#in other family drama MY MOM PUT MY NAME ON MY GIFTS

[aldieb]

well the devil himself sent me his old ipad and apple pencil for christmas so we’re about to experience a great new era in kind of bad art

[jonquilyst]

Day 0 - Introduction

🎵 Dear Mom and Dad, I’m doin’ fine. You guys are on my mind… 🎵

Welcome to the premiere of THE 2ND SEASON of Total Drama Sims: the hottest, freshest reality TV show on simblr. I'm your host jonquilyst, though if you tuned in to the show last season, you'll already know who I am!

14 more teenagers have gathered to put their wits, guts, and strength to the test to seek out the ✨ grand prize. ✨ Like last season, they will compete in crazy challenges, deal with less-than-perfect living arrangements, and face the judgement of each other!

🎵 You asked me what I wanted to be, and I think the answer is plain to see… 🎵

🎵 I wanna live close to the sun. Pack your bags 'cause I’ve already won… 🎵

Allow me to give you the grand tour of the no-longer-abandoned film lot we claimed for this season! Instead of cabins, contestants will be staying in these cramped trailers, just like actors on set! There's one for each team with 7 beds each and complimentary bathrooms.

Our mess hall is a bit less rustic than the one we had at the summer camp, but it's got that same ol' charm with 2 dining tables and a small living area for everyone's convenience!

Now, on to the fun part: replacing the shoddy outhouse, our contestants' destination for providing their juicy confessionals will be a makeup trailer right behind the trailers! Get used to it: it'll appear every single day with a different contestant providing their thoughts.

And finally, the auditorium! This will be the site of our ever-so-exciting elimination ceremonies. In front of it is the walk-of-shame, where losers will say goodbye to Total Drama Sims to catch the lame-o-sine at the very end!

🎵 Everything to prove nothing’s in my way. I’ll get there one day! 🎵

Now, allow me to formally introduce you to our 14 new contestants!

(from left to right; top to bottom)

(also fun fact: the poses are all different this time, so everyone's portrait is truly unique to them!)

ASHLEE SCHAEFER (she/her) by @shmoodlet - A rap artist who always wants to be the center of attention

BRODY SHERMAN (he/him) by @aniraklova - A football captain who loves to party and cause mischief

COFFEE BEAN (she/her) by @riverofjazzsims - A gloomy and introverted polyglot who was entered into the competition by her twin sister so she can have more typical teenager experiences

DREW PINTO (she/they) by @witheringscreations - A talented track athlete who wants to make friendships outside of those she trains with

ENZO ESPINOZA (he/him) by @seyvia - A handsome model who wants to prove to his brothers that he's the most exceptional sibling

FLO HARPER (she/her) by @akitasimblr - A nosy "rebel" (she only dresses the part) who secretly loves to bake

HANS SOMME (he/him) by @ethicaltreatmentofcowplants - A physically gifted, socially inept snob who doesn't think TDS will be that hard

LIANA MORRIS (she/her) by @bloomingkyras - An introverted computer whiz who chose to compete in TDS so she wouldn't have to go to her grandparents' house

NEAL WARD (he/him) by @nakasumi-sims - Son of famous actor Judith Ward. Judith signed him up for TDS2 so he could be occupied while she's filming overseas

PAULINA CALLAWAY (she/her) by @cowplant-ate-my-sim - A cheerful girl who signed up for TDS so she could have a free vacation

TAKASHI ABBOTTSFORD (he/him) by @stargazer-sims - A friendly and talkative boy who thinks he'd be good at TDS due to growing up in a large chaotic family

TONI STROUD (she/her) by @simsinfinitylt - A creative and imaginative thespian who is determined to make a name for herself

TRISTAN BACHMAN (he/him) by @micrathene-w - A snarky academic genius who accidentally arrived at TDS when he was meant to go to his academic decathlon meet

WILLABELLE LOWES (she/her) by @invisiblequeen - An overachiever who is confident she'll win TDS

🎵 I WANNA BE, I WANNA BE, I WANNA BE FAMOUS! 🎵

Wait... What About Teams?

Yea... about that: teams will be sorted a little differently this season! Instead of randomized teams right away, they are being formed after the first socialization day, when everyone has time to form relationships! Shortly before the first challenge, two people will be selected at random to be the "captains" of the teams. From there, they will select their teammates schoolyard-style (alternating between boys and girls) based on their relationships with the other contestants!

[corpsentry]

recent stories i have read or watched or vored sexily

1. so yesterday i was on page 139 of gideon the ninth and today i finished it. i did nothing until i finished it. i physically could not stop. i mean i should have known it from the moment it had the most epic characters page of all the houses and each house had cool as balls names like Hope Of The Emperor and Wisdom Of The Emperor and Rose Unblossomed or however that one goes but holy mother of god…………. they did not lie this book went hard as fuck. i was reminded of something and i’m going to reblog it shortly so you can read it but i saw a tumblr post that was talking about dungeon meshi’s character designs versus genshin impact’s and another where an author was like ok but where’s the gross part?? where’s the pathetic in the characters??? and gideon the ninth does this so well. god, gideon and harrow are trying to beat each other into the ground for the better part of the book but then you get this insane 180 flip and they’re in a POOL and mein gotte when harrow said i am undone without you my eyes cried Just A Little. i forget, i think, sometimes, that people are most beautiful when they are wretched and clumsy and honest. i think this particularly because i’ve been on a hetero chinese language dramas and movies binge lately and i turned off the part of my brain that revels in messy honest art and let the part that wants to stare at bailu for 30 hours stare at bailu for 30 hours. but maybe it is time to stop watching things only to look at beautiful women (who are, admittedly, very fucking beautiful). maybe it is time to GO TO THE FUCKASS FARAWAY LIBRARY TOMORROW TO BORROW HARROW THE NINTH. what da hell. the world building in this novel is motherfucking exquisite. you have to work so goddamn hard to make a line like Emperor the Necromancer Divine God Salvation The Resurrection with a bunch of little semicolons in between work but it works, it works because it’s cool, it’s cool because it’s grimey and gross and funny, i would do astounding things for all of these people (except silas, who can get fucked). and gideon is such a spectacular narrator, to be introduced to this world through her eyes is an honor and a gift, and harrow….. HARROWWWWWWW AOUUUUUUUU YAUUUUUUUUUUUU i’m obsessed. it’s over. i am officially down horrendous

2. now i’m gonna talk to you guys about amidst a snowstorm of love 在暴雪时分. my mom keeps being like so are you done with the helsinki drama yet and i have to keep being like no because There Is No Drama but anyway ok i started it because wulei…….. and now i am Bereft and Despaired fr that they put wulei in this when man has so much more to him. listen up my guys. i have never seen or read or heard or played a story that has so little….. story. it is remarkably, devastatingly substanceless. it is like watching a 3 hour chill lofi playlist. every once in a while the dog in the animated background runs around the armchair. the fire crackles through the same 5 frames. otherwise— nothing. i’m honestly amazed that they managed to do this, this, this is Not what slice of life is. this is also not what straight romance is??? i am a longtime purveyor of the hetero romance arts and this is hetero romance sans all of the misunderstandings and miscommunications that generate teary breakdowns and mismanaged fights. there is literally no conflict which can be fine except there isn’t even, like, admiration for the small things in life or familial love or friendship which Does Not A Story Make. now i don’t say this lightly as i am a strong believer that if the plot only advances because the cast is too fucking stupid to talk to each other then it’s a shit plot but for the first time in my life i wish there Would be a petty misunderstanding so we could at least see a fraction of the characters’ personalities. now see the Premise is that the protagonist goes to finland to participate in a 9-ball competition and pulls the brooding grad student she meets there back into the world of billiards or whatever but the 9-ball is just a vehicle in the purest sense for the romance. she will be like i practice now and then go practice and then wulei shows up with coffee and that’s it, the 9-ball table was there so wulei could lean on it and look hot in 4 shots. i’m genuinely astounded. nothing fucking HAPPENS in this drama. literally i will sit through an entire episode and it’s just like, zhao lusi wants coffee…., there is coffee…., romantic moments (6-7) insert song (2-3) close up slow mo gazing (399999). seriously i would commit unspeakable crimes for wulei but even i cannot watch this drama straight without falling asleep. it is the emptiest thing i have ever seen and it is so spectacularly committed to this absolutely void of writing. also wulei’s character is dirt poor but he spends all his money on taking zhao jinmai to expensive ass fuck restaurants and then gets sick from overwork and no one TALKS about it. it’s not even a decent straight romance because there is no communication or anything remotely interesting happening in the relationship. it’s not a drama, mein gott, it’s a medley of cute heartwarming moments between two very beautiful and very talented actors who have been kidnapped and locked in a snowy nightmare where all they can do is smile at each other shyly and sometimes hold hands. crazy…………….. wasted potential for my babygirls………. (bereft)

3. watched episode 2 of oh no here comes trouble不良执念清除师 i cannot get over the fact that pu yiyong draws digital art. it’s just so lovely a detail. the first time they showed his drawing tablet and the tablet pen i was like WOAA…. HES JUST LIKE ME FR i mean he’s just like me fr he has a goofy little mullet and he talks back like it’s his 9-5 it’s brilliant. this is excellent representation for brooding angsty teens who also like to draw with clip studio paint. Possibly watching this at 2 am was a mistake as i am prone to nightmares about godless things but it’s such a fun drama and it handles tonal shifts with a clarity that i rarely see in tv….. also pu yiyong’s actor is just great. i mean god, he has eyebrows and they’re mad at you. good for him. slay

4. we’re on episode, i dunno, 23 of the double墨雨云间 now i think and it’s great but it’s true, especially after binging 80% of gideon the ninth in one day that much like how genshin impact’s character designs are designed to be attractive to as many people as possible, the double’s characters are meant to be perfect and attentive to the maximum number of people. the catharsis of seeing the protagonist triumph over the evil conspiring antagonist is only cathartic so many times, and i think im running up against the ceiling of that catharsis. we know fangfei’s brilliant and we know xiaoheng won’t let anything happen to her so it just becomes 5d chess between the morally black and white chess players, it becomes watching schemes unfold and collapse like origami boats, over and over again. they don’t sink because there isn’t any water. they’re beautiful but they can’t bear weight. and after spending too much time in these homes, in the chinese dramas hole or the kpop gorilla groups hole or the mainstream shounen hole i have to punch myself in the dick and be like ok now you are re entering the world as a person amongst other people, because it gives you tunnel vision! they’re all conventionally attractive queens with snatched waists and perfectly managed profiles, variety show personalities but you see i remembered that I Want Harrowhark Nonagesimus. i want the grit and the dirt and the morning sunlight all at once. what i mean is i will be borrowing harrow the ninth from the public library tomorrow if it means i have to take a train 2 hours out to fuckass nowhere to get it. what i mean is i am going back into the game and i am going 2 Win

[hirayaaraw]

Unbreakable Ties 6: In A Heartbeat

idol!Jaehyun x OC

Genre: Childhood Friends to Lovers; slow burn; angst

Note: After a long hiatus, I am back. I am sorry it took long. I will try to update more.

Tags: @yincotton @26zcl @ahtisa02 @joepomonerof @painted-hills @ukiyoneo @ourbeautifulaffair @wintersoulwarrior

Jung Jaehyun is a persistent man. If he says he will do it, expect results. That attitude catapulted him into stardom. As much as his attitude is desirable, Eunhye is hating it right now.

Jaehyun rushed to his car after the call. Saying goodbye to his mom and leaving her with the poor plant. Now, he is being cooed by her younger cousins and elders of the family. It became Jaehyun's fan meeting.

Apparently, her younger cousins are NCT fans while the elders are big fans of his dramas. Albums were signed left and right. Jaehyun enthusiastically entertained them and everyone congratulated you for pulling a guy like him.

In which Jaehyun replied, 'It's the other way around. I am the luckiest to have her.' Jaehyun said it brightly with his dimples showing. She almost forgot that they are pretending.

Just like their middle school and high school days, Eunhye watched him to be admired by everyone. He really has the star quality even kids are drawn to him.

"If Auntie Eunhye is your girlfriend, then can I call you Uncle?" Jaehyun lowered himself to be at eye level with her niece.

"Of course! I can be your Uncle Jae." The kid giggled and asked to be carried which Jaehyun obliged. A pain struck to her heart. That could be her son.

'You made the right decision.' She reminded herself. Eunhye carefully listed down his achievements in her mind and reminded herself that Jaehyun wouldn't reach those if things didn't go as she planned.

One night, one mistake shouldn't ruin his life. Eunhye knew Jaehyun worked hard to debut. Call her a martry or dumb but she would do it again in a heartbeat for her bestfriend.

Jaehyun saw the change of emotion on her face. He brought down her niece and went to her.

"Are you okay?" She nodded and tried to blink her tears away. Jaehyun noticed her tired eyes. "Should we go home?"

Eunhye nodded as a reply. They bid goodbye and made Jaehyun promise that he will come visit again. He happily agreed while holding her hand tightly.

"You shouldn't make that promise." Eunhye said once they are inside his car. She knew it was wrong to lash out to Jaehyun if he doesn't know anything.

"When did I break a promise?" Jaehyun scoffed when he sense her biting tone. She looked at the window while silently wiping her tears. Eunhye remembers how he will drop or do anything he can if she needs him. "You shouldn't be talking about promises if you ask me."

And it breaks her. Every pieces of her heart shattered. "Can you drop me off at my old house?"

She changed the topic. Jaehyun sighed as he failed to address the elephant in the room.

Once they reached her old house, they both alight from his car. Eunhye insist that she could handle it but Jaehyun stayed.

When they turned on the light, it was nothing compared to the bright and homey feeling of their childhood. Everything is so dim and lonely. Eunhye inspects each box trying to find something in the middle of the mess.

She smiled with loneliness. Eunhye brought it to Jaehyun and he noticed immediately what inside the box. His brows furrowed abruptly.

"Someone already bought the house. I won't be able to take everything so--"

"You are erasing everything about me." He held the box tightly. The box that contains their pictures, his gifts, and letters to her for every birthdays.

"Jaehyun..." She said his name lowly.

"11 years, Eunhye. For pete's sake, I waited for 11 years and this is all I got. Not even an explanation?" Jaehyun put down the box and turned his back to wipe his tears then faced her again. "I tried to contact you. Called your number, sent you thousand of message in facebook which you never opened, spoke to our high school friends, and even asked your college friends and professors but they all don't know."

Jaehyun rarely gets angry or cry but right now he is fuming angry and crying. She just stood in front of him calm as a sea but storm raging inside.

"Is it because of that night?" Jaehyun asked as this is the only reason he can think about.

"Why should we talk about something that happened a decade ago?"

"Stop ignoring my questions. I waited and lived miserably for 11 years without you." Jaehyun brushed his hair in frustration. "Do you know how it hurts to wait for someone you love when you never know if they will come back?"

Some people get their love confession in flattering way but Eunhye got hers in an argument. Eunhye blinked at him again and he groaned. She can hear him cursed himself for having the worse confession.

"We live in different worlds, Jae." He looked at her upon hearing her call him in his nickname. "We are meant to drift apart. You have the whole world in your palm and my world will be in Canada."

"And if I leave everything and come with you?" Eunhye felt her throat is hurting and eyes stinging from preventing herself to cry.

"You worked hard for all of these."

"For what? All of these but without you." Jaehyun laid his heart to her. Eunhye smiled bitterly hearing those words. Her early 20s self will never believe that she will hear those words years later.

"Don't destroy yourself for this." She said with finality. Eunhye picked up the box again and gave it to Jaehyun. "Leaving you still one of the best decisions I made."

Eunhye bought the earliest flight the next day. Fearing that she will crumble if she stays within Jaehyun's vicinity. Just like 11 years ago, Jaehyun woke up the next day confused. He went to her airbnb and to her old house but he couldn't find her. It's a repeat of his nightmare and he doesn't if he will be able to recover from this heartbreak.

2016

It hasn't been a year since Jaehyun debut as an idol under a group called NCT. Eunhye also started college that year in Seoul. Despite being in one city, they can't find a common availability to meet.

Jaehyun is in the middle of recording for their first mini album when his phone rings. It shows her name but he already told Eunhye that he will be recording so he declined. The phone rings again and for the third time he answers.

"Eunhye, I'll call in a bit. I am recor--"

"Hello! Is this the guardian of Lee Eunhye?" He freezed upon hearing a stranger's voice say her name. "You are on his emergency contact.

"What happened?" Jaehyun tried to be calmed but even his leader so him fidgeting and asked through sign if he is okay.

"Vehicular accident. She got a fractured arm but we will run more test to see if anything is wrong."

Jaehyun didn't waste anytime. He apologized to the producer and his teammates but he promised to give his best next recording.

When he arrived to the hospital and saw you lying in the bed of emergency room, he felt his knees weakened.

"What are you doing here? Your fans might see you."

"That should be my question. What are you doing here?" He put on a brave mask in front of her.

"Dumbass driver forgot to step on his break." Eunhye winced when she tried to move. Jaehyun immediately called a nurse just to check her.

When the nurse is gone, Eunhye laughed that made him frown because nothing is definitely funny about the situation.

"I can't believe we finally found a time to hang out and it's in an emergency room." Eunhye laughed in the absurdity of her thought but Jaehyun made a promise to himself to make time for her even if they have a busy schedule.

On that day, he realized that he will do anything for Eunhye in a heartbeat.

[unikittybigbrightworldau]

Fanmade Unikingdom Citizens

I’m gonna introduce all of the supporting, minor, and background characters from Big Bright World, starting with my fanmade Unikingdom citizens.

I'll put short recaps for characters I've already introduced, like Pepper. She's my Unikitty persona, and she's wily, random, smart, and slightly spooky. She's smart enough to see right through a prank. Her family moved from the southern side of the Unikingdom to the northern side when she was 7. She would be about 11 or 12 in the show. In the Big Bright World series, which takes place about three years later, Pepper is 14 and a student at Sparklestone High School. Her favorite things to do are draw and write fanfiction. She also loves running and acting, explaining her involvement in the track and field team and the drama club. She finds it hard to sleep at night, and she's a bit sarcastic. She’d sound like me, and I would voice her.

Mabel is another citizen of the Unikingdom who moved there with her family from Botania. She is open-minded and a great listener, and she doesn't back away from going all out. She's determined to give others something to remember about her. She's very energetic, but it's hard for her to slow down. If she were in the show, she'd be about 11 years old. In Big Bright World, Mabel is a student at Central Unikingdom High School and a good friend of Unikitty's. She is a part of its marching band, and she's aiming to be drum major. She plays the piccolo and the clarinet. She sounds like Mabel from Minecraft: Story Mode, except she doesn’t have a Southern accent. 

Pheasala is a classmate of Hawkodile and Eagleator who loves to be loud. She trained with them and their class in the dojo, and she participates in their annual familial sports competitions. She likes to scream and shout a lot. She's often seen carrying around her megaphone. She's very spirited, and she cheers on the dojo family. She can fly, but she prefers not to. She sounds like Petra from MC:SM, but she’s much louder. 

Maya is smart, self-assured, and good at keeping focused on something. She's a friend of Pepper, Puppycorn and Ellie along with Annie and Ringo. Her favorite thing to learn about is math and feels confident in answering any problem she's able to. She is 10 years old. 

Annie is thoughtful and creative. She's also a great thinker, coming up with as many solutions as she can when she's faced with adversity. She also considers all opinions and outcomes. She likes to solve problems and mysteries and help others. She's 11 years old. 

Ringo loves to liven up the mood in a place with his tap dancing. He's charming, energetic, and very social. Once or twice, he's danced a duet with the tap dancing butterfly. He is 9 years old and a social butterfly. 

Val and Ribbon are a sister-and-brother pair of gift boxes who run a gift box shop. They also run a pawn shop and a storage facility. They spend most of their time running their store, and they're good at looking after their stuff.

Pepper's parents are named Beatrice and Calvin. Beatrice and Calvin can be protective of Pepper and her siblings, and they get quite heated up when it's time to do chores. But, they're generally relaxed people who let the kids do whatever they please. They're helpful as well. Her mom works as a photographer, and her dad works at a car wash.

The house that Pepper’s family lives in is owned by Pepper’s grandmother, Marie. She is, more specifically, Pepper’s maternal grandma. She looks after Will, Pepper and Gracey when Calvin and Beatrice aren’t home. She’s pretty sneaky and mischievous. Pepper’s grandfather has been dead for four years. 

Pepper’s older brother, William, prefers to be called Will. He used to playfully make fun of Pepper, but now, he’s laid-back and relaxed. He doesn’t mind if you want to borrow something from him. He tries to make sure that his little sisters don’t get into trouble. He’s a big fan of superhero movies, and he and Gracey try to get Pepper to watch them with them. Though Pepper’s a big fan of the H.I.V.E. Five, she’s not all that interested. 

Gracey is the youngest. While Pepper and Will are about 2-3 years apart, Gracey is about 4-5 years younger than Pepper. She’s super bouncy, and she tries her best to be a good kid. Gracey is taking dance classes, and Pepper and her family want to go to all of her recitals. She watches superhero movies with Will. 

The family’s pet chameleon, Ink, was a gift from Marie. Gracey likes to take him out of his terrarium and play with him. In fact, they take him out often since he gets the urge to run around. 

Now for the guys I haven't talked about yet! Rosa is a young axolotl girl who is sweet and soft-hearted. She wears her heart on her sleeve, and she does things at her own pace. She's trustworthy, honest and lost in thought at times. She likes to read and get lost in a good story. She's also super interested in dancing and choreography. She's very close friends with Mabel, and she considers her to be her best friend. Rosa says that Mabel's the reason she became so interested in choreography. In Big Bright World, she's part of the Central Unikingdom High color guard.

Bigbang is a sports commentator, announcer and master of ceremonies. They're outgoing and exuberant, and they live their life to the fullest. They really, really love their job, so they always get a little sad whenever a sports game they're commentating on wraps up. They'll be right with you if you need them. They're a combination of a megaphone and a speaker, so they can get loud. At home, though, they're pretty quiet, and that's because they've had to pay a ton to fix the glass on their windows. 

Princess Unear and Prince Pericorn are Unikitty and Puppycorn’s parents in the Big Bright World AU, and they were the rulers of the Unikingdom before her. Unear is a unicorn/corn hybrid, and she’s where Puppycorn gets his corn half from. Pericorn is a pink cat/unicorn hybrid like his daughter; lots of people in the royal family are, or else the castle wouldn’t be shaped the way it is. Pericorn is omni. He and Unear are both very positive towards everyone. They let Unikitty take over the kingdom when they knew she could take care of herself. They admire her efforts to make it a happier place, and they can’t wait to see what she does next. They love Puppycorn just as much; Unear lets him ride on her back. (By the way, the reason he’s a dog is because of a grandparent who is.) Unikitty and Puppycorn are still being taken care of by Richard, and their parents don’t live in the castle with them. After they stepped down from ruling the kingdom, they went to work for a cruise line.

Mabel’s parents are named Carmine and Meryl. Carmine Maples is a sharp-witted thinker who loves to soak up the sun. He’s adaptable, jolly, crafty, and good at working with a team. Meryl Maples is playful, sassy and not easily unnerved. She has a sense of grace when she moves. Mabel’s parents moved their family to the Unikingdom because they hoped they’d get lots of sunlight to nourish their leaves there. Carmine and Meryl are also a bi-for-pan couple. I think that Meryl would sound like Eda from The Owl House.

Millie Maples is Mabel’s older sister, and she’s about 3-4 years older than her. She is steadfast and right on her feet, plus super tender. Much like her dad, Millie likes to be outside. Her favorite pastimes are rafting and canoeing.

Scarlet Maples is her younger sister. She’s feisty, cheerful, and filled with willpower. Though she knows she can’t go near it, Scarlet isn’t scared of fire. She even likes to paint her face with it. 

Douglas Maples is the older one of Mabel’s younger brothers. He’s easily bothered and sensitive to most things. But, he’s super funny, and he wants to go out and show people what he’s made of. He likes to juggle. 

Max Maples is Mabel’s youngest brother and the youngest in the family. He can’t speak in sentences longer than two words yet, so he communicates mainly by saying a single word and pointing at something. 

[ebdanon]

Hey Allie, sorry I'm so late with this I caught a cold and basically passed out when I got back home yesterday. I'm feeling a bit better now, so here's the wedding lore. I don't remember some chunks of it because it was downright traumatic so I apologize for any gaps. (part 1)

My husband ordered a ring during the pandemic. As soon as it arrived he told me about it and made me look away while he tried putting it on my finger to check if it fits (no one knows this btw). He told his parents he got a ring and how they should start preparing for a wedding. He told me he was not proposing until we moved out of our hometown (we both lived with our parents - it's normal in our culture) because he didn't want me to deal with the crazy in his house. A year and a half later, we had moved out and he proposed 6 months into our living together. We'd booked a vacation and were leaving the morning after he proposed. However, when we shared with our parents where we were going and when, my parents made sure to book a vacation around the same time, in the same location, in a hotel 20 minutes away from ours. And so the drama began. Engaged, we called parents and siblings, and since my parents were already on their vacation, they promised to visit our hotel once we arrived the next day to congratulate us in person, which I asked them not to do as we would be exhausted. This made my husband's parents upset, and they created a whole conspiracy that my parents knew about the proposal ahead of time, which is why they booked that vacation there. Even though they knew about the ring a year and a half in advance, they found a reason to be upset. So the trip takes around 8 hours but it's during the night so when we get there, we just eat and crash in our room. To our surprise, the front desk woke us up with a phone call a couple of hours later saying we had "guests in the lobby", which were, of course, my parents. They were on a video call with my soon-to-be-in-laws, showing us entering the lobby, and then giving us gifts, and showing the ring. They spent about an hour with us and went back to their hotel and thank god, we didn't see each other again until the plane ride back to our country. Now, COVID was still a bit of a thing back then, but many people had stopped caring, including my parents. On the plane, my husband and I were the only ones with masks on. But I'm getting ahead of myself. For that week-long vacation that we took after years of being locked up at home to protect ourselves and our families (we still got COVID 4 months before the engagement, from a coworker who refused to isolate or wear a mask), we were bombarded with phone calls from both sets of parents and the grandparents about "what we were planning on doing about the wedding". To every question, the answer was "We plan on relaxing during the first vacation in three years, stop asking" which no one respected. The situation started escalating as our parents started calling each other trying to figure out who knows/knew what, and to push their own wedding ideas on the others. It blew up when I got a call from my sister a couple of days in, saying my narcissistic grandma booked a church for me. This woman went to the church, picked out a time and date, and put only MY name down because she didn't know my in-laws or anything. The date she chose worked for her, as her son would be in town. What she didn't know was that her son was already scheduled to attend a wedding on that date. This woman also managed to somehow find my MIL's phone number, call her, and also tell her the church was handled, which of course set her off, so she called me and just said "Handle your grandmother" and hung up. What my husband and I learned later, after chatting to his sister, was that my dad actually asked his mom to do all that shit. Our parents had also been going back and forth on the guests they were going to be inviting, and wanted to outdo each other. So when we learned all this, we called up everyone and told them there would be no wedding, there would be nothing, we would just get a marriage certificate and be done with it because they were out of control. They calmed down for all of two days, and by that time we were on the way back home.

hi bitey sorry im just getting to this now work is rough today :/ will post my full response to part 2 hehe

[d3n-rf]

See life has so many ups and downs

Just when things start to pan out

They can seemingly fall apart.

The important part is

Is to know these are tests

These are lesson

Designed to strengthen us

And be who we are destined to be.

There is something greater in us all.

I see it so clear

When you put yourself first

Lord,

It’s the most amazing gift

You see your future clearler

You focus on yourself

You know, I’ve been through a lot

I experienced the worst type of

Relationship as a young naive girl

Me being who I am, I’m not one to victim shame

I know my heart is big and I know who I am

All that he did and all that he said

Made me lose a lot of people

Yeah that is hurtful but they weren’t real friends

Because If they were real they see the truth

But I’ve always been different

People don’t understand asrtand

Some question my intentions

But my love is just pure

I never needed validation

And I didn’t need to fit in

See my ex, he was taunting, he was mean and he was controlling

He silently abused me, manipulated me

That is something I can’t change

It doesn’t matter what I say because that pain will never go away

But I know who I am

And I don’t like the drama

So I keep my mouth shut and I let the lies arise

It makes me shake to talk about the hurt

I’d rather leave it all

Because I know who I am

I’m a good person and those that see

Are the ones meant to be surrounded by me

I don’t need no sympathy , I don’t need no pity

I have a mind of my own and I can get through it

Had to fully lose myself

So that I could be free

From all of those

That only used me

You see, I’ve always been me

And I’ve always been kind

I was so naive

I didn’t realize people were different

I thought the world was just like me

With loving hearts and real intentions

I didn’t see the evil that was ahead

My mom always told me

I need to stop seeing the good in everyone

But it’s always been what I’ve seen

I didn’t understand how much hate there was

So going though what I did

It hurt and it broke me

But I was to good for all of the hate

People don’t care when you are in pain

I literally thought that they did

I do… I’ve always cared… to much

For the ones I loved

That’s what makes me different and I’m easy to break

That’s why I have my guard up

And I try not to let them see

I realize now I am different for a reason

There’s people like me

I just gotta keep believing

I don’t want the fake

I only want the real

So I keep my circle small because I value who I am

I put myself first because I know my

Worth

I don’t like to fight, I like people who see the world how I see it.

People who are kind, real, compassionate.

See— life, it’s very weird, you know.

I had a lot of friends growing up. I mean, I was still bullied by certain people in certain situations

I didn’t always handle it the best way.

I’ve always been really kind. From the time I was young

I always stood up for people.

No seriously,

You can ask my family.

I’m a good person.

I’m not someone who is fake.

No, I’m going to tell you exactly how I feel.

If you ask me a question, I’m gonna be honest.

If that hurts your feelings, I am sorry. But I keep it real.

When I had any friendship, I always talked highly about my friends, and loved them.

I was never one to be like, hey.. this persons a “mean name””

I like to have good friends, who are good people in all aspects.

respectful, mature, honest, loving, genuine.

Real friendships.

A lot of people, I’ve found enjoy getting really wasted with a bunch of friends, who aren’t really friends… I mean, they all talk shit about each other …

When they’re sick, their friend isn’t there to take care of them.

When they need someone to talk to, it’s “fuck that person” let’s get hammered!!!!

And go clubbin and fuck shit up

Legit…

There is people like that.

No morals,

Always seeking a man,

Needing approval of others,

Feeding into drama,

Associating with bad energy

Drinking practically everyday

Attracting the same time of men

Doing drugs socially

Spending most of the money the make, on partying.

Not thinking about a future, what they want.

I think a lot of what happened here

Is social media.

I think seriously, a lot of these young adults they sit here and they have to be popular, there so into social media, they are not paving a life for themselves

Back before social media was a thing,

People moved on with their life’s.

They settled down

They had families

They focused and envisioned what they want there life’s to look at

Friends become old faces

And you meet your neighbours or your call leagues

You’d grab a beer once and a while

And your get back to life

Now the problem is

Especially girls. But guys too

They crave this social media. They crave friends, romances, drugs,

Realistically that’s for people I’m there 20s

We gotta grow up some time

But these people never will

These are the same people who will

Believe in lies

Instead of asking for the truth, or searching for the truth themselves by analyzing behaviour

But the problem is.

1. these people like drama. They are drama, but they like drama

2.. These people love to party, and shut off emotions.

3. They love to avoid life

3. They Avoid getting help

5.Ignore boundaries

And then like to think that people who don’t paritcape in the behaviours , are drama

This generation forgot to grow up

And that is what’s wrong with a lot of the world today

How do we survive in a world where people are more concerned on how they look, who they are dating, and how their friend see them then making a plan for a future.

That’s where I’m different

So I struggle a lot

You know

Truthfully

Like I said earlier

I’ve always been a really nice person

I remember, coming home from school. In KINDERGARTEN and telling my mom she needed to pack a lunch for a girl at school , because she didn’t have food.

I was that girl.

I was the girl who in grade 4,

Seen a little girl being bullied because she was different.

, I went up to her after that class and asked her if she wanted to hang out with me at recess. I made sure I was always nice to her going forward and made sure she didn’t feel alone.

Yes I’ve always been that girl.

In grade 4,

I told my mom my dog shadow didn’t seem right.

she said that’s weird , why do you say that

I said he just seems different

Well, the very next day

My mom took my dog to the vet because he couldn’t poop or pee.

Turns out my dog had cancer and soon after passed

My mom was amazed at my intuition.

In grade 8, I had a younger friend. His name was tristian. Tristan Walsh.

He was great at taekwondo. We did taekwondo together, he was very talented.

We went to the same school, he eas I believe 3 years younger then me so he would of been in grade 5

When I witnessed an older boy pushing tristian around

I walked over, and I sternly said, stop picking on my friend . Or we’re gonna have a problem. I said , listen buddy, I know you, Your Kristen’s brother

If you ever do what you just did ever again I will kick your fucking ass

And tbh with you tristian should

He’s a beast at taekwondo

He could kick your ass

So if I was you

I would back off and leave him alone

And he did, just that.

So where I’m at in life. Im not necessarily judgemental

But I feel because of my mentality, I’m going to always look like a problem.

Why is she always alone?

Why doesn’t she have a boyfriend?

That’s what makes someone in todays society

Not who they aren

Ur who they are dating, and how many friends they have.

Like no, I have friends . Maybe not many

I went through so hard ass shit, for a long time with someone I have no respect for

That person participates I’m things I was always better than, but couldn’t quite escape

I’m not worried about people’s opinions

I want to find my future, my beautiful future.

That I made for myself

Not some rich man I used to get to where I need to be.

Not by sitting there laughing drunk talking about other people to make myself feel better.

No.

I have goals

I’m gonna make life happen

I’m going to have that beautiful dream house I’ve always wanted.

I’m going to have a nice pool in the back yard

And a pool man to take care of it for me.

I’m gonna find my passion, make my money

Plan my life.

I will love me, and only me until I meet someone worth settling down for, someone with as much passion as I have.

Someone who thinks business, thinks smart.

Has a mind of their own.

Doesn’t need validation

Just what’s to grow and be happy

I need a man that doesn’t feel like he needs the paparazzi.

You can all be watching, but we won’t be watching you

I will find that perfect person.

But until I find what I want

I don’t want anyone else

I have gaols

I want to achieve so much,

I want to become a billionaire

So I can take care of my sister.

So I can give my mom and dad lots and lots of money.

So I can take care of my one true friend.

And so I can make the world a better place

Full of love

Laughter

And joy

We have a bunch of people walking areound destroying there own life, bar hopping, dick hopping, chick hopping .. etc

All getting stds from the same people

Everyone knows each other

There life is a competition

That shit must be exhausted

For real though.

This is some people’s life’s

Isn’t that crazy??

My life is me

live like not one is watching

No one is judging

I’m not famous

Why do you care?

Why do you stalk me?

Why do you talk about me?

I’m not famous, why do you care

See, I don’t associate with that. That’s waste energy. I’m above that energy, which is why I’m a queen.

I’m real, some hate it

Some love it

It’s me.

Im just a girl

Trying to live her best life

J-D-R-F —“””:,) F@44😘

[isalms]

Puzzles and podcasts

An 18 000 piece puzzle takes a long time to complete. As much as I enjoy working on it in silence, sitting down and putting pieces together is prime time for listening to podcasts!

When I opened my Christmas gift from my brother in 2022 I got very excited. Inside I found an 18 000 piece puzzle for myself and my mom to work on. It is slightly bigger than the puzzles we usually do (around 1000-2000 pieces), but we were so excited to start working on it!

In my family, we have been puzzle fanatics for many years, and almost always have a puzzle in the works on our lounge table. For myself, working on a puzzle is almost therapeutic - it's an opportunity for me to shut off my brain and just focus on putting pieces together.

The silence of working on a puzzle does get tiring after a while, which is when I started listening to podcasts while puzzling. I enjoy true crime, and tend to go for this genre when choosing a podcast to listen to. In this post I will be bringing you along my journey of putting together the 18 000 piece puzzle while listening to interesting new podcasts!

30.9 Who Killed Daphne?

I have always enjoyed investigative podcasts, because they feel more in depth and therefore more interesting to me. I found the podcast Who Killed Daphne? on a list for the best investigative true crime podcasts, which instantly peaked my interest. The podcast is about the death of an investigative journalist, which sounded very interesting to me. I was also intrigued to listen to a podcast from Wondery, who seem to have many podcasts in this genre.

And so I started listening to the Who Killed Daphne? podcast, an investigative podcast about the Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. She was an anti-corruption activist and reported on political events and corruption in Malta, which ultimately led to her being assassinated in 2017.

Daphne's death led to a collection of journalists from different countries to publish "The Daphne Project", a collaboration to complete the investigative work she was never able to do herself. One of the journalists involved, Stephen Grey, is the host for the podcast.

Over six episodes, the story of Daphne and her reporting, and the work of multiple journalists involved in the Daphne project is told through interviews and stories. The structure of the podcast was easy to follow, and it made me keep listening. I enjoy listening to podcasts, as long as they keep me hooked and aren't too chatty.

One thing I dislike with this podcast in particular is how produced it feels. It uses suspenseful sound effects in an attempt to make certain interviews or stories feel more dramatic, which I personally am not a fan of. I like the story to speak for itself, without extra drama added to the mix. The dramatizing, although bearable in this podcast, makes me hesitant to listen to other podcasts by Wondery.

One thing I found interesting in Who Killed Daphne? was the Maltese accent, which I don't think I have heard much of before. The accent almost reminds me of the Swedish accent, but not the Finn-Swedish one. The podcast also contained other accents when journalists from the UK or France were speaking, but I personally did not find any of the accents or voices difficult to understand.

I did enjoy this podcast, and it helped me finish many parts of the 18 000 piece puzzle. 4/5!

7.11 Sweet Bobby

When I first started looking for investigative podcasts to listen to, the podcast Sweet Bobby caught my eye. The short description of the podcast explained its main plot: A woman got catfished by a man called Bobby for eight years. This was enough to reel me in.

The podcast tells the story of Kirat Assi, a marketer and radio host who lives in London. She was contacted by a man by the name of Bobby in 2009, and the two kept in contact for many years. Eventually Bobby would divorce his wife and confess his feelings for Kirat, and the two began dating online.

Eight year later, however, Kirat found out Bobby was not who he said he was. Bobby was actually played by Kirat's cousin, Simran Bhogal. Well, Bobby is in fact a real person, which Kirat found out in 2018. But that wasn't until she stood outside of his door, faced with the reality that whoever the Bobby she had been talking to for eight years was not the same Bobby that was standing in front of her.

Simran, the cousin, had been using Bobby's name and social media posts to deceive Kirat. What makes this story so interesting is the depth of Simran's catfishing operation. She had created up to 60 characters to play a role in Kirat and Bobby's circle, all used to convince Kirat that Bobby was real. Simran herself was a character in the plot, used as a real life confirmation for Bobby's existence.

Kirat's story is very heartfelt, and listening to her on the podcast made me feel truly sorry for her. I have had my fair share of friendships online, with people I thought I knew before their true identities were revealed. But nothing close to this has ever happened to me.

What drew me in to listening to this podcast was the fact that it was British. The podcast talks to Kirat and her close circle, who are part of the Sikh community, as well as many experts. Everyone who has their voice heard in the podcast has a different accent, which I didn't find difficult to understand.

The podcast itself is hosted by Alexi Mostrous, and it tells Kirat's story in six episodes. I must say, as much as the story is interesting, the podcast felt more like an audiobook. Alexi's role in the story isn't very relevant, as Kirat found out about Bobby three years before the podcast was released. Alexi's role comes through in the last couple of episodes, where he tries to understand Simran's motive, but he doesn't end up getting any more answers than Kirat already had.

The podcast was interesting enough for me to listen through, but it left me wanting more. It was excellent background noise for some puzzling, though, and therefore it was worth it. 2.5/5.

[silly-thinkings]

Another Batmom angst. With a good ending? I’ve been working on this for a hot minute and it’s a long read cause I didn’t wanna make this a two-parter.

Plz enjoy :) ~Jokers Bad Joke~ Keys: S/N = Sons Name

~~+~~

“S/N? Where’s my phone?” You asked looking around the seats of the Jet.

“It’s right here mom. I want to talk to dad before he goes out on patrol.”

You smile as you walk back to your seat. You buckle your excited 8-year-old in first before you do.

The phone rang once before one of his brothers picked up “hey superstar! How’s the trip?” Dick took off his domino mask while he spoke to his youngest brother.

“It was alright. Wish it was an actual trip instead of a business one.”

S/N jumped a bit in his seat “where’s dad? I have something to tell him.”

Both of you watch Dick place a hand on his heart “but what about me?” He let out a dramatic gasp “Am i not good enough for you?”

“Relax drama Queen. It’s probably important.” Jason yelled in the background.

“And I’m not important Jay!”

The phone got snatched “Ummi, I require your assistance for an art project. Do you think you can pick up oil pastels on the way back?” Damian asked while dodging someone’s hands.

“Yes I can baby. You’ve been good while I was away right?”

“Of course- HEY!”

“he’s lying! He broke my coffee cup mom. The one you gave me for Christmas last year.”

“ TT well maybe you shouldn’t have spilled your drink on my work Drake.”

You slightly shake your head with a smile “your brothers.” You say nudging your son.

He chuckled before clearing his throat causing them to stop. You took the phone from him “when I get there both of you will be able to explain everything to me alright?”

The phone got passed again to the man already in his suit. You smirk “ honey, isn’t it a little too early to suit up? The sun is still out ya know, what if you sizzle.”

Laughter from The two eldest sons could be heard in the background. Bruce smiled in return “yes well, somethings come up. Headed to the watch tower.”

S/N took the phone back “dad! Just wanted to tell you that I completed my mission.”

You looked at him with pursed lips “you had a mission.”

You could see Bruce blushing on the other end of the call “good job S/N. But the mission isn’t over till you report to the cave.”

“Oh right right. Got it.”

You lean over “and what was the mission?”

S/N puffed out his cheeks “it’s top secret mom. You can’t know.”

You were about to say something when alarms began blaring through Bruce’s end. A part of him felt relieved that his conversation got interrupted. "Ill see you soon Hun. I love you.” You gave him a teasing grin “And I love you Mr. Wayne.” "Kick butt dad!” S/N slightly kicked his legs in excitement before hanging up. “So… what was that mission your father put you on?” S/N sheepishly looked away “maaaa you’re cheating. You are using your authority to get answers out of me. It wont work.” “Alright” You let out a defeated sigh before putting on your silky Batman sleep mask over your eyes “Guess ill just have to hide your gift till we get home.” S/N crossed his arms “Thats not going to work” You didn’t respond, only relaxing further into the seat making your son a little restless. He was just like Bruce and Damian in this regard. Wanting to know about everything. This was going to be a long flight for him. ~~~~ Bruce had never felt so annoyed. So useless. The jokers cackle filled the room. “Oh Bats! I’m so happy you’re here. This trap was made for the birds but having you here makes my night so wonderful.” Dick hugged an unconscious Jason. Tightly. His eyes teeming with rage at the laughing clown. He, along with his two brothers were chained to the wall while Batman sat in the middle of the room on a metal chair. The barb wire keeping him tied Pearce his skin as Joker rolled a TV in front of the family. “What is the meaning of this!” Robin pulled at his restraints making the Joker laugh “Oh you’ll see. This is part of your surprise!”

RedRobin let out a ragged breath only his arm was chained to the wall. Which was a cruel joke. He was pretty sure he had a cracked rib. He pulled out a battering and threw it towards the clown “leave him alone.”

The Joker dodged the attack “Oh~ would you like some attention too? Good good.”

“Joker! This is between me and you. Leave them out if it.” Batman’s voice boomed from where he sat. He had to find a way to get Jokers attention solely on him so that his sons could find a way to escape.

The Joker let out a sigh “alright alright batsy. Let me get the show started then. Just for you.” The clown walked over to the tv and turned it on, the screen flickered to life. The image shown was of Gothem city.

“I want you to pick senário A. Or Scenario B.” He pulls out two remotes “this one releases Joker gas throughout the city~ and this one goes boom… but stops meee. The joker.”

Jason slowly stirred awake. He felt his breath quicken as soon as he made eye contact with the joker.

“Oh! Glad for you to join us.” He let out a ridiculous laugh “my old friend. Would you like to pick which button I press?”

****

Y/N felt unease settle within her body. She got up from her seat and slowly moved towards the cockpit.

“Excuse me. How long till we land?”

There was no response. She slowly walked closer into the room only to see both pilots with wide grins flying the plane.

“Hello? Can you hear me?” Y/N waved her hands infront of the men. Both of them continued to stair, void of emotion. She tried to pull their hands from the yoke but it was as if they were glued on.

The pilot slowly turned his head. His smile trembling “Mrs.Wayne. You should take a seat.”

The man pulled the Yoke towards him causing Y/N to fall towards the back of the plane. She quickly grabbed onto the seat her son was on.

“Mom!”

“Stay in your seat! And hang on”

The jet twirled as they acended high into the sky Before free falling. S/N held onto his seatbelt for dear life. While you desperately reach for the parachute under his seat.

“ S/N listen to me. You have to let go. Take off your seat belt.”

“WHAT!”

“Trust me!”

S/n began hyperventilating but slowly complied. As soon as he removed his seatbelt you grabbed his arm and pulled him close.

You efficiently began putting the parachute on him.

“Mom? Where’s yours?!”

You looked over to your seat then back to the cockpit. You notice your speedy descent and looked at your son. You only had one thought

‘Save him.’

You hold him tightly as you pushed yourself to the emergency doors. You struggled with it before opening the hatch sucking the both of you out into open air.

S/N had a tight koala grip onto your body as the wind rushed through the both of you. The jet then exploded beneath the two of you.

You felt for the pull strap on his backpack only to feel a warm liquid.

When you looked at your hand it was covered in blood. "What? When?” Time seemed to move in slow motion and S/N’s eyes began to feel heavy.

A wide-open gash along his arm continued to bleed out. You look down at the ocean coming closer.

“Clark… CLARK! take S/N! PLEASE! SAVE HIM FIRST.”

S/N’s grip began to loosen “mom? Uncle Clark isn’t here.”

You felt tears well in your eyes and you place a final kiss on his head “not yet…I love you. My little prince.”

It felt as if everything moved in slow motion. You pulled at the strap allowing the parachute to open up.

S/N felt his body abruptly stop. The pain in his arm finally kicked in as he looked down. His eyes widened as he watched you, his mother, continue to fall “no… no MOM NO MOM WAIT! MAMA!”

You watched your poor panicked boy reach his hand out. His cries were distant. The last thing you saw was a flash of Blue and red taking your boy away. You close your eyes. accepting your fate to the deep ocean.

*****

“BAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA that was AMAZING! Honestly, they need to make more tv like this. No wonder everyone’s going digital.”

And he thought losing Jason made him a broken man. No, what he watched. What the whole family watched shattered all their spirits.

Jason couldn’t. He scratched at his helmet in an attempt to pull his hair as he rocked back and forth “I’ll kill you. IM GOING TO MURDER YOU! YOU SON OF A BITCH.”

Dick shook his head. No way is she dead. No way he witnessed another murder like that. He took deep breaths as memories from his time at the circus invaded his mind. But S/N was fine. Right?

Damian felt tears trickle down his eyes as he just sat there. He held his head down as his shoulder began to shake.

Tim opened and closed his mouth . He had no words. When the joker prompted Redhood to pick a button it was him that decided to make that choice. He thought it was a logical choice. Stop the joker could’ve meant anything. If he had known….

He was the one to press the button. He caused her death. It’s his fault.

"We are receiving reports that S/N is still alive. He was saved my Superman! However, we have yet to find Y/N Wayne’s body.”

“Aww poo. The kid lived. Oh well, I guess the shows over.” Joker had a dance in his step as he turned to leave. The door burst open reviling cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Superboy.

Wonder Woman stepped up “you aren’t going anywhere clown.” As he attempted to run he was promptly lassoed before Superboy knocked him out cold. He then attended to Robins.

Wonder Woman went up to Batman while Cyborg attempted to calm Redhood down.

“ S/N is in the middle of surgery” Wonder Woman whispered, “we need to get you home.”

Batman couldn’t say anything. His eyes were distant as she placed his arm around her shoulder.

***

Alfred watched as each member of the family was assisted by a hero in the cave. He tended to all of them, cleaned their wounds and bandaged them up. S/N didn’t speak. The whole time he was there he only looked to the ground.

“This is your fault.” Jason's voice was low. His anger seethed through his teeth as he stood up. Roy placed a hand on his chest “hey hey relax. Nows not the time to-“

“Fuck that! If only he killed that clown when he took me out! Now he took mom away from us!” Jason gripped his hair “there isn’t even a body. They couldn’t find her…”

The silence in the cave was loud. Louder, than it ever was. Bruce sat on the chair in front of his many monitors. He didn’t respond to Jason’s outburst. How could he.

S/N got up from the metallic bed and began walking up the stairs towards the manor.

Dick quickly walked to him “where are you going.”

S/N lips trembled “I can’t… be in here. I can’t do what you guys do.”

Dick knelt down in front of him. His brows furrowed in confusion “what do you mean?”

“I can’t… I… I failed. I went to protect mom and I…”

Dick immediately brought him in for a hug. Now it was S/N’s cries that filled the cave. He screamed into his brother's chest as he was finally able to greave. Damian approached the two and hugged S/N as well, followed by Tim. The boys all sat on the ground and held each other as they grieved for the loss of their mother.

Jason couldn’t stay in the cave any longer. He and Roy left at some point.

Alfred managed to convince the boys to head upstairs. Bruce sat in the cave alone in silence. Tears of his own tricked down his face. Anger filled his heart as he swept everything clean off the table. He then walked to one of the wooden dummies and punched it. He punched the wood over and over till his knuckles bled.

“Honey~ this isn’t the way to deal with loss.”

Bruce slammed his head on the dummy. How is it that he heard your voice. “it’s my fault. My fault you’re gone. I shouldn’t have left you.”

Bruce fell to his knees. He felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. He looked up expecting to see your face. Only to see Diana with a somber expression.

****

Jason checked another one of his guns as loaded up his suit

“Jason. Get out of the suit. You need to relax.” Roy leaned against the door as he watched his best friend check yet another gun.

“Screw that. He killed my mother. I’m doing something that man would never do.”

“And what would your mom say? You know how she felt about you killing. Hell, that’s why you went to rubber bullets. Now that she’s dead you’ll just go against her wishes?”

Jason took a breath “this is different.”

“Is it? This is revenge. Something she’s told you not to do.”

Jason had his head low. Of course, Roy was right but he couldn’t sleep as long as that clown was still breathing. It had been two weeks since that day. Two weeks since Y/N’s reported death. Two weeks of sleepless nights. The manor hasn’t been the same. Hasn’t been lively at all with you gone. S/N doesn’t even talk anymore.

Just then a knock on the door caused both men to look at each other before Roy answered it. Dick, Tim, and Damian all stood outside the door in their vigilante outfits.

“What are you guys doing here?” Roy asked. His question was ignored by Robin who stomped towards Jason “you’re going after the joker are you?”

Jason looked at him then at his two other brothers “yes. And you won’t stop me.”

“No, we won’t.” Nightwing walked past him and opened the window “we’re coming with you.”

“What?!” Roy shook his head “all of you are going after the clown.”

“He took Mother away from us. He’s made a ruin to my father and brother. Of course, we’ll be after him.”

Roy looked at the four of them properly stunned. He then let out a sigh “do you guys at least have a plan.”

****

Red Robin, Nightwing, Redhood, and Robin all stood atop a building.

“He escaped Arkham again. He’s been tracked here.” Red Robin said typing on his wrist.

“So, what’s stopping us from going in there and taking him out.” Redhood huffed in his mask.

Nightwing pointed to Harly Quinn happily skipping towards the door. She opened the door wide before walking in.

“What is she doing?” RedRobin scratched his head.

“It doesn’t matter. She’s practically letting us in.” Robin grappled a street light and made his descent.

“Robin wait!” Nightwing quickly followed suit.

The four stealthily made their way inside. They expected the joker to be laughing and scheming like he’d always done. But he actually seemed to be in slight distress.

Harly laughed “you should see the look on your face Mista J. It’s priceless."

“H-Harly, please. You have to help me out. I-I’ve been good to you.”

A boomerang and a gunshot flew past him. “Ha! Yea right. Funny how your shaking in your boots.” Captain boomerang emerged from the shadows followed by dead shot.

King shark landed behind joker “king shark… is a shark.”

The brothers looked at each other all confused. Why were they ganging up on the joker? Their answer came through the sound of click clacks.

Harly blew a huge bubble from her gum “you kicked the hornet's nest Mista J. Bwahaha”

Jason and Dick froze upon hearing the soft melody of a familiar voice. Your voice. singing the Hickory Dickory Dock tune slowly

They looked at the woman calmly walking towards the scared psychopath. She wore a black suit with yellow stripes along the side. Her weapon was a mace, the pointy yellow ball dragged across the floor as she slowly walked towards him.

“Who is that.” Tim whispered.

You swung your weapon over your head before slamming it to the ground “do you remember what happened last time. You took my baby from me.”

Joker got on his knees and bowed “I-I’m sorry. That wasn’t part of the plan you see. I meant for that to be just for show.”

You swung the metal down on his knee hearing a satisfying crack. “I told you what would happen joker.”

Another crack was heard as you swung the Metal down.

“Oh oh oh hit him where the sun don't shine!” Harley cheered.

You grabbed his neck and smiled “I won’t kill you Joker. That’ll make things too easy. I expect the best. Of. Jokes.”

Redhood and Nightwing looked at each other. It seems like the robins didn’t connect the dots.

“Let’s get out of here.” Nightwing whispered.

“King shark is a shark.”

The four slowly turned around to see the suicide squad member looking down at them.

Robin immediately reached for his battarangs only to be stopped by the shark's next action. He put a finger over his mouth and shook his head.

“You want us to stay quiet?” Red Robin shook his head “this is a setup.”

The shark only pointed “scary.”

Nightwing looked back to you. He’d never seen you so mad. So psychotic. Tim pulled up a file on his wrist and showed it to the team “that’s Yellow Jacket. It’s said she’s the most deadly anti-hero in Gothem. What did he do to piss her off?”

“It is mother.” Robin whispered. They all looked over to you. You whispered something into the joker's ear before motioning for king shark to take him away. The beast did at told and you turned to walk away.

Damian couldn’t hide anymore. He felt betrayed. You were alive for two weeks and you didn’t tell anyone.

“STOP!”

Robin jumped out from where he was hiding and marched right towards you. “I- we thought you were dead! How could you leave us like that.”

You turned to face him. How long was he there for? Then your three other sons appeared from the shadows. “How long we’re you there.”

“Answer me first…”

You opened your mouth to answer but Harley beat you to it “on no YJ here just woke up from a coma. Ya see, when sharky found her two weeks ago she was like. Out out.” Harley did a twirl with her hammer “of course we patched her up. If not then I’d be a horrible bestie. Anyway, she just woke up, and can you believe the first thing she wanted to do was to hunt the joker down. My gosh she can get scary.”

Redrobin quickly went up to you. You thought he was going to be mad but instead he gave you the tightest hug “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. It’s my fault. I’m the reason why-“

“Shhh no honey. It wasn’t your fault. You didn’t know.”

Then Jason ran to you “Ma… don’t you ever scare me like that. don’t leave me alone with B.”

You felt something squeeze in between you and Tim. Damian looked up at you before stuffing his face on your stomach. Dick finally joined the group hug.

“Awwwwww can we do that?” Harley looked at dead shot with big dopey eyes.

“No. I’m against it” captain boomerang tried to walk away but the shark picked him up “king shark is a shark.”

****

S/n stared at the grandfather clock leading to the cave. He really couldn’t bring himself to go back down there. But his father needed help. If he couldn’t save one parent then maybe he could save another before it’s too late.

“Master S/N you’re out of bed.”

“Hmm.”

Alfred frowned. He too was affected by the dramatic loss. However, he had to care for S/N. He wasn’t eating properly, he’s lost significant weight. But this was the first time out of the master bedroom.

“Do you wish to speak to your father?”

S/N shook his head “he’s probably… mad at me.”

Just then the clock shifted to the side. S/N immediately stepped back a couple of steps as Bruce emerged from the door. He wasn’t looking too great either. He smelled funky, his hair was a mess, beard slowly growing.

Bruce looked down at his son before looking at Alfred.

The butler gave a curt nod before walking into the cave. Leaving father and son alone.

“It’s not your fault,” Bruce stated as he knelt down in front of S/N. This is the first time he’s spoken to S/N.

S/N only shook his head. He attempted to run off but Bruce quickly grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry. What happened…. Jason was right. If only I had done something, your mother would still be here.” Bruce slowly let go of his hand. S/N felt his lips tremble as he looked at the state of his father. He was suffering too.

S/N wrapped his arms around his dad, surprising Bruce. “I’m sorry… for running away. Mom wouldn’t want this. She’d want us to stick together.”

Bruce felt S/N hug him tighter. He stood, picking his son up in the process “have you eaten.”

S/N shook his head as he rested his head onto the crook of his neck.

“How bout we eat some PB&J”

S/N looked up “Alfred would be mad. It’s not proper food.”

“No, but it’s something.”

S/N and Bruce walked into the kitchen. S/N smiled as he watched his father flounder with one hand in an attempt to make the classic sandwich. “Dad. You’re bad at this.”

A slight chuckle escaped S/N’s lips. Bruce’s lips crooked up into a smile himself “well. It’s the thought that counts right.”

A sudden crash came from the main hall. Bruce instinctively hugged his son close to him.

“Alfred?”

When there wasn’t a response Bruce quickly put his son down. He opened one of the cabinets “get inside.”

“N-no no no. Don’t leave me alone.”

“I will not lose you too S/N”

“Dad please. Don’t leave me. Mom did this. she did the same thing before she-"

Bruce looked at his son. This is probably how Y/N felt at that moment. The need to protect his son. “I’m sorry”

S/N cried as the doors closed on him. He slammed his hands “DAD! DAD STOP. DADDY COME BACK!”

Bruce took a deep breath before running towards the sound. He was honestly expecting the worst. He was expecting to find Alfred taken away from him too. But to his relief, he found Alfred embracing the one person he’d never thought he’d see again.

Bruce’s legs felt weak. “Y/N. Is that you? Is that really you.”

Alfred moved himself to reveal a disheveled Y/N. Your hair was a mess, you had bruises and stitch marks along the sides of your body.

“Bruce.”

Bruce stepped back before leaving the room. leaving you and Alfred confused.

Bruce returned with a shaky 8-year-old in his arms. He sped walked towards you and immediately wrapped you in a tight embrace.

“Mom. Mom it’s you.” S/N said through shaky breaths

“Yes, it’s me. Nothing will take me away from you.”

That night You took care of your boys who were in much need of a shower and some food. You explained to them what had happened after the plane exploded. You apologized for taking so long.

After tending to all of your boys. You took a shower yourself. The warm water felt nice on your skin. When you got out you were surprised to see all of your children.

S/N, Damian, Tim, Jason, and Dick sleeping soundly on your bed. S/N and Bruce were snuggling together. You smile as you made your way onto the grand California king-sized bed for a night's rest. Ready to retire from such a traumatic experience.

[adriensaltprompts]

Submitted prompt Those Who Can Do Should Teach

Title is a pun on the phrase "those who cannot do, teach". Also can be called This Series Needs An Adult, Remix

Ms. Bustier is a terrible teacher but, thankfully, she takes a break to go have her baby and take advantage of the large amounts of maternity leave France provides.

In steps a substitute teacher, we'll name him after one of my old teachers, Mr. Iadorola. Mr. I, for short. His dad is the President of the Senate of France. Chloe's dad doesn't outrank him. She can't threaten him. Her dad knows it'd be political suicide to anger him and actually listens when Mr. I talks to him about Chloe's racism, bullying, and disrespectful behavior. For once, Chloe's actions have consequence and she either has to clean up her act or get ready to switch schools.

Meanwhile Lila is in an equally screwed position because she loves her mom, and she knows anything she says will absolutely make its way back to her now that the son of a prominent government official is near her. It'd take him two texts to get ahold of her mom's number and tell her about every single lie. Lila knows without having to be told and that if she keeps spreading gossip and starting drama, he'll tell her mom absolutely everything. No amount of moving will undo that kind of damage. Her mom will never think of her the same way again.

Then one day, when an akuma attacks and Adrien is goofing around so much that Marinette isn't sure they're going to be able to win this one, in swoops a new superhero wearing very familiar collar pins, the Deer Miraculous. After beating the crap out of the akuma alongside Ladybug, he turns and starts lecturing Chat Noir in a way that's oddly familiar... something about the cadence, the way he moves his hands, it's so...

"Mr. I?" Ladybug asks, and he freezes for a second, giving it away. "You have a Miraculous?!"

"Wait," Chat Noir says, "if you've had a Miraculous and you've been living in Paris for a month, why haven't we seen you before-"

That's interrupted by Mr. I doubling over, coughing. The Deer Miraculous is cracked, handed down his family line on his mother's side for generations. He's got a bit of a double life going on - no one knows he's a superhero, including his own parents, who never opened the box the Miraculous was in before giving it to him as a 30th birthday gift. He's got superpowers, but he can't come to the rescue unless he's okay with a ringing headache, nosebleed, and dizziness for hours afterwards. Still, if Chat Noir isn't going to take things seriously, someone has to step up. That's why he moved to Paris in the first place.

The awful physical side effects will not keep him from pitching in when Chat Noir can't be counted on - something he says in front of Adrien, who isn't pleased with that statement or the way Ladybug looks relieved, impressed, and concerned all at once.

So now the group dynamic has shifted, and worse, when he's around, Mr. I will not stop calling out the sexual harassment. "Stop harassing her and do your job." "If you're done sexually harassing girls for the night..." "Are you late because you were harassing some other poor girl, or is Ladybug your only victim?" "Keep your paws to yourself or I'll stomp on them with my hooves, catboy." And every time, Ladybug's esteem for him gets a little bit higher, and Chat Noir gets a little more furious with him.

Meanwhile in class Marinette has put this teacher on a pedestal, this awesome guy who moved across the country to risk his life saving other people, cooler even than Jagged Stone in her eyes, and Adrien, for the first time, is acting up in school, so, so irritated with this guy who doesn't understand that Ladybug is his. The rudeness and insubordination in class amps up until, finally, Mr. I takes him aside after class one day.

"I know you're Chat Noir. You popping up whenever one of my students goes missing is a dead giveaway; don't deny it. Clean up your act or so help me God, I will send a note home to your father. I can have you pulled out of school, young man. You either learn that no means no and start treating women with respect, or you get to find out what it's like to have your wishes ignored by someone you can't get away from."

"That's not what I've been doing with Ladybug!"

"Yes, it is. And I intend to stop you while you're a kitten, before you become a predator. That's what you are, Adrien. You're predatory, and I come from a long line of hunters, the only thing that triumphs over predators in the wild. You keep that in mind for next time. Now, dismissed."

[multiples-fandomswontkillme]

~Metal Family headcanons~

These are like my... general hcs)? which means I didn't include my main hc that Glam, Ches and Vicky are polyamorous, married and started dating after Glam met Vicky, and absolutely everything that implies for the kids and the relationships between each member of the fam. Maybe I'll make a separate post for that or maybe not! Who knows lkfwnlfqnf

Glam

Bisexual

Glam has constant nightmares and ocasional night terrors ever since he ran away home and is an active sleep walker. Ches helped him through the worse ones when they were younger, and learned how to deal with them, always preferring not to wake him up but being with him until the episode passed. Vicky has learned how to deal with them, though she normally asks Ches for advice with it cuz she comes out short sometimes.

He has PTSD. I bet it's diagnosed too, he takes medication and goes to therapy, it doesn't mean he still doesn't have his bad days anyway. He's trying to get better.

Glam has talked to Vicky about his past, his father and his family. This is a direct contradiction of Alina's confirmation that Glam doesn't talk about it with anyone but man FUCK THAT. We love good communication in this house, Vicky tries her best to help him, but there's only so much she can do to help.

Glam enjoys gardening, cooking and making models, he also likes doing his make up, painting his nails and dressing up in fancy, extravagant clothes even if he has nowhere important to go.

He likes taking care of everyone's hair, and constantly helps Vicky brush her hair cuz there's so much of it, Dee when he gets stressed over how tangled it can get, buys Ches hair products so he actually takes care of it, and chases Heavy so the kid actually washes, untangles and brushes his hair.

This one is kind of weird, but I refuse to think any adult in the family is unarmed at any time. Glam owns a taser and pepper spray. They're bright pink and sparkly.

This man cried his eyes out while watching Coco. He's hell to watch movies with cuz he talks and predicts what's gonna happen during the movie, judges them with scores at the end and all.

Vicky

Also bisexual!

Vicky's the one who does everyone's laundry most of the time. She prefers it that way since she's the only one that knows how to wash their black clothes so the colors stay vibrant. (This is based on my gf shaming everyone but Vicky cuz their black clothes always look so muted and almost gray, but Vicky's whole outfit is always the same vibrant black colors, so we decided that neither Glam or the kids know how to wash dark clothes)

She has anger issues, if it isn't obvious. I think she also has PTSD, mainly survivor's guilt due to her surviving the accident her brother died in. She blames herself and cannot bear to talk about it, in some sort of deep denial. If she can't remember, it can't hurt as much, right?

She has scars on the right side of her back and her hip, from the road rash she got on her brother's accident, she never treated it due to grief and it scarred badly. Apart from that, the scar of the caesarean section from Heavy's birth. She doesn't really mind both of them, they happened, nothing to do about them.

She likes watching boxing competitions, brawling matches and motorcycle repairing on TV. Loves doing BBQ's and going to the pool. Also an enjoyer of teasing her kids, kissing and loving her husband at random times, spending time drinking and bonding with Ches and bragging about her family and punching anyone who thinks they're not that cool.

Not particularly a fan of make up, skirts and dresses or any traditionally femenine-perceived stuff. But has been making exceptions due to Glam and Ches being unashamed of being seen as femenine, and actually rocking the looks. The internalized misogyny is kind of slowly dissapearing.

Apart from the guns she carries in each arm (I mean her biceps, have you looked at the size of those?? She strong) she has brass knuckles on her at all times. Glam gifts her new ones sometimes, she loves having multiple choices to punch people teeth in.

Loves horror, thrillers and action movies. Falls asleep during rom-coms and dramas. Ironically, loves gossip and talking shit about people. Enjoys hearing Ches talks about the gossip going on in the nursery home even if she doesn't know who the hell he's talking about.

Rest of the family under the cut!

Heavy

Heavy is a trans boy! He doesn't know his sexuality yet though, he's still figuring himself out. When he's older, i think he definitely dated some men but had better luck with girls.

Heavy has had innocent crushes on some girls on his class before, but they never turn into anything more cuz he's not the best at expressing himself. He follows the bother-the-girl-to-death-until-she-hates-you gimmick, and unsurprisingly, it doesn't work.

I'm sorry to break this to u but Heavy totally had an among us phase, and uses so much reddit and twitch slang... You know he does.

Likes bullying and teasing his brother to death. You know that when Dee had his first romance, Heavy was ALL up in his business being a tease and a bad attempt at a wingman. He means well tho.

He's not squeamish at all. Also has great pain resistance. This kid has picked cockroaches with his bare hands and loves cats, of course the cats have scratched him. He's tough!

Grows up to be the charming himbo he was always destined to be.

Dee

I hc him as demisexual. Kind of inherited his dad's tastes for the takes no crap, intimidating but pretty kind of people.

Can't cook. He tries but he can only do basics like rice, cereal, chicken nuggets or eggs. Complicated meals always burn or don't taste like anything at all. It drives him crazy.

Dee was a quiet and very well behaved toddler before Heavy was born. He never threw tantrums or got whims. After Heavy was born though, and despite the fact he understood his brother was small and needed special care, he started craving attention often and cried and got mad at little things. Typical jealousy of the oldest sibling.

The first time Dee fell in love with someone, he didn't recognize it was love at first. He just thought his interest on the person was born out of curiosity and aesthetic attraction, but as soon as he realized he seeked validation and companionship, that he liked seeing them smile, that he wanted to protect them, that he yearned for more time alone with them and that he wanted more than what just a simple friendship implied, it was an instant 'oh hell no'. He wanted those feelings to get the hell away, but unfortunately, they were there to stay.

Canonically likes MLP, psychological and horror anime like Death note and Hellsing, so I'm deciding he also watched Death Parade, had a FNAF phase, is very into The Walten Files. This guy enjoys any kind of specially dark ARG's and knows a ton of lore of real crime, unsolved cases, ghost appearances and other stuff. Doesn't believe in the supernatural, but sure is entertained by it.

He's a mess at romance. Flirting? His attempts at compliments are hardly flattering. Giving gifts? The best he can manage is jewelry and you can kind of tell he asked his dad for help. Dates? He's so nervous he's silent for most of it, but begins getting comfortable and having fun if his partner really knows how to get him down from his negativity cloud.

Ches

Pansexual.

He's very good with kids. He has the patience of a saint and he's laid-back, chill and fun but still is an authority figure who knows how to put limits. Sure, he's gonna let the kids light up a house on fire BUT hey, now they know everything about fire precautions, burns and how to treat them AND how to get away with arson. What an educational evening, am I right?

Due to certain info from the "Goodbye" official comic, I headcanon Ches as depressed. I don't want to elaborate a lot 'cuz of spoilers, but... God, everything related to his mom fucking hurts, man. How did he deal with all that?

Ches has been Dee and Heavy's babysitter so many times he cannot count them with all his fingers. He learned how to put those kids to sleep almost immediately (Sing Bon Jovi's "This ain't a love song" and any cheesy love song in a slow lullaby style and they're out), which movie were their favorite as kids (Heavy loved 'Monsters Inc.' and Dee never looked away during 'Meet the Robinsons'), how to console them after nightmares (Heavy needed reassurance, sweet words, and to be with someone until he fell asleep again. Dee just had to be tucked in, get his nightlight turned on and kissed in the forehead). He practically raised those kids along with Vicky and Glam.

More than once, Dee and Heavy have slipped and called Ches "Dad". Ches immediately gets his shit eating grin on and answers "Yes, son?" and does a couple of dad jokes just to mess and embarrass them. He's actually very flattered and surprised at how proud of himself he is for being a father figure to both kids.

Has a scar on the left side of his forehead due to a bottle his mom threw at him when he was younger, around the time he met Glam. He hates the scar with passion, it's a permanent reminder of the fact she never cared, that's why he always keeps it covered with his headband. Gets sad about it sometimes.

Ches likes to spend his time with a group of grannies of the nearby nursing home. He genuinely considers them his friends and gossips and hangs out with all of them on weekends. Bingo, billiards, walks in the park, soap opera marathons, you name it. I even designed them, gave them names and backstories... God, i just love the concept too much. I'll make some art about Ches and his granny gang FOR SURE, you're NOT ready for them.

Carries a pocket knife on him at all times. This man grew up on a bad neighborhood and absolutely knows how to defend himself, he can be intimidating when he wants to be and will pose a threat if needed. He's fucking terrifying when genuinely mad. Just cause he looks harmless doesn't mean he is, darling.

That would be all!

[yeo-rims]

anyways, baekdo stans, here is my last gift for y’all, in honor of our clownery and the time we spend loving this couple and drama:

my headcanon for present! heedo and baek yijin (totally based off on the voices in my head, my 2 years of lit degree that told me if i can find evidence on canon then my views aren’t wrong and my pisces heart)

[fist of all, the evidence: heedo has no wedding ring, not even when she’s not working (therefore it would be likely that she’d be wearing it, right?). why is it important? we know heedo is a romantic at heart, she goes full in when she’s in a relationship and even if she thinks couple stuff can be corny, she does it anyways (the luggage, the couple’s plan, etc). if i’m correct, the only time husband is mentioned (besides in 2009) is when he gives min chae a gift and she says “your father” (which makes sense in context) but the lack of thoughts about her husband could mean something. other things: we don’t see anything related to him anywhere, not in her car, not when she talks to people. also, during seung wan’s dad funeral she says something about being easier to split up when you’re engaged than ask for a divorce. ji woong even jokes about how a married woman can say that, and she laughs. but heedo isn’t one to say things she hasn't thought about it, so let’s be a bit of clowns now (if that means some of you will feel a bit better).]

1. heedo got married to mr. kim somewhat in 2006, soon after she got pregnant with min chae. 2. the fact that her father seems to be constantly overseas and that heedo isn’t one to make friends outside of the places she knows, I either think he is a former athlete/now coach our a reporter, yeah. anyone more serious, more business-like isn’t the type carefree heedo would fall in love with, I think.  3. yes I know he doesn’t show up because he isn’t important to the plot, but not being important to the plot could also mean he isn’t that important to heedo, at least not in this time of her life. 4. since the first episode I have this headcanon that heedo got married because she wanted a family, like how she dated sweet pea for the breakup. I think she loves her husband, yes, and she would want to give min chae the best life she could get. so, I feel like part of her reasons to retire are also because of min chae. 5. people already talked about how yijin puts a picture of her in his copy of before sunset. we speculated on that, but what if that really is what happened after the 2009 interview?  6. what if, after retiring and seeing yijin for the first time she remembered all those years of happiness and she started looking at her husband and realizes that even if she loved him, she missed something more? (poor mr. kim) 7. even if i loved the ending, it was pretty open and min chae knew since the beginning about her mom’s ex. why is that? she talked about him when she saw him on the news, probably. OR yijin and heedo started talking again after the interview. slowly, sure, but they kept in touch. probably exchanging emails. heedo thought she was subtle (she wasn’t). 8. I think that, even if they reconnect, heedo would never cross that line again because she regretted so much the things she said to him. she wouldn’t want to lose that friendship again. so they’re friends. 9. now, I know i’m reaching, but i just want to make people happy. how long did yijin parents stayed apart? 11 years. present heedo is in 2021, the last time we saw her and yijin interacting was in 2009. 11/12 years had passed, too. so imagine during these 11 (ish) years they never actually were together, but they exchanged emails. but she kept him at a safe distance. 10. so when the plague hits and people have to stay at home, mr. kim and heedo finally realize they are not meant to be. they decide to split up and heedo, reminiscing of a time life was simpler, opens that shop. she names it 2521 because it was a moment she was truly happy. she has the rainbow chairs because that’s the word she had for the type of love she felt, then.  11. yijin probably wants to visit the shop, but he is also afraid to be too close. I don’t think he would get married, tho I see him having a lot of girlfriends.  12. much like before sunset, they still think about that brief moment they had and how happy they were, and how fast things change. one day yijin sends heedo a copy of her picture, the one he asked ji woong for. she puts in her album, but that’s at her mom's place because why would she bring that to her marriage home.  13. but then, because mr. kim and her broke up she starts spending more time with her mom, so does min chae, since her father works abroad, too. that’s how the story starts. 14. now, we’re in the last episode, when heedo finally learns that yijin was never mad at her, that he understood her, that he didn’t go to the u.s thinking about the harsh words she said to him. 15. she goes to that tunnel and lets go of the weight of that regret. she remembers, now, every good memory she forgot/repressed. she is happy because she knows how important they were to each other. 16. heedo gets home, she writes an email to yijin talking about the journal. he replies quickly, they decide to finally talk on the phone and she hears him calling her name for the first time in 11 (ish) years and she feels a lot of things at once. they get a bit emotional and all. 17. maybe that continues for a while, maybe min chae sees her mom smiling a bit more. maybe her mom sees that too. heedo, because she was always the direct one, the one who isn’t afraid of losing it all when she can have it all, now more mature and less anxious finally asks yijin out. 18. he freaks out, calls ji woong (because they’re besties, ok). they talk it out. yijin says yes. 19. it’s awkward, at first, but they have so much love and respect for each other that they talk for hours. they continue to meet up, not naming what that is. not telling people, either. I mean, besides the squad. they know. 20. one day, yijin asks to meet min chae, and they get along so well it’s the day heedo decides she must have baek yijin. her mom rejoices, she’s baekdo n1 stan, min chae pretends to think it’s lame her old mom has a boyfriend, but she is very happy. mr. kim is not surprised, but isn’t mad, either. he loves heedo, she also loves him and is grateful to him and the life (and family) they created together. 21. they never get married, but they’re always together. someone won a bet at UBS. they go to the beach with min chae once the plague is less deadly. yijin listens to her talking about ballet and never gets bored. heedo loves them. she doesn’t have it all (sometimes she misses fencing, other times, she thinks about how happy it was with mr. kim, her mom is getting older and min chae is going to university). 22. but she understands that there is no “right” time in life, only now. and she does the best she can to keep the people she loves close to her heart. yijin, yurim, seung wan and ji woong drink together whenever they can. heedo and yijin’s mom are best friends, it is scary. yurim never had children, but they’re fine with it. seung wan adopted two siblings, she loves them a lot. it is hard, tho, being a solo mom. but she doesn’t regret it. people jokingly tell her to go into politics, and, who knows. maybe one day. 23. ji woong’s mom is so proud of him, she calls him every night to tell him so. (it’s what he deserves). 24. life isn’t perfect, they all fight every once in a while. but they also choose to stay together, because now they can make that choice. and that’s all that matters.

EDIT: when present yijin is typing the name of his first love (na hee do) and press continue... do with that what you want. 

[witchthewriter]

Hey ! I hope this finds you in good health ☺️ It would be about the ships, for House of the Dragon, Game of thrones & Marvel (with men preferably)

Level : 4

Genre: Afab using She/Her 🌸

Age : 21

Orientation: I wonder, straight i think…

Astrology: Scorpio Sun, Cancer Moon & Libra Rising

Mbit: INTP

Alignement: Charotic Neutral🌗

House: Slytheryn every time

Aesthetic: Academia (light and dark), Royal core, cottage core

Looks: skin is mid-tone-brown like milk-chocolate if I should find a comparison? Naturally shoulder-length 4b dark hair but I straightened them and sports a Hime cut (shoulder blades ??). 160cm, 5.2ft I think?. Russet Brown eyes. Have a pear shaped body, I am overweight but all went to the tits, hips and thighs: my tummy is just lightly pudgy (thank god ?)

Love language: Quality time & Words of affirmation. I fall slowly but I fall so horribly hard that I avoid the possibility, love makes me dumb. From me to a partner, I am Big fan of PDA: would cuddle, hold hand and hug everywhere if the other party is okay with it, lap pillows and head scratches anyone?

Personality: Well my friends find me funny though it’s just me being serious (turns out I kind of like the fact that I can make them laugh without trying though sometimes I know it is I my own expense)

As an eldest child of a West-African family I’ve been a second mom to my siblings as soon as I entered my teen and various other “situations” make me a naturally nurturing and maternal person to those around me. Yes it came with its own set of trauma but okay- Yes I am the mom friend ! Pretty responsible if I say so myself, I love to take care of my dearest ones.

Now… I don’t care about a lot of things and am vocal only around those I am confortable around so people tend to think me calm and patient but I do have a limit and I turn virulent,mean even, when it gets crossed. So I prefer to talk things out as soon as I feel tension or annoyance.

I love drama. Not being caught in it, no I am mostly out of that, but being there when it goes down is chef’s kiss (specially when I called it out 🫢)

I don’t pay strangers and what they think of me no mind. I don’t care. But someone important to me’s opinion is the polar opposite, I get self conscious and angsty over it.

Thing’s I am good at: Singing , drawing, caring for children, cooking & mending clothes !

Trivia :

- Like most of the people here I think, I am multilingual (4 languages)

- love to learn about other cultures (a mythos geek !)

- Love piercings and other then the regular lob I had a smiley pierced and planning on a septum or a nostril

- I attach a lot of worth to gifts (I still have the teddy bear giving to me at birth by my aunt next to my pillow) gift me something and I might keep it for decades !

- Live to read and sleep, I love me a good nap and am a nigh owl : please spare me my mornings 😢

- If I am left alone I sing my days away

- I hate dishonesty and disrespect, one would talk to me wrong once, or worse lie and I’d be done (friendship, romantic, family you name it)

- If one is “worth it” to me I am willing to put my foot down and argue, even if it ends up upsetting that person. I will tell the truth and what I think need to be said in order to help and fix whatever situation it is. Would “fight you to save you” as some say…

- If it were me or the world, I’d choose me. My safety and well-being : is ain’t no hero😅

Want one? Here be the rules 🦋🌈

𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐥

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Spiderman/Peter Parker! I think you two would be such a cute couple. You would definitely worry about Peter and why he has bruises and injuries. He does like the attention from you.

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・Will write words with his webbing; "I love you", "I miss you"

・He rests his chin on your head when you hug/cuddle

・When he goes off on missions you feel like you can't breathe until he comes back. But every time he does, he has something for you - a necklace, a book, a trinket etc

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:

↬ Flying with Mother by John Powell

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:

↬ Puppy Dog Eyes

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢

He loves when you sing, he could listen to it all day. Even if you aren't the best singer, he really doesn't care. He just likes to hear you.

𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑

Your best friend would be Wanda! I think your personalities are similar in some ways, and you would be a nurturing person she can turn to.

𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Podrick! He is so overlooked, like he has never done anything wrong??? He is such a sweetheart and so incredibly loyal. He would definitely fall first, especially at first sight, and you would be on his mind non-stop.

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・Will help you dress in the morning, and undress at night

・Does a lot of things for you - washing your clothes, drying and folding them. Plating up your dinner, filling your cup. Until you realise it's because he was a squire for so long. You then tell him he doesn't have to do that, he can relax.

・He's more of a listener than a talker, but once he had too much wine and he wouldn't stop talking. He admitted so much to you, and that would've been the moment he let out that he loves you

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:

↬ The Train by James Newton Howard

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:

↬ Love At First Sight

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢

He loves when you get passionate about something and rant about it. He would listen to you talk all day. You're just perfect in his eyes.

𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑

Your best friend would be Sansa Stark; she would feel like she could be honest with you, without worrying about backlash. Being honest is something that she rarely grew up with at King's Landing.

𝐇𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧

𝐷𝑒𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

I ship you with Harwin Strong! I honestly think he is the least problematic and most wholesome man in this universe.

𝐻𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠

・You feel very safe in his arms - he's so tall and strong that you feel invincible. He likes PDA and wouldn't care who was watching, he would hold you as close as possible.

・Always offers his arm, literally all the time. You slip your arm between his and he holds you close to him as you walk

・You guys would totally marry and it would be such a gorgeous wedding! He's the type of guy to cry when he sees his wife walk down the aisle

𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒎𝒆 𝑺𝒐𝒏𝒈:

↬ Nancy From Now On by Father John Misty

𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔:

↬ Childhood Marriage Promise

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑟 𝑓𝑎𝑣𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢

Your maternal personality and how you take the role of the mom friend in the group.

𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑏𝑒𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑟𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑑

Your best friend would be Alicent, I think you both have a lot of responsibility thrust on your shoulders and can see the freedom of others with jealous eyes.

[theriu]

The Miraculous Madrigals - Superhero AU

So I can’t be the only person thinking of a superhero AU for the cast of Encanto, can I? Well I’m gonna share my thoughts anyway before someone does, so if they draw them before me I can still say I thought of it XD

(P.S. Forgive me if any of the Spanish superhero names I come up with are grammatically incorrect, I am not a native speaker, blame Google Translate)

(P.S.S. And no I am not modeling them after Miraculous Ladybug, the name is for alliterative and thematic purposes only. Not that someone else can’t if they wanna!)

Los Madrigales Milagrosos

• Alma/Abuela

Original founder and spearhead of the team, though not superpowered herself. After realizing her triplets had been blessed with amazing powers, she trained them to use those gifts for good. She’s like Nick Fury, organizing and egging people on, always thinks she knows what is best for the team/family (and often does) and isn’t afraid to be tough, but can be a bit shortsighted about relationship damage out of her greater desire (and fear of failing) to keep everyone safe and protect their home from evil.

• Mirabel

Apprentice to Abuela. It took a lot of time for her to be accepted into that role due to Abuela’s aforementioned shortsightedness and prejudice about her not inheriting any powers, but after they reconciled their differences, Abuela recognized Mirabel’s leadership abilities. She gets to play Person In The Chair for the other kids’ smaller missions and Assistant PitC for bigger missions. Sometimes sneaks out in her own self-made suit to try and help, which gives everyone heart problems. She also makes and mends the crimefighting costumes and comes up with catchy catchphrases (which some of the team use and others try desperately to ignore).

• Julieta

Mirabel’s mom stays at headquarters and helps run things. Her healing baked goods ability isn’t great for active combat, so she bakes supply reserves for the rest to take out with them on patrols. Depending on the complexity and intent she puts into a dish, it can heal greater wounds faster, so she’s always finding little ways to improve her craft. She and her husband Augustine and her sister’s husband Felix keep the homebase cleaned up, help monitor the cameras and scanners, and make sure their kids actually get proper schoolwork done between missions.

Very calming and kind, excellent bedside manner, and is the first to put her foot down about sending the younger kids out on missions that are likely to be too dangerous for them. Doesn’t bother with a superhero name, prefers to help in the background and offer her services (and baked goods) to medical clinics around the city.

• Pepa/Tempestad

Always saying she should retire soon, she has enough to deal with, but secretly likes the action and being able to keep an eye on her kids. (No one fights her on this because even if she WEREN'T a valuable member of the team, he worry and drama would keep headquarters perpetually flooded.)

The others have to treat her carefully to help her control her moods and thus her powers, but ironically, this also means they have free license to tick her off when she needs to get a really powerful wind or storm going. She knows this and lets them and usually forgives the worst offenses. Her most powerful move is creating small tornadoes, which she can direct to sweep up enemies. Pepa’s volatile moods and subsequent weather bursts in and out of costume are also a major reason none of the Madrigals bothered trying to keep a secret identity.

• Bruno/Visionario

Estranged from the team for a while, partly due to being misunderstood but also partly because he enjoyed messing with people using his visions and sometimes went too far. Fortunately the family has reconciled and he now uses his visions as a way to predict the worst threats the family may face on each patrol.

The visions aren’t always clear ahead of time but often provide hints that prove useful in the moment. He comes on patrols with the team because his micro-visions help him predict enemy moves a few seconds to a few minutes early. Likes to use multiple costumes and pretend to be different heroes, so a lot of people are confused about exactly how many Miraculous Madrigals there actually are.

• Isabela/Flor Fuerte

Original super name was Flor de Belleza from back when she was placed on a pedestal most of her life due to her beauty and practiced grace. She acted more as a public relations figurehead for the team, charming the townspeople and doing photo ops. A recent revelation about the true extent of her powers led to her becoming a much more active member, and she is much happier and more genuine for it.

One of the most powerful of the MMs, she can cause plants of a vast variety to grow anywhere. Bigger and more complex plants require more power, but she can do a lot just by absolutely flooding enemies with tons of flowers. Her other favorite tricks are pollen-bomb plants and strangling fig vines (not actually strangling people come on), but really, her repertoire of plant-based attacks and defenses is so far only limited by her imagination.

• Luisa/Piel de Diamante

Has the most powerful physical gift of the family. Her sheer strength is astonishing and beyond superhuman, as she also seems capable of keeping whatever she lifts in perfect balance without crumbling under its own weight, even when simply lifting a building off its foundations by one small corner. Also has incredible aim, can peg a moving jet out of the sky from a thousand feet below with one well-thrown chunk of concrete.

Luisa/Diamante is the solid rock of the team (haha puns). She has a level head and is calm under pressure, and while she will take on whatever task Abuela or Mirabel ask of her without question, she still has good judgment and can make difficult decisions. Unfortunately tends to take on too much responsibility and be too hard on herself, especially when they suffer a loss or a criminal escapes. The others are learning not to take her strength and helpfulness for granted as much after she about had a nervous breakdown and broke the entire west wall of the county courthouse.

• Dolores/La Oyenta

While her gift of super-hearing doesn’t give her enhanced fighting skills, Dolores is very useful in finding people. Few criminals can hide from her super sensitive ears, and sometimes she can detect crimes in progress from a mile away even before they've been noticed by technological channels. She tends to stay back with Tio Bruno, who has been teaching her martial arts tricks he uses in tandem with his visions. She may not have future sight, but Dolores's amazing hearing allows her to react inhumanly fast to attacks, and she is nearly impossible to catch by surprise. La Oyenta also frequently works with disaster teams and the police to locate lost kids, people trapped in wreckage, and even kidnapping victims deep inside buildings.

• Camilo/Muchos Hombre

Able to shapeshift into any person he has seen for himself, Camilo’s power has very versatile uses. In a straightforward fight, he can shift between shapes with great speed and precision, disorienting enemies as he changes height, weight, and muscle mass to counter different problems. In sneakier situations, many lairs have been strolled right into by someone apparently on the guard rotation.

He greatly enjoys the confusion he causes and routinely pranks friend and foe alike by changing his “base” appearance and costume between multiple looks. Sometimes he and Tio Bruno will wear each others’ (or the same) outfits, further confusing everyone on exactly how many Miraculous Madrigals there actually are.

• Antonio/Animal Amigo

Having just received his gift of communicating with and directing animals (and being only 5 years old), Antonio isn’t allowed on patrols yet, although he does want to help. However, his connection with any animal in the area gives him an incredible source of information. Since gaining his abilities, he frequently report suspicious activity that the rodents, birds, and other wildlife share with him to Felix, Abuela, and Mirabel.

On rare occasions (and only with his mother constantly guarding him in a thundercloud of fretting), he gets to go on farther-out trips into wilder areas where his gift is much more reliable than any other information-gathering tools the team possesses. Even his oldest sister’s hearing powers can only extend so far and discern so much through dense, noisy jungle; Antonio can learn about enemy movements many miles away through his animal network. And his safety is generally assured because even if he were to be separated from his family, every animal that senses his distress will rush to protect him. His trusty jaguar rarely leaves his side and generally makes any would-be attackers think twice about approaching the adorable little kid.

———

Is that all of them??? Did I get them all??? OKAY COOL wow that took like two hours to text XD; THAT WAS FUN. Maybe art later??? Or maybe some talented and motivated person will draw them first, in which case I only beg you not give the ladies scanty outfits, the movie does a WONDERFUL job of authentic outfits that aren’t skimpy! And you don’t fight villains in heels, dangit!!! Okay I’m ranting now, it’s 1 AM and I’m ready to call this done. THANKS FOR READING!

(P.S.S.S. If you like my nonsense ramblings, I have a bunch of random stuff over here along with a few more Encanto posts. =D Enjoy!)

[6rookie-writer0110]

The stars are our safe haven

Lena Luthor x Reader

Summary - Lena and Reader for the first time in real life.

Lena is in her office and it's been a long day. She has been dealing with a lot and she is feeling stressed out. She looks at the time and it's late, Lena grabbed the Obsidian North's contact lenses and puts them on. She looks around and she is in the same location... She is at a cabin by the lake and she starts to set the chessboard.

“You are on time,” Lena said.

“It's rude to be late for our game. Should we start?” You said.

You and Lena never met in real life, you met her through Obsidian North online. You never played chess in real life because it didn't interest you. But when you met Lena that changed. She always beat you in chess and she would explain how she won.

Lena never saw your face because you have a mask on, she doesn't. Every night and on the weekends, you meet up with Lena to play chess and just talk. You never once took off the mask and she doesn't pressure you but she is curious how you look.

“You weren't online for long yesterday. Is everything okay?” You said.

Lena sighed “Too much is going on. I needed a break and I came here”

“We don't have to play chess if you don't want to. I know you would be scared to play against me” You said.

You made Lena laugh and she rolled her eyes at you.

“Y/n, you do know I beat you 59 times and you haven't won one game,” Lena said.

“That's not how I remember,” You said.

She laughed again.

“Let's start the game, y/n,” Lena said.

You only told Lena your first name. She does know that you know about her family drama, but you never once asked for a favor or blackmailed her. You and Lena feel comfortable around each other and have deep conversations with each other. Lena hasn't opened up to anyone in a long time.

You and Lena start to play chess, and she won the first game. Lena does know about your family and your life. Lena has developed feelings for you, she does wonder now and then if you would feel the same way as her. Sometimes she would doubt that you won't like her because of family and other things.

“How’s your work,” Lena said.

“They cut my hours... So I'm learning less and my rent went up” You said.

“Oh... That must be rough” Lena said.

“It’s life. It was my mom’s birthday so we bought her gifts and a cake” You said.

“Last time, I celebrated my birthday was when I six years ago when my mother passed away. The Luthors are not really into celebrating together as a family unless it's an evil plan” Lena said.

Lena won the game the second time. You and Lena play again, but this time you set the board.

“Wow, now that's rough,” You said.

“We can play one more game. So... Um dating anyone?” Lena said.

“Nope. I was interested in someone but it wouldn't have worked out. You?” You said.

You look at the board and you think about what to do.

“I am interested in someone... But I don't know” Lena said.

Lena beat you in three moves.

“How the hell did you win?” You asked.

She laughed and she starts to explain.

---

A couple of days later...

You had a rough day and you put on the contact lenses. Lena is there, she can sense something is wrong by the look of your eyes. Lena hugged you and waited for you to say something. You like Lena’s arms around you, you felt safe.

“I won't pressure you to talk about it. When you want to talk about it, I will listen” Lena said.

“Thanks. I'm not ready to talk about it but yeah, I had a rough day” You said.

She kissed your head, she isn't sure why she did it. But she thought you would get angry about it but you didn't. After the hug, you and Lena talked about something else.

“Y/n, I was thinking maybe we can meet in real life?” Lena asked.

“Are you serious?” You asked.

“Yes. But only if you want to, I don't want to force you into something that you're uncomfortable with” Lena said.

“Can I think about it?” You asked.

“Of course,” Lena said.

You nod and she gave you a small smile.

✬ ✫ ✯ ✫

You have been thinking about what Lena said about meeting in person. You start to get ready for work, put on your headphones, and left your apartment. You start to listen to a podcast on how to get better at chess. You have strong feelings for Lena, but you doubt yourself and think you're not good enough for her. You always feel comfortable around her. You are having a hard time, thinking about meeting Lena in person.

You put on the contact lenses, she smiled. You asked Lena about her day and she asked about yours.

“Lena, I think we should meet in person,” You said.

“Are you sure, y/n?” Lena asked.

“Yeah, I'm sure. We have been friends online for almost five years. Maybe... We can meet somewhere in public at a cafe shop?” You said.

Lena smiled “yes, we can meet at a cafe shop. How I will know it's you?”

“I will wear a plain blue shirt,” You said.

“Okay, we will meet at The Jolly Goat Coffee Bar, tomorrow at four?” Lena said.

“Sounds good to me, Lena,” You said.

You and Lena smiled at each other.

---

The next day...

You are at the cafe shop. You're freaking out and Lena hasn't arrived yet. You keep looking at the time on your phone over and over. A few minutes later, you felt a hand on your shoulder and you looked up.

“Y/n?” Lena asked.

“Hey L-Lena,” You said.

She sits across from you. She is feeling nervous and she bites her bottom lip.

“Sorry, I'm late the meeting went longer than expected,” Lena said.

“It's okay. I'm feeling really nervous right now” You said.

“Me too. But I'm happy that you wanted to meet and I got to see how you look” Lena said.

“I knew eventually the mystery wasn't going to last long,” You said nervously.

She nods.

“Should we order? My treat” Lena said.

“Yeah, let's order,” You said.

You and Lena are starting to feel less nervous. You love her green eyes and she can't stop smiling at you. You and Lena stayed at the cafe shop for a while, then left and walked around the park for a little bit.

✬ ✫ ✯ ✫

Since that day, you and Lena did meet up in person now and then. But other days, you meet her online. You and Lena still play chess together. Tonight changed everything

“Wow, y/n I can't believe you finally won a game,” Lena said.

You have a big smile on your face.

“To be honest, I have been reading books about chess, listening to podcasts about chess and I wanted to impress you,” You said.

“You wanted to impress me by getting better at chess? That is cute. Well, I'm glad I lost to you” Lena said.

“We will keep playing chess?” You asked.

“We would still keep playing, y/n,” Lena said.

You smiled but the next game you lost again. But you are still feeling hyped about the game you won.

----

Today is Lena’s birthday and you wanted to do something special for her. For her, it's just another normal day and she only told you when is her birthday. You bought a small cake, a cute gift and you surprise Lena at her loft.

You have been to her loft before, she gave you the code to the keypad. She didn't know that you were coming over but she is happy to see you. You follow Lena to the kitchen, she is drinking wine and working on her laptop.

“Close your eyes, Lena,” You said.

“Okay,” Lena said.

Lena closed her eyes. You take out the cake, place the candles then light the candles with a lighter.

“Okay, Lena open your eyes,” You said.

Lena is surprised by what you just did for her.

“Oh y/n, you shouldn't have,” Lena said.

“Lena happy birthday. I wanted to surprise you, hope you like it” You said.

“I love it. Nobody has ever done this for me” Lena said.

Lena hugged you tight and she can't stop smiling. She stares into your eyes and you feel her lips on yours. You kiss her back, she pulls away and she apologized.

“Y/n, I am so sorry I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. Y/n, I like you as more than a friend... I have liked you for a while and if you don't feel the same, I hope we can be friends I don't want you out of my life” Lena said.

You are speechless about what she said. You try to say something but you just stutter.

“Lena... Lena, I do feel the same way I like you so much. But I feel I'm not good enough for you. I have a dead-end job, I can't take you to a expensive restaurant and I still live with my family... I can't afford to live on my own and I have two jobs” You said.

She gently grabs your hand.

“Y/n, I like you for who you are. What you did right now, I love it that you surprised me with a cake for my birthday. It doesn't bother me that you live with your family” Lena said.

You gave her a small smile.

“You should blow out the candles before the wax gets on the cake,” You said.

Lena kissed your cheek and she blows out the candles. You and Lena sit on the couch and eat cake together.

“Do you want to make it official?” Lena asked.

“Yes, I want to make it official. Like the cake?” You said.

She nods “its really good cake. Thank you, y/n”

You stay the night, later you and Lena cuddle in bed and watch Disney movies. During the movie, you and Lena start to make out but it doesn't go further. You feel her hand under your shirt on your lower back, she smiled and she keeps kissing you.

[lemonjoonah]

Wrapped Together (M)

Pairing: Namjoon x Reader Word Count: 18K Rating: M Genre: Christmas AU, Romance, Drama  Warnings: Protected sex, oral (m. rec.), referenced illness/death of parent, swearing, classism. Summary: Despite your best efforts to keep your head down, to self-preserve and endure what will no doubt be the worst Christmas of your life, you are still roped into volunteering for the hospital's annual gift wrap fundraiser. The enticing factor that lured you out? The promise of a new shift partner, Kim Namjoon. Though your first day together starts off with a slight miscalculation of his skills for wrapping, he soon becomes your essential ally in the fight to get through this lonely holiday season.

| Secret Santa Collab | My Masterlist |

A/N: A big thank you to @kimtaehyunq​ for asking me to join her Secret Santa Christmas Collab, this was my first collab ever and I absolutely loved it. And of course to my beta readers @m00nchild-shi​ and @ladyartemesia​ thank you for helping me gain the courage to post this. I hope that this fic is able to bring a bit of comfort to those celebrating the holidays a little differently this year, so please enjoy!

...

-5 Weeks Until Christmas-

Amidst the chatter of the office, a dull rumble reaches your ears and vibrates the desk beneath your fingers, waking you from the repetitive haze of your hundredth call report. The moment of confusion switches to frantic action when your brain finally catches on and recognizes it as your own personal phone. Scurrying through your purse, you nab it just in time, but after checking the caller ID you desperately wish you hadn’t. 

You knew this call was coming, you’ve dreaded it since you felt the first freezing snowflake on the tip of your nose, when you heard the first carol blaring over the radio, and saw the first tacky inflatable gracing a lawn on your street. It happens every year, like clockwork, though this will be the first time she’ll be enlisting one and not two. Unable to put off the dreaded moment any longer, you answer, accepting that if you rip the band-aid off now and decline her invitation to join the wrapping fundraiser, it’ll be one less uncomfortable moment later. 

“Aunt Emma, hey it’s been awhile.” She’s not exactly your aunt, but you’ve known her ever since you and your mother settled down here ten years ago. With little other family nearby she was one of the few you and your mom could always count on. Making your task to turn her down all the more difficult now.

“My dear, how are you holding up? I’m so sorry to do this but I'm calling with some rather unfortunate news.”

“Oh?” You exclaim, careful not to sound too hopeful that you might be free of your heavy burden.

“Yes, well it’s regarding the wrapping fundraiser. I wanted to put you on the same shifts as myself or Maria. I didn’t want to have you alone, since, well, you know... but there are so many rookie volunteers this year. And with you being part of the organization for so long, I was hoping you work with one of them instead for the evening shifts? It’ll just be you and him, do you think you could manage it?”

“I-I uh...” Now this is something you had not expected. You spent the past few weeks worrying about how you might have to work side by side with pitying glances, condolences, and referenced scripture from the usual staff. Any thoughts and prayers for your loss would likely turn you into a pool of tears. Not something you want to happen in public, or private for that matter, but if you are partnered with a newcomer, one who knows nothing of your past, maybe... maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. “I can do that.”

“I knew you could! I’ll put you down for the weekday evenings from the seventh up to Christmas. You’re off work at four, right? I’ll send you more details later, but do you want me to be there to introduce you to the other volunteer?”

“No!” You blurt out, insisting in a volume far louder than necessary, but you can’t risk her acting on the offer. Introductions when done by Emma are dicey at best, with one solid breath she has the capacity to share every bit of your sad history, leaving you exactly where you’d rather not be. “I’m sure we’ll be fine. No need to put yourself out like that, you can just tell me their name now and save yourself the trip.” 

“Thank you dear, always so considerate. One second let me just grab that for you...” She pauses on the phone line, as you look around your office in worry, not wanting to get in trouble for taking a personal call on the clock. “Ah here it is. You’ll be working with Kim Namjoon...” 

...

-Less than 3 Weeks Until Christmas-

After finishing work you head off to the mall for your first day on wrapping duty. It should be a relatively quiet night, since the majority of the crowd typically disperses at this time, heading home to be with families for dinner. Your own sits in a paper bag on the passenger seat of your car. A solitary meal as you battle the rush hour traffic. Finishing off the last of the salted fries with a lick of your fingers while you secure a parking spot. 

Flipping down your visor you scoff when confronted with your appearance, your makeup melted off thanks to the struggles of your earlier shift. You dab and blend a fresh blot of concealer on the dark bags beneath your eyes, determined to erase any evidence of your doleful days and sleepless nights. 

The rented store space is already set up, with a long table propped up right at the entrance. Dressed with a variety of paper and ribbon and looking particularly festive. The other volunteers give you a brief greeting and run down before they leave and pass the duties off to you. With them gone you take a seat, looking down at the selection you have to offer this year, trying with all your might not to focus on the empty chair beside you, one that is usually fill by your-

“Hi, sorry I’m late...” Your gaze flicks up from the table, startled to find a giant of a man. Greeting you with a smile warm enough to melt your frozen expression. 

“H-hi,” You stutter out, staring at his handsome face framed with light brown locks, feeling as though you’ve seen it before, but can’t quite place where. “You must be Namjoon?” You ask, running through the list of actors and singers in your mind but coming up empty on who he reminds you of.

He nods, before confirming your name too, and launching into the reason behind his tardiness. “The traffic was not in my favour today.” He gestures to the table and the vacant seat behind it. “May I?” 

“Of course.” You quickly scoot the folding table over so he can slip by the barrier that separates you from the mall. He takes off his coat to reveal a whole suit beneath, though he soon disposes of the jacket and tie too. You try not to gulp as he rolls up his sleeves in front of you, his arms flexing as they reveal themselves. 

“Pretty quiet?” He asks looking around the mall. 

“It usually is around now, give it an hour or two.”

“Have you been doing this long?”

“A few years...” You mumble, not wanting to dive too deep in that well, you quickly turn to pin the question on him instead. “What prompted you to volunteer? Did Emma enlist you during her recruiting effort?”  

“She did, I found her posting the flyer at my workplace.” Namjoon chuckles. “But I’ve seen you all set up here before, and since my usual Christmas plans with my family have changed, I thought I’d join you all instead.”

“Oh, so you’re not spending Christmas with them?” 

“No, they’ve gone to visit my sister and her family in her city this year. I unfortunately have a few work commitments I can’t get out of to make the trip in time, but rather than just mope about at home I thought I might be of some use.” Namjoon smiles again, his fingers folding the corner of the wrapping paper in front of him. “What about you, any plans?”

“No, I usually spend it with my mom, but she won’t be with me this year...” Or any year going forward, you consider while you give him a weak smile. She was the very reason you joined this organization all those years ago, when Aunt Emma was making her rounds and signing up everyone she could at the hospital, you and your mother were there for an appointment, your mom offered up both of your services lending you to a tradition that would extend for years through her treatment, remission, and the final return. 

“So we're in the same boat?” 

“I guess so.” His grin is so contagious, despite the differences in your situation you can’t help but agree.

Your first client of the evening comes forward and drops a small pile of kids toys in front of you both . “Thank god you're here. If I bring these home unwrapped my kids won’t hesitate to spoil the surprise.” You divide the presents between you and Namjoon while the mother keeps talking and flicking through the different styles of paper offered. “At least if they’re wrapped I can say I saw Santa at the mall and he gave me these early. They are so hard to fool these days.” 

“I take it you’ll want the Santa stickers?” You ask pointing to a closed box behind you, hidden away from the wide and prying eyes of young children passing by. 

“Yes, thank you so much!” 

“No problem.” You assure her while putting the last piece of tape on the stack of video games. Though when you look over to check on Namjoon you find that he has barely even started. He cut off a sheet entirely too big and is attempting to fold it around the boxed animatronic pet. Your eyes stare at the state of the poor paper unable to look away from the crumpled carnage. But the shock soon turns to amusement over his determination to salvage the mangled sheet, and you find yourself biting your lip in an attempt not to laugh. Luckily the woman in front of you hasn’t noticed but once you're finished with yours, you reach over for the assist. 

“Here, I can take over that one. Could you do the ribbon for me?” 

 Namjoon nods opening his mouth in an embarrassed grin. He does manage to secure the strand around the package but loses the spool before he can cut it. The red ribbon rolls all the way to your foot, before you stop it with a tap on the sole of your boot. Namjoon winces, while you let out a chuckle before bending over to hand it back to him, and finish wrapping the other present. 

The attempt at a ribbon curl unfortunately goes the same as the package before it, with him completely at a loss and using the wrong edge of the scissor blade. Trying to save him you make another suggestion. “If you want you can always use the premade sticker curls.” 

Namjoon nods and places them on the two packages along with the vibrant sticker of a cartoon Claus winking as he delivers the warning, ‘Do not open ‘till Christmas, Santa’s watching.’

As you load up the presents into a bag, Namjoon takes to the cashbox, looking expectantly from the client with his dashingly dimpled grin. 

“Oh right.” She comments with an awkward smile. Opening her Gucci bag and matching wallet, the corners of her lips turning down when she rifles through several triple digit bills unable to find any smaller denomination. 

The stand is by donation only, but the implication has always been that one should compensate the fundraiser for the service provided. You can usually tell when someone intends to leave no payment at all, and unfortunately you know this act all too well. She’ll apologize and say that she has to run to the bank and get some cash, but you’ll never see her again. Namjoon, unfamiliar with this ploy, continues to give his eager smile, and to your utter shock she submits, handing him a hundred dollar bill. 

Namjoon thanks her profusely as she melts too under his gaze muttering, “Not a problem.” Before walking off clutching her now wrapped gifts. 

You look to Namjoon in disbelief while he locks the money away in the cash box. Only breaking the silence when the client is fully out of earshot. “How the hell did you do that?!”

“Do what?” He raises an eyebrow completely oblivious to what he just achieved. 

“She... she... you got her to donate, and such a large amount. How?”

“What do you mean how? People give that much all the time don’t they?”

“No, they don’t!” 

“Oh...” He gives you another of his knee weakening smiles. “Sorry I assumed, I guess I’m just used to it.” He scratches at the back of his neck looking down at the table.

“Used to it? Where on earth do you see, do you get used to, that kind of generosity?”

“Through my job I suppose?” His grin turns to a look of embarrassment. “I work in art procurement, currently under contract with the museum. I seek out collectors and convince them to donate or loan out their assets.”

It would seem that getting people to open up their wallets is practically his profession. “Well... looks like manning the cash will be the perfect job for you.” That smile of his is a dangerous weapon, and one you would be remiss not to use in the fundraiser’s efforts. Though it still leaves one question unanswered. “But I have to ask...” Your previously concealed giggling comes to the surface. “Why on earth would you volunteer for a holiday wrapping station if you don’t know how to wrap?”

A blush reaches his cheeks. “Last year when I was here... I left with far more than I was expecting, and feeling as though I should have given more. So I figured if I couldn’t be with my own family, I wanted to do this instead.” He starts habitually folding a paper scrap. “And maybe I’d learn a useful skill-”

When a streak of red is left on the paper trailing behind his finger you jump to interrupt. “Is that...”

“Fuck.” He mutters pulling his index close to examine it. “Yeah, those scissors are sharp, didn’t realize I drew blood though.”

You immediately start rummaging around in your bag. “I know I have a couple in here, one second.” You pull out a small box of bandages and peel apart the papers to reveal the adhesive.

“You carry band-aids in your purse?” Namjoon asks, with a raised brow.

“You're the one who cut their finger trying to make a ribbon curl.”

“It wasn’t a criticism, sorry I just thought it was... nice.” He holds up the injury and you're careful to wrap the strip around it.

“Yes well,” Your face heats up as you catch yourself lingering. “Try to stay away from the scissors unless absolutely necessary. I’d rather not have to make a trip to the hospital.”

“That would be counter productive wouldn’t it?” Namjoon laughs outright. 

...

Despite you being the only one to wrap you both manage the evening surprisingly well, pulling in a record donation amount.

“You must be good at your job,” you mutter with a smirk, as you finish counting the lockbox. “I’ve never seen people so happy to part with their money.”

“I only showed them how good of a job you did,” Namjoon explains. “I’ve never seen someone put so much care into wrapping.” 

“First impressions for a gift can be important too.” You justify as you secure the cash in a deposit bag. “They put a lot of care into selecting the gift, why shouldn’t I exemplify that?”

“Even the gift cards?”

“Especially the gift cards. I have to make them memorable somehow don’t I?”

“True.” Namjoon concedes, with a small frown.  “Listen I’m sorry if I didn’t make a good first impression on you myself. If you want I can call Emma and we will find someone else to help you.”

“No, I enjoyed working with you. It just caught me off guard that you didn’t actually know how to wrap. If you get bored of handling the cash I could try and teach you if you’d like... you said you wanted to learn right?”

“You’d be willing to show me?”

“Definitely, though let's stick to the premade ribbon curls. I’d rather not have to use anymore band-aids if I can avoid it.” 

After pulling down the gate and locking up the station up behind. Namjoon accompanies you to the bank to drop off the deposit before you part ways for the evening, with you going out one exit and him another. 

The sudden blast of cold air forces you to huddle in your coat, and crank the heat the very second you step into your car. As the windows to thaw and frost retreats, you spot your tall wrapping partner waiting at the bus stop. 

“Now why would he...” You’re left perplexed judging from the description of his job and quality of his attire you assumed him to drive some sort of flashy car, never would you think he would take public transportation. 

You drive over and stop right in front of Namjoon, rolling down the window. “Where do you live?”

“The Swan Estates, but if you don’t leave near there that’s fine I don’t mind bussing home.” Namjoon looks down the road. “It should be here soon.”

“It’s no problem, I pass by that area on my way home.” You reach across the car for the handle opening the door. “Come on get in. It’s too cold to wait for a bus.”  

Namjoon nods, and eagerly hops into the car holding his hands close to his vents with a sigh. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it. I didn’t think to ask, I just assumed-”

“That I could drive?”

You nod giving him a sheepish grin this time. 

“As you saw earlier I’m rather accident prone. I think it’s safer for everyone if I leave the driving to others.” He chuckles looking out the window. “What about you? When not rescuing people from cold transit stops or wrapping disasters, what do you daylight as.”

You grimace at the question knowing your answer is nowhere near as impressive as his. “I’m a phone-rep for Interlude Shipping, I work in their tracking department.”

His reaction is not the usual glazed expression you get when you reveal that you work in a call centre, but a look of awe. “You must be so busy this time of year, how do you have energy for volunteering too?”

“I’m used to it.”

“Do you like it there?”

“It’s... a paycheck. I needed a full time position with benefits right out of school and that was what was available. I would have preferred something else but...” You stop yourself, scolding how much you almost revealed. Finding it far too easy to talk to Namjoon. He doesn’t pester you to continue but lets your abrupt end linger in the silence until he points out his house within the estate. “So I’ll see you tomorrow?”

Namjoon nods in agreement with his dimples on full display. “Looking forward to it. Thanks again for the ride.”

After he leaves your car another nervous giggle you’ve been holding in finally escapes you. Three weeks working with this kind, considerate and downright gorgeous man. Though there’s no ring on his finger, he has to be attached to someone. Men like him don’t walk around single for long. Your shoulders fall at the thought, despite the fact that you have no intention of forming an attachment at this time... it’s still too soon. 

Before you even pull out of Namjoon’s driveway, your phone vibrates from the cup holder you stashed it in. Aunt Emma’s name popping up on the display. You press the green button to accept and put her on speaker while you pull out onto the road. 

“Hello my dear, just checking in to see how the first night went?” 

“Good, no great actually. I think you’ll be happy with the result.”

“And your partner? Everything working well with him?”

“Yeah,” You confirm looking up in the rearview mirror taking one last look at Namjoon’s house. “He’s really nice, we already have a system in place so I think we’ll work well together.”

“That’s wonderful to hear. I was worried at first, wondered if I had made the right decision-”

“You did!” You encourage her, not wanting her to change her mind, and make another switch.

“Great, so we’ll carry on as is then. I’ll message Maria to let her know, I think she’s still on shift at the hospital though...” Aunt Emma mutters to herself. “Speaking of which I had to stop by there today and guess who was asking about you?” 

You freeze in the front seat of your car, unable to say his name, but that doesn’t stop your chatty Aunt from continuing on despite your silence. 

“That Jackson, such a nice young man, it’s a pity you-” 

“Aunt Emma, I’m so sorry but I should go. ” You cut her off unwilling to listen to her disappointment over your own personal matter. “It’s getting late and I have work in the morning.”

“Oh of course, no problem dear. Call me if you need anything.” 

When you arrive at your cold and empty apartment. The silence greets you with the usual punch to your gut, just as it has for the past eight months. She should be there to say hello and ask you about your day, just as she always had. But all that’s there to welcome you is the stack of dusty Christmas decor boxes thrown in the corner of the living room. Unwilling to spend another minute alone you sulk off to bed, ready to put another day behind and start the next. But for the first time in a while, you are actually looking forward to a fraction of the never ending cycle. 

...

Whoever said Christmas time is the most wonderful time of year, clearly never worked a customer service job. They’ve never been yelled at for four hours straight, gone to lunch, and then endured another four. With a couple weeks still left until the looming deadline of Christmas you can only imagine what you’ll have to listen to in the coming days. The woes of a parent trying to track down their child's number one gift... it’s enough to send chills down your spine. Just once you’d like to find someone happy on the other end of the line, someone who didn’t need something from you, someone who called just to say hi, and indulge you with a friendly chat. 

With the last call of the day done you throw on your coat, and bolt out of the office before anyone else. Elated by the fact that you have somewhere else to be, happy that someone else is expecting you. Namjoon beats you to the station today, chatting with the other volunteers as they leave. One of them pats you on the arm and delivers a sad smile, you seize with fear and the worry that they had discussed you, but when you find Namjoon beaming without a hint of concern the weight lifts and you can once again forget your loss for now. 

“Hey, how was work?” He asks.

“Good... good.” You cover with a smile not wanting to drag him down. He doesn’t look convinced his eyes narrow and the corner of his lip twitches, but you reciprocate before he can confirm. “How about your day?”

“Quiet, I’ve spent the past few months alongside the curators putting together an exhibit and with it finally finished all that’s left is to wait until it’s over.”

“So you had to stay here for Christmas only to wait for it to end? That’s too bad.”

“There are a couple other tasks I have to attend, an auction, and an event for the patrons, but the tear down on the 24th is pretty important, some of the lenders will want their pieces back in time for Christmas.”

“That’s such a miserable deadline for so much work. Why would they ask you to give up your Christmas Eve to do that? Surely it can be done after the holiday can't it?”

“Not this one, it’s ‘The Gift of Christmas’ Past’ exhibit,” Namjoon explains. “Many people were good enough to donate their family heirlooms for the majority of the season, but come the actual holiday, it’s time for them to return home.”  

You just about fall off your chair in awe. You’ve seen that exhibit advertised everywhere, even been tempted to go yourself, but the thought of going alone has prevented your attendance. “I had no idea, that’s such a popular exhibit, you worked on that?”

“I did, I even helped come up with the idea for it.” Namjoon beams, with a small amount of red rises to the surface of his cheeks. “The curators at the museum have been more than accommodating. I never thought I’d get the chance to step into their roll myself. I was lucky to be given the chance, so you can understand why I had to stay and help them once it’s finished. Of course it’s given me some other opportunities I would never have had in the past too, like the ability to help you here.” 

You nod still looking at him in admiration, while in your mind a further divide falls between you. As friendly as he is to you, it’s obvious that he’s way out of your league. Even if you wanted to pursue something more with him, someone of his status... really it’s a wonder he even looks in your direction, let alone chose to volunteer at this tiny holiday wrapping station.  

Your conversation is interrupted by a mall goer with a bag of gifts. Namjoon helps as best he can, supplying you with tape as he learns over your shoulder. Loaning you his finger to help you knot the ribbon around the gifts. With a sizeable donation left in Namjoon’s care you are both left alone at the table again.

Between clients you do your best to show him how to wrap the small boxes and ready cut paper at your disposal. Though his folding has improved, his use of tape can be considered... excessive. “You shouldn’t need more than three pieces on a present like this.” You chuckle as you catch his hand before it can apply the seventh piece of tape. 

“But your packaging looks so durable compared to mine. How is it supposed to hold together if not for more tape.”

“Years of practice with tighter folds and better adhesive placement.” You analyze his work. “You might be an up and coming art curator but wrapping is my craft.”

Namjoon laughs and grabs a fresh sheet along with the scissors. 

“Should I go fetch my band-aids?” You ask, gazing at the sharp implement with trepidation. 

“No I’ve got this, I’m ready to earn my redemption.” Namjoon folds the paper several times before cutting a rounded edge. “Wrapping might not be my forte, but this I mastered long ago.” He opens up the paper grinning madly as he reveals a perfect snowflake.

You giggle at the innocence of the piece in question. “That is quite impressive, when did you become such a proficient?”

“I’d say I peaked at eight. One evening when it was just my sister and I, we covered my whole house with them. Every surface, every window, plastered with paper snow. Though my parents were less than enthused I like to think of it as my first full art show.”

“What on earth possessed you to do it?” You ask, trying to imagine the look on his parents as they returned home to the indoor flurry.

Namjoon looks up with a heavy expression, for such a lighthearted story why does he look so wary to tell you “A mutual fri-”

But as chance would have it he is once again interrupted by another coming to your station. When the post dinner rush hits you hardly get another chance to chat. 

...

-2 Weeks Until Christmas-

The week passes in much the same way as the past two days, but with each evening session Namjoon is able to improve upon his wrapping skills a little more. To the point where you are comfortable to leave him alone for a few minutes to man the station.

“You’re sure it’s all right if I just run to the washroom for a minute?”

“I’ll be fine.”

“I could put up the be back in five minutes sign if you-”

“Go, I can hold down the fort... just leave the band-aids.” You are ready to let out a big sigh when Namjoon holds up his hands in defeat. “Just kidding, I promise, now go.”

You hurry off as fast as you can swearing when you find a line up. By the time that you are finally able to return you find Namjoon finishing up with an attractive woman and her single gift. You smile at her as you join him behind the table, she pauses, caught off guard for a moment but then hands him the donation along with a slip of paper. 

Namjoon opens it as she walks off. Blushing profusely before throwing it in the trash along with the wrapping scraps. 

“What was that about?”

“Nothing... she just must have gotten the wrong impression.”

“Did she give you her phone number?”

Namjoon nods looking down with guilt. 

“And you're not going to keep it? She was gorgeous.”

“What? No, of course not.”

“Right, I assume that wouldn’t go over well with your girlfriend.” You speculate, seeking to figure out his status once and for all.

“No girlfriend.” Namjoon mutters.

“Boyfriend?” 

“No boyfriend either.” Namjoon smiles. “I just wasn’t looking to get her number.”

You look at him in disbelief. If she wasn’t good enough, there’s no way in hell you could ever dream of being with him.

...

The drive home in the evening is rather quiet. Namjoon’s fingers drag across his lips as if in deep compilation. 

“Any big plans for your couple days of freedom?” With Aunt Emma’s team working the weekend that gives both you and Namjoon some time off, but unfortunately apart. 

“What? Oh yes, I suppose.” He answers as though you dragged him from a stupor. “I have an auction to go to tomorrow for work.”

“Buying art for the museum are you?”

“Not exactly in the market to buy. But if you're not busy you should come along, I would love some company.”

“Not because you would love a drive?”

“No, not at all, I was planning on booking a car tonight. I could come pick you up on the way.”

You shake your head. “No, if we’re going together I’ll drive. No need to waste your money on something like that. What time should I pick you up?”

“I’ll have to double check and get back to you but likely late in the morning?” You nod in agreement as he pulls out his phone. “What’s your number?”

You give it to him and your cell vibrates in your pocket as he sends off a text a second later, leaving you with his own.  

“So I guess I will see you tomorrow now then.”

“It’s a date.” Namjoon smiles as he gets out and leaves you in the car. 

You snort in disbelief, staring after him while he runs off to the front door of his house. No, there’s no way, he can’t be serious, it’s not a date, date. The phone vibrates again, reminding you of the unread message he sent, prompting you to look at it before you drive off home.

This was the only phone number I actually wanted.  See you tomorrow,  - Namjoon  

...

You lie in bed caught between denial and anticipation for what’s to come in the next day. Every moment that excitement bubbles up inside, you are forced to push it down with the weight of scepticism. Namjoon was looking to distract from his lonely Christmas, you are just the band-aid to his superficial wound, but would that be so bad? Haven’t you been using him the past week in the same manner, a mode of distraction? The only difference is the depths of your injuries. While his might be a simple cut repaired by time, yours is a laceration straight to the heart, damage that will soon bleed through a flimsy bandage, but at least you can hide it for now, you can conceal the extent of your misery and enjoy the comfort that is him for the holiday. Ripping that band-aid off won’t hurt, not compared to the damage that has already been done.

You look back at your phone smiling at his message, confirming that this is what you want for now, when to your surprise another comes in. 

KNJ: Are you awake? 

You double check the time, 12:23 a little late for a friendly chat isn’t it?

YN: Yeah, everything okay?

KNJ: That depends, what are your thoughts on Hallmark Christmas movies?

You pause in confusion, questioning his motives for such an odd query. Coming up dry you can give him the most truthful answer you can. 

YN: They’re chestnuts.

KNJ: Chestnuts? 🤔

YN: Palatable only when thoroughly roasted. 🔥🔥🔥

Your phone starts ringing a second later, the caller Namjoon. You pick it up to hear him laughing on the other end. “I’ll have to remember that. You up for burning a film? I could use another open fire, there’s a pretty horrible one on their channel right now.”

“I’m sure I could spark an ember of criticism. How bad are we talking?”

“There’s a made up country, a town that looks like it exists solely for the purpose of celebrating Christmas-”

“And let me guess, a prince?”

“You know it?”

“Nope, just following the trend of tropes.” You grab your earbuds and venture out to the living room wrapped in your blanket, a beverage in hand, and ready to turn on your own TV. With one bud lodge in your ear to listen to Namjoon the other is free to take in the cringeworthy dialogue. “My god why were you watching this?”

“Couldn’t sleep, and I thought this would also help put me in the Christmas spirit, but I can’t stop laughing at how bad it is.” Namjoon chuckles deeply as the heroine stumbles over a mere pebble and falls into the hero’s arm. 

“I don’t think you have any right to laugh at that part.” You join him in laughter. “You two appear to have some similarities.”

“Wait, so does this make me the clumsy lead and you the dashingly perfect love interest?”

“Oh most definitely, I’ll be saving your Christmas.”

“I suppose you are pretty perfect.”  

You’re thankful that Namjoon isn’t there to see your response, silently choking on your glass of water, followed by spilling your sip all down your shirt, further emphasising your next point. “I’m not perfect.”

“Well you should let me see that side sometime, or I will continue to feel like this poor woman who is confronted with someone way out of their league.” 

Namjoon thinks that you're out of his league? “No, I’m sorry but in order for me to save your Christmas based on this movie I have to play the perfect hero.” Of course the leading lady swoons in her prince's arms. “I just wish the characters had more depth, I’ve read kids books with a wider emotional range.”

“Me too. And the timing,” Namjoon scoffs. “It’s always so perfect. They always meet at the perfect moment and latch on immediately only to have everything work out in their favour, and it all claims to be a Christmas miracle, it doesn’t work like that.”

“That sounds like someone’s been scorned before on Christmas.”

“Not scorned no. More like a missed opportunity, one that I’ve regretted for a long while.”

 “Anything I can help with?” You ask. “As the supporting lead that is my mission is it not?”

“Maybe, I’ll have to think about it. Unfortunately my dilemma isn’t so easy to solve.”

“I don’t think anyone's dilemma’s are ever as easy or clear cut as theirs.” You yawn as you lay down on the couch and watch the pitiful drama unfold. “Their world is perfect and always has their back through some sort of mystical power or being.”

   “I think people in the real world call that god...” Namjoon chuckles.

“Yeah well, our god is a shitty writer if this is what their creations come to expect.” You murmur, stifling a yawn.  

“Is that a crack in your shining armour I spy?”

“No, just commentary.” Though your own internal defences are askew, and the longer you watch the more you understand why. It’s jealousy, jealousy of how quickly they overcome any tragedy, and how they do so with a picture perfect life, as if the creators left all the negative emotions, the realistic impacts of trauma, on the cutting room floor. If only you were that perfect love interest that Namjoon wanted you to be... maybe you can keep the facade until the end of the holidays, at least one of you can have a better Christmas for it. 

All you have to do is continue ignoring the most painful parts, a practice you are well versed in considering the boxes still looming in the shadowy corner, still unmoved after all this time. You know nothing good will come from unpacking them, there is no comfort inside, the only thing that could help is long gone, the story which your mother used to read to you every Christmas before you moved here. You’ve hunted through those boxes so many times while she was still here with you, but now that she’s gone you don’t even have the desire to look, nor the strength to store them away. 

...

You wake hours later with a loud crumpling sound in your right ear. Your bud still in place, and your call time continues to count past the 7 hour mark. “Namjoon, are you there?” You inquire with a groggy yawn. 

“Fuck... yeah, did I wake you?” 

“It’s fine, sorry I fell asleep.”

“Don’t worry I did too. But unfortunately I seem to have lost an airpod at some point in the night.” The rustling continues as he chats to you. “I refuse to lose another to this couch, it’s taken so many from me already, you’ think I would have learned by now.”

“Oh, then this is a regular occurrence for you? Chatting up women until you fall asleep,” you scoff.

“No! God no, I just usually fall asleep listening to music and then my cushions eat them when I lower my defences.”

“I leave you to battle it out with your sofa, but what time should I pick you up?” 

“Eleven okay with you?” 

You double check the clock, ensuring you have enough time for a shower and to look presentable. “Yeah that works. I’ll see you then.”

...

You pull into the packed parking lot of a large warehouse. With Namjoon looking dapper in a blazer and peacoat. You yourself are glad to have chosen to dress a bit classier than your usual garb for a Saturday afternoon. When he said it was for work you couldn’t risk dressing down. 

But there is still an air of confusion about your reason for being here. If he’s not attending to buy something for the museum or a client, why is his presence required? The items up for auction are not exactly what you expected, with the majority of it being furniture and woven rugs. You tilt your head in confusion as Namjoon eyes up an old wooden desk. 

“Sorry,” He mutters, seeing you as he comes to from his distracted state. “I have a personal weakness for such items.”

“Don’t be, but is that why we're here?”

“No, although it is tempting.” He nods over to a collection of old black and white sketches on the wall across from you, graphite scenes of the city from long ago judging by subject matter and the yellowing of the paper behind the frame. “They’re the real reason we’re here. When I heard of this estate sale I knew that some of those works would likely come to market. I’m here to find out who buys them, and hopefully see if we can secure a possible loan for the museum in the future.”  

“So how do you do it? How do you convince them to part with such pieces other than that dangerous smile of yours?”

Namjoon humours you, flashing his most coveted weapon. “Many of the artworks found at estate sales like this, they’ve fallen into disrepair. They often haven’t been cared for, likely kept in some musty room where the humidity damages them. The museum has a team of top rated and highly respected conservators who would be able to properly preserve it and slow any further deterioration, and in exchange for their services we ask for a short term loan of the art. 

“A win-win.” 

“I like to think so, but some people are rather protective of their investment. It can be a tricky negotiation which I have been on both sides of when I worked for the private sector.” 

“Which do you prefer more?”

“Definitely the public. The museum doesn’t pay as much, but the audience and notoriety far greater. I really hope that I can continue my work with them once my initial contract ends.”

“I assume securing this for them will help in that goal?” You nod to the pieces, admiring the sought after collection. 

“One can only hope. Who knows, maybe I’ll get my Christmas miracle like the movies promised.” He jokes, putting his hand on your shoulder and leading you on. 

While you and Namjoon continue to look around at the lots up for bidding, he proceeds to fawn over the wooden art and furniture, taking pictures and looking up the makers. 

You can’t help but enjoy his interest, watching his eyes go wide and his mouth gasp when he’s found something which intrigues him. “Have you ever purchased something for yourself at one of these?” 

“A few things, tables, chairs, and books too. It’s a great place to find unique pieces, or things lost to the past.” He gives you a shy smile. “Is there anything you’d like to look for?”

A possible item springs to the forefront of your mind. “Do they have any books here now?” 

Namjoon grins at your request and leads you over to several crates filled to the brim with books. All the copies inside look to be older editions of epic novels, nothing like what you hope to find. Your heart sinks as you let out a sigh of disappointment.

“Can I help?”

“Nah, I think I’m out of luck. I was looking for a kid’s picture book. I briefly met someone at the wrapping station who found a copy second hand, must have been at a sale like this. I was hoping I would have the same success, but that seems like a bit of a far reach.” Had it not been their gift to someone else you would have made them an offer for it or even gotten their name at the very least, but you were so distracted at the time... all you can see and remember to this day was the book in front of you.

“I’m sorry-” Namjoon starts with an unnecessary apology, it wasn’t his fault that you lost the favourite book of your youth, that you missed the chance to give your mother one last glimpse of the pages with you before she passed.

“It’s fine,” You cut him off not wanting to dwell on the loss or risk deteriorating that perfect cover right here in front of him, in front of everyone, when he has something important to attend to. “Should we go find seats before they start the auction?”

Namjoon nods, seeming to examine your eyes with careful study, but he will find no tears, no dampness there, those are locked away tight. He escorts you to a seat near the back. “This way we can get a better view of those bidding without looking out of place.”

The auction lots pass by with many remaining silent. Namjoon points out several antique dealers to you that are snapping up many of the pieces. But the rest of the buyers all appear to be waiting for the same prize that Namjoon is. 

“Do you have any favourites to win?” You whisper to him as the collection is carried into view.

“I’m hoping for anyone I’ve dealt with in the past.” Namjoon nods in the direction of a middle aged woman dressing in a fur trimmed coat and strands of pearls draped around her neck. “Mrs. Coleman already has a few works in one of the exhibits, and Mr. Roth over there.” He turns to a man wearing a tweed jacket and a sturdy wooden cane in hand. “Is one of the most notable patrons of the museum.”

Silence falls in the room as the auctioneer takes up the gavel again and describes the works. Many around you sit up a little straighter as Namjoon’s eyes dart around at those he thinks might attempt to purchase.

The bids flood in, with very few gaps for breath as the numbers are rattled off. It takes only two minutes before the going price is more than your annual salary. You lower yourself, pooling in your seat as the extravagant wealth is thrown around you. 

Once the pace slows, Namjoon's face highlights his concern, his eyes glancing back and forth between two people, the older lady in mink he spoke of before, and an unknown man with a cell pressed to his ear. 

As the wooden hammer drops so do the corners of Namjoon’s lips. 

“And sold to the gentleman on the phone number three-two-eight, number three-two-eight for sixty-five thousand.” The auctioneer announces. 

“Shit.” Namjoon mutters under his breath.

“What, what happens now?”

“Now we have an anonymous buyer who I have no ability to meet or advise.” He sighs, hanging his head, with his fingers dragging across his mouth again.

“I’m so sorry.” You whisper as he nods next to you taking several deep breaths. Your hand reaches out to his arm and he turns to you with a small smile.

“It’ll be fine, I’ll figure something out, but I might as well make the most out of my time here.” With the auction now over he rises from his seat and approaches one of the museum's patrons with an outreached hand. “Mr. Roth, good to see you, you’ll be attending the final night of the exhibit I hope, and who is this with you...”

While Namjoon continues to make pleasantries and exchange business cards you keep your eye on the sketches watching as they are rolled behind the desk and packed away in crates. You approach the area where one of the clerks is recording and distributing the information for the now rightful owners, with a mob of bidders descending on him for their newly purchased items so they might leave as soon as possible. 

It would seem that this business too is feeling the crunch of Christmas. A flurry of paperwork is exchanged in haste passing from one hand to the next, until one signed receipt of purchase escapes his notice and falls to the ground in front of you. Picking it up you wait for the crowd to clear, giving the clerk a chance to recover before you approach with the lost sheet, setting it on the desk before him. His confused gaze soon changes to outright shock over his loss when he realizes what you’ve returned.

He thanks you profusely, causing you wonder how much strife he would have encountered had you not been there to return it. “No problem, you look like you have a lot on your plate.” You smile politely, attempting to soothe your fellow casualty of the Christmas rush. “I just have a question for you though, if that’s okay?” 

“Not at all how can I help?” He agrees, his stance far more relaxed than it was with the horde a few moments before. 

“My friend, he was hoping to get in contact with the purchaser of those sketches there, on behalf of a museum. I don’t suppose there’s any way we could get a hold of them, is there?”

“I’m sorry but not at liberty to divulge that ma’am.” Your rising hope falls, you knew it would be a long shot but you didn’t want to leave without trying. “However... if there’s a phone number or information regarding the museum’s interest I can include that in the paperwork to send off along with the purchase.”

“Really? You would do that?”

When the clerk confirms, you immediately turn on your heel and take a step in Namjoon’s direction before bumping into his solid chest, not realizing that he had already come to find you. 

“What are you doing-”

“Getting you that miracle.” You grab one of his business cards from his hand, and turn back around to give it to the clerk who tucks it into the envelope along with the other documentation. “Thank you.” You smile at the clerk who returns the gesture.

“And you said I have a dangerous smile?” Namjoon mutters as he leads you away with a chuckle. “What did he say exactly?”

“That he would include it with the paperwork for the sale. I just hope they will reach out and call you.”

“Me too.” Namjoon smiles, but it doesn't quite appear to reach his eyes. “Shall we head out. I think I’m done here.”

The drive home is rather quiet, the weight of Namjoon’s gloom hanging in the air and he makes no attempt to hide it. 

“You okay?”

“Yeah, just trying to figure out where to go from here,” he groans. “Those sketches were going to be the start of something new for me. I know the buyer might still come through but I’m not going to hold my breath. I need to keep searching for what comes next, I’m just a little lost, but I’ll find my path again soon.”

“You make it sound so easy.” 

“Sometimes it is, sometimes life will drop it right in front of me and other times I will have to search for it, but that’s a problem for after the holidays.” Namjoon looks out his window at the lights which start to come alive as you drive home. “Are you ready for the big day?”

“Christmas?” You give a nervous laugh, “No, I haven’t even put up any decorations.”

“Why not?!” Namjoon asks in alarm. 

“Just haven’t really felt the need this year. There’s no one there to enjoy them but myself.”

“Which makes it all the more important to put them up.” Namjoon sits up in his seat, his whole persona changing. “I could help you if you’d like?”

You wince over the quandary. With your decorations sitting in your living room under an inch of dust it might arouse some confusion, and his heart would likely sink if he knew how long they actually rested there for. “I’m not sure I’m quite ready for it yet. Maybe another time?”

...

-1.5 Weeks Until Christmas-

Work continues to degrade as the countdown progresses. The only thing getting you through the shifts is the thought of Namjoon’s help at the stand. But as soon as Christmas is over, you wonder if your friendship will go the same way as the festive season, cast aside like the wrapping of the gifts you tended to in the weeks prior. 

After a few days of busy shifts you’re both thankful to make it to another close. But when you are packing up the station Namjoon’s phone starts to ring. He looks down in confusion at the number without a contact attached. “Do you mind?” 

“No, not at all.”

He grins as he answers the phone pacing further back into the vacant shop space and away from the sounds of the echoing mall. You continue to count off the deposit, and roll the wrapping paper. Trying your best not to listen, to give Namjoon his privacy, however you can’t help but notice the happiness in his tone, spotting his dimples from across the room when you sneak a glance. When you grab to move the last box of bows Namjoon ends his call. Tears glisten in the corners of his eyes accompanied by the widest smile you’ve ever seen from him.

“That was- that was the buyer.” He explains as he comes to help you with the final box, taking it from your hands and placing it on the back shelf. “He wants to meet with me this weekend.”

He’s so close, vibrating with an overwhelming delight. His arms move around you as though he is about to pull you in for a gracious hug. You start to congratulate him as he embraces you, “Really?! That’s gre-” only to be cut off when his lips come for yours instead. Once the shock evaporates, you start to appreciate the heat of the moment, the warmth of his skin, the softness of his mouth. Your hands reach up to his toned shoulders and neck pulling him down, diminishing the space between you. Breathing him in like this with your eyes closed, nothing else matters in the moment, nothing other than his firm chest pushing back against yours, his hands on your waist gripping at your shirt.  

With a deep sigh and a bite to his own lip he pulls back. “Sorry I just-”

“Don’t, don’t apologize.” You cut him off this time.  

“I can’t even begin to thank you.” 

“I hardly did anything.” You laugh at the extremeness of his appreciation, though a small part of you dies when you realize his kiss was nothing more than a gesture of gratitude.

 “That’s not true...” He responds, giving you his wide eyes and a shy smile.

On the drive home your companion can barely contain his delight, breaking into random smiles and laughter as he informs his coworkers of the success via text. 

“There’s this event...” Namjoon starts, as you pull in front of his home. “At the museum on the twenty-third, a week from today, I was wondering if you’d like to go with me.” 

“Next Wednesday? But we have a shift at the wrapping station.”

“I spoke to Emma a few days ago and she agreed to cover if we both wanted to go.”

“Emma, making a change so close to Christmas? I don’t buy it. What did you offer her in return?” You ask with a critical gaze. The woman runs such a tight schedule, only something great or important would have prompted her to agree.

“My next year of service.” Namjoon confesses, he looks down at his feet as though he might buckle from the embarrassment. 

“Next year? You already promised to work it?”

“If you want me there that is. I’ll practice more in the meantime, I promise I won’t leave you to all of the difficult packages.” Namjoon chuckles. “But what do you say, will you go with me?”

“Ye-yeah I would love it’s just...” You stutter trying to come up with a good excuse but your brain draws a blank leaving only the truth. “I don’t know how well... how well I’ll fit in there.”

“What? No, why would you think that?” Namjoon places his hand on your leg while you drive. A move which causes the both of you to pause in reaction and him to retreat. “Trust me when I say you belong there more than anyone else.”

You nod your head and give him a small smile, wishing more than anything his hand would return. “I’ll come if you want me there. What’s the attire?”

“Semi-formal, and don’t worry about driving I’ll pick you up.” 

...

-2 Days Until Christmas-

You stand in front of your mirror, wearing a dress which fits your shape perfectly, but stretches your pocket book significantly. The price tags hanging down from the zipper taunt you, tempting you to rip them away, to commit to the indulgence. Even if it’s only for a night, the payoff in the end might be worth the overpriced lace. You give in with a snip of the scissors and a swallow of guilt, letting the printed cardstock hit your bedroom floor. 

 You’ve spent the past couple of hours leading up to this moment in a fit of stress cleaning, disposing of the dust bunnies. Now at least if Namjoon comes over after... you won’t be completely off guard.

The phone on your bedside vibrates with a new message.

KNJ: Just pulling in.

YN: Be right down.

Sliding your shoes on and grabbing what you need, you leave your empty apartment with a growing smile on your face. The moment you can see the car from the buildings foyer both Namjoon and the driver exit the vehicle, though Namjoon is quick to wave the driver back to his seat, choosing instead to hold the door for you himself. 

The thoughtful gesture is made more appealing as if it gives you a full view of your date in his dark three piece suit, his hair tamed back framing his handsome face, whose gaze appears to be giving you the once over for you too.

“You wrap up nice.” Namjoon jokes.

“Of course, I couldn’t embarrass you now could I? Have to land that first impression.”

“You would never. Besides I’m sure my colleagues will be fascinated to know who has enough courage to teach me how to wrap.”

“And how do you plan on introducing me to those colleagues of yours? As your date or your teacher?” You laugh.

“I was actually hoping I could introduce you as my girlfriend.” 

“Your girlfriend for tonight?” You panic, not expecting this development. “Wait, is this one of those fake dating scenarios? Did you tell them you had one and then-”

“I think we’ve been watching too much Hallmark.” Namjoon laughs and shakes his head. “No this is not one of those scenarios, but I’ll take whatever form of companionship you are the most comfortable with.”

He gives you the stare of a man who is looking for more, but you know he won't need you once the holidays pass. His loneliness is temporary, yours is permanent. You’d rather not get your hopes up only to have them lost as he fades away in the cold gloom of January when his family returns. “Let’s see where it goes.”

Upon arrival Namjoon leads you through the massive doors by hand, taking your coat and checking it. The main hall just off the entrance is filled with patrons and staff all mingling and drinking while dining on tiny hors d’oeuvres. You look at the crowd with apprehension.  

Namjoon’s fingers interlace with yours again, a grip clearly intended to give you confidence. “I’ll introduce you to some of the staff first.” 

Several people congratulate Namjoon on the exhibit as he passes, he responds giving them a brief thank you as he ushers you through the crowd. Stopping at a small group of two, who greet Namjoon with a warm welcome. 

“Thank god you’re here, people have kept asking for the brains behind the exhibit.”

“And why didn’t you answer them.” Namjoon smiles before turning to introduce you to them, following up with the man who just spoke. “This is Eric Nam, a curator who I worked on the project with.”

“Don’t pass the torch, we both know it was your idea, I just helped put it into motion.” His coworker smiles gazing at you. “And you must be the one Namjoon has talked so much about.” 

The heat rises to your face as you look to Namjoon who confirms the statement with his own embarrassment. “Thank you Eric for sharing that with her...”

“No problem, it’s the least I could do for someone who gave you the insp-”

Namjoon coughs and shakes his head, cutting off his verbose friend. 

You're about to question your partner himself when the other colleague of his starts asking you questions. “What do you do for a living Ms....” You remind her of your name while Namjoon spotting refreshments wanders off with a whispered promise to get you both a drink. 

“I-I work for Interlude Shipping, in their tracking department.” You explain clasping your hands together in an attempt to settle your nerves.

“Oh, how nice...” The false quaintness in her tone is matched with a smirk as she takes a sip of wine. “Maybe you can help me find out if my sister’s present will arrive in time tomorrow.” 

“Valerie...” Eric growls. 

“What? I’m merely curious about her employment.” She smirks at him before continuing to her inquisition. “How long have you worked there? Did you have to get a degree for your role?” 

“No,” This is exactly what you were afraid of coming here, you just didn’t think the judgement would be coming from someone who works with Namjoon. “I started there right after high school. I didn’t have the luxury to go to an elite school to work in a place like this.” 

Eric comes over and claps you on the back. “Neither did Valerie; she just has family on the board.” Giving a coy smile to his coworker who scowls and stalks off without another word to you.  “In fact you’ve actually done more work here than her in the past month. I hear you’ve been helping Namjoon secure the collection we’ve been after?” 

You nod looking off after the departed curator, worried as to what impact your interaction could have with Namjoon’s position here.

“Don’t worry about her. She’s just bitter that Namjoon didn’t ask her to accompany him here.”

“Oh, does she- do they-”

“Fuck no, but if she’s not everyone’s first choice she’s not happy.” Eric gets in a little closer. “You don’t have to worry about Namjoon looking elsewhere, if he’s at all hesitant it’s just because he’s a little cautious with you.”

“Why would he be cautious?”

“Why would who be cautious?” Namjoon asks, handing you a drink as he appears by your side again. 

 “Mr. Roth, that man should be careful. I heard he had hip surgery recently.” Eric responds, cutting in with a lie to cover your discussion. “It's good of him to still join us tonight, but enough about that, why don’t you go show her the exhibit before it gets too crowded in there?”

Namjoon offers up his arm in agreement. “I suppose we can get started on the tour, if you’d like.”

“Yes please,” You answer, threading your arm through his. “Thanks again Eric, it was nice meeting you.”

“You too, I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.” 

The stand next to the entrance bears all the names of those involved in the creation and a countless list of those who loaned out pieces to make it possible. “There’s so many involved, how large is this exhibit?”

“Not too big, you’ll see why there’s such a long list soon.”

When the door opens you find yourself in a hallway amidst what you can only describe as a snowstorm. The walkway, made to look like an alley set adrift in snow, with flickering lights and paper creations hanging from the ceiling. “Did you make any of those?” You ask, grinning as you squint through the flurrying beams.

“No, I left those to the talents of the students who came by on school field trips. It didn’t take them long before we had enough.”

“Find any new prodigies?”

“Several.” He answers, before pointing to the mounted photos on the wall. “But these works here are some of my favourites.” The pictures are framed to seem as though the viewer is looking in through the pains of a window to happy holiday scenes. From unwrapping presents around the tree to the busy crowds of your very own mall, each image sets out to draw from you a sense of nostalgia. 

“I can see why.” You find yourself lingering on the last of the photos by an accredited local photographer, savouring the display as much as you can, worried that it might end too soon. 

“Don’t worry,” Namjoon whispers, taking your hand in an eager urge to press on, “There’s plenty more to look at.” He points to the end of the hallway, where you find another door, though this one is dressed with a knocker and wreath looking as if it’s the entrance to someone's home.

You open the door to reveal a series of rooms connected by one long hallway. The first you step into you washes over you with warmth and comfort, the sound of a cracking fire surrounds you while the light of fake embers flows from the side. Set up through the room are tables of items from old to new ranging from Christmas tree ornaments, and household decorations to handwritten cards. “All of these-”

“Were loaned by families from the region, they gave a piece of their history and traditions up for most of the season so everyone could enjoy it. Over here we have...”

You could spend hours sitting and admiring in this room alone, but more than anything you want to push on more to see Namjoon’s excitement in sharing it with you. Each room features a different spot of the home. A chilly shed with vintage toboggans and sleds, a kitchen, stuffed with cookbooks and the smells of baking featuring countless cookie cutters of every shape and size. 

The next room is a little unusual and different from the rest, throwing you off for a moment, when the distinct scent of pine hits your nose. In the centre you find what look to be the replication of a massive trunk, and above false branches twinkling with lights. All round in a circle you find toys in glass cases spanning generations, when it hits you. “Are we under the Christmas tree?”

Namjoon gives you his coveted dimpled grin. “Yeah, do you like it?”

“I do. I can’t believe you managed all of this.” You exclaim hurrying between each display like a kid on Christmas morning. From wagons, and Rubik’s cubes, all the way to Furbies and gaming systems he has the whole collection of popular toys throughout the years.  

Namjoon beams with pride once you’ve circled the entirety of the fake trunk and the presents beneath it. “Only one room left, but I think you’ll like this one the most.”

You're ushered into the next, a dimly lit space, a bed with a quilted cover stands in the centre, and on the walls you find countless story books, pinned open to so their stunning art is on display, papering the room with climatic holiday scenes and loveable characters. In one you find Scrooge meeting the ghost of Christmas past, in another you witness the Grinch save the sleigh from a perilous fall. Namjoon was right, this is without a doubt your favourite. While people filter in and out, you take your time looking at each set of pages. Your pace slow and steady, until you reach the special story that stops you entirely, the book you lost long ago, and have been trying to find ever since. Drawn on the pages before you is a little blue koala, with a pale purple nose, round ears, and a smile that lights up his face as he cuts out dozens of snowflakes. Namjoon stands behind you with a hand on your shoulder as you gaze at the book you know to be titled ‘Koya’s Christmas.’ 

You take a deep breath, while trying not to bend to the tears that threaten to break from your eyes. Focusing your attention instead to seek out the owner of the book, but unlike most there is no nameplate attached to this desirable artifact. “Namjoon, who loaned this? Is there any way I could contact them?”

When he gives you a sad smile, your gut clenches over the possibility that this might be a similar issue to what happened at the auction, a lender who wishes to remain anonymous. The only difference here being that you’ll fight Namjoon for the information if you have to. You’ve already let this book escape from you last year, you refuse to let it happen again. “Please, I’ll-” Just when you are about to plead with Namjoon’s integrity, another memory of your past walks into the room, but this one unfortunately has more tragic ties. “Shit,” you whisper, shifting to put your date between you and the newcomer. 

Namjoon catching the change in your expression immediately reaches out in concern. “What? What’s wrong?”

“There's someone I know just over there,” You nod in the direction behind Namjoon. “I’d like to avoid him if I can. Sorry, it-it’s complicated. ”

 Namjoon puts his hands on your shoulders, eyeing a path the closest exit without letting go of you. “Do you want to leave?”

“If that’s okay?” And just when you thought you were free, when you were ready to make a break for the door. The man in question, spots you and calls out your name.

You turn to face him, trying your best to keep your tone even and your lips pulled into a smile. “Jackson? Hey, it’s good to see you.”

“It’s been so long, not since...” Thankful he stops, not dragging up the subject you wish to avoid. 

Namjoon moves closer, moving his arm from your shoulder around your waist, a comforting and protective gesture. “Dr. Wang... I had no idea the two of you were acquainted.” 

“You know him?” You ask Namjoon, your concern rocketing over what else your date might become privy to. 

“Dr. Wang was the phone bidder. I invited him here tonight to see the work we do.”

“The exhibit was impressive, I can’t wait to see what you have planned next.” Jackson confirms. 

“I should go and let the two of you discuss-” You ready to step away when Namjoon’s hand grabs yours and Jackson calls your name again.

“No reason for you to leave, we should catch up.”

“May-maybe later?” You plead with him fighting back the tears, pushing down the memories his presence drags up. “Sorry I just, I need to go.”

You pull your hand free and race to the exit.  

“Wait.” You can hear Namjoon call behind you. Though you continue to proceed out the exhibit and towards the closest exit outside, breaking into the cold evening air, only to find that he still followed. “Let me call for the car and we can go together.”

You stop in realization that your running will not deter him, he’ll pursue you unless you give him a reason otherwise. “No you should stay, this is your big event, I won’t ruin it for you.”

“Not without you.”

“Please Namjoon,” you beg, adamant that he return. “I don’t belong in there, I don’t fit in and I never will. Even when I try...” The ghosts of your past have a way of finding you and destroying your facade.

“I’ve told you before you belong in there more than anyone else-”

“That’s not true. I can barely keep myself together. I can’t, I can’t go back in, I'm sorry.”

“I don’t understand, what does Dr. Wang have to do with it? Did he hurt you? Did he-”

“No! No, he did nothing of the sort. Jackson was always very kind to me. Don’t let me affect your plans or any arrangement, you should go back and talk to him, I just can't be there.”  

“You think I’m going to just drop you for him, especially when he makes you so uncomfortable? No, I’m leaving with you.”

“Fuck, just... please listen to me. He is a good man, he’s a good doctor, you would be foolish to give up this chance.”

“A good doctor...” Namjoon pauses as a grimace hits his face. “Does he have something to do with your mother?”

“How-How do you know about that?” 

“I didn’t mean to pry, I swear. It's just, when I was first talking to Emma about you, out of concern she opened up about your past... about your mother, about your loss.”  

“She told you?” Aunt Emma, you should have known she would do something like that, god forbid at least one person not know your history. “Then all of this, these past few weeks were they all out of pity?” You should have known, there was no way he would like someone like you. It was all out of sorrow for what you’ve been through.

“Not pity no, I like you, I like you a lot. When Emma said you were pushing her and so many others away... I concealed it out of fear of losing you too. I wanted you to open up about it until you were ready. I was just trying to help you get through this.”

You look up at the museum, drawing a distressing connection between Namjoon’s daily life and you. “Why? You think I’m some abandoned project you rescued from a deceased’s estate? One for you to mend, and later show like an achievement? You should have just left me where I was, instead of breaking me further.”  

   Namjoon’s hands immediately pull back from you. “I never meant to hurt you. Only help you move on, you can’t deny that you are frozen in place. You have so much more potential, but you're living in denial.”

“I live there because it hurts less...” You snap back in fury, as he exposes your painful flaws. “I live there so I can work, so I can help others.”

“But what about you? When will you let someone help you?”

You step away unable to answer his question, turning your back on him you race to the sidewalk to hail a nearby taxi, refusing to let him see a single tear fall. 

Once home, you crawl into bed after throwing the dress to the floor. This was so far from the evening you had hoped it to be, with you instead left alone to ruminate on Namjoon’s words. Despising all the evidence he laid bare against you, turning it over again and again in your mind until your morning alarm startles you out of your stupor. Signalling for the last shift before your break for the holidays. 

...

-Christmas Eve- 

It’s finally here, the worst of all days at the call centre. With your eyes heavy from a lack of rest you take a seat at your desk with an extra large coffee in hand. On your computer you have this morning's team email pulled up, and attached to it a list of de-escalation tactics. You’ll need them today because if people don’t get their package by the end of the routes this evening, there’s no hope for tomorrow morning. 

The call board on your phone is already lighting up like a Christmas tree, but you know those little embers to be fuelled by wrath, fury and unkept promises of delivery dates.   

You try your best to remain calm during the egregious conversations. Offering up tips and tricks to parents who are worried that this will be the year that their child gives up on Santa because your company failed to deliver. 

Your lunch break can’t come soon enough. But when you finally check your own phone it’s littered with texts from Namjoon. Messages of concern, apologies, and the hopes that he will still see you at the wrapping station tonight. He even sent a picture of your abandoned coat and promised to bring it along. 

Fuck, you had completely forgotten about you wrapping shift together. Just one more night, then you can put it all behind you again. If you can just keep your cover for a few more hours then it’ll all be over and Aunt Emma will have what she was promised. 

You send Namjoon a quick message confirming that you will be there, but not promising any more before you head back to your desk. 

The calls get progressively worse with several people using foul language and demanding to speak to your supervisor, you try to talk them down as best you can knowing any call passed on to the higher ups will reflect poorly on your efforts.

Until one woman calling in search of her package finally wears you down, insulting you, your profession, even your family.

“Ma’am I’m sorry but if you continue to speak to be in such a way I am well within my right to disconnect the call.” A desperate bluff, your superiors would rather them end the call than you, you’ve been penalized for it before, and you’ll be damned if it happens again. But unfortunately she calls your hand.

“You will not! I have spent hours on the line trying to reach anyone. The shortsightedness of your company and staff is all too apparent.” 

“It’s the holiday sea-”

 “I know what time of year it is, but it seems your staff doesn’t realize Christmas is tomorrow!” 

“You ordered your package past the guarantee date, we could not insure-”

“Now you listen to me, if there was any form of intelligence in that office you’d be working hard to ensure that all packages make it out before tomorrow morning, but instead you just sit on your ass fielding phone calls and giving excuses so you don’t have to actually go out and do honest labour. You must be the biggest disappointment to your family, not even having a proper job. How can you go home and face them knowing you've left so many without their gifts?”

With the woman's last insult, something inside you finally snaps, giving you the freedom to do what you’ve dreamed of for so long. “I don’t,” you pronounce, building up to take your final shot at both her and your employment. “Now if you’ll excuse me I’m going to let you go, as I’d rather not listen to your nonsensical bitching. So merry fucking Christmas to you ma’am, I suggest you go spend it with your own family if they’re willing to put up with your pompous ass.” You hang up the phone and pull off the headset, refusing to answer the next blinking light that comes on to replace it.

You just sit there looking at it denying the next caller their chance at verbal abuse, and your company's lax policy to protect you from it. The chatter of apologies continue to echo around you as your coworkers press on, but after the years of abuse you can no longer hold it in. Your company always said that this position was a stepping stone to greater things, that opportunities would come you just had to wait a little longer, but after being shackled by circumstances, and no forthcoming higher step to take, you refuse to press on any longer. 

...

You pull into the mall parking lot, far too early for your slot at the wrapping stand, with the contents of your desk now stationed in the trunk of your car. Taking refuge in the women's bathroom cleaning your face of the tears you shed on the way over as you try not to think too much about what you’ve just done. After refusing to concede and admit to any wrong doing you quit, telling them to shove their shitty policies right back where they came from.

Namjoon was right... and with the mall closing early tonight you’ll only have two hours with him, two hours to smooth the tension over and allow for an amicable goodbye while maintaining your cover. 

He’s already waiting for you, with your coat in hand, when you show up. The look of pity that you never wanted to see grace his face directed at you. “Are you okay?”

“Fine... I just would prefer if we didn’t talk about last night. I’m sorry for what I said, and now I just want to let it all go if that’s okay with you?” You smile up at him extending the olive branch.

Namjoon nods looking down at the floor as his hands habitually fold a scrap piece between his fingers. The silence between you is drowned out by the carols echoing down the emptying halls of the mall.

“Didn’t expect it to be so slow.” Namjoon mutters after what seems like an age with no one coming to the stand.

“On Christmas eve? Yeah generally people are home by now, spending time with their-” You force yourself to stop, unable to say a word which will bring sorrow to your heart and loneliness to Namjoon’s.  

 “I’m sorry I can’t do this,” Namjoon interjects. “I want to talk about last night, I need to talk about it.”

“Now is not the time.”

“There’s no one here but you and me. It’s just us, the mall is closing, it's our last shift, if not now when?”

“Anytime but now. The last twenty-four hours have been the worst in my life since-since...” You take a deep breath burying the wave of sadness and regret back down in your chest refusing to let it out. “Please, just forget it okay?”

“Not until you stop shielding yourself like that.” Namjoon scolds you. “I’m tired of you living in fear that your tears will erode your cover, and that your anger will tear it away entirely. I’m tired of you thinking that people will only appreciate you if you maintain this perfectly wrapped state. You might think it’s pretty, that it’s convenient for everyone else, but you are only keeping others out.” 

“Maybe I keep it on so that you won’t be disappointed in what you find when it’s discarded. A sad woman, with no direction, no dreams, unable to cope with loss, and I suppose I can add unemployed to the list now. Is that what you want to see? Is that what you want to find?”

“That’s not all you are... and as for your job, I’m sorry but fuck it. It’s about time you moved on to better things, that place was only holding you back, you deserve so much more.”

“No I don’t, do you want to know why I worked there? Do you? I took that job to make sure she got the care she needed. I promised her when she got better I would quit and find something else, but she never did. But if I leave now I’m accepting the fact that she’s gone... that she doesn’t need me anymore, because I couldn’t do enough to keep her here.” The first tear falls breaking through the long standing divide.

“Staying there wouldn’t have brought her back. Tormenting yourself by remaining frozen in place, won’t bring her back. It’s Christmas for god sake and you are being kind to everyone else but yourself.” 

“This isn’t Christmas for me. If it was, she would be here... not you. I’m tired too. I'm so tired of looking at her chair and- and-”

Namjoon wraps his arms around you pulling you forward as your emotions tear through the shroud. He moves you to the back of the vacant store sitting you among the boxes. “I’ll be right back okay?” You nod, while he tugs the table in and drags the gate down to indicate that you are now closed. When he returns his eyes too are starting to redden. His hands brush through your hair, the side of his palm pressing on your cheek and catching your tears. After seeing one of his own fall you crush yourself against his chest, clinging harder to him than before. His lips touch the top of your head, his hands rubbing on your back and arms as he waits, waits for you to be the first to pull away. The lights for every other store shut off around you the music lowers, all that’s left is the retreating chatter of those going to celebrate the eve of Christmas, and still you hold on to him. 

“I’m sorry I haven’t been a very good substitute.” He whispers, encouraging you to finally lean back and admit your denial, accepting his efforts to help, when you yourself wanted to do the same for him. 

“Don’t say that, it was never going to be a happy holiday for me, just something I needed to get past. But for you, I at least wanted to make yours better, I’m sorry I wasn’t a very good one either.”

“You never were a substitute. You were the one I wanted to spend the holidays with. A different Christmas than usual but no less enjoyable.” 

“That’s sweet of you to say.” You smile, but you doubt it’s true. “I suppose we should go...” 

“What about all the supplies?”

“Emma will come by in a few days to collect it all.” You grab the small donation from the lock box and seal it in the plastic pouch, while Namjoon rummages through his own bag. “Do you still want a ride home?”

“If you're offering, I would love one.” The flap of his satchel closes as he stops his search and instead goes with you to the bank and finally your car. You hadn’t checked the forecast for tonight so finding your car buried in a few inches of snow comes as an unexpected sight. At least with Namjoon’s help cleaning it off is a quick task.

Once inside you both warm your hands on the sputtering heater, changing them on the wheel as you continue to thaw your fingers while you drive. 

“Do you have any plans for the next couple of days?” Namjoon presses, though hesitant in his tone.

“Maybe look for some jobs, and take a good long nap?” You answer with a dark chuckle, still preferring to miss the entire holiday if you could. “You?”

“No, nothing in mind. But if you wake up and want to come over, you're more than welcome to spend it at my place.”

You return both hands to the wheel as the road becomes more difficult to drive on, your tires slipping here and there on the ice beneath the snow. “I’ll think about it, though depending on how much snow we get tonight we might both be stranded at home.”

You pull through the neighbourhood gates and up Namjoon’s driveway. With the car stopped he once again dives into his leather bag and pulls out a thin rectangular gift he looks to have wrapped himself. Dressed as per usual, with far to many pieces of tape, he hands it over to you. “I know this won’t make up for everything, but I want you to have this. Consider it a very belated Christmas gift.” 

“Belated? But Christmas isn’t until tomorr-” You take the present and succeed in pulling back the wrapping to reveal the book that you were reunited with just the night before. “Oh...” You look up from the cover to find the return of the sad smile on his face you saw in the museum. “But if this is late then, last Christmas, it-it was you? You were the one at the stand... with this?”

...

-One Year Ago-

You are counting down the hours and minutes until the mall closes, until you can pick your mother up from her doctor's appointment and head home, to your promised tradition of putting up the decorations. The past few weeks have been so busy, with work, volunteer shifts, and her treatments at the hospital, you’ve made it all the way to Christmas eve with the tree and ornaments still packed away in boxes, sitting in the corner of your living room since December first. 

Aunt Emma is currently taking your mother’s position at the cashbox, thanks to the scheduling of the last minute check up. You light up your phone again checking the time, only an hour left. 

“You can head out if you want my love,” Aunt Emma offers while swaying and humming to the carols. “It’s quiet enough for me to manage myself.”

You grin embarrassed by your desire for a hasty departure. “No it’s fine. I’m still waiting for the phone call to say she’s done, otherwise I’ll just end up waiting at the hospital.”  

“Suit yourself.” She stands up to look down the halls of the mall. “Oh, I think we might have someone, he’s heading this way. He’s cute too, you should give him your number and put that mother of yours at ease.”

“Aunt Emma, I don’t need your dating-” You look in the direction she was speaking of losing the rest of your words when you find a tall beaming man coming closer to your station.

“If you need me I’ll just be in the back fetching more ribbon.” 

“But we have plenty.”

“Doesn’t hurt to be prepared.” She waves herself off when he makes it to your table.

“Hi,” He greets you with the warmest smile and an even tone. “I was wondering if I could get these wrapped together?” He holds up a bag of gifts which he hands over to you.

“Of course. Any preference on paper?”

“Whatever you think is best, it’s for my mom. Just a bottle of her favourite perfume and something a little more special.”

You open the bag to find a small box containing the fragrance, and the other what looks to be a kids picture book. But what initially seems to be an odd choice for his mother, slams your chest with nostalgia when you see the cover and read the title.

“Koya’s Christmas.” You laugh with delight, you can’t stop yourself from smiling when you examine the artistry. The memories it brings back is enough to make your eyes well with tears.

“You know it?” The man asks, looking pleasantly stunned. 

“Know it? I had it memorized as a child. I loved it so much I couldn't bear it when it was packed away at the end of Christmas each year.”

“Me neither, I flat out refused to let it go, I read it year round to the point where our old copy is currently falling apart on the shelf. Even made snowflakes to put in my windows like he did.”

“That’s right, that scene was one of my favourites. May I?” You gesture asking him for permission to look through it. He nods just as excited as you by the concept of something so sentimental. As you flip through the book you recall the beautiful storyline of a koala living in Australia, one who is so upset that they must celebrate Christmas in the summer, never getting to have a while Christmas described in the songs and shown in the movies. But once Koya talks to the leaves in the trees, and the other small animals of the forest, the realization hits that none of them would be able to stay there if it was cold enough for snow. 

You are so close to tears when you reach the page where the little koala realizes it’s more important to have friends for the holiday than the frozen flurries. Proceeding to stay up all night cutting out perfect snowflakes to hang in the windows for all to enjoy at the family's Christmas Eve party. 

“Where did you find a copy? I’ve looked for so long, I lost my own in the move here.”

“I actually found it by chance, amongst a bunch of rare second-hand books at an auction.” The man itches at the back of his head. “Sorry, I can’t be of more help in locating another.” 

“No it’s fine. I’m just glad I got to see it again. I’ll have to tell my own mom that I was lucky enough to see a copy, she loved it as much as I did.” 

You quickly wrap the two gifts in the one sheet as requested. Handing it back to him before you can be tempted enough to make an excessive offer of your own on his mothers gift. 

“Thanks again.” He hands you two twenties for the donation. “My mom usually helps me with the wrapping but I didn’t want her to see this, you’ve made her Christmas.”

“I’m glad I could help.”

When he walks off you notice that he makes several glances back to you, holding a smile each time. 

“So did you get his number?” Aunt Emma pokes her head back out from the stock area. “Maybe his social media, his dick-dock or whatever it is you kids do these days?” 

“No, I did not get his tiktok.” You answer, unable to contain your laughter. “I was distracted by-” You’re ready to defend yourself when your phone starts vibrating on the table, the screen lit up with the number of your mother’s doctor’s office. You answer it, excited to share your account of the book. “Hey mom, you all finished? You’ll never believe what I just wrapped-”

“Sorry dear this is Laurie, I’m just calling on behalf of Dr. Wang’s office. We were hoping you could come by as soon as you can, the doctor would like to meet with both you and your mother before she leaves for the day.”

“Y-yeah, I’ll be right down.” You hang up the phone taking a deep swallow of fear, the moment of happiness and nostalgia vanishing with the prospect of the news to come. It’s never been a good sign when they’ve wanted to meet with you both in person. 

Aunt Emma catches on in an instant, pushing your coat on your shoulders and your purse in your hand. “Go, I’ve got this. You give your mother a big hug for me, and I’ll stop by soon to see you.”

...

While you try to relive, to pull back and hold on to, that moment from a year ago, Namjoon nods confirming your suspicions.

You mentally kick yourself for not recognizing him, for not remembering a single thing about him except your connection with the book. But after everything you had gone through, in that night alone, the devastating news regarding your mothers health had blacked out everything else. You took her home that night, trying not to cry, trying to be strong for her. Helping her into bed for some much needed rest, leaving your previous plans boxed up in the corner... where they remain to this very day. And the year only got worse leaving your mind engaged elsewhere, far from the man with the kind smile and similar taste in literature. “I’m sorry, I can’t believe I didn’t recognize you sooner.”

“No, it’s fine, it was a while ago, and I’m the one who should be sorry,” He whispers. “The moment I stepped outside that day, I realized you needed it more than my mother needed a second. I went back, but you were already gone. I was selfish though, rather than leaving it with another, I wanted to be the one to give it to you myself, I wanted to see you, to talk to you again, and so I kept it. I even put it in the exhibit on the chance that you might find it. When I met Emma at the museum and found out that you’d be doing the fundraiser again it seems like fate, but then I heard about what had happened since I saw you last. I realized how foolish I had been, how I had stolen your chance to share it with her before she passed.”

You reach up to your face attempting to wipe away the tears before Namjoon can see anymore, but he catches your hands before you can hide your grief.

“When you saw the book that day, you have no idea the impact it had on me. Watching you react, your emotions so close to the surface. You didn’t care where you were, what you were doing, all you could see was the memory in front of you. I wanted to create that for everyone.”

“Then the museum exhibit-”

“Was a result of my meeting you, my breakthrough idea which got me a chance to curate was thanks to your reaction. I was going to tell you when we were there, why you deserved to be there more than anyone else, but everything fell apart so quickly.” 

“I’m so sorry, I never intended to ruin your night. I just-” You take a deep breath, finally letting out the words you’ve been holding back. “I was scared. Jackson was one of my mother’s doctors, he was always friendly and kind to the point where my mother would joke that he would make the perfect son-in-law. We even went on a date, but when she passed... it was difficult, painful for me to see him again. Finding him there last night, I was so worried you would learn about what had happened, and that you would look at me with the same pity he did, so I ran.” 

“You didn’t ruin it, I deserved what you said for not being more open with you about what I knew. I was scared of losing you. So no more running, no more hiding okay?”

You give him a nod, unable to speak through the tears as you gasp between sobs. He hugs you across the cars divide. “Now will you please come inside? At least for a bit. It’s Christmas Eve and I can’t let you go home like this. I have the snowflakes up and everything but we both know it’s not enough without someone else to see them with.” 

You shake your head, now laughing despite the tears, “You really know how to reel me in.”

“I’m just admitting that I don’t want to be alone on Christmas,” He looks at you with a raised brow. “And I don’t think you want to be either.”

...

Namjoon’s house is the very opposite of your apartment, filled with warmth and light, wooden furniture and plants in every corner. The Christmas decorations bring another layer of himself into the fold. As promised, his window pains are full of snowflakes and the sills... you squint at several small blue lumps perched beside the glass. Moving closer you recognize them as clay koalas made by the skill and hands of a much younger age. Namjoon catches you staring at one position in a dozing state. He takes it off the ledge and hands it to you to give a better look. 

“Careful with that one though,” He points to another figure stationed in the corner. “It’s ears like to fall off.” He rolls the round bit of clay out of position chuckling as it exhibits the trait. 

“Did you make these?”

“When I was a kid. My mom held on to them.” Namjoon muses as he continues to fidget with the figurine. “She dropped off a box of decorations before going off to be with my sister and her family.”

“I’m glad she did.”

“Me too. But even with all the trimmings and decor here this year doesn’t feel quite normal.” He replaces them both in their rightful positions of honour and gestures to the massive couch behind you. “Make yourself comfortable,” he insists, before wandering off to the joint kitchen. “Is there anything I can get you to drink?” 

“I’ll have whatever you're having.” You take a seat on the monstrous cushions, which ease you in before swallowing you in comfort. Making it easy to see how this beast of a sofa has eaten several of his several earbuds. 

“Beer okay?”

“Perfect.”

He comes round with the drinks and takes a seat beside you. Turning on the television he lets it play with low volume in the background so you might continue your conversation if you wished, but at the same time eases the pressure from you if you’d rather not. 

You smile down at your beverage as the overly dramatic film plays out. Your mind still lingering on the damage that you might have caused with your hasty departure the night before.

“Have you talked to Jackson since, is he still going to loan the sketches?”

“He wants to, he sent me an email today saying so...” Namjoon pauses taking a sip of his drink, swirling the contents around in the can. “He asked if you were okay too. I haven’t responded yet, I wanted to talk to you first and get the full story, rather than speak on your behalf. But it’s clear he has feelings for you, if you told him how you felt, I’m sure you could still work things out if you wanted to.”

“No, I don’t think it’s feelings but his concern. He’s just too good of a person not to worry, and I’m sure his own guilt has a place in there too. Jackson and I never would have worked out, we went on that date, we didn’t have much in common, there was nothing there that I wanted to pursue, not like my time with you.”

Namjoon’s eyes perk open as he smiles. His arm reaches around, pulling you in to lean on his side and shoulder. As the strained plot plays out before you. 

“Why do you insist on watching these.” You ask as your eyes become heavy after a few minutes. Leaning into Namjoon more he lays back putting his feet up and sliding you down with him to do the same. Your head now resting on his chest the deepness of his voice carrying down to your ear. 

“They’re like the snowflakes-”

“A paper thin plot full of holes?”

“Funny and true, but not what I meant. I know they are by no means real, but they have this way of adding to the feeling of the season. I didn’t realize how much of a tradition it has become for me and my family until this year, when watching them alone just felt wrong. The movies were an excuse to sit down with them, to talk and laugh. The other night when I called, it wasn’t that I couldn’t sleep, I just wanted to spend the time with you.”

“But why me? You could have anyone, even Valerie seems to-”

“Why would I want anyone else when you helped me achieve something I’ve long dreamed of? You may think this cheesy but at the end of all these films, when everything comes together wrapped in a perfect bow, that’s how I’ve felt in every moment with you.”

“You’re right, very cheesy, but not unwanted.” You look up at him from his chest finding only sincerity in his face. “Now if we’re to continue in this similar Hallmark course of action, I do believe this would be the part where you kiss me again.”

“But I’m just the clumsy lead,” Namjoon jokes. “I’m pretty sure that’s your-” You lean in doing just that, cutting him off and pushing him against the couch as you kiss him. His chest quaking with silent laughter soon turns to rumbling groans as you fulfil the expectation of your role. “Though this would also be the part where I tell you we should wait before giving into temptation.”

Your nose scrunches up in displeasure over the notion of such abstinence. “Then let's omit that line, and go off script for the rest of the night.”

Namjoon takes his turn, flipping you over to push you down onto the plush cushions, where you sink under his weight. “Gladly,” he growls, his mouth trailing down your neck pulling on the collar of your sweater to seek further in. 

Desiring the same you discard your own knit garment, before moving on to unfasten the buttons of his shirt, pushing it back until he is forced to tear his hands from the sleeves himself and whip it down to the ground. 

Sliding between your thighs he wraps your legs around his back and picks you up off the couch. With an arm wrapped around your waist, he continues to kiss you while you squeal from being lifted into the air. 

“Bedroom?” You ask, excited by the possible prospect.

He nods, looking up at you with a smirk. “If that’s okay? I’d rather not risk losing you to the couch too.”

You giggle at the notion, while Namjoon heaves you up again to get a better grasp, his mouth tucking into your chest. He fumbles for the door now behind you looking as though he might break it open if the knob won’t turn to his grappling grip. You reach back to assist and push it open. The cool air of the room hits you, causing you to cling to Namjoon’s warmth. 

With two more steps you’re lowered onto the bed, where he grips the waist of your pants, unbuttoning and tearing them down your legs. Laying on the edge of the mattress, you watch as Namjoon kneels down between your legs. His hands glide up your bare legs and pause at the tops of your thighs massaging them as he asks to go further. “May I?”

You take his fingers and press them down on the dampening fabric. Namjoon groans and dips the tip of his index below the material peeking inside to find the warmth of your cunt. It’s a pity it’s so dark in the room, you would have liked to see his smile. 

But it seems you're not alone in this desire, as Namjoon gets up and reaches over flicking on the lamp beside his bed. “No more hiding, I want to see you, all of you.” 

“I want that too. I want you.” 

He smiles kissing you with both hands before rolling over and pulling you on top of him. You return the favour by taking off his pants and boxer briefs releasing his erection. Running your fingers down the soft skin of his shaft, curling them around the base. Tilting his cock towards your mouth you take the tip, teasing your tongue on the rim of the head. Namjoon groans in delight, thrusting his hips up, you take it again as far as you can manage, enjoying his reactions to your tongue trails downward, tracing the swelling veins of his dick. With another drag of his cock you release him with the pop of your lips and he reaches down to grip your arms, breathing heavily with closed eyes.

“I thought you said you wanted to see me?” You chuckle at his undoing.

“I do, but I also want to last.” 

“Condoms?” You ask, continuing to stroke his cock while you adjust to straddle his thighs.

“In there.” He mutters, pointing to his bedside table breathless and helpless to your touch. Only looking up when you have to free him to reach for the box and unwrap its contents. His own hands help you to roll it down his shaft. 

You guide yourself down on his cock while Namjoon arches against his pillow and mattress. His fingers tracing up your stomach and ribs. You reach back to unclasp your bra just as he reaches your chest, and lean down into his touch. 

With his firm grip you rock your hips clenching on his dick and grinding your clit on his pelvis. The louder he gets the faster you move, trembling as you chase your own high and pivoting down further. When Namjoon’s hands grip your hips pressing you into him the pressure becomes far too great pushing you over the edge, sending waves of pleasure through you until you collapse on his chest. He holds you in place as he thrusts from beneath, gasping as your climax continues, coaxing you to clench down on him, straining his thrusts until he comes. 

Dotting the side of your face and neck with his lips at a soft and slow pace, he succeeds in forging another smile in your still gasping lips. He tilts you off and beside him in your blissful haze so he may dispose of the filled barrier. When returning to your grasp you cling to him and he you, dragging the covers up and over the both of you.  

“I could get used to this.” You whisper, curling into his warmth. No longer afraid of the emotions that the holiday will bring. Glowing over the prospect of not facing Christmas morning alone, but wrapped together with Namjoon in the sheets of his bed. “Maybe even consider it a new tradition?” You joke with him looking up to witness his smile.

“If that’s a tradition...” Namjoon whispers, coming in for another kiss. “I plan on celebrating Christmas everyday for the foreseeable future.”