter amicably between colleagues until 8 am, at which point Director Percival Graves makes his grand entrance -- cup of bitter black coffee in his hand and dark circles under his eyes. He gives them a debriefing as he sips his drink. When he's done they get to work, and Graves heads down to his own office. He always passes by Newt when he does, and Newt always gets to appreciate the heady smell of his cologne on the way. 

(He… may or may not have a bit of a thing for Percival Graves. So what? Almost everyone here does, apparently, because their director is just that striking. Newt is no different.) 

But today is a special day, and things take a different turn. 

Newt stills drops by Jacob’s bakery, but he’s earlier than usual. Instead of buying only one pastry, he buys an assortment of them, trying to pick ones he thinks Percival would like. 

All his colleagues are present at the office as early as 7 am. Newt steps into the room as they’re starting to clear the tables free of paperwork, ink, quills, books and other bulky things to rearrange them in a sort of semi-circle to serve as a buffet. 

Madeleine uses her wand to unfold a large white tablecloth and everyone helps set the table: there's pots of coffee, warm chocolate and tea; Newt brought pastries, John’s baked an apple pie, and Esther made a fruit salad. Soon enough, with everyone’s contributions, the table is full of food and drink aplenty. Diana is blowing up balloons while Geralt hangs a large ‘happy birthday’ banner across the room. 

There's one table reserved for gifts. Newt can guess what most people could have bought: perhaps a new tie or a book, a good bottle of wine, etc. Newt himself has gotten Percival an exotic plant, whose flowers release a calming scent that has the same effect on humans as a cat purring. He hopes Percival will like it. 

It’s nearly 8. They're all a bit nervous; truth be told they have no idea how Graves will react to the display. He certainly isn’t expecting it, that's for sure. Geralt said he's never known Percival to mention his birthday, much less celebrate it. But today also marks the first year the man's been back at work despite his ordeal at the hands of Grindelwald, and that deserves to be remembered. They’re just hoping he’ll be touched by the attention, and happy. 

When Percival walks into the room at 8 precisely, he freezes on the doorstep. His eyes widen in surprise and alarm. He takes in the redecorated room, his hand shaking slightly around his cup of coffee. “... What is this?” 

“Happy birthday, sir,” his Aurors say all at once, smiling. 

Percival’s eyes widen even more. “Oh shit,” he says, coming to a realization. “It is my birthday, isn’t it? I’m… Fuck. I don’t know what to say. This… is a surprise, but...” 

“You deserve it,” Diana says simply, and they all nod in agreement. “I’ll put on some music. I hope you like jazz!” 

“Get you anything to drink, sir? Or eat? We got a ton of stuff here, including but not limited to John’s famous apple pie!” 

“A - a slice of apple pie sounds perfect, thank you,” Percival says, still bewildered. He looks almost timid, so wrong-footed. “And coffee, please. I’m sure it’ll taste better than this brew I have.” 

“Let me take your coat,” Newt offers, stepping forward. “And make yourself comfortable.” 

"There’s work to do,” Percival says, even as he takes off his cream-coloured trench coat and his hat. Underneath, he wears one of his usual three-piece suits, complete with dark blue pants, a white shirt and an assorted waistcoat and tie. Everything is tailored to perfection, as per usual. Newt will honestly never get over how attractive the older man is. It doesn't help that Percival rolls up his sleeves to his elbows. "I can't stay long, but I really appreciate this, thank you…"

His words get drowned in the soft jazz music that starts playing. Everyone relaxes and starts to eat and drink, standing up, or sitting on chairs around the room; they're all happy that Percival hasn’t reacted negatively (and why would he?) 

The director seems to have gotten over his shock now; he is clearly embarrassed (the tips of his ears blushing red) as well as deeply flattered, but he’s not mad. 

At one point there's the opening of presents. 

Percival stays sitting in his chair as they bring the wrapped gifts over to him. He thanks each Auror warmly, saying he never expected to be this spoiled, and that they shouldn't have. He makes jokes about getting old. Percival receives a brand new watch (courtesy of three of the Aurors, who put together some savings to afford it) as well as a silver hoop earring -- much to his delight and surprise. He raises an eyebrow as Geralt explains sheepishly that he’s noticed Percival’s ear was pierced, yet that he never wore such jewelry, promoting Percival to regal them with a few tales of his rebellious youth. He puts the earring on. It looks incredibly dashing, giving him a bit of a more roguish air. It's terribly, terribly attractive. 

There's also a funny tie with little ducklings printed on it which Percival promises to wear the next day at work; two Sherlock Holmes books; a shiny pocket knife (for Percival never goes anywhere unarmed) and finally Newt’s plant. Newt monologues about its healing properties, as he’s wont to do, and Percival thanks him with a warm smile, telling Newt it is incredibly thoughtful. He is so polite. So sincere. So composed. Ugh. Newt wants this man quite badly. He doesn’t know how much longer he can handle this sweet torture... 

The last gift Percival receives is… different. He is laughing, and he's never looked this happy in the months Newt has known him. It makes his heart swell painfully inside his chest. He wants Percival to keep smiling like that, everyday, and he wants to be the reason behind his joyous smile. 

“Alright, what is this?” Percival asks as Madeleine give him a large square box. They managed to convince him to wear one of those pointy colorful birthday hat, and it is slightly askew on his head. A strand of dark hair falls into his face. Percival looks more ruffled and relaxed than they’ve ever seen him, and Newt wonders whether one of the aurors spiked his coffee with whiskey or something, because this is quite the contrast compared to the austere, severe, put together man they’re used to seeing daily. 

“Open it!” Madeleine says, and Percival does - only for everyone to gasp in sheer joy at the sight of what’s inside of the box. 

Kittens! 

“Oh my god!” Esther squeals happily, slapping a hand over her mouth. 

“So one of my cats had babies recently, and I figured this was a nice gift! Here they are!” 

“I…” Percival says, at a loss as to what to do. Madeleine grins and, gently, she takes each kitten from the box and puts them in Percival’s lap, then takes the box away. 

The kittens (four in total) immediately meow for attention and begin to explore their new surroundings: one of them tries to climb on Percival’s chest, digging its claws into the expensive fabric of his waistcoat; another nearly falls off Percival’s thigh except the man catches him, and the kitten fits in his big hand. Percival says ‘Hello little guy, hello’ and strokes his head with a finger so very gently. 

Percival Graves and kittens. Newt thinks this might be heaven. 

“They’re so tiny,” Percival murmurs in awe. “Oh no no no, where are you going? Ow, not the claws, hey, not the claws --” 

Percival Graves swarmed by a pack of kittens is definitely the cutest thing Newt has ever seen. He can’t stop smiling. 

Neither can Percival, apparently - his cheeks are glowing with happiness, his eyes wrinkling attractively at the corners, his face and posture open and serene. He helps one of the kittens climb up his shoulder, where it sniffs Percival’s collar curiously, and gathers the other three together in his lap, petting them. Noticing Newt’s staring, he holds one of the kittens up. “Take him.” 

Esther kneels next to Percival, who gives her one of the kittens too, and she looks about to cry as she holds the tiny animal in her hands. She folds her arm and the kitten curls up in the crook of her elbow, seemingly having found a nice corner to nap in, and purrs as she scratches it behind the ears gently. 

“They’re up for adoption,” Madeleine informs them, beaming. “We already have three cats, and I got a friend who adopted one from this litter, but these four are looking for a new home!” 

“I’ll take one,” Esther says immediately. “My husband’s allergic but we’ll find a way to make it work. I've always wanted a cat.” 

“... I can take one too,” Geralt says hesitantly. “They’re rather cute.” 

“They’re adorable.” 

“Percival? Ahem, sir?” 

Percival had been busy making heart eyes at the kitten in his lap. “Hmm? Oh, I wish I could, but…” He sighs. “I wouldn’t have time to care for him. They deserve better than that.” 

“Newt?” 

Newt shakes his head. Same as Percival, he’s already got a lot of creatures to care for. 

“I’ll keep asking around then,” Madeleine concludes. 

Geralt takes one of the kittens. Percival gets up from his chair, his last tiny friend still perched on his shoulder like a very fluffy parrot. He brushes cat hair from his pants with little success, and walks up to Newt, who’s busy cooing at his own kitten. He’s already given it a name and everything. Oh, and she’s a female. 

“This is Kiara,” he says, showing the kitten to Percival, who smiles warmly. 

“Seems like she’s adopted you, uh.” 

“I do so wish I could take her in,” Newt says mournfully. 

“Hmm. You’ve already got a lot on your shoulders, haven't you, but I understand the sentiment.” 

“You look happy,” Newt remarks. 

Graves laughs. “You say that as if it’s the second coming of christ. Am I that sour and grumpy all the time?" 

“Well...” Newt ducks his head and avoids the question, though he knows Graves is just teasing him. “I’m really glad you liked our little surprise party here.” 

“Whose idea was it?” 

“Everyone’s, really. We figured you ought to know how much we all appreciate you. You’re a very good leader, Percival, and a good man, and a good friend.”

“...Thank you,” Percival says quietly. "I do try."

“I mean that,” Newt insists. “Met a lot of politicians in my life, after all, I know what I'm talking about." 

"Ah ah. While I can’t say I’ve met a lot of magizoologists in my life, I also really like working with you, Newton. You've very knowledgeable, and you are able to think outside the box. I really like that.” 

Newt swallows at the compliment, his heart picking up pace, heat rising to his face. “Thanks,” he mumbles, forcing himself to look straight at the other man. Percival meets his gaze. There’s a heavy moment of silence. Time slows down as Newt’s eyes flit from Percival’s own down to his lips, and he is overcome with the urge to simply kiss the other man. Percival wets his lips too, looking up at him underneath his dark eyelashes, and he leans imperceptibly closer and Newt thinks oh fuck -- and then Madeleine steps into their intimate circle with a plate of cake to offer them some. The moment is shattered. 

But… Newt didn’t dream it, right? Right? 

For a moment there he saw desire reflected back in Percival’s eyes… right? 

He refuses another helping of cake, but Percival does take an apple fritter and bites into it, smearing sugar across his lips. He licks them clean. 

Newt wants to kiss him so badly. Again. 

After an hour or so of festivities it’s time to clean up and get back to work, however reluctant they are to do so. 

For the rest of the day, the balloons still hang on the walls of the aurors’ room and kittens roam free in the office. They play with bits of string or red dots that the aurors make appear on the floor with the tip of their wand. 

Percival goes back to his office and keeps the pointy hat. It’s not a very productive day, work-wise, but it’s one that leaves everybody in high spirits when the evening comes, and certainly strengthens the bonds between colleagues. 

Around 8, Newt prepares to leave the bullpen as well. He tidies things up on his desk and takes his suitcase, turning off the lights as he leaves. He knocks on Percival’s door and hears a rumbling ‘yes, come in’. 

“Leaving for the day,” Newt says. Percival nods his assent, nose deep in paperwork. “Good night, sir.” 

“Good night, Newton,” Graves says absently. He dips his quill into ink and scribbles something down. Newt sighs. 

“Sir?” 

“Hmm?” 

“Would you - that is, would you like to grab a drink with me sometime?” 

Percival pauses, looking up at him above the rim of his tortoise shell glasses. “Why?” 

“B - because…” Oh bugger, he read this all wrong. A stab of fear lances through him.  “Err. No, nevermind, forget I asked. I’ll just - go. I'm leaving. Yes.” 

“Newt.”

“Yes?” Newt looks back at him, his palms sweating, only to be struck dumb. 

Graves is smirking. He’s never seen such an expression on his face and oh, that must be what Graves looks like when he’s really flirting. Newt feels weak in the knees. 

“It’d be my pleasure,” Percival purrs, and Newt makes a sound not unlike that of a startled mouse. He flushes and haltingly steps back, fiddling with the handle of his briefcase, butterflies fluttering in his stomach. 

“Oh. Oh that’s. That’s good then. Great. Brilliant. Hm. Is… after work tomorrow okay for you?” 

“It’s good,” Percival agrees. “Have a good evening. And Newt?” 

“Y - yes?”

“Remember to breathe.” And there’s that infuriating, smug smirk again. 

Newt vows to kiss it off the man’s face one day until Graves is the one struggling to remember how to breathe. He shall make Percival lose his carefully constructed composure. 

“Tomorrow it is,” he repeats, straightening up. “I look forward to it.” 

Graves shakes his head, as though he can’t believe he’s really doing this, but he’s still smiling. 

Newt makes his way out MACUSA and back to his flat with a spring in his step, happiness and hope bubbling inside his chest. 

He did it! 

And Percival agreed! Holy shit. This. Is. Amazing! By Merlin - tomorrow can’t come fast enough!

[reeesea]

Something Sweet: Part Eight

~something special~

one ~ two ~ three ~ four ~ five ~ six ~ seven ~ eight ~ nine

pairing: minsung, han jisung/lee minho

warning: mild language, some alcohol consumption

words: 4.4k

summary:  Jisung gets his night out and a new birthday buddy 

a/n: This au isnt dead! yay, I hope you enjoy the mess <3

ao3 link

-----------

“Hyung, where are we going?” Jisung tried his best to sigh as loudly and dramatically as possible. “Today was already so long, you could've just left me on the couch tonight.” His whining was largely ignored by his friends to much of Jisung’s despair. He was feeling a little bit drained at the fact the trio had all spent the day in meetings with groups of people, and now was being dragged, his introverted ass to be exact, was being dragged out of their apartment to be around even larger groups of people. Damn his members for both being charismatic bastards with extrovert tendencies. 

“Ji, you're literally always complaining that we never go out. Aaand you're right. We never do sooo, here we are.” Changbin had all but peeled Jisung off his blanket pile on the couch and into his nicest pair of jeans and his “least offensive” shirt. According to Changbin of course that meant a sleek black button up, that he's pretty sure Changbin had gifted him some Christmas ago. But of course being Han Jisung he had found a few of his favorite accessories to complete his look.

“Plus something tells me you won't be complaining for too long, once we get there”

“What's that supposed to mean Channie-hyung”  

He continued on without giving him a response. They had been walking for only a few minutes, neon filling the street as streams of people made their way through to the various bars and restaurants on the block. The glow of the nightlife was electric, Jisung couldn’t deny it, but he still didn't find it to be what he would call a comforting atmosphere. It definitely had nothing on his blanket cocoon he had going on the couch. Spacing out as Chan led them through the streets, the oldest took an abrupt left into an entrance of a bar, almost hidden by the largest store fronts that occupied either side of it. 

As soon as Jisung stumbled through the doorway, a sense of deja vu came over him. Well maybe not deja vu because he had definitely been here before. The mirrored walls and the low lit space was now full of weekend patrons that breathed life into the place that he hadn't realized it was missing the first time he visited. Wait, when had he visited this place? 

“Jisung!” 

Minho!? Before he could spend any more time traversing his thoughts he looked over to the bar to find Minho smiling brightly at him. Unlike his first visit, Hyunjin was un-uniformed, seated on a stool alongside a giggling Felix, and not behind the bar. Chan and Changbin both shared a look before gently shoving Jisung to move out of the doorway and toward their friends. 

“What are you doing here?!” Jisung somehow didn’t think he would be seeing the older this weekend, they had shared similar sentiment over the past week that they were looking forward to a no-plan-weekend.

“What do you mean I work here.” Hyunjin mused sarcastically. Felix hit him, and got up enthusiastically to greet them. 

“WE’RE BIRTHDAY TWINS, we HAVE to celebrate” Felix hugged him immediately. Jisung was surprisingly comfortable in his clingy embrace. Something about the disarming nature of the boy made it feel almost natural, and maybe it was. Clearly a bit tipsy already the freckled boy talked animatedly about how excited he was to finally have a friend that was “LITERALLY” his age. Jisung admittedly could relate, and found himself beaming right back at his new companion.

---

Minho hadn’t taken his eyes off the youngest rapper since he ‘walked’, stumbled, through the door. He was initially afraid that Jisung would feel sore about celebrating his birthday with Felix but the bright look in his eyes when they met his, smoothed any of those anxieties. 

Last week, Minho was more than surprised to get a text from an unknown number. It turned out just to be Bang Chan looking to plan a get together between the lot of them for the youngest’s birthday. Tragic backstory and all, Chan was sure to elaborate on Jisung’s dreams of going out with his friends.

“He really just wants to be a normal kid ya know, well not a kid exactly, and not normal by any means, but you get my point. To be honest, as hyungs we feel bad for taking that away from him. He's so pure at heart really, and he works so hard, and I know he doesn't sleep enough, but does anyone really? hahaha, anyway...” Minho found that Chan rambled just like Jisung, it was painfully endearing. 

Of course, Minho had agreed to let them help coordinate a get together. It was mostly Chan who had his own work cut out for him. Negotiating with their company about last minute free time was a challenge but he just had to reassure their management that everything was in place and promise that they wouldn't do anything “newsworthy��� to potentially hurt their debut. Minho reassured them that dispute the host club’s reputation, Sweet Lotus was probably the most secure club in town.

Chan had been frantically messaging Minho just an hour ago, about how they couldn't find Jisung, only to get a message ten minute later apologizing and reassuring him that he was actually just buried on the couch. Chan gave off single parent vibes so strongly, Minho can’t help but let his guard down, and found himself warming up to the 3RACHA leader quickly. He looks rather relieved to have made it to the Sweet Lotus with Jisung in tow. Jisung’s loud but warm laugh filled the air and Chan’s shoulders visibly relaxed with a gentle smile stretched across his face. Minho found his heart settled comfortably in his chest as well. 

---

“EXCUSE ME EVERYONE.” Although the statement was only for the ears of the six of them, a few surrounding victims were pulled in by Hyunjin’s dramatic exclamation. “I require a toast for this evening! Even though we haven’t known each other long. THIS night, is a night of celebration, of birthdays, of new friendships, of potential one nigh-” 

“Hyunjin!” 

“Sorry… Anyway, first ones on me boys lets get it.” dramatically distributing shots of clear liquid they all did a inaugural cheers simultaneously downing the shot. Jisung made a disgusted face that triggered some subtle harassment from Changbin, who pinched his cheeks fondly. 

The night now officially blessed by Hyunjin standards, Minho decided it was probably time to actually begin the night’s planned festivities. “While I do enjoy shots of free soju, that's not exactly why we're here. Is it?”

“It's not?” Granted Jisung had no clue why he was in most situations, but he was especially lost having been told nothing prior. 

“Come on Sungie, it’ll be fun” Minho took his hand subtly, and led them up a set of stairs near the back of the bar. Soft magenta light flooded the stairwell as they made their way to the second floor. Minho nodded at the tall handsome host at the entrance, allowing them to enter the lounge freely. Upbeat music flooded the room, bodies dancing under other multicolor lights seemed so content it was almost like a scene out of a movie. Pairs of couches laided with expensive looking fabric, and even more expensive looking patrons lined the walls. A light fog dusted the floor, and everything about the room felt intoxicating and indulgent.

Jisung looked up to find Minho’s gaze already on him, warm and inviting as ever. He looked like a perfect match to the pink haze and sweet scents that surrounded him. Minho led the group with such confidence and grace he matched his beautiful environment, it was very clear why he was so popular when he had worked at the Sweet Lotus. He embodied the very image. The self conscious part of his brain wouldn’t let him enjoy the image long though.  

Something about him couldn't help but feel like he stuck out. Sure Changbin had dressed him up for their outing, but he still couldn’t help but feel like he didn't belong to be surrounded by people as beautiful as his new friends. 3RACHA wasn’t exactly known for their beautiful charms or dainty visuals. Minho, Felix with his whimsical smile, and Hyunjin with his undaunting charisma were all in their element here. Jisung always had a rough time figuring out his image outside of 3RACHA.

Apparently sensing his anxiety he felt Minho's hand hold on to his firmer, and even Chan left a gentle pat on his head. Already situated themselves in a secluded booth near the back, Changbin had already gone off to order drinks for their table with Hyunjin, Felix was talking to Chan about their shared home town, Sydney. And then there was Minho. Looking at him with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. 

“What, is there something on my face?” 

Minho’s giggles somehow sound like bells, Jisung can’t explain why. “No, no you just seem uneasy. I just want to make sure you're actually happy to be here”

“I am I promise! I'm just really surprised, I had a long day and I didn't really know what was happening until we got here, and I’ve never been to a place like this before, and I haven't seen you in a while and, wow let me tell you it's really good to see you.” Suddenly he felt like his face and hands were on fire. His connected hand with Minho’s burned with the realization. 

“Also you're still holding my hand! Did you know that? In case you didn't know I just wanted to make sure you knew. Not that I want you to stop I actually really enjoy it, but just in case you like forgot or somet-”

“You're adorable Sungie.” Minho’s eyes remained locked on Jisung with overwhelming fondness. Just ask Jisung, he was definitely overwhelmed. His face continued growing hotter until he saw a hand outstretched with a glass of liquor in front of his face.

“Ji, take the drink and close your jaw you'll thank me later.” Chanbin coaxed the flustered brunette to drink the bitter alcohol he had brought. Tearing away from Minho’s intense stare, he accepted the drink and took a sizable sip from the glass.

“LEE MINHO.” The 3RACHA boys all practically jumped out of their skins at the booming voice. While subtle grins formed on the unbothered roomates.

“Ope, Who told on me?” Minho asked, completely unfazed, looking at his roommate accusingly.

“It wasn't me….” Hyunjin’s lists of excuses died in his throat, as a woman dressed in a sparkling purple dress made her way over to their corner booth, finger already pointing accusingly at Minho. 

“How dare you show your face in this place after 3 months, without a WORD.” The woman almost sounded betrayed and hurt through her voice. Still it was obvious that the threatening woman immediately demanded respect with the way she held herself. Although her words were sharp her graceful features didn't deliver much real malice other than signs irritation at the oldest dancer.

“I’m sorry, Noona time got away from me~” Minho flashed his innocent puppy eyes and added a subtle charm to his words that the beautiful woman seemed to be completely immune to.

“Uh huh, and I'll pretend I believe that excuse.” Something akin to a standoff seemed to be occurring between the two. 

“But ONLY because I missed seeing your pretty face around here.” 

“...Guys, this is Momo-noona she owns Sweet Lotus.” Hyunjin’s attempt to provide the bystanders with some context broke the light tension in the air. Momo shifted her expression to a bright smile that suddenly screamed gentle kindness, void of all the intensity it had previously held at Minho.

Seemingly hoping to aid in the situation Chan jumped in to respond, “Oh well, it's great to meet you, I’m Ch-”

“Oh, don't worry, I know exactly who you are.” The eldest member’s eyes widened and a nervous laugh escaped his lips, not expecting to be recognized. Especially by the semi-threatening woman.

“You're the hometown heroes around here, the next big thing in the music industry hmmm?” 

The trio seemed to only be more cemented in their stunned silence. Momo’s smug expression did not last long before transforming into a large smile and welcoming expression. Her aura radiated a welcoming feeling, unmatched, even by her employed hosts.

“Truly, it's my pleasure that I get to host the 3RACHA boys, you'll always be welcomed here.”  

“I- uh um, Were flattered really, Thank-” Changbin stumbled out.

“You don't have to Thank me any sweet Changbinnie~ as long as you enjoy yourselves and promise to visit again. I’m happy.” Changbin’s ears glowed red at that, thankfully hidden by the colored lights.

“How do you know us so well? Is Hyunjin gossiping more than he should be?” Jisung poked some fun at the bartender.

“Hey! Confidentiality is our highest priority. I would NEVER!” Hyunjin crossed his arms defensively, sinking further into their booth.

Momo giggled, content with her employee’s loyalty, “Thank you for that Jinnie, but no a friend of  Sana is a friend of mine”

“Wait you know Sana-noona?” Jisung was surprised that Sana actually talked about them to her friends, a part of him hoped she was proud to be associated with them.

“Mhm, believe it or not your sweet Sana-nonna is my closest friend. We’re thick as thieves, we were even roommates for a few years when we first arrive in Korea” 

“Woah” Changbin was definitely glowing with some pride now at the implied indirect compliments and recognition. Meanwhile Chan was still trying to connect the dots in his head from all of the new information, a cute confused look on his face.

Momo took a moment to lean closer to Jisung’s face. Acknowledging their hands that were still joined. Directing her attention back on Minho with a smirk, “He’s a cutie Lee Know. I’ll give you a pass on abandoning me for months, if this one is the one stealing away from my establishment.”

  Minho grew red at the use of his past host name, and personal nickname from Momo. Minho’s nervous laugh erupted out of him. “Aaahhhhh okay Momo-noona thanks! it was great seeing you, ah would you look at that I need another drink. Come with me Hannie.” 

Minho was slightly scrambling to escape the booth in embarrassment at Momo’s dramatic encounter with them all. Jisung was pulled in tow from their joined hands. 

“Oh okay, it was nice meeting you Momo-ssi.” Jisung used his free hand to wave at their booth before they disappeared into the dancing crowd. 

Hyunjin had revived himself from the booth, giggling at his retreating roommate. Felix joined in too, and enjoyed seeing the flustered side of their hyung.

“Is he always that precious. I just have the urge to pinch his cheeks.” Alluding to Jisung, Momo turned to the remaining 3RACHA boys for confirmation.

“We all do.” Chan’s full charming smile and older brother's pride visible on full display.

---

The night continued as “planned”, once the unofficial couple returned from the bar. More alcohol was ordered to sustain the drinking games that Hyunjin had spearheaded into teaching the rest of them. Being the current university student apparently was enough qualification for the rest of them to follow without any resistance. 

“Okay and so once your turn is done you pass your glass to the next person and they have to go.” Although full of enthusiasm the rules didn't make sense, nor could anyone properly follow them, so it ended up just being Hyunjin yelling at the each of them when they should or shouldn't drink. 

“CHANGBIN they won on your turn, so that means you do a shot!” 

“What I- Okay hand me the bottle.” Without even pouring a glass, he shot back an acceptable amount of soju for Felix to drunkenly cheer from beside him. 

“Yay Changbin!!! Join me on my journey to blackout.”

“Lix baby, that should not be your goal.”

“It never is.” Felix sighed at his hyungs concerns, but not before taking a sip from his fruity cocktail he had ordered earlier. Jisung had an identical cocktail one that he had finished quickly. Felix had originally ordered them so they could “match for their celebration”. No one could ever say no to Felix, and that remains the only thing that makes him truly dangerous.

Overall, it was a mess, but all of them finished the game substantially more tipsy when they started. Jisung was definitely starting to feel the effects of the empty bottles and glasses around him. He felt a little numb but just enough to be more comfortable and accepting of the new atmosphere. Having not expected any of this tonight, he definitely found himself surprised that they all had gotten through the large number of bottles that the uniformed waitress had brought them not even an hour ago. 

The buzzed feeling in his body didn't make him any less aware of his company though. Felix's bubbly personality comforted and uplifted the whole group. Changbin ended up being a  relatively heavy drinker, having lost the most rounds during their games, and became more animated as the night went on. Chan was smiling almost non-stop and it made Jisung glad to see his oldest hyung relax and enjoy a night out, after working so hard for so long. Hyunjin’s laugh would echo through each conversation making the environment warm and fun. Jisung never would have thought that the fabled “night out” trope would actually feel relaxing. He couldn't help but smile to see his hyungs and his new friends become closer. So much of his life has shifted since meeting Minho.

Minho’s hand had been disconnected from his still they returned but they still sat knee to knee in the booth. The shared warmth of their legs and the mindless fiddling of fingers when Minho would reach over to play with the frayed strings on the holes of his jeans, kept the content feeling of butterfly wings steadily in his stomach. Jisung felt full of bliss as well as soju. 

-

Minho was mostly focused on all the group’s conversations and the liquid level of his glass, but every so often would sneak glances beside him to make sure Jisung was still smiling. Sometimes staring back, sometimes not but Minho wanted to make sure the other was enjoying his birthday celebration. The smile that had been plastered on Jisung’s face and his infectious laugh that flooded the room, was enough to reassure the older. 

Minho managed to stay just relatively tipsy for most of the night but the rest of his roommates did not seem to be as in control of their drinking as he was tonight. Hyunjin had descended into his sleepy contemplative state of drunk while Felix was practically buzzing with electricity as he talked off the 3RACHA members’, and anyone who would listen’s, ear off. 

Drawing back in to see how Jisung was doing he found that the younger boy’s eyes were already on him. A heart shaped smile spread across his face as their eyes met. 

“Before you give me those dopey eyes again. Yes, Minho-hyung I am having  a good time and have been since the last time you checked.”

Minho forced his mouth to close after being caught. He was about to deny his accusation when Jisung just reached for his hand and held it smiling, actively shutting the other up. Suddenly very distracted by the way the neon lights bounced off the others' faces to leave it practically glowing. Minho had always found himself curious of how Jisung could be so breathtaking and still act like he didn't know it. Jisung laughed at Minho’s expression, and who was he to not join him. He would never be able to deny that the younger’s laugh was irresistible. 

“Oh my god I love this song, come dance with meeee” A loud, very drunk Felix shouts, as the sunshine boy practically pulls Changbin, also a rather enthusiastic drunk, and Minho toward the dance floor. The inhuman strength of the younger when he is intoxicated is enough to somehow get his other two companions to their feet. Minho flashes an apologetic glance and an extra squeeze to Jisung’s hand at being physically yanked from their little moment. 

Jisung, understanding enough, just laughs at Felix’s drunk antics and motions for them to go ahead. Leaving him at the booth with a drunk Chan who is currently holding some “deep” conversation with a very tipsy Hyunjin. Seems Chan’s dad-like charms had gotten the princely boy to open up to him. This night had definitely ended up different than Jisung had first though but he'd be lying to say he wasn’t enjoying all of it.

“Han Jisung.”

Jisung looked up to find Sweet Lotus’s owner giving him an inviting expression. He couldn’t lie that Momo did not scare him a little. But he would say that if anything he just respectfully found her to be intimidating. 

“Oh hai.” Jisung tried his best to sober up and put on a friendly face. 

“Would you come with me for a moment?” Jisung nodded and got up from their table following the woman to a somewhat quieter area of the clubs open concept near some standing tables.

“So. I’m happy to see you are what's keeping my Lino so busy.” Her friendly smile grew wide.

“What me? No Minho has just been working hard on his other job. He also has auditions and dance and everything.” 

“Hmmm, I don't know. Minho has always had a lot on his plate, but I’ve never seen him actually look this happy.” 

“Really?” Jisung had never really considered how much Minho could have changed because of him. He didn't know much of Minho’s past. Before they had talked he was simply the nice attractive waiter he had given his number to. 

Jisung’s shock was clearly evident on his face, and Momo’s eyes softened at the confused, small, and slightly tipsy boy in front of her.

“Really I mean it, and if anyone would know it's me.” Jisung relaxed visibly, but still held on to  his apprehension. 

“Jisung, I know you're a good kid. Sana’s told me a lot about you boys and she really swears by it. That you're something special, and I can see it too.” Jisung’s heart lifted in his chest a little with pride for his group. But Momo’s expression remained serious. 

“But to me, Minho is truly something special, and I feel like you already know that”

“I knew immediately.” He nodded aggressively, and spoke freely with his filters gone due to the alcohol. Momo giggled at Jisung’s honesty.

“You're such a sweetheart Jisung, but I want to give you some advice about Minho.”

Jisung nodded enthusiastically.

“Minho may be the shining gem he seems to be, but he's also fragile. He's not always as confident as he appears, and can be really stubborn.” 

Momo’s expression grew somber for a moment before continuing, “What I’m trying to say is look out for him. Please. He’s placed a lot of faith in you already. So be sure to take care of him, and don't let him push you away. He's a fool with his emotions, especially when he's scared.”

Jisung could feel the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, but it was a weight he wanted to be worthy of bearing for Minho.

“I’m trusting you here Jisung-ah, Minho stopped letting me take care of him a long time ago, and I'm afraid he's been on his own for longer than he should to be. I would love to see you continue to make him happy.” Momo’s smile was full of fondness now, but something about it was still slightly somber.

Jisung didn't want to let her trust in him go to waste. “I always want to be by Minho-hyung’s side, I promise to do my best Momo-ssi” 

Momo laughs with her slightly disarming giggles, her expression visibly relaxing back into a friendly smile. “Sana’s right you really don’t know how powerful you are.” 

“What do you mean?” Jisung was confused at the sudden change in conversation but he found Momo’s change in demeanor to be comforting that she believed in him, at least a little bit, to heed her warnings. 

“She means you're too cute for your own good.” Minho voiced from just behind Jisung, making his head turn quick enough to catch Minho draping his arm around the younger’s shoulders.

“Noona are you done terrorizing my Sungie now?”

“I would never! Right Jisung~” Momo winked her eyes playfully in response.

Jisung tried his best to cover up his confusion, and flashed his most convincing innocent puppy dog eyes, “Yeah hyung we were just talking.” 

“About me I hope.” Minho giggled at them both, only slurring his words slightly. Turning his head toward Jisung, leaving barely two inches between their faces. But alcohol has a funny way of erasing their usual personal boundaries.

“Well I'm stealing you away now, less talky and more dancy for the birthday boy.” Minho giggled more and Jisung felt his heart leap in response, as he moved the two of them toward the dance floor.

“Have fun boys~” Momo waved and watched them disappear into the crowd with a hopeful smile on her face.

---

The night progressed full of dancing, longing stares, and being too close to each other for it to be considered friendly. Eventually the pair’s roommates had headed home or disappeared off for the night, leaving Minho and Jisung alone in the pink neon lights of the Sweet Lotus. Jisung’s night out had been everything he could’ve hoped for and more. It took more effort than either of them would like to admit to let go of each other's hand once they had to depart for the night. 

Almost every part of Jisung was screaming for him to not let the other leave, and that he should stay. But both of them knew that the morning would just bring them more work, that sadly didn't leave room for long morning’s together. 

But If Jisung was only able to let go of Minho’s hand after the older had to let it go in order to cup his cheek instead, and give him with a gentle kiss goodnight, that was between the two of them as far as Jisung was concerned. And if Jisung went to bed smiling like a fool with red cheeks and red lips then that was for only him to know. And if Minho’s smile mirrored Jisung’s while he stayed up thinking about pink lights and heart shaped smiles, then that was only his to know. 

-----

Thank you for reading ily <3

one ~ two ~ three ~ four ~ five ~ six ~ seven ~ eight ~ nine

[izzy-b-hands]

You Send Me: Chapter Eight

Tag List: @xmxisxforxmaybe

Did I seriously include the song this fic is named for in the fic? Of course I did lol. Part of this fic is self-indulgence, another bit is wanting to write good fic y’all will enjoy, and the other part is getting more people to listen to Sam Cooke. 

Also, much like Freddie, I’m a gay who can’t drive. I’ve had a few lessons on an automatic, was too terrified to learn stick at all, so if the driving in this chapter is questionable...yeah. There’s a reason I made description in that section brief lol.  In my defense, Freddie is also involved in that portion, so this is the blind leading the blind here, but doing their best. Points if you notice the real life driving mistake I made when I had lessons that I included in this fic!

My love to all who read/like/reblog!

“Come dance!” Freddie, usually shy in public, was officially drunk enough to be less shy, and it was adorable. 

Until now.

“I don’t dance,” you insisted. “I’m content to watch you lot go.” 

“You said you like Sam Cooke,” he protested, pointing at the jukebox, which at this bar held almost exclusively ‘50s and ‘60s sock bop sounding pop music. “That’s what’s playing, and what we have queued up. Come on, let yourself have some fun!” 

Blessedly, it switched to a slower favorite of yours, You Send Me, as Freddie pulled you out of your seat. This, you knew you could manage. 

And with no one there aside from the bar staff, the band, and the crew, you could actually enjoy it, letting your arms wrap around Freddie to hold him close while you swayed. It maybe wasn’t ‘dancing’ exactly, but it was lovely, and his smile was well worth it. 

“I bet you can sing this well,” Freddie mumbled. “I want you to sing it for me. Go on.” 

“Freddie,” you blushed. “Maybe later.” 

“Later,” he nodded. “Fine. In the next hotel room, you’re going to sing for me.” 

You shook your head and laughed. “Sure. If we’re both awake by then.” 

Even though you were refraining from drinking more than a sip of whatever Freddie was having, you figured you would still be exhausted from running about with them. They were fun, but energetic fun, more than you were used to from working the same venue each night. 

The crew fell away from their professional personas as well, and you chuckled as you drifted with the group to the next bar, one arm holding Freddie close and mostly upright, the other tugging John in line, as he would turn to look at whatever caught his eye as you went down the road, and would occasionally forget to continue walking as he did. 

Crystal and Roger were mostly holding each other up, and Brian was trying to tally exactly how much each of you had already had to drink, in what seemed to be an attempt to ensure no one got any drunker. Adorably, he kept getting distracted by the sky, desperately working to point out various stars and constellations to whoever was closest to him, disparaging the brightness of the city lights that made them hard to see. 

You could only compare it to kittens, or puppies, let loose in a yard for the first time. Interested in everything, with unsteady legs, barely able to recall exactly what their original goal in moving was.

Somehow, the next bar still agreed to serve you all, though you again found yourself not wanting to drink much at all. It was more fun watching everyone else get sloshed, the playful barking at each other over the drinking competitions that started over already half-drunk pints of beer. Besides that, someone would need to have most of their mind present to get everyone back to the van. 

The idea was to drive right away, and make the two or so hours to Kalamazoo so everyone could rest before the show. However, the more everyone partied, the more you wondered if that was an achievable goal. 

Sure enough, getting them back to the van was chore enough. 

“I’m not ready for the van,” John mumbled. “I hate that thing.” 

“You helped pick it out,” you giggled. 

He was draped over your shoulder, feet stumbling along, trying to hold hands with Freddie behind your back. “I know. It was cheapest, and safest, but it’s so ugly. You know, you know, it won’t even be the booze that makes me sick, it’ll be the interior of it.” 

“It’ll be the booze for me,” Freddie said cheerfully, before patting you on the back and stumbling to the nearest trash can on the corner. It sounded painful, but he grinned even as he stumbled back. “No more for me. Too much, much too much already. That’s a funny word, much...” 

John groaned as Freddie continued to rhapsodize about the word ‘much’, and you focused on keeping them both walking. 

Granted, the trail you were following was an odd one, with Brian and Roger and the crew leaning on each other just ahead of you, laughing and walking in anything but a straight line. More importantly, you didn’t recognize anything around you.

“Lads?” you asked.

No response, everyone was in their own little world.

“Guys?” 

Nothing, but Freddie let his face fall against your neck and mumbled something that sounded like “What?” 

“Are we going the wrong way?” 

Brian was the one to stop dead, so fast that Roger smacked straight into his back. “This isn’t where the van is.” 

“No,” you said slowly. “I think it’s back the way we came. I think, at least.” 

Had Brian been sober, you figured he would have led the charge back the other way. But drunk Brian was easier to panic, and panic he did, dropping to sit on the nearest curb. 

“How’re we going to get back? I don’t know where we are, and if you don’t know where we are,” he threw up his arms in apparent frustration. “Then we’re done for.” 

“I don’t know about that,” you said, and tried to swing John and Freddie with you to a payphone on the other side of the road. “How about I call the driver, hm? Maybe he can just drive and find us.” 

“Y’mean me?” the crew member that usually drove popped out from behind Crystal, nearly tripping as he did. 

“Oh for pity’s sake,” you muttered. “Did you all forget we have to drive to Kalamazoo before the morning?” 

Mentioning the next city’s name was a mistake, because it utterly destroyed them. 

“What a stupid fucking name,” Roger laughed, slipping to sit down by Brian. “Like kazoo. Or harmonica. I’m going to name a city Timpani.” 

“You’re going to buy a city just for that?” Brian asked. 

Roger shrugged. “What better reason to buy one?” 

“Property taxes,” John said decisively, earning another round of laughter, but as far as you could tell he was deadly serious. 

“Okay,” you said. “I technically have a license. I’ve never driven a van, or much at all, but I can do this.” 

Only Freddie seemed to glom onto what you were going to do. “Are you going to leave us here, and go get it?” 

“Don’t have a lot of other choice, love,” you replied, and helped him and John to the curb. “Just stay put, make sure no one is sick all over themselves, and soon enough we’ll have you on the van, alright?” 

“I should come with you,” Freddie insisted, struggling to his feet. “I’ve only had...I didn’t count the drinks, but that’s fine. You can drive, I’ll just help you drive well.” 

“Freddie, you don’t know how to drive at all!” Roger called. 

“Well, technically I don’t either,” you admitted. “I mean, my granddad bribed the instructor to pass me...and I have been in a car, behind the wheel before...for an afternoon, at least...” 

You looked down at the sensation of John’s hand on your leg. 

“I believe in you,” he said, again so serious you would have thought this matter was life-or-death. “Bring us our ugly fucking van.” 

“It isn’t that bad, John,” you sighed. “You’ve got to forgive yourself for that, my man. You really do.” 

You left them then, Freddie stumbling along beside you, and pondered exactly how different a van might be compared to a car, and hoped to god it wasn’t a stick. 

“Driving is overrated,” he mumbled as you took him by the arm, keeping him close so he wouldn’t get lost in the small crowds on the sidewalk. “But flying is expensive. How do people get around in this country?” 

“You drive, or you find the money to fly, or you hope there’s a train or subway in your area,” you replied. “Or in my case, you walk when you can, and are incredibly thankful and kind to those who provide you with rides when you need them.” 

He looked thoughtful for a moment. “That’s why your thighs are so big. I mean I like that, that they are. But it’s the walking. Lots of muscle. Good thighs, those. I wish we had a hotel room tonight, so I could appreciate them properly.” 

You blushed, grateful that the people out and about didn’t seem to give a shit about the two of you wandering, and Freddie speaking less than quietly, though you didn’t think he was aware of that in his current state. “Maybe once you’ve sobered up, hm? If we make it to Kalamazoo on time, and all.” 

He nodded, only to suddenly dash away from you as you approached the venue, lurching towards the van. 

“Please be careful!” you called, patting yourself down for the van keys. 

The keys that were not in any of your pockets. 

Because they were with the driver, back many streets away. 

“Freddie,” you said softly as you watched him struggle with the van door. “Have you ever picked a lock?” 

----

“We owe Roger one,” Freddie sighed as you finally clambered into the van. “I’ve never been so glad he liked breaking into my hotel rooms.” 

Roger’s method, at least part of it taught to Freddie, had been enough to crack the lock and let you in. As a bonus, it has also sobered Freddie up a decent amount. 

He settled into the passenger seat and watched you sit behind the wheel. “So. You have driven before, at least once?” 

You nodded. “It didn’t go great, but I have.” 

He nodded slowly, matching your nods, as if that would somehow make the van go on its own, as the two of you stared at the steering wheel. “By didn’t go great...” 

“I was supposed to do a three point turn on a really narrow dirt road, and sort of ended up more in the ditch than on the road. My granddad had to help me get it back on the road, yelling the whole time, it was horrid, honestly.” 

“Can sort of see why you don’t drive more, knowing that,” Freddie said. “But you’ve got this.” 

You sighed, and then realized that, without the keys, the van would not go anywhere. “Oh fucking hell.” 

Freddie fumbled with the glove compartment, and tossed an extra set of keys to you. “Thank god we paid extra for those. Never thought we’d need them, but here we are.” 

Getting out of the lot was easy enough; it was a big open area with no other vehicles in it at the time. 

Detroit traffic, however, was a different beast. 

“I literally would kill to be doing anything else,” you muttered. 

“As long as it isn’t me you would kill,” Freddie chuckled. “But I get it, this is...not great. Let’s not say bad.” 

But it was bad. You crept forward as much as you could manage, only to get not a single spot you were fast enough to drive into so you could join the traffic. 

“Maybe you’re overthinking it,” Freddie said gently. “I don’t know that this is really right, but next time you see an opening, just gun it? I suppose?” 

“Anything is better than sitting here,” you replied, and the next chance you got, you took. 

Thankfully, it seemed Detroit drivers weren’t unused to sloppy driving. Sure, ninety percent of them were flipping you off, but you were in your lane, obeying the speed limit, and braking with enough room (maybe too much, at a few stops, but you preferred that to accidentally hitting anyone.) 

Even so, you had to nearly ask Freddie to pry your white-knuckled hands off the steering wheel once you’d reached the rest of your group and parked in the lot of the bar nearest to them. 

“Are you good to drive?” you asked the driver as he led the rest over. 

“Sure,” he replied, while you watched everyone else make their way into the van. 

“No, really,” you said. “Traffic is terrible here, if you aren’t sober enough, then we need to wait.” 

He muttered something under his breath, too low for you to hear, but nodded. “Fine. We’ll be close on time, but we’ll see if we can sleep it off here for a bit.” 

You headed for the van, only to dash away as John came running back out of it, making it a good few feet away before he lost his stomach over the pavement. 

“I told you it would be the interior,” he said, as he tried to wave away your hands. 

“Let me at least help you up,” you insisted, and it was a relief when he let you grab him and carefully pull him up. You managed a quick wave to Freddie, who watched as you helped John back onto the van. 

He looked tired, and like the beginnings of a hangover were starting to claw at him, but he smiled as he looked on, and that made the whole situation better. 

Though you were still incredibly glad you wouldn’t have to drive the van to Kalamazoo yourself. The streets of Detroit had been more than enough, thank you very much. 

[dinosaursmate]

The giving-addicted @cher1808 donated £10 to Liam’s Charity Drive for The Way Youth Zone and requested a drabble!

She sent me this post with no further instruction so here it is. Since Cher donated three times the donation amount I asked for, I didn’t mind getting a bit carried away so this is 1700 words LOL

Drabbles for Donations - Information

-

Finally.

Blood, sweat and tears had led Harry up to this point and he was so pleased - and relieved - that his third album was finally coming out. It had been a long time coming, and Harry felt the need to celebrate. There was, of course, the album launch party, but he absolutely needed to throw a party all of his own.

He handed his assistant the details and guest list for her to organise it. Harry, of course, didn’t have time to plan a party himself. He did, however, want to invite a few people personally.

His plane had just landed in London and, after all his texts had pulled through, he opened Whatsapp and opened his chat with Louis. Louis was a gorgeous and very sweet man Harry had met backstage at Manchester Arena on his last tour, and although they hadn’t seen each other very much, they were in constant contact via Whatsapp. They had just hit it off, somehow, and they could exchange messages for hours and hours.

But Harry was going to hold his album party in Manchester, and he couldn’t wait to invite Louis. He quickly tapped out a text, distracted as he weaved through people.

‘Hey Lou, I wanted to invite you to an album party! It’ll be next week, I’ll let you know the finer details but I really hope you can make it :)’

-

Louis stared at his phone. His palms were clammy. His friendship with Harry was, he supposed, a little unusual. Harry was a megastar - Louis met megastars all the time, of course, working backstage at Manchester Arena - but they had become fast friends and although they had only actually met three times, Louis considered them as quite close. 

But… close enough for Harry to invite him to this kind of party? Just out of the blue like that? 

Louis took a deep breath. Okay, sure. He could do this. He liked Harry a lot, and would love to see him. It wasn’t that weird. Right? Right?

He sighed and started to type a reply.

‘Not a message I ever expected from you hahaha but yeah I’m up for it x’

Louis dropped his phone to the sofa. Well, he supposed that he should go shopping. He couldn’t show up empty handed, after all.

-

“You look nice,” Harry’s assistant told him.

“Why thank you, Catherine.”

Cat frowned. She hated it when he called her that. Regardless, she fixed his collar before smiling.

“You’re good.”

Harry left his room and headed towards the stairs. He stood at the top, watching the smattering of guests, chatting away in the foyer. His official album launch had about five times as many guests, most of whom he wasn’t even on first name terms with. His guests cheered and clapped and raised glasses of champagne as he descended the stairs. This small gathering meant so much more to him. These were the people who helped him get to where he was, and without them, this album never would have come to fruition.

Harry got to the bottom of the stairs and was enveloped with love and congratulations. He mingled about for a bit and, as he was chatting to one of his album’s producers, the doorbell rang. Being right by the front door, he answered it himself.

-

Louis’ hands were shaking, only slightly. It was just that he had never been to this type of party before, and he was nervous. He didn’t know what to expect, or what was expected of him. 

He wasn’t sure if this kind of party was operated under the same social rules as others, but Louis turned up a little late all the same. When he rang the doorbell, he was let in by the man himself.

“Hi, Louis!” Harry gasped happily and pulled him in for a hug. “I am so glad you made it.”

“Well, I’ll try anything once. Especially as it’s a good excuse to see you.” Louis cleared his throat and looked around self consciously. There were women here. He didn’t expect to see women, but he supposed it did make sense. “You look nice.”

“So do you,” Harry replied, looking Louis up and down.

“I’m glad to see I’m not overdressed. I didn’t know whether or not you dressed nice to these sorts of things?”

Harry shrugged noncommittally. “I don’t care what you wear. I’m just glad you’re here.”

“That’s so nice,” Louis said, smiling.  “Um, so… I wasn’t sure what to bring, but I settled on a couple of things I’ve enjoyed in the past.”

Louis handed Harry the small gift bag. Harry smiled, tilting his head as he looked inside the bag.

“Oh my God!” Harry screeched.

Everybody turned to look, and Louis felt his face turn beetroot red. Harry grabbed his arm and pulled him through the kitchen and into the utility room.

“I-” Harry shook his head, eyes crazed and lips not sure if they should be smiling or not. “Is this some kind of joke I don’t get?”

“Am I not supposed to bring my own things? I’ve never been to one of these things.” Louis wrung his hands together, anxiety making him feel a bit wobbly. “Sorry.”

“You-” Harry let out a laugh. “I understand you’ve not been to an album party before, but I don’t understand how you made the leap to bringing lube and… what even is this?”

Harry pulled out the box of textured penis sleeves as Louis’ brain began to short circuit. A… what party?

“Harry,” Louis said, positively shaking, now. “You invited me to a sex party.”

“What?” Harry squeaked. “I invited you to an album party.”

“No!” Louis replied desperately, pulling his phone out of pocket. “That is not what you said!”

Harry made indistinct noises of confusion. Louis was feeling much the same as he opened Whatsapp, feeling only about one percent better when he realised he hadn’t misread Harry’s message.

“Look!”

-

It was altogether very amusing and slightly arousing, Louis turning up to the album party with fucking sex toys.

Harry took Louis’ phone, trying not to smirk. He could tell Louis was very embarrassed. His face fell when he peered at the message on the screen.

‘Hey Lou, I wanted to invite you to anal bum party! It’ll be next week, I’ll let you know the finer details but I really hope you can make it :)’

“No!” Harry screeched. “That’s not the text I sent!”

“Clearly it is!”

No, no, no. Harry frowned and thought back to when he sent the message. He was speed-walking through the airport. He was in a hurry to get home. He wasn’t paying attention, and he certainly didn’t proofread the message before he sent it.

“Oh. My. God,” Harry whispered before bursting into hysterical laughter. “Oh my God!”

-

“Don’t!” Louis wailed. “I’m so fucking embarrassed.”

“Did it never occur to you that I wanted to invite you to anal bum party doesn’t make any grammatical sense?!”

“No!” Louis finally let out a laugh. “God. I just saw the word anal and blacked out.”

Harry cackled again and threw an arm around Louis’ shoulders.

“Look, let’s just… leave this bag in here.” Harry placed it on top of the tumble dryer. “So, you came here to get dicked, huh.”

“Not- not necessarily.”

“You came for an anal party.”

Louis whined. He was never going to live this down. Even if Harry stopped teasing him, he would never let himself forget it, and how utterly stupid he was.

“You’re a good sport,” Harry continued. “You moved out of your comfort zone, picked up supplies and dutifully turned up to an anal bum party, ready to take whatever comes at you.”

“I wasn’t going to take whatever came at me. I’m not, like, into super casual sex like that. But.. I don’t know. I thought it might be an interesting life experience to have.”

“Right.” Harry chuckled quietly, leading Louis back towards the party. “Well, I’m very glad you’re at my album party, and I’m very sorry but if you want to have sex with any of my guests, you’re gonna have to try a bit harder than you thought.”

-

Louis glared at Harry. “I’m perfectly fine with not doing that.”

Harry shrugged. He was attracted to Louis, of course he was, and the wild thought of I should have a sex party popped into his head. It left as just as quickly.

“Don’t let me forget that bag,” Louis said as they emerged back into the party. “That stuff was expensive. There are some really good condoms in there.”

“Oh yeah?” Harry said, smirking.

“Yup. And the lube is good, too. Warming. And I got organic, of course, because I know you like organic stuff.”

Harry stopped walking. Louis bought lube that he knew Harry would like? 

“Louis,” he said slowly, his tone slightly teasing. “When you came for this anal bum party, were you hoping to have anal bum fun with the host? How ambitious.”

Louis blushed furiously and Harry almost felt bad for teasing him. Almost.

“Look,” Louis said, embarrassed. “As I said, I’ve never been to a sex party. I just kind of thought if I was going to do anything, it should be with the one person at the party I knew.”

“I see.”

“Anyway!” Louis said, his voice increasing in pitch. “Don’t pretend you’ve not flirted with me on Whatsapp.”

Harry just looked at Louis, a small smile on his face.

“Tell me about that little box.”

“What?”

“Something about a penis sleeve.”

Louis went red again. “Uh… yeah. They’re, like, little textured sleeves to put on your shaft. They’re a novelty, if anything, to be honest, but I thought they might be fun.”

“I see.” Harry slipped his arm from around Louis’ shoulders and reached down to squeeze his hand. “Get yourself a drink, mingle if you want, but come find me a bit later.”

Louis nodded and Harry walked away.

Harry felt as though the ice had been broken, in a massive, massive way. If Louis wanted organic sex with the host of this party, well.

He might just get it.

[daddysfangirls-marvel]

Happiest with his rival

warning: angst, fluff

Summary: Harry Potter has a shy twin sister who talks to only a select few. She has been in a relationship since the beginning of the third year. Harry, as well as the Weasely twins, are the only ones that know. That is until the Yule Ball.

She stood in front of the mirror hastily smoothing out her dress trying to make sure she looked her best. (y/n) Potter was going to the Yule ball. (y/n) Potter the invisible Potter twin the shy and quiet one. She was so quiet most assumed she was mute. The unnoticed one got a date. And she was nervous.

 She was so nervous she had spent the last twenty minutes smoothing out her dress with her sweaty palms. What if her date didn’t show up? What if he didn’t like her dress? what if she fell down or tripped? What if he left her for another girl? Oh my gosh, there were so many what if’s and negative ideas running through her head. 

Twin telepathy had Harry in the next room nervous. (y/n) stood in the corner of the room by her bed her curtains hid her dress from the other girls. Throwing on her robe she quickly left the room ignoring the questioning looks from others she went to the boy's dorms. Some of the boys screeched as she entered the room rothers tried to cover themselves but a few of them, knowing (y/n), looked concerned.

“Why are you scared?” Harry asked as he buttoned up his shirt not even looking at her as she took a seat in his bed. “Nothing bad is going to happen. Stop with those negative thoughts... you’re making me nervous”

“yeah kitten it’s all going to be fine,” Fred said 

“no need to be a nervous wreck,” George said.

“And if the git tries anything-”

“we’ll be right there-”

“To Knock his teeth lose”

(y/n) smiled at Fred and George’s kindness. As Fred and George continued talking to her while getting dress Harry started to do her hair and help her put on some jewelry. Then the twins salute a victim in Ron and his strange robes. (y/n) took pity on him, with a whisper of a spell and wave of her wand she changed his hideous robes into a suitable tux, it was still its drab color but still better.

“Thanks (y/n)” he said truly grateful “ by the way you still haven’t told us who your date is”

“Just wait you’ll see. And you’ll be shocked too” Harry said as he finished putting on her necklace.

“Really, who is it?”

“someone you’d never believe,” he said a bit angry but continued getting ready.

-

(y/n) slowly peeked around the corner before quickly pulling back. So her date was here she could easily spot him amongst the crowd. He looked so handsome.

“oh no,” she whispered as she slowly backed away when she hit something or someone she turned around.

“Oh yes,” they said.

“relax,” Fred said

“you’re rubbing off on Harry” George pointed out. She looked to Harry he looked absolutely dreadful.

“If it’ll make you feel better-”

“how about we escort you down” Fred finished George's sentence.

“yes... I’d like that very much.” The Weasley boys offered her an arm on each side taking both she stepped out of hiding as soon as she stepped out at least 2/3 of the room’s eyes were on her “ please don’t let me fall”

“We wouldn’t dream of it” They both give her arm a gentle squeeze.

As she descents down the stair eyes follow. Her dress was black, matching her date’s tux, her sleeves were lace as the rest of her dress was soft expensive material she didn’t know and it had a slit that went up to her high thigh showing off her black pumps. She kept her eyes low as everyone looked at her she was no use to the attention.

As she finished her descent down the stairs her date stepped forward. “Woah, (y/n). You-you look beautiful”

“you look pretty. I mean handsome, you look very handsome... Draco” he chuckled he took her hand gently kissing the back of her hand “thank you” she blushed.

Someone cleared their throat they both looked up to see Harry, Fred, and George standing before them. Harry opened his mouth then closed it like a gaping fish he didn’t know what to say. He had known they were dating since the beginning of the third year but he never had to acknowledge it or treat him any differently seeing as it was a secret. Now it was out in the open and he didn’t know what to say. So instead of speaking, he stuck out his hand “ Draco” he shook his hand then the twins. “Harry... Fred, George” with a final nod he, as well as the Weasley, left to their dates. 

Draco turned back to (y/n) and smiled he held out his arm “ My lady would you care to accompany me” she took his arm

“of course” she whispered.

After that, they didn’t say anything for the rest of the night they laughed, touched, dance, but they did not speak a word between the two. People, stared, pointed, and whispered. Some were shocked, others thought it was cute, a few Slytherins and Gryffindors were upset. But they didn’t care they were so consumed with each other nobody else mattered as they slowly danced the night away.

-

Harry looked over to the refreshment table where his sister stood getting drinks with Draco they were both laughing but he knew nothing was said they were strange like that.

“look at her over there laughing with the enemy” Harry rolled his eyes at Ron. All night he had been speaking badly about (y/n) and Hermonie’s dates completely neglecting his. “Look at that Harry your own blood has betrayed you”

“I don’t mind” Ron looked completely stunned.

“are you joking? Your sister is snogging Malfoy your rival since the first year. she’s-”

“happy” Harry turned to Ron with the most serious expression he has ever had “ she’s happy. She’s healthy. She’s loved... this is the happiest I’ve ever seen her and if it’s with Draco Malfoy then so be it. I’m not going to interrupt my sister’s happiness with some petty rivalry... I’m happy for her.”

Harry excused himself for a moment heading to the refreshment where Draco and (y/n) were still laughing.

“Hey,” Draco said as he calmed down from his fit of laughter “ You two seems to be enjoying yourself”

“yes and you-you...” Draco tried to think of something nice to say “ look dreadful” he couldn’t find anything. “ You look miserable and so does your date. News flash Potter that’s not good. Stop moping ask her to dance this is a once and a lifetime opportunity don’t let her waste it in a chair” Harry looked back to his date who was sitting miserable someone had come and stolen her sister from Ron. He sighed he wouldn’t admit it but Draco was right and he was going to take his advice. Walking over to his date Harry gave Ron a final pity glance before he took his date to dance. Together Harry, his date, his sister, and Draco danced the night away.

-

After the dance (y/n) and Draco made their relationship official and everybody knew. Slytherin and Gryffindor didn’t really like it but accepted it anyway. Draco and Harry didn’t stop their petty fighting and name-calling they just tamed it down when she was around. Being with Draco (y/n) became more happy, energetic, and social. She made it a daily goal to have a full conversation with one person everyday besides Draco and her brother. And being with (y/n) Draco toned down he bullied less and didn’t talk much about pride or his father anymore he was less cocky. (y/n) was good for Draco as Draco was good for (y/n).

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[smilingformoney]

America’s Most Eligible 3 Diamond Scene: Last Day with Your Friends

You: Looks like I’m booked and busy after all. I’ll see you two bright and early tomorrow!

An hour or so later, you your fiancée, and your wedding party are gathered on the lawn outside your cottage. Best Man: What’s going on, Jamie? Are we having an impromptu beach party? You: As a matter of face, that’s exactly what we’re doing. We figured it’s high time you take advantage of our private beach! Fiancée: Yeah, it’s a crime we’ve been here all season and haven’t had the chance to actually use it. Maid of Honour: Better late than never. Officiant: I’ll go mix us some drinks in the kitchen. As your maid of honour and your best man follow your officiant into the house, you turn to the rest of the party, beaming.

You: Okay, everyone… -It’s time to rage!

You: It’s our last full day in the AME mansion. Let’s tear this beach up! Your wedding party cheers and exchanges high-fives. Bianca: Hell yes! Let’s celebrate this season with tequila. Slater: Bianca, you’re speaking my language. Eden: You can keep the tequila. I’ll be sipping on a gin and tonic. Han: Uh, hello? What about sake bombs? Kiana: Oooh, I’d be so down for that!

-Go forth and relax.

You: We’ve worked hard this season. Now that it’s almost over, we deserve some R&R. Bianca: Amen to that. Eden: We’ve barely had time to ourselves since filming started. We need a breather. Han: Especially since tomorrow’s the big day. We gotta have our beauty rest before Jamie’s wedding! Slater: Maybe you need beauty rest. Some of us happen to be naturally handsome and charming. Han: Hey! Kiana: Don’t listen to him, Han. You’re just as pretty as he is.

Your wedding party hurries to fix drinks, then disperses throughout the beach. Your fiancée touches your elbow lightly. Fiancée: It seems like this’ll be our last chance to spend one-on-one time with all our friends. We should mingle a little. You: Just follow my lead!

Who do you talk to? -Bianca and Han

-If you said to rage

You find Bianca and Han sunning themselves on the beach.

-If you said to relax

You find Bianca and Han sunning themselves on the beach.

You: I hope we’re not interrupting. Bianca: You’re good, babes. We’re just catching some rays! Bianca: Ugh. I’ve been spending way too much time with Slater. Han: Hey, maybe the dude’s onto something. I wish we had more time to hang out on the beach this season… Bianca: That was one of the perks of Season 10. We got so much down time. Fiancée: I know what you mean. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but things were a lot simpler back in Season 10. You: True, but there were a lot of memorable moments in Season 10.

You: My personal favourite was… -Getting picked to be on the show!

You: When Jen chose me from the audience, it changed my life forever. If she hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met all of you! Han: Plus, AME would’ve been way more boring. Bianca: Forget AME. Our lives would be boring without Jamie. You: Aww, you guys. My life would be a lot more boring without you too.

-Meeting all those celebrities!

You: I never thought I’d get to meet the legendary Lancelin St. Claire, let alone Thomas Hunt and Chris Winters. Bianca: Ugh, I’m still so jealous you got to do that. Was Chris as dreamy IRL as he is on the big screen? Han: Did he teach you any cool movie stunts? Jamie: Okay, okay. One question at a time, please.

-Going to the Jury House…

You: Sure, it kinda sucked to be voted off the show so early, but it was cool to get a behind-the-scenes look. Bianca: Being on the Jury was fun, honestly. I like having the power to decide someone’s fate. Bianca: Knowing I could crush someone with my vote, to take away their dreams of winning the show… There’s nothing else like it! Han: You seriously scare me sometimes.

Bianca: What about you, Jamie’s fiancée? Any fave moments of Season 10? Fiancée: I met Jamie in Season 10. Every moment with them has been a favourite. You and your fiancée share a warm smile. Han siffles, dabbing at his eyes with the corner of his beach towel. Han: That’s the sweetest thing I’ve ever heard-- Han: Ow. Ow. I think I got sand in my eye. Bianca: Nonono, Han, don’t rinse it out with salt water! Fiancée: Ouch. Maybe we should— You: Leave them to it? That’s a great idea.

-Slater, Eden, and Kiana

-If you said to rage

You find Slater, Eden, and Kiana splashing around in the shallows, drinks in hand.

-If you said to relax

You come across Slater, Eden, and Kiana floating together in the shallows.

Slater: Hey, you two. Come to join the party? You: More like making sure you guys aren’t getting into trouble. Eden: No need to worry. I’ve been keeping a close watch on them. Kiana: Yeah, Eden’s been kind of a drill sergeant. I think she’s got some residual trauma from Season 11… Eden: Well, what’d you expect? We had a lot of close calls last season. Let’s not forget the time a couple of go-karts exploded. Kiana: That… wasn’t great. But at least AME covered our medical expenses! Fiancée: Kiana, you’ve got a weird knack for looking on the bright side. You: I think we can all admit Season 11 was pretty wild.

You: Who could forget… -Our amazing trip to Iceland?

You: Sure, we didn’t leave the U.S. under the most ideal circumstances, but the change of scenery was really nice. You: I mean, do you remember the mansion they put us up in? It put the Miami house to shame. Slater: How could you think that? We were miles away from the nearest surf spot! Eden: But apart from that, you have to admit… it was a really nice house. Kiana: And all it took was a couple of flaming go-karts to get us there. Fiancée: Honestly, no mansion could compare to our guest cottage. I love having a space that’s all our own.

-Carson’s existential crisis?

You: I thought I’d seen Carson at his lowest point in Season 10, but he proved me wrong last season. You: After everything he went through, I’m surprised he ever came back to work on AME. Fiancée: I’m not. Carson’s life has revolved around this show since Season 1. Eden: Personally, I think he just likes the way he looks on TV… Kiana: And in the reflections of the camera lenses. Slater: Besides, let’s be real. Carson would never give up access to his own personal hair and makeup room.

-Our surprise engagement?

You: When AME introduced me to my fiancée, I thought, ‘this is as good as it gets’. You: But then they just kept surprising me. Who knew they’d give us such a fairytale engagement? Fiancée: Let alone a fairytale wedding. Slater: Personally, I’m surprised they didn’t pull a classic AME stunt to screw things up for you two. Eden: They wouldn’t dare. Some things are sacred even for AME producers! Kiana: Not to mention we would’ve fought ‘em off if they tried anything. No one’s messing with your special day!

You: I think we can all agree there were a lot of… interesting moments in Season 11. But I wouldn’t change anything. You: Without all the craziness, we never would’ve come together this season. Fiancée: And we couldn’t imagine our lives without you.

-Your best man, your maid of honour and your officiant

You find your maid of honour, your best man, and your officiant kicking back in the kitchen.

-If you said to rage

Officiant: Hey, guys! We made you a couple of extra strong drinks.

-If you said to relax

Officiant: Hey, you two. We made a pitcher of lemonade if you want some.

You: Sounds perfect. Your officiant hands you a glass, and you take a long, grateful sip. Fiancée: What’ve you three been up to in here? Officiant: Reminiscing, mostly. We kinda can’t believe this is our last day in the mansion. Maid of Honour: Before your wedding, of course. You: I know what you mean. AME has been such a huge part of our lives. Derek: It’s been a wild journey, going from Super Fan to TV star. My whole outlook on life has changed because of AME. Derek: If it weren’t for the show, I’d probably still be making lists and over-analysing everything. It’s hard to imagine. Mackenzie: It feels like everything’s changed since our first season. I mean, I never thought I’d come away from this trash fire with friends. Derek: Was that your way of saying you like us, Mackenzie? Mackenzie: Don’t push it. Adam: Honestly, I feel the same as Mackenzie. My first season on AME was rough, but you guys shifted my entire perspective. Jen: Same here. Since I met you, this show has become so much more than just a job. Jen: Though I have to admit, I’m looking forward to going back to my regular duties as showrunner. Being on-camera is exhausting. You: We’ve all got a lot to look forward to after the show wraps.

You: I personally can’t wait to… -Start my married life in peace.

You: It’s gonna be so good to get back to real life. That’s what my fiancée and I have been fighting for all season. Fiancée: It’ll all be worth it once we ride into the sunset together.

-Kiss the cameras goodbye!

You: I’ve enjoyed my fifteen minutes of fame, but I need a break from the limelight. Fiancée: Same here. It’s gonna feel so good when things go back to normal…

-Binge-watch all my seasons!

You: I haven’t had any time to watch the playback from Seasons 10 and 11. I wanna witness the mess with my own eyes. Fiancée: Just don’t be too upset if they gave you a bad edit.

Best Man: Whatever happens after the last episode wraps, just promise us one thing… Officiant: That we’ll all keep in touch. Maid of Honour: And we don’t just mean on holidays and birthdays. We want regular group hangs. You raise your glass, clinking it against your friends’ cups. You: It’s a promise.

You and your fiancée wander onto your front lawn together, watching your friends gathered on the beach. Fiancée: Everyone’s having a blast. I’d call this a party well done. +50 You: After all the help they’ve given us, they deserve it. We couldn’t have gotten this far without them. Fiancée: It’s gonna be weird, not seeing them every day. Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited to start our life together, but… You: I know what you mean. I’m gonna miss them too.

[writing-freestyle]

model!irene

i haven’t updated in so long, i’m so sorry!

when she first became a model, people were like… that face can't be real. it's photoshop or smth, it's so perfect

BUT NOPE

irene is literally just that beautiful

models for cosmetics, not really clothes too much

but when she does model for clothing lines, whatever she wore sold out in under five minutes

no one believes she’s a day over 20 when they first see her, they're always like…. ur either drinking straight outta the fountain of youth or ur really just that young

but they stop saying that when they see her with newbie model!yeri, because….. she's a whole mom

babies the hell outta yeri, and even though yeri is like… irene, pls…. i’m an adult

she still eats the crust-free, dinosaur shaped sandwhiches irene brings her with the biggest smile on her face

and that smile is the reason irene babies her so much

irene lives to make other people happy, and it's this trait that makes you fall super hard for her

ur an employ at the company irene is signed with, and it's not like ur in her immediate team or anything like that

u just recieve requests from people that want to work with the agency’s models, and it's ur job to sort out the request and either assign them a model if they haven't specified, or make sure the requests reach the desk of the specific model’s team

and it's a really good job! u like it, especially since an organized environment is what you love most in the world, and that's basically what ur doing for a living

but sometimes it gets stressful

bc the agency is so huge, it requires everyone to be on their a game at all times, and since it's basically just you doing the sorting, it can be…. overwhelming

and especially in the few months or so before spring is when it gets real hectic

because everyone wants models for photoshoots with blooming flowers and falling cherry blossoms

which you’ve handled before, it should be no big deal, and this year should be no different

but for some reason

when you go to work one day

you just….. can't

it's not like you sit at your desk and do nothing, but it's more like you're trying to do things, but keep making mistakes you’ve never made before

when it's an hour before your lunch break, you send out two stacks of requests, one for irene’s team, and one for seulgi’s team, because those two usually are more opinionated on which jobs they take on, and they'll probably need more time than yeri, joy, and wendy combined to decide

and ur like ‘cool, the requests are on their way, i need to stop stressing and chill a little, i got this.’

but right as you say this, an intern walks into ur office and looks kinda…. concerned?

and u know it's the intern from seulgi’s team, so ur like…. what happened with the requests, is something wrong?

and the intern kinda mumbles at first cause they don't want you to be upset, but eventually you make out that they're trying to tell you that…. irene and seulgi’s request still haven't been recieved

wat

“what do you mean they weren't recieved?”

“like… we got the message that we’d be recieving them today at 11:00 am, but….. we never got it.”

and you just snap because

oh my god

this is a major mistake, and you're going to be the one to take the blame

you tell the intern that you're going to fix it, and to go tell both seulgi’s and irene’s teams that it’ll be there soon

they nod and leave, and you begin to scavenge through all the scrunched up and tossed away notes to try and decipher which brand wanted who and what day and time and the benefits they offer with each job

and it's literal hell, because all your notes are so vague, because you immediately wrote them down on the official request forms for irene and seulgi so you wouldn't have to rewrite it later and waste time

without even realizing, lunch is long gone and it's nearing time for you to get off work

but there are at least ¼ of the requests missing from each girls’ pile and you're full on sobbing bc….. this sucks

and you're so stressed that you don't even realize someone entered your office until they timidly knock on the surface of your desk

you're somewhere between shocked and scared when you see it's irene, because a) you didn't even know she knew where your office was? and b) was she there to yell at you or fire you? because you will cry even harder if that's the case

but nah

before you can do anything, irene sets down a plastic container on your desk and pulls out a fork and a bottle of water from her purse and puts those in front of you as well

and that's when she really gets on ur fucking uwus, because she opens the container to reveal some crust-less, dinosaur shaped sandwiches with a fruit cup in the shape of stars on the side

“you didn't come out of your office all day, and the delivery guy didn't have your usual order when he stopped by the office earlier, so i….”

she kinda motions to the food, and looks down sheepishly, and ur all sorts of “wat” on the inside bc????

is irene a literal angel? probably

you thank her profusely and tell her she didn't have to do this, but she just gives you the softest smile and goes:

“i heard about what happened today. it's not your fault, but you're probably kicking yourself like it is. i just wanted to make sure you're not beating yourself up over this, because it makes me sad when you're stressed like that.”

irene has to leave shortly after that because she has a night shoot for this brand that came out with a new line of evening gown’s and irene was begged to model for it

but she makes sure to leave her number on your desk and tells you to text her if you're ever stressed and need someone to talk to

or if you wanna go on a taco date with her, but she says that part in her head bc she's like…. it's too soon for me to be this forward with them

sure enough, you do text irene a few days later, but it's not cause you're stressed

you actually ask her out to dinner to repay her for her kindness earlier

irene, in a meeting with her team, recieving ur text asking her out on saturday

manager: “what about this quick photoshoot for armani on saturday bc they're a top brand, and we really shouldn't say no to that??”

irene, feeling her heart ready to burst out of her chest: “no, i’m going to be living my dreams on saturday, k, bye :)”

you let irene pick the restaurant, and you thought it was gonna be fancy and expensive, bc, hello, super famous model??

but instead she goes “i know this taco truck”

if you weren't already in love with her at that point, YOU SURE AS HELL ARE NOW

so, you guys are sitting on this park bench at 11 pm

with four plates of tacos between the two of you

and you guys are telling stories and cracking jokes, and it’s honestly the best date either of you have ever been on

and at the end, irene just kinda lays her head on your shoulder and sighs so happily

“thank you for this, it’s been awhile since i’ve had this much fun.”

“maybe we could do this again sometime, then?”

irene suddenly snaps her head up to look at you with wide eyes, and is like “SERIOUSLY? OMG, CAUSE I HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME BUT I DIDN’T KNOW IF YOU HAD FUN TOO!”

“irene.... ur literally the human embodiment of happiness, i can’t be anything but in a good mood when i’m around u.”

something in irene just melts, and she’s like so happy that she pulls you in this giant hug and just starts to ramble about how happy she is and

and then she’s just like “i’m so happy you had fun, because i really like you, like a lot, and i would’ve been real sad if you didn’t have fun”

you just giggle and go “i like you too, okay? you can stop being so nervous now.”

and she relaxes and smiles, grabs your hand, entwine it with hers, and the two of you continue to talk and get to know each other even more

and that’s how you two start dating

y’all are the mom couple, y’all already knew this was coming

cutting fun shapes into yeri’s food so she thinks it's more exciting to ear her fruits and vegetables? check.

making sure joy doesn't break that vvv expensive vase while y’all are visiting locations for potential photoshoot’s? check.

helping wendy translate her thoughts properly when she’s too flustered to do so? check.

putting bandaids onto seulgi’s scrapes when she attempts to do some sport and takes it a little too seriously? check.

you two are just the resident angels, and everyone looks up to you two?? aspiring to be as great as you and irene are?

you two are really making the world a better place, bless

and you two take really good care of each other too! always making sure the other is eating properly and if the other is stressed that they have a shoulder to cry on or a person to love them unconditionally

it's gr8, and the rv members are so happy that irene has found someone with just as much love in their heart as she does, and isn't afraid to tell irene she's the love of their life every day

concept: irene has now taken a habit to eating lunch in your office. occasionally, the other rv members join too, but irene comes every day at noon with two sets of food and the biggest smile on her face. she always says that you're the best part about coming to work now.

[timeisacephalopod]

Optioned

Um, random Peter/ Bucky AU in which they both work a shitty job at a movie theater. I don’t know what this is but its definitely crack lmao. I just wanted to write the pairing tbh.

Ok so Peter had aspirations- once upon a time that was a thing but now all his dreams are dead and he stuffs bags full of pop corn for a living. Its not exactly that he hates his job at the local movie theater, its just that he’d rather kill himself than speak to an actual live human being at a till. People are assholes for one, and also he’s discovered that the ‘ice vs no ice’ controversy is real and people are passionate about it. His preference? He doesn’t have one because he can’t be assed to care about trivial shit like that.

The only good thing to come out of his shitty job making surprisingly good popcorn is that he met Bucky. Sure he’s like ninety percent sure Bucky never actually does any work mostly because he’s way too fucking anxious to handle being on till but he’s funny and that’s all Peter cares about. Plus he’s awesome enough that no one else seems to notice that he doesn’t do much. Either that or everyone likes him too much to care.

“I hate closing shifts,” Kamala mumbles and Peter snorts.

“That makes two of us but fuck getting up in the morning,” he says, shaking his head. Morning shifts are slow as shit too so not only would he be up early but he’d have nothing to do. Fuck morning shifts. Actually no, fuck working in general, he misses stealing shit to get by but Bucky thinks its immoral to steal or whatever. Personally Peter likes to think of himself as Robin Hood except he’s only taking money for himself- if the public wants more of it they can steal their own shit.

“I already have school so you know, I’m used to it,” Kamala says.

Peter wrinkles his nose, “I’d say drop out but then I’d be a bad influence.”

Kamala laughs, “I’m pretty sure my parents would skin you if you told me to drop out and I listened.”

“Has anyone done the butter yet?” Bucky asks and Peter turns.

“No, not that I- why are you in the vat of pop corn?” he asks, frowning at Bucky sitting in the pop corn machine. Its not even empty either, he’s sitting in a giant ass vat of popcorn with food surrounding him.

“Monkey brain,” he says like that’s some kind of explanation.

Peter sighs. “When I was nine my mother died, I got kidnapped shortly thereafter, became a fucking conspiracy theory-” which he hadn’t even known about until he met Bucky. The guy reads way too many conspiracies. “-Ended up leading a life of crime so I could accumulate enough money to go to film school and also assimilate into the group of criminals I was kidnapped by. Went to film school with big dreams of being a director and writer that got sucked out by this shit place, and all for it to end with my boyfriend in a vat of popcorn explained away by ‘monkey brain’. I can’t even write that shit.” But then most of Bucky’s life is such a level of bizarre that he couldn’t write it. If he did he’d deem it unrealistic because Bucky attracts weird like nobody’s business. “Kamala, can you do the butter?” he asks her.

She sighs grumpily but agrees until Bucky interrupts, “I asked because I was gunna do it,” he says.

“You can clean out the popcorn vat,” Peter tells him and Bucky sulks, eating some of the popcorn that surrounds him. Kalama laughs as she pulls the butter from its warmer. Knowing how long those things sit there makes Peter feel almost bad for feeding it to people. But then he remembers half the customers shriek at him if he puts ice in their drinks and feels less bad.

“Can I go home? I hate it here,” Bucky says and Peter snorts.

“If I have to suffer so do you. Kamala, you go home, you have school tomorrow,” he says.

Kamala frowns, “I mean I’m leaving but we don’t have school on Saturdays, Peter.”

Bucky lets out a long whine, “how come she gets to go home? I’m the one dating you, give me special treatment.”

“Yeah, I also happen to know you pay half the rent and need the hours, Kamala’s only here to save money for college so she’s not missing out on much,” he says. “Now clean the vat.” Bucky sighs and mumbles something about Peter sucking the fun out of everything but he doesn’t care. He doesn’t like rent either but Bucky’s the one who insists they work shitty jobs for a living instead of just selling meth or robbing homes in rich areas.

“You’re the best,” Kamala tells him before she takes off. Man Peter wishes he could follow and leave this stupid job behind. Why couldn’t he have dated someone with no moral compass so he could avoid this hellhole?

“Do I still have to clean the vat?” Bucky asks and Peter nods.

“I’m not cleaning that shit,” he says.

“I thought you wanted weird experiences for your writing or whatever,” Bucky says and Peter frowns.

“I hope you know finding my boyfriend in a vat of popcorn is far weirder than cleaning it out,” he says. “Also I don’t feel like cleaning it out when I have to count literally everything in this damn place. Save me some of that popcorn,” he adds, earning a look from Clint like he has the right to issue out looks given his eating habits. Peter watched him eat an Oreo off the lobby floor once.

“His ass as been in there,” he says.

“Clint, I’ve ate is ass, why do you think that matters to me?” he asks, earning a gag from America across the room. “Oh hush, I’m sure you and Kate get up to worse,” he says to her. She gives him a doubtful look but he damn well knows Kate is probably into weird shit, she hangs out with Clint.

“Please don’t tell our coworkers about our sex life, I have to look them in the eye,” Bucky says, climbing out of the popcorn.

“Does he actually do anything around here or does he mostly just talk to you?” Clint asks.

Peter shrugs, “probably the latter but I mean are you complaining? Could you imagine this guy at a till? Dude is a human chihuahua.” He shakes at everything and sometimes has a lot of anger in unexpected places though Peter has to admit if he were Jewish and spotted a Nazi near him he’d punch the Nazi too. Except Bucky acted totally on instinct and went Full Human Chihuahua right after so it was a weird situation to be in and if Peter ever writes a comedy that is so going in it.

Clint snorts, “one time when he was on floor I watched this guy try to walk up to him and he basically ran away and left Loki to deal with it. I’m sure it went horribly wrong.”

“Actually I think Loki solved his problem and that reaffirms that I’m not fit to deal with people,” Bucky says, dumping popcorn into the trash.

“How do you date him?” Clint asks and Peter shrugs.

“Dude is so weird he inspires a crap ton of stories that no one will ever option,” he says and Bucky snorts.

“I’m sure it’ll happen eventually,” he says and yeah, maybe, but Peter is bored of writing for no audience. And also of serving ungrateful dipshits who scream about ice. Once he found a cockroach in the ice and he hopes some jackass customer has eaten one.

“Well when you hit it big remember that time I took your shift,” Clint tells him.

Peter squints, “you’ve never taken anyone’s shift ever. I know this because I help make the schedule.” Its a horrible job and he hates it.

“What I’m saying is that I want your money,” Clint tells him bluntly.

“Uh, I get his money first, you get it later,” Bucky says. “Also you want to scoop the rest of this popcorn?”

*

Peter considers the last year and a half of his life. “Do you ever think about the fact that Tony Stark basically paid you five million dollars to make him a drink?” Bucky asks.

“All the time because literally what the fuck.” He’d been closing, as usual, and then out of nowhere actual Tony fucking Stark walks up and practically begs for a drink. Peter had made a joke that he’d make it if Tony gave him the money to make a movie and the guy must have been some desperate for coke because he agreed. Peter is ninety percent sure the only reason people even went to see it is because Tony was the one who funded it but what the fuck ever man, he’s got a whole new project in the works and his last movie went over surprisingly well.

“I can’t believe real people are funding your space opera about your daddy issues,” Bucky says, shaking his head.

Peter snorts, “you get all the benefits so shush.”

Bucky grins, “well yeah, but a space opera about your daddy issues? That’s also a musical? That’s got to be a niche market.”

Not if Tony Stark is funding it but Peter has long known the guy was genius at marketing. Dude makes a shit ton of money, as evidenced by his paying a stupid amount of dollars over a joke Peter made. But like hell he was backing down from that. “It’ll sell. I mean people loved my weird sci-fi comedy that had a really odd sense of Millennial humor with an absurd amount of conspiracy theories in it,” he points out.

“Yeah, you’re officially in the Illuminati now. Tony invited you and now you’re trying to control the masses,” Bucky says, dead ass serious because he’s probably read whole Reddit threads on it or something. 

He considers that for a moment before looking back to Bucky. “First, please stop reading weird conspiracies about me. Two, do you have any idea how tempted I am to steal all of Tony’s shit always? You should be lucky I love you because he has some nice stuff and I could probably sell it for a lot of money.” He stared at that stupid expensive Rolex for so long Tony probably got suspicious at some point but Peter let him fuck around on set so he didn’t seem to care too much. Turns out Pepper Potts is terrifying though and for a hot second she took everything over to shoo Tony out.

“Actually I don’t really care if you steal from the rich but maybe not the rich guy who’s funding your shit. Steal from all his friends,” Bucky says and Peter blinks.

“Wait, what? I thought you had a thing against stealing!”

Buck shrugs, “I don’t count it if its from rich people who can replace it right away. Its like Robin Hood but selfish,” he says.

Peter stares at him for a long few moments before letting out a long string of swear words. “I’ve been avoiding stealing shit for three damn years and you didn’t even care the whole time? I’m robbing Betsy DeVos so blind she’s going to have to get laser eye surgery to correct it!” he says. He’s got plans.

Bucky throws his head back and laughs, “save that line, its funny.”

[malecsecretsanta]

Merry Christmas, @thepinescentedair!

Because the world will never have enough coffee shop AUs, amirite?

Read on AO3

*****

But first, coffee    

 i.

 The morning rush is starting to die down and Alec can finally catch his breath. He’s made a dozen blended beverages in the last half hour alone, despite the frost on the widow, and Alec is glad for the chance to warm his hands in the sink. It’s too early for this.

 The door chimes and Alec resigns himself to another three hours of his best customer service face. It's not something he's particularly good at, if he's entirely honest.

 “Oh, hello,” the customer says. He’s unashamed in the way he eyes Alec up and down and Alec can’t deny he likes the way the man’s suit clings to his body. He’s not wearing a coat and his cheeks are a little rosy. “You’re not usually here in the mornings, are you?”

 “Nope,” Alec says. He unlocks the register and waits patiently. “Order when you’re ready.”

 “Succent,” the customer says. He quirks an eyebrow and grins at Alec, before handing over his own insulated mug. It’s at least twenty ounces, which is fairly regular, but there are cartoon cats printed all over the stainless steel. “Can I get an upside down coconut milk caramel macchiato to go?”

 “If you want a cavity,” Alec says as he accepts the mug. He hears Jace laugh from the kitchen. He won’t tell on Alec for the way he talks to customers, not when he’s just as cheeky.

 “I’d much rather get your name and number,” the customer says. His tone oozes confidence and his smile is almost infectious it’s so charming. If it wasn’t so early in the morning, Alec might even fall for it.

 Instead, he taps the nametag on his shirt. “Name for your order?”

 “Magnus,” he says. “Is Alec short for anything?”

 “Alexander,” Jace calls helpfully. He pokes his head out into the main room and eyes Magnus. “You’re not going to flirt your way into free coffee with him, Magnus. And I’ll tell Will you’re hitting on his baristas again.”

 “I never hit on Jem,” Magnus says, indignantly. “Just because I never flirt with      you     doesn’t mean I flirt with everyone else. Except for you of course, Alexander.” His fingers curl around Alec’s when he hands over a ten dollar bill in payment and Alec fights the urge to roll his eyes.

 “This is why I don’t take the morning shift,” Alec tells Jace. “You’re too peppy this early in the morning.”

 “The secret is not going to bed the night before,” Jace says earnestly.

 “It’ll just be a minute for your drink,” Alec says to Magnus. He’s careful to avoid skin on skin contact when he drops the coins into Magnus’ palm, but theirs fingers brush as he counts back the bills. They don’t break eye contact as Magnus drops it all in the tip jar.

 “Take all the time you need,” Magnus says with an over exaggerated wink.

     ii.

 Alec spends what feels like almost an eternity waiting on a gaggle of high school girls to decide what they want to order, though it probably takes closer to five minutes. It backs the line up to the door and Alec is tempted to kick them out of line until they’re ready to order when they all finally decide on variations of the same thing.

 Jem is working the line, quiet and efficient, and Alec has never known him to mess up an order. His eyes roll when he sees the skinny lattes with extra whip and Alec knows exactly how he feels.

 The bell chimes and Alec looks up to count how many more people joined the queue, but it’s just Magnus. Wearing skinny jeans and a dark flannel and seemingly immune to the fact that it’s below freezing outside. Not that Alec notices.

 “Waking up or staying up?” Jem calls out to Magnus, when he finally makes it to the counter.

 “Oh, you know me,” Magnus says. “Club closes at two, I’m not out of there until three, but for some reason most of society wants to start the day at seven…”

 “Sounds like me during finals week,” Alec says, casually. Thankfully, it’s his last year of it, unless he decides to go to grad school. Which he probably will. Anything to avoid having to actually work with people in the long run.

 “What are you studying?” Magnus asks.

 “Business, mostly,” Alec says. Not entirely by choice, but he’s not the one footing the bills. “Though I’m taking this class on Colonialism that’s pretty interesting.”

 “Sounds like it,” Magnus says, though he seems more amused than anything else. “If you give me your number, maybe I can help you study?”

 “More like if I give you my number, I’ll get booty call notices at three in the morning when you get off work,” Alec says.

 “Only if you’re open to it,” Magnus says. He offers Alec an insulated mug, with a glittery bee wearing a crown on it. “Sea salt caramel white mocha with coconut milk.”

 “You literally just picked a punch of words off the menu,” Alec says. He takes the cup and punches in the order into the register, passing the ticket and the cup to Jem. “That’s going to taste awful.”

 “I’ll let you taste it if you don’t mind swapping spit,” Magnus says.

 “You’re officially extra,” Alec says. “I’m gonna have to charge you for that.”

 “But you didn’t say no,” Magnus points out.

 Alec hates himself a little for it, but Magnus technically does have a point. “I hope you enjoy your teeth rotting out.”

 “I do so love coming in and see your beautiful face in the morning,” Magnus says.

 “Then you will love what my face looks like when I’ve actually had more than three hours of sleep,” Alec says. Almost immediately, he regrets saying it, but then Magnus laughs and Alec really kind of likes the sound of that. “That wasn’t an invitation!”

 “Haven’t even gone on a date and you’re already inviting me into your bed,” Magnus says and Alec actually feels his cheeks flush.

 “Leave him alone, Magnus,” Jem says. “It’s hard to find competent help this early in the morning.”

 “You’re no fun,” Magnus says, and Alec almost agrees.

     iii.

 The sun has long since gone down for the night and Alec is tidying up the sitting area as much as he can before they close shop. They’ll get one last rush in the next few minutes, but thankfully they won’t linger. Not on a Sunday evening.

 The door chimes and Alec automatically calls out a greeting. It’s Magnus, because it always seems to be Magnus, and Alec’s heart races in his chest. He shouldn’t be this emotionally invested in a guy he barely knows, but Alec is starting to look forward to when Magnus comes by.

 Tonight, he’s dressed for clubbing. His jeans are tight and his boots look expensive and Alec wants to tangle his fingers in Magnus’ artfully tousled hair. He’s got eyeliner on and Alec actually feels kind of weak in the knees. It’s a sign he needs a drink or to get laid or maybe both.

 “Alexander,” Magnus says, pleased. “I was disappointed you weren’t in this morning.”

 “I was just covering Will’s shifts these last few weeks,” Alec says. He’s technically Alec’s manager, though there is no real formality in the coffee shop. They’re all basically family anyway. “Jace thinks he’s faking his pneumonia.”

 “Well, I suppose it’s good he’s feeling better,” Magnus says. He moves slowly, giving Alec every chance to back away from his advance, before touching his elbow. “I do hope you don’t think I’m coming on too strongly. I enjoy seeing you but I understand you are under a sense of obligation to be polite.”

 “If I didn’t like the way you were treating me, you would know,” Alec says. “And Will doesn’t give a shit how we treat belligerent customers, as long as he doesn’t get sued in the long run.”

 “I assume that’s mostly Jem’s influence on the shop,” Magnus says, and he’s probably not wrong. “Have you worked here long?”

 “A few months. Mostly night shifts,” Alec says. He glances at the clock and steps away from Magnus to toss his dirty rag into the sink on the other side of the bar. “Jace and I were roommates in prep school. He told me his cousin was hiring, I didn’t think being a barista would be that bad. It’s not, for the most part.”

 “Well, if you want to get out of the coffee scene, I can get you the hook up at my bar,” Magnus says.

 “Your bar,” Alec deadpans. “As in you own it? Are you offering to be my sugar daddy?”

 “I wouldn’t make you work if you were going to be my sugar baby,” Magnus says. “And yes. Pandemonium. You’ve probably heard of it. I’m actually on my way there now, if you want to join me.”

 “My sister likes to dance there,” Alec says, nodding. He’s almost regretful that he’s going to have to turn Magnus down, but he still has another hour and a half on his shift. “What ridiculous drink can I get you tonight?”

 Magnus taps his chin thoughtfully and Alec is distracted by the rings on his long fingers. He holds out a travel mug covered in gold glitter and says, “Creme brulee praline latte. Iced, with almond milk. That sounds fun.”

 “That sounds like a sugar coma,” Alec corrects, but he takes Magnus’ cup and lets his fingers linger on Magnus’ own.

     iv.

 It’s a slow night and Jem doesn’t object to Alec spreading his textbook out on the counting counter and reading in between customers. It’s only a few weeks until the semester is over, and he doesn’t feel as prepared as he would like to be.

 The door chimes and Alec looks up to see Tessa and Magnus laughing together. The rational part of his brain      knows     Tessa has a weird thing with both Jem and Will, but it doesn’t stop him from feeling a little jealous. He has no right to be jealous. He doesn’t even know if Magnus’ attentions are genuine or if he flirts with everyone he meets.

 “Store is closed,” Will deadpans from where he’s reading in the corner. “We don’t sell coffee to traitors who go to weird      art nouveau    shows in Manhattan instead of staying home for leftover night.”

 “Well, it’s a good thing I want a cup of tea then,” Tessa says. She sticks her tongue out and Will pouts at her. It’s like they’re in their own little world and Alec doesn’t mind.

 “Ah, to be in love,” Magnus says. “Do you ever wonder what it would be like to spend so much time with a single person?”

 “Maybe it’s easier when you’re poly,” Alec says. He holds his hand out for Magnus’ reusable cup, and he turns it over in his hand to read it. “World’s Best Cat Mom?”

 “The world is heteronormative,” Magnus says with a shrug. “I’m not. Wanna see a picture? If you give me your number I can text it to you.”

 Alec laughs and shakes his head. He unlocks the register and starts tapping at the screen. “What gross monstrosity do you want tonight?”

 “Pumpkin spice latte with a pump of caramel and sea salt on top,” Magnus says, pulling out his wallet and searching for a card. “I need to get the taste of bad caviar off my tongue.”

 “I’ve heard pineapple juice makes the taste less salty,” Alec says. He swipes Magnus’ black card and hands it back to him.

 “Do you wanna test that theory? You can come out with me, I’ll get a Pina Colada, you can get a Hawaiian Stone Sour…” Magnus says.

 “You would be into mixed drinks,” Alec says, shaking his head and laughing. He’s almost tempted, but he really needs to study. Besides, he’s still got time left on his shift tonight.

 “Anyone who hates mixed drinks is lying to themselves,” Magnus says. “You enjoy your Whiskey on the Rocks and I’ll enjoy my Sex on the Beach.”

 “If you’re drinking by yourself, is it Sex on the Beach, or masturbation?” Alec asks.

 “Alexander,” Magnus says with mock indignation, “are you flirting with me?”

 “I just want the tip,” Alec deadpans, and Magnus laughs. It’s a struggle to keep the grin off his face but he can’t stop the way his cheeks warm at the sound.

     v.

 Holiday shopping season is in full swing and the shop is bursting with activity. The normal lulls are nonexistent with school being out for a few weeks and Alec is glad his last final was this morning because he feels dead on his feet. He would murder for a massage right now.

 He’s traded places with Jace, working the line while Jace takes orders, and it gets him away from the yuppie moms who think shopping small will change their karma for the year. If he gets yelled at one more time for being out of peppermint syrup a week before Christmas, he might actually punch someone.

 “Your boyfriend is here,” Jace says, and Alec snaps out of his reverie to see Magnus waving at him from the back of the line.

 For once, Magnus is wearing a peacoat to keep the cold at bay and Alec wants nothing more than to wrap himself up in the warmth and disappear.      Take me with you    , he thinks, but his throat is too dry to form the words. It doesn’t occur to him to correct Jace.

 “You look miserable, darling,” Magnus says when he makes his way to the counter. His drink is the weekend special - brown sugar caramel shortbread as a blended drink - and his cup says      when you play for both teams you never lose    in pink and purple and blue.

 “I need a stiff drink,” Alec says. He fills Magnus’ cup to the brim with whip and adds extra caramel drizzle. “Lets just say, I’m ready to sleep until next semester.”

 “Well, if you need a nightcap after you get off tonight…” There’s a double entendre hanging there and Alec is so tempted to take Magnus up on it. He feels like they’ve been playing this game for weeks and he doesn’t know how much longer they’ll go at it before Magnus gets bored.

 “You tired of getting Blue Balls alone in your bar?” Alec asks. His tone is low, mindful of the teeneagers chattering a few feet away, and it makes it feel more intimate somehow. “You look like you enjoy some coconut rum every now and then.”

 “Did you google mixed drinks just to flirt with me?” Magnus asks. “Because I’m very impressed if you did.”

 “Alec,” Jace says. He’s got two more tickets he’s started on, but there’s still a customer waiting to order. He doesn’t sound pressed, not yet, but Alec knows Jace will nag him if he slacks off too much. Like Jace isn't the king of shirking duties himself.

 Alec tugs a napkin out of the stack and jots his number down quickly before he all but shoves it into Magnus’ waiting palm. “If you’re lucky, I’ll get off by ten. I’m out of work at six though.”

 For once, it’s Magnus’ turn to be caught off guard.

     vi.

 Magnus’ apartment is everything Alec expected it to be. Cultured and classy, random things on display but everything tucked away neatly. His cat greets them at the door, meowing loudly for attention before being silenced by a bowl of homemade cat food.

 “Are you sure you don’t want to go to the club?” Magnus asks. His hand is warm on the small of Alec’s back as he guides him to the living room. There’s an amazing view from his window, Alec is sure, but he’s distracted by how close Magnus is. They’ve never really had the chance to be this close before.

 “I’m not easy,” Alec says. He pushes Magnus back onto his couch and straddles his lap. He likes that Magnus is letting him set the pace, content to go and do whatever Alec wants. “Just, for the record. I like going to dinner and going out. Pizza. Movies. Coffee. I’m not      good     at it, but I like it.”

 “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind,” Magnus says. He rests his hands on Alec’s hips when Alec’s find his shoulders and their first kiss is every bit as sweet as he thought it would be. Magnus doesn’t taste anything like the ridiculous coffee drink he ordered earlier, but still just as addictive.

 “I don’t put out on the first date,” Alec says, in between kisses. Magnus’ hair is every bit as soft as it looks and he likes the soft scrape of his stubble against Alec’s owns. Magnus' grip is surprisingly tight and Alec feels both weak and empowered. “But technically this isn’t a date?”

 “We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” Magnus says. His lips catch Alec’s chin, the curve of his jaw, and his Adam’s Apple in a flurry of delicate kisses. He presses up against Alec as he drags him close and Alec thinks they both know exactly where this is going.

 They don’t make it to the bedroom before they end up naked and tangled together. Magnus looks every bit as gorgeous as he does undressed as he does in his skinny jeans or form fitting suits and Alec wants to touch every bit of him. His biceps are surprisingly thick and his abs quiver under Alec’s desperate kisses.

 Magnus comes on Alec’s tongue long before Alec is ready for it to be over. Alec comes all over Magnus’ fingers almost as soon as Magnus takes him in hand. It’s oddly perfect.

 After, when they’re tangled in a blanket on the floor in front of the couch, Alec props his chin on Magnus’ chest and huffs at him. “Are you going to kick me out, or can we make it for a round two if we make it to the bedroom?”

 Magnus’ fingers trace delicate patterns on the back of Alec’s neck and his laugh is beautiful. “If you feel like spending the night, I can recommend this great little coffee shop downtown.”

 “Mmh,” Alec says. He closes his eyes and loses himself in Magnus’ gentle touches. “Americano, extra espresso. Black.”

 “And you think my coffee taste is disgusting,” Magnus says. He kisses Alec’s sweaty hair before dropping his head back onto the carpet. He swats at Alec’s ass playfully and Alec laughs. “I think I can manage that.”

[clevernewdimension]

Exhaulted Part Twenty-One

Parts: Prologue, One, Two, Three (M), Four, Five, Six (M), Seven, Eight, Nine, Ten, Eleven, Twelve, Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen, Sixteen, Seventeen, Eighteen, Nineteen (M), Twenty, Twenty-One, Twenty-Two (M) (Coming Soon!)

Genre: Drama, Romance, Violence, etc.

Pairing: SehunxReaderxMinseok (Xiuhun too!)

Word Count: 6K

A/N: WATCH YIXING’S NEW VIDEO! Seriously, it’s amazing and so sweet!

Lina smiles as she finishes adding color to my lips. “Alright,” She says, handing me a mirror. I look at what she did, shocked. Stylists were all around doing my hair, but she insisted to be the one to do my makeup. It was a simple look, with a tiny hint of purple for my eyes to stand out more. The lips were nude, a bit of a light pink and looked almost like I wasn’t wearing anything on them. My hair was down, though with some of it pinned back. We are all ready soon, making me nervous. I wish I could have just stayed with Lina.

When we got to the palace, reporters were lined up and taking pictures of us nonstop. “Stand straight, smile, and look like you’re excited to be here even if you’d rather watch paint dry,” Lina says as she and I stand together. People calling out our names, wanting us to stop. Thankfully security wouldn’t let that happened. I walked in and my legs already felt like jelly. Once inside, Lina hugged me tightly, “I’ll see you later. Calm down, it’ll be ok. They’ll love you.”

“Not the real me,” I mutter, my hands shaking a little.

“No,” She says, “But the real you would be loved by people who are not rich and important. People like Cera, My aunt, the rest of the staff here at the castle. They do, for who you are. They are who matters, not any of us.” She says, smiling and giving me another hug. “I love you. You’re the sister I never had, you know that, right?”

I smile, nodding at her words, “You know I feel the same.”

Lina nods, before bowing slightly at me with a smirk, “See you later, your Highness!”

Everything was blowing by as I took my place by the door in order to greet guests. Lina arrived early with me, before everyone else, so technically she was the first guest to arrive.

“Hold on,” My father says, reaching back and producing a tiara. It was glittering with gems, the diamonds all shining perfectly. He placed it on my hair, looking at me. He smiled, “You look… like someone else.”

“I feel that way,” I mutter, letting out a long-held breath. The little tiara felt heavier than it should have been. It made me feel small and insignificant, even though it was just a small object. The weight of the responsibility, I suppose. “Just a little bit more and I can go back to sweatpants.”

I smile and shake so many hands, watch as people do a little bow at me. To my left was my father. Before him was Junmyeon. To my right were Yixing and Sehun. They all looked amazing in their suits, and all of them, like me, wearing some sort of Royal Purple. I took some time to look over my father and the three princes. My father was in a black suit with a white shirt and purple bowtie. Thankfully, Junmyeon got in touch with me earlier and asked the color of my dress and they all planned accordingly. We all looked like we coordinated, but not too much to not be individuals. Dolls to collect. Both Yixing and Junmyeon wore black suits and white shirts, though they wore ties. Sehun was the only one who was different, going for a dark gray color, like charcoal. They looked stunning. Their crowns resting on their perfectly made hair, glittering as they moved their heads. Junmyeon’s was the only one that was yellow gold, the other two white gold.

It was exhausting, greeting all 200 plus people who attended, but it must be done, apparently. I just wanted to hide away and not have to do this, but I can’t. After the last person arrives, Kyungsoo and his father, we move on to our dinner.

Thankfully I was seated by people whom I already know. It was like I was on autopilot, sitting correctly, eating and listening to people talk. When brought up how little I was speaking, Junmyeon swooped in and mentioned that it was just a combination of my introvert nature and nerves. Even more than before I admired how great he was at reading a situation and removing tension. I’ll have to remember to thank him later.

The food, though I’m sure it was fine and tasted ok, just honestly felt like I was chewing on sawdust. It was just my nervousness, I’m sure. I was just trying to get through this night alive. Junmyeon reminded me slyly about my posture, but overall I think it went well.

After dinner, it was just dessert in the style of hors d’oeurves and drinks. I had a glass of champagne in my hand, listening to women around me talk about things I didn’t get. I had to go around and mingle, unfortunately. They all wore dresses that cost more than a year of my rent and the jewelry alone in this room could go to help students who have a lot of loans and debt because of college. Not that many people here cared.

Some people talk about poor people like we’re exotic animals and they’re constantly on a safari. People from the East are generally more open and thoughtful but are still ignorant about what it’s like to not have money to make every problem go away. Northerners are stiff and strict, openly confrontational. Kyungsoo was a lot different than his father, I’ll give him that. The Northern Duke and General of the army was openly making jokes at the expense of others, calling them slurs. I’ve learned about him, like how he’s homophobic and honestly, a dimwitted tool that the Southern royalties and governing body use as a pawn. He was shorter than most men but certainly was fit and stronger than them all.

His wife was timid. I know that she’s his second wife, the first one died. The official report calls it an accident but everyone in the country has gathered that it was suicide. His new wife was young. A bit younger than me, and honestly, it grossed me out. He was a man in his late fifties and she was barely twenty. Kyungsoo was older than his stepmother, which is just plain weird. She looked scared of her husband, and I could tell without asking why. Kyungsoo not leaving her side right now made it all the more clear, honestly. I’ve heard whispers as I’ve walked along about how he was an angry drunk. A hateful man who’s drunk off his ass will always resort to violence.

Duke Park was, in all honesty, like his son. Bright and happy, making jokes and people laugh all around him, and not by making jokes that harm others. He was a kind soul, and part of me wanted to just stay there and talk with him more and not have to meet anyone else. He was tall, his hair starting to gray. His laugh was boisterous and loud, but it was comforting at the same time. Unlike his son, though, he was thin. He looked like a long string bean who loved to laugh and dance… badly.

His wife was stunning. She wore no jewelry other than the wedding band and engagement ring on her finger. She hugged me instantly and smelled like freshly baked strawberry muffins. She made you feel warm and happy, genuinely showing interest in wanting to get to know me. She told me how Chanyeol talked about me and how happy she was to meet me. I could tell Chanyeol gets his gentle, kind nature from her. As well as her passion for music.

Duke Byun, however, was the oddest. His hair was the brightest yellow I’ve ever seen. His suit was white, though there are patterns stitched of flowers all over it. All the colors of the rainbow. He had a few tattoos on his hands, though that was all that was visible. Baekhyun looked a bit normal compared to him. Though when they started talking, it was clear they shared the same quick wit and clever words. Duke Byun was smaller, probably the shortest of the dukes. He just exuded an air of confidence, knowing exactly who he is as a person.

Baekhyun told me a while ago that his mother died, and his father never remarried. Too heartbroken. Made me sad to hear, since Duke Byun would, I’m sure, be a wonderful husband if he decided to marry again. After a bit and meeting all the dukes, I started on the wives and women of all the other important people.

They clearly didn’t understand personal space. One of them touched my hair, making a passing comment about how lovely it was. I’d thank them, return the compliment and after a few minutes, excuse myself and move on to the next people. Over and over and over. They were just… so naive. They didn’t know anything about suffering or working hard. It was just… what car should I have next, what man should I try to marry, gossip about their fathers banging their secretaries, who should I cheat on my husband with, should I try to seduce the pool boy, and more of that kind of shit. But they just kept touching my hair. It was like all anyone cared about. ‘Oh your hair’, ‘It’s so soft’, ‘I want hair just like yours’! It was maddening.

Finally, after talking to all the ladies, I had to introduce myself properly to the men. Holy hell they are just… sexist and awful. Many of them offering up their sons to be my future husband, or even themselves, saying they could divorce their wives. The ones that weren’t hitting on me were treating me like I was three.

I had enough.

“Minimal colors used in Gregor’s ‘Hell’s Rebuke’ honestly just shows how the man had nothing left,” Sir Kreburn says, looking at the other men, not even wondering my opinion. He looked like a late 40’s stick with graying brown hair and an awful mustache. “Wouldn’t a fiery hell look more intimidating in full color? It’s a shame he couldn’t afford more colors.”

I smiled, trying to keep myself from getting mean. “Gregor used minimal colors in order to make hell seem like what his worst nightmare was. A vast, emotionless place to be damned for eternity,” I say, “You see, he actually was discovered to have had thousands in his estate, which in modern times would make him a multimillionaire. He simply chose to make hell a darker, emptier place.

Sir Kreburn gives me a look as if trying to belittle me. “Excuse me, your highness? I’m sorry, I don’t mean to sound rude, but would you know about Gregor?”

“She’s right,” Sir Vaylor, Lina’s father says, smiling at me. He places a hand on my upper back, and I smile back at him. “You see, Y/N has been studying painting at college, and often she would be at the museum. Years ago, she would come and learn about paintings and their artists. She was quite fond of Gregor and his work. And you do sound rude.”

Sir Kreburn smiles at him, “Ah, you taught her that, hm? Makes sense. My daughter only knows things if I teach them to her, too. She’s quite airheaded, hope it didn’t take as long to teach her as it has my daughter!”

My anger rose as I took a sip from my glass.

“Actually, I read it from a book that Sir Vaylor let me borrow,” I smile, “Dusty old thing, looks like it wasn’t touched in ages.”

Sir Vaylor grins, “Well, when Sir Kreburn interned with my father, he didn’t care much about reading the books. He’s rather read articles discussing them in magazines and not the explanations written by the artist themselves.”

The group laughed and, as I excuse myself, I could see Sir Kreburn seething at being shown up.

I walk to Lina, though on the way I was stopped a lot, my groups of men and women, flirting with me and touching me. I politely made my way over. Handing her my glass, “If I drink any more of this right now, I’ll develop a drinking problem.”

“That bad, huh,” She asks, smiling and placing her empty glass on a passing tray and taking mine with ease.

“I just… they’re all so… vapid. They’re so airheaded about the things most everyone else is going through,” I say, shaking my head. “How in the fuck, Lin?”

“I know. Trust me, I know,” She says, patting my back. She looks over my shoulder, her face going from a small smile to a look of confusion, then anger. “What the fuck? How?!”

I turn, gasping as I see Hyeon smiling as he was speaking. I could vaguely hear him say something like ‘sorry for being late’.  I turn, taking a deep breath as I looked around the room. My eyes land on Minseok who was speaking to Junmyeon and a few more people. I turn to Lina, telling her what I was going to do. I walked, trying to not appear scared or alarmed. I felt a hand grab me and I turned, and I see a woman whose name I couldn’t remember smiling as she uses her other hand to gesture to Hyeon. He smirks as she speaks.

“Oh, Your Highness! Meet my nephew, Hyeon,” She says, smiling, “His parents are going to suggest to your father about a possible engagement!”

He grins, taking my hand from her and bringing it to his lips, kissing it. “It’s nice to meet you, Y/N.”

I try to keep up appearances, “Yes, l-likewise. I’m sorry, I was supposed to speak to Junmyeon and Minseok something tonight to go over some legal business.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she says.

Hyeon pulled me to him, his other hand reaching out and pushing back some of my hair back behind my ear. “You have such lovely hair, Y/N.”

“Thank you,” I mutter as he lets me go and I quickly excuse myself, my heart beating faster and faster. AS I turned, I tried to walk away calmly. Suddenly I had tunnel vision, trying to find someone I could be around and feel at least a little safe. I got there just as the people they were talking to were leaving. Minseok glances up, noticing immediately my terrified look.

“What’s wrong,” he asks, taking a step to me. He rests his hand on my shoulder, not caring if people were looking over at the gesture. I didn’t have to answer him as he looked over my shoulder, seeing Hyeon. The hand that wasn’t on my shoulder turns into a fist as he glares at the man subtly.

Junmyeon noticed too, “I’ll tell Yixing and Sehun to make sure one of us is with her at all times. He doesn’t want to come near us with the whole corruption purge going on.”

He walked away and Minseok just takes my hand as we get closer to the wall, out of the limelight. “The night is almost over, Y.N. Are you ok?”

I just nod, not wanting to speak. I just watch him, making sure I don’t lose sight of him. If he starts coming closer, Minseok and I walk away. As Minseok had to leave to talk more business, Jongin took his place. He tried to get me to eat desserts in order to take my mind off things, but I just stood there, starting, not taking any of his food.

As the night ended, we had to personally thank people for coming. As Hyeon and his aunt come, she brings up the match to my father, who just politely says he’ll think about it. Hyeon smiles, coming in and hugging me. I was stiff as a board, but I knew I had to at least appear to hug him back or else.

“Purple is pretty on you,” He mutters in my ear, “But it would be prettier on your skin.” He pulls away, smiling, once again touching my hair like all the other people.

After it was done, the doors close and everyone else but the Royal’s, Lina and my father there. I immediately take off my shoes and start to pull pins out of my hair. I grab Lina, not even bothering to excuse myself as we go down the halls. “I need you to help me get this damn dress off so I can shower.” I stop at a huge vase at the hallway. I pull out a bag of clothes and things I asked Junmyeon to hide there for me.

Lina nods, “I saw him hug you, I don’t blame you. Sehun’s room is the closest and I’ve used his shower before. Been drunk a bit too many times here, honestly.”

“I wish I was, honestly,” I mutter as she opens Sehun’s room door. “I was I was so drunk I couldn’t remember what happened tonight. I never want to see him again.” The white and gray room was comforting as I practically stomped my way to the bathroom.

She unclasps the little hook and pulls down the zipper for me. “Do you want me to stay?”

I shake my head, “No. It’s fine. I’ll meet you guys later.”

Apprehensively, Lina nods. “We’re all going to me at the tree house. So, meet us there.”

I nod, before shutting the door after her. Showering and getting dressed was all a blur as my mind focused on the look Hyeon gave me. I looked at myself in the mirror, my hair dripping. I could feel his hands. All their hands tonight. I opened a drawer, looking for something. I didn’t realize what I was doing until I was doing it.

A long pair of scissors in my hand. I take some of my hair in my hands, cutting it off. It was so easy.Hearing them all talk about my hair, how long and pretty it was, I just cut it again and again. My hair reached my mid-back and I just kept cutting off an inch at a time. Tears fell down my face, a small smile on my face. They wanted it long and pretty, fuck them. It’s my goddamn hair.

Watching some fall and feeling it being cut made me feel better than I have all day. It was like I was in control of my life again. The sounds of cutting my long hair shorter and shorter just made me feel like I wasn’t just going through the motions of the day.

I could hear someone knock on the door, but I just ignored it as I cut again.

“Y/N, I’m coming in,” I hear the voice say. The door opened and they gasp. I felt the scissors pulled out of my grasp as I lunged for them.

“No! Give them back,” I say, reaching as much as I could.

Sehun stood there, holding the scissors out of my reach. “What are you doing, Y/N?!”

“They all touched my hair. Always my hair, acting like it was just theirs to touch if they wanted. Hyeon did it, they all fucking did it and said how pretty and long it is! The men there treated me like just some good looking doll. Acting like I was just pretty hair and a good body and not a person with an actual mind!” I reach up, only for him to still hold them out of my reach. Tears fell from my eyes as the stress I’ve been feeling finally got to me. “I don’t want them to touch it anymore! I don’t want it long or pretty or soft or blonde anymore! It’s mine! It’s my life, Sehun, and they treat me like a puppet! I’m just some fucking doll they can touch and use however they want!”

Sehun set’s the scissors down, pulling me into a hug. “You’re not their doll, Y/N. And you don’t have to be.”

I cried, holding him, “But I do! Jihae won’t tell Minseok all the names unless I have the countries goddamn doll! Unless I act the way a princess should, like a bargaining chip! Marry me off to the highest bidder and watch as I rot away!” I said as I shake my head.

Sehun hugged me, “Song wouldn’t do that to you, Y/N. He can act heartless sometimes, but he would never do that to you.” He pulled me away so he could look into my eyes, his hands holding my face. “If you want to keep cutting your hair like this, fine. Or you can go with me tomorrow and we can have someone else fix how uneven you cut it. You can even get it dyed, but doing this isn’t going to fix the actual problem.” He shakes his head, giving my forehead a kiss. “Changing your hair isn’t going to fix the bigger issue. It’ll help, but what you really need is to just… be yourself again.”

I pull away, going to the door of the bathroom, “No, I can’t-”

“Yes, you can,” Sehun says, keeping his voice even and calm. “Fuck acting like a perfect princess! I’ve never been the perfect prince, but it doesn’t change the fact that I am one!” He says, gesturing to himself. “You’re a princess, but first and foremost you have to be YOU!” He says, tapping the tips of my nose.

“You make it sound so easy,” I mutter, looking to the floor. I could see a lot of wet piece of blonde hair on the ground, littered around.

“It can be if you just do it,” He says, pulling me into a hug, “Y/N, it’s still your life. If you want to stop this, I’m sure Minseok could get someone else to list off more and more people. It doesn’t have to be Jihae.”

As he pulls away, he reaches on the counter, grabbing and handing my hair ties. “If you want, we can go fix your hair now. You can choose how you want it and whatever, but one side is shorter than the other and it looks like a lawnmower got to half of it if I’m honest.”

“Did I ruin it,” I ask, wiping away tears.

“No, it can be fixed, It’s a hell of a lot shorter, though.” He takes my hand, “Come on. Thankfully, I didn’t drink anything. You and I are going to go get this sorted.”

“It’s ten in the evening, Sehun,” I mutter as I let him pull me along. “Can this wait?”

“We can to that, or you can let me at least make it as even as I can,” He says, looking at me, “your choice.”

Half an hour later, I was sitting in a salon chair. It was late, and all the other lights in the building were off except where we are and the path to the exit. Yessica ran her fingers through it after asking me if it was ok, looking at it.

“You did quite a number on it,” She says, smiling, “But I can fix it. Just the cut?”

“Can we dye it too,” I ask, quietly.

Sehun was sitting in the chair next to me, looking through a magazine. “Bleach it,” He asks me, looking up.

I nod.

Jessica smiles, “Alright, let me get it all, and you show me the color you want.”

I pull out my phone, bringing up a picture of a painting by K.A.C. No one knew who they are, but their paintings are always gorgeous and full of color. I zoom in on this picture she painted until I find the color.

“Here,” I point, “This purplish-red. It’s lovely, can you do it?”

Yessica looked over as she mixes the bleach, “Oh yeah, totally. Most people go for more purple, so it’ll be nice to see. It’s really pretty, too!”

I smile at her. She was wearing her uniform, a black tee and black jeans with an apron that had the places name on it. Her hair was candy cane colored, some places the red and white twisted to look like the sweet. She wore little makeup, though the piercings on her face made her look like a total badass.

“Bleach is going to burn a bit,” Sehun says, flipping a page in the magazine he was looking at, “And this will take literally hours. Get ready for a long night!” Yessica laughed, “You’re just lucky I’m off tomorrow, so I can sleep in!”

“Yessica is the only one I trust touching my hair,” Sehun says, smiling. “Even got the rest of the guys seeing her too. You’re welcome for that, by the way.”

“Bitch, they stayed as my clients because I’m amazing, not because of your recommendation,” She says, “Alright, we’re ready to go!”

The bleach did hurt. And it was hours. I didn’t look until it was all done, though I could see the color here and there. Yessica was finally fixing what I did to it, “Long hair is pretty on you, but I think you’ll like how short it is now. You can still put it up, though. Easily manageable and easy to style.”

“She literally never takes it out of a bun,” Sehun says, scrolling through some kind of social media.

“I could tell,” She says, “You didn’t cut bangs, which is really good. Those would have been harder to fix if you cut as much off of them as you did the rest.”

She blow dried it, kicking at Sehun as he flicked some small rubber bands at her. She set down blow dryer, smiling. “There’s a bit more purple at the bottom, but I think it’s really pretty.” She places a hand on my shoulder, “Are you ready?”

I nod, readily. When she spun the chair around, I had a hard time believing it was me. My hair was shorter now. Going barely past my shoulders when it’s straight like it was. I reached up, running my hands through it, smiling. “It’s great,” I mutter, trying to let tears get to me.

I cut out everything as I just looked at me. It was weird, but it felt right. I never understood why people would change their hair so drastically all the time, like Lina or even Sehun. I always thought it was just hair. But it wasn’t, it’s more than that. It felt like this was a new point in my life, where I get back to the basics.

Back to who I was before all this.

Sehun and I left after thanking and paying Yessica. She was lovely, hugging me and telling me how nice it was to meet me. The clock tower on the other side of the city chiming twice. Two in the morning.

“The others are still at the treehouse,” Sehun says, looking at me. “Though I have the feeling you’ll want to go home.”

I smile, “How did you know?”

“Well, you didn’t have any dessert at the party, so you’re probably going to raid your stash, obviously.” He says, smiling. “You’ve had to deal with a lot, so home is probably the best place to relax. Everyone was really wanting you to come to the treehouse for your first afterparty of the dinner party.”

“But I’ve been to one,” I mutter, walking down the road. It was just a few blocks to my apartment building.

“Different after the stress of a dinner like that,” He mutters, kicking a small pebble that was on the sidewalk. “You’ll be happy to know Lina and I are fine.”

I nodded, smiling, “That’s great. I knew you wouldn’t hold it against her, but I know how Lin is…”

“Took forever to talk those stupid thoughts from her thick head,” He scoffs, pretending to be more upset than he is.

“As stubborn as a mule,” I say with a laugh.

The walk was nice and slow, going up the floors to my place. I unlocked the door, offering Sehun something if he wanted it.

A bottle of water later, he’s looking at his phone, “I should get back. Can’t wait to show them how you look now.”

I pull him into a hug, “Thank you. It’s always you I end up with when I need someone the most. Who knows what would have happened without you.”

His embrace is warm, like always. A hint of his cologne was in the air as I pulled away. My eyes glued to his.

Sehun smiles, “Likewise.”

Without thinking, I stand on the tips of my toes, pulling him to me. My lips connected with his. He kisses back, pulling me closer to him, his hands wrapping around me. It was hot and fast, not taking a moment to appreciate it or go slow. I’ve wanted to kiss him like this for a while, and now that I’ve done it, it was exactly like I wanted it to be. I felt safe with him, I felt like he just gets me.

My back met the wall, and I groaned as his tongue swiped against mine. My hands grab at his hair as he picks me up. I wrap my legs around him, moaning at the feeling of this. We parted for a moment, gasping for air. His eyes looked at me, full of such a sea of emotions. His lips meet mine again, and this time it is slow. My heart racing as this kiss was different than the last. I tighten my legs around him, moaning at this.

Sehun pulls away, smiling as he rested his forehead against mine. When they open, his lips spoke words that I wasn’t expecting.

“Not now,” He mutters.

“But.. why,” I ask, looking him in the eyes.

“I don’t want this to happen just like this,” He says, “As a distraction from what you’ve been through.”

I open my mouth, “You’re not-”

“I know,” He says, smiling, “Trust me, I know you aren’t just using me. But this? I want this to be special. I want you to be fine and ok. I’m not about to do this after the state you were in a few hours ago, Y/N. I’d hate myself if I did. I won’t use you like that.” His hands hold my face as he stared directly into my eyes. “If you want to call someone else for this, that’s fine. Hell, I did that with Jongin… sometimes still do.”

I frown, “But Minseok-”

“Knows,” He says with a smile, “Our relationship isn’t exactly normal, Y/N. It’s very open. All he asks is if I do, to tell him and not hide it, and I ask the same too. That’s how I knew he and you had sex. When he came to my place, he told me. I mean I could tell he fucked someone because there were marks all over, but you get the point.”

I look down, feeling small. I bite my lip, nodding. “Oh, ok.”

“But I’m not saying I don’t want to,” He says quickly as his hands squish my face a little. I could see him panicking. “I do, Y/N. I do so badly that it’s literally taking everything I have to wait.” He looked nervous, “I mean if you’d even… I mean I don’t want you to have to feel like you have to or anything.” Sehun lowers his head, some of his hair falling in front of his eyes. His hands tighten a little more, making my lips scrunch together. I could barely hear him mutter to himself, “God, Sehun, you’re such an idiot.”

“Sehun,” I mutter through my squished lips, causing him to look back at me. He looks up, seeing my squished face, pausing a moment.

Then he bursts into laughter, giggling and playfully squishing and squishing my face. “Y/N, you’re so cute right now,” He says between giggles, smiling so brightly he’d fit in with the stars. It still amazes me how he could look so stunning all the goddamn time.

“Thank you,” I mutter again, making him laugh some more. He was always beautiful, but happy and laughing looked best on him.

He lets my face go and down from his embrace, “Sorry.”

I nod, signing, “Well, I’ll… let you get back to everyone else, then.”

“If you need anything,” Sehun says, looking serious.

“Just some fudge, hot chocolate and the feeling of being supremely full of unbridled stupidity to go away,” I say, shrugging.

Sehun shakes his head, “you’re not stupid, Y/N. This isn’t rejection, this is… a, um…”

I shake my head, shoving his shoulder, “Go on, you have people to get back to and I have an entire bottle of salted caramel sauce to drown myself in. Metaphorically.”

“I’m serious,” Sehun says, holding my shoulder softly. “I just want you to focus on yourself and get yourself back to a better place, is all.”

I lean forward on my tiptoes, giving him a kiss on his cheek, “I know, but it still stings a bit. That’s just how the heart works. I understand, I really do.”

He nods, hugging me tightly for a moment. “If you need anything at all, call someone. It doesn’t have to be me, but make sure someone is there for you.”

I nod, “I will if I need to, I promise.”

Watching him walk away stung a lot more than it should have, honestly. I locked the door after him, hearing his footsteps slowly disappear as he walks to the elevator. I shake that feeling from me, spending the rest of the time I’m awake having a few sweets and trying to relax. It was just so hard for me to calm down, anymore. It didn’t help to know that sooner or later, I was going to be facing Daejung, either, but I knew Minseok wouldn’t let the room get out of hand.

Hyeon, though, had me worried. He was back here, and I knew he wouldn’t leave me alone. Thankfully, Kyungsoo has been teaching me how to defend myself, just in case something would happen. I’ll have to thank him because I certainly feel more alert than scared. I had the confidence that I could at the very least put up a fight.

Sleeping was hard. It came in waves. I’d be asleep for a few an hour or so, and then up a few. It was just nerves and stress. When I wasn’t sleeping, I was relaxing and trying to at least rest. I didn’t have anything to do later, so if I needed to, I could sleep in. And yet still, I couldn’t sleep. Now, there was no sleeping. After about three hours of sleep total, my body just wouldn’t anymore. I was still exhausted, but no matter how much I wished, I couldn’t sleep. I groaned, rolling in bed and to the bathroom. After a bath, that was warm and relaxing, I still couldn’t sleep. It was now noon. I cursed, picking up my phone and dialing. Perhaps I could do with a distraction after all.

I texted many people, asking to see what they’re doing. Many had family things to do. Kyungsoo had to go up North for the rest of the week, Baekhyun and Chanyeol off with their families on a vacation, Jongdae and Jongin both back to the South. I couldn’t exactly call on Sehun or Minseok for this since they’ve made it clear they want me to think about it all first. That just left two princes to see if they’re down to come over.

When my phone dinged, I smiled. Finally, someone was available for exactly what I wanted. I made sure to be perfectly clear in what I was talking about. Making sure that he wasn’t going to feel used in any way. I made sure I was as blunt as possible.

He just sent me a message saying, ‘I’ll be there in fifteen’.

[janeykath318]

Captain Authority Figure Sexy Voice 3

Three weeks into Jamie’s first semester at the Academy and Chris was understanding a lot more about why he had her words on him: they were truly as evenly matched as could be expected, despite the age difference. As a student, Jamie Kirk both amazed him and aggravated him. As a person, well, he was well in his way to being thoroughly smitten. Despite the flack she was taking for being George Kirk’s daughter and incredibly smart, She was flourishing at the Academy and already looked looked happier and more healthier since he’d met her, with a friendly personality that drew lonely people like flies. She still skirted around most topics about her life in Iowa, but he guessed enough to know why and decided building trust was the best thing he could do for her to show he wanted to give their relationship a firm foundation. When she was ready, she’d probably tell him. 

Speaking of telling people, he’d told Admiral Barnett as soon as they’d got Jamie settled in. The man was stunned he’d recruited a Kirk, let alone have her as Soulmate, but he was very understanding and went over the guidelines with both Chris and Jamie so they could figure out a plan for her schedule and avoid any accidental regulation breaking. Despite this, she couldn’t completely avoid the occasional disciplinary hearing, given her propensity for getting involved in dust ups. “So, I hear you had an encounter with the dean this afternoon,” he greeted her at their usual hang out spot in Scruffy’s Bar and Grille, a spot much frequented by officers and cadets alike. Jamie scowled. “How did you hear about that? You were in the middle of teaching your advanced tactics class.” “Because they made sure to tell me I wasn’t allowed any where near Richard’s office,” he informed her, sliding into the booth across from her. “I put two and two together.” Jamie sighed. “It was a bunch of security jocks harassing a couple young female cadets. When I told them to quit, they made some pretty nasty remarks and told me what they wanted to do to me, so I showed them what I thought of their perverted minds.” “What did the dean say?” He asked, already planning how he could make those cadet’s lives miserable. Sexual harassment was a serious offense and he was pretty sure this group had been involved in prior complaints issued by female cadets. “I had witnesses, so they had no choice but to believe me, just warned me not to take matters into my own hands next time.  I hope they ship those creeps out on the next shuttle.” Her eyes narrowed and her bruised fists clenched again just thinking about it. Chris reached over and caught one of the fists, gently caressing the reddish purple marks. “I’m thankful you’re okay, Jamie, and proud of you for standing up against those jerks, Just know when the numbers don’t work in your favor, Okay? There’s times for engagement and other times for strategic retreat.” Jamie’s eyes softened. “That sounds like a very Soulmate thing to say, Chris. I was expecting a lecture.” “I think you already got that elsewhere,” Chris said. “That’s the good part of being banned from your hearings: I don’t have to do the chewing out.” “Luckily for me because you’re really good at it. I heard you bawling out Alexandrov the other day and it was glorious,” Jamie revealed, smirking at her classmate’s expense. Few people got Chris Pike worked up, but Alexandrov had gone one step to far in pushing the limits in class and he’d gotten an earful. Jamie had decided then and there she’d try not to push things to hard, much as she found Captain Authority Figure to be attractive even when telling a student Off. Chris wrinkled his nose at the memory. The kid hadn’t yet learned how to balance his instincts with common sense, which was rather important to survive in outer space. He looked up when he felt Jamie’s hand uncurl and slip into his. She’d never done that before and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. She gave him a hesitant smile. “Too forward?” She queried, looking a tad unsure of herself. “No,” he said, recovering from his surprise to give her hand a return squeeze. “Not at all.” That night was the first time they’d made intentional physical contact that could be construed as romantic. Chris had wanted things to develop naturally and felt he’d made the right decision, the more Jamie began to relax and open up around him, rather than being constantly hyperaware of their marks of Destiny. They’d agreed to tell only the closet friends of their status and it ended up being a whole month after the meeting in Iowa that Chris was able to confide in his longtime friend, Phil, about who’d finally spoken his Words. “So, Phil, did I ever tell you about the Iowa recruitment trip?” “That’s where you stopped those cadets from beating Kirk to a pulp, of course, and then persuaded her to join after about ten other recruiters failed.” “Yes, but I may have left out one detail.” “And what’s that?” “She said my words.” Phil gaped, setting the drink he’d been about to partake in down with a thump. “Who? Kirk? You’ve got to be kidding me.” Chris shook his head. “Nope. Plain as day. They turned silver even, so it’s definitely her.” “Well,” Phil said at last, after opening and closing his mouth several times. “I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that moment. Congratulations, pal!” He grinned and clapped Chris on the shoulder. “I think it’s a great match: someone with an equally crazy genius brain who can actually keep up with you. She hangs around my protege Leonard McCoy a lot and he’s already a lot less grumpy than he used to be. I bet she’ll be very good for you.” “You do?” Chris was honestly surprised. “Of course! This is the 23rd century, Chris! Obviously, you’ll have to wait until she graduates to really make things official, so to speak, but I’m the last person to lecture someone one on age differences with Soulmates. If it doesn’t bother her, let yourself enjoy the whole process. It’ll only happen once.” “She doesn’t seem put off by me,” he admitted. “Quite the opposite, in fact. Its been pretty fascinating getting to know her and earn her trust. I get the sense she doesn’t give that easily.” Phil looked like he wanted to say something, but changed his mind. He just nodded. “I wish you both the best. I’ll make sure to drop hints on how to deal with you in your stubborn bastard moods. Goodness knows I’ve got plenty of experience.” Phil winked outrageously and Chris rolled his eyes. “Fine, just don’t tell anybody besides Caitlin, Okay? If word gets around campus, Jamie’ll take even more flack than she already gets. Goodness knows, I don’t want her dogged by THOSE kinds of rumors.” “So, It’s “Jamie” now?” Phil teased, but nodded in agreement to the request. “My lips are sealed.” “Thanks, Phil,” Chris said, letting out the breath he’d been holding. Jamie, meanwhile had decided to tell Winona first and get it out of the way. The Yorktown would be back in communication distance soon and she’d promised to call with an update and boy, did she have some bombshells to drop!

[wbwest]

New Post has been published on WilliamBruceWest.com

New Post has been published on http://www.williambrucewest.com/2017/04/21/west-week-ever-pop-culture-review-42117/

West Week Ever: Pop Culture In Review - 4/21/17

Star Wars Celebration (I can’t say that without thinking of Dave Chappelle’s Rick James yelling “It’s a celebration, bitches!”) happened in Florida last weekend, and we got our first teaser trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Folks seemed to like it alright. I’ve never claimed to be the biggest Star Wars fan, but nothing about this really gave me a Force Boner or anything. That’s probably because Rogue One left such a bad taste in my mouth. Anyway, I’m sure I’ll see it, but it’s not really on my radar.

In other movie “news”, we got the track listing for Awesome Mix Vol 2 from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2., which comes out today. Is it just me, or is it weird that Mama Quill gave Peter mixtapes of all the songs that played while she was banging dudes in Camaros? Come on – she was totally that chick! Anyway, there are no real surprises here, as it seems to be in-line thematically with the first volume. Personally, I’m ecstatic that “Come A Little Bit Closer” will be introduced to a new generation, as I’m a huge fan of Jay and the Americans (check out “Cara Mia” if you’ve never heard it).

This rumor came out a few weeks ago, but it kinda floated under my radar: apparently Warner Bros wants to release 4 Batman-centered films in 2019 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Detective Comics. This slate would include Nightwing, Gotham City Sirens, the Joss Whedon Batgirl, and the oft-delayed The Batman. Nice idea, but there’s no way this happens. DC just doesn’t have its shit together enough to pull this off. Marvel could do it, but they would’ve been planning it since 2012. It’s already 2017 and they expect to crank out 4 movies in 2 years? Shit ain’t happening.

Bring on the teen angst train, as we’ve got two more comic-based series just dripping with it! First up is Cloak and Dagger on Freeform, which looks like the Freeformiest show that ever Freeformed. It’ll be right at home between the show about the deaf girl and the show about the foster kids. I’ve never been a huge Cloak and Dagger fan, but the series follows teen runaways Tandy Bowen and Tyrone Johnson, who were kidnapped and injected with an experimental drug. The drug left Tandy (Dagger) with “light daggers”, while Tyrone (Cloak) has a mystical cloak that transports people and things to a dark dimension. Oh, and there’s that sweet, sweet interracial love/Jungle Fever aspect to things. Based on the trailer, it’s gonna focus more on the love thing than the power thing, which is understandable since powers are expensive on a weekly TV budget. I haven’t heard if this is actually considered part of the MCU, but it’s nice to see the Roxxon sign at the end, so there are clear ties to the universe itself.

The angst doesn’t end there, though, kids! We also got a trailer for Syfy’s Krypton series (which has since been yanked down) – ya know, the one that nobody asked for. It’s hard for me to get excited about Krypton when very little about that planet has ever seemed appealing. It’s most recently been painted as a cold, stoic, science-based society. And since they don’t have our sun, it means they’re powerless. Here’s what I don’t get about the trailer: the show takes place approximately 200 years prior to Man of Steel (I guess making it the first series to be an official part of the DCEU), but the monologue is of Kal El’s grandfather leaving a message for him. Um, how does he KNOW his grandson’s name is Kal El if he hasn’t been born yet? Anyway, it’s about Grandpa El, who happens to be a sexy, CW-ish twenty something, trying to restore honor to the disgraced House of El. The effects look nice (AKA expensive), but nothing about this show makes me want to see it.

There’s some laughter coming from a different comic-based series, however, in the form of Freeform’s New Warriors. I mentioned it a few weeks ago, but it’s been confirmed that Kevin Biegel of Enlisted/Cougar Town will be the showrunner, and we got a confirmation of the roster. Led by Squirrel Girl (who has never been a New Warrior in the comics, but I won’t harp on that), the team is comprised of Speedball, Night Thrasher, Microbe, Mister Immortal, and Debrii. I’m familiar with career Warriors Speedball and Night Thrasher, but I don’t know anything about the others. Considering Mr. Immortal and Squirrel Girl are Great Lakes Avengers characters, this is something of a hybrid team.

I’m the furthest thing from a foodie, but I love a good dairy-based gimmick drink, and this week featured TWO of them! First up, I’d read online that Burger King had been testing a Froot Loops Shake at certain East Coast locations, with plans to roll it out nationally today. Well, I traveled around until I found one that had it early (well, I didn’t travel too far – it was down the street from my apartment), as I had to see what the fuss was all about. I had heard it described as made from vanilla soft serve, with Froot Loops pieces, topped off with a sweet, syrupy drizzle. Sounds exotic, right? WRONG. Whoever thought of this probably got a bonus for the idea, but it lacks in the execution. It’s basically a vanilla shake with edible confetti in it. From Loops don’t really have a strong fruity flavor to them, so it’s not like it’s rubbing off into the soft serve. And when you do get some Froot Loop chunks through the straw, they just taste like flavorless corn cereal. I didn’t taste any kind of drizzle, and I kept waiting for the WOW to kick in. It never did. I drank this so that you don’t have to and, trust me, you really don’t have to.

Next up was the Starbucks Unicorn Frappuccino. I hadn’t even heard of the thing until Wednesday morning, when everyone and their mom was talking about it. Looking at it, I was reminded of the Birthday Cake Frappuccino that comes out in March (I remember this because it was out at the time Evie was born). I LIVED on those things for the two weeks or so that they were in stores, so I was expecting this to be more of the same. I wasn’t sure what flavor this one was supposed to be, but there were certainly visual similarities. Anyway, after dinner Wednesday night, I snuck off to the corner Starbucks to try it out. You’ve heard of a Butterface, right? Well, this is a Buttertaste. It looks cool and everything, but the taste…THE TASTE! Its marketing emphasizes that it magically changes flavors while you drink it, but I could never really nail down what those flavors were supposed to be. There was a pervasive muskiness to it, making me feel like I’d basically sucked off a real unicorn. Of course, that would be silly – everyone knows you’ve got to buy a unicorn dinner before it lets you do that! Then, near the end, the muskiness gives way to a hyper berry taste, reminiscent of the Blue Raspberry that candy scientists seemed to have discovered in 1992. At no point in the drink was it what I would call “enjoyable”, and even the whipped cream on top was disappointing. As far as I’m concerned, this drink can fuck off back to Narnia where it came from.

Things You Might Have Missed This Week

Bill O’Reilly was fired from Fox News following sexual harassment allegations. See, if he’d told Billy Bush he only grabbed ‘em by the pussy, he’d be President by now!

Nintendo officially ended production on the NES Classic, followed by rumors that an SNES Classic is coming later this year

Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck were announced as the directors for Captain Marvel. I’ve never seen anything they’ve done (Half Nelson, episodes of Billions, and The Affair), so I’ve got no real opinion right now

Speaking of Marvel films, Black Panther wrapped production this week, as Hollywood braces for the return of every living Black actor

Will Smith is in talks to take on the classic Robin Williams role of The Genie in Guy Ritchie’s live action Aladdin adaptation. Obviously, Jaden Smith will probably get the role of Aladdin.

Stranger Things co-star Shannon Purser came out as bisexual on Twitter. Well, she’s bisexual in real life. She just used Twitter to announce it.

Director James Gunn announced that Guardians of the Galaxy 3 would be the final iteration of this lineup of the team

Black-ish was sold into off-network syndication, launching in Fall 2018

Jane The Virgin’s Gina Rodriguez will voice Carmen Sandiego in a new animated series coming to Netflix

Steve Harvey will host a revival of Showtime At the Apollo for Fox

Fate of the Furious debuted to $532 million internationally, beating the record-setting $529 million earned by Star Wars: The Force Awakens

With its original pilot rejected by Fox a few years ago, Joe Hill’s comic Locke & Key will have a new pilot filmed for Hulu

The X-Files has been renewed for a 10-episode 11th season. I couldn’t even make it through the last 6-episode batch they gave us, so I think this is a pass for me.

For the past 6 seasons, I have pretty much hate-watched HBO’s Girls. I hated Lena Dunham’s dumpy, Play-Doh body which was constantly on nude display. I hated all of her character Hannah’s “problems”. I hated her boyfriend Adam. I had convinced myself that I was really just watching, hoping that the characters would eventually be hit by a truck or something. Then, this season came along. Even through all my hate, I had to admit that this was a pretty strong season. From Hannah’s odd interaction with a bestselling author to Marnie finally realizing she sucks at life, there were some great episodes of television to be found in this season of the show. I was also forced to admit things about myself.

First off, I always knew I liked Shoshana because she had enough sense to know that she deserved better than the friends with which she’d found herself. And I definitely missed her once she decided to finally distance herself from them.  I also realized there was much more to the Ray character and, while they didn’t exactly put a bow on it, I’m glad they led us to believe that he had found a happy ending. Even a character as originally unlikable as Elijah had some strong development this season, and he was truly missed in the finale, even though this chapter of his story had come to a close. As I already admitted in my Get Out review, I had to come to terms with my crush on Allison Williams and, by extension, Marnie Michaels. Yeah, she sucked at life, but she seemed like the one out of the four who had Tony Starked her way into that situation; she was the cause of her own problems. Once she began to realize that, the character held more promise. And I realized I hated Jessa because she reminded me too much of girls I’d hooked up with in college: damaged, tattooed, pseudo-junkies who are lucky to still be alive. And I guess Hannah reminded me of girls I’d hooked up with post college. Yeah, I hated a lot about Girls because, I guess, I hated a lot about myself.

This Sunday saw the series finale of the show, and I wasn’t quite sure I was ready for it. After a season that had given us a pregnant Hannah, but also showcased the dissolution of the group’s friendship, I didn’t really know how they could “end” the story. I was further distraught when I read an article last week saying that Jessa and Shosh’s final appearances had been in the penultimate episode that had just aired. While I would miss them in the final half hour, I had to admit that their chapters had also come to a close.

When we get to the finale, there’s a five-month time jump, where Marnie and Hannah are living in a remote house upstate, raising Hannah’s baby, Grover. Yes, that’s what she named him. Anyway, it was 30 minutes about what it means to be happy, but also what it means to be an adult and a parent. I like to think that Hannah finally grew up once she realized that Grover wasn’t another problem that she could simply run away from. The entire episode, she’s freaking out because Grover won’t breastfeed, but in the final seconds he finally takes to her breast. The look on her face is a mix of relief and maturity. It was then that I realized the show had to end at that point, as Hannah was no longer a girl. The entire series had been about millennial drama, as they skirted adulthood, but those times were over. The title Girls no longer applied to Hannah because she was now a Woman, with all the responsibilities that entailed. I used to worry about Hannah, and I sure as Hell worried about Grover when we learned she was pregnant. After Sunday’s finale, though, I think they’re gonna be OK. It was a finale that I had to give some thought to, but it didn’t leave me unfulfilled like Don Draper creating a Coke jingle only to end up hocking tax prep software six months later. For this reason, Girls had the West Week Ever.