#just do it as a filler gig

[toshio]

I've been thinking about doing uber. How long do you drive for $200-$300 and usually what time of day? Any sage advice?

I'M SO GLAD YOU ASKED (being serious)

i really do enjoy doing uber! however, like most jobs, no job is perfect, there are shitty moments that make you wanna unalive yourself after a shift and that's normal. there are moments where i'm happy as f*ck driving to different areas in virginia and sightseeing during my breaks and then there's stressful moments where you can't find the person to pickup at the airport because of a language barrier (happened to me recently, big yikes). here's my unsolicited experience/advice:

the best parts about doing uber: you can get paid instantly, so if you got rent money due before the month ends, and you make like $700 from uber in a week, then instantly deposit that. there's an uber debit card that you should get, i use that. all the money you make instantly goes there and i just use it as a separate checking account to buy drinks and groceries and stuff, completely separate from my main.

another perk of doing uber is...obviously nobody tells you what to do. there's no boss telling you to clock in, you can just do a shift whenever, skip a day, work all day, etc. besides like customer support if something bad happens. which i heard is pretty shit btw so good luck. i love the freedom that uber gives me. i decided to catch up on grinding in my MMORPG (maplestory lol) and take like 1-2 days off. i can just go back whenever and that's beautiful. i love being my boss.

you can do early morning shifts near busy shopping centers, airports, and get decent money. i personally avoid the airport though, but i have done airport rideshares. IMO do not do uber after the sun sets, obviously #1 if you're a young looking woman driving alone at night you're probably a target, and #2 it's just spooky and you should be tucked in at home playing video games when it's dark. it's hard to see the road at night, it can be dangerous. just do early morning, evening, but when you see that sun getting lower, drive home asap.

so you can choose from doing rideshares (driving people) or food deliveries, i personally do both. if you don't like people, you can just turn on food. you legit just go inside a mcdonalds or even a fancy 5 star restaurant in the city, and then drive to the person's house and drop it off. for food deliveries the tips are calculated like 1 hour later, so if you get like very little money after dropping off your first food order, just be patient and check back later. the most important thing is choosing good orders, don't do something that's like $5 for 10 miles. always do something that's like $10 for 5 miles. your car's health is very important, don't milk it too hard.

on that note, cars...you obviously use your car to drive people and food around. make sure your car is well kept. if you're driving a piece of garbage, it's honestly kinda good to "milk" it with uber until it finally combusts. while doing uber, there's a lot of risk you're putting yourself in. only sign up for the job if you consider yourself a good driver with 0 accidents in the past like 5 years or so.

idk there's a lot about uber, i don't wanna yap your ears off. if you're interested, go on youtube and type in uber driver stuff. there's nice youtube shorts of it, and full on youtube guides about uber/doordash/grubhub etc. they're all considered "gig" work so it's not like a 9-5 which is what i loathe and avoid doing in my mid 20s.

if you sign up, i'll give you some personal tips i made up:

keep a gallon of water or two in your car. snacks too, but they might melt if your area is hella hot during the summer. keep yourself loaded. you'll be driving a lot. i do tend to eat out at fast food restaurants or stuff like panera before, during, or after shifts.

calculate the distance (mileage) and the money $$$ involved when you get a request. do not take bad orders. bad orders are like, very little pay (customers tipping like shit) for HIGH mileage which is basically you just losing money. rule of thumb is like, 1.5x or 2x the pay for the mileage. for example, 5 mile food delivery for $10 total payout.

when picking orders, be aware that if you do a long distance trip (like 10 miles+) you're gonna end up in a different city or area in the state that you live in. do not drive too far away, because you eventually have to drive back home. and sometimes you end up in sketchy areas, so stay safe and make sure you know your state, the roads, and how to navigate. your GPS is your best friend.

[starlightkun]

flopstar ⏯ teaser [kun]

⏯ teaser word count: 1259 | full fic: 18.3k ⏯ genre: band au, retired floprockstar/venue manager!kun, rookie/keyboardist!reader, age gap (kun is older), fluff, v v suggestive (lol it’s a kun fic written by me this gets so unhinged im sorry), ft. jungwoo/mark/chenle/jisung as reader’s bandmates, wayv as kun’s coworkers & some special guest appearances maybe?? ⏯ warnings: uhm there’s some maybe weird power dynamics going on here? reader is a former fan of kun’s but like his band flopped and they never met back then so 🤷‍♀️ read at your own peril ig, not necessarily a warning but since i do avoid describing the reader’s appearance in my fics, i wanted to give a heads up—reader is in a punk/alternative band and is mentioned and/or implied to have some tattoos and piercings (other than earlobes). i don’t get super detailed, but since it’s there, i wanted to make sure y’all weren’t caught off-guard ⏯ extra info: set in the same universe as filler episodes & sugarcoated brain, but u don’t need to read those in order to understand this one at all i prommy ⏯ estimated release: saturday, december 14, 2024 3:00 p.m. eastern time

“Uh, you can settle in,” Yangyang waved his hands around vaguely. “We’re going to go see if the old man finally keeled over or something.”

“I heard that.” A stern voice resounded from just outside the green room, making the two employees jump and turn around.

A third man had joined you all, focusing an unamused gaze on Yangyang and Kunhang. He was dressed in black from head to toe, a black leather jacket over black button-up shirt and black jewelry glinting from his neck, ears, and knuckles. He wore dark pants and big black work boots too, so you were doubly surprised at how quietly he could move. While you could tell he was older than the rest of you, you definitely wouldn’t call him old. As soon as his sharp eyes flicked over to you from under a curtain of jet-black hair, a jolt of recognition zapped through you, and you grabbed Jisung’s arm at the same time that you bit down on your tongue to avoid making a sound. Your friend’s arm tensed in surprise, but he thankfully stayed quiet too. The newcomer’s gaze went back to his employees as quick as it had flitted over your band.

“Go find something to do,” he shooed them away with one swift hand movement.

“On it!” They replied in unison, shoes squeaking on the concrete floor as they quite literally ran away.

He turned back to you all, taking a few steps in to fully enter the green room. The annoyance drained from his face, and his features became beautifully neutral as he greeted you all politely. “Sorry, I was on a call, it took much longer than I thought it would. If they didn’t already tell you, my assistant manager is out, so it’s a bit hectic around here right now. Normally our weekly act is her responsibility.”

“Is she okay?” Jungwoo asked.

“Yes, she’s fine,” the manager replied. “She’s assisting our usual weekly with their mini-tour. Which is why you all are here, of course. We appreciate you agreeing to fill in for RFE on this temporary basis.”

“Thanks for the opportunity,” Mark replied automatically.

“If you all do well, it might not have to be temporary, hm?” He said, and though his words were kind, his expression didn’t change. You were beginning to taste blood. “I’m Kun, manager of Venue:Hell. Please let me know if you have any issues while you’re here. I’ve delayed your soundcheck already, so I’ll let you go ahead.”

With that, Kun stepped out as briskly as he had arrived, leaving no room for further conversation or introductions.

As soon as he left, Jisung yanked his arm from your grip and looked at you incredulously. “Christ, Y/N, what the fuck—”

“He played the keys in Vizions!” You hissed, anxiously looking over at the hallway as if he might reappear.

“Wait, like that band that only released one album like a decade ago that you’re obsessed with?” Chenle questioned doubtfully. “How can you be sure?”

“She went to like every gig they had,” Mark recounted. “Got us grounded, and then would insist on sneaking out while we were grounded to go to even more. If anybody is gonna recognize a member of that band, it’s her.”

“You should see if he’ll sign your album,” Jungwoo suggested with a grin, nudging you with his elbow.

“Or fuck him,” Chenle deadpanned abruptly, dropping onto the well-used couch, stretching his legs out. “You’re in a band now too, not just a fan.”

“You guys don’t get it, I didn’t just think he was hot—”

“That was definitely part of it,” Mark snorted.

“—He was awesome on the keys! And he wrote all of their songs, and produced their entire album by himself!” You defended yourself. “He made me realize I didn’t just have to do piano recitals and that I could do something like this.”

“Alright, sorry, Y/N,” Chenle said softly. “We were just messin’ with you.”

“Do you think he recognized you? Since you apparently went to so many of their shows?” Jisung asked.

You shook your head. “No way. I never had the courage to talk to them. And that was like ten years ago anyway.”

“I still think you should see if he’ll sign your CD.” Jungwoo patted your shoulder. “It’d probably make his day.”

“I don’t know, clearly the band thing didn’t work out for him,” Chenle added. “He might want to just forget it all.”

You bit the inside of your cheek nervously, then let out a dejected sigh. “Nah, it’s not like I carry the CD with me everywhere…”

Your set at Venue:Hell that night was a hit, if you did say so yourself. It wasn’t nearly as big of a turnout as the Valentine’s event you’d played at, but that was to be expected for a random Thursday night. The crowd was surprisingly engaged, especially since you were careful to incorporate a couple covers of popular songs into your set.

Running off the stage, the five of you immediately tackled each other in a group hug that was all yelling, elbows, sweat, laughing, and chaos.

“One down, three to go!” You cheered, ruffling up Jisung’s matted hair.

“Oh my god, we’re doing this again!” Mark added breathlessly.

“Boo!” You all immediately jeered at the corny joke he made every chance he got. “Tomato! Tomato!”

He laughed loudly as you and Chenle pushed and jostled him, but not enough for him to fully leave your circle. Jungwoo tugged him back in.

“Good job, guys,” Dejun, a stage tech, congratulated you as he passed by, starting to break down some of the equipment on stage.

Your band broke apart to help the staff shut down the stage for the night as other music played over the speakers of the venue and patrons chatted and danced on the floor. A few came up to the stage to talk with you as you worked, interested both in you all as the new weekly, and what had happened to the old weekly. They seemed relieved to hear that Roses for Eyes wasn’t gone for good, and were really enthused in the feedback they had for you.

After putting your equipment that you would be taking home in the green room, you all decided to stay and mingle for a little while more. If this was only going to be for four nights, you wanted to make them count and do as much as you could to get your band’s name out there. You ordered a drink from Sicheng the bartender, at which time you found out that the 50% employee discount applied to you too for the time being. Turning back to the crowd, you strained to spot any of your bandmates among the bodies.

“Hey,” Kun had appeared next to you at the bar, and you jumped out of your skin.

“Fuckin’ Christ, dude,” you coughed, trying to catch your breath. “Can you teleport or something?”

“Sorry.” He seemed more amused than apologetic. “Good set.”

“Thanks.” You took a sip of your drink to avoid looking him in the eye.

“Who did the arrangement for that first cover?”

“I did. Uhm, it obviously wasn’t for a rock band, so I had to do some tweaking…”

He nodded, looking actually impressed. “You compose?”

“Me and Mark for the most part, yeah. The other guys pitch in on songwriting sometimes, too. Chenle’s adlibs are crazy good.”

“Cool. See you next week.” Kun pushed off the bar, disappearing into the crowd.

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[sl-vega]

📷 CLICK SNAP!

-> synopsis: amateur and aspiring photographer fishii does everything they can to expand their portfolio, whether that be picking up odd projects, doing freelance work, or joining their school's photography club. after a friend of a friend tells them they know guy that can set 'em up with a solid gig with tons of experience. what fishii doesn't expect however, is for it to be an internship with a major fashion magazine team, or for it to involve taking photos of a painfully attractive model that's exactly their age- a certain yukimiya kenyu to be exact. and it's one thing to have an incredibly attractive co-worker that you have a massive crush on, it's another thing when said attractive co-worker transfers to your school! so in a snap and shutter of a camera, yukimiya finds his way into fishii's life and becomes an ever growing presence. both in their camera roll, and heart.

headcanons about click snap!

i personally think this could either be one of those single season anime series that forces you to read the manga to see how the plot goes, or a bit of a slowburn with 2-3 seasons

of course I don't think the slow burn would result from crappy miscommunication (*coughs* kimi ni todoke-) but more so because it would just be a heartfelt story about two people figuring out their feelings?

strangers/co-workers to friends to lovers!

yapper x listener (according to fishii)

they fell first x he fell HARDER trope

i think the first few episodes would be about your experience working as a photographer for yuki, and then slowly realizing you liked him, and then the first season would end with your internship coming to a close but then surprise, surprise, he TRANSFERS TO YOUR SCHOOL-

then the studio leaves season one on a cliffhanger like that and people are waiting with bated breaths for the next one

the next season(s?) are going to contain a bunch of regular romance anime stuff

ie school festival arc, probably a beach episode, and maybe some summer filler etc.

i think it would be around a school festival ep where yuki realizes he likes you? but it's not in a super flustered/in denial type thing

it would be a very sweet admission towards the end of the episode where he's kinda just staring at you from across a room or something where he realizes how much he likes you :D

i think it would be really cute if the series finale would be at the end of the school year during a firework show, and you and Yuki have a little heartfelt confession scene + your first kiss!

then one of your friends gets their hands on your camera and takes a photo of that exact moment, then the show ends with a snapshot of the photograph framed-and maybe with a little epilogue of you and yuki living together after you've graduated <3

ops and eds

openings: kimi ni todoke, message, clear

endings: let me be with you, honey, groovin' magic

playlist/ost

moodboard

thanks for participating fishii! I hope you liked the silly little concept I scrambled together for you <3 @fishii28

-> want something like this for you and your f/o? just head on over to my current event and read the rules!

divider creds to @aquazero

[cowboygenesis]

15: kindred kind | kylo ren x reader

part 15 of the "bump it, cool it" series: masterlist. | playlist

pairing: [modern!au] kylo ren x reader chapter warnings: explicit language, mentions of chronic disease. word count: 3.1k series summary: when your roommate’s older brother needs a place to crash, you begrudgingly offer up your couch— only to realize he’s the most insufferable, entitled asshole you’ve ever met. the worst part? you can’t seem to stop thinking about him. notes: am in class posting on phone y'all i've missed ya. some might call this chapter filler, but i beg to differ (^_-)

Now Playing: Let Me Know - Baba Stiltz, Okay Kaya

“You got a quarter?”

You glance up from your phone, bleary-eyed and over-caffeinated, as Rey stands in front of the vending machine, repeatedly banging up the side and making the coins inside rattle. Normally, you think you’d laugh, but today your throat and vocal cords betray you.

“Depends,” you murmur, voice scratchy and used from your sleepless, breathless night.

“Yeah?” Her curious gaze meets yours, lips curled at the corner like you’re about to say something funny. And you try. 

“You plan on changing my life with that?” you retort smoothly, returning her smile just partially. The soggy paper cup between your lips tastes of coffee remains and something inexplicably saccharine, but the mindless chewing is all that’s keeping you together right now.

She snorts without missing a beat, turning to give you a playful sneer. “I was aiming for a Snickers, but sure. I’ll see what I can do for you.”

You dig into your pocket anyway, fishing out two quarters and tossing them her way. One bounces off the side of the machine with a dull clank, while the other she catches midair with a soft, strained gasp. Then, she gets to work punching in some digits.

The laundromat you sit in is half-empty, hums and clicks, and the periodic ‘ka-chunk’ of a dryer flipping over someone’s forgotten load. Even if Sade plays from the overhead speakers, nobody else is around, giving you the impression of a despondent 90s gig. ‘It’d be very conceptual, having a club inside a laundromat,’ you had told Rey previously. ‘Sort of avant-garde,’ she had replied.

You’ve been sitting side-by-side in those godawful molded chairs, creaky plastic digging into your ass and making you contemplate the floor as an alternative. Yet you feel like this was exactly what you needed to break away from your slump: not a sensory nightmare, but someone sane to talk to about normal, non-sex or love-related things.

There’s a long beat before Rey settles beside you, peeling open the candy bar and nudging half of it into your hand without asking. You take it. Not because you’re hungry, but because that’s the sort of gesture that makes you feel like you’re healing, even as the chocolate coating melts a little against the warmth of your fingers.

“Hey,” you begin through a mouthful of nougat, nudging her softly as you both melt into your chairs. “Do you think they ever refill these machines, or am I eating something made in 1985?”

“Hard to say,” she shrugs, chewing on her own bar just as thoughtfully, “it's a good year, though.”

You snort softly, swallowing another piece without chewing enough. Despite your theory, the chocolate sits on your tongue sickengly sweet, nearly nauseating with the aftertaste of dark roast. You know the cornershop you got the cup from doesn’t exactly put emphasis on quality, but the price is enough to convince you to ponder a refill.

You both shimmy a little as you watch the laundry spin into greens and browns on one side, and just whites in the other. Your mindless chatter slowly melts into quiet and sticky chewing.

“So,” she starts muffled around a bite, turning toward you just slightly, “did you get hit by a truck on your way here?”

You snort again, but your humor is inevitably met with a drawn silence. When your eyes flicker over Rey’s face, her quirked brow causes your heart to pump harder. 

It’s been five days and five nights of no contact with Kylo. After your shameful night spent together and that embarrassing morning after, he had gone to his ‘meeting’ and never came back. You figured it was a cover, sure, but could you expect him to just… vanish into thin air?

You tried calling. The signal beeps carried into what felt like infinity, and finally, punctuated with his voice. He was simple and to the point, like you’d expect of him.

‘Kylo Ren. Leave a message.’

So husky and void of warmth. The first few days, you’d call again, just to hear that two-second voicemail and lull yourself to a dreamless sleep, then rinse and repeat in the morning. By day three, you were spent and tearless.

Rey had given you the news that day, and you had to pretend like it didn’t matter at all. Kylo had gone ‘away’ to an undisclosed location for an unrevealed amount of time. ‘He’ll be back,’ she had said. His luggage was still by the TV, his toothbrush still lying idly under the bathroom mirror and taunting you with its ignorance to your pain.

Your heart pounded with regret and confusion, but relief took a close third. At the very least, you could rest assured that he was safe, somewhere far; somewhere without you.

You knew you had to tell Rey eventually. She squinted at your red-rimmed, puffy eyes every morning at breakfast, but stayed silent like she was trying to give you grace. It wasn’t as bad as pity, but still stung your gut. Nobody really talked about the less glamorous symptoms of heartbreak (like indigestion and headaches) and how hard it was to heal when it’s kept hidden from your closest friends, even when they try their hardest to inquire.

Finn and Poe knew nothing about the harsh downfall of your situation, either. Some small, prideful part of your heart felt like telling them your woes would just cement the end of it; the end of you and him. You struggled to speak his name anymore, even when the duo barraged you with question after question of ‘did it finally happen?’ and ‘how big is he? Oh, don’t tell me, it’ll ruin the mystery.’

“Excuse me,” you faux-scoff, voice weakening as Rey’s eyes burn into the side of your face, “try a lorry.”

“Right,” she snorts, popping the edge of the candy bar into her mouth and chewing slowly. You do the same while watching her squeeze and toy with the leftover wrapper, as if she were nursing some sort of anxiety you’re impartial to. You both knew what was coming, and you braced for it like armorless soldiers. “Sorry.”

You glance at her sideways, tongue pressing to the inside of your cheek. The scent of warm fabric softener hangs in the air, melting into the otherwise stale air. And Rey doesn’t press, even as you stall to infinity. She just kicks her foot a little where it dangles off the edge of the chair, waiting you out like she’s done this for years, and she has.

And maybe that’s the only reason you’re prompted to talk, the words leaving your lips like a dry cough of air.

“I don’t know,” you say eventually, watching the light flicker overhead. Rey turns toward you fully now, trying to edge her body within the confines of her plastic chair. You glance her over just briefly, and inexplicably, it makes it easier to confess. Not fully, but enough to soothe her worries—and your own, hopefully—for a while.

“I thought he was different.”

Rey tilts her head mid-chew, cheeks pudgy when she turns to you. “What?”

“Like, not in a dramatic, Nicholas Sparks kind of way. Just… quiet, I guess. Intelligent but not, pretentious.” You continue, chewing a caramel-coated peanut as Rey grabs your forearm. When you turn to face her, she’s looking at you like you’re transparent, or worse, knowing exactly what you’re talking about.

She shakes her head wordlessly for a while, lips parted like she’s trying to conjure the right question. “Who?”

You freeze. The warm confessional haze evaporates instantly, replaced by full-body regret and the urge to lie your way out like you’ve done so expertly the past week. Months, if you consider your hopeless, slowly blooming feelings.

“Just… a guy,” you wave, swallowing thickly and feeling the residual sweetness in your throat. “At work.”

Rey’s face scrunches. You watch haphazardly as she tosses the wrapper on the floor, not purposefully, just caught in the moment of your half-assed confession. “A guy?”

You nod too quickly, and your lips tighten. Her gaze penetrates, so you opt for watching the wrapper instead, struggling to backpedal. “New guy. Or, a new customer.”

It’s not a lie, exactly, but Rey’s quiet. That long, judgmental quiet she does when she’s deciding how much of your crap to tolerate before inevitably calling you out on it, and due to that fact alone, you refuse to meet her eyes. The wrapper dances on the tiled floor, propelled by the AC. How wonderful that would feel right now, you think, to be a weightless, inconspicuous object free of consequences, smelling sweet and never once crying over a mediocre guy.

“I just,” you sigh, crossing your legs to toy with the yellowed shoelace. Rey stays quiet and unjudgmental, letting you take the pace you need. You know you’ll have to confess one way or another, and you aim for the latter; details were optional, and all you had to convey was your frustration. “It was stupid. And brief, and… I clearly read way too much into it. As always.”

She doesn’t push, which is somewhat worse; just leans back in her creaky plastic chair and offers, “Well, stupid and brief flings are still flings. You’re allowed to have feelings about it.”

You nod, but it’s the kind of nod people give when they’ve just benched themselves emotionally. And you have, too. There’s a lull among you, only the click-clack of someone’s chunky sandals as they pace behind the windows, children laughing.

“Okay, so,” Rey leans her shoulder gently into yours, and you finally get the courage to look up. She’s smiling, a sad half-smile that makes you shiver. “Tell me about him. This guy.”

You suck in a breath and sit back, staring at the whirring machines like they’ll offer a script for your woes. As hard as it was to drown in abandon after he left, you think talking about it might take the cake after all.

“He was just…” You fumble, words slurring slightly with a tingle in your throat. You clear it, then again. “He was intense. And really, really passive at the same time. But never boring, like he was thinking about something He actually looked at me, even watched me closely even if I wasn't doing or saying anything particular. And—and not in a creepy way, but in a way that made me feel like… I wasn’t just background noise for once. I don’t know.”

Rey’s brows raise slightly, but she says nothing. And you keep going, because now it’s all unspooling, bitter and sweet and maybe it was just what you needed all along.

“He’d say the smallest things and they’d feel like goddamn revelations to me, even if he teased me about it. He wasn’t nice, but when he was, it felt…real. So, so real and…and he touched me like I, we, were real, too. And I thought—” Your voice cracks just a hair, but you don’t continue. Instead, you try to stop your lip from quivering as Rey puts a reassuring palm atop your thigh.

“What happened?” She questions without softness. It’s not unkind, but the edges of her words are determined and nearly frayed.

You blink away your dry tears, the lump in your throat expanding enough to make it hard to swallow.

“He left.”

The radio stutters with static. Your laundry stops spinning with a sharp beep. Then, silence. None of you move to unload it.

“He left like none of it mattered. Like, I imagined the whole damn thing, you know? The whole damn thing,” you trail, feeling Rey’s thumb caressing your jeans. “He said he…I don’t know. I guess it doesn’t matter after all, because he lied about it. He lied about it all and then he walked out.”

You rub at your eyes angrily, trying to push the burn back in. Kylo’s at the forefront of your mind now, boring into your eyelids like a ghost tirelessly haunting your waking days.

“I still smell like him. Fuck, I haven’t even changed my sheets yet,” you let out an ugly little laugh, half-choking through the tightness of your body. “God, Rey. I feel deranged.”

Rey nods slowly, like she’s filing away a hundred questions she’s not ready to ask yet. You, on the other hand, ride that brief wave of anger, taking hurried rein and choking out another pained laugh.

“You know the last thing he said to me before he walked out?” You ask incredulously, looking at Rey with your head shaking in disbelief. She nods in encouragement, but you’ve already fallen quiet. The machines clunk and hum around you, oblivious to your pain. The turmoil.

“Lock the door behind me,” you repeat, settling on every word and individual vowel. You’re careful with your enunciation, even when he wasn’t. His words were quick like lightning and hurt just as much, like he just had to slam a dozen nails into your coffin before leaving you trapped with the memory of his touch in a crypt of his own making.

After a beat, with her hand still caressing your thigh, Rey says gently, “You don’t have to pretend it didn’t hurt. You’re allowed to be wrecked, you know?”

You sniffle, realising you’ve been holding onto the last bite of your candy bar. It sits between your fingertips, melted into the pads of your digits. You pop it in on your tongue for a lack of anything better to do, speaking somberly as you chew. It’s not as sweet anymore, and you think you taste the cheap coffee again. “What if I never stop being wrecked?”

Rey sighs, her gaze firm and holding you at bay. She grabs your hand, chocolate stains and all, and squeezes hard enough for it to ache.

“You will,” she presses, bobbing her head with the weight of the words. Her eyes don’t smile with her lips, but she still chuckles. “Probably by Wednesday.”

You snort joylessly, and your heart thumps with a slither of hope. Maybe, despite the chuckles and smiles, Rey is right. It was a fling, and flings tend to be quick, hard, and explosive—they find you excitable and leave you the same way. That’s one advantage you figure you might have; you were quick to kiss and fuck, and will probably be quick to forget all about it, too.

And suddenly, you don’t feel so wretched. Ruined and angry, yes, but you think that sometime soon you might stop missing him.

“So, hey,” Rey suddenly pipes up, her voice a little stronger now. She must have noticed your big, relieved exhale, as she smiles fully now. “My mom’s throwing a thing. Like, a thing thing. Her remission party.”

You glance up, eyes a little wide as your tonghe digs a peanut from between your teeth. Your selfish worry turns into a pang of curiosity, then floods into question. “She okay?”

Rey nods through that same smile. 

“Yeah. They caught it early this time. She’s feeling good. She’s, uh…” she trails slightly, biting her bottom lip to stop a grin. She’s happy. Hopeful, even. “She’s making casseroles. So. Really good.”

Despite the bad blood simmering in your gut, you feel like you can breathe a little easier now. You’ve known about Leia’s situation before, but due to the effect it had on Rey, you respected her grieving and never pushed too hard. 

You smile now, too, then catch her hand in yours, squeezing as tight as she did just moments ago. “That’s amazing, Rey.”

“She’d love to see you,” Rey adds quickly, a little too loud to be casual. Her free hand lands on your shoulder, eyes wide and hopeful like she’d just realised something important. “You should come. It’s just family and friends, good wine. Maybe some semi-intentional emotional terrorism via political discourse, but you know.”

“That’s just another Sunday for us,” you chuckle easily, and she joins you promptly with her own.

Her head tilts a little, giving you a playful quirk of her eyebrow. “Especially with Kylo around, right?”

You laugh a little, while inside, your stomach drops. There’s nausea, and terror, and a brief hiccup of air, but then you smooth it out. After all, Rey had remained oblivious to the toughest part of your predicament, but for now, you knew you’d keep it under lock and key.

“I’ll think about it,” you nod, gently withdrawing your hand from hers to let the trickling anxiety settle.

“Cool,” she says, her grin toothy and excitable. She shrugs suddenly, standing from her chair with a loud, painful creak and smoothing down her pants. “I was gonna guilt you into it anyway.”

“I appreciate the honesty,” you roll your eyes despite the hollow in your chest, standing up slowly and grabbing your laundry basket.

“It’s what makes me charming,” she shrugs, grabbing her own and crouching by the washers.

“Oh, is that what we’re calling it now?”

She gives a mock bow within the confines of her position, extending an arm just enough for you to catch her intention. "Sharp tongue. I see heartbreak hasn’t dulled your edge."

"Yeah, well," you murmur, glancing at the non-churning machines, "edges are all I’ve got left."

Rey laughs, and you watch with a bitter smile as she tugs at the washing machine’s handle. When it doesn’t give, she looks toward you with wide eyes.

"Holy shit—" she huffs, tugging another peg harder as you approach with a strained giggle. “It’s stuck. It’s actually stuck.”

“No, no, no,” you shake your head, stepping forward and shooing her away with a brief wave. “Let me try.”

“Dude, all my work clothes are in there,” she laments, dead-serious and approaching panic as you strain against the plastic handle. Indeed, it stays shut. “If I have to go into office in that fuck-ass onesie again, I’ll—”

You bark out a laugh, so hard you get startled by it. The sound feels foreign in your mouth, left behind like your hope for something more, something real; but it’s warm, and that’s enough to make Rey grin.

“There she is,” she teases, clearly pleased with her own witty quips as you keep tugging. You roll your eyes again, but it’s less malicious this time, paired with bright eyes and warm cheeks. 

“Come on, help me out here before I start crying, too.”

And the two of you wrestle the stubborn washed door together, laughing and swearing under your breaths until, with an ungodly squeal of rusted metal, it finally gives. After, you gather your laundry and bicker about who really got the round door to budge, neither of you willing to admit defeat.

For the first time in days, things feel normal again. Your lungs expand with fresh breath, laughing about everything and nothing at all while your phone buzzes with an inflow of texts, forgotten like they ought to be.

[broad-shouldrs]

Hold On To Me || Chapter 2

Chapter 1

pairing: joel miller x f!reader

word count: ~676

summary: you weren’t supposed to be here—stuck at a summer camp your dad signed you up for. but joel���s here too: your neighbor, your boss, a single dad, frustratingly competent and infuriatingly attractive.

you shouldn’t want him. he definitely shouldn’t want you.

warnings: dbf! Joel (but he didn't know you as a kid). age gap. au!no outbreak. pining. slow burn. eventual smut.

a/n: short chapter but really just filler. posting for the sake of posting.

chapters 1-5 are currently posted on a03

Two years went by faster than expected. Grad school wasn’t exactly the plan, but it’s where you ended up and somehow, you just finished your first year.

Your car, on the other hand, couldn't even survive the drive home.

Somewhere just past Oklahoma City, you had to pull over as it came to a sputtering stop. Your dad ended up driving six hours to come get you, muttering the whole way about how he “told you that thing needed a new catalytic converter months ago.”

By the time you made it back within Austin city limits, you had updated your dad on pretty much everything about life in Chicago. You tell him how your plans for a paid summer internship fell through because the company that initially offered you a position was scaling back. No room in the budget to be paying interns when they could be getting undergrads to do the work for free.

“Fuck ‘em. If they ain’t payin’ you, they ain’t worth your time.”

It should be comforting to hear, but you can’t help but roll your eyes. Your dad was as blue-collar as they come and while he meant well, navigating the challenges in the corporate sphere was not his forte.

“Don’t matter anyway. You got a gig this summer, if you want.” He shifts in the cabin, back straightening from pride, as he flashes you a grin. “Keep ya busy and off my couch for a few weeks.”

You let out a groan of frustration and turn towards him. “Dad, what did you do?”

Your dad raises his arms in surrender and laughs. “Nothin’.” He doesn’t turn but can see the annoyed look on your face. “Honest to God, kid. Joel was talking and —“

“Joel?” You can’t help but interrupt.

After that initial interaction with him two summers ago, you and Joel pretty much stayed cordial. He and your dad had become fast friends so it wasn’t unusual for Joel to stop by to watch the Rangers game or stop by after work for a beer. But around you it was mainly passing conversations, polite nods, and a few shared glances.He always had that low, polite tone he used when he asked how school was going — just gruff enough to sound uninterested, just kind enough to make you think he wasn’t.

You could never really tell what he thought of you. Which somehow made you think about it more. He never flirted. Never lingered. But you’d catch his eyes on you when you weren’t looking. You weren’t sure what he saw but you tried not to think too hard about how you straightened your posture when he entered a room or how you felt like your body buzzed when he said your name.

“Mhm. He was talkin’ about how he’s short counselors this year. Figured you’d be decent at it.” 

You stop listening, the only sound registering being the quickening beat of your heart.  You were going to spend the entire summer with Joel, working for Joel. 

You couldn't imagine him to be the overly peppy counselor type, but more like the quietly competent, slightly intimidating camp director that everyone listens to without question.  He’d act annoyed by all the chaos but secretly have a soft spot for it.

Just remembering the way Joel carried himself — calm, capable, and in a way that made others pay attention — causes your face to flush. He had a presence. Not loud, but anchoring. The kind that settled into a room without effort. You could never tell what he was thinking, but you’d wanted to. Desperately. And now, all of that — the glances, the heat, the quiet pull—was back in your chest like it never left.

“—ends in late July, so ‘bout six weeks.” There’s a brief pause and your eyes unglaze, making you realize that you’re back home and in your driveway.  “What do y’think, kid?”

“I—yeah, should be fine.” 

You figure you’d probably be busy dealing with rowdy campers all summer. You probably wouldn’t even really see Joel. 

[class1akids]

The izuocha ask just made me remember how bad I feel for tsuyu. She started out as such a promising character and ended as uraraka's sidekick at a gig which makes no sense for her.

There was a time back during kamino when I thought kirishima might end up like this but outside of that arc his character was connected to Mina and not bakugou. He was wasted during the final war but atleast in the epilogue you can see that he's doing great(better than bakugou even) and while they are buddies he's not defined by his friendship with bakugou as Mina is his hero and he has other relationships with fatgum, tamaki, tetsutetsu etc.

Meanwhile tsuyu is just ochakos friend who she complains to and she's ranked much lower than her. That filler of her with Selkie went nowhere and she's just involved in quirk counselling when her domain is clearly the water.

I dont see this much inequality in any of the main boys frienships - todoIida, Kiribaku, dekuiida, tododeku or even bakudeku. There's at least some level of give and take where both parties support/inspire each other. So I don't understand what went wrong with poor Tsuyu where she's always supporting ochako and used to aid her arc but the reverse never happens and in fact tsu's arc is weaker for it. She seemed like one of hori's favourites too at the start and was decently popular.

Sorry for going on a rant about tsuyu though you're a todoroki account but I needed to get my thoughts out since she was one of my fav characters from 1a.

No, I fully understand, as Tsuyu was a favorite of mine in the beginning and I still adore her design.

I think she got a lot of hate for crying after Kamino (and Ochako did support her then - but it was such a contrived conflict in the first place).

I fully agree that she was wasted and being friends with Uraraka was terrible for her character. With her quirk, she is well suited for water rescue. And even if society is healed and crime is down, there will always be people at risk of drowning, so it's not like the demand for her would have disappeared.

Also, considering how Tsu is a heteromorph and Ochako is as conventionally cute as possible, there is a bitter connotation about the "ugly friend" supporting the "beauty" in her love life. Tsu shouldn't be Ochako's sidekick and her being animal-coded makes it even worse, feeling like a princess and her pet frog trope.

So yeah, fully agree. Very sad about Tsuyu's loss of agency in the narrative and yes, their "friendship" is one of the most lopsided relationships in the story.

[ateez-himari]

Hi bb!!! I hope you're doing great, I was feeling little down today so I thought I'd ask some silly questions on here :)))

1-I actually wanted to ask this a long time ago, but have you ever thought of adding another female other than hima in the group like they'll become 10 then or was your original idea always only hima

2-what are some mimi and matz moments that made atiny melt, they're literally the cutest oml🥹🥹

3-I was wondering if jongho's and mimi's relationship together is like the younger most mature duo yk?

4-does hima let go when with ateez like does she finally feel like she doesn't have to worry about anything and just live the childhood she didn't get to live fully?

5-this might be uncomfortable it's fine if you don't feel comfy replying but I was wondering have any other kpop fans mocked hima for her parents cause I've seen some sick people shame tae and lisa for their family members who have passed away and mock them

6-did hima take these pics

(I'm delulu yes😔😔)

Love you bb take care, stay warm, and enjoy your holidays💓💓

Hi sweet!! I really hope you're feeling better today! 🥰 (I have my last exam later today so I hopefully will be able to put out more sweet content to make you smile)

• Nope my original idea was only Hima and at first she was going to be some kind of filler member - to really push the pirate concept by adding a siren, so she would only sing background vocals or high notes, would go on stage with the members but mainly take part in modeling gigs, not so much public appearances

• When they first made their debut, poor Hima couldn't handle the intense comeback schedules (early morning pre-recordings, fansigns, etc.,) so one of them would always be seen walking out of buildings with their little maknae sound asleep on their backs (they would cover her with their coat most of the time because they didn't want people taking pictures of her so exhausted)

Hongjoong was live (when they all shared a room) and atiny saw her tucking Seonghwa into bed because he'd fallen asleep reading, brushing away strands of hair, making sure he was comfortable and giving him a kiss on the forehead like he always did for her. About half an hour later she fell asleep on the floor while making some Lego that Seonghwa had offered her and it was her turn to be tucked into bed. Hongjoong even brushed her hair, took off the eye makeup she'd forgotten to remove and put her hand in Seonghwa's (her mattress was right next to his bed) in case she had any nightmares

During the stage check for the showcase of her very first EP 'Insomniac', Matz were caught by the main camera tearing up at the very first song (Intro; 00:01) and when the maknae noticed this, she immediately stopped her conversation with T.O.P to run up and hug them. Seonghwa went on live later and said that he didn't want to give spoilers but he nearly walked out during 'AM 4:44' because he couldn't handle hearing her say all of these things. Hongjoong actually did leave during 'Interlude; Tear' but came back near the end of the song

• They're kind of each other's release from the world - with Hima, Jongho isn't seen as a maknae so he can keep his normal level of maturity, taking care of her instead of the members taking care of him. Hima on the other hand feels like she can be quiet around him, like she can present the more mature side of herself because she knows he'll catch her if she falls back in the over-maturity she used to have, she also doesn't have to talk with him, kind of giving some peace when it comes to her hearing. Together they don't have the title of maknaes, they don't have to worry about age (even if they have a 1 year difference), their relationship kind of feels like being overstimulated then locking yourself in your room with all of these familiar comforting items; your bed, your desk, your phone, anything that brings you peace. How they sing together on stage is really reflective of how they feel towards each other; holding hands for support during high notes, standing back to back because they know the other's voice is supporting their own, etc

• At the beginning Hima felt 'safe' enough to let go of the maturity her circumstance had forced onto her, she was away from being alone, from the house where so many traumatic things happened, etc., but eventually when she developed her Depressive Disorder she started shutting down. The members noticed that she was unnaturally mature, less open about her emotions, always drowning in work, she just seemed to have lost that inner child that they all knew still needed to grow up. Eventually though with everyone reaching out to her, trying to hard to help, she began to break out of that shell and now she's basically living a second childhood surrounded by people who constantly hold her hand as it should have been all those years ago. That's why a lot of the times she's described as bright, somewhat innocent, always smiling, because that's how she was as a child and who she still is inside!

• Oh most definitely, I mean what better way to drive the one girl member away from your biases than to make fun of or blame her for the death of her parents, especially because she was 'supposed' to die that night and would have, had Hanzo not saved her. Because of this, she stopped going to their grave on trips to Japan for a while because she was afraid that they would come desecrate it. Pieces of her old survivor's guilt also resurfaced - even though she had to undergo so much work on herself to get over it (she never went to therapy because she would immediately shut down)

• Hehe of course she did! 🤭 The last picture was right before Mingi decided to pick her up by the waist and kiss his precious girlfriend in the middle of the street. The third pic is his new contact photo!

I think we lowkey share a brain though because the second I saw them after my math exam I was like "omg...Hima dropped new bf pictures" 🤧Love you too Mina! Take good care of yourself, of your physical and mental health and hopefully your holidays are peaceful even with all of these exams, Love You!! 😘🩷

[britneysice]

Lover, You Should’ve Come Over

Note: I HAD FINALS IM SORRY. THIS IS A FILLER NEXT CHAPTWR IS GOOD I SWEAR

Warnings: Light swearing, Throwing up mentions.

____

“I’d have his babies”

“Save that for your diary, Y/N.” Jo says going for yet another pint while they watch the gig. Y/N sat there, watching this beautiful man she’s loved since what feels like forever, doing what he loves most. She wish we was what he loved most and would do he-

She shook the thought. Calm down, Y/n, you’re in public. Jo was staring down Roger the whole show, even managing to tilt her high heels up enough to peek up over his drums and the stage in the way. Y/N instinctively covered Jo’s backend with her body since the skirt she was wearing was a little bit too little. By the end of the show, Y/N was queasy again. Brian would be near her again and he’d look at her again.

The next couple of minutes followed up to Y/N sitting at the bar with Roger, Brian, and Jo. She couldn’t help but to look Brian’s way. God, was he perfect. Brian obviously must’ve noticed the plea to talk to him in her eyes because he switched seats to sit next to her.

“Hey,” Brian starts, setting his glass down, “enjoy the show?”

Y/N stills and looks at him for a second, “Oh, yes! It was lovely.” She blushes as she feels Brian’s eyes on her face. Brian smiled at her and it melted her heart.

Gosh, did she love his canine teeth that poke out when he smiles. Or how his eyes look so soft like a mother’s eyes. The way his nose pointed in a specific way that just looked so good.

They talked for a while and the more they did the more Y/N felt her insides turn. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol or Brian’s beautiful eyes staring back at her but she felt like she needed to throw up.

“Excuse me.” Y/N quickly says before rushing to the bathroom, feeling her throat start to swell up with the outcome of drinking alcohol.

“Y/N? Are you okay?” Brian follows behind her. He could clearly not read the room. Y/N felt his hand on her back and she tensed up. She simply shook her head and ran into the toilets. The toilets were obviously nasty as hell considering it was a college bar, but it didn’t stop her from getting on her knees and hacking up the liquor.

Brian cringed as he listened from the other side of the door, squeezing his eyes closed. Once he heard the toilet flush, he felt relieved. Brian peeked in the bathroom and went to her aid as she stumbled up on her heels to get up.

“Are you okay, Y/N?” He brushed her hair out of her face and half-way held her hand in his. Y/N was in her own little world up until now. She realized she was with Brian, him holding her hand, making sure she’s okay and she felt as if she never wanted anything more or anything less than what she felt right now.

“Oh,” Y/N swallowed. “now I am. I think.” She knew she sounded cliche but who cares? She loved him in a way not even movies could convey.

“Good. I don’t like to see my friends not well.” Brian comments before letting go of her hand. “If you need anything, I'll help you.”

Y/N was reminded by his words of how far she was from having him and it crushed her soul. She watched him leave the grotesque bathroom but stayed for a while. She just wanted to drink or sleep and forget about it but she couldn’t do either.

Y/N leans against the wall, minding any stains, just sitting there for a minute. She wished everything was a fairytale and went her way. But she also knows you can’t waste your time on a man who you’re not even sure loves you back. Y/N wished to have the mentality of girls who just don’t care. Girls who don’t mind being alone, girls who don’t care if a man likes them back and lives how they want, girls who don’t spend hours getting ready for someone who doesn’t like you back.

She thought she was one of those girls until she met Brian. She’d never loved anyone like him. Brian was special. Brian wasn’t like any other man. He’s got an aura around him that radiates kind energy and that’s what she wanted in her chaotic life. Peace.

Sitting at the bar, Brian watched as Jo and Roger flirted before looking back down at his cup. He kept thinking about Y/N and how beautiful she looked but knew it was taboo. She was off-limits, right?

_ _ _

Over the next couple of weeks, Y/N and Brian hung out a few times. The air around them was like their souls were one. It felt right to be near each other. It felt right to be touching. It felt right to laugh with each other.

“Mate, when do you plan on getting laid?” Roger remarks to Brian randomly.

“I don’t want to answer that question.” Brian replies, sipping his morning coffee.

“What? You’re never with any girls anymore! Wait…” Roger makes an expression that acts if he has a lightbulb above his head. “Y/N.”

“No, Rog. Not Y/N.” Brian defends and puts his coffee down while shaking his head. Roger still stands suspicious though, connecting the dots in his head.

“Well.. you do get nervous every time you talk about her, change the topic when i talk about getting laid, and all you want to do is hang out with her.”

Brian ignores him and gets his bag ready for another long dreadful day of college.

“Oh, what? Gotta see your girlfriend again?” Roger suggests, laughing at Brian in his head. Brian sticks his tongue out at Roger childishly before grabbing his keys.

Y/N was talking to herself in her head while finishing up the details of her makeup. She felt as if even herself couldn’t understand what kind of a chokehold Brian had on her. Brian felt like teenage love.

Y/N thought of Brian as her first love, she’d like to think of it that way.

[abstractdiagram]

Tomarry loves and darlins. It’s been bananas in my life lately. I have the equivalent of two full time jobs and a part time job and I’m getting ready for Convergence. I have not abandoned the fic and I know what the boys’ animal forms will be (thanks again for all the votes and messages!).

I just have no time or energy lately. I’m on night 3 of 4 at work but I have my PCA gig all day Monday and then I work Tuesday-Wednesday and do PCA and work Thursday. Add to that the fact that my mother is actively trying to sabotage my mental health while falling apart herself and I’m supposed to help take care of that… well, to be honest, it’s fucking hard to do anything right now. (Seriously, who begrudges and resents their daughter for losing weight? Just because she’s “worked so hard” for two years and I’m “cheating” doesn’t mean she should make snarky comments all the time. Seriously. She’s lost 70-75lbs and went from 3x to L/XL but because she limits herself to 900 calories/day and I don’t calorie count but am physically unable to eat a lot without getting super sick, she’s jealous. I’m down 45lb btw.)

I’ll come back to it. I just want to be sure I can devote attention and time to my writing. I don’t want quality to drop. I’m not saying I’m great by any means, but Yosemite Sam knows I don’t want to drop filler and nonsense.

Thanks all for the patience! You all rock and I hope my next fic chapter is worthy of y’all!

[chantsdemarins]

😅Real Villain Training [Tom Hiddleston circa 2012 X Fem.Reader]

Chapter three of Breath of the Æsir is almost here. I’m SO sorry for the wait! In the meantime, I hope you enjoy a very brief Tom story...

Honestly, I pledged to myself, no more Tom stories just focus on Loki. But I think I just can't help it. Especially when slutty inspiration like this photo comes my way (@lokischambermaid and @lokisgoodgirl 😳)

I am humbled by this era of Tom. In 2024 he is a husband/father/seasoned iconic actor in perpetual good cheer, but in 2012, he was a bad boy. As always please reblog and comment if you feel inspired!

Summary: Tom is hanging out with some real jerks for a new role, and he runs into you, literally. Your depression has caused your life to turn a little black and white, could this handsome stranger possibly add some color back? (at least to your cheeks🥵).

Smut factor: I hope...HOT 🔥

(Authors note: I have no concrete proof he was in fact a bad boy so please don't take seriously my young Tom plot themes of drugs and sex, which once again appear here. I could be totally wrong about him. It's art! It's a fabrication! Also, this story does involve mental health!)

I also don't know who would want to be on a tag list for a Tom fic these days! These are a few people who might be interested?? @lokischambermaid @mochie85 @mischief2sarawr @lokisgoodgirl @wheredafandomat @sailorholly @mrs-illyrian-baby @superficialdomina @gigglingtiggerv2 @fictive-sl0th @muddyorbs @tbhiddlestan83 @huntress-artemiss @smolvenger @kikster606 @mjsthrillernp @hiroyukinasukawa

Los Angeles, 2012

That afternoon, the rooftop pool at the Saint Avalon was a pink swirl of bathing beauties in early spring. Tom tried to focus on his deadpan conversation with his agent, but polka dots and silly cocktails danced around him. He pushed his Ray-Bans back into place, his sweat—or perhaps nervousness—causing them to slowly slide off his nose.

"Serious British actor succumbs to being typecast as a Norse sociopath. That's where this is headed, Tom, if we don’t do something, get you something else.” “Do you really want to be known only for Marvel?” he repeated his plea. The words just weren’t sinking in.

Tom laughed and inadvertently tried to change the subject. "Have you been to the La Brea Tar Pits yet, John? It’s wild—10,000 years' worth of dire wolf bones.”

His stare remained galvanized by the poolside girls. They just didn't look like that in London. Number one, the sunshine. Number two, the tans. Number three, well, his girlfriend—or ex-girlfriend, rather—made it hard to look too long at anyone else. So had he ever found himself at a rooftop pool party, he wouldn't have had the chance he was having now.

“Tom, are you paying attention? This is important. You're only here for a week, and we need to move on this role. I need to know if you're a yes.” The truth was, Tom was suddenly filthy rich with his own money for the first time in his life. He really loved being a Norse sociopath and already had big ideas for Loki’s eventual character arc into becoming an anti-hero someday. He had filled three journals on his bedside stand with his ideas for Loki.

His agent tried again, “Just hang out with Giorgio. It’s less than a month. Then the movie should be a very easy shoot. You get to embed yourself with some real hedge fund cats.” Tom’s attention snapped back. “Wait, I like that.” “Right? It’s like if Loki worked on Wall Street.” “Well…” Tom hesitated. He didn’t think Loki would actually ever bore himself that way. Those guys were boring to Tom and to Loki.

His poor agent was right, though. He did need another role. Things had gone so well; filming for the next Avengers movie was starting this summer. If he could find another gig, a time filler, a totally different genre, it really would be the best for his career. “Then a play next,” the agent mused, taking a sip of his own cocktail. “Shakespeare, or something 70s.” “70s? As in the 1570s? Or the 1970s?” “Tom.” “How should I know?” Tom laughed to himself, eyes still canvassing the poolside display around him. His agent leaned across his lawn chair and placed his hand on Tom’s shoulder. “So, you’ll do it?”

Two Weeks Later

Deep down, he knew he didn’t have the dissociation required for the job. He was too corporeal, too embodied. Years of being a long-distance runner and a trained athlete had fastened his mind, heart, and soul firmly into his muscles. He clearly wouldn’t be able to hide his feelings in his highly emotive, sensitive body. That was the first thing he noticed about the guys he was forced to hang out with for this role. They were covered up with their suits and sexist jokes. It was like they had Hadrian’s Wall around them. Which was, in fact, what exactly led to his sudden departure from the bar at Rue 23.

He had been embedded with short and loud Glen, buzz-cut Ellis, and the tall and lanky, just like him, Brad Nelson. There were a few others, but they were too milquetoast to be memorable. Role be damned. He left so fast the thick glass door almost hit a nice young couple as he bolted into the cold Los Angeles spring night.

He wasn’t dressed right; in his haste to leave London, he didn’t remember that California got into the 40s after the sun went down. He didn’t even pack a suit coat. Thank God he remembered to grab his leather pack from under the bar. It contained exactly five cigarettes, a finicky Zippo, his aftershave, a white t-shirt, and a travel toothbrush. There might also be a rolled-up Popular Mechanics magazine from the Burbank airport, something he never would be caught dead reading at Heathrow.

He also hadn’t done so much coke since he was in college. Why was LA always so incredibly cliché? He couldn’t blame Luke. He couldn’t blame anyone but himself for this role. He said yes when he was distracted. He was in over his head. They had hired these real blokes to make sure Tom looked authentic when they started filming next month, and given his intense drive for perfection, he had agreed that it was “brilliant” of the casting director to force the eight of them to spend these weeks in Los Angeles and one week in Manhattan, in a true immersive centrifuge of shallow materiality.

The night spun around him, a neon ball of yarn, teasing open his pupils until his eyes were black and not at all blue. As he walked, he ran his large hands down the surface of his body, the material of his shirt feeling like a fancy pillowcase from a boutique hotel.

One finger lingered over his jawline, tracing it as he brought his hands back up to his face. Engrossed in the comfort of his form a moment too long, he was distracted once again. This part of LA seemed to always be full of clusters of locals and tourists, laughing and talking. He was unfortunately moving against the flow of the crowd, a wayward salmon when he almost ran straight into you.

“Watch where you're going!” you yelled, dropping your purse onto the dirty LA sidewalk. It opened enough for your things to tumble out. Tom immediately stopped and bent down to help you, but you batted his hands away. “What the hell? I can pick up my own damn Chapstick,” you scolded. “Ma’am, I am so sorry, I am obviously not from here, and I am a little overwhelmed,” he rattled off. “Why is that obvious?” “My accent, of course.” “I didn’t honestly notice,” you spoke as you inspected the tall man’s face with squinting eyes.

You, of course, did immediately notice the timbre of his voice, his height, and the buttons on his tight shirt which looked like they were in the process of unbuttoning themselves. “Would you believe I’ve been doing coke all night with a bunch of Wall Street assholes at the Rue 23, and I had to get the fuck out of there,” he continued, not sure if you were listening, but you were definitely looking at him, so he continued.

“So now I am wandering the streets of Beverly Hills, and I haven’t the foggiest how the rest of my night will go.” You shuffled your feet for a moment before speaking. You had been heading home after a long day at work. You felt genuinely unprepared for navigating a handsome foreigner in the right direction. Yet there was a certain appeal to a man suddenly without his ship or his crew, so to speak. So you didn’t immediately walk away.

He had been shuffled from the airport to the bar in a hired car, he tried to explain, and his sense of direction bordered on problematic. Further, his flip phone was really only good for texting, and that even took way too long most days. He really did seem high, overwhelmed, and a little lost. He also seemed the type unable to handle any silence in a conversation.

“Do you live far?” he said after suffering through 30 seconds of no discourse. “It’s LA, everything is far.” “Fair enough,” Tom muttered sheepishly, fiddling with the buttons on his shirt, which were still somehow unbuttoning themselves. He thought he had bought the right size shirt. Maybe not.

You realized that if you were to ask this too-high, too-hot British man back to your apartment, you would inevitably cave and end up sleeping with him just because he caught you in this particular moment of your life. It was an in-between time. You weren't quite your old self and your new self that you'd been working so hard on, hadn't emerged yet.

“Want to grab something to eat?” You finally offered a neutral segue. That seemed to be just what the man needed to hear. His demeanor calmed. “Oh sure, yes, I could go for a big American cheeseburger, honestly.” “Okay then, let’s go to Patty’s on Vine, we can walk,” you said as you pulled at his shirt to turn him toward the right direction. He bristled at the feeling of your touch.

His whole body was even more sensitive than usual. You looked like the queen of the ancient British Iceni to him. In truth, he didn’t much care for the California look. He loved that you appeared out of nowhere and you looked like Boudica, not like Gwyneth Paltrow. Even though he was sure he heard she was nice. RDJ seemed to really love her.

The diner where you were headed was the second-tier after-hours hang, so it wasn’t populated with the usual crowd, not yet at least. You had some time before you would be inundated, and perhaps before someone would recognize him, which you still did not. You could ask him, of course. Although, sometimes in Los Angeles, the worst part is knowing who someone is.

Although Tom being Tom was unable to resist personal questions. “Tell me a little bit about yourself, just a little,” he had to ask as the night air propelled him quickly down the sidewalk. You considered telling him about your job, but it was just how you paid the bills. Your passions were your passions and not for a stranger. So you decided to be a little goth. It couldn't hurt.

“I have something like anhedonia, I suppose,” you finally said. Tom seemed to know what you meant right away. “The inability to feel?” He spoke. “More classically refined, which results in numbness, making capturing interior somatic sensations nearly impossible,” you clarified. “Sounds like you are depressed,” Tom flattened out your creative retelling of your current state. “Maybe,” although you weren't sure of his simple label. "You think it will pass?" Tom continued, ever the optimist.

You considered one way to try and test if this state you'd been in could possibly change, would be to see if he could provoke feelings of passion or at least some kind of low-grade horniness. You’d been feeling functionally blank for a while now.

He was stunning, after all.

He seemed game for anything, his amphetamine grin taking up the majority of his handsome face. He looked so lovely under the hanging light in your dingy booth. You ate the two-egg special you ordered and watched him devour his American cheeseburger with genuine joy.

“So, you're here to practice for a new part?” You sincerely tried to keep the conversation flowing despite the growing desire to test your theory. “Yes, they want me to branch out. In my career, there’s the fear I am already 'type-casted,' I guess you could say.” “Type-casted? So early on?”

He looked young to you. Possibly younger than you actually. “Yes, I had a big role as a villain, it really blew up, but, he's like a mythological comic book one. I am misunderstood mostly. I mean my character, not me.” "Sure." You nodded in understanding and agreed even if you didn’t quite pick up what he was putting down. You wondered if he had ever seen 'The Last Starfighter.' A favorite movie of yours, you rarely shared with anyone else. Or had he been in that? Your mind wandered. You really didn't recognize him, but you also didn't want to offend him by this fact.

“So how would this role be redefining your abilities? If you are playing a heartless hedge fund dude, isn’t that also a kind of villain? Maybe that is why you got this part.” Tom pondered your insight. He again fell into overthinking and was only a text away from bailing on the entire endeavor. He was becoming that kind of guy, emotionally uneven under his elite veneer.

“I guess they feel like I don’t have the chops to be a 'real world' baddie.” “I needed more practice.” “You don’t?” you said very timidly, suddenly you weren’t hungry anymore. You gently pushed your plate aside so you could focus.

You realized his bromance compadres would find him eventually. Another LA truth: it was hard to get truly lost for long. You had been studying his face during the conversation. His pale complexion was slowly becoming flushed in small increments. Was it shyness or a hidden boldness he was bursting to demonstrate, you couldn't tell.

You had worn your espadrilles today, maybe it wasn’t the right season yet, but they always went so well with your outfit-a flowery dress from H&M. Gently and playfully, you kicked one of them off your foot, making a soft thud. Tom dipped his eyes beneath the table for only a moment and brought them back to you, a new flash of crimson emerging. Why were you taking off your shoes? Maybe your feet hurt from the walk?

He picked up his water and chugged almost all of it.

Your right leg lifted up and found purchase exactly between his, landing on the soft seat. Tom chuckled nervously and grabbed your foot. “Just what are you doing?” “I thought you were in training to be a real villain. Or did I misunderstand that?” You teased. Tom’s sincerity and earnestness were effulgent. “Oh no, I am, I really want the part, I need this role.” Suddenly when the idea of something illicit going on beneath the table loomed, he was not reticent about this new role. “Then you better continue to practice.” You laughed, your own smile forming across your face. “How long do we have until they find you?” You inched your foot closer to his crotch.

Tom took a deep breath in and pulled out his flip phone eyes squinting, trying to see the rectangle text banner across the tiny screen. He held the phone up to you. “Can you read this at all?” You grabbed it from him, feeling his hand shaking a little. It was charming. He was nervous.

You read the tiny screen aloud, “Not really, something about where are you at…you wanker, we are about to call your agent." It did say exactly that, and you wondered if possibly Tom was throwing away this role. Were you watching him collapse his career before your eyes? “Are you one for self-sabotage Tom?” The question seemed to catch him off guard. Maybe no one had asked him so bluntly. “Maybe,” he said after a long minute of typing something on the seemingly minute phone with his long fingers and even larger hands. “Just like I am possibly depressed," you offered. He looked up and sat his phone down. “Yes, I think so. Just like that.”

Incoming

Just then the waitress came by filled your water glasses and gave you another quick refill of coffee. Your chosen sobriety was a strange foil to Tom’s imbibed stimulant cocktail which showed no sign of waning. “So, are we on?” He finally said after biting his bottom lip, for what seemed like a year, until it was slightly puffy.

“For what? A staring contest?” You offered, laughing nervously too, your foot still stationed between his thighs. You wondered what you could accomplish at this hour with the looming threat of an incursion at any moment.

The glimmer in his dilated orbs registered that Tom was now aligned in a mission of testing the perpetuity of your anhedonic state. Suddenly under the table, you felt his long legs spread yours apart, like opening a long-closed window that had been painted over.

You gasped but didn’t say anything. He laughed and widened his legs further. You moved your eyes to watch him under the table, his hand reaching down to adjust his cock, which was obviously becoming hard.

At that moment you wanted to jump over to his side of the booth, you wanted to concede and take him to your far away apartment in embarrassing Marina Del Rey.

Tom went silent and finally let go of your bare foot, he had been holding it so hard with his other hand, that you were sure it would be bruised. You immediately placed it on his now impossibly hard cock, tenting his pants obscenely. Honestly, you’d never given a “foot job” before and only seen something like this in a French film once. You had no idea what you were doing.

You slowly began to move your foot up and down his length, which was quite impressive and required more force than you had anticipated. You curled your toes around him to try and create more friction, dragging your heel just at the base.

You placed your hands on the edge of the diner seat so you could put some real weight into getting him off. That seemed to work, and Tom let out a guttural moan. He quickly grabbed your water glass and drank it in addition to his own.

“Should I stop?” You let yourself wonder out loud. “Are you crazy? No.” Was Tom’s quick reply. “Does this feel good?” “Fuck yes.” His voice was breathy, and he shifted in his seat, daring to look around at the customers, but none showed any sign of noticing anything other than themselves. “But this isn’t fair,” he spoke again softly, panting. “How so?” “Because I am um, I am receiving.” “Aren’t you supposed to be a selfish cold surface-level junior business asshole?” “Yes.” “Then this is what they do, they get foot jobs in diners, amongst other perks of course,” you laughed. “Shit, you’re right,” Tom barely squeaked out.

Just then the diner door opened, and you could see the dim faces of the guys he had been partying with. They finally found him. “Don’t look now but your Republican friends have arrived.” Tom’s flush became pale. “Should I stop?” You checked in again. “No.” His response was as clear as mid-day.

So, you increased your speed, you took a deep breath. You were so turned on at this point. You were positive there would be a wet spot on the cracked vinyl seat. You lifted your skirt up further. Tom noticed and peered beneath the table again. He saw your hand brush past your underwear and a finger curl inside the lace trim. You matched his erratic breathing to your motions as you fucked yourself intently. His eyes were glued to you, his fists almost punching into the flimsy placemats. You laughed to yourself about the chances of you both coming in public, surely, he wouldn’t, or you couldn’t.

You were about to mention that perhaps you should stop. When suddenly Tom let out a muffled cry. His breath hitched. You could feel moisture beneath the bottom of your toes as you brought your foot back to the tip of his generous cock once more. “Ah, I see,” you laughed. "Well looks like we are done here." There was no more time to discuss what just happened. The bros had spotted him and you and made their way to your back corner.

Tom closed his eyes in what looked like a silent prayer. He had just had one of the best orgasms of his life. The short blond one with cropped hair spoke up, “Hiddleston, where the fuck have you been, your agency was about to call the cops, which would have been lame.”

“Hiddleston,” you said his surname out loud. Realizing you never got his last name. Tom looked at you with both lust and remorse. Then turned back to the assholes. “You found me, good work,” he said assuredly. “Well we gotta go dick we have a strip club that closes at 3am and it’s in the contract that we take you there.”

Tom slowly got up and used one of his long fingers to expertly untuck that white button-down shirt to conceal the mess you had both made. He looked your way, the pale blue of his eyes returning.

You exchanged numbers for the pleasantry of it, as the assholes looked on impatiently, probably wondering why Tom was wasting his time on a girl who looked like Boudica, but that's just what assholes do you remembered. Although you really didn’t expect to hear from him again. To your surprise right before dawn, perhaps as he was leaving said strip club, a text came over your Blackberry.

“I hope you felt something, I know I did.” Shit.

You did feel something, a lot of things actually. Tom had brought something back to the solemnly plain bagel of your life. You quickly wrote back.

"Don't let the bros see you texting me Tom, you laughed knowing he was probably squinting and barely able to see your words. You picture all of them looking over his shoulder.

"They went home. Can I come over? I feel like we aren't done quite yet. My asshole-in-training self expires at sunrise and I turn back into the real me. Is that okay?" You blinked a few times just to make sure you saw that correctly. "So you're actually Cinderella," you laughed nervously.

You managed to type your address and push send before pulling your covers over your head and screaming quietly enough to not wake up your still-slumbering roommates. You then looked around your room in quiet delightful horror, you had about 30 minutes to hide all your dirty clothes from the past three months under your bed...

[simslegacy5083]

Today's (6/4/2025) Episode: Lovers Remorse

Enjoying their affair, Skye and Betty naturally paid less attention to their long-distance partners, and Elyse and Greyson quickly noticed the change.

“Is everything OK?” Elyse asked, worried after days of nothing more than brief texts from her spouse. “We haven’t really talked in a while. I just wanted to check on how your job was wrapping up, and how jungle life was treating you and our baby these days.”

“We’re fine” Skye said unenthusiastically. “I’ve covered most of what I need to at this point.” Oh man, my trip is really coming to an end…

“Oh…” She felt rebuffed by the curt reply. Did I do something wrong? Maybe the last trimester is just tiring xem out. At that thought she perked up. “Hey, It’s almost time for you to give birth and come home. I can’t wait to be together; start our family! Exciting, yeah?”

“Elyse…” xe said with a sigh. “I like it here; it's been fun. You wouldn’t know anything about that though, would you? I started our family a long time ago. You could have seen me; gotten to know the baby, but you chose not to. I understand why it’s hard for you, but it still hurts.”

You don’t know the biggest thing. Without even waiting for her to reply Skye continued. “Look, I gotta go, I need to meet the owner of this nightclub that just opened, I’ll talk to you later.” Xe hung up abruptly, leaving her staring at the phone in shock. But… but xe never forgets to say I love you…

Walking down the hall she opened the door to the old art studio, which she and the others had converted into a nursey to surprise Skye upon xir return. Suddenly, it felt totally inadequate. I don’t know what’s changed, but I have to fix it. I just hope there’s still time.

“Betty!” Greyson exclaimed “Finally! Where have you been? You haven’t been answering my calls, is everything all right?”

“I’m fine, I’ve just been busy, like you always seem to be. I want to soak up every last bit of adventure I can before its over. What’s up?”

“Actually, that’s what I was calling about” he smiled, forcing himself to ignore her tone. Long distance is hard, and she’s there supporting our friend. “Finals are right around the corner and then I’ll have some free time. I thought I could take a couple days off work when you get back, we could…”

“We could what Greyson? Sit around the apartment, visit the same restaurant you go to every week? You never have as much free time as you think you will between classes with all the pre-work. I need to be a priority, not just a time filler when you have a few minutes to spare. I’m sorry, but I need to get ready for a gig at the restaurant. Gotta pay my half of the rent, right? Love ya.” she finished before quickly disconnecting.

Staring at the phone in his hand Greyson felt a flash of anger but quickly deflated she’s not wrong. I wasn’t making her a priority before she left, and I haven’t been making much of an effort since she’s been gone either.

I’m losing her… he realized with a start. I can’t let that happen. I have to show her how much she means to me; how much I want her in my life. I don’t know what led her to speak her heart to me like that just now, but I got the message loud and clear. I’m going to make this right.

Want To See More?

View The Full Story of My Not So Berry Challenge Here

[outsidereveries]

very old asks from curiouscat (13th august 2023—16th august 2023)

still 13th august 2023

what outsiders think of ive's busy schedule (tour + october comeback)? (orig. worded differently)

the hermit, 4 of wands, 3 of cups rx • the magician

roughly the thoughts are neutral, however i see some of their fans disconnection with the group in some form as they seem to overthink starship’s desicions. although local dives will be happy such as korean and japanese ones (possibly chinese ones too considering wonyoung’s questionable part-taiwanese ethnicity), the disharmony cannot be ignored. the lack of harmony might be issue between the members of the group and it could be just seen too obviously? i doubt the disharmony thing is with the c-bars here tbh

wonyoung, future solo gigs

she might:

- be in commercials (cf’s)

- appear in radio show/s or anything, related to the radio

- be on magazines such as her being in the cover issue of one, or interview in there

(interviews seem to appear lowkey strong)

- do outside-related activities

- do more activities in south korea (taiwan possibly too if she’s actually part-taiwanese)

- try to compose songs

- be accused of racism in any form

- be accused of having plastic surgery (i am sure she has rhinoplasty and lip fillers, probably pernament ones, but it can be about anything else)

- break a law (for example, improper crossing)

+ be more active on youtube, bubble and instagram

is the current government of italy.. fascists?

6 of pentacles, the sun, 6 of wands, 2 of swords rx, 10 of pentacles • 4 of swords

I am sorry but how the fuck their current government is fascist? The country’s current coalition want to give the Italians the best they can do. It looks like the Italians striked gold with them. However I see some delays as there are other unions and people, and so on to please (ahem, NATO/EU). It looks like the Italians’ current government is the best they can have for now. This isn’t fascist at all.

Overall I see the Italians’ current government genuine. NATO and EU want to fuck them up so and that’s the main issue. Why this does feel so similar? Oh, wait.

joe biden's ideology (for his presidency; orig. different wordplay)

10 of cups, 5 of swords, 2 of pentacles, 6 of wands, 10 of pentacles • 4 of swords

- to betray USA’s citizens

- to make their citizens feel anger, resentment even: i sense war, fire

- to raise the amount of protests for injustice and therefore, to make themselves “superheroes” when they’re the responsible ones for this

jiwoong, solo gigs

he might:

- be more active on social medias such as twitter if zb1 have freedom there, bubble?? and instagram

- appear on fashion related events (i don’t see him as brand ambassador for now..)

- have individual fan-meetings in some form?

- try voice acting if he hasn’t already

- appear on variety shows

- do cover songs or self-made ones, he wants to try compose songs

- have more activities in buildings

- be more active in south korea

- try songwriting

- be called out for anything related to racism

- call out something or someone for anything inappropriate

- called out for doing something wrong

14th august 2023

zayn, career reading (until 2024)

the star, the tower, 3 of wands, page of wands • the hanged man

it can go quite well! i can see him going to travel to somewhere, so it can be usa tour or even world one, but we have to be patient about it.

why most girl groups don’t last long like boy groups in the kpop industry?

king of pentacles, 6 of wands rx, ace of cups • the emperor

The reasons are simply for their own relevance as it looks like most of the boy groups won’t do well individually. The girl groups, no matter formerly or not can do better individually rather than in their own groups (overall). That’s why the groups that are disbanding are mainly girl ones. Because of their own individual relevance, they cannot afford risking it.

will skz become the top group under jype?

the hermit, page of swords, the fool • 4 of pentacles rx

In its maximum they’ll tie them, but passing them.. I doubt it.

woozi, career reading + general reading

Career: 8 of wands, 9 of pentacles, knight of cups, 5 of cups rx, 7 of pentacles • 4 of cups rx

General: queen of cups, 3 of pentacles, 9 of pentacles, 8 of wands • 4 of cups rx

Quite great in both aspects, however his personal life is tightly connected with his personal one. I see he will be busy with doing offers that are beneficial for him to do them so. His life is connected with his group so apart from him being with them and his solo gigs, nothing else.

ariana grande's motto of this year

7 of swords • the lovers

It’s your own choice how you are in your personal life.

how wonyoung views yujin (ive)'s it girl porential?

the fool • 4 of pentacles rx

A breath of fresh air, she sees her potential going stronger with the time but with risks, Wonyoung sees Yujin as egoistical workaholic and she thinks that Yujin has to manage her work with her personal life in a way she doesn’t exhaust herself.

will ryujin have solo gigs this year?

ace of pentacles rx, the hierophant, 7 of cups • king of cups

Um, I personally doubt it. She seems to be under the rug despite of the offers. JYPE made them on hold or declined them. The chance is tiny to me.

wonyoung's thoughts about jeon somi's career

the hermit rx • page of pentacles

Isolated as fuck, TBL isn’t the right for Somi herself, she should’ve signed somewhere else. Wonyoung’s aware of her actual potential especially when both of them were first in the produce series.

somi and wonyoung's thoughts on their personalities

Wonyoung towards Somi: 9 of wands, knight of wands • 2 of swords rx

Very smart, patient, persistent, with many ambitions for herself. However she sees all of this under the rug and it’s not seen by everyone else except only a few, including Wonyoung herself.

Somi towards Wonyoung: page of swords • 8 of wands

Shining star, very communicative too. When she wants to do something, she’s going for it. Wonyoung can be her role mode for that, ngl

somi and kang daniel's thoughts on each other's career paths

Somi towards Daniel: 2 of cups, the empress • 3 of swords rx

Very harmonious with Daniel himself, also independent in some way (obviously bc Konnect is his label). Somi’s proud of the way Daniel is today.

Daniel towards Somi: 10 of wands • the magician

The thought itself is very neutral. He basically is thinking that whatever she does is her own responsibility for its results.

kang daniel's thoughts about somi's popularity

10 of cups rx • page of pentacles

Personally he’s sad that her career is like that because her potential can do so much more..

was lariste ruined because of marwa loud?

8 of cups, king of swords, judgement, 10 of cups, queen of swords rx • 7 of pentacles

The truth of the whole situation is that it is either simply for clout and everything was planned beforehand or I’m not allowed to see what’s the truth. The cards are very different from the whole situation that’s seen in the news blogs and even that youtuber who did 7 fucking parts about it🤷🏻‍♀️

twice's thoughts about jype's management

(s = swords, p = pentacles, c = cups, w = wands, a = ace), from nayeon to tzuyu

8srx/hermit; 5crx/ac; 10srx/devilrx; kingp,6s/6c; queenc/9p; 5srx/fool, ap+5w/lovers; 10c/judgement; kingp/6s

Nayeon would prefer to leave her company, she seems to not care about them at all.

Jeongyeon is saying “whatever” for the costs of OT9 TWICE. Neutral, I guess.

Momo is aware how they work. Nothing else for her.

Sana’s view is the same as Tzuyu with the addition that she’s disappointed but not suprised.

Jihyo is quite optimistic, probably because they focus on her individual career now bc she’s debuting soon.

Mina is indifferent about it.

Dahyun also seems indifferent but she’s the most pissed out of all of the girls. She sees this with its pros and cons but she cannot help but to be kind of mad.

Chaeyoung is feeling optimistic about them but doesn’t believe then fully.

Tzuyu would prefer to change the whole management tbh as they all think with their buttholes rather than their minds. They all think about money and while it can be food think, it doesn’t benefit her at all.

jype's plan for skz' solo paths: from bang chan to i.n.

10 of pentacles, judgement • queen of swords

JYPE’s intentions for Chan and Changmin’s solo careers are identical (quite great intentions in fact) with the difference that Changmin seems to be unaware of this. Like he’s their secret weapon?

the sun • 4 of wands

For Lee Know they’re very happy to do whatever he wants to. I see collaborations?

judgement, 10 of pentacles • queen of swords

(almost identical to chan)

7 of pentacles rx • the world

For Hyunjin however are very impatient, they want everything to happen very fast, they seem to be obsessed and they appearantly want him to be that idol who will sell out everything very fast.. They might want him to debut solo first, similar to Nayeon? Not sure.

the hermit rx • queen of wands

Han and Felix are basically trapped, JYPE’s intentions are to not focus on them individually at all.

knight of swords rx • 2 of wands

(similar to Han)

page of pentacles • 6 of wands

Their intentions towards Seungmin’s solo activities are good but they’re yet to be revealed to me, this seems very fresh.

strength • 3 of cups

It’s similar with I.N. (as Seungmin). I see however with the maknae something related to collaborations too.

(both in ive) wonyoung and yujin's thoughts on each other?

Wonyoung towards Yujin: 2 of pentacles • 2 of swords rx

Wonyoung’s cautious about Yujin, her thoughts are neutral but with warning from her side.

Viceversa: page of pentacles • 6 of wands

On the other side, Yujin sees Wonyoung as someone who’s by her side and makes her happy.

hailey bieber's thoughts on selena gomez

page of pentacles • 6 of wands

To Hailey Selena is dedicated person and that makes her happy. She’s not envious at all!

le sserafim's thoughts on yujin (ive) (asked for chaewon and sakura)

king of wands rx • 6 of cups

Their personalities are clashing so Chaewon might not match with Yujin at all. Despite that, she acknowledges her and what they’ve been through both. Nothing else.

strength, 8 of swords rx • temperance

Very balanced and courageous person who can do anything she wants to. I don’t see anything else.

le sserafim's thoughts on wonyoung

Starting from Sakura, then Chaewon and everyone else

5 of wands rx • queen of pentacles

Sakura’s thoughts are neutral to me.

10 of wands rx, 4 of swords rx • page of swords

Chaewon however is the most pessimistic of all - overwhelming, exhausting person.

the chariot rx • 6 of swords

Yunjin would prefer to move on from this topic as she thinks Wonyoung is too confusing.

9 of cups • 2 of pentacles

Kazuha is the most positive of all, she likes very much Wonyoung and loves how she balances her personal life with her job.

the chariot • 6 of swords

Eunchae likes Wonyoung’s willpower and ambitions to do anything. Simple as that.

americans' thoughts on trump's presidency

5 of wands rx • queen of pentacles

they would prefer to move on, they appreciate what trump has done in these 4 years but up to that. the opinions can be mixed or are neutral. nothing in between.

skz' hyunjin's thoughts on wonyoung

ace of pentacles rx • 9 of pentacles

very independent person who looks over how much she earns too much. he might be aware of her salary or sth like that.

gaeun's feelings of reuniting in a way with sakura, chaewon and yunjin

3 of cups, the chariot • 6 of swords

she was very happy to reunite with them in some way! only positive thoughts. well, there’s nothing much apart from that.

brief career look for jinwoo (winner, 2024)

8 of wands rx, 8 of swords rx, 5 of swords • death

he’s on survival mode. since he was in the military, he might want to work but cannot do it as properly as he wants to. there’s serious issues with yge for his solo career overall..

lee know, sullyoon, dynamics reading

the star rx, 10 of pentacles, the chariot rx • 7 of wands

they’re trying to be strictly colleguaes but their personalities are clashing too much. therefore, they might not work together even when they have to because of these conflicts they have.

15th august 2023

mingyu, solo gigs

he might be:

- brand ambassador (individually)

- act in any form

- have more photoshoots than usual

- be active on weverse, tiktok and instagram

- jiggling many activities in once

- traveling more regarding his solo activities

- self-compose songs

- doing unordinary, one of a kind content

- accused of racism

- involved in scandal/s and rumors

- calling out something or someone

matthew, solo gigs

he might do:

- OSTs

- collaborations in any form

- something that he owns, something he has done (basically anything, this is about solo activities!!)

- more posts on x, bubble and youtube

- many activities in once

- more activities both in south korea/canada and outside of these countries, he’ll manage them just fine

he also might:

- break a law

- be recognised from people in any way

- do any philanthropy actions

what kind of brand momo will be brand ambassador?

Type: queen of cups, judgement rx, knight of cups • 3 of swords rx

behind the scenes they’re too critical, perhaps they might be perfectionists. they seem to be balanced, so it can be big brand.

when: 4 hearts, 2 hearts, 4 diamonds, 8 clubs, 6 diamonds

Between a few days and 4 months if there’s offer for her that’s already accepted.

16th august 2023

korean government's thoughts on minors debuting in the k-pop industry?

ace of swords, 5 of pentacles rx • the lovers

They’re actually neutral to me as they see that this is the dreams of the children (to be idols). They accept that it’s their own choice so they’re not forcing them to have stronger opinions about this. They aren’t mad or have intentions to make them moneymakers or something like that so yeah, quite neutral opinion. They seem to support their dreams.

[ageofbajabule]

Dawn of Love | Chapter 4

Josh Kiszka x Female Reader

Word Count: 5.9k

Warnings: Fluff, Anxiety, Sad Jake (just a little scene), Protected Sex, Depression, Talk of Cancer, Arguing, Fear of Abandonment, Mention of Death. (Please let me aware if I miss any!)

If you haven’t read Chapter 3 be sure to do so! And here is the Masterpost for the series.

Author’s Note: Hey!! I know it’s been a long time coming for this update, and I’m sorry it’s not a huge update. Time jumps are happening, especially within the next chapter as well. This chapter is really a filler, but it also adds more to the story that will make sense as it progresses so I do hope you enjoy it. I make sure that my work is up to par, and always give it my all. We’re almost halfway through the series!☺️

October 2014

All the trees have turned over, leaves starting to finally fall off the trees. Michigan was beautiful this time around, and Josh knew it was your favorite season. Perfect time for sweaters and hoodies, bonfires, apple picking and pumpkin patches.

University was offering a fall break a week before Halloween weekend. Josh had opted in making sure you guys had your halloween costumes planned out for Halloweekend here on campus. The costumes he had picked out were great for the two of you.

Josh had mentioned to his parents that the two of you would be staying over at their place for your fall break. Within the past month, your relationship with your dad hasn't been the greatest. He was still concerned about you attending school for a film and photography major. He still thought you should major in something that would “Logically” benefit you.

You felt bad about not staying at home to at least spend time with your mom and sister. But made sure to tell them you would spend time with them before you returned back to campus.

Josh and yourself had been extremely busy working on a film project that was due before your winter break. It was worth 60 percent of your grade. And he was taking every single measure and precaution for this film project. He was making sure the script was perfect, while he had you focus on costumes, make-up. And the two of you together focused on settings, themes, locations and how you were going to film it.

Jake was kind enough to help his twin out with another film. Even Ronnie had decided to join in on the project, a little family affair if you will. Josh said he trusted them to kill their roles they had been assigned. You even had your sister be a part of it as well.

It was finally Friday, Josh and you had your last class of the day. This weekend began your fall break, and the guys had a gig tomorrow night at Fischer Hall. They were excited to be performing there, they actually had been asked to come back a few times as the locals loved their performance. You were absolutely thrilled for them.

On the drive back home, you and Josh had made sure to stop by your house first as your dad was out for the day and your mom and sister were home. You hated having to avoid him, but just did what was best for yourself.

Upon arriving you and Josh made your way into the house, smelling your mom’s baking and hearing your sister’s music playing in the house. “Mom? Olivia?” You called out, walking into the kitchen you find your mom and sister baking cookies.

“Oh hi sweetie! I didn’t even hear you come in.” Your mother giggled softly dusting the flour off of her hands, pulling you in for a hug.

“I was wondering why it smelled so good in here.” You giggled hugging her back. Josh went to hug your sister while your mother kept hugging you.

“Your father is out for the whole day. Went on a fishing trip with the guys.” Your mom pulled away, and immediately went to hug Josh.

You walked over to your sister pulling her in for a hug. “Are they driving you insane these days?” You giggled.

“Always…” She laughed, hugging you tightly.

“Are you guys hungry? I was going to order takeout.” Your mom smiled as she resumed mixing the batter.

Josh and you both nodded in agreement. “Whatever you had in mind will be fine.” He smiled softly.

“I was thinking chinese.” Your mom hummed softly, as she continued to finish making up batches of cookies.

The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, catching up on what’s been going on for you with college. And your sister’s sophomore year, and how close her, Sam and Danny have gotten since you’ve gone off to college. It was nice to catch up with them as you hardly got to call them lately. You’ve been so busy with everything and felt ashamed for not reaching out more.

“Well sweetie, I’ve made up a jar of cookies for you to take back with you to campus. But you can grab them before you go back.” She smiled, putting the jar away to not be touched.

“Thank you mom, for everything. I really don’t know what I’d do without you…” You smiled, pulling her in for a hug.

“Oh, I’ll always be here for you. You know that…” She rubbed your back, hugging you tighter.

“Now, don’t be a stranger you two!” She pulled away smiling at the both of you.

You said your goodbyes to your sister, then headed over to Josh’s place.

Josh opted for parking in the street, as he wanted to let his parents have access to the driveway. He helped grab your bag from the backseat as you entered the house, you could hear his dad playing his harmonica and laughing from inside the family room.

The two of you went downstairs to the basement, preparing the pullout bed. While setting your things down there. Eventually Karen came downstairs to greet the two of you.

“Oh you guys made it in!” She smiled softly pulling you both in for a tight hug.

“Hi mom.” Josh chuckled softly, rubbing her back.

“How have classes been?” She pulled away, putting her hands on her hips.

You and Josh look at each other not sure who to let speak first, but then Josh cuts in.

“Classes have been great! Y/N and I have quite a few together, but some others we don’t.” He rubbed your arm softly.

“Yeah, Josh has been a great help though as well. I thought for sure I was gonna be lost on campus.” You giggled softly.

“It’s nice that the two of you have each other… I’m sure you’ve made plenty of friends though.” She smiled brightly. You smile softly, seeing how similar Josh and Karen’s smiles were.

“That we have. It’s a very different atmosphere, but it’s nice.” Josh smiled.

“Well I know you guys ate already, I talked to your mom Y/N. I’m sure the two of you are tired and want some rest. So I'll leave you to it.” She smiled, kissing Josh and your cheek softly.

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Mom.”

“Goodnight Mrs.Kiszka.”

The next day Josh and you were woken up by Jake and Sam bickering.

“No Sam! You can’t just make a last minute change of the setlist. We need to all be in agreement with it.” Jake yelled.

“It��s just because you don’t want to perform this one fucking song!” Sam yelled back at him.

“Samuel Francis!” You heard Karen yell out.

“I’m sorry mom… But seriously Jake. Get over yourself, just say you want total control of it.”

You walked up the steps to see Sam storming past you running upstairs to his room slamming his door shut.

“Good Morning sweetie!” Karen beamed, pulling you into a hug.

You hugged her back, swaying with her. “Good morning!”

She pulled away slowly, and resumed back to making breakfast. Waffles had been made, she was cooking bacon and finishing up the eggs.

“I hope you’re all hungry. Especially for today’s events.” She smiled softly as she finished cooking and getting plates out.

“Let me help you set the table.” You rushed to help her setting the table.

“Thank you.” She smiled, kissing the top of your head.

Eventually Josh made his way from downstairs, heading into the kitchen getting himself orange juice. He helped the two of you with the table.

“Good morning, sunny.” He kissed your cheek softly.

“Good morning.” You hummed softly.

“Samuel, come on down and eat.” Kelly yelled, coming into the dining room.

Everyone eventually piled in, sitting in their normal seats. You could feel the tension between Jake and Sam, as Kelly tried to make a conversation happen with Ronnie. Which worked, Ronnie talked about how she was planning on studying abroad after graduation.

As everyone listened to Ronnie talk about her future plans, you sat back thinking of all the choices you were making lately for yourself. Worrying if you had made the right ones and that you weren’t going to regret then later. But the love you had for photography and film was strong, and you couldn’t see yourself doing anything else but that.

Your thoughts were shortly interrupted by Josh, “What do you think, Sunny?

“I’m sorry, what was the question?” You shook your thoughts away giggling softly.

“My parents were wondering if you wanted to join us this year on our annual ski trip?”

Karen and Kelly were looking at you smiling softly.

“If it’s not a problem, I’d love to join!” You smiled brightly.

“Of course it’s not a problem! You’re a part of the family now.” Kelly chuckled softly.

Arriving at Fischer Hall brought back memories from the first night the guys performed there. They were so nervous, but now they frequently play a show here. And since then they’ve earned quite the audience. You were helping bring gear into the Hall, helping the guys set up.

Since being around them more, you’ve learned where everything goes, how to help tune Jake’s guitar. You’ve probably remembered some notes by now even. But you wouldn’t ever pick up an instrument.

Jake was agitated tonight, it was plain to see in his face. You normally let him come to you if something was bothering him, but tonight was the night you would ask him yourself. He was hanging around the back, pacing back and forth.

“Hey Jake… What’s going on?” You said softly as you treaded lightly.

“Val. She uh. She wanted to-“ He let out a big breath. “She broke things off.” He said flatly, his eyes glossed over.

“Oh Jake… I’m so sorry. Why didn’t you say something sooner?” You pulled him into a hug.

He hugged you back tightly, “It only happened just this morning… Hence why I was being an ass to Sam.” He sniffled while chuckling.

You giggled, pulling away slowly, “He’ll understand one day.”

“Yeah, and besides… I should’ve known that she wasn’t going to stick around much longer. She’s in her senior year, and her dad thinks we’re going absolutely nowhere with the band… Maybe it's better off this way.” He shrugged his shoulders.

“Well, I for one think you guys are going places. The talent you all have! Come on.” You smiled softly.

“Thanks Y/N… You have no idea how much that means to us, especially Josh…”

You nodded, smiling softly. “Come on, it’s almost time for y’all to perform.”

Especially Josh… What had he meant by that?

December 2014

Winter break had finally come, Michigan weather wasn’t easy to adjust to. Even after living two winters here. Classes wouldn’t restart until a week after the new year, so you had an entire month of freedom from classes.

Josh and yourself were excited to finally be done with your first semester. Your final project for your film class that the two of you had worked on was a major success.

You had decided on staying at the Kiszka’s house again over your winter break. Things with your dad were still rocky, you were absolutely convinced he would never change his view on your passion.

Arriving at their house, the front lawn and front of the house was decorated in Christmas decor. You smiled softly as Kelly was helping Karen finish the last touches to the snowflake lights they were placing alongside the house.

“Oh hey kiddos! We’re just finishing up.” Karen smiled softly finishing the last touches as Kelly helped her down.

“Hi Mr. and Mrs. Kiszka!” You smiled hauling your bag with you as Josh followed behind.

“Oh honey please, call me Karen. You’ve known us long enough now, and you’re family.” She giggled softly pulling you in for a hug.

Family. You hadn’t felt so welcomed in what felt like a long time. Sure everything with your sister and mom were good, but since things were still rocky with your dad it made it difficult to feel like a family with them.

“Now we are set to leave around 8am tomorrow. It’s about a 5 hour drive. But the boys always just sleep on the way there.” She giggled softly.

“I’ll be okay to sit in a car for 5 hours. I’ve sat in one for 16…” You groaned remembering back on the trip back to Florida one year.

“Besides, sunny you’ll have me to keep you company.” Josh kissed your cheek softly, he gathered your things, throwing what was going on the ski trip into his parents vehicle. While taking the rest into the house.

Karen ushered you to go inside, you smiled walking into their home seeing their Christmas tree was put up with just the lights.

“We were waiting for the two of you to get home before we decorated the tree.” Karen smiled, pulling the box of ornaments out.

“It's a family tradition to help out decorating the tree together.” Kelly rubbed Karen’s back.

You smiled in awe of them. As they opened the box, revealing all of the ornaments they’ve collected over the years. You smiled softly looking at the ornaments made for each of them for their first christmas. You traced your finger over the details of Josh’s first ornament.

“Oh Josh was the cutest baby…” Karen sighed softly, reminiscing. “All of you were cute!” She laughed, looking at them all.

“It’s okay mom, we know Josh is the favorite.” Ronnie chipped in.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Josh bickered back, as Ronnie giggled.

“Mama’s boy.”

“Okay Ronnie. Daddy’s girl.” He rolled his eyes at her. You playfully smacked his arm, “Be nice to your sister.”

He stuck his tongue out at you playfully. The two of you and everyone else started to put ornaments on the tree. After about a few minutes of setting the ornaments in their rightful place the last thing to be added was the star.

“Jake, would you do the honors?” Kelly asked, handing him the star. Jake nodded, taking it from his hands, stepping on the step stool placing the star on top of the tree and plugging it into the lights.

Once he stepped down carefully everyone stood back admiring the tree before Sam plugged it in. “Go ahead Sammy.” Karen smiled at him softly.

Sam then plugged the lights into the outlet, making the tree come to life. It was all colorful and beautiful. Everyone gasped in awe. “Good work everyone.” Karen smiled, clapping her hands.

The rest of the night was spent making dinner with Karen for the family. She ended up making the boy's favorite dish, as well baking some brownies to end the night.

“You know Y/N… You bring the best out in Joshua.” Karen smiled softly as she put away the clean dishes.

You smile softly looking out to the family room seeing Josh getting into a serious card game with his siblings. “I like to think he brings the best out in me…” You blushed, turning your attention back to his mom.

“Anytime he needs help with planning your dates, he always calls me. Freaking out if he’s doing the right things, saying the right things. And I always assure him that he’s doing just fine.” She giggles softly, finishing up with the dishes.

“So you’re the mastermind…” You giggled while taking a sip of your hot tea.

“Ah, not necessarily. I just tell him to speak and think with his heart. I play no part in planning.” She giggled while taking a sip from her mug.

“You are raising great boys Mrs. Kiszka…”

“Call me Karen… We’ve gone past this, you’re family now.” She walked over to you pulling you in for a hug.

You hugged her back tightly. “Thank you guys for letting me be a part of this… It means a lot to me. More than you will ever know.”

“Oh sweetie,” She pulled away slowly, grabbing your face with her hands. “You are always loved and accepted here. Don’t you ever doubt that for a second.”

You felt tears brimming at your eyes. She wiped them away quickly. “I know things have been hard with your father… Your mom and I speak all the time. And I just want you to know, don’t ever be afraid to reach out to us.”

You nodded slowly, gathering yourself. “Thank you…”

“Come on, let’s see what these hooligans are up to.” She patted your arm softly.

The drive to the ski resort wasn’t too bad. A little cramped and bumpy, but fun nonetheless. The cabin they have reserved was beautiful, it was almost similar to the lake house they had. Josh and yourself got your own room, everyone did actually this time. You all unpacked your bags, then got in your skiing gear.

Josh, Jake, and yourself opted for snowboarding on your trip here. Where everyone else was going skiing. You liked the thrill better of snowboarding than skiing. Especially the flexibility that came with snowboarding. You grabbed your board, following behind Jake as Josh walked beside you.

The three of you then hopped onto the lift, taking in the scenery as you went up the trail. “This is really beautiful here…”

Josh smiled, “You’re beautiful.”

“Oh, how original Josh.” Jake chuckled, as you lightly smacked him.

“It’s definitely beautiful out here. We’ve been coming here for what…. 6 years Josh?” He looked at his twin.

Josh then nodded, “Yeah. We used to go to another ski resort for years before we found this one. This one was closer and had a lot more to offer.”

Before you knew it, you reached the top to get off of the lift. You walked over to the hill incline where everyone started to go down the slopes to ride their snowboards.

“Don’t be nervous, it’s a little scary at first. But you’ll get the hang of it.” Josh smiled, rubbing your cheek softly.

“I’ll be fine.” You smiled softly, kissing him.

He kissed you back, then pulled away as he pulled his goggles down and put his mask to cover his face from the harsh wind. In which you did the same, you then placed your feet into your board clipping your feet into place.

Eventually Jake had already made his way down the trail, picking up speed as he went. Like the dare devil he was. You decided to take your time down the slope when you first pushed yourself to go. Josh stayed somewhat behind you to keep an eye out for you. You giggled softly as you started to pick up the speed, and went around people on the trail. Josh now had to keep up with you, you looked back to see he was practically on your tail now.

You could see him shaking his head as he chuckled. You finally reached the bottom of the slope, removing your goggles while looking over at Josh who just stopped.

“Not bad for your first time there, sunny…” He smiled softly.

“I guess I had a good teacher.” You shrugged, laughing softly. Making him shake his head as he broke into laughter.

Late July 2015

First year of college had been relatively the easiest year. But your next year wasn’t going to be, you had even more classes to take this semester than the last two. Assignments were bigger, and tests were worth more to your final grades as you read some of the requirements for said classes.

Josh and yourself had spent most of the summer at each other’s houses. Your father had tried to work better on your relationship, but it was still rocky. You were only ever really home for the sake of your mom and sister. The guys have been picking up more gigs and have recently been working with a record label in talks of potentially signing. You couldn’t be any happier for them.

The guys and yourself took a day trip to their family’s lake house. Josh wanted to get you out of the house and away from home to get your mind off things. He always made sure you were in touch with nature, said it helps cleanse the mind. Which you couldn’t argue with that.

You were looking forward to spend a day away. You hadn’t been giving yourself the much needed time away. Josh had planned a small picnic for the two of you, and made it clear to the guys he didn’t want them bothering the two of you. The two of you walked to the other side of the lake where another dock was at. He laid everything out for your small picnic, where in the distance Sam, Danny and Jake looked like little beings. You never took in how big the land was here.

“Sunny, can you pull out the strawberries?” He smiled softly at you as he placed everything else out. You nodded, reaching into the basket pulling out the strawberries. Noticing they were covered in chocolate.

“How did you know!” You smiled softly, looking over at him.

“A little birdie told me.” He smiled, kissing your cheek.

You blushed at the thoughtfulness. Chocolate covered strawberries were one of your favorite snacks. Especially in the summertime. You pulled one out offering it to Josh first, in which he obliged by taking a bite. He then grabbed one feeding it to you. Giggling softly you eat from his hand.

“Thank you for taking me out today…” You sighed softly.

He nodded, “I figured we could both use a day away from reality.” He grabbed your hand, rubbing it softly with his thumb.

You looked at all of the trees, listening to the birds chirps and the summer breeze rolling through making the trees bustle. Breathing in the fresh air, as Josh slipped behind you letting you rest against his chest. He began to play with your hair, running it through slowly. Humming contently as he massaged your scalp.

“I love you…” It came out rather quietly from your lips.

“I love you…” You could tell he was smiling by the tone of his voice.

His hand one hand traveled down your arm slowly, lightly tracing down to your wrist and dragging it back up. Giving you goosebumps as he did that. You giggled softly, running your hand along his free hand.

His hand then crept its way across your abdomen, slipping down your waistline slowly as he stills his hand. “Is this okay mama?”

Your breath got caught in your throat, “Y-yes…” You nodded softly, leaning into his touch. As he slipped his hand past your bikini bottoms, his fingers gently brush over your bundle of nerves causing a slight gasp to escape your lips.

“All this for me…” He whispered against the shell of your ear, nibbling at it softly.

“All for you….” You moaned quietly as his ring and middle finger slipped inside of you. He pumped them slowly as he planted kisses down your neck.

Biting your lip softly, you look out at the lake to see if anyone would notice such a lewd scene. But you were broken out of your trance.

“They are too far away from here to even notice… Just let go for me… I know you’re there, I can feel you tightening around my fingers.” He kissed your cheek softly.

You nodded slowly, letting your orgasm wash over you as he kept pumping his fingers. You moaned his name out, he let you come undone holding you close to him. You could feel his erection pressing into your backside.

Sitting up as you turn around to face him you see his honey glazed eyes. You giggled softly, slipping your hand into his swim trunks, taking him firmly in your hand pumping slowly.

“Baby…” His breath hitched,

“Shh… It’s my turn to take care of you.” You smiled softly, pulling his trunks down to reveal his hardened cock. You could see the tip was leaking with his arousal swiping it gently with your thumb rolling it over, causing a hiss from him.

Gently you take him into your mouth, settling yourself between his legs, you took every inch of him slowly without making yourself gag. You had been working on getting better with it, he always assured you that you didn’t have to go down on him. But the thing is, you liked to.

Hearing your name fall from his lips made you hum in response, you started to pick up the pace by using your one hand to stroke him as you bobbed your head up and down. Your saliva coating his cock as you take him into your mouth.

His head rolled back, as his eyes did too. His one hand took a grip to your hair, holding it back for you as you kept sucking him off.

“Baby… You keep going l-like that. I’m not gonna last much longer…” He was twitching slightly, you removed your mouth, sighing softly.

“I need to feel you.” He kissed your lips softly, grabbing a condom from the basket he had made up.

“Always prepared…” You giggled softly, removing your bottoms as he ripped open the package placing the rubber over his dick.

“As much as I’d love to have kids with you, one day. But today’s not the day.” He chuckled, laying you down gently on the towels he brought along. He lined himself up with you, teasing your entrance.

“I thought you were just saying you needed to feel me?” You got cocky with him, earning a shit grin from him.

“Don’t be a brat…” He growled at you. With that he slipped himself inside of you, earning groans from the both of you.

Slowly he began pumping in and out of you with languid strokes. You wrapped your arms around his back, pulling him closer to you as your legs wrapped around his waist. He bent down kissing your lips softly, eager to kiss him back, slipping your tongue into his mouth.

Panting for one another has he kept at his strong pace, he lifted your one leg to rest against his chest to get a better angle. To hit deeper, you let out a cry of pleasure. He smirked, kissing the inside of your leg as he kept thrusting harder.

“J-josh…” Your eyes rolled back as he kept hitting that spot he knew so well.

“I know baby…” He moaned out, his hair sticking to his forehead.

You felt the band inside of you ready to snap, with the next few thrusts your thighs started shaking as you let your second orgasm come over you. Josh’s hips stuttered as he came as well, breathing heavily he kissed your lips softly.

“You’re so perfect, my sunshine…”

Early October 2015

Josh and yourself got assigned to the same dorm building again. This time the two of you were on the same floor. Your classes this semester only two of them you shared, whereas all the other courses you were by yourself. But the upperhand of that was room for you to grow.

You started to get more involved in your photography, earning more clients with your work. And take it upon yourself to start a short film with a classmate. Josh encouraged you to take a leap at a new project with a new partner rather than working with him all the time.

Your parents had called you urgently this Friday and asked you to come home for the weekend, in which you couldn’t argue as you missed them. Josh opted to stay on campus this weekend being he had a project to work on.

Arriving home, it was dead silent in the house. You looked around, calling out for anyone.

“In here pumpkin…” Your dad called out, heading towards the dining room is where your family sat. Looking like an intervention.

“What’s going on?” Your nerves are catching up with you now, as you fidgeted with the chair pulling it out to sit beside your sister.

“Y/N, sweetie. Your father… well.” Your mother’s voice was breaking as she tried to speak.

“I have kidney cancer.” He said out flatly.

You felt your heart sink, like an anchor lowering to hold its ship. Tears started to form, “How long have you known…”

“It’s only been 3 months…” Your father choked out.

“Why didn’t you tell me then!” You felt angry with your father and that they waited this long to tell you.

“Because you were getting ready to go back onto campus… And we didn’t want to drop it onto you, until it got serious.” Your mother spoke softly.

“I have to stay here, I can take a couple weeks off. Help around…”

Your parents shook their heads, “No you can’t jeopardize your education.”

You sniffled back tears, “No. I want to take a break. I need to be here with you… We haven’t been on the best of terms, and I’m not going to potentially lose you without spending more time with you.”

“Honey, my days are filled with chemotherapy… I don’t think you want to see me go through all of that…”

“Dad. You have always been there for me, it's our turn. Let me be here for you. Just for a couple weeks? I’ll go back after Thanksgiving break. I can talk to my professors and I'm sure they will understand.” You walked over to him kneeling beside him.

“Pumpkin. It’s shouldn’t be too much of anything to worry about. The doctor’s are hopeful the treatments will work. They’ve seen great results.” He smiled cupping your cheek wiping away your fallen tears.

“I promise I will go back after Thanksgiving break. Just please… Let me be here with you. I will never forgive myself.”

“Alright, fine. But you are going back after Thanksgiving break. And be sure to have all your professors know.” He gave a half smile, hurt that his daughter was giving up her schooling to spend time with him.

It had been 2 weeks since hearing the news, immediately that night you had called Josh letting him know everything. And that you wouldn’t be returning to classes until after Thanksgiving break. He was understanding of your choice and supported it all.

Josh kept you up to date on all the things happening on campus. In which you were grateful for, but it made you feel like you were missing out on so much, although you wanted to be here for your dad through these hard times. Especially with helping your sister get through her junior year, Sam was helping her with her assignments over the last two weeks as well.

Josh’s POV

It has been almost 3 weeks since Y/N found out about her father having cancer. Hearing she was taking a break from school broke my heart, knowing how much it meant to her. But, she always knew what was best for her.

Lately I’ve been questioning what I want to do with my life… Film has always been such a passion for me, but this whole music thing with Jake is really starting to become something. And I’m terrified to even explain that to her, she would be heartbroken to find out I’ve decided to drop out.

I have to do this right…

I decided to pack up my things and make my way home, but not without stopping at Y/N’s first. Parking in her driveway, I get out of my car nervously walking up to the front door knocking softly. Her mother opens the door, surprised to see me.

“Oh my god, Josh… It’s so good to see you sweetie.” She pulled you in for a hug.

“It’s good to see you, is Y/N home?”

She pulled away slowly, nodding her head. “Josh… She’s. She needs you I think more than ever…” You could see the tears forming in her eyes.

Nodding softly, you make way to Y/N’s room. Knocking softly on her door you hear silent sobs. “It’s unlocked…”

You step in quietly finding her lying underneath the covers. “Sunny…”

Hearing her shuffle from under the bed, “Josh?” She sat up fixing her hair, she looked like she had been crying for a while.

“Yeah, it’s me.” You smiled softly as your heart broke looking at her in this state. You slipped your shoes off and slipped under the sheets with her.

She wrapped herself around you tightly, sobbing into your chest. You wrapped your arms around her tightly, running your hand through her hair.

“I’m so scared Josh… I don’t know what I’ll do if I lose him.”

“Hey… Don’t think that way. Everything is going to be fine. He’s going to get through this, he’s a strong man.” You soothed her, kissing the top of her head.

You felt your nerves getting to yourself. It’s now or never Josh…

“Sunny, I have something to tell you…”

She looked up at you, “What’s wrong?”

“So I’m staying home.”

“Oh are you going back after Thanksgiving like me?” She smiled softly, caressing your cheek.

You shook your head slowly, “I actually won’t be returning at all…” You let out under a whisper.

“W-what?” She choked on her words.

“I dropped out, to start focusing on this music thing more with Jake.” There, it was out. You said it.

“Josh I don’t understand… I thought you said film was your dream?” She sat up facing you.

“It is, or was. I don’t know, Jake really thinks we can take off. We’ve been speaking to an agent for some time now…” You held her hands.

She shook her hands away, standing up from the bed. “No! This isn’t how it’s supposed to be…” She started sobbing.

Her POV

Josh stood up from your bed. “Sunny…”

“Don’t, sunny me! Josh… You said, you even. You told me you were going to stick with it… Even if you guys went somewhere with this…” You ran a hand through your hair.

“I thought you would be supportive of this!” He was upset now.

“I am, it’s just…”

“It’s just what?”

“Josh, this is a lot to handle right now…” You sighed.

“You don’t think I know that? Your mother was crying to me, worried about you. That has me worried sick. I’m not going anywhere, just because I’m not chasing after my original dream doesn’t mean I’m not excited about this new journey.” He grabbed you by the shoulders making you look at him.

“Josh… But what if you leave me? What if you find someone that…” You looked at him with tears in your eyes.

“Y/N, I love you. And I’m always going to be here. You’re my sunshine. Forever. I’m not going anywhere.” He caressed your cheek with his thumb.

“Promise.” You looked at him scared.

“Promise.” He held your hand up kissing it softly.

“No more secrets. I want to know everything…” You sighed softly.

He nodded in agreement, “I won’t hide anything… I swear.”

You nodded, wrapping yourself in his arms, hugging him tightly as you sobbed in his arms from everything that was going on. You felt alone, but you knew you weren’t. It was hard times right now, and you could only hope that they would get better. Or so you thought…

.

.

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To be continued

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[supremeleaderoofpoof]

The Rental AU: To Return, or Not to Return?

A/N: i literally wanna kms because of how long it took me to get out of this writer's block. also, this part is lowkey filler

"Ok, you are going to be fine."

Akira stood at the door, took a deep breath and knocked. After remembering how his friend told him they would "take care" of the issue between him and his renters, he hoped it didn't do anything brash. The door opens, and it was Adohira. "I'm almost ready, friend. I just need to grab a few things," it tells Akira.

"Ok," Akira replied, as Adohira ushers him in.

While Akira waited, he saw Feral come up from the basement. He noticed Akira, and, as usual, waved with a smile.

Ok, no bad blood there, thank the Universe. Perhaps he was unaware? If so, that may have been for the better.

As Feral went on his way, Akria started to scroll on his holopad, when the sinking feeling that he was being watched suddenly arose, and that feeling was confirmed when he noticed who was near the stairs from the corner of his eye. It was Hunter, who had seemed unsure of whether he wanted to enter the kitchen due to Akira's presence. However, he now was seen, so he slowly walked by. Akira wasn't sure if he should say something or keep his head in his holopad and try to let the awkward moment pass.

"Did I make you uncomfortable?"

Akira lifted his head. He was unsure of what to say, so Hunter took his silence as a sign to continue. "I may come off as, "off-putting" to some when I don't mean to be and, well, I believe due to that we may have started off on a bit of an... odd foot."

"Did...did I overreact?" Akira thought as he listened to Hunter. "I, don't think it was TOO odd," Akira replied, attempting to keep Hunter from thinking he scared him too much. "I just... wasn't sure of what you thought of me, I guess."

Hunter's expression today wasn't so grim. It felt much more natural. It also caused Akira to notice the subtle lines of a hard life in his face, also a haze that hovered over his eyes. But as both of their eyes locked, he saw the haze lift ever so slightly.

"I see," He hummed. "I guess, I had the same line of thought about you. Unfortunately, we can't be as trusting anymore these days."

"True," Akira remarked, one half of him listening, the other half of him fighting himself from being hypnotized by Hunter's voice yet again. Before he lost that battle, Adohira descending the stairs with its shawl and wallet broke him out of his trance and told him it was time to go.

As Adohira and Akira left, Akira stopped at the door, wondering if he should say something more to Hunter or just leave it at that. However, Hunter gave a small nod, so Akira assumed the matter was resolved.

/ / / /

The beach boardwalk was not as populated as it normally was that day due to the grey skies above. This was how the pair preferred it while they walked, as the path was not the widest one.

"So...all is well?" Adohira began.

"I guess" Akira remarked. "He essentially said he didn't mean anything by the way he was acting."

"Hmmm, so good news, right?"

"I mean, sure?" Akira shrugged.

Ado breathed a sigh of relief. Message sent, it would seem.

They continued their stroll along the beach.

"Did you know that they work at the same club I did my comeback gigs in?" Akira states, breaking the silence.

Adohira's head turns to Akira, shocked. "Do they really?" they reply.

"Yep, Midnight's Edge. Claudia said they helped stop an attempted robbery a few weeks ago. It feels like there's always something going crazy at that place, whether you see hear of it or not."

"Ain't that the truth."

The two walked for a little while longer, then found a bench near their path and sat down.

The water was nearly still, save for some small peaks that glided down upon the beach when the wind blew.

"How have our guests been with you?" Akira inquired as they both sat.

"Quiet," Adohira replied. "They mostly keep to themselves, which, honestly, is not bad in the slightest."

"True, true."

They both basked in the lovely breeze once more until Adohira broke the silence once more.

"I found one of Dahlia's dresses while I was cleaning out the closet."

Akira smiled upon hearing the name, since fond memories of a brighter age were placed upon it. "Was it a shimmery cocktail dress?"

"It was," Ado replied.

"I see. I've been looking for that one for quite some time."

Adohira looked toward their friend. "You think she'll come back one day?"

There was a pause for a brief moment, and Akira turned to his friend. "She never left me. She's always here." He then taps his chest with his two fingers. She was always with him, the goddess within. Awakened in him at a young age, she inspired the power inside of him to bodly live as himself. When he was Akira, he was mild mannered, a mediator, most likely to put the comfort of others first at his own expense. But as Dahlia, she felt unstoppable, her confidence was impenetrable.

While Dahlia has not been seen for quite some time, Adohira's question to Akira made a part of him wonder if now was the time to change that fact, to reawaken the power she brought.

"However," He remarked, standing from the bench. "Perhaps it is time for her true return."

[dollarbin]

Sandy Saturdays #28:

Fairport Convention's The Plainsman

Sometimes I think I'm too hard on Trevor Lucas.

Being married to Sandy Denny can't have been easy, I remind myself. She had her struggles.

But then I sit down to listen to the never-let-your-husband-be-your-producer train wreck that is Rendezvous, and I start to seethe. Who, on God's green earth, thinks they know better than Sandy Denny what belongs on one of her records?

And then, when I remember that Lucas literally abandoned a postpartum depression saddled and deeply concussed Denny, kidnapping their child in the process, and left her to die alone, my seething turns to rage.

Trevor Lucas, I then declare, you deserve a fate worse than Stephen Stills! You deserve to be banned from the Dollar Bin.

But then I catch myself and reconsider. I remember The Plainsman.

It doesn't take a Sandy Denny ace to understand why Swarbrick and Co invited Lucas and the six guitar chords he was capable of into Fairport's 278th iteration in 1973: they wanted Sandy Denny back in the band and putting up with her towering numskull of a husband was their best bet.

But Lucas forever justified his inclusion right off the bat by gifting Fairport this remarkable song. Not only does Trevor bring a warm and sensitive baritone to the simple but magestic piece, he also wrote it.

So maybe I am too tough on him…

Then again, Lucas never demonstrated a songwriting capacity anywhere else in his career. His songs on Fotheringay, which Joe Boyd immediately acknowledged as filler, are, with one exception, covers or are cowritten with Denny. And I suspect that she was a generous bestower of credit.

And Lucas's only other Fairport songs include one about being a British truck driver and another that quickly evolves into a Swarbrick instrumental which Lucas could have played no conceivable role with.

But it only takes one great song to be considered a worthwhile musician. Just ask Eric Clapton. And so I've always felt like I needed to give Lucas a tiny touch of credit.

Until now!

Okay, here's the deal: The Plainsman has a co-writer. The internet can't really make up its mind about the guy, Pete Roche. His name is inconsistently spelled and you can find nerd club level discussions in long ago chatrooms which argue that Pete Roche is simply a nom de guerre for Sandy Denny.

The odds seem good, however, that Roche was a real dude, a minor poet around London at the time. So, even if he isn't solely responsible for The Plainsman, we can't, yet, take back all of the credit we've come to bestow on Trevor when it comes to the song. He may not have written the lyrics but he came up with the tune. Right?

Wrong. Listen to what I just found from 1964:

That's right, kids: Lucas stole a song from The Dubliners (who, in turn, surely stole it from someone else who surely stole it from the Middle Ages), found a poet to write him new lyrics, then showed up at his first Fairport gig and said, "look, mateys, what I done gone and wrote all by meself without any help from the Mrs!”

Lucas's crime here is akin to me reading my famous brother's musical musings for 20+ years on the internet and then showing up on the internet myself one day to do essentially the same thing and act like it was all my brilliant idea.

Um, Uh-oh!

Nevertheless, let's make the expulsion official: Trevor Lucas, I hereby ban thee from the Bin for crimes against Sandy, The Dubliners and me.

Be Gone!

[mytaegiheart]

Double Exposure Chapter 6: The Monday After

Chapter Notes: Monday comes, and with it Hoseok's worries that he gave himself away or came on too strong with you. Is he worrying for nothing?

Author Note: This is mostly a filler chapter, lightly digging into how Hoseok is feeling after Friday night.

Monday morning found Hobi in his office, head resting on his desk, eyes closed. After what happened on Friday, his weekend had been filled with thoughts of you and he hadn't gotten an ounce of sleep, the erotic dreams keeping him on edge the entire time.

He had yet to see you come in to work, and he didn't really know how to act around you without revealing his secret.

The smell of his favorite coffee interrupted his thoughts and his hands clenched in his lap. There was only one person who knew his favorite coffee, and he had spent the entire weekend thinking of you.

He raised his head, eyes bleary as he took you in, looking crisp and fresh in a pair of tight black jeans and an off shoulder blue sweater. He wanted to groan, wanted to leap across his desk and pin you to the wall and have his way with you. He remained seated, afraid that you would see his hard on and take it the wrong way.

“Rough weekend?” you chuckled.

“Kind of. How was yours?” he wondered. Your eyes took on a far-a-way look and a small smile lit your face.

“Pretty good. My friends took me out for my birthday on Friday. It was fun.”

His inner self jumped up and down in happiness.

“I didn't know it was your birthday! How long have you been working for me?” he demanded, sitting up straighter.

“I don't like to make a fuss about it. But my friends had it planned for months so I couldn't get out of it.” you sighed.

“Well I'm putting this on my calendar and we are gonna celebrate it next year.” he stated, doing just that. You blushed slightly.

“Thanks, Hoseok.”

“You're welcome. And happy belated. Now get to work.”

“Sir, yes sir!” you saluted, before turning to leave the room. He groaned and dropped his head back to his desk at the thought of you being on your knees in front of him as you say that.

“You are so obvious it's ridiculous.” a very familiar and unwelcome voice greeted him next. He glanced up to see Jin standing in the door.

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“You're in love with her.” Jin stated. Hobi stared at him, eyes wide. He tried to sputter out an excuse but Jin knew him well. “Don't lie.” he warned. Hobi sighed, head meeting desk for the third time that morning.

“She's... just... everything.” Hobi sighed.

“Is that why you took the gig on Friday without question?”

“I wanted just one night with her. But now I can't stop thinking about her. She's etched into my very soul!”

“You should tell her the truth, Hoseokie.”

“I know... I know.” Hobi sighed. “But every time I approach her, I get tongue-tied!”

Jin stepped into the office and closed the door so they wouldn't be overheard. “Seems like you didn't have that problem on Friday.” he stated, taking a seat in the chair before Hobi's desk.

“That was different.”

“How?” Jin wondered.

“She only knows that man as Jay, and it was just easier.”

“But you're Jay. It's still you, just a different part of you, the more confident you. Just tap into that.”

“You make it sound easy.” Hobi sighed, taking a sip of his coffee.

“And it should be.”

“But... she's... ugh!” He let out a deep sigh and dropped his head to the desk once more. Jin chuckled, shaking his head at his friend.

“You'll figure it out.” Jin smiled. “Anyway, my reason for visiting is two-fold. The boys want to go to Neuron Friday night.”

“You mean Jimin wants to go. We just get dragged along.” Hobi grinned.

“I can't believe you just lied. You're worse than he is when it comes to club dancing.”

“I like dancing, no matter what form.” Hobi shrugged.

“I'm going to take that as a yes.” Jin chuckled.

“Yeah, yeah, I'll go.” Hobi laughed. “Get out so I can get some work done.”

Jin saluted, smiling as he got to his feet.

“Tell her, Hoba.” Jin advised before leaving the office. Hobi groaned before shaking his head and getting started on his work.

An empty coffee cup found him heading for the breakroom for a refresh just before the lunch hour. He was about to walk in when he heard two female voices talking, one he recognized right away. He felt like a creep listening in but he would take whatever little slice of you he could get.

“We're going to Neuron Friday night. You should come, Y/n.”

“Why?”

“Oh come on! Do you really want to be cooped up in your dreary apartment all weekend?”

“My apartment is not dreary and you ruined my weekend last time. I was all set to dive into a big tub of ice cream and watch horror movies, but did that happen? No, you and the Scooby Crew dragged me out to a strip club.”

“It was your birthday, we wanted to loosen you up and have some fun for once. And don't lie and tell me you didn't have fun because you smiled like an idiot the whole weekend whenever we brought it up.”

There was silence for a long moment before he heard a sigh.

“Yeah, okay, fine. I had a great time. Shut up.”

“Come dancing with us. We used to go all the time in Uni.”

“But we're not in Uni anymore. We're not as young as we used to be, Yelena.”

“But we're not dead yet either. We are in the prime of our lives. Come on!” the woman he now knew to be 'Yelena' whined.

He heard you groan and imagined you rolling your eyes with your head tossed back like you were contemplating your life choices (you were). He had to put a hand over his mouth to bite back a laugh.

“Ugh! Fine! I'll go, but you're buying all my drinks and the minute some creep starts hitting on me, I'm out.”

“Deal!” Yelena giggled.

The conversation seemed to be over and he heard the beeping of the microwave before he decided he'd eavesdropped enough. Coffee forgotten, he returned to his office, grabbing his phone to send Jin a text.

2Seok Chat

JH: You busy?

KS: Not at the moment, why?

JH: I need a favor.

KS: What does this favor entail?

JH: Another mask, different from the last one.

KS: I want details.

Hobi knew he wouldn't get away with not telling his best friend, so he spilled.

KS: You're playing with fire, Hoba.

JH: I can't help it, hyung!

KS: Woah! You only ever call me 'hyung' when you're desperate! She really means that much to you, huh?

JH (without hesitation): Yes.

KS is typing...

KS: Give me a few days, I'll see what I can do.

JH: Thank you, hyung.

KS: I want to be best man at the wedding.

JH: Deal!

Hobi set his phone aside and couldn't help the smile that lit his face.

Friday night was going to be interesting.

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10