#love that we still don’t have brooklyns last name

[frostybirdgoddess]

Minor spoilers for ep one of Chaos Theory as well as the minute long clip of Yaz, Sammy, and Ben.

I think the biggest thing to take away from the first episode is that it’s been some time since Brooklyn died. From the trailers we’d gotten, it was made to seem like B’s death is what caused everyone to come together, but post watching episode one, it seems to have been at least a month since Brooklyn died.

Darius and Ben haven’t talked since Brooklyn’s death, though that doesn’t seem intentional or malicious on either side.

Kenji 100% has been blaming Darius for what happened to Brooklyn, kind of like he did in CC when B was a hostage. (B was rescued, Darius was like we’re good?, Kenji said no and essentially blamed Darius for ‘putting’ Brooklyn in danger.)

Seems like that’s happening again, except it’s worse because Brooklyn isn’t coming back this time.

It’s made worse by of the wall of pictures we see in Darius’s house, bc it seems the Bowmans all but legally adopted Kenji. And now Kenji is blaming his brother- the professional dino wrangler- for not being there when Brooklyn was attacked by a dinosaur.An understandable thing to do in the face of grief, but ultimately wrong and definitely hurting Darius’s survivor’s guilt.

Moving on to the CampFam as a whole, they haven’t drifted, they still remain in touch like any split up group of friends do. I’m very happy about that. And they made their epilogue designs from CC canon which I absolutely love.

Yaz.

I stand by that Yasmina was the most affected by CC, but that *isn’t* what drove her to be as scared of dinosaurs as she is; it was the brutal death of a friend.

I’m theorizing that Yaz and Sammy *did* live together happily on Sammy’s dino ranch until Brooklyn’s death. That event probably reawakened the trauma Yasmina has from such brutal dinosaur experiences. She’s freshly terrified of dinosaurs now, and it’s badly affecting her once peaceful life on a dinosaur ranch.

So, she leaves. Yaz has either moved to, or built up a dino-free suburban area for people to live in. But her trauma with dinosaurs is obviously something Yaz wants to work past and move on from, hence the hologram and mention of safe inversion therapy.

Yaz *wants* to go back to her life on the ranch with her girlfriend, but she’s very messed up about Brooklyn’s death, and knowing Yasmina, it drives her crazy that this renewed trauma isn’t something she can just push past.

That’s all I have for now, I’d love to hear other people’s thoughts!

[art]

Creator Spotlight: @jdebbiel

Deb JJ Lee is a non-binary Korean artist based in Brooklyn, NY. They have appeared in the New Yorker, New York Times, NPR, Google, Radiolab, and more. Their award-winning graphic memoir, IN LIMBO, about mental illness and difficult relationships with trauma, released in March 2023 from First Second.

Below is our interview with Deb!

Have you ever had an art block? If so, how did you overcome it?

That implies I am over my art block, but I’m still in it! I think about Kiki’s Delivery Service a lot and how she had to stop doing a thing, and that you can’t really force it, and you have to let it come back to you. It’s a pretty humbling moment, realizing there is more to life than just drawing. I’ve been trying to consume other content like reading or watching movies—anything that is not drawing-related—and to trust that it will come back to me. I think not being afraid to do the small pieces before committing to the big pieces is helpful. Because big pieces are what I am known for, I dig myself into a deeper hole, thinking that each piece has to be bigger than the last one. So yeah! Relaxing and doing the small things before overcommitting to a big piece is the best way to go about it for me.

Which 3 famous artists (dead or alive) would you invite to your dinner party?

I feel like these are all artists that I have second-degree connections with! Jillian Tamaki, Victo Ngai, and Tillie Walden would be my picks!

What are your file name conventions?

…What file name conventions? I mean, I don’t have specific file name conventions, but I actually have a public Google Drive archive! But I usually put “djjl_whatever-the-title-is_final,” and I would always know it’s the final and legit version.

What is a recent creative project that you are proud of?

I did an illustration for the whiskey brand Johnnie Walker. It’s so wild because I only had four days to finish it, and it usually takes me a week and a half if I rush. And honestly, it’s probably one of my best pieces from this year, which is funny. It was for the Mid-Autumn festival, so I made it as Korean as possible.

How has technology changed the way you approach your work?

I only use my iPad to draw everything now, and if I want to pretend that I have a steady workstation, I’ll use my Cintiq. I still am not as comfortable on the Cintiq as I am on Procreate, but it’s still pretty solid and nice. That’s the good part about technology. The bad part about technology is how AI art has been messing things up for me. I’m currently in a lawsuit about AI art as a class rep. Some of my stuff got turned into AI art late last year, so I have to give a deposition at some point. 

What is a convention experience that has stuck with you?

Honestly, they’re all good! I feel like Lightbox Expo has been really nice because it’s truly been a convention for artists. I feel like that’s where most of my audience is, and they’re all around because their purpose is to be better at art. That’s where a lot of original artists do well because they’re getting art they’re inspired by, not so much fanart. I like the Lightbox Expo because it encompasses the pure love of art very well. 

Top tips on setting up an Artist Alley booth?

Use a Y axis, not just your X axis! Take advantage of it! Branding is also something to think about. It is definitely something I’m getting better at. Having an assistant is also very important. I’ve also heard that 8.5x11 to 12x18 inches is usually a good size for prints, but I also provide postcard-sized prints because sometimes people don’t want to commit to a larger size. 

Who on Tumblr inspires you and why?

You know this is so funny. I’ve been following @alicexz for over a decade on Tumblr and other platforms. I’ve followed her work since high school, and we’ve only recently become peers. I found her, and we met for the first time in real life, and she recognized me. And then I found all my drawings from when I was in my Alice phase, back in high school, and I was like, “Yo, this is when I was trying to be you so badly!” and she was cracking up and was like “Wow, this is so good!” It was such a sweet moment. I wanted to take a picture of her holding my drawing up. It’s really nice because now we’re peers.

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing, Deb! Be sure to check out their Tumblr blog over at @jdebbiel.

[neonovember]

OH MY GOD CARMYS GF (READER) GETTING HER FIRST TATTOO AND HIM COMFORTING HER AND HELPING HER TAKE CARE OF IT DURING THE HEALING PROCESS OR WHATEVA‼️💳💥💳💥 IDK I WAS JUST SITTING HERE AND THOUGHT OF IT IF YOU DOJT WANNA WRITE IT THATS OKAY

could even make the tattoo be his name or his initial or somethin 🤯🤯🤭😏

love you and your writing 😚

thanks for keeping us fed 😌

carmen berzatto x reader

okay so yes, maybe hozier has jolted me out of my writers block. i'm just a women after all.

Inked Devotion

this request was fun! i really didn't know what to make the tattoo so i left it a blank slate for whatever you wanna imagine, hope that's okay!

word count: 1.7k

things; tattoos, mentions of braces, carmen's unyielding devotion to you

Your eyes dart across the tall walls lined with inked models and men in dark beards nervously. You can't shake the tension that seems to imprint itself under your skin, your knees jittering with a rapid tap against the linoleum floors. 

When you had brought up wanting to get a tattoo, a half joking mutter under your breath as you traced the many littered on Carmen’s body you hadn’t anticipated to actually go through with it. 

And yet here you were, shaking like a leaf despite the diffuser jutting out whisper of eucalyptus that was meant to be calming. Whilst Monica, a woman you'd meant a handful of times ran through the list of after care necessities you should be listening to.

You can’t though, you don’t hear a thing as you stare unseeingly through the dark auburn tresses of her short hair, wrapped up in the thoughts that have begun to eat away at the already dwindling confidence you had when you first walked in. 

“Hey, you still with me darlin’' Monica's Brooklyn drawl draws you back to her, and you duck your head sheepishly as you nod furiously. Like a goddamn high schooler getting caught looking out the window instead of listening to Hemingway.

Monica smiles toward you, humouring warmth filling her pale skin that, surprising to you, were incredibly stark of tattoos. In fact, if it weren’t for the posters taped to the walls, the black and white tiled floor, and the ominous tattoo bench in the corner you would have thought you walked it not the wrong place. It was stereotypical of you, and you had been a loud advocate for not judging a book by its cover, but goddamn, what tattoo parlour had potted plants and candles that smell like cinnamon?

“Sorry, uh, what did you say?” 

“It’ll be alright, the pain really does depend on each person but Larry here will catch you if you faint on my tattoo bed” Monica winks with a smile, and you shift your gaze to the man stationed unmoving near some marked drawers, the mass of muscle hidden beneath dark jeans and a shirt bursting out of him.

It wasn’t the pain you were worried about, you had period cramps that sounded worse than that, it was more so the prospect of having your virgin skin imprinted with something forever. You had never done something like this, teenage recklessness had passed you by without a blink, and you had little to show for it but carved words on your old dresser from a knife and a dark eyeshadow phase that lasted less than a month. 

It was a little pathetic, getting your first tattoo eons after any respectable age, and your trepidation seems blatantly clear as Monica shakes her head with a smile.

“Many people get their firsts well into adulthood, did I tell you about my last appointment? A 52 year old woman wanting a goddamn tramp stamp.”

You can't help but let a giggle out, the unsureness leaving you at Monica’s words

“You still want this right?’ Monica replies, and you shift your gaze to Carmen, who was already watching you fondly, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he pushes his golden strands back and gives you a nod

“It’s all up yo you gorgeous, if your having second thoughts there is a really good Thai place i wanted to che-” 

“No, no I want this”  You cut him off, and he chuckles softly, “Besides we already designed the stencil and everything” Carmen nods at that, placing his large palm onto your own, squeezing it with reassurance.

“Damn right we did, thinkin it's my best work yet” Monica chirps from the other side of the bed between you.

“Alright, just sit on that bed down there, get settles while I grab some things” 

You nod, walking stiffly towards the leather bed, tissue paper crinkly under your weight as you shift into a comfortable position. Your eyes follow Monica like a laser, watching as she santises her hands and slides on powdered sterile gloves. 

It reminds you of days spent in Dentists chairs, visions of rubbery fingers tightening wires into your teeth flashes behind the darkness of your lids. Funny, you had worried about your lack of experimental youth, and yet here you are now feeling like a kid again.

The thought makes you smile, and you open your eyes to feel the heated gaze of Carmen looming over you. Face distorting in horror when Monica’s tool makes a clatter, eyes widening comically in that way that always makes you laugh.

“Alright Doll, I’m just gonna need you to sit up for me whilst I get the skin prepped. Alcohols gonna feel a little cold to the touch, kay?” Monica says.

All you can do is nod as she rips open the matte packet, pressing it into your open skin shaved clean per her request a few prior. Who knew how much prep a tattoo would need, you were sure it was on par with even one of Carm’s dishes.

Unfortunately for you the only numbing cream useful for tattoos had something that would have made you break out in hives, so it was cold turkey for you. Monica had transformed the design into a stencil, and as she was transferring it into your skin it seemed to come to life all at once. 

You had spent hours going over designs, and whilst you were extremely happy with what you both came up with, it was like when the lines and shapes had traced your skin, you finally saw it. And the moment you did you couldn't stop the wave of emotion that rushed through you, filling your eyes.

“Hey, baby, hey what is it” Carmen rushed urgently, crouching down when he noticed the way you sniffled.

“Awe doll, you don’t like the design? I’ll change it in a flash, this is just the stencil it aint permanent at all” Monica quickly stopped, looking up at you with concern

“No no, I’m fine” You squeezed Carmen “It’s so, it's beautiful Monica” You rushed out, trying to ease the lines of concern that appeared on her face. Monica bloomed at your reply, fondness heating her cheeks as she traced your skin comfortingly.

“Thank you” You whispered to her as she shushed you.

“At least we got the crying bit over and done with, it might hurt less now” She winked, before reaching for her tattoo gun.

“Ah shit” You grunted, shooting daggers Carmen's way when he snorted out loud.

Returning to your skin, Monica pressed the pointed tip of the gun to your skin, the first sink of ink burrowed into your skin causing you to clench your jaw. 

Monica looked up to watch your expression with a smile,

“See, ain't too bad” Carmen replied before you gripped him white knuckled, making him wince regrettably.

It took some time, you won’t lie to yourself that is fucking hurt. But soon enough the sharp stab had resided to a dull ache, and you instead had become all too focused on the movement of Monica's hand swaying through the strokes of the design. 

You were in awe, she breathed her being into it, and as the design took inches and inches of your skin you understood why she was booked out for months. With one last intricate curl, and a wipe of cleansing soap across the inked skin it was finished. Revealed to both you and Carmen's eyes in all its glory, and you both just stared.

“God, now I wish my first was as good as that instead of wonky stick and poke” Carmen said after a pregnant silence had passed.

“It..wow, yeah. Yep, I want to be buried with this” You said softly, giddiness erupting in your body as you shook your hand grasped in Carmens.

“I’m glad doll, I mean this is meant to be professional but goddamn does your skin just take it. Fuckin’ gorgeous” Monica replied, leaning back as she places the gun on the table near.

“Hey, I'll report you to HR” Carmen bitterly replies, moving you closer to his side as you laugh.

“It’s my business, I am HR” Muttering under her breath as she rolls her eyes. Wrapping your skin in adhesive sheets, Monica repeats the after care instructions, thankfully and this time you listen.

Carmen had already grabbed your things, motioning for you to start heading out after you both furiously thanked Monica for everything. You crinkled with joy as she hugged you, breathing in the smell of old spice and medical grade rubbing alcohol that followed her. 

Her studded rings glistened in the afternoon sun as she waved you both goodbye, as you couldn't help but skip in your stride across the sidewalk. Finger tracing the raised blotted skin, whilst your other hand hung onto Carmen as he twirled you around.

“My gorgeous ink stained sweetheart” Carmen called to you, and you were brought back to his chest gently like a tide again.

“Thank you too, you know” You said into Carmen's cotton shirt. It was the one you got him after your first date, it had been a deep cobalt then. You regretted it just as you gave it to him, fearing you were being too forward. And then he wore it until it faded into a light blue.

“Wouldn't even have this forever on me if you hadn't been the one to bring it up again” You replied softly, fingers tracing his jaw.

“Would have spent a year learning how to tattoo myself if you wanted me too. Monica just seemed quicker” Carmen mumbled before you softly hit his chest with a smile.

“Hey, it’s true. Your skin deserves to be remembered, I could trace it till my fingers atrophied and I’d still have the memory of you under my skin memorised” Carmen divulged, eyelids drooping as he leaned down into your embrace. 

You shake your head, heart panging so deeply it hurt till you pressed your lips to his. Tasting the outpour of Carmen that he let loose into you everyday.

And Carmen had stayed true to his words weeks later when it had healed, tracing it till his fingers weren't enough. Till he had to wrap his mouth around it and taste it with his tongue.

He swears even your inked skin tasted sweet.

tags <3 @parmforcarm @hansfics @kpopgirlbtssvt @nolita-fairytale

[frissy]

Earth42! Miles Morales x fem!spider/1610!Reader

(Part 1) Part 2

MAJOR ATSV SPOILERS

• Earth 1610 Miles Morales

• You are also a spider person on Earth 1610 with Earth 42 spider DNA like Miles

• Takes place right before, and when Miles (and you) are sent to Earth 42

• possessive Earth 42 Miles

• You and Earth 1610 Miles are not in a romantic relationship

• mentions of death, guns, and blood

• violence

• angst and fluff

• some OOC Earth 42 Miles

• not proofread

Let’s do this.. one more time. Hey, I’m [name] from Earth 1610. You’ve heard the story before, I was bitten by a radioactive spider. And for over a year, I’ve been one of Brooklyn’s spider-people, along with my best friend, Miles Morales.

We keep the peace in the city, and we protect it. but.. sometimes it’s hard. Keeping our normal lives balanced with our crime fighting lives… but somehow, we still find time for each other. . End of introduction….

.

.

.

.

.

“DON’T LET THEM LEAVE. THEY CAN’T LEAVE.” Miguel O’Hara was shouting out at every other spider person trying to get to you and Miles.

It turns out, you guys were anomalies. You weren’t supposed to be spider-people.

But the chasing was no use, you two already made it to the machine that could send you home.

Somehow, you two managed to get inside as the almost mechanic-looking-spider began to crawl from the celling and read your DNA and build a web around you two to send you home.

But Miguel lunged over, clawing at the web, almost breaking it. He was trying to get to you and Miles. But it was no use. The avatar, who responsible for the machine looked at you and Miles with sympathy. And she pressed the ‘yes’ button to send you home. .

.

.

.

You both were shot onto a roof of an apartment complex. The one that Miles lived in. However he was lucky, and ended up near his room. .

Meanwhile you were shot out onto the roof, hitting your head. On concrete, which knocked you out. .

.

with miles…

.

“Miles?” A familiar voice echoed. Entering his room. It was his mom! .

“Mom!” He walked over to her. “what did you do to your hair?”

“nothing? Mom. I have to tell you something. But you have to promise me you won’t get mad.”

“Of course Miles. What is it?”

“you’ll still love me, right?”

“yes of course. Now what is it?”

Miles took a deep breath.

“Mom.. I’m Spider-Man.”

… “who’s Spider-Man?”

his stomach dropped. He tried explaining to her.. but she was brushing him off.

“So, you shoot webs out your butt?” She laughed. “No.. but I did have a nightmare about that once—“

He heard the apartment door open. He felt sick. Even more sick when he heard his voice.

it was his uncle Aaron… but how.

He couldn’t understand what his mom and uncle Aaron were talking about. He was in shock. But Aaron noticed him.

“Miles. Lets go.”

“oh.. okay.” Miles left his room. Walking with his.. uncle out of the apartment onto the roof.

.

.

.

Meanwhile…

.

“ah.. fuck.” You groaned, standing up. You couldn’t believe you got knocked out like that. You rubbed your head.. then you looked up.

Brooklyn was in shambles. .

Then it all clicked. This, this was not your earth.

You remembered Miguel’s words. .

“BECAUSE OF YOU TWO, THERE’S AN EARTH OUT THERE WITH NO SPIDER-MAN TO PROTECT IT.” .

How stupid could you and Miles have been? The machine reads the spider DNA.

the spider was from Earth 42… not 1610. You were mortified by this Earth’s Brooklyn. .

But it got worse. So much worse. You turned around.. facing a giant brick wall. Miles’s dad was staring right back at you. .

But your own face was looking right back at you too. .

You felt like passing out again. .

You were dead, you were dead in this universe. .

The door to the roof open. Put came Miles… and Aaron. He looked just as mortified as you. Seeing Brooklyn, and the mural.

That’s when you felt a sharp ping in your neck, and the last thing you heard was,

“I TOLD YOU TO WAIT!”

Your body didn’t hit the ground.. someone had caught you in their arms.

.

.

“I told you to wait for my signal.” Aaron said looking at his nephew, who held you as if you were as delicate as porcelain.

Who held you how he would always do.

Aaron had Miles slumped over his shoulder.

“I know. Unc.. but couldn’t help it.” .

Aaron sighed, and looked at his nephew who’s looked at your unconscious, breathing figure as if he had just found something that had been lost for a long time.

he looked at you, barely whispering, putting a hand on your cheek. “Mi querida..”

Aaron sighed at his behavior.

“That’s not your girl.” Aaron told his nephew, “Remember that.” He said, pointing at the mural behind him.

.

Miles didn’t reply. Instead he brought your body closer to him, and held you tighter.

He wanted to feel the ride and fall of your chest.

He wanted to hear your breathing.

And doing that, he felt something he hasn’t felt in so long. .

“I know she’s not my girl.” Miles replied. His voice was shaky and he didn’t take his eyes off you. .

But I can make her my girl.

He thought to himself.

.

.

.

.

.

TO BE CONTINUED….

[imtryingbuck]

Black velvet

~ gif not mine credit to owner ~

Pairing: Natasha Romanoff x fem!Reader

Summary: you and Nat are dating, recently you’ve been arguing really bad. 

Word count: 1370

Warnings: angst, swearing, Nat being a major bitch&a terrible girlfriend. Name calling bitch/slut. Accusations/confessions to cheating, past cheating

Translation: kotenok - kitten / милая девушка - beautiful girl

A/N: I’m leaving the ending the way it is so you can decide what happens

Masterlist

Dating the former Black Widow came with its fair share of ups and downs, for weeks - or if you’re really lucky a few months - the pair of you can both be happy and loving towards each other but then something would happen to annoy her causing her to take it out on you.

When it’s good, it’s incredible. The love she feels for you radiates off of her, the warmth in her arms could leave you warm all winter, her voice sounded like a melody. You loved it when everything was perfect.

When it was bad, oh it was terrible. You were often convinced she hated you, just by the way she looked at you. You didn’t have to touch her to feel the coldness coming from her, just standing across the room from her kept you frozen in place. Her voice always dropped a few octaves when she shouted at you, and some of the names she called you broke your heart over and over again.

Just like last week, you’d been arguing for the past few hours. At this point in this weeks argument you didn’t even know what started it. But what you did know is that it completely spiralled out of control-

“Oh stop fucking crying Y/n! It gets boring”

Not wanting to make her more angrier you try so hard to stop the heavy flow of tears.

“Why can’t you be normal huh? And answer me instead of sitting there and whimpering”

“I-I do-don’t know what I’ve do-done wrong”

“You was all over Steve!” She screamed, making you flinch “Be fucking normal Y/n, he doesn’t want you. Nobody does!”

“I-I was talking to him about growing up in Brooklyn, we were just tal-“

“You want to fuck him don’t you? You’re a fucking slut!” Throwing a vase at the wall, just inches away from your face causing you to scream in fear.

In the two years you’ve been dating, throughout all the arguments and her mood swings you have never been this scared off her.

The door comes flying open revealing Steve, Tony, Sam and Wanda.

“Oh the man of the hour!” Nat points at Steve chuckling to herself.

Steve and Wanda makes their way over to you “Come with me Y/n/n, it’s okay I promise” Wanda softly tries to coax you towards her.

“You leave with them Y/n it’s finished between us I’m done I mean it!” And the worst part of it all was that she was telling the truth.

You was torn between your heart and your brain. Heart wanted to stay because deep down you knew she loves you, but your brain was telling you this was your chance, this was your chance to get away from the mental anguish she was putting you through.

So you listened to the smarter one out of the two organs. Your brain.

With a shaky hand, you put yours into Wanda’s and stood up, putting one foot in front of the other, you walked out of the room.

The names Nat called you were more vile than the last, making you flinch at each word.

Just as you got down the corridor to the elevators you heard her screams, your heart ached at the sound and you almost turned on your heels to run back to her, if Wanda didn’t hold your hand in such a tight grip, you would of.

That night both Steve and Wanda took you home, even staying the night. They didn’t try and ask you about what had happened, because you still don’t know.

You were so grateful for the pair, felt terrible when you realised you were the reason they were out of bed.

The next morning Nat rang you and when you wasn’t picking up she was sending messages, all asking ‘where are you’ ‘are we still on for lunch’. Natasha always blacked out during arguments so when the next day came she didn’t remember anything, which nine out of ten times led to another argument because she was calling you a liar.

Later that day she came to your apartment, knocking on the door like a mad woman. Wanda got up to answer it, you could hear them two arguing from where you was sat. Nat pushed Wanda out of the way, just as Steve came out of the bathroom with a towel hanging on his hips. Another problem being was that you had, had a shower half an hour before Steve did…

“I fucking knew it! I knew you was fucking him. I shouldn’t be surprised really, it’s okay though kotenok I’ve been cheating on you since your birthday, I was late home remember? Yeah I was fucking Kylie” Kylie was a friend of yours who you knew since school. Your birthday was 5 months ago.

You didn’t even say anything, you just ran into the bathroom and emptied the contents of your stomach in the toilet.

Now a week on you haven’t seen or heard from Nat, Wanda did let you know that Kylie was always at the tower - you had asked her just to cause yourself more heartache. You also found out that everyone had fell out with your now ex girlfriend which pained your heart, you didn’t want any trouble between the friendship group.

Instead of putting one of the bags down to make life easier for yourself you continued to let yourself struggle to open the front door, when it finally unlocked you gave yourself a little cheer.

As you were putting things away in the fridge, head in the clouds, you couldn’t stop the scream from coming out when a cough came from behind you.

Turning round you sighed at the sight of Nat standing in front of you. “What are you doing here?”

“We need to talk”

“Nothing to talk about Natasha so please leave”

“Kotenok I lied to you, I didn’t cheat on you I swear! Not once”

Much to the redheads surprise you was always able to read her like a book but standing here in front of her, you couldn’t tell if she was telling the truth or not. And that scared you.

You had doubts about being in a relationship with Natasha not because she flirted with anyone with a pulse, or because she came home one night smelling of someone else but because she was Natasha Romanoff - beautiful, strong, independent, many more ways to describe Natasha and you was…well you. She could have had anyone but she choose you, so of course you had your doubts.

Six years prior to meeting her, your ex was standing in the kitchen of your old apartment saying the exact same thing. You apologised for overreacting then three days later you came home to an empty apartment, everything was gone - everything you worked so hard for was cleaned out. You later found out that you were correct in overreacting as she was cheating on you, and not only that but it was with Kylie’s now ex girlfriend and just to top it off, all the things your ex stole was sold to fund their new life together.

What scared you the most was if you forgave her and everything she said was false, you weren’t sure if you could trust any other human being ever again.

“Baby please say something”

“I-I don’t know what to say…”

“Anything Y/n”

“You knew about my ex, I told you that the woman she cheated on me with was Kylie’s ex so why, why would you make out that you was cheating on me with her?”

“I was mad, I see your hair still wet and then Steve coming from the bathroom only in a towel I-I got mad and said it”

“But why her? Why her out of all people?”

“Because…because she’s been helping me with something”

Your eyebrows burrowed in confusion. “Helping you cheat on me?”

“No no милая девушка, I-I, this isn’t what I had planned baby it really wasn’t but-“ Nat drops to one knee and pulls out a black velvet box “I love you Y/n always and I hope you’ll do me the honour of being my wife”

“I…”

~ banner credit goes to @sweetpeapod ~

[so-long-soldier-writes]

Brooklyn

kai parker x reader

kai finds you wearing his shirt

tags: fluff, love confessions, cupcakes, first kiss

word count: 1.9k

“That shirt looks familiar.”

“Mhm,” you mutter, neither confirming nor denying Damon’s questioning statement.

“Swear I’ve seen it before…”

Shrugging, you grab a cupcake off the counter. “What are these for?”

“Caroline was bored. Fair game, she said.”

“Cool. Tell her I said thanks.”

“Yeah. Hey, have you seen Bonnie?”

“Not recently. Maybe she has a class? It’s only eleven.”

“Ehh, I’ll ask Elena.”

“Okay.”

He takes one more look at you, or, more so, the gray Brooklyn shirt loosely fit on your body. “I can’t place it but it’s bothering the hell out of me.”

The sound of the boarding house door opening distracts you both. 

“Bonnie, that you?” Damon calls expectantly.

“Nope, me.” Sporting a smirk, Kai walks into the kitchen.

“Ugh, why!” The older groans, “why do you still live here?!”

“Funniest thing - I don’t know where else to go, and you actually want me nearby so you can ‘keep an eye on me’. Plus, she’s here,” he points to you. “Is that my shirt?”

A smile was already on your face from Kai’s first comment, but it grows wider at his realization, “Mhm!”

“I knew it looked familiar! Ew, why are you wearing his shirt, YN?!”

For once, Kai agrees with Damon, “I hate that shirt.”

“Well I like it.”

“Why?” Damon repeats.

“I don’t know… because it’s… soft,” you start to blush, “and smells like you.”

“Ugh, get a room, you two!”

“We are in a room. You get out of the room.”

“A kitchen is not a room, Parker.”

“Kai,” you interrupt their mini-argument, “fair game cupcakes!”

“Wait, really? I’m not gonna get in trouble this time?”

“Nope! Damon said Caroline said ‘fair game’!”

“Hold on now, you two better not eat all of those. Just because they’re fair game doesn’t mean Caroline won’t miss them. She was up from two till six in the morning baking them because she couldn’t sleep.”

“Why?” 

“I don’t know, it’s Caroline. Regardless, don’t eat them all.”

“We won’t. Just one and then Kai and I will go.”

As you speak, the door opens again, but then abruptly closes. No one walks into the kitchen, and no other sound is made. 

“Umm… I’m going to go check on that,” Damon eyes the foyer suspiciously. “You two, stay put.”

Alone, Kai turns to you. “So… my shirt…”

“Do you want it back?”

“No, no, you can keep it. Like I said, I hate that shirt. But why are you wearing it?”

“I told you, silly. It’s soft and it smells like you.”

“Why would you want it to smell like me?”

Blush overtakes your cheeks and you have to look away from his face. 

“Y/N, you okay?” When you don’t answer, he puts a hand on your knee. “Hey. You’re worrying me now.”

You muster up a bit of courage to look up, “I’m okay. Just… I don’t know, it’s comforting. Makes me feel close to you.” Then you add, “I’m sorry.”

“What? Don’t be sorry.” His eyes check over you completely, and your words finally sink in. Oh. This is one of those emotions I’m still figuring out. Thanks, Luke. “Um, to be honest…” Just admit it. It’s Y/N, you don’t have to hide feelings from her. “You look hot in it.”

“Wait, really?” You swear your blush darkens a shade. “You’re not mad I’m wearing it?”

“Of course not. I was just surprised. But no, yeah…” He doesn’t finish his sentence, but you do notice how he’s neglected his cupcake to run his gaze along your body. As if he’s found a more interesting dessert…

Kai’s mouth parts slightly. His tongue licks his lower lip and he takes a deep breath. “Can I-”

“No worries, guys! It’s Elena,” Damon re-enters the room with the girl hot on his trail. “She heard Y/N say Kai’s name and didn’t want to have to see him, so she tried to make a quiet exit. Unfortunately for her, I tracked her down so I wouldn’t have to suffer with you alone.”

The last few syllables leave more quietly as he notices your proximity. “What’s going on here?”

“Nothing,” you smile sweetly, popping off the counter. “I have class at noon and Kai’s gonna walk me there. Tell Care thanks again for the cupcakes.”

“Uh, okay. Bye, then, I guess.”

“If I see Bonnie, I’ll tell her you’re looking for her.” 

“Cool, thanks. But don’t bring Kai too close to her.”

You roll your eyes, “of course, yes, I’ll watch out for the little witch’s feelings. No matter how stupid or irrational they are.”

“Y/N,” Damon warns.

“Kidding. But seriously, out of everyone we’ve faced and she’s most scared of Kai? It’s laughable.” A second later, you change your demeanor. “Anyway, see you guys later! Come on, Kai.”

As you leave, you hear Elena mutter, “bitch.” 

It makes you laugh. And when Kai sees you laughing, despite being angered at her choice of word for you, he can’t help but chuckle. 

“Do you really have a class at noon?” Kai asks as you walk farther into the woods behind the Salvatore house. 

“Nah, I just wanted to get away. My class is at two.”

“Oh.”

The two of you sit on rocks in a clearing. It’s always been your go-to hiding spot, but it’s a place you don’t mind sharing with him. 

“So what were you saying earlier? Before Thing #1 and Thing #2 showed up?”

He laughs at the nicknames. “Well… I was saying you looked hot in my shirt. And you still do. I, uh, was also going to ask if I could admit something, though.”

You feel a lump in your throat, “of course. You can always talk to me, Kai.”

“Yeah… I know. That’s the only reason I’m comfortable telling you this. I’m still not really sure of my emotions; I’m trying to figure them out, but they’re messy, and it’s hard. Like, for most of my childhood, and the time spent in the prison world, I was angry, and also, numb. I guess I’m learning a lot of the numbness maybe was loneliness, I’m not sure. But being around you, I’ve never felt either of those emotions. I have like, a whole new set of emotions, and have been trying to Google what they are. Of course, I still feel the anger and the numbness  - like when Damon scolded you the other day for finishing his bourbon, I was angry - but I’ve never felt that way towards you. Anyway, one of the things I searched for was for a feeling of like, bugs… but in my stomach. And it said I either have gastroenteritis, or that I’m in love. Considering I’m never sick, and I’ve never felt like this before, but I do know that I think I love you, I’m going to go with the latter and uh, I guess, admit that I love you.” He only stops rambling for a second to catch his breath, “and it wasn’t just today that I realized this. I did the Google search, like, weeks ago, but I’ve been looking for supporting evidence to confirm if it’s really love, but it is. Seeing you in my shirt, hearing you say it’s comforting to feel like I’m close to you, really, uh, solidified it.”

You’re speechless. Here is this boy - that you love - admitting he’s in love with you. A boy who has never really experienced love before, to the best of your knowledge. 

“Of course, the hot part of seeing you in my shirt was nothing new. I’m not a stranger to that. Even though I’ve never actually, uh… never mind. But I’ve never wanted nor felt the love alongside the… lust, but uh… surprise… you make me feel both. So, um, please say something, Y/N, I can’t stop talking.”

You finally snap out of your haze, blurting out, “I love you, too. I’ve also known for weeks, but didn’t want to scare you away, or mess up our friendship. That’s actually part of the reason I sought out your shirt. Knew it was one you wouldn’t miss too much, but definitely gives me a sense of having you close to me.”

“Wait, really?”

“I’m sure. To be honest, I had a crush on you even before the whole merging thing. But then watching movies here, spending nights at The Grill together… I mean, first I just thought you were cute, then I loved hearing you talk, then I don’t know, at some point I fell for you.”

“You think I’m cute?”

“Have you looked in a mirror?” You blurt out without a second thought. Blush covers your cheeks immediately; it paints Kai’s face, too. “Yes, Kai, I think you’re cute. And you have a sweet side that you don’t show often, but I’ve seen it. And you’re loyal to people that you know you can trust, and I’d trust you with my life.”

The all-powerful leader of the Gemini Coven is at a loss for words.

“May I also add, you’re not just cute… it was pretty hot that time you choked that guy for information at The Grill. When you asked me to look up the location he finally revealed and I took a minute to respond, it was because I was distracted by your hands. The way your fingers curled around his neck, and how your rings rested against his veins. So, um, the lust goes both ways. Just so you know.”

He’s still speechless, but swallows hard. “Didn’t realize I had that effect on you. I thought you were just bored.”

“You could never bore me, Kai.”

As if that single sentence were a love language, he crawls closer to you. “Can… can I kiss you?” He stutters on his words.

“Please do.”

He starts slow at first, taking your face in his hands. Feeling the shape of your jaw; the softness of your skin. His eyes search for hesitancy in your own, but upon seeing none, settle on your lips. He moves in at the same pace, making the first kiss so gentle, it barely feels like he’s there. 

“Kai,” you whine.

Hearing his name come from your lips finally does him in. He deepens the kiss, grabbing a tighter hold of your face. Your hands go to his hair, pulling at it just a little. One hand travels down to your neck, and the cold metal of a ring makes you groan. Though almost as quickly as it started, it ends. Kai takes a deep breath after breaking it off, during which you can’t help but notice his eyes have turned almost black. 

“Just what I mean - cute, but hot.” You’re slightly out of breath yourself, but not as bad as he is.  

Kai smiles, then leans back, still panting. “Can I make another confession?”

“Always.”

“That was my first kiss.”

You stare at him. “Ever?”

“No touching, remember? Could barely leave my room, let alone find a girl to kiss. Then there’s the isolation,” he pauses. “But it’s okay. I’d go through all of it over and over if it means that when I get out, I get to kiss you.”

Your heart flutters like a thousand butterflies have taken flight, and you rush to capture him in another kiss. “I love you, Kai,” you mutter against his lips. 

He breaks it apart to smile, “I love you, too.” 

[stellasvault]

I’m not exactly sure where to go for requests so I’m gonna assume this is okay (I’m new to making requests 😭😭😭) but we all know that Miles grew up in New York and loves the culture there and I just think it would be really funny if he had a girlfriend who was from a very rural southern area and she isn’t used to city life at all. Idk just a silly little thing that popped into my head that I think was cute

ur in the right place don’t worry!! also ur right this is such a funny idea i love it, thank u for requesting! 💜

“sorry, i’m not a city gal”

pairings: 1610!miles morales x fem!reader

warnings: sfw, reader and miles are kinda in a long distance relationship

you loved miles, you really did. you loved everything about him.

his adorable cheeky smile when he was genuinely happy, the way he awkwardly held your hand when he was feeling clingy. there was just one thing you didn’t understand:

how did he live in such a large and loud place?

you had grown up in a country area where everyone was spread out and cars were consistently used to go basically.. everywhere. so it was definitely a change when you first arrived in brooklyn with no idea where you were going. you were fresh out the train, dusting yourself off and adjusting your headphones.

you already didn’t like this place. did people seriously just be this disrespectful and live with it? chewed gum and stickers blanketed the walls and ground, and you swore you heard the sound of tiny feet scurrying. rats? blegh, you didn’t even want to think about it.

ok.. you thought, just find his apartment, and walk up to his floor. that’s it. you reassured yourself, looking at your cell to remind yourself of the directions.

it took lots of turns, retracing your steps, and asking strangers who had no interest in you, but you made it. you looked up at the tall building blanketed in graffiti.

what if they talk in city slang and i don’t understand? you panicked, biting your freshly-manicured nails. or what if miles decides he wants to break up?! you got yourself even more riled up with your horrible scenarios, fidgeting with your phone.

your panicking was interrupted by your phone’s familiar ringtone, vibrating in your palm. you picked up, still nervous. you perked up as you heard the voice you loved so much: the voice of your boyfriend, miles.

“mi amor, you okay?” he spoke into the phone, obviously anxious to talk to you.

you smiled at his usual awkward reaction. “yeah miles, i’m fine. what’s up?” your visit had been planned for days, carefully organized so that it would fit both of your schedules.

he sighed. “my parents, they won’t let us go out until they talk to you…” he trailed off apologetically, knowing talking to rio and jeff could be a challenge.

you gasped sharply. again?! what do they want this time? you thought to yourself, ridden with fear.

“hey, i can feel you being nervous from all the way over here!” he laughed into the speaker, it was almost like you could hear his stupid grin. “it’s fine. they just want to make sure you’re ‘respectful’ or whatever.” he reassured you.

you felt a smile tugging at your lips, your boyfriend was too adorable for his own good. you sighed in a mockingly dramatic way. “fine, if you insist.” you heard him mutter ‘yes!’ in victory, making you giggle.

“see you soon?” he asked rhetorically.

“soon.” you repeated excitedly, before rushing up the stairs of the apartment.

—————————————————————————

the last hour had been a blur of sweating nervously, having laughing attacks, and sneaking tight squeezes of the hands when mrs. morales & captain morales weren’t looking. you couldn’t even count the amount of times mrs. morales had corrected you on her and her husbands names.

you now sat at the top of the apartment. it was dark, but the lights of the city illuminated the sky beautifully. miles had shared this was one of his favorite places to think, his favorite place, however, was where his late uncle told him how to spray paint.

“it can’t be that bad!” miles laughed, playfully shoving your shoulder.

you sucked your teeth. “i’m afraid it is that bad.” you placed the piece of scrap paper even closer to your chest, making sure it was completely hidden.

“if you show me, i swear i’ll show you my sketches!” he promised, waving around his chunky sketchbook in his hand.

you debated whether not to give in, all the outcomes running through your head. but, the lingering curiosity got to you, you knew you had no choice.

“if you laugh, all those precious figures of yours are going straight out of the packaging.” you warned him with gritted teeth. the anger you showed was hiding your plain anxiousness. miles absolutely adored art, you knew that. but what if yours wasn’t good enough?

he shrugged, confident that he wouldn’t let out a single chuckle. you slowly turned around the white paper to reveal a sketch of miles. in the picture, a slight smile was tugging at his lips, and his eyes seemed to shine through the paper somehow.

he almost immediately tugged the portait into his hands, observing it silently. “wow..” was all he could say.

you squirmed slightly. all his face showed was that he was definitely focused, but did he like it?

“mami, this is amazing.” he turned his head to look at you in awe, but his expression showed he was getting a burst of energy. “how did you hide this from me? you always insist you never want to draw, but there’s no way you’re bad at this!” he laughed, grabbing one of your hands with his free one.

you tried to decipher whether he was just trying to be nice or if he was being honest.

“so let’s see that sketchbook.” you smirked. his face scrunched up in anger.

“i hate you..” he muttered under his breath as he flipped through his book.

“and i love you.” you cupped his face and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek.

—————————————————————————

AHHHH I LOVE MILES ☹️☹️

thanks for reading! likes and reblogs mean the literal world to me <3

•☘️☘️☘️

[give-seconds]

A Husband and His (Ex) Best Friend

Paring: Johnny x female reader, past Jaehyun x reader

Summary: With all the planning for your wedding coming up, everything feels like it is going right. Soon, you and Johnny will be happily married and all that is left to do is to wait. But what happens when Jaehyun shows up out of the blue?

Part 1 

Warnings: mentions of cheating, none others that I can think of but let me know

Word count (part two): 7.8k

This is not proofread so let me know about any errors!!

“Are you sure you got the address right?” you ask.

It is the day before the wedding, and Johnny disappeared, only sending a quick text saying something came up. An hour and a half later, he sent you a text telling you and Jaehyun to come meet him at an address.

Jaehyun nods his head. “Yeah.”

“Johhny?” you call, opening the door to the room. You feel around the wall for the light switch, jumping when you’re met with a chorus of “thank yous.”

You stare in shock at the smiling faces of Johnn's family and friends standing under a ceiling of gold and blue balloons. You smile at the colors, instantly recognizing your favorite colors. Standing in front of them is Johnny.

“What is this?”

“Let me show you,” Johnny smiles, holding his hand out to you.

You take it, letting him guide you to his mom and dad.

“Y/n, dear,” his mom starts, smiling at you as if you were her own child. “It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I always enjoy our lunches when you visit or we come to see you. I remember when Johnny called me, telling me he met the best girl and needed ideas for an interesting first date.”

You laugh softly, looking over to the man in question, lightly squeezing his hand.

“And after going through some ideas, we landed on a winery tour. Had I known you don’t drink, I never would have suggested it, so I am sorry about that. But I wouldn’t trade the outcome for all the money in the world. My dear, you make my son so happy. As a mother, I thank you for accompanying our son on this journey.”

Before you can say anything, your fiancé lightly pulls you to the next person.

“Hey, y/n,” Mark says. You smile widely at him; the serious look on his face feels out of place. “You wouldn’t know this, but the first time I saw you was actually by the Statue of Liberty. Hyung told me he was dating this girl who was a part-time tour guide who gave German tours of the Statue of Liberty. I asked to meet you way before I actually did, and he told me no and that it would be creepy to stalk you on one of your tours. So I asked this boy in my German class, YangYang, to come with me, and we waited until you came by with a group. I asked him what you said on your tours and how you seemed personality-wise. I remember he called me an idiot. Nevertheless, he went along with me and said you made the tour sound interesting by slipping in jokes and even singing a popular german song at some point. Anyways, long story short, thank you for making my brother so happy and for showing me the kindness of a sister.”

You bring a hand to your mouth, feeling tears well in your eyes at the sincerity in his voice. Again, before you can say anything back, Johnny pulls you to the next and last person.

“I don’t believe we’ve met.”

She smiles. “No, we haven’t. My name is Dylan. John and I went to the same high school; we were friends all four years. So you can imagine—randomly meeting him here in Brooklyn—it felt like fate. When I saw him, we exchanged numbers, and I asked him on a date. He turned me down because he ‘met the girl of his dreams.’ And I will admit, it is a little nerve-wracking to stand here in front of your family and friends. But when John texted me asking if I would come here to convince you you are the love of his life, I couldn’t exactly say no.”

You laugh, happy tears falling from your eyes.

“And now, it’s my turn,” Johnny whispers, moving to stand in front of you. Still holding your hand, he clears his throat dramatically. “Hi.”

“Hi,” you whisper, not trusting yourself to speak much louder.

“Now, at risk of spoiling my vows, I’m not going to say much more than what they said. I am sorry I’ve been gone so much the past week, but I did get you a few things.”

He lets go of your hand and turns to grab something behind him. “This,” he says, turning around, “is a bottle from the year we visited the winery. Now I promise not to drink it if you don’t.”

You laugh, fanning your eyes. “I promise.”

“Great!” He places the bottle on the counter behind him and grabs something else. “This is a postcard from Ellis Island, where we had our first proper conversation. I’m thinking, we frame this, and it be our first piece of art.”

You reach out to take the postcard, running your fingers over the front. “I love it.”

“And this,” he bends down on one knee, pulling out your engagement ring from his pocket, “is my gift to you. This is the start of our promise. My promise. That every day of my life will be about repaying you for all the joy you have brought me.”

You don’t know if he is done speaking when you throw yourself onto him. He laughs as he lowers you both into a sitting position, wrapping his arms around you and lightly kissing your head. “Are you going to accept my proposal, or is this about to get really awkward?”

Pulling away from him, you sit between his legs, wiping your tears. “Is that even a question that needs to be said?”

He shakes his head, grabbing your left hand and gently sliding the ring back onto your finger, whispering a soft, “back where it belongs.”

“Okay, everyone,” he announces, not moving up from the floor. “I’ve made reservations for us in about an hour. Sadly, we cannot pay for everyone as we are planning a wedding. So if you don’t want to pay, that’s cool, but we would love to have dinner with you before the stress of the rehearsals. I already sent you all the address, so Suh squad, move out!”

Everyone chuckles, talking among themselves as they file out the door, leaving only you, Johnny, and Jaehyun—who you forgot was in the room—behind.

“Where are we?”

“This is the air b&b I rented for Yoonoh and me to sleep in tonight. The owner said no one was staying in it before us, so she said I could show up whenever. I took 'show up whenever' to mean spending an hour setting up and executing a surprise for my lovely fiancée. Figured it would throw you off.”

You laugh, taking a moment to commit the way he’s looking at you to memory. You want to remember this moment forever. “Consider me thrown off. You didn’t need to do this for me, by the way. Just getting married is enough repayment.”

“But I did. I was planning this before, but then you asked me if I still wanted to get married, and that only motivated me further. I wanted to show you I have no doubts about this wedding.”

“Stop, you’re going to make me cry again,” you whine, pulling him into another hug.

He chuckles. “I love you too.”

—

“Hey, y/n?”

You hum in response, not looking away from the television. Since tomorrow is the wedding, and you invited your brother over to spend the last night as unmarried siblings together.

“Johnny’s friend, Yoonoh, he looks familiar. I only saw him in passing at the rehearsal dinner, but he looks familiar. Where is he from again?”

“Korea,” you answer in what you hope is a non-suspicious tone. You hadn’t even thought about this. Of course, your family would remember him. You dated him for three years, and even if it's been years since any of you have thought of him, it’s not like they’re just going to forget him.

“Are you sure?” Your brother shifts on the couch to look at you. “Because now that I’m thinking about it, he looks like that jerk you dated in high school? It’s not just me who sees that, right?”

You lightly chew your lip, weighing your options. You can pretend you have no idea what Deven is talking about or admit the truth. Both feel like you’ve lost in some way. If you admit he is the man who cheated on you, you know your brother is going to disagree with you, leaving you with at least the slightest hint of guilt. If you choose to lie to him, then you have to deal with the guilt of not only lying to your fiancé but also your brother.

You sigh. “Okay, I’m going to tell you this, and you have to promise me not to freak out. Do you promise?”

You wait for him to nod his head.

“So, Johnny’s friend Yoonoh is the same guy I dated in high school. And I haven’t told Johnny yet because he’s really excited to have his friend back. I thought I was going to tell him, then I decided not to, and now we’re getting married tomorrow, and there’s not a lot of time left.”

He stares at you in shock, jaw slightly dropped. “So you’re telling me you’ve had the guy you’re getting married to and your ex-boyfriend sleeping under the same roof, and the only people who know are you and Jaehyun?”

He holds up a finger each time he mentions one of their names, bringing them together when he talks about them sleeping under the same roof. The whole time, you nod your head. The longer he talks, the heavier the silliness of the situation feels.

“Or is it Yoonoh?” He backtracks, separating his hands. “Because I swear his name was Jaehyun.”

“No, it was. I guess he changed it before he met Johnny. But you need to help me out. As my younger brother and the only one in our family willing to ask me about this, it is your job to help me figure out what to do.”

He huffs, picking up the remote to pause the tv. “You got two choices: tell Johnny or don’t. Choosing the don’t option would include maybe telling mom and dad, so they don’t go telling anyone.”

You groan, throwing your head back. Your parents wouldn’t intentionally go around telling people the guy who cheated on you is a groomsman at your wedding; rather, they would go down the same route Devon did. They mention that he looks a lot like the “guy you dated in high school” as a joke and unknowingly make things awkward.

“But it isn’t just my wedding, you know? He likes Jaehyun, and if he wants him there he should be allowed to have him there. It doesn’t matter that we used to date, and it doesn’t matter that I don’t like him. That’s what a relationship is: it’s a give-and-take. This is me giving.”

“Y/n, he loves you. Do you remember, as kids, how we always loved how our aunt and uncle were? You can tell they love each other. I don’t believe romantic soulmates exist. But if they did, they would be our aunt and uncle. And that’s exactly what you and Johnny have! You two are as much of soulmates as can be.”

A small smile slips onto your face. “Thanks, Deven. I’m so glad you think that. Having Jaehyun here has messed with my ... everything, and hearing you say that makes me feel warm. But I feel like that proves my point. I know we’re great together, so what does it matter that my ex-boyfriend is here so long as it makes him happy?”

“Because he cheated on you!” your brother exclaims, throwing his hands up. “Because while he may not have told me directly, I can feel that Johnny would be angry that someone hurt you as he did. I’m angry knowing he has the nerve to show his face at your wedding, let alone sleep down the hall from you! I can’t imagine how Johnny would feel. All things considered, I think he’ll be sad once he finds out.”

“Alright.” You chew your lip, bringing your attention back to the paused screen. “You’re probably right.”

“I’m always right.”

—

"So Yoonoh- can I call you that? Or do you prefer Yoonoh Hyung or something else?"

Jaehyun chuckles at Johnny's little brother's rambling, not looking away from the mirror as he and all the other groomsmen finish straightening their suits. "Yoonoh Hyung is fine."

Mark nods his head. "Hyung, what do you think of y/n? She's the best, isn't she?"

"Mark, leave him alone," Johhny says, tapping his phone to check the time.

Mark holds his hands up. "I was just starting a conversation."

"Well, that's a weird start. He barely knows her."

Jaehyun smiles, looking back at the mirror to fix his hair. He wishes he didn't have to lie to his friend. In the end, though, it's better for everyone if your secret stays just that; a secret.

"Well, he's lucky," one of Johnny's friends, Parker, says. "The same day I met her, she treated me and my wife like old friends. She's one of the warmest people I know."

Jaehyun turns to look at his friend, instantly noticing his love-struck smile. He is envious of how much you and Johnny love each other. He wishes he had someone to look at him like that.

"Shouldn't we be talking about me?" Johnny jokes, clearing his throat. "Anyways, we should go out. Deven will meet us out there and then the wedding will get started!" He shakes out his hands, rocking on his feet. "Are you guys ready to accompany me for my only wedding?"

His question is met with cheers, and with a final rock, Johnny leads the way out of the room. He leads them to a room across the hall, knocking on the door.

"Hey, Johnny," a woman greets, only cracking the door enough to poke her head out. "Ready to get this party started?"

He nods his head. "Yep. Are you girls ready?"

"Yep! We'll meet you at the end of the hall, okay? We can't risk you getting a sneak peek of your bride."

Johnny laughs, nodding his head. He guides them further down the hall, stopping in front of a set of double doors. He greets the man standing outside the doors, looking at his phone. Jaehyun tilts his head, watching Johnny exchange a quick hug with the man. He looks so familiar.

"Okay, guys," Johnny announces, drawing his attention away from the other man. "When y/n's bridesmaids come out, you'll all pair up with one of them. Parker will be with his wife, and Mark will be with her maid of honor, J.J. Other than that," Johnny looks at him and the other man, "you two choose whoever is standing closer to you. It doesn't have to be the same person from rehearsal."

"You already said this at the rehearsals, dude, chill," Parker laughs, patting him on the shoulder.

"Do you remember how nervous you were before you had to do this? I'm calm compared to you."

Parker chuckles, shaking his head dismissively, and Jaehyun smiles at the interaction. Before Parker can respond, the sound of whispers draws the group's attention to the group of women in red dresses quickly walking toward them.

"Okay, order, everybody!" Johnny announces, and everybody falls in line behind him.

Contrary to what Johnny says about not needing the same person they paired up with during rehearsals, the girl Jaehyun walked with smiles at him in greeting. He smiles back, extending his arm for her to grab.

"Ready?" she whispers.

He nods, looking forward as his friend pushes open the door. "Ready."

Despite it not being his wedding, he can't help but feel a little nervous as everyone stands up, eyes turning to look at them as they walk down the aisle. His heart skips a beat when he passes your family, focusing on looking straight at where he is going. It’s unrealistic, but he hopes they don’t see him.

When they reach the base of the stairs, he smiles at the woman on his arm before they part ways. He feels eyes burning into his back, dreading the seconds until he has to turn around again. They're looking at me—there is no way they don't remember me. And he’s right. When he turns around, your family is looking in his direction. But it's not him they are looking at.

Instead of the hot stare of hatred he expected directed at him, he sees your mom lovingly look at Johnny. She's gripping her husband's hand, saying something to him as he turns his head to look at Johnny. With all the commotion he caused by staying at your house, it never really hit him how little he actually means to your family. The realization is somehow shocking—despite him and his family feeling the same towards you, and something in him breaks at the knowledge that he barely means anything to you. Until now, a part of him thought this would all blow over after you realized how much he has changed, and things could return to how they were before you and he dated; you could be friends.

The music changes, and the room's attention is brought to the doors as everybody waits for you to appear. Watching you walk down the aisle, Jaehyun is thrust from his previous thoughts by how beautiful you are. He always thought you were beautiful, but seeing you years later—really seeing you— you are even more stunning than he remembers. He flicks his eyes to the left to look at Johnny’s face, and he smiles at the pure look of love on his friend’s face. His heart warms, and suddenly not meaning much to you doesn't seem like such a big deal. He misses you, misses how good of a person you are, but his longing is nothing compared to Johnny's happiness. While he wants a second chance, he can give it up for his friend. He can let you go again.

The rest of the ceremony passes by in a blur, and Jaehyun can't wipe the smile off his face. He hasn’t been to many weddings, but this is the first wedding he has attended to make him feel this way—that true love exists. He couldn’t wish for a better happy ending for his best friend.

At the reception, between meeting various friends of yours, Johnny and you catch his eye. All the stress the wedding put on you two forgotten as you laugh, patting Johnny’s arm as he looks away, laughing. Even toward the end of the evening, and only a few people left, the love felt at the ceremony is still in the air, painting everything in a rose tint.

“Hey,” someone taps his shoulder, drawing his attention away from your laughing figure. When he turns around, he sees the unknown groomsman from in front of the doors. His eyes widen as he realizes who it is.

“You’re Deven, right? I guess-”

Before he can finish his sentence, your brother throws his glass of wine in his face. He gasps and takes a step back in shock, wiping the liquid from his eyes.

“That’s for showing up at my sister’s wedding.”

—

“We need to tell him,” you say, pushing the door to the guestroom open. Johnny had to take a work call, so you took the opportunity to talk to his friend separately. “You’re leaving soon, and I can’t stand keeping this from him anymore. We don’t lie to each other, and now that I’m his wife, it feels even heavier.”

“If you want to of course I’m not going to stop you. But really, do you think that would be the best course of action? Things might take a turn for the worse.” He says, his face void of emotion. His lack of emotion mixed with his words lowers what little patience you have with him.

“Can I be honest?”

He nods his head.

“I don’t hate anyone. Hate and love are two very strong emotions, and it isn’t fair to throw them around randomly. So no, I don’t hate you. But you are the closest person I have to hating someone. So if you think this act here will change my mind somehow, you’re wrong. If you and Johnny stay friends after this, you are not welcome back into my home. Do you understand?”

He looks at you, eyes seemingly blank. But you know him better than you like to admit, and his trying-to-hide-emotions face hasn’t changed since high school. Something in him is hurting. “I understand.”

“I don’t.”

You and Jaehyun jump at the sound of your husband’s voice, and you stare wide-eyed as he pushes the door open.

“Why do you hate Yoonoh? And why wouldn’t we be friends?”

You feel your heart stop at his questions. Yes, you wanted to tell him, but not like this. It made you feel like he caught you cheating. Jaehyun looks expectedly to you, effectively making you feel more trapped. You hold Jaehyun's eye, wanting to cry at the expectation he is now placing on you.

“Listen,” you start slowly, looking away from the man next to you. Just looking at Johnny makes you want to curl into yourself. “It’s a long story, okay? Well, not a long story. Rather, a really hard truth to say and something I did because I thought it was right. But now, I’m not so sure.” you ramble, walking towards him. “You can be sad, mad, or anywhere in between.”

He smiles nervously, eyes flickering between you and Jaehyun. “Thanks for the permission.”

You let a silence fall between you three, and you feel the nervousness from Johnny mix with your anxiousness. You don’t know what Jaehyun feels, nor do you care. You’re too busy trying to think of how to start this.

“I’m the one who cheated on y/n.”

You quickly turn your head towards him, eyes wide at Jaehyun’s sudden confession.

Johnny laughs, the look on his face showing he doesn’t understand the comment. “What?”

“I-um, remember the guy I told you about that cheated on me in high school? Yeah, that is Jaehyun- I mean Yoonoh.”

Any trace of a smile falls off Johnny’s face, and he tears his eyes away from you to look at the other man in the room. “And that’s true? You guys are from the same area of Connecticut, and you’re the guy she dated for two and a half years before he left and had his best friend tell her you cheated on her?”

Jaehyun nods his head, eyes looking away in shame. “I can’t imagine how you feel—”

“You’re right; you can’t. Because I’m sure you think I feel angry—and believe me, I am—that you did that to my wife. But more than angry, I feel stupid. I mean, the entire time you’ve been here, you’ve been dropping hints. You knew stuff about her that you wouldn’t have known unless you were close. And yeah, your excuses made sense at the time, but now that I think about it, I never would have mentioned y/n’s second flavor of ice cream to you in Korea. And you,” he looks back at you, and you feel another wave of anxiety rush over you. “I feel so stupid that I didn’t notice how uncomfortable you were. You only gave him short answers, and I’m sure you never looked him in the eyes for longer than three seconds.”

He laughs, running a hand through his hair. “God, I feel like such an idiot. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it wasn’t just my wedding; it was yours. And you wanted him there, and it shouldn’t matter my past with him.”

“Yoonoh, why didn’t you tell me?”

“Y/n told me not to. She wanted you to be happy.”

Johnny nods his head, scoffing. “So she did it for me, and what? You did it for yourself?”

Jaehyun hesitates to answer, but, to his credit, he never breaks eye contact with Johnny. “I don’t know if I would say it’s that simple.”

“No, it’s simple. You broke her heart and made her feel worthless. But she set it aside because she loves me and wanted someone I considered a friend at my wedding, despite how she feels about you. But you, you kept it from me because you were scared. You were scared of how I would react. Instead of manning up and doing one good thing for y/n, you decided to keep it to yourself.”

Your heart melts at his speech, and you reach out to grab his hand. “Johnny.”

He smiles sadly at you, lowering his voice to a whisper. “Can we talk in private?”

You nod your head, letting him pull you out of the room. Johnny leads you to the kitchen, letting go of your hand to lean against the counter. He rubs a hand over his face, and despite his conflicted emotions, you feel a little of your anxiety melt away now that you’re away from Jaehyun.

“Is that really why you didn’t tell me? You wanted me to have a friend there? It’s not because you don’t trust me or anything?”  

“No, of course, I trust you,” you say, grabbing his free hand in both of yours. “I just, I don’t know, I wanted you to have everyone you wanted at our wedding. You were so excited to have him there, and I couldn’t take that away from you. It’s supposed to be the best day of your life. You deserve to have the people you love there.”

“I don’t know what to say to that. That’s so stupidly selfless, and I wish you had told me. We’re a team now. We need to tell each other these things.”

You vigorously nod your head, hoping to show him you agree. “Yes, of course. I have never lied to you about anything else. Please know I trust you unconditionally.”

He sucks in a breath, tilting his head to the side. “I don’t like the idea of unconditional anything. I want you to trust me because you love me and believe in me. Not because you feel you need to because of this or because we are married.”

You nod your head, whispering an okay. You feel like you're grasping at straws; everything you say feels wrong. Maybe it's the anxiety that has been building up in the past five minutes, but you feel like one more wrong word from you, and you'll spiral into a crying mess.

“Now,” he clears his throat. “I have to go talk to him. But when I get back, let’s go out, okay?”

You lightly chew your lip, watching as he flashes you a fleeting smile before making his way back to where Jaehyun is.

—

Jaehyun felt the air leave his chest once you and Johnny left the room. While not physically hit, the look on his friend's face felt like an emotional punch.

After you two left the room, he sat on the bed and threw his head into his hands. In hindsight, he probably should have let you tell him. Maybe Johnny wouldn’t have been as mad. Then again, Jaehyun has no idea how mad his friend is. He has a feeling that he’ll find out once he returns.

“So you really cheated on my wife, huh?”

Jaehyun chuckles, raising his head out of his hands to look at Johnny, who closed the door behind him. “I bet you never thought you’d say those words.”

“Come on. We need to have this conversation.”

“Yeah, I’m sorry,” he sighs, pushing himself up from the bed. “What do you want to know?”

“I don’t know, so just let me talk. So when your family moved here, you moved to the same city as y/n, met, and started dating. At some point, you started cheating on her, but then moved back to Korea and had one of your then friends tell her?”

Jaehyun can’t bring himself to look Johnny in the eyes. Seeing you had kicked him in his ego. It reminded him of the person he used to be. But now, having to tell your husband about how horrible of a boyfriend he was really made him feel small.

“I didn’t ask him to do that. He just decided on doing that. Not that I blame him.”

Johnny nods his head. “I don’t need to know why—it doesn’t matter. But do you know how worthless you made her feel? Just the other day, she asked me if I still wanted to marry her because she was thinking about your relationship. She told me I deserved better. And I’m sure some of that came from keeping this secret from me, but a majority of it came from you.”

Jaehyun looks up to see if he is done. The first night he got here, and almost every night since, he thought of the things Johnny might say once he found out. He would never describe his friend as violent, so he wasn’t worried about getting hit. He would prefer being punched to the look on his friend's face.

“I invite you to my wedding,” Johnny continues, seemingly annoyed at Jaehyun’s lack of response. “And invite you to our home. When you see your ex-girlfriend open the door, instead of being a decent human and telling her you’ll stay somewhere else, you stay in our home. Do you have any idea how uncomfortable that probably made her?”

“I did offer to leave, but she told me it was okay. She said she didn’t want to influence our relationship. She also said you’d pick her over me.”

Johnny sighs. “What do you expect me to say to that?”

Jaehyun shrugs. “I don’t know, but I do want to apologize. I’m sorry I put you in this position, and I’m sorry I lied to you. I never meant-I don’t know what I meant. I just know I never intended to cause a problem between you and y/n. I came and stayed because you’re my friend, and I wanted to celebrate one of the biggest days of your life.”

“You’re not listening,” Johnny insists. “I’m not mad because you’re the guy who cheated on her. I’m mad because you didn’t say anything. I can’t say anything would be different if you had told me before, but it might have been! We could have talked it out, and you could have convinced me you changed. But now, instead of looking at you as the guy who broke her heart, I’m looking at you as the guy who also made her uncomfortable in her own home. At her wedding! How could you do that to her?”

“I don’t know.”

“You’re going to have to do better than that.”

Jaehyun sighs. He knows this is a losing conversation. Nothing he can say would make this situation better. “I guess I was being selfish. I wanted to protect my friendship with you by not telling you this. Yes, of course, I felt guilty for what I put y/n through. But she said she wanted me there for you. I felt trapped because I wanted to be there, you wanted me there, and she wanted me there for you but not herself. What was I supposed to do? Go against her and tell you?”

“Yes! Yes, you should have told me. Because she cares for me, she put me first. She decided she was less important than I am, and you are the only one to blame for that. And that is unacceptable. As my friend, you should have told me.”

“Hyung, I’m sorry.”

His friend takes a deep breath, running his left hand through his hair. The silver band on his finger catches his attention, and he feels another wave of guilt wash over him. “You know you need to leave?”

Jaehyun nods his head. He didn’t know what the outcome of this conversation was going to be, but he knew this was bound to happen.

“Good. Y/n and I are going out, so if you could be gone by the time we get back that would be best. I’ll still drive you to the airport, and maybe then we can talk about where our relationship goes from there.”

He nods his head, feeling too lost to say anything. Johnny silently leaves the room, and a few minutes later, he hears the front door close. He wishes he isn’t the one to blame. That he can blindly call you and Johnny jerks and leave with his ego intact. Now that he had that conversation, though, he knows there is no other narrative to possibly tell.

He is the villain. No longer is he the friend who came all the way from South Korea for his friend’s wedding. Now, he is the guy who cheated on his friend’s wife and had the nerve to stay in their home and attend the wedding. He chuckles, finally moving from his spot.

It’s almost funny. All this might have been avoided had he come clean in the first place. If he had just been honest, maybe he could still call Johnny his friend. But if history is any indication, Jaehyun has a problem with the truth.

—

“So where are we going?” you ask, following Johnny as he starts down the street.

He shrugs his shoulders. “I was thinking we could just walk and talk.”

You nod your head, pursing your lips as you reach out to grab his hand. You don’t know what to think.

“Y/n, I just don’t understand. When you told me someone cheated on you, I was so confused. I was both mad and sad for you. You knew what I thought about the man who cheated on you, and you still didn’t tell me it was him. I would’ve worked with you. Worked to make you comfortable.”

You sadly hum, the constant weight of the situation settling on your chest and making it hard to breathe. “I know, honey, I know. And that’s why I didn’t tell you. It’s only a big deal to me—”

He interrupts you with a laugh. “That’s false, and you know it. Don’t even give me that. You knew it would be a big deal to me, and that’s why you didn’t tell me. And yeah, Yoonoh told me that you wanted to protect my relationship with him. That because it was also my wedding, I should have whoever I wanted there. But that’s crap, and you know it.”

You squeeze his hand, looking at all the passing people. All these people passing by, and none of them have any idea about your situation. To them, you’re just another couple having an average conversation. You’re envious of their ignorance but thankful for the hope that maybe it isn't as world-shattering as it feels.

“I don’t know what to say. I understand why you’re mad. I don’t know how I’d feel if some girl who cheated on you came to the wedding. Because I hold such a high opinion of you, I would think she doesn’t deserve to be anywhere near you. But he’s your best friend from an amazing time in your life, and I couldn’t be the reason you two don’t talk.”

A silence falls between you two, and to try and avoid your thoughts, you focus on the sound of cars passing by. When you were younger, you never imagined your life in New York. You love Connecticut and had every intention of moving back after finishing college. Enter Johnny.

When you first met Johnny, you paid him no mind. He was just another face in the crowd. After you met him on Ellis Island, you started noticing him more in the crowds of people you passed every day.

Apparently, he felt the same. He started smiling at you when you passed in the halls, occasionally exchanging greetings. Then, one day in psych, he deviated from his usual seat in the middle and joined you in the front.

“Can I sit here?”

You smile at him, hoping he can’t see how happy you are to see him. “Yeah, of course.”

You silently watch as he sits down, pulling out his notes. “Oh,” you start, not wanting the conversation to end just yet. “I never got to thank you for helping me with that boy the other day. It meant a lot to me.”

“It was the least I could do. You looked like you had your hands full.”

You laugh, nodding your head. “Yeah, I was. I don’t know if you noticed, but that little boy and I had a bit of a language barrier.”

He hums. “Well, I am happy to lend a helping hand when I notice a damsel in distress.”

You laugh at the remark, not missing how the comment made your heart light. You quickly shut the feeling down, choosing to focus on your notes. You haven’t seriously dated anyone since Jaehyun, and you don’t know if you’re ready. Throughout the class you tried to ignore the urge to look at him.  

“Hey, so I’ll see you Friday for class?”

You smile up at him, happy he wants to see you again. “Yeah, see you Friday.”

After that, you two started talking more, and eventually, he asked you out. You were hesitant at first, still nervous after everything that happened with Jaehyun. Around your third date, you told him that. Told him that if he wanted out now, he could take it, and you wouldn’t blame him. He smiled, shaking his head softly before telling you there was nothing to worry about. From what he had seen so far, there was nothing that would make him think he needed to use that out.

“We’ll work past this, right?” you ask softly, not wanting to hear an answer. “You don’t think poorly of me?”

He squeezes your hand. “Sweetheart, do you think something like this would make me care for you any less?”

You feel the tears prickle in your eyes, and you hug his arm with your free hand. “I love you.”

—

Jaehyun heaves a nervous sigh, bouncing his leg nervously as he waits for Johnny's call. He hasn’t spoken to his friend since he was kicked from your apartment—the last conversation he shared with him has replayed in his mind for the past few days.

When Johnny's contact photo pops us—a dumb photo he took of a drunk Johnny in a party hat—he feels his heart stop. What am I going to say? How do I act normal?

He clears his throat, trying to rid his body of the nervousness. “Hey, you out front?”

“Yeah. As soon as you leave the building, I’m there.”

“Okay, see you in a second.” Jaehyun pushes himself up, hanging up the phone as he walks the few steps out of the automatic doors. His friend wasn’t kidding. As soon as he steps outside the hotel, he sees his friend’s car trunk popped open for Jaehyun to load his things.

He walks as slowly as he can without it being obvious, mentally building up the courage to sit with Johnny and have what he can imagine is the most awkward conversation he will ever have in his life.    

“I’ve done a lot of thinking,” Johnny starts, not leaving any time between the start of the drive and the start of the conversation, “and a lot of talking with y/n, and honestly, I don’t know what to do. I talked with her, and she wants me to keep you as a friend if that is what I want without thinking about her.”

“And is that what you want?” Jaehyun keeps his eyes on the outside world. He doesn’t know if he can stand to see any of the left-over disappointment.

“I don’t know what I want. Even if she says not to keep her in mind, she’ll always be in my mind when I look at you. I mean, no offense, but now when I look at you, I am reminded of the secret you guys kept from me and how I felt when I found out. I mean, I felt like you guys played me, and it was all some sick joke.” Johnny sighs, and out of the corner of his eye, Jaehyun can see him shake his head. “But that is beside the point. I asked her if she could ever forgive you for what happened.”

Jaehyun sits straighter in his seat, turning his head to face his friend. “And… and what did she say?”

“She says that when you’re with her, it feels like you revert to who you were in high school. That she can still see traces of the same man who hurt her. But when you’re with me, she sees the man I view as my best friend. She said she likes Yoonoh much better than Jaehyun and that if you can continue to be that man around me, then she can understand if we remain friends."

"I change that much?”

Johnny shrugs. “I don’t know.”

He nods his head, looking back out the window. He lets a few seconds of silence pass by as he decides if he wants to hear the answer to the question that still needs asking. “And you? What do you think about still being my friend?”

“Right into it, huh?” His friend laughs humorlessly. “I don’t know, Yoonoh. You were part of the reason I had such a good time in Korea, and without you, I don’t think I would have enjoyed my time as much. I made other friends there, but none I clicked with like you, and none that I still talk with to this day. So you matter to me. But at the same time, you cheated on my wife before we met. When she told me about this, she told me about the pain and the self-esteem issues that came with being cheated on. And then you lied to me about it. Sure, so did y/n, but she did it selflessly, and you lied for you. I don’t mean to put it so bluntly, but I don’t know anymore.”

“I don’t mean this in a joking way, but I agree. I don’t know what you should do either. I want to say you should forgive me, but I don’t know if that is the ‘right’ thing to do. What would make you feel less guilty?”

“I have been thinking about this for the past three days, and I can’t say what that would be. I tried to imagine my life without you and my life with you. I feel like I have to choose between you and my wife, and I don’t want to make that choice.”

“You know, you don’t need to make that choice now. I’m not going anywhere, and neither is y/n. You can text me whenever you have made your choice—whatever that may be. If you don’t want to talk to me, then I will respect that, and we go our separate ways. You and y/n are right—I have been selfish during this whole thing. It’s time for me to be as unselfish as I can and tell you that you can take as long as you need. Know there is no pressure on my side of this.”

Johnny sighs. “You know, saying things like that reminds me why I like you.”

Jaehyun laughs, happy to have something lighthearted in the environment. The comment gives him hope that maybe things will be okay between them. Even if it isn’t okay, he meant what he said; whatever Johnny decides, he will respect it. He wouldn’t ask his friend to do anything that might cause an issue in his marriage. Not when he found you.

—

“Talk later then?”

“Yeah, let me know when you land in Korea. Safe flight.”

Jaehyun nods his head, waving goodbye. Johnny sighs, watching his friend walk into the airport. He feels like so much happened in four days, and now, more than ever, he is ready to go on his honeymoon and have a week dedicated to just you and him.  

Ten minutes into his drive back and five minutes into sitting in traffic, the loud ring of his phone causes him to jump.

“I gotta see if I can make this quieter,” he mumbles, pressing accept on the steering wheel. “Hello?”

“Hey, did I time it right?” you start, skipping the greeting. “I added an extra twenty minutes to the hour drive from when you left the hotel to make sure you had dropped him off. Not that I would mind calling you while he is still there, I just wouldn’t want to get in the way of you guys spending the rest of the time together. And now I’ve been talking for too long. You really need to learn to interrupt me.”

Johnny laughs. “I love it when you talk. Don’t worry about it, Love.”

You laugh, and he imagines you throwing your head back. “Love? That’s a new one. Anyway, I looked at the weather for when we’ll be in Italy, and it looks perfect! Low seventies, high sixties.”

He laughs, resting his head against the driver's window as he watches the cars barely inch forward. “And to think, you had your doubts about the Amalfi Coast.”

“Hey! First, we both put suggestions into the hat, and it isn’t my fault your brother picked your suggestion. Second, I never had any doubts about Italy. Don’t lie.”

“You’re right, you’re right, I’m sorry. The weather sounds great. I’m stuck in traffic right now; I guess there was some accident on top of the normal traffic. So I’ll be home in like one hundred years.”

“Aw, I’m sorry. Want me to pick some food up from that Greek place around the corner? A little comfort food for us?”

He smiles, knowing you mean comfort for more than just the traffic. “Yeah, that sounds great. Get me the gyro-”

“Gyro chicken mix plate. You really should change it up now and again. You’re getting too predictable.”

He laughs. “Yeah, maybe next time. Once you find the good stuff, it’s too scary to try new food.”

“Whimp.”

“Whatever you say. Mind you I am also driving. It’s not like I can check the menu. That would be unsafe.”

“Excuses, excuses.” You sigh, and Johnny can hear the shuffling of papers. “Alright, I’m going to head home now. I gotta write this substitution plan before we can leave. But I’ll get the food, and while we feast, why don’t we watch some tv?”

“Sounds like a brilliant plan. Love ya.”

“Love you too.”

---

Thank you for reading! This as been a wip forever now and it feels really good to finally put this out (even if it is a few days later than I thought). I would love to know what you thought!! 

Have a great day/night <3

Taglist: @legbouk​ @lydinews​

masterlist 

[im-a-demon-i-lied]

‼️JEDTAVIUS FIC‼️

WARNINGS: Canon divergence, implied horniness

Description: set in a universe where Ahkmenrah changes his mind last minute to return to Brooklyn with the tablet. Jed is facing some confusion over some feelings he’s experiencing about Octavius. (Side note: I love the idea of Jed having some issues overcoming homophobia due to his historical era, but i really didn’t want to mess with that tonight)

It had been a week since the gang had returned from London. Jedediah had spent all night so far working on the train tracks. Moving rail sleepers, removing broken ones and replacing them. It was tiring work, even with his small crew of helpers. He found himself with rolled-up sleeves and his hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, strands of escaped sandy hair framed his sweaty face.

He hadn’t seen Octavius in a couple of days, and what he had seen of him since their return had been brief. He told himself that they were just busy restoring order in their respective dioramas, it had been a near-death experience and they were all coping with the fact that they almost all froze forever. Though that was partially true, deep down Jed knew there was another reason.

Something had… awakened… in Jed that night in London. He always knew there was something special about that Roman, Jed knew he loved to be around the general. But something had happened inside Jed when Octavious had taken his hand, when they had hugged. Just thinking about the touch made Jed’s face warm, a swarm of butterflies erupting in his stomach. His skin still tingled wherever they had made contact. More than that, it yearned for deeper, more intentional touch.

“Jed? Ya a’ight over there, partner?” Cody, another cowboy, hollered over to him with concern on his face “Ya got all red and have been staring at that wall for 5 minutes straight…”

“Huh? Oh yea I’m fine, thanks,” Jed rubbed a hand over his face, not realizing how long he had been just standing there.

“Ya wanna maybe sit down for a bit? Maybe the heats gettin’ to ya…” Cody gestured over to a shaded bench. By now, the other cowboys had stopped work to listen on to the conversation, nodding along with Cody in agreement.

“I’m fine, fellas, now get back to work.” Jed kneeled and began hammering a sleeper onto the rail, the others shrugged and began to return to their tasks.

“Jedediah?” a voice called, causing the cowboys to once again stop their work. Jed, however, was so deep in thought he didn’t hear his name being called.

The westerner next to him gave him a nudge, getting Jed’s attention. When he looked up, his eyes were met with those of the tan, muscular, roman.

Octavious’s face warmed at the sight of the cowboy, he had grease and dirt smeared onto his face, beads of sweat perched on his brows and forehead. Octavious had been in love with Jed since the moment they worked together to stop the old nightguards. His knees felt weak as he watched Jed take a glove off to wipe the sweat from his forehead.

“Howdy, partner,” Jed insides churned and he felt the corner of his mouth creep up. The lighting made Oct glow even more than normal. What Jed would give to explore the body of this man that made the world disappear. “What brings ya ‘round these parts?”

“I was wondering if you wanted to go for a ride around the museum? We haven’t done that in quite a while, I rather miss it…”

Jed could’ve sworn his heart stopped momentarily. It took all the strength he had to keep from running over to Octy, taking him in his arms and kissing hi— wow there cowboy- he stopped himself This is your bud your talking about, don’t be gettin all perverted

“Sorry, Oct, I got work to do here, rain check?” After those thoughts, he couldn’t trust himself alone with Octavious. What if he did something?

“Don’t sweat it, Jed, we got it covered, you’ve been working so hard lately you deserve a break.” Cody smiled at him and Oct. He knew since the beginning that these two had it bad for one another.

Goddamn Cody, sweetest guy but stupid. Jedediah cursed under his breath.

“No, I need to be here. Sorry Oct, it’ll have to wait,” it came off firmer than he meant it, but he really couldn’t risk doing something stupid until he figured out what was going on with him.

Octavious’s heart dropped. Jed never used to turn down their nightly car rides. He had felt Jed pulling away all week, and it hurt. His mind spiraled, did he say something? Do something? Tears welled in his eyes as he began thinking up worst case scenarios.

“Ok,” Oct choked out

Jed sensed pain in his voice and looked at Oct to see the matching expression. “Oct–”

Octavious had already turned and walked to the edge of the diorama, climbing down the rope.

“God fucking damnit!!” Jed shouted and threw his gloves into the dirt “Fuck!” He gave an exasperated sigh and stormed further into the diorama, leaving a wake of jaw-dropped cowboys.

Cody stared for a minute before snapping out of it, “Back to work! This railroad ain’t gonna fix itself!” he smacked the nearest miniature upside the head before returning to his job. The others quickly followed suit.

“You’ve really done it now, Jed,” Jed paced back and forth in the dirt as he scolded himself “All those dirty thoughts about your best friend? What in the sam hill were you thinking?” His accent exaggerated with rage. “Thinking ‘bout what his lips would feel like, his strong arms and thighs, what he would look like na— goddamnit!” He punched the closest thing to him, a rock, and instantly regretted it. “Shit! Fuck! Shit!” he shook his wrist before examining his bruised, bleeding knuckles. He had to do something about this. Now.

He arrived at the Egypt exhibit in the RC car, it felt weird without Oct. Ahk was scolding his guards

“I have told you two more times than there are grains of sand in the desert! Larry is my friend and you mustn't threaten him!”

“Uh Ahk– are ya busy?” Jed piped up. Ahk and the guards looked over. The guards stiffened before Ahk let them know Jed was another friend and they needed to stand down.

“What do you need, Jedediah?” He waved the guards away with a smile “Where’s Octavious?” he gave a confused look

“Well,’I need to talk,,,, and it’s kinda ‘bout him…” Jed stepped out of the car, rubbing the back of his neck. He let down his hair, not seeing the necessity of it anymore.

“Oh?” Ahk cocked his head curiously as he sat on the floor to get closer to Jed’s level.

“He’s my best friend, but ever since he held my hand in London, I’ve been feeling these weird feelings. My face gets all red when he’s around and my stomach gets a weird feelin’ in it, like i'm gonna puke… I mean I got the same sorta thing before but this is so much more intense… an’ I’ve been getting all these thoughts… mental images…” He rubbed his face, trying to dilute the current mental images plaguing him, “I used to think I hated physical touch. Any time I tried it with a woman, it just felt so wrong… but even though I know these thoughts and feelings are wrong… they just feel so right.” He hugged himself comfortingly.

“Jedediah, may I be completely honest?” Ahk looked at him and received a consensual nod “I think you may be homosexual, I also think you're also in love with Octavious…”

Jed was taken aback by this. “I–” he began to defend “I–” he thought about it, letting the words sink in and find their meaning, resonating in his mind.

“I… think I am…” he gave a defeated sigh “in love with Octavious…”

Ahk gave a smile “ I’m very proud of you, Jedediah. That is amazing.”

“Thanks, Ahk, ‘preciate it.” a smile formed as he recognized the trueness of the words “I’m in love with Oct. I am in LOVE with OCTAVIUS!” he gave a texas hell yea and jumped back into the car “ Thanks again, pardner,” He exchanged a wave with Ahk before speeding off.

Octavius laid in his bed, staring at the ceiling. Was he really losing his best friend? The man he was in love with? He sighed and said a prayer to Venus under his breath.

Almost immediately, there was a pounding at the door, “Octy?” a western voice called from the other side.

Octavius sat up. He blinked at the door. He knew by the voice it was Jedediah. Either Venus had answered his prayer or some other god was messing with him. “Uhm… Come in?”

Jed came bursting through the door but froze almost immediately, sudden doubt running through his head. Oct was frozen too, terrified of the next words to come out of Jed’s mouth. They stayed staring for a minute.

Come on, Jed, ya can’t let doubt win ya over now… did ya doubt when you had to cross the Mississippi River? Exactly. Gut up and tell ‘im

“I…” His voice trailed off… What if Oct didn’t feel the same? What if he ruined everything? Oct looked so tense, did he do that?

“I–”

“I’m sorry, Jedediah, I must’ve done something to make you not want to be my friend anymore. Whatever it is, I swear I will make it my mission to make it up to you–”

This caught Jed off guard, especially when he saw tears in Oct’s eyes “What? Not want to be your friend?? NO! God, no!” He moved closer, tears forming in his own eyes, he never wanted to cause Oct this much pain.

“You’ve been pulling back lately… it’s like you don’t want to be around me anymore,

Jed sat next to Octavius, pulling his hat over his eyes with a sigh, “it ain’t that, not at all. The complete opposite, really… I’m so happy ‘round ya. More happy than with anyone else. I thought it was ‘cause you’re my best friend, but when ya held my hand in London and when ya hugged me…” his voice trailed off and he caught a glimpse of Octavius, staring at him, hanging on to his every word.

“Octy… I’m a homosexual… and I’m in love with ya…” next thing he knew, there were arms flung around him. Octavius’s arms. The butterflies became fast and vicious in his stomach

Octavius couldn’t believe the words that just came out of his cowboy’s mouth–

“Thank you, Venus,” Octavius whispered as he wrapped his arms around Jed’s body.

“What was that?” Jed gave an awkward chuckle, unsure if this hug meant ‘I support you’ or ‘I feel the same’

“Nothing. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear you say that. I’m in love with you, as well” Octavius smiled, finally being able to tell Jed his feelings.

Jed’s face lit up as he returned the hug, allowing himself to bury his face into the crook of the roman’s neck, he didn’t know how much he needed this…

Octavius blushed a deep crimson “Does this make us…” he didn’t even have time to finish the sentence before Jed nodded into his neck.

Jed moved his head so he could speak clearly “would it be ok if I kissed ya?”

Octavius almost died at that. He couldn’t believe this was real. He nodded.

Soon his lips were met with Jed’s. He was kissing Jedediah Smith. Jedediah Smith, his boyfriend. After they parted, they stayed in each other's arms for the rest of the night.

A/N: am i a slut for some good fluff? yes. do i need it after today? yes. I loved writing this fic. it’s not the best but i still love it!! hope you enjoyed :))

[jeannereames]

Hello, Dr. Reames!

I was thinking and meditating a lot about Hephaistion these last days, and I also thought about the Hephaistion you wrote in your duology (which I love very much); I came to the conclusion of something and it is something Hephaistion would say/sing if he had heard this, quote:

"Yeah, my boyfriend's pretty cool But he's not as cool as me"

it is a verse from the song 'Brooklyn baby' by Lana del Rey, it fits perfectly with Alexander and Hephaistion! Yes, it's true that Alejandro is someone extraordinary and cool, but Hefestión is more so.

[Spoiler of the novel ⚠️: the fact that Hephaistion is so beautiful, so pretty in the novel makes many people look at him; but we know that Hephaistion is not only a pretty face. The point of it all is that he ranked among the best warriors or has a rather prudent and mature personality, it gives him an appealing air: Hephaistion is not only beauty, but also brains].

What are your thoughts on this? And thanks <3

I had to go and listen to the song. It’s got a very Beat Poet vibe, which, given the lyrics, makes sense. Ha. (Even before I read the lyrics, I got that feel, so she succeeded in her aim.)

The “air of cool” is something Hephaistion is trying to project—(to use modern examples) a little Fonzie, a little (more dangerous) Marlon Brando (below: Marlon Brando from "A Streetcar Named Desire").

Ironically, he doesn’t see himself that way. He’s playing a part. He wants to be cool like Agathon.

Further irony: that wasn’t Agathon’s sort of cool; he was the extroverted jokester who’d never met a stranger, his devil-may-care of a happy, friendly sort. Hephaistion can’t begin to approach Agathon’s personality, so he tries to project whatever he can manage. The devil-may-care turns into “I don’t give a fuck what you think of me.” He turns his quietness/insecurity into arrogance.*

In his own mind, Hephaistion is an outsider who feels acutely different—not cool at all. His way of trying to mitigate being the outsider is to voluntarily situate himself as a loner. “I know you won’t like me, so I’ll reject you first.” Alexandros, of course, picks up on that pretty quickly, although he doesn’t yet know the piece about Agathon.

The real Hephaistion is (predictably) different from his projections, and not only because he’s trying to be Agathon (and doing it badly). The “I don’t care about any of you” routine is immediately punctured by sympathy/empathy for Alexandros. That’s the real Hephaistion. If Alexandros has an instant crush on Hephaistion, Hephaistion doesn’t have one on him (he’s a kid still). He just sees a little brother in need of a big brother.

So, I don’t think Hephaistion would consider himself cooler than Alexandros, as Alexandros is much closer to Agathon, personality-wise, who Hephaistion idolized. And that is, initially, some of the reason for Hephaistion’s affection. He wants to protect the kid who’s like the brother who loved and protected him. Hephaistion is both a little in awe of Alexandros (as he was of Agathon), but also feels sorry for how he had to grow up and wants to shelter him.

As Hephaistion ages, more of his real self does (and will) emerge. He feels more centered, in part thanks to Alexandros. He’ll always have that broody, angsty edge—that is part of him, because he’s inclined to overanalyze and fail to get out of his own head—but he’s less devil-may-care and “too cool for school.”

————————

* To be fair, Hephaistion does have an arrogant (and sarcastic) bone. He’s incredibly intelligent, and has a hard time taking seriously, much less submitting to anybody he can outthink—which is most people. Alexandros recognizes that, too.

[jdyyshit]

a man stood in his small, cramped studio apartment right at the very edge of brooklyn

it’s quiet is all his mind musters

the roar of traffic, rumble of engines and the odd yell of a pedestrian or driver is all still very much prevalent. the laughs of teenagers rushing along the sidewalks with their friends, the car alarms blaring.

he tunes it out and focuses his attention back onto folding his shirt. this one old and the colour faded, the threads hanging. he’d outgrown it. he stares down, before shoving it into the duffel.

the creak of the floorboard turns his head. his girlfriend stands there, her eyes puffy and lip bloodied from her insistent chewing. she wears his university sweatshirt, having borrowed (stolen) it long ago. he lets her have it.

because when the bank accounts drained and the cupboards are bare, what does he have left to give?

his love?

except he’s already given all he can. he loves her like she’s his last breath of oxygen before death. the first breath of air after drowning. the virus and the cure. the poison and the antidote.

his brother would forever be more poetic she is my doing and my undoing. his beginning and his end.

she was everything.

so when she cries it cracks his heart.

she stands in the doorway, her arms wrapping around her chest, looking at him through misty lenses.

they’ve had this conversation before.

the fears, the tears. everything.

they have no other option, there’s nothing.

“we have to go, baby.”

her breath hitched “i know.”

“i’m sorry.”

“you’re not acting like it.”

he sighs, putting his shirts down. he grasps her wrist and pulls her gently onto the mattress on the floor. she curls slightly, her scraped knees drawn into her chest.

“remember our promise?” he murmured.

she hums, burrowing into his chest, tucking her head under his chin.

they fit like puzzle pieces.

“a big house with a big yard and surrounded with field.”

she nods.

“a garden with your favourite flowers. chickens, so we don’t buy eggs. maybe a cow or two. a wrap around porch to sit and watch the sunset.”

“a big fireplace that we drink hot chocolate by in the winter.” she says.

“with marshmallows?”

“with marshmallows.”

“a library” he continues “with all the books you can read.”

“a letterbox with our names on it.”

she leans into him and he breathes her in. lavender.

even if he was blind he could probably recognise her by that smell alone.

he’d feel for the soft skin of her cheek, the wispy curls of her hair, the rasp in her voice when she woke up.

“you forgot something.” her voice is low, almost drowned over by the noises of the city.

“what?”

“the pattering of little feet.” she adds

“huh?” his eyebrows knit together “like a dog?

“mhm. something like that.” she replies, and he feels something in her voice that’s like she’s revealing something hidden. a treasury of secrets almost. without another thought, she takes his arm and pulls it around her stomach.

oh.

something flutters in his chest. something unusual.

dangerous.

hope.

he blinks, twice. then looks at her, her angelic features even more gorgeous in the light of dusk. he lifts her hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckle.

“one day” his voice cracks “i’m going to get you that house. those flowers. those books. i’m going to take care of you and we’ll never have to worry about food or money.”

i swear.

he leaves that unsaid, but he’s never meant anything more.

the sun’s lowering now and they turn to watch it.

all he can picture is her brown doe eyes and his chubby bright cheeks. he pictures tying shoe laces and sports practice and tiny shoes by the door of house he’s going to build her.

they watch the sun shift over it’s horizon. setting over the city, once the city of their dreams.

now all they have is their dusty apartment, their luggage, a little secret in their hearts and two plane tickets with their names on it.

and for today, that’s enough.

[virtualworldgirl]

#1 Today, I decided to make a blog.

I went to work today, it was my last shift in my current position. I have been promoted and will work in a different store starting Tuesday. I'm excited. I work in a jewelry store, I just graduated college and I just moved to Brooklyn, I feel like everything started. I took the train home, got off at a random stop; Graham Ave, my friend Sophie lives off that stop. I walked around and stopped inside a plant store, there was a parrot named Finlay there, I spent a lot of time looking at the plants because I really want to own and care for a lot of them. However, I'm not ready for the responsibility yet. first step: finish moving in. I spent a lot of time looking at the Orchid's, they remind me of my mom and I'm intrigued by their challenge yet I turned around and walked to the bookstore instead. Very cute store had fun browsing. They had a lot of prints of the Dante Inferno book pages, which although I wanted to buy, I have the exact copy the photos are from so decided against it.

I headed home and said hello to my cats. I then took a walk to a prospective pho place. Something about me, I love pho. It's my favorite meal, I would absolutely love to have a pho place within walking distance. I enjoyed the walk, the restaurant had an interesting ambience. I realize now looking back I was blinded by my desire to have a pho place and all the little gimmicks distracted me...I'm often a victim of marketing.

I took a seat in the corner by the window, a table big enough for one. It was the type of restraints where you scan a QR code on your phone and order directly off your phone and pay and they just bring out the food after. If my grandma is reading this, can you believe that exists. I'm serious. You never speak to the waiter until they bring out your food. I ordered Vietnamese iced coffee, veggie spring rolls and the rare beef pho.

The coffee was really yummy. The food itself was yummy but also only okay compared to what I've had. I guess sort of bland. The spring rolls I would order again with the pork to compare because I felt those may be better. The pho. First of all, the utensils were kept in a drawer under the table. Why that matters, I'm not sure but it was definitely cool in the moment. Okay, here's the thing. It doesn't take a lot to make a good bowl of pho. The veggies were yummy, the noodles were yummy, The meat actually was very very good. I often avoid the meat in Pho because It never tastes exactly right. However, I kept looking for it in this bowl and was disappointed in the portion size. I digress. The most important aspect for me in a bowl of pho. Is the broth. The broth must be so flavorful and yum that I want to put it in a cup and drink. Most places deliver this easily, that's because most places use beef broth for the pho. This pho place uses a clear broth. So while it was good and the broth was flavored via the rare beef ,veggies, lime, and siracha...it was not very flavorful and very lacking. As much as I wanted this place to be the one... I don't think it will be. However I could still see myself going again just because it's close. I came back home and the my dear friend Chloe came over to visit my new apartment. I told her about my blog idea, we shared a few laughs, had a nice chat and then she went home. I really enjoy living in Brooklyn. I go outside a lot more, I walk around a lot which is nice exercise and I get to spend a lot of time with all my friends . Even now, I just got to see my dearest friend. Something I would have had to plan days in advance. My friends might be my truest love in this life. I do often feel alone in the world. I guess that’s what happens sometimes. They’re like my big family. I like how they’re always there. They’re in awe of the things I don’t enjoy about myself, like my independence. It’s a nice perspective change I guess. Anyways. I saw a food truck by my apartment. The lady was really kind. I would be her friend. I ordered beef but got chicken but It was still really good. One day, I'll get the beef taco. I don't know how regularly I will write, I hope often. I like this form of journaling because there's an aspect of performance since people could potentially read it so I want my writing to be presentable, organized and engaging. Yet, this isn't something that gets put in front of a large amount of people's faces so reading it is by choice.

I hope you enjoyed gem

[leaahhh]

here are some of the songs that soundtracked my summer

maps by the yeah yeah yeahs because i have a secret theory that you must pay attention to the songs that play in the background of a first date because they might be premonitions. it was one of the first that came on the day we met. you were quieter then and everyone knew your name. i overslept far past my welcome that first night and maybe that should have been more telling than the song. maybe i shouldn’t have given myself over so quickly. maybe i should’ve listened to tyler. maybe maybe maybe a lot of things. still, i laughed the whole way home. my kind's your kind, i'll stay the same.

acolyte by slaughter beach, dog because it is one of the only unabashed love songs i can listen to several times in a row without recoiling. it is the best song to wash the dishes to, to walk into the sunset with, to believe in kinder things because of. 

group four by massive attack because the man i was seeing at the time played it once at the bar he worked at. i visited several nights a week, it became part of my routine: something to rush around for, a soft place to land. i was mesmerized from the jump, it was all i could fixate on for its full eight minute runtime — the song and also him, flitting back and forth in the dim red light. (i played it for S a few days later, saying it was the best thing i’d ever heard — he didn’t like it, said it was scary.) i remember going into the bathroom and stabilizing myself in the mirror prematurely thinking that i’d miss coming here when it all ended. each time i was met with eyes a little more vacant. a self-fulfilling prophecy. (i’m at a different bar alone now writing this. your coworker spotted me, came over, and reminded me that you’re working there tonight. i shook my head and he said “oops” three times.)

lost angel nights by james blake and alphabet city by the national because they say the quiet part loud. they made me feel justified in my self-abandonment and my masterful act of pretending to be okay with distance and mistreatment. “away from me is just fine.” “if anybody asks, i’ll say you’re coming back.” “i’ll still be here when you come back from space.” it’s not true. it shouldn’t be. but love is this way sometimes. 

montana by youth lagoon because J brought it up around 3am at a bar in bushwick and before then i hadn’t thought of it in many, many years. she joked that i should play it next to your ear while you were asleep that night because it might rewire your brain. i laughed hard then but later it made me want to cry. a couple months after, her and i sat on a couch backstage with T before he played a sold out show in brooklyn. i told him i think i might’ve met you just so i could meet her. i do believe it. 

this house by japanese breakfast because a friend posted it on her instagram story right after going through a bad breakup and i listened to it eating dinner alone at the neighborhood fast casual korean restaurant staring out the open front door while hot air hit my face and it felt like i was hearing music for the first time. what if one day i don’t know you? what if one day you leave? i could sense it was coming but i came over for a kiss despite it all. i really learned about liquid courage with you and i probably never needed to befriend it so closely. when we were together, my head was always spinning; my nose always stung. 

very overdue goodbye by runo plum because my friends all know i prefer dragged out, tortuous storylines over clean-cut endings and rightfully shake their heads. i’ve never gotten over a thing in my life, i tell david in a frankly unhinged voice message that closes with me laughing pathetically, squeezing in at the end that i hope the baby is healthy. it is the last friday night of summer. he says that 26 is the new 18, that i am the one making bad decisions, *i* am not the bad decision. he tells me to stand up for myself. it takes me several weeks but i listen. you made being alone feel so clean. i see you more as a pile-up of my own grief. 

to me it was by samia because the guitar gives me goosebumps all over. eliza and i have used the format “everything with ____ is totally fine/don’t freak out, it’s gonna be alright” back and forth all month to punctuate every nervous interaction. we ended up being wrong a lot of the time, there was absolutely reason to freak out. samia was right though; maybe i didn’t need tequila for that. someday i think i’ll look back and remember this as a good time. right now it just hurts. 

blue flower by mazzy star because it reminds me of my favorite line in that other song that makes me think about that other guy: i had a fever when i met you; now you make me cool. you were a superstar in your own private movie and i wanted just a minor part. ang is the first person to call it by its name: cruelty. i sweltered and seethed while you slipped away. 

street rat by blondshell because i fell back into my old habits as quickly as i’d tried to kick them as soon as you entered the scene. if a doctor put her hands over my liver she would tell me my resentment’s getting…bigger. i felt a lump, hard and unforgiving, growing there. my back tooth turned brown and started rotting the day you disappeared. Z yelped at me from across the street when he saw me and said i’m withering in front of his eyes. it’s a race to see who dies first and you’ve got five years on me. (as i’m typing this, the bar has begun playing sepsis by blondshell. it feels almost evil. it really should’ve taken a whole lot less to turn me off.) 

split up by boyish because i could have said all of this word-for-word in that text message. i kept it short for both of our dignities. 

aspirin - slight return by tropical fuck storm because christian responded with just the link to that after i ranted for 5 minutes straight about my rapid descent into madness. it was a perfect response. i’m a harrowing rest stop for the men i date. disarming enough to trip them up. not enough to make them stay. 

moon song by phoebe bridgers because after three years of knowing it so well, i heard it entirely differently one night and it nearly rendered me immobile. you asked to walk me home but i had to carry you. you pushed me in and now my feet can’t touch the bottom of you. i would have stuck around, by the way. like a dog with a bird at your door.

[because-she-goes]

aphrodite’s rage

warnings: swearing, nora being angry, drugs (weed), breakup. Enjoy!

author’s note: meet nora! can’t wait for everyone to see more of her :) Also, sorry about the song change, just thought this fit nora and matty’s story and plus george produced it!

“Nora, don’t be ridiculous! We’re good, we’re us. I still love you.”

“But thats the thing Derek, I don’t. You don’t value me, you don’t even let me talk about my job for gods sake! All we do is sit around and talk about you, your needs, your wants. Well, what about what I want hmm? Has that even crossed your mind for a second in our relationship? Have you ever for even a minute not thought about you?” Nora’s voice echoes around the apartment, voice as sweet as ambrosia, but tongue sharp enough to wound the devil. It has been exactly 19 days since she came home from Vegas, from Matty.

Oh Matty. The only person to make her feel seen, heard and understood. The only person to make her feel like a human again. The only person to actually love her.

“This is about him, isn’t it? That guy you met on your trip?” Derek dares, Matty’s name alone enough to strike fear in his veins. Derek doesn’t dare say it.

“So, what the fuck if it is, Derek? So what if I felt special for once? So, what if it somebody made me feel good enough for once? Hmmm answer me when I talk to you!” She spits back at him. A wildfire in her eyes. “Derek, I need you to get this through your thick, dull skull. I don’t love you. I haven’t for awhile.” She thunders.

He stands and looks at her, not a thought behind his eyes. Just a big, dumb idiot. Why did she even fall for this oaf, she thinks. He couldn’t be more opposite than Matty. Matty, she sighs again. Sweet, caring, spontaneous, funny, smart, interesting, fashionable and a menace with the smile of a saint. Nora shivers at the memory of him in that suit the night in vegas, goosebumps flood her skin.

“Matty… if you can even stomach his name… is the greatest person who has ever come into my life, you dick!” Continuing to reign hellfire on her now bumbling boyfriend.

“Oh please, Nora get real! He (Derek still refusing to say his name) just met you like two weeks ago and I have known you since you were 20.” He tries to reason with her, seeing her slip away.

“Hey dipshit, people change! If you think I am still the same young, naive, stoned-out-of-her-mind girl from all those years ago then you are more hopeless than I thought.” Her words like venom. “Derek, may these be the last words I ever have to say to you: we are over.” The final words getting lodged in his psyche. Haunting him.

And with that, she grabs her stuff and walks out of the apartment head held high. She’ll have movers come get her stuff tomorrow and get it to her apartment in Brooklyn.

Stepping out, she inhales the new sense of freedom that surrounds her. Taking out the celebratory joint she kept hidden in her tote bag, she lights up and makes her way towards Walt Whitman park. Puffing on the herb as she struts down the street, she feels reborn. A new, fresh woman. One totally disconnected from her old life, Derek being the final string to it. Derek being the only thing tugging her back in life, towards childish things. He never did understand her now thinking about it. He never got her desire for a career, always telling her she had him to fall back on and not seeing any issue with her being totally dependent on him. He never got her taste in music or her new friends, always suggesting they hang out with people from high school - people who may as well have been taking bets on her downfall and selling tickets to her demise. Her only thought regarding those people, and now Derek was fuck ‘em.

Joint now halfway gone and Nora’s head feeling light and hazy, she gets to the park. Deciding to sit on an empty patch of the lawn and finish her celebration. Digging in her tote bag, finding her phone. Going through her texts she finds one from Matty from two days ago when he got back to the UK. Checking the time, its 7pm in London.

One ring, then two.

“Hey Nor, whats up?” He asks, voice perfectly husky. She relaxes and melts at the pet name.

“Guess who is a free woman, Handsome?” His heart stops. Smile erupting across his face.

“No way, gorgeous. You finally did it?”

“Just got finished, think he is still shell shocked. Now celebrating.”

“As you should. He seemed like a fucking twat anyways.” He remarks.

“I think you’d like to know he couldn’t even say your name. Couldn’t even stomach me saying it.” She tells him, he smirks on the other end of the phone.

“Can’t believe you even liked him, honey. Sounds like a total wanker.”

“Trust me, he is. Anyways, I don’t have much tying to me to New York now and I’m sure I can find a place in London to work out of. Was gonna take a flight there next week and shack up in a hotel-“

“Or, you could stay with me. Save the money plus you could wake and bake with me.” He offers, smiling at the idea of waking up with her every day, of playing house.

“You got yourself a deal, Healy. But, no funny business mister! I’m single, I wanna have fun for a bit.”

“Oh trust me darling, you haven’t known fun until you’ve been in London at night.” He reassures, mouth salivating over the thought of her in a club dress and running around with him at night. Fuck, he is a goner.

The next day, Nora books a one-way flight to London and starts shopping, trying to pick things she deems as being especially tantalizing, deciding she is gonna torture Matty for however long she is there. A mischievous giggle leaves her throat, oh this is gonna be fun.

— 1 week later —

The double decker plane touches down in Heathrow airport. It is late and Nora slept terribly on the flight. Texting Matty that she landed safely and giving him the arrival information, she stands up to grab her overhead bag. Her hoodie comforting her and baggy sweatpants pool at her ankles. She pulls her headphones around her neck as she walks in the direction of checked luggage and grabbing her suitcases. Next is customs, thanking the lord she didn’t pack any weed betting on Matty having a full stock at his house. The customs officer asks her if she’s staying for business or pleasure and she responds by pausing and then decidedly saying pleasure and adding that she got a visitor’s visa approved by the UK embassy in New York last week. He nods sternly and confirms that yes, she did. Stamping the US passport and sending her on her way to the pickup location.

In the crowd of families reuniting, soldiers rushing to their partners, siblings hugging and lovers kissing she spots a card.

“Thee Ms. Nora Downey.”

The man behind the sign looks positively drool worthy. First off, he has stubble that dances across his defined jaw accentuating his features. Secondly, he’s wearing an old Yankees hat low hiding his eyes from anyone who may recognize them and as a way to tease Nora, fully knowing she prefers the Mets. Third, he’s wearing a tight crisp white shirt letting his iconic tattoos creep out from the hems and sleeves hugging his defined biceps. Finally, she sees a pair of baby blue adidas track pants hang low from his waist with a pair of battered gazelles. If she could jump him, she would. She composes herself, trying to get her voice to be even when she greets him.

From his view, she could not look any cuter. Hoodie tied at the neck, brunette hair creeping out from underneath and black headphones cover her neck. He makes a note to himself to litter it with hickeys at some point during her trip. Her grey sweatpants adorably too long for her frame and black sambas barely visible. She softly smiles at him as the escalator descends, her nerves increasing at he grows closer. He reciprocates.

Finally being within arms reach of her, he pulls her to his chest. Wrapping his arms around her and breathing in her perfume - coffee and vanilla with a little smoke - he hums. Content to have his favorite girl in his town and getting to be her personal tour guide for however long he is lucky enough to have her. He already scheduled for them to go on a guided tour of the Tate Modern tomorrow night and grab some dinner. The guys were gonna meet her in a couple days - Adam being the most eager since he was a fan of her work.

Her head is tucked into his shoulder, smiling ear to ear as she feels his shoulder relax under her arms. She breathes calmly - smelling the lavender and mint cologne she has come to love. She marvels at the fact that she was ready to go to bed just 45 minutes ago when she landed, but now feeling wide awake in his presence.

“Hi, honey. Missed you, can’t wait to show you just how…fun… I can be.” He smirks, ready to be just the most enchanting version of himself.

“Oh, you’re on, Handsome. I was born to be…fun.” She teases, mirroring his smirk.

She feels him shudder. Oh she’s got this in the bag.

[roboticonography]

First line fic meme

I was tagged by @laviejaguardia, thanks Lina! ❤️

Special shoutout to dynamic duo @doctorhelena and @buckywiththegoodhair86, who tagged me in a similar version of the same meme, but without the line about "conclusions".

Rules: post the first lines of your last 10 fics/chapters posted on AO3 (if you have less than 10 fics posted, post the first lines of all your fics) and try to draw some conclusions.

(P.S. I interpreted "first line" as "first paragraph." Also, I cheated a little on #10, because I enjoy that punchline.)

1. A New Name For Everything (Steve/Peggy)

It’s strange, Peggy thinks, to be back in Howard’s penthouse again.

2. When the Day Appears (Steve/Peggy)

The first day is an emotional whirlwind: they laugh, they cry, they argue, and they dance. 

3. To Be Where You Are (Steve/Peggy)

“I don’t suppose anyone knows what happened to my razor,” said Steve, one chilly autumn afternoon.

4. The Nearness of You (Steve/Peggy)

The night before she’s due to leave town, Steve takes Peggy to a free movie night, at a park in his neighbourhood. He knows a lot of people would give him low marks for being cheap and unoriginal, but the only person he wants to impress doesn’t seem to mind.

5. Except Perhaps in Spring (Steve/Peggy)

As she would maintain for many years afterwards, Peggy hadn’t wanted to go to the pub in the first place.

6. Love Me Harder (Steve/Peggy)

It wasn’t until after the attack on Manhattan that Steve finally worked up the courage to call the number that Nick Fury had given him for Peggy Carter.

7. The Honeymoon Phase (Steve/Peggy)

Steve’s apartment in Brooklyn was easily as old as Steve himself, and he suspected some of the plumbing was original to the period. The aging wood floor sagged in some places, heaved in others, and felt slightly gritty, no matter how many times he swept and vacuumed. His bedroom was narrow and stuffy, with no closet; its single window had been painted shut, which was almost certainly a fire code violation. The walls were as thin and brittle as saltines, and a hot shower was a rare and elusive pursuit. Something—the appliances, the wiring, the ancient and temperamental radiator—was always breaking down.

8. All That Remains (Steve/Peggy)

A few weeks after Steve’s plane goes down, Peggy visits a tattoo parlour in London.

9. The Case of the Parisian Passenger (Steve/Peggy)

Mr. Jarvis stood on the wet tarmac, enjoying the peaceful chirp of crickets. 

10. All Day, Every Day (Steve/Peggy)

Steve knew, objectively, that the time heist could have side effects. There was still a hell of a lot they didn’t know about the quantum realm; neither Bruce nor Scott had an entirely perfect understanding of the equipment; what Bruce had learned from the Ancient One about the flow of time had really only muddied the waters. Before Steve’s departure, Bruce and Scott had made at least half a dozen bets on how the mission would go. Running into a second version of Steve, already on Asgard, had just put Bruce ahead by twenty bucks.

Conclusions

I'm a big fan of a relatively mundane first line, usually one that stands completely alone. I like to ease into a story like getting into a warm bath. (Except in the case of All Day, Every Day, where I wanted the reader to feel the same confusion and disorientation Steve feels, and will continue to feel for several more chapters.) I also generally like to establish who the POV character is within the first paragraph.

Also, I tend to only describe settings if it tells us something about character or plot. That opener for The Honeymoon Phase really makes a whole meal out of Steve's sad apartment, but that's because (a) it tells us a lot about how stubborn Steve is, and to what extent he's willing to put up with minor annoyances to get something he wants and (b) later in the story, when Peggy spends all that time in Steve's apartment, we know she must really, deeply care about him to put up with painted-shut windows and cold showers.

Also, I wish I was able to finish fics a little faster. Ah, well.

It seems like most of my moots have already been tagged in this one, but if you haven't and you want to be, consider yourself tagged!

[sl-newsie]

Chapter Twenty Six: Christmas: Part 2 (Spot Colon x Female Newsie)

I’m awakened tha next morn’n by Mush shake’n me like a maniac.

“Wake up, Becca! It’s Christmas Eve!”

“Good, then you can give me tha gift of sleep!”

I turn over, but Race is on the odda side.

“Get up! Get up! Ya can’t celebrate Christmas Eve by ly’n in bed!”

I groan. “No, but ya can’t celebrate it when you’s fall’n asleep ‘cause you’s too tired!”

“Quite your complain’n and get up!”

Open’n my eyes, I see that everybody’s start’n to wake up. I also see… snow! It snowed last night! We’s gonna have a white Christmas afta all!

Angel’s tha foist to see tha tree, and keeps point’n to it. When Les sees it, his eyes light up.

“A tree! A tree! Who got a tree?”

Tha rest of tha guys turn and look.

Jack’s face scrunches. “Who got a tree?”

David locks eyes with me, and he instantly knows who it was.

“Really? A Christmas tree?” Skittery looks at it funny.

“I think it’s nice!” Crutchy compliments. I try to hide my smile.

“But Kloppman’s never gotten us a tree…” Mush wonders.

“Yeah. Who…?” Race looks at me, and I can’t hide my smile no more. He begins to open his mouth, but I make a slash’n motion across my neck- signal’n him to shut up. He does, but he’s still animated about it.

“I donno,” I say with a shrug. “Maybe Kloppman changed his mind. Now don’t forget I’s leave’n for Brooklyn later.”

“Why, to hang some mistletoe?” Mush taunts.

I roll my eyes. “No. Who wants breakfast?”

Angel’s sudden burst of energy tells me she does. She follows quickly downstairs behind me inta tha kitchen. 

I make scrambled eggs and bacon- a treat we’d been save’n for weeks. Angel adds a few touches of her own- some spices and textures- that she must’ve learned from her modda. 

“Thanks for tha help, Mittens! Usually I’s tha only one who knows how to cook without burn’n tha place down!” I call upstairs. “Come get it, guys!”

“Food!” All tha kids scream. Henry and Joey are tha foist ones in line, eager as electricity.

“Hurry up, fellas, before there’s noth’n left!” I call up again at tha older newsies.

“We’s come’n, we’s come’n!” Jack calls back.

David and Les come down next- Les go’n straight to sit next to Angel.

“They figured out you got the tree,” David muddas with a smile oudda the odda’s earshot.

“Technically I found it in an alley, so it was free, so they’s can’t complain ‘bout me buy’n it.” 

“Still, Jack and Race are concerned. But they all love it.”

“Good. We’s all needed someth’n to cheer us up- it’s been an interest’n, long, hard year. By tha way-” I peek over at Mittens and Les, who’re chat’n. “-seems as if Les made a new friend.”

David chuckles. “You could say that. We’ll just see how it goes.”

Now all tha odda newsies pile down.

“Where’d ya find tha tree, Becca?” Crutchy asks giddily.

“An alley. Nobody wanted it.”

“Ya still didn’t  have to get us a tree- what if Kloppman don’t like it?” Race asks.

“For yor infermation, Anthony, Kloppman helped me hide it!” I use Race’s real name to prove a point- and to get him jumpy, which works!

“Thanks, Becca. Merry Christmas Eve!” Jack engulfs me in a hug, and soon all tha newsies follow suit and flood me!

“Aw, thanks guys! It’s noth’n, really. I’s just wanted to see you’s all happy!”

“Well it worked! So, what’re we’s do’n today?” Jack asks openly.

“Build a snowman!” Skippy shouts out.

“Snowball fight!” Blink says, look’n at Skittery with a wicked grin.

Boots holds up his hand. “Sledd’n?”

“Yeah!”

“Yeah!”

I chuckle. “I guess we’s gonna play outside!” I see Race and Snipeshooter’s faces fall. “Don’t worry- you’s don’t have to come out.”

“Good. Last time it snowed I nearly broke my leg!” Snipeshooter grumbles.

“You don’t see Crutchy complain’n, do ya?” Specs points out.

Mittens tugs my hand. “A- Ang-...”

“Angel? Like a snow angel?” I guess.

She nods.

“Yeah, we can do that too! C’mon guys, let’s go outside! Kids- grab your coats!” Jack calls around.

Outside, it’s as if a little piece of Heaven is cover’n New York. A certain… magic.

Angel flops down and spreads her arms and legs in and out.

I smile. “It’s beautiful, Mittens. An angel made by an Angel!”

“Ah!”

I turn behind me and burst out laugh’n at tha sight of Skittery’s snow-covered face.

Blink laughs hysterically. “That’s what ya get when you steal my blanket!”

“Sh-shuttt uppp!” Skittery shivers.

In no time at all snowballs are be’n flung everywhere- with Jack, Mush, Skittery, and David on one side, and Crutchy, Boots, Blink, Specs, Les, Mittens, and me on the odda.

“No fair! You’s got more teammates!’ Mush complains.

“Yeah, but you’s all got bedda aime!” I call back.

“Got room for a few more?” Someone asks.

I look behind me and see Danny, Vinny, Tommy, Mink, Lucky, and Spot Colon himself trudge’n through tha snow.

 “Spot! Nice to see ya! Merry Christmas Eve-! Wait- you’s gonna try and go against me?” I say in disbelief. He’s come prepared, wear’n a flannel jacket, stock’n cap, and gloves.

“Yeah, in hopes of land’n a snowball square straight in your pretty face!” Tha King of Brooklyn taunts as he and ha oddas duck behind a barrel with Jack.

I narrow my eyes and smile. “Traitor.” I look over at Angel. “Wanna help me get him?”

She smiles and nods.

“Good- let’s get ‘em!” I shout and we all ambush them.

Boots, Blink, and Specs corner David and Mush, while Crutchy, Blink, and Specs target Jack and Skittery. This leaves Boots, Les, Mittens, and me to deal with Spot and tha Brooklyn newsies.

“Take that!” Danny flings multiple snowballs at Boots, while Les and Mittens hide behind me.

I sigh, annoyed. “Thanks fer help’n out, guys!” Spot pelts me with snowballs, cause’n me to fall down and my jacket gets soaked.

But just then, Mittens and Les cry out and begin chuck’n snowball after snowball- they’s must’ve been make’n ‘em while they’s was behind me!

I poke my head oudda tha snow I’s fallen in. “Sorry for doubt’n you guys!”

They go to chase afta tha Brooklyn gang, but Spot stays behind with a strange look on his face.

I groan. “What? You’s gonna hit me again? I lost, ok? Just don’t-!”

Spot’s evil grin is tha last thing I see before he piles more snow on top of me.

“Mmmmhhhrrggghhh!” I scream from undaneath.

“I win,” Spot says simply with his arms crossed as I sit up, snow cake’n me everywhere.

“Yeah, you won- and I won a cold!” I say crossly. But I still smile.

Spot reaches his hand out as a peace offer’n, which I take cautiosuly. He pulls me up, helps me dust off my white coating, then brings me in for a kiss on my cheek.

“Your cheeks are cold.”

I look at him. “Wonder why.”

We run to catch up with tha oddas, and we find Danny and Tommy have been taken down by Specs, and Boots has been downed by Skittery. Jack, Vinny, Mink, and Lucky are still fight’n Blink, while Mush, David, Crutchy, Les, and Mittens are nowhere to be found.

“You’s got good aim for someone with one eye!” Vinny says after Blink pelts him in tha back.

“You’s seen tha kids? Or David and Crutchy?” I ask.

“Whoa! What happened to you?” Jack asks with wide eyes when he sees my snow-caked person.

“Spotty beat me, that’s what happened.”

“Sorry Becs, but you look hilarious!” Vinny laughs out loud.

“Haha. So where is everybody?”

“No idea- hey!” Jack’s side is suddenly covered with snow- from tha sky?

I look up and see Mush, David, Crutchy, Les, and Mittens stand’n up above in tha fire escapes with empty pails and buckets.

Jack sees ‘em too. 

“David, Mush- you traitors!”

“We ain’t traitors- we’s just bend’n tha rules a bit!” Mush laughs down at him.

“Enough of this- how ‘bout we’s go sledd’n?” Danny suggests. “There’s a street a few blocks over that’s covered in ice!”

Tha ‘rule benders’ come down, and I see that Angel’s befriended tha two Brooklyn goils too.

I go help Jack oudda tha snow. “Don’t feel too good, huh?”

“Shut up.”

We both laugh and follow tha Brooklyn gang. When we get ta tha frozen street, I immediately pick out my start’n point: a stack of crates with a ramp on top. For sleds, we’s scavenged up some wood planks and some metal scraps. 

Danny goes foist, followed by Mink and Lucky. It looks really fast- but a little dangerous.

My kind of sport!

Skittery and Boots race each odda, while David goes with Les. Specs takes Tommy and Mittens. Crutchy don’t take any part of it.

“I don’t wanna risk get’n my leg worse,” he says noivously.

I pat his shoulder. “That’s ok, Crutchy. Bedda to be safe than sorry. Besides- you gets to watch us crash like idiots!”

Mush, Blink, and Vinny go next. At tha end of tha street I can see them all piled against a building.

Jack then looks over at me.

“Becca, I don’t think it’s safe enough-”

“Too late!” I jump forward and dive onto my sled, sail’n at super speed towards the oddas. I feel like I’m fly’n! It’s incredible-!

And then I see tha wall.

“Aaaggghh-!”

Crash!

I slide smack inta tha snowdrift, already vacated by Blink and Mush.

“Hiya Becs,” Mush mumbles as he and Blink slowly get out.

I groan in response, cold and swore all over.

“Aaahhh!”

I look up lazily…. Wha-?

…and see Spot headn’n straight at me.

I gasp-!

Crash!

Spot barrels right inta me, and I thank God he’s fallen off his metal sled.

“Ow!” Spot grunts.

“Speak for yourself. At least you ran into me, and not a brick wall!” I groan when I realize Spot is sitt’n on top of me.

“Oh, right.” He lets me up, but pulls me back onto him. “Can’t we just stay here?” He grins cheekily.

I giggle. “No, ‘cause if we don’t, we’ll be run over by Jack!”

As I say this, we see a small figure grow’n larger and larger.

I hastily get up. “That’s him!'' 

Just as I pull Spot oudda tha way, Jack slides inta tha snowbank.

“Ugh.”

“C’mon, Jack. Let’s go again!” I call down at him.

“It hurts.”

“Oh cry me a river! It’s just a scratch!”

“Shut up.”

Afta sledd’n we go meet up at tha lodg’n house, and invite tha Brookyn newsies inside.

“Wow! You got a tree!” Lucky cries gleefully as tha kids surround tha small spruce.

“Yep, all thanks to Becca,” Race calls from his bunk where he and Snipeshooter are play’n cards.

“Hey guys! How goes it in here?” Jack asks.

“Warm and toasty, Jack! Unlike tha looks-a you!” Snipeshooter remarks.

“Nah, ya don’t feel noth’n afta ya go numb!” I say jokin’ly.

“So Becs, when ya leav’n?” Blink asks.

“As soon as I gets thawed out.”

Specs’ expression changes. “So ya can go back out in tha cold?”

“Exactly.” I go to change inta warm clothes. In ten minutes I’m bundled up again and ready to head to Brooklyn.

Spot wraps his arm around me. “Ready?”

“Yup.” I wave ta tha kids, who’re all nestled by tha tree.

“Ya come’n over tomorrow, right?” Jack asks.

I grip his shoulder. “Yeah, Jack, I am. How could ya think I’d ever miss out on a Christmas with you guys? ‘Course I’s come’n!”

“Don’t worry, Jackie boy,” Spot assures. “I’ll have her back here..”

“You bedda,” Race warns.

“C’mon, Spot. We godda go!” Danny says hurriedly.

“Alright, alright!”

“We have to go too,” David says as he begins ta put on his coat. “C’mon, Less.”

“Oh.” He looks at Angel, who seems sad ta see him leave. “Bye.”

“B-Bye,” she studdas.

“Don’t worry, Angel. We’ll be back tomorrow.” David smiles at her.

“See you guys then. Bye!” I wave.

“Bye, Becca! Merry Christmas!”