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sakuraszn · 20 days ago

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— CHAPTER 1: FIRST TOUCH, FIRST TIDE.

summary : after a year of not being in town you finally come back for the summer to release all the tension.

notes : this is the first chapter, hopefully you guys enjoy it!! Don’t worry future chapters will be longer than this!! I’m very nervous about how this story will go, but we’ll seee. :) here’s the masterlist to this story!

wc : 2.2k

The bus pulls into the station with a slow, tired sigh, its doors creaking open to release its passengers into the thick summer air. You step down onto the pavement, the heat instantly wrapping around you, heavy with salt and the scent of sun-warmed asphalt. Kioku Shores, a name that whispered promises of remembrance, lived up to its billing. Gone were the towering skyscrapers and relentless honking of the city; in their place stood quaint, pastel-colored houses huddled together like gossiping neighbors, their windows winking in the afternoon sun. A gentle breeze rustled the palm trees lining the streets, their fronds swaying in a rhythmic dance that instantly calmed my frazzled nerves. The air hummed with a lazy, carefree energy, a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of my urban existence.

The town hasn’t changed much since you last been here.

My backpack, heavy with the weight of essentials and anxieties, felt lighter already. The tension that had coiled itself around your shoulders for the past few months, a byproduct of looming work and strained family dynamics, began to unravel. The constant pressure, the feeling of being perpetually on edge, seemed to melt away with each breath of this salty, sweet air. This was it - your escape, your sanctuary, your annual pilgrimage to this little slice of paradise.

Every summer, you sought refuge in kiouku shores, a ritual as ingrained in my life as breathing. It was a reset button, a opportunity to recharge before facing another piles of work papers on you. another round of societal expectations.

You take a slow breath. It’s been a year. A year since you last set foot in this place. A year since you left behind more than just the ocean.

It feels the same. And yet, it doesn’t.

A familiar voice cuts through your thoughts.

“Well, well. Look who finally decided to come back.”

You turn around already finding comfort in the knowing voice that called to you. “Hey, Mrs. Yoshida,” you say, shifting your bag on your shoulder and smiling softly.

Mrs. Yoshida stands in the doorway of her small grocery shop, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on her lips. Her graying hair is pinned up into a loose bun, her apron dusted with flour. She looks exactly the same—like she’s been plucked right out of your memories and placed in the present.

She looks you over before taking off her apron and slowly approaching you to give you a hug. “Oh, sweetheart, you look so different.”

You let out a small laugh as you wrap your arms around her, embracing her. “It's only been a year.”

“A year's too long!” she replies, cupping your cheeks before tilting her head toward the store. “Come in. You must be exhausted from such a long bus ride.”

You hesitate for a moment, the weight of her question hanging in the air, but she’s already stepping back inside, leaving the door open and inviting you in. As you cross the entryway, the familiar ambiance of the shop envelops you—a cramped, cluttered haven filled with the rich aromas of exotic spices and the comforting scent of aged wood. The shelves, overflowing witha diverse mix of bags of rice, colorful canned goods, and an assortment of local treats, create a delightful chaos that reflects the heart of this community.

A tiny fan whirs valiantly in the corner, struggling to combat the oppressive heat that seeps through the open doorway. She motions for you to take a seat on one of the worn-out wooden stools by the counter, its surface polished from years of use. You can see the care she puts into this place, each item a little story, each corner a memory.

With a probing look, she leans against the counter, arms crossed. “So,” she begins, her voice tinged with a mixture of teasing and concern, “you planning to disappear again after this summer?” Her question lingers, a reminder of your past decisions and the uncertainty that follows you like a shadow.

You exhale, running a hand through your hair. “I don’t know.”

She hums, unimpressed. “Figures. You always were a flight risk.”

You smile, but it’s small, almost hesitant. It’s strange being back, sitting here like nothing’s changed when everything has.

She sets a cold glass of lemonade in front of you. “Drink up. You look like you’re about to pass out.”You murmur a thanks, sipping the tart, chilled drink as she watches you.

“Y’know,” she begins, her voice a bit hesitant as if weighing her words carefully, “that boy has been looking for you.”

You feel a jolt of surprise, your hand freezing with the glass poised halfway to your lips. The refreshing chill of the drink inside is overshadowed by a rush of thoughts, your heart quickening.

Mrs. Yoshida, with her keen eyes that seem to catch every nuance of the world around her, notices the sudden stillness in your posture. She always does. Her gaze softens, and an understanding smile creeps onto her face. “Thought you should know,” she adds, her tone half-concerned, half-mischievous, as if she’s sharing an intriguing secret rather than mere gossip.

You look down, trying to process this news while avoiding her knowing look, the weight of her words hanging in the air between you.

You swallow. “I wasn’t—” You shake your head, setting the glass down. “I wasn’t asking.”

She snorts. “Sure, kid. Whatever you say.”

The conversation lingers between you, thick as the summer air.

You finish the lemonade, thank her again, and step back outside, your heart feeling heavier than when you arrived.

The streets of the town are lined with cherished memories, tucked into every nook and cranny, and resonating from every sun-faded storefront. You stroll past the beloved old ice cream parlor, where laughter once filled the warm summer nights as you savored melting cones that dripped sticky sweetness onto your fingers. A bit further, you approach the weathered dock, where you would sit with your feet dangling above the shimmering water, the gentle tide rocking you into a dreamy illusion of eternity. You once thought time would wash these moments away, yet they remain, deeply etched into the very bones of this town, patiently waiting for your return.

The hotel isn’t far—a modest structure standing resilient just off the beach, its wooden frame adorned with the patina of years gone by. The check-in process is swift, and the receptionist greets you with a warm, polite smile, handing over the old brass key to your room like a tangible piece of history.

As you step into the space, it feels both small and incredibly familiar—a sanctuary wrapped in cool, crisp linen sheets, softly illuminated by the gentle glow of yellow light. The faint, refreshing scent of the ocean wafts through the open window, mingling with the nostalgic air. You drop your bag onto the inviting bed and sink onto the edge, exhaling slowly as the weight of the past settles in around you.

You should unpack. You should shower. You should do anything but sit here and think.

Instead, you lie back, staring at the ceiling, feeling the weight of summer settle into your chest.

The ocean calls to you. It always does.

And despite everything—despite the memories, despite the past—you know you’ll answer.

As the hours slipped by, you found yourself drifting into a light sleep, surrounded by an array of unpacked boxes that were still scattered around the room. The gentle sound of waves crashing rhythmically against the sandy shore stirred you from your slumber. With a soft sigh, you shifted your gaze toward the window, where the sun began to dip low on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow across the sky. The salty breeze wafted through the open window, carrying with it the invigorating scent of the ocean, momentarily pulling you from the clutter of your thoughts and the chaos of your surroundings.

You got out of bed and searched through your suitcase for a swimsuit before putting it on and heading toward the place that feels like a second heartbeat, a pulse beneath your skin that you’ve never been able to ignore.

kiouku shores; the ocean that has always been the one thing that never changes. It’s constant—pulling in, washing out, whispering secrets in the language of waves. No matter how much time passes, no matter how many summers slip through your fingers like grains of sand, the tide always returns.

The sand feels warm and inviting beneath your feet as you walk toward the shoreline, where the gentle waves softly kiss the shore. Today, the ocean holds a serene blue hue that stretches endlessly to the horizon, creating a peaceful, uninterrupted view. The wind playfully tugs at your clothes, reminding you of the simplicity of this moment. Here, it’s quieter—far from the hustle and bustle, away from everyday responsibilities. You can embrace the calm, finding solace in the way the horizon blends with the sky in a beautiful display of color. It's a space for reflection and a gentle reminder of the serenity that life can offer.

This place has always felt like another world. A place untouched by reality.

“Well shit, look who it is.” A voice, rough and unmistakable, cuts through the stillness making your whole body go rigged.

It can't be? It's not him, right?

You come to an abrupt stop, heart pounding wildly in your chest as you pivot on your heel. There he is—Katsuki Bakugo—just a few feet away, and he commands attention like a storm about to break. With arms crossed tightly over his broad chest, he radiates a mix of defiance and intrigue that sends a thrill through the air. His golden hair, tousled by a playful breeze, dances in the dying sunlight, creating an almost ethereal glow around him. The fading light plays off his skin, accentuating the fierce angles of his jawline and the striking contours of his face. Instead of his usual scowl, there's a surprising softness in his expression, hinting at a vulnerability that catches you off guard.

The air between you crackles with an electric tension, brimming with unspoken words and a shared past that lingers heavily, enveloping the moment in a thrilling uncertainty.

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck, glancing at the ocean as if it might have an answer for him.

His red eyes trace over you, unreadable. Then, after a beat, he scoffs. “Didn’t think I’d see you here.”

Your heart stumbles in your chest, but you keep your voice steady. “Yeah. Me neither.”

Silence. The tide pulls in, pulls away.

He exhales, rubbing the back of his neck, glancing at the ocean like it might have an answer for him.

Eventually, he looks back at you.

“You stayin’ this time?”

The question hangs in the air, straightforward yet heavy, burdened by the countless thoughts and emotions lingering beneath the surface. It presses into your ribs, a relentless reminder of everything left unspoken, every nuance of feeling that weighs down your heart. You take a moment, caught in the stillness, realizing that you can’t respond immediately. The words are stuck in your throat, tangled with hesitation and uncertainty. You search for the right answer, but the truth is as elusive as the shadows of doubt that dance in your mind.

Instead, you look out at the waves, at the place where the ocean meets the sky.

And for the first time in a long time, you wonder if maybe—just maybe—you don’t have to keep running.

You feel his gaze blazing into your skin waiting for an answer.

“I—” you start softly, your voice barely above a whisper, “well, I’m just planning to stay for the summer to help clear my mind a bit.” As you speak, your gaze drifts downwards, your fingers nervously intertwining, seeking solace in their familiar motion. “Things back home have been a bit overwhelming,” you confess, the weight of your words heavy in the air. The warm breeze rustles the leaves nearby, but all you can focus on is the way his eyes hold yours, making it difficult to shake the feeling of vulnerability creeping in. You feel a mix of apprehension and hope, caught in the moment. It was so awkward to reconnect after all this time. Especially after what happened last year..

He hums softly, as he shifts his gaze to the horizon where the sun has dipped below the edge of the world. The sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, the colors mingling like a soft watercolor wash as they fade into twilight. He stares, entranced, at the last remnants of daylight, while the moon begins to rise, casting a silvery glow that bathes the landscape ina peaceful blue hue. The stillness of the evening wraps around you both, as the first stars twinkle into existence overhead.

“Um, well, I should really head back to my room now since it’s getting late,” you say, your voice slightly shaky as you gather your thoughts and turn to face him. You can feel your heart racing as you take a step back, eager to put distance between yourself and his penetrating gaze. “Goodnight,” you finally manage to add, your words slipping out in a rush as you hurriedly turn away.

God, why did he have to be there, watching you go?

You can feel the heat rising through your body as you quicken your pace, acutely aware of his eyes trailing after you, a mix of curiosity and something unspoken lingering in the air.

“Goodnight,” he whispers gently, concern flickering in his eyes as he watches you slip away into the shadows of the dark night.

2025 © SAKURASZN !

𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓: @v3n7s, @d4rlinxs, @rednicotine, @cielito--lindo, @nanasrkives, @afterlife11, @jazoewazoe

#✎ᝰ — sakuraszn !#boku no hero academia #my hero academia #mha x reader #bnha x reader #katsuki bakugo #katsuki bakugou #katsuki bakugo x reader #bakugo x reader #bakugou x reader #bakugo x black reader #katsuki bakugo x black reader #x reader #x black reader #anime #bnha angst #angst

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sizeofyoursoul · 10 days ago

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Anne Rice vs. A Chicken Restaurant

If you are a huge Anne Rice fan, you may have come across the weird detail that she had a feud with the guy who started Popeyes. You may know this New York Times article, this LA Times article, or this nola.com article. This Time article is not paywalled. But, if you're like me, you might be slightly frustrated when a lot of these articles reference multiple full page ads, but usually don't include their full text.

First, here's the actual scene from Memnoch the Devil (spoiler warning) that the articles keep referencing being set at the location where the restaurant Straya was later built (2001 St Charles Ave, which is a couple of blocks up from Jackson Avenue in the direction Lestat is walking):

I walked a long time down St. Charles Avenue. I walked under oaks I knew, on old pavements and stretches of brick, past houses new and old, and on across Jackson Avenue into the curious mix of taverns and neon signs, of boarded-up buildings and ruined houses and fancy shops, the garish waste that stretches to downtown. I came to an empty store that had once sold expensive automobiles. For fifty years, they'd sold those fancy cars in this place, and now it was a big, hollow room with glass walls. I could see my reflection perfectly in the glass. My preternatural vision was mine again, flawless, with both blue eyes. And I saw myself. I want you to see me now. I want you to look at me, as I present myself, and as I swear to this tale, as I swear on every word of it, from my heart. I am the Vampire Lestat. This is what I saw. This is what I heard. This is what I know! This is all I know. Believe in me, in my words, in what I have said and what has been written down. I am here, still, the hero of my own dreams, and let me please keep my place in yours. I am the Vampire Lestat. Let me pass now from fiction into legend.

This is the end of the book, and was originally intended to be the end of The Vampire Chronicles. This was the original plan for how Lestat's character arc was going to conclude. I need you to know this because it will enhance the experience of the rest of this.

On Feb 4, 1997, Anne Rice published the following ad in the Times-Picayune:

A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO OUR MARDI GRAS VISITORS, OUR TOURISTS, AND OUR CITIZENS: I WISH YOU A WARM WELCOME FOR THIS CARNIVAL SEASON, AND ASK THAT YOU LET ME EXPRESS MY PERSONAL HUMILIATION, REGRET AND SORROW, AS PRIVATE CITIZEN ANNE RICE, FOR THE ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS STRAYA'S RESTAURANT WHICH HAS JUST OPENED ITS DOORS ON ST. CHARLES AVENUE. THIS MONSTROSITY IN NO WAY REPRESENTS THE AMBIENCE, THE ROMANCE, OR THE CHARM THAT WE SEEK TO OFFER YOU AND STRIVE TO MAINTAIN IN OUR CITY. IT IS AS IF MR. COPELAND HAS TAKEN EVERY FAST FOOD RESTAURANT FROM HERE TO PANAMA CITY AND COMBINED THEM INTO ONE LUDICROUS AND EGREGIOUS STRUCTURE. THAT THIS RESTAURANT STANDS IN THE SAME BLOCK WITH THE VENERABLE PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL DOUBLES THE INSULT TO ALL OF US. THE STRIP OF ST. CHARLES AVENUE BETWEEN LEE CIRCLE AND JACKSON AVENUE IS A KEY PART OF OUR CITY, WHERE BLACK FAMILIES AND WHITE FAMILIES CONGREGATE FOR MARDI GRAS. THE RESTAURANTS ALONG THIS STRIP -- SHONEY'S, HOUSTON'S, THE CARIBBEAN ROOM, DELMONICO'S – HAVE ALL GIVEN PLEASURE TO NEW ORLEANIANS. STRAYA'S, HOWEVER, IS NOTHING SHORT OF AN ABOMINATION, AND MR. COPELAND SHOULD BE ASHAMED. AS A RESIDENT OF NEW ORLEANS, I AM DISTRESSED. I AM SURE THAT I DO NOT SPEAK FOR MYSELF ALONE IN SAYING THAT IN SPITE OF THIS MOST RECENT INSULT TO ALL OF OUR PRESERVATION GOALS, NEW ORLEANS REMAINS OUR PRIDE AND JOY. THE HUMBLEST FLOP HOUSE ON THIS STRIP OF ST. CHARLES AVENUE HAS MORE DIGNITY THAN MR. COPELAND'S STRUCTURE. WHAT MAKES THIS REALLY TRAGIC IS THE FACT THAT THE STRUCTURE OF THE RESTAURANT ITSELF IS POTENTIALLY BEAUTIFUL. REMODELING PROMISED A REAL ASSET TO THE AVENUE, INSTEAD, WE HAVE AN EYESORE. NEW ORLEANIANS, I URGE YOU TO EXERCISE YOUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT AS AMERICANS AND LET MR. COPELAND KNOW YOUR FEELINGS, IN WRITING OR BY PHONE CALLS. MAYBE THEN MR. COPELAND WILL REALIZE THE GRAVITY OF HIS MISTAKE, AND DO SOMETHING TO SHOW RESPECT FOR HIS FELLOW CITIZENS AND HIS CITY. ONCE AGAIN, A WARM WELCOME TO ALL OF OUR MARDI GRAS VISITORS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD. ANNE RICE AUTHOR OF INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE

After Copeland's initial response, Anne Rice took out a second ad February 23, 1997, which I was finally able to find the text of here.

EXCLUSIVE TO THE TIMES-PICAYUNE THE VAMPIRE LESTAT IS BACK!!!! READERS ARE OVERJOYED!! THE VAMPIRE LESTAT WANDERED INTO TOWN TWO DAYS AGO, AND WAS WALKING IN HIS DAZED AND SHOCKED MANNER DOWN ST. CHARLES AVENUE WHEN HE DISCOVERED THAT ON THE VERY SPOT WHERE HE HAD SAID FAREWELL TO HIS READERS--THE SITE OF THE OLD EMPTY CAR DEALERSHIP--A NEW AND WONDEROUS STRUCTURE HAD SPRUNG TO LIFE, LIKE A GIANT PINKISH PEACH PLANT, RIGHT OUT OF THE EARTH. LESTAT IMMEDIATELY KNELT DOWN AND GAVE THANKS--THE PEACH APPARITION SEEMED NOTHING SHORT OF A MIRACLE! LESTAT IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED HIS HARLEY DAVIDSON UNDERGROUND FRIENDS AND OBTAINED THE BIGGEST "HOG" HE COULD GET HIS HANDS ON. HE IS NOW DRESSED IN FULL LEATHER, PROWLING THE TOWN AS VIGOROUSLY AS EVER, SEEKING EVIL DOERS TO SLAKE HIS ETERNAL THIRST. HE SENDS HIS SPECIAL LOVE, SPECIAL REGARDS AND SPECIAL THANKS TO MR. AL COPELAND: "MR. COPELAND, NOTHING SHORT OF YOUR INDESCRIBABLE RESTAURANT COULD SHOCK ME OUT OF MY TORPOR AND MY COMA. I AM NOW MYSELF AGAIN! IT IS NOTHING SHORT OF A STROKE OF GENIUS ON YOUR PART TO CREATE A RESTAURANT THAT WILL BE IMMORTALIZED IN HISTORY, LEGEND AND LITERATURE. YOU ARE ONE HELL OF A GUY! MY IMMORTAL THANKS. I WILL ALWAYS COUNT YOU AS ONE OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS. YOUR KITH AND KIN ARE A MARVELOUS BREED. MAY GOD LOOK DOWN WITH HIS INFINITE MERCY WITH LOVE UPON YOU ALL. LESTAT" (END OF SPECIAL REPORT FROM THE ASTRAL PLANE) A.R.

And lo, The Vampire Lestat passed right back out of legend October 10, 1998 when The Vampire Armand was published. Because he was brought out of his coma because of how ugly a chicken restaurant was.

#anne rice #the vampire chronicles #vampire chronicles #tvc #lestat de lioncourt #meta and lists #how the fuck do I tag this #anne rice vs straya #anne rice vs al copeland #anne rice being the fucking funniest goddamn person sometimes #memnoch the devil #i really like the end of memnoch the devil #and i'm always like #i would have been mad about the fucking chicken restaurant too!

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delirious-donna · 1 year ago

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A Shaky Arrangement [Part Three]

story summary: Your best friend lets you crash at her place over the spring break since you have nowhere else to go. Little did you know that it isn't actually her place. Instead, it belongs to a tall (grumpy) hot guy who finds you in his apartment–her brother.

chapter summary: You've nowhere else to go, surely he wouldn't kick you out so easily? You are so very attractive after all...

pairings: Nanami Kento x female reader

warnings: sibling bickering, mentions of food, SFW

Part Two | Series Masterlist | Part Four

Kento scowled.

He sat stiffly on the leather couch that occupied most of the living room space, watching as you took container after container out of a brown paper bag with a grease stain pooling at the bottom. The desire to march to the kitchen and find the surface spray and kitchen towel to wipe up any damage to his coffee table was rampant. But he didn’t. He sat still with a growing grimace.

“You think you could stop scowling at me?” you said from your spot on the floor, sitting cross-legged with your back to him. “I can feel your distaste crawling up my spine.”

“I am not scowling,” he lied mulishly.

“Yes, you are, but whatever. I did ask if you wanted to add anything to the order. You were the one to turn your nose up at Chinese takeout. I guess you’re used to the finer things in life, Mr Nanami.”

His mouth opened to respond, but he snapped it shut just as quickly. He would not get into a petty argument over his preference of cuisine. The sinking feeling of resignation reared its head once more. Could he honestly share his apartment with you for the next two weeks without you both at each other’s throats?

“Remind me again why am I even considering hosting you?” He half hissed, pinching the bridge of his nose, and sat forward in his seat until his elbows were braced upon his knees.

You paused. The chopsticks you were using to pile rice onto an expensive-looking plate froze in midair. At last, you twisted your neck to look around, adopting a sheepish expression.

He was right, as annoying as that fact might be.

This was his home, and he had every right to send you on your merry way, whether you had somewhere to stay or not–the latter being the case. You were sharply reminded of his stricken features when you explained your plight. How he had grabbed up the glass which you had just finished draining of whatever potent amber liquor he preferred and went looking for a refill. A large one. A large one which he swallowed in one long gulp.

Kento had the same eyes as his sister, Karin. They were rich hazel, and they had the strange ability to lighten or darken depending on their mood. They crackled like popping logs in a roaring hearth when joyful or amused and darkened to the deepest mahogany when angered or upset. This you noticed as he questioned you over and over, his fingers running ruefully through his hair and those eyes that followed your every nervous jerk or twitch became pits of darkness.

“Sorry,” you said quietly. “Are you sure I can’t tempt you into sharing something with me? I ordered way too much, there will be leftovers for days if you don’t.” It was your version of a peace offering. Anything to prevent him from backtracking on the shaky agreement you had reached.

Kento’s nose wrinkled in distaste at the thought of leftovers crowding his fridge and the smells that might permeate into the fresh produce or homemade meals that were labelled and waiting to be eaten.

With a long sigh, he lowered himself to the floor and sat by your left elbow. “Fine. It is probably wise for me to put something other than alcohol in my stomach anyway. Serve yourself what you want and I’ll have what is left.”

“Aye, captain!”

“Don’t do that,” he scolded, rolling his eyes at your salute, but there was no heat in the words. If anything, he was amused and you smiled knowingly to yourself as you began to dig into the meal.

He must be truly mad to be entertaining this prospect, but there was something he liked about you, even if he tried his best to deny it. You pushed back against him. It was refreshing. Kento enjoyed your quick wit and the ease with which you conversed with him. Sure, it was often at his expense but it was enjoyable in a way it never had been before.

As the youngest ever senior partner at work, he commanded respect from all. The junior partners and even those on the governing board often bowed their heads in reverence when in his presence. Yet it wasn’t so long ago that he had been a fresh-faced college graduate eager to reach his current lofty heights and he wondered absently if you possessed the same drive and determination. You certainly weren’t easily intimidated.

“Do you have a girlfriend, Mr Nanami?”

So lost in thought, Kento almost missed your question. It took him a moment to process and when it finally hit home, he nearly choked on his bite of peking duck.

“Excuse me?” he spluttered, banging a fist on his chest to clear the blockage in his throat.

Your cheeks warmed in amusement, impishly shrugging whilst you toyed with the remnants on your plate. It had been on your mind for a little while now. Your host was handsome—a thought you kept coming back to no matter how hard you tried to ignore it.

“I said, do you have a girlfriend?” you repeated.

“I don’t see what business that is of yours.”

He busied himself with rolling back the sleeves of his pristine white button up. Your lips quirked before you blew out a puff of air.

“Come on. It’s a simple question, no? Since you’ve agreed to give me a place to stay, surely I should know if I might run into someone else whilst I’m here.”

You had a point, and that bugged him. He was about to answer when you went on, nudging your elbow into his side and he caught a whiff of his body wash on your skin.

“Boyfriend then?” You baited him, though there would be no shame in it if he were more inclined towards his own sex. Other than perhaps the briefest disappointment. No! Shut that down now, you thought to yourself.

“Neither. If you must know.” He levelled an unimpressed stare in your direction and wiped his hands on a napkin.

How annoying the flare of hope that illuminated in your chest upon hearing his answer was. It had no place here, and you did your best to flatten your features into neutrality. You failed.

“I do, however, have a cleaner that visits each morning for a few hours to keep the place how I like it. I will alert Mrs McGarden that I have a guest so that she doesn’t enter your room without consent.” He nodded his head as if that was the end of the matter, trying and failing not to notice how you chewed your lip as if you were deep in thought. Cute.

“Speaking of rooms…” you trailed off as the first wave of tiredness hit you square in the face. It was early by your standards but the day had been filled with ups and downs like nothing you’d experienced before. “Where will I be sleeping?”

It was an innocent enough question, or you had meant it that way, but the lull that Kento left hanging over you both felt thick with something tangible but unknown. Right now your suitcase was still spread open wide on what you now knew to be his bed and you surely wouldn’t be sleeping there.

Before he could answer, his phone rang from the kitchen island, shrill and loud. “Excuse me a moment,” he said, hurriedly moving for the device and slipping down the hallway until he was out of sight.

“I can explain! Don’t yell.” The familiar voice said the second the phone was to his ear. Karin had finally braved his wrath and called back.

“I’ll give you two minutes.”

“Kento! I am not one of your underlings. Not that it matters, shut up. What was I saying?” Karin hissed through the phone and even without seeing her he knew that she was pushing hair out of her face as she always did when she was flustered or annoyed.

He sighed and silently counted to three. “Two. Minutes. Explain.”

“You’re meant to be out of the country, why aren’t you? I didn’t think you’d ever find out,” she hurried on, not waiting for an answer. Kento had long since known when not to interrupt his sister in full flow. “Mrs McGarden assured me that she would keep silent and I was only trying to help out a friend. She tried to refuse my offer. Said she’d find a couch or two to sleep on instead, can you imagine? You haven’t… kicked her out, have you?”

“I was firmly coerced into taking a vacation instead of attending the conference hence my presence. It seems I need to have words with Mrs McGarden as to where her loyalties lie, and no, I have not kicked your friend out,” he answered the questions in the order they were given, turning on the spot in his bedroom. “Though I have been sorely tempted,” he lied.

Karin audibly harrumphed. “Don’t lie, Kento, it’s not a good trait.”

“Who says I’m lying?”

“Oh, whatever. I don’t have time for your little temper tantrum. Y’know… I think she might be a good influence on you, relax you a little. You’re on vacation so maybe spend some time with your guest? She is very dear to me and I’ve got a lot of explaining to do since I never mentioned you to her.”

Kento could hear the genuine worry in her voice and it cooled some of the fires of his anger. His shoulders slumped and half-heartedly he agreed, even if he didn’t have any intention to do as Karin suggested. He would keep to himself and hope that you did the same.

He returned to the living room but found it empty. Glancing to the side he found you in the kitchen washing up the plates and humming. For a moment he simply stood and watched. Considering he had only just met you, he didn’t mind seeing you in his space and the words of his sister echoed in his mind.

“You didn’t need to do that,” he stated, finally making his presence known once more.

Smiling, you shrugged him off. “It was the least I could do, don’t worry about it.”

“Uh, Karin sends her apologies for the mixup. She assures me that she will make it up to you and explain everything when you see her next. Shall we pick a room for you now?”

Your chin jutted out, a wrinkle forming between your eyebrows at the mention of his sister. Kento could tell that Karin was going to be in for hell, and rightly so, when you reunited.

“Yes please, I’m pretty tired after… well, you know,” you stammered with an awkward laugh.

He did indeed know, though he would rather forget. Instead, he held out his arm for you to step ahead of him and followed you discreetly towards the two bedrooms that you could choose from.

The first was on the right and nearest to the living space, this was the room that Karin occupied when she visited and her mark was firmly stamped upon the interior. Kento watched from just outside the doorway as you tried and failed not to wince at the baby blue walls and the mountains of overstuffed pillows piled atop a cream bedspread with lace and frills.

In the corner stood her old dollhouse, untouched and in pristine condition thanks to a certain cleaner with whom he still needed to have several words with. You froze before it, curiosity lighting in your eyes and slowly you bent to inspect through the windows where the tiny families resided.

Before he could speak, you whirled around and brushed past with a soft apology for coming so close to him. Again, he could smell his body wash on you and he liked it even more this time.

“I don’t think this room will do,” you mused with downcast eyes.

“Not fond of dolls?” he guessed in what was more meant to be a joke but your guilty expression told him he had hit the nail on the head.

“There is another room, but… it’s next to my own. I hope you won’t mind?” Kento stalked forward and tilted his head in the direction of the room next to his.

You trotted after him and away from the prying eyes of the dolls in their fancy house, vowing silently not to enter that room again. You reached for him, anxious fingers clinging to the shirt encasing his bicep and tugging like a frightened child might do. It was his turn to freeze, his stare fixed on where you held him until he found your eyes and questioned the gesture without a word.

“You won’t tell her, will you? I just…” You shook your head and feigned a smile, you were being silly after all. “Nightmares as a child, that’s all.”

“My lips are sealed.” He smiled kindly until your hand fell away. “Now, come inside and see if this will do.”

He didn’t know what he’d do if it wasn’t, although he didn’t expect you were an overly demanding house guest even with the little he knew about you. He wasn’t above giving you his bed if it were necessary but it would be a last resort.

This room was decorated in soft pastel shades that were far less bright than the blue of Karin’s. The bed was turned down with what appeared to be an identical grey duvet to the one in the master bedroom.

There was a small vanity set opposite the window and a writing desk in the far corner. Everything was neutral in here, wiped clean as if it had never been occupied and it made you feel safe and warm.

“It’s perfect.”

Sitting on the corner of the bed, you glanced at Kento who stood respectfully in the door. He wasn’t looking at you, instead his eyes were wandering as if he were checking everything was clean enough. His frame filled the doorway, shoulders broad and imposing. Except you didn’t find him imposing, and that was the problem.

He must be at least five years older than you, not that you cared, you were a young woman not a teenager. You were reminded of how long you had gone without a boyfriend or even a lover. One night stands and casual situationships were never your thing so it had been some time since you had last felt an attraction like you did now.

This whole day felt like a fever dream.

You needed to rein in your train of thoughts but it was hard when Kento took a step deeper inside and the air seemed suddenly thick like syrup. His hands were deep in his pockets and finally he blew out a breath, making it easier for you to breathe too.

“If you’re sure. I’ll go grab your suitcase and bag for you,” he offered quietly.

It had to be your imagination but it seemed like he was struggling as much as you were. Although likely for a different reason. You were an unexpected guest and he very much seemed the type of person who was set in routine. You nodded your thanks and let him slip away.

“He is your best friend’s brother, get your act together woman! Stop lusting over him,” you scolded yourself in a hushed whisper.

It was going to be a long two weeks, that was for sure.

#delirious writes #nanami x reader #nanami kento #nanami kento x reader #nanami fluff #jjk x reader #jjk fluff

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kaces-graham-crackers · 7 months ago

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Stirring the Quiet - (3) Sips with Stardom

Jenn Ortega x Reader

Summary: Y/N's morning is stirred when Jenna arrives before opening hours. She finds herself sipping coffee and sharing stories with the star again. Between bodyguards, family, and an unexpected promise, Y/N's day becomes more than just her regular routine—a start to a little more, one sip at a time.

Word Count: 2.9k

As I unlocked the door and stepped inside, the familiar smell of Chinese takeout filled the air. The sounds of laughter and clatter of utensils echoed from the kitchen. Kicking off my shoes and slipping into my slippers, I sighed in relief. Home. Before I could take another step, Mr. Noodles—my black-and-white tuxedo cat, complete with his signature black bowtie—greeted me by weaving between my legs, purring loudly. "Hey, Noodles," I chuckled, bending down to scratch his chin. He meowed once, flicking his tail, and followed me into the kitchen. Marcus and Caleb sat at the table, surrounded by various takeout containers. Marcus dug into his lo mein while Caleb balanced his fork in one hand and scrolled through his phone with the other. "Look who finally decided to grace us with their presence!" Marcus called out, waving his fork in the air dramatically. "Yeah, too high on your horse to join your big brothers for dinner? Caleb chimed in without even glancing up from his phone. I rolled my eyes and dropped my bag onto the floor, giving Mr. Noodles a final pat before sitting down at the table. "Whatever you say, peasants, you wouldn't believe the day I had." Marcus raised an eyebrow, grinning. "What happened? Did Tom Cruise stop by to argue with his reflection again?" Caleb snicker. "Or did Chris Hemsworth come in to try and order his post-workout protein shake?" 'Ok. So maybe I don't only keep celebrity conversations with just Wilma.' "No, I still don't know what kind of gym rat demands a coffee shop to make a protein shake," I said, grabbing some fried rice. "But actually, it was Meryl Streep. She and her manager walked in, supposedly for a meeting. And they broke into a feud over whether or not she should be having hot chocolate and a donut." Both of them looked at each other, chuckling. Marcus leaned back in his chair to scratch Mr. Noodles under him. "Meryl Streep, defending her sugar right? You go, girl!" I grinned, stuffing a dumpling in my mouth. "Yeah, his face when she chewed him out was priceless." Caleb's full attention is on me now. "What about Will Ferrell? Did he drop by and give any hints about his upcoming movie?" I shook my head. "No Will Ferrell today. But Liam Neeson came in, ordered tea and a jelly donut, and then tripped on his way out. Spilled tea all over the place." Marcus and Caleb both froze mid-bite before bursting into laughter. Marcus set his fork down, "Let me guess, he threatened the floor after that one, right?" Caleb swallowed his food, "I can just imagine him giving his famous death stare. What did you do?" "I gave him another one, free of charge," I shrugged. "The man looked so heartbroken. I couldn't let him walk out like that." They laughed again, shaking their heads in disbelief. Marcus wiped his mouth, "Man, only in your line of work do we find out Meryl Streep and Liam Neeson are out here having bad days like the rest of us."

We kept eating, trading stories about our day. Marcus talked about a guy at the gym who almost dropped a barbell trying to impress some girl. At the same time, Caleb vented about the latest office drama. While leaning over to offer the piece of chicken on my fork to Mr.Noodles, without even thinking, I casually mentioned, "Oh yeah, Jenna Ortega came in today." Marcus froze, his fork nearly dropping, while Caleb slowly lowered his phone. Both of them stared at me in studded silence. "Wait...what?" Caleb asked, voice rising. "The Jenna Ortega?" It took me a second to realize what I had just said, and I immediately felt my face heat up. Damn. "Uhh...yeah. She was just, you know, having coffee." Marcus leaned over the table, grin growing wider. "Are you seriously telling me you met Jenna Ortega and didn't freak out? Come on, you've been obsessed since she made it big on Wednesday." "I wasn't obsessed!" I protested, feeling my cheeks grow even hotter. "And it wasn't a big deal. She's just a regular person." Caleb raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Did you...like talk to her?" I groaned, running a hand through my hair and throwing my head back. "Yeah, we talked a little. She was reading a book I loved, so we ended up geeking out about the author. She already read it, too, just revisiting it." Marcus' grin grew, looking smug. "You geeked out about a book...with her? And you're sitting here acting like it's no big deal?" I shrugged, trying to play it cool. "She's just another customer like anyone else, guys," Caleb smirked. "Uh-huh, sure. Except you're blushing right now." I could feel the heat creeping back into my face. "Am not." Marcus chuckled, shaking his head. "Our lil sis rubbing elbows with big stars. Be careful if she wants to meet us, we're totally gonna embarrass you." I groaned, covering my face. "Shut Up, Please!"

After dinner, I headed upstairs. Changing into a pair of comfy sweats and a loose T-shirt. Noodles, ever my loyal shadow, hopped onto the bed and curled into a little ball beside me as soon as I laid down. He purred, vibrating through the blankets. I grabbed my phone and, doomed scrolled through Instagram and TikTok. But no matter what I did, my mind drifted back to Jenna. The way she was there—from anxious to completely calm in the café. It was hard to match that with the version of her I'd seen on the screen. And the fact that we actually talked? That was still sinking in. Then there was the blush. That small, subtle blush when she realized she was the last one left in the café caught me off guard. Jenna Ortega, the same Jenna who played the confident, intense character on screen, blushing because she'd lost track of time in a quiet little coffee shop? It made her seem so much more...cute. I immediately slapped my face. 'No, no, not what I meant. I meant human.'" When I looked over, Noodles' eyes were wide, and his tail flickering. I must have startled him with that slap. After a moment of us watching each other, Clearly unimpressed, he huffed and circled a few times, kneading the blankets before settling back down. "Sorry Noodles...What do you think? I murmured, my fingers absentmindedly tracing shapes behind his ears. "Do you think I made a fool of myself?" He responded with a soft purr, utterly unbothered by my internal crisis. I tossed my phone onto the nightstand, my mind replaying every detail of the evening: the way Jenna smiled when I brought her the donut, her casual posture as we talked about horror novels, and, of course, the way she blushed. It was as if, for a moment, she wasn't Jenna Ortega, the actress. She was just...Jenna. A regular person who got lost in a book, just like me. I sighed, rolled onto my back, and stared at the ceiling. "I'll probably never see her again, right?" I muttered to myself. Noodles meowed softly in response, unbothered by my troubles. But a small part of me couldn't help but hope that maybe she'd come back. Noodles stretched, yawned, and moved closer, curling up beside me. I smiled at his contentment, but my mind was still swirling with thoughts. I couldn't help but wonder if this was it or if I'd get the chance to talk to her again. Maybe she'd come back. With her lingering in my mind, I eventually drifted off to sleep, contemplating the unexpected conversation that had turned my usual day at work into something unforgettable.

The next morning came far too quickly. My alarm blared, and I groaned, rolling over to smack the snooze button. Mr Noodles, the early riser, pounced on my chest and meowed directly in my face until I finally gave in. "Alright, I'm up," I muttered, pushing him off and dragging myself out of bed. After a quick shower, I threw on some clothes and grabbed my bag, ready to head back to The Daily Grind. As I patted Mr. Noodle's head one more time before slipping out the door. I headed out the door, keys in hand, and my phone buzzed as I locked up. I answered. "Hey, Y/N! You're going to have to open up today," she said, practically out of breath like she was jogging. "The twins are dragging their feet and won't put their shoes on! She yelled that last part as I pulled out of my parking spot. "Mama couldn't take them, so I got stuck on babysitter duty again. I'll be in later." I chuckled, imagining the chaos on her end. "No worries, Captain, I can hold down the fort until you come." "Thanks! Oh, and by the way..." Wilma's tone shifted to something more playful. "How did things go with Primera last night?" I paused for a moment, feeling my face heat up. Of course, Wilma was going to ask. I couldn't avoid it, but...did I really have to tell her everything? I could already picture the girl tackling me if she had to find out on her own fruition. "Y/N? You still there?" Wilma prompted, clearly sensing my hesitation. I sighed, knowing there was no way out. "It was fine. We just talked a bit more," I started, trying to keep my voice casual. "Mhm, sure," Wilma replied, egging me on. "And?" I took a deep breath, feeling the warmth creep up my neck. "Jenna...actually walked me to my car," I admitted, my voice quieter now. "And then she teased me, said I had somehow 'charmed' her like it was the most obvious thing in the world. She flashed that smile—half playful, half serious—like she knew she was messing with me. Honestly, it was impossible not to blush." "Wait, hold up, She walked you to your car?" Wilma interrupted, her voice dripping with amusement. I could practically see her grinning on the other side of the phone. "And what smile? You've already memorized her smile, huh?" I groaned, blushing. "It wasn't like that, Wilma. She was just being...friendly." Wilma laughed. "Friendly? Please. You're a natural-born flirt, and you don't even realize it. And with "that" smile? She was totally into i—" "I wasn't flirting!" I protested; the thought of Jenna's smirk made me doubt my words. "She was just messing with me." "Oh sure, because it's so easy to charm someone with those smooth barista skills," Wilma teased. "You better brace yourself when she comes back. You're in trouble, Y/N." "Yeah," I admitted, resting my head on the steering wheel. "And then her bodyguards showed up out of nowhere and scared the life out of me." Wilma's laughter echoed through the phone. "Bodyguards? Of course. This keeps getting better by the second! What else? I know there's more." I sighed, already resigned to the teasing. "She made me promise that the next time she comes by, I'd share some of the stories about some bodyguards at the café." There was a beat of silence, and then, as expected, her laughter doubled. "Y/N, you've got her hooked! Wild café stories? She's definitely coming back now. Congrats—you've got yourself a celebrity lover. You're basically famous." "Wilma, seriously," I groaned. "Please don't blow this out of proportion." "Oh, honey, it's already out of proportion," her voice full of playful mischief. "You've charmed Jenna Ortega, and now she's coming back for more. I can already see it—this is how it all starts." I rolled my eyes, fully aware of how this conversation would go. "You're impossible." Wilma snickered. "Well, look at you—handling business like a pro. Don't let the fame go to your head, mascot. Remember to stay humble when you're hanging out with Hollywood Royalty." "Yeah, yeah," I muttered, though I couldn't suppress the small laugh. "I'll try not to let it change me."

"Alright, gotta get these monsters buckled and shipped off to school. Don't have too much fun without me!" "Sure, I'll try not to, and hopefully, I'll survive the first horde," I said, grinning as I hung up the phone. As I pocketed my phone, I shook my head, a smile lingering on my lips. I was starting to get used to the teasing. I grabbed my bag and headed inside. The sun crept up, casting soft light through the windows as I unlocked the door. Stepping inside, I could still feel the leftover warmth from yesterday. The café was quiet and still, just how I liked it before the rush. I went to the back, checked in, and threw my stuff into my locker before heading to the employee area. I slipped into my all-black barista uniform—simple black pants and a fitted black shirt before getting my apron from the hook by the door. The apron was the only pop of color, a warm brown that stood out against the dark. As I tied it around my waist, I fell into work mode. First things first: the plants. I grabbed the watering can we kept under the counter, filled it up halfway, and made my way around, giving each hanging plant a good drink. The soft trickle of water and the rustle of leaves was strangely calming, making the café feel like it was waking up, too. I always made sure to take extra care of the plants; Wilma was obsessed with them. Her grandmother had a green thumb, and she followed suit. So she'd notice if even one leaf looked droopy. Next up, I headed to the kitchen to bake the day's pastries. The scent of flour and sugar greeted me as I pulled out the ingredients. I started with the croissants, carefully rolling the dough before placing them on the baking tray.

While they baked, I started on the rest of today's menu items. If a customer wanted anything else, we'd bake it fresh for them. Next, the muffins were mixed with batter and folded in fresh blueberries. The lemon scones were last—I zested the lemons, mixed the dough, and shaped them perfectly before sliding them into the oven. As they finished in the oven, the warm, sweet smells began to fill the café, and I could already imagine the regulars lining up for their favorites. Once they were done, I arranged the croissants, muffins, and scones, which were still hot, and I knew they'd be the first to go as soon as we opened the doors. I also double-checked the coffee machines, making sure they were clean and ready to brew all day long. Once the plants were watered and pastries set, I headed to the front window to hang up a new poster advertising an upcoming poetry night we were hosting. Wilma printed and designed it with bold artistic letters and a little sketch of a coffee cup next to it. I used a bit of tape to secure the edges, securing it to the front window and centered for everyone to see. As I finished up, I wiped down the tables and chairs, making sure everything was spotless. The last thing I needed was someone complaining about a sticky spot on a table or chair. I rearranged the cushions, giving the booths that extra welcoming touch. Everything was in place by the time I was done, and The Daily Grind was ready to go. The café had this lived-in feel that always made me smile. It was the kind of space that felt like a warm hug—for anyone who needed it. I poured the fresh streaming brew into a mug, fixing it up just how I liked it, feeling the warmth spreading through my hands. As I leaned against the counter, taking that first comforting sip, a familiar figure appeared outside, her bodyguards in tow. I wasn't even officially open yet, but when Jenna Ortega knocks, who am I to not answer? I walked over to unlock the door, letting her and the guards in. Jenna wasn't in her usual hoodie this time. Today, she wore a stylish see-through white tee paired with a pair of plaid pants with high heels. Looking casual but chic. "You look nice," I said, feeling the comment slip out naturally. Jenna smiled warmly. "Thanks. She added, "I have an early interview for an upcoming film...and then some other boring meetings," her tone was slightly sarcastic. I gave her a teasing look. "Boring? Sounds like you've got a rough life," I joked, rolling my eyes playfully. Jenna chuckles lightly, brushing her hair out of her face. "Yeah, it's tough being me," she shot back. I shrugged, "Well, technically, we're not open yet, but I've already got everything set up, so if you want, I can get you and your crew settled in." Jenna exchanged a quick look with her bodyguards, who nodded back at her. "Thanks, that would be great." I turned to the guards, who had positioned themselves quietly near the entrance. "So, what can I get you guys?" The taller two, who had a more serious demeanor, spoke first. "I'll take a hot coffee. Black, with two pumps of vanilla and a dash of cinnamon." The second guard, who seemed more talkative, said with a small smile, "Tea, please. With milk and one sugar. I'm more of a tea guy myself." I nodded and then looked back at Jenna, expecting her to give her order, but I beat her. "Iced coffee with caramel and whipped cream, right?" Jenna raised an eyebrow, "Not bad. I guess I'm predictable." Jenna leaned her back on the counter as I got to work preparing the drinks, glancing toward the front. "What's that about?" she asked, pointing to the poster I hung earlier. "Oh, that? We run an event for people to come to enjoy poetry or music with their coffee. It's pretty laid-back. Kind of a 'grab the mic if you feel like it' vibe." Jenna nodded, looking at it. "Noted," was all she said softly. "Here's your drinks," I called. Each drink lined up. I handed the bodyguards their drinks, and they settled into the bar area by the cash register while Jenna and I sat at one of the tables, far enough away to talk privately.

"Sorry to inconvenience you again." Jenna replied, smiling briefly before glancing out the window, her fingers tracing the rim of her drink, a little distracted. "You look like you're lost," I teased. "Something on your mind?" Jenna blinked, snapping out of her thoughts and giving me a small smile." Just thinking about the day ahead. Meetings, interviews...nothing too exciting." She glanced at me, smile falling slightly. "But I guess everyone has their own version of busy, right?" I nodded. "Yeah, but at least your 'busy' involves making movies. Not a bad gig." Jenna chuckled softly, "True, but you'd be surprised how much of it is just waiting around, talking about things you've already said a thousand times. It's not all glamorous." I tilted my head slightly, "I can imagine. It's like running a coffee shop. People think it's just pouring drinks and chatting with customers, but there is a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff no one sees." She looked up around me, a spark of intrigue in her eyes. "Yeah? Like what?" I shrugged. "You know, making sure machines are maintained, cleaned, and functional, keeping the inventory stocked, baking pastries fresh every day, And don't even get me started with dealing with the occasional difficult customer, celebrity or not." She laughed, her smile returning tenfold. "I guess we both deal with our fair share of drama, huh?" I grinned, nodding. "Exactly. but hey, at least you get to wear cool outfits. All I get is this apron." She glanced at my apron. "Well...it suits you. And besides, I'm sure you could pull off one or two if you tried." My blush crept up, but I sipped from my cup to cover it. Jenna gave me a playful smile, taking a sip of her own. "So," Jenna began, "Where's Wilma this morning? I feel like I'm missing the other half of this Daily Grind dynamic duo." "She had to drop off her siblings at school," I explained, getting comfortable. "We've been best friends since preschool. Never really been apart, even traveled across the country to open this place together." Jenna's curiosity grew. "That's amazing. No wonder you guys make a great team; you're like a hive mind." I nodded, laughing at the thought. "As terrifying as that is, we do make a great team. Wilma's practically family. We've seen each other through school and jobs. It's been an adventure." Jenna's gaze softened as she asked, "And your real family? Are they around?" I shifted slightly, setting my drink down. "My older brothers, Marcus and Caleb, live here in California with me. We share an apartment together. But the rest of my family, my parents and younger sister, are back in New York." Her eyes lit up. "Wait, you've got a younger sister too? Same here—she can be such a pain, always finding ways to bug me, but that's little sisters for, right?" Jenna chuckled softly, a mix of affection and exaggeration in her voice. "She keeps me on my toes." I chuckled, adding, "Tell me about it. Sometimes, it's a lot of deciding whether to ship her off or not, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. And then, of course, there's Mr. Noodles." Jenna's brow furrowed in confusion, gnawing at her straw. "Mr. Noodles?" I smiled, nodding. My tuxedo cat. He's the real boss of the house." Jenna gasped loudly, startling her guards. "I need to see pictures. Now." I pulled out my phone, scrolling through the dozens of photos I had of Mr. Noodles, and handed it over. Jenna's face lit up with a huge smile as she swiped through the photos. "He's adorable! Look at this gentleman; his tie is too cute! How can you ever leave him to go to work?" I shrugged, shaking my head. "It's tough, but he's got work too. He's a professional napper around the clock, so he manages without me." Jenna handed the phone back, shaking her head in return. But my brain froze; her fingers brushed against mine for a brief moment. It quite literally—shocked me. "Thanks," she said, her hand lingering just a second longer than I expected before she pulled away. "No problem," I replied, trying to calm my racing heart.

"I think I might be in love with Mr. Noodles more than anything else." she joked. I laughed as the door swung open, and Wilma burst in, a disheveled mess, panting like she had just run a marathon. "Sorry, sorry! I swear, herding those beasts into the car is like trying to wrangle lions." Jenna, her guards, and I all turned to look at Wilma, who attempted to play it cool, straightening up as she wiped her brow. "Don't mind me. I'll be in the back getting ready." But before disappearing, she shot me a cheeky smile and said, "Keep charming, mascot." I quickly drank from my empty mug, hoping the ground of the mug would swallow me whole. Jenna raised an eyebrow, "Mascot?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement. I rubbed the back of my neck, "Yeah, it's just Wilma's nickname. She has called me since we opened the café, and she says I'm the face of the place." Jenna let out a laugh, "That's cute. It suits you," she teased, her smile growing. She added, "So, do I call you Mascot now, or is that just reserved by Wilma?" I chuckled, shaking my head. "More like trademarked; she's big on original nicknames but doesn't mind if they stick." "Alright, then, I'll have to go to the drawing board." She chuckled. Jenna's guards glanced at each other, then at the phone in front of them, before standing up. "Ma'am, we've got to head out. Your manager's been calling non-stop," one of them said, holding up Jenna's phone. It read 25 missed calls and 12 growing messages. She sighed, clearly not ready to leave, but she nodded. "Alright, guess I've got to go face the music." She stood up, and I offered to top off her coffee. "You've got a busy schedule. Want a refill to help get through it?" Jenna smiled gratefully. "That would be great, thanks." I quickly refilled her cup, handing it back to her as she pulled out some cash. I frowned, confused. "You don't have to—" She cut me off with a smirk. "I never paid for my drink the other day, and I'm covering today, too. Keep the change as a tip for the drink and for treating me like an actual person." She handed me the cash, along with a piece of paper. As Jenna and her guards left the café, the door softly closed behind them. I stare down at the money. Suddenly, I felt a pinch on my arm. "Ow!" I yelped, spinning around to see Wilma scolding me. "That was to snap you out of it. Also, for not charging your celebrity crush like a regular customer," she teased, hands on her hips. I shot her a look. "I was! I was just caught up in conversation. And besides, Jenna's a good tipper." Looking back at it, I realized the paper wasn't just her receipt—it had her Instagram handle scribbled at the bottom, along with a note that read, 'Thanks for the coffee and conversations again, Slick. You still owe me some more café stories.' I stood there, dumbfounded, as Wilma yelled back, "Come on, mascot, it's opening time before I take your tip!" Snapping back to reality, I shook my head and pocketed the receipt and money. "Alright, alright, I was just counting!"

#jenna ortega x reader #x fem!reader #x female reader #x y/n #wednesday addams x fem reader #tara carpenter x female reader #slow-burn #Stirring-The-Quiet #jenna ortega x you #jenna ortega x fem!reader #jenna ortega x female reader #jenna ortega x fem reader #kaces corner #kaces masterlist

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metalandmagi · 3 months ago

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The Real Anime Awards of 2024 (part 2)

Ever since Crunchyroll started doing their Anime Awards, I've made it my personal mission to make my own awards that represent the actual year in anime!

I already posted my silly awards list (with the truly important categories such as: prettiest boy and biggest trainwreck) so here are my serious picks. Don't take anything too seriously. These are just something fun I like to do every year. I can't watch everything.

Anime Of The Year

Dungeon Meshi

Dandadan

Go Go Loser Ranger

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Re: Zero (season 3)

Ranma ½

Best Comedy

Mayonaka Punch

Konosuba (season 3)

My Deer Friend Nokotan

Ranma 1/2

VTuber Legend: How I Went Viral After Forgetting to Turn Off My Stream

Acro Trip

Best Drama

Jellyfish Can’t Swim In The Night

Senpai wa Otokonoko

Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction

Girls Band Cry

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

If My Wife Becomes An Elementary School Student

Best Romance

A Sign Of Affection

Blue Box

Cherry Magic- I’m not typing the full title

Kimi ni Todoke (From Me To You) (season 3)

Tasogare Out of Focus

365 Days to the Wedding

Best Slice Of Life

Mr. Villain’s Day Off

Welcome Home (Tadaima, Okaeri)

The Yōkai Next to Me

Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi

Negaposi Angler

Dungeon People

Honorable Mention: The Magical Girl And The Evil Lieutenant Used To Be Arch Enemies

Best Action

Wind Breaker

Bleach Thousand Year Blood War (part 3)

Brave Bang Bravern

Bucchigiri?!

Kaiju No. 8

Dragon Ball Daima

Honorable mention: Viral Hit

Best Fantasy

Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End cour 2

Dungeon Meshi

Re: Zero (season 3)

Spice And Wolf

Isekai Suicide Squad

Dandadan...more of a sci-fi than fantasy but oh well...

Best Boy

Asamine Matakara (Bucchigiri?!)

Yuichi Kurosawa (Cherry Magic)

Buchio (The Yokai Next To Me)

Shion Yoshino (Tasogare Out Of Focus)

Natsume Takashi (Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi)

Keisuke Niijima (If My Wife Becomes An Elementary School Student)

Honorable Mention: Nukumizu (Too Many Losing Heroines)...this poor guy deserves some love but everyone else edged him out just a little bit 😅

Best Protagonist

Sakuna (Sakuna: Of Rice And Rain)

Masaki (Mayonaka Punch)

Fighter D (Go Go Loser Ranger)

Hibino Kafka (Kaiju No. 8)

Ciel Phantomhive (Black Butler Public School Arc)

Lawrence Kraft (Spice And Wolf)

Honorable mention: Mao Mao (Apothecary Diaries cour 2)...I love her so much but I already nominated her last year so I felt like it wasn't fair to do her twice

Best Antagonist

Sirius Romanée-Conti: Sin Archbishop of Wrath (Re: Zero season 3)- There are 3 great villains this season, but I could only pick one to represent and Wrath was my favorite 😅

Red Keeper (Go Go Loser Ranger)

Mika Hanaoka (Senpai wa Otokonoko)

Melon (Beastars Final Season cour 1)

Nowak (Orb: On the Movements of the Earth)

Chika Shiraishi (If My Wife Becomes An Elementary School Student) I know she’s only an antagonist at the beginning of the show, but dang, she’s a good one.

Best Girl

Holo (Spice And Wolf)

Marcille (Dungeon Meshi)

Sawako Kuronuma (Kimi ni Todoke season 3)

Harley Quinn (Isekai Suicide Squad)

Koshi Torako (My Deer Friend Nokotan)

Hina Chouno (Blue Box)

Best Supporting Character

Senshi (Dungeon Meshi)

“Youko Satou” (The Fable)

Kouji Shigemoto (Magilumiere Magical Girls Inc.)

Peeps (Sasaki and Peeps)

Chrome (Acro Trip)

Nyanko Sensei (Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi)

Best Character Design

Delico’s Nursery

Oshi no Ko (season 2)

Isekai Suicide Squad

Dungeon Meshi

Beastars Final Season cour 1

Ranma 1/2

Best Score

Girls Band Cry

Spice and Wolf

Natsume Yuujinchou Shichi

Kaiju No. 8

Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night

Bleach Thousand Year Blood War (part 3)- I will keep nominating it every year until it wins the actual award!

Honorable mentions: Orb: On the Movements of the Earth

Best Animation

Oblivion Battery

The Elusive Samurai

Blue Box

Beastars Final Season cour 1

Too Many Losing Heroines

The Stories of Girls Who Couldn't Be Magicians

Honorable mention: Shoushimin Series (I guess I’d categorize this as “most cinematic” over “best animation”), also Wind Breaker's animation deserves a shout out too.

Best OP

(BASED ON BOTH SONG AND VISUALS! so, sorry Viral Hit and The Fable...)

Dandadan (“Otonoke” Creepy Nuts)

Go Go Loser Ranger (“Preview of Me” Tatsuya Kitani)

Beastars Final Season cour 1 (“Into The World” issei)

You Are Ms. Servant (“Otozure” tricot)

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth (“Kaiju” Sakanaction)

Tower of God season 2 OP 1 (“Rise Up” NiziU)

Honorable mentions: *This is the hardest category every year for me, so I just have to shout out some others*

Yuru Camp season 3 (“Laid Back Journey” Kiminone)

Oshi no Ko season 2 (“Fatal” GEMN)

Wind Breaker (“Absolute Zero” Natori)

Mashle season 2 (“Bling-Bang-Bang-Born” Creepy Nuts)

Best ED

Isekai Suicide Squad (“Go Getters” Mori Calliope)

Brave Bang Bravern (“Sounen no Shouzu” Ryota Suzuki and Yohei Azakami) There was no way in hell I was leaving this off the list. If you watch no other anime endings this year, please watch this one 😆

Go Go Loser Ranger (“Sekai wa Iranei” NANAOAKARI)

Ranma ½ (“Antanante” riria)

Frieren Beyond Journey’s End cour 2 (“Anytime Anywhere” Milet)

Too Many Losing Heroines ed 2 (“Crazy For You” Shion Wakayama) *I love the other 2 endings as well, but I could only choose one*😭

Best Japanese VA Performance

*I'm terrible with this category. I really don't know how to judge good voice acting performances at all*

Hasegawa, Ikumi as Masaki (Mayonaka Punch)

Ueda, Hitomi as Yoshino (Yakuza Fiancé)

Seki, Toshihiko as Muzan Kibutsuji (Demon Slayer Hashira Training Arc)...This arc may have sucked, but he acted the shit out of it.

Inoue, Kazuhiko as Nyanko Sensei (Natsume Yuujinchou shichi)

Nagase, Anna as Harley Quinn (Isekai Suicide Squad)

Fujita, Saki as Koshi Torako (My Deer Friend Nokotan)

*I don't watch enough dubs to do nominations for English voice actors, but I want to shout out SungWon Cho as Senshi from Dungeon Meshi and Abby Trott as Ayase from Dandadan. They understood the assignment.*

So there you have it! My picks for the real anime awards of 2024! Don't take this seriously at all, it's just something fun I like to put together every year. I always try not to nominate the same things, but it's so hard to include a variety sometimes! 😅

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justasecretflower · 1 month ago

Text

“So feminine with grace” homicipher men ft mitsuri reader!

synopsis- you end up in homciphers world, they don't really see people like you in here.. how would they react to you?

Cw- kinda suggestive if you squint, mentions of killing and stuff. If any of this above is not fitted for you please click off your mental health is important <3

A/N- hello ˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶ !! it was hard finding a song for this lol but ty for the request !!

Now Playing:

Doja cat - woman

0:01 ❍─────── 4:28

↻ ⊲ Ⅱ ⊳ ↺

Volume: ▁▂▃▄▅▆▇ 100%

🖤mr. Crawling

🖤'baddie gf and some random loser bf' that's you guys

🖤closested pervert. Got all excited seeing ur clothes, his face lit up and he was all over you, his hands climbing up you as he yelled ‘pretty! Pretty!’

🖤he hasn’t really ever encountered someone as brightly colored as you. Loves touching your hair and braiding it and stuff.

🖤he’s attracted to how gracefully you fight, absolutely in a trance looking like a puppy with his eyes wide and sparkling while he almost drools

🖤your appetite is another thing he finds adorable. He likes to collect food and stuff and feed it to you

🖤definitely overprotective of you

🖤he likes to gently bop your little beauty marks

🖤LOOOVES your affectionate nature. He cuddles up to you all the time. You make him so happy:).

❤️Mr. Scarletta

❤️curious about you. How can something so beautiful and gentle looking be so dangerous?

❤️fuels him to be even more obsessed with you. How graceful and powerful you were, the perfect balance between kindness and danger.

❤️holy stalker. He memorizes every food you like and puts it where you frequently go. Like an offering of some sorts

❤️he likes that your hair is unusual like his, so bright like his, but so soft, like the look of your hair is almost comforting in a way. Something so brightly unique and pretty in a place like that.

❤️pays no mind do what you wear. He knows you and him both can fight, so what does it matter?

❤️he does like how the clothing fits you though.

❤️since you’re so beautiful. He often feels like he should scare everybody off to know that you’re his.

❤️he thinks you two make a very good couple. Powerful, two polar opposites yet the same in one crucial way.

❤️gives you a pink umbrella :P

🩶Mr. Silvair/ silver hair

🩶so so so curious about you! Is your hair natural? Are your beauty marks a birth defect ? How many rice ball thingys did you have to eat to get that hair color? Will it fade? Will your kids have the same hair color ?

🩶 shall he test out the last question?

🩶he has an itch only experimenting on you can scratch, but he never does harmful experiments because yk, he doesn’t want to hurt you.

🩶I will always say this in my homicipher headcanons but Mr. Silvair is EAGER to have kids with you just to see what it’d be like to have half ghost half human kids, now he’s even more eager because of your hair and unusual features

🩶(of course he will always be a good dad no matter what even if he did have a kid for experimental purposes)

🩶honestly a little concerned with the amount of food you eat. But no the less he says nothing about it since he wants to be a good boyfriend!

🩶questions if your strength relates to your unusual hair and things like that.

🧡mr. chopped

🧡feels so incredibly undeserving of you. You're insanely good looking, talented, unique, smart, kind, and strong and he's just like.. a head?

🧡knows how the other homicipher men look at you and he hates it. He hates it when they recognize how graceful, strong and beautiful you are. He's super insecure, that's why hes so whiny all the time.

🧡thankfully to your affectionate personality it helps soothe him a lot. He likes nothing more than just being in your arms with you holding him and comforting him. He just relaxes, you can't feel his body ease up, But you feel how slowly his eyes shut and how light he suddenly seems

🧡he loves how your braids kinda match lol

🧡when you do your hair, you also do his, he lets you re braid it and even make it like yours!

🧡he loves how sweet you are and how you feed into his compliment fishing. Don't tell me he doesn't compliment fish lmao.

🤎mr. hood

🤎I love my man boom shakalakaaaaa

🤎the first time he saw you he was literally frozen. If he had eyes, or, if we could see them, they'd be the most sparkly, light, in love, puppy dog eyes ever.

🤎he's so obsessed with you, tell me otherwise rn.

🤎he likes to feel your hair. How soft and colorful it is in his void black hands.

🤎when he saw your outfit he at first just thought the top like didn't fit..

🤎he would often try to pull your top together to see if it was supposed to be worn like that. You'd have to tell him it was a style choice, he kinda tilts his head for a bit and then shrugs it off. Oh well, your body looked divine that way anyway. Why not show it off?

🤎will never get tired of seeing your strength. He's such a male wife. 'Whatever you want my strong, beautiful wife who I love so dearly'

🤎tries to get you all the foods that you enjoy a lot and helps clean up your clothes once he sees how much of a tedious task that is.

🤎he gets flustered!! you can't see it but trust me he freezes up once you cuddle all over him or nuzzle against him. He loves it so much he's just so new to it he doesn't know how to cope with it. Eventually puts a hand casually around you after some time.

🎐𓍼ֶָ֢⊹ ࣪ ˖Tags

#homicipher hc #homicipher x reader #homicipher x mc #homicipher mr. chopped x reader #mr. scarletta x reader #mr. chopped x reader #mr. silvair x reader #mr. silver hair x reader #mr. hood x reader #i love you #justasecretflower #reqs open #christian blog

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kissitbttr · 1 year ago

Note

ok hear me out, frat!miguel is now professionalplayer!miguel and is asked to do a photoshoot for sports illustrated or sum shit lol and he’s asked about his fiancé, what would he say? how would muñeca react???

nfl!miguel?? say no more!

—

“miguel o��hara! the upcoming legend, how you doing?” brice butler greets the tall man with a handshake. “damn, you huge” he chuckles,

miguel mirrors his action, sitting by the side with a mic on his hand. “i’m good, good—it’s an honored to meet you, man. big fan”

“thank you, thank you— so, sports illustrated, right? how you feeling about that?”

“yeah, truly a blessing to be here—i want to personally thank the team and you for the invite—it’s still surreal” he sighs, head shaking at making the impossible.

“we know talent when we see one, of course we gotta have you on here” brice praises with a grin. “congrats on making it with the big boys. bengals, man” he shakes his head with a whistle,

“still can’t wrap my head around it—a dream come true” miguel nods,

“how’s the training going?”

“really well, i have a good feeling about all of us in the future—the team has been putting in work, so there’s no doubt we’re making it” he answers simply, which is something he knows for sure,

“that’s good to hear, man. what’s the hardest part of it all? though i can tell, you make it easy but there’s gotta be something”

miguel thinks for a while, “the diet if i’m being honest” he responds, making the two men laugh. “can’t pay me enough to eat chicken and rice for months—especially when you got a girl who cooks delicious food. you’re bound to break”

brice eyes go wide open, glancing at the camera then back at him. “a girl you say? you’re telling me our man here is cuffed?!” he asks excitedly,

miguel’s grin goes wider, nodding at him before showing his ring finger. “my fiancée. y/n”

“you’re going to break a lot of hearts with that info” brice jokes, admiring the ring. “how long have you been together?”

“sophomore” he replies, eyes glinting at the mere thought of you crossing his mind. “been my girl ever since”

“wow!” brice looks unbelievably surprised. “staying loyal, huh?”

“she tames me” miguel laughs, “has me wrapped around her finger, couldn’t even find other girls attractive no more” he shrugs,

“damn—other men has lots to learn from you then” brice answers with a smile. “how did she feel about this all of this?”

“oh she’s been real supportive, man. everything a guy could ever asked for. she got it all” miguel feels this interview a little bit brighter when he gets to talk about you. “pushes me to do better, to sign with bengals, cook us food”

brice makes a mental note on what makes him happy. he loves seeing young men in the making to feel good on what they talk about and not just football.

it’s where authenticity comes. at least to brice.

“so happy for you man—at least now we know that you’re locked in. those edits on tiktok gotta lay off” brice says while chuckling, making miguel laugh as well and throws his head back,

“she’s here actually” he mentions to brice, eyes then look straight ahead before glancing a bit to the left, spotting you standing just a few feet away from the camera in a pretty dress. “say hi, baby” miguel calls out, grinning widely.

the camera then pans slowly at you, who smiles and gives a shy wave and ‘hi’ at your soon to be husband and the interviewer beside him,

“hi, mrs. o’hara” brice waves back, “you keeping this big boy on a leash, ma’am?”

“oh always! people has to know who he’s tied to so no one’s messing with me!” your respond causing the entire room to cheer and laugh,

“feisty one you got there, o’hara” brice is dying of laughter, slapping a hand on miguel’s back,

miguel’s eyes never leaving your figure, sending a wink to your way as you response with a small blow kiss.

“you have no idea, man”

#frat!miguel

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white-guy-energy-swag · 2 months ago

Text

I PRESENT!

THE CONTESTANTS FOR WHITE GUY ENERGY SWAG 2025!

Locations

Sweden & Wisconsin

Dish

Unseasoned chicken, rice, and broccoli & a bottle of ranch

Sport

Lacrosse & Hockey

Names

Kyle & all of the -yden (brayden, aiden, you know)

Board Game

Catan & Risk

Books

Catcher in the Rye & Every Brandon Sandersons novels

Activites

Fishing & Crypto

Songs

Wonderwall (oasis) & Buddy Holly (weezer)

Tv Series

Breaking Bad & Young Sheldon

Drinks

Milk vs Monster Energy

Movies

Fight Club & Bullet Train

Phrase

"Wow there Buster" & "No more Mr Nice Guy!!!!!!"

Scenario

Buying a 55% off, flat-screen 92 inch TV & pulling up to a burger joint at 11pm, ordering a shit ton of stuff and then playing hacky sack in the parking lot

Clothing Item

Polos & Cargo Shorts

Vechicle

Cybertruck vs Electric Scooter

video game

Call of Duty & Smash Bros

I will randomize who is going against who for funsies! I picked these myself because listen the submissions made me laugh, however some were like "voting for ebba busch because she is hot" (iykyk).

And don't worry. They are arriving

@booktomoviebrawl @cuntiestvillainbracket @sexiestpodcastcharacter

#white guy energy swag #white guy energy #tournament poll #bracket tournament

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lillaydee · 2 months ago

Text

The Unlucky One Part 3

Joel Miller (No Outbreak AU) / F Reader

When it comes to love, Lady Luck seems to have lost your address. After being left at the altar without so much of an explanation, you decided love is no longer something you are interested in. Not even meeting an unlucky-in-love-himself Mr. Grump could change your mind.

Right?

Let me know if you want to be tagged, or if you want to be removed from the tag list.

WARNINGS: Protective Joel (The Last of Us), Good Parent Joel (The Last of Us), Soft Joel (The Last of Us), Joel is Bad at Feelings (The Last of Us), Joel Needs a Hug (The Last of Us), Hurt Joel (The Last of Us), Grumpy Joel (The Last of Us), Jealousy, Fluff and Angst, Implied/Referenced Homophobia, Idiots in Love, unlucky in love, Child Abandonment, Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Alternate Universe - No Cordyceps Outbreak (The Last of Us)

@peelieblue, @vickie5446, @harriedandharassed, @lovefreylove @martuxduckling @kikookii

SERIES MASTER LIST

Part 2

---

When you got to your room, Maria came bounding towards you, looking a bit guilty. “Why didn’t you tell me you felt like going out? I wouldn’t have said yes to Tommy.”

“I want you to have fun, you goose. You’re on holiday. I, on the other hand, needed a reason not to think about being dumped, so…” you lifted the many, many, many filled bags you had brought back with you.

“Ooh!” she squealed, looking far too excited to help you with your shopping. She cooed at the souvenirs, asking you if you could take her with you the next time you go. She blabbered on about random stuff as you changed, following you around the suite, even talking at you through the semi closed bathroom door as you peed and showered, all the while with a strange smile on her face. It was all a bit odd. Finally, you sat in front of her and asked her point blank – what’s going on, Maria?

“Well, Tommy’s brother didn’t join us. I heard he went out today. And he sent a picture of some fried rice to Tommy, the place looked suspiciously like the place you sent the soupy thing from. You have something to tell me?” she couldn’t even keep her face straight.

“No.”

“Oh, come on… it’s me… you were out with him, weren’t you?”

“No, I wasn’t. We were at the same place. But I was not ‘with him’. We just happened to eat in the same restaurant. Different tables.”

“Oh…” she said, looking a bit defeated.

“I don’t even know the guy’s name, Maria. He’s just someone I happened to share a dinner table with yesterday, and a car with today.”

“You know, I can ask Tommy about him, make sure he’s not a loon? Do you know his name? Does he know yours?” You rolled your eyes at her. “He’s so good looking, though. And so quiet. You know what they say about the quiet ones…”

“Maria…”

“I’m not asking you to do anything crazy… maybe, hang out with him a bit. He might help distract you from everything. And you know, we have like five more days here. Who knows?”

“Maria, I love you, but… less than a week ago, I was supposed to get married to who I thought was the love of my life. I still don’t know what happened. I haven’t even heard from him. And you saw how his family left. They were furious. I don’t even have the slightest comprehension of what it was that I did wrong. No one would tell me anything. I’m so lost it’s insane. I’m still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I am on what was supposed to be my honeymoon. Heck, I don’t even know if I’m single now. He ghosted me. I have no idea if he got cold feet, or he just needed more time, or he’s completely done with me. Am I even single? I don’t even know that! I don’t want this whole thing to come back and haunt me.”

She watched as you ranted, a clear sadness written all over her face. She got up after a while and called someone on the room phone, ordered food for the room and the two of you had a slumber party, watching movie after movie. At one point, you asked her why she was spending her vacation in the room with you. She should go have some fun with her long-haired southerner, while she still could.

“Nah babes,” she said, tucking your hair behind your ears, “You’re my ride or die, I’m staying here because you need me here right now. He can wait.”

“What if I need you here all the way ‘til we have to leave?”

“Then see you whenever, Tommy. Been nice knowing you!” she said, tipping an invisible hat at the door, earning her a kiss and a hug from you.

Really, at this point, you had no idea what you would’ve done if she hadn’t agreed to come with you on this trip.

The two of you talked over the TV, argued about who’s right and wrong in the movies, laughed ‘til you both couldn’t see, and cried in each other’s arms until both of you fell asleep, far too early for a holiday.

You were awaken by the pinging on your phone.

3.45am.

Andrew.

You sat up so quickly Maria woke up from your movement. Her confusion quickly turned to concern at your expression.

You had been texting or calling him multiple times since the wedding. Begging him to call you, text you back, at least let you know why. You deserved that at least. It felt like you sent him hundreds of texts those first three days. He blocked you. You used your Dad’s, Franks, Maria’s, his family’s phones to text him, Kyle texted him on your behalf, Ethan too, they all got blocked as well. You were so confused.

You were a great partner, you treated him like a fucking king. You paid your half of the mortgage and bills, despite only free lancing, you had a job that kept you busy, sometimes busier than him when certain times of the year came, and still, the meals in the house was all your doing, be it ordering or cooking, you ironed his clothes for him, gave him massages at night, scheduled his appointments for him, you even packed his fucking lunches. And he ghosted you without an explanation. You were not even worth that to him.

By the third day, when his family left in a huff for whatever reason, you got the picture. He believed you had wronged him in a huge manner, and his family believed him. If he had simply gotten cold feet, they wouldn’t have been that angry at you. His sweet, sweet mother wouldn’t have practically ripped the heirloom ring that was on your finger. His father wouldn’t have spat at your Dad, calling him a failure of a man, unable to even raise a daughter right. Even if his sister seemed apologetic and looked a bit sorry to leave you like that, she didn’t have the power to say anything, seeing as everyone else was so determined to get out of there as soon as they could.

But without a definite answer from him, you hoped.

So you decided not to harass him anymore, believing that he would get back to you when he was ready. You packed your bags and left for Bali that evening, thinking that you would call him when you came back, and God knows you needed a vacation after the whiplash that was your supposed wedding day. Surely, he would’ve cooled off by then. And if he hadn’t, you had to believe that when the time was right, he would let you know. And when you had more information, the two of you could work out the details of where your relationship would go from there.

Surely?

But his text, that single text he sent you on the third day on what was supposed to be your honeymoon, was not what you expected at all.

“Having fun in Bali with that very single friend of yours? Don’t think I don’t know what you guys are up to. I know she would’ve persuaded you to fuck someone by now. I should’ve known. You didn’t even try hard to reach me, or find me, did you? Three days? That’s all the trying I deserve from you? Well, looks like I’m right about you. This is all the confirmation I need. I want you out of the house before the end of next week. I’ll even make the process easier for you. Hope he was worth it. Goodbye.”

Maria pursed her lips together reading the text. Your insides felt cold. Hollow. You were having a hard time digesting what you had just read.

So there was a supposed man he thought you were involved with. Who? And he ghosted you. Blocked you. And suddenly he was the wronged one? He was the one who wasn’t being coaxed enough? Begged to enough? It’s your fault now? For trying to give him some space?

Who was this guy? This was not the Andrew you fell in love with.

Maria’s hand on your shoulder snapped you back to reality. “You okay?” she asked.

You nodded, jumping a little when the room phone rang. Your wake up call for the hike. You got out of bed to get ready, Maria asking you where you were going.

It was a mark of how serious your face looked at that point that she didn’t even make any sly remarks about you going for an early morning hike with the Grump. She walked you to the elevator, hugging you tight, telling you to call her if you need anything. You just nodded at her as the doors closed.

**********

When you got to the lobby, the Grump was already there, staring at his phone. Something was off with his demeanour, you could tell, even from the back. He seemed bothered, saddened, hardened. You had an accidental glimpse at what he was looking at, an Insta Story of a… party? When he realized you were passing him, he quickly turned the phone off and joined you to wait for Pak Rahman, who was due any minute.

“Morning,” he greeted.

“Morning.”

And then the two of you were just quiet. Each in your own thoughts. Even as Pak Rahman pulled up, the two of you quietly greeted him and got in, buckled up and the ride went smoothly without any small talks from the two of you. It was as if the two of you knew to leave each other alone, mulling in your own worries, and completely understood the unspoken assignment.

After a short 30 minutes’ drive, probably so due to the lack of traffic, Pak Rahman pulled up at a small parking lot in a small village. There were maybe another car or two there, but no tourist busses. He gave both of you a hiking stick and a head torch, asking the two of you to stay close to him. He was casually dressed in his slacks and some sandals, a simple bag slung on his shoulders, while you and the Grump looked like typical tourists, complete with hats and boots and gloves, not to mention backpacks laden with bottled water, snacks and towels.

The trail was not a difficult one, it wasn’t even a long one, maybe 30 minutes of steady incline, but even before sunrise, the humidity got to you and the Grump. Pak Rahman was patient, waiting for the two of you to catch up, hardly out of breath as you and the Grump were steadily breathing heavier and heavier as you went along. The Grump stayed with you, offering you a helping arm every now and again, asking you if you were okay once or twice, but other than that, he was quiet.

When you got to the top, you each took a spot of your own, away from each other, drinking from your bottles, waiting for the sunrise. You didn’t have to wait long, before you could even finish that second bottle, the sky lightened, the black turned to deep, dark blue, before turning greenish, then yellowish, tinged with the slightest of pink, before the orange hues of sunrise blossomed from the horizon, clear and unobstructed from the top of that small hill.

It was magnificent.

It was so quiet up there you could almost hear the sun say hello.

So quiet, your thoughts soon became so loud, you couldn’t ignore them.

You could’ve been here with him. The man you thought you were going to spend the rest of your life with. Suddenly, you realized that you didn’t know how he would react to this. You had no knowledge of what this man’s preference would have been. Would he have enjoyed this? He didn’t even want to walk the farmer’s market with you. You always went alone. He went with you once, but the sight of the crowd made him change his mind, and he waited in the car for you instead.

Your holidays had been in cities. But when discussing the honeymoon, he asked you to surprise him, which in turn, surprised you. So you chose Bali, going all out to make it the best honeymoon you could have. Now that you thought about it, he might not even like Bali. He didn’t even want to go to your Dad’s beach house. When you did, he stayed at the house.

So why the fuck did you choose Bali?

God, did you even know him?

Suddenly you felt stupid. You actually thought you were happy. You thought he was the man of your dreams. It took that text this morning, those cruel words from him for your rose-coloured glasses to come off. Cause while you thought you were happy, he thought you were with someone else. And he was so shady about the whole thing you didn’t even know who he was talking about, what evidence he had.

You didn’t have that many friends. The happy life you thought you had was his – his friends, his family. And now, when you go back home, you would be alone. None of the gang you used to hang out with had contacted you since the wedding. You had no idea if they knew the whole story, but if they did, they clearly believed him and was taking his side, or if they didn’t, they didn’t care enough about you in the first place to check on you.

And right now, you couldn’t decide which was worse.

You were brought out of your own thoughts when you were having trouble breathing. You were practically sobbing, alone by the tree you had chosen to hide yourself from others. The sun had come out now, the view so glorious, you decided to put Andrew and your failed attempt at happiness at the back of your mind for now and enjoy yourself. Not like you were going to come back anytime soon. You wiped your face clean, finished your water, and got up to see the Grump doing the same from his chosen tree.

Like yours, his face told a story. His eyes were red, his face rather splotchy. You handed him a wet wipe, which he gratefully accepted, thanking you, before cleaning his own face and finishing his water.

“You okay?” you asked him, tentative in your tone, unsure if he wanted you to notice his state of mind.

He nodded a little, “You?”

You nodded.

“Ready to go?” Pak Rahman asked.

“You know any good breakfast spot?” the Grump asked him, and he happily nodded, leading the way down.

By the time you got back to the car, you felt a lot better. The Grump did too, apparently, laughing with you on the way down as he told you about the little frog that kept him company on his lap as he watched the sunrise, only realizing its presence when the sun was fully up.

“You should’ve kissed it. Maybe it was your soulmate in disguise,” you said, as he guffawed at the thought. Pretty sure it was poisonous, he said.

Breakfast was delicious, and Pak Rahman smiled as he went off to get the car, having noticed that the two of you were eating off each other’s plates as if you had done so your entire lives.

**********

On your drive back, you noticed one of the soap shops you had googled, and begged Pak Rahman to stop, only to find that the shop wasn’t open for a few more hours. We could come back later, the Grump said to you, as if it was the most natural thought to him, that the two of you would return together, and not you alone. He seemed to have clocked your thought and quickly backtracked, telling you that his brother and your friend could join you, he was sure they would like to see the town a little bit too?

And that was how the four of you ended up back at the shop after having the most amazing lunch by an actual paddy field in the middle of what passed as downtown Bali, your tummies too full to even stand straight, you and Maria were basically leaning on each other as you entered the shop. The two men went to another shop, one that sold furniture, of all things, and stayed there for quite a while.

Now that you knew you were not going back to that house, you decided that you were going to buy all the soap you wanted anyway. Maybe you’ll find another place that had an amazing bathroom, and you could fill that little bathtub Ethan got you with all these amazing smelling soaps. You took one of every colour and smell you could find, not to mention lotions and shower gels and oils. You were going to be surrounded by this nice vacation at your new home if it was the last thing you did.

When Tommy and the grump returned, they were a little taken aback by the weight of your shopping bags, Maria quickly explaining that you were a soap hound, joking how easy it was to shop for you. Soap. And you would be happy. The men dropped off your shopping with Pak Rahman before going with you and Maria to sight see a little bit, Tommy and Maria walking ahead of you and the Grump, looking very comfortable with each other.

You found a shaded spot by the beach Maria and Tommy were drawn to, the Grump sitting with you, handing you a cold bottle of water.

“I want to thank you for this morning,” he said. You looked at him, perplexed. What did he mean? “You could’ve pried, but you didn’t.”

Ah… he meant the splotchy face and the wet wipes.

“Thank you for not prying on me either,” you said. “Sorry if I made you uncomfortable in any way.”

“You didn’t,” he said, shaking his head a bit. “I didn’t make you uncomfortable, did I?”

You shook yours.

“When are you leaving?” he asked.

“Sunday.”

He nodded, “Friday,” he said, when you looked at him questioningly.

You didn’t know why, exactly, but it made you feel sad.

“I can’t be away too long. This trip was… spur of the moment. Needed to get away,” he explained. “Turns out, I couldn’t get away if I tried,” he mumbled, looking away, taking a drink from his bottle.

“I know what you mean.”

He looked at you, eyebrows raised.

“Same old, same old, came here to be free off certain things back home, but with technology… home came right with you.”

“Tell me about it.”

The two of you were quiet for a beat.

“Listen, I was wondering if you would spend some time with me tomorrow? Before I leave Friday? I have a feeling my brother and your friend are going to be busy,” he said, raising his chin at your friend, who was now busily lip locked with Tommy.

You snorted, shaking your head a little.

“Sure, why not?”

“I’m Joel, by the way, Joel Grump,” he said, offering his massive hand to you.

Why not? You were single now, right?

“Aria, Aria Grump.” You shook his hand, and the two of you said hi to each other, remarking on the similar last names, laughing as you did.

“Light dinner tonight? I’ll make the reservations,” he said.

Sure, why the hell not?

The two of you enjoyed a some light dinner at one of the bars at the hotel that night, your best friend and Tommy busy somewhere else. The bar had a live band, and seeing as it was still early, played some slow rock and old classic songs. You and Joel somehow managed to avoid talking personal life stuff, sharing music preferences and memories of your youth listening to the songs your Dads listened to.

Heck, you two were comfortable enough to sit side by side with your shoulders touching, swaying together to the gentle music, speaking into each other’s ears, his beard and moustache giving you goosebumps as he did.

Such a difference to that first night you spent with him.

He walked you to your room, telling you he will see you at breakfast, and you closed the door realizing that you were very much looking forward to his company the next day.

**********

You woke up to a text from Maria, telling you that she was safe, was alive, and that she would see you Friday – as in, after Tommy had left. You laughed, shaking your head a little at your friend’s obvious crush on Tommy. Well, at least one of you was having a nice vacation.

You had breakfast with Joel, taking plates of different foods from the buffet, sharing them with him. You didn’t know why, but you felt very comfortable very quickly with him. He wasn’t pushy, was gentle, kind, and funny, despite your nickname for him.

Pak Rahman, reliable as ever, took you to another part of town today. You and Joel walked around, him holding the massive umbrella Pak Rahman had supplied him over your heads. You had lunch together, again, unconsciously sharing your meals together, before perusing more shops to spend your money in, him pointing out the different hand made soap shops along the way, patiently following you with a basket while you tried hard to refrain from buying everything your eyes landed on.

You found a massage spot, where they apparently gave very good foot massages. Although reluctant, Joel agreed to get one with you, cringing next to you as the tiny lady massaged his feet with powers beyond his imagination. At one point, he was so taken aback by the pressure the lady had used on him he grabbed your hand for support, his forehead sweating from pain, letting go of your hand only when the massage was over, sulking good naturedly as you laughed at him.

“Give me a break,” he pouted, “It’s my first massage ever,” he said.

“You cannot tell me that did not feel good.”

He cringed slightly, his shoulder raised, but finally conceded that his feet, which had been hurting from the hike and all the walking around Bali, did feel a lot better. But he drew a line when you suggested a head and shoulder massage, blushing a little. He shook his head as you paid for the massages, mumbling to himself that it took travelling to Bali for him to find someone convincing enough to make him try a massage, and he didn’t even get to pay for it.

The two of you spent the rest of the day enjoying each other’s company before going back to the hotel. You two actually walked into the lobby laughing, hearts light from a fabulous day spent together. Pak Rahman told Joel he would be waiting for Joel at 9.00am to take him and his brother to the airport, and for you to just call him if you needed a lift anywhere.

And just like that, your smiles were wiped off your faces, and your hearts felt heavy again. The elevator ride to your suite was quiet. You wanted to cry.

Silly woman, you didn’t even know him. He could be a psycho, for all you knew. You lived with Andrew for three years, and you had just found out how petty he could be. Let’s not delude yourself to think this Joel Grump could be any different. And with your luck, he could be gay for all you knew.

He walked you to your door, placing your shopping bags just inside.

“Well, any chance I’ll see you at breakfast?” he asked. You may have been imagining it, but there was a hopeful tone to his question.

“Maybe,” you said, nodding.

“Okay,” he said. “See you then?”

“Okay.”

And with that, he turned around and left, his own shopping bags flung over his shoulder.

**********

You stood with your head on the door for a while. You didn’t want to say goodbye to him. But what were you supposed to do? You didn’t know him from Adam. But your heart kept telling you to go to him, get his number, his last name, anything. Anything that didn’t mean goodbye tomorrow.

‘Are you crazy?’ your mind screamed at your heart. ‘You just broke up with someone. You were supposed to be on your honeymoon. And if things go bad, what then? If he knew where to find you, what the fuck were you going to do to get away from him?’

‘But he could be nice,’ your heart coaxed. ‘Not all men are bad,’ it said.

‘And mothers and sisters are supposed to be selfless and loving but look at ours. With our luck, he might break our heart tonight.’

You peeled yourself away from the door, taking the shopping bags into your room, depositing them on the bed and went in to take a shower. When you came out, clad in a bathrobe, you tipped one of the bags’ contents onto your bed, and a slew of coconut shell ashtrays and keychains fell out.

Wait a minute, you didn’t buy these.

They must be Joel’s.

You should return them.

‘But you didn’t know where his room was. Just the floor,’ your mind said.

‘There are only so many rooms on each floor. Try them all!’ your heart defended.

‘Or you could just return them to him at breakfast tomorrow. Or better yet, leave them with the reception, they’ll return them,’ your mind supplying more logical excuses for you to not give in to your heart’s desire.

Yeah, you could just go down to the lobby and ask the reception to return them to him.

So you quickly got dressed, spritzed some perfume on, you never know, you didn’t want to smell bad in the elevator, and walked out of the room.

As you entered the elevator, your finger automatically pressed his floor number. Oh well, might as well, your heart said, but you could feel your mind banging its head on the wall.

The elevator door opened, and you stepped outside, only to come face to face with Joel, who looked freshly showered, holding a shopping bag in his hand.

He looked flustered, “Erm, I took one of your bags by mistake,” he said, offering the bag to you.

“Yeah, I came to return one of yours,” you told him, offering it to him, feeling yourself turn red.

As the exchange happened, your fingers brushed, and he took a step closer to you.

Fuck he smelled so good.

Fuck, you smelled so good.

And just like that, both of you surged towards each other, shopping bags banging on your backs, lips locked, devouring each other, as he backed you to his room, growling frustratedly as he tried again and again to unlock the door with his card, to no avail.

“That’s your credit card,” you said, licking his neck.

“Fuck!” he almost screamed, producing the right card and finally opening the door.

The two of you laughed as you stumbled inside, him kicking the door shut, immediately backing you towards the bed, both shopping bags discarded on the floor.

“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” he asked, “I’ve never done this before, not with a practical stranger,” he continued, before asking again if you were sure.

You could only nod before your lips found his again. Fuck, he’s a good kisser. The two of you fell on his bed, hands tearing at each other’s clothes, before he stopped and looked you in the eyes. By the time he kissed you again, the urgency of the situation was gone, gentle, slow kisses took it’s place, as your hands caressed each other’s bodies, nice and slow.

‘What are you doing?’ you mind screamed.

‘Oh, lighten up, he’s hot and we’re on holiday, besides, it felt right,’ your heart protested.

Oh, fuck it. You only lived once, you thought, as his kisses moved from your lips to your neck, your eyes closed at the sensation, enjoying what would become your first one night stand.

**********

You woke up to Joel spooning you, his breaths slow and steady on your neck.

Fuck last night was amazing. You could say, without a shadow of a doubt – that was the best sex you’d ever had. 'Which one exactly? The first one, the second? The third?', your heart asked, while your mind rolled its eyes. All of them, you thought. All of them was the best sex you’d ever had, all better than the last.

You turned to face him, and he very quickly engulfed your entire body in his arms, nose unconsciously nuzzling the top of your head as he did so.

Why did you feel so comfortable with him? Took you months to be comfortable enough with Andrew to sleep with him, going back to your own rented apartment night after night to sleep. And yet, here you were, just, cozy and at home in this stranger’s arms.

And you were going to savour it.

He asked you if he could have your number last night, but you said you needed to think about it. He gave you his card, which you placed on your nightstand face down without looking at it, giving in to his caresses for round three.

His phone rang, and he quickly turned to get it off his nightstand, unaware you were awake. You saw the lit up screen in the darkened room.

It was a FaceTime request, from ‘Tess’, a picture of a beautiful, smiling woman accompanying it.

Your heart stilled. You closed your eyes, pretending to still be asleep as he got up, turning his head to look at you as he quickly extracted himself out of the bed as gently as he could, wrapping his bathrobe around his middle, answering the call as he made his way out to the balcony.

“Hi Baby,” he cooed, as he slid the balcony door closed behind him. "Yeah, I'm up. I miss you," you heard him mumble just as the door closed shut.

Fuck. He had someone waiting for him at home. A Tess. A Tess whom he missed. A Tess whom he called Baby.

You had never gotten dressed so quickly in your life. You heard him laugh with this Tess from the balcony, making your heart clench. You picked up the shopping bag, making sure it was yours, and looked at the card he gave you, still face down on the night stand, deciding to leave it.

Just as well.

You couldn’t help yourself from peeking through the slit in the curtain as his laugh became clearer and clearer, crooning a soft, delicate bye to this Baby of his, telling her he loved her. You saw a gorgeous woman on his phone screen, laughing along with him.

You couldn’t stand it anymore. You picked up your shoes and ran out, taking the stairs up to the next floor for the elevator, lest he caught up with you, feeling stupider than you had ever felt in your entire life, and that was saying something.

‘I told you so,’ your mind chastised.

Yeah, mind, yeah, you did.

---

Part 4

#joel miller x reader #the last of us fanfiction #joel miller #joel miller fanfiction #tlou fanfiction #joel miller x you

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catiuskaa · 2 years ago

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G’day fellas, it’s Kats! —the Masterlist.

requests are answered and appreciated!

random prompt list (mainly for requests but feel free to use it and tag me on your own works!)

[🔸☆ ☕️ ☆ 🔸]

ot8 series // poly!skz

—[series] the perfume saga. (smut)

non-connected one-shots inspired by some of the frangances/colognes of the brands the kids have collaborated (or just been related) with.

—[series] summertime’s special!

a summer-inspired collab with my pookie @dalamjisung! non-conected one-shots [in between each of ‘em]. lots of fluff and sunshine included!

—[one-shot] white-collared thieves (smut)

gentlemen like them make for a better boyfriend, and minho and han will let you know as soon as you come over… they know first times pave the way for more. [minsung x reader]

—[one-shot] reggaeton & champagne (nsfw)

you knew better than to go down to the club alone, and that guy should’ve known better than to mess with minho and chan’s property. [minho x chan x reader]

—[drabble] seungmo, mimo, siesta. (fluff)

mimo (span.) attitude or state of a person who wants to be pampered and cuddled. [2min x reader]

—[drabble] feat. mrs. lee bahng (smut)

why have a plot when your two gorgeous boys are finally having a short break before the comeback? y’all already know what to do. [minchan x reader]

—[one-shot] i’m trying, but they’re hot! —lifeguards!skz

minho and felix agree to go with you to your usual fitness center, which recently opened a swimming pool facility! (and they've hired a certain group of lifeguards... oh wow...)

—[series] bf!thoughts (fluff):

chan: music to my ears.

being chan’s partner makes music sound so much better, but not coming close to the sound of his laughs. ♡

minho: sway with me.

as minho’s partner, you know he loves dancing, and he loves dancing with you. He won’t say it often, but you both know he loves you even more. ♡

changbin: my favourite.

changbin won’t hesitate to pamper his partner with reasurance and love, because, above it all, his favourite thing will always be you. ♡

hyunjin: out of the blue.

poor hyunjin is so frustrated with artblock. nothing comes out like he sees it! little does he know, his cute muses are right in front of him. ♡

jisung: ticklish, cold water nights.

hannie can be a bit of a meanie if it’s late enough, but he loves you so much, he has to make sure you drink enough water too. ♡

felix: rice pudding!

felix wants to cook on live. who if not you to help? it’s mainly so he doesn’t burn anything—like himself—, but it still makes him feel warm and fluffy inside. ♡

seungmin: clingy denials.

seungmin claims he isn’t clingy. recent events while shopping prove to be a little bit… trickier… for him. not his fault though. You are the one who looks too good! ♡

jeongin: bread bites.

innie isn’t much of a skinship person, but it’s because of you that he has found out a new way of showing how much he loves you. ♡

chan

My Atlantis [We fall] (angst) [good ending!]

you’ve hurt yourself due to his career as an idol, because the media won’t let you be. Still, despite his tries to ‘protect you’, you both have spent the worst month in a long while and neither of you want to continue knowing that you could have tried again.

Level up: Fencing for Dummies. (fluff)

soulmates don’t exist, but why are all these corny memories suddenly in your head, and why is your rival the main character?

you asked me to stay. [Not yet]. (fluff, nsfw)

even if idols 'don’t date fans', there are no rules against a little bit of teasing, and so it happens that Mr Bang Chan here really likes your kind of thinking.

audio creak file.mp3 [1:07] (nsfw)

Chan struggles to make music, and you, his friend and roommate, try to help him when you can. Say, Chan also struggles to keep his cool whenever you’re near… what will you do to help him feel better?

minho

pink in the night. (angst)

he knows it means leaving you at night with your hoodie on, but minho has to say goodbye one last time, even if nothing is fair.

game on, game boy. (fluff)

dating someone from the opposing team is banned? So what? Minho isn’t dating that cute girl with the purple headset, they clearly hate each other! …wait, what? You never said it was her? O-oh… um, well…

had to make sure you'd catch it. (fluff)

no one expected jeongin to be the first to marry in the group, but furthermore, no one expected minho to be the one to ask you first, and certainly not like that.

miss me, miss me, now you gotta… (fluff)

minho wasn’t grumpy, nor he was jealous. but he hasn’t been the same ever since he fell in love with you.

need you to [Lee] Know (fluff)

minho loves you: to him, it’s as clear as water. Its only after he finds out that you’re starting to doubt it—he needs you to know just how much.

I.O.U. [pinky promise] (fluff)

minho’s fear of heights is not alone, because airplanes are also in the equation. but rest assured, lovely strangers like yourself are there to help him.

shirts, hoodies and pyjamas (fluff)

every member knows that Minho’s attitude towards you is kinda mean. Will an impulsive idea change your situation?

shoot on sight [straight through my heart] (smut)

a laser tag encounter will end any truce you could’ve started with minho. And of course, after that kiss…

changbin

love bites burns (long fic)

as a firefighter, even if changbin was aware that fire leaves scars, what he didn’t know was that though the scars you left in his skin tore him open just a little, they would end up teaching him a lot about love.

under the weather (fluff)

is that a sneeze what he’s hearing? unnaceptable! changbin will take care of his sick little bunny... no chance of escaping.

my knight in comforting armour (fluff)

plane trips feel longer when you can’t use your phone. after a very chaotic encounter, it’s now obvious that playing on changbin’s phone is much more entertaining!

just hold on, darling (nsfw)

there’s a will and a way when waiting for him to log off work seems a lot… just hold on, darling.

this close to begging (smut)

an angsty tension formed out of pent-up feelings. a mix of alcohol, changbin and you might find just the way of solving it.

[these two can be read as a stand alone or together in the order written]

Yeah, Flowers Follow (fluff)

You’ve always been committed to your duty at your mom's flower shop since she got hurt carrying bags of dirt. It was just you and the flowers, until he barged in one day, slapped 20 bucks on the countertop and passive-aggressively asked: "How do I say fuck you in flower?"

Floral Troubles: Tales of Love (fluff)

It’s been hard dealing with your love life with how busy the flower shop has been since the wedding season started. It was just you, ribbons and greenery, until he hugged you from behind, left 20 bucks on the table and affectionately asked: “How do I say I love you in flower?”

hyunjin

charcoal, paint, post-its and tape. (comfort)

seeing your boyfriend’s messy art studio, you couldn’t help but want to try and surprise him with a painting of the most gorgeous piece of art you knew: him.

Untitled. // COMING SOON

an artist’s mind often wanders around and about. ever since Hyunjin and you collided, he's unable to come out the same.

i don’t like my mind. (angst)

there was nothing you could’ve said to him to keep hyunjin away from his thoughts. Not on the night of March 20, 2021.

[Don’t worry about Rome!] It won’t fall. (fluff) // COMING SOON

it was almost ridiculous to think you hadn’t realized it, but hey, no one expected Rome to fall.

The rain falls [the sky doesn’t] (fluff)

rain sucks. for you, to the very least, it’s a major problem. but your boyfriend knows something is wrong, and is determined to help you, because even if rain falls, the sky doesn’t.

drunk-dazed [i’m yours] (fluff)

Felix has tried to help you with your love life, but, as much as you appreciated the gesture, he kinda failed… all the time. Will the latest match with his new roommate break the streak?

horny kitchen [not hell's this time] (nsfw)

whenever you were home, he wasn’t. it wasn’t totally your fault if that had made you believe he was never home in the first place, but it sure had led into an interesting meeting.

jisung

the poem about home. (hurt/comfort)

redamancy: (n.) the act of loving the one who loves you; a love returned in full.

strawberry blond. (angst)

Jisung had been avoiding the truth for the past six months, but now, it’s time to face the storm. even if it hurts.

spots on. (fluff)

you. hannie. embraces. hugs. cuddles, and other synonyms. desperately needed by yesterday. complaints will be declined and ignored.

*cough cough* no, me kisses. (fluff)

he may have lost his opportunity to ask you to become official, but boyfriend or not, there’s only one thing Hannie wants needs: your kisses. All over his face. Right now.

coach or player? (nsfw)

there’s always a time when one just has to know, but is the coach able to risk it and play their own game?

[3:36 am] 🍶 (nsfw)

A sexy meeting with an interesting someone might be exactly what you were looking for a one-night stand.

putting to good use (smut)

you had always been Jisung’s utmost supporter, his number one fan. who could blame his partner for wanting to reward all his hard effort?

felix

this isn’t what friends do. (smut)

you're friends- duh! best friends are close to each other, even if this could be... too close. still, no one can really blame you! that chocolate was far too good anyways.

so effortlessly. (fluff)

felix can’t help it, and he can’t hold back anymore, because in the end, loving you comes out so effortlessly.

[these two can be read as a stand alone or together in the order written]

WikiHow’s on my back. (fluff)

Felix can't deny it anymore. WikiHow agrees, and even if he doesn't want to accept it, accidentally completing every step of the web might just clarify to him what he’s feeling.

[01:43 am] (fluff)

study buddies are always close to each other. Still, exams week is over, so when Felix shows up in your room, a silly UNO game is the go-to for clearing things up… in a meme way.

seungmin

influence and influenza. (fluff)

alas, one should note the difference between influence and influenza, even if one can ultimately end up with both.

GTK: Grand Theft Kitty. (fluff)

seungmin streams from time to time with the boys, and today, you wanted to join in… kind of… but not like he’s going to complain!

new task: valentine’s day. (fluff)

|PROLOGUE| |ACT 1| |ACT 2| |ACT 3|

boring classes, boring classmates, boring assignments… to seungmin, everyone is boring even if he’s used to pretend otherwise, but you seem to get on his nerves. you, your stupid poem, and his stupid letter.

silly little promises. (smut)

unspoken promises to stay away from your brother’s best friend might work for some, but not when kim seungmin is said man.

jeongin

your type (fluff)

It doesn’t matter how pretty you are, because, Jeongin’s been working in that cafe long enough to notice as soon as you walked in: he knows your type.

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metaphorical-goblin · 11 months ago

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I really want Trucy and Edgeworth grocery shopping for a sick Phoenix together

FIRST OFF, he just deserves some pampering, but secondly, as the only Person Who Knows How to Grocery Shop between them, Phoenix tries his best to make a little list, but he is absolutely not thinking about cooking for the week, so he's just like "...you know what, you guys will figure it out"

So cut to Miles and little nine-year-old Trucy slowly going through every single aisle of the grocery store, and Miles is almost entirely dependent on Trucy to pick out the stuff she normally eats. (Of course, she sneaks a few extra treats in there... Poptarts and French toast sticks... mmmm), but of course Miles is like "wait we should probably get some fruits and vegetables, right. You eat vegetables with most meals." "Oh, yeah, sure"

Neither of them know how to pick vegetables that are ready, but Miles does his best picking the ones that aren't bruised or anything

Finally getting home and they unload the car, and when Phoenix shuffles in in his slippers, wearing a big blanket around his shoulders, he's like "...Miles, I think this is more than we can eat in the week."

(It's like a month's worth of food. It's so much food)

Trade a glance with Trucy, he didn't know it was just for the week! Luckily Trucy's all "maybe we can have a dinner party and have some friends over! Or Mr. Edgeworth can stay and help us eat it all >:)" She's a wizard, she knows exactly what she's doing

Cut to her and Miles trying to cook dinner later, Phoenix zoned out on flu medicine, and they end up finding a very nice little recipe for some cheesy chicken and rice. It's delightful, it tastes good, they have a nice time, and Miles starts thinking "maybe I do like cooking..."

Phoenix tries it and smiles and says it's so good, and his heart tightens in his chest and cooking, it's definitely cooking, that's it

#ace attorney #phoenix wright #miles edgeworth #narumitsu #trucy wright #fambly stuff #i have a sick fic sickness #in the sense that I love them #thank you viv for the brain worms #groceries

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hanihazeljade · 11 months ago

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Three Idiots

Part 1 of Three Weeks

Part 3 - Three Hopes

(W/N: I am very sorry for abandoning you guys, it's just some tough shit decided to wreck my life and I just finished this while crying about the said tough shit. Anyways, have fun with this part xoxo.)

Tim takes back his words.

He wants to go back to Japan ASAP.

Might be asking,why? He once said that he can stay in Gotham for three weeks. But this bloody family makes him want to stab them. Dick always looks at him and hugs him more often than not. Jason sneaks an arm to wrap to his waist. Damian just drags him to the music room that was also now converted to Portrait Room with all of the portraits Damian paints but the grand piano still sits on the corner.

He wants to go back to the damn winter fields of Hokkaido and probably have some hot cocoa and go buy some soba. But all of this suckrifices, yes suckrifice, for Cass and if she and Stephanie divorces, he will hunt Stephanie and probably make her lose one of her four limbs, or two depending on his mood, because his anger will probably dissipated by the time he already tear her two limbs.

Dick has always and always been a cuddler. Who knows where he bloody got those arms but he is not digging information, he is retired from that shit. Jason is a sneaky little bastard whenever he wraps his arm to his waist, almost possessively. And what is he even proving that Tim is his? His, to slit Tim’s throat? And Damian, the little (not that little anymore because he is now taller than Bruce, fucking biology and genetics) shit just drag him like a damn sack of rice and he is not appreciating any second of it.

He unpacked his things and already changed into a more comfortable red cashmere turtleneck, yellow scarf and blue earmuffs as he planned to go to the Drake Manor. He knows that he practically abandoned the place but he still hire Mrs. Mac to clean it, but she retired three months ago, to rest her gracious old body and now he needs a new caretaker and it will sucks since the Drake Manor is still filled with some of the artefacts that his parents, illegally, bring back and he actually likes some of it, and he cannot afford to let those things to be stolen. So, he planned on cleaning some of the manor while visiting it. And maybe hire someone to take care of it.

He was about to go out of the Wayne Manor, when Jason suddenly spawn before him. How are we sure that he is not a meta? Or am I just really rusty? “Hello, Jason.” he greeted as he walked past the man but Jason seemed like didn’t get the memo that he didn't want to talk to him, as the man grabbed his wrist and made him go back to where he was.

“Where are you going, Timbo?” Jason asked as he looked at Tim’s outfit.

“Outside.” He shrugged at the bigger man.

“It's 45 degrees outside.” Jason reasoned but Tim lives in Hokkaido.

“And in Japan, it hits ‘til 35. I’ll live, Jason.” He waved to the man and restarted his walk to the door.

Jason gripped gets tighter, “Uh, nuh uh, Timmerly. You stay here.” he said as he dragged him back.

“Ugh, Jay! I will be next door, so calm your paranoia, seriously you are being a Bruce like now.” he whined, where is Alfred when he needs him? Oh yeah, right. Never.

“Did you just use Bruce as a verb? And I am very offended by that.” Jason scoffed.

“Then let me go to my childhood home, hmm?” he smiled, a smile filled with ‘let me fucking go’.

Jason didn’t get it because he said, “Wait for me, I’ll be dressed in 5.”

“You are not…” and the man was already out of his sight, he sighed, “...invited.” he rolled his eyes.

He starts contemplating whether or not to wait for Jason but then he decides that he doesn’t want to know any of the consequences of his actions so he decides to wait for the man. He pulled his phone out and started to scroll to his Instagram, not Twitter, he doesn’t like how aggressive Twitter can be. He is laughing silently at one of the relatable reels when he sees Jason in the corner of his eyes.

He didn't say anything as he went to the door and let Jason follow him.

“You are not gonna talk to me while we take this 15 minute walk, TimTam?” Jason asked as he caught up with Tim, and Tim ignored him.

“Hey, Timmy TimTam, talk to me.” he whined, holy shit is he being a Dick right now?

“If you want someone to talk with, you can go and talk to Bruce,” he said.

“And what? Let the two of us have an awkward staring contest?”

“Maybe, or go talk to Dick. Maybe it will improve your social skills, Mr. Todd.”

“Nah, I'd rather die again than to have a talk with Dickie.”

“Where is he anyways?”

“He is in Wayne Enterprise to pissed Damian off, he said it was his duty as an older brother.”

“I wonder if he will still have his limbs still intact.”

“Maybe. But then it was Dickie so probably he will.”

They got to the driveway of the Drake Manor and the snow piled as no one swept the snow. He tried to walk over the snow but he was suddenly carried like a sack of potatoes and Jason started to move like a tractor and no, Tim is not envious.

“Stop pouting, Timmy. It’s not your fault you are small.”

Tim hit him, “I am not small, I am average, above average actually, you and your family are just giants.”

“Where is the key?” Jason said as he stepped to the porch of the Drake Manor.

“I have it with me.” Tim said as he tried to get the key inside his back pocket while still being carried like a sack of potatoes by Jason. But Jason beat him to it since Jason already got the key to his back pocket and opened the door of the manor with one hand.

Jason put him down after he opened the door. Dust accumulated everywhere after three months of not being clean.

“You need something around here, Timbo?” Jason said as he looked around the dusty Manor.

“No, I just planned on hanging around here and maybe cleaning. I really need someone to clean the manor.”

“Why not just sell it? Maintenance is an expensive thing to do in this type of house."

“And let the only connection towards my parents be gone? Don’t be ridiculous, Jason.” Tim rolled his eyes at the dumb idiot in front of him.

“You still consider them family? Really, Timmerly?” Jason snickered, definitely remembering the talk of how shitty Tim's parents are.

Tim clenched his fist, ‘It’s not fucking worth it, Timothy. Don’t waste your breath on that shit.’ He thought and just calmly replied, “They love me, Jason. Not like how Bruce loves his sons, but my mother loves me and my father loves me. I know of it.” he said with so much grace.

“Still, your parents are kind of shitty —” Jason is still trying to fight his narrative. After all, he also has shitty parents. Maybe Tim and him can bond over those facts.

“Jason.” Tim interrupted him, “If you are not gonna help me clean or dust the furniture, get out. I don’t need you.”

Jason brings his hand onto the air as a sign of surrendering and asks Tim if he knows where the cleaning supplies are.

The two start on cleaning, mainly just dusting around, since no one actually makes a mess to an unlived house. Seconds of cleaning turn into minutes turn into hours. They didn’t know how long they were cleaning until Jason told him it was past lunch time. Tim looks at his watch with the reading of 2:14, they have been cleaning for almost 4 hours.

“Let’s go, Timberina. Alfred probably makes some kickass soup.” Jason said as he put away the cleaning supplies and dragged Tim back to Wayne Manor, before even Tim could protest.

++++++++

Four days in Gotham and his sanity is already giving up.

Jason is being a bitch, Dick is being a jerk, Bruce is being overprotective, Cass and Steph are being a couple, Alfred is making s’mores, and Damian is being… non-Damian.

Wherever he goes and if Damian is in the Manor, he is always in Timothy’s peripherals. He considered smacking the man but he rather not wanted to die seventeen days before Cass’ wedding. He wants to see his sister walk down the aisle.

Damian though is not behaving what he was like seven years ago, which is good. Tim doesn't want this beast to throw knives at him at any given moment, he may have years of training but all of them are pretty much useless as he doesn’t use them anymore.

The thing is that Tim hates how everyone just kept on observing him, goddammit. It is his job to observe anyone, not to let anyone observe him, unless they will get him laid.

So when Tim was cleaning his camera to take some pictures to add in his personal portfolio, he can’t have Damian lingering into his visions.

“You know it’s creepy to stare at someone, right?” He called Damian out while cleaning the lenses. He wanted to focus because these lenses are so sensitive but Damian is just taking out all of his concentration and it is frustrating every single nerve he has.

“Tt. I am not staring at you.” Damian replied and walked closer to Timothy and sat next to Timothy. Still actively watching the man to clean his lenses.

“Sure, you don’t.” Tim rolled his eyes. He may be out of this game for so long but he is still very much able to detect lies.

“I am not, clear your mind, Timothy.” Damian said as he tucked a stray hair off Timothy’s face, noticing the light sheen of red in the black locks.

“What do you want, brat?” Timothy asked as he set down the camera lens he was holding and looked at the huge behemoth in front of him.

“I see that you are preparing to take photos, and I am offering a proposition to paint with you.” Damian said, definitely not ordering or demanding Tim.

“We have a whole different thing to do, Damian.”

“I could be your model, and you can be my model.”

“I am not posing for the same pose for hours, Damian. And I already have a subject model in my mind.”

“And that is?”

“Me.” Tim smiled. This bastard really just thinks that he can’t do that, HA! Tim is a badass at taking self-portraits photographs. Fuck you, Damian. He just left the stunned demon there and started walking away to go to Alfred’s greenhouse. He has never been there, because they surprised Alfred five years ago with a greenhouse for him to rest or just have some peace, after all, Alfred is getting old.

He put down his fucking expensive ass tripod that he got during his trip in mall in Tokyo, and start prepping to take his self portrait shot. The flowers and the overall fauna here will make Ivy jealous, or maybe Alfred and Ivy actually having tea together to share different ways to take care of plants, but he doesn’t care actually.

He was inside the greenhouse until the sun set. Now, there has no natural lighting and his photos are kind of wonky. Blergh, he hates it. It’s one of his ick in photography, after all, night photography just triggers some bad crap in his sanity.

He starts to tidy up his equipment and get out of the greenhouse and go to his room. But as he went inside the manor there was silence. ‘Maybe they decided to eat out then” Tim thought as he shrugged and went to his room to deposit his equipment.

He walked to the kitchen with two packets of tantanmen and he still didn't see anyone, so he grinned, no one is going to stop him from having ramen as his dinner. He grabbed the pot and started boiling water and he opened the packets and the seasoning inside it. He scavenges Alfred’s fridge and sees some carrots and cabbage and he starts prepping them, and he opens the freezer and it seems like Alfred just finished doing groceries on the meat section as there is a new pack of meat, well… sorry Alfred but Tim will have it.

After 15 minutes of meticulously crafting this ramen, he finally grabbed the pot and went to the dining table. He opened the pot and grabbed the chopsticks that he grabbed somewhere, doesn’t know why they have a ceramic chopstick but Tim is not complaining and started eating. Best ramen that he made it, probably because of the half pound of meat there, but he will eat it though.

After he ate, he washed the dishes and he started walking to let his metabolism work and as he walked he had a hit of nostalgia. A huge house with him in it, he shivers at the thought and ends up in the portrait room. He opened the lights and different artworks of Damian were there, staring at him. It feels like the portraits in Harry Potter, it’s fucking eerie. He was about to leave but the grand piano in the hidden corner of the room enticed him.

He opened the seemingly left up piano and he tried some basic keys and the piano is still properly tuned. He sat down on the stool and he tried some classicals when his fingers started to play a familiar tune, when he finally remembered what song it was he started all over again. He starts with the F then C to D minor and A minor and the B flat. He remembered this song. After all, this is the song he dedicated to his parents.

Like My Father

Song by JAX

I wanna come home to roses

And dirty little notes on Post-its

And when my hair starts turning grey

He'll say I'm like a fine wine, better with age

I guess I learned it from my parents

That true love starts with friendship

A kiss on the forehead, a date night

Fake an apology after a fight

It was publicised how negligent his parents were. The truth is that they are parents that Tim will never swap to someone. His parents are the best. Sure they are not physically there but they care about him, they care about his happiness but he also cared about their happiness

I need a man who's patient and kind

Gets out of the car and holds the door

I wanna slow dance in the living room like

We're eighteen at senior prom and grow

Old with someone who makes me feel young

I need a man who loves me like

My father loves my mom

He remembers playing the piano whenever they start swaying to their living room, and after they finish dancing with each other, his mother will pull Tim with them as his father will put a record in the gramophone and they will dance in circles. It was fun, he remembered the way his father would carry him after they finished as he was so tired of dancing, they would tuck them in and kiss his forehead and tell him “good night”.

I want a road trip in the summers

I wanna make fun of each other

I wanna rock out to Billy Joel

And flip our kids off when they call us old

He'll accidentally burn our dinner

And let me be the Scrabble winner

And when my body changes shapes

He'll say, "Oh my God, you look hot today"

He is never allowed on their road trips, as Tim is more prone to getting sunburned after living in Gotham for so long. But he is fine with that, their road trips are not Tim’s style and he knows that because they bring Tim one time and he was never ever going road tripping with his parents, they are disgustingly sweet but also at the same time wild. It is a shock that they haven’t gotten a ticket or even got banned in one of the states. And also their music taste clashed with Tim’s classical one.

I need a man who's patient and kind

Gets out of the car and holds the door

I wanna slow dance in the living room like

We're eighteen at senior prom and grow

Old with someone who makes me feel young

I need a man who loves me like

My father loves my mom

He missed his parents. He missed how his mom would hug his worries away. He missed how his father would keep on holding his hands whenever he was unsure of what was happening. He missed the way his parents looked at him whenever he finished a task that was so easy. He missed the way they comforted him whenever he got a bad grade. He missed how they encouraged him to sleep with them whenever he had a nightmare. God, he missed his parents.

He was still playing the piano as a wave of loneliness filled him, maybe he really should visit his parents tomorrow. He already abandoned them for so many years and he needs to love them more.

When he stopped playing, he heard clapping behind him. He looked around and he saw Jason, Damian and Cass together. Cass ran to him and hugged him.

“Beautiful.” she simply said.

“Where do you get that voice, Baby Bird?” Jason said as he walked over to them and Damian followed him.

“I didn’t know you play the piano, Timothy.” Damian asked.

“I was an ordinary rich white boy before becoming Robin, of course I know how to sing and play instruments. And it also doesn’t help that I am at least a quarter asian. I need to live up to the stereotype.” Tim jokes.

“You are definitely killing it Timmy.”

“Sing at my wedding?” Cass asked, making Tim flustered. Tim read the invitation and most of the people that have special standing in the weddings are from the caped community and Tim just hates all most of them.

“I dunno. I am kind of shy, when it comes to that.” Tim just nervously chuckled and he saw Cass pouting. “Oh yeah, what is your wedding motif?” Tim tried to distract them and it clearly worked.

“What is the motif?! The wedding is in three weeks, Timmy!”

“Yeah? And you also know that in the power of Bruce Wayne they can do it in three days?” He rolled his eyes, this family is so dramatic.

#tim drake #fanfic #chaotic tim drake #unhinged tim drake #dcu #jason todd #damian wayne #timothy jackson drake #cassandra cain #song #by JAX

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