#it kinda speaks to how some people seem well put together when you first meet them but as you get to know them they're a mess

[austonishing1]

One of my favorite things about Gwen in Across the Spider-Verse is how in the first movie she was basically the main spider person in their prime, that had their shit together, was serious about the mission and handling business

Then in Across she's just an absolute fucking disaster

[theoccultz]

How do they really see you ?

Req.

Minors dni (18+ mention's )

General reading, take what resonates , leave what doesn't

Pics and dividers not mine , credits to their rightful owners

Thank you for all the reblogs , likes and comments i appreciate it 🖤

See ya at your pile !!

Pile l . Pile ll. Pile lll.

Pile 1 .

Queen of wands , 8ofpentacles, 4ofpentacles

Hyena

They see you as helpful and relient you will pass the opportunity if you feel like others need it more ,you guys are good at guiding others you may be a teacher or you're just that friend who is able to decode easily you can read faces like a book you guys look well put together you may know what suits you and what doesn't very well . They think you get a lot of attention although you look interested in what others have to say , your mind wonders somewhere else you may have r-b-f so its hard to read to read your expressions , you're professional in a sense . you look relaxed most of the time they may see you working a lot you always seem to be focused on something, they think others bother you ,people want to talk to you but they dont respect your boundaries and they kinda feel you get annoyed when someone is interrupting you in your day to day life , they thought you were arrogant when they first met you but they've gotten used to your rbf ,they understand it was them projecting.

They think you love food and you take care of your health, they think you have good hygiene, you may style your hair or they like your hair , you respect others space ,if you say No others wouldn't force you because there's this sternness in your voice , they think you're closed off though you may interact with others you kind of hate spending too much time with others , they love whatever language you can speak i'm picking up on an accent here , they think you have a graceful presence like say there's a meeting or a party you have dressed up exactly how the dress code expect you to be , they think you are a minimalist . You are not that person who sings like they own the party there's something very ethical and well mannered.You seem to do your own thing i dont think you need help in almost anything, you can figure out things for yourself this person seems to be impressed with your qualities or persona because they're somewhat like this too and they think its a rare quality to have . They think you're more head than heart /intellectual maybe ? They dont like to think of themselves as helpless and you exactly seem to replicate that , they think people are fake these days and would stab you without a second thought , this person is not like this they are loyal until they die , either you are this gossip bee just trying to be someone you're not LMAO this person has seen you turn down others it was satisfactory, there's a lot of gossip bess here hmmm , anyway they think you dont give a shit ☠️✋🏼 although its risky and you have to give in to social pressure but you just mind your own business even though you know about the disadvantages . Yeah

They think you shouldn't be disturbed for some reason , not like you're a wild person who'll start yelling at them but they just see you enjoying your presence and being relaxed?they dont think you get excited about a lot of things like you're very Sophisticated, you dont play games . I dont know if you speak to this person but this person is down bad for your voice ,for your vocabulary like what ...???they think you're kind of cutthroat that you can hurt them with your words if they mess with you ,thry think you have anger issues but they like it 😭a bad bitch with anger issues ? yes sir ....they may have seen you lash out and they think its for everyone's good you are silent fff this person was turned on .

They think you're very sweet & cute although no one would agree with them , they seem to look for you when you're not there like they randomly start to think about you , they kinda miss you when you're not around, this person unknowingly observes you i'm seeing a vision of someone working and the other person is like 👁️👄👁️ , this person is atrracted to your essence they're addicted to your mannerisms idk who is this ...could be a boss , a friend, but they really admire you , this person is a powerful person themselves, they share a good connections with others, they're more good at understanding & convincing others than you . They think how you're are a free thinker , you love to learn about things , you guys are great advice givers ,you guys are very open and direct to the point it intimidates them , you look youthful and dress creative you have energetic boundaries they wouldn't wanna touch , you guys carry individualistic quality,you dont get easily influence by societal norms , you're not gonna follow everything the world puts out , you use your own guidance.This is someone who has gained interest in you after a long time , you may knew each other or knew of each other but you didn't really care at first , i see even if this is a platonic connection the feelings are developing, this person finds you really beautiful physically and wants to be closer but they themselves is a little aloof and doent like to get attach to anyone ,they're everyone's friend but who is actually "their" friend? This person seems be a professional, they are mindful and careful unlike pile 3's person , this person do not wear this heart on their sleeve , they are over prorective of themselves, this person is still on that stage of getting to know you , like they think a LOTT.

Song : damn is this an ex?

Thanks for reading !!

Pile ll.

Ace of pentacles, king of swords , the high priestess

Black swan

They see you as someone who'll be victorious wherever you are , you have a likeable personality and a charming aura that really draws others to you, they love your company, they love your smile the most, they love your hair , your lips , your dressing sense , your piercings, they think you ALWAYS look fabulous, they think you're a breathe of fresh air ,you light up their world , they're very grateful to have you in their life , they love to talk to you and they really look forward too .They kind of put you on a pedestal, this person really see "you" the crazy you , the childish you , the sweet you, the angry you and they love everything version of you 😭they think people are really lucky to have you , they think you have a healing presence , they see you as someone that needs to be protected you're just so kind , generous and welcoming ...they feel jealous that your energy is put there , they love your personality they love to spend time with you or they want too , you could be an introvert and they are like an open book .

This person is telling me that they feel accepted in your presence , they love your music taste, you feel s if you're their lost missing piece , your interets ate very similar,they think their inner child really flourish in your presence, i'm getting this .....when i'm with them all of my worries are taken by god kinda vibe ....they think you keep your issues to yourself and that you need to release and let go they want to help you in the process of it , you have a positive effect pn people,they think there are some people in your life who troubles you and they fucking hate that, they think you are photogenic, they love your hair , they think you're really fun to be around, you bring a lot to the table , they wanna heal & grow with you even if you lose contact someday they'll remember you as if you're there to celebrate every best thing that happened in their life , this person kind of feel pressured to do more because they see you doing so much , they're insecure and sad about something and nobody knows it and there isn't a lot of thing's that gets them excited or bring joy but you do , you may travel together, study together, you may know their family, they could be your cousin , they could be someone you have a crush on .

If this is someone not platonic & the feelings are Mutual , you should find out and openly give them hints . They think their efforts are ignored sometimes like they're that friend who do the most and they get ignored, they want to ignore you but they cant , there are some thing they dont communicate because they dont want to ruin this relationship but they really dont like others interference in your connection ,they think you ignore them when you have others company

Alright k thats it (: looking back at your reading, they seem to be someone you have helped in some way and that's why they like you so much because that was something really heavy weigh-in them down ,you helped them unknowingly or knowingly , they also seem conglict free and likeable but they dont like a lot of people thats the issue .

Your song: i love when the song matches the vibe of the reading .

Thanks for reading!!

Pile lll.

Death, the devil , the world rx

Bee

Well what do i say , the cards speak for itself + i dont get any different vibe from the original interpretation of cards

Alright let's start this is about to be confusing......this person finds you attractive, they think about you obsessively and they dont want you to know , you're a though that cross their mind and stays there forever, this is someone who is sexually attracted to you or they admire your body , they kinda have wild assumptions so stick with me ,i'm not getting toxic vibe rather a really enamoured one ,they think you are more sexually experienced than them , they compare themselves to you a lot , they think you'd up for fwb without emotional connection, this person thinks of you as a mystery they want to know "Everything" about you , you intrigue them , wouldn't be surprised if they stalk you online , this person try to hide so much its Insane , they dont want to let you know that they are interested in you they feel as though you will avoid them or you will make fun of them ? They could annoy you on purpose, this person is a little annoyed themselves, they feel stuck and they want to take action , they cant just keep fantasizing about whats not real . They want to be friends with you .

This person wants to be involved in your life and be there for " you" , they think you guys are compatible although they are more sociable than you , I'm feeling surprised because they seem to be wayy invested than they think they would be , they would analyse your mood and wonder about it , they think you dont pay much attention to them like heck you dont even seem to know them that well even though you may have known them longer than they think , this person's energy is straight up hopeless i think this is someone who gets a lot of attention and praise , they seem to have it all , they could be in a authoritive position in life , like they could own libraries or they are the big sister /brother of the family or their friends rely on them for support, they have this natural ability to make others feel secure , they are helpful and sweet , they dont like drama and they are big on action and manifestations , they are also very stubborn and wants things their way , they could fit in to societal expectations but they feel as though they put up a front and pretend to be someone else , they get drained easily and they seem to like books especially mystery books , they like to have their own space they could own a bigg ass house as well , they seem to work a lot like they're damnn busyy in their life but they still like to check up on you its their daily routine, this person has had a lot of hope from the very beginning, they kind of accepted they liked you, this person is possesive asf , it ticks them off its their insecurity. How would you recognise this person? Others see them as a fun but a disciplined person , They are the well liked cool person in their community and they are intelligent with their words , they have attractive eyes and they wear lighter colours , they are their neighbours favourite, they also dont seem very fashionable, they stick to formals and basic . Yeah , this person also think you are imaginative and artistic and they want to like your interests so bad to connect deeper with you and to make themselves familiar , they could have water placements specially pisces , i feel like they may look tough and big but as a child ??? they were just everyone's little troublemaker but also a sweetheart awwww this is so cute . Their friend circle is influential tho , they are judgemental as well hmm interesting. This could be an online connection but it doesn't have to be , you guys just don't interact that much although both of you are intrigued, this person could have a controversial past lol ,its just something about their eyes they seem like a deep thinker although they may not look like one , this person reminds me of suga from bts , you know how he's so tough on the outside like he doesn't care but he's so aware & invested about his friendsdislikes & likes , he knows them better than they think he does

ahhhh anyways this was heavy .

Your song : see i told you

Thanks for reading!!

[eluxcastar]

The little sisterfication of Arlecchino

── ୨୧：arlecchino & reader

୨୧﹑synopsis :: little siblingfication final stretch lets gooooo

୨୧﹑genre :: fluff

୨୧﹑content :: gn reader, child arlecchino, it is fluff and angst at the same time, like hurt/comfort ig? idk, implied child abuse, not proofread

୨୧﹑words :: 1.9k

there are only two more after this oh god. Pierro and Columbina. I also realised like five seconds ago that Pulcinella is not on the list but tbh Idk if I'll add him in because I kinda don't know what to do for him at all. I could try to make it cute? maybe, I'll see

this started way nicer, but then I remembered the previous Knave was an asshole and quickly replace the vibes that bled over from watching Grease with something darker. The Knave is used to refer to the previous Knave, while Arlecchino refers to our Arle, because I needed some way to distinguish them. I also thought the previous Knave was a dude for some reason?? I fixed it though

all little siblingification posts

Biologically speaking, the two of you are not related in the slightest, but it's not uncommon for children in the House of the Hearth to choose their siblings and stick by them until the inevitable moment they either remain together or are parted by responsibility. You have been there and guided Arlecchino through the orphanage since she first arrived from Fontaine. Arlecchino might've been lost and confused for much longer if not for you.

Instead, she had you, a little older and wiser, to walk her around and teach her how things worked.

The moment she arrived, your guardian, the Knave—now her guardian as well—pulled you over to meet her and asked you to show her around and make her comfortable in her new life. Your new little sister, she called her, and she stared at the woman dumbly before you stole her opportunity to ask him what she was talking about, whisking her away.

You took her to see everything, showing her off to as many people as you ran into and introduced her as you went. She felt like a shiny new toy in an overcrowded playground, and you let her revel in it until it tired her out. 

Once the fanfare died down a little bit, you took her to find an unoccupied bed to put her things on. There weren't many, but you offered to help her find a place for them nonetheless. You got a sheet and blanket from the linen closer to make the bed for her and helped her stand a few things up on the headrest to make it her own. Despite her apprehension, you almost managed to make living here seem just a little less bleak; looking over her bed, made and decorated with her stuffed toy and a few personal belongings she'd brought, it felt a little more like home. 

You assure her all will be fine, the only thing even close to soothing in the whirlwind that was coming here, and point her in the direction of your bed not too far away. The one with the overcoat laid on the end of it. You always put it there when you're not wearing it, apparently.

She refrains from asking why you're not wearing it and why you own one of the grey and red coats she recognises from the fatui footsoldiers she saw wearing them.

Most importantly, you teach her the rules: behave yourself, clean up after yourself, bedtime is nine pm, and not a minute later, finish your dinner— 

"Even if you're full?"

"Even if you're full."

and the most crucial rule: never make the Knave mad.

"Why?"

"Just don't, ok?" 

Arlecchino doesn't dare question why again. You know best, and something in your eyes tells her she should trust that.

Through tense, dreary halls, you lead her with a skilled hand and the favour of the Knave. She runs to you in the middle of the night when the far-off screams scare her awake, yet despite your promises, you are nowhere to be found, and neither is your coat. It's a suspicious absence you explain away with housework and chores. The children jump at the chance to see you, and you greet them much more warmly than the stoic Knave. Everyone tells her you have something the others don't, and she should stay in your good graces for as long as possible. The Knave likes you, and you can get anyone out of anything as a result. It's why she calls you to do everything for her, including taking Arlecchino off her hands and showing her around. You are her best. 

It's as if you have a sense for every time she breaks the rules. She stays up late one night and sneaks out of bed to keep playing. She is not tired in the slightest and restless beyond belief; she is a child filled with energy and naive to the consequences of her choices. She is caught, of course, the Knave looming over her to ask what exactly she believes she's doing. She stumbles for an answer. It is just as she thinks the worst has come to pass when you appear in the doorway with a broom in hand. You asked Arlecchino to help you clean up. She's picking up the toys for you to sweep the floor.

The Knave hardly believes it, but what the others say is true—she favours you. She relinquishes Arlecchino to your care, and you walk her back to bed with the tightest grip on her arm she's ever felt. Through gritted teeth, you scold her harshly, "Don't ever do that again!"

She almost fears disappointing you more than the Knave.

You make the House feel safe. With you, it becomes a place where one day she may thrive and return to the world a well-raised woman with much promise. You teach her to play the games the others made for themselves and perfect the chores the Knave demands of her. Arlecchino could wish for no greater sibling than you, and you walk her through it with the patience of a saint as if you have done it a million times before.

She runs to you for everything from hurt knees to finding her lost stuffy, where it has run off to. You respond in kind by cleaning and bandaging the scuffs in her skin. You even show up well into the night past bedtime to return her dearest stuffed toy so she can sleep easily. You were happy to stay when she asked you to sit with her until she could fall asleep and stroke her hair to settle her. It is one of the few tastes of home she savours, even though home did not have you there to take care of her.

You are the closest she will ever have to a parent. You are happy to have her wake you up in the middle of the night when she's scared and needs help, assuming you're there at all. Most nights, you're busy cleaning up the messes other children made that would get them in trouble, and you take her back to bed whenever she finds you.

However, it does not take long for Arlecchino to realise why you warned her against angering the Knave. She decides that Arlecchino, at her tender age, is well and truly ready to complete a mission on her own. A terribly simple one, but it scares her nonetheless.

What scares her more is that you bargain your way into going with her under the guise of showing her the ropes.

You are the best guide she can ask for and nothing less as she comes to understand what that coat is for. You're not just a child of the House; you're a fatuu. You put it on before you leave and lead her off wearing it, making sure she's warm and advising her to wear gloves before the Knave practically tosses the two of you into the harsh winter of Snezhnaya to complete the task thrust upon Arlecchino as her first test.

Before anything else, you make that much abundantly clear to her: what Arlecchino does determines her future within the House, and you don't want to see her fail. You shed your coat to give to her when she gets too cold and hold her hand to force her to continue even when she feels like giving up would be much easier. More than anything, you are loose-lipped and cynical in a way she's never seen before. Over hours, you drill everything into her head that has been kept from her, the source of the screams she's heard that everyone seems to ignore, the reason for the abundance of fear permeating the House.

Every part of the carefully crafted wonderland you had been trying to make her falls to pieces before her very eyes as you walk through the snow with a backpack so heavy she begged you to take it from her shoulders. The Knave is a tyrant reigning over the only thing she can control with an iron fist. Whether she likes it or not, there is no escape, and the Knave will hold anything she can over her head.

You dodge the question when she asks what the Knave uses against you.

Arlecchino quickly realises you have seen many children walk the path she is now on, and she dares not ask how many of those you still waste your breath on. You're sorry. You tried to protect her, but there are some things you can't do.

The journey is bleak, and the trip home is even bleaker as you're late; it's well past bedtime. You enter quietly and run a bath to warm her up, slipping your coat from her shoulders and leaving it by the fireplace. Her only comfort is in you crouching by the edge of the bath with a rag in your hands to scrub her clean with the help of the meagre few inches of water you could afford to spare her.

Your apologies have subsided, as has your tough love attitude, spoiling her with affections and gentle reassurance she didn't expect after seeing how you acted only hours earlier. You pull Arlecchino close and stroke her hair. The wall of the tub becomes little more than a nuisance as it blocks her from fully hiding away in your arms, where she hopes to disappear. She is afraid, but you manage to settle her fears to a nagging whisper tucked away in the deepest corner of her brain.

Apologies give way to promises, grand promises you know you cannot keep, promises of protecting Arlecchino for as long as you can.

You wrap her in a towel, help her dress herself in the night clothes you retrieved from her bed, and send her off to sleep with the reassurance that you'll handle reporting all of what the two of you were doing to the Knave.

Content and soothed by your words and promises, Arlecchino wanders back to bed, where she makes herself comfortable, staring across the room at your empty bed. Perhaps you have said those things to many children before her, but it doesn't occur to her as you quickly fall back into the role of being her only comfort in this house of horrors. You'll protect her from anything in your power, keep her safe, and watch over her.

Sleep coaxes Arlecchino to relax, give in, and rest, and she almost does. She is seconds from being out like a light when she hears those screams again—those that used to send her bolting to look for you in your bed. You were never there when she tried to find you, and now, as she stares across the room at your vacant bed, she suddenly realises why.

The screams that had woken her all those nights had been yours.

Until you could no longer stay by her side, you would protect her from anything.

CROSSPOSTED ON AO3

[waechan]

hi~ I loved your nct dream small moments (the maknae line is def my fave but alsksksk all of them are cute!) so my request (it could be a blurb or a drabble) is this: meeting nct dream for the first time (as strangers, coworkers, idols, classmate?) 🥹 it's okay if you can't get to it asap^^

hi! first off tysm for reading my work, i'm so glad you enjoy it! and second, ty for your request bc this idea is adorable so im making little drabbles for each member separately. first is mark:)

⁀➷

pairing: mark lee x reader

genre: fluff

wc: 1.1k

meeting mark for the first time (classmates)

he seemed cool.

everyone loved him. he was popular for being a genuine, kind soul. you had never understood what the hype was about him. you guess, sure, he was cute, sure, he was kind. but whatever, right? you two were classmates, and shared a couple of classes together. you were both unsure of what your major was, so it was quite funny how the two of you somehow ended up taking the same random classes.

at the moment, your class was at the aquarium on a trip for marine biology. it was a fun class, and on the plus side, you got to learn about animals and stuff so that was pretty cool.

"circle up guys!" your professor, mr. johnson, calls out. you walk with your friend yeri towards him, staying close together, just in case he would try to split the two of you. "alright, we're taking a break from some serious learning today, and we're just gonna soak in the beauty of the ocean and its wildlife." little drabbles of conversations and mumbles start to form, but then mr. johnson puts his hands out.

"now, before you guys get too excited, i do have a scavenger hunt for you all, so don't get too excited!"

you give yeri a look and shrug a bit. "could be worse." she says. "i will number you off into groups!" mr. johnson says as he starts to scramble around, and immediately starts counting people off. "you were saying?" you deadpan as you look at yeri and the two of you roll your eyes at the exact same time, smirking a bit in amusement. of course, the two of you end up getting separated and you go to find your group, but you can't find the one with your number. "uh, mr. johnson?" you call out as you raise your hand up tentatively, and he walks right on over to you. "yes, what is it y/n?" he says distracted, not really listening as he looks around, checking to make sure everything is in order. "um, i don't have a group? can't find my number." you exclaim as you shrug. it didn't really bother you, you could just go with yeri.

he scans the area as he purses his lips, as if searching for a group to put you in. come on y/n, take your chance.

"uh- it's okay! i can just go with yeri-" you don't get to say much as he cuts you off before you can continue, and smiles wide as he starts speaking to another student who starts to walk your way.

"how about you go in his group?" he suggests, not really giving you a choice as he shoves you towards the unknown figure of a person who is now next to you.

"who's-" you turn around.

"oh, hey." he says, waving a bit awkwardly.

...

great.

just wonderful.

"y/n, meet mark. mark, meet y/n. now the two of you have fun." he gives you both a pat on the shoulder and immediately walks off, shoving a clipboard with a list in your hands. you wince as you force yourself to look up and acknowledge the boy in front of you.

okay, cool.

scavenger hunt with THE mark lee? no big deal, stay calm. calm.

"so i guess we're partnered together?" he asks as he runs his hand through his hair, doing that squint thing with his eyes he always does when he's thinking. damn. you kinda get it now. "yeah, um. i'm y/n, but you already know that, cause. well."

just stop talking.

"OKAY! let's go look for the first item. or fish, or whatever." you say as you start walking off without him, and you hear him follow you. "okay, yeah, alright. i guess." he mumbles, as he trails behind. on the way to the section of the aquarium you have been directed towards, you sneak a look back, just to make sure he was still following you. and he was, but... you had never seen anyone look at something with such admiration in ones eyes before. he was standing there, frozen, as he stopped by one of the glass windows that displayed the fish behind them. your heart stops for a second as he turns around and your eyes meet. he smiles. at you.

"i think i found it."

you walk over to him, forcing yourself to snap out of your gaze as you stop, standing next to him, and you look at the fish. it was something you had never seen before, a gorgeous coral and white color.

"woah." you whisper, and he chuckles.

"i know."

"it's beautiful." you say softly as you grab your phone to take a picture of the fish. "who knew this class could be cool?"

"i know." he repeats, gently, as he turns his line of vision towards you and he stares at you for a couple of seconds, the corner of his mouth tilting up in amusement at your reaction. "maybe this will get you to stay awake in class?" he whispers this into your ear, then pats your shoulder as he starts to walk away, eyes sparkling.

your jaw drops open almost immediately, and you blush a bit in embarrassment as you go to catch up to him. "hey!" you call out as you walk quickly to go and catch up with him. "you know those rants that mr. johnson goes on, he's always rambling on and on about his new home renovation that he's getting, and his new date that he has each week. oh, and his new diet that doesn't ever work out for him! i don't get how you could find that interesting-" mark chuckles a bit as he shrugs with his hands in his pockets. "i don't know about you, but i love to hear about mr. johnson's love life. and the diets." he stops walking, and you do as well, crossing your arms as you look up at him. all of a sudden, he leans forward and bends down so his eye level is at yours.

the air inside your lungs and the words you are about to say back to him disappear instantly.

the quietness of the room is deafening, and you swear you hear the sound of your heart beating in your chest.

"it's alright, y/n." he looks back and forth between your eyes. "i'm sure he forgives you." he says quietly, before he ruffles your hair and walks off once again without you. you stand there, still. your heart, still racing.

you stand there for a couple seconds until he turns around, tilting his head at you as he smirks in success. "you coming?"

⁀➷

lmk what u think! my first drabble<3

[minghaos-girl18]

Seventeen as Mafia Members

This was just for fun and it is my first post on here, so if you want to see more feel free to request and give my page a follow.

Warnings: mentions of death, brutality, and jail but nothing to deep ;)

S.Coups: The boss

For obvious reasons. He is Seventeen's scary leader for a reason. For example, in that one video of a dog only listening to him. And how he can just give the rest of Seventeen one look and they like backtrack. Boss vibes.

He knows how to handle his business and very rarely gets truly involved with any actual dirty business himself. Is very careful about who he plans to give his business to.

No one double crosses him and once you work for him, it is understood that you will always work for him.

Jeonghan:Consigliere

I think Jeonghan would be S.Coups right hand man. Him and S.Coups only make decisions together. He has almost as much weight as S.Coups himself, and no one can meet S.Coups without Jeonghan approval and Jeonghan is always present. (lovers)

Jeonghan handles everything for S.Coups, that way S.Coups doesn't show his face unless necessary. However, it is understood that if anyone came for Jeonghan for any reason S.Coups would be the one to "handle" it.

Joshua:Capo

He definitely runs his own crew. He keeps a tight hand on them. He is the type of person that you would never expect to have a hand in illegal dealings. Which is why he is so good. I feel like he also has a dark side and prefers to be the one that handles the people that cross him during business dealings.

Probably the type to live in a house about a thirty minute drive from the city (so no one heard the screams of the victims). Most of those working for him were kids he picked up off the streets- they stay the loyal.

Jun:Police

Jun is smart and I think he could handle living a double life. He is the informant for S.Coups. He reports to Jeonghan if any of the other operating mafia families are crossing into the Choi territory.

He is the chief and can make evidence "disappear" if necessary. He is one of the main reason nothing can be drawn back to S.Coups. The only time there is evidence is if Jeonghan gave specific instructions. This usually was signified by Hoshi getting the case, which usually meant the person that had been caught by police was a rat.

off topic junhui is so pretty

Wonwoo: Capo

Wonwoo also has a group of soldiers under his command. He differs from Joshua because he only steps into the dirty side of the mafia business when absolutely necessary. The group he runs consists of mostly hackers and only a selected few can even speak to Wonwoo.

Wonwoo takes his job seriously though. He works with Seungkwan to make sure there are no moles in the "business". And if there are, then that evidence will be sent to Jeonghan and after direct work with Jun and Hoshi the moles are either dead or in jail.

Wonwoo also keeps people from bugging the Choi territory sending his soldiers to do mandatory sweeps of every building owned by S.Coups. And if he finds out that they are not being done right or a bug was missed-well I feel bad for that soldier.

Hoshi: Associate

Hoshi is a part of the mafia, but he also isn't??

Hoshi does what S.Coups (or rather Jeonghan) tells him to do for the right price. Hoshi seems like a prosecutor by day, assassin by night kinda guy. Which is why he is so useful to S.Coups. As a prosecutor, Hoshi dedicates himself to putting bad people in jail (or the people S.Coups wants put in jail). And at night, he dedicates himself to making sure justice has been served.

He is seen by the public as some vigilante and due to his close work with Jun for his morning job, there is no chance of Hoshi or "The Justice" being caught.

Woozi:Underboss

Jihoon is reliable and gets his job done. His work is his life, and he is willing to do pretty much anything in order to obtain the role of Boss one day. Jihoon also knows when he can test his limits and when he shouldn't. I think S.Coups also discusses almost every aspect of his "business" with Jihoon. S.Coups knows that whenever he decides to leave the business, Jihoon will take good care of everything.

Jihoon keeps his nose clean for the most part. However, if S.Coups is busy and something big is to be handled Jeonghan is given orders to allow Jihoon to handle it.

And he does.

The8: Associate

I think Minghao handles the finances for S.Coups. That is the only tie to S.Coups he has. He also works at his own pace, and very rarely gets his hands dirty. But that doesn't mean he won't (don't try to steal from him- those martial arts skills will pulverise you )

I think like only a select few have even lived to tale the tale of what would happen if Minghao caught you trying to steal. And those few would only be kept alive just to make sure no one was dumb enough to try. Of course...there is always someone dumb enough to try.

Dk: Capo

Now hear me out on this one. He is our sunshine, but I know he would handle himself very well when it came to managing his own team

Seokmin for the most part would be a fun, loving, typical sunshine person and a great boss. However, his soldiers know not to push him, because he can be dark. He can be cold-hearted and will be if pushed to that point. He does not like it when people try to walk over him, because they think they can. And he is quick to put them in their place-verbally or physically.

Mingyu: Associate

Assassin.

Mingyu is highly sought after, but he works only for a selected few. S.Coups being one of them. Mingyu is picky and high priced with his jobs. But if given a task, he will accomplish it and depending on the request it will either be the quietest death or the most brutal.

Definitely is given another name in the papers and on the streets...something like Kuro Neko (I am pretty sure that means black cat in Japanese).

I also think Mingyu would keep this side of him well hidden. And would use his bubbly personality to get close to his targets and keep up a solid public persona. Probably runs a clothing shop with a basement full of assassin equipment.

Seungkwan: Spy

Seungkwan has an outgoing personality. He probably would have some type of traveling job on the outside. But he is usually planting some type of bug that allows S.Coups intel on people that he is suspicious of.

Seungkwan also gets invites to parties for people of high status. This allows him access and plant more bugs on celebrities without any second glances. After all who would believe someone like Seungkwan would be involved with the mafia.

Vernon: Associate

Vernon works with Seungkwan.

(lovers pt.2)

Vernon is the new bartender (or bouncer of some sort depending where Seungkwan is planting the bugs-probably is housekeeping at some point). I think Vernon has a thousand costumes his closet because he basically either gets Seungkwan in (like if Seungkwan needs into a hotel room, Vernon will play housekeeper and role Seungkwan in the housekeeping cart) or out.

Vernon knows about S.Coups and but Vernon works more for Seungkwan and prefers it that way. However, he still receives a pay out from S.Coups for his work.

Dino: Spy/Assassin

Chan has a job that combines Seungkwans and Mingyus, but for a special purpose. Chan spies on the people he aims to assassinate, and unlike Mingyu who works for a selected few, Chan works only for S.Coups.

Chan targets people whose loved ones have not repaid their debts to S.Coups. Chan gets close to them and as soon as he is given the green light (from Jeonghan or Jihoon) he assassinates them.

He either sends invites to the debts owners so that they find the body or he moves the body to a place where he knows they will find it.

He leaves a symbol to let that person know it was him-like a black rose or something.

Is will come to be known as the angel of death.

Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this silly little writing of mine. I hope to write on here more often so follow for more :)

[kandisheek]

Cap-Ironman Rec Week 2024

Early Canon Wednesday: July 24th

Prompt: Bring on all those fanworks set in those heady early days of canon where Steve and Tony have just met and are starting to work together.

Aaaah yes, the good old 2012 tower era. We all remember it fondly. (Well, if you're like me and joined the fandom late, you don't, but - whatever. The point stands.) Here are some of my favorite early canon fics:

-- Bond Has It Covered by sara_holmes

Tony thought they had trouble getting along when they were dealing with a major global crisis. Apparently that had nothing on how they fell apart when they weren't distracted by smashing aliens.

-- All These Things I've Said by Dr_Amuly

When Tony starts talking in a language Steve can't understand--the language of science--Steve figures he'll retaliate with a little foreign language knowledge of his own. Only once he starts speaking French around Tony, Steve finds that sometimes it's easier to say what he really wants to say to Tony in a language he can't understand. Good thing Tony doesn't know French.

-- (First Impressions Are) A Work in Progress by ras_elased

Tony has a point system for the times he can get Steve to be less than perfect.

MORE RECS BELOW THE CUT:

-- Drinking Games by kahn

"Okay, house rules,” Clint said, leaning back against the backrest of the booth they were seated at. “It can't be a random celebrity, or something. It has to be someone you actually know. Someone you'd go to if you suddenly found yourself gay and then had to have sex right away." Steve thinks drinking with the team will be a good bonding session for their newest Avenger, but, as usually happens with his people and alcohol, things go kinda sideways.

-- Some Things Shouldn't Be a Chore by scifigrl47

Steve takes things like personal responsibility and respect seriously. Tony's got people he pays to take care of that kind of thing, and anyway, he's pretty sure that he's going to die of some exotic disease in his workshop, because Dummy's still a little spotty about what is 'clean' enough to put on an open wound. The rest of the Avengers are in this for personal gain, except for Clint, he just enjoys being a dick. And some things shouldn't be a chore.

-- Theory of Mind by seventymilestobabylon

Or, five things Steve didn't let Tony buy him, and one thing he did.

-- This is Not a Drill by sabrecmc

“Can I—can I see him? I mean meet him. Uh…welcome him to the team?” Tony clarified, probably not very well, he knew.  “Well…there’s a bit of an issue with that,” Fury said, and Tony figured this was where Fury got to whatever it was that had really forced his hand and made him call Tony in, knowing how much the man detested having to do so. “You see, well. He was suspended in the ice for nearly seventy years,” Fury began. Tony nodded along, because he could do math.  “I’m sure he has a lot of adjusting to do—“ Tony started. “Seventy years,” Fury repeated, cutting Tony off and leaning back in his chair and making it rock slightly. “Of no suppressants.” “Oh,” Tony managed to choke out past the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. “Oh.”

-- i stole the keys to this guy by kellifer_fic

Where it was Nick Fury's idea, but he didn't mean it like that.

And two of my own fics:

-- Cozy

Tony seems to have a propensity to hug Steve whenever he's sleep-deprived. Which would be all well and good, if Steve had any idea why Tony chose him of all people to be his personal teddybear.

-- What You Don't Know Can't Hurt You

Steve and Tony are good friends. Very good friends. The kind of friends that go out to eat every other day, cuddle on the couch and are all up in each others' space. They're not dating though. No matter what the team says. Right?

[gabessquishytum]

Dream and Hob are princes of rival countries, betrothed to each other as part of a treaty between the two kingdoms. However, certain advisors and courtiers on both sides would love to have an excuse to go to war (possibly even including Hob and/or Dream’s respective parents), and they see this betrothal as an excellent opportunity to facilitate that; reportedly neither prince is particularly thrilled to be in an arranged marriage, and surely once they meet one or both of them will offend each other to the point that the treaty will be broken and war can be declared.

Except that when they do meet, it is love at first sight. They get to know each other with constant blushes and shy smiles, listen to each other speak with rapt attention, go on long walks happily clinging to each other, and gift each other flowers and books and jewelry that never fail to please and delight.

(They’re always chaperoned when together, but they do manage to sneak away a handful of times and find a quiet corner or room to hide in for a bit and do some further exploration of each other. They only manage to do so much exploring in that time, but what they do manage also bodes very well for their future marital bliss) 😁

The warmongers on both sides watch all this in astonishment and dismay. From everything they heard of each of the princes, they should have driven each other crazy by now, desperate for any excuse to break the engagement. Instead they’re practically glued together, staring besottedly at each other, and eagerly making plans for their future. Even worse, the subjects and members of the court not in favor of war in both kingdoms find the whole thing incredibly romantic and have given their full support to the match, basically ruining any other plans to sabotage the treaty and break them apart.

It’s debatable whether Hob or Dream were aware of the hopes for war from their respective courts, but certainly after they meet any and all thoughts of going along with those plans have been immediately tossed out the window. They’re going to enjoy their fairy tale romance and get married and live happily ever after, and anyone against that can die mad about it.

-🪽anon

Such an absolute badass political maneuver from these two. "Fuck you, we're in love" is kinda my new favourite thing!

The two princes are chalk and cheese, and it really should be a disaster. Dream is withdrawn and dutiful, Hob is boisterous and doesn't give a fuck. They're not physically compatible - Hob is too big, according to his kingdom's advisors, and Dream is too delicate. The war feels inevitable right up until the moment the two meet... and it goes really, really well. They fall in love over poetry and animals, they have a lively debate that doesn't turn into a row as certain people were hoping. The difference in size certainly doesn't seem to be a problem now they're close together.

And look - in the beginning, it's a little bit fake. Hob has had enough of war in his country, and Dream has seen his people suffer too. Neither of them want a fight, so they put up this show of being perfectly romantic. But it isn't fake or a show for long. Hob hears Dream laugh and is immediately smitten, and Dream is instantly besotted by Hob’s joy and determination to make the best of things.

They sneak into the gardens for a little alone time, giggling like teenagers. They were supposed to be having a private conversation about making sure that the war is completely off the table. But. They get distracted and Dream ends up straddling Hob’s lap, kissing him breathless. They're discovered and rumours quickly spread about how utterly adorable and in love the princes are!

Hob is concerned that Dream might be in danger what with the warmongers still around and looking for any opportunity to make trouble. So he posts himself as a guard outside Dream’s door... which also gives him the opportunity to sneak in around dawn. Neither of them are exactly virginal so they might as well start enjoying themselves already! Dream is already obsessed with Hob’s hairy, scarred body and how different it is from his own. He wants to kiss every inch. And Hob is quite keen to return the favour, with the added bonus of his beard burn turning Dream’s flesh a soft glowing pink.

The wedding ends up being a national holiday in both countries and goes down in history as a triumph of diplomacy. The only general complaint is that they fuck everywhere and at all hours but really. That's a small price to pay for peace, right?

[captain-mj]

Ghost comes from a Selkie family, he helps Tommy get away from a forced marriage with his drug dealer and helps him meet Mary (I think thats her name?) anyway, au where nobody dies. Ghost is freaking out cause Tommy is thinking of giving Mary his coat and he's worried his brother is gonna get taken advantage of. Cut to Soap calming him down, and making him think through this whole thing.

(Mary married Tommy and had Joseph, but Tommy didn't give her his coat because he willingly gave his drug dealer his coat (manipulation happened). Mary knows all this and understands, but Tommy wants to still give her his coat)

dhasalksla Sorry if that's a lot, I just kinda wanted to experiment with a Selkie!Ghost au. Do whatever you wish with this mess of thoughts -X

I left this in my inbox for a while because I really liked it, but never knew exactly where to go with it. I think I've decided how though and I know its late, but hope you see this and like it! oh, his wife's name in the comics is Beth so I used Mary for the drug dealer

Ghost remembered that day viscerally. Tommy had finally admitted to him that he had a problem. He had held on to him and through sobs told him that he didn't want to be an addict anymore. Simon had been insistent on helping him.

They had both sorely misunderstood how cruel Tommy's dealer would be. Unlike Jason, who Simon knew since childhood, this woman was new. Tommy trusted her. Had given her his coat after she had given him free coke. He admitted it wasn't smart, but he trusted her. Wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

First time Simon could remember pummeling a woman into the ground, but finding Tommy shaken and sick, forced to take things after he finally managed to stay sober a week, well. Gender doesn't matter very much then does it?

His only regret, to this day, was not killing her. But she went to jail and disappeared off the face of the earth and that was what was most important.

When Tommy asked to speak to him while he was on leave, he didn't think much of it. He assumed he was going to be begged to babysit (he'd do it willingly), pulled it some scheme for him to surprise Beth with something (he would tell her immediately and they'd pretend for Tommy's sake) or asked some other inane thing. Soap tagged along and he texted Tommy to ask if that was okay.

"Sure! He might be good actually."

Simon hummed. Something with fireworks maybe? Tommy knew Johnny was experienced with explosions.

They arrived early and still somehow arrived later than Tommy.

"Must be something big if you managed to not be late." Simon joked, sitting across from him.

Tommy smiled, though it seemed off. He really was the epitome of what people thought selkies would look like. Fair skin, blond hair, giant sad eyes. Personally, he didn't really see the 'mystically beautiful' part but maybe that was because he was his brother. According to Soap, Simon definitely looked better than any human, but he also believed that was just Soap flattering him.

"You okay?" Simon frowned.

"Yeah. Let's order first and then we'll talk." Tommy fiddled with the menu, sorta scratching at it.

Oh that didn't sound good. "Everything okay? Is Joseph alright?"

He laughed softly. "No, nothing like that Simon. Don't worry..." He tapped his fingers on the table. "I want to give Beth my coat."

The air left the room. Soap's hand was suddenly on his thighs, holding him tight as everything spiraled around them.

"Why?" Simon choked out.

"Because... I... I don't know. I still go to the sea sometimes. Seal out." Tommy grins at the stupid joke they'd been making since they were kids. "But... I want to trust her with this. For me."

"Did she ask? I swear if she pre-"

"Simon. I appreciate it. But no. Beth would... She's perfect, Simon. I've seen her touch it. I know she's felt the pull and she just... Wasn't even tempted. Just put it around me and told me she had cleaned it." Tommy looked so soft as he thought of it. "I want her to wear it. I want to share this part of myself. Its like you and Soap."

"Soap was an accident."

Johnny made an upset noise next to him.

"One I am very, very happy for, but I would've wanted some courting and I..."

Soap squeezed his hand. "I know, I know. Just teasing. But how is it any different for them?"

"What if we got it wrong? What if Beth is like... her?"

The silence stretches out. Johnny realizes he doesn't know something, eyes darting back and forth between them. Tommy decides to explain.

"Her name was Mary. Did some fucked up stuff after I gave her my coat. But Beth isn't like that."

"how do we know?"

"I guess we can't know for sure until she wears it." Johnny smiled at Tommy, clearly on his side.

Simon glared at him. The traitor.

"Exactly. I wanted to tell you before I did. Didn't want you freaking out."

"Fuck off."

"I'm serious!"

Ghost shook his head. "What if..."

"If she hurts me, I have you guys." Tommy answered softly.

Ghost looked miserable, going quiet.

Soap turned to Tommy. "He'll come around."

"No I won't."

"Simon." Soap hit his shoulder. "Anyway. If you think you want to do this, we'll support you. Just... maybe text us so we can conveniently come by and make sure everything is okay."

Tommy nodded. "Thanks Soap." He reached over and lightly hit his shoulder before getting up. "Love you, dude."

"Love you too Tommy..." Simon mumbled out.

His phone was set at top volume. When the text came a day later, he almost jumped out of his skin with desperation to go see them right now.

Soap grabbed his hand. "Love. Give them a little time, yeah?"

"But if she has it..."

"You trust Beth, don't you?"

"Yes..."

"She gave birth to Joseph and she's been nothing but a good parent to him. A good wife to Tommy. Right?"

"Yes..." Simon groaned. He did trust her. If it was his life on the line, his body, his sanity, he'd trust her. But it wasn't his. It was Tommy's and that was a lot harder to stomach.

Soap rubbed his back. "An hour and we'll visit, okay?"

Simon nodded, bouncing his leg. Johnny kissed his cheek, his lips, along his nose. He tried to distract him, but it was no use. Simon was wound up like a top.

When the hour passed, Johnny reluctantly let them both get dressed and go. Simon was a little calmer now. He hadn't gotten a frantic scared call from Tommy or Joseph and that must be a good sing.

The door to their home being locked wasn't. Simon almost flipped out before Johnny got a bobby pin out to pick it. Totally not suspicious at all.

They got in and Simon immediately relaxed.

Joseph, the little tyke, had his white coat on. Still baby fur. He had fallen asleep on the chair.

Beth was laying on Tommy's chest, the silvery shimmering coat around her. Both fast asleep as well. Tommy looked fine. Safe. A soft smile on his face.

They were all safe.

[lovecanbesostrange]

ouattober2023 Day 6: Fav Rarepair

Red Warrior (aka Mulan Rouge, fandom, it was right there, come on)

The gif speaks for itself already, Do I need to say more? No. Will I? Absolutely.

Back in S2 I was very happy. I had Sleeping Warrior to ship and also Red Beauty. Two good ships. But over the years there was the question "what if Mulan and Ruby ever met?". It seemed like a fun constellation. The honorable warrior, serious, focused, happily doing her duty. And the werewolf waitress who effortlessly talks to people, who can be mean if need be (and the full moon is out). Imagine Ruby showing Mulan around Storybrooke. She'd have her start her own gym so fast. (After being teased for so long, somebody should have taken Mulan to Storybrooke and let her watch a film already.)

I watched S5 spoiler free. No promos. It's fun. But there is always the guest cast list and seeing the names Jamie Chung and Meghan Ory when The Bear King started? EXCITEMENT! I was then mesmerized by the Mulan&Merida scenes, I almost forgot I was waiting to see Ruby again. And oh boy, THE WOLF! Once again foiled with magic, but that was okay. When Mulan arrives at the Witch's Hut next? A different kind of magic happening indeed...

Meet Cute noun; (in a film or television programme) an amusing or charming first encounter between two characters that leads to the development of a romantic relationship between them.

Yep, I'd say Mulan almost getting attacked saying "you're not a wolf" with a big smile "you just need a little help remembering who you are", then splashing that potion to reveal Ruby, now sorta sitting above her? Perfect meet cute you can talk about for ages. It calls back a pivotal point from Mulan's past and we get to see a mostly decent CGI wolf (in broad daylight). Especially because we know that Red has killed people before and it's so unclear how much control she has, what exactly the Witch has done to her, ending it with her all smiling as well, is great. Of course I have to cry about "My name's Ruby. My friends call me Red." (Sorry, Mulan should have called her Red later on, to hammer that home.)

Mulan has hearteyes from the get-go, Ruby sits there panting. Frame this and put it in a museum. A clashing meeting that is definitely cute. I mean, there's a sword and fur involved.

It's funny how Mulan forgets to even introduce herself and Ruby has to ask her name later on (because suddenly it's night, how long did they sit like that?). And for somebody who likes to overanalyze it's hilarious how they do manage that Mulan mentions Aurora - with the sad music swelling in the background, to remind us all how their last meeting went - and then we cut to Ruby saying goodbye to Snow. In my mind a good reason this pairing works is, that they can get drunk together and lament how terribly in love they both once were with a princess. It's a fun thing to bond over.

Mulan is clearly the rare holder of the braincell, she also brings in a lot of training, so a good fighting form. Ruby is the muscle, but especially for the EF she has a special kind of wit thanks to the curse!persona. The Bear King allowed us to see a darker side of Mulan, hitting rock bottom, being selfish and looking for a fight.So Ruby is a great person to have her enjoy life and find a balance between duty and fun. This is kinda the promise at the end of the ep, finding a path for Mulan, while Ruby searches werewolves.

Obligatory Doylian rant: Red Warrior was the plan. Whatever you wanna say about the writers, they knew this episode was a romantic set-up. There was a cryptic tweet, some drama and so it's all speculative, but I have made my peace that this came down to studio interference. The live action Mulan film was in the works already, it was coming, Mulan is an official big Disney princess and even though everybody with a bit of media literacy understood that Mulan was very much in love with Aurora, there was this plausible deniability and she wasn't like... that gay. Oh no. And this is why Dorothy got squeezed in, Mulan left with nothing. Clearly not what was promised to Jamie Chung. I have no proof, but it is the best explanation how we went from The Bear King to Ruby Slippers (zero hate for that episode or the Red Kansas ship!!).

I want to know what kind of adventures they had together. How did they go about this search? Any rumors about wolves? The maddening thing is how they managed to end up in Oz at all. I know there's a mysterious BTS pic for the ep. But nevermind, what we do get in the beginning is a duo with a routine, complete with a badass back-to-back protective stance. I always pictured them together in Storybrooke, Ruby showing Mulan around. But I guess what I needed was them out in the woods alone, traveling realms and kicking ass (I'm a simple girl, with simple needs).

Two wonderful interactions at the end of TBK are when the Witch arrives at the coronation. Ruby is ready to go on the offense, but Mulan holds her back. Just a few frames, but it's perfect. And then there's their little banter Ruby: "I might not be the best person to ask for dating advice. I kind of ate the only boyfriend I've ever had." Mulan: "Yes, that disqualifies you." [...] Ruby: "It's better than wallowing in self-pity." Mulan: "I don't wallow!"

THEY ARE ALREADY PERFECT FOR EACH OTHER! Endless teasing and running head first into enemies (don't worry, Mulan has a plan; Ruby dramatically takes off her cloak... sometimes even when there is no wolf moon, just to distract enemies).

[starsinkpop]

ATEEZ Song Mingi Tarot Reading - Future Spouse

Disclaimer: I do tarot readings for fun, so please read them with a grain of salt. Don’t take my words too seriously and just keep an open mind. Tarot is a divination tool that can’t predict the future, as every single individual has their own will and makes their own decisions. Tarot should be seen as a guidance and a good friend that just has your best interest and gives you advice when needed. I’m not putting anyone in my readings on a pedestal nor am I trying to harm anyone. One last side note, I’m not a native speaker, so please excuse any wrong spellings or poor grammar.

Date of Reading: October 19th 2023

Decks: Ethereal Visions Tarot, Dreamscape Oracle, Romance Angel Oracle, Love Oracle, island time wellness love Oracle, Angel Answers Oracle Cards

Seven of Swords, Queen of Wands, Five of Cups, VI The Lovers, XXIII The Artist (R), XV The Devil

Mingi’s fs is very clever and ambitious

they can be quite nosy, kind of being in everyone’s business and sometimes having a hard time minding their own

I don’t know how to explain but it feels like they kinda enjoy everyone else’s drama and could also kinda cause some drama just for the entertainment

this is someone who’s quite daring and brave and will go for their dreams no matter what

they like adventures and get easily bored

this seems to be someone who’s more on the extroverted side

their laugh is contagious and loud

this is also a very proud individual

I’m getting bad bitch vibes in the most positive way

like, they stand up for themself, know their worth and won’t take anyone’s bs

because of that they can be quite hard to please

could be a Leo or have some Leo placements in their chart

I feel like they have a very prominent light and sweet side but also a pretty dark and extreme side

very caring and loving, but that could easily turn into obsession

they generally seem to easily obsess over people and things, but should definitely keep away from alcohol and drugs

they don’t trust people easily

they have this confident energy and seem like nothing and no one can stop them but at the same time they often regret certain decisions and actually have internal fights with their own insecurities

that’s because they often make choices from the heart and sometimes forget to use their head

they’re very emotional and intellectual

at times their emotions make them mentally unstable and restless

this can cause mood swings at times

they’re very honest tho, always speaking their mind

sometimes they can be quite manipulative, but only towards people who aren’t treating them or they loved ones good

in that case they also tend to use their mental power and intelligence

they appear to be quite greedy, not only for power but also in a materialistic way

they have a hard time leaving their past behind and moving on in life

they will go on many pleasant dates with Mingi

Mingi seems one of the very few people they actually fully trust

it feels like Mingi will help them having an actual functioning relationship for the first time in their life

they will help each other finding themselves whenever they get lost

I think when they first meet it’s one of those “right person wrong time” kinda situation

one of them will be probably in a relationship when they first meet

I see them having multiple encounters until they actually get together, they will get multiple tries to meet at the perfect time in a way

Mingi’s fs feels comfortable in their skin and don’t have any issue with being in the nude or showing skin

for the looks I can say this is someone extremely attractive and sexy

but only Mingi will see the sexy side

in fact, they could appear quite innocent at times

white suits them very well

could be on the curvier side

they could have a bit lighter hair, like a dark blonde or light to medium brown

I’m getting a honey or darker skin tone

Love,

~Nicky 🫧

Masterlist

[sparkles-oflight]

Polaroid Photos - Part 1

Master Post | Chapter 2

Hi everyone! This took a long time to make :V

As you can imagine, I had to do a lot of research for this. A lot of it is fictional, but a lot of it is true! I'll leave a list on the final notes with my sources, though I couldn't remember where some of the things were from.

I got help from a lot of people on Tumblr to find them and I'd like to thank them!

Btw, I wrote this before *vaguely gestures at Bakery* that whole situation happened

(kinda wish I had written more bakery now):

As I'm writing this, I haven't written chapter 3… yet.

But I've been wanting to get this out since FOREVEEEER.

Hope you enjoy it.

The year was 2000... The Guštins’ household had their first child: a boy born from the love of a Dutch woman and a Slovenian man. His name is Kris. He’s a couple of months old, but now that he finally can sleep through a full night his mom decided to meet up with a friend, leaving the “two men of the house” – as she called them – alone.

Yet, Kris had never slept without his mom, so he was irritated, whining in hopes she would show up to sing him his usual lullaby song.

Guštin wasn’t sure of what to do since Kris seemed to hate every time his dad tried to sing the song in his mom’s place, almost as if he was mocking his poor attempt at singing in Dutch.

He got closer to Kris to get him the pacifier.

- Ugh, why are babies so ugly? – he sighed as he finally gave the object to his son which seemed to do the trick to calm him down – See, you are much cuter like that.

Guštin put his hands on his forehead and massaged it.

- I need to tell your mama we can’t be alone anymore because you clearly have a bias for her voice. And I’m a singer!

He looked down to see his son staring at him with beautiful calm blue eyes. Then he noticed Kris was moving around with his fingers almost as if he was playing the guitar, which reminded him that his son had not yet seen a guitar – he hasn’t played at home lately after all.

- Wait a minute, okay? – he smiled and kissed his son on the forehead.

Guštin rushed down the stairs and returned to the room with his acoustic guitar.

- Kris, this is a guitar. You’ll love it. – he sat next to him – Well, at least your mom did, you know? One day, I told her “Chantal, there’s something very important I need to tell you”, and you know how your mother is, right? She said, “Miha, I’m busy at the moment we can talk later”.

Miha tried to imitate his wife’s accent which made Kris chuckle a little at his father’s nonsense.

- But, Kris, when you have such big love for a woman, you just can’t hold it back. You’ll understand when you grow up. – he cleared his throat – So... I dedicated her a song. She didn’t speak Slovene at the time, of course, but it was the language I was able to express myself in rather than explain my feelings. And I gave her a sheet with the translation anyway. – he smiled nervously.

He looked a bit at the wall and tapped his fingers on the guitar before starting to play it.

- Mlin na veter me bo gnou. – “Windmill will push me.” - Da ne bom nikol' pristou – “So I never land.”

The melody at the start was very “repetitive”, almost as if raw, which was easier for Kris to get his head around the song.

- Glih zdej plavam čez oblak – “Right now I'm swimming across the clouds” - In me reže težek zrak. – “And the sharp wind is cutting me”.

Miha singing this song is no problem – usually. Now, singing it after telling a bit of his love story to his son? That’s wild.

- Al bo sonce, al bo sneg – “Let it be sun or snow” - Mene grab nervozn smeh. “I'm laughing nervously”.

It’s insane to him that he actually married the woman he loved so much, and that she came to his small country for him, and that they both have a child together!

- Rad bi ujel le njeno dlan – “I just wanna catch her hand” - Da ne odplavam predaleč stran... – “So, I don't swim too far” ...

The melody suddenly changed, and Kris’ eyes dilated as he felt chills across his body – even as a baby he felt connected to his father’s voice and emotions.

- Dnevi niso rok'n'roll – “Days aren't Rock n' Roll”- Ampak vedno tisji mol - “But a quietly descending minor”.

Miha looked at his son who looked delighted to hear his father for the first time and he couldn’t help but grin at him.

- Oči mi grize mrzu led – “Frost is biting my eyes” - Samo jaz vidim njeno sled. – “Only I can see her trail”.

As he sang, eventually, Kris fell asleep and that is still one of the memories Miha holds close to him to this day.

He remembers Kris’ childhood probably better than Maks’ and Maja’s because he was a bit hard to deal with. He remembers Kris coming home pissed for not being able to color inside lines at the kindergarten and start tearing up out of frustration. He remembers the day Kris told him and his mom he preferred Slovene food over Dutch food – a very happy day for Miha – and he particularly remembers Kris being upset after a summer vacation.

Miha and Chantal took Kris and Maks to a summer colony with their friends and the day they returned he asked his sons if they wanted to do it again, Maks mumbled “sure, whatever” while Kris started desperately sobbing because he wanted to live nearby the sea instead.

Both parents tried to find ways to make their son meet the sea more often to entertain him... But Kris made Miha worried. Maybe because he was the oldest, but he was worried because he didn’t seem to have a passion. Sure, he was playing football sometimes, but he never shared any interest in making a career out of it – nor did he have the skills from what Miha had seen. He also never picked up on the guitar even when his dad gifted him one. In fact, Kris looked annoyed at the gift, coldly even.

One day, however, Kris made a very big decision after school, when Miha was absent.

- Welcome home, Kris – Chantal told him as he entered the house.

- Hi, mama.

- Why do you look so gloomy? – she said, tucking his hair behind his ear – Did something happen?

- Mama, I want to cut my hair. – he declared.

She stopped moving her hand when he said that. He had beautiful long and straight hair, and she felt her heart tighten as he said that.

- What? Why?

He took off his shoes, put his jacket on the coat hanger, and dropped his backpack on the floor.

- I’m tired of being called a girl!

- Kris... you know your hair has nothing to do with who you are.

- I know that! You and Dad already told me about it!

- Then why do you want to cut your beautiful hair?

- What if I don’t want to have this hair?

- Then we can cut it, but remember, I’ll only help you with that if that is really what you want to do.

Kris took a deep breath and his flustered skin seemed to cool off for a bit.

- It is what I want to do. – he said confidently.

- Promise? – she smiled at him.

- Promise.

Chantal hugged him strongly.

Later, she told Miha about Kris’ decision which made him proud. Sure, you shouldn’t change just because someone told you something mean, but the fact Kris got the courage to declare something he wanted to do with himself seemed like progress to Miha.

One time, neither Miha nor Chantal could take Maja to dance practice and asked Kris to do it since they lived nearby after all. He didn’t seem so happy about taking his little sister there, but alas.

- Ugh, and where do I put this? – Kris sighed while waving around her bag.

Maja still couldn’t carry around her bag on her own and there was no way Kris was taking it to the girl's locker room. He would rather not be wanted for harassing children at the age of 14, thanks.

- You can... leave it with Ema.

- Ema, Ema... You are always talking about this Ema girl, who’s she? An old hag?

- Our teacher! Well, sometimes... Marija! – Maja yelled for another girl her age who walked in.

They both started talking so fast and with such squeaking voices that Kris could not keep up with the conversation.

Eventually, a girl around his age walked in.

- Marija, calm down! – she smiled.

This girl seemed like another older sibling trying to keep her sister calm, though she seemed calmer than Kris.

She’s tall, but not taller than Kris, she has blonde hair and green eyes, and Kris’ lips can’t help but form a smile since, to him, she looked so beautiful. In her voice, he also noticed a strong accent which he couldn’t exactly pinpoint where it came from.

- They can be annoying like that sometimes. Always talking kids’ stuff and... you know. – he put his hands on his hips.

- Yeah. Are you Maja’s brother? I’ve heard about you.

- Good or Bad things?

- Depends on what you consider good. – she smiled – Do you also do gymnastics?

- Nah, I can’t bear this actually, not really my thing.

- Oh really? I thought you’d enjoy something like gymnastics... like floor gymnastics. Though I guess men’s gymnastics doesn’t really have music.

- What? – Kris looked confused – What does that have to do with me?

- I mean, you are part of a family of musicians, aren’t you?

That struck a nerve in Kris’ head. He actually doesn’t get the hype around his family, and he doesn’t get his father’s love for the guitar and singing. He had one of his own and he probably only touched it once, if even that, since he got it.

- Oh God, we are late, Maja, Marija! – she said.

- Oh, sorry. – Kris gave her the bag as he snapped back in, he then noticed the girl was carrying around two bags – Ugh, nice talking with you.

- Nice to talk to you too, Maks.

- I’m Kris actually.

- Oh! Sorry, got the brothers wrong! – she smiled at him.

- What’s your name?

- Ema. See you around!

The three of them ran inside and Kris was left there slightly flustered.

“See you around”, she said. Kris would remember that. Kris would make sure to take Maja to practice as much as he could. He learned Ema was a year older than him and she came from Vrhnika to Ljubljana twice a week for practice and sometimes on the weekends to visit her relatives, and she was not Maja’s teacher, she just assisted the class sometimes.

With Ema, Kris developed a friendship and also a slight crush on her, though he didn’t act upon it... for a while at least. And while Kris loved spending time with Ema, he realized he didn’t have a passion like she had for gymnastics. What was he going to dedicate his life to?

Eventually, he decided to join the school’s newspaper. Becoming a journalist would probably help him with his grades, who knows? He only knew he was tired of having his Slovene teacher on his ass all the time. He has been speaking the language for his whole life, how come he’s failing at it?

Well, that didn’t matter because Kris actually took a liking into writing, though he wished he could give his opinion more often than just “stay impartial”.

One day, he was asked to interview the band Apokalipsa. He had been to one of their concerts before, though he couldn’t remember them that well. Honestly, the only reason he even remembered the name was because his father was collaborating with them for the school’s new anthem.

Kris walked to the gym where the band was having a rehearsal, and he could hear from the outside a bit of what they were playing.

Was that... “Led s Severa”? The song Kris’ father dedicated to his mom?

- In jaz grem tja, kjer je led iz severa.- “And I’m going there, where there’s ice from the North”.

Kris rushed to the gym and opened inside he yelled:

- Wrong!

The band suddenly stopped playing and started looking at this tall boy who interrupted.

- Who are you? – the drummer asked.

The small vocalist squinted his eyes to look at Kris.

- Are you... Oh! You are Gušti’s son!

- Yeah! – he got closer to them – And you are playing it wrong!

- What? – the singer laughed.

- This song isn’t played with distortion!

Kris started messing around with the pedals which seemed to get the singer pissed.

- Hey, yo, what are you doing!? Do you even know how to play the guitar?

- No, but-

- I’m so sorry, everyone. – a voice cut off Kris.

They all turned to look who had entered and it was Miha.

- What seems to be the problem? – he frowned his brow as he noticed Kris messing with the equipment.

- Nothing. – he said – I came to interview them, not you.

- Well, you should start by saying “hi”, next time. Sorry, guys, this is my rebellious son, Kris. – he pinched his cheek.

The singer smiled and extended his hand to Kris which he took hesitantly.

- I’m Bojan – he said – This is Martin, bass player, Matic is the drummer and Luka is the guitarist.

Kris had an interview with them as the original plan demanded. He noticed the one who was the most outspoken was Bojan. Bojan sure loved to talk, but he loved music somehow even more. Kris was actually fascinated by his passion, he almost... thought music was good.

To Kris, music was cold like ice which he was scared to touch... he was scared that the ice would melt under his touch, and he was scared of burning himself out with it... that’s why he never shared an interest in music... until the day he heard Apokalispa playing again.

More than their version of Led S Severa, more than the performance itself, Kris loved how Bojan interacted with the crowd. How he moved around and how he smiled. Sure, his voice needed to be worked a bit better, but he felt the need to see him more often and to... feel what Bojan was showing: confidence.

To him, Bojan’s presence is as if a bubblegum-pink flower was gifted to him to take care of. Flowers thrive with water and sun, but Kris had no way of watering it. How could he protect and help nourish such a precious object?

There was only one way... He had to melt the ice.

And for that, he needed help from someone who had managed to do it first.

When he got home, he touched the guitar his father had gifted him. He felt the steel chords against his skin and wondered how they sounded, how he could make them sound... Were they warm enough to melt that ice?

Miha was surprised to see Kris knock on his office’s door and to be looking at the floor as if he was.... embarrassed?

- Dad, can I talk to you?

- Sure, what do you want? - he set his guitar aside.

Kris entered and closed the door behind him and sat next to Miha.

- Can you... uhm. – he was a bit lost, but quickly recomposed himself – Dad, can you teach me how to play the guitar?

Miha’s face brightened up suddenly and he pulled Kris into a hug which the younger tried to uselessly fight against.

- FINALLY! – Miha kissed his cheeks, and he chuckled.

- I TAKE IT BACK, DAD!

Miha finally let him go and looked at him in his eyes.

- What changed?

Kris didn’t know how to reply... What was he going to say? “Ah yeah, flowers need water so I wanna play the guitar”? No way.

- I have this girl I want to impress. – he lied – And I think music would reach her heart.

Miha put his hand on his chest. “So, my son is in love...”, he thought.

Miha felt so happy for Kris loving someone so much that he’d be willing to change for another and to better himself.

- Dad, are you crying?

- Yeah. – he brushed the tear falling from his eyes away – You have grown so much.

Guštin tried his best to teach Kris the basics, but there was only so much he could do before Kris got lost or started complaining about how the chords hurt him. Okay, he can admit he’s not the best teacher... that’s why he decided to enroll Kris in guitar lessons during the summer.

Kris was presented to a quiet boy with dark hair and a beard. He was a year older than him and had only started playing recently too.

Kris didn’t like him much at first because he didn’t “go to the classes to make friends”, but then he heard him play and he was imminently blown away by the sound this boy could produce from the same instrument Kris had.

- Very well, Jan. – their teacher said – Jan, this is Kris. Kris this is Jan.

- Hello. – Jan smiled at him.

- Hi.

Kris was puzzled. How come such a quiet person has such a bright smile and sound?

After a while, their teacher suggested they play together and then a band... which they both seemed eager to start. Buržuazija was the name.

Kris started talking a lot with Jan even after classes and they started to hang out together often, plus Jan seemed to know Ema and he helped the two of them get together.

One day, after one of their shows, Bojan asked Kris for Jan’s number. He wasn’t sure why Bojan wanted his number, but Jan didn’t seem to mind. A couple of days later, Bojan invited Jan into a new band with Martin and Matic. Bojan invited Kris on the same day, but he hesitated at first.

“I’ll think of the matter”, he told him.

He talked to his parents about it. He wasn’t totally satisfied with how things were going with his band, and he would really like to play with Bojan and keep playing with Jan. Plus, he knew the Apokalipsa guys for longer... His heart had already decided for him, he just felt like he needed some sort of validation from his parents, which more than willing to give it to him.

They created a Facebook group chat and decided their name by throwing suggestions into the melting pot. Joker Out was the name they decided to stick to it. It has no meaning, it’s just something stupid they came up with.

They went on to write their first song, win their first competition, to have a break... Actually, when Kris stopped talking with Bojan during the band’s hiatus, he was also dumped by his girlfriend.

They were both at his house alone when the fighting started.

- I’m just trying to be honest with you and you keep letting me down! – he told her.

- WELL, IT’S TIME FOR US TO BE OVER THEN! – she yelled – IF YOU ARE JUST GOING TO BE RUTHLESS TO ME!

- I’m just being honest!

- Honesty hurts sometimes, Kris! You are my boyfriend you are supposed to be on MY SIDE!

- I’m trying to not hurt you by not telling you pretty lies!

- Bye Kris.

- We aren’t-!

- I said: BYE KRIS! – she picked up her purse, flipped him off, and left the house.

He sat down and clasped his hands together...trying to cool himself but then he suddenly threw the ring she gave to him against a nearby mirror shattering it in pieces.

He couldn’t bear being in that suffocating room, so he left and rode his bike to the Ljubljanica River as tears fell down his face. This was the closest thing he had to a sea or an ocean... This small river.

Kris Guštin: My girlfriend dumped me

Janči: are you okay?

Kris Guštin: I don’t want to talk about it anymore

Janči: then what do you want?

Kris Guštin: I want to go out! I want to drink! And I want to forget about everything

Janči: alcoholic :/

In the end, they decided to go to a nearby gay bar. Jan insisted there were cool people there to talk to and it’s not like Kris was immediately planning to flirt with anyone after a rough breakup.

Kris stayed mostly isolated at that club, even after multiple guys tried to flirt with him, though it seemed like Jan was the one having the best time by flirting back at them.

Kris just wanted to drink, managing his emotions was a job for the “Kris of tomorrow”.

- And I was just being honest! – Kris laughed after God knows how many drinks – I just wanted the best for her.

- Hey! Are you going to drink that? – Jan pointed to Kris’ shirt in which he had spilled bear earlier that night.

- Drink what?

Jan licked the stain making him giggle and, eventually, Kris started to feel more motivated to talk to people and dance at the club.

Kris noticed a small guy with brown hair and eyes who seemed as excited as a little puppy, and they danced around each other almost all night. He can’t remember exactly what happened, but they both ended up kissing as the purple square lights painted the scenery in a beautiful mosaic.

He knew it was wrong... He knew it was wrong to kiss someone right after a breakup, but it felt so good. It was his first time kissing a guy, and he didn’t know it was supposed to feel this great! He didn’t know he wanted to entangle his fingers in his hair, kiss his neck, and make him moan all night. He didn’t know that.

He fought against the alcohol to avoid taking it further – Kris doubted his parents would feel great about him bringing a stranger back home as a 17-year-old.

In the end, Jan had to drag him out of the club and take him home.

After the band’s conflicts were solved, Kris started his last year of school, feeling now so much better than how he did during those months.

During Christmas vacations, he visited his family in the Netherlands as always, and that year he had been invited to spend New Year’s with a bunch of Dutch friends, which his parents allowed him to go.

Most of his friends had girlfriends or boyfriends who planned to kiss each other when the countdown reached zero – something Kris only came to find out an hour into their party.

He didn’t know whether one particular girl at the party was single or not. He didn’t even know her, actually. She seemed to know most girls there, but Kris had never seen her. She was a tall brunette with long hair and a very enchanting smile.

As both their friends left their groups to their partners, Kris and the girl ended up having to talk to each other.

Her name was Klara, and she was a year older and studied physics in Rotterdam. Her family was originally from Indonesia, just as Kris’ grandpa, and she seemed invested in Kris’ stories about Slovenia, and his band, and his friends and family and...

Kris got distracted talking to her. One of their friends had to basically drag the two of them to the balcony to see the fireworks.

- Should we kiss each other? – Klara asked Kris.

- Sure. – he sure hoped he could use the cold of Amsterdam as an excuse for his flustered face.

Kris and Klara had their first kiss that night, one that lasted a bit longer than you’d expect for a New Year’s kiss. It even got some of their friends telling them to get a room.

At the end of the night, they exchanged numbers and promised to meet again as Klara kissed Kris on the cheek goodbye.

They did end up visiting each other as often as they could during vacations and eventually started dating.

As seasons began to change, Kris decided to go to the river with some of his friends and when he finally got some time to lay on his towel, he felt a shadow being cast on him.

When he opened his eyes, he noticed a familiar face: Ema’s.

- Hello, Krisko. – she said hesitantly.

He didn’t say a word, instead, he just sat down, now left with an uncomfortable feeling brought by her presence.

- Can I sit next to you?

He didn’t say anything, instead, he looked at her hair, and at its new color: brown.

- How are things going for you?  - she asked – I imagine you have a lot of work now with university and... is the band still a thing?

- Yes. – Kris replied dryly as he couldn’t help but feel powerless next to her.

- I’m in Ljubljana for this week, spring break, you know how it is. – she chucked awkwardly – Listen, Krisko-!

- Don’t call me that.

- Oh yeah… I forgot I’m no longer your girlfriend so I can’t call you nicknames, I see. Does your new girlfriend call you that?

“News spreads fast”, Kris thought.

- What did you come here for?

She stopped for a while before talking again.

- Krisko, I miss you. – she declared – And I heard you had a new girlfriend and I noticed how much I missed you as my boyfriend and I-

- And you what?

- I forgive you.

- Forgive me?

- Yes! Like, I get it: Not everyone is great at giving up their values for others, but I understand that-

- You understood nothing! Please, don’t talk to me anymore! I want you out of my life!

- But Krisko-!

- Stop! I’m so done with you! You were the one who put an end to our relationship, don’t you dare crawl back and ask us to get back together!

- If that’s what you want, so be it! – she got up – But I dare you to try and keep up that “honest act” of yours and see who will be left in your friend group!

- My friends understand me unlike you! – he also got up.

- Oh, do they now, Kris? Or are you forgetting your band already broke up once because of you!? – she pointed to his chest – You and Bojan decided to fight for something stupid and the band broke up. You can’t keep relationships, Kris!

He breathed in slowly and then proceeded to remove Ema’s finger from his chest.

- The difference between Bojan and the band, and you is that I would come back to them over and over again! But to you? Sorry, Ema, I can’t even bear the sight of you anymore if you think relationships are something as fragile as that. The only reason your relationships are like that is because you could never change for someone else, Ema.

She looked at him in shock. She started crying and with one last yell:

- Fuck you, Kris.

And he never saw her again.

Kris picked up his stuff and texted the group about his departure.

When he got home, he immediately locked himself in his room with just his thoughts and the guitar.

He was bitter, and he wanted to play the aggressive chords and notes that came out of his heart and were played by his fingers.

He was done living in a world where his view was shaped by hers. He wanted to live in a world where he was allowed to see and experiment with all the colors, even the ugly ones, because what’s the point if not?

- This song is shit. – Bojan told him

- Seriously!? – Kris complained.

- Sorry not sorry, Krisko, but this is a no. We could always rework it if you want but I think this is really bad. Want my help?

- No, I don’t want your fucking help.

- Well, bummer. – he stayed quiet before he turned to smile again – Tell me again what you told to Ema?

- Bojan, enough.

- “The difference between Bojan and the band, and you is that I would come back to them over and over again”, I like that. – Bojan giggled and Kris threw a pillow at his face.

- We don’t talk about it anymore!

- Boo-hoo. I love you too. – Bojan went to Kris and grabbed his cheeks to kiss him in the face while the younger one protested.

After a few more rejected versions of the song, Kris came up with the final song and it was finally approved by all the elements of the band. The name? “Ne govoriva več o tem”(Ngvot) - “We don’t talk about it anymore”.

The next song Kris ended up writing was “Dopamin”.

At first, he was a bit lost on what to do since Bojan kept rejecting his song over and over again. He knew he wanted something to do with science because he wanted to sing it for Klara, but the lyrics sounded forced.

Then Bojan asked him to think of a moment. To think of a moment, or a touch, or a gesture, or a word that was dedicated to him and where he felt a rush of adrenaline, that’s where he would find his source of inspiration.

But Kris couldn’t think of anything. What would he choose? The few dates he had with Klara? Their first time? Their declaration to each other? Their first kiss? All of these sounded so basic to him. They sounded...overdone.

So, he chose another important moment of his life unrelated to Klara: the kiss he shared with the stranger at the club.

Sure, it’s not about Klara, but Kris felt such a rush of dopamine when he kissed those lips as if he would die if he spent any second apart from them, and maybe if he wasn’t so drunk he would have asked that person out, but now they were gone.

Yet Kris still puts his fingers on his lips when he thinks of that day as if he hoped to find him again and ask him what he did to shake his ground so much.

Eventually, Kris concluded he must be “some flavor of gay” – Jan facepalmed when he heard that.

For a while, the boys tried to fit their careers with their studies and jobs, but, in 2020, everything closed, and, while on lockdown, Bojan decided to sing at home and make a small solo concert at home.

Kris was excited to watch it and decided to gather his whole family to hear the songs since Bojan was planning to sing one of the new ones. Maks was the only one that objected but their mom told them that the band is important for Kris so he should listen.

Bojan began with singing “Gola” and oh how the memories flushed back to Kris... About the band’s hiatus period how this song was both responsible for it and how it brought them together again.

Kris could almost swear he melted hearing this version – but he won’t. Nobody needs to know that.

“Omamlejno Telo” was next and oh, Bojan decided to sing softly again...okay. It's so obvious his vocal progression with this one... His voice control has changed to a whole new level...

- “Vem da Greš”? – Miha asked.

- Oh, it’s our new single. Bojan really likes this one.

Kris remembers what Bojan told him about “Vem da Greš”. He said he met someone while we were on a break and that they shook their ground, but they left him. He said he would travel to the sun for that person and leave his life behind as the Earth burns.

“Dramatic bitch”, Kris thought.

Kris’ mind turned off for a second until he heard Bojan mention his name and how he had two songs in the album they were going to release.

- I can’t sing it, but I would like to sing something that’s probably close to him. – the singer said through the screen – So I’m going to play something his father wrote.

Kris turned to Miha, and everyone else turned to Kris as he started trying to make himself small on the couch and hid his flustered cheeks as much as he could.

- I’m going to sing “Garbage (Hip hop med nogami)”.

- Mama, is that a dad song? – Maja asked.

“Shit, she’s here”, Kris forgot about his younger sister. Should she be hearing this? Doesn’t look like it by the face his mom was making.

Maks on the other hand seemed to suddenly wake up from scrolling on his phone.

- Všeč si mi k' hod'š, všeč k' govoriš – “I like the way you walk, I like the way you talk” -Všeč so mi poteze, vse k' jih nardiš – “I like the moves you make”.

Kris tried very hard to not look at any of his family member’s faces, so he forced himself to just look at Bojan on the screen.

- Mikajo me noge, mika me telo – “I’m tempted by your legs, I’m tempted by your body” - Nor sem na štrumpantle in svilen blago – “I'm crazy about strumpets and silk fabrics”.

Okay, Kris had to look away after that one and Maks is fucking recording the screen, seriously?

- Mama, why does Bojan want Kris in silk fabrics?

- Okay, Maja, I think it’s past your bedtime now. – Chantal tried to remove the young girl from the room, but she kept insisting on staying.

- Bojan looks very embarrassed, Kris.  OH MY GOD, WAS THAT A LIP BITE!? – Maks laughed out loud and Kris threw him a slipper to the head – MAMA, KRIS HIT ME!

- Kris! – she complained.

- Sorry, mama.       

- Dostkrat se sprašujem, dostkrat mi ni prou – "Many times I wonder, many times I don't understand” - Zakaj me ne pogledaš, mogoče ti bo žou! “Why don't you look at me, maybe you'll like it!”

- Kris, please look at him, he has puppy eyes.

And another slipper went flying.

- Both of you are grounded.

- Mama, I’m an adult already! – Kris complained.

- Then act like it!

- Sanjam, k' ti prste zapletem med lase – “I dream of tangling my fingers in your hair” - Sanjam, k' ti jezik prlep'm na zobe – “I dream of sticking my tongue on your teeth”.

- NO WAY, NO WAY, NO WAY. – Maks said and this time it was Maja who told him to shut it.

- Hotu bi te gledat, hotu bi te 'met – “I would like to look at you, I would like to throw you” - Raztrgu bi obleko, vzel bi ves tvoj med – “I'd rip your dress, I'd take all your honey”.

Kris wanted to kill Maks for being a nuisance, Bojan for telling him to watch this concert, his father for writing the song, and himself for inviting the whole family to watch this. He’s not sure in which order he should go by, though.

He looked around and noticed his father wasn’t there anymore, when did he leave?

- Garbage hip hop med nogami – “Garbage hip hop between your legs” – Garbage hip hop.

Chantal turned off the television they were watching the transmission from and sighed.

- That’s enough of that... – she stayed silent for a while before yelling – GUŠTIN GET YOUR ASS HERE, I’M SURE YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THIS!

Kris sighed... it was finally over.

- I have a question! – Maja raised her arm – Why does Bojan want to be in between your legs?

- No, Maja, no he doesn’t. – Kris dismissed her.

- Like, it makes no sense. You wouldn’t be able to breathe.

- I...

- In a couple of years, I tell you what that’s about. – Maks told her.

- I’m only 5 years younger than you!

- Maks. – Kris called him - Friendly reminder the song was written by Dad. In case you want to tell her in detail about what it is, just think about the fact Dad wrote about someone.

- Okay, gross.

What were two weeks turned into a couple of months of not being able to go outside normally.

One morning, Kris got out of his room nearing midday and was greeted by his mom on the way to his room.

- Kris... Your hair is a mess.

- I just woke up. – he scratched the back of his head and yawned.

His hair was in the air, and he had an online class in about 5 minutes – which he did not plan to turn his camera on for. He had spent a good chunk of the night on a call with some of his friends playing Among Us – which he only won when he wasn’t the impostor because he is just too easy to read when he’s lying.

- Let me fix that for you. – Kris bent down for his mom to help him with his hair – Your hair is growing so much.

- Oh, yeah. I guess I haven’t cut it in a while.

- I like it so much. – Chantal tucked it behind his ear – It has been a long time since I’ve seen it like that.

- I guess so... – they stood next to each other and looked at the mirror in the hallway,

- You’ve grown to be a handsome man, Kris.

- Mama...

- Je mama houdt zoveel van je... – “Your mama loves you very much”.

- Ik houd ook van jou. – “I love you too” – Now I’ll be late for my class!

- Oh, yes! Sorry about that. I’ll wake up your sister who’s late for hers.

It was during the pandemic that Kris found confidence in his hairstyle and gender identity. He decided to let his hair grow again because he understood it didn’t matter what people would think: he still felt like a man and “hair is hair” not your gender identity. And if someone is bothered by that, Kris would laugh in their face because he didn’t care.

A while after the lockdown, Matic left the band and Jure replaced him and that’s when the Demoni era began.

With his newfound confidence, Kris felt like he could finally release “Ngvot” officially.

They were a little scared of releasing Demoni since they were just starting to make it begin in Slovenia. What if the “second album curse” fell onto it? What if it didn’t fit the expectations? However, they managed to keep the curse away and the album seemed to do just as great if not better than their first album!

But with so much success and with things starting to “get real”, someone had to make a decision: Martin left the band. And Kris remembers very well the tears that followed and the fear that overtook all of them and how all their burdens fell onto him.

Even so, they proceeded. They continued even scared because that was the only way they’d achieve their dreams.

After the new member arrived at the band, Nace, Kris got along with him very well. They hung out most days especially because they lived near each other and they would often have Jam sessions, and Kris knew he could count on Nace when he just needed a moment of peace from the whole band.

Nace was his roommate during Eurovision, and he was there when Kris arrived at their room after the semi-final, and he just jumped on the bed to stare at the ceiling as the adrenaline died down and he started to feel tears forming in his eyes, and rolling down his cheeks.

- Nace... – he said – We are in the final. We are in the fucking final!

Nace hugged him and cry kept crying.

- We did it, Nace! We did it... I’m so happy.

- And we are going to keep at it, okay?

- Definitely.

♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩♫♩

Bokris from Miha's pov hehe.

anyways! Sources!

CHAPTER 1

Miha thought Kris was ugly as a baby and he gave him a guitar at 11: https://novice.svet24.si/clanek/zabava/626a937a72d5e/miha-gustin-gusti-upam-da-sinu-ne-delam-sramote

Kris didn't like his father's music: https://novice.svet24.si/clanek/astro/616977e71ab9c/miha-gustin-gusti-in-sin-kris-glasbenika-in-zaveznika-razlicna-okusa-a-ista-ljubezen-do-glasbe

Kris wasn't able to color inside the lines (same source as point 1)

Kris likes more Slovenian food than dutch: https://jokeroutsubs.tumblr.com/post/739664742412697600/eng-translation-rocknroll-in-the-blood

Summer Vacation: https://mihagustin.blogspot.com/2011/07/najstnisko-dolgocasje.html

Kris used to play football: https://youtu.be/qpYY9BwpLRc?si=NiblKnDzy99vTDnp&t=373

Kris doesn't think he's good at sports or games (same source as 6)

Kris decided to cut his hair at the age of 10 because he was bullied for "being a girl" : https://youtube.com/shorts/syrFFuLax7U?si=9QkodFxyt98OZU1F

Kris wasn't good in school, but then he became an excellent student (same source as 2)

Miha and Chantal are Allieeeees: https://youtu.be/gRSbqtNlsXA?si=k05ZWnJXrL1VOyHL

Maja does gymnastics (same source as point 4)

Kris was a reporter at school when he met the apokalipsa guys: https://www.tumblr.com/jokeroutsubs/725625224282963968/nace-jordan-for-slovenian-online-journal-aleteia?source=share

Kris started playing guitar after meeting Bojan and because of the girls even though his father is a musician: https://youtu.be/U8J_RhxAQdE?si=xwhrcI-KaKUUxW2N

That song isn't played with distortion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIlnXLv1g1Y&ab_channel=Elja

Kris asking his dad to teach him how to play (same source as point 2)

Look at Krisko at the Apokalipsa's concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7iCkNDnHMo&ab_channel=BANDAPOKALIPSA

Kris and Jan's band: https://youtu.be/GQNhhX7ih5A?si=xFsaLhmVruOVK7Hu

Ngvot: https://youtu.be/hP79eReOczA?si=2IyyLFCA67VlpEQE

Gay Bar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sotVP84VSFk&ab_channel=Alex

Kris hard to get: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djIyhgUmWlA&ab_channel=EurovisionInsider & https://www.tumblr.com/kurooscoffee/732261010119016448/eng-sub-dropping-some-bokris-lore-bc-this-is-too?source=share

Gola: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ccs1DU8bya4&ab_channel=kurooscoffee

Kris' GF is dutch (Same source as point 4)

Bojan rejected Ngvot multiple times (NEED HELP FINDING THE SOURCE)

Bojan rejecting Dopamin: https://youtu.be/obG8dxtDH-o?si=W5FaO-HI-UzW5Lhb&t=1042

Either Bele Sanje or Dopamin is about a girl: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2Kepp8udXQ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Garbage HipHop: https://www.tumblr.com/kurooscoffee/743786585087148032/reblogging-cuz-i-googled-what-%C5%A1trumpantli?source=share

In 2022, Miha said Kris was dating a girl for the past 3 years: https://novice.svet24.si/clanek/astro/616977e71ab9c/miha-gustin-gusti-in-sin-kris-glasbenika-in-zaveznika-razlicna-okusa-a-ista-ljubezen-do-glasbe

As of the beginning of 2023, he was still dating the same girl: https://jokeroutsubs.tumblr.com/post/720664604133523456/hey-guys-thanks-for-all-your-hard-work

Kris and Nace were roommates during ESC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARgHgpEz9iI&ab_channel=ESCunited

Real Miha and Chantal love story (JUST LOOK AT THEM, THEY ARE ADORABLE): https://x.com/kurooscoffee/status/1806671881308659810?s=46&t=yp0BYR2xB56k6qgtrkXLOg

Kris wrote NGVOT in 2018: https://www.metropolitan.si/scena/glasba/skupina-joker-out-nam-je-razkrila-kaj-ne-sme-manjkati-v-zaodrju-preseneceni-boste/

[in-my-shifting-era]

The Cheerleader and The Freak Pt 2 (Angst ending in fluff)

Summary:(this is a part 2) Eddie rejects a popular cheerleader (reader) after a miscommunication making the reader think differently of the metalhead.

Warnings: I’m not really sure anymore. Use of y/n again. Some mature language. Reader is 18+. Reader is kinda mean to Eddie but it doesn’t last.

———————————————————————————————————

After driving home angry you made your way to your room and cried yourself into a nap to quiet the anger from the public rejection. The rejection of Eddie isn’t what was making so hurt. It’s was the fact that Eddie treated you like you’re stereotype, something you never once did to him. The heartbreak soon turned to a sour taste for the metal head, after him treating you the way he did. You would have locked yourself in your room and slept the weekend away if Chrissy hadn’t stop by waking you up from your pity party.

After not going to practice she knew something was wrong. She made you tell her everything, including your crush on Eddie Munson. She was supportive; well she would have been if he reciprocated the feelings and wasn’t a total asshole about rejecting you. She offered to go talk to him and tell him off for being so rude to you but you told her not to do anything., you’d deal it yourself.

You want to forget about Eddie for the time being and she let you do just that begging you not to drown yourself in ice cream at home and maybe go to the mall to get him off your mind instead. You agreed but settled on you going to family video to return the movie. You didn’t even wanna watch it now that Eddie was involved in the idea of doing so.

When you walk into the store Robin is the first to greet you knowing you from Nancy and Steve. “Y/n hi! Uh Steve had been waiting for you to come in. I’ll go get him!” Before you can stop her Robin is screaming for Steve in the luckily empty store. You sigh uncomfortably knowing he’s going to ask if his set up attempt was successful.

Steve comes out from the back room and smiles widely when he sees you and leans against the counter. “Y/n Hey! How was the movie?” You put on your best smile despite your tense demeanor. “Uh scary. I won’t be sleeping tonight.” You let out an awkward laugh in an attempt to make it look like you watched the movie not wanting to elaborate further then that.

Steve goes to push further when the door opens quickly making all heads turn to the door. Your heart dropped when you recognized the face immediately. Eddie looks like he had just ran all the way to the store. His eyes are searching for something landing on Steve as he attempts to catch his breath. “ Did y/n y/ln rent the new nightmare Harrington? I need to know how much I just fucked up. ”

Steve’s eyes fall to you slowly; Eddie following his gaze and looking like a dear in the headlights. Suddenly the room becomes small and constricting as you avoid Eddie eyes at all cost. “I’ll go so you can help him.” You duck your head quickly and quietly head for the door when Eddie steps in your way.

“Y/n can I please talk to you.”His demeanor from early at school seems to be gone completely confusing you as you look up at him never meeting his gaze . For a slip moment he looks like the Eddie you fell for, gentle and sweet.

Your eyes dart towards Steve who can now tell that the answer was not what he hoped and is quickly trying to put pieces together as he watches you two near the door. You look back at Eddie in the eyes this time anger clouding your brain as you speak; “Please get out of my way I’m trying to leave.” He stays standing his body towering over you smaller frame. You start to move around him when he pulls a gentle hand on your arm to stop you again.

You move your arm away him as if his touch has hurt you. “Just leave me alone Munson. I have nothing to say to you.” The coldness in your voice makes even you surprised. You see Eddie’s face fall like you’ve seen many times before when people at school call him names.

You look down again feeling frustrated tears burn behind yours eyes. Eddie sees this and gives you space stepping back gently. “I don’t want to make you cry again. Just please give me 5 minutes to explain why I reacted the way I did. You can go back to hating my guts again after. Promise.”

You sigh annoyed at his stubbornness but meet his gaze again. “2 minutes.” Eddie nods quickly and rocks on the balls of his feet. “Girls like you don’t date guys like me y/n.” You scoff at his statement and shift your weight not impressed so far.

Eddie sighs frustrated and runs his ring clutter finger through his messy waves. “You have to admit The cheerleader falling for the school freak sounds like the plot to some cheesy Rom Com.” He gives you a dorky smile as he hears a small laugh fall from your chest as you let your shoulders relax a bit.

“I didn’t even want to entertain the thought that your interest in asking me on a date was genuine because then if it was some big joke I’d be crushed.” You look up at the taller boy wiping the single tear that has escaped. “You really thought I’m just like them didn’t you.”

The shaking in your voice makes Eddie’s heart ache knowing he’s made you feel so small. “I did. I should have remembered you’re not the best actress from the annual Christmas play.” You look up at the boy shocked by this statement.

“That was in middle school Munson! I was nervous and I forgot my line!” You hide your embarrassment with an eye roll and surpassed smile. Eddie gives you his signature dimpled smile you feel for originally. “Ah I got a smile from you.” When you cross your arms angrily at him he puts his hands up in surrender.

“Sorry I’m supposed to be apologizing not flirting.” As he watches the pink tint dust your cheeks he continues. “I never should have assumed you where liked those other Pom Pom welding mean girls and meat head jocks. If you’d ever let me I’d like to show you what I really think about Y/n Y/ln.”

The bubble of anger in your chest had finally popped. You offer the metal head a soft smile. “I’d like that. I’m going to make you work for it though Munson. You where a real ass and I don’t deal with that. Not even from cute dorks like you.” Seeing Eddie blush makes your heat flutter a bit as you slip past his larger frame towards the door. “I’m looking forward to our stupid little date Munson.” With that you leave with a wave and a confused Steve and Robin to question the now flushed boy.

The first part of this story got so much love! I’m so happy so many people enjoyed it enough to want a part 2! I hope it was worth the wait! Let me know what kind of image you guys wanna see next!

Also I was asked my some to tagged in part 2.💕

@sadbitchfangirl @bibieddiesgf @phantomxoxo @tracymbcm @vulgarfuckinvirgo77

[ronearoundblindly]

The First Eighty-Three Hours (4)

CEO!Steve Rogers x CEO!reader

Dinner (see previous or series)

Summary: The most nerve-racking part of your official first day isn't what you expect.

Warnings for frustrating gossip and misogynist behavior, as well as light and suggestive language. This one is a bit of a rollercoaster, FYI. WC 3.5k

You never believed it more than today: Mondays are the fucking worst.

It started normally. You woke, dressed, and came to work early. You exchanged a few texts with Steve, all sweet but about real business, and you looked forward to ticking off lots of things on the to-do list, especially since as co-CEOs, you both can split up the top-level tasks.

It goes to shit almost immediately.

Security hasn’t updated your badge clearance for the building but has managed to delete your old security details in preparation for the change in title. You know a few of the front desk guards, but not all of them, not the ones working this morning, and since the building houses multiple company corporate offices, they see a lot of people come and go. Topaz has to come down and escort you up as if you are her visitor.

You can’t get mad—though you are fuming—because it’s a simple tech error that one call can correct. It’s about the most pleasant call of your whole day.

Each of the other companies you call has been in contract with American Capsules for at least a year. Some CEOs, some COOs, one CFO, you know every man (and they are all men) you speak to, and at a point in every single call, a variation of “are you sure? Put Rogers on” gets thrown in.

You have a headache from rolling your eyes so hard. You come up with highly creative ways to say that you have been on the line for most, if not all, of their previous discussions with Mr. Rogers, and that he, in fact, asked you for final assurance that his information was correct during most, if not all, of those calls. To some extent, you know this company better than Steve Rogers.

No one seems to fucking care. It’s a Monday. You’re a woman. You were just an assistant.

“I’d feel better if I hear that from him.”

That’s the kicker.

God forbid you get emotional, but baby-boy over here really needs to feel reassured. At least that man did not refer to you as some sort of dessert.

My name is not ‘sugar,’ it is not ‘cupcake,’ and it is not ‘gumdrop,’ you old farts. However, the nicknames come from men aged 31 to 63, so…woohoo, consistency.

The fun doesn’t end there. Your only in-person meeting decides to regale you with a story of how he’s more qualified than you.

“It’s a shame I never got to apply,” he scoffs in what he probably thinks is a casual way but it’s just derogatory. “Guess you had the inside track, huh? You and Rogers spend so much time together…”

Do not scream ‘fuck off.’ Don’t do it.

“Steve saw my dedication to this company, yes.” You fake-laugh to the door to get him to leave. “You’d hate the hours anyway, Paul. I know how much you love those Napa Valley vacations, and I’m afraid that just wouldn’t work here.”

You managed to not make the door hit him on the way out. Now you kinda want a cupcake.

At lunch—which you eat at nearly three in the afternoon—Topaz tosses out a comment about how you must be excited to spend some of that raise money, freshen up your wardrobe, maybe buy a new car or upgrade your apartment. You do not have fucking time for her shit.

Steve comes in to check a few things with you, dedicated to his professional persona, which is great because you need to feel like work is work and home is home right now.  The lines cannot be blurred when everyone around you thinks they already are.

Plus, you’d likely bite his head clean off if he dared say the word ‘precious’ after the morning you’ve had.

Keeping to work only is not that difficult because you’ve been ignoring how delicious Mr. Rogers looks in a suit for years, except there may be a few random phrases he accidentally says that make your thighs clench. Most of them are mild threats to the men who’d behaved badly towards you, but Steve doesn’t seem to know what they did. He’s simply annoyed that they insisted on speaking to him instead of confirming details with you.

The most peaceful part of the whole day is about seven minutes between two calls. You drink a whole glass of water with the door shut and get to stare out the window. The cityscape should remind you of sex. Good sex. Great sex. But no, all you really think about is chatting with Steve whilst having that morning coffee. You hated to replace the scent of his soap with your body wash after going home, and you washed your hair thinking of how to describe the ritual to him.

Other than that seven minutes in heaven, you never calm down. You end up still at the office until 6:20. There’s no chance to run home and change. You’ll have to go to dinner with Pepper and Tony in what you’re wearing.

Steve holds your coat up in the hall. He jokes that the perk of having a driver is that you can both leave your workbags in the car. He doesn’t sense anything is really wrong, and he says it again.

“You were amazing today.”

You don’t fucking feel like it.

During the ride to the restaurant, you are on the verge of rage tears. If tomorrow goes just as badly, you may break your desk phone. Employees knowing about (or acknowledging) your heightened status is hit-and-miss. Some offered congratulations while a fair few—shockingly all men—still rampantly demeaned you in hopes of getting a second with ‘your boss.’ It felt like high school all over again to hear girls whispering about ‘sleeping her way to the top’ in the bathroom. Bitter is not a heavy enough sentiment for how you feel in this stupid fucking car going to a stupid fucking meal while you still have a stupid fucking amount of—

“We’re here,” Steve says softly, a hand grasping your thigh briefly, telling you to wait while he gets your door.

You’re distracted on the walk inside, automatically letting him take your coat and check them in the lobby. Your mind is elsewhere when you step up to the hostess desk.

“It’s…I’m sorry, I don’t know who the reservation is under, but party of four—“

Damn. You think of something you need to tell Topaz and an amendment for a contract stipulation tomorrow.

As you scurry to pull out your phone, the maitre d’ clears his throat.

“Ma’am, this establishment has a dress code.”

It hardly registers. You have on a blouse and trousers with broken-in heels that don’t blister your feet. Your tits and ass aren’t hanging out. Mission accomplished. Let’s get on with it.

“I’m covered,” you mutter, texting Topaz.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow you to dine with us in that.”

You finally look up and see the clear disdain on the man’s angular face. Even the host is in a full tuxedo.

“Rogers!”

Tony yells from the doorway of a private room far beyond the main dining room and bar. He’s oblivious to disturbing anyone else’s meal, but it’s possible half of these people eat here explicitly to see Tony Stark and say they eat where he does.

Steve returns to your side, and while The Tony Stark and The Steve Rogers exchange a brief hug, you stare right into the maître d’s eyes and purse your lips.

“M’Lady,” Tony coos, leaning forward to kiss your cheek, “or should I say ‘my hero?’” He smiles and turns excitedly. “Hope you brought your appetites. I ordered one of everything. This way—“

“One moment,” you halt, lifting a finger, looking the angular man square in the face with your head held high. “Do we have a problem?”

Sheet-white, the host has a new pallor. Good.

“What’s this,” Steve asks quietly.

“No, ma’am,” the maitre d’ gulps, pure terror flashing in his brown eyes.

Your own eyes drop to his name tag. “Thank you, Lyle.” Smiling as you slowly rotate to your date, you let out a tense breath.

“After you,” Steve offers, smiling too.

You don’t want to start the night off on the wrong foot by explaining that exchange, but your hands smooth any piece of fabric they can get to nervously.

Tech guys in Silicon Valley go everywhere in ratty tees and cargo pants, and they’re probably openly welcomed into the nicest places. Steve’s in a perfectly nice suit, but nothing fancy. Hell, Tony wears a Black Sabbath shirt under a blazer. Why just you?

Your clothes are fine, not haute couture, but you have no desire to maintain a wardrobe that requires more time and effort than your day job. You know what Steve spends on dry cleaning and tailoring. When would you find the time? Plus, there’s a thin line between fashionable, functional, and cumbersome—

Whatever. Pepper will understand if it’s brought up…except she’s in a gorgeous sheath dress and Louboutins. Pep’s always been like that though, impeccable taste, and she’s the reason you found that gala gown from a store you wouldn’t have set foot in otherwise.

Dinner does start out well. Tony is beyond appreciative (about the weekend), and Pep is gracious and sympathetic (about your long day, no details). There’s a bit of discussion about the differences between Tony/Pepper’s setup and yours/Steve’s.

Pepper is the CEO and the only CEO of Stark Industries because Tony’s the innovator. Steve, who has always been the actual and active leader of his company, now shares those responsibilities with you. He makes an off-hand remark about still being crazy busy today, and your hands tremble faintly. You move them to your lap, trying to calm down. You’re finding it hard to jump into conversation—since you’ve spent years as a silent observer to Steve’s meetings—and transitioning to full participant isn’t natural yet.

Tony wasn’t joking about the food. Five appetizers show up and litter the table. Everyone tries everything they fancy and nothing they don’t. The not-empty plates are replaced by eight entrees laid in their wake.

This is weird. Delicious, yes, but wasteful and formal, and you’ve hit your limit. You open your mouth to excuse yourself for the ladies’ room, but the double door opens again. The chef has arrived with an off-menu addition. Tony is thrilled.

The plate, however, is placed directly in front of you.

“Something special,” the chef beams, “for you, Señorita Cappy.”

You recognize the dish and the man suddenly.

“Oh gosh, Maximus!” You take his outstretched hand, and he kisses the back of it. “I had no idea you—it’s been so long. You’re here now?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he says in a thick accent, “thanks to yourself.”

“Consider me put in my place,” Tony grumbles playfully while Pepper and Steve look at you with curiosity.

“Ah,” you flounder to take the lead in speaking, “well, for one of the first catered events after I started at AmCap, Chef Maximus was part of the staff—but not a cook! I remember—a tragedy really, because he wanted so badly to debut this—“ you showcase the plate before you with a flick of your hand “—traditional meal from his hometown. I put him in touch with a client—Bonterouss, if you remember him,” you toss to Steve. “He’s an entrepreneur that had mentioned cuisine as a passion, and…”

You shrug the rest off.

Maximus is effusive beyond reason, and after quite a few “you’re welcome”s and “you earned it”s in hopes that he knows you’re very happy for him (but need this to be done), he wishes the group a fantastic meal, excusing himself.

It’s nice to see him, of course, and it’s so wonderful he’s doing well.

Tony grabs a fork and reaches to try the new addition on the table.

Steve and Pepper say some nice things about how nice you are and how wonderful you’ve done since they all met you. Nice and wonderful. You feel anything but nice and wonderful.

Your façade crumbles. The rollercoaster of the day has wrung you dry and now it wrings actual tears from you.

Tony doesn’t skip a beat and says to let it out or drink up. Steve rubs across your shoulders and tries to tell you again how amazing you are, but that brings on a few sobs. Pepper, bless her, helps you both to the restroom like you wanted to do before the dam broke.

In addition to pauper’s clothing—apparently—you have no makeup left after as quick of a recap and cry as you can manage in the loo.

“Sweetheart, you’ve done exceptional work, and you’ll continue to do so.” Pepper trashes the last of the cloth-like paper towels in the bathroom lit by two chandeliers.

One last sniffle. You’re allotted only one more sniffle, you tell yourself.

“And what about the rest?”

Her smile is sweet. “If you want, you know I’m always willing to go shopping with you, but if you don’t care, then fuck them.”

You quickly consider what Pep might spend on hair and makeup and clothing and cleaning that clothing…since you know what half that costs for Steve. You can’t decide if your stomach wants to wretch or to binge the feelings away.

“As for…men?” Pepper braces herself on the marble vanity and meets your eye in the mirror. “It takes a lot of time. Too much time. It’s a complete waste of time, and some of the jerks never learn. You will put in far more effort than Rogers needs to, and frankly, he may never understand.” She turns to you and questioningly reaches for the exit’s handle. “He’s a good guy though. He may be one of the few who listens at very least.”

That’s an exhausting thought in and of itself, but you nod.

Back at the table, Steve immediately asks if you’d prefer to leave. It’s too dismissive to answer that it was only ‘women’s issues’ because the cause was men. You struggled to do your job today because men seemingly could not accomplish their own jobs with a woman anywhere in the mix, even one they’ve all dealt with before.

But she’s got authority now? Inconceivable. They need to speak to Rogers.

That is horrifyingly inefficient. Also, of course, it’s not all men. Some will be perfectly professional around you while wondering if you’ll blow them for some more authority. Others will use any excuse to claim your accomplishments just aren’t the same as theirs. The exact same men who will say you fucked for your job will bemoan that you don’t try a little harder with your appearance, which is just—just—

You have to arrest that train of thought.

“No, I’m fine. Just tired,” you assure Steve.

Tired of everyone’s shit.

Breathe. Calm. Sip your wine. Don’t kill Stark when he asks what the hot gossip is from the toilet. First-day jitters stories are exchanged around the table. It’s supportive but unhelpful.

You weren’t nervous. You were sabotaged.

That isn’t what you want to talk about though, and you frown at Steve hoping he takes the hint.

He slyly puts his hand on your knee and squeezes gently. In his deep, commanding voice, Steve deliberately cuts into a moment of side bickering between the other couple.

“Anyway…”

Everyone straightens in their chair a little. There’s that press of your thighs again. How very Captain-ly of him, you think.

“Right,” Tony blurts, “now it’s my turn to be sad-sack.” He fishes around for another bite of something. “Who wants to hear about Galmira?”

The irony is that you did a lot better at dinner once the discussion became work related but not related to your experience of work. You catch Steve eyeing you once or twice, he half-heartedly mentions that they could talk about something else, but you lean to whisper “whatever gets me through this, ok” in his ear as a plea for the night to end without you looking like the awkward duckling.

There were four desserts and another special thing sent out from Maximus. Tony, of course, paid.

Steve is quiet during the car ride to drop you off at your apartment. He fidgets with his phone and seems to be checking and rechecking for emails that aren’t arriving.

“May I come up so we can talk,” he mumbles, setting the phone screen down in his lap.

You take a big breath and scratch at your eyebrow. “Steve, my place is not like yours.” The day is getting to you, and all you want is to wash it away or drown out how you felt like you weren’t good enough even though nothing really changed. You don’t think you can handle commentary about your actual home. “I don’t have a doorman that will bring me a swag bag or whatever. I don’t have two bathrooms…or bedrooms, for that matter, or a massive kitchen or giant windows.”

Steve picks at a bit of lint on his pant leg.

“Do you want those things?”

At first, you think it’s some sort of bizarre proposal, not completely out of the question for a man who told you he’s in love with you before your first date. Still, you peer at him with harsh condemnation.

“Because if you don’t want those things, then why would I care if you have them? Aside from being a biohazard or full of rats, I don’t see any reason that I’d be bothered.” Steve pockets his phone. “There are no rats, right?”

Those rage tears are starting a slow surge forward. “I mean it. I don’t live like you.”

“Precious, for most of my life, I didn’t live like I do now.” He turns to face you as best he can on the back seat. “Ma and I had just this side of nothing after my dad passed. She still lives more like you than me—or, I’m assuming closer—but I know she likes it that way. She’s comfortable. I’m comfortable. Are you?”

That all sounds sweet, but you don’t trust it. Everything feels precariously balanced on keeping any semblance of Steve’s respect since you felt an overall backslide at the office today. Work is work and home is home. What you need is home to still be the place you believe Steve Rogers wants you, a place where you are precious not indigent.

The car pulls up before you can truly respond.

“At least let me walk you to your door?” He makes no move to touch you, respectfully.

While you gather your briefcase and purse, you make a decision.

“No, you can come up.”

It sounds less than sure, but that’s just it. Of all the things in life that you are not sure about right now, Steve Rogers is the one thing you are sure of.

Steve isn’t asking to come up with any expectations (other than to ascend a staircase and have a door unlocked). He simply asks to let you know you have options to choose from to feel better: alone or company.

He’s also—in his own hyper-efficient, maddeningly puppy-dog way—telling you that you deserve to feel better, to feel confident, to feel comfortable.

He confirms morning pick-up for the two of you with his driver. He politely follows you to your door, three steps behind. He says exactly zero words in response to laying eyes on your living space. He takes your coat again to hang his and yours by your door.

For some reason, it strikes you that they look good together, your coats, right there in your apartment, and you release an enormous sigh as you plop your bags down at the dinette.

“Don’t fret,” he soothes, finally closing the distance between you to cup your face and kiss your forehead, “I’ll be honored to smell like you tomorrow.”

Your thighs clench and you swallow loudly.

Steve backs up, beet red at the collar of his shirt. “Soap,” he yells. “I meant your—“ He pinches the bridge of his nose and squeezes his eyes shut, muttering, “real question is whether I need another drink or if that means I’ve had too many…”

He rubs the nape of his neck, jutting a thick, veiny forearm close to your face, and it wafts that damn air of comfort right at you. A lock of hair dislodges and tickles his forehead. He bites at his pink bottom lip. He’s magically confident and shy, thorough but clueless, too grand and too adorable all in one ripped, muscular package dropped off neatly in your living room where it visibly does not belong.

Today was hard, but this guy makes the night look easy.

So you just fling yourself on him, cheap-but-not-cheap clothing and all.

Fuck it. Earn that cupcake.

Oooooo, big shock, I couldn't keep it to the estimated number of chapters...again. There will be at least one more. Fairly certain it will just be the one if my outline holds (she says with absolutely zero confidence while thinking of three other side-plots) and will probably have a bit of smut. Who knows. I sure as shit don't. These two just lead me around blindly...

I see what I did there, whoops. Makes sense now.

[Last Part]

[Main Masterlist; Ko-Fi]

@bucky-fricking-barnes-reads @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @fallinallinmendes @deandreamernp @rach2602 @patzammit

[issuesdolly]

VERY sad recent personal experience- need to vent

hey folks.... I had to vent to the empty Tumblr space about a very upsetting/confusing recent experience. I have a TikTok where I make JD/Korn related content as well as vids of myself about my life and some comedy stuff of me.

Well, few months ago, a guy found my videos and followed me and seemed to care deeply about the health advocacy videos I put up regarding my terminal + chronic pain illness. He invited me to speak with him and after seeing him on vid + in person, he looked VERY VERY SIMILAR to Jonathan Davis in his 30s... as well as being a huge JD/Korn fan. So yeah him 36 me 33.... living nearby each other. He could even do some good JD vocal immitations when we'd be singing along to the songs together and stuff lol. So.... y'all can imagine how that made me feel lol.

He told me for months he thought I'm beautiful... that he likes me and wanted to get into a relationship. I was pretty much blown away. I was like "seriously????" cuz... it felt like a dream or something haha. I explain over and over again about my failing health and educated him on all that is wrong with me.. testing him....and he was still supportive saying he accepts that that's where it's at for me and still wants to be with me. When I'd had worse flairups he said lovely things like "I wish I could take your pain away," and I would say stuff like "you do... as much as anyone can." Which was true. I was falling for him for sure.

We started spending more time together and he started talking about wanting to hook up. Obviously, I wanted that more than ANYTHING IN THE WORLD HAHA. But... I got scared saying "you are extremely attractive to me but I'm afraid to just hook up.... I'd like to get to know you better first??" because believe it or not... as pervy as I am in my writing, I'm VERY careful in my real life where my physical safety/men are concerned. And where my heart is concerned.

BECAUSE this guy was SO good looking I had to think "I wonder how many women/people he's trying this with????" Him being single and wanting to spend his life with a dying lady seemed too good to be true. He also spends a lot of time out with friends and going to concerts and clubs while I'm bedridden so I had to wonder what he's really up to when I'm not around. Basically I was being appropriately skeptical. And also didn't want to get heartbroken if he saw the vulnerability of my situation knowing I'm very sick/depressed and he reminds me of JD.

I admitted I'm VERY attracted to him and definitely want to fuck him lol.... but want to be careful and spend more time with him before getting into that.

Obviously after I wasn't moving "fast" enough... the JD- lookalike guy has kinda stopped responding to my messages or caring as much. He went from bombarding me with conversation to ghosting for days. Which obviously means he never cared about my health problems + life in the first place. I've been pretty devastated...Since obviously my fondest hope before death would be to meet someone awesome who REMINDS me of Jonathan or the things I like about Jonathan (or at least appreciates his music).. Feeling STUPID and pretty heartbroken. I was with one man for 10 years and that relationship ended this February but what has transpired now has actually cut me deeper than the end of my 10-year relationship.

Also this JD look alike guy has been the ODDEST experience of my life too BTW.

NOT even kidding that dude:

-came out of nowhere.. messaged me

-pursued ME not the other way around

- looked JUST like Jonathan besides dreads but he has long black hair, thick rim black glasses, same height/build/facial hair and how he had it cut. I even asked friends and family showing them pics like "AM I NUTS OR DOES HE LOOK LIKE JONATHAN????" and they were like "he could be a fucking impersonator of early 2000s JD . WTF no you're not nuts"

And yeah this dude spent months acting like he cared about me saying stuff like "I'm always here for you... you can always reach out to me...." "Anyone who loved you would never leave you due to poor health and I accept your health problems and still REALLY like you and want to be with you" or "I'm grateful you're in the world don't give up." FML.

[bleachbleachbleach]

Hello there! Idk have you ever talk about this or not, but I just found out a translation of an interview with Kubo called 'Bleach Jet' from local Bleach fanbase. One of the question said 'are the captains married? Since the only confirmed married one is Byakuya and he's actually younger than other captains'. Then Kubo answered 'well, tbh I never thought about it. But when I think it over, it would be sad if somebody as old as Yamajii is not married. So let's assume that they could be married, but it's just not necessary to be included in the story so I never write about it'. You know, I was so excited when I read it lok. In your opinion, which captains are apparently married? I only could imagine Ukitake since he's a perfect husband/daddy material (well I also want to know who's that lucky woman). But the others, seems kinda impossible lol. I'll be happy if you responded to my question. Thanks!

OH MAN. I’m interested in this in a couple of ways. The first way I am interested in this question is that neither of us had ever once wondered this. It did not even occur to us to wonder this, LOL. Too busy fixating on WHEELS, apparently. 

Because of this, it feels like a magic trick, where the source material has asked you to look in a particular direction at a particular thing and sleight of hand (spouses) might occur before your eyes without you ever seeing it. I truly just took for granted that everyone would be single unless explicitly noted otherwise--Byakuya continues to be married to Hisana in his heart as the only married captain, until eventually Rukia joins him.

But it’s exciting to me that there could already be secret spouses who never came up simply because the narrative was never pointed in their direction. I’ve experienced this with people IRL before, and I think there’s plenty of precedent for this in Bleach itself, given that there are a fair number of shinigami with relatives whom we know to be alive and well and never meet.

For instance, Yoruichi’s brother seems really young, which suggests that their married parents might…? still be alive?? Unless they died tragically in the decades immediately preceding TBTP when Yuushirou was a baby, which I guess is equally possible and probably further justifies Soi Fon’s distaste for Urahara/her being high-strung about the kind of company Yoruichi keeps/depends on. Maybe the Shihouin Parents died when all of Soi Fon’s brothers did. 😬 (Speaking of family members it never occurred to me would have existed until we were told they existed…)

As for our currently or were-recently serving Gotei officers: In my mind, Yamamoto and Sasakibe were together. Not romantically—in a different universe, maybe, but in theirs the fact that Yamamoto is Captain Commander and Sasakibe is his VC precludes all else. Because this relationship exists, it forecloses all notion of other romantic partners, even as they themselves are not romantic partners.

I’ve always imagined Kyouraku and Ukitake having a different but kinda similar thing going on, though I’d be more willing to imagine that Ukitake also has a spouse out there somewhere than Yamamoto having one, re: your suggestion in the original ask. It makes me think about all of Ukitake’s siblings. I assume they’re all well into adulthood at this point but… how much do they know? About how Ukitake died? How much were they depending on his care (financially, family leadership-wise, family mediation-wise, etc.)? :(

One other person I could imagine having a spouse is Rose. Specifically, I could imagine him having had a spouse, past tense—pre-exile. If he were Seireitei-born to some middling noble house. Imagine with me a wife, and a noble marriage put together on the expectation that the line should continue by the birthing of children. It was arranged; they’re well-matched and get on quite famously. They have similar interests and pedigrees and if their marriage is not driven by fiery all-consuming PASSION, well, many marriages aren’t and they always have music to turn to if they’re in need of that kind of enchantment. When Rose was sentenced to death/exiled, his marriage was annulled and his wife was re-married to a different Outoribashi or related clan. I don’t think Rose would have wanted otherwise—it’s been 100 years now, and she and her new husband are quite happy; heirs were produced, etc.—but it’s still sad. The Vizard exile had more consequences than many in the Gotei will ever know, and more still that will never be written.

—

The second way I am interested in this question is that I actually really enjoy Soul Society as a place where social roles—specifically as they relate to romance, marriage, and children, in any case—are a lot less circumscribed than they are often understood to be in the mainstream of the Living World. If the prototypical narrative in the Living World is, say, "by age 20 you will be married to a spouse of the opposite sex and children will follow thereafter," that doesn’t seem like the case within the Gotei, at least from what we see, and I love thinking through potential factors.

Some baseline examples:

A billionty of the people in Soul Society weren’t born in the first place, and instead arrived. 

Shinigami lifespans differ from humans and life milestones may not function in the same way (even as it seems like shinigami spend a LOT of time in what are optimal child-bearing years for us). 

Shinigami biology also differs from ours, potentially in ways that matter--who knows what fertility is like for them.

It seems like shinigami are dying just like, all the time, which I can imagine genuinely altering baseline assumptions around what interpersonal relationships are like and what they mean. 

I feel like there’s a lot of opportunity here for a lot of different types of relationships being much more normalized and understood alongside the marriage/children route. (And, additionally, the marriage/children route being more naturally understood as itself quite individual and rife with complexities that the boilerplate version of the Living World’s Notion of Marriage tends to leave out.) So that’s all very exciting to me.

What is the prototypical sexuality in Soul Society? Idk, all of them? What is the prototypical formal relationship arrangement? Idk, all of them? With probably more heterosexual coupling (or at least heterosexual-reading coupling), and more monogamy/marriage in noble circles, proportionally-speaking. I mean, I don’t think people getting married and having kids would be exceedingly rare, in the sense that Renji and Rukia probably weren’t making scandalous tabloid splash pages (though maybe on slow news days Hisagi has threatened this—idk I’ve never read WDKALY); but it feels like it would be one option among many, rather than the norm to which all other potentials are compared. I’m very enamored by the idea that D. All of the Above is Soul Society’s default in this one regard. 

They might live under ridiculous authoritarian hierarchical military whatnot, but AT LEAST LOVE IS FREE.

[blindedguilt]

It's been quiet for some time, Leonard had noticed — not unlike the time he spent in the forest. It left him feeling some way he couldn't exactly tell. Was it unease? Possible loneliness? Either one was a feeling he hadn't expected to come back in such a way, but similarly, again, it had dug up a familiar memory of the forest...

Having finished tending to the small bonfire where he sat, Leonard's shoulders dropped and his head leaned back. For the first time since his pact — since meeting Seere — he wished he could be relieved of his blindness if only to confirm he wasn't alone as he thought he was.

The bonfire's warmth kept him comfortable, at least, as did the hope of the momentary thought that echoed throughout his mind: Time would tell.

//So this isn't an easy decision, but after a couple weeks of mulling it over, I've decided to put this blog into semi-permanent hiatus - basically, if things change either with the state of the RPC or my motivation to write I'll be more than eager to return, though it does seem unlikely.

//Things have been quiet lately, and it's of course by no means anyone's fault for being quiet!! (I can't blame them, life and Tumblr bullshit have taken a toll on a large portion of the RPC as a whole lately) But in the end, I think it had more of an effect on my motivation to write than even I expected. I tried for the past year or so to "Get back on my feet", as even now I deeply miss Leonard and being able to write him, but evidentially, I haven't gotten very far QwQ

//That said!! While this could be it for this blog, if anyone wants to discuss plans for plotting or even just chatting over Discord (At the end of the post), lemme know! One of the hardest things about the choice to leave this blog behind is definitely the loss of community that comes with it, there were a lot of people who followed me and that I briefly spoke to these past months who I don't want to cut off a potential friendship with just because of my own personal circumstances!

//And going onto that topic, I won't be shutting down or removing any current drafts or asks in my inbox in the event I ever magically DO get motivation to write again or something changes, and of course, that in turn means the blog itself will be staying as well!! You might have guessed, it goes without saying that this blog and the interactions on it mean a great deal not to just me, but (At least I hope!!) some of you. It's also a bit of why I wanted to "wrap up" the blog with the in-character piece at the top, even given my issues with writing (I may add to it to make it feel more "complete", given I kinda don't like how half-assed it feels currently), it just didn't feel fair to go for what could be forever without letting him speak his final piece. :,)

//I won't spend too long waxing out all the sentimentals, but I've stated over and over how when I first made this blog, I really wasn't expecting it to last much more than a couple weeks before moving onto another character. It's kind of impossible for me to state just how much this blog and all the experiences on it mean to me personally and the impact it's left, both personally, as I mentioned before, but also in my enjoyment and love for Drakengard 1 and 2 and Leonard's character specifically! Being able to dive into his mind and find someone I can put together so easy with such a well-constructed tragedy, it's not much of an overstatement to say that ironically, being able to play and put my own mind and problems away for one I not only cared to look into, but one I could more easily pick apart and explain the actions of while being layered enough and having enough facets to make it interesting. Leonard in a lot of ways was and is a sort of second life for me, but in a way I didn't have to deal with the burden of having a psychical body or firsthand perspective! lmao

//And not to be sounding all overdramatic or anything but as I said, it's letting go of not just what feels sort of like a little hideout or small part of me I like to nurture and keep from falling into rot, but this blog is some of the most fun I've had in a horribly otherwise busy, yes, but very mundane outside life. It's sort of pathetic to admit, but I mean it in the best way I can when I say I haven't really gotten so emotionally engaged with anything in a long time. Just the small interactions and memorable snippets from this blog, both from long-standing partners, people who fell off, or even people I just spoke to once and then never again still play over in my head and definitely spark a lot of joy when I really need it! I'll be honest, there's not one day that goes by where I don't think of at least one interaction I've had here. I remember my pain at being in a different timezone and always falling behind the drama before I went to the US and could finally catch up. To update on that: I'm not doing too well in the US in all honesty, but I'm doing my best to get on my feet and making progress!! One of the first things I always did in difficult situations was, unironically, use this blog to reference some old posts and memes to laugh and think about all the new connections, subplots, and jokes that were going to be shared.

//I guess the final point I'd like to make is a short one, but a major argument I had against shutting down when the thought first entered my mind, and the hardest part of all this is the loss of potentiality. I had a lot planned for Leonard, both things that I actively wanted to do and just general questions of "What kind of people will he meet with next? What will he think of them, and how long will they get to develop with each other?" The thought both of meeting new people and the interactions that could be shared with them, as well as all the different interactions and shenanigans that I thought might be in store when the DOD RPC came back was a major motivator in why I kept trying to fight my writer's block, and why I even kept this blog going for the past year with barely any activity to speak of. Even going on Discord, as you might imagine, can be limiting in its setup compared to just being able to search and see who's out there via tumblr - and joining communities can be quite an issue being a Leonard mun, specifically!!

//But either way, I'll be sure to find my way around it one way or another, and hopefully, by some divine miracle, I'll just end up back at this blog anyways!! Again, the chances are slim, but I'm really holding out here dskhffkdbhdkh

//I think that should be it based off what I wanted to say, Leonard's left nice and comfy at his campfire, and it's getting late so with ALL that said, if we've spoken or never have before (ESPECIALLY if we never have, I like to believe you followed for a reason so I'd love to speak to you so we can get to know each other better, plot, or just chat!!), please consider following me on Discord!! I'm usually on there, and always happy to talk (Unless I'm on Do not Disturb, but that's hardly ever lol):

//My discord is: barnabism

//Anyways, I apologise for the downer announcement, but this has been wracking my brain for the past few days so I'm at least glad just to get the hard part over with. :,)

//Thank you all for over two years of writing!! Please don't be afraid to reach out, and as always, if you have any questions, please ask!! ^^