#introducing different chickens to each other - final step

[jensownzoo]

Took the panel out of the pet door between the two halves of the old coop's run to let the two groups of chickens (2 older hens, 2 year-old hens) interact directly. It went really well. No significant altercations at all.

Of course I did still have to go out at sunset to organize roosting, but that's only because Boss Bitch plants her feathery ass on the ramp for the evening and if you aren't in the coop by the time she decides it's bedtime, it it tough shit. The new hens haven't experienced this, so I had to shoo BB into the coop to let them in. They'll learn to adjust their own bedtime habits for this eventually. Until then I'll go check and assist if necessary.

[talkfastromance4]

Fairy-tail—Luke Hemmings oneshot

I watched all of the 101 Dalmatians movies and this is what happened. I hope you like it!

feedback is always welcome💖

word count: 2.5k

enjoy!

Ever since Luke could remember he’s always loved dalmatians. When he was a young boy he exhausted the VHS tape of 101 Dalmatians so much his parents had to buy two different tapes and regulate how many times he watched the movie. He loved the live versions as well.

It was something about how each dalmatian wouldn’t have the same spots as the other and they ultimately looked cool. He begged and begged his parents to get a dalmatian puppy but they were an expensive breed  and the answer was always no.

It wasn’t until he moved out, got his own apartment and started going to college that he was able to purchase his own dalmatian pup. He had to take odd jobs here and there, delivering food, teaching guitar lessons, watering his neighbor’s plants that always seemed to be traveling to Greece or Brazil. He worked odd hours and on top of school he barely slept, but he loved staying up to search for dalmatians for sale.

He spent a lot of nights eating ramen or cereal. Luke looked at five shelters daily in case dalmatians showed up. It wasn’t until one of his classmates, Michael, tagged him in a post on Facebook showing a litter of dalmatians were up for sale. Luke quickly removed his reading glasses to rub at his eyes.

He placed the glasses back on so he could see more clearly as he read the post. Nine puppies, five female and four male were for sale. Luke quickly sent a message to the owner without bothering to look at the pictures. After a few quick replies back and forth, Luke had a meeting set up for Sunday afternoon. 

During his music class he kept looking through the photos of the puppies, each one adorable in their own way with their own set of spots. He was distracted through his Friday classes and was antsy in his apartment all Saturday. 

He woke up early Sunday morning and tried to keep himself busy by cleaning his apartment, jotting down a few song lyrics and keying at his piano. He paced. He laid on the floor and tossed a ball in the air, something he’d do when he had a mind block on writing.

When it was finally time to leave he practically skipped out the door, down the stairs and all the way to his car. It was an hour drive to the owner’s house and he cruised the highway at a steady 90 mph. 

The house had chickens running amok around the yard and a beautiful dalmatian greeted him on the front porch step, tail wagging and wet nose keening to sniff at Luke’s fingers. 

“Hey boy, you must be the proud father, huh?” Luke smiled then rang the doorbell. 

The owner was a woman in her mid fifties, her white hair pulled up in a tight bun. When she smiled, wrinkles formed around her mouth and Luke could tell she was a woman who loved to laugh.

“You must be Luke,” she smiled opening the porch door. 

“I am. And you must be Dotty.”

“I am, please,” she stepped aside and gestured inside the house, “come in. The puppies are in the mudroom with their mama.”

Luke had a ball of excitement in his chest as he followed her through the house. Very soon he would be picking out his own dog, his own dalmatian. He could hear the soft squeaks of the pups and when he turned the corner, his eyes widened at the sight of them all. 

Two were sleeping against the mother, some were playing with each other, one was playing with the door stopper and yipping at the rattling noise it made. He was so happy he almost cried. 

“Did you have a preference on which type you wanted? Male or female?” Dotty asked.

“It really doesn’t matter to me,” Luke shook his head, “Is that all right? I was kind of hoping I’d know when I meet them.”

“Of course it’s all right. You’re the first one to reach out so you can pick whichever one you’d like,” Dotty smiled. “You can go on in and introduce yourself.”

Luke climbed over the gate and as soon as he did, all the puppies flocked towards him. He really could cry now as they scrambled over one another to get to him. 

“Hi guys,” he smiled at each one, letting one climb up and lick his chin. “You’re all gorgeous, you know that? Look at you.” 

He played with them for a while but his eyes kept going to the puppy that was playing with the door stopper. She was sitting patiently watching her brothers and sisters interact with him, but whenever Luke looked her way, her tail wiggled. He set one down and held out his hand to her.

“Hi pretty girl, do you want to say hi? It’s okay, c’mon,” he made kissy noises and she stood on all four legs. Her dark brown eyes stared into his eyes, then she pressed her cold nose to his fingers. “That’s a girl.”

She licked his fingers then approached him slowly until she had her front legs on his lap. She stretched up and he noticed she was a lot smaller than the others. She sniffed at his chin and ear before sitting in his lap and then laid down completely. Luke stroked the curve of her back noticing how some of her spots were arranged in the shape of a petunia. 

“I think you’ve been chosen,” Dotty said with her hands on her hips. 

“Why do you say that?” 

“That little one hasn’t warmed up to anyone in my family, even me and I’ve been breeding for years. She loves her mama though, but she went to you right away.”

“She is very sweet,” Luke smiled down at the puppy. He stroked her nose and her eyes closed.

“Well? What do you think, have you found your puppy?” 

“I think so,” Luke smiled.

***

After filling out the paperwork and taking copies of the vaccinations and shots  the puppies received, Luke and his new companion were on the road together. He drove a lot slower on the highway this time and he would glance at her every few seconds to make sure she was all right. Eventually, she crawled onto his lap and he held her protectively for the whole drive while she slept. 

“I suppose I should go get the food Dotty recommended, huh?” He asked her and took the exit towards the pet store that’s fifteen minutes from campus. 

He let her walk around on the grass so she could go to the bathroom then carried her inside. Luke grabbed a cart heading in the direction of the dog aisle.

“Would you like a bed? You’ll sleep with me mainly but maybe you’d like one of your own,” he said looking at each one. She eyed them as well then yipped when he rolled her past a pastel pink bed. “You like this one?”

It was a pretty big bed for the size of her but he relented because she’ll grow into it one day. It took him a bit to maneuver the bed on the lower rack of the cart and he went down the toy aisle. 

“Okay, you can pick three toys,” he said pulling her from the cart. She sniffed at them all then licked at a pink stuffed pig, a blue dog and a pink tug toy. “You like pink, huh? I’m sensing a theme here, little pup.” He kissed the top of her head putting the toys and her back into the cart.

Then he grabbed the food, some bones and balls, and some puppy treats. He made sure her collar and leash were pink before he headed to the checkout line but then had to run and get a food and water dish. 

She laid on his lap again for the ride back to his apartment. She followed him to the door but then sat at the bottom of the steps before he noticed she wasn’t with him. She stared at him waiting while he had his arms full of bags. 

“Oops, you don’t know how to walk up the stairs yet, huh?”

He set the bags down and lifted her up into his arm. Somehow he managed to keep all the bags and her in his arms safely as he trekked to the second floor.

“Welcome to your new home!” he said then set her down on the floor. He watched her sniff and smell certain spots, when her nose bumped the string of his guitar and made a noise, she jumped back and yipped at it. Curious, she bumped it again so it made the same noise and he wondered if it reminded her of the door stop. 

He walked over the pick up the guitar and sat down on the floor. He played a few chords, she sniffed at his hands as they moved along and barked along with his playing.

“You like music, that’s good,” he smiled and propped the guitar on its stand again. He lifted her in his arms, she licked his cheek. “I should give you a name, huh? You know, I’ve wanted a dalmatian all my life and not once had I thought of the name. I always liked Pongo from 101 Dalmatians but you’re a cute little girl dog, not a boy dog. What was the girl’s name again?” He held her up so he could look at her eyes. “Petunia?” 

She yipped and licked his nose and his face, making him laugh.

“I guess that’s your name, Petunia.” 

Later on while they were laying in his bed watching 101 Dalmatians he found out the name was actually Perdita but he thought Petunia fit her more. 

***

A year later he and Petunia formed their own routine together. She’d wake him up before his alarm with a lick to his cheek and a paw to his chest. They went for their morning walk, then he made her breakfast while his coffee brewed. He kissed her head and he was on his way to class. He’d come home, take her for a walk again and she’d listen to him play his music. 

They formed a bond and he rarely had her on a leash unless he was called out on it but ultimately, she wouldn’t leave his side as he got the mail or ordered a large pretzel from the guy on the corner. She always got her own little pretzel too. 

On the weekends they’d walk around campus and visit the dog park where he’d toss a ball for an hour before Petunia laid down and took a nap. Luke would pull out his notebook to jot down some song ideas but he was in a bit of a writing slump. He had to come up with a piece for the end of the semester and all he had was crumpled up sheet music littering the floor that Petunia thought were balls. 

Petunia would wake from her nap and they’d head home to watch Friends or Modern Family. He would try to write some more but always came up blank. 

“Well, at least I have all of Spring Break to try and figure something out, huh?” Luke asked her while he was brushing his teeth. She barked in agreement. 

On the first day of Spring Break Luke and Petunia did their normal routine but it was a bit windy outside. He’s glad he put on his beanie because the wintry air still lingered in the wind and his ears would have been cold. 

The dog park didn’t have many people and dogs but he still threw the ball for Petunia. On the third throw, she dropped the ball in front of him, staring at him with her dark eyes. 

“Wanna head home, girl?” he asks and she licks her nose, whining a little. “Okay, let’s go. Crappy day, huh?” 

Just as their about to leave, Luke hears a shriek and some barking behind him. Both he and Petunia turn around to see you running after papers blowing in the wind with a dalmatian dog barking and biting at them as well. Luke runs over to help, a sheet curling around his ankle so he picks it up and notices there’s writing on it. 

“Good boy, Pongo, get them!” you squeal pulling sheets from a low hanging tree branch. Your dog barks and grabs a few from the bushes nearby.

Luke scrambles to grab more then notices your bag is still open in the grass. He closes it so no more papers fly out.

“Did we get them all?” Luke asks pressing the papers to his chest so they stay, they’re bent and crinkled. 

“I think so. Man, that wind is crazy today,” you sigh walking towards him. “Thank you.”

“Uh, y-you’re welcome,” Luke stutters when he meets your eyes. You have the cutest face he’s probably ever seen. You start putting your papers back in your bag, your fingers brushing his. “Are you writing a book or something?” 

“Kind of, it’s a short story for my semester grade and I thought today would be a good day to edit it. The wind thought otherwise,” you laugh.

Petunia barks up at you, pieces of paper sticking out of her mouth.

“Is she yours?” you ask.

“Yes, that’s Petunia,” Luke smiles down at her. You take the papers from her.

“Thank you Petunia,” you tell her and your dog sits down next to Petunia, papers in his mouth. 

“Did I hear you say your dog’s name is Pongo?” 

You shifted your eyes down bashfully.

“Yeah, I loved 101 Dalmatians growing up and I knew he’d be my Pongo. It’s weird, I know–”

“No, not at all. I’m obsessed with the movies too, Petunia’s named after it as well.”

“There’s a dog named Petunia? I don’t remember that one…”

“Well, no,” now it’s Luke’s turn to be bashful. “I know her name is Perdita but I thought it was Petunia and…here we are.”

“I think it’s sweet.”

“One of her spots even looks like a petunia.”

“Really? That’s even more special,” you smile and latch your bag shut. “Well, thanks for helping me.”

“Yeah, do you uh…wanna grab a coffee? Warm up a little from the wind?” Luke asks and then immediately regrets it. He’s a complete stranger to you.

“Coffee sounds great,” you nod. “Come on Pongo. I know this great place that allows dogs–”

“Pawsitive Coffee? I go there all the time,” Luke smiles.

“Really? We must just miss each other then. I’m y/n by the way.”

“I’m Luke,” he can’t stop smiling. 

The pair of you walk out of the park, sometimes being pressed together by the wind with your dogs following behind. In the wind, Luke can hear it humming your name and he’s got a string of lyrics and chords racing through his mind. By the time you make it inside the coffee shop, he already has a song written about your smile.

Taglist: @calumance  @in-superbloom @wiiildflowerrr @sunshineeeluke @littledrummeraussie @suchalonelysunflower @hoodhoran  @thew0rldneedsmcreycghurt @sunshineeashton @ashtonsunflower​ @mymindwide​ @itjustkindahappenedreally  @seanna313 @pandaxnienke @celestialams @in-a-world-of-fandoms @blairscott @writersdare

[ciaossu-imagines]

Can you do day 20 prompt 1?

Of course I can! Thank you so much for showing interest in me and my opinions, my lovely anon! You’re very sweet!!

1.    What was your first anime (that you knew was anime)?

Oh my god, honestly…I don’t actually remember. I remember growing up on Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, Ronin Warriors and other things they’d show on Toonami, but I don’t think I actually knew they were anime then. It probably would have been either Bleach, Naruto, or Yu Yu Hakusho but there were some smaller little animes I watched around that time as well that I really grasped were anime because I had met friends and such who knew the terms, knew the culture, and was introducing me to it.

2.    Favourite pre-2000’s anime?

Okay, right out the gate, reminding everyone – I can never pick favourites. I struggle with that so much because there are just so many fantastic shows and movies out there, so many solid choices, and I can’t say ‘this one is the best’ because there’s no universal best. Each one does something better than the others, all across the board. Of course, those familiar with my fandom list will see Yu Yu Hakusho and Ronin Warriors (and at times, Hunter x Hunter) on there. Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball Z, Trigun, Revolutionary Girl Utena, Cowboy Bebop, Akira, Lupin III, Ghost in the Shell, Astroboy…they’re all old anime that really do stand the test of time and are all worth checking out.

3.    Favourite post-2000’s anime?

Fuck, I could make whole lists. Of course, I highly recommend all the ones on my fandom list, but I also will mention really loving Death Parade, Psycho-Pass, Shadows House, and a bunch of others!

4.    Favourite director?

Umm…going to show my ignorance here and admit that I know absolutely no directors for anime. I know a couple of studios to the point where I can pretty much guess if a particular anime comes from them (Studio Madhouse and Studio Bones have some pretty recognizable traits among their varying anime) but that’s about it.

5.    Favourite Ghibli movie?

Again, it’s really damn hard to say favourite. I will say I am firmly of the opinion that you can sit down with almost ANY Ghibli movie, and you will be in for a visual treat, interesting characters, and a good movie. I watch Totoro and Spirited Away the most though, but that’s only because they’re the two I actually own. I think the only one I haven’t watched more than once is Howl’s Moving Castle. It was a good movie stylistically, don’t get me wrong, was really cute but I’m a huge fan of the novel for that and the two are so vastly different that I couldn’t love it as much as a lot of Ghibli fans.

6.    Favourite piece of merch (that you own or want to own)?

Okay, so I own a Yamamoto and a Yamazaki mini figure and both are extremely precious to me. Not only are they characters I love, but they were gifted to me by a friend I roleplayed with on ProBoards for years with and actually flew out to Toronto to meet. So they’ve got some sentimental value to them. As mentioned in another ask, I do diamond painting and there’s some really cool anime themed diamond painting pictures I’ve bought, since they’re not normally too expensive that decorate my walls, like one of Deku from BNHA, a Demon Slayer one, and I recently found a site that lets you make pictures into customized diamond painting pictures, so hopefully I’ll have some more from my other fandoms on their way!

7.    First convention & 8. Convention you’ve attended the most?

I keep saying I’m going to go to conventions and plan (even bought tickets for one), but always chicken out, actually. I have a really hard time with large crowds of people, they make me really anxious and while it’s my dream to attend a convention and have all the fun that comes with it, I haven’t actually taken that final step. I’ll just keep repeating the small steps until I get there 😊

9. Favourite animation style?

As with everything, I have a really hard time saying favourite. I fully admit to being swayed by pretty, smooth animation but the animation styles I find pretty vary really widely. As everyone can see from the fandoms I write about on here, I watch a pretty wide variety of anime, from 90’s up to current animation, and I think that has something to do with it. I am more drawn towards things with more colour to them, things bright and eye-catching, but there’s also something beautiful about the soft, almost shojo-esque and pastel aesthetics of some anime. Really, I can deal with most animation styles, and it takes a lot for me to nope out of something because of the animation style…the only examples I can think of were RWBY, Kill La Kill (also the fanservice in that is gross), and Violence Voyager (and there were a lot more reasons I couldn’t finish that film and even the thought of it still leaves me feeling really damn unsettled).

10. Last anime you finished and your thoughts on it?

I finished up the second season of The Vampire Dies in No Time recently and honestly, the amount of love I have for that show is just insane. I will probably rewatch it at least a million more times. It’s such an easy watch, it makes me laugh a lot of the times, I love the animation style and the range of quirky characters. I definitely would recommend it to others if they enjoy comedy animation!

[foodvips]

Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Chicken How Can I Make It?

In this article, we will delve into the world of sweet and spicy gochujang chicken, a beloved Korean dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. From the art of crafting the perfect marinade to the various cooking methods, we will guide you through the process of creating this delectable chicken dish in the comfort of your own kitchen. Gochujang chicken is all about balance - the combination of sweetness and spiciness that makes it so irresistibly delicious. We will start by exploring different marinades that infuse the chicken with these bold flavors. By using ingredients such as gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, you can create a marinade that will elevate your chicken to new heights of flavor. Once your chicken is marinated to perfection, we will explore various cooking methods that bring out the best in this dish. For those looking for a healthier alternative to frying, we will show you how to achieve tender and juicy chicken with a crispy exterior through oven-baking. If you prefer a smoky and charred flavor, we will guide you through the steps of grilling the chicken, ensuring that each bite is packed with mouthwatering goodness. But that's not all - we will also introduce you to the world of gochujang chicken stir-fry, a quick and easy option for busy weeknights. In just a matter of minutes, you can have a delicious meal that retains the chicken's tender texture and bold flavors. And for those who can't resist the allure of finger-licking chicken wings, we will teach you how to create irresistible gochujang chicken wings that are coated in a sticky and spicy glaze. Looking to take your gochujang chicken experience to the next level? We've got you covered. We will show you how to make flavorful gochujang chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or broiling. The combination of gochujang paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings will create a delicious glaze that coats the chicken skewers beautifully. And finally, for those who love a fusion twist, we will explore using gochujang chicken as a filling for tacos. The sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken pair perfectly with fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime, creating a unique and mouthwatering taco experience. And if you're looking for a lighter option, we will teach you how to enjoy gochujang chicken in a refreshing salad, complete with a gochujang-based dressing and crisp lettuce. So, get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we guide you through the wonderful world of sweet and spicy gochujang chicken. With our step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be able to create a flavorful and delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. Let's get cooking!

Gochujang Chicken Marinade

Are you ready to take your chicken to the next level? Look no further than this flavorful gochujang chicken marinade. With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform your ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering dish packed with sweet and spicy flavors. The star of this marinade is gochujang paste, a staple in Korean cuisine. Made from red chili peppers, fermented soybeans, and glutinous rice, gochujang paste adds a unique and complex flavor to any dish. Combine it with soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, and you have a winning combination that will make your taste buds dance with delight. To make the marinade, simply mix together the gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Make sure to whisk everything together until well combined. The honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the heat from the gochujang paste, while the garlic and ginger add depth and aroma. Once your marinade is ready, it's time to infuse your chicken with all those delicious flavors. Place your chicken pieces in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade, so every bite is bursting with flavor. Marinating the chicken is a crucial step in this recipe, as it allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it. For best results, let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This will ensure that every bite is juicy, tender, and packed with that irresistible sweet and spicy gochujang flavor. So, the next time you're craving a chicken dish that's anything but ordinary, give this gochujang chicken marinade a try. Your taste buds will thank you!

Oven-Baked Gochujang Chicken

Oven-baked gochujang chicken is a simple and convenient method for preparing this delicious Korean dish. Not only does it result in tender and juicy chicken, but it also provides a crispy exterior that is perfect for those who prefer a healthier alternative to frying. To make oven-baked gochujang chicken, start by marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture. Combine gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger in a bowl. This marinade will infuse the chicken with sweet and spicy flavors that will enhance its taste. After marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preheat your oven to a high temperature. Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent sticking. Make sure to arrange the chicken in a single layer for even cooking. Once the oven is preheated, place the chicken in the oven and bake it for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The high heat will help create a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. While the chicken is baking, you can prepare a gochujang glaze to brush on top of the chicken. This glaze will add an extra layer of flavor and stickiness to the chicken. Simply combine gochujang paste, honey, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over low heat until it thickens slightly. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and brush the gochujang glaze on top. Return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a sticky coating. Finally, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and ensure that the chicken remains moist and flavorful. Oven-baked gochujang chicken is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. It offers the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors, with a crispy exterior that will satisfy your cravings. Give this simple and convenient method a try, and enjoy a flavorful chicken dish that is sure to impress! Grilled Gochujang Chicken Grilled gochujang chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines the smoky and charred flavors of the grill with the bold and spicy taste of gochujang. If you're a fan of grilled chicken and love a little kick in your dishes, this recipe is perfect for you. To achieve perfectly grilled gochujang chicken, there are a few key steps to follow. First, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops those beautiful grill marks. Next, it's important to properly season your chicken before grilling. You can create a marinade using gochujang paste, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey for some sweetness. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat. Once your grill is hot and your chicken is marinated, it's time to start grilling. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. While grilling, make sure to baste the chicken with any leftover marinade or a fresh mixture of gochujang paste, soy sauce, and honey. This will add an extra layer of flavor and keep the chicken moist and juicy. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the chicken stays tender and juicy. Grilled gochujang chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad. The smoky and charred flavor of the chicken complements the spiciness of the gochujang, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. So, fire up your grill and give this grilled gochujang chicken recipe a try. With the right techniques and a little bit of spice, you'll have a flavorful and memorable meal that will leave you craving more. Gochujang Chicken Stir-Fry Looking for a quick and easy dinner option for busy weeknights? Look no further than a delicious gochujang chicken stir-fry. This flavorful dish is perfect for those who crave bold and spicy flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a hot pan, you can create a mouthwatering meal that will satisfy your taste buds. The key to a successful gochujang chicken stir-fry is to cook the chicken quickly while retaining its tender texture. To achieve this, start by marinating the chicken pieces in a mixture of gochujang paste, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. This marinade will infuse the chicken with a sweet and spicy flavor that will elevate the overall dish. Once the chicken is marinated, heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and then toss in the marinated chicken. Stir-fry the chicken for a few minutes until it is cooked through and slightly charred. The high heat will help to lock in the flavors and create a delicious caramelization on the outside of the chicken. For added texture and flavor, you can also toss in some vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and carrots. These veggies will add a pop of color and a fresh crunch to the stir-fry. Cook them until they are tender-crisp, but still retain their vibrant colors. To finish off the dish, garnish it with some chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal. Serve the gochujang chicken stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal. With its quick cooking time and bold flavors, gochujang chicken stir-fry is the perfect option for a busy weeknight dinner. It's a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends, and will leave them asking for seconds. So why not give it a try and add a little excitement to your dinner routine? Gochujang Chicken Wings Are you looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delicious party snack? Look no further than gochujang chicken wings! These irresistible wings are a perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors that will leave everyone craving for more. Whether you prefer baking or frying, you can easily make these gochujang chicken wings at home. The secret lies in the sticky and spicy gochujang glaze that coats the wings, creating a mouthwatering and addictive taste. To make these wings, start by marinating them in a mixture of gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let the wings soak up the flavors for at least an hour, or even overnight for a more intense taste. Once marinated, you have two cooking options. If you want a healthier alternative, bake the wings in the oven. The result will be tender and juicy chicken with a crispy exterior that will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. If you're looking for a more indulgent treat, fry the wings until they are golden and crispy. The hot oil will give them an irresistible crunch, while the gochujang glaze will add a fiery kick. Whether you choose to bake or fry, these gochujang chicken wings are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dip to balance out the heat, and watch as your guests devour every last wing. Gochujang Chicken Skewers Learn how to make flavorful gochujang chicken skewers, perfect for grilling or broiling. The combination of gochujang paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings will create a delicious glaze that coats the chicken skewers beautifully. When it comes to creating a mouthwatering dish, gochujang chicken skewers are a must-try. These skewers are packed with flavor and are perfect for grilling or broiling. The star of this recipe is the gochujang paste, a Korean chili paste that adds a delightful heat and depth of flavor to the chicken. To make these delicious skewers, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. This marinade will infuse the chicken with sweet and spicy flavors, creating a tantalizing glaze when cooked. Once the chicken has marinated for at least 30 minutes, thread the pieces onto skewers, alternating with your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. This not only adds color and texture but also imparts a subtle smokiness to the dish. When it comes to cooking the skewers, you have two options - grilling or broiling. If you choose to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred. If you prefer to broil the skewers, preheat your broiler and arrange the skewers on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Place them under the broiler and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is cooked through and nicely caramelized. Once cooked, serve the gochujang chicken skewers hot off the grill or broiler. The combination of gochujang paste, soy sauce, and other seasonings will create a delicious glaze that coats the chicken and vegetables beautifully. These skewers make a fantastic appetizer or main course and are sure to impress your family and friends. So, next time you're looking for a flavorful and unique dish to spice up your grilling or broiling repertoire, give gochujang chicken skewers a try. With their bold flavors and beautiful presentation, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

Gochujang Chicken Tacos

Explore a fusion twist on gochujang chicken by using it as a filling for tacos. The sweet and spicy flavors of the chicken pair perfectly with fresh toppings like shredded cabbage, cilantro, and lime, creating a delicious and unique taco experience. When it comes to tacos, the possibilities are endless. From traditional fillings like beef or chicken to more adventurous options like seafood or vegetarian, tacos offer a versatile canvas for culinary creativity. One delicious and unexpected twist on the classic taco is using gochujang chicken as the star ingredient. Gochujang chicken is known for its bold and complex flavors. The combination of gochujang paste, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with a delightful balance of sweetness and spiciness. When this flavorful chicken is paired with the fresh and crisp toppings typically found in tacos, the result is a mouthwatering fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines. For your gochujang chicken tacos, start by marinating the chicken in the gochujang marinade. Allow the chicken to soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes, or for even better results, marinate it overnight. Once the chicken is ready, cook it on a grill, stovetop, or in the oven until it is cooked through and has a nice charred exterior. Next, prepare your taco toppings. Shredded cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while cilantro provides a fresh and herbaceous element. Squeeze some lime juice over the chicken and toppings to add a bright and tangy note that complements the flavors perfectly. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also add additional toppings like sliced radishes, diced onions, or avocado. When assembling your gochujang chicken tacos, use soft corn tortillas or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Warm the tortillas slightly to enhance their flavor and texture. Place a generous portion of the gochujang chicken on each tortilla, then top it with the shredded cabbage, cilantro, and any other desired toppings. Fold the tortilla in half and enjoy the explosion of flavors with every bite. Whether you're hosting a taco night with friends or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, gochujang chicken tacos are sure to impress. The combination of sweet and spicy chicken with fresh and vibrant toppings creates a taco experience like no other. So, why not step out of your comfort zone and give these fusion tacos a try? Gochujang Chicken Salad Looking for a lighter option to enjoy the bold flavors of gochujang chicken? Look no further than this refreshing and satisfying gochujang chicken salad. It's the perfect way to incorporate the sweet and spicy taste of gochujang into a healthy and nutritious meal. To start, you'll need to make a delicious gochujang-based dressing. This dressing will bring a tangy and slightly spicy kick to your salad. Combine gochujang paste with ingredients like rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, and soy sauce. Whisk them together until well blended, and adjust the flavors to your preference. Next, it's time to assemble your salad. Start with a bed of crisp lettuce leaves as the base. You can use romaine, iceberg, or any other leafy greens you prefer. Then, add a variety of colorful and crunchy vegetables, such as sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced red bell peppers. Now, it's time to add the star of the show - the sliced gochujang chicken. This flavorful chicken will bring a burst of umami and spice to your salad. You can either grill or bake the chicken before slicing it into thin strips. The gochujang marinade will infuse the chicken with its signature sweet and spicy flavors. Finally, drizzle the gochujang dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well coated. The dressing will bring all the elements of the salad together, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Garnish with some chopped cilantro or sesame seeds for an extra touch of freshness and crunch. With its combination of crisp vegetables, tender gochujang chicken, and tangy dressing, this gochujang chicken salad is a complete and satisfying meal on its own. It's a perfect option for those looking for a lighter and healthier way to enjoy the delicious flavors of gochujang. So why not give it a try and indulge in this flavorful and nutritious salad today? Read the full article

[rangikuxmatsumoto]

Hardly one to consider herself squeamish, it was still nearly impossible not to squirm a little in her seat as Giselle took her joke all too literally. A soft, if but slightly nervous chuckle tendered the silence that hung briefly after the woman finished her insights on dismemberment. “Explains why you’ve taken up at the Fourth…” She half remarked to her cup of sake as she raised it once more to take a short sip. “My kaidō ability is minimal at best – basically all I know was what was introduced to at the academy…I’ll leave reattaching body parts to those more skilled than I.” Raising her cup half up and tipping it in Giselle’s direction to indicate that she included her in that designation.

The reality of the situation she, and the others, found themselves in was a bitter pill to swallow. But hindsight was twenty-twenty; regardless of the resentment that she felt towards Kurotsuchi-taichou’s actions, he had done what was necessary in the middle of a war. She knew that, deep down, she knew that. There wasn’t time to research, to experiment, to balance the costs and the outcomes, nor was there time to turn to the enemy and ask for their assistance. There was a war going on – and there were, in his eyes, four captain-class fighters who could be saved, needed to be saved, so that they could do their duty and defend their ground, protect Soul Society.

She knew all too well that grief came in waves, this was just such one. It was a staggering weight, knowing that the outcome of it all may have been different. Could have been different. If what Giselle was saying was true. She had every reason to lie to her – sensing her state, having felt her anger, her reluctance to this meeting. After all, hadn’t she said that she felt as if her zombies had been ‘taken’ from her. She too was resentful of her present state and how she had gotten here, she could easily be jerking her along to continue to get under her skin, since she couldn’t be in her blood.

There was no bother hiding her anger, the squaring of her shoulders and jaw as she let the cup of sake settle upon the table. Palms flat against the wooden surface. Her pale gaze was ice cold. There was something deliberate about Giselle’s remarks. She would have been fine. The cost was minimal – her life her own, again. But then she would not only have been her plaything, her pawn, but also – indebted to the woman who had used her in war.

Perhaps, no, she didn’t even wish to give the small twinkle of hope a thought. She wouldn’t add fuel to that spark. But, was there a chance that it could all be reversed? The thought was interrupted by the arrival of their food. She didn’t want to consider what might go into finding a reversal process – if it meant in any way falling under Giselle’s control again, and as well as becoming indebted to her. No, she had to accept her fate, as hard as it was.

Her mood shifted as she forced a small smile onto her expression, a heavy exhale followed as she plucked up a pair of chopsticks, taking a moment to point out each of the different meats, the vegetables and the sauces for Giselle before easing back to let her have first choice.

Two steps forward, one step back – that’s where her mind went, she had been dealing with the hard cards dealt to her. She had good days, better days and bad days – and while she was struggling still, up until now, the weight of the depression that her life had been struck down not once, but twice hadn’t felt as heavy.

 “I guess it’s your turn…” She remarked, finally plucking a grilled piece of chicken to place it atop her pile of rice.

She was familiar with the look on the woman's face. And she took a moment to down her own cup before pouring herself another, offering to top off Rangiku once they'd taken their own sobering sip.

"Oh?~ Dismemberment isn't quite so interesting. Unless you're really into nerve reconnecting. My Schrift makes the finer details unnecessary in the short term. But you'd be amazed how important finer control can be when you're getting things put back together." She chimed playfully, as she COULD indeed, spend the afternoon talking about dismemberment. But she hardly intended to actually do so.

The topic of others had her pause. Considering it as she drummed her fingernails. "It depends on how long they were dead and how much time I have. If they've been dead dead for a while, then it can take a lot of work to get them up and running. Usually I just use however much blood is necessary to get them up and fighting. But that comes at a cost. Higher functions, and just some general deterioration." She took another drink, downing the second cup without so much as a pause.

"If I'm going to do that. I'd need to give them a lot of blood, and slowly repair all the damage. Of course it won't be perfect, but if I can get their marrow up and running they'll be fine. If the marrow can be salvaged, they can start making their own blood, and I can slowly remove my own. Then that leaves them with all their own blood. Even if they were completely dead, if I can manage that, I can turn them into a zombie, and then return them entirely to normal, though it's rough on them. But uuuusually I can handle it without shortening their life too much. Lets see..." She closed her eyes and thought back.

"I think.... the longest one of my released zombies lived was..... Seventy? So they only lost a few years off their life. From dead dead? They lost maybe forty percent if I could salvage their marrow or if it was still intact even less. If I had to rebuild their marrow or if there was vital organ complication, then that dropped them by a good Sixty plus percent." She folded her legs and let her cheek rest on her knuckles. Eyeing the woman as she paused, remembering.

"You weren't dead for long. Your marrow was still fine. Your heart had stopped, but your vital organs hadn't been too bad when I got to you. That captain of yours, with him and Cang fighting nearby, you were more or less refridgerated. If I'd weaned you off myself? You'd have been more or less fine. Captain too." She stated simply.

[halfmoondaze]

reader is a singer who is with Jack and they do a song together like The away by Ariana Grande and Mac Miller and they perform it together for the first time

Y/N was currently heading to the studio at nighttime where she was going to meet Jack Harlow for the first time. He had written a song called “Cloud Nine” and reached out to you to record one of the verses and you happily agreed to it.

As you arrived at the studio, you spotted Jack in the parking lot waiting for you.

“Hey, how you doing?” he said as he reached for a hug.

“Hi, it’s nice to finally meet you” you hug him back.

“Thanks for doing this”

“My pleasure”

He led you inside and introduced you to the sound engineer, the producers, the writers and his manager.

“Can I offer you something to drink?” Jack asked you.

“Sure, what you've got?”

“Water, soda”

“Water is fine”

“You sure, because we got some exotic flavors in here”

Everyone started laughing in silence.

“What?”

“Y/N don't listen to him” his manager told you.

“What's going on?”

“I just wanted to offer you the delicacy that is ranch soda”

“Ranch soda?”

He nodded.

“Wanna try it?”

“Girl, don't do it” one of the writers says trying to contain his laughter.

“Sure, you don't have to unless you're chicken”

You scoffed in response and proceeded to take a big gulp of the drink which you immediately regret afterward.

“Why would you do this to yourself” you said.

Everyone started laughing.

You immediately grabbed a bottle of water and drank it until the taste disappeared from your mouth.

“Ok, you’re ready?”

“Yea”

“You can start whenever you’re ready” he said as he sat next to the sound engineer as you entered the recording booth.

You entered the booth and started singing your verse and once you finished you were surprised by their reaction indicating that it was good.

“Was that good? Do you want me to do something different?”

“No, that was perfect” Jack said smiling at you.

“Thanks” you blushed.

“Hey, do you wanna hang around?”

You were taken back by his question, but you nod in response.

You guys stayed there hanging out for a few hours just joking around with one another and getting to know each other. That was until your manager who seemed more excited than you, to be around Jack, took a picture of the both of you sitting on the couch and later send it to you.

“I think you should post this on your Instagram, I think it would be funny”

“I think your phone would go crazy if I do that”

“Lucky for you I don’t clear up rumors”

He posted the picture with no caption, and everyone lost their minds over a possible collaboration between the two of you.

Afterward, you and Jack remained in touch only through communicating through texts because of your busy schedules. But later, you and Jack were offered to debut “Cloud Nine” at the VMAs and you were more than excited.

The VMAs

Jack started rapping and everyone and the crowd was vibing with him as they bop their heads as they listened to the song. Then in the middle of the song, you stepped onto the stage and the crowd went wild. The chemistry between the both of you was undeniable as the both of you couldn’t stop swooning over one another.

And it was safe to say it was one of the highlights of the award ceremony as it was the current topic of discussion on Twitter.

Oh damn this had me blushingg

It looks like they are performing to each other, nobody else in the room, how cute

Find someone that looks at you the way these two look at each other

Bruh the energy between these two

“So can I take you out sometime?” Jack asked as he approached you backstage after your performance.

“Sure, when are you free?”

“How about right now?”

“Like, now? Aren’t you going to stay for the rest of the ceremony?”

“Nah, too boring”

You laughed at his lack of filter.

“So what did you have in mind?”

“Let me take you out on a date”

“Ok, sounds good”

The following morning, Instagram was buzzing, as Jack and Y/N had confirmed your relationship status.

liked by yourinstagram, finneas and 2,958,583 others

jackharlow: what can i say...she got my heart on a chokehold

view all 12,583 comments

jhfan1 Omg what

bellahadidMy sweet angels 😭❤️

jhfan 2 parents

jhfan 3 this is so cute I canttttt

jhfan 4 YESSSS

jhfan 5 AHHHHHH CRYING

[spacecadet-ticklesinspace]

The peter and gwen prompt was everything! I had an idea with them, but a little different! Lee!peter1 and ler!gwen and ler!Peter3. Just because those 2 for sure like to team up on him! And i loved the MJ and Peter 2 teaming up on peter 1 prompt!

"Aww, you're right Peter, he is adorable"

Lee!peter1 ler!peter3 and ler!gwen

(Daww, thank you Anon 🥰 I'm so glad you liked it! This is such a cute idea too 😍 poor Peter 1 can't escape the mark of cute. The past few days were rough and I genuinely enjoyed taking the time to write this one :) I hope you enjoy Anon!)

"Aww, you're right Peter, he is adorable."

Big brown eyes stared up at Gwen as the younger boy froze.

"I told you," Three replied as he stood and walked over to Gwen. "You just wouldn't believe me."

Gwen playfully slapped him before turning back to the younger counterpart. This whole dimension traveling and other Peter Parkers in other New Yorks was still confusing to Gwen. It didn't make any sense in her mind.

However, Gwen hadn't see Peter this happy since the incident with Harry. He was genuinely excited to get the "siblings" he always wanted.

"Two's not here?" She asked while glancing around the room.

"Something came up at the lab and he's working overtime tonight. I'll have to introduce you two another night. For now, this is One."

The two had been on the floor of Three's apartment playing legos and the youngest still had a few in his hand. The young boy looked like a mini version of her boyfriend. From the unruly brown hair to the big brown eyes . . . it was like looking back in time.

Peter 1 smiled brightly and waved. "Hi Gwen."

"Hi One. Nice to finally meet you."

Peter 3 wrapped an arm around Gwen. "You can come over Pete, she's not going to bite you."

One rolled his eyes and dropped his legos to stand. When he reached the two, he opened his arms to give Gwen a hug that she immediately returned. "You're so sweet. Thank you."

The youngest leaned back to make eye contact. "It is nice to finally meet you Gwen."

Gwen affectionately ruffled his hair. "Nice to finally meet you too. Now I see why Peter was so eager for us to meet."

"I also get to show off my cooking skills." Three teased while winking at them both.

"Buying the premade rotessori chicken is not cooking," One teased back.

Three playfully shoved him. "No, but it's still good. Now come on, let's go get something to eat."

For the rest of the night, the three joked and chatted. As the dinner came to a close, Gwen began to see why her boyfriend was in love.

Peter 1 was super sweet and very polite. But he was also hyper and funny. As the three of them moved back to the living room, Gwen watched both Peters interact with each other. How they shoved each other around and playfully tussled reminded her of a younger version of her Peter.

Had both of them really been that young not to long ago?

Gwen snapped back to the present when she heard her name being called. While she had been distracted, Peter 3 had pinned his younger brother to the floor.

He excitedly waved her over. "Come watch this."

Gwen smirked as she stepped forward. "Are you picking on your brother?"

Peter looked at her with surprise before a large mischievous grin overtook it. "I have good reason though. Listen."

Peter 3 dug into One's tummy. The youngest squealed loudly before dissolving into the most adorable laughter Gwen had ever heard.

"Awww!"

"Isn't he just the cutest thing?"

"Noho! Nahat cuhuhute!"

Gwen slid closer. "You're right Peter, he's adorable."

One blushed brightly. "Hehey! Dohon't sihide with hihim!"

"Well it's hard to argue with the truth."

"Come on Pete. Let's show her how cute you can be."

"Noho!"

Three stilled his fingers. "Hmmm. I think you're right."

The youngest looked surprised and a little disappointed when Peter 3 stopped.

"Wahait! Wow!" One squealed as Three quickly pulled him up and turned him around before pinning him in a hug.

The taller Spiderman smirked. "It's more fun when you discover it yourself.

The grin on Gwen's face grew even wider. "He likes tickling too?"

"Likes it? He loves it!"

One's face burned a bright red color as he giggled.

Gwen turned to the youngest. "Do you mind One?"

One grinned sweetly and shook his head.

"You're so sweet." Gwen cooed and booped his nose. "Thank you."

Gwen's heart melted as his little nose scrunched up.

She turned to Peter 3. "I'm melting!"

Three grinned brightly. "I told you! Come on, give him a tickle."

Gwen grinned before digging into the youngest's sides. Her heart softened even more when she heard more of those giggles.

"Aww! Youw're sow cuwte!"

"Noho Ihm not!"

Three cooed. "Wook at youw! Youw wook wike a wittle stwabewry!"

A squeal escaped the youngest's lips as Three smothered his face in kisses and gibberish.

"Now he really does look like one." Gwen teased.

"Ihim nahat!"

"You have two people who diagwe," Three cooed into the youngest's ear.

"Any more secrets Peter?"

Three grinned while sliding up Peter 1's shirt. "You need to get his giggle button."

"Wahait!"

Gwen couldn't resist as she wiggled a finger into his belly button. She outwardly cooed as One erupted into loud laughter and snorts. "It is a giggle button!"

"And a spider piggy signal!"

"Rhuhude!"

Gwen leaned forward. "Can I try something."

"S-suhure."

Gwen grinned before leaning down to blow a raspberry into the youngest's stomach.

"AHEEEEE!" One screeched before snorting again.

"Now that was the cutest one yet!" Gwen teased while gently pinching his cheek.

Three shifted his hold. "If you want to see cute, you need to watch this."

A second later, Three slid his fingers up into the youngest's armpits. One's reaction was priceless as he started wiggling like an adorable little kid.

As much fun as they were having, Gwen could tell the youngest was getting tired so she decided to have a little more fun before they wore him out completely. She quickly scribbled up and down the youngest's sides while blowing a big raspberry into his stomach.

The youngest full on belly laughed and even boarded on silent laughter as the two tormented him.

Soon enough, Three slid his fingers out of One's armpits. When Gwen saw that, she immediately lifted her hands away from Peter 1's torso. The youngest then slumped into Peter 3 while bubbly giggles still poured out of his throat.

Three immediately wrapped him a hug. "Had your fun bud?"

One nodded and rubbed his eyes.

"Is he okay? Looks like we wore him out," Gwen added.

Her Peter smiled. "It happens most times. Tickles just wear him out easily."

One turned and opened his arms. "Thanks Gwen."

Gwen's heart melted again as she returned the hug. "You're welcome sweet heart. I had a good time getting to know you."

"Me too," One yawned.

"And that's the cue," Peter 3 replied while gently pulling One back into his arms. "Come on bud. Time to rest."

"But . . ."

"Shhhh, it's okay. We're just taking a break for a little while," Three soothed.

Peter 1 struggled to keep his eyes open. "But . . . Gwen."

"I'll come back again another night One," Gwen soothed. "You just need to rest first."

Gwen watched as her boyfriend ran his fingers across the back of One's head and quietly whispered the right phrases to help him relax. He even started to hum as the youngest drifted off.

Everything was done with such love and care . . . it seemed like second nature.

"Now I see why you were so eager for us to meet," Gwen whispered.

Peter 3 smiled at her. With one arm still wrapped around his brother, the other pulled Gwen close. "We're like a little family now."

Gwen smiled as she snuggled closer. "Yes. And we're a lovely little family indeed."

[jaceyneedsabetterusername]

Hayloft (p.1)

Pairing: Arvin Russell x F!Reader

Summary: Your dad brings home his new coworker, Arvin Russell, telling you that he’ll be living with the two of you for a while. While attempting to keep Arvin from seeing the disfunction of your relationship with your father, the two of you grow closer than you thought. (Inspired by “Hayloft” by Mother Mother, though that’ll really only be one chapter later on so I don’t know if it really counts...) 

Warnings: Abuse, mentions of drinking, misogyny, reader’s mother is dead

Word Count: 3.2k

A/N: My first slow(er) burn fic! Let me know what you think!

__________________

When your car finally pulled up the old dirt driveway to your family's farm house, the sun was already setting, casting an orange hue over the acres of land that your father had inherited from his father. It was beautiful, really. The sun was behind your old two story home made of wood planks that were covered in chipping white paint. The door’s paint was also chipping, only this time it was old navy blue paint - at least that’s the color it was supposed to be when it was painted who knows how many decades ago - that peeled back to reveal the wood beneath. 

Your father’s truck wasn’t in the driveway yet when you pulled up and you sighed in relief because it gave you the opportunity to get dinner started before he got home. You headed straight for the kitchen. The only moment taken for yourself was the moment of silence when you leaned against the counter top and stretched out your back from the long day's work at the diner. The refrigerator was mostly empty and you made a mental note to run to the store after work tomorrow before your father could notice the lack of food. Thankfully, there was still enough scraps to piece something together for tonight between the fridge and the cupboards. 

The house was swimming with the delicious scent of herbs, onions, potatoes, and stock as you boiled a stew on the stove when you heard the front door open. “Hi, Daddy! How was work?” You asked over your shoulder before you even heard his steps enter the kitchen, not actually caring but knowing he’d be upset if you didn’t ask. 

He came around the corner but you could hear from the moment the door opened that there were the footsteps of more than one person entering your home. With a frown, you turned from the stove and took a few steps so you could see around the wall that blocked your view of the front door but your father and new mystery person stepped around that corner and into the kitchen before you could get that far. You stopped in your tracks, startled by their sudden appearance, and your hand flew to your chest as your eyes widened in surprise. “Sorry!” You chuckled awkwardly, apologizing for your jumpiness, “Didn’t think you’d be comin’ in here.” 

It was a man about your age that stood just behind your father, a navy baseball cap twisted in his hands and his footsteps light so as to not knock dirt off onto the floor from his work boots, both welcomed displays of manners that you appreciated, unlike your father who left a trail of chunks of dried mud and grease everywhere he walked. This new boy, though, he was cute. Short curly hair that was messy, either from work or wearing the hat, big expressive brown eyes that reminded you of a puppy in the best possible way, a tight lipped expression that showed he was a little nervous and uncomfortable to be here, they were all a welcome, albeit unexpected, surprise. 

"Work was good. This here is Arvin Russel. He'll be staying with us, at least for the night." Your eyes flicked back to the boy you now knew as Arvin when your dad introduced him and your heart skipped a beat at the eye contact. 

  He nodded his head slightly, a small cordial smile flashing on his face for just a moment, "Pleasure to meet you,..." 

"Y/N. It's nice to meet you as well. If you're staying the night, let me add some water to the soup and then I'll go make up the spare bed." You pointed your thumb over your shoulder towards the pot of stew that was nearly done. 

"That's very kind of you. Thank you." 

Before you could notice him moving, your dad was already beside the fridge and you reached out to try to stop him before he could open it. "Let me get you something! What about you, Arvin? You want a beer or some water?" You scurried to try and beat your dad to the fridge that you knew would earn you a reprimanding that you didn’t deserve. 

You were too late though and your dad already swung the door open wide. You stepped back nervously, rubbing the sharp edge of your nails against your thumb. "It's damn near empty." He noted, voice stiff and dissatisfied. He stood, managing to produce the last two beers from the refrigerator before slamming it shut. 

You flinched at the loud sound, hearing the few glass jars of preserves and jams clanging against each other inside from the force. Your eyes rolled beneath closed lids at his overdramatic reaction, even though it was one you expected. "I'm gonna hit the market after work tomorrow but I checked that we have enough for dinner tonight and breakfast tomorrow." Your voice was sweet and placating, careful to respond in a way that would keep his temper in check. 

  "It's that damn job of yours. I told you women shouldn't be working. They belong in the house where you should be. Now look. You went and let the kitchen run out." He passed Arvin a beer, which he reluctantly accepted, watching the way your father pointed his finger at you accusingly. “Ain’t no man gonna want a wife who can’t even keep the kitchen stocked up.” 

Your tongue was raw inside from biting down on it so hard in order to keep yourself in line, as he called it. You didn't need a blow out tonight, not with Arvin here. "I manage to work and keep up with the house just fine, Daddy. We just got a little low on groceries but I'll be heading to the market tomorrow to fix it. Don’t you worry." Even you were surprised with how even and sweet your voice came out, that ever present fire of anger towards your father having been fanned into a decent blaze.  

He popped the tab on his beer and sighed, dropping the topic for the time being, "Fine. But make sure to pick up some fixin's for that chicken roast you make. Patty is lookin' nice and fat in the coop so why don't you cook her up tomorrow." 

You grimaced at the thought. Patty was one of the chickens in your coop out back that had been pretty slow when it came to laying eggs but you’d grown attached to her nonetheless. Ever since you were a young girl, your daddy warned you not to become attached to the animals out back but you never listened. Back then, you’d had your mother to step in and convince him not to kill the animals for whatever reason she could come with and opt for buying meat from the market instead. You hadn’t been able to convince him like that since she’d passed. Everything had been different since she passed. 

“I don’t know, Daddy. Patty’s been layin’ a lot of eggs lately and we’ve been gettin’ extra money from sellin’ all those eggs. Why don’t I just pick up a chicken in town tomorrow at the store.” You insisted, walking back over to the stove to stir the stew. 

“Don’t go wastin’ money on things we already got! We got some chickens out back. Just cook one of ‘em up tomorrow!” Your father’s voice was hard and stern now, enough to fill the air with tension in Arvin’s presence. You turned slowly, making eye contact with Arvin briefly before quickly avoiding it. You didn’t like the way he stood awkwardly, silently watching the interaction he clearly didn’t think highly of. Your father was already getting worked up and it would only get worse the longer the night went on. 

Biting your cheek, you nodded, “Yes, sir. Now why don’t you boys go get cleaned up. Dinner will be ready in just a minute.” 

**

Dinner went relatively well, despite your father’s occasional grumblings about there not being any beer. Once you finished, you stood up and picked up yours and your father’s bowls before noticing Arvin’s was empty as well. “Did you want some more? There’s just enough for one more if you’d like it.” You offered Arvin that last bit of stew but he just shook his head and stood up. 

“Oh, no thank you miss. Dinner was delicious though. Let me help with that.” He grabbed his own bowl before your hand could reach it and then took the bowls from your hands as well before setting them down at the sink. 

You chased after him, “Thank you but you don’t have to do that! Please, sit. I’ll make your bed up when I’m finished cleaning up dinner.” 

“She’s right, son. Kitchen ain’t no place for a man. Why don’t you come with me and I’ll show you the room you’ll be stayin’ in.” You father’s chair screeched against the beat up wooden floor as he stood, beckoning Arvin to him. 

Arvin was standing right beside you, his arm only a few inches from yours as he lowered the stack of bowls into the sink. He looked over at you with deep soulful eyes that seemed to look right through your calm facade in a way that made you feel seen like never before. It was highly uncomfortable, almost violating after all these years of hiding away what you felt for the sake of keeping the peace, and you forced a smile, “Please, you’re our guest. It wouldn’t be right to make you do the dishes. You go with him.” 

He gave you a drawn out hesitant look but turned away nonetheless and walked towards your dad. “Thank you again for letting me stay here till I get things figured out. It’s mighty kind of you.” Arvin thanked you and your father for your hospitality, shooting you one last glance over his shoulder before following your father down up the stairs towards the spare room. 

You made quick work of the dishes, having cleaned most of them as you were cooking earlier anyways and scurried to the closet that held your extra sheets. As you passed the bathroom, you heard the shower running and knew it was your father bathing after his long day of work, like he always did right after dinner. The man was a creature of habit. 

With your arms full of neatly folded faded steel blue linens and the thicker burnt sienna colored wool blanket, you made your way towards the guest room Arvin was staying in to find the door wide open and the man looking through his bag that was set on the bed. “Knock knock,” you announced your presence, waiting at the entryway for Arvin to notice you before entering. 

He spun around, dropping something that you didn’t see quickly into his bag and pressing it down while flashing you a small polite smile, “Hello, ma’am.” 

You walked into the room, raising the linens in your hands, “I brought some sheets so I could make up your bed.” You walked over to the wooden chair and set the top sheet down before making your way back over to the bed, unfolding the bottom sheet as you did, waving it up and down in the air to straighten it out before laying it flat on the bed. 

“Oh, you don’t have to do that, miss,” He moved his bag to the ground and jumped to lift the corner of the mattress and tuck the sheet beneath it. 

You blushed at his kindness, not used to such help from your father, but shook your head, tucking the sheet beneath the mattress on the opposite side of the bed “If my daddy came in and saw you fixin’ the bed yourself, he’d kill me,” you chuckled to make it sound like a joke but you knew better than that. He wouldn’t actually kill you but you would certainly get some less than kind words thrown your way, maybe even a few beer cans thrown your way depending on how drunk he was. 

Arvin shook his head, his hands falling on his hips, “Looks like you do most the housework ‘round here.” What he was insinuating was clear even though his tone didn’t change but you didn’t want to acknowledge it. He didn’t need to concern himself with the difficulties between you and your father. 

“So how’d you and my dad meet?” You changed the topic, going to grab the top sheet and unfolding it. You laid it over the bed and tucked your side in, Arvin reaching down to tuck his side in as well in a silent act of defiance against your insistence that he didn’t need to help. It occurred to you suddenly after the question left your lips that you didn’t actually know anything about this boy but, for some reason, you still didn’t feel uneasy around him.  

Arvin pulled the top corner of the sheet up to the head of the bed as he answered, “I just started workin’ at the garage with ‘im.” 

“You like cars?” You questioned, spreading out the final layer on the bed, the wool blanket. 

Arvin shrugged, “Never been really into ‘em but I can fix ‘em alright enough. Just needed the work and happened to see the wanted sign when I was passin’ through town.” 

Your brow raised in curiosity, “You were just passin’ through and stopped in this old town cause of a help wanted sign?” The little town you lived in wasn’t terrible but it was far from a destination that people really moved to for work unless you a doctor desperate for a place to practice or something like that. “You must really be desperate,” you joked but immediately felt a slight pang of regret when a shred of truth could be seen in his eyes. 

“Just tryna figure out where I’m goin’ ‘n what I wanna do. Figure I’ll find somewhere I like eventually.” Arvin picked up his bag and set it off to the side where it was a little more out of the way. 

You stared at the man standing before you, taking every bit of him from the grease stains on his white t-shirt to his scuffed up brown work boots to his messy hair, dirty from dried sweat. It wasn’t until you locked eyes with him that you realized that you’d been staring in a settled yet weirdly comfortable silence. You stood up straight and smiled to diffuse the awkwardness you’d unintentionally fostered, “You’re more than welcome to take a shower. My daddy should be finished any second. I’ll set some extra towels in there for you.” 

“That’s very kind of you. Thank you.” He nodded in appreciation but offered no further conversation. You could tell from the moment of silence that it was time for you to make your exit. 

“Well, uh, I better head to bed. You need anything before I go?” You asked, backing towards the door and swinging slightly with it once your hand hit the old bronze knob. 

Arvin shook his head, “No, thank you. ‘M all set.” 

“Alrighty, then. You have a good night.” You chewed your lip as you opened the door to make your exit. 

“G’night, miss Y/N.” 

Butterflies flew wildly in your belly as you walked to your bedroom. It had been a long while since you’d seen somebody worth looking twice at in this old town but now a mysterious handsome man rolls into town and stays with you. In your house. It probably wasn’t the safest of situations but Arvin genuinely looked like a nice man. From your very brief interactions with him, you couldn’t really imagine him trying to hurt you or your father for no reason. Even if he did, you knew where your daddy kept his shotgun and you had no problem defending yourself. But like I said, you had an unearned sense of peace with Arvin that you hoped wasn’t a misjudgement. 

“What’re you smilin’ ‘bout?” Your father’s gruff but thankfully not entirely drunk voice made you stop in your tracks and turn towards his room with a suppressed groan. He stood in the doorway of his bedroom in nothing but an undershirt and long johns with his suspenders hanging loosely at his sides.

You shook the smile off your face. “Just thought of somethin’ funny that happened at work,'' you lied. “You need somethin’?” 

“I watched you come out o’ that boy’s room with a big ol’ grin on your face. Better not let me catch you ‘n him. Ain’t no daughter o’ mine gonna be whorin’ around with some boy blowin’ through town, y’hear?” He threatened, his hands reaching down to pull up his worn out long johns. 

Your blood boiled at the accusation and despite your best efforts to keep peace while Arvin was here, you spat words with venom, “I wasn’t doin’ nothin’ with Arvin. God forbid I have a damn smile on my face.” Your voice was low enough so that you hoped your guest hadn’t heard your outburst but when your father’s face darkened and he began taking slow, heavy steps towards you, you weren’t sure if your charade of normalcy would last much longer. 

Your father hovered over you, exaggerating the size difference between the two of you, “I put a roof over your head. I put food on the table. You play make believe with that little diner job but I'm the head of this house. I'm your father. You watch that fuckin’ tone with me girl."

Your jaw was clenched tightly, matching your fists, as you glared up at him with indignantly furious eyes. Father your ass. He once had been your father, an imperfect but loving man who used to try. Now he was merely a selfish broken sperm donor. He inherited this house from his father, didn’t pay a darn cent, and you couldn't remember the last time he pitched in a dime for anything but alcohol and the occasional dinner he made when he was in a good mood. He did do that- have these strange out of character nights where he pretended to be kind and loving. They were far and few between though and, while you enjoyed the change of pace, it felt like walking on eggshells in some fantasy world. 

A heavy silence settled between the two of you that crackled with a tension that could snap at any moment and turn into a full blown fight. Your eyes were narrowed on his as you refused to let him think he intimidated you anymore. Nevertheless, you turned on your heel, nails digging into your palm, and walked down the hall towards your room, leaving him alone. 

“He wouldn’t want you anyways, fuckin’ attitude like that.” Your father grumbled to your back, hoping for one last reaction out of you that you refused to give. 

It took all the control in the world to not slam the door in his face but you knew there was no way it would escape Arvin’s attention. You’d have to resort to the therapy of muffling your furious tear-soaked screams into your pillow until you finally fell asleep, like you did many nights. 

[classic80sand90smovieloves2]

Meeting and Dating Benny Rodriguez

(Not my gif)(Requested by anonymous)

- You and Benny met when you were younger. You’d lived in the neighborhood your entire life and with Benny and the boys being the only kids around your house; and the fact that you were a bit of a tomboy in general, they were who you made friends with.

- Like most young boys, they weren’t too keen on some little girl butting into their games, but you were persistent! It took you a couple weeks and a whole lot of effort but soon enough they let you stay and play without any complaints. After that, the rest was history.

- You’d sort of always just been one of the guys. The main reason you were allowed to stick around was because they nearly forgot you weren’t one. You played baseball, weren’t afraid to get dirty, and never acted all “prissy”; you were the only type of girl they’d ever be caught dead letting into their crew.

- And; without any opposition from you, that’s how things went on for a few years. It wasnt until you got a little older that you realized that being “one of the boys” maybe wasn’t the ...greatest thing in the world.

- You sort of always had a thing for Benny. It was easier to brush off and not realize when you were younger but as you got into your teenage years, it became more difficult to ignore.

- And thus, your dilemma finally became obvious. You’d spent so long being one of the guys that you were completely sure Benny only saw you as that; he sure acted like he did.

- So a million thoughts raced through your head. You wondered if you could change how he saw you, if you wanted to, how you’d do it, should you do it, when you’d do it, etc. Maybe you should try some makeup, change your clothes, your personality; should you stop hanging around him so much?

- You had no idea what to do ...so you tried a few things. You dressed a tad bit girlier; not enough to have the gang on you or ruin your ability to play, and wore your hair down, and ...nothing happened.

- All you got was a few comments from the guys asking “what’s up with the hair?”. Soon enough, you were grumpily pulling your hair up into a ponytail after getting not even the slightest reaction from Benny.

- After several attempts, you’re at a loss and somewhat frustrated. You debate just telling him but the day you decide to, you chicken out and stay home.

- Your mother tells Benny you aren’t feeling well when he asks if you can come out and play and you watch from behind the curtain guiltily as he leaves your front steps, casting one last look from behind his shoulder at your window.

- You don’t show up to the field for another day or two before deciding that you need to go back, missing your friends and fresh air. You figure you can play it cool like always, and you do, getting welcome back slaps on the back and shakes.

- You play for a few hours before the boys have to go home and you’re left on the field alone with Benny. You’re just about to walk out as well ...up until Benny calls after you. With a deep breath, you jog back over and stand in front of him.

“You feeling better?” he asks and you both nod, one after the other.

“That’s good. I missed you out here,” he says before seeming to realize what he said. He laughs slightly before following up with a “Yeah-Yeah sucks at playing your position.”.

- You both laugh before he asks “why don’t we play, just you and me. You throw and I’ll hit”. And you try to turn him down, telling him that you should be getting home, but then he gives you that smile of his and a “come on” and you just can’t refuse.

- So you get in position and the two of you play, swapping turns back and forth when you have to run and catch the ball.

- On one of your last few throws, he runs over to hand you the ball but doesn’t immediately let go. Instead, he leans in and presses a chaste kiss to your cheek before running back to his spot on the field, casting a look back at you and subsequently a smile as he does.

- The two of you kiss for real when you’re at the edge of the field, getting ready to walk home. He calls your name and you pause, standing still as he grips your shoulder and leans in, planting a peck on your lips.

“Why’d you do that?” you ask, though it’s obvious that you don’t mind.

He merely shrugs and grins at you. “I wanted to.”

- You can’t help but smile back, letting him wrap an arm around your shoulders and walk you off the field.

- There isn’t a ton of pda in your relationship but there’s a bunch of contact: high fives, his arm around your shoulders, his leg touching yours when you sit next to each other. He just doesn’t want the guys on your case for the rest of the week for a measly kiss in front of them. 

- Affectionate hair ruffling. 

- Hand holding, usually when the gang isn't around; unless it’s Smalls. 

- Forehead and cheek kisses.

- Soft kisses.

- He has your picture on his dresser and you cant help but smile every time you see it. 

- When it really comes down to it, he’s got a huge soft spot for you. He may treat you like one of the boys most of the time but there’s a twinkle in his eyes that tells you you’re definitely different from them to him. 

- Excited hugs, usually after he accomplishes something big or you get good news. 

- Sitting in between his legs, usually with his chest pressed against your back.

- He doesn’t mind cuddling, even if it’s sort of in front of the gang, mainly because his style of cuddling is his arm draped over your shoulder and you resting against his side.

- As though he’d allow you to not have a nickname! He doesn’t really use petnames except; maybe, when he’s using them as jokes or sarcastically, but you’ve probably had a nickname since you were little that he still uses.

- Although, he does say “that’s my girl” to himself or just outloud whenever he gets all proud of you; like when you score a homerun.

- The boys definitely tease him about you. Its the one thing they have on him.

- He lets you win when you guys race. You’re absolutely aware of it but you think it’s cute so you both jokingly pretend he didnt.

- He’s always there to help get you out of a pickle. If you have a problem it is both your problems the minute you tell him.

- He always brushes off your praise with a halfhearted and playful scoff but in actuality, he loves it whenever he gets a compliment from you.

- There’s definitely been moments where you’ve been in his room with him and asked about some sort of clothing item and he just casually asks if you want it. And ...You’re damn right you do.

- Randomly being carried away from things isn’t all too uncommon for you. He likes to pick you up, whether it’s just by your armpits or in a piggyback ride.

- Walking home from school together. 

- Spending your summers together. 

- Expect a lot of random visits and him calling you to come hang out. If he wants to see you, he’ll just come knocking on your door. 

- Smalls is sort of like your adoptive child, even though you're only like two years older than him. You’re just always looking out for the younger boy and making sure he feels welcome and all that. 

- Getting introduced to Beast and Mr. Mertle. 

- Knowing tons of baseball facts because of him.

- Playing catch in the lot. He goes easy on you but to be fair; he goes easy on most people.

- Looking after him and making sure he doesn’t over exert himself.

- I’m sorry but you’ll have to just accept that baseball is his priority a lot of the time. It’s his “life” and you’ll just have to accept that if you want to be with him. 

- He would genuinely ask you to marry him in complete awe if you were to ever get him baseball game tickets. 

- He makes a big deal over your birthday, well, him and the rest of the boys. They all cheer when you arrive at the field, giving all their “look who it is’s”and slapping you on the back.

- Going to the movies ...after they put up another screen.... He’ll usually grab your hand and keep glancing over at you whenever you go, he just thinks you’re really pretty.

- Hanging out in the treehouse together. 

- Going to the fair with him. 

- Pool dates.

-  A lot of your dates get invaded by the gang, especially if they involve pizza …or food of any kind really. 

- His mother probably insists on giving him some money every time she hears he’s going to hang out with you because she wants him to be a little gentleman and pay for your “date”.

- Even though you’ve always sort of been seen as just one of the guys, you’re serious bragging rights for Benny; both to the other boys and to Phillips. All it takes is one visit to the pool with them and suddenly they’re all a little envious of their leader.

- Though, to be honest, all the boys in the group have probably; at some point, had a crush on you or thought that you’d end up together because it just makes sense, you know? They weren’t in love but they had those little “why am is my heart racing” type of moments with you.

- Even though he brags about you, he’s still a jealous boy. He pretty much glares at any other guy; besides the guys in the gang, you’re with. Even if he’s doing something else, he finds it difficult to concentrate. The minute you arrive back at his side, he’ll ask why you’re hanging out with them, usually with a subtle; or not so subtle, insult directed towards them.

- Even though he knows you’re capable of holding your own, he’ll still always jump to stick up for you because it’s just a habit of his.

- He’s protective of everybody in his gang so that obviously includes you. He isn’t above fighting; or at least embarrassing, someone who’s giving you a hard time or literally carrying you to a safe distance when you’re near something he deems dangerous. Plus, he’s always the first one at your side no matter what’s going on.

- The two of you don’t fight a ton. You’ve been friends for a while so you sort of already know what rubs each other the wrong way and can avoid them because of that. If you are fighting, it’s probably about something stupid and you wind up just leaving; for one reason or another, as he calls after you.

- That being said, you usually just resolve things after a bit of arguing; without you having to walk off. As an apology, he’ll give you a sincere “hey, I’m sorry, alright?” before making some joke along the lines of asking if you want to hit him. You’ll hug and he’ll kiss your head and everything will be settled.

- You don’t tell each other that you love each other a whole lot; it sort of just isn’t Bennys thing, but you show each other you do with your actions.

- In the future, you’re there at every single one of his games, cheering him on.

- He probably asks you to marry him right after highschool. He just can’t wait to make you Mrs. Rodriguez.

[petersasteria]

drivers license - Tom Holland

Pairing: Tom x Singer!Reader Requested? Nah 3,561 words

I was going to write this when the song came out, but as you observed, i wasn't writing bc i wasn't happy anymore. but here it is. enjoy.

Tom || Main || Taglist

* * * *

“I want you to meet my friend. She’s super nice and stuff. Maybe she could sing the soundtrack of one of my short films!” Harry said happily. “Anyway, she’s an amazing singer and she’s inviting me to the recording studio tomorrow. Want to come?”

Harry looked at Tom and waited for his response. The eldest Holland brother opened his mouth to say something, but Sam entered the room and interrupted. “Y/N’s my friend first, you know. I introduced her to YOU.” Sam rolled his eyes. “Besides, I suggested for her to invite you guys. Thank me later.”

“Thank you.” Harry mocked. “So, will you come with me-”

“Us.” Sam corrected. “Will you come with US tomorrow?”

“Yeah, I’ll come so both of you can shut up.” Tom laughed before scrolling through his phone again.

Tomorrow came and the three Hollands went to the recording studio where you were currently at. When they got there, you were in the booth recording your song which will be on your first EP. You were just starting in the music industry and you were still testing the waters and finding your sound.

The three men sat down on the couch and listened to you. It was safe to say that Tom immediately fell in love with your voice and he made a mental note to compliment your voice for when you’re done recording. After recording two songs, you were finally taking your break. As soon as you stepped out of the recording booth, Sam ran up to you and engulfed you in a tight hug.

“I missed you! You sounded amazing!” Sam said giddily. He was really happy and really proud of you.

“Thank you!” You said gratefully with a huge smile on your face. Sam was your first ever friend and he was your first audience. Needless to say, his opinions matter to you the most. He was more supportive than your family will ever be.

“I can’t believe my Christine will be doing great things on her own now.” Sam pouted. He called you ‘Christine’ and you earned that nickname because of Phantom of the Opera. You were his Christine and he was your Phantom. It was perfect.

“But I’ll always stay the same, Sam.” You said in pure honesty. You looked over his shoulder and saw two of his brothers.

“Hi, Harry!” You waved, recognizing his curly hair despite only meeting him five times. Harry waved back and that left Tom. He stood up and walked towards you and Sam to formally introduce himself.

“Hi, I’m Tom; Sam’s older brother.” He smiled sweetly. He offered his hand for you to shake and you gladly took it and gave it a firm shake.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Y/N.” You smiled before letting go of his hand.

“Your voice is just wow! You have a gift.” Tom complimented which made you shy. “Thank you.” You said sheepishly.

Sam cleared his throat, “So, lunch?”

The four of you had lunch at a small chicken wing restaurant. It was cheap, hidden, and there were only five other customers which was great. You talked about so many things and eventually, Tom asked about your friendship with Sam.

“Wait, how did you and Sam meet?” Tom asked, taking a bite of his chicken wing. You took a sip of your drink and swallowed your food before answering.

“I was homeschooled my whole life and when I told my mum that I wanted to enroll in a random course just to know what it feels like to have classmates, she enrolled me in a culinary course. Let’s just say that I’m surprised that I passed!” You and Sam laughed as you thought about the shit both of you did.

“We sat next to each other and we were cooking partners. She was so awkward!” Sam laughed, wiping a tear that escaped from his eye. “But I’m glad she was put in the seat next to me because if not, I wouldn’t have gotten to know her. I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“Same.” You nodded in agreement. “Sam’s my best friend in the whole world and I honestly wouldn’t know what to do without him. He’s my rock.”

Sam turned his head to look at you and smiled, “Same.”

“Ugh, just date already!” Harry said with his mouth full. He even rolled his eyes in the process.

“Ugh, just swallow already!” Sam mocked.

“That’s what she said.” You giggled. The table erupted with laughter and you were happy that you got to meet new people, thanks to Sam.

“I meant his food!” Sam breathed.

“It sounded wrong, though.” Tom chuckled.

“Very.” Harry said with a playful look on his face.

After lunch, Sam told you that they had to go home already. You were visibly upset because you haven’t seen your best friend in such a long time and you had so much fun with his brothers. It’s true what they say; time flies by when you’re having fun.

“I’ll call you tonight.” You told Sam. He nodded and said, “I shall wait for your call, then.” You hugged him and hugged Harry right after.

“It was nice seeing you again, Y/N!” Harry exclaimed before pulling away from the hug. “I’ll see you soon, okay?”

“Okay.” You nodded, already excited for your next meeting. You turned to hug Tom and not only did he hug you, but he also kissed your cheek which surprised you, Sam and Harry.

“I’d love to hang out with you again.” Tom said after hugging you. “But without these two divs.” He added earning a slap on the arm from each boy.

You quickly glanced at Sam and he just nodded for you to go. With that go signal, you turned to Tom and said, “Okay! I’ll give you my number and just text me later.”

Tom ended up texting you that night and he asked you out on a date. One date turned into two and two dates turned into three until both of you went on so many dates now. Despite the four year age gap, you two seemed to click. You didn’t have a label yet, though.

It all changed one night.

It was midnight and Tom decided that it’ll be fun to go on a spontaneous road trip. He picked you up and now you were on the road going God knows where. It was random, but it was really fun. Your parents were out of town, so you were confident in going with Tom on his road trip.

Both of your windows were down and you put your hand out to feel the wind. It was a great feeling. Tom was looking at you from time to time and he was smiling to himself. He stopped at a red light and you brought your hand back in again despite the fact that there were no cars around.

“I have a question.” Tom said, breaking the silence.

“Yeah?”

“Will you be my girlfriend?” He asked before driving again as the light turned green. You were surprised with his question and even more so when he started driving again.

Tom looked at you and saw your shocked face before turning to look at the road again. “I mean, you don’t have to answer now. Like, take your time. I just asked because I really li-”

“Yes.” You finally answered after being silent. He stepped on the brakes in shock and said, “What?”

“Yes, I’ll be your girlfriend.” You grinned. He chuckled and shook his head in disbelief, “Wow. The most amazing girl in the world is finally my girlfriend. It’s a great day already.”

That day was the start of a new chapter for both of you. Sam and Harry knew it would happen eventually. Harry was really happy, but Sam felt as though he was in between something; he was torn in between something. Little did he know, his hunch was right and he’ll soon find out why.

Tom was a great boyfriend. He made sure to think about your feelings before doing or saying anything, he made sure to include you on things because he knew you didn’t want to feel left out, he made sure to give you space when you would write songs, he picks you up all the time because you don’t know how to drive yet, but he didn’t mind; he loved it. Tom always told you that he loved you, he would send you memes that he knew would make your day, he tells you cheesy pick up lines and he would tell you jokes that catered to your humor which you greatly appreciated. In your eyes, he was perfect; he was your home.

For you, Tom was the one. He was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with and he told you the same thing. He said that when the time was right, he would propose and both of you would get married and he would give you the family you always wanted because your family didn’t really care about you and he hated that. You deserved the world and he promised you that both of you would have a family that’s so much different than yours.

Speaking of family, the Hollands loved you. They became your family. You and Nikki would have tea together and just gossip about things. You and Dom would joke around and Paddy would always challenge you in football. Harry just loved your presence and it came to a point where you would be his model whenever he wanted to take pictures. Tom would always whine and ask why Harry never asked him and Harry would say, “You’re the least interesting to look at.”

“Excuse me, what?!” Tom replied, pretending to be hurt. He knew Harry was just joking and quoting Kim Kardashian. “I’m the most handsome guy here.”

“Okay, Shrek.” Harry shrugged and continued taking your pictures.

Regardless of the sinking feeling that he felt, Sam was still happy that you found happiness in dating his brother. He did give you a go signal, after all.

Of course, all good things come to an end. In this case, your end came after dating for two years.

Tom was away filming for yet another movie and something in your gut told you that something was extremely wrong. You weren’t the jealous type, but every time you would FaceTime Tom, everything was off. The vibe was different and you didn’t like it.

The bad feelings you have solidified when it was revealed that Tom was starring in a film with a blonde girl who was the same age as him and she was gorgeous. You always felt that Tom might leave you for her and when you told Tom that, he assured you that nothing was going on and that you were crazy for even thinking about it.

It got to a point where both of you would always argue because of it. It got to a point where both of you avoided each other for a few days until Tom got back. He was outside your house and he texted for you to come and meet him by his car. You did and you didn’t know what to say. It was your first relationship after all.

Tom looked at you with his hands in his pockets, “I don’t think we should go on anymore.”

“What?” You asked, confused.

“We’re done, Y/N. It’s just not working anymore.” Tom explained. “You don’t trust me and we’re always fighting.”

“Wait, we’re not going to talk about this?” You asked him. He just shook his head. “So you’re willing to throw two years down the drain?”

“It’s just two years, Y/N. Get a grip, it’s not a divorce.” Tom huffed. “I have to go.” With that, he got in his car and drove away, leaving you standing there confused and hurt and feeling different kinds of emotions.

You figured that everything was just a nightmare and that when you wake up the next day, everything’s fine. Of course, you were wrong. When you woke up the next day, Tom blocked your number and on social media and it broke your heart. Then when you went on Twitter, Tom Holland was trending because apparently, he’s dating the blonde girl he told you not to worry about. You were still in denial, but when you called Sam, he just told you not to bother his brother.

“It’s true, isn’t it? He left me for her.” You said with a hoarse voice. Sam was silent on the other line. You could only hear his breathing. “Hello?” You called out.

“Y/N, I have to go.” Sam said softly.

You bitterly chuckled, “I lost him and now, I lost you. This is fun.”

“It’s not like that. I just don’t want to get in the middle of-”

“It’s okay, I get it. He’s your brother. Don’t be sorry or anything. Thanks for the years of friendship, Sam. I’ll forever treasure it. Thank you, truly.” You said before hanging up, not waiting for him to respond. Unbeknownst to you, Sam was extremely hurt for being part of the reason why you’re hurting. He removed the phone from his ear and looked at it. Tom cleared his throat causing Sam to look at him.

“Was that Y/N?” Tom asked. Sam nodded. “What did she say? What did you tell her?” Tom asked again.

“I told her not to bother you and just like that, our friendship is over. So, I hope you’re happy.” Sam frowned as tears clouded his vision.

Tom scoffed, “You don’t need her. You have so many friends. Plus, you have me. Anyway, get dressed. We’re going to the pub.” Tom left Sam’s room. Sam sighed and wiped his tears. He felt terrible.

As for you, in the span of twenty-four hours, you lost your best friend and the man you loved most in the whole world.

You’re currently crying tears of joy because your new song played on the radio and it’s your first time hearing it. Your whole team was really proud of you and they were your new friends and family now. Ever since your break up with Tom, they were there for you. They helped you get back on your feet until you were ready to write another song.

The said song is now playing on the radio and is being streamed by millions.

“Congrats, Y/N!” Your manager, Anya, said. “We’re all so proud of you!”

“Thank you.” You sniffed and wiped your tears.

Your song received good reviews and it’s included in Billboard’s Top 100. Every talk show host wanted you on their show for you to perform your hit single. Everyone wanted to talk to you about the song. Anya made it all happen. You were booked left and right and all the blessings were just coming in. You were extremely happy.

On the other hand, Tom knew the song was about him and it annoyed him because everywhere he went, your song was playing. Even Sam plays it a lot. It was clear that Sam missed you, but he made his bed and he has to lay in it.

“Guess what.” Harry said.

“What?” Tom asked.

“Y/N’s nominated for an award and she’s going to the award show you’re going to.” Harry announced which made Tom groan. “Also, people somehow figured out that the song is about you and now they’re assuming things and they want to know the story, especially your side.” Harry added.

“Easy.” Sam piped up. “Just tell them you left her for another girl and you dated the said girl right after you broke up with Y/N.”

“Shut up, Sam.” Tom hissed. Sam looked at Tom with a blank expression and said, “You don’t have the right to be angry after what you did to her.”

“Why are you defending her now? Why not a few months ago when it was still fresh?” Tom retorted.

“Because I didn’t want to get in the middle of your mess and I still care about her. Unlike you, I can’t just throw years of friendship away.” Sam said before leaving the living room.

“Yikes.” Harry said after Sam left. “Anyway, you have to act like it doesn’t bother you, so it’s not an issue.”

The day of the awards show finally came and you were nervous. It was your first time performing for an extremely huge audience and it made you anxious. The red carpet was all a blur and at one point you saw Sam and both of you made eye contact. You gave him a tight-lipped smile and he did the same. What he did still hurts you, but you wanted to let go of that part of your life now.

When it was your time to perform, your phone buzzed and a notification from a number appeared. You have deleted Sam’s contact number, but you memorized his number in case of emergencies.

“Good luck on your performance, my Christine. I’m proud of you.” He wrote.

You smiled a bit before locking your phone and giving it to your manager. Somehow, it was comforting to know that Sam still had your number and that he was still supporting you despite what happened. You walked on stage and began singing your heart out. The crowd loved it and it made you happy.

“She’s so good!” Sam exclaimed as he clapped for you.

“Please, she sounds like the other artists here. She’s not special.” Tom said as he plastered a fake smile on his face. Harry scoffed and said, “Yeah, right. You fell in love with her voice the first time you met her. Don’t lie.”

Tom never responded to that and kept his mouth shut.

An hour later, the category you were nominated for was up and it made you nervous. You believed you weren’t going to win because the other nominees were well known singers. But for some miracle, you won and the camera panned to Tom to see his reaction.

He wore a fake smile as he clapped. It was awkward. It was even more awkward when you walked past him and Sam stood up to grab your hand to say a quick ‘congrats’ which you thanked him for before walking to the stage to accept your first award ever.

“Wow, I can’t believe this. I want to thank my whole team for being so supportive and patient with me!” You smiled as you accepted the award. “Thank you to the amazing fans for their undying love and support. I wouldn’t have done it without you guys.”

“Lastly, I want to thank the guy who inspired the song.” You said as the camera panned to Tom again. “You know who you are and without you, there would be no songs or albums or EPs. You were the soundtrack of my love life and I’m beginning to accept that you’re not that person anymore. Thank you for everything and I hope that with this song, I can finally let go and start fresh.”

“Thank you again!” You said before leaving the stage. The people clapped for you except for Tom who just sat there with an expression no one could read.

You never interacted with Tom or his family the whole night and somehow, you were grateful for that. You never got a text from Sam anymore, but you did get a text from Tom’s new number a few days later asking for you two to meet in the place where you went on the spontaneous road trip to God knows where.

You drove up there with your new car and when you arrived, Tom was already there waiting for you. You parked and got out of the car before walking towards him.

“Hello.” You said, breaking the silence.

“Hi.” He said. “I figured we need to talk for closure.”

“Ahh. Yes, please.” You nodded.

“I don’t know where to start.” Tom admitted.

“Maybe start with the reason why you just left me.” You said bluntly.

“I just didn’t feel the spark anymore, okay? I grew feelings for someone else and I wanted to do it right without cheating, so I broke up with you and-”

“And got together with her the next day.” You finished for him. “Amazing, Tom. Really.” He didn’t say anything else anymore and you nodded and took this as your cue to leave. But before that you called out to him. He turned to look at you and you said, “Just know that I never lacked in our relationship. I’m just sorry that I actually believed that you were the one for me and I’m sorry that I believed what you said. I wish you all the best, Thomas. I do. You’re a great actor and I know your own blessings are still coming in.”

“Thank you.” He said. “You’re a great singer.”

You gave him a small smile and got in your car and drove away. The drive back hits differently because you remembered laughing with Tom as if the road trip happened yesterday, but it didn’t. You shook off the thoughts with a chuckle and just kept driving. You were finally letting go to start a new chapter in your life.

* * * *

who wants to see the soc med of this?

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐓𝐎𝐌 𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @blueleatherbag @cocoamoonmalfoy @thatforgottenangel @parkerpeter24 @turtoix @slutforsr @givebuckyhisplumsnow @buckys-little-hoe @runawayolives @chewymoustachio @hollandsrecs @just-here-to-escape-from-reality @yourstrulyamour @juliediggory @lharrietg @alexx-stancati @rumplebutterbaby @dummiesshort @spideyspeaches @thevelvetseries @buckymylove @quxxnxfhxll @marvelsimps @dreamy-clousds @bora-world @hunnybunimdun @supred12

𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐆𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @holland-styles @trustfundparker @calltothewild @felicityparkers @hufflepuffprincess24 @tommysparker @justasmisunderstoodasloki @quaksonhehe @call-me-baby-gir1 @itstaskeen @theonly1outof-a-billion @lost-in-the-stars03 @justafangirlduh @piscesparker @speedymaximoff @miraclesoflove @lexirv @blairscott @getbywithasmile @pqrkerr @lavender-writer @blackbat2020 @hoodpankow

[bangtanloverboys]

found again // jhs

summary - forever was a very long time to be alone, but it was the safeest way to save yourself the heartache of losing loved ones. despite that, you still find yourself falling in love with hoseok

pairing - hunter!hoseok x immortal female!reader

genre - fluff, angst; reincarnation au

word count - 5.0k

warnings - strangers to lovers, hisorical inaccuracies, reader is centuries old, takes place in late 1700s, “i can fix that”, falling in love, kissing, proposal, mentioning of harming self, major character death, dogs die, im sorry everything i write of hoseok is sad but happy ending!!

author’s note - another fic inspired by ABC Forever, because i love the concept and i miss it

After nearing three centuries of life, one would think they’d get used to being alone. To the quiet still air of an empty home, void of a family. But it never did, you could never get used to it. It wasn’t that you purposefully chose to live a life of solitude, but rather found it the best way to live. If you were alone, you couldn’t get hurt. With no roots, it made moving from place to place easier. The only thing that got you through it all was thinking back on your family.

They were long gone by now, but that didn’t change the fact you still thought of them often. More than once, you would dream of what they would have thought with each place. How your mother would move every bit of furniture until it looked just right, how your father would go on about how far it was from the village, or how your little sisters would run about the cabin entirely, claiming it was perfect. 

Several times you would get so caught up in your daydreams, you would even call out to them, only for your voice to die out before their names could even fully fall past your lips. Each time you’d wince at your own foolishness, before sighing, returning to the task you were doing. 

That was simply how you lived until the day that Hoseok arrived. 

You were deep into the woods, picking wild berries when a rustling was heard from across the clearing you were in. Cautiously, you made your way over to the rustling bushes. Right as you were about to peek behind them, a young man popped out from behind them. You let out a scream as you stumbled back, tripping over your skirt and sending you tumbling into the dirt.

“Oh my- I’m so sorry!” The young man spoke as he rushed over to you, helping you back to your feet.

“What were you doing? Were you watching me?!” You exclaimed, pushing him away from you as soon as you stood up.

“No! I promise. I was hunting when my dogs stopped.” It was then you were suddenly aware of the two dog heads that poked out from the branches. “I thought they caught a scent of maybe a deer but uh, seems like they found you,” he chuckled nervously, before his eyebrows shot up. “Where are my manners, I’m Hoseok,” he said, holding his hand out for you.

You stared at it for a moment, before you gave him your name, placing your hand in his. Your hand in his grip, he raised your knuckles to his lips for a kiss.

“Pleasure to meet you.” You swore your face grew hot at those words. It had been years since any man had shown you any sort of affection, even if it was the smallest bit. “What are you doing out here?”

“I- uh, berries.” You gestured to your basket that you left across the clearing. “Collecting some for a pie.” You’re unsure why you felt nervous all of a sudden, but with Hoseok’s gaze on your, it made it difficult to not feel shy.

“Berry pie? Oh that sounds delicious.”

Before you could even comprehend what you were thinking, you found yourself asking, “Would you like some?” 

“Pardon?” He furrowed his brows at you.

“I mean,” you cringed at yourself before you started over, “would you like to come over? It should only take a few hours?”

A smile lit up his face, and you swear you don’t think you’ve ever seen a more beautiful smile. “I would love that.” The both of you walked across the field, picking up your basket as you reentered the forest, heading into the direction of your cottage. Glancing behind you, you saw the two bloodhounds following close on his heels. No doubt noticing how you kept glancing behind him, he introduced them. “Their names are Mickey and Ann.”

“They’re beautiful,” you complimented.

The rest of the journey back to your cottage was in silence, but it was not uncomfortable. Reaching your small little property, you felt uneasiness wash over you as you motioned to your small cottage. It was already several years old by the time you moved into it, windows didn’t shut right and it took a couple nudges to fully close the door; but it was home. If Hoseok thought any less of it, he didn’t say anything, besides ordering the two dogs to stay put at the front door.

Once inside, you began to prepare the pie crust. On occasion, you’d glance up at Hoseok who was staring at the small things you had collected over your life, mainly assorted coins from each country you visited and a few books. Picking one of them up, he began to flip through it.

“Do you actually understand this?” He asked, gesturing to the words on the page.

“Italian? Yes.” No doubt it was probably one of the first languages you learned when you discovered your affliction. Over the past few centuries, you found out you had quite the knack for picking up languages. 

“You must’ve had some fancy schooling,” he whistled as he set the book down.

“Not really,” you flushed as you kneaded the dough. “Just knew someone who taught it to me.”

“Family?” He asked.

You shook your head no. A small Italian artist took you under her wing for a handful of years, deeming you her muse. In return for being the source of her inspiration, she taught you her language. 

“Where is your family?” 

The question had you cease your kneading. You should have known the question would’ve been asked at some point or another. Not to mention, you were somewhat of an enigma to the nearby village. A young well read woman from far away living in a small abandoned cottage, what could you possibly be doing all the way out here? No one ever said anything to you about it, but you knew they certainly thought something of it, judging by the stares you received when you’d walk into town. If he’d ever been, there was a strong possibility he knew of you already.

“Gone,” you answered, resuming your kneading. “Just me.”

“Oh, I’m sorry about that.” His voice was soft as he apologized, like he regretted asking.

“Not your fault, they’ve been gone for a while.” A long while.

The comfortable silence was gone, replaced with an air of tension. Like a string held so taught that the smallest movement would cause it to snap. The topic of your family always stung, no matter how much time had passed. 

Quite possibly wanting to ease the awkward atmosphere he created, Hoseok quietly made his way over to you in your small kitchen. Standing beside you, he smiled.

“What can I do to help?”

Pushing down the butterflies that had erupted in your stomach, you stepped to the side and handed him the basket of wildberries you collected. “Make the filling?” 

The rest of the afternoon consisted of both of you struggling to make the pie. Hoseok apparently wasn’t all that good with following directions as whenever you turned your back to do something, he would try and sneak a nibble at the filling. On occasion, he’d inquire about your knowledge of languages; curious to learn different phrases. It was only when you put the pie in the oven did Hoseok finally cease his linguistic questions. Sitting on a stool, you allowed yourself to catch your breath as you watched the young hunter, who’s gaze was fixated on your roof. 

You were well aware of the shape your cottage was in, due to its old age it was in constant need of repairs. The most important one being the leaks in the roof, thankfully it was the dry season so you didn’t have to go about fixing them just yet, but you knew you’d have to get to it eventually.

“I can fix that.” He gestured up to the roof.

“Can you really?” You raised a brow at him.

“Consider it my way of repaying you for the pie.”

And that was the beginning of your friendship with Hoseok. He’d stop by every other day, tools in hand and work on sealing up your roof. A few times, he’d even bring in a few of his kills, offering it to you to make some dinner. Each time you refused, but he always insisted. 

“A lady needs her food.”

A little over a week had passed and Hoseok finished the roof. It was then you realized how badly you hated being alone. You’d missed having someone to talk to, to cook for. Having grown so used to his presence in that week, you pointed to the old busted chicken coop that resided on your property. It had been empty since you’d moved in and you thought having fresh eggs from a nice chicken coop would be nice. Without hesitating, he agreed to fix the coop. And your front door, and your windows, and your fence. Each time he completed something, you found something new for him to fix.

While he worked on repairs, you’d either read or cook up dinner, not only for you and him, but for his dogs as well. Mickey and Ann were complete sweethearts, waiting patiently by the front door for their owner to come in and join you all for food. When he was working on your windows, more than once you saw him peeking through as you sat at your kitchen table reading  as Mickey laid his head on your lap. 

Eventually, the cottage was practically brand new. There was nothing else to be fixed and you had to prepare yourself to say goodbye to Hoseok. Your heart ached as he walked away from your home for the last time, his dogs trailing behind him. The following morning, you resumed your usual chores and activities; tending to your (new) chickens, work in your garden, and reread your books. 

You’d been fighting off tears all day, and it was as you were preparing supper that the tears began to fall. Perhaps it was foolish of you to get attached to him anyways. No matter what would have happened, it would’ve turned out the way it usually did: with you disappearing. 

A knock on your door, pulled you from your thoughts. For a moment you were confused, no one ever from the village ever came up to visit, you wondered what could’ve happened. Quickly, you wiped the tears from your eyes and made your way over to the door, where the unknown visitor knocked away. 

“Coming, I’m coming!” You called as you swung the door open, revealing- “Hoseok?”

The young man was at your door, a handful of freshly killed quails in hand, and both hounds standing behind him, panting happily. “What, I’m not late am I?”

“No, no,” you shook your head, “that’s not it at all. I just- I wasn’t expecting you?”

“Why wouldn’t you be expecting me? I thought we had a nice little arrangement going on?” He questioned.

“We did, but I have nothing else for you to fix so I assumed-”

“Y/N,” he cut you off. Cupping your cheek, you had no choice but to look up into his sweet, adoring face. “I thought it was pretty obvious you wanted me around for some other reason besides being your handyman.”

Feeling your face grow hot, you slowly nodded. 

He chuckled at you softly, his eyes never leaving yours. “So is it alright, I come over for supper?”

“Of course,” you breathed out. You don’t think you’ve ever felt so happy in so long. 

So the two of you fell into a routine of sorts, he would stop by some meat for you to cook for your supper. Over the meal, you’d catch up on your day to day activities. By the time the food was gone, and you were with full bellies, Hoseok would excuse himself. 

“Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning,” was what he would say as he left your cottage for his own home, somewhere in town. A few times you’d stayed up so late that it was well past midnight, so you offered him your place for the night. Purely because you didn’t want him out so late, but each time he refused; saying it wouldn’t be right.

Slowly, your dinner meetings would begin happening in the day time. The last few days of summer were upon you and you wanted to spend it with Hoseok, having a picnic with him. 

You dragged him up a tall grassy hill, basket full of bread, cheese, and jam. He laughed as he allowed you to pull him up towards the top, Mickey and Ann trailing behind at his heels, barking happily. Hoseok allowed the dogs to wander around the area, occasionally calling them back if they went too far. 

All set up, you both sat down and enjoyed your lunch. It wasn’t long after you finished that you scooted closer to him, and closer until your hands were almost touching. You were about to slip your hand underneath his when Hoseok’s hand moved, taking your’s and placing it in his. His hands were rough to the touch, small calluses riddled his palms. A smile playing on your lips, you rested your head on his shoulder.

Neither of you moved for hours as you watched the day go by from that little spot on the hill, relishing in the late summer sun. Out of all the years you lived, you had to think that that moment there was the most peaceful. There was no need to run, no overwhelming sense of loss, just you and Hoseok.

“What was your family like?” He questioned.

Taking a deep breath, you began talking about your late family. “My father was a miller, he’d often take me on his runs to deliver flour, giving me a little sack to carry as well,” you smiled fondly at the memory, the villagers chuckling at you as you teetered behind him. “When I was even younger, I used to lay down by the fire and watch my mother sew. . . scolding me for growing up so fast.”

“Did you have any siblings?”

“I had two younger sisters, parents weren’t able to have anymore after the youngest,” you sighed, remembering how hard your parents tried. “They adored flowers, wanting to cover the cottage we lived in with honeysuckle and wild flowers.” Your vision started to get blurry as tears welled up in your eyes.

“They sound wonderful,” Hoseok murmured.

“Yeah, they were. . .” You sighed, blinking back the tears.

“Hey,” he pulled his shoulder away to look at you. “You’re okay, it’s okay.” Hoseok’s hand moved to cup your cheek, brushing the stray hairs from your face. “Your parents are looking down on you, so proud of the woman you are today.”

Meeting Hoseok’s eyes, you’re overwhelmed with the love and adoration pouring from his gaze. Never in your three hundred years had a person ever looked at you that way. As much as you wanted to give into his love, you were scared of the inevitable. One day Hoseok would begin to age and he would notice you still look the same as the day you met. He would grow old before your eyes, leaving you no choice but to leave him broken hearted. To love him would be selfish of you.

The sound of his voice calling your name pulled you from your spiral. You watched as his eyes flickered down to your lips for a moment, before he slowly leaned in. For the first time ever time felt like it stood still. There was no inevitable ticking clock, no fear or thoughts of the future. Just you and Hoseok, on that grassy hill on a late August day. 

You should’ve known better than to have let him kiss you, as you knew as soon as you felt his lips on yours, there was no way you’d be able to let him go. Being alone for so many years, perhaps this time you could allow yourself to be selfish. One day you’d tell him about your curse, but until that day came, you were going to let yourself be with him. 

As the seasons changed, your relationship with Hoseok only grew stronger. He’d visit you daily, bringing gifts of flowers, baked goods, and other assorted courting gifts. The two of you would spend all day together, reading or he’d help you take care of your chickens. Each night, he would leave, despite your insistence on him spending the night.

“I’m courting you, let me do this right,” he whispered once as he kissed you goodnight. 

While you appreciated the sweet sentiment, he should’ve known your relationship was anything but orthodox. If your mother was still around, she surely would’ve been scandalized to hear you kissed him before you even married him. In fact the more you thought about it, the more horrified your mother would be at what you’ve done before marriage. But despite everything you may have done in the past, everything with Hoseok felt like a first.

Whenever Hoseok was with you, never did it feel like time was passing. Like it was only the two of you in your own little bubble of the world, frozen in time. Thoughts of your curse were far from your mind, but each time he left for the night, you knew you had to tell him eventually.

As the days grew colder, that ache you felt in your heart only became more apparent. Soon, you’d think to yourself, I’ll tell him soon. But it couldn’t come soon enough.

Snow soon covered the land, leaving you and Hoseok nothing much but to huddle yourselves inside your cottage. Both of you were huddled in front of your fireplace, desperate to keep warm. Hoseok’s dogs were curled up beside you as well, Mickey’s head resting on your lap as you lazily stroked his fur with one hand. You were rereading one of your novels, simply enjoying the warmth of the fire when you could feel Hoseok’s eyes on you. It wasn’t uncommon that he would stare at you as you did any sort of task, but there was something different about him. Behind his eyes, there was a particularly soft warm glow, making your body feel a thousand times more warmed than the heat of the fire in front of you.

“What are you staring at me like that for?” You finally asked, setting your book down. 

“Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?”

Within an instant you felt your cheeks warmed by his words. “Yes,” you responded shyly, avoiding meeting his eyes. 

Scooting closer to you, he took the book out of your hand, placing it off to the side. Both hands now free, he took them in his as he said your name. “I don’t know how else to say this but, I love you. I don’t know exactly when I fell for you, but I don’t think I ever want to stop.” Removing one hand from yours, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a delicate copper band. 

A gasp escaped your lips as he held out the ring for you. 

“It would give me the greatest pleasure, if you were to be my wife.”

“Yes,” you whispered. “Yes, yes!” You repeated as he slipped the ring onto your finger. Not even looking at it, you threw your arms over his shoulders. Unprepared for your sudden movement, you both went tumbling to the floor, the dogs whined as they rushed to move away from your colliding bodies. You pressed your mouth to his, smiling into it as he returned your kiss.

Until that moment, all your kisses had been brief. Fleeting kisses of hellos and goodbyes, never lasting more than a second. This kiss was different. His hands held your gently at your hips, keeping you in place on top of him. A fire ignited deep in you as you kissed him, you didn’t want to let him go now, not tonight. Keenly, you began peppering Hoseok’s entire face with kisses. His grip on you tightened as your lips traveled lower along the side of his jaw, nibbling at his neck.

“Wait,” his words came out in a groan. Calling your name, you only responded by moving back up to his lips, wanting to kiss him again. “No, not yet.”

“Hoseok, please,” you whined, breathless from the kiss.

“I know, I know, my love,” he panted as his hand came up to cup your face. “It’s getting late,” he sighed, noticing how dark the sky was outside once you were both sitting up again. 

“You could stay the night,” you offered once again. Before he could protest, you continued. “Besides, we’re engaged now. What difference would it make?”

Hoseok rolled your eyes at the logic. “The difference is I would like my first time with you, to be with you as my wife.” 

“You’re such a romantic,” you huffed as he stood up, gathering his things for him to leave.

Once all his things were together, he lowered his head down, kissing you one last time. “Goodnight, my love. I’ll see you tomorrow.” With that, Hoseok and his dogs left just like they would any other night. 

You stared at the door, waiting for the faint crunches of his footsteps in the snow to disappear. Now alone, you knew you had to tell him. Hopefully his love for you would trump any doubts he would have. While you could try to hurt yourself as proof, you doubt he’d want to see you harmed. Death was a jarring thing, no matter if you were to come back or not. Regardless of the outcome, you knew you’d tell him tomorrow. 

The following day, you got up like you would any other. You got yourself dressed, and began your daily activities. Everything was the way it normally was, but something felt off. You couldn’t place what was, but you knew deep down that something wasn’t right. 

Covering yourself with a thick shawl, you made your way over towards your chicken coop. Picking out the eggs from your hens, ready to make something for breakfast. Once you had enough, you made your way back over to your house. It was then you heard barking. 

Turning your head, you saw the familiar faces of Mickey and Ann, but there was no Hoseok. Setting the basket down, you lowered yourself to the ground, ready to greet the hounds. 

“Hey, hey,” you cooed as you pet the dogs, both of them clearly very distressed. “What’s going on? Where’s Hoseok?” As the mention of his name, Mickey barked at you while Ann whined, pulling at your skirts. 

“Excuse me, miss.” A new voice called from across the way. Looking up, recognizing the face as the innkeeper. You’d seen him a few times in town and Hoseok spoke of him often, as he had been renting one of his rooms the past few months. “You knew Hoseok, correct?”

“He’s my fianceé,” you responded cautiously as you straightened up. You hugged your shawl tighter around you as the innkeeper’s eyes saddened at your words. “Why? What happened?”

“I’m very sorry for your loss, miss.”

“What?” That moment, you could’ve sworn your heart stopped. Deep down, you wish it did. No, Hoseok couldn’t be gone. It couldn’t be. You wanted to accuse the innkeeper of lying, or perhaps he mistook someone for Hoseok. But the look in his eyes was clear: Hoseok was dead.

A ringing started in your ears as you stumbled back into your cabin, the dogs following after you. Barely able to hear any other word the innkeeper might’ve said, but it didn’t matter anyways. Hoseok was gone. There couldn’t be anything else to be said. 

Alone once again in your home, you collapsed onto the ground. Opening your mouth, a deafening wail passed your lips. You had died a number of times by now; you’d been poisoned, stabbed, hung, shot, drowned. You’ve felt almost every measure of pain there was, but nothing compared to the pain you felt when you’d lost your beloved Hoseok. 

You became a ghost of yourself after that day. Simply going through the motions of each day. Your only company was Mickey and Ann, who too missed their late owner. They were your only comfort, knowing that taking care of them was something Hoseok would’ve wanted you to do. Every night, they slept on your bed, curled up beside you as you lazily pet their aging bodies. 

Ann was the first to die. 10 years have passed since you lost Hoseok. You’d moved out of that cottage a few years prior, knowing it was only a matter of time before the village had caught on to your affliction. The move was particularly hard on the two hounds, not wanting to move far from the only town they’d ever known. But you had no choice. It became very apparent that Ann wished to return, always sleeping by the door, hoping you’d change your mind. That’s how you found her one spring morning, lying quietly by the door, having passed in her sleep.

You buried her in your garden, under a bed of roses.

Having lost both his sister and Hoseok, Mickey followed soon after. He rarely left your bed, only getting up to eat or to go outside. It was only three months later did you bury him beside Ann. 

The only reminder you had left of Hoseok was the ring on your finger. You rarely took it off your finger, fearing that one day you might forget it or Hoseok. Often you’d find yourself staring at the copper band. It was simple, bearing no special engravings or jewels, but it became your most prized possession.

Unfortunately, time didn’t stay still for you to wallow in your misery. You had to keep moving forward. But as time moved on, so did the world around you. It was strange how fast technology advanced, but as helpful as it was to the people around you, it became your worst nightmare. It became harder and harder to disappear, small towns and far away cabins no longer felt like the safe haven they once were. Which was how you found yourself deep in the city.

It was strange how easy it was to disappear, to simply become another face in the crowd. No one spared you a second glance, no matter how many times you may have seen them over the years, no one recognized you and your lack of aging. As long as you kept to yourself, you managed to stay hidden in plain sight.

Off the corner of 3rd street, you had your own little hole in the wall bookstore. You purchased the store from a sweet old couple a few years back, it was a quaint little bookshop, already having its own group of loyal customers. On occasion, you would get a few new faces, but it was usually the same ones everyday. 

Until today when you saw a face you hadn’t seen in almost 300 years.

Per your usual morning routine, you were taking inventory of the store when you heard the bell over the front door ring. “I’ll be with you in just a moment!” You called out, trying to finish the last few rows of books. Finished, you made your way back towards the front of the store, dusting your hands off. “Well, is there anything I can help you with-” You stopped dead in your tracks as you saw the man you had entered your store. His eyes were cast downwards and he looked over the titles of the front shelves. Hearing your arrival, familiar dark eyes faced you.

“I’m just browsing,” he said, lips curling into a smile you swore you almost forgot. 

In front of you, was Hoseok. It was, had to be. He looked every bit the same as that cold winter night when you last saw him. Your mouth opened and closed several times, before you finally gained your senses.

“Well, just, let me know if there’s anything specific you had in mind,” you responded, smiling as you spun around on your heel, wanting to make a break for your back office.

“Actually, there might be something.”

Swallowing thickly, you turned back to face him. “Oh?”

“I’m thinking of getting into cooking, do you have any cookbook recommendations?” He asked.

“Y-yeah, follow me.” Quickly, you walked over towards your cookbook section, feeling his eyes on you as you walked him over to the shelves. Dragging your fingers over the spines, you pulled out the one you were looking for. It was an older copy, you recognized from the late 80s. Inside were recipes of different types of baked goods and other dishes. “This one, I think I’ve made just about everything in it twice,” you said, pulling it off the shelf and handing it to him. 

As the man flipped through the pages, you found yourself fiddling with the ring that now hung around your neck. Long ago, you strung a chain through it, nearly losing it down the drain. You stared at him in front of you, still not able to wrap your head around it. After nearly six hundred years, you don’t think you’ve ever seen the same face twice. Maybe this was your second chance with him, to start over again. But at the same time, you knew it would be foolish. The man in front of you was a complete stranger, not Hoseok. For all you know, he could be completely different than your long lost fianceé.

Shutting the book, he nodded. “This is perfect.”

Shaking you from your thoughts, you nodded. “Great. I’ll ring you up over here.” Walking back towards the cash register, you both fell into a silence as you rang him up. “Alright, here you go,” you smiled, handing him the book.

“Thank you so much.” Cookbook and receipt in hand, he made his way towards the front door. He couldn’t go just yet, there was something you needed to know.

“Wait!” You called out right as he placed his hand on the door. “If you don’t mind me asking, what’s your name?”

That brilliant smile played on his lips again as he responded. “Jung Hoseok.”

[let-them-read-fics]

Yours Truly (Pt. 2)

Requested By: Some of you!

Pairing: Jisoo x Fem!Reader

AU: College

Word Count: Part 1 -> 9,786 // Part 2 -> 7,433

Warnings / Misc. -- Angst, Pining, Fluff

Disclaimer: This writing is a work of fiction, and no disrespect is meant for those mentioned herein.

A/N: Here's the second and final part of the imagine, gang. I hope you enjoy the adventures I wrote for you! Let me know about your fav part(s)!

♡ Happy Reading ♡

Part 1 -- Click Here

🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤

5.) Epiphanies

A Week Later

"Yuqi, why the hell did you drag me here? I'd so much rather be writing…" you shove your hands further into the pockets of your hoodie and look at her with a scowl. Rows of people fill the bleachers around you, everyone excited for the football game that's scheduled to start soon. Happy couples sit together all around the stadium, and the sight only works to remind you of how weird things are with Jisoo right now.

"One: it's a Friday night and you need to let loose, and two: I wanted to come, so you have to tag along by default. The rules of friendship are very simple, Y/N," she trails off, tilting her head at you with a smile. 

"Well I am gonna go get some food," you imitate her, "Do you want anything?" You stand from the bench and look down at her, noticing how her permed hair sticks up in a few different places. You smooth it out for her as she answers, "Nachos, please." 

"Alright, dork. I'm sure the line's kinda long, but come look for me if I'm not back in 20." She pats your butt as you leave, and you just shake your head with a smile. 

"--I know! Did you hear about Lee's new girlfriend? I heard she got in a fight with his ex last ni--"

"I'm fucking starving bro."

"Yeah, they totally hooked up at Jackson's party!"

Various conversations work their way to your ears as you walk towards the back of the line, but you attempt to not get too invested in the gossip. As welcoming as your school tends to be, even it has its fair share of scandals and drama. You've never been one to care about rumors though, and you don't plan to start now.

"I heard that Jisoo likes someone." 

Funny how plans can change in an instant, don't you think? 

You can't find it in yourself to ignore the childish desire to eavesdrop, so you listen in as the line slowly shifts forward with each new customer served, doing your best to be inconspicuous. 

"Supposedly she's been into them for a while but they don't know about it. I guess Lisa is planning to get them together tonight or something, I don't know." You recognize the brunette speaking as Seulgi, a dance major that you share a couple classes with. She's talking to Yeri, whom you've seen a few times in passing. 

That must be why she was defensive about the kiss; she has feelings for someone else. 

"Ooh, that'll be interesting. I can't say that I'm not disappointed, though; now Jisoo's gonna be off the market." The shorter girl frowns, basically reading your mind with her statement. You've never fooled yourself into believing you have a chance with Jisoo, but knowing that she'll be whisked away by some lucky classmate of yours definitely isn't an easy pill to swallow. 

You pass the remaining wait time by imagining who that person may be. Jisoo has a lot of friends, but you've never seen her around campus with any particular love interest; she always puts her studies first, deciding that her education is far more important than any potential relationship.

You remain lost in your thoughts until it's your turn to order.

"Hey Y/N, what can I get for you?" The cashier greets, resetting the register as she grins at you. 

"Hi Yeji," you smile back, happy to see your old friend again after what feels like forever. Your busy schedules have kept you from hanging out much lately, but seeing her now is something you're grateful for. "I'll take two waters, a medium nacho, and 1 hot dog, please." 

"You want everything on it?" She asks in reference to your last request, assuming you still stick with the order you used to go with in your childhood. 

"You know it. And make sure to--"

"--spread the toppings out well. I remember, girl." She says with a wink, turning around to get started on your order. The familiar interaction warms your heart, aided by the idea that some things never change. After she packages your things up in a convenient little container, you thank her and pay, walking away with a promise to meet up at the school's café next week.

About halfway back to your seat, something unexpected happens.

"Rosie, we can't buy out the whole place. This is the 4th trip we've taken back here and the game hasn't even started yet!" You freeze as you round the corner, almost dropping your food as Jisoo's low voice sounds off nearby. 

"Unnie, I didn't even get to eat much of the other stuff at all! Lisa and Jennie stole it and shared it with everyone else," the artist pouts, rolling her hands into fists at her sides like a toddler. 

"Fine. But this is the last trip I'm taking." She warns, rolling her eyes when the Australian attacks her with a flurry of kisses. "Yah! Let's go before we miss something." She says, pushing her off of her with a smile on her face. 

Even her voice makes your heart ache, and it reminds you of what her kiss felt like against your lips. It was short, no doubt, and barely there; but the sparks remain, waiting to be reignited anytime she's around. Maybe you're just destined to pine.

----

"There you are! I was literally about to go steal some food from Shuhua because you were taking so long." 

"Yeah, yeah," you say, sitting down beside Yuqi with the cardboard box in your hands. "You're lucky I love you enough to pay for this. Now I'll have to survive on 3 grains of rice and ramen for the next few weeks." 

"Oh, the struggles of being a broke college student." She says woefully, clutching her hands together in front of her chest to add to the effect. 

"Precisely," you agree, scooting closer to offer her some nachos. When she tries to greedily take the whole tray of them, you're quick to stop her. 

"Ah, ah, ah," you warn, pulling her wrist back down. "We're sharing, chica." She huffs, but eventually settles down and decides to shove her face full instead of protesting anymore. 

Now, with your best friend happily eating, you relax and begin to prepare yourself for the match. 

--

"LET'S GO!" You shout with Yuqi, chanting together as your school's anthem echoes throughout the stadium. The rival team has been behind the entire game, but they closed the gap in the last few minutes and now it's neck and neck. Your band plays loudly to encourage your team, and it seems to be working; they manage to repeatedly hold the others off and keep them from scoring. 

It's the start of the fourth quarter now -- the home stretch. With their spirits still high, your team continues to keep victory out of their opponents hands. The black paint underneath their eyes is really streaked now, showing all the effort and sweat that they've put into the game so far. A beautiful sunset just previously gave way to a rapidly darkening evening sky, allowing some stars to peek out now.

"My high school team sucked; this is epic!" Yuqi says, making you laugh. You tear your eyes away from the heated game to say something to her, but all thoughts soon disappear from your mind and you stop mid-sentence. 

She notices your sudden silence and looks at you, only realizing what's happening once she follows your line of sight. Jeong is standing against the metal fence that borders the track, mingling with everyone at the bottom of the bleachers. That doesn't bother you, but what you see next certainly does; you spot Jisoo beside him, giggling at something he said as he tucks a piece of hair behind her ear. 

"Oh shit," Yuqi breathes out, fully grasping the weight of the situation now. She doesn't even attempt to give him the benefit of the doubt, because he knows how in love you are with Jisoo and yet there he is, flirting away. He's the only other person besides Yuqi who knows of your feelings for the brunette, and you really trusted him with it. Clearly that was a mistake. You blink a few times and set your jaw, quickly looking away as he moves closer to whisper something in her ear over the noise of the crowd. 

"I'm gonna head out to the car. Just let me know who wins," you mumble, brushing past her on your way toward the exit. You know there's no way you'd be able to focus on the game anymore after seeing that, so going is your best option. She catches your arm before you can slip away, and says, "Wait, I'm coming with you. And don't even try to tell me no; I can always watch highlights later. I'm not gonna let you be alone right now." 

Knowing it's pointless to argue anymore, you nod once and wait for her to gather up her trash and coat. "Let's go," she says, taking your hand after tossing her garbage in the can conveniently placed at the end of your row. She squeezes it a few times for reassurance, and a bittersweet smile works onto your lips at the gesture. 

You don't notice how Jisoo's eyes follow you, every fiber of her being yelling at her to go after you. She hates seeing you sad, and although she isn't 100% sure of the reason for it now, all she wants is to cheer you up. 

"So, Jisoo. Do you have any plans after the game?" Jeong smirks, quirking a brow suggestively at his own question. Jisoo grimaces, saying, "Yeah, I do. I have to study." She tries to find you in the crowd again, but it seems that you've already slipped away. 

"We're throwing a party tonight, you should come." He leans a little closer to her, but she takes a step back. The only reason she's even talking to him right now is because Lisa introduced them, and it would be impolite not to. She turns him down, yet again sneaking a glance around the stadium. 

"No wonder Y/N's too chicken to ask you out; you're hard to get, but I don't mind a challenge." Her head whips around at his statement, heart regaining that familiar uptick at the mention of you. "What?" She blinks, not believing her ears. Surely she was just hearing things. 

"I said I don't mind a challenge," his words come out slightly slurred, and the effects of the alcohol he's been drinking are beginning to show themselves in all the wrong ways. The more he talks, the less Jisoo can stand him. "Look, Jeong -- I'm not interested. I'm sure there are other girls here that would love to get to know you, but I'm not one of them. Now, if you'll excuse me," she says, turning her body to the side to maneuver around him and get to the stairs. He lets her go without another word, his pride too bruised to come up with a more fitting response than a muttered insult. 

She makes quick work of getting to the parking lot, where she spots you approaching Yuqi's car, head hanging a bit. Seeing you upset saddens her, and she's determined to find out what's wrong. 

"Y/N! Wait up!" The shout catches your attention, and you slowly spin around. Jisoo begins to jog out to you, and a scoff slips past your lips (though you don't put much effort into stopping it). You're hurt, and half of the reason for your pain is staring right back at you like nothing happened. 

"What do you want, Jisoo?" You sigh, not looking forward to where this conversation will most certainly go.

"I want to talk, Y/N." She's in front of you now, scanning her eyes between yours to gauge your reaction. 

"What is there to say? Just go back to talking to Jeong; you looked like you were enjoying yourself." She can hear the jealousy laced in your tone, and things finally -- finally -- begin to click for her. 

"Is that what this is about?" She asks in reference to your sadness. The question isn't accusatory at all; she's genuinely trying to piece things together. 

A disbelieving laugh leaves you at that. How is she still so oblivious? "Yes, Jisoo, it is. I just had to witness someone who I thought was my friend flirt with my crush. So yeah, that's what this is about." Sensing that she doesn't know what to say, you decide to conclude things for her. This is already pitiful enough, and you'd rather spare the both of you from having the "it's not you, it's me" talk. 

"Look, I get it. You don't like me back, and you were only trying to be friendly by inviting me to the rehearsal that night. Just please, for the both of us, forget it even happened. Forget all of this. It was a mistake, and I won't do it again."

Jisoo hates that you're jumping to conclusions without even knowing her true feelings; you automatically think that she couldn't possibly feel the same, and you use her moment of silence as a form of evidence to prove that. The complete opposite is true, though you'd never give her enough time to straighten out her jumbled thoughts and tell you that. 

She finds her voice when you turn away, and she reaches out to touch your hand. "Stop, you've got it all wrong." Your eyes glance down to your intertwined hands, but you wiggle out of her grip with a heavy sigh. Over your shoulder, you shakily say, "You don't have to pretend for me, Jisoo. I'll be alright. If he makes you happy, then so be it." 

With that, you get in Yuqi's car and tell her to drive away, leaving Jisoo to deal with the sinking feeling in her chest that worsens as the car's tail lights grow dimmer and dimmer in the distance. You're gone, and she really has no idea how to come back from this. 

6.) Broken Hearted

The next few weeks were hell. You avoided Jisoo as much as possible, too embarrassed to face her after what happened and too weak to be close to her again. You'd surely fall even harder if you allowed yourself to grow any closer, so you didn't take the risk. How could you? Falling alone isn't an enjoyable experience, and you've been teetering on the edge of no return ever since that afternoon at the daycare. 

It was hard enough to escape her hold -- her face was everywhere, plastered on ads and bulletin boards all throughout campus, on reminders and sign ups for student council. You used your sick days in order to hide away in your dorm and block out the world, only being comforted by Ryujin when she wasn't busy with her own life or Yuqi when she could spare a few hours. They always made sure to care for you as much as they could, knowing first hand how tough heartbreak can be -- especially with the added stress of schoolwork. 

One person you thought about often was Jeong. Every time he'd cross your mind, dirtying up your brainwaves with the mere notion of himself, you'd grimace. He didn't deserve the attention, and yet you couldn't help but question why he did that to you. He hadn't reached out since that night, likely due to Yuqi giving him a piece of her mind after the game. He made it clear that he wasn't sorry, and that if given the chance, he'd play his cards even better and hopefully score a date with Jisoo. 

Maybe that was the worst part of it all. Hearing that it hadn't just been a stupid thing he did because he was drunk; he realized the weight of his actions, and he'd do it again, over and over, without caring about how you fit into the equation. That football game was simply a turning point, hidden in plain sight as an unassuming night for you to hang out with Yuqi. But you learned more then than you had ever intended to; Jeong's selfish, and he probably never even cared for you in the first place. The idea of that makes you feel dirty -- like you wasted so much of your time with such a horrible person, sticking up for him and defending his name when he wasn't around when he never even deserved that in the first place. You wish you would've known who he really was back then; you would've stayed away. 

Unbeknownst to you, Jisoo was struggling much like you -- minus the whole "betrayed by a best friend" situation. Every time that she showed up in class, she hoped with every piece of herself that you'd walk through the door and grace the room with your presence. You seldom ever did, though -- but when you ran out of free days of absence and were forced to attend class in order to keep your grades up, you never even uttered a word to her. She'd make it a point to ask questions in class, hoping that hearing her voice would bring something out of you, as yours did to her. She longed to talk to you again, if only for a minute; but your resolve remained strong, and her determination grew weaker as the days went by. 

Being the person she is, though, she knew giving up wasn't an option. After a few weeks of that cycle, greeting stands were placed at the front doors of each complex on campus, manned by different members of the council. She came up with a story for the administration on the fly, using her people skills to convince them that it would be good for student morale and getting more people to join clubs. It was a great effort, but she underestimated your avoidance skills; you thwarted her plans again, slipping right through her strategically linked fingers. 

Eventually, she lost hope. She exhausted every option she knew to try, and the girls ran out of new ones as well. Seeing their unnie so upset saddened them, and they did all they could to cheer her up in any and every way they knew how. 

7.) Premiere Night

"Y/N, get up. You're gonna shower and get dressed if I have to force you to do it myself." Yuqi commands, blasting into your room and flipping on the overhead light that shines far too bright for your liking. 

"Mmm," you groan in protest, not even bothering to roll over. 

"I mean it; don't test me, you know I'm true to my word."

"Why, Yuqi?"

"Because we're going to the performance tonight. The big show that everyone has been going on about is premiering, and you're coming with me to see it."

"I can't do that." You say, her words sobering you up from your sleepy stupor.

"I know who the lead is," she informs, already knowing about your reasons for being hesitant, "and that's precisely why we're going. You can't keep living like this, so either go get your girl, or agree to be friends with her and work past what you're dealing with." 

"You sound like a mom at the end of an 80s movie."

"80s movie moms are valid, so I'll take that as a compliment. Now go!" She shouts, shoving you off the bed. You tumble to the floor in a heap of blankets and pillows, still managing to hit your funny bone as you let out a pained groan. 

"Remind me to slap her later, Ryujin." 

"Will do." She salutes, reaching a hand down to help you up. With one last glare at an annoyingly bubbly Yuqi, you head to the bathroom to shower. 

----

"How do I look?" You ask, looking yourself up and down in the skinny mirror attached to the wall. 

"Is it gay if I say I'd ask you out?" Yuqi asks with a smile, fanning herself animatedly when you strike a pose. 

"Very much so, yes." 

"Well, hand me the rainbow suspenders, then." 

You push her over with a laugh -- the first real one you've shared in a while -- and wrap her in a hug. 

"Thank you, for real. I don't know where I'd be if I didn't have you." You say against her shoulder, pulling back to look at your roommate and add, "Either of you." The three of you settle in for a group hug and tell a few more jokes before Yuqi finally drags you out of the dorm. 

----

"How does it feel to be back in society?" Yuqi whispers, leaning in close to you to read the seat numbers printed on your tickets. 

"As lame as ever." You add, amusingly unenthused. 

"You're never gonna convince Jisoo to date your dumbass with that attitude." She retorts, feeling a little guilty when she sees your expression change upon hearing her name. You're afraid to see where the two of you will stand at the end of the night, so saying it's still a sore subject is the understatement of the year. 

"I'm messing with you, dude. If she doesn't want to be with you, then it's her loss; but I highly doubt that's the case. I've heard she misses you a lot." For once, Yuqi's words are halfway encouraging to hear, and you let out a light smile. 

"Well I'm prepared to worry about that whole situation later. For now, let's find our seats and enjoy the show." Your best friend quickly agrees, and the two of you squeeze through the crowds in the aisles to get to your row. 

----

"Jisoo, I promise you'll do well. You've been practicing for months; you've got this," Soo-hyun says, rubbing his co-lead's back in reassuring circles. The certainty in his deep voice gives Jisoo some semblance of security, and she stands to look at him with one final, nervous sigh. Stage fright has never been this big of an issue for her, but the size of the crowd and the idea that you might be out there scare the hell out of her. She wants you to be there with all of her heart, but she doesn't know if she'll be able to handle watching you walk away again. The past few weeks have been torture, and she misses your presence and witty remarks more than she ever thought possible. 

"Thank you, Soo-hyun. I'll meet you out there in a couple minutes, just let me collect myself."

He nods and says, "Take your time. I'll let Mrs. Choi know," before leaving and shutting the door behind himself. Now alone again, Jisoo digs through her personal bag that lays neatly on the small futon of the dressing room. When her fingers come in contact with that familiar material she's spent hours staring at, she bites the inside of her cheek and unfolds it for the millionth time. Multiple poems and blurbs litter the page, accompanied by cute doodles and cartoons here and there that give it a personal feel. She's spent the time away from you methodically working through the different writings, restraining herself from reading all of them in one setting so that she can have new content from time to time. 

She's down to the last one, now, and a surprising sort of realization hits her when she reads it. It instills within her a sense of determination -- determination to get you back and set things right, one way or another. She makes a plan to find you after the performance.

-- After The Performance -- 

It was even more spectacular than you ever imagined it could be. The school spared no expense in getting the best props, employing the most skilled technicians on hand, and recruiting the best artists that the school had to paint the backdrops. Everyone behind the scenes worked tirelessly to produce the best show possible, and their efforts really paid off. 

And, of course, you can't forget the actors. 

The entire cast was incredible, their talent matching some of the world's most sought-after stars. Every part was played to perfection; even the smaller, supporting roles were acted with passion, really bringing the piece together as a whole. The production left you wanting more, too inspired and awestruck by the amazing performances to be content with just seeing it once. So, after numerous calls for an encore, the cast returned to run through a few of their key scenes. 

---

As the cast takes their final bow, large cannons placed on either side of the stage shoot out bursts of colorful confetti, and you watch it flutter down around them. Some try to catch a piece or two to add to their scrapbooks, wanting to have a trinket from their college years, while others just hug each other and twirl around with content smiles on their faces. The crowd continues its loud cheering, and eventually you find the courage to sneak a glance at Jisoo.

To your surprise, she's looking right back. 

Her eyes hold a mixed softness; she's proud of herself and glad that you came to support her on such a big night, but part of her wants to escape the busyness of it all and tell you everything she's been feeling. She'd be content with looking at you forever, she realizes, as she studies you. You're the true star in her eyes, always shining so bright and making everyone feel at home whenever they're around you. She hopes you know how special you are. 

Mrs. Choi approaches the cast from stage right, gathering their attention to congratulate them and commend them for their performances. Jisoo reluctantly looks away from you, unsure if it's the last time she'll be seeing you tonight. The thought upsets her, but there isn't much she can do about it right now; so, she gives her attention to her professor and flashes that smile that makes everyone weak in the knees. 

You knew it was just a matter of time before she'd be pulled away and immersed in some conversation about the show, but the selfish side of you never wanted her to look away. No matter how confusing things may be because of all of your unresolved issues, she still looks at you like she always had before -- her gaze is kind, albeit bittersweet, but it's full of care. Seeing her like that makes you feel like even more of an asshole than you already do -- maybe you should have just listened to her at the game. Running away was an immature choice, rooted entirely in your own sadness in that moment as you deprived yourself of any explanation she could've offered, though you can't judge yourself too harshly. The situation is complicated, and you still don't know whether to hate yourself for running or go easy on yourself in light of what happened. 

When Yuqi sees you stand up and shuffle towards the end of your row, she sends you a warning look. 

"Dude, I'm not gonna run away. I'm literally just gonna step outside for some fresh air, I promise." She visibly relaxes, no longer having to prepare herself to wrangle you back into the seat. 

"Fine. But if you aren't back in 15 minutes I'm coming to track you down. You really need to talk to her." 

You sigh, nodding in agreement. "I know, trust me. Just let me get my thoughts together first." She sends you off to do just that, but not until the two of you complete the special handshake you made up all those months ago. 

---

Brisk air rushes over your skin in waves the moment you exit the side door of the building, automatically sending goosebumps to raise in its wake. It feels nice, though; it grounds you, and works to cool off your heated skin. The atmosphere inside was thick with the tension you've been feeling ever since what happened that night at the game, and its effects were only heightened by the raw performances of the evening. Passion and longing were the driving factors of the play, ironically, and many of the scenes drew eerie parallels to your current situation. So, it's no wonder that you're thankful to step away from it all for a bit.

You greet a few stray audience members that're puttering around outside as well, opting to walk down a little further away from them and lean against the building. The wall's brick material feels rough against your back, lightly scratching it whenever you shift your weight from one foot to the other. You don't mind it, though; it's oddly nostalgic, somehow. 

When you hear the door open again, you think nothing of it. The metal hinges latch just the same as they had for you, so there's really no reason for you to even look up. However, that all changes when you feel someone's eyes on you.

Unprepared is leaps and bounds away from being a fitting statement to describe how you feel in that moment; Jisoo stands merely 10 feet away from you at most, right next to the stage door that she just came out of. Her hands fiddle with the drawstrings of her costume, seemingly always needing to be occupied when she's nervous or unsure of herself; it's a habit you've picked up on after seeing it so many times. 

The longer you look at her, the more you want to look away; she's so beautiful it hurts, and the silence is eating away at you. You can't blame her, though; neither of you know what to say or do, and the only thing you seem capable of is staring at each other. When you break the intense eye contact you were sharing to turn away, only intending to take a minute to collect yourself, Jisoo is suddenly set in motion. 

She's afraid you'll leave again, and she's prepared to fight even harder for you this time.

I love you as the stars love the night sky

A fateful, cyclic romance

A game of eager greetings and reluctant goodbyes

Those words -- ones that you remember penning one day in class while completely entranced by Jisoo -- roll from her lips effortlessly, as if she had spent time committing them to memory. She had, in fact; whenever days passed without her even catching a glimpse of you, she always found herself unfolding that note again, tracing a finger over the curve of your unique letters as she reread the poem. It always brought her comfort to think that you were in just as deep as her, and a similar sense of hope blossoms in her chest now when she spots an unbelieving smile tug at the corner of your lips as you slowly turn to face her again. 

You're still into her, and she's falling even deeper at the realization. Maybe she didn't lose you after all. 

She takes calculated steps towards you and breathes a sigh of relief when you stay put, not showing any signs of running. The wheels in your head are going into overdrive now, turning and churning as you process her little recital, and she prays with all of her heart that you won't be upset once you put two and two together. 

"How did you…"

"You dropped it one day, and I picked it up. I meant to give it back to you, but I guess I just never got around to it." She feels a little guilty for keeping it as long as she has, but it's served as a way of keeping you close during your time apart. Those bits and pieces of you, scattered around on that page, encapsulated by the annotations and doodles you so kindly left behind, have stayed in her heart. Ever since she discovered it all that time ago, it's never been very far from her; she cherishes it more than you'll ever know. 

"You didn't show it to anyone, right?" Your voice is laced with worry, lowered a bit to keep others from overhearing. 

"No, no! Of course not. I just… kept it for myself. You're really talented; I couldn't stop reading your stuff." 

"Thank, I guess?" You awkwardly chuckle, still a bit rusty on how to interact with her after everything. Plus, to be fair, having your crush read one of the love letters you wrote about her is a bit unheard of. Newfound territory, you think to yourself.

"How long?" You ask after a minute of silence, only realizing how loaded your question is after it slips past your lips, turning into a puff of steam in the chilly atmosphere. "How long have you… felt that way about me?" You quickly add, "Assuming that you feel what the poem says, of course." 

An amused smile tweaks her lips at how cute you are. "I do, Y/N. I always have; ever since that afternoon at the daycare." 

"Really?" The question is quiet, full of childlike disbelief. 

"Really. It was always you." She says it freely now: unafraid.

The sentiment is sweet, but memories of the football game come flooding back and you're reminded that as much as you want to skip this next part, you still have things to discuss. 

"What about Jeong?" 

"What about him?"

"Did you ever like him?"

"No. The girls thought so, but it was just a misunderstanding. That's why Lisa introduced us at the game; she thought I had a crush on him, but I told her that you were always the one I was looking at. I told all of the girls that, after that night." 

Her confession renders you speechless -- only capable of listening and nodding every now and then. She takes advantage of your silence to finally explain herself and tell you everything she's been dying to. 

"I didn't know you felt the same until our talk in the parking lot. I mean, I was hopeful after some of the moments we had, but I didn't know for sure until then. I wanted to beg you to stay and hear me out, but you left before I had the chance."

You blink a few times as the reality of her words begin to sink in. "I had no idea…"

"Yeah, well…" she trails off, unsure of what to say next. She's forgiven you for walking away, knowing you were just hurt, but the whole situation still left a bad taste in her mouth. So much pain could've been avoided for the both of you if you had just listened.

"How did they take it?"

"They yelled at me for waiting so long to tell them, but then they tried to help me get you back. Remember those student council booths?" She leans in a little closer to ask that last line, her lips pulling to the side in that iconic smirk of hers. 

You audibly gasp and point at her animatedly. "I knew that was you!"

"Mhm, pulled some fancy-sounding excuse out of my ass to convince the board, and boom; 20 brand new tables set up the next day. I still can't believe you managed to slip past them, though. I mean, c'mon, have you seen how talkative those kids can be?" 

"Trust me, it wasn't easy," you laugh with her. "I had to sneak to the back entrances like a drug dealer." 

"I can totally see that." 

"I'm dedicated, what can I say?" The stupid hair flip you do makes her laugh even harder, clutching her stomach as those beautiful sounds slip past her lips. 

As your shared laughter eventually turns into soft chuckles, she smiles at you, saying, "I really missed this. I missed you, so so much." 

"I've been a wreck without you, Jisoo. It's honestly embarrassing." 

She looks at you with something new shining in her eyes, and she carefully contemplates what she's about to admit. "Can I tell you a secret?"

"Of course." 

"I rarely cry, Y/N, but I did over you. So you have no reason to be embarrassed. It seems like both of us were pretty bad off." She looks down after saying that, scuffing her foot against the concrete of the sidewalk. Being vulnerable isn't usually easy for her, and she never really lets people see that side of her -- not even the girls. She feels like she has to stay strong for them to keep things running smoothly, but she fails to realize how important her own feelings are. You're different, though; she feels like her entire collection of secrets would be safe with you, and you make her feel secure enough to be open like that. 

When she feels you step closer and hook two fingers underneath her chin, her eyes dart up to yours and her heart speeds up. Your other arm hesitantly wraps around her waist, giving her plenty of time to step away and deny you. You've spent so much time convincing yourself that she couldn't possibly want someone like you that you're genuinely surprised when she steps further into your embrace, pulling your arm tighter around herself. 

Her right arm comes to rest loosely on your shoulder as her other hand caresses your forearm, rubbing various patterns against your smooth skin. "I tried so hard to get you to pick up on my flirting," she starts, playing with the baby hairs at the nape of your neck as she holds you close. "Every touch," she runs a finger down your arm, leaving a trail of electricity in its wake. "Every look," she moves her hand from your neck to your cheek, cupping it sweetly as she gazes into your eyes. She strokes your skin with the pad of her thumb, smiling beautifully when she feels you nuzzle into her hold even more. 

"And that kiss…" she says, sounding breathless at the mere thought of it. "I wanted it to last forever." 

"Why didn't you tell me that, then?" You ask, not even a trace of anger in your tone. You're determined to let go of all the hurt and fear that your misunderstandings have caused, opting instead to finally get the answers you've wanted for so long. "After I came back from putting Aera to bed you were just… different. And then when you said it was just a part of the script--"

"I know. I was afraid that if I let myself have you like that -- if I let you in all the way -- there'd be no going back." When she sees the confusion building in your eyes, she continues on. "I don't usually let myself get distracted; I can't afford it. You know how seriously I take my studies." You nod, recalling the numerous times you've found her in the library until it closed, studying hard for the exams everyone knew she'd ace. "But you wiggled your way past every line of defense I ever put up. You became my favorite distraction." A dopey grin tugs at your lips at receiving that title, and you subconsciously hold your head a little higher.

"But I wasn't prepared for that. You make me feel things that I've never felt before, and I really didn't think I could afford to let myself have you. Not fully, anyway. I could deal with a crush; I told myself I could keep you close enough that I wouldn't miss you, but far enough that I could keep myself protected."

"What changed?" You ask, smoothing your hands over the small of her back, feeling the heat radiate from her skin. They've worked their way under the hem of her shirt during your conversation, subconsciously seeking to share her warmth, and Jisoo has been acutely aware of it the entire time. 

"When I saw you walk away like that I didn't know what to do with myself. I've had people leave before, so it's not a new thing; but I never missed them like I've missed you."

A bittersweet, melancholic look settles on your face at that; she deserves every good thing that the world has to offer, so knowing that you played a part in her sadness -- whether it be direct or indirect -- disheartens you a bit. 

"But you're here now, and that's all that matters." She says, leaning her forehead against yours. 

"And I'm not going anywhere," you affirm, holding her even closer than before. She brushes her nose against yours with a quiet sigh, relieved to be in your arms, caught safely in your warm embrace. If falling feels like this, she's more than okay with it. 

"Can I?" You ask, glancing down to the heart shaped pillows you've dreamt of having against yours again. 

She nods, uttering a soft, "Please", as she tilts her head to the side in expectancy. You close the remaining distance, bending your knees slightly to tighten your hold on her waist and pull her flush up against yourself. Both of her arms wrap around your neck now, occasionally coming down to tilt your head and allow her better access, or run her fingers through your hair. It's sensual and meaningful, but an air of urgency hangs in the air, thickening it the longer her lips are on you. Both of you are making up for lost time, so it's no wonder you're so eager. 

She takes your bottom lip between her teeth as she backs you up, pressing you against the brick wall that you had migrated a few steps away from during your conversation. If she were kissing anyone else, perhaps she'd care about the strangers staring, or what they might say; but as she stands here, feeling your hands explore her body in the ways that she's dreamed of and your lips kiss her senseless, that's the furthest thought from her mind. Her hands grab at the collar of your shirt, balling the material up in her palms as she pushes her lips against yours from a new angle. 

When you eventually pull back for air, you can't help but say the phrase that's been sitting on your mind for weeks. "I love you." 

Her heart speeds up to match yours, both of them racing as you look at each other with giant smiles on your faces. "I love you, too. If you hadn't already guessed that," she chuckles, leaning up to kiss you again. This one's more innocent, though -- full of giddiness as you replay each other's declaration in your minds. 

"Y/N L/N IF YOU AREN'T OUT HERE--"

Yuqi bellows loudly, blasting through the side door and out into the chilly night air. The metal smacks against the wall from the force she exerted, and you physically cringe at the sound. Jisoo does the same, quickly pulling away to find out what's going on. 

When Yuqi's line of sight settles on the two of you, her eyebrows raise and a smirk lands on her lips. "Well, well, well. Looks like my work here is done," she says, cocking her head to the side self-assuredly when she sees how swollen both of your lips are and how mussed your clothing is. You send her a look that she registers as "Get lost", and she retreats back into the performance hall with her hands raised in surrender.

"Idiot," you mutter under your breath, shaking your head as you watch the door close behind her, its poor hinges still recovering from her assault. Jisoo's giggle makes you turn back to her, finding a breathtaking smile forming on her lips. "You're so cute," she coos, poking your cheek, "especially when you blush like that." 

You fight the bashfulness that attempts to take over, managing to cock a brow at her and say, "Hey, watch it -- I might not be so kind in my next poem if you don't stop teasing me." 

"Aww, don't be like that, baby." 

She tenses up after realizing she let that pet name slip out at the end, but your smile only widens. 

"Say that again."

"Baby," she drawls in her signature sultry tone, stepping closer to you again. 

"Mmm, I could get used to that." You hum against her lips, pressing yours to them at the end of your statement. 

"Good, because there's more where that came from." 

"Oh yeah?"

"Mhm," she settles into your arms again, looking into your eyes with so much love you nearly swoon. "This is only the beginning for us." 

[crownedaxo]

Nether Babies

If Phil had a nickel for every time someone he loved came back from the Nether with a child he would have three nickels. Which isn't a lot but it's so fucking weird it happened three times.

The first time was Kristin. She needed to go home to visit her parents, two old brutes living in a crimson forest a ways away from the portal. Phil knew she could care for herself, she grew up as a piglin brute, but he still worried. Especially since she gets portal sickness. So she packed up and Wilbur and Tommy, a 5 year old and a baby at the time, each waved their mother goodbye. Phil was okay caring for the two kids himself. Mostly. Wilbur was an evil little shit, and Tommy was clingy as hell, but he handled. He started to worry when the day Kristin was supposed to come back came and passed. He tried to remind himself that she's definitely okay and could kick the ass of anything threatening her but the worry and fear didn't stop. He stayed up while the boys slept. In the morning, he heard the portal activate, and when he saw his wife step through he almost cried in relief. Almost. There was soft sniffing, but it wasn't from him. Kristin was holding a small piglin child, not even a brute, a little older than Wilbur, about 6 or 7. He had longer pink hair and a few scrapes and scars, and he was shivering from the temperature difference from the Nether and Overworld. Phil also noticed he was unusually pale. A gash was on the boys chest and zombification was setting in. The two parents raced to disinfect, clean, and dress the gash, then gave the boy a harming potion and golden apple. As they did so, Kristin explained how she had found the boy in a crimson forest being chased by a hoglin. Wilbur watched intently the whole time and when he saw how the boy shivered as he ate the gapple, he raced to his room and grabbed a red blanket. He draped it around the shivering piglin like a cape and smiled. The boy stopped his sniffling. Wilbur then had grabbed a hairbrush, deciding the little piglin's rats nest needed taking care of. He fell asleep as Wilbur brushed through his hair, and the two parents cooed at the sight. In the morning, the boy was asked his name, and he just shook his head indicating he had none. Kristin offered 'Technoblade', which Phil recognized as 'King of Blood' in Piglin. Technoblade nodded happily to the name, and Wilbur, knowing piglin from his mother, giggled and crafted a paper crown for his new brother. From that moment the two became inseparable, and Phil gained another child.

The second time was a 16 year old Technoblade. He had told Phil he needed to make a supply run for some potion ingredients and wanted to go through the Nether as a shortcut to a village that had some great deals. He wanted to do it himself too, and Kristin had agreed that he was ready. Phil loaded him up with potions and food and anything he could need. The Nether is a dangerous place and as amazing Techno is at PVP, Phil wanted to take no chances. When he finally let his son go through the portal, Kristin, 14 year old Wilbur, and a 9 year old Tommy waving next to him, he prayed to the Void that Techno would return on time and safe. That didn't happen. The day he was supposed to return, the portal stayed dormant. It took all of Kristin's effort to stop him from going out and looking. "He probably got distracted. He's fine." And a day later, she was proven right. The portal activated and Technoblade stepped out, not a scratch on him. What was on him though, was a child, about Tommy's age, 9 or 10, small, scared, and wearing Techno's crown. Phil recognized him as a hybrid of an enderman and something else. He had small bumps on his forehead and from Tommy's playdates with Tubbo, Phil could guess they were horns. He also had two tails, wrapped tightly around his leg in fear. Tears streamed from his eyes, burning his face, and there was a gash on his side. Techno hurriedly explained that he had found the boy in a warped forest running from a hoglin. Kristin, Techno, and Phil all raced to help the boy's injury, Techno having to feed him the regen and healing potions since he was the only one the boy trusted so far. Once the boy was safe and asleep in Tommy's bed, Techno talked with his parents about the trip. Phil thought back to how Kristin had found Techno and they laughed at the similarities. Techno told them about how to get the boy to trust him, he handed over his crown and said the kid could keep it, and how he liked the shiny object. In the morning, the boy introduced himself as Ranboo, which apparently meant rainbow in enderman. He also asked if Techno had a book, because he was missing his. Techno checked in his inventory and there it was, a book named 'DO NOT READ'. He handed it back to Ranboo who immediately started writing in it. When Phil asked what he was writing, he simply said "Memories." Once Ranboo had warmed up to the rest of the house, they learned of his bad memory and how he wrote everything down. He and Tommy had a playful rivalry, he made Techno a new crown out of paper, and he became fast friends with Tubbo when he came over. So Phil had a new addition to the family.

The third time was a 17 year old Ranboo (and Tubbo). The two had already gone off on their own along with Tommy and Wilbur but wanted to visit Phil, Kristin, and Techno who lived next door. Ranboo had forgotten something important and needed to get it fast, so Kristin and Techno had suggested a nether shortcut. Phil was instantly worried. Ranboo wasn't bad at fighting but he didn't like it and therefore didn't do it often enough to be super good at it. So Phil loaded him up with the best armor and potions and food, and did the same for Tubbo who volunteered to go along to keep Ranboo on track and safe, not that he was particularly amazing at fighting either. Techno and Kristin keep him from making Ranboo take too long, and they waved the boys off. Phil waits by the portal with some gear this time, and Kristin agrees that if they don't come back when they’re supposed to, that he can go looking for them. Thankfully, they come back on time. Holding a 3 year old piglin child who holds a chicken. Thankfully he's not hurt, but Ranboo and Tubbo are talking about how they found him in a dangerous spot and wanted to help him, so they rescued him with the blocks Phil had given them, and now they're going to adopt him. Phil couldn't help but laugh, Kristin joining him. The others looked at them in confusion and Phil managed to get out "This is the third time!" between laughs. "First Kristin bringing home Techno, then Techno bringing home Ranboo, and now this." The group spend the whole visit helping Michael adjust and Phil spoiled the heck out of his new grandson. Void, he's not that old, is he?

Three times Phil had to worry about someone he cared about going into a dangerous environment. Three times that dangerous environment didn't take but rather gave Phil a new family member. Maybe the Nether wasn't so bad.

[hawksugarbaby]

Shinso x reader - Burning sensation

Fluff

Every morning at 7:00 you would meet shinso outside your dorm to head to school "Hey Hitoshi how ya doin this mornin" you asked sideling up to the boy who you had gotten to know quite well through your walks too and from school, and your time in class, and lunch, and training after school, you were never really away from each other actually. He took comfort in the time you spent together and you enjoyed talking to him and being his friend. It was pretty understandable why he didn't want to be friends, to begin with, but there was no way in hell you were letting the boy go through 3 years of school without any friends! So you made it your own personal mission to change his mind about you, and you were pretty chuffed when he actually stopped pushing you away yep this boat was firmly tied to the dock now. "I'm fine just tired" he was always tired.

The gleaming white windows of your school came into view lighting up the area around it like a child shining a magnifying glass on a bunch of tiny ants swarming to their colony. You nudged his side with your elbow getting his attention "SO I heard someone is getting transferred into the hero course next year!" you were so proud of him! This was his dream come true and he was finally getting his big opportunity "yeah it's pretty crazy" it was true he was more than thrilled to be joining the hero course but he felt like he was betraying you in some way, you should be in there with him! You were just as powerful if not more than he was. It didn't feel right leaving you "I can't believe it Hitoshi! I'm so happy for you, we should go get ice cream later to celebrate!" you walked through the door together weaving through the other people dotted around the corridor to reach your own classroom tucked away at the end . the thought hadn't even crossed your mind about how lonely you would be without Hitoshi, and it was coming up for the end of the year, you would have to cherish your time more than ever. "Ice cream sounds nice."

Th day went on rather uneventfully, thankfully it was lunch now so food was on the top of your mind "what should I get today?" you asked your lavender friend, you were determined to have everything on the menu at least once before you left school, you had quite a few options to go "what about a cappuccino and the udon?" it was pretty lucky he was keeping track of what you had and hadn't got yet otherwise you would never get close to finishing the challenge "you just want my cappuccino huh" you stepped up to the counter and ordered your food and drink which was ready in a flash thanks to lunch rush (give the dude some credit he does lunch for that entire school every day!) "maybe" he gave a lopsided grin and you rolled your eyes.

you both set off for a table near the back where you usually sat when a green-haired boy waving his arm caught your eye "hey Hitoshi is that one of your new classmates" you questioned gesturing to the freckled boy who was frantically trying to get his attention "oh yeah that's midoriya" he brushed off the topic and continued off to your table "hey wait you should go sit with them!" you called after the boy who groaned and span round his purple locks dangled in front of his eyes blocking his view fully but he could tell you weren't gonna let him leave. "but... why?" "because they're your classmates silly come on" you pulled him over to the table much to his dismay "h-hey shinso do you want to sit with us?" midoriya asked and everyone else at the table eyed him up like a flock of vultures inspecting there pray "can (y/n) sit too?" wait no what you weren't in that class why would you sit there? That was like... the top dog table right? "Of course!" oh well oh kay then guess you were one with the big leagues now. "Hi it's nice to meet you, I'm ururaka" she introduced herself with a big grin, you noticed she was holding her juice with 4 fingers and had pink pads in the middle of her fingertips "I'm (l/n) nice to meet you too" you sat down next to Hitoshi excited to make some new friends, maybe if you liked them he would like them more.

"So you and shinso are really good friends huh?" you nodded as you took a sip of your cappuccino and ultimately decided it was one of the less amazing things on the menu "yeah he's like my best friend and I'm pretty much his emotional support dog" you giggled and handed off the warm, bitter drink to him which he was more than happy to take off your hands "in all honesty she should be the one joining your class, daughter of the number 2 hero couldn't cut the hero programme" he teased and everyone else gasped "YOUR DAD IS HAWKS!" yep it was true you were the daughter of the number 2 hero hawks and someone else?? Mum didn't stick around long, your quirk was a little HOT TO HANDLE (roll with it) "what's your quirk! Can you show us!" midoriya begged from across the table which Hitoshi was not happy about he didn't like it when people gave you more attention than he did "um no I definitely cannot show you! But I can tell you what it iss" you sang and the boy grabbed a pencil and notepad out his bag "uh it's called Pheonix I have retractable wings... made of blue fire... and I can fly and shoot the feathers and I have the feather blades like dad and all that jazz" "she also has the same dumb personality" Hitoshi added and you gasped looking at him hurt "don't talk about my dad like that he loves you" he did actually like Hitoshi a surprising amount and you were pretty convinced he shipped you like a 15-year-old girl watching 2 boys in an anime about superheroes (-_-)

"But if your dad is the number 2 hero how come you aren't in the hero course" ouch. You gripped your chopsticks harshly "some bitch thought it would be funny to knock me out during the entrance exam and it was too late to get me in by recommendation" the chopsticks snapped splintering off into a bunch of smaller pieces. The lively nature of the cafe suddenly turned to one of concern when 2 mini puffs of thick smoke filtered out from the back of your blazer blanketing the roof and the smell of burning fabric infiltrated your noses "your burning" Hitoshi said from beside you "OH sorry sorry I didn't notice" you said and started to calm yourself down by stealing Hitoshi's lemonade "you must be upset about having to be in different classes after the new year" the boy with the bird head said. Well yeah but he wouldn't be leaving you completely, you opened your mouth to speak but before you could start Hitoshi started "I don't intend on letting her go half a year alone in that class, either she moves up or I go back down" he grit his teeth at the thought of you being alone in that class by yourself, and if it meant he had to give up his dream of being in the hero course he would. You smiled and then sighed when you realised you couldn't finish your udon since your chopsticks had transformed into toothpicks.

Ah yes, finally the end of the day. You and Hitoshi walked out of the nicely air-conditioned school into the dry blistering heat of the outside world "oh god whyyy" you cried and shook your fist at the sun then immediately regretted it as a bunch of white spots danced around in your eyes (FUN FACT THOSE ARE CALLED PHOSPHENES. Y'know, like phosphor) "so ice cream" you stumbled around trying to your friends and jumped when he put his hands on the back of your shoulders "just keep walking dummy" he said and you did so until you gained your sight back. "It's such a hot day this is evil" you crossed your arms angrily as you made your way to your house since you had decided to get changed before you got ice cream so that the sweltering heat didn't melt you both to a puddle of sweat and ew (THAT'S WHAT I'M GOING WITH OKAY).

"HEY DAD ARE YOU HOME?" you shouted into the house and a little red feather shot down to where you were standing "I'LL TAKE THAT AS A YES THEN" you and shinso wandered up to your room dumping your bags with an audible thud "crop top and jeans?" you asked holding up your clothes and showing them off to Hitoshi "sure why not," he said and pulled out the bag of clothes in the bottom of your wardrobe that you kept there for him. "Vest and shorts?" he held up the clothes and you nodded and he descended down the hall to the bathroom waving to your dad as he went past. It was such a perfect day, it was too good to be overthinking little things like clothes or how lonely you would be without Hitoshi or what he meant when he said when he wasn't leaving you behind or how he really felt about you or- "how's my chicklet?" (hawk's most defining personality trait is that he likes chicken don't @me) your dad asked ruffling your hair "it is too hot to exist right now but Hitoshi and I are gonna get ice cream" you grinned and cracked open your window hoping a breeze would come through and cool you down a smidge. "Like a date?" "No dad it's not a date" "finneee have fun" he pouted and left you alone to get changed.

"Hey, Hitoshi what ice cream do you want?" you asked looking over the menu on the side of the truck that was parked in the park... "it's a vanilla day I think," you stepped up to the counter ordering your ice creams both with a flake obviously and sat on a cool metal bench which was hidden by the big weeping willow tree, it was your favourite spot in the whole park because it was always shady and the big tree made you feel like little kids again, you were so small in comparison and when the wind picked up the branches whipped around like a carousel and tangled together like a curtain to hide behind.

"hey you'll be okay in the class by yourself for a while right?" he asked and took a pit off his ice cream "I'll have to be won't I. I'm really proud of you you know that" you stole the flake that he was about to bite into and took a bite out of it letting the chocolate bit's fall off and land on your crop top melting almost instantly "I know. But I promise I'm gonna get you up there with me. You won the sports festival I don't know why they're taking me" (ROLL WITH IT) he stole your flake in retaliation and started eating his ice cream "because you deserve it stop doubting yourself" you preached. You listened to the cars drive by and the angry drivers honking at each other, in all fairness there were indicators for a reason. The bustling life of the city drowned out by the calm bubble surrounding the 2 of you "well you deserve it too (y/n)" he argued and you both burst into a fit of laughter knowing that it was almost impossible to be mad at each other and this wasn't even close to a reason.

"Hey I need to tell you something" he whispered taking a bite out of the sugary cone "oooh~ are you going to profess your undying love for me" you giggled not knowing what you were getting into in the next few minutes "yes... I am" ".....WHAT!" WELL, THIS TOOK A TURN "I like you. Like in a girlfriend type of way" he sighed when a big flake of his cone cracked and fell into the dirt under him "oh. This is unexpected" you whispered taking a bite out of your own cone getting crumbs down your top "if you don't feel the same it's okay I just wanted you to know" he pursed his lips and drew little circles in the dry dirt "no I do, I do feel the same I guess I just didn't realise I felt the same... does that make sense?" it probably didn't.

Of course, you felt the same, he had been your best friend for a while now so obviously you caught some feelings but you had never given them a title like, a crush or love or anything like that, they were just there. They would either go away or they wouldn't and now you were here. You were glad they hadn't "yeah it does" he smiled and the wind picked up a bit lacing the branches together to create th perfect veil as he leaned down and kissed you softly, it was nice and filled with love and admiration and your face turned soft pink and matched the heat of the sun beating down right now.

It didn't last long unfortunately as 2 pillars of smoke started coming out of your shirt and burning fabric once again took over your senses "NO NO NO NOT NOW COME ON" you shouted feeling the fabric separating on your back and you held the front of your crop top on your front "okay well we're gonna not do that for now" Hitoshi said calmy and you shot him a panicked glance gesturing to your unfortunate situation with your other hand. The back of your top fell off and you arched your back when it came into contact with the cold rugged bark of the willow tree "OKAY WELL NOT WALKING HOME LIKE THAT" he shouted and took off his vest throwing it to you and turning away.

You put it on quickly after you calmed down a bit and you weren't burning anything. "Okay you can turn around," you instructed focusing only on the branches in front of you "what not gonna look at me?" "nope" "why not?" you cleared your throat and clicked your tongue "because if I do this shirt will just burn off too and then we'll have to phone dad and get him to bring me a shirt and then he'll ask how I managed to burn two of my shirts off and then I have to listen to him go on and on like a 15-year-old girl about how he totally called that we would get together and then-" "alright I get it," he said putting his hand over your mouth 'well you just set yourself up for failure' you thought and licked his hand which he pulled back and wiped on your jeans "your gross" he chuckled and stood up wiping the dirt off his jeans and standing directly in your eye line putting his hand out to help you up. Which you didn't accept since you were rather busy ogling those goddamn washboard abs "well your not burning yet but you might be brain dead" he flicked your forehead and you shook your head slightly accepting his help up.

You started to walk home as the bright blue sky turned to a medley of tangerine and lavenders with pink brush strokes in between. "We should get ice cream more often," he said his honeyed voice cutting the silence held between you "I agree, we train so much we deserve it!" you exclaimed "you just wanna see me shirtless" he teased. It took every ounce of willpower you had to not burn the shirt off by accident but thankfully you didn't "pfft no. I want ice cream the shirtless thing doesn't have to be exclusively an ice cream thing" you pointed out nudging his shoulder with yours as your house got closer and he rolled his eyes wrapping his arm around your waist pulling you next to him like 2 magnets sticking to each other.

"Well I'll see you tomorrow Hitoshi," you said once you reached your door "yeah see you tomorrow," he said pecking your cheek and walking off down the road leaving you astonished at your door. "DAD YOUR NOT GONNA BELIEVE THIS" you screamed as you entered the house.

4 weeks later

"We have another student joining the hero course" the grumpy teacher announced and you bust into the 1-A classroom with your wings outstretched behind you "PUT THE GREMLIN BACK" shinso shouted from the back of the classroom "GO BACK UNDER THE BRIDGE YOU CAME FROM" you shouted back and took your seat next to him "dad wants to know if you're staying for dinner after training" you whispered, "yeah what are we having?" "chicken" 

[blueascend]

Omura Aimi had been working at Toyokawa for roughly four days when she realized that their ace salesman, Kurosawa, had a boyfriend.

To be fair, she had been on the lookout for particular signs. Omura hadn’t been able to be out at her last job and she’d been hoping that Toyokawa would be different. She’d done her best to befriend everyone, keeping her ear out for office gossip, getting the lay of the land.

The first time she saw Kurosawa with his boyfriend, she breathed a sigh of relief. Surely, if the most popular man in the office could be himself so openly, Omura wouldn’t have any issues.

Unfortunately, it soon became apparent to her that most of their coworkers weren’t aware of Kurosawa’s relationship status. Everyone seemed to believe he was single and straight.

How? Didn’t they have functioning eyes?

It became a slight obsession for Omura over the next week, watching Kurosawa blatantly flirt with his boyfriend without anyone noticing. They even had matching red pens they kept waving at each other like the least secret signal in the world!

Then one day, someone caught her staring.

“You have a crush on Kurosawa?” her coworker, Nakamura asked. She laughed, not unkindly. “Better get in line, then.”

“Huh?” Omura furrowed her brow. Kurosawa was now fixing his boyfriend’s tie, standing way too close to him to do so. “No, not really.”

“No?” That was Chino, her voice bright and shocked. “But just look at him.”

Omura looked at her coworkers, a knot forming in her stomach as she saw their confused expressions. Uh oh. She wasn’t ready for that kind of suspicion, not when she had no idea how they would react.

“He’s not my type?” she tried. When they kept staring, she added, “I, uh, like someone else?”

Nakamura and Chino glanced at each other. “Don’t tell me,” Nakamura said. “It wasn’t Kurosawa you were looking at, was it?”

“You like Adachi!” Chino concluded.

Omura swallowed. Adachi. Right, that was the name Kurosawa’s boyfriend wasn’t it?

Well, if it would throw them off her trail. “Yes. Yes, I do.”

Both women giggled.

“He is cute, I guess,” Chino said. “And much more attainable than Kurosawa.”

Nakamura clapped her hands. “We need to get you two together! An office romance, this is so exciting!”

They were gone before Omura could object, whispering between themselves. Omura groaned. That could’ve gone better.

Someone tapped her shoulder and Omura turned around to see Fujisaki. They didn’t know each other that well, as Omura had spent most of her time with the other women in her department, but she’d heard nothing but kind things about her.

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I don’t mean to be nosy but I overheard you. Just so you’re not disappointed, I think Adachi is actually seeing someone.”

‘I think he’s seeing someone’ she said, but the glimmer in her eye very clearly stated ‘I know he is’. Had Omura misread the situation, was she actually Adachi’s girlfriend?

But no, then she would have said as much. She didn’t seem jealous or territorial either, only genuinely concerned that Omura might be in for a disappointment. How much did she know?

Deciding to test the water, Omura carefully admitted, “To be honest, I didn’t even know his name. It’s just easier to say you like someone when people are asking. I’m new here, I wanted to fit in.”

“Ah.” Fujisaki’s gaze turned curious. She looked at Omura for a few moments and Omura wasn’t sure what conclusion she reached, but she finally offered a kind smile. “I see. In that case, I’m glad I don’t have to worry.”

Omura smiled back. Maybe it was too soon to tell but she felt like she had an ally in Fujisaki. 

*

“Omura, you are going to love this!”

Omura looked up from her laptop, seeing Nakamura and Chino approach her. “What?”

“We’ve just arranged for a group of us to go for drinks after work,” Nakamura said. “And we got Adachi to join! This will be the perfect chance for you two to spend time together.”

Omura’s stomach sank. “You - you did?” 

“Don’t be nervous,” Chino said, misreading her expression. She reached over the desk, putting her hand on Omura’s shoulder. “We’ll be right there with you if you need help.”

Nakamura nodded, shooting Omura a finger gun. “You got this.”

“I got this,” Omura echoed faintly.

There were eight of them at the bar later that night; Omura, Chino and Nakamura, as well as Fujisaki, Adachi, Kurosawa, and two male coworkers Omura hadn’t learned the names of yet. 

Chino and Nakamura, in full matchmaker-mode, managed to arrange the seating so that Omura and Adachi sat together at one end of the table, with Kurosawa and the rest of the women on the other. 

Omura glanced at poor Adachi, who looked supremely uncomfortable to be there. Even if he didn’t know about Omura’s supposed crush on him, he didn’t seem like the type to enjoy these kinds of gatherings. Omura was sure he’d much rather be at home, unwinding with his boyfriend after work.

Sorry Adachi, she told him in her mind. She frowned, considering. But at least now I can try to find out if I’m really right about your relationship with Kurosawa.

“Have I introduced myself to you yet?” she asked him.

Even that polite question was enough to startle him. “What? Ah, I don’t think so.”

She gave him what she hoped was an encouraging smile and nodded. “I’m Omura Aimi, I started working at Toyokawa recently.”

“Adachi Kiyoshi.” Adachi nodded back. “Do you - do you enjoy your work?”

“Very much.” Omura looked over at her friends, who both gave her not-so-subtle thumbs up. “It’s a nice atmosphere, much more friendly than my old workplace.”

“I see.”

An awkward silence descended between them. Omura had a sip of beer as she wondered what to say next. She had no idea how to casually broach a topic like hey, are you gay like me? Adachi mirrored her, grimacing slightly as he drank.

This really wasn’t his scene, huh?

“What do you like to do outside of work?” Omura finally asked. 

“I, ah,” Adachi fumbled as he placed his glass down, spilling a few drops of beer. “The usual things, I suppose. I like reading, drawing, playing on the Switch.”

“Yeah? I like video games too, I just started a new save file in Stardew Valley.”

Adachi perked up. “I’ve also been playing that. I got Kurosawa to join me in multiplayer but it’s been going kind of slow. He can’t master the fishing mini game and it’s been frustrating him. He’s not used to being bad at stuff.”

Omura giggled. “I can picture that. I love the multiplayer too, especially since I can use it to get married to-” my girlfriend, she barely stopped herself from saying. She cleared her throat, smiling awkwardly. “Anyway, it’s a lot of fun.”

“Mhm,” Adachi agreed.

Another awkward silence commenced. Omura looked to her friends again but they were busy talking amongst themselves. Fujisaki met her eyes and smiled. Next to her sat Kurosawa and he was glancing between Omura and Adachi, frowning unhappily.

Maybe Omura was reading too much into it but he looked almost... jealous?

She turned back to Adachi, the desire to confirm her suspicions growing stronger than ever. Screw subtlety, what she needed was privacy.

“Adachi?” she asked. “Do you mind if we talk alone?”

Adachi stiffened, eyes widening in panic. “Eh?”

Omura stood up. “It will only take a moment.”

Reluctantly, Adachi got up as well and followed her. As they walked away, Omura could hear her friends talking, the alcohol likely making them a little too carefree and loud:

“-so bold! But I guess with a guy like Adachi, the woman has to take charge.”

“Do you think she’s going to confess already?”

Their voices faded away as they turned a corner. Omura lead Adachi to the balcony connected to the bar. It was thankfully empty and as Omura slid the doors shut behind them, they had perfect privacy.

“What did you want to talk about?” Adachi asked, clearly dreading the answer.

Omura bit her lip. How to word this? “You... we...” she rubbed her hands together, finally settling on, “I think we might have some things in common. Besides video games.”

“Like- like what?”

Omura opened her mouth to answer but before she could, the doors to the balcony were shoved open. Kurosawa stood in the doorway, looking as much a mess as Omura had ever seen - that is, still very put together, but hair slightly ruffled and cheeks pink from either the alcohol or the warmth inside the bar.

“Don’t!” he cried and this was it, as blatant a sign as Omura was ever going to get.

“Relax, Kurosawa,” she said. “I’m not going to confess to your boyfriend.”

Kurosawa blinked. “You’re not? But they just said-” he stopped himself short, clearly realizing what he’d just admitted. “I mean-”

“He’s not my type,” Omura cut in before he could panic too much. “Besides, I doubt my girlfriend would approve.”

Both Kurosawa and Adachi stared at her. For a second, Omura feared she’d really misunderstood them after all, but then Kurosawa slumped against the door in relief.

“I see,” he laughed.

Adachi looked relieved as well. “So that’s what you meant by ‘things in common’, huh?”

“Yeah,” Omura said. “But sorry if I made you nervous.”

“It’s fine.” Adachi waved his hand in dismissal. “How did you find out, anyway? Did Fujisaki tell you?”

So Fujisaki really was in the know. “No, and I don’t think she ever would. You two are just really obvious to those who know what to look for. Especially Kurosawa.”

Kurosawa shrugged, not looking the least bit ashamed. Adachi rolled his eyes fondly.

“Anyway, I’m gonna go back inside,” Omura said. “I’ll tell them I chickened out on confessing to you or something. They’ll lose interest in this whole thing soon enough.”

She passed Kurosawa, who stepped out onto the balcony as she went inside. As she closed the door behind her, she could hear Adachi teasing Kurosawa lightly:

“Were you being jealous again, Yuichi?”

“Don’t be mean. How could I help it when Kiyoshi is so cute, I want him all to myself!”

Adachi laughed but it was muffled. “Not here, someone could see!”

Omura shook her head as the doors sealed shut, leaving them to their privacy. 

She couldn’t wait to tell her girlfriend about this.

[wewereborntomakehistory]

stepping stone

Katie brought in the big box of donuts and set them down on Antonio’s desk since his desk was one of the first ones that you came across when you entered the unit. Antonio and Jules weren't far behind her.

“Man, keep this up and we’ll all have to do a couple of rounds at the boxing gym,” Antonio greeted Katie with a playful smile as he grabbed a donut from the box.

“Sounds fun to me, Dawson,” Katie said warmly, winking at Antonio as she grabbed a donut for herself and sat down behind her desk.

“Says someone who had never been to the gym with him,” Jules said in a teasing voice as she passed Katie’s desk and grabbed a donut from the box. Antonio chuckled.

Detective Sheldon Jin entered the bullpen and walked up to Katie, “Has Voight been in yet?”

Katie shook her head as she took a sip from her coffee mug, “No not yet, Jin.” Her eyebrows furrowed, “Everything okay?”

Jin nodded once half-heartedly. Katie left it alone, Voight and Jin were always talking in secret whispers and it seemed that was no different.

As she sat down back at her desk, Lindsay and Halstead walked out of the breakroom in the middle of their conversation.

“...Because you don’t know a good thing when you see it.” Lindsay sighed and sat down at her desk.

From what Katie heard, Erin set Jay up with one of her friends recently. From their conversation, Katie guessed that Jay wasn't interested in said friend. She remembered Erin complaining to her about a similar situation that had happened a few weeks ago with another friend. Why Erin couldn’t see that the reason Jay wasn’t interested was because he liked Erin, Katie didn’t know. It was very obvious.

That relationship was going to be a failure for both parties. They liked each other and if there was one thing Voight didn’t like, it was in-house romances. He had said as much when introducing the rules to the unit.

Katie has started looking through her case files as Voight finally walked up the last few steps. Behind Voight were two familiar patrolmen, Officers Burgess and Atwater. Solid cops and known to have the ambition to move up to Intelligence.

Jin scurried up to Voight, and they both spoke to each other in low voices before Voight has Burgess and Atwater move along.

“All right, listen up,” Voight said, making the detectives all look up from whatever they were doing, “Got a name on those dope deaths. It's a dealer named Rev on South Emerald. As soon as Olinsky gets here, we're gonna…”

“Over here.” Alvin rolled into Voight’s view, raising a banana in greeting, “Hey.”

“Hey, Alvin.”

“Hank.”

“We're gonna set up a controlled buy,” Voight continued, “... Halstead and Lindsay in the doorway. Do not go inside.”

Erin and Jay locked eyes before Erin looked back at Voight, “Got it.”

There was a pause as Voight looked around at everyone, “All right, one more thing...we've been doing this, what, two months? Now more than ever, we keep everything in house. Understand? I don't care how they run other departments or how you came up. This is Intelligence...my unit. You tell me the truth, so I can lie for you. And if you ever go over my head, it'll be the last head you go over. Everybody goes home tonight.”

***

“It looked like blood,” Lindsay was explaining to Voight, “That and the fact that we don't know that guy…”

Voight waved his hand, “You don't have to justify it. You got a bad hit, you got a bad hit. Let's go in.”

“No,” Jules said to Voight, “‘Cause maybe it looked like blood? That's not probable cause to force an entry.”

“He could have been marinating a chicken and spilled barbecue sauce on his pants,” Antonio said, annoyed.

“We've got three O.D.s traced back to the heroin Rev's moving,” Voight said impatiently, “You want to wait for another kid to die?”

Al put his cap back on as he spoke, “We'll do a knock-and-talk, all right? Whoever's in control of the apartment gets all squirrelly, we'll take it from there. All right?”

The entire team moved towards the apartment again. It was Voight and Antonio first, then Jules with Lindsay and Halstead and Al and Katie brought up the rear. They hadn’t blown anyone’s cover so they were all surprised when shots rang out from the apartment, causing everyone to pull out their guns, take cover and start returning fire

As Antonio called it in over the radio, they heard Voight shout from where he took cover, “Get the long guns!”

Al, Halstead, and Katie all moved to the backseat of the car. Al pulled out a battering ram and handed it to Katie as Al and Halstead grabbed a rifle for each of them.

Halstead led the line they formed to infiltrate the apartment, each of them with their weapon drawn and ready. Katie got the battering ram as she lined herself against the wall next to the door.

“Get back inside! Go back upstairs!”

They rammed the door in. “Police!”

They cleared the room, found the dealer in the bathroom, and called for Patrol to clear the rest of the building. There was a small thump coming from the closet, which put the team on high alert. When Jules opened the door, a preteen boy looked on at them with his hands up.

Katie was the first to lower her weapon when they all realized it was a kid, holstering her gun. A potential witness, Voight wanted the boy to br brought to the district as soon as possible.

***

“That's him,” Lindsay said, giving a positive ID to the man in the picture Antonio gave her.

“Adres Dias.” Antonio wrote his name down on the whiteboard, “aka Pulpo, the Octopus. He's got dual citizenship here and Colombia. Me and Jules had him on our radar five years back when he was working his way up from street enforcer.”

“Yeah, I remember his name,” Voight said, “Didn't he beat a double-murder rap?”

Jules sighed, “The two key witnesses were killed.”

Lindsay sat against the desk, arms crossed, “Was he cutting off heads back then too?”

“No,” Jules replied, “he learned a thing or two since he was in Colombia.”

“What type of player was he?” Halstead asked. Katie wondered if the tone of his voice sounded a bit like anger, “What part of the city did he hold down?”

“Oh, see, that's the thing,” Antonio replied, “He wasn't affiliated with any faction. Nobody knew his real script. He was just in it for the money and the blood.”

“Okay,” Voight said and pointed to Antonio and Halstead, “you two, in my office.”

The two men looked at each other before following Voight into his office. Lindsay and Katie migrated to their desks, looking through the paperwork they had.

Katie tried not to eavesdrop but she heard the last part of the trio’s conversation, “...I never told you to cross the threshold. If you had, you and Lindsay might not have gotten out of there alive. You vouched for him. Keep him in line.”

Voight walked past the two men, out of his office and to Lindsay’s desk, “Let's go for a ride.”

She nodded silently, stood up and followed Voight out of the bullpen, leaving Antonio, Halstead and Katie there. The three acknowledged each other. Antonio nodded once and left the bullpen, but Halstead lingered for a minute.

If he was trying to hide any guilt in his face, he wasn’t doing a good job of it. She didn’t mean to let on that she noticed, but she did and Halstead was trying really hard to not meet her eyes. “It’s not easy,” Katie said softly, “And don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Being yelled at every once in a while just comes along with the job, a lot of the time it means your heart was in the right place.” She patted his shoulder and gave him a smile.

***

“Hey!” Lindsay called over to Atwater that night at Molly’s Bar. The party that he was hosting was in full swing, though Katie seemed to keep looking down at her watch. “We had to pay full cover at the door.”

Atwater smirked at the female detective, “I’m running a business, Detective.”

“Atwater is the cheapest,” Burgess said from her seat at the table, “I mean the cheapest guy you will ever meet. We drove...wait for it...we drove around for a half-hour yesterday looking for an ATM that wouldn’t charge him a withdrawal fee.”

“And there’s a two-drink minimum,” Atwater said, “so start knocking ‘em back. I ain’t playing.”

“Okay, then I want mine in that cup,” Erin challenged, eyeing the bigger cup that Atwater had in his hand.

“Next time.” Atwater disappeared into the crowd once more. The atmosphere in Molly’s always felt different, cozy, warm. It was a nice thing to be able to move away from the seriousness and politics that came with their jobs. Burgess and Atwater weren’t patrolmen and Katie, Jay and Erin weren’t detectives. They all were just co-workers having a drink together. Friends.

“Flight attendant,” Halstead said with raised eyebrows at Burgess. Somehow they had gotten on the topic of what their lives were like before putting on a badge. Flight attendant to police officer was not a career line Katie had heard of before.

Burgess looked at the detective, “Uh, yeah, three years, waiting until I got into the police academy.”

“Flight attendant?” Halstead said again in disbelief, taking a drink as Erin laughed into her drink and Katie smiled.

“You can break my balls all you want,” Burgess said confidently, “but I learned more about crowd control and conflict resolution and intimidation tactics...traits that will serve me well when you guys detail me up into Intelligence. Hint, hint.”

“Oh.” the three detectives said in unison, Halstead and Erin looking at each other while Katie gave a wink Burgess’s way.

Burgess nodded at Lindsay, “How about you?”

“Oh, I just kicked around,” Lindsay knocked some of her drink back, “nothing glamorous.”

“Did some administrative work in high school...Worked for a while in the Army, came home after one tour,” Katie said, shifting in her seat and taking a sip, “Nothing too special.”

The expression on her face made Burgess not ask for further details. Katie looked around the room as if avoiding making eye contact with anyone. She was still shifting uncomfortably in her seat and she drank from her Glencairn glass.

“You?” This time the question was directed at Halstead, who seemed to be a bit more forthcoming with information about himself.

“I was in the military,” he answered.

“You see any action?”

“I did.”

“Ever see anything like you did today?” Burgess asked, eyes wide in curiosity.

Both Katie and Erin’s eyes darted to Halstead, gouging his expression which Katie knew about all too well. Katie and Jay both realized no one had ever asked that question so bluntly before.

Burgess seemed to realize how the question sounded and quickly backtracked, “I’m sorry. I...forget I asked that. That was a stupid question.”

Halstead shrugged his shoulders as an okay gesture, him, Lindsay and Katie smiling.

Katie looked at her watch. She had been checking it every five minutes or so as if she was late for something. Noticing the time, she downed the rest of her drink and put some money down on the table. “Sorry guys, gotta run.”

“Already?” Burgess was surprised. Katie’s constant checking of her watch hadn’t escaped her notice and she wished she knew what was going on. She had theories of course, but she wasn’t confident enough to ask about it yet, “The party’s just beginning.”

“Yeah, maybe another time,” Katie sent a smile to the officer’s way, shared a knowing look with Erin, and did a two-finger salute. “See you guys tomorrow.”

“Wonder where she’s running off to,” Atwater walked up to their table, voicing the question in Burgess’s mind.

Halstead shrugged, taking a sip of his drink. Erin made no gesture or verbal response and opted to take a sip of her drink as well. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to understand that Erin knew more than she was letting on.

Burgess had started to become good at reading others and there was clearly a familiarity with the two female detectives. Burgess didn’t know much about either of the women’s backgrounds other than the fact that Katie came from a family of first responders. How did they know each other exactly?

***

It seemed like they had hit a dead end. No one's CIs were talking for fear of beheading by the cartel. The hold on the kid D’Anthony expired due to police procedure and they were at a stalemate...until after a shakedown of an affiliated drug dealer, they found themselves looking for a Shane Cameron.

They all suited up and headed to the apartment that was allegedly his. Antonio and Jules took the lead in going up to Cameron’s apartment while the rest of the team stood on standby outside for backup.

A few cars drove up not too much later and Lieutenant Belden from Violent Crimes came out of it, looking a little smug. Katie had heard stories of the man through her connections in the department. He was one of those cops with a big ego and nothing else to show for it, asserting power wherever he thought he could get it.

“It's okay, Lieutenant,” Voight said, easily. Even though he’d been in a bad mood all day, his voice didn’t give it away to Belden who no doubt would have used it against him, “We got it covered. I'll let you know if he's upstairs.”

“Who?” Belden sounded confused.

“Shane Cameron,” Voight said matter-of-factly, “I left you a message.”

“We’re following up on the car,” Belden said confusingly to Voight.

“What car?”

“Plate match to a black four-door seen leaving the scene of the Coop murder yesterday,” Belden explained to Voight, “Supposed to be parked around here.”

There was a pause as Voight looked at the Lieutenant incredulously. “I never got that info,” Voight said almost accusingly at Belden.

A smile almost crept up on Belden’s face. “Yeah, I must have dropped the ball on that,” Belden said with an air of arrogance and smugness.

Voight immediately brought his radio up to his lips to call Antonio and Jules, “Terminate. Pull back. Targets may be in the building.”

The next thing Katie knew, she heard a gunshot and then Antonio’s voice, shouting in a panic over the radio, “10-1! Officer shot!”

Lindsay, Voight, and Katie ran as fast as they could into the building, guns up, and told any civilians they encountered to make their way outside.

“You're gonna be alright. Jules?” Antonio had his hands over Jules’ wound as she tried breathing, “Hang in there—” he nodded over towards the door—“Over there.”

As Voight and Lindsay headed inside the building, Katie holsted her gun and kneeled down to help Antonio with Jules, calling dispatch, “50-21 Union, we got a 10-1 officer shot, roll an ambo to 812 West 33rd Street.”

“Copy that 50-21 Union,” Dispatch said as Voight and Lindsay cleared the house. Katie and Antonio taking turns putting pressure on Jules’s wound, “Ambo five minutes out.”

When they all heard the sirens coming down the street, the four remaining detectives lifted Jules up to bring her to the ambulance, which had Antonio’s sister Gabby and her partner Leslie Shay, waiting.

“You're gonna be okay, Jules,” Erin said to the female detective.

“We got to move!” Gabby was up and ready for them. She called over to her partner, “Get her in the ambo.”

“She's gonna be okay, right?” Lindsay’s voice cracked a bit as she asked.

“We gotta go right now,” was all Gabby said as her partner brought over the gurney, “Midclavicular.”

“I'm coming with you, sister.” Lindsay said.

“Start an I.V.”

Lindsay all about jumped into the back of the Ambulance next to the gurney as Shay ran to the driver’s seat and Gabby closed the doors behind her.

***

“One offender in custody,” Halstead’s voice came through the radio, causing Katie to look over at Antonio who was staring at his hands, covered in Jules’ blood.

They were back at the unit, with Katie seated at Antonio’s desk next to the detective who got a phone call from Lindsay telling him that Jules didn’t make it.

Katie had lost people before, and she knew there were no real words that she could say to help Antonio. She had paid enough attention these last few months to know that Antonio wasn’t one to crumble when faced with the chance to confront the killer. No, he was pissed.

No sooner had Halstead and Ruzek pulled up to the backroom then Antonio flew down the stairs from the unit to meet Pulpo face to face.

“Antonio!” Pulpo said, goading the detective as they put him in the cage, “How are you? It's been a while.”

“Where are they?” Antonio said, not even giving Halstead and Ruzek a chance to close the gate, “I want your two hitmen right now.”

“I don't know what you're talking about.” Pulpo faked confusion.

Antonio held up his hands and got in Pulpo’s face, “You see that? That's my partner's blood.”

Pulpo spit into Antonio’s hands which set Antonio off in a frenzy. Antonio grabbed Pulpo by the chin and pushed him against the adjoining caged wall, looking ready to kill him with his bare hands.

“Antonio!” Halstead shouted, trying to pull him off of Pulpo with Antonio repeatedly shouting back, “Get off me! Get off!”

Ruzek grabbed Pulpo under the arms and sat him down as Halstead and Katie pulled Antonio out of the cage.

“You need to take this,” Olinsky had just come down from the unit and held out a phone to Antonio.

“Yeah,” Antonio said, bringing the phone up to his ear.

Katie couldn’t hear who was at the other end of the line, but she watched as Antonio’s expression turned from one of fury into one of concern and worry.

“My son is missing,” was all Antonio said after hanging up the phone, throwing it back to Olinsky, and jumping into a car to drive to his family’s bakery.

Taglist: @sofferderynnp