#my longest fanfic so far

[thesunisatangerine]

against all odds (to wait for you is all i can do) – part four

alexia putellas x photojournalist!reader

warnings: explicit sexual content

(a/n in the tags) [parts: one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve]

word count: 4.3k

It didn’t stop after the first and it sure didn’t stop after the third, either. 

Depending on her schedule, you saw Alexia once or twice at most a week; most of the time it was on the night after a Barcelona match and by the next morning, she’d be gone before you even woke up. But you’d noticed her visits had been increasing in frequency lately, not to mention that sometimes she’d still be in bed when you awakened. The first time you found her still asleep beside you, you were dumbfounded, thinking it was a dream image of her in front of you. And what amazed you even further was that it kept happening.

It wasn’t an unpleasant development. In fact, it was something you gratefully welcomed. And it wasn’t just that, either. Sometimes when Alexia came over, you didn’t even have sex you just… talked: about her training and her health, her teammates’ shenanigans–and hers, of course–her family and bits of her personal life. Meanwhile you told her about places you explored and showed her photos of where you’d been. Then she’d tell you about places you could check out, food to try, and even went ahead and promised to take you to some of the places herself when she had the opportunity.

These times were rare, sure, but you found yourself enjoying her company more and more to the point you noticed yourself craving for it–found yourself missing her presence despite your constant back-and-forth messages. And still you didn’t ask where this was going for fear of ruining whatever the two of you had; you were content and you just simply wanted to watch this unfold as it was. And anyway, it wasn’t like you weren’t used to fleeting relationships, situationships–whatever you’d like to call it–because who was to say this wouldn’t end up like your previous dalliances–ending before it could ever truly begin? Despite you hoping otherwise, a large part of you already convinced yourself that this wouldn’t be anything different: just another highlight to your getaway vacation that you’d look fondly back on a few years down the line.

You had a month left in Barcelona, maybe an additional few weeks depending on the client. What could possibly go wrong?

———

A knock took your attention from your work to the door. You looked at the time–it was early evening on a Saturday and you weren’t expecting anyone. Perhaps you just imagined it? But then it came again not a minute later. You were reluctant to open it seeing as it was already dark but a ping from your phone that signalled a message from Alexia asking if you were home had you flying to the door. 

Upon opening it, you found Alexia there with Nala resting in the crook of her arm, phone in hand, and a paper bag in the other. 

“Took you long enough.” Alexia said playfully, all cool and confident but then her brows quirked upwards almost sheepishly as she said in a more tamed tone, “is this a bad time? I didn’t mean to disturb you.”

You smiled at her consideration before you ushered her in. “No, no! It’s fine, really! Come on in. Sorry, I just wasn’t comfortable opening the door when it’s dark without knowing who it was.”

“Ah, it’s my bad. I should’ve let you know before dropping by.” She bent down and let Nala loose before she untied her shoes and left them by the door. Nala bounded to the living charged with curiosity, nose to the ground, tail wagging as she carefully examined the new space. 

Alexia regarded her dog with an amused expression before she looked back at you. “I meant to bring this over after the game tomorrow but I saw the lights as I drove past so… here I am, I guess.”

You reassured her again as you locked the door behind her and you watched as she made her way to the kitchen. As you passed through the archway to the kitchen room, Alexia already situated herself by the counter taking out glass canisters from the paper bag she brought. When she took the lids off, a delicious aroma instantly filled the air, enticing your senses.

“What do you have there?” You asked as you leaned on the opposite side of the counter.

Alexia smiled at the eagerness in your tone and pride shone in her eyes as she spoke, “only the best fideuà and esqueixada in the world. Made special by my mother, of course.”

You peered into the containers and the sight made your mouth water instantly. As if it remembered that you hadn’t had any food yet, your stomach grumbled obnoxiously. Alexia definitely heard it because she fixed you with an amused smile and at that, your cheeks warmed so you tried to divert her attention. “You know what would put this all together?” 

“What?”

“Wine or champagne. Wait–are you allowed to drink?”

“I’m allowed since I’m still not qualified to play yet.” Her visage became somber for a moment–it fleeted so quickly you almost didn’t catch it–before the light in them returned again. “If you have it, white wine is the best complement for this.”

You hummed and tapped your chin, turning to make your way to the cellar. “I’ll have a look. I’m sure Derek has some wine stored in here somewhere.”

You’d mumbled the last part but it seemed Alexia’d caught it because she asked, “who’s Derek?”

Something odd in her tone stopped you and made you look back at her. Her face was unreadable, almost too neutral. She didn’t think Derek was your boyfriend, did she?

“Oh, Derek’s my brother. He hasn’t been here for a while but he owns this house.”

“Ah, I see,” Alexia cleared her throat, looking away and you could just see a hint of redness in her cheeks. “Well, I’ll lay out the plates. I suppose they’re just in...?”

“The bottom drawer to your right and the utensils are in the upper one.” You instructed as you continued towards the cellar.

“Oh, yeah, I see,” came Alexia’s muffled response. 

When you returned with the bottle of white wine, you found that Alexia managed to locate the glasswares by herself and were drying them with a tea towel. There was only one set of plate and utensils laid out though so you fixed her with a confused look.

“You’re not going to eat?”

Alexia shook her head. “I already had my fill with my family earlier. I’ll take the drink, though.”

“That’s nice that you visited your family today. How are they?” You sat at one of the high chairs by the counter, popped the wine open and poured each of you a glass. You noticed that Alexia’d heated up the fideuà for you from the steam that rose from its container which strengthened its aroma and made it all the more enticing. Alexia remained opposite you but she was close enough with her leaning forward on her elbows, her glass of wine in hand.

She sipped her wine and told you they were well, described little snippets of what’s been happening in her family life. She even told you about a prank she recently played on her sister, one that nearly made you choke on your wine. 

You listened as she talked, liking the way her brows quirked and her shoulders move as she spoke, how each gesture became more pronounced the more passionate or interested she was on a subject. You asked questions and engaged with the conversation every now and again as you savoured the rich taste of the pasta and the freshness of the salad. You’d never had anything like it and you told her as much. In response, she said she’d give the compliment to her mother when she saw her next which made your cheeks warm up again. Once you finished, you tidied up and though you insisted she didn’t have to, Alexia helped you wash up anyway. 

Afterwards, the both of you ended up in the living room with your glasses of wine. She gestured at your laptop on the couch with her glass.

“Work?”

“Yeah. Just double checking if I missed anything important and preparing for the match tomorrow.” You sat on the couch and put the laptop on your lap. Alexia opted to sit on the carpet, legs stretched and crossed, back leaned back against the couch, her head just beside your legs as Nala settled by her side.

She turned her head, looking up at you. “Can I see?”

You turned your laptop so she could see better. You flicked through the photos you were sorting through, explaining to her every now and then the thought process behind each shot. On some photos, Alexia asked you to pause so she could soak them in.

“These are great. You have a great eye.” Alexia complimented with an appraising nod as you got to the end. You thanked her as you pulled back. Then a question came to mind.

“Do you ever get used to it? The cameras, I mean.”

A pause.

“I’m not and I don’t think I ever will. I’m more comfortable with it now but if it’s possible to avoid, I’d do it. I know it’s a part of football and god knows how much more exposure women’s football needs,” Alexia released a heavy sigh, “but sometimes it just gets too much, you know? I mean, I really should be grateful, right? To have gotten to this point? But the media side of it is… not without its own set of miseries.” 

There was an inflection in her tone upon her admittance–guilt. You gently carded your fingers through her hair, Alexia leaned into your touch in response, and you replied just as softly, “it must’ve been difficult. It still is and for you, especially. And I don’t know if anyone’s told you lately but you have to know: you’ve given so much of yourself already. It’s not a sin to want a little peace, Alexia, and it doesn’t make you ungrateful for wanting it, it just makes you human.” 

Alexia took a deep breathe before she rested her temple against your knee. Then you heard her whisper, “thank you.”

A silence fell upon the both of you after that but it wasn’t an uncomfortable one. She remained that way for the majority of the night, head against your knee as she watched a game of football on the TV. 

By the time you finished up your work, it was already late evening and Alexia’d dozed off beside you. You felt bad as you gently woke her up and groggy hazel eyes found yours when you did. The sight made your heart ache from how much Alexia looked younger and more at peace this way, and you told her to wash up so she could stay the night.

And she did.

Now, your cheek felt warm against her chest despite the slight dampness of her borrowed shirt from her hair. Her skin smelt faintly of the soap you were using and with her arm around your waist, you fell asleep content, lulled to a deep slumber by the steady rhythm of her heart.

———

“Hey, please don’t wear that, it’s dirty,” came Alexia’s reprimand from behind you.

You glanced at her reflection in the mirror: Alexia was propped up on the pillows against the headboard, an arm behind her head, nude except for the bundle of sheets that covered one of her thighs, the marks you’d left on her neck and chest last night and this morning generously displayed for you to behold. 

She was nothing short of glorious, you thought, looking relaxed and content like this. 

You turned your attention back to your own reflection: Alexia’s Barcelona jersey draped over your smaller frame and fell just partway down your bare thighs. It felt comfortable against your skin and the fact that it smelt just like Alexia made it feel all the more special.

When you looked at her reflection again, you found her with an affectionate smile, eyes lidded and brows inflected slightly upwards, and suddenly the attention warmed your cheeks.

“But you only wore it for a shoot, right?”

“I mean, yeah, but you know what I mean.”

You hummed, “do you need it?”

“No, I have spares,” she replied before she raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“That means I have time to wash it before I give it back since you insists that it’s dirty.” You said drily as you turned away from the mirror and padded your way to the bed, crawling on the sheets on your knees once you got there.

As soon as you got close enough, Alexia’s hands were immediately on you, guiding you to straddle her lap before she embraced you fully, resting her chin between the valley of your breasts as she looked up at you. You carded your fingers through her hair to see those fair, hazel eyes that never failed to make you shiver.

“I didn’t say you have to hurry. Plus… I kinda like seeing my number on you.” And then she was kissing your neck and you felt one of her hand creeping its way down to cup your ass. You gasped when you felt the heat of her fingers brushing against your core and you buried your own in her hair as she traced a path from your throat to your ear with her tongue, nipping at your lobe when she got there.

“Fuck… Alexia…” You moaned, “you’re insatiable.”

She kissed your shoulder and then she whispered, “only for you.”

———

Something flashed from the corner of your eye followed immediately by a string of whispered curses and a familiar whirring sound. You put your thumb over the line you were just reading so you wouldn’t lose your place before you looked over your bare shoulder to the corner of the room you knew Alexia was who you found, as expected, holding one of your Polaroid cameras. 

She was only wearing a pair of grey sweats which left her torso bare and–like all the time you saw her nude–you couldn’t help but appreciate the soft curves of her breasts and the carved muscles of her stomach. When she met your gaze, she smiled almost sheepishly at you not dissimilar to a child being caught stealing cookies from the jar.

You raised a playful eyebrow at her but instead of answering, she placed her eye over the viewfinder, aimed the camera at you, then pressed the shutter again.

The film came out with a whir and Alexia immediately tucked it into the pocket of her sweats. She then began to make her way towards you and at every other step, she’d stop to take a photo of you, carefully manoeuvring the camera to get the right angle as she did so. It was an endearing sight, really, and it was one that filled your chest full of warmth. 

Eventually, she ended up on you, turning you over on your back as she straddled your waist, leaving you at the mercy of Alexia and her camera. From this position, you couldn’t help but feel extremely vulnerable and exposed not because of your bareness, but because you knew with the way your chest surged with warmth from how Alexia gazed down at you with a satisfied grin, the dimple on her cheek showing as her tongue peeked out between her teeth at the corner of her mouth, seemingly focused on getting the right shot, that this was a woman who had the power to completely and utterly unravel you. 

As a photographer, you were well acquainted with how cameras had the capacity to capture the essence of a moment–to display in raw details the emotions of its subject and freeze them in time, readying them for the dissection and scrutiny of the viewer. You wondered then what Alexia would see written in the shadow, the light, and the colours in the photos she just took of you once she looked at them, and the thought both elated and frightened you. 

Alexia brushed away hair from your temple but as she was about to pull away, you put yours atop of hers and turned your cheek into her palm, looking directly at her behind the camera. You heard her breath catch and then she stuttered out a breath, and the flash barely registered in your mind because you were too focused on the strength and the warmth of Alexia’s hand as you pressed butterfly kisses on the inside of her palm. 

The next thing you knew, the camera was abandoned completely and you couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out from your throat when you finally felt Alexia’s lips on yours.

———

Alexia sat on one of the high chairs in the kitchen room, hair damp, a game of football on the mounted TV that was left forgotten in place of… something that you couldn’t quite see from this distance. Alexia’s shoulders were hunched over in concentration and you didn’t have the heart to interrupt whatever she was doing so you leaned on the archway, content with just observing her do her work.

“Are you just gonna stand there or would you care to join me?” You rolled your eyes and you didn’t fight the smile that graced your lips. So much for being sneaky–the fact that Alexia was an accomplished footballer who had crazy spatial awareness occasionally slipped your mind.

“Okay, Gwen Stacy, calm down.” Alexia looked over her shoulder then and stuck her tongue out at you, grinning. “How did you even know I was here?”

“Your reflection on the microwave.” She gestured to it with her chin and sure enough from this angle you were instantly visible especially with the white shirt you had on. The dark glossy surface almost made you look like a ghost.

Standing on your toes, you draped yourself over her broad back, arms wrapping loosely around her neck as you peered down. “So, what are we working on?”

“This.” 

A bracelet made of a dark-blue and red string that looped into itself with a singular, small gold diamond-shaped charm right in the middle, a vertical bar at the two corner points of the long edge of the diamond, dangled between Alexia’s fingers. She took your right hand and placed it in your palm so you could look at it: the bracelet was simple but it’s delicate nature made it all the more beautiful and elegant.

“Oh, wow, this is so pretty.” 

“It’s for you.” At that you looked at her, half-afraid that she’d feel the way your heart raced at her words against her back. 

You were so busy trying to find the right thing to say that you didn’t realise that she took the bracelet back until you felt the warmth of her fingers on your palm as she turned your hand over. You watched her as she wrapped it around your wrist, securing the tie. You turned your right wrist over and looked at the delicate bracelet, and something in your heart soared at the small gift. The fact that Alexia made it herself made it all the more special to you.

“Thank you, Alexia. I love it.”

“You’re welcome.”

That night while you were sufficiently warm nestled by Alexia’s side, naked except for the sheets, your head on her chest, a realisation hit you.

“It represents FC Barcelona, isn’t it?”

Alexia hummed in answer, the rumble from the sound a pleasant sensation on your cheek. Then she held your wrist in the space between her thumb and index finger, the width of her palm supporting your hand as she turned your hand just so so the gold of the diamond could catch the light.

“And what else?”

At that, you looked at the bracelet intently. The two bars: one and one–Alexia’s number. So she really was serious when she said she liked seeing her number on you.

You let out a small laugh, then you nuzzled her jaw as you spoke, “you little sneak.”

———

Minding her bad knee, you flipped the both of you over with a strength that even surprised yourself and with how Alexia’s brows raised high, you supposed it took her off guard, too. You settled your weight on her stomach and you bit your lip when you felt her abs tense against your core, and the desire in you blazed into a raging inferno that threatened to burn you inside out.

She grabbed your ass in both hands with a firm grip, making you gasp when her hold made you grind against her stomach, her eyes smouldering as she looked up at you. 

That look was your last straw; you couldn’t stop fighting your desire anymore so you let it swallow you whole. You fell forward, bracing your weight against your elbows as you craned your neck to kiss Alexia, rough and desperate, her lower lip between your teeth. The action rewarded you with a low moan, a delicious sound that shot heat straight down to your core.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?” Alexia gasped out between your relentless kisses.

“I like being on top,” was your simple answer whispered hotly against her ear, nipping gently at the soft skin there–teasing. 

Then it was your turn to gasp. 

Her fingers dug delightfully into your flesh, kneading your ass roughly before easing them apart with equal force. The harsh treatment caught you by surprise and the effect of it even more unexpected as you immediately melted against her, moaning her name helplessly against the crook of her neck. 

She knew just how to make a mess of you.

“Hmm, do you?” She asked coyly and then proceeded in a deliciously low voice that oozed seduction, smugness, and sex. “Too bad I’m still in control.”

“Fuck.” Your body answered for you in a full-body shiver. Her words turned you on to the brink of falling and you found no purchase as you slipped from the ledge.

It should be embarrassing how you could come without Alexia even fucking you, and it should scare you that she had this much power over your body but in this moment, when her hands were everywhere but your pussy and her filthy words were whispered hotly in your ear, you could care less. So you fell apart, shaking and weak, as you sank on top of Alexia’s firm and soft body, her name barely coherent from the sobs that came out of your lips. Euphoria lit every nerve in your body as you came, the fabric of your underwear latched deliciously on your pussy like a second skin and you were sure that you’d made a mess on Alexia’s bare stomach.

You only realised Alexia had stopped her teasing ministrations until you heard her thick voice through the haze of the afterglow which you barely caught.

“You came.”

It wasn’t a question, really, but you let out a small affirmative moan because what else could you do? You were mush–the intensity of your orgasm caught you off guard and left you floundering that no thoughts formed in your mind, just pure bliss and ecstacy. But as the veil of euphoria began to lift, embarrassment bled into the edges of your consciousness and with it the instinct to apologise. The words were poised at the tip of your tongue when Alexia moaned.

“Fuck, that’s so hot,” she breathed out and when you found the strength to lift your head to look at her, her eyes were lidded, pupils blown so wide they were almost all black.

And then she was pulling you in for a kiss, and then the wet heat of her tongue traced the edge of your ear, and she was nipping at your jaw while she dragged her palms from your ass to the side of your ribs. Your skin burnt at her touch and you could do nothing but surrender, to moan and whimper as your heat blazed anew despite having just been swept away.

“But this time, you’re going to come with my fingers in you.”

She didn’t even let the words sink in. Instead she wasted no time to slip her hand between your bodies and to push aside the fabric of your ruined underwear. Usually, Alexia liked to tease you and ease her fingers in you slowly as she sought as much reaction from you as she could, but the slick she found there must had been enough to satisfy her because she pushed two fingers in as soon as she found you. The thickness of her fingers slid in easily and you nearly screamed her name from the pleasure. 

She was relentless in her endeavour to make her words true with the way she gripped your hip steady with her free hand so you didn’t stray too far from her touch when you moved to meet her thrusts, the pace at which she worked her fingers in you left you lightheaded the same way her teeth on your neck worked to drive you insane.

“Alexia, Alexia, Alexia–” You chanted her name like a holy litany, burying your face into her hair that was now slightly damp with sweat and breathed her in: her scent of sun and freshly cut grass, of faint wintergreen, and an essence that was uniquely hers. The moment left you full with something heavy and warm, something that spoke of and hoped for forever, and clarity washed over you: this wasn’t like one of your previous dalliances anymore because you wanted more with her.

The realisation hit you hard, the gravity of it left your mind in a momentary stasis that when you came back to yourself, the shock of your orgasm knocked the breath from your lungs and you felt yourself being pulled by the tide. So strong was it that you could do nothing but pray the flood wouldn’t take you–that Alexia wouldn’t let you drown.

[mistmarigold]

What if Sunjae didn’t die that night? Part 6 (lovely runner au)

[See all the parts here.]

As soon as Sol steps into her room, she finally lets out a tiny scream that was lodged in her throat the entire time since Sunjae carried her.

She clutches her heart and swoons (as is appropriate) while her blushing cheeks wouldn’t calm down.

“Sunjae is the sweetest, aww,” she wheels to her sunflower plant and sprays some water on it.

The fangirl in her was so tempted to go and tell all of her internet mutuals so they could all collectively blush, swoon and praise Sunjae. But the other part of her wants to keep Sunjae like a secret, especially their past. Plus she doubted that anyone would believe her anyway.

Once the high of everything came down, Sol settles into her bed and cuddles up with one of her plushies. She thinks about her day again, going back to the interview and the raging disappointment she had felt after seeing the stairs and that one employee walking down towards her. She was so hopeful about the opportunity so it hurt, she wasn’t going to be toxic positive or make excuses. But disappointments like these had almost become a part of her life since that accident and so she tried to not let it weigh her down for too long. She’ll be sad, and then she’ll let it go. Something better will come along for her.

Thinking about the office obviously led her to think about Sunjae again, carrying her down the stairs. Taking off her rose-tinted fangirl glasses specifically, she could feel the tension between her and Sunjae the entire time. She had read enough books and watched enough TV to know it deep in her bones. It was probably just the awkward tension with her chair and everything, Sol reasoned to herself. Because why would Sunjae be interested in her in that capacity? Plus, he was just too nice as a person, that’s it. There was nothing more there.

***

There was definitely something there, Sunjae was sure about it. He hoped she wouldn’t feel his over the top yearning or the tension between them - because, was it there in spades. He had no idea how to explain it: ‘Oh, hi so I might have been had a crush on you for years and now it’s oozing out and I’m on cloud 9 every time I’m around you?’

Could she already tell that? He acted like a weirdo when he called her name. Sunjae grabbed the cushion and screamed into it, kicking his legs in frustration.

His mind went back to Sol’s answer in the car about her interests and the job opportunity. He was tempted to call the production office and tell them that he’d only do the movie if they get Sol on board. He had that power to do it. But did he really want to do it? What would Sol think if she ever found out about it? No matter how much he does it in secret, these things had a habit of coming out and blowing up in his face. So, if it does, what would Sol think? Would she appreciate the help?

Sunjae sat up and thought about it, given whatever he knew of the present Sol. He wasn’t sure. Maybe she would be okay about it but there was a chance she would be extremely angry at him for jumping in this way. Even though he wasn’t sure, a part of him was leaning towards the latter. It would blow up in his face.

Plus, the problem was never her experience because the employee had said that they wanted her. It was the access issue. What if he built a room for her so she could work on the main floor…. Sunjae shook off the idea. He was going to create more problems for her. And he was 100% overstepping - he knew that.

Just then his phone buzzed, with an incoming message from an old friend, Hyunwoo, that he meets every quarter.

“Sunjae, you mentioned that you were interested in a short film for a festival. Are you still looking for something like that?”

Sunjae frowned. He had talked to him about that once 2 years back so he was surprised that he remembered it.

He continued reading, “I’m sending you a script for a short film that another friend wrote. Let me know if you’d be interested and we can see it from there.”

Sunjae opened the script and got lost in it for the next hour. It was a 20-minute film so it wasn’t that long but he had ideas and notes that he wanted to discuss and possibly include.

Sunjae called him up, “I want to do it. But I’ve some notes.”

“Hi to you too, man,” his friend’s lazy voice came through.

“Sorry, were you sleeping? It’s 5 pm,” Sunjae replied.

“I was taking a nap. Don’t you want to ask who wrote it?”

“I read the name though I don’t remember the guy much apart from that one time I sang with him and In-hyuk for some gig. I didn’t know he was a writer,” Sunjae mused.

“He isn’t. He’s a detective actually so I’ve no idea how he found time to write a film. But he sent it to see if there’s potential and well I think it has room with some minor adjustments. So do you want to work on it? Though I’ve to say I don’t have your level of budget so you gotta take a paycut,” his friend warns.

Sunjae chuckled, “it’s fine, I’ll take it. Do you have a team?”

“Yes, of course. You, me and Tae-sung - three is a team, no?”

Sunjae rolled his eyes, forgetting he couldn’t see.

“I’ll start working on the team soon too but first let’s talk about your notes with Tae-sung soon so we can take this script to where it needs to go and then go from there.”

Sunjae bit his lip, hesitating if he should ask, “can I give you a recommendation for someone?”

“For what?”

“Um editing maybe?”

His friend was quiet, “you don’t know what this person does and you’re recommending them to me for a film that isn’t even sure it’s gonna be made?”

“Uh yeah.”

He sighs, “Sure, send me their portfolio and I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thanks, man,” Sunjae hangs up.

And then thinks about how to get Sol’s portfolio. If he was the same Sunjae in school, he would’ve definitely figured out how to find it. For lack of a better word, 19-year old Sunjae was a bit of a harmless stalker for Sol.

He looked it up on search websites with her name and portfolio and then browsed through a bunch of them (clearly there was more than one Im Sol). He considered directly asking Sol but wasn’t sure about how to approach it and didn’t want her to get the wrong hints or give her any hopes in case things didn’t work out. Finally, he remembered the digital space for all creatives and searched Im Sol there. Luck was in his favour because it was really hers.

And, she was good. Great, even. She didn’t have a lot of work done but whatever she had, it was quality work. Sunjae had a meeting with In-hyuk soon anyway, so he decided to go through her entire portfolio properly later and sent it to his friend.

Hm, maybe 34-year old Sunjae wasn’t that bad at harmless stalking either, who knew? Technically, he wasn’t even pulling any favours here so nothing would blow up in his face so it should all be fine.

*

It wasn’t all fine. He wasn’t sure if it was his guilty conscience - for what - or if something was really up but Sol seemed a bit reserved, almost …distant.

Sunjae’s friend Hyunwoo, Taesung, and Sol were supposed to meet at Sunjae’s place to discuss the story. Sunjae didn’t intervene or invite anyone directly, it was all Hyunwoo (after getting his approval to borrow his place). But ever since Sol had come in, she was fairly reserved. Maybe it was the nerves?

But then, he saw her talking and laughing with Hyunwoo and Taesung and he wasn’t sure if he was imagining it all or if she had an issue with him. Another thought came to him that he was trying really hard to ignore because it was childish and incredibly petty.

He distinctly remember that when they were young, Sol and Taesung had a thing. Maybe a thing wasn’t the right way to say because he didn’t remember them actually dating but Inhyuk had told him about Sol pursuing Taesung back then and he saw her that night waiting for Taesung after their gig. Could it be…?

Sunjae shook his head just as Hyunwoo called him.

“Okay so this seems like it’s finally going somewhere. Thank you everyone for all your feedback, I’ll incorporate them with Taesung and then we can take it from there. How does that sound?”

Taesung and Sol nodded.

“Sol, it was really nice meeting you and I’m excited to work with you!” Hyunwoo puts his laptop in his bag while Taesung casually smiles at Sol.

Hyunwoo looks at Sunjae and was about to say something but a subtle shake of his head stopped him from saying anything incriminating. But Sol noticed it.

“Thank you for having me! Let me know if you need any help with the script or anything else, I’ll be happy to be of assistance,” Sol bows a bit.

“I most likely will. Alright, we’re heading out. Sunjae, thanks for letting us borrow your place.”

“No problem, feel free to do it again,” Sunjae smacks his back lightly.

“Sol, we can drop you, if you’d like?” Taesung offers.

Before Sunjae could intervene, Sol shook her head, “thank you but my friend is picking me up, we’ve a plan later.”

Taesung nodded, “have fun! It was nice seeing you all these years later.”

Sol went red, shaking her head and fiddling with her fingers, “don’t remind me, please! I’m sorry for not recognising you right away - I don’t remember a lot of things from back then.”

“No worries, see you later,” Taesung waves at her before nodding at Sunjae in lieu of a bye. Sunjae did the same, closing the door after Hyunwoo and Taesung.

He turned around to see Sol on a call.

“That’s fine, Hyunjoo. If it’s inconvenient, let me know and we can reschedule,” there was a pause, “okay then I’ll see you.”

Once Sol hung up, she looked up at Sunjae before hurriedly looking away, leaving him confused.

“Would you like to eat something while you wait?” He asked, walking to his kitchen.

“No, I’m fine, thank you. She’ll be here soon,” she says.

Sunjae turns around and leans against the kitchen island to look at her, who was still looking away.

“Is there a problem?”

Sol sees him then, “no, why would there be a problem?”

“Then why do you seem like you can’t stand to stay a single extra second here with me?” He asks in a measured tone and pace even though his heart was beating erratically.

“No, there isn’t anything like that,” she looked away again.

“Say that again while looking at me, please.”

She looks up at him but isn’t able to hold his glance.

“So, there really is a problem. What is it?”

He grabbed a chair and sat so they are more eye level even though they were a bit far away from each other.

Sol kept fiddling with her fingers, biting her lip.

“Sol.”

It still felt …tingly to say her name out loud.

She doesn’t respond right away but Sunjae waits until she finally speaks.

“You told Hyunwoo about me, didn’t you? He didn’t see my portfolio out of nowhere, it was you.”

She wasn’t asking.

Sunjae nodded and she took a deep breath.

“Why?”

“Because I liked your work and he needed a team,” Sunjae replies, leaning forward with his hands on his knees, facing her.

Sol nodded, “How did you find my work?”

Sunjae considered lying but then Sol did a sad smile and he couldn’t say anything.

“Tell me this, did my work come first or Hyunwoo’s proposal?”

“But why does this matter? Hyunwoo asked me about the film because he knew I’ve been wanting to do something for a film festival. We were talking about logistics and I mentioned you and sent him your portfolio that I found online, that’s it. What is so wrong about this?” Sunjae asks, softly.

Sol looks away, biting her lip.

“I didn’t ask or tell you because I didn’t know if this would work out. Really, we don’t even know if this film will be made considering how we’re going about this at the moment and I didn’t want to string you along,” he continues, “Sol, are you mad about this?”

She finally turned her face to look at him, “I didn’t tell you about my job thing in the car so you can pull your connections and find me one, Sunjae. Yes, it’s been a struggle but I don’t want you to pity me and-“

“Hold on right there, I didn’t do any of this because I pitied you,” he gets off his chair and kneels in front of her, “I did it because your work is actually good. Even the employee at the production office kept saying it over and over again that your work was really good so it was never about your experience or quality of work.”

She looks down at him, “but you hadn’t even seen anything before you asked Hyunwoo, that’s the point.”

Sunjae took a moment, “yes, you’re right. I didn’t but I know you and your drive and passion for what you love-“

“You literally haven’t seen anything-“

“When did Eclipse debut?”

Sol frowned, “what is the connection?”

“Do you know or not?”

“Of course I do, why wouldn’t I know?”

Sunjae smiles, “that’s the point. You’ve been dedicated as a fan to Eclipse for years. Isn’t that enough proof of your passion? I took that and applied it to your work especially after knowing how you feel about working in film. Yes, I looked up your portfolio later and I still haven’t seen the entirety of it - I saw some Eclipse things there as well - but I didn’t force Hyunwoo to take you on board, Sol. I told him about you and sent him your portfolio - it was his decision afterwards.”

Sol still looked uncomfortable.

“Why would I pity you?” He asks at last because he wasn’t sure he understood himself.

She hesitated, was about to say something then held herself back, then lightly patted her wheelchair.

“But why would I pity you about this?” Sunjae asks instead.

“It hasn’t been easy, Sunjae. Things usually also don’t work out like this. Even the fact that I’m talking to you - Ryu Sunjae - here feels like a fever dream. And you are a good person, a really kind person-“

“And that I felt bad for you because you’re in a wheelchair so I used my connections to get you a job, is that correct?”

Sol lightly flinched - barely there but Sunjae noticed and felt bad - and nodded.

He sighed, taking a minute to ponder how to go about this without invalidating her or portraying himself as something he wasn’t.

“Listen to me, I don’t care whether you can walk or not. It doesn’t hamper your personality, you are still Im Sol even if you can’t walk. Not once did I mention to Hyunwoo that he should hire you as a favour to me or to you. I just pitched you there, like my agent would pitch me to potential work opportunities. To be honest, I did a bad job because I made no introductions and didn’t even give you a winning chance. But it still worked out because Hyunwoo saw the same thing I did: incredible passion and personality. That’s all there is to it, please have faith in yourself, if not me.”

Just then her phone rang.

“I’m coming, I’ll be right down,” Sol takes it before hanging up.

Then in a small voice, she says, “thank you.”

This time around, Sunjae beams up at her, “I didn’t do anything but you’re very welcome. Please don’t think bad about me and if you think I did something wrong, please tell me.”

Sol shakes her head, “you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m sorry.”

“Is your friend downstairs?” He gets up and grabs two granola bars.

“Almost here. I should leave,” Sol wheels around to grab her bag and heads towards the front door, Sunjae following closely behind.

“Here, take these as a snack. Have fun tonight,” he opens the door.

“Thank you. It’s nothing special, we’re just going for a dinner at this new place that opened up,” Sol moves towards the elevator, pressing the button.

“Sounds nice. Say hello to your friend for me. I’ll see you off-“

“No, it’s fine. I can go on my own, thank you,” she gives him a small smile as the elevator comes up to their floor.

Sunjae’s voice hardens unintentionally, “I didn’t say you couldn’t go on your own, Sol. I just meant I would like to see you off but if you don’t want me to come I won’t.”

Sunjae steps back, waiting for her to go in.

“I didn’t mean in that way. I just meant I don’t want to bother you anymore, that’s all. Thank you for hosting, your apartment is very nice. And I’ll see you later,” she says, as the doors close.

Later, when Sunjae settles on his couch, his phone buzzes, with a message from Sol.

“I’m sorry to bother you but can you please tell Sunjae that it was less Eclipse and more Sunjae. He’ll know what I’m talking about. Thank you so much!”

Despite everything that had happened, a small widening smiles takes over his face as he slowly drifts off to a nap, knowing that Eclipse gave him the edge that he might not have had otherwise as just Sunjae.

[millywrites]

I'M NOT READY 😭❤️

Phoenix Hearts 💚💜

[sajzadoodles]

Chapters: 1/16 Fandom: Dead by Daylight (Video Game) Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Major Character Death Relationships: Julie Kostenko/Frank Morrison, Joey/Frank Morrison, Susie Lavoie/Frank Morrison, Joey/Julie Kostenko, Julie Kostenko/Susie Lavoie, Joey/Susie Lavoie, Joey/Julie Kostenko/Susie Lavoie/Frank Morrison Characters: Frank Morrison, Julie Kostenko, Joey (Dead by Daylight), Susie Lavoie, F.J.S.J. | The Legion, Jeffrey "Jeff" Johansen, The Entity (Dead by Daylight), Evan MacMillan | The Trapper, Survivors (Dead by Daylight), Killers (Dead by Daylight) Additional Tags: Time Loop, escape from purgatory, Body Horror, Sharing a Body, Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Polyamory, video game references, Crossing Timelines, Reunions, Forgiveness Series: Part 2 of Until Infinity Summary:

It’s the 28th of August, 1986. The last day of summer break, and the last known date the Ormond Four were confirmed alive.

It’s the 28th of August, 1996. The day of a funeral, a class reunion, and the day Jeff Johansen disappeared.

It's today, whenever that is... whatever that means in this place. The sun doesn't move. It never stops snowing. Death is not an escape. And time is running out for them all.

 (You do not need to know anything about DBD in order to enjoy this story.)

[mytwotragicgaymen]

Magic reveal playlist

Ok bois strap in this might be a long one. First off this post is inspired by this work on ao3 by @heyitskai2 (thank you so much for this btw). I don't know about yall but I sometimes like to make playlists of scenarios (where are my maladaptive daydreamers at) and this time I decided to make a somewhat specific one: Merlin's magic reveal to Arthur, specifically the one described in the work I mentioned just now.

For those of you who are too lazy to check it out (which you definitely should it's really good and quite short) the gist is that instead of Arthur catching Gwen cheating on him with Lancelot, its Arthur discovering that Merlin has magic (with the implication of an already existing romantic relationship or feelings), which is followed up by Merlin's banishment from Camelot.

Now, few things to get out of the way before we begin:

The lyrics might not match completely in some of the songs. That's fine, we are working with a very specific scenario after all.

The playlist is short, just 8 songs and all have reoccurring artists. We're going based on vibes, not variety.

Speaking of variety, the genre of this playlist is a clusterfuck of whatever I want it to be.

This playlist is more from Arthurs perspective though some songs can be applicable to Merlin.

Link to Spotify playlist is here.

That being said let's move on to the playlist:

Decode by Paramore - this is the song that @heyitskai2 talks about in their work. The big, booming reveal that is angry, emotional, and full of angst. Arthur is upset. Merlin is upset. No one is happy. Everyone is angry and sad and miserable.

Black Out Days by Phantogram - Arthur, in a flash of fury, decides to banish Merlin from Camelot. Consumed by rage he cannot think of anything else other than Merlin and at the same time, he tries to fight away any and all thoughts of Merlin.

The Day You Died by Phantogram - Arthur fights with the conflicting feelings of banishing Merlin. Kind of in a limbo of emotional turmoil, flip-flopping from feeling anger and resentment, and also trying to convince himself that he is "fine" and that Merlin is "just a traitor".

All I Wanted by Paramore: kind of applicable to both Arthur and Merlin. As they dwell on about their choices and ways they could've avoided this happening. Truly letting their feelings settle in, and understanding what is going on aside from just anger.

The Night We Met by Lord Huron - the big sad settles in. Both start missing each other and reminiscing about their life before everything collapsed. Realizing just how much they love and need each other.

Abstract (Psychopomp) by Hozier - This is basically Arthur coming to terms with the fact that even though Merlin lied to him, he understands why, and how he is also at fault (what with the magic being illegal in Camelot). Despite Merlin breaking Arthurs trust, he finds that he can't not love Merlin. And truly, even after this, Arthur still finds that he trusts Merlin wholeheartedly.

Meet Me in the Woods by Lord Huron - the more Arthur thinks about magic, the more he understands, not only Merlin, but also all the magic users. Realizing the error of his fathers ways. This incident has changed him forever and he now works on changing things in Camelot for the better. He misses Merlin horribly, but is uncertain of how Merlin feels towards him. Perhaps he is angry and disappointed in Arthur? Arthur decides to send Merlin a letter announcing that his banishment has been revoked and that he is welcome back to Camelot, if he wishes to return.

I, Carrion (Icarian) by Hozier - It's been a while, and there is no answer from Merlin. Arthur is overcome by bittersweet emotions. On one hand, he's happy for him. Thinking about how Merlin is probably in a better, safer place. On the other hand, he can't help but wish to be Merlin's safe place. And so, he tries to do for the people of Camelot what he could not do for Merlin: making Camelot a better and safer place by legalizing magic. And on a nice, sunny day, while Arthur is out, riding his horse in the woods, in the distance, he sees a figure approaching. Merlin.

[shinhatisgirlfriend]

After 44k, I finally got their asses to Coruscant 😭😭😭

[chameleon8]

legit tech week took 2 weeks

[chnqin]

I just need people to know that I am currently about 2/3 of the way through No Paths are Bound by @cataclysmicevie and I am being totally normal about it, it is not consuming my every waking thought, I am not wishing it was longer than 1,158,737 words because I'll probably only have about a week's worth of reading left and I have separation anxiety issues. I am fine. very normal.

[i-write-hurt-not-comfort]

the basketball diaries (dialovers fic) - chapter 10

Summary: When he returns home for the summer, having finished one year of university, everything comes crashing down and Ayato hits his newest rock bottom. But maybe, just maybe, it comes with a chance to make things right again.

[babymillennial]

Two Roads Walked to the Same End, Chapter 8: No Mind to Dream

Eventually I shall get back to drawing art (some time after my buffer has recovered and my roommate and I stop playing totk to a problematic degree) but in the mean time have a tiny clip of Adult Leola's first real conversation with her dad in fourteen centuries:

She has a system for things like this, usually. Things to say when people were sad or happy, how to introduce herself to strangers, a curated list of icebreakers and jokes to tell if the silence ever overstayed its welcome. But how’s a system supposed to help her find the right things to say to her father? What could she possibly say that wouldn’t sound insincere? Robotic and pre-programmed? Something soulless and uncaring? “You sound like her.” Leola blinks, snapping from her own anxious thoughts in an instant. Her eyes flick back to her dad briefly; she looks up, turns the statement over in her head. Decides she doesn’t understand his meaning. “Like who?” “That woman.” Leola snorts, sways a little on her heels, rights herself with her walking stick. “She’s not ‘that woman’, dad, she’s Ellie. Been lookin’ after me since I fell here, through thick and thin. Honestly ought te be grateful to ‘er, donnae think I’d have turned out half as good as I did without…” Leola trails off, noticing late how her dad stiffens, wincing, likely at the reminder that he hadn’t been there for that. Stupid Leola. Making such stupid mistakes. “Sorry,” she mumbles, chewing her lip and rocking on her heels. “That’s not helping, is it?”

[jklovesfandoms]

*staring at the 16 fics on AO3*

"WHERE'S THE REST OF YA?"

[incorrect-jojolands-quotes]

So, I wrote a fic about Barbara Ann.

[taciturnpoet]

coming in with those long titles like i’m fucking fall out boy or something

hey but i’m finishing the collection! it’s still technically april

[good-beanswrites]

Chapter 4 is out! Fuuta has his T2 mental breakdown! ✨

This one took a lot of reworking and revisiting the voice dramas to try and write an argument/breakdown that still felt in character for both of them -- I'm really satisfied with the final product :))

[someone-you-do-not-know]

Hi 🌺🌺🌺

I've been re-reading ch11 of "A Job Interview" over and over and I just can't get enough 😩

If it's fine, can I request a cute interaction scene between them in that setting (ch11), just a little drabble, an appetizer if you will, for my mind to chew on before ch12 drops

I also saw you talking about agriculture facts, so if you wanted to share,

And even if you can't do that you're still an amazing cookie 🍪🍪🍪 don't feel obligated

The thing is.... I'm editing chapter 12 in this very moment, and it should be done today or tomorrow (depending on how fast this monster will let itself be edited). So instead of a drabble, how about the two first paragraphs of that?

...

“You do know I sell tens of thousands of tomatoes every single day, don’t you?” Lovino asked, slight amusement in his voice, when Antonio presented a basket containing five tomatoes. “This is an agriculture company in Italy, we have tons of tomatoes.”

“I suppose that’s true, sir,” Antonio was a little embarrassed. He had not considered anything like that when he plucked the tomatoes and presented them to Lovino as the first thing in the morning. “I meant it as a thank-you for yesterday, but I guess I can give you something different…”

...

And that's the teaser. I'm so glad you like the story. :D

[cherryeol04]

Hi! I was wondering if you could do another straykids 0t8 werewolf au. Because I really enjoyed that story. Thanks.

Hi my love!

You know, I've been toying around the idea of what my next story would be after the No Control Series. I have been working on this series since 2020 - wow it's actually been almost 3 years since I started it! 😲 I have other WIPs I need to finish, like Daydreams and Sunshine and the Office Love Series. Honestly I kinda feel lost when I think about not having this story to work on anymore. And I absolutely love wolf aus / omegeverse aus so I would definitely want to write another one! I have a thought or two about what I could do, but I'm curious anon, what exactly did you have in mind? Was there a certain plot you were interested in or anything?