#less than 2 and we are back to a group stage

[shadowsviper]

Baby Saja Headcanons

A little bit of x reader

I absolutely loved the movie and Baby Saja, so I'm making headcanons for him. These are my interpretations of him, obviously, since we don't know anything about the actual character. These aren’t really that serious, they’re like crack headcanons. Idk how many of these I'm making.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Like I've said before, he's 100% sassy.

He has that cutesy baby look for fans but the second he’s home he’s staring his group down with a deadpan face and quips one liners that could evaporate their previous lives

Baby: 🫰❤️

Also Baby: That’s why yo mama and sister dead.

He fucking hates doing aegyo

He was 👌 this close to strangling Jinu when he suggested Baby to do it

Every time he does anything cute he silently cursing at Jinu

The fans eat it up every time so it makes him want to strangle Jinu even more

If you don’t watch him, he will succeed

Your food? His food

Nothing is safe from him when he’s in the vicinity

Especially if it’s anything he can chug down

We saw how he was like with that hot sauce and water bottle, your sauces and drinks aren’t safe

You might have to lock them up to prevent him from drinking them

Before you found out about this habit, the boys had to figure out a way to fight him off because he chugged $300 worth of sauces and drinks

Demon stomachs are way stronger than humans ig

You know how some boyfriends will drink out of their girlfriend’s water bottle even if they have their own??

Yeah that’s Baby. He’ll drink your water from your water bottle even though he has his own

By the end of the day his water bottle is still full while yours is empty

He’ll claim that yours taste better

He was the worst when it came to practice. Jinu had to physically force him to participate otherwise he would just sit out until it’s his turn to rap

His raps were all a few lines (if not less) and so he’ll just sit out again after that

Jinu almost returned him back to Gwi-ma

Baby couldn’t give a fuck less

I wholeheartedly believe he wrote diss tracks for each of the boys and threatens to release them whenever they annoy or piss him off

Those threats happen every week

Gossip king

He acts so nonchalant and bored when he’s not out performing on stage or meeting fans but he’s secretly hearing every bit of tea

None of it has anything to do with him

He comes to you to tell you about it and you’ll be like ??? Who tf are these people???

If you ever find a 12 part video on tiktok and you don’t feel like watching all of it for the tea, give it to him. He’ll do it for you, he’ll watch all 12 parts and then tell you the details even if it’s boring

He’s just nosy af but if the boys ever try to tell the fans no one will believe them

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Ok that’s it for now. If I can think of anything else I’ll make a part 2

[minjoongism]

the way people talk about mg sometimes absolutely breaks my heart. we barely got ANYTHING from his preview and still people are running with their own narratives. “why is he barking that’s so cringe” “he’s doing way too much” “all he does is bark and take his shirt off” as if having fun and being confident and sexy immediately undermines any of his other contributions to the group. he IS over the top but so genuine about it, he is SO happy on stage and just wants you to be happy too

the good thing about a stage persona is the mask gives you the freedom to play around with how you act without needing it to bleed into who you are offstage. the bad thing about a stage persona is sometimes people take a few occasionally-seen traits and turn them into immutable parts of you as an individual.

this happens with plenty of public figures, whether positively, neutrally, and negatively, but mingi definitely gets the short end of the stick a lot with how he’s perceived. and it’s crazy to me because 1) the barking is clearly just a fun stage thing to engage with the crowd (and on their most recent tour, a lot of the barking was actually initiated by atiny from what i’ve seen, because they knew he’d done it at previous shows and wanted to experience that himself) and 2) mingi doesn’t undress all that much. it wouldn’t matter in the slightest if he did either of those things (san and seonghwa both showed a lot of skin on tour. they’re grown men who spend a lot of time working on their bodies - there’s nothing wrong with wanting to show that hard work off), but imo it’s blown way out of proportion for mingi and done solely to try and undermine him.

+ i went back and listened to the roar preview before answering this and the preview sounds very much to me like it’s going to be the chorus. choruses are meant to be more repetitive and engaging than the rest of the song, so having three (3) lines of barking makes perfect sense because it’ll give the crowd a way to join in regardless of what language they speak. ntm the song is called roar. why wouldn’t he be making loud (animal) sounds in the chorus?

none of mingi’s earlier solo projects (like desire projects 1 and 2 + untitled) have ever been dumbed down or shallow. he’s an incredibly raw lyricist who has always used his solo work to explore incredibly vulnerable periods of his life and share them with us as listeners. even if roar does end up being less complex, he’s honestly earned it after everything he’s given to us to date, but i really doubt it’s going to be an empty song. he’s just doing what he does best - giving 200% of himself to something and trying something new musically. walking his own path and sticking to his guns (ntm he went out of his way to get an entirely new production team… this doesn’t seem like something he’s half-assing. he clearly really cares about getting roar right). and i think it’ll pay off! a high-energy song amidst the rest of the solos is going to stick out like a sore thumb in the best possible way, since most of the others seem pretty even re: the energy levels of the previews.

++ “he IS over the top but so genuine about it” - exactly!! stage mingi is camp. he’s drag in the purest sense to me and he’s FUN to watch. his energy is so infectious and i can’t wait to see what a live performance of roar is going to look like <3

[oimitocat]

TSWCP — CHAPTER 2

lee minho x m!reader

chapter summary; nothing is going the way either of you hoped.

content warning; subtle internalized homophobia + insecurity + jealousy + tension + constant change of pov (mainly readers) + miscommunication + crying

content genre; angst + masturbation

wc. – 6.4k | m.list | comments appreciated ;)

you want to vomit.

the nausea had settled since early that morning.

maybe it’s the fact you hadn’t eaten since yesterday. well, to he specific since yesterday noon. you had breakfast. it was a sad pancake with sausage you managed to cook up before being rushed out by your manager. you should take better care for yourself, you know that, but lately you’ve been craving more sleep than food.

“-CUT! EXCELLENT!” the director cheers as you take a seat on the prop chair.

“gayoung, you have the final shots now, y/n if you could move away from the stage.”

you obey, hopping off the platform and walking to the directors chair. you take a seat and tilt your head back to the wall. not only do you have a nauseous feeling but also a headache. you don’t hear anything for a while, your mind racing around with thoughts. you want to be in your dorms. you want to sleep. you want to be huddled under your blanket. huddled under minho- you open your eyes.

your heart is heavy.

the other hadn’t talked to you ever since the group’s 2nd week of promotions. it’s the third week now, the last week. you’ve noticed how minho doesn’t even acknowledge you off camera. when the cameras are rolling he does look at you, maybe even flicks your arms while passing by but you knew very well it was only content. nothing more nothing less.

you hate that you don’t even have time to ask. to wonder.

“that’s all for today! thank you for your hard work.”

you bow next to gayoung, smiling naturally. the two of you give your thanks back to the staff.

“oppa, are you okay?” gayoung asks gently, when the two of you finally move away from the group.

“huh? yeah, why?”

she shrugs, “you just seemed really head empty after shooting. especially today, have you eaten?”

“just breakfast,” you lie.

she blinks, looking up at you. she’s not exactly short for a woman, but there’s still a visible height difference when she’s next to you. “we should get dinner, what do you think?”

“i think i just want to go home tonight. we have a few more schedules coming up, i’ll take the invitation for another day.” you smile.

she huffs, “yah, i didn’t offer my invite for another day.”

“then it’s settled, next time. you’re the best gayoung-ssi,” you tease.

she swats you with her prop fan before you dash away.

you’re aware of how much people look into you and gayoung’s relationship. at most, you only see her as a little sister. she had a tough time recording the last few episodes, also overworked and unsure how to act out violent roles. this drama was a challenge for her, one she took with determination. along with the dynamic people look far into, they also talked about her acting skills. you wouldn’t care but gayoung had become a soft spot for you.

still, you wouldn’t see her as anything else. not when your heart longs for minho. speaking of longing…

“i brought cupcakes,” you announce when you walk inside the dorm.

jisung jumps up from the couch, excited. “hyung! you came!” he rushes over to you, like a child and tackles you, “i missed you!”

you pat his back, enjoying his warmth. “me too, i finally finished recording.”

“recording the songs?” jisung asks, amused.

“huh?” you blink at him.

“hyung you were supposed to have recorded a song for chan…. after shooting? no?”

you stare at him for a long time before groaning. “i knew i was missing something! i was confused why i had a free three hours.” you hand him the box, “i’ll call chan right now.”

jisung looks down at the box before looking back at you, “y/n you could do it in the morning, i’m sure chan will understand-“

“in the morning i have to fly out for a press conference.” you groan.

minho, who was sitting in the living room, peers over at you from the couch. you look frustrated, the tone in your voice is enough of a giveaway but he can’t help but always notice every bit of you.

“i think y/n is going to go insane,” jisung says softly when he sits next to minho again. “hyung do you think he’ll have a break soon?”

minho shrugs, not saying anything.

“he hasn’t really slept either… barely sleeps in the van…”

again, minho says nothing.

“yah, aren’t you worried?”

“watch your tone with me.” is all minho says, standing up and walking to his room, leaving jisung alone in the living room.

“yeah- yeah sorry hyung, i completely forgot. you still at the studio? – of course you are, you practically live there– i’m joking – yeah okay, let me just shower real quick – yup. okay.”

minho leans against the wall, listening to you from his side of his room. then he hears you pace around, drawers opening and slamming shut. your door opens, your footsteps heed outside the hall, another door shuts. the pipe sounds and the shower runs.

with a sigh, minho crawls into his bed. he can’t keep worrying for you. at this point you’re nothing more than a band mate… nothing else.

the circles under your eyes are bad. the stylist makes a crude comment about it.

“sorry… haven’t had much sleep,” you mumble.

minho, who was getting touch ups beside you, glanced your way. you don’t acknowledge him, what’s the point? you close your eyes as your stylist touches your hair. after this last showcase you have to haul a few idols to record a challenge. after, you have about an hour of rest in the van before going to a final press conference.

“s/n-ssi, please stay awake,” your stylist says softly.

you blink your eyes open, staring at her wide eyed. “my bad, i didn’t realize i was falling asleep.”

“after today you have a break right?” minho can’t help but ask.

“i sure hope so,” you sigh out.

when it’s the group’s turn to perform, you really dread it. your outfit is annoying. the collar won’t stop choking you, your shoelace comes untied at some point and you have only a few seconds to loosely tie back up when you go offstage with the others for changbin and hyunjin to dance their choreo. at another point you unbutton your shirt, annoyed that the collar just keeps choking you. why the hell would they make you button it all the way up?

this was the talk among the fans. the video circulates and it was expected.

what you didn’t expect was what gayoung said during the press conference.

“ms.lee, is your relationship with mr.l/n something we’ll keep seeing?”

“nn of course, if i saw how y/n-ssi unbuttoned his shirt during his performance then that will let you know i keep tabs on him.” gayoung giggles, “we have our reasons to stay in touch.”

your eyes almost fall out of your sockets if it weren’t for your quick acting. part of being an actor is knowing how to conceal.

“yah, gayoung,” you say sternly while in the van after the conference. “what’s with what you said?”

your heart is racing. the last thing you want is any confusion in your relationship with her. have you been too nice? you suck at keeping yourself a little distant from woman. in the end, they always fall regardless. what would a scandal cause?

your first thought is the drift between you and minho.

your heart throbs again.

“i’m sorry… did they not tell you yet?” she says, sad and clearly bothered.

“tell me what?”

she looks up at you. her eyes are beautiful, but nothing compares to minho’s feline like eyes. her lips are pursed in a fine line, she thinks before speaking. you feel like you need to brace yourself for the worst.

“our companies wants us to date…”

everything goes silent for you. she doesn’t say anything and even if she did it might have sounded muffled to you. your heart is racing, it’s pumping clear in your ears now. date?

“that’s…” you can’t even find the words.

she sighs, “i know… oppa, i really only see you as my oppa. my best friend on set and a coworker. just… they’ll tell us more in the afternoon meeting tomorrow.”

you grip the blanket on your lap. it was a blanket minho had given you on a cold night you had to go record after a scene recording. he had said he would rather you come home warm than as a block of ice. the blanket is blue, with cute orange cats on it. the blanket isn’t giving you any type of comfort right now.

you’re irritated.

you walk inside the dorms with heavy steps.

you had to hear about the dating thing from her? why hasn’t your company said anything? are they insane?

“hyung,” jisung calls happily from the kitchen island. “minho hyung bought takeout-“

his words die in his mouth when you storm past them. his words fall deaf in your ears. jisung turns to minho, who seems fine if it weren’t for the death grip he has on his chopsticks. did him putting distance between the two of you cause you to get angry? or is it something else?

well, he had technically ignored your life. maybe something stressed you out? but why would you let your work affect your personal life? no matter how tired you are, how angry you are, you at least acknowledge those around you. it’s something he admired about you.

so… why ignore him?

“just go ask him,” jisung mumbles, “it’s killing you to not know.”

“he’s just frustrated.” minho says, knowing well that he’s making this worse for himself.

for your friendship.

“you saw how angry he was during the showcase. something probably made it worse afterwards.”

jisung eyes him, “hyung…. did something happen?”

minho chews on his noodles. he keeps his eyes strained on the fish pieces in the bowl. “no. why?”

jisung fidgets, “you and y/n have been really weird lately… and… because of that we haven’t hung out… even for dinner…”

minho closes his eyes and sighs. he holds back his groan. jisung is really going to cry over this.

“i’ll go check on him.”

jisung lightens up a bit. “tell him to come eat?”

minho stands, nodding. he leaves the kitchen island and heads down the hall. once he’s in front of your room he hesitates before raising a hand to knock on your door. he hears a movement still.

you take a deep breath before answering, “yes?”

“can i come in?”

immediately, the door swings open. you come to view, absolutely a wreck. your hair is messy, as if you’d tugged on it or ran your fingers through it from thinking. your makeup’s is off now and the bags under your eyes are extremely visible. had they always been that bad?

minho just wants to hug you and help you rest. yet, he can’t…. can he?

he steps inside, closing the door behind him softly. he keeps himself pressed against the door, eyeing you as you return to getting comfortable. while your fit was just a plain white shirt and baggy jeans, you need something more relaxing. you pull off your shirt and reach out to grab yhe one you’ll change into.

“what is it?” you ask, your back facing minho.

unknownst to you, his eyes are boring into every little detail of your naked upper body. “do you want to talk about it?”

you pause for a moment before quickly pulling yourself together. you haven’t really spoken to minho much anymore, unless it’s in front of cameras or when all the members are together. speaking of that, you’re pretty sure you have to record a skz code ep one of these days.

“i’m just hungry,” you settle on saying, pulling your oversized black print shirt over your body.

minho hates this. overall, hates that he knows you so well. “okay, hanji is waiting for us to eat.”

“i’ll be out in a bit,” you say, peering at him over your shoulder.

understanding, minho nods and walks out. to say he feels awkward is not enough. he feels like he has no sort of belonging with you. like a stranger. it’s wrong, he knows, to feel bad about it when he’s the one that created this… this wall that’s between you and him.

“is he joining us?” jisung asks with a perk, watching him with wide eyes.

minho nods, “he’ll be out in a bit.”

jisung eyes the hallway entrance as minho sits back down. he leans over, still eyeing the hall, “is he okay?”

sighing, minho looks at jisung, “he’s just… tired.”

“oh…”

“i think after the meal i’m going to take a fat nap,” you mumble as your presence makes its introduction to the kitchen.

jisung sits straighter, smiling and looking at you. “hyung we got your favorite-“

and it’s jisung who carries the dinner conversation. you sit next to minho, enjoying your meal but… you wish you could be at ease. minho and jisung don’t deserve this version of you. yet, there’s nothing that could truly make you feel at ease right now.

you’re going to be forced into a relationship with gayoung. your heart throbs as you fake a laugh at a joke jisung cracks. your eyes flit to minho, who’s smiling at jisung’s antics.

your heart feels heavy the rest of the night.

the news blows up. every newsletter, every blog, even news anchors are talking about it.

it hadn’t even been a day. actually, it’s only been a few hours. the second you and gayoung had walked out of the meeting room, the announcement had been posted.

“HYUNG!”

minho looks over at hyunjin, who’s barging into his room like he lives here. did jisung open the door for him?

“let’s watch the drama! PLEASEEEE!”

minho makes a face. he has no intention of even watching that stupid show. “i’ll pass.”

“but you’re here in your home with nothing to do!”

“i’m busy.”

“doing what?” hyunjin huffs, plopping down on minho’s bed.

the older groans and turns around, his back facing hyunjin.

“hyung, you’re literally home alone. y/n hyung is out doing who knows what and jisung is in the studio, you’re free! please! just two episodes!!” hyunjin places hands on minho’s side and shakes him.

“you won’t leave me alone will you?” he groans.

“no!

with an exasperated sigh, minho accepts. “only two episodes. and you leave!”

with a cheer, hyunjin hops off the bed and goes to the living room. while minho takes his sweet time to get out of bed and join him, hyunjin sets everything up. the tv is already paused on the first episode, the snacks hyunjin had brought are already on the coffee table ready to be eaten. if minho didn’t know any better, he’d look forward to what hyunjin is makin him watch, but the truth is he can’t find any part of himself that is even remotely curious.

he’s dreading it.

his dread grows in every passing minute.

when the episode starts, minho can’t help but flit his eyes over to the upper left corner, where the show’s warnings flash. mature? violence? discretion advised?

now that minho thinks about it, he never truly knew what type of drama you were filming. barely knew the plot or anything. so when the black screen has heavy breathing noises, his heart begins to race. the camera slowly pans from a black screen to two people having a heated makeout session. hyunjin’s gasp isn’t nearly as loud as your low grunts that escape you as you practically eat gayoung’s mouth.

minho is… still. he just stares, unsure if he’s surprised or taken aback or… or what.

the episode moves on, minho just wants to be in his room. still, he forces himself to watch. you look so handsome, your acting has always been something he looks forward to seeing. this time, however, he wishes he didn’t know you. matter of fact, he doesn’t even know if he truly knows you.

his biggest question was always “would you ever like a man?”. that question feels silly now, seeing how you and gayoung look so perfect together.

“ahyeon,” you say, absolutely relieved when she appears before you. as if she was your missing piece, as if you couldn’t live without her.

are you acting, y/n? he asks himself as he watches you run across a bridge to pick her up into a hug. he knows it’s part if the script. he knows gayoung’s the love interest.

“minwook!” she gasps, “did we both teleport?”

“it seems so,” you set her down, “and.. it seems you’re the princess… should’ve made you the servant though-“

she smacks your arm with a huff.

your actings towards her, no matter the character dynamic, feels so similar to how yours is- was - with him. he misses your witty remarks accompanied with his bipolar ones.

he knows you two are good actors. but the more he watches, the more he wonders.

how many actors haven’t fallen in love off script? how many haven’t dated after recording? how many haven’t hooked up at least once?

“pee break!” hyunjin shouts as the first episode finishes. “ah, it’s so good! what do you think hyung?”

minho eyes him, “aren’t you gonna go pee?”

“oh, yeah, be right back! don’t start it without me!”

“don’t plan on it,” he grits.

a few minutes later, hyunjin comes back. minho had done nothing but feed into the mental turmoil. he misses you so much. yet, he knows he already created a wall between you two.

“okay, on to the second episode!” hyunjin smiles. “want to order takeout for later? i think jisung will come in like an hour, we could get something to eat before watching the third ep.”

minho makes a face, “i only agreed to watch two episodes.”

hyunjin practically throws himself on the older. “HYU~NG. PLEASE!”

“ugh, fine. you won’t leave regardless,” minho sighs. “i get to choose what we eat though.”

“deal!”

if hyunjin had a tail it would be wagging by now. the second episode plays and minho hates to say he’s liking the plot. what he doesn’t like is how natural your dynamic with gayoung is. did someone so pretty really have to be your love interest?

before the episode ends, hyunjin places the order of food. minho ends up paying, he’s never let them pay. only seungmin.

“why are you so annoyed?” jisung jokes as he and y/n walk through the door.

minho looks over, staring at you. his heart feels cold and heavy. the third episode barely started and it was jisung who would be bringing the food. he hadn’t expected you to be home already. well, he honestly hasn’t kept tabs on you. your schedule isn’t something he’s aware of anymore.

it stings.

“jisung shut up!” hyunjin hisses as he peers over the sofa. “i’m watching y/n hyung’s drama.”

“ugh,” you groan.

what a bizarre reaction. minho doesn’t think he’s ever seen you so displeased with a job you’ve done.

“oo i wanna watch too,” jisung says happily, only to annoy hyunjin.

he sets the food on the table, minho notices it’s more than what he had paid for. noticing his expression, jisung elaborates.

“y/n hyung was hungry so we got some to eat too,” he looks up at you as he sits on the floor by hyunjin’s feet. “hyung you gonna eat here?”

with a heavy sigh, you nod. “yeah…”

“can i finally keep playing the drama? you guys are so noisy i had to pause it,” hyunjin says, aiming the comment at jisung.

this causes jisung and hyunjin to bicker for a minute. in that minute, you sit by minho’s feet. there’s a good distance, but the relative closeness makes minho’s stomach swirl. unaware of his stare aimed to the back of your head, you pull out the food from the bags.

“hyunjin,” you call out as you hand him his box. “min..ho,” you say, catching the nickname you almost slipped out. minho takes the box from you, but he purposely lets his fingers graze yours.

your eyes flit to him for a moment. he places the box on his lap, you force your gaze away. “hanji,” you hand the younger his box and finally set your own on the coffee table. the episode resumes but you choose to scroll through your phone for the majority of it.

“it seems you’re the general,” ahyeon says as she walks down the horse stable.

“it seems you’re annoying,” your character bickers.

ugh, do you have to be so funny? minho can’t help but smile at your remark. his smile turns bitter though, how many times have you and minho said those exact remarks?

“you’re going out to war, aren’t you scared?” she asks while her finger gently trace your arm.

minwook, your character, looks away. “are you doubting me?”

“minwook, you’re not a warrior. you’re a ceo to an enterprise. we’re in a whole different universe, this isn’t what we know.”

with a sigh, minwook looks over at her. his gaze is gentle but there’s something burning there. “you know what i do know?” he asks as he leans in closer to her.

she looks up at you, waiting and nervous. “what?” expectant.

your characters eyes jump from hers to her lips. minwook’s fingers curl up under her chin to tilt her head. “i know you. and that’s enough.”

and the two of you kiss.

hyunjin screams, jisung does too. not just because of the heated kiss. not just for the hunger of the kiss either. but because both characters end up having sex in the stable. minho’s heart is hammering at the shots of her being pushed against the wall. his heart almost crawls up his throat when the shots of your fingers grazing up her thigh under her skirt appear.

his food almost comes up his throat in vile when the scene turns black and only a few breathless moans are heard.

multiple scenes come like that. he’s forced to watch two more episodes, making it a total of five episodes watched. 5 hours of his day wasted watching you touch gayoung in ways- he swallows, watching the final scenes, one where the two of you are on a futon, legs tangled and your fingers grazing over her bare shoulder as she sleeps. your lips kissing the skin of her neck.

time wasted watching you touch her in ways he could only wish to be touched by you in.

the scene changes to where you walk down the palace hall. his eyes are glued to the screen, scared to look away and acknowledge the sting in his eyes. in this, you had long finished your meal and decided to scoot back. you back touches his leg. he jumps.

when his head turns down to gaze at the top of your head, all you do is get comfortable between his legs.

he can’t do this. he gets up, hops over you and leaves to his room. hyunjin shouts after him. jisung questions him.

you simply watch him leave with a pained expression.

he really wants nothing to do with you? that’s all you’re understanding.

the person that had once been your place of comfort, your place of refuge after a brutal day, really isn’t there anymore.

and it leaves you broken.

dancing is your passion. l/n y/n is a dancing prodigy just as he is an actor. you never have problems with your choreographies, normally picking up the steps in a matter of minutes. yet, minho isn’t exactly prone to teaching you today. he’s teaching everyone, sure but you noticed the harsh tone he’s using when directing himself at you. you’ve noticed his displeasure when you ask or when you lag a bit in your footwork.

your heart throbs. you’re feeling out of place. this isn’t normal. dancing is your passion. nothing is going right. how many times have you guys restarted because you can’t get the movements right? you feel strange.

you feel alone.

and ah- damn. you tripped over your feet again.

“yah! l/n y/n, don’t you have a fucking brain? why aren’t you using it?”

you pause, staring at minho through the mirror. everyone is looking at you, causing your heart to race, before tentatively looking back at minho. you hesitate before turning around. that same glare you got through the mirror is now aimed directly at you.

since when had this gotten worse? it started as not talking to this now. where he explodes at almost anything you do. where is the minho you had grown to love? to cherish? your eyes sting.

“i know you’re busy with your stupid drama and your pretty girlfriend but you’re an idol before anything, so act like it.”

your fingers twitch. “what?”

“hey, let’s calm down-“ chan tries, stern but wavering.

“i’m calm,” minho growls, offended at the accusation of being anything but. “i’m just trying to do my job unlike someone-“

“the hell are you mad at me for?” you bark, “the hell did i do, huh? you’ve been weird to be these past few weeks. you know better than anyone that i take my job seriously-“

“okay!” chan claps his hands together, making you fall silent. “everyone out.” he then eyes you and minho, “fix yourselves in five minutes or we’ll have issues.”

“yeah,” you both say, looking away.

once chan leaves, you look back at minho. his glare is still directed at you. you’ve never had minho look at you like that. it feels ugly. what did you do? why is everything going downhill?

“why are you mad at me?” you ask, bitter.

it’s been a month and so since your relationship with gayoung was announced. the pressure of keeping up the façade is heavy on your back just as it is in your mind. the gentle gaze, the hand holding, the forced dates you have to take her out on.

“because you’re putting your relationship above your responsibilities. instead of being out late at night on a stupid date you should be here practicing. your performance today is an embarrassment.” he grits.

that practically could knock you out. why are you being accused? hit with words? the minho you once knew and adored would have never embarrassed you like that. like this.

“the fuck? minho all of us have had to do multiple things at once. when have i failed to get a choreography done before comeback season? tell me when the fuck i’ve failed completing my responsibilities?”

“i’m not saying you're failing in completing them, i’m just saying you’re lagging behind and dragging us.”

that hurt. you do nothing but stare at him.

“well,” minho sighs, looking away. “let’s keep going.”

and you force yourself to bear through it.

it’s almost like you’re on autopilot all throughout the three hours of practice. all throughout the drive back to the dorms. it’s horrible.

“i want an apology,” you say, mustering up the courage to talk to him again now that you two are in the dorms.

jisung had stayed back with chan and changbin, something about heading to the studio for a bit. you would’ve joined but you can’t let minho keep doing this to you.

minho pauses at the door to his room. he turns around to face you, taking in how close you are.

“do you love her?” he asks, a little annoyed, leaning in to you.

“well, no. i do have a deep sense of care and affection…” you say softly.

he nods, looking down at your lips. “she must have something for you to be dating her regardless.”

she must have something for the two of them to kiss with so much passion. a kiss like the one he’s always so desperately wished to have with you. how many times had he fantasized you? how many times has she fulfilled those fantasies with you? replacing him?

“minho…” you say tentatively. “listen, me and gayoung-“

“are the rising couples of korea. the two famous actors have fallen in love amidst their roles. absolutely stunning the world.” he says so lovingly before glaring, expression falling back to annoyance. “that’s what the blogs say. it’s stupid, you can’t balance everything at once.”

“hey, i absolutely can,” you argue, forgetting to about telling him that it’s not a real relationship. “all you’ve been doing is attacking me! i’m completely competent to balance my idol life and acting career. why are you being so-“

you fall silent when minho’s hands grab your face and his lips are on yours. your eyes wide.

“i just had to,” he says softly, “before blocking you out, i just had to.”

“minho wait–“ you cringe back when he slams the door in your face. you wait a few moments before stepping away, going to your room.

“shit,” he breathes out.

minho crouches down. he buries his face in his arms.

lee minho, he thinks to himself, you really are in love with y/n.

in the darkness of his room, minho can’t help but drown. his thirst is great, only satiated with his own hands. with his fantasies.

his head is tilted back into the pillow, mouth agape and breath shallow. his hips roll down into his fingers, seeking pleasure. in his airpod is a repeated compilation of you breathing heavily from the drama episodes, especially the ones where you’re in heated scenes with gayoung-

he grunts, trying to forget that it’s her who makes you feel so fulfilled. what would you feel like? gentle? rough? how do you like it?

he closes his eyes and just imagines your warmth over him. your toned arms hooking under his knees and bending him to your will. he lets out a small whimper when he hits a sweet spot. your fingers would probably go deeper. you’d probably ruin him.

all these what ifs and at the end of the day- he pants as he reaches his orgasm - it’s gayoung who you chose.

he feels disgusting. he really just came from the thought of a taken man.

that man being someone he considered his best friend and once as his first love. no amount of scrubbing can take away the feeling in his heart for the longing of you. he only has himself to blame. that mistake he had made a few days back had only made him feel worse. his hunger and desire greater than his guilt.

he finally had a taste of you. of those lips he had always wished to touch with his own. if only he could have them pressed on his body. they’d feel just as good as they did on his lips.

he can’t help but rot in bed, knowing you’re off at a event with gayoung as-

“our cartier couple,” an editor says with a proud smile as you and gayoung walk into the room.

hyunjin is standing somewhere across the room, waiting on you and gayoung. you feel uncomfortable, knowing people now only recognize you for your relationship with gayoung. the woman stands next to you in a beautiful cream dress with black a black sash-like design, black gloves as accessories. the necklace she has around her neck is cartier, to your dismay it’s exactly like the one you had gifted minho months back, but in gold.

“could the couple please come for a photoshoot later?” a photographer asks.

“of course,” gayoung smiles.

her arm hooks around yours. you force a smile on your face before guiding her to hyunjin’s spot. a couple eyes fall on the two of you, you just want to be home.

“want a drink?” hyunjin asks as he picks one up from the server that walks around with a tray.

“i’m good,” you say.

“i will,” gayoung perks up, taking one and thanking the server. “it’s pretty full here, i didn’t think there would be so many people.”

“because it’s a private event?” hyunjin asks.

she nods, looking over at you. you’re busy looking around, smiling occasionally to people that wave or smile at you. you feel a little out of place, how strange. you’re normally always laid back, easy to get comfortable wherever you go. yet, you want to be anywhere but here.

it doesn’t matter where you go. what interview, what show, what conference, everything is about your relationship now. it’s overwhelming. it’s suffocating. you have no one to share this with anymore. the one person you had before… you mess with the handmade bracelet on your wrist above the hermes watch.

despite how many painful memories and emotions it brings, it also makes you feel at ease when you look down at the pastel beads with a cute, funky looking cat in the middle. a gift minho had given to you back when you were rookies, when it was everyone against the world in hopes of making it. next to the cute cat, a pastel red heart.

it’s funny, how you still want him so close to you. one way or another. the phantom of the past glued on your wrist in a desperate attempt to keep the illusion of a connection to minho.

the minho that now wants nothing to do with you.

the minho you had loved… the minho you still love.

“oppa-“ gayoung pauses, clearing her throat before smiling brightly and correcting herself, “oppa,” she says more lovingly, “we have to get photos taken.”

“ah, right,” you nod, snapping out of your painful thoughts.

you separate from hyunjin, who says something about seeing out an ateez member. you had been surprised at how many idols had been invited to the private event. supposedly there will even be a performance later, you do hope that brightens up your mood.

right now you have to smile and wave at the photographers. you stand next to gayoung, brushing a strand away from her face to tuck it behind her ear, your eyes catching onto the handmade bracelet on your wrist.

you can’t get emotional.

so you quickly get your wrist out of your sight and flash a smile back at the flashing cameras. gayoungs arm around yours.

you’re emotionally drained after that. you and hyunjin end up going in different vans. still, you enjoyed his presence, a familiar face helps you be more at ease. you can’t help but wonder if minho would be awake. is jisung home?

your heart hammers. you’ve been anxious ever since the kiss. why is minho torturing you?

when you get inside the dorm, minho is in the kitchen. you could see the panic to dash to his room before he seems to have thought of something else. he turns to you and for a moment you almost believe everything could be fixed. maybe fall back to how it was before.

“why the hell were you wearing that?” he asks, venom seething through his teeth.

you feel foolish for that thought. “what? what are you talking about?” you ask, truly confused.

“the fucking bracelet, y/n,” he huffs, crossing his arms. his glare stabs your heart, “the fuck are you thinking? wearing that? and to an event?”

ah, that. one your way to the dorms you had seen that the picture went viral already. can you not even find value in things you love?

you look at him, hurt but defensive. “it’s a bracelet. do you know what jewelry is? to be worn.”

“but that-“

“what? now you want to control what i can and cannot wear?” you huff, looming over him and practically caging him between the counter. his eyes drill into yours, “how about i get naked and you choose what i wear and can’t wear since you’re so obsessed with every fucking thing i do.”

minho’s heart is racing. he swallows, “y/n-“

“why are you being such an ass to me?” you ask, hurt displayed on your features. “what did i do?”

there’s hesitance in minho’s expression, “i-“

“it’s enough that people are already hating on me for wanting to keep my friendship with you. is that so wrong? to want you? to have you around?” you ask, pure devastation in your voice. “what am i doing wrong?”

minho looks at every trace of your face. “y/n i-“

“if an apology isn’t coming out of your mouth i don’t-“

he cuts you off with a kiss. you’re in shock for a minute before kissing back. you’re desperate and oh so gentle. your hands come to his hips and minho’s heart rabbits in his ribcage. he takes that moment of courage to wrap his arms around his neck. his kiss is needy. his kiss is just as desperate.

desperate for what? for something that will never happen? for a moment of weakness?

you pull away, panting softly. your eyes hazy, taking in every part of his face. his cheeks are flushed, ears red. what really captures your attention is the glassy look in his eyes.

“what is it, baby?” you whisper, delicate.

he shakes his head, ���don’t.”

“what?” you frown.

“this isn’t right.” he says, as if he’s begging. “you have her. we can’t-“

“minho, gayoung isn’t-“

“let go of me,” he says, arms coming down from your neck.

you shake your head, your fingers gripping his hips. your pleading with your eyes. “minho, don’t do this.”

minho’s gaze meets yours and your heart races at the tears brimming in his eyes. “y/n, we can’t.”

he forces your hands off.

“minho-!” you chase after him but once again, he slams his door in your face. “minho please, why are you doing this to me?” you beg. your fist slams on his door, “minho open the door!” you feel tears brim your eyes. his door is locked and he won’t open. “why are you closing me out?”

“because you have her!’ he finally shouts and you can hear the brokeness in his voice. “just leave me alone! please!”

“i can’t,” you press your forehead against his door, closing your eyes. “no matter how much i try, i can’t…”

minho covers his mouth, tears pouring out of his eyes. he can’t either… but-

“it isn’t right,” he sobs, not caring that you’ll hear his cries. “you have so much to lose. just leave, y/n. we’ll never happen.”

“minho, don’t shut me out.” you beg, “don’t abandon me. i’d rather lose the world than lose you.”

“good night, y/n.” minho sniffles before getting off the door.

and you squat down on the floor and slam your hand down his door again. “just remember you’re the one to blame,” you say.

and minho cries himself to sleep.

🏷️ TAG LIST — @f1ln4dr3cl16mv33 @gnusihcom @minholover1 @lucianidealz @desafortuno @missvanjii @lisaswifey

©OIMITOCAT

©VICTORBUTNOTREALLY

[soojinieshifts]

Hihihi I just wanted to ask how world tour work and if their stressful :33

Oooo ok this is a good one!

TOURS

So tours are usually planned a few months in advance, some companies will do a year or 2 in advance but it depends on like the success of your groups and how big your fanbase is. The planning is done by your staff, managers, etc.

Touring can be so much fun honestly because you get to go to so many beautiful places and see so many cool stuff, my favorite part is getting to show my members around my home country and the places I’ve grown up. It’s also fun to introduce them to my family, have them try our foods and so much more things. Not all companies however have all countries in mind it’s usually just the ones they think are popular or care about but I script our tour stops usually so I don’t really run into this problem like I did when I was a baby shifter.

Usually your company will let you guys pick your set list, but they also will do a lot of them based on popularity of the songs. Like usually you will preform all title tracks that you have released since those are most popular but you and your members will also be able to pick the bsides and other songs for set lists. If you’re planning on having a solo stage then a lot of planning and practice goes into this before tour, and during sound check every set will be run through in order to avoid any mistakes.

All this aside, touring can also be very tiring. Especially if you are having a comeback near the end or middle because then dates become more closer and immediate/less spaced out?? (If that makes sense😭) in order for you guys to have time to go back to Korea for the comeback, if you have schedules then you will have your show and depending on when the schedule is you will usually be flown immediately to wherever said schedules is. (By schedules I mean events for brands and other shit like that). Some companies will give maybe a week or 2?? Cool down period before going to the next leg of the tour (like Asia, North America, South America, etc.) Some groups like twice for example does a complete different performance for each place they are going to so this means twice is practicing more than usual. Overall the most tiring part was traveling around often, going to the airport early in the morning, and very late practices.

For my personal experience for every tour I went on, we would sleep at hotels with the members sometimes it would be solo rooms or roommates (it would be really fun with roommates ngl), Concert outfits were entirely chosen by stylists but for solo stages we usually get a say in what we get to choose. My favorite moment of the concert was realizing that I was finally there. Everything just came to me naturally , all the training, practices, everything paid off to this very moment. It can still be stressful and pressuring but also very fun! But this was all my experiences so it might not be the same as yours.

Things I recommend you script: Tour edition

- you go to more places for tours (if shifting to a group where they don’t go many places)

- you always have the best outfits

- your solo stage!! Trust me this part is so fun fr

- no one ever has a wardrobe malfunction on stage

- there are never any technical difficulties (mics not working, sound issues, etc.)

[jmdbjk]

I have some fun news.

I am going to NYC to see Jimin's The Truth Untold Exhibition!!!! I'm so glad I bought tickets before it SOLD OUT! It is not sold out, only the early bird tickets are sold out. Regular price tickets are still available.

But see? That's how misinformation is spread, when one person on X screams it's sold out and random people (me, I'm random people) scroll through and see the post and run with it.... (rolls eyes).

ANYWAY...

I need to see Jimin's outfits in real life. I need to see the size and shape of that man up close and personal. I won't ever dream that I'd ever get to actually see Jimin in the flesh within touching distance but I will see his actual clothing within inches of myself and that's almost the next best thing.

I am going in June the week after the four are discharged, the tickets I bought are for June 21, the day Yoongi is released from his social service.

If there is a group live from the Hybe building lounge room couch while I'm in that exhibit I will scream with everyone else. My family will be traumatized but oh well, right?

It'll be a day to remember.

And... I discovered AFTER THE FACT that we booked our hotel right in the middle of Koreatown. I HAD NO IDEA until I started to look for restaurants and guess what? Antoya is 2 blocks from my hotel. I will take pictures. Not sure if we'll go eat there but who knows. We'll try.

[Yes, I used that potato quality, non-official pic.]

Of course I'll blog about the trip when I get back.

But WE HAVE SO MUCH TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THEN!!!

Jin's Echo album and subsequent tour!

FESTA!!! CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE SCHEDULE!!!!

AND THE FREEDOM OF OUR SEVEN!!!! HOW WILL IT UNFOLD??? WHO WILL MEET WHO AT THE GATES??? I CAN'T WAIT!! I'M GONNA CRY, LOSE SLEEP, CRY SOME MORE!!!

Hobi wrapping up HOS tour and the HOS Final in Seoul ON FESTA DAY! And ANOTHER new song at some point!

The timing of Hobi's HOS Final concerts has been known for a long time. Securing that stadium for those dates had to be planned well ahead. I will be watching the livestream of both nights.

There is no way we will not see the freshly discharged members in some way, they will be there, in the audience or on stage or at the very least in photos from backstage. They will be there. Why wouldn't they? The timing was timed as if the Universe said "let it be so."

As far as performing, I won't wish too hard for it but they might?! The timing of these shows is just giving so much potential for anything to happen!

In a blog post on July 2, 2024, I said they would hit the ground running. Look at Jin and Hobi since.

They aren't going to "rest" after discharge. If you think that, you clearly have not been paying attention to what they've been saying for the past 3 years.

They've looked forward to all of this for YEARS, "this" meaning "this time of post-military enlistment" where nothing is in the way of their artistic freedom and living their lives the way they wish. It was such an ordeal to get to this point in time, years of delays, they are not going to sit around and let more time pass before they get back on stage.

Successful people are DRIVEN. They are ready to hit the ground running.

I am overwhelmed knowing in less than five weeks 6 out of 7 will be free. I don't want to get my hopes up but I feel strongly that at the very very least, a 7-member group photo will be shared at some point during those few days of total chaos.

I will watch the livestream of Jin's concert, but as of this moment, I am not going to go see him. Never say never though,right? But after watching his concert livestream, I might change my mind. We'll see. I reserve the right to book a last minute trip (its the way I roll anyway). I am very excited for his album next week!

This is going to be an unpopular opinion with some: Anyone who knows me knows I support all of them, right? But I gotta be real here. The AMAs are the American Music Awards. Jimin's Who went furthest over here than any of the others this past year. The no-brainer to me is to vote for Jimin for this particular award. I have to weigh the circumstances and the numbers.

The context was not taken into consideration in this case and now the votes are going to be split.

We need to be smarter and stop being driven by emotions when there clearly were numbers to show how big Who was in the U.S. this past year.

The drama and fighting was unnecessary. RPWP and Come Back to Me have won so many critical awards – real, peer reviewed and film industry awards – that trying to "give" Namjoon this AMA award just seems very manipulative.

Don't get me wrong, if Namjoon wins this I WILL BE ECSTATIC that Army actually pulled it off. But I will also be surprised if he wins because I know the votes are split between he and Jimin. I'm afraid it will be a sad situation of self-sabotage and the BP girl is going to win because of that.

In other instances, if I am faced with choosing between Jimin and any of the others... Jimin is my man y'all. It is what it is.

Regarding fans who also went on hiatus: Let the fans who took a break come back without criticizing them. Let the casual fans be casual. Just because they weren't obsessed with social media these past few years does not make them "less" of a fan or unimportant. There will always be someone doing something "more" than you in some aspect so just shut up and let them come back and get off your high horse of self-importance.

I do not sustain a constant social media presence but I'm here with my face in the BTS business every single day. I know what is going on to obsessive levels.

I also have a life, a job, family, etc that I must pay attention to as well. But in my down time, everything BTS is what I'm obsessed with. You just don't see me needlessly posting about myself doing it 24/7.

Let. Them. Be. The world needs BTS, let the world come as they are, casual, hardcore, baby Army, OG Army, everyone come to the BTS table and feast! No one has a right to gate keep the 7.

Every day that comes keeps getting brighter and brighter knowing our 7 will be back together NEXT MONTH! 30 days left for Jimin and Jungkook, 40 for Yoongi, 29 for Namjoon and Tae.

[slaaverin]

Jin kinda let the mask slip a little when he and Hobi were working on the Festa concept about how military changed them and you can kinda see even their dynamic with each other a little bit. Which we expected, but its still sad to hear it. I guess its like being away from your friend for nearly 2 years and rarely see them or get a chance to catch up all while making new friends, discovering different sides of yourself and losing that connection. So when you do reunite, you try to smile and force it back so to speak, even tho its not really clicking the way it use too. This is why I said they all need to discharge and be around each other again, get use to each other again before even attempting a comeback OT7 concert, like maybe do a group trip or something, otherwise its gonna be fake smiles and forced moments on stage, just to please fans. Luckily Jikook never had to worry about losing that connection with each other since they were together every day and I think this is one of the things they were scared of and also factored that into their decision to enlist together, which is a good thing, but being together on top of each other every day has is drawbacks too. Maybe they won't be sick of each other, but then again, maybe they will be closer than ever. Either way, they will come out changed as well and who knows maybe with each other, but at least we know Jikook are still clingy. Thats a good sign.

I'm glad you're pointing it out anon

I had the same observations

Jin & Hobi definitely changed a lot and it doesn't click like it used to

I admit that I have some fears that the same thing would happen to jikook, but I think the fact they were together they have more chance to keep a thether to their true/childlike selves, which is a relief.

Of course an experience like this would change anyone, and if we observe it, it's gonna be normal

I just hope that the reunion will allow them all to find footings again with each other, and maybe create a new dynamic based on each individuality. Something that will allow them to be accepted with the changes that occured to create something new where everyone feels like they belong again.

It might take a while but I'm sure they'll get there.

Jikook being still clingy reassures me a lot.

We'll see how it plays out in the future but when it comes to them I have less apprehensions

The fact they were together in there is a huge blessing that could have protected them from a lot of hardships.

I'm soooo curious to see how they will act, first at discharge but then after

For now I'm remaining positive and I cross my fingers that everything will work out 💜🥹

[4-6-1-3-7]

Vecna is a memory thief theory 🕓🧠

(this is not a new theory by any means, I just wanted to write my take on it because I’ve been thinking about it all day, mild spoilers for ‘the first shadow’ and the s5 trailer)

In season 2 When Will is hospitalised at Hawkins Lab following the tunnel incident, Bob finally is told the truth about everything that’s going on. He’s clearly in shock, nothing like this ever happens in Hawkins right? Or at least that’s what everyone thinks, so of course Bob had no idea what was going on, and Joyce says he’ll most likely have to sign NDAs like everyone else and never talk about it to anyone outside of the group.

This scene makes perfect sense with everything else we’ve been shown up until that point, Bob is almost standing in for the audience here, a lot of us could relate to his statement as that’s probably what we’d say too in that situation, finding out about the upside down.

However in season 4 we learn about Vecna, how he’s been the one behind it all, almost every weird thing that’s ever happened in Hawkins dating all the way back to the 50s as a young Henry Creel.

It’s established that he can look through memories, and that’s how he picks his victims (possibly even why Will was sent to the upside down in season 1, he was chosen, it wasn’t coincidence) he looks for people who are already struggling, easy targets, less likely to run.

In season 1 we see Dr. Brenner testing Elevens abilities, it’s shown again in season 4 with the other children, and we know he did these same tests on Henry. Each child seems to have slight variations in these abilities, so with Henry being able to access memories it’s not much of a stretch to assume Brenner trained him to erase unwanted ones, like government secrets etc.

So… back to Bob.

He clearly wasn’t aware of anything strange going on, however in season 4 we learn about what happened in the Creel house in 1959, Bob was 12 when this happened, and would have heard about it. It’s clear the details were at least somewhat publicly known too, as when Wayne Munson sees what’s happened to Chrissy in his trailer he immediately connects the dots. So Bob surely would have remembered something so horrifying that happened in his small town when he was a kid right?

Okay well maybe he didn’t learn the details, maybe he just thought it was a normal murder I mean it was 25 years ago so maybe he genuinely just forgot right? WRONG! How could he just forget?? His adopted sister Patty was in a relationship of sorts with Henry Creel, one of the supposed ‘victims’ of the supernatural crime!! His goddamn sister!!!

Bob is shown to be intelligent, Bob The Brain, he obviously would have looked into what happened in the Creel house and he would have remembered it!! He wouldn’t have said what he said to Joyce, would he have been shocked? Yes, but not completely thrown off, he would have probably immediately recalled what happend in 1959. This is if he still had his memory of it.

Now I’ve not seen “the first shadow” stage play yet, I really want to so I’m not gonna spoil myself too much but that’s where we learn about his sister and her relationship to Henry, and I also know that Bob, Joyce & Hopper were all investigating bizarre happenings in Hawkins, so he DID know there was weird stuff going on, so why is he suddenly clueless?

Well because Henry has obviously wiped his memory of it, as well as Joyce and Hoppers, however it seems Hopper’s more aware than he lets on. We all know by now how big of an inspiration Stephen King was on the Duffers when creating Stranger Things, and in IT there’s a similar concept with memories, almost an inverse actually.

The adults in IT just completely forget about all of the weird stuff once they leave Derry. Only Mike, who stays, can remember and he has to jog the memory of the rest of the losers club. And in Hawkins all of the adults just seem to have forgotten about all of the weird stuff from their childhood, but Hopper, who has spent the most time away from Hawkins, seems to know the most. 

He seems to be remembering things in season 1 and that’s perhaps how he manages to evade issues with Hawkins Lab, striking a deal with them, maybe he had information they needed regarding what happened in 1959, idk?

He somehow manages to get them to leave El alone and after he goes looking for her in the woods then takes her to his cabin to live with him… he MUST know something, I think he’s the most clued in out of all the adults.

We know he’s teamed up with El in season 5, perhaps he has knowledge that will help her to defeat Henry but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Anyway~ mini rant over, I wonder if anyone actually read this whole thing lol

Bonus Update:

This could maybe also explain ‘birthday gate’ as well as why Vecna started his killings after Mike left for California.

Mike is the only person I can’t quite understand forgetting Will’s birthday, it’s so out of character for him. Especially with him visiting for spring break, it was clearly planned that he’d be going for Will’s birthday, and yet he just forgets?

Mike definitely has a lot of trauma, he’s a perfect fit for becoming a Vecna victim so he was definitely looking through Mikes memories. Vecna would have seen that he was planning to visit Will and Eleven for spring break, and we know those are the two characters Vecna has the most interest in.

Making Mike forget Will’s birthday would break him, he probably feels so alone especially since everyone else seemed too preoccupied to remember either. But Mike forgetting would probably hurt the most, especially since he went to visit him during it and had no idea. Making Will even easier to manipulate, giving him fresh trauma that Vecna can use against him.

This could be why Vecna started his killing spree after Mike left, Will and El would obviously try to save their friends and come back to Hawkins, so having Will feel like his friends don’t even care about him in time for him to get back to Hawkins would help Vecna break him down even further so Vecna can get in his head and possibly turn him against the group.

It could even be a contribution as to why Mike was acting so weird in the airport, he’s forgotten how to act around Will, forgotten how much he cares. And possibly even why Mike has stayed with El for so long despite not loving her back, making him forget his love for Will.

I’ll keep adding if I think of more stuff, this is just a personal little hypothesis collection now I guess.

[konbanii]

My Tatsumaki headcanon that spurred an entire Beach Episode idea (story outline under cut)

maytama is established (early stages)

group vacation courtesy of Fubuki

usual social circle (Saitama, Genos, King, Tatsu etc are invited)

Mayu is also invited.

Tatsu is offended that a civilian is joining the getaway. Thinks Mayu is a freeloader that just wants to rub elbows with heroes and doesn't trust her in the slightest.

Perfect time to get to know someone...

The gang stay at a Private Villa with a beach and summer shenanigans ensue.

Mayu, feeling out of place because of Tatsu's standoffish attitude (like calling her "plus one") eventually starts having fun with the gang and meshing with the group far better than Tatsu is. This doesn't help Tatsu's disdain towards Mayu....

At some point the two girlies are alone in the water and Mayu tries having a conversation.

Mayu notices Tatsu's never seen without her floatie and speculates aloud that Tatsu might not know how to swim.

Tatsu gives her a look that proves this theory.

Tatsu obviously denies this, Mayu gently bumps the floatie and she freaks.

Mayu tells her it's ok and promises not to tell anyone, even tho it's not a big deal to her.

The following (very early) morning Mayu, still asleep, levitated out of her bed, she is abruptly woken by being dropped into the water.

Mayu resurfaces, obviously in shock, her swimsuit smacks into her face and Tatsu tells her to shut up so she doesn't wake everyone.

Mayu is ordered to teach Tatsu how to swim.

So every morning in secret Mayu and Tatsu are up before everyone else slowly learning the basics and actually learn more about each other. They go to the beach so that their voices don't carry back to the villa and wake everyone else up.

We learn that Tatsu doesn't like being in the water because she finds it disorientating and can't move as effortlessly like when she is flying in the air due to the water's density. what she hates most tho is if she's underwater she immediately goes into a panicked state because she can't see, hear or breathe. Panic shows weakness and she cannot ever let anyone ever see that.

Tatsu is embarrassed by opening up so much

"I'm sure you think less of me now..."

"Are you kidding me?? You're TERRIBLE TORNADO. You're #2 of THE ENTIRE heroes association. YOU CAN FLY ."

Mayu continues to list all that makes Tatsu great including how absolutely terrified she is of her. This humours Tatsu and she plays it off.

"Hm...I suppose that's true."

Their moment is interrupted when a sea monster emerges and Mayu is dragged under. Tatsu fights with the monster and is swatted into the sea but is now able to collect herself and shoot herself back out of the water and wreck shit and save Mayu.

(Something cool for the finisher like she creates a giant whirlpool cuz cuz... it's like...a tornado....but water....)

Mayu is happy that Tatsu isn't afraid of the water and teases her like "aw, you do like me...." And Tatsu threatens to drop her in the middle of the ocean.

The story ends with Tatsu being.... tolerant and a bit more respectful towards Mayu and the two understand each other a little better. As well as a game of chicken fight in the pool with Mayu on Saitama's shoulders and Tatsu on King's, fearing for his life.

((Bonus Ending))

Saitama: I'm sorry you've had to put up with her this whole time, she can be a real brat sometimes...

Mayu: Not at all! I think Maki-chan's quite cute actually~

Saitama:

[ateez-himari]

MELON MUSIC AWARDS

Himari slyly confronts the organizers about their disrespect of BTS' Suga

December 2, 2024 (4:13PM)

On November 30th, ATEEZ held their first performance at the Melon Music Awards, where they won the Global Artist Male award while their maknae took home the Songwriter Award, though neither these accomplishments nor their untouchable stage were the reason that their group's name was trending on social media platforms. Himari's award acceptance speech caught the attention of those watching through online platforms and clips of it rapidly flooded social media as it confronted an issue that turned netizens against the show.

"We want to leave a legacy that will be looked back on decades later." Himari began, looking right into the camera. "I don't write these tracks using my own voice, but the one of our group as a whole, the harmony that 9 people make together...because that's how we should all be recognized, together. It would not be an honor to be pictured as 8, or 7, or anything less than the amount of people that make ATEEZ one beating heart, but an insult."

While the attack was slight enough to slip past as nothing more than coincidental at the time, netizens pieced together that the maknae was refering to the VCR paying tribute to BTS, which deliberately excluded Suga. Himari nearly always signs while speaking in public, so fans with hearing difficulties reading the speech noticed that her fingers were forming the sign for '7' at the end and while at first it seemed odd, it served as confirmation that their suspicions were right.

This was addressed once more later that evening on the maknae's live, though this time much more directly, as she pointed out the amount of effort that was put into excluding her older brother - likely for a scooter DUI case that had been closed two months ago. Fans later found this to be true as the sole clear group shot was from Suga's hiatus in 2020 despite there being an abundant amount of clips containing all members from award shows in later/earlier years.

"Honoring the legacy of a group without one of its members is a really interesting concept." She stated rather sarcastically. "It's a really convenient 'accident', so convenient that it almost feels like intentional disrespect. For an award show that gained a lot of fame from this group it would be a little...strange though so I'm sure this was all one big misunderstanding."

Artist Reactions to Himari's Award

Taemin, the producer's mentor, surprised his protégée in the parking lot with a large flower bouquet, which he hurriedly purchased after hearing the news. G-Dragon, her prospect mentor, reposted the video of her speech on social media with the caption "I don't think I have much to teach her after all ㅎㅎㅎ, congratulations tiger cub" and later posted a picture of the two in a recording studio with the screens blurred.

After several suspicious comments made by the vocalist, could he too be hinting at an upcoming collaboration ? Only time will tell.

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[bestanimal]

Round 2.5 - Cnidaria - Staurozoa

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Staurozoa is a small class of Cnidarians consisting of just one extant order: Stauromedusae (“Stalked Jellyfishes”) with a total of 50 known species. They are unique among medusa jellyfish in that they do not have an alternation of polyp and medusa life cycle phases, but instead live as an attached medusa stage, with a lifestyle more resembling that of polypoid forms.

Staurozoans are small animals that live in marine environments, usually attached to seaweeds, rocks, or gravel. Their body consists of a calyx, or cup, where they take in their prey with tentacles that contain cnidocysts (stinging cells). They are umbrella-shaped, oriented upside-down in comparison with other jellyfish, with the tentacles projecting upwards or outwards, and a stalk located in the centre of the umbrella, attached to substrate with an adhesive basal disk. Staurozoans usually have eight marginal arms at the top of the calyx. They are predators, with a diet including crustaceans, chironomid fly larvae, and plankton. After digestion, they eject the remains of their food from their bodies. The color of the staurozoan depends on what they've attached to in their environment.

Little is known about the staurozoan life cycle. They have a lifespan of less than a year and the planula larva attaches to the substrate, developing into a primary (interstitial) polyp that undergoes an apical transformation to develop into its adult body. They reach their adult sizes within several weeks, typically 1 to 4 centimeters in length.

Information on Staurozoa is sparse, and it is one of the least studied groups within Cnidaria. Even so, we have fossil evidence of staurozoans dating back to the Late Ediacaran.

(source)

[darl-ingfics]

All of your little prompt fics so far have been so sweet and such a joy to read. I eventually want to comment on them when I have the time. I especially loved the Yoongi fic. I’m always so excited when I see that you’ve posted something.

If it’s not too late to send in a prompt, would you be able to do 2 and 13 with our big soft boy San? I’m happy with any caretakers. If you aren’t taking anymore prompts I totally understand. ❤️

-Tilly

HI @tilly-poppies!!! I so loved writing this for you, and I hope you enjoy! It's definitely on the sillier side.

2 "You never sneeze this much. Are you sure you're feeling okay?" and 13 "I don't like the sound of that cough."

“I don’t like the sound of that cough,” Seonghwa whispered into Hongjoong’s ear as both members eyes locked on San, who was currently the only one on stage, testing the lighting and mics for his solo moment. It was blatantly obvious that San wasn’t feeling well. Even with all of the stage makeup, his face still had that pale, haggard look about it, with the heavy lidded eyes and flushed cheeks. The hands that held the microphone stand were shaking and he was still fully bundled up in his jacket and sweats, despite the harsh stage lights that had led the rest of the group to strip as much clothes of as was socially acceptable. And, most obviously, San’s voice was so much deeper than normal, and he couldn’t go five minutes without coughing. 

“I know. But I don’t know what else to do,” Hongjoong replied, sighing out his frustration. “I asked management. They said ‘unless he has a fever, he’s going on.’ Not to mention the fact that San himself is refusing to sit out…”

“Maybe we enforce group nap time after sound check? At least get him to rest a bit,” Seonghwa suggested. 

“Could work. I like the group element. Feels less targeted.”

“Make him think it’s his idea.”

Hongjoong smirked up at his best friend. “I love the way your brain works.” Seonghwa grinned back, pinching playfully at Hongjoong’s butt before their attention was drawn back to the stage, where Yunho and Wooyoung had joined San. It was initially Wooyoung yelling into his own mic that snagged the eldest members’ attention, but it was quickly diverted back to San when the performer snapped away from the others.

“Bless youuu, Sannie~” Wooyoung chirped as Yunho laughed, smacking San’s back as the younger man held up a hand, clearly laughing. Hongjoong and Seonghwa shared a tight lipped, unamused look. One that only deepened when they heard (actually heard this time) another sneeze from the stage. Followed by another… and another. 

“Woah, there.” Yunho stumbled forward, catching San around the waist to keep him from pitching forward into the floor. The dancer still had a smile on his face, but even from their place in the wings, Hongjoong and Seonghwa could see the worried hyung alarms going off in Yunho’s eyes. “You never sneeze this much. Are you sure you're feeling okay?” Yunho had had a prior schedule that morning, and had missed the rest of the groups’ telepathic discussion of their Sannie’s condition. The two eldest decided now was the right time to join the others on stage. 

“Yeah, I’m fine.” San sniffled, rubbing his sleeve under his nose. “Just a little sick.”

“You should go rest,” Wooyoung said before Seonghwa could even open his mouth to suggest the same. The younger man’s voice was nagging as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Forget sound check. We’ll clear your mic for you. Go charge up so we can get down properly tonight.” 

“‘Get down?’” Yunho questioned around a barely contained laugh. “That’s what you’re calling what goes on on this stage?”

Wooyoung shrugged. “What do you want me to say? You can fully participate in our shenanigans? We can get down and dirty? We can get our sexy on?!”

“Yeah, I’m not getting my sexy on with anyone tonight,” San replied with disappointment, sniffling again. “Unless you wanna risk catching a cold.”

Wooyoung shrugged. “If there isn’t a little risk, where’s the fun?” He made a show of licking his lips, winking in San’s direction. 

“Alright, that’s a time out.” Hongjoong pointed at the steps towards the back of the stage. Wooyoung began to protest, but the captain continually overpowered him, sending the younger man to the steps to ‘think about his actions’ for two minutes. 

[caughtnyact]

OC Layers Tag Game

@thequeenofthewinter and @draco-illius-noctis showed off their beautiful babies Iris and Valeria so I had to get in on this 😌

LAYER ONE: THE OUTSIDE

Name: Kayla Mercar

Eye Color: Green

Hair Style/Color: Honey brown- very long hair that is usually down while off duty and tied up for missions etc.

Height: 5'5"

Clothing Style: Lots of linens and drape-y silhouettes, very much a warm coastal vibe. Very much a fan of jewel tones and tons of gold jewelry pieces (in the Tevinter style, naturally)

Best Physical Feature(s): In her opinion? Her lips. In others' opinions? Her eyes.

LAYER TWO: THE INSIDE

Fears: Being 'too much', never feeling safe to share her innermost thoughts/opinions

Guilty Pleasure: Pretending to be busy and taking a 2+ hour nap

Biggest Pet Peeve: Lack of curiosity or weaponized incompetence

Ambition for the Future: After accomplishing all of the impossible goals of achieving world peace etc. etc., to go fuck off and finally relax lmao

LAYER THREE: THOUGHTS

First Thoughts Waking Up: "Here we go again..."

What They Think About the Most: "How can I be useful?"

What They Think About Before Bed: "Did I do the right thing?"

What They Think Their Best Quality Is: "Nobody else could handle this like I can."

LAYER FOUR: WHAT’S BETTER?

Single or Group Dates: Single for sure, too many variables in a group setting

To be Loved or Respected: One begets the other, in her mind, but respect is easier to earn.

Beauty or Brains: She sees value in both, but brains keep her out of trouble (and an under-stimulated mind gets her into trouble)

Dogs or Cats: Very much cats lol

LAYER FIVE: DO YOU?

Lie: Not very frequently as far as outright lies; definitely more guilty of lies by omission. If she thinks someone isn't ready to hear something, or it won't do any good to volunteer information, she'd be more likely to keep it to herself unless asked directly.

Believe in Yourself: In some ways- she doesn't doubt her strengths or ignore her weaknesses. Believing she's worthy of attention/love/praise is an entirely different thing lmao.

Believe in Love: VERY deep down in the depths of her soul she does.

Want Someone: She certainly isn't holding her breath (And that makes it hit so much harder 😏)

LAYER SIX: HAVE YOU EVER?

Been on Stage: Does getting drunk and hopping up on stage at a Cobbled Swan comedy show to do her own jokes count?

Done Drugs: In a very rebellious teenager way- nothing stronger than elfroot lmao

Changed Who You Were to Fit In: Certainly more in her youth, less of a change and more masking

LAYER SEVEN: WHAT’S THEIR…

Favorite colors: Royal or eggplant purple

Favorite animal: Cats (and pigs)

Favorite book: She still has a dog-eared copy of an old book of elven heroes that her father brought back from one of his military campaigns when she was 8.

Favorite game: She plays a mean game of hockey, but hasn't gotten the chance to play in a long time.

LAYER EIGHT: AGE

DOB: 9:25 Dragon 

How Old Will You Be: 27

Does Age Matter: It matters less than life experiences; someone could live their entire life without hardship, while someone else could live 25 years and known 25 years of pain.

LAYER NINE: FINISH THE SENTENCE

I love: feeling seen.

I feel: so many things all of the time.

I hide: my fears, because I don't want to be seen as weak.

I miss: feeling like I had it all figured out.

I wish: I didn't grow up too fast.

No pressure tags for @pinkberrytea @theyearningghoul @notyourmamasdeerbat @silent-words @quokkafoxtrot @silshinobii and anyone else that would like to participate 🤗

[bairdthereader]

Charlie Spring, An Appreciation: Part 2, Friendship

Charlie is often described as nerdy, shy, and awkward, the dork who is lucky enough to catch the eye of the popular boy. But that characterization does Charlie a huge disservice; it overlooks the richness of his personal life and the complexity of his inner landscape.

It also ignores the fact that he has cultivated a solid and loving friend group that he cares for in so many ways, whose devotion he earns through his own dedication and fierce loyalty. He is by no means alone or isolated when he meets Nick, he is not "desperate" in the way some people (and the horrible Ben) characterize him.

Charlie's relationship with Tao is a longstanding one, but not without its challenges. Tao isn't the easiest person to be friends with, but Charlie sees through Tao's prickly defensiveness to appreciate and love the part of Tao that feels so intensely, the part that is vulnerable and lost. And he fights for that friendship again and again.

The most beautiful example of this is on the Pont de l'Archevêché when Tao confesses that he accidentally outed Charlie the year before. This could easily and justifiably end even a strong friendship. But you can see the moment that Charlie decides his relationship with Tao is more important, that it is worth all of the pain that accidental outing caused him. He forgives instantly and completely, with no lingering resentment at all. And if that wasn't heroic enough, he follows up with the most thorough reassurance speech ever given, tailored specifically to eradicate all of Tao's most deeply held insecurities. Charlie's empathy is astounding.

Elle explains to Darcy that Charlie was her friend first, followed by Tao, which tells us that Charlie's care for her began a long time ago, and that it's lasted through all the challenges she's faced during her transition. I wish there were more moments on screen where Elle and Charlie have one-on-one conversations; there are shockingly few. But the way they speak about each other when the other isn't there is just as revealing. Elle clearly loves and understands Charlie in a unique way, and she does all she can to smooth the ragged edges between him and Tao, and lovingly supports his relationship with Nick. She does this because Charlie does the same for her, and because she knows his friendship is deep and abiding and unconditional.

Though less outwardly demonstrative than his friendships with the others, Charlie is no less caring and protective of Isaac, the friend who, I think, is the mostly gently supportive of Charlie as he navigates the early stages of his relationship with Nick. Charlie is open with Isaac when he asks for advice, but doesn't pry into why Isaac is asking a question that's so out of character; he knows Isaac processes most things internally before speaking them aloud. At prom, Charlie reminds Isaac--in a moment where he clearly feels isolated and singled out--that he is important, both to Charlie personally and to their group as a whole. A quiet person like Isaac could easily end up on the fringes of a friend group, but Charlie pulls him back in.

Charlie is also more caring with Tori than I think he's given credit for (especially at this point in the timeline and without some of the supporting backstory from the later comics and other books). Even with the limited interactions we see on screen, he's always trying to include her, trying to make sure she's not alone, while still giving her the space she feels she needs. Their bond is deep and protective, and it goes both ways. Charlie may be the younger of the two, but he's taking care of her, in his own way, as much as she is of him.

Again, I could go on and on:

This idea that Charlie is the quiet, awkward wallflower just doesn't hold up when it's so clear that he's the lynchpin of his friend group. Charlie's endless capacity for loyalty, forgiveness, empathy, and inclusion make him a champion in the lives of everyone he loves.

[thewayitalknj]

Set in the GGG’s!Universe Word Count - 881 Happy Valentine's Day! ♥️

“Can you believe the guys are doing this again?” Bianca asks, taking a seat next to you at the table.

“I think it’s hilarious. I get a kick out of it every year.”

“Speaking of guys, where’s your man?”

“Working late, he wanted to be here but couldn’t get off.” You shrug your shoulders, wishing Eddie was here with you.

Every year for Valentine’s Day, the significant others of the works get together to showcase their love and appreciation for their partners. It was silly and embarrassing but non the less entertaining for everyone. You asked Eddie to go with you, “you obviously don’t have to perform. Not everyone does but it’s a good laugh.” He tried to get off work, he’s been working late nights recently and couldn’t find a way out of his scheduled shift. You were disappointed but understood.

The club was closed to the public, only employees filled the room. There weren't too many of you, but the room still felt full.

Cassie took her rightful place behind the DJ booth speaking into the mic, “alrighty ladies, welcome to our annual Valentine’s Day event!” Everyone whooped and hollered. “Unfortunately I  couldn't find a babysitter so my husband is home with the boys, which leaves me as your DJ for the night. Even on my nights off I’m somehow still working.” The room fills with boo’s directed towards her. “Nah I’m just kidding! Who’s ready to have some fun?!”

Bianca’s husband (Kenneth) pole danced to Caravan of Love…horribly. 

Leah’s husband (Matt) attempted to recreate her first ever dance at the club…to which he tripped over his feet way too often. 

Jade’s boyfriend (Brandon) horribly sang ‘Do You Think I’m Sexy?’ while gyrating the air. 

Your other co-worker, Daria, had her wife give her a lap dance…and they left almost immediately when she was done ‘claiming’ they had to go pick up their daughters from a sleepover. Everyone was laughing so hard tears were falling. As the night began to end there was just one more performance.

“Everyone, it is the moment you have been waiting for…it’s time for the group dance!” Now this was something to see. There was always a group of three that did a choreographed dance, and it was always a surprise.

Kenneth, Matt and Brandon took the stage. You tilt your head questioningly, noticing Matt carrying an amp.

You turn to Leah, “Does Matt play an instrument?” 

“Nope.” She puckers her lips, smiling.

“Do..any of them play?”

Bianca and Jade chime in, “Nope.” “Mine clearly can't carry a tune.”

“Then who is the amp for-?” Just then your sentence is cut off by the sound of a guitar blaring. You turn back and taking the stage is none other than your boyfriend. Your jaw drops, a smile forms and when you make eye contact with him he just winks. “Did you guys know-”

“YUP!” “Of course we knew.” “You know how long it’s been to keep this a secret?”

The group dances (semi horribly but doing their best) to ‘Pour Some Sugar On Me’ with Eddie playing backing guitars. 

The guys move in tandem as Eddie shows off his own skills, and you’re so happy he gets to show off. As you sit and watch, you just marvel at the fact he put effort into this and lied (for fun) to surprise you. Not only that, he looks incredibly sexy ; a black see-through mesh shirt fit with leather pants and boots. When the performance ends you all erupt with applause and cheers. When you meet Eddie’s gaze he motions for you to follow him and you receive the message immediately understanding.

He beats you to Private Room #2 and the second you shut the door you jump into his arms knocking him down onto the couch.

You bury your head into his neck and he laughs pulling you close. “How long have you been hiding this from me?!”

“Couple weeks.” You look up to face him, wiping his hair from his face. “They all came to see the band one night while you were working and asked me to help out. Came up with the excuse I was working late to keep it hidden. Now, they did offer me an extra spot to dance but-”

“WAIT. You were going to learn the dance?!”

“...yeah. I mean, I did learn the dance actually…” He rubs his hand up and down your thighs.

“What stopped you?!”

“Babe, I can keep a beat but rhythm? Forget about it. I asked if I could play guitar instead, and they agreed. Plus my moves?” He tilts your chin up to meet him, “Just for your eyes only.”

“So you’re telling me I get my own private dance at home?” You wiggle your eyebrows.

“Maybe, but only because I love you.” Those three words still get to you, just acknowledged to each other just a few days prior, ironically by accident.

“Mhm, I love you too.” You kiss him, his hands creeping up your back. “Can we go home now? Really wanna see those moves.” You lean in near his ear, “and get a closer look at this outfit choice.”

“I’ll be happy to take you through the outfit but the dance, are you sure about that?”

“Oh, positive.”

Quick Notes - I'll write about the first "I love you's" soon, I promise.

[apomaro-mellow]

Hot for Teacher(s) 3

Part 2 / AO3 Link

After school practices for the Thanksgiving performance was only for the students who wanted to put a little more time into it. Apparently a bulk of the rehearsal happened during their music class and that made sense. Still, Steve was glad to put a face to some of the kids his son mentioned. The first night there had been a girl who's lip trembled at the slightest upset and Steve knew that had to be Yasmin.

"She's a crybaby who cries over everything", Shawn had said one time.

"Hm, need I remind you of all the times you've cried? Why I remember just last week-"

"We don't need to talk about that", Shawn said, properly chastised.

Even so, Steve could see how it could get a little frustrating to be in a class with someone as sensitive as that. And yet, Mr. Munson never let on that he was frustrated or anything like that. Every time the tears came, he talked her down. Which was quite the feat since he had probably been doing it for eight hours at this point.

"You're really good with the kids", Steve complimented when Mr. Munson took a seat near them to rest.

Third grade was working on their performance piece on the stage now while the smaller kids got a break. Mr. Munson smiled a bit as he scratched at his head.

"Yeah, well, patience is key, as I'm sure you know. Actually, how old are the kids you teach?", he asked.

"Middle school", Steve answered, laughing a little when he saw the other teacher's eyes get wide in fear.

"Braver than any marine, I swear. I will take spilt milk tears over the raging hormones going on over there."

Steve's brain decided to highlight the word 'hormones' which made him delayed in his response. He cleared his throat to try and cover it up. "It's not as bad as all that. I've got the babies of middle school, the sixth graders, but don't tell them I said that. And I'm lucky I've got a group there that's absolutely obsessed with science."

He met Mr. Munson's eyes and was met with a million watt smile. One that he knew was on his own face too.

"That's the best feeling, ain't it? When they wanna soak up as much as you can give?"

"The best", Steve agreed. It wasn't always candy and roses but it was all worth it for those days when everything just clicked. "Speaking of passions, did you get that approval for your ideas for the show?"

"They said I could play guitar, but they vetoed my pyrotechnics idea."

That night, Mr. Munson walked him and Shawn back to their car. And as such, became a routine for two days out of the week. Through it all, Steve commended himself for only drooling a little over him and only when he was alone.

At home, one Saturday, Shawn was humming his class' song while Steve made them lunch. He looked to the calendar and realized the show would be that coming Monday. Well, he knew that but it hit him that in less than a week, Thanksgiving break would start and then there wouldn't be much of a reason for him to see Mr. Munson anymore.

Just as the thought came to him, he looked at the school events calendar he had put in his phone and saw that there would be a Winter Dance but that it was for 4th and 5th grade only. He held back a sigh. Oh well, maybe if he got particularly antsy, he could schedule a confere-no, nononono.

He wasn't going to waste a teacher's time over nothing. Just because, what? He wanted to see him?

He said as much when he talked to Robin the next day. They were sitting in his living room, Shawn was up in his room, reading on this lazy Sunday.

"So, you're just going to avoid him?"

"It's not avoiding. I'm just not going to go out of my way to seek him out", Steve clarified. "And maybe this little crush", he whispered the word 'crush' like tiny ears were listening, "will die down."

"Mhm", Robin nodded, unconvinced. "You know they say absence makes the heart grow fonder, right?"

Steve leaned back against the couch. "There's at least one absence I'm not missing."

"...Don't tell me this is all because of him?"

"It's not because of him but...", Steve's eyes traveled to where Shawn's baby book sat on a bookshelf. Inside were the only pictures of Shawn's sire. And honestly, Steve wouldn't even have those if it were up to him. But he wanted to leave the door open just for when Shawn got older and could decide how much he wanted that man in his life.

"I don't think Mr. Munson is anything like him. Of course I don't. But I can't make a mistake like that again. If Shawn got hurt, I could never forgive myself."

Robin gave him a pat on the leg. "If you really think it's for the best."

It was. Steve knew that what was on the surface could be hiding something ugly underneath. He wasn't going to expose him or his pup to anything like that again. Mr. Munson was nice but these feelings weren't deep enough to swim in. Steve was barely getting his toes wet. He would stay high and dry and then Shawn would go on to second grade and then he would only see Mr. Munson in passing, if that.

Steve had all these affirmations in mind as he settled in to see Shawn's performance Monday. Planning ahead, Steve had told his school a couple weeks ago that he had a doctor appointment and wouldn't be coming in until later. Just long enough to pop in and see Shawn sing. As he had planned and rehearsed, Mr. Munson sat on a stool to one side of the stage, acoustic guitar in his lap.

It was all the school would allow and seeing as the kids' singing voices weren't super strong, it was for the best. Steve recorded the act, phone focused on Shawn while every once in a while, his eyes drifted to Mr. Munson.

After the song, Steve waved to Shawn, who waved back. He had told him ahead of time that he'd have to go back to work after seeing him, so that his son wouldn't be disappointed. When they saw each other at home later, Shawn's adrenaline from the day hadn't waned.

"So a lot of the other kids' parents took them home, so Mr. Munson let some of us play with his guitar!"

"Did he now?", Steve smiled.

"Uh-huh. He even taught us how to play. Do you think he teaches guitar?"

"Would you like some lessons?", Steve asked.

"Only if Mr. Munson is teaching it. He makes everything so cool."

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

Steve watched as Shawn ran ahead to go into the corn maze. Most of the corn was gone, so he wasn't worried about him getting lost as Robin went to get them hot ciders. Shawn scurried through the maze when he found someone familiar.

Robin had come back with two ciders that she and Steve sipped on while Shawn made his way through the maze.

"Dad! Look who's here!"

Steve looked up, expecting to see one of his little friends. Not Mr. Munson.

Not Mr. Munson in ripped jeans and a leather jacket.

Not Mr. Munson in ripped jeans and a leather jacket with chunky rings and his hair let loose, spilling over his shoulders.

"Dad look! It's Mr. Munson! Dad?"

"Mr. Munson! What a surprise!", Robin came in for the save while Steve was speechless. She gave him a subtle nudge that really wasn't all that subtle but that was okay because Mr. Munson was having his own crisis.

Because here was Mr. Harrington, enjoying a harvest festival, shoulder to shoulder with a beautiful alpha woman.

"H-hey, didn't expect to run into you here", Mr. Munson stuttered.

"Me neither", Steve said, voice a little breathless. He cleared it and remembered himself. "This is Robin, she's my neighbor. Robin, this is Shawn's teacher."

"Heard so much about you", Robin grinned.

Steve wanted to kick her in the shin.

"Hey, Shawn, how's about we go and pick out a pumpkin or something?", Robin suggested, grabbing his hand and pulling him away from the other two, leaving them alone.

Mr. Munson looked like a deer caught in headlights and Steve couldn't blame him.

"Jesus, she couldn't be anymore obvious."

"Did you want to talk to me about something, Mr. Harrington?"

"No, I didn't. But, I think...I think we should have this conversation anyway." Steve ran a hand through his hair.

They went to a little sitting area the farm had set up near the food booths so that they could talk. Eddie's mind ran a mile a minute, thinking of what this could be about. Both good and bad. He'd gotten a hot chocolate both to keep his hands warm and to give him something to do with said hands. Hands that Mr. Harrington was staring at right now.

"I um", he shook his head and pushed a lock of hair behind his ear. "I just wanted to-god this is hard."

"Well, let's make it easier", Eddie said. "Is it about Shawn? Is he having problems in school?"

"No, it's not about that. It's about us-I mean, there is no us but I-goddammit", Steve hissed, cheeks getting red in embarrassment. He let out a breath. "Mr. Munson, I'm having..." don't say feelings don't say feelings don't say feelings "-sensations, that aren't entirely professional. About you."

"Oh."

"And I know nothing can come of it, but I just want you to know that, to know that I'm aware of them and if I ever come on, I guess too strong, please just let me know."

"Um, for how long?", Eddie asked, hoping he wasn't vibrating in his seat because it sure did feel that way.

"Uhh, pretty much since I first met you", Mr. Harrington admitted. "And I don't know if it's because you've been looking after me and Shawn when we walk back to the car, or if it's something else but you just smell...you feel safe. And it's hard for me not too....", he trailed off, voice getting soft.

He didn't know how much that meant to Eddie. His first year of teaching, Eddie had gone on scent blockers, not wanting to overwhelm the little noses in his room. But one day he'd forgotten and things just seemed to run more smoothly when they could get a whiff of him. For Mr. Harrington to say his scent made him feel safe...

"It hasn't exactly been easy for me either", Eddie finally said. "Me too, since that first day I... But you already said nothing can come from it."

There was a hesitant look in Mr. Harrington's eyes. "Well, you know, why not?"

"Why...not?", Eddie echoed.

"I have my personal reasons for not pursuing this, but they mostly involve Shawn. If he doesn't know about it, I mean if we can hide it from most people, you won't get in trouble with the school. And we won't, you know get Shawn's hopes up if it doesn't become serious."

"Why, Mr. Harrington, are you propositioning me?" Honestly, Eddie didn't give a flying fuck what this principal thought about his private life. At the end of the day, it really was just Shawn he was worried about. He didn't know what happened to the other half of his DNA, but he knew that kids with only one parent sometimes longed for a second. He couldn't make Shawn think that was him unless this was the real deal. And he wouldn't know that for sure if he didn't give this a try.

"For starters, when we're not on school grounds, you can call me Steve."

"Eddie."

"Eddie, would you like to go out with me sometime?"

Steve's face was a mix of hopeful and confident that Eddie wouldn't be forgetting anytime soon. "I'd love to."

Part 4

There is absolutely some angst with Steve's baby daddy comin down the line. I came up with it where I come up with all my best ideas, half asleep when I wake up in the morning.

Tag Team

@anne-bennett-cosplayer @aol19 @lololol-1234 @hippieg1rl420 @gregre369 @attic-cat-blog

[brunhielda]

As I am unable to indulge in my yearly Independence Day tradition this year, I instead reccomend it to total strangers on the internet.

(If you are reading this and it is not July 4th, USA, this is still a decent recommendation in general)

Watch 1776, the movie musical from 1972. (It is available on Amazon and Apple TV for less than $5, and is free with Hulu)

“Why?” I hear you ask, “would I watch that old thing when I have Hamilton?”

Firstly- I will not compare quality. The two shows are apples and oranges and the only thing they have in common is the subject matter being the Revolutionary period of the USA.

I will openly admit that Hamilton has much more dynamic staging/dancing, and there is simply no rap to be heard in 1776.

That said, reasons you absolutely SHOULD watch it:

1) You have already seen Hamilton. Presumably you have not seen 1776. It will be something new.

2) The line “Sit down John, you old f-!” from Hamilton is a reference to this musical, so you know Lin Manuel Miranda is a fan.

3) The main character, John Adams, is played by a much younger William Daniels. You may know him as “Mr. Feeny.” And yes. He is glorious.

4) You will enjoy such fun quips as-

“I have better things to do than stand around listening to Benjamin Franklin quote himself.”

“Hold on John- that was a new one!”

(Arguing with God)

“A simple plague of locusts I’d accept with some dispare. But no, you gave us Congress! Good God Sir, was that fair?”

“May my horse be turned to glue if I can’t deliver unto you a resolution on Independancy.”

(Said horse- a paid actor- turns around to bite him)

Jokes from old congressmen about being so old it hurts to piss.

Jokes about bull testicles.

(Refusing to help write the Declaration)

“I cannot write with any style or proper edicate! I don’t know a participle from a predicate! I am just a humble cobbler from Connecticut.” (He is so relatable for that. The whole song is one big- everyone is trying to ditch this “group” project)

5) Thomas Jefferson being too horny to work is a major plot point.

6) The most romantic subplot in this film, and I mean, actually beautifully romantic, is John arguing with his wife, Abigail, via letters. Best part about that is these parts are straight from their real historical letters. Perfect in every way. 🥰

7) The discussion on Slavery is intense. I will say this version of events paints Jefferson rather rosy, but it was written before we knew what we knew about him, and he is documented as fighting hard to end slavery with the founding of the nation. It is bizarre, knowing that, that he continued on in the manner he did. People are multifaceted, and some just get worse with age.

But the part in this movie that is worth watching is the argument the South gives back. Thier argument is basically “If we are sinning by this practice, then you are sinning with us, because you benefit.” While it is a lack luster argument to keep doing as you are doing, it does allow a nuanced understanding of privelege before the term was even used in that manner.

It also delivers a bone chilling example of the triangle trade in the form of a song that has haunted me since childhood.

“Molasses to rum to slaves. Who sails the ships out of Boston? Laden with bibles and rum? Whose fortunes are made in the triangle trade? Hail Charleston! Hail Boston! Who stinketh the most?”

8) “Cool Considerate Men” is also bone chilling, as a bunch of conservative congressmen dance calmly while listening to a casualty report from Washington. The song will never not be relevant.

9) In the same way, “Mama Look Sharp” will always always bring me to tears. It is a song from a Messenger Boy sent with Washington’s missive from the front. He sings about his friend calling for his mother as the young boy lay dying on “the green.”

The green was where people held meetings and parties and festivals- the green is the old fashioned version of “the Town Park.” The first battles for freedom were faught in town parks, where boys crawled off under thier favorite tree to die.

In light of everything that we have heard about fighting for freedom around the world, the line “The soldiers they fired! Oh Ma, did we run. Hey! Hey! Mama, look sharp,” is making me cry right now, and I haven’t even heard this song in a year. 😭🎶

10) “Is anybody there??? Does anybody care?! Does anybody see what I see? I see Americans, ALL Americans, FREE, forever more! Is anybody there??? Does anybody care?! Does anybody see what I see?”

The older I get the more I relate to John Addams screaming into the void because he simply cannot fix all the problems by himself.

There is more I could say about this musical, but at that point it would just be telling. Go watch the film. It’s funny and fun and poignant and powerful, and might make you cry. As good broadway often does.