#like i enjoyed it because it's the boss and my first big concert

[hellsquills]

Mark my words: the next Bruce Springsteen live album will be Live in Madrid 2024 (June 15th)

(If you were there show yourselves!!)

[storkmuffin]

First Ateez Concert (Post performance write up) part 2/2

Stream of consciousness from memory continues

-It's interesting to see the 'highlight' reel parts - the blindfold biting part, for example - live, after seeing so many iterations of them at different speeds, with different lighting effects added per tiktok creator tastes. They go by much faster, and yet from the odd amount of familiarity- as in, I've unwittingly memorized that step or that piece of choreography - seeing it performed live was akin to but not the same as hearing a very familiar strain of classical music done with unexpected instruments (say, Beethoven 9th Symphony opening bars performed with a sitar)

-Wooyoung is very cat like, but not in my 12 year old fat orange cat with the big belly way. He isn't squishable. He's a sphinx cat - extremely thin (omg so thin), the hugest eyes, the pointiest chin, and looking extremely irritable and highly sensitive in the best (?) way. The kind of fussy fucking cat that people buy organic chickens raised in chicken-heaven conditions to cook into specialized cat food for by hand, while they themselves subsist on fast food. HOWEVER. The tininess was a bit of a problem when he was dancing with the group as a whole - Yunho and Mingi had the size advantage, and San moves in very LARGE motions as does - surprising me again! - Yeosang which meant it was hard for me to find him sometimes. In his solo Woo had the high octane charisma I expected. His dancing had the same fine-bone china fragility as his body. He is extraordinarily camera savvy though. Any time he was on the large screen he owned it, and produced a different flavor every time.

He also really enjoys the part where he get choked during Silver Light. I dunno if what he does is just let his face go blank and let us just project into it with the help of the music (Ingrid Bergman did this during Casablanca) or if he has some sort of narrative happening in his head OR if dancers operate their faces the same as their bodies but HE DID SOMETHING during that moment that had everyone take a collective breath, hold it, and then scream in unison before going OMG and WHAT THE FUUUU and 미쳤어 미쳤어 and WOOOOO (this is what I heard around me) (me I just went AAAAAAA).

- After Arriba Yunho jabbed at Mingi with a 나 나오면 깬다니까 ad lib both to be funny and to show how precise his impressions are, and Mingi got in an Ayyy! before it cut out.

- One of the things that I thought was confusing for the Korean audience was the whole Pick a Boss bit. Especially bc Hong Joong asked the question and picked the Atiny. She was adorable - he was so gentle with her and she was so shy and sweet (I kind of shipped them in the 4 seconds) but the Koreans were like ... Aren't you...the boss already HJ? and Why is this necessary? Does this ... DO something???

- And now for some not positive comments

- The first entrance for some reason is by the backup dancers. They get screamed for but I think by mistake. Why do they need to enter first?

- There was a very long gap before the final third while they were changing into street clothes get ups that nobody knew what to do or what was happening. It went on forever.

- The sound got blurry. I took out my ear protection a time or two because I wasn't sure if it was a me problem and it wasn't. The sound was blurry

- The ending felt rushed and undercooked somehow. They were in very cute street wear get ups. San with his backwards red cap especially very cute. They ran around the outer rim a lot, trying to give the 2nd and 3rd floor attendees a good time, but as a show it sort of had a ... Peter out feeling rather than a grand finale. It also looked like a LOT of running for all of them, trying to cover the space. I wondered if the pressure to DO something in the largest space they had ever been in Korea kind of cracked their spines because this bit felt ... less put together.

- Before the end they all rode a pope mobile /cart two at a time along the platform separating the 2nd and 3rd floors. I waved like mad and it was fun to see them closer up than the thumbelina size they had been throughout but this took up a lot of time and it kind of made the energy sag rather than get pepped up.

- The lighting was kind of horrible in large portions where even with opera glasses there was no way to see what was happening on stage and you had no choice but to look at the big screen because the lighting on stage was either a foggy blue or a muddy red.

-From K-atiny pregame chatter I was expecting the show to be exhausting and go over time etc and that didn't happen. It was not the full 3 hours. I am of two minds about this- did I want to be worn out? Maybe?

[guzhufuren]

Some questions answered during Li Le's weibo live stream (not all questions are included, some long answers are summarized):

note: "Wang laoshi" is an affectionate nickname for Wang Yunkai

1. How do you feel during your first livestream?

Lele: A bit nervous but also a little excited.

2. How tall are you?

Lele: I'm 185 cm.

3. What was your first impression of Kaikai?

Lele: I saw Wang laoshi's description. My first reaction was that he described me as if I took the lead female role in a drama, with the way he described my face and me dragging two large suitcases upstairs, almost unable to move. Later, I thought it was indeed like that. He seemed like a very, very warm person.

4. What is your MBTI?

Lele: I am an introvert, an ISFJ, a little nurse. Wang laoshi is a protagonist (ENFJ).

5. Will there be autographed photos?

Lele: There will be opportunities for autographed photos in the future.

6. Can you speak Russian/Thai?

Lele: I can't speak Russian or Thai.

7. Have you read the original work?

Lele: I have read the original work. After reading it, I was somewhat hesitant to take on the role. However, after playing Huaien, I learned a lot from him.

8. Do you eat snail noodles?

Lele: I love eating snail noodles; I'm a big foodie.

9. How has your mindset changed before and after filming?

Lele: I used to be quite indifferent about relationships, believing that being together or not is a matter of fate. However, after playing Huaien, I realized a valuable trait in him—his view of love is very pure and he believes that if you like someone, you should give your all to pursue and fight for it. This moved me deeply.

10. What type of role would you like to experience next?

Lele: I used to want to play roles that are similar to my own personality, more lively characters. After playing Huaien, I now want to try roles that are quite different from myself so that I can learn new things.

11. What do you like to eat?

Lele: I love many foods, whether they're from Wuhan, Xi'an, as long as it's delicious.

12. Are there any kissing scenes in the drama?

Lele: I can't spoil it, but everyone can look forward to it.

13. Where do you most recommend traveling to?

Lele: Every place is different, whether domestic or overseas. Cities in China like Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, and Chongqing each have their unique charm.

14. How does it feel to shoot a kissing scene?

Lele: It feels just like how it would feel when you kiss someone.

15. What food do you recommend in Shanghai?

Lele: Shanghai's pan-fried buns are delicious.

16. Will you collaborate with Kaikai again?

Lele: I certainly hope so, if there's an opportunity.

17. What is your zodiac sign?

Lele: I am a Scorpio.

18. Can you recommend a song?

Lele: Of course, "A Passionate Dream" sung by Wang laoshi and me. Besides that, have you heard of the song "Young And Beautiful"? I really like that one.

19. Do you have any interesting experiences from filming "Blossom"?

Lele: There are quite a few memorable scenes. The most unforgettable for me is the one by the river because it was very special.

20. What did you think of your voice actor?

Lele: I think the voice actor added a lot of value to my performance.

21. Will there be offline events?

Lele: Offline meetings and concerts will depend on future arrangements.

22. Will you change your hair color?

Lele: I want to be a bit spontaneous and dye my hair blonde.

23. Do you usually work out?

Lele: I do work out, but I can be a bit lazy and need someone to keep an eye on me.

24. What type of music do you like?

Lele: Recently, I've been listening a lot to "A Passionate Dream" and "Under the Moonlight," our theme song and ending song sung by Wang laoshi and I, as well as "Endless Calamity" by Li Junliang laoshi. In general, I enjoy listening to songs by Zhou Shen and Faye Wong.

25. Will there be a duo livestream?

Lele: A duo live stream depends on future arrangements. It should happen; I'll consult with our boss.

26. Are you of mixed heritage?

Lele: Yes, I am of mixed heritage, though it's quite distant. My grandfather's previous generation was Russian.

27. Why do you eat a lot but not gain weight?

Lele: Actually, I gain weight easily, and I love eating. I used to be very overweight, weighing up to 110kg in middle school. I later lost weight, going down to around 75kg. My slimmest was during the filming of "Blossom."

28. Can you post a nine-pic grid?

Lele: Sure, I can post a nine-pic grid. I'll leave that to my publicity team.

29. Have you seen the complete version of the drama?

Lele: Yes, I've seen the complete version. It was very embarrassing, especially the first two episodes where I had to dress as a woman for the first time.

30. What hobbies do you have?

Lele: Traveling. Previously, Wang laoshi and I planned trips to Chengdu and Yanji. In Shanghai, I might play tennis, go shopping, or watch good movies.

31. What is your contact name for Wang laoshi?

Lele: His contact name is Kaikai.

32. Which outfit in the drama is your favorite?

Lele: Because most of my outfits are white, my favorite is actually the black one. It appears rarely, but I saw it in the trailer and really liked it.

33. Do you call each other by name in private?

Lele: In private, I just call him Kaikai.

34. What do you recommend playing at Disneyland?

Lele: I highly recommend "Soaring Over the Horizon". It's very fun.

35. Can you swim?

Lele: Yes, I can swim.

36. Do you have any vlogs?

Lele: Vlogs are being arranged and currently being filmed. They include work and daily life ones, and there are also vlogs from shooting before.

37. Where will your next trip be?

Lele: If there's time, Wang laoshi and I might go to Chengdu or Yanji. I also really want to visit Xinjiang or Changsha, Shandong is an option too, as it has great food.

38. What kind of milk tea do you like?

Lele: My top favorite is Cha Yan Yue Se. Second, I think Heytea is quite good. Third, I like Thai milk tea. I also love drinking from Mixue.

39. Did you take anything from the drama as a keepsake?

Lele: Yes, I took Huaien's hairband, but I didn't bring it out; it's at home.

40. Can you drink douzhi (fermented mung bean milk/soup)?

Lele: I don't like it.

41. Do you have any pets?

Lele: Yes, I have a dog, a small poodle. It's a kind fleece poodle, not a wicked one.

42. What's your dog's name?

Lele: My kind fleece poodle is named Xiao Yueyue (the fleece part is hard to translate but it's funny because by "fleece" he's referring to the poodle's fur, so he's speaking of him as a piece of fabric basically)

translated by @ xiaoqiaoo_ on twitter

[blizzardfluffykpop]

Camellia

Summary: He’d give you everything you ever wanted if you asked for it. He gave you his heart, as you gave him his. And if you asked for the moon, he’d throw a lasso around it and pull it down for you.

Fluff, Angst? (Existential? Worries of Unfaithfulness?), Mafia au, Slightly Suggestive, Established Relationship au

Word Count: 1,563

Minghao (The8) X Reader

[Mentions: Chan and Wonwoo]

Not Requested

Prompt: 8. (Bias) giving you frosted flowers

(Influences: RPS episode from Going SVT, and Highlight/IDUBILY performance from the Follow concert-movie. (Oh, and “It’s a Wonder Life”))

[A/n: Little different then how I usually write- but the china line has done numbers on my brain. But please enjoy anyways. Oh, and a special thanks to @jinkoh for pulling me further down the rabbit hole. Also, it's prompt 8 with the8 hehe~] 

------

As a mafia man, he can get anything he wants, any time he wants it. So, if you wanted the moon, he’d throw a lasso around it and pull it in for you. And when you mentioned in passing that you really enjoyed these frosted flowers that you saw all over your socials. He knew what he had to do. And when he asked you about them, you’d shrug and go, ‘It’s no big deal, they’re probably just fake anyway.’ He’d have his men figure it out.

When he started dating you, he knew you were the one with how you calmed him. You quailed his angry heart, the heart that only ever wanted revenge and to watch the world burn for his childhood. But you, you were like a summer breeze that overtook his mind. You made him realize what it felt like to cool down, and finally start healing that part of himself. And when he had to lend you the reins, he saw just how perfect you were for him.

It was six months into your relationship when he had gotten sick. And he had asked you to oversee his operations. He never told you, but he watched the cameras through his phone to make sure you were safe. Although he knew you were good with a gun and a knife now, he still worried. He smiled as he watched you. At first, his lackeys were iffy. You had just started being his partner, not their boss. So, they were rolling their eyes and the second they stopped talking over you. You turned ruthless, and if he felt better, he’d be doing more than just watching you. And they instantly fell into line, following your every instruction even after he got better. While he has found you attractive from the moment you walked into his life. He fell even harder in love with you the second he saw your capabilities on the field. You were stronger and sweeter than he could have ever imagined. So, whatever you wanted, even if it was small, like a side-off request. He’d get it for you. 

While he was still a ruthless and fast mafia boss, he still took time to be quiet and slow with you. He sees your woes as his own and cares for them kindly. When you’ve had a bad day, he’ll make sure his men take care of it while he takes care of you. You became his number-one priority faster than he could speak. For the fastest-working man in the business and the quickest on his feet, you’d leave him stunned and speechless. Unable to breathe just because you said, ‘Hi’. He prays that you never walk in when he’s interrogating someone, or he’d be dumbstruck and forget his own name. 

And while it wasn’t a request, and it was just something you saw, he asked everyone around his estate. Wondering if they knew any florists who could get him real frosted flowers. Someone who would ensure the flowers live long and prosper even with the frost on them. It took a week before he found the man who could make it happen. Wonwoo, while he was associated with another mafia, Minghao knew he was the only one who could make his lover's dreams come true. So, he did what any sensible man would do, and informed him that he was only there for flowers not for business. And Wonwoo agreed to curate them, even though their relations were tense at the time. After all, that’s why he opened his shop after his mafia had soared to rival Minghao’s. And after a few visits at the floral shop, he got not one but three versions of the same flower. 

One of the gifts was tea he'd make for you after showing you everything he got you. He barked orders to the others as he headed to the base, your guy's home, “You better make sure none of those pesky rats are following us. I know they okayed my flowers, but they better stay the hell away.” Chan immediately went, “Yes, sir, right away, sir.” He stayed behind in his souped-up Lincoln, waiting and checking his mirrors. All was clear as Minghao drove safely to the base. No one dared to follow him except his men as he sped home. When he arrived home, after opening various locks, he walked to his part of the house, his door opening with an eyeball scan. While the others accompanying him, except Chan, went to their parts of the estate. He walked through the door, kicked off his shoes, and ensured you weren’t around before heading to the kitchen, where he found you.

He pouted but quickly shook it off and set the planter and bags aside before coming around the island. You were on alert the second he said, “Baby?” You turned around fast, pointing a buttered knife at him. He moved back, and you quickly apologized, “Sorry, I didn’t hear you come in.” He laughs, “It’s okay.” You put it down and said, “You’re home sooner than I expected. Why’s that?” He holds back his smile before moving his hand out from behind his back and showing you a bouquet of frosted camellias. You blink at him, trying not to cry, and yet you still do as you accept them from his hands. “How did you get these?” He smiles, “I pulled a few strings, but it was easy.” You squint, “Nothing bad, right?” He shakes his head immediately, and you happily hug the bouquet to your chest before moving it into one hand and opening your arms for him. 

He happily accepts your affections and wraps his arms around you tightly, “You didn’t have to.” You whisper into his chest, and he laughs, “I wanted to.” You mumble, and he asks you to repeat it. And you ask, “But why?” And he sighs softly, “You want the moon? Just say the word, and I’ll throw a lasso around it.” You move your head up to look him in the eyes, “Hao…” He smiles, “What?” You shake your head and lift your hand to run your fingers through his long hair, “I love you, you softie.” He waits for you to pause your movements before kissing your forehead, “I love you too, baby.” You pull away, untangling your fingers from his hair. When you sniff the flowers, you get a good look at them and realize they’re camellias. “Don’t these mean love, affection, beauty, and refinement?” He hums and says, “Excellence and faithfulness, too.” You look him in the eyes, “Do you mean every word?” He smiles, looking deeply into your eyes, “Every word.” 

It’s always been a silly worry implanted into your head that someone as powerful as him would want loads of lovers. But he only wants you, that he’ll always stay faithful to you. “Positive?” You ask one more time just in case, and he smiles. He grabs your hand and raises it to his lips, “I promise to always remain faithful to you and only you.” Before kissing your hand and continuing, “I vowed it the second I laid eyes on you. You’re the only one for me.” You try not to let your tears fall as he goes, “I got two other things for you.” You whine, “Hao!” And he giggles, “I know. But I want to give you everything I can.” You shake your head at him, and he pulls away, walking around the island. And picks up and puts a large pot on the counter, “There are the same flowers, not frosted, but grown throughout gentle winter conditions.” You nod, and he smiles as you look at them more thoroughly. After you look over the beautiful blooms, he puts the tea box on the counter, “I thought we could have a tea ceremony with it.” You smile, “I’d love to.” 

While he begins prepping for the ceremony, you finish buttering your bread and bring the two slices over. You join him on the ground, just by your balcony door. He pours out the first cup before pouring you a glass and him one. You drink it and take in the warmth and tranquility. Maybe it was the calm before the storm. Maybe tomorrow will be different. But what you both have is right and right now. And that's all you two needed. 

He has you both meditate, and all you can think as you close your eyes is that not every day you have is promised with him. You sigh. Is tomorrow ever really promised to anyone? No. And while he may have a dangerous living. As long as he was precautious, as he always is, he'd be okay. And he'd always return to your arms. And if the beautiful queens of winter, the camellia flowers, can survive the winter. So could the two of you. When you finally open your eyes, you see him contentedly staring at you, “What?”  He grins, “You look so beautiful.”  “Hao!”  He giggles, “I love catching you off guard.” “Whatever you say, my handsome prince.”  He blushes at that, and you can't help but smirk. It would be okay. Because if one of you needed anything or wanted something. Whether it was from the smallest of things to the largest of problems, you'd have each other's back.

[barragerofenvy]

🇰🇷

Star Museum

I thought the wait was bearable. Nachos being $9. Hot dogs being sold. Even alcohol, the company that I was working for and definitely new to. Especially the global audience that I was very fond of, this East Asian cpunt country was really neq new to me. Growing up, it qas wasn't even on the map, or my electronic tall talking glove globw globe. It was very chiq, my boss was there, even my xxxxxx. It was intensive, lots of great perfoe performances, dances, singwrs, singers, trainees, even the shirt qa was cool. I might have seen my friends there. My friends feom from high school.

Of course, TVXQ performs first. No sogna signs of Kangta. What a lie. ALLKPOP ready to male make am am an article about it. Tickets were scanned through the phone. Popcorn was good. Pink lemnade. I'll probably wear my SM shirt everywhere I go (Just to say I work there. lol. I' the Secretary btw. [Victor is such a busy guy.] My boss is Sapphire. He has a kid named JJ. Looks like someone I know. And yes, there's more.

Jaehyun is a real hot shot. BIG. Get deals in the ranks of Prada, a brand I wore growing up. I do read stories on AsianFanFics and there was a descriptive story (Expliciy Explicit) on that site as well. I mean, if the company said that...then Kangta must have been somewhere. I filmed a snippet of where I sat at the concert. Minho snippet. aespa was really good. It was like watching an actual fashion show with singing and dancing and a great back drop. Mother's day, so the performers really made a little chat for the mothers in the audience. Changmin reallty is good looking. Panem was in the audience as well. If only Pubo and Jungshin saw.

Sapphire says it's fine. The whole sleeping with idol thing. It's new to me. Growing up. Drinking. Seeing people (S rank) enjoy themselves, waiting for the concert, having a drink. That is the life. I lovw how I get to know some dirty details of course, not really for writing material, but because it was SM. SM is THE Company. Any smart parent would want what's best foe their child. Trainee lifestyle. The starlight casting system. The rookies system. The gemstone regiment. But the thing is...

Secretaty. A cabinet position. Who knows how long I'll have it but at least I got the job. Attending meetings, being transparent with the entire company, other hotshots, clientele, even the local boba shop just to make sure an SM song was playing in the background (He was kyute btw...the cashier.)

Now. Next step.

SM Headquarters.

SM Base

SM New Boy Group

SM New Girl Group

SM NEW MAN Group

SM NEW WOMAN Group

SM Adolescence

If SM was ready for culture, this is what I wanted to deliver. The name will definitely be m o r e than enough.

Much Adieu (Su, Nguyen, Kim)

Volatilly True

Victor L. MEY

Secretary of SM aka Star Museum

[renlyslittlerose]

Started season 3 of X Files and I figured I'd give my thoughts thus far, as I know there are a few people who were curious!

I'll admit that I was a little on the fence for the first season and a bit. Like, the show had all the elements that I really like, but there was something that I felt was missing.

Part of it was the lack of Scully in the first few episodes of S2, which I later found out was due to the fact that Anderson was pregnant and the post-partum for the first little while. Still, despite knowing this, I really think the first half of the season suffered without her. They'd set the ending of S1 up as Mulder and Scully as a team, up against the world and the rigidity of thought. And then in S2 there is this concerted effort to break up the band and sideline Scully as Mulder's sidekick, making her a passive participant in the story rather than an active player and a main lead. Again, I know why it happened the way it did, but it definitely knocked some of the wind out of my sails.

The other part that I thought the series lacked was whimsy. As a hardcore Buffy enjoyer, one of the things I loved about Buffy was it knew when to not take itself too seriously. It leaned into some of the more ridiculous aspects of its nature, and let the audience breathe now and again. I felt like the X Files didn't really do that, making it so I had to laugh at scenes that I felt really weren't supposed to be goofy. That was, until I watched Humbug.

Oh boy. I went from 'this is a neat show' to 'this show is great' from that one episode alone. It had that humour, that whimsy, that sense of tongue and cheek that I'd been wanting. It was written with love for the source material, and respected the characters and the world they'd created, while poking fun at some of the less serious aspects of the series. I loved the episode, and jumped back into the series with newfound excitement for what was to come.

I just finished the three episode arc that started with the end of S2 and the start of S3, and found myself enjoying the thriller aspect. Lots of 'don't trust anyone' combined with more mystery and intrigue. I like that the show can bounce between genres and tone, and is starting to do it better and better with each passing episode.

I'm still not a big Mulder fan, though he is growing on me so long as I view him as like, that annoying but still lovable older brother who gets a little bit *too* into the sound of his own voice. Scully is, of course, the best part of the series (I could listen to Anderson explain the art of toast making and I'd be thoroughly invested). I am also really liking Skinner, both as a foil, a sometimes antagonist, and one hell of a boss. I can see why they keep giving the actor some of the more physical scenes, because that man is built like a BRICK HOUSE. I am also enjoying Mr X more than Deepthroat. Mr X is both chilling and fascinating, and he commands any scene he's in.

All in all, enjoying it so far!! I hope for more Scully focused episodes in S3, though~

[stormyoceans]

can i rant here a little bit? i hope you don't mind! okay so... i'm a big yinwar fan and have been since love mechanics (it was not a perfect show we know that but their chemistry was top tier), the partners in crime trailer was amazing tbh can't tell you how many times i've rewatched it it's just so good! and they did that just for a concert like good for them!!! so i was soooo excited about j&j! and i enjoyed the first episodes so much, it's a good show, it has social commentary it has good acting it has war wanarat it has slowburn (i looove a good slowburn) but at some point they... lost me? and i'm so sad about it lol because i love them! but like the last three episodes i found boring i was fast forwarding some scenes even, the pacing was weird, some decisions i didn't understand, the conflicts didn't hook me up at all, the tension they have been building up completely flattened for me, the kiss felt so anticlimactic 😭 i hate this, i guess i wanted to know your opinion maybe i need to give it some time or something idk idk i enjoyed sooooo much the first half of the show that's why i'm sad

hello, anon!!!!

first of all, please remember that if you need to rant about a show or even life in general, my ask box is always open and i will always gladly listen, so i don’t mind at all!!!!

about jack & joker…….oh boy. okay. i feel like someone is gonna snipe me out of the fandom by the end of this, but let’s talk about it. i want to preface this by saying that i appreciate this show a whole lot and that yinwar will always have my undying admiration and support for being able to put together a series like this without a company to back them up: they dared to do a unique plot without knowing how well it was going to be received, which is a risk that big consolidated companies are still too afraid to take ([coughs] GMMTV [coughs]), and they’re doing so while also serving great social commentary, complex characters, interesting dynamics, incredible acting, insane chemistry, and an actual slow burn

all this being said, i try my best to be objective and honest in my opinions, and while the show has all the elements that i love and that would normally make me go crazy, it’s unfortunately not working as much for me, and that’s because i agree that the show has MAJOR narrative and pacing issues. you actually nailed one of the main problems down, which is that the tension that was steadily building in the first few episodes, both plot-wise and relationship-wise, all of a sudden completely flattened out. and don’t get me wrong, it’s perfectly fine to include moments where the pace is slowed down to add new information or character motivation, because while they do temporarily slow down the momentum of the story, they also help to make the later tension that much greater and more gripping, but after episodes 5 and 6 – after the group steals aran’s mother’s necklace back from rosé, after jack forgives joke, after aran gets disowned by his father and moves in with tattoo – the tension has had trouble picking up again

even if they included new conflicts – grandma getting sick, jack becoming boss’ adopted son and being forced to court rosé, the four horsemen – the narrative has started to crumble around the edges, because suddenly it has lost sight of the characters that it used to build tension up until that moment, and instead of releasing that tension, it just leaves you with all these loose threads that don’t really get tied up: how did tattoo and aran get closer? did aran’s father beat up any bodyguard in place of aran or was it always hope? is hope still recovering? is jack going to find out about what save did? how close jack and save even were? how did they meet? how did hope and save meet? i still have no idea who nang is for rosé and the boss and idk if i’ve missed something or ??????

and like im sure some of these questions will get an answer in the last three episodes, but the focus has shifted so much that whatever tension was built over them is now gone. i personally think they were able to raise it back up a little in episode 9 thanks to the heist and the group being back together (which is why i enjoyed it way more than the previous two), but the narrative feels very clunky to me. as for the kiss itself, i actually liked it, but i understand how the entire confession scene might feel a bit anticlimactic, and again i think it’s because all the tension they built up between jack and joke basically disappeared once jack forgave him. yes, the divorce era in episode 7 and 8 hurt, but by then the viewers already knew that the two of them had feelings for each other, and the entire thing with rosé was never really a threat to their relationship, so you’re just waiting for them to confess. they could have made the tension rise again by making them do that in the heat of the moment (while arguing, after one of them got hurt, etc.), but i guess they wanted that to be a small moment of peaceful joy for them, so i appreciate it

this got so incredibly long so im shutting up now, but the point is. i very much feel the same way as you, anon, and believe me when i say im also incredibly sad that im not going crazy over the show like i wished to. it’s still probably gonna make it into my top 10 BLs of the year for a couple of different reasons, but yeah, for what is worth, you’re not alone

let’s hope the last three episodes can up the stakes and tie up all the loose ends somewhat nicely!!!!

[divineclecticism]

I promise im not dead

I’ve just been crazy busy with work and school and life

But also here’s the thing y’all

I really, really, really love my job. I work for a medical clinic, but I am specifically our cannabis person. There’s actually quite a lot of different things I do, but a big part of my job is marketing, networking, and connecting with other people in both the cannabis industry and local communities as a whole

So, one of my favorite things about my job is the fact that I get to educate and help give people resources about cannabis. Because of the things I enjoy, like witchcraft, spirituality, music and concerts, tattoo conventions, events, etc, I actually end up in spaces where people are using cannabis a lot! I honestly naturally end up in places where people are open to talking about cannabis. I love It. I get to go to fun events and talk about weed. It’s a dream job for me. (I also do get to do healthcare related stuff when I’m in the clinic too; I am my boss’s MA, which I also love. I’m also about to enroll in a phlebotomy program so that I can have more diverse medical skills!)

The problem I have run into recently is a combination of a few things. I am really excited about my work and the things I am doing, but… I’m having trouble finding anyone to talk to about it. Even my coworkers are kind of like “oh. That’s cool.” And that’s it. 🫠 and I feel like it is rare that people genuinely love their job, and so I feel like I am bragging or something. And if the person hates their job, I just…. Aaaahhhh

For example, I actually got us a deal with a big cannabis culture magazine, and I finalized and got the ad for it in today. I’m really excited, but I don’t really have anyone to talk to about it. There’s other things, but that’s the first example to come to mind.

I just want to be able to share my excitement with someone!!

[whysojiminimnida]

The “sky, people” day was wild because this happened on the same day as that interview.

I’m trying to find the official clip but alas, no luck, BUT how can anyone see that and say that’s normal bro behavior. You just know, you know this isn’t their first rodeo, posing for pics like that for each other.

Handle hair Jungkook is absolutely wild. // love the people in the background that didnt give a shit about what these two were doing. Makes you wonder how often they do this in front of others for it to be a normal jungkook and jimin thing.

They’re gay YSJ, gay 🏳️‍🌈👨‍❤️‍💋‍👨🌈🦄💜💛🏳️‍🌈

OMG HIHIHIIHI @chikooritajjk hiii! I missed you! Sooo okay this is ALL HAPPENING between November 15-20, 2017. Which was a big week for the guys - all of them - because of the 2017 AMAs and also the Jimmy Kimmel Mini Outdoor Concert and also ALL the interviews and also... because the Jeon-Parks were barely two weeks off their Tokyo trip and GCF Tokyo, which Jungkook uploaded on the 8th. THE CHEMISTRY AND STUFF WAS ON HIGH IS WHAT I MEAN, HERE. That whole week is like ten posts of stuff. I could do it, if you want.

Here's the pre-AMA interview with E! News Asia, and it actually filmed on, I think, the 17th, but some of the stuff looks like the 18th or 19th and the same shirts so IDK. ANYWAY it was 2017 AMAs and they were in the US for it.

Sky... people....

AND ALSO THAT DAY

Ah, young gay love and gay panic... these guys could NOT catch a break that week and they were fresh off their honeymoon and still in the giddy phase of what happens when you surprise your man with a Disney trip and a hotel with a see-through bathroom and then post a whole Youtube Ode To My Boyfriend... Props to Tae for that support, though. He was a true bro like "uhhh yeah. Straight as an arrow and dumb as a box of hammers, that's our Jungkookie" and Joon is like "sure we'll Google it or w/e why did PD-nim make me Guardian Of The Fairy Children what the fuck" while doing mental math to see if he could afford to retire at 24. Honestly Namjoon just constantly looked like he wanted to unalive them both all week. The holy water interview happened that week or just before that too, it was insane. Namjoon got revenge though on the same day in a whole other interview about who gets all the girls and Joon straight up goes "Oh, Jungkook" resulting in SAD JIMIN and gay-panic Jungkook. AWKWARD PANDA WAS AWKWARD.

It was... well, it was mean. But the man was at his wits end. Namjoon In The Middle is my favorite show.

OH BUT YOU WANTED THIS AMIRITE?!

But THIS has been a two-day bitch to find. So my apologies for tardiness but we know I get like that AND ALSO... I KINDA HAVE IT.

It’s here at 42:47-52

And based on that I noticed the footage was from Good Insight: Producer Bang Si Hyuk episode, so I found that. And the Good Insight piece is a fucking HOUR long almost so I have not yet frame by framed it to locate that piece of video BUT I WILL because I NEED IT NOW THANKS ;) Also it looks really good and I haven't seen it soooo new material for meeeee yay ANYWAY:

If for some reason you can't see it try using this link. Bless Bangtan Subs.

And also swing a chicken for me to figure out why the hell my XBox Game Bar is not screen recording on my new gaming laptop because WHAT THE HELL. I did the whole screen acceleration and shutting shit off thing already. No dice. Errors aplenty. I'll work it out OR perhaps a smol genius will assist. Who knows. I digress. LOOK THOUGH I CAN SCREENSHOT LIKE A BOSS praise me plskthx i'm a libra

I'm sure there was a point I was making but honestly it's just nice to see you all and I'm easily distracted by the Jeon-Parks and that whole honeymoon period was WILD. OH THERE'S KEVIN HE'S UP EARLY LOVE YOU ALL BACK SOON ENJOY THE JIKOOKERY

[wickedsrest-rp-archive]

Name: Bridie Fionnuala Dougherty Species: Faun Occupation: Owner of Tír na nÓg Age: 28 Years Old Played By: Grace Face Claim: Aisha Dee

"My parents totally knew when they named me that I was gonna be amazing. It’s in my initials! BFD- Big Freakin’ Deal!"

TW: Alcoholism

Bridie always loved music. It felt like it buzzed through every single fiber of her being. It would make sense, since she practically grew up in venues like The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. The Dougherty family lived in an aos sí just outside of the city limits. It was far enough away that they were safe from the non-fae, but close enough to the city that they could go and have their fill of people enjoying themselves. And Nashville was a great spot for it. Bachelorette parties, bars, clubs, and concerts- the city had it all. And one of the city’s biggest acts was Fionn Dougherty. Bridie loved watching her father perform. The control he had over an audience was like nothing she’d ever seen before, and the frenzy he’d get them all whipped up into… They could feed for weeks on that energy alone. She knew from the time she was sat in the wings with her mother Oisin, she wanted to be just like her dad when she grew up.

Unfortunately, Bridie’s talents weren’t exactly musical in nature. She could sing well enough,but not well enough to sell out venues, and she couldn’t play an instrument to save her life. But her ear was her gift. Bridie could predict what songs would be hits with astounding accuracy. She simply attributed it to knowing what she liked. “And if I want to dance to it, then everyone is going to want to dance to it.” Being a young faun in a big city, she spent a lot of her evenings in nightclubs once she was old enough, and that’s when it hit her. She could do this. She could create a space where people would come, and listen to great music, dance until their feet fell off, drink, revel, and give her enough euphoria to feed off of for the rest of her days. It was foolproof!

Well. Almost foolproof. 

There were a few problems. The main problem with owning a business is that you’re the one in charge. And while Bridie loved to party, she hated to be the boss. That was the major downfall of her first spot- a nightclub in New York she called The Avalon. She just did not want to be the one responsible for getting all the paperwork in order that she needed to have everything open by the books. It was stupid, in her opinion. Why the hell did they need a liquor license? It’s easy! You open the bottle, and you drink! It’s not hard! Needless to say, the place was shut down within a year. The second problem was that  she’d unfortunately not picked the best location for a fae bar. Because across the street and two blocks down was a dingy little bar that was very popular with hunters passing through the Big Apple. Once they caught wind, Bridie knew it was time to skip town. Down on her investment and determined not to go home, she looked for a new spot that she could buy for cheap. She was going to try and do it right the second time. 

She heard a rumor from a friend of a friend about a town in Maine. A town with plenty of fae, and plenty of unsuspecting mortals wandering in and out. And it just so happened that there was an empty venue available for incredibly cheap due to some silly rumor about the bathroom being haunted. Bridie bought it for a song, and opened up Wicked’s Rest’s hottest new nightclub, Tír na nÓg.  

This time, she’ll have this thing in the bag.

Character Facts:

Personality: Colorful, adventurous, confident, fun-loving, friendly, careless, childish, impulsive, irresponsible, naïve

Both her parents work with music. Her father is a very popular singer in the Nashville music scene, and her mother toured for years as a dancer.

She can frequently be found not doing her actual job of managing her club and instead will be dj-ing. It’s the only way she can ensure everyone is having an amazing time.

When she says she listens to every genre of music, she means it.

In her unglamoured form, she has honey colored fur on goat legs, with little patches of white dotting her coat in irregular patterns, and curling horns that spiral back from her temples.

[choccyhearts]

Eddie Munson Headcanons

Note: A stream of unconscious thoughts and ideas lol

CW: Swearing (cause i feel VERY pASSIONATELY), pretty much all fluffy and nice because I enjoy happy/nerdy/goofy Eddie, mentions of being high (ofc)

Most definitely has a special stuffed animal he's hidden away, most likely a tiger or polar bear that's been crushed and flattened to all hell. It's so hidden in fact, that Eddie actually forgets where it is. (But Wayne always knows)

Mans loves playing characters at the silliest of times

Like, if his partner wears curlers to bed, he's going to suddenly start acting like a 50's suburban husband (but not in a toxic way!!)

"Work today was brutal, darling! Thompson was kissing up to the boss and trying to butter him up for the new promotion! I'll show him where he can kiss it! And on my way home, I passed these-these teenagers! They were listenin' to some of that rock n' roll racket! Hollywood and it's James Whoevers and Pelvis Elvis, it's all noise!"

He'll rub his eyes and give a big yawn, turning off the lights and doing the dad stumble to bed

Not a lover of Christmas, but if his partner celebrates it and enjoys it, he'll try to find some Christmas spirit

Like, despite the younger ones being in literal high school and having fought horrifying hellish monsters together, he'll force them all to gather near him with their hot cocoas and candy canes as he reads The Night Before Christmas

Yes, of fucking course he's going to do the different voices. His Santa gets better each and every year

You can also guarantee that despite nearing 30 when it comes out, he will go and see The Nightmare Before Christmas when it comes out in the 90s and will enjoy it very much so

He gives me the vibe that even if it's not verbally, if he's feeling down and goes out for a walk, he is greeting every squirrel he sees. I do not give a fuck if you disagree, he's most certainly not a hater of animals. He's a "Hello, squirrel" motherfucker

Honestly, I could see him doing that more if his partner 1. Finds it adorable or 2. Does it themselves

When he's older, especially a dad, he's a silly hat enjoyer. Like, c'mon. Santa hats? Duh. Hats that say crap like "Foxy grandpa"? Yes. It's Thanksgiving dinner and he comes out sporting a turkey hat, type of silly

He says it's ironic, and it might start out that way, but he would definitely love it if he receives silly hats as gifts

Like when he gets to be Wayne's age, he's kicking back with a beer wearing a "Fish fear me, Women want me" hat

He has a special notebook that's filled with little special scraps of paper. It's brown and leather and has straps that wrap around it. He hides it inside of his mattress (cause he unhinged like that)

It has concert tickets, tickets for movies he really liked, notes he's been passed that he thinks are funny or are meaningful, doodles his friends have done, either for him or around him, candy or gum wrappers that he thinks look cool or might never eat again if they're from out of the state or country. There's also folded up posters for Corroded Coffin and zines him and the band made to promote their shows

It looks like a little trash booklet, but it's his trash booklet

When the first gets too full he gets a new one

This one has torn out scraps of catalogs, magazines or newspapers because they're what he used to teach his children different words. Baby formula labels, clothing tags, crayon scribbled napkins

It's just filled with mementos from his true grown adult life

The day he decides to let go of his glorious long hair his friends will all be in mourning. They love him with his new hairstyle, but God, does it sting -- it also signifies, yes, the 80's are dead

But don't worry, he did dress as Frankenfurter for a Halloween gig Corroded Coffin did much to chagrin of the other members before he did the big chop

He did not, however, wear heels or a corset (in public that is </3)

Rockstar!Eddie likes trying to take pictures with the guys in front of either iconic monuments or state/city signs while on tour

It's cute the first couple times, especially when they travel across the world, but it soon turns to:

"Eddie, we have stopped in front of this Idaho sign 5 times already, nobody gives a shiiit", Gareth whines, sleepily rubbing his eyes

"Aw, come on guys, it's tradition!!"

"Get the fuck back on the bus, it's 4 AM", Jeff yawns

Eddie gets them to come around by agreeing to skip seeing the world's biggest yarn ball

Went to the younger ones' graduation and held up the largest, most obnoxious video camera ever (Steve only begrudgingly let him film because Eddie made a point saying Steve should just sit and enjoy this one event)

He screamed at the top of his lungs for each of them resulting in Steve only half-enjoying the event

He has to spin in spiny chairs at least once or he will combust

Keeps ready-to-bake cookie dough in his fridge for smoke seshes

Once made and ate an inside-out peanut butter and jelly sandwhich when he got toooo high and didn't realize what was wrong until he was done and his hands were sticky

Lovingly calls Wayne, "Old man" -- "Whatchu talkin' bout old man?"

Used to carve creepy messages into trees to fuck with people but stopped when someone told him it hurts the tree's feelings

Would love to learn how to cook or bake but doesn't know who to ask/is afraid to ask

Picks up shiny things he sees without even thinking about it

Says, "It's not even that cold" when it's single digit degrees

However would gladly accept a pair homemade of mittens made for him and would wear them every winter

I'll cap it here for now, I might make some more though ^_^ Also, lmk if anyone wants specific headcanons because I have a bunch of ideas like:

◇ Dad!Eddie (Rockstar or mechanic)

◇ 90s!Eddie

◇ Holiday stuff

[rogue-durin-16]

MATCHUP FOR:

@luna-says-stuff

I wanted to send in a Stranger Things request, if that is okay with you. I’ll try to make this short enough, but let’s see where we end. My pronouns are she/her, I am bisexual, and 18+. My most defying traits are probably that I am a cat person, I am obsessed with learning new stuff about things I’ll never use (mythology, true crime, paranormal etc.), and I consider myself a huge nerd. I love walking through bookstores, I collect doctor Martens, lp’s, band shirts, fantasy books, and my closet only exists out of Happy Socks and Christmas socks. This is no joke. You literally cannot find a pair of black socks, even if you dusted off the abandoned corners. Big fan of holidays. There is no such thing as a subtle Christmas, or a subtle Halloween. We have to go all out for that one, boss.

I can be rather impatient, immature, and I tend to procrastinate and run away from responsibilities for as long as I can. I can’t sit quietly to save my life, so I always need to busy my hands. I draw, I paint, I sculpt, I do embroidery, but most of all; I consider myself a writer. I love writing as much as I love to read. I can rant about the things I love for hours, and will not know how to stop (ask me about Tolkien’s works, I dare you). I also cannot stand people chewing. I lose my mind when it’s something crunchy. I absolutely hate it and I can’t explain why.

A toxic trait is that I saw Queen live and I will never let anyone forget. I love going to concerts, and I thankfully have a music taste which allows me to go to concerts often. (Hardrock, classic rock, heavy metal, and - occasionally - death metal, but a very specific corner. Still no fan of the screaming)

From Stranger Things I Ship You With:

Robin Buckley

Ship Dynamic:

The Chaotic Duo™

Quote:

«Meeting you was like listening to a song for the first time and knowing it would be my favorite.»

I can and will elaborate but also you two just go inexplicably well together, everyone shut up.

First things first, while you give an outcast vibe, it's not punk outcast like Eddie, it's more of a "I'm kinda weird and unfit for society's standards for 'cool' so I don't exist for popular kids", which inevitably makes you gravitate towards Robin.

Only that the 'hey we got interests in common, we should bond to survive' turns into 'you're like my favorite person now'.

I kinda see you two being pretty much aloof towards each other at first because meh, forced proximity by standing in the same corner socially speaking but is a true bond worth the effort?

YES IT IS.

While you two got the same general vibe (and by that I mean would definitely befriend you both), you're not even close to being the same.

Robin 100% pulls a face when you tell her about your music taste. You make it your mission to get her to at least try every hard rock subgenre.

She obviously can't say no to you, so as a revenge, she makes you listen to every song of artists like The Bangles and Stevie Nicks.

It becomes a tradition to go and meet up under the bleachers to listen to each other's music tapes during lunch break. I'm not talking about sitting quietly and listening, I'm talking about turning on the dramatic antics and making a full ass spoken essay about what you think of the songs.

You two might or might not enjoy whatever the other brings in the mixtape, but nonetheless you'll tease the hell out of each other.

Enriching each other's music taste as lifestyle.

First time you kiss you're both listening to music and it's very romantic but also very awkward because ✨it's the eighties✨ and you're ✨two girls kissing under the bleachers✨.

Mind you, I don't think either of you would have come out to the other, so it just sort of happens and then it's panic time. You're good tho.

You two don't start dating straight away, Robin wants to go down the old-fashioned, romantic way and take you on a thousand thoughtful dates to make you swoon. Devoted simp queen.

You sketched Robin in class once and she didn't even know how to function after that. Now you draw her a lot when she's not looking because the way this lanky lesbian goes (⁠⊙⁠_⁠◎⁠) is priceless.

Bookstore dates with a lot of bickering because you go for our fantasy Lord and linguistics King J. R. R. Tolkien and she goes for fucking Anthony Olcott????

You two make fun of each other's taste CONSTANTLY but ultimately end up giving it a try and actually enjoying it.

Two energy cannonballs. In this house we don't do control, we only do chaos. You're a menace when you're outside. Be gay do crime etc.

Steve is like, Robin's #1 hypeman in this relationship. He actually pushes her to ask you to be her girlfriend.

Robin buys you weird socks. Once she made fun of your Christmas socks collection and then bought you a pair with that vibe. And then another. And another. And—

This woman hangs anything you create from the wall. Painting? Hung. Rough sketch? Hung. A piece of fabric you randomly embroidered? Hung.

She loves to read whatever you write and actively encourages you to publish it somewhere.

She writes too. Mostly poems. She won't EVER tell you tho because omg so embarrassing going full on Sappho for you.

You probably find the poems at some point because she's a messy queen and you constantly snoop around at her place.

Listening to true crime stories and going to the library to dig into a very specific topic randomly is something you two do constantly and it's just as endearing as it is worrying, because no one —and I mean NO ONE— who's mentally okay runs to the library on a weekend to investigate about sighted UFOs in the last five years just because.

Robin keeping your immaturity and procrastination in check with an iron fist, and you doing the same for her.

Matching costumes for the win.

Robin isn't super big on holidays but she goes out of the way for you.

You say you saw Queen live, I say the two of you saw it and will NEVER let ANYONE forget about it. So sexy of you.

You're that odd couple everyone ships.

[jjungkookislife]

Quarterly Fic Recs 2021 #2

Hello! I’m back with another rec list! Here are fics I’ve read, loved and thoroughly enjoyed in the second quarter of 2021! They are all very wonderful fics! Each story has its own genre, warnings (and are mostly 18+), so please take that into consideration before reading. If any authors would like me to untag them, please let me know. Enjoy!

Yoongi

before i leave you @hollyhomburg

summary: Yoongi Disappears- leaving behind a shattered pack. 8 months later, Jimin finds Yoongi in an H-mart of all places.

Hoseok

heart-on @junghelioseok

summary: my boss is always telling me how perfect her son would be for me and she promises he’s coming to the next holiday party and don’t worry he’s heard all about me too and ALSO there’s this dude i slept with once a couple of months ago and sometimes he still sends me dick pics when i ask him to at 3 in the morning cause seriously dude’s got a good dick

Jungkook

charmolypi @njssi

summary: Work and pleasure should never be combined — or so the saying goes. But you were never really one to follow the rules in their entirety and neither were the ones around you. Love, lust, interest. Five people. In the workplace. What could go wrong? Everyone just wants to get something, after all.

when you least expect it @johobi

summary: You’re in love with your childhood friend, Taehyung. The problem is, you treasure your friendship with him far too much to ever risk losing it. Oh, and he’s quite the Casanova. At your wits’ end with feelings you can no longer hide as diligently as you once did, you ask him to set you up with someone, anyone, in a last ditch attempt to avoid a heartbreaking conversation.

wherever there is you @jeonstudios

summary: you’ve been drinking, haven’t you?

instant gratification @dovechim

fuckboi@jungkook x cheerleader!reader

haze @yyooni

summary: So you’ve fucked the biggest fuck boy on campus. It’s a one and done. One night stand. A wham bam thank you ma’am. So why does it happen again?

OT7/Multiple Members

because i’m yours @minniepetals

summary: you should have known they’d never let you go after gathering the courage to ask for a kiss

blazed @ironicarmy

summary: Your friends try to cheer you up during Christmastime, but things go south once Hoseok appears with a mysterious brown bag.

Seokjin

one step @cutechim

summary:  attending an ex’s wedding is never easy, but you might just have the perfect remedy—if you can pluck up the courage to take it.

platonic @joheunsaram

summary: Finding a new method for stress relief, you rope in your bestfriend/fwb to try it out with you.

show me yours and i’ll show you mine @ktheist

summary: you’re a horny bunny yet kim seokjin always seems to manage to slide out of your grasps like a fox every time.

Yoongi

before i leave you pt. 7 @/hollyhomburg

summary: Pack omega kim Seokjin knows how to handle things when they go south (or alternatively you get triggered, Yoongi has a panic attack, and it’s a good thing the pack is there to help)

Hoseok

risky business @yoonjinkooked

summary: The person who invented smart glass office walls knew what they were doing. Your secretary fucks you stupid in the office.

snapshot @xjoonchildx

summary: after a day at the beach, hoseok has some surprises in store for his longtime love

keep me warm @ppersonna

summary: camping is always a great time when you’re with your friends, but even better with your boyfriend, hoseok.

it’s you @jinpanman

summary: An accidental confession throws your years-long friendship with Hoseok into disarray.

Namjoon

love bytes @stutterfly

summary: It’s been a year since you first met Kim Namjoon, the passionate, talented English professor at the local campus. He’s always been clumsy and aloof, but he’s on a whole new level in terms of “technologically incapable.” One call to IT was all it took to pull you into his life, and with it a whole string of friendships full of flirtatious banter and undying support.

Your dating situation has been drier than the Sahara for years now, and you’ve wasted too many lonely nights drinking alone, so you try your hand at Tinder. But you’re not getting any bites. When the group finds out, they are more than willing to help��even Namjoon, though he finds it increasingly difficult to deny that he’s hopelessly smitten. You consider their opinions on potential Tinder dates while fighting off feelings you never knew were brewing for the caring soul who becomes the home you never had.

out of my league @/ppersona

summary: Kim Namjoon was never supposed to find out about your years-long hopeless crush on him. And he most definitely was not supposed to find out about it in front of all your coworkers in a company-wide meeting.

so this is love @jinpanman

summary: “So this is the miracle that I’ve been dreaming of. So this is love.”

problem solved @sugasbabiie

summary: Namjoon helps you with more than math problems tonight.

love is @hxseok-honee

summary: they say that love is supposed to transcend time and space and that it knows no limits. but putting an ocean and thousands of miles between two people won’t make things any easier, will it? 

Jimin

potent pink @dntaewithluv

summary: The first time you see Park Jimin you’re instantly entranced by him. And it turns out he lives in the apartment next to the one you’re moving into, so even better he’s your hot neighbor. When the previous tenant confesses to you that he was the best hook up she ever had, you’re that much more intrigued. The first time you meet him, however, you’re deciding immediately that you hate him and want to stay as far away from him as possible. Jimin is determined to be a constant in your life though, and he definitely is that. Both a constant flirt and a constant pain in your ass. Is a ruined second impression enough to prevent you from ever giving him a second chance?

Taehyung

hush, yeah? @kithtaehyung

summary: the innocent accident that started it all

unfinished business @/dntaewithluv

summary: Besides wanting to catch up with some old friends, there’s only one reason you found yourself agreeing to attend your 10 year high school reunion. The boy you were in love with back then is going to be there, and you’re determined to finally make your move. Except, unfortunately, it turns out that Kim Seokjin is very much happily married. Kim Taehyung, however, is very much single and feels like he has something to prove to you after you turned him down all those years ago. One night is all it takes to make you realize you made the biggest mistake of your life.

under the covers @jessikahathaway

spy!au

darling @bloomsuga

summary: “go to sleep, darling.”

as endless as the stars ^

summary: he waited 160 years to meet you again, and now that he has, he’s not letting go. or: “i love you as deep as the ocean and as endless as the stars”

dirty dishes @jaysdimples

summary: when your boyfriend can’t seem to keep his hands to himself so he stirs up a little trouble in the kitchen while everyone else is a few feet away in the next room

devotion @/sweetbunnykook

summary: You and Taehyung were inseparable once. When you come back to your hometown after three years, fate pulls you back to him. And this time, Taehyung won’t ever keep his eyes off of you.

Jungkook

commercial break; twelve @1kook

summary: Anyway, if it was up to Jungkook, Kim Doyeon would not be a member of the Engagement Ring Committee.

tease @adonis-koo

summary:You came with the intentions of your best friend landing a job as a stripper. You never meant to catch the eyes of the king stripper of the establishment- Jeon Jungkook, yourself. With what was supposed to be a harmless way of paying off college debt faster you find yourself falling into a very odd and passionate relationship with your new mentor. Between infidelity, passion and jealousy there’s never a dull moment at Cherry Bomb.

jock!jk @angelguk

summary: going raw with jock jk

evolution of a lover’s heart @jeonstudios

summary: the rules are simple: first one to take the virginity wins.

euphoria @btssavedmylifeblr

summary: At the end of your life, you are given one day to live again with the man you loved. A lifetime’s love story told in a single day.

idealizations concerning real life relations @venusiangguk

summary: jungkook loves to be loved, but he doesn’t love in return.

relax @itsbuffsanta

summary: jk is antsy after the concert, so you help him relax.

employee of the month @/dntaewithluv

summary: Sometimes it truly amazes you how much of an idiot your boyfriend can be. But you also find it impossible to say no to him. Even when it involves letting him fuck you at his work on the same day that he gets awarded employee of the month…

ego 08 @suga-kookiemonster

summary: what’s a girl to do when her sweet, innocent baby lab partner isn’t quite so sweet and innocent? well, he’s a grown-ass man, and you’re about to learn that the hard way.

only you 10 @sweetbunnykook 

summary: Jeon Jungkook, your wedding photographer, helps you escape on your big day upon learning about a secret your groom-to-be kept hidden. You soon fall for this young, passionate photographer. However, you underestimated just how much he was willing to reciprocate that love. Maybe, you think, he’s loving you just a little too much.  

lunchbox lovers @jiminrings

stem major!koo x cold senior!y/n

crunchyroll & rail @/1kook

summary: Never mind the fact you really like Sailor Moon, or that you really want to pay attention to every little detail; the moment becomes Jungkook and his big smile and his red cheeks and the tiny box he produces from within his pocket.

only for you @jikookiekosmos

summary: It’s the night before your wedding and you should be happy…but a fight with your fiancé leaves you second guessing everything. A visit from the blue-haired boy of your dreams is just what you need to make it right.

lillies @dewykth

summary: “… white lines, pretty baby, tattoos, don’t know what they mean, they’re special just for you…”

bluekooberry @kimtaehyunq

summary: Your adoring boyfriend, Jungkook, surprises you with a brand new hairstyle before your trip to visit him for the weekend. He’s excited to see you, feed you, and give you exactly what you want.

bad reputation @noteguk

summary: in which you have to deal with some strange emotions for the first time.

not yet @bratkook

summary: jungkook feels the pang of guilt in his gut when you spot your recent ex out with his new girl, and what better way to make the jerk hurt than to have him believe you were now dating him, the neighbor he had been insecure about your whole relationship

incoming: elite chatboy @kookingtae

summary: welcome to Elite Chatroom, a sex chat company with a wide variety of services such as text messaging, phone call, and video chat. you signed up online for the most basic text service plan not knowing what to expect, but you certainly didn’t think you’d end up actually liking the man behind the screen.

ineffable @euphoria-vmin7

summary: your best friend Jeon Jeongguk has always been amazing and deserved the best, so you’ve hid your love for him. But unbeknowsnt to you, there may be feelings that could change everything between you two…

touch @gardentulips

summary: when you tease and please one another

Multiple Members

friendly fire @kpopfanfictrash

summary: The dynamic: Hoseok; your friend and previous fuck buddy. Jungkook; Hoseok’s roommate and subject of your massive crush. The scene: determined not to drunk-gush about your crush any more (to his face), you decide to seclude yourself from all campus parties. Until, of course, Hoseok guilts you into a favor. Things spiral from there.

the boys are back in town @/dntaewithluv

summary: Getting stood up by your date definitely hadn’t been on your agenda for the evening. Also definitely not on your agenda: bumping into Park Jimin and Jeon Jungkook. Together. On the same exact night. It’s been a while since you’ve seen your two best friends, as well as lovers on multiple occasions, from your high school and college days. A chance meeting, some drinks, and a trip down memory lane is all it takes to reignite the attraction between the three of you. Old habits die hard, but these two? They just might be the death of you.

ruin you @taegularities

summary: “His eyes hold unfathomable darkness that lures you in, captures your very soul, steals any air you are trying to draw. And you know without a doubt that you’re on the path to utter and irrevocable ruination.”

ruin you (once more) ^

summary: Taehyung and Jungkook can’t keep their hands off you. Not even in the elevator.

Seokjin

kairos @luffles424

summary: When your financial aid falls through for your last year of school, you fear you’ll have to drop out and postpone your degree. Until Taehyung gives you a suggestion to make a lot of money, quick. His idea can’t possibly end well, can it?

appetence @luffles424

summary: appetence (n.) - an eager desire, an instinctive inclination; an attraction or a natural bondIt’s time for Seokjin’s rut. Are either of you prepared for this step?

tiny lights, tiny lies @ggukcangetit

summary: you aren’t sure when exactly your best friend’s brother went from being an oddly annoying set of broad shoulders to the shoulders you frequently fell asleep against.

Yoongi

the little things @kimtaehyunq

summary: When the present isn’t exactly enough for you right now, Yoongi is here for you through it all. He makes sure you know you aren’t alone and that it’s ok to feel alone.

cyberslut @kimnjss

summary:  he has no idea who you are… up front, you’re sweet and innocent - but in reality you’re the exact opposite. running your own nsfw account, where your favorite topic is his hands.

yoongi drabble @joonsgalore

life guard au

Hoseok

benefits @cutechim

summary: you and hoseok have taken the ‘friends’ out of friends with benefits, but exclusivity has its own perks.

Namjoon

namjoon drabble @lovetrivia

summary: You’re a hot girl on Twitch and Namjoon is an absolute simp.

Jimin

baby fever @writtenwhalien

summary: Jimin wants another baby, and much to your delight, he’s determined to give you one.

jimin drabble @/1kook

best friend au

small hands jimin drabble @lavishedinjimin

established relationship au

silk and lace @sunshyngal

summary: Min Nara is the newly dumped fiance to the Crown prince of Korea, Park Jimin. She’s not overtly upset , because at least now she can live her life without the pressure of the monarchy hanging over her head. Besides , Nara has a very dirty little secret. While she spends the day as the perfect high society girl with an impeccable pedigree , her nights are filled with lacy lingerie and webcams.  Ignored by the man she’s meant to marry, she revels in the greedy lust of strangers on the internet. It’s her way of saying ‘fuck you’ to a system that sees her as nothing but a toy, molded for the future King. Park Jimin doesn’t know the first thing about his supposed fiancee. And he has no intention of learning either. He knows just what debutante girls are like and he has no patience for the kind. Besides, his girlfriend of three years, the elegant and independent Irene is everything he would ever want in a wife . Or is she?Because in the secrecy of his office , after the day’s work is done , Park Jimin has a very scintillating vice that he likes to indulge in : the beautiful camgirl who calls herself the Temptress. Jimin can’t get enough of the girl’s lush thighs wrapped in silk, the pretty pink of her nipples in see through bralettes and the glittering temptation of the jeweled plugs she likes to stuff herself full with.Jimin thinks she embodies  everything he can never allow himself to have as a Prince : filth, sin and decadence , all wrapped up in Silk and Lace.

Taehyung

nip it in the bud @opaljm

summary: You’re not sure how you ended up here, but maybe a shitty ex and a horrible breakup had a hand in what placed you in front of the tattoo parlor. It was already a nerve-wracking experience, but what you never expected was seeing that the owner and artist giving you nipple piercings was your older brother’s best friend you hadn’t seen in ages. to make things even worse, he got fucking hotter.

taehyung drabble @joonsgalore

sugar daddy au

peanut @jungxk

summary: the making of peanut.

Jungkook

pretty kitty @venusiangguk

summary: you’re jk’s baby, his toy, and now his pretty little pet.

heavy metal @hisunshiine

summary: You come home from a trip to find your fuckbuddy has a… hole-y surprise.

devour @bloomsuga

summary: my sweet angel… i am going to devour you

grain of sand @jungkookiebus

summary: Blind since the age of 18 from a genetic disorder, Jungkook walked through life as if he never lost it, but on one fateful day seven years ago he literally almost runs into you. He fell in love nearly immediately. Fast forward to the present and it’s just another day in your quiet life with him by your side.

under the oak tree @mingoyeob

summary: as the eldest daughter of a duke, it’s your duty to marry at your father’s will. yet you didn’t expect to be marrying jeon jungkook, a knight of low status, especially when he departs for an expedition without another word after your first night. when he comes back three years later, this time as a renowned hero, how will you be able to face him and how will things change between you and your new husband?

jungkook drabble @1kook

dilf!jk

commercial break: thirteen ^

summary: Because for as much shit as you let him get away with, Jungkook is certain you’ll draw the line today.

sh. @wwilloww

summary: How could you say no to a month away in the mountains with your friends after six months of grueling quarantine?

jungkook drabble @lavishedinjimin

daddy!jk

OT7/Multiple Members

the end @jimlingss

summary: It’s been a habit of yours to vent in the form of love letters. There’s six in total. They’re kept secret, hidden in your closet. But on your 30th birthday, what you least expect is for each letter to become reality. All done by the whacky ghost of Christmas future trying to grant your birthday wish.

[wheeler-beretta-harwood]

Getting to Know My Sweet Tits Even Better 20 Question Style

Favorite color?

Favorite School Subject?

Favorite (non wrestling) Show?

Favorite Song?

Favorite Book?

Favorite Meal?

Favorite Animal?

Favorite Holiday?

Favorite Celebrity Crush (no wrestlers?)

Favorite Movie?

Indoor or Outdoors?

City or Countryside?

Video or Bored Games

More Money or More Time

Summer or Winter

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Do you still watch cartoons?

As a kid What did you want to be when you grew up?

What is one item in your bucket list?

What does your dream house look like ?

So many questions! So, here is what my boring ass has to say:

Favorite color: Any shade of green: forest green and mint green are my favorites.

Favorite School Subject: It is kind of obvious, because these are things I still enjoy and use today: English, and Art. They were the most fun to me. I've actually studied English to become a high school teacher (I am not working as teacher, because anxiety got the best of me, and told me I'd be horrible at teaching kids)

Favorite show: Girl, I am telling you, if you haven't watched yet, you NEED to see Doctor Who! And if you are watching, tell me your fav Doctor. I need to know if we have the same taste there, too!

Favorite Song: Phew, that's tough. Right now, it probably is "Weight of the World" by Citizen Soldier.

Favorite Book: I have actually put this in my Cash fic. It's RUMO by Walter Moers (German author, which is surprising because I am usually not a fan of German literature). Moers created a fictional continent called Zamonia, where all different kinds of creatures live. This place is loco in the best kind of way. And I HIGHLY recommend checking out some of his works (''City of Dreaming Books'' might be a good start, it's the one that got me hooked)

Favorite Meal: I am a sucker for fish. I love salmon or something with shrimp. I also love any kind of salad

Favorite Animal: Dogs. I just love dogs. I talk to every dog I meet. They're just so loving and sweet.

Favorite Holiday: any holiday I don't have to go to work. Honestly, I think it would be Halloween, but it is not really celebrated here in Germany. At least not where I live.

Celebrity Crush: Chris Evans.

Favorite Movie: It's either Edward Scissorhands (first movie that made me cry because as a teen, I felt like Edward), or V for Vendetta. Also the LOTR movies, I'll never get sick of them.

Indoor or outdoors: Both? I honestly used to be more outdoors, and I love the forest. But indoors is pretty cool too. So both.

City or countryside: In my head, I'd like to live in a small village (which is the case in reality), but close to a big city, because then it would be easy to go to concerts or have a nice shopping spree. The next bigger city to where I live is still small (like 250.000 people live there) and I have to drive 100 miles to get there. So yeah, countryside close to a big city.

Video or board games: I don't play much. I enjoy Monopoly, but no one wants to play because you never see the end of it. And it can ruin friendships

More Money or more time: Call me a material bitch, but definitely more money. My family never had a lot of money, and we were always struggling, so I can only imagine how nice it can be growing up without having to worry if you can buy enough food to make it until the end of the month

Summer or winter: tough one, sweet tits, because I am a spring and fall girl. But if you make me choose: winter. If there is one thing I can't stand, it's the fucking heat. I'd rather freeze to death than melt and burn.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years: Careerwise? In the position of my manager. He will retire in about 10 years, and I try my best to get his job after that. I am not sure if it will work out, as the boss who owns the company is not very fond of me, but I'm working hard to show that I am capable of much more than I am doing right now. Personally? In a happy relationship. I've been single for years, and I'm the only one to blame. When I'm not interested, a guy can do whatever he wants, it's not gonna change. If I am interested, I automatically think he's too good for me, so even if he wants me, still not a chance. I'll try to work on that.

Do you still watch cartoons?: YES! I still have a soft spot for early Spongebob and I quote things almost on a daily basis. I'm also obsessed with Crayon Shin Chan.

What I wanted to be as a kid: A vet, until I realized I have to put animals to sleep. Could not do that.

What is one item in your bucket list? Visiting Chicago. I am in love with this place.

What does your dream house look like? I don't know? I love Gothic houses, cottages, and modern houses. BUT I'd love to have a pool.

[luminescencefics]

in the crowd

Here’s my submission for the HS Fic Slam created by the lovely @oh-honey-styles! Big thanks to Anne for putting this all together, I can’t wait to read everybody else’s submissions. Here’s a blurb about the gif above with the prompt “I saw that, you checked me out.” (Essentially my fever dream of going to one of Harry’s live shows written in like 25 minutes haha). Enjoy! x

900ish word count

My masterlist // moodboard // read below:

***

You didn’t necessarily want to be here, per se. But your best friend, Callie, scored comped tickets from the radio station she worked at earlier that day, and she had begged you to come with her, declaring it was the perfect excuse for a girls night out. 

The free tickets were in the coveted friends and family overflow section, which granted you prime viewing access to the stage only a few rows back. The personal upside was that your section was only a few feet away from the bar just towards the exit of the pit, which would come in handy for the remainder of the night.

You were using the concert as your pregame for the rest of the evening. It’s not that you weren’t a Harry Styles fan, because Watermelon Sugar definitely came up on your beach playlist far too many times for you to not remember the words, but you were just looking forward to the next part of the night. The part where you got to dance with your three best girlfriends, drinking all your stresses from the work week away at a club in downtown LA. You didn’t get to see your friends often, but whenever you did, you made sure that girls night out was a memorable outing for all of you.

The four of you began the night at Katsuya, so you were all dressed for the part. As you settled into your seats near the pit, a strong tequila on the rocks in one hand, you observed your outfits compared to the other girls around you, and instantly felt a little awkward. You were sporting black leather pants, the kind that left little to the imagination, showcasing all your best assets. A white bustier bodice top that left a sliver of your skin showing from the waistline of your pants was overtop, with a matching All Saints leather jacket to cover up your cleavage. You felt tall and sexy in your strappy heels, towering over the rest of your friends beside you.

Honestly, you didn’t really care about the Harry Styles concert if you were being truthful. But Callie really wanted to go after watching him leave the radio station that afternoon, and the promise of free drinks and good music was really all you needed to agree to come.

The opening song began and the screams were so loud you felt your feet shaking in your heels. Suddenly, he appeared center stage, beginning his set and singing effortlessly. You were bobbing your head to the first two songs, not knowing the lyrics but appreciating the music. You were also appreciating the way he looked, all tanned skin and fluffy curls, long body with a structured torso, impeccable taste in clothing and sinewy hips. He definitely ticked off all your boxes, and the thought of watching him for another hour and a half really didn’t sound so unbearable anymore.

You were the perfect amount of drunk once the fourth song came, the earlier buzz you had from drinks at Katsuya fading into a delicate layer of inebriation. Harry had waltzed over to your side of the stage at this point, eyeing the crowd and waving at adoring fans. When his eyes fell over to your group, you were almost certain that he was looking straight at you, head tilting in a curious way as if he were trying to remember every line on your face. 

He left just as quickly as he came, and suddenly you needed another drink. After sneaking away and returning as the next song started, one you surprisingly knew quite well, you took a long sip and watched him. He commanded the stage in a way that made you wonder if he was an alpha by fault—taking ownership of every space he ended up filling. It definitely made your head spin with other inappropriate thoughts, but you couldn’t help it. He was handsome and staring at you and you truly had nothing to lose at this point. 

Your early inklings of him checking you out were almost confirmed as you watched him whisper over to his guitar player during a break in the set, feeling two eyes watch you from above. It was only when a dark-haired man sporting a black lanyard peeked over in your direction from the pit, his eyes shifting from Harry towards yours with a bright smile on his face, you knew that he had definitely noticed you.

So you made the next move.

When the song changed from a slow, easy tune into something slightly more upbeat, you handed your almost-emptied tequila drink to Callie, gripping your leather jacket and ripping it off, making sure your chest was perked, showcasing the cleavage in your tight top to the singer whose eyes conveniently shifted towards yours. He backed away from the microphone stand, eyes completely locked on yours, and looked at you from the tips of your painted toes to the tops of your hair. He had a slanted smirk on his face, white teeth beaming in a way that made you know that look was solely for you.

You knew he was quite skilled in reading lips, with the way he’s done it effortlessly to other fans throughout the night. So with one last look you mouthed, “I saw that, you checked me out,” up to him, your rogue-painted lips forming every word with ease.

He simply nodded in your direction, shrugging as if he were completely innocent, before moving to the other side of the stage so that attention wouldn’t be drawn to you. Callie though, caught every word, and you just laughed with her as the show took a quick intermission and Harry returned moments later in a white button-up t-shirt and a Gucci suit overtop.

A few songs later, and a new refill for you, he began singing a popular song from his first album that had your hips swiveling. He was showboating during the instrumental section, prancing around the stage for his screaming fans below. You were close enough to notice the sweat brimming at the top of his hairline, sliding down his sharp cheekbones before pooling at the hollows of his collarbones. The exertion from performing caused a few of the buttons on his dress shirt to pop open, the material turning a bit translucent from the sweat, allowing your eyes to trace the etchings of dark ink swirling around his skin. Just as you were noticing the laurels above his hips, he was suddenly in front of you, eyebrows lifted mischievously with a daring grin on his face.

He copies your words from earlier. “I saw that, you checked me out.”

You simply shrug like he did, biting your lower lip to try and keep your smile from breaking through your face. But he notices it just like he’s noticed practically every move you’ve made that night, and you swear that you can see him groan when his head tilts back, showing the bob of his Adam’s apple.

Your drink was finished by the time Harry began singing his encore. Callie leans over in your direction, letting you know that her boyfriend was waiting for them at Hyde Sunset. You could still feel Harry’s eyes on yours, and a small sliver of you had hope and a pinch of excitement for what could possibly happen next, so you decide to stay, informing your girlfriends that you’ll just call an Uber home from the venue.

They nod and leave, and just as the crowd was screaming as the song ended, a burly man with a black collared-shirt, the words SECURITY printed on the front, appears from the pit, a small piece of paper being thrust in your direction. 

“From the boss,” he utters, head shifting to the stage that was just occupied by Harry.

You nod and unfurl the paper, grinning when you read the uppercase scrawl that was hastily written in the dim lighting from the stage. 

Please tell me you want to see me as badly as I want to see you. -H x

When your eyes fall over the number scribbled on the bottom of the paper, you immediately compose a message on your phone, grinning at the fact that your gut instinct was right, and tonight was definitely going to be full of excitement. 

***

A/N: If you’re curious what happens after....

[nugnthopkns]

dance me to the end of love (ii)

word count: 3.3k

warnings: fem!oc, alcohol consumption, cursing

series masterpost: here

a/n: part two baby! thanks for all the love on part one, it means the absolute world. i have so much love for this story and i hope people are enjoying it :))

Life is settling into a comfortable rhythm.

After spending a good chunk of her young adult life being incredibly studious, Magdalene can finally have the social life of someone in their mid-twenties. Though she’s still spending a fair amount of time by herself in the basements of the University of Denver’s library, Bette convinces her to go out more. Magdalene tries to fight, citing extra work or a good book as an excuse to stay home, but it doesn’t work very often. The pleas of her friend are how Magdalene finds herself currently lounging poolside at Erik Johnson’s house on a Sunday afternoon.

“How’s the new career treating you?” Tyson asks. “I feel like we haven’t seen you in a while.”

Magdalene laughs. “I’ve seen Bette plenty,” she says, “She thinks I won’t take a lunch break unless she shows up.”

“Would you?” the blonde girl questions with a quirked brow.

“Probably not.”

“I rest my case.”

A small crowd gathers around as Magdalene begins to detail the specifics of her job, but she doesn’t feel as uncomfortable as she once would have. In the month or so since graduating school she’s found herself slowly being incorporated into the Avalanche family. It’s almost certainly because Bette and Tyson championed her case, explaining that she doesn’t have much of a support system beyond the two of them, but she doesn’t mind. A few of the guys ask her questions about her work, curious as to why someone would want to spend their life combing through piles of old things. Everyone stays engaged in the conversation until there’s a shout from the kitchen that dinner is ready.

Magdalene shuffles in line behind André, filling her plate with various pasta salads and a hamburger. Once situated with enough food for two meals she returns to the pool deck, sitting on the edge and dipping her toes into the cool water. Bette comes and finds her a minute later and the two of them begin to eat.

She’s still relatively new to the group’s dynamic, but Magdalene can’t help but notice that Ryan is never around. In fact, Magdalene hasn’t seen him since her graduation party. Taking a casual sip of her wine cooler, she asks her friend about the man’s absence.

“Why is Ryan never at these sorts of things?”

Bette shrugs. “Isn’t a huge one for parties. He was supposed to come today, but I guess something came up.”

“I’m not huge on parties,” Magdalene huffs, “But that doesn’t stop you from dragging me to every single one.”

“Unlike you, Gravy gets enough regular social interaction that his absence is permissible. If Tyson and I didn’t take you out you’d talk to your cat more than normal.”

She wants to fight back, but knows it’s pointless. Bette has a point – if it weren’t for her the only people Magdalene would interact with are her boss and her cat. Instead, she grumbles under her breath and changes the subject to the trip Bette is in the middle of planning. It’s coming up in a few weeks, and Magdalene wants to hear a bit more about it before she commits. Despite what she thought about taking time off so close to starting work, it was encouraged by June, but she's refraining from telling Bette that. If it doesn’t sound like she'll enjoy it, Magdalene is banking on being able to use the excuse.

Bette explains that she’s renting a large lake house that is perfect for a relaxing week away from adult responsibilities. The property has kayaks and a hot tub, which pretty much ensures that Magdalene will want to be in attendance. She’ll hold onto that information for a little while longer though, if for no other reason to make Bette squirm a little. At some point Tyson comes to sweep his girlfriend away and leaves Magdalene at the party alone. She makes polite conversation with some other players for a while before heading home herself. Ryan never shows up, despite how much Magdalene hopes he will. At the very least she wants to properly thank him for doing her a favour, though her hoping to see him is much more selfish. He intrigues her and she wants to know more about the tall man with the dazzling smile and a proclivity for wearing all black.

☼☼☼☼

Barn Owl Book Company is filled to the brim when Magdalene approaches the store from the side street it annexes. She should’ve expected it – it’s the first of the month and their newest books are hitting the shelves. However, Magdalene doesn’t exactly have time to wait in line. June gave her only fifteen minutes to run and grab them coffee before they continue the massive task of digitizing a private collection that has just been donated to the university. She estimates it will take almost a month of extended hours to get everything done, and Magdalene believes it. There’s so much to wade through but she knows the end result will be satisfying.

Luckily the café line is fairly short, and Magdalene reaches the counter in a timely manner. “Hey,” she greets the barista warmly, “Could I just grab two medium iced cappuccinos?”

“Anything else?”

“No, that's everything. It’ll be on debit,” she smiles. Magdalene reaches into her backpack to grab her wallet only to find that it’s missing. Shit. The barista has already left to make the drinks, completely unaware that her customer is unable to pay.

Magdalene hears a voice from behind her say, “I’ve got it, don’t worry.” She turns around to find Ryan Graves standing there with a book tucked under his right arm.

“You’re a lifesaver,” she mumbles appreciatively. “I don’t know how my boss would take it if I showed up empty handed.”

Ryan laughs shyly as he pulls his card away from the machine. “I get it, everyone needs a little caffeine this time of year.” The barista comes back with Magdalene’s drinks, which she takes with a smile and a wish for a good day. The two of them head towards the exit, and Ryan pauses once they’re on the sidewalk. “Which way are you headed?”

“Back to work,” Magdalene says, nodding her head in the direction of campus. “I’ve got approximately five minutes to get there before June rips me a new one.”

“June?”

“She’s my boss,” she explains.

Ryan nods in understanding. “I’ll see you around Magdalene,” he smiles, turning on his heel and heading the opposite direction.

In a moment of bravery, Magdalene yells at his retreating figure. “Will you? We never seem to cross paths.”

“I’ll be at Bette and Tyson’s this weekend, and I’m counting on your company.”

Magdalene finds it incredibly hard to focus the rest of the afternoon. She keeps thinking about what Ryan said, which makes her a rather lousy archivist. June sends her home just after seven even though they had plans to stay until ten, citing the fact that she’s scanned the same photo three times before noticing. Caligula’s meowing for pets when she gets home isn’t even enough to distract her from the comment. The absentmindedness continues for another day or so, and it’s becoming so bad Magdalene is worried that June is going to fire her for incompetence.

It’s only when Bette calls to invite her over for dinner and drinks that her mind levels out. “I was wondering when I was going to get the call,” she chuckles absentmindedly.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” is the response Magdalene receives.

“Well,” she explains, “I ran into Ryan at Barn Owl the other day and he paid for my drinks because I left my wallet on the table at work, and he said he expected to see me at your place this weekend. So if you never invited me I was just going to show up.”

Bette is smiling, that much Magdalene can infer by the lull in conversation. “I haven’t got the time to call you yet,” she concedes, “But consider this the official invitation to our house for a small party.”

“Anything we’re celebrating?”

“Nope. Have you ever needed a reason to party?”

Magdalene laughs. “Yes. Need one almost every time actually.”

The rest of the week passes fairly quickly. To make up for her blundering earlier in the week Magdalene offers to work a full day on Saturday, by herself, to get the project back on track. June accepts the proposition eagerly, and Magdalene lets Bette know she’ll be coming directly from work. Saturday rolls around and she spends most of her time getting lost in the past lives of the artefacts she’s dealing with. If someone were to ask Magdalene what her favourite part of archiving is, that’s the answer she’d give. There’s nothing more satisfying to her than holding a piece of history in her hands and imagining all the stories it would be able to tell if it could speak.

By the time she’s put in a full work day and finishes locking up the basement floor her department occupies, Magdalene is pretty sure they’re ahead of schedule on the project. She genuinely feels terrible about her misperformance and hopes June will be able to forgive her. On the way to Bette and Tyson’s Magdalene listens to the Leonard Cohen greatest hits cd that came with her car. The previous owner was presumably a big fan, and over the years Magdalene has come to appreciate the folk singer. She never got to see him in concert before his death but turns to his music when she needs to relax. Right now is the perfect time to listen to ‘Hallelujah’ on repeat because she’s seriously freaking out about the idea of spending the night talking to Ryan. Though she still wants to properly thank him and possibly become friends, something about him makes Magdalene nervous.

There’s no way for her to tell if Ryan is there when she parks in front of the house. She doesn’t know what kind of car he drives, or if he caught a ride with someone. Magdalene debates texting Bette to see if he’s there already but decides against it, knowing she’s an adult who is more than capable of pushing down nerves.

She doesn’t bother knocking and just steps into the respectably sized home. The music is loud enough that no one would have heard her anyways. It’s much more of a party than Magdalene was expecting – Bette invited her for dinner and drinks, not a gathering that could pass as a frat party. There are bodies everywhere, and she isn’t sure if she’ll ever catch a glimpse of her friend.

“You seem to be dressed for the wrong kind of party,” a voice chuckles from behind her.

Magdalene turns to see Ryan leaning against the wall, eyeing her business casual attire. “I came from work,” she explains, “And didn’t know it was this kind of party to begin with. I would’ve at least brought a change of clothes.”

“You look terribly out of place,” he agrees. “Can I grab you a drink? The hosts are too busy playing beer pong to, you know, be hosts.”

A giggle escapes Magdalene’s lips at the comment. Ryan seems to have a similar sense of humor to her, which will be beneficial for passing the time if Bette is already on her way to being wasted. “A glass of red wine would be nice.”

Ryan pushes off from his perch and heads towards the kitchen. The crowd parts for the six-foot-five hockey player, and Magdalene follows in his wake quite easily. Knowing the space as well as her, Ryan grabs a wine glass from the cupboard Bette keeps them in and pours the dark red liquid into it. He waits until Magdalene has situated herself on the island before handing her the cup. She takes it with an appreciative hum and waits until he’s grabbed a beer for himself before raising her glass in toast. Ryan does the same, and their glasses clink before each of them take a sip.

“What exactly is it that you do? I bet it’s something super cool and studious, but I seriously don’t know what the hell being an archivist means.”

Magdalene explains her job to Ryan, who is extremely interested. He asks nearly a hundred follow-up questions that she answers sincerely, throwing in a few jokes that luckily crack him up. Conversation moves to his career and then life. Magdalene learns that he’s from Nova Scotia, though he stays around Denver these days, and that if he wasn’t playing professional hockey he’d like to have a career in publishing. Ryan doesn’t press too hard when Magdalene refuses to open up about her family, which she appreciates. It’s a delicate subject that she keeps guarded close to her chest, and a friend’s kitchen in the middle of a party isn’t the place for her to divulge her deepest secrets.

The two of them get refills before exiting the room. Even more people seemed to arrive since Magdalene walked through the door, and the kitchen is no longer an empty safe haven. The music is so loud she can feel the bass thumping in her chest, giving the living room a club-like atmosphere, and it’s too much. Magdalene tugs at the hem of Ryan’s sweater to catch his attention. “Want to go somewhere quiet?”

“I doubt there is such a place,” he yells over the crowd going crazy over some early 2000s hip-hop track.

“Follow me,” she says with a smile, pointing over her shoulder in the direction of the staircase to the second floor.

It takes a minute for them to wade through the throngs of people, but it goes much faster once Ryan takes Magdalene’s hand and splits the crowd. A few boys, who don’t look older than twenty-one and almost certainly snuck into the party, notice where the pair are going and shout congratulations. Ryan shoots them a glare so sharp it could cut stone but doesn’t drop Magdalene’s hand. Once safely on the much quieter second floor, Magdalene makes a beeline for the bathroom.

“Are you coming or what?” she asks when there doesn’t seem to be footsteps following her.

Ryan hesitates. “I, uh, can just wait out here while you’re in there,” he stammers.

Magdalene’s laugh rings out through the empty hallway. “I’m not going to the bathroom. We’re going out the window.”

He isn’t sure how that’s any better, but Ryan follows the brown-haired girl into the room. It takes considerably more work for him to fit through the frame, but after some directions from Magdalene he makes it onto the roof. She sits down and pats the space beside her, encouraging Ryan to do the same. They stay out there, discussing anything that comes to their heads, until the party’s numbers dwindle drastically. Magdalene makes sure to properly thank him for both attending her graduation and spotting her coffee money, and she thinks Ryan might blush a little when she offers to get the next round. He asks about her love of The West Wing, and they launch into a long conversation about the show and cast. The sun fades to black and the cold sets in, and Magdalene finds herself wrapped in Ryan’s sweater without asking. It’s only when she notices it’s approaching midnight that Magdalene clues into how tired she is.

“I think I’m going to head out,” she yawns. Ryan nods in agreement and holds the window open for her to slip in through. Once downstairs, Magdalene goes to lift the sweater from her frame but Ryan stops her.

“Keep it for drive home. I’ll get it back next time we see each other.”

Still feeling bold from the alcohol that left her system hours ago, she reaches out to poke him in the chest. “And when will that be, hm? You seem to enjoy leaving our meetings up to chance.”

It’s Ryan’s turn to laugh. “Think you can swing an extended lunch break on Wednesday? I’ll be at Barn Owl all afternoon. Maybe you can join me for a coffee.”

Magdalene likes the sound of that and agrees. She leaves without seeing Bette or Tyson once, but she doesn’t mind. They’d be happy for her blooming friendship – or at least she’s pretty sure they will be once she calls to fill them in on the details.

☼☼☼☼

Wednesday rolls around without incident, and Magdalene is given a full hour to eat instead of thirty minutes. Walking time has to be accounted for, of course, but she should have nearly forty-five minutes to spend with Ryan if she plays her cards right. There’s no crowd this time, and it’s incredibly easy to spot Ryan sitting in the window she loves to claim as her own.

“Hey,” Magdalene greets, “Did Bette tell you to sit here?”

He shakes his head, perplexed at the question. “No, why?”

“It’s just my favourite seat in the store, that’s all. I thought she told you how to gain some extra brownie points.”

“Should I be concerned about the amount of points I have?” Ryan teases, sliding a cup and pastry bag across the table and into her hands.

Magdalene shakes her head, smiling widely. “You’re doing alright so far. Keep up the good work.”

They eat at a comfortable pace, taking breaks to engage in interesting topics of conversation or take sips of their drinks. Ryan insists his life is boring, but Magdalene is enthralled by the stories he tells. It’s completely different from hers and she feels as though she can live vicariously through the tales of walking through the historic downs of the east coast and swimming in the Pacific Ocean on days off in California. After squeezing every story possible from the man Magdalene shifts gears slightly.

“So, are you going on the trip in a couple of weeks?”

“It’s looking that way,” Ryan shrugs with relative indifference, “Nate doesn’t think he’ll be able to come back, something about a development camp he’s running having the dates switched. He’s asked me to take his spot.”

His neutral mood confuses her. When Bette mentioned his probable attendance months ago, it sounded like he was enthusiastic about spending a week with friends doing nothing to swimming and drinking. “You don’t want to go?” Magdalene probes.

“It’s not that I don’t want to, but sometimes the group parties a little harder than I like to,” he sighs, raising a hand and running it through his hair. That’s something she understands completely, having spent a few too many nights being the sober one out.

“I’ll be there.” It’s Magdalene’s turn to shrug, but the comment holds an incredible amount of hope.

“Well then, that changes everything.”

Was Ryan flirting with her? She spends the rest of lunch thinking about the possibility, and truthfully, it occupies her brain for the rest of the day. However, she keeps her focus and June is none the wiser to the butterflies in her stomach. Work finishes without much fanfare, and her dinner is silent save for the few meows of conversation Caligula offers. It’s late by the time Magdalene falls into bed, cat snuggled into the pillow beside her. On a whim she decides to check Instagram and sees a message request from none other than the man who’s smile has been replaying in her mind. A follow request accompanies it.

Thought that maybe we could quit leaving our meetings to chance and plan something next time :)

He has to be flirting. There’s no other explanation for the witty banter they’ve shared this week, or why he’s reaching out to her on social media. The butterflies in her stomach multiply tenfold as Magdalene types out a reply.

I don’t know, it’s kind of fun being shrouded in mystery. However, I now have the opportunity to stalk your profile ;)

Before she can overthink her use of the emoji, Magdalene shoves her phone in the drawer of her nightstand and rolls over. A slight smile can’t help but appear on her features as she falls asleep, already curious about what his reply will be.

☼☼☼☼

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