#obviously you do what you have to. but it's like buying pleather—you know‚ or should��� that the material is going to disintegrate.)

[aeide-thea]

poäng appreciation post 💛

[kiloueka]

Where tf do yall find these vegans you complain about like some sort of epidemic? Been vegan for 5 years and have never encountered a single vegan that lets their cats roam outside. Also haven't met a vegan who regularly eats child slave labor quinoa (which is a myth btw) or agave nectar (vast majority of agave is used to make liquor) or wears all pleather (vast majority of pleather buyers do it because leather is expensive (and also even worse than plastic)) or any of the finger pointing things yall say. All these posts I see are always just like "yeah so i heard these vegans over there do [some wild misinterpretation or something carnists do 100x more" like ok principal skinner can I see these vegans?

Vegans make up 1-3% of the population. Even if 100% of us are doing what you say that still makes the other 97-99% of the nonvegan population letting their cats roam and kill billions of wild animals a year ON TOP OF paying for 1 to 3 TRILLION animals to be killed each year for their direct consumption (or for the consumption of their pets that didn't need to be bred into existence in the first place)

Obviously vegans shouldn't let their cats roam outside, nobody should. But this is a complete straw man argument trying to pat yourself on the back to feel less guilty about, again, paying for 1 to 3 TRILLION animals to be killed each year for your direct consumption.

"it's less about doing things that are scientifically proven to actually make a difference and more about their feelings"

"science" has said for decades is the single biggest thing an individual person can do to help the environment is to go vegan. It's a much bigger issue that fake environmental types talk about plastic straws and flying less but who still eat animals. That has a much bigger impact than the 3 vegans out there that let their cats roam around outside.

I'm begging yall to use the brains you evolved over millennia and reflect on yourselves for once.

"it's about pushing for large systemic changes"

Collectives are made up of individuals. How can yall expect to make some huge social change if you can't even change whats on your plate. Also a fake dichotomy between "consuming some expensive vegan substitute that is 100% not required to be vegan and burning down the system". Most of the vegans I know also do other types of activism but ya'll dont count that because it's annoying because it makes you think about the consequences of your actions.

"recognizing that animals are animals, death is a normal part of life, and humans are part of nature and thus a perfect world where we all never eat animals/animal products or interfere with ecosystems is impossible and even if it could be done would be ridiculously detrimental to the world as a whole."

Another wild straw man.

"Death is a part of life that means it's ok to torture and kill 1-3 TRILLION (with a T) animals each year for our direct consumption." There is absolutely nothing natural about modern farming and burning the amazon and stealing indigenous land to raise cattle. There's nothing natural about breeding chickens to lay 20-30x more eggs per year than their wild counterparts or to breed cows with udders so huge they have to be shackled so they can even stand up. There's nothing natural about entire ecosystems being destroyed and rivers poisoned because of floods of shirt or erosion caused by (mainly) cattle ranching. There's nothing natural about increasing our population while increasing our consumption (nope, shh, shh stop, let me finish. don't even think about it) of animals. If we don't want to genocide like 90% of our population so we can sustainably eat more animals than our far past ancestors could even dream of then maybe we should just stop eating animals. It's not hard. Really. You don't need to buy $12 tub of cashew sour cream.

Also have never met a vegan who thinks no animals should die ever or that we shouldn't interact with the ecosystem ever.

Also also gonna need a citation on that "last "ridiculously detrimental to the world as a whole" bit. Just because you can't spend more than 2 seconds thinking about it doesn't mean it's not possible.

"even when that captivity is necessary and beneficial to the animals themselves and they enjoy being able to relax without having to spend every spare moment running from danger while trying to find food because you wouldn't like being stuck in a cage or your house all day."

More anthropomorphism while accusing vegans of anthropomorphism.

zoos have also spent the past few decades trying to distance themselves from the animal entertainment image of the past, and rebrand as conservation and education organizations. While conditions for animals have certainly improved, zoos are unable to provide anything resembling an animal’s natural environment. While many zoos contribute towards conservation efforts with their captive breeding programs, the issue is that these programs usually only conserve species for display in zoos, since most animals will never be reintroduced to the wild. Studies have also challenged the efficacy of captive breeding programs, concluding that unless animals are protected in the wild, captive breeding will not make enough of a difference.

Y'all can go on about black footed ferrets and the other handful of success cases but ignore theres tons of other types conservation efforts that are more effective than showing off animals for entertainment. But giving your money to some habitat restoration org that saves some bugs and shrews you don't care about doesn't feel as good as spending 2 minutes per enclosure looking at (mostly non-endangered) animals in cages that hardly resemble anything like their native habitat. Yes, even now with the "good" enclosures afforded to only some of the animals. but hey at least they're not spending "every spare moment" running from predators!

relatively little of [zoo] efforts go towards [conservation]. David Hancocks, a former zoo director with 30 years of experience, estimates that less than 3% of the budgets of the 212 accredited zoos of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association go towards conservation efforts. Similarly, Benjamin Beck, former associate of biological programmes at the National Zoo in Washington D.C, found that in the last century, only 16 out of 145 reintroduction programmes ever restore any animal populations to the wild.

3% of AZA accredited. Aka the "good zoos". Zoos doing any sort of conservation efforts is just like how walmart gives some piddly little amount of money to charity despite exploiting the fuck out of their employees. Many species featured at zoos and aquariums can't be captive bred and have to be wild caught, which is causing their wild decline. I'm begging yall use some of the critical lense you use on mega corps that exploit humans and the environment directly on animal-related industries too. It's possible to care about or be critical of more than 2 things!

Like here just read more with sources

You can't sustainably feed 8 billion people and their pets and other captive animals with even remotely close to what western lifestyles are used to. Yes, western consumption. The majority of the non-western world already mainly eat plant based/don't go to zoos/don't own a bunch of carnivorous exotic pets because it's cheaper. You want to still eat animals but be sustainable with 8 billion other people? Be prepared to only have like 1 steak a year. Or you can just stop being lazy and whiny and look up or ask for help how to be vegan while poor/disabled/in food deserts/etc. Giving a shit about animals isn't a rich white person thing; there are vegans across every demographic yall just dont see them because you don't want to.

"It's not about what's actually good for animals or the planet, it's about what feels good and alleviates the crushing guilt that comes from capitalism forcing us be complicit in atrocities."

The irony of this whole post gives me a headache.

Y'all don't want to think about your contributions to systemic animal abuse so you point fingers at some random vegans who are shitty in ways that are absolutely not unique to them instead of reflecting on yourselves and what you CAN do to help. You refuse to actually think about anything and instead make kneejerk posts that are guaranteed to give people aneurysms with how aggressive little you actually think about these things.

Just think. Use your goddamned brains.

people getting upset at the idea that the way to stop your cat from killing wild animals is to keep them inside is the progressive version of pro-life assholes getting mad when you point out the real way to lower abortion rates is to give people comprehensive sex ed and easy access to birth control

you have no idea how many leftist environmentalist vegan types I know who have a cat and let it outside and get very fucking upset if you point out that they're being hypocritical and that keeping their cat inside will do more good for the environment faster and sooner than giving up meat or single use plastics, and also if they care so much about animal welfare maybe they should recognize that letting their cat outside is actively harming it and vastly increasing the chances of it getting sick, injured, and/or dying young

I cannot fathom the level denial it takes to get people to think like this but it's genuinely fucking infuriating and makes me want to tear apart a brick wall with my bare hands

[foolishlovebugbaby]

untitled

Summary: when it comes to you, seo changbin will say everything else but those three little words to get his message across- but you’re not complaining.

warnings: kissing

word count: 3.5k

note: it’s 4am, im sick and disoriented from all the paracetamol running through my veins, and I managed to conjure up this very spontaneous and soft and delirious piece because thinking about whipped!changbin makes me all fuzzy. the goal is to get you all fuzzy too- enjoy :) leave a like/reblog/comment so i know whether yall like these kinds of pieces <3

Changbin loves spontaneous food rendezvous at ungodly hours of the night (or, to be precise, morning), which is exactly why you try to remember to keep your phone off whenever you sleep, otherwise you’d be woken from your slumber by a persistent and whiny voice begging you to get tteokbokki and mango juice from the 7-eleven on the other side of town.

That was, in fact, your current predicament because unfortunately for you, Changbin remembers the number to your landline to a T. “Pleasssseee? My treat, and I promise to help you with mechanics afterwards.” He can practically see your annoyed expression behind his eyelids as he peeks at your window from his parked car in front of your driveway. He knows that you desperately need help in mechanics, a subject he prides himself on being unexpectedly good at, and that you won’t be able to resist a tutoring session right before mid-terms. Manipulative, but in an I-just-want-to-see-you-when-are-you-going-to-take-the-hint way.

“I’m suing 7-eleven for their 24/7 policy on the grounds of sleep disruption,” Your sleepy voice softly seethes on the other end and he smiles. “So is that a yes?” He hears shuffling and quiet groans and a fuck, that hurt, before he sees the curtains to your windows open and a very sleepy, angry and disheveled you throwing the middle finger at him. “It’s a fuck you.” He grins. “Take your time, I’ll be here patiently waiting.” He teases and he sees you hang up the phone and stick your tongue out. 

He smiles to himself, already turning the heater on in his car because he knows you’ll complain about it being too cold. He’s done this thousands of times, yet each time you protest he can’t help but find it more and more endearing- your cute whine and messy bed hair and the way you snuggle up in his car seat when you ultimately decide to just come down and get it over with warms his heart like no other. 

Thousands of years from now, when social scientists research teen slang from the 2010’s and they stumble upon the word whipped, Seo Changbin would be the prime study example because dear lord is that boy whipped for you. 

“At this rate i’m convinced you just want to fatten me up and pull some Hansel and Gretel shit come winter,” You get into the passenger seat and put on your seatbelt in all your oversized sweater and sweatpants glory, and Changbin can’t help but wish he was the one keeping you warm. But he supposes his varsity sweatshirt that you wear over your tiny frame would suffice for now. 

“You and your irresponsible ass has barely been eating for the entirety of this exam season,” He pulls out of your driveway and heads towards the main road. “If anything, you should be thanking me for looking after you.” He smiles teasingly at your displeased, sulking face, and he wants to stare longer to admire your cute sleepy features and small frame curled up in his passenger seat but he’d rather not get into a car accident because he knows you’d kill him if the two of you died in a car crash. 

“You’re also the root cause of my sleep irregularities, so thank you very much.” You smile sarcastically at him, and he’d return one right back if it weren’t for the fact that he felt bad about waking you up in the middle of the night. “Is it my fault that I just want to see more of you since school’s been holding you hostage and away from me?” He pouts and sends a puppy eyed look your way, and you huff. “You know you can come over anytime during the week,” You mumble, even though you understand his sentiment. 

It was your last year of highschool and soon enough, the both of you would be whisked away into completely different lives. Time was withering away right before you- heck, you swore you just blinked and autumn was already all around you. It didn’t help that your senior year schedule was practically designed by satan to keep the two of you away from each other. But, as the saying goes, if there’s a will there’s a way, and Changbin’s got the will of a thousand spartans.

“Yeah, but I don’t want to distract you from your study time or steal you away from your family during weekends. So now my nights are reserved for you and only you.” He says pointedly as the car nears the 7-eleven too well-lit for its own good. He doesn’t notice the fact that you bite your lip bashfully at his words. 

“You? Distract me? In your wildest dreams.” You huff, lying through your teeth, and he immediately thinks In my wildest dreams indeed. The amount of times he’s daydreamed about kissing up your neck as you whined about needing to solve a Chemistry question before ultimately being unable to resist the urge to sit on his lap and kiss the life out of him is too many to count, and he coughs the thought away as soon as it comes. “We’re here.”

He pulls up in front of the store, turning the engine off and taking his keys out of the ignition. “Do I have to go inside?” You whine, reclining further into his red pleather seats and snuggling into the Totoro pillow you purposely left in his car for nights like this. He wants to say no, that you and your adorable ass can stay in the car so long as you’re snuggled up next to him while the radio sings in the background, but he’s a coward that’s not ready to have that conversation.

“Yes, now get out of my car before I lock you inside.” You pout and force yourself out of his car.

“So, is it a tteokbokki or steamed buns kind of night?” He quips from beside you as you two walk towards the doors. It’s bloody freezing outside, and Changbin notices you shoving your hands deep into your pockets as you walk a little closer too him. He wants to hold your hands, but his own reroute themselves and open the doors for you instead. “M’lady,” He says and flashes a smile. You roll your eyes at his cheekiness.

Your eyes sparkle under the bright fluorescent white lights inside the store, “It’s a hot chocolate kinda night,” You rush over to the hot drink dispenser and he chuckles at your sheer cuteness. The cashier is half asleep when he greets Changbin, eyes half-lidded and barely standing up behind the counter, and Changbin sends him a small wave.

“Someone’s tired,” He says, pointing out the obvious. “No kidding. You kids are my only customers at this hour.” The cashier manages to get out as he yawns. “Knock yourself out,” He waves sleepily. 

Changbin makes his way for the ‘instant’ aisle, trying to find his beloved spicy tteokbokki pack and some string cheese to satiate his cravings. He crouches down when he spots his favorite brand, ‘Hm, do I want it more saucy or more dry tonight? Decisions decisions…” He thinks to himself. When he finally settles on the less saucy version (of course, because practicality, duh), he sees you emerge from his peripheral vision.

“Got what I need,” You say, left hand carrying your hot chocolate while your arms hold a bag of gummy bears, a carton of mango juice, and a bottle of water while you smile sheepishly at him. His heart is screaming at how cute you look, but his face is mocking you. 

“What was that again about not wanting anything from the store?” He says smugly, and you make a face at him. “Oh hush, you’re paying for it so I thought, why not?” You defend and he laughs, making his way towards you. “Sure.” He teases.

 You stick his tongue out at him and he puts a hand on your shoulder, turning you towards the cashier. “C’mon, let’s get out of here.” 

You two pay for your late-night grabs- well, he pays for everything and you pay with a bright grin and a side hug and a pat on his back (but he’s not complaining)- and he makes his tteokbokki bowl at the designated station before you two walk towards the street bench on the other side of the road. 

“Want some?” He offers cutely, cheeks filled with rice cakes as you swing your bag full of goodies back and forth. “I think I’ll pass,” You say with a smile, your eyes bashfully looking away at his sheer cuteness. You cover up your embarrassment with a sip of steaming chocolate.

“More for me,” He shrugs and you both plant yourselves on the bench. 

The trees shroud around above you both as you overlook the canal, the city completely dark before you. The street lamps are dim and no cars pass on the road behind you, but the pair of you wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s soothing and Changbin wouldn’t trade these moments with you for the world. 

In a flash, he finishes his tteokbokki. “You practically inhaled that.” You say amusedly as he chucks the bowl in the trashcan next to him. “I’m a growing boy, sue me.” He says as he grabs the water bottle in your bag. “May I?” 

“It’s yours, stupid. You always forget to buy one and I always have to pick it up for you,” He smiles at that. “Aw, how cute of you.” He takes a swig and notices your ears turn pink at his comment. “What would you do without me?” You say as a joke but he’s completely serious when he says “I have no idea.” 

You breathe out a chuckle. “Sometimes I wonder how different things will be once we both get out of this town.” Changbin sighs wistfully at that and reclines further into the bench, not liking the idea of leaving at all. 

“Well, I’d like to think that we’d still facetime 24/7, obviously, and I’ll take a drive to your dorm once a week at times like this for a local food trip around your campus town.” His says as if it were the most obvious thing in the world, though his mind runs a mile a minute at the thought of losing you because of distance. He looks into your puppy-dog eyes, and he swears the entire cosmos resides in them.

“Promise?” You stick out your pinky and he intertwines his. “Promise.” 

“Good, because I won’t be able to live without you,” His gut flips at your comment, and you chug down the rest of your hot coco. 

“God, it’s fucking freezing.” You shiver when a gust of wind blows past you. On a chilly November night with absolutely no one around to cringe at his actions, Changbin happily decides to prove to you that chivalry is, in fact, not dead. “You should’ve worn an extra layer, silly.” He takes off his black zip-up hoodie and places it over your shoulders, running his hands over your arms to warm you up. “Better?” He keeps his arm firmly planted around your shoulders, and his face is so close to yours that he can see all your tiny, minuscule freckles in dim lighting. Never mind the fact that he was lowkey freezing in his plain black long-sleeve; he figures holding you close to keep you warm was worth the hypothermia. 

He sees crimson spread across your cheeks like a wildfire, “M-much,” You mumble silently. Maybe it was the fact that your eyes twinkled up at him in the moonlight, or the fact that your face was so close to his he could almost kiss you, but Changbin’s heart starts palpitating and skipping beats all at once as he thinks to himself, god, i’m in love with you. Ofcourse, he doesn’t say this out loud. But in another world where he isn’t a coward and timing was on his side, he likes to think that he wouldn’t let you forget it. 

He doesn’t know that butterflies swarm your insides and that you think to yourself, I think I’m in love, and that the combination of his intoxicating scent and the way he looks at you as if you were his entire world makes you woozy and weak in the knees. It’s frustrating, really, how two people could be so silently in love with each other and not say a thing. 

But tonight was the Night of Nights, and before he knew it, Changbin began leaning closer to you. He doesn’t know what’s taken over him, but he doesn’t do anything to stop it. Because there you were, the girl of his dreams a mere inch away from his lips looking as beautiful as ever, about to be whisked away from him in a few months. Screw it. 

His eyes are half-lidded as they flicker between your eyes and lips, and yours mimic his. It’s so agonisingly slow, but the moment he feels your lips on his, all his worries melt away. Your lips are cold but impossibly soft against his own, and it makes his body erupt in tingles all around. Something cheesy like fireworks, but maybe a grenade going off would better describe how his insides feel.

He doesn’t want the moment to end, but you pull away slowly and rest your forehead on his, eyes shut and teeth clamped on your bottom lip. 

You don’t know why you pull back, and you immediately miss the feeling of his lips on your own, but Changbin assumes the worst. Fuck, maybe that was uncalled for, his heart sinks to the ground and he nervously chews down on his lip. “Let’s get you home,” He says dejectedly, pulling his forehead away from yours and your sorry eyes meet his. He retracts his arm around your shoulders and stands up, wanting nothing more than for the ground to swallow him whole, and you follow him silently to the car. 

The drive back is anything but comfortable- the air between the pair of you is stiff and and suffocating and every synonym for awkward and you wonder why the hell you pulled away because you know your heart wanted to remain on that roadside bench, kissing him until the sun rose. But you’re stupid, so instead you sit in his car while he silently drives you back home, and every passing minute is another minute away from his lips. 

Wordlessly, Changbin pulls into your driveway and his heart sinks down further to the earth’s core. “Sorry for tonight.” His voice is barely above a whisper and his eyes refuse to look at you, which breaks your heart. You want to ramble and say that it’s a misunderstanding, that you have so many bloody feelings for him, but the words get caught in your throat. 

“Changbin?” Is all you manage to get out. He still doesn’t look at you, not because he hates you but because he hates himself for acting on his feelings, and instead looks at his lap. Words weren��t going to get you anywhere, you decide, and you suck in a breath. You reach over and grab his face. Here goes nothing. 

You kiss him this time, a lot more harder than before, and Changbin swears he’s dreaming. Like, he’s waiting for pigs to fly around in the background and for The Walters to appear in your driveway singing ‘She’s Going to Leave You’ because he can’t fathom a world in which you like him back. But none of those things happen, and you’re still kissing him with so much passion and certainty that he figures even if it were a dream, he’ll take it. 

His lips move in sync against your own and makes sure that everything he’s ever held back is poured into this moment. The kiss earlier was in the spur of the moment, but this- this is completely intentional. Maybe that’s why you pulled away. The thought of a kiss between you both simply being just that- a kiss and nothing more. That in the morning neither of you would acknowledge it ever happening. You needed some type of confirmation that things were real; thank the stars you got what you were looking for. 

His hands rest on top of yours and he brings you closer, needing more of you and your touch. But the compartment in between you both is a literal cockblock and he wants to rip it out just so he take you into his arms completely. He’s delirious, and he blames you. 

“Want to come in? It’s a lot warmer in my room,” You say through soft breaths, the wind completely knocked out of your chest and Changbin places soft pecks from the corner of your mouth to your chin. “I don’t mind.” 

It doesn’t take much for either of you to get out of his car and for him to lock it behind you. His adrenaline is rushing and he just wants to hold you and kiss you again, but goddammit, you’re fumbling with your keys not knowing which one is which thanks to the absence of lighting on your front porch- it doesn’t help that he’s decided to plant his hands firmly on your waist as he lightly kisses down the nape of your neck. Fuck you, Seo Changbin. 

The door finally opens after what feels like an eternity, and you make it a point to turn around and shush him. “My parents are asleep,” You look at him with alarmed eyes and he raises his hands up. “I can be quiet, but no promises.” The nuance in his statement makes you blush and he sends a cheeky wink your way. You’re mid eye-roll when he grabs your wrist and heads towards your staircase. 

You’re both clumsy and haphazard as you walk up the stairs, almost tripping and Fuck, I stubbed my pinky toe, but you both fortunately make it up to your room in one piece. Changbin’s heart is beating so fast that he’s genuinely worried you’ll feel it against your palms when you place them over his chest- and you do, by the way- but you’re leaving sweet kisses against his neck that the prospect of dying from cardiac arrest doesn’t scare him because atleast he’ll die happy. 

“So, mechanics later?” He says panting, forehead against yours as he has you between him and your door, thumbs rubbing circles against your waist underneath his sweatshirt and jacket. “Totally,” You tiptoe and kiss him again. 

You taste so sweet against his lips, and at first he thinks it’s the lingering taste of hot chocolate, but he’s come to the conclusion that it’s just because it’s you. His adoring, sweet girl that he takes on midnight food runs because he’s afraid of missing her. The girl that can make his gut flip and mind scramble with a smile. It’s cheesy, and you’re slightly lactose intolerant, but it’s the entire goddamn truth. 

His jacket suddenly claims domain on your floor and you both kick off your sneakers, never pulling away from each other, and suddenly your bed feels a little warmer than last night. He kisses down your neck, something he’s always wanted to do, and you run your hands through his hair. Insane isn’t enough of a word to describe the way he’s feeling, but the search for a word that can encompass all his rampant thoughts would have to wait. 

“You’re the best part about my day,” He whispers into your neck, and you sigh with closed eyes at the feeling. You bite back a smile “I know,” 

“I know? I know-?” He pulls back, half-joking and half-serious, and you’re giggle while you run your hands over his torso. “Yes, I know,” You leave a kiss on his jaw, “And you’re my favorite part of the night,” He’s obviously the favorite part of your entire life, but that statement would have to do for now. He nods his head, “I’ll take it.” and goes back to kissing you. 

Those three daunting words stuck in his throat- and, frankly, yours- make themselves out of his mouth in different ways because perhaps saying them verbatim would shake his entire world, and he’s not sure why he’s scared because he knows you’d say them back. So instead, through voices barely above a whisper and warm hands running along your body, he tries to show you what those three words really mean to him. He’s sleepy and delirious and he’s honestly convinced he’s dreaming, but it’s the greatest thing to ever happen to him. You are the greatest thing to ever happen to him. You both could come up with a title some other time, he concludes, because kissing you is of the utmost priority to him at 2AM. 

Labels were overrated, anyway.

[aliceslantern]

Heartlines, a Kingdom Hearts fanfic, chapter 3

Twelve years ago, Xemnas betrayed the royal court of Radiant Garden to his father, Xehanort. Prince Ienzo flees to another city and begins university in the aftermath, hoping the anonymity will protect him from eager eyes with ill intent. The darkness spilling across the country, as well as an individual from his past, cut short Ienzo's new beginning and bring new conflicts to light. Strained between the desires of his magic and his heart, Ienzo's choice will change him forever.

Modern Fantasy AU, Soulmates, Zemyx. Updates Fridays until it's done.

Chapter summary:  Ienzo begins preparing for university, and has an unexpected run-in with another magic user.

Read it on FF.net/on AO3

---

“See, there, now you look like a respectable young man, and not a hoodlum,” Even said. They’d gone clothes shopping, mostly because nearly all of Ienzo’s things were worn, and he needed clothes for school.

School. He looked at himself in the mirror, the gray sweater vest, dark slacks. This was all so surreal. He felt, again, guilty about the money that was being spent, though Even always assured him they were “provided for” and did not need to worry. “It is nice, to pick what I want to wear, rather than costumes or castaways.” Or illusions.

“I agree wholeheartedly--I never want to wear denim again if I can avoid it.” The way he snarled out the word made Ienzo smile. “Come now. Buck up. Lots to do still, and we don’t want to be late, do we?”

His heart skipped a little. “...I suppose not.”

It was odd to move in daylight, uncomfortable. Ienzo had to consciously remind himself not to cast an illusion, to get used to the world seeing his face. To save his energy. Pedestrians’ eyes slid off of him like he was nothing remarkable, and he hoped dearly he wasn’t. After all, if anyone was looking, likely they’d be looking for a princess . He couldn’t even be sure Saϊx had gotten a good enough look at him in his baggy clothes and hat to really discern the… changes. Even seemed to sense his anxiety and patted him on the small of his back.

They took a streetcar across town to the university. The smell of salt and the sea was stronger here, and when they got off at the station, Ienzo could see it, the thin blue band in the distance. The sight of it evoked memories ( playing with Braig in the waves as Father watched nearby, as Even fretted for his safety ) that Ienzo had to swallow down. “They can truly get wards all the way down to the sea?” he asked instead.

Even adjusted his glasses. “Just to fifty kilometers outside the water--then it becomes a legal issue.” He rolled his eyes.

“I should like to meet that magician.”

“More like a team, I assume, but quite. It’s nothing to be underestimated. You know.” Lowering his voice. “You’re capable of such things on your own.”

“...I’m painfully aware.” He exhaled. “It’s a shame I cannot make myself useful without starting international conflict.”

It was meant to be a joke, but Even’s smile seemed fake.

The university was old, one of the oldest in their country, the rolling lawns well-manicured. Ivy climbed up the stern brick buildings, curling in the dully-colored shingles. There was a fountain in the main courtyard, and pre-season students gathered here, drinking coffee, playing frisbee, flirting. Ienzo felt as though he were observing wild animals in their natural habitat; Even granted him a moment. Finally, he turned away.

Some of the buildings were modern, architecturally impractical with their metal and glass. “Is this giving you nostalgia for your own time at university?” Ienzo asked drolly.

Even wrinkled his nose. “Ah--not quite. Moreso… reminding me of that time.”

Ienzo knew Even had met his father at university--the man hadn’t even known Ansem (then only a noble, not a king) was royal. Apparently he was the only one willing to challenge Ansem’s ideas--hence, the pull between the two. “I’m sorry.”

Even smiled tiredly. “No matter.”

In the cramped registrar, Ienzo used his forged papers to enroll, took a rather unflattering photo for his student ID. Signed up for some classes--slim pickings at this point, he ended up with a rather more eclectic schedule than he would have wished--and this settled, they went to buy books, passing a building labeled as the library on the way. Ienzo had not been to a proper library since-- It almost felt as though his heart were crying out.

Even must have noticed this desire. “I suppose we could take a few moments,” he said instead. “I should like to see the resources here for myself. Text me when you’re ready to move on.”

He was being set free. Unreal. Then again, it wasn’t exactly realistic for Even and Aeleus to hover over everything he did. In an emergency… Ienzo was more than capable of defending himself. So Ienzo wandered.

The library was four floors built into a hill, the first of which had a cafe in the lobby, and a checkout and research desk. Pleather armchairs and small tables were scattered across the space, along with banks of computers. Large, long windows let in a lot of the rosy daylight, with chandeliers compensating the difference. He thought he felt the hairs on his arms rise with a sort of pleasure.

Ienzo took one of the staircases down to the second floor, which comprised of nonfiction. He ran his fingers along the spines absently, just to feel them. Aisles and aisles and aisles of books, which for the majority of his childhood had been his only companions. The thrill of being able to read voraciously again had him near tears.

The next floor had more study space, along with study pods and conference rooms for student gatherings, and a small display for so-called “Zines.” Ienzo was less interested in these at the moment. He went down to the last floor, the only one partially belowground, and there it was.

Fiction.

How else had he gotten through what he did without some kind of escape? Without someone else’s story to comfort him? Even before all this desolation, he’d loved stories.

Then the memories, without  warning-- let her enjoy her book, Even. Fiction instills a sense of empathy.

But she’ll fall behind--

Did you spend your childhood days hovering over calculations?

I… suppose not.

Really, Even, sometimes I think you should invest yourself more in stories.

Ienzo was startled from this reverie by a loud bang , which immediately sent a fizz of adrenaline through him, his magic waking up and prickling under his skin.

Another bang, then a growl, and a man’s voice-- “fucking shit. ”

A growl?

Ienzo moved cautiously towards the noise, gripping the small knife in his pocket. He poked his head around one of the shelving units.

A student had been backed into a corner and was flailing wildly with their bag, attempting to drive away the creature aiming for their chest. A creature black as ink, darkness boiling off of it--

A Heartless? But wasn’t this place supposed to be warded against--

“Help me! Oh god--”

Ienzo couldn’t be sure if the student had seen him or was just crying out. Even would tell him to leave well enough alone. But Ienzo could not in good conscience do that--besides, there was nobody else down in this forgotten corner of the library. He pulled at his magic, letting it warm his skin, and then launched a volley of hard light blades through the Heartless’s back. It was a weak one; it vanished instantly.

The student was still crouched against the wall, breathing heavily. Ienzo could see him more clearly now; his blonde hair must’ve been eclectically styled before all this, but in the ensuing scuffle had gotten mussed. The knee of his jeans was torn, and bloody, and he moved his left arm flinchingly, like it hurt. The terror in his sea-green eyes hadn’t faded, however. “Your hair,” he said breathlessly. “It--it’s glowing.”

Ienzo touched it. Stupid. Now he was going to have to wipe this poor man’s memories. “Are you alright?” he asked instead. “Your knee…”

He looked at it, as though startled to discover the blood. “I’m more worried about my hand. I caught myself with it when that thing threw me.”

He’d already come this far. “Let me take a look at it.”

The boy winced when he took a step forward. “You’re a… magician,” he said.

“Obviously.” He had to fight to stop scowling, reminding himself the man was likely in some kind of shock. He took another few steps forward and offered his hand.

Shakily, he placed his injured one in Ienzo’s. Even without a spell Ienzo could tell it was broken, the blood vessels broken and starting to swell.

“Of course it was my fucking left hand,” the man said, and his voice broke a little. “It’ll probably never be the same--oh mother fucker !” His voice hitched in pain as Ienzo set the bone and healed it with another spell.

“I should’ve warned you that it hurts. Sorry.”

The boy flexed his hand. “Huh.”

“A simple “thank you” would suffice.” Ienzo moved to fix his knee while he was at it.

He blinked, smoothing the hair out of his eyes. “No, I… yeah, totally, thanks, I’m just--” He took a quick breath. “You saved my bacon, man. I’d have been…”

“One with the darkness,” Ienzo said dryly.

He furrowed his brows. “Is that what that thing was? A Heartless?”

“Quite.”

“I thought they were… old wives’ tales.”

“I’m confused too.” He began picking up the boy’s papers, which were spread everywhere, to delay the inevitable. He hated doing this; it always made him feel dirty. The papers weren’t essays, but rather compositions. Music. He stared at it, dazed.

“Oh… I’m a musician,” the boy offered shyly. “I’m a Music Ed major. Which is why I was so freaked out when that thing broke my left hand.”

“A stringed instrument, then?”

He nodded. “Not sure if you’ve ever heard of it--sitar. One way to stand out, I guess.”

Ienzo handed over the papers. “I wasn’t sure how to order them.”

A laugh. “I’m sure I can figure it out.” He offered his now-unbroken hand. “Demyx.”

“What’s that?”

“My name?”

Ienzo blinked. He really should wipe the last fifteen minutes from this man’s memory right now. He seemed the chatty type, which was so not good for this situation. “I’m… Ienzo.” Demyx’s hand was warm, the fingertips rough and callused. “I should… get going. I still have to go buy books and whatnot, and I’m sure you’re busy.” He could still do the spell once he’d turned his back. Simple.

“Wait, wait, wait. Hey.” He frowned. “You just saved my life, dude. At least let me buy you a coffee, or something. Or show you around. You’re new here, right?”

“Well--”

“Please? I’ll feel guilty otherwise.”

He wavered. He’d let go of Demyx’s hand, but he could still feel it in his, the magic under his skin prickling in a way he did not know how to read. Accepting this offer would just make him feel worse about the inevitable oblivion, and would be all the more jarring for this man. “I’m not--”

Demyx sighed. “It’s because of the magic, isn’t it?” he asked. “You’re scared I’ll go blabbing all about your secret.”

Ienzo blinked.

He reached into the collar of his t-shirt and brought out a small pendant on a strip of black twine. It was the exact color of his eyes, the shape of a teardrop, curving slightly to the left, as though it had been a circle once, halved now. In this poor lighting, Ienzo could barely see a rune. He wasn’t sure what the character meant, but he didn’t need to know, exactly.

Demyx had magic blood too. “But if you have magic, why didn’t you--?”

His expression hardened a little, and he tucked the charm back under his shirt. “It’s a story for another day,” he said simply. “But I won’t tell anyone, Ienzo.”

“I suppose I should say--thank you.” He swallowed. He was feeling something, but he wasn’t sure what. He hadn’t thought he would ever run into another person like him, however faint and dilute Demyx’s bloodline was, for his hair to still be blonde. Most magicians were… if not in hiding, then snatched up by local governments for use, or… depending on where they were… worse.

He chuckled weakly. “So, coffee?”

“...Sure.” He and Demyx walked in silence back up to the cafe. Demyx got them both matcha lattes, and for a moment they just sat drinking. “...So,” Demyx began at last. “You’re a… freshman, or what?”

“Freshman, technically.” Ienzo wrinkled his nose.

“You don’t look like a naive eighteen-year-old.”

He smiled despite himself. “Not quite. Ah--some family trouble derailed my studies for a while.” “Trouble” was putting it lightly.

Demyx nodded. “Do you know what you want to major in?”

“...You think I would.” He shook his head. “My father wants me to go for the sciences. My heart has always been with literature, or library science, but… likely I’ll just eat my table of crow and go for international relations.” He sipped.

Demyx cocked his head. “Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why go for something you don’t care about?”

“It’s… not always that simple,” Ienzo said.

“Why not?”

He smothered a flicker of irritation and, he suspected, despair. “My family has… certain expectations of me.”

“So? It’s your life.”

He smiled a little. “It is, but…” He trailed off vaguely, hoping Demyx would draw his own conclusions.

“The pressure?” He nodded. “Yeah, I… know what you mean.” For a second, his expression became pinched, morose, before it resumed its previous cheer. “So what do you do for fun?”

Ienzo laughed despite himself. He’d never had much time for fun. “I suppose this sounds rather pathetic… but mostly I read .”

“What do you like to read?”

Ienzo looked into the mouth of his coffee cup. “Fantasy. Science fiction. Anything with good enough worldbuilding to… spirit me away. Though of course I do love the classics in their turn.”

“So you don’t exactly get out much.”

Ienzo felt vaguely naked. He realized this was one of the first times he was having a conversation with someone his age, and felt a blush heat his cheeks. Before he could brush it away with an illusion, Demyx added,

“Hey, no, I get it. Stuffy strict parents. Bet they’ve been keeping you on a short leash. You look so tense .”

He felt another small laugh leave him. ““Short leash” does not even begin to cover it.”

Demyx smiled. Ienzo felt that unnameable feeling again, prickling in his magic. He was fairly sure Demyx wasn’t spellcasting on him, to cause it. Perhaps he was simply reacting to the magic in the man’s blood? Or else… the way this warm light was hitting his green eyes. Perhaps--

“But you’re in college now,” Demyx asserted. “You get to cut loose, have some fun. Really find yourself, and all that crap, you know?” He leaned forward a little. “Listen, if you need some help, I’m happy to be of assistance.”

“What, you’re a party animal?”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “Not really , but… well. I’ve got friends who’d be more than happy to show you how to have a good time.”

Friends. Plural. Ienzo again felt that flash of despair, but kept his face neutral. Would Even ever allow him to go to a party, a nightclub? Would it be too dangerous?

He was here to live a normal life.

Ienzo nodded once. “I’d be willing to give it a try.”

Demyx’s smile sent another current through him. “Awesome.”

---

After this Demyx insisted on showing Ienzo around campus. Ienzo could have easily gotten a campus map, but it was a somewhat useful experience. “Do not ever eat at the Caf if you can avoid it,” he whispered theatrically. “The only edible thing they’ve got there are the chicken fingers, and that’s ‘cause they come frozen in big bags. None of the people there can pass a ServSafe test. My friend Lea worked there for all of ten minutes. Disaster. ”

“Where should I eat, then?” Ienzo asked, amused.

“Most of the cafes have decent soup and sandwiches and shit. The only good place that has anything hot is the Mount.” He gestured vaguely towards some building in the distance. “Every other Thursday they have salmon. Though if you want it you have to be prepared to wait a while. It is to die for.”

“That, or you’re starved of a good meal,” Ienzo said.

“Same diff,” Demyx said, with a shrug. “Anyone who’s smart just buys groceries and cooks for themselves.”

“Sounds like you’ve been here a while.”

Again, that pang of pain on his face, quickly covered up. “This is my last year. After this… I mean, who fucking knows.”

“You said you’re Music Ed. Can’t you follow it up with a Master’s?”

A wry chuckle. “I’m not made of money. Gotta pay the first one off first, you know?”

“...Indeed,” Ienzo said, because he did not know how else to follow that up.

Demyx brought him back to the library. “Hey, give me your phone,” he said.

“What for?”

His expression became a little sly. “You know, Ienzo, when someone tries to give you their number, you’re supposed to just roll with it.”

His heart started a little, and thoughtlessly, he complied.

“...Sweet. Hey, text me any time, alright? I still kind of owe you one.” He winked.

“...Sure,” Ienzo said dazedly.

Before he could really comprehend this, though, he saw Even striding towards him, looking as though he had smelled something sour. “ There you are,” he said. “Why haven’t you answered my calls?” Then he saw Demyx, taking him in with something like disappointment.

“He offered to show me around campus, and I took the invitation,” Ienzo said. “Demyx, this is my father, Even.” It had once felt unnatural to refer to the man as such; in the beginning it had functioned as a cover story. Now, given that he’d raised Ienzo far longer than Ansem had, it was simply truth.

“Nice to meet you,” Demyx said, sticking out his hand.

“...Pleasure,” Even said coolly. “Well, Ienzo, it’s going to be dark soon. We should finish our affairs here and get going.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you around,” Demyx said. “Later.” He saluted once and ran off.

Even scoffed. “Well, I suppose it was nice of him to do that for you. Though that hair is… something.”

“You said yourself “college students do torrid things to their hair.””

“...I know.” He wrinkled his nose. Then, lowering his voice. “Just… be careful who you become friends with, yes?”

“...Quite.”

[growup-gloup]

Do you have any advice on how to develop your style/fashion better? I feel stuck when it comes to my personal style and I don't really know what to do about it 😬 I basically just wear hoodies and jeans lol any advice would be amazing ❤️ thanks ✨

Hey babe, 

You should start with a staple wardrobe that has the essentials. These essentials are versatile and can be used in many outfits and can dress up or down a look. Here are some essential that I recommend starting with:

Plain white dress shirt

Plain white tee

Black Pants

Blazer

Light washed jeans

Darker jeans

Black Leather/Pleather Jacket

Little Black Dress (LBD)

Skirts

Pumps

Black flats

Comfortable sneakers

“Cute” sneakers

After the basics, look around you. See your friends. Look at people on the internet. What styles stick out to you? Which clothes do you want to rock? Personalize your wardrobe with those, then. 

Bonus: As my most favorite most extra “insta baddie” Amber Scholl suggested, find a model/youtuber/celebrity whose style you like. You don’t have to be a fan of them, but you should like their style. Then find another one whose height and physique and complexion match yours as well. Obviously the last one will be harder because models tend to look so similar physique-wise. I still haven’t found one that goes with my body shape. But if you do find one, it’s good to see what styles would work best on that look before you go out and buy something. 

💋

[peaches-of-1]

Demon AU: 666 So Fresh- Chapter 5

Back to the main crew. What will they do after their shopping spree and Jungkook’s invitation to come see him perform?

No major warnings for this chapter that I can think of, but you can always let me know if there’s something you need me to tag!

< Previous | Next > | Chapter outfits

Zula, Yoongi, and Tae decided to dress monochrome based on all they’ve bought. Yoongi slid on a dark pair of jeans, a light blue shirt, and a pleather jacket with studs on it, blue suede boots to match and complete the look. He looked in one of the mirrors still stained with lipstick and rustled his hair.

“I think I’ll be dying my hair soon.” He said to Taehyung who was having trouble deciding which shade of pink shorts to go with his rose covered Gucci top.

His curious brown eyes looked at the other for a moment, “What color are you going for?”

“Maybe blonde, or I’ll go completely white. The darker ones go better.”

Wrath’s Demi-Spawn nodded and went to return the lighter pair of shorts to his closet. Zula slightly bumped into him for a moment, and they shared awkward smiles and laughter before moving on. Heat tickled their cheeks.

She had decided on a pretty simple outfit which relied on accessorizing and her makeup skills to make complete. Dark purple plaid leggings with a light purple collared crop top with long sleeves that stuck out of a lavender crop with short sleeves and regular purple knee-high heeled boots. Her lips would become a dark mauve once her eyeliner was done. All three leaned in the clearest mirror to do the perfect eyeliner.

Yoongi was the first to finish. He had hundreds of years experience doing it, so the process was never that long for him anymore. Tae only needed a little to define his eyes the way he liked, so Zula was left focusing on the perfect wing.

She rolled her eyes, “I don’t know why you guys are trying so hard. It’s just a college bar.”

Yoongi put his feet up on the coffee table, “Some of my best takings have been from trust fund kids with nothing to do. They trust you more if you look like a fancy drug dealer.”

Zula couldn’t argue against that. She added some glitter to her eyes and decided how dark the purple on her lips should be. Taehyung watched and let his mind wander back to the boy whose concert they were going to see tonight. Jungkook. He didn’t seem like a bad guy, but he was worried that he liked the same girl as him. He knew if he went up against the human wanting her heart, he’d lose.

“Do you like him?” Tae asked out loud.

He recalled how familiar he had been to her and how she didn’t push him away. The man had hugged her. Scratching his mullet, he remembered how much his heart had flared up when the other dark haired boy had caught her hand that she didn’t yank away. That obviously meant she didn’t dislike his touch, that she liked him.

“The boy we’re going to watch. Do you like him?” He asked again.

Zula turned and squinted her eyes at him, “No? He’s nice and all, but he’s just someone who exists in my slice of reality.” She faced the mirror again for final touches. “I only wanna go cuz he asked and people talk about his voice all the time.”

Yoongi picked out his earring, “Didn’t know you were the type to follow hype.”

“Need to know if it’s legit or not.” Zula grabbed a purse to go with her outfit and off they zoomed to the bar.

Bass shook the walls even before they knew the tune. It was a popular song, so knowing it was unavoidable. The three beautiful faces entered the bar and were met with chattering 20 year-olds and some alumni.

They chose a booth to sit at. Jungkook saw her and waved, a huge smile on his face. Zula wasn’t expecting him to come over and greet her.

“Zula! I’m so glad you actually came!”

She shrugged, “Wanted to see if the girls on social media were right to be crazy ‘bout you.”

“Ah, they’re too nice. You look great by the way.” His eyes searched the faces of the men behind her, “Who are these guys?”

“My friends. Boys, this is Jungkook, the one that gave me the flier.”

They shook hands and introduced themselves using their real names. Jungkook asked how the two knew Zula. It’s not as if they could tell this guy the truth, so she said they met at the park just a few days ago. Yoongi joined in saying his dog Holly ran away while she was petting him and Tae ended up catching him. They just grew close from there.

He seemed to buy it and told them to take a seat and that he’d be on stage in 10 minutes. So the three sat down and ordered some drinks. Whiskey for Yoongi, beer for Taehyung, and sparkling pineapple juice is what Zula wanted.

“I don’t drink.” was her reply to their questioning looks.

Their drinks were delivered as soon as Jungkook got onto the stage. He shook the hair out of his face and used his hand when that didn’t work.

“Hey, everyone, I’m Jungkook. The usual voice is sick, so I’ll be taking his place until he gets better. He then looked back at the two members of the band.

The music began and he closes his eyes he two-handed the mic. His voice was a lot higher than Zula had expected it to me based on his speaking voice. It had a very airy aspect to it as he sung the lyrics.

When I was fifteen years old, I had nothing The world was too big and I was small Now I can’t even imagine now I was scentless and completely empty I pray

When he was done, people applauded. He did two more songs, sometimes smiling or looking at Zula. Sometimes she’d be talking to to the other guys, laughing. Other times, they would talk into her ear to be heard over the music. Then his set was over.

Jungkook went past a bunch of fans to sit in the booth with Zula, grabbing a water bottle first. He was feeling really hot all of a sudden.

“So, Zula, what did you think?” He asked, eager for an answer.

“It’s good. You’ve got a nice voice. Social media girls were right.”

Jungkook laughed, “Thanks! I’m really glad you liked it.”

Tae wanted to put his arm over Zula and tell the guy to get lost. He couldn’t. He wasn’t her boyfriend, he had absolutely no claim to her. It pissed him off when they chattered about what they had in common. College, teachers, classes. Tae quietly simmered as he listened to their conversation.

They talked about their classes and their finals. Then Jungkook looked up on stage where people were now singing karaoke. He asked if she wanted to sing with him. Yoongi answered for her, and the two college kids went to stage to sign up. Taehyung wasn’t happy.

“You should say something sooner rather than later, or frat bro McGee’s gonna debutante you for the rest of your life...so literally forever.”

He bit his lip, “I’m not sure…”

A pale hand slapped the table, “Then get sure.”

Music soft as a rose started and Jungkook began to sing. Neither of the boys paid much attention until Zula sang with her full voice. They had only heard her sing softly in the car with the radio covering most of her words.

She was always confident in a sort of awkwardly sweet way, but never did they expect her to do this sort of thing so well. The song was called, “I’m in Love”. Zula was not shy at all even singing such a mushy song with him. Her voice was so powerful and passionate. “Geudaeneun neomu areumdabjyo~” Their voices ended in perfect harmony.

Yoongi smiled in awe. Tae clenched his fists. Applause when they finished. They held hands and took a boy before he tried to kiss her. She pushed him off of her and stared at him in disgust. He mumbled an apology as she grabbed her purse and told the guys they were leaving.

They didn’t argue with that as she was already halfway out the door when they got to their feet. Even though she was upset, Tae couldn’t help but smile. Zula rejected Jungkook straight up. It put a pep in his step as they hurried to catch up with her.

Jungkook stood there, watching her leave with the two men that weren’t him. The next duo politely asked him to leave the stage, and he did. He ran to apologize to Zula again, to properly state his feelings. He called after the beautiful brown girl with black curls bouncing aggressively with each step. She whipped around and he stumbled back as if pushed back by some force. The gold of her eyes was unexpected. Her hair now seemed to levitate around her body.

“Why the Hell did you kiss me, you bastard? I never said that was something you were allowed to do!” She yelled at him.

“We-we were having a moment--” Jungkook explained. “I just thought--”

Her eyes almost seemed like flames, “You were having a moment! It was not something we shared, Jungkook. You just made up your own little fantasy and forced it upon me, and that is not ok!” She took a step forward.

Jungkook was pushed back a few inches, “But I like you so much that I thought my heart would perish if I didn’t do something then!”

“THEN FUCKING PERISH!” She moved to lift her hands, but Yoongi moved quickly.

He grabbed both hands and held them behind her back and used his now free hand to cover her eyes and pull her back against his shoulder. Quickly, he placed his lips near her ear. “Mitescere tu, Zula. Mitescere tu. Sit daemon requiem.” He hissed in a chant until her body relaxed against him.

It sounded like Italian or Latin to the bystander. Wait, did he just. “Did you say demon?”

Yoongi released his tight hold on her, “Nope.” he lied.

Zula’s eyes were now back to their normal hazel coloring, no gold in sight. Her body was frighteningly still. Yoongi told Tae to hold her. She lay heavily on his side, face buried in his arm.

“What’d you do to her?” The human asked as he got up. “What did you say?”

“I just saved your life. Mortals don’t know manners, do they?” He sighed. “Anyways, Jungkook, if you ever see any of us again, it’d be better if you pretended not to know us. Also, never ever communicate with Zula again.”

They started to walk away, Tae asking if it was ok to hold her around the waist or if the shoulders were better in trying to keep her mostly upright.

Confusion washed over all his senses as they took her from him, “Y-you can’t do that!”

“Goodbye, Jungkook.” Her voice rang out clearly even though her body heavily relied on Tae.

Yoongi told mullet boy to sit in the back with she-demon. He then got in the driver’s seat and took a huge breath. It had been a while since he Hid so many people and also Settled a demon. He’d be fine soon, just needed food. He drove until he saw the two golden arches that never let him down.

“Really?” Tae asked, “McDonalds?”

“It’s a bunch of food for cheap. Also, the employees don’t get paid enough to care.”

Taehyung looked down at the resting head on his shoulder. His boozy stomach growled, but he didn’t want to move right now. Yoongi noticed and got his order before heading in.

< Previous | Next >

[aphroditewritesstuff]

The Fuck you say?

Ok so, in response to the complete rash of Otayur fics depicting Yuri as a effeminate, spineless dweeb who can’t control his sexual urges, I wrote this one shot.

This is for every ABO fic that is just horrible smut and no substance.

For every fic that can’t give two shits about canon.

For every time I read about Yuri being a slut/sub/kitten/prostitute/slave/omega with a daddy kink.

Just stop. I don't have anything against kink. Not at all (quite the opposite in fact) but this fandom is basically using a potentially good pairing as an excuse to see just how fucked up we can make these characters. You know what I enjoy? Good writing, with a plot line, as well as some flavorsome smut thrown in there. 

So this is my response. If you don’t like what I’ve prefaced this with, don’t read.

Also, lots of swearing.

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

The Fuck You Say Part 1

Yuri reversed himself onto the bench next to Otabek, and Otabek openly admired his legs. Yuri seemed to either not notice or care, because he was too busy on his phone. He had been tapping away at it since leaving the Dunkin’ Donuts, which annoyed Otabek but when he’d tried to start up a suitably distracting conversation, he’d been waved off.

“Just give me a sec, I’m trying to find that song I told you about.” Yuri had said, his expression determined. Otabek let it go. As first dates went, it was pretty good overall. They’d chatted, Yuri had a filthy sense of humour and his long silky hair made Otabek imagine things…

“Ah shit. My battery is dying. Give me yours?” Yuri said, stowing his disappointment of a phone in his tiger-striped jacket, and holding his hand out to Otabek. He did it so easily like he wasn't even expecting Otabek to say no, that Otabek had to smile to himself.

Pillow kittens like Yuri were always imperious in the daytime, but became completely unraveled in bed. He handed his phone over, never dropping eye contact, and making sure his fingers slid softly over Yuri’s palm as he did. Yuri raised an eye, a slight smirk, but said nothing. Otabek was satisfied, and anticipatory; he would have Yuri in his apartment by early evening. While Yuri bent his head over the screen, he admired the line of his neck, the slimness of waist Otabek preferred in bed partners. He could already imagine curling the tips of his fingers into prominent hip bones…

“What the...Otabek? What is this?”

Otabek was torn from his filthy reverie and turned his gaze to the phone screen now tilted his way. Then his eyes bugged. A swipe at the phone was completely pointless, and Yuri jumped away, laughing.

“Oh my god, Otabek, you kinky little shit. What’s a ‘twink’?”

“Give that back.” Otabek tried to say sternly, but mortification had closed his throat.

“Nu huh. Hold on I'm googling…” Yuri cackled, looking far too gleeful, fingers a blur. “I’ve never seen that. Oh my god you have a subscription to Porn Hub. No one actually pays for porn anymore you idiot.”

“I said give it back.” Otabek tried again, regaining some of the deep bass in his voice. Yuri couldn’t give any  fucks.  His expression clearly showed how much he was enjoying the fact that Otabek had left his browser open and playing…that. Then his eyebrows furrowed.

“An attractive, boyish-looking, young gay man. The stereotypical twink is 18-22, slender with little or no body hair, often blonde, dresses in club wear even at 10:00 AM, and is not particularly intelligent. A twink is the gay answer to the blonde bimbo cheerleader.” Yuri started reading aloud slowly, and Otabek flushed, looking around for anyone else walking the park just then, “Twink is a shortening of the name for the famous "TWINKIE" snack cake: a tasty, cream-filled snack with no nutritional value. The phallic shape of the "TWINKIE" snack cake should not escape the reader's attention.”

Yuri turned the screen to Otabek again. “Are you into this?”

Otabek was blushing properly now, and angrily snatched the phone. “You had no right to do that.”

“The fuck you say?” the look on Yuri’s fine-featured face was now very finely pissed-off. “Well look at this, I happen to be blonde, small and you picked me up at the club last night.”

It took a few tries before the history was deleted off his phone, but eventually Otabek managed it then shoved the article of his betrayal into his back pocket, avoiding Yuri’s eyes. “Well…”

“Well, what?!” Yuri exploded. Otabek watched the flash of his green eyes and the whip of his hair a little too obviously.

“Oh my fucking god.” Yuri was visibly disgusted, then he stepped right into Otabek’s space. “Listen closely, Otabek, cos you’re about to get a lesson you won’t forget.”

Light exploded and Otabek felt the immediate, hot bloom of pain in his jaw, then an echoing pain in his butt when he landed on it. In complete astonishment, he cradled his jaw and looked up at Yuri, who stood over him like an furious, avenging angel.

“I’m not a fucking TWINK, you pretentious, motherfucking wannabee.” Yuri growled. “Just because you picked me up in a club, god. Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“You were wearing a backless shirt and pleather pants!” Otabek threw out in his defense, then realised how dumb he sounded. Yuri grabbed his shirt front, yanking him upwards and pulling back another fist.

“Fucking disgusting. Did you think i was gonna shake my ass and let you plow me? Was that your whole idea? Buy me a donut and I’ll be so effeminately grateful, and blush while you strip me and bend me over the couch?”

The more Yuri spoke, the less Otabek had in his head to say. Yuri was incandescent.

“I only let you pick me up cos you’re a sweet piece of ass.” Yuri hissed.

“But...I paid for lunch.” the words fell out of Otabek’s mouth, small and senseless.

Yuri abruptly let go of his shirt, and Otabek landed awkwardly on his elbow, adding its throb to the rest.

“You make me want to vomit.” Yuri spat. “Don't you fucking come near me again. And I’m telling everyone about you, asswipe.”

Otabek watched him stalk away, shoulders hunched, looking as if he needed something to kill.

Still rubbing his jaw, he finally levered himself up, and dusted off his trousers, feeling as unnerved as if he’d just been dismembered by a duck.

PArt 2, Part 3

[kimtaehyungsjagi]

From Afar PT. 2

Taehyung x Reader FT. Jungkook

Genre: Angst, fluff, AU

Word count: 4.9k

PT. 1 -  PT. 2 - PT. 3

After bringing your last yut piece onto the board, you sat back, criss cross apple sauce, as Taehyung nestled his head onto your lap while you waited for Junggyu and Eonjin to take their turn.

"Looks like the royal couple is gonna win this year," Taehyung said cockily as he crossed his arms. You smiled looking down at Taehyung taking in his features, the freckle he has on his nose that you adored so much. His eyes were closed while you massaged his hair. It had been a long time since you last gave him a scalp massage and he loved it when you did that, so he hummed to the relaxing sensation. He missed the feeling.

Junggyu just gave you guys a disgusted look as he threw the sticks onto the board. But as the doorbell rung, one of the sticks rolled off the board making it a scratch for Junggyu and Eonjin. You and Taehyung high fived each other.

"Taehyung, there's a girl here asking for you," Mr. Kim yelled into the living room from the foyer as Taehyung was about to throw the sticks.

Taehyung handed you the sticks as he got up and walked to the door.

"S-Seomi?" Taehyung was surprised.

"I'm sorry." Seomi pouted as she looked at Taehyung.

"What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with your family?" He asked bewildered.

She shook her head. "I came to see you, I left after dinner with my family and drove straight here. I wanted to apologize for being stupid. I'm sorry babe."

Taehyung's mother walked into the foyer, "What's going on, who is it?"

"You must be Mrs. Kim." Seomi smiled, "Ah where are my manners? Eommanim, Abeonim, it's so nice to meet you. I'm Taehyung's girlfriend, Lee Seomi," she introduced herself as she bowed.

Mr. Kim awkwardly bowed and said hi.

"Oh? Nice to meet you, Seomi-ssi. But why aren't you with your family, it's Thanksgiving?" Taehyung's mother asked.

"I had to talk to Taehyung, so I came right after we finished dinner. My grandparents are pretty old so we eat dinner very early," Seomi explained.

"Come in we're about to finish up our game of yut, we can talk after the y/l/n's leave," Taehyung invited her in.

Seomi followed Taehyung into the living room.

"These are my brother and sister, Junggyu and Eonjin. And of course, you know y/n."

Seomi smiled at you, which was so obviously forced and fake. She knelt down to Junggyu and Eonjin, "Hi I'm Seomi, your brother told me a lot about you guys. Nice to meet you." They bowed and greeted her back. Then Seomi proceeded to hug Taehyung's left arm as they sat in front of the yut board.

Eonjin gave you an Is she serious? look. And you just smiled, lips in a flat line with a Yeah I know look.

You didn't feel like playing anymore, and you certainly didn't want to get in between Seomi and Taehyung. You were the cause of their fight. So you forced a yawn and stretched, "Hey since Seomi is here now, she can join you Tae."

"But what about you, noona?" Junggyu asked.

You patted him on the shoulder. "I'm going to go home. I'm getting pretty tired, I think I ate too much," you lied.

"Well let me walk you, it's dark out and I don't think our parents will be done talking to each other anytime soon," Taehyung asserted. He was right, your parents could talk and talk for hours on end.

"No, it's okay. It's just down the street. The worst thing that could happen to me is getting attacked by mosquitoes," you declined.

"Are you sure?" Taehyung asked, his brows raised in worrisome.

"Babe, she said she'll be fine. Let her go." Seomi stepped in.

You bid Junggyu and Eonjin goodnight and waved to Taehyung, his face looked of guilt as you got up. You went to tell your parents you were headed home and thanked Mr. and Mrs. Kim for having you.

As you walked outside the air was a bit cooler, but not by much. Fall hadn't come in full effect yet so you weren't the slightest bit chilly. The moon was big, bright and beautiful. It reflected off your hanbok, making the silk and golden applique shimmer.

When you got home, you slid out of your hanbok and hopped into the shower. The hot water felt amazing on your skin. It relieved a lot of tension you didn't notice you had until you got in. After you turned off the water you leaned against the tile for several minutes. The cooling sensation relaxed you.

You threw on an oversized t-shirt you were sure used to be Taehyung's but you stole it some time ago and a pair of pajama shorts before hopping into bed. You grabbed your phone to scroll through your SNS, but you noticed a few unread messages.

Tae: Hey, I feel bad that you left early.

I'm sorry Seomi showed up.

I didn't think she'd drive all the way here, I guess she really wants to make up.

You huffed a sigh as you texted back your reply.

You: I'm fine! You don't have to apologize, she's your girlfriend.

You should make up.

You turned your phone on silent and put it on your nightstand as you rolled over under your comforter. You were annoyed. You didn't want them to make up. You would never admit it to Taehyung, but you agreed with his mother. You didn't think she was worth the trouble.

Yeah, you thought Seomi was a beautiful girl. But Taehyung and her fought so often. If it wasn't about her jealousy issues, it was about something petty like Taehyung forgetting to text or call her when he's running late. Or busy actually studying for once. Seomi had to be glued to his hip almost 24/7 or knew where he was and what he was doing when they weren't together. And if he was with you, she wanted to know if your roommates were around too.

It was exhausting even for you and you weren't in the relationship. You wished Taehyung could see what you saw. Maybe he did but didn't know how to go about breaking up with her. He was too kind to break her heart. He was stuck and you saw it. Even though he was your best friend, it wasn't your place to tell him what to do with his relationship. You feigned off your thoughts and went to sleep.

The weekend went by quickly, next thing you know, you're back at school. You lived in a lux campus apartment with three other roommates. There were four bedrooms with their own ensuites and you all shared a common room, kitchen, and laundry area. Taehyung was going to be one of your roommates before Seomi coaxed him into living with her in an overpriced studio off campus.

Your roommates were Park Jimin, Jung Hoseok, and Kang Seulgi. Jimin and Hoseok are in the same frat as Taehyung. In fact, Jimin and Taehyung were roommates freshman year and Seulgi was yours. Jimin and Hoseok are dance majors and Seulgi is a music major with dance minor just like Taehyung. You? You're a textiles major.      

You had to drive Taehyung's car back because Seomi decided to stay the rest of the weekend with the Kim's.You took that as a sign that they made up. Your roommates noticed your somberness right away.

"Hey y/n, what's up? You seem down," Jimin asked as he sat down on the couch next to you.

"Ahh, nothing really. I'm just not ready for this week to begin so soon," you were mindlessly flipping through channels.

"Yeah, me too," he sighed. "Didn't Tae and Seomi get in a fight again?"

"Yeah, but they made up, how'd you know?" You looked over to him.

"I was still here when he came over, I kind of overheard your conversation, I'm sorry."

"What? No, I'm sorry. I figured you left early like everyone else since you didn't have an exam Thursday."

"Nah, I was too exhausted to leave campus after the dance recital. But it's okay, I left before you two woke up anyway," Jimin reassured you. "Look, y/n, I know it's not my place to step in or anything but I think you need to find something to keep you from being so hurt over him."

You sighed, "Yeah, I know. I need to move on."

"Hey, we're having a party at the frat house on Friday. You should come, maybe it'll help blow off some steam, yeah?" Jimin nudged. "Plus, I know how much you love my delicious concoctions," he winked.  

You chuckled, "Haha okay, but as much as I love your mixed drinks, please don't mix too many different liquors at once. I had a killer hangover last time"

The week, as sudden as it came, passed by just as quickly. Taehyung tried to make up for the weekend by buying you a croissant and an iced vanilla latte from your favorite bakery near campus for three mornings straight. You told him there was nothing to make up for but he insisted anyway, and who would turn down free food, right?

Taehyung was surprised that you agreed to go to the party their frat was hosting that Friday. You weren't much of a party goer. You told him you needed a change of scenery, you wanted to loosen up. You wanted to kick back and de-stress before you'd have to start worrying about finals soon.

Friday rolls around and you're at home getting ready to go to the party. You change outfits a few times. The first outfit, a mesh sleeved tight little pleather black dress with an exposed zipper going down the front and a pair of chunky black Jeffrey Campbell booties. You felt like you'd draw too much attention to yourself so you threw it off. The second outfit, an oversized knit with a pair of ripped black skinny jeans and white low top chucks. You would have kept that but you remembered you were going to a frat party, therefore you'd be feeling stuffy within 5 minutes of arriving. Third outfit, a soft and loose, white carpenter button down with a few buttons undone to show off your cute lace bralette tucked into a pair of distressed high waisted black shorts and a black pair of slip-on loafers with gold accent bars, perfect.

You curled your hair a bit before brushing through them making it loose and wavy. Your makeup wasn't anything fancy, you went for an everyday look but loaded on the highlighter because that was your favorite part anyway. You threw on some bangles and grabbed your tiny black satchel.

You and Seulgi met up with your other roommates downstairs and walked off to the frat house. When you guys got there the party was already in full swing. Jimin dragged you and Seulgi to the bar to make you two once of his infamous drinks. You grab a beer for Hoseok and went to look for him.

You spotted Hoseok talking to two guys, one which was your favorite drinking buddy Seokjin and another whom you've never seen before. You walk up to the three and handed Hoseok his bottle.

"Hey, thanks," Hoseok gave you a side hug.

"No problem," you smiled. Then you looked over to Seokjin, "Jinnie oppa where've you been? I haven't seen you in over two weeks!"

"Ah, you miss my hilarious jokes, huh y/n?" Seokjin nudges you with his elbow.

"Nah, I just missed your cooking," you elbowed him back.

"Sorry, I've been busy helping this guy here all week." Seokjin pats the third guy that was standing next to him and Hoseok on the shoulder. "He's a transfer student that pledged in another chapter of our frat back in Busan. Introduce yourself, kid."

The guy gave you a side smirk and held out his hand, "Hi, my name's Jeon Jungkook. Nice to meet you."

You looked at him and returned his smirk as you grabbed his hand, "Y/N, hi." His hand was firm but yet felt so soft. And you noticed his biceps were begging to burst out of his henley. You couldn't deny that he was really good looking.

Hoseok leans into your ear from behind as he chuckles, "I think you two would get along very well." You lightly smack him in the chest as you turned around.

You conversated with the three guys and downed two of Jimin's mystery concoctions while doing so. You talked about what Jungkook was going to school for, a music major with a minor in dancing just like Taehyung. You told him he'd fit right in with the frat and joked that if any of them gets famous they'd better come to you to design clothes for them.

You felt loose and relaxed and you were actually having fun. You saw that finally Taehyung showed up and you were elated. You greeted him with a hug and had a little small talk until you saw Seomi trailing from the kitchen with drinks she'd gotten for him and her. She looked at you and immediately rolled her eyes before walking over and handing Taehyung a bottle of beer and giving him a kiss while you two were still mid-conversation. You weren't going to show her your annoyance, however.

"Hey babe, can we play beer pong?" Seomi asks with her signature pout.

"Sure," he nodded to her, "Y/N. you wanna play too?"

Seomi gave you a bitch you better say no look from behind Taehyung so he wouldn't see and your lips formed a tight grin before you declined the offer, "Nah, ask Jimin and Hoseok to I'm sure they'll play."

"Yes, I'm in!" Hoseok exclaimed as he went to grab Jimin and pull him over to the beer pong table. Seomi and Taehyung trailing them. Hoseok looked back at you and smiled. You mouth a relieved thank you to him.

Seulgi came over and handed you a shot of tequila. "Let's go dance hun!"

You took the shot and handed your glass over to Seokjin. Before you knew it Seulgi dragged you over to the designated dance area and you two were shaking that thang. Grooving to the music and letting loose. Namjoon, another one of the frat brothers in your circle of friends joined in with you and Seulgi doing his goofy krumping.

Seokjin and Jungkook were spectating the beer pong game. But all Jungkook could do was look off towards you and Seulgi dancing, mainly focusing on you.

"Looks like someone's taking an interest with Y/N," Hoseok noticed Jungkook's gaze and teased.

"Not gonna lie, she is pretty hot."

Taehyung looked up and saw a smug smirk across Jungkook's face as he eyed you. "Hey. She's your noona, be respectful," he warned.

Jungkook looked over to Taehyung and fully smiled, "Sorry, she really is though. I'm sure she's a nice person too, I wouldn't mind getting to know her more."

"Well, she is single," Seomi cuts in. "You should go and talk to her," she encouraged.

Taehyung clenched his jaw but didn't say anything. It's not like you weren't off the market. He didn't know why he was getting agitated but he was.

Jungkook shrugged, "Talking wouldn't hurt." He walked off towards where you and Seulgi were dancing.

You and Seulgi were having a lot of fun. Namjoon got tired and went off to the kitchen for drinks. Seulgi leaned into your ear, "Hey you know that new kid has been eyeing you all night." You looked over towards the beer pong area catching Jungkook's eyes diverting to a different direction and you let out a chuckle. "He's cute! You should go for it," she yelled over the music enough for you to hear.

"I don't know," you smiled shrugging your shoulders at her.

"Well you better make up your mind because he's coming right over here," she says as she nods her head towards Jungkook.

Your face followers hers and you see Jungkook walking towards you. Your face heats up and you thank god that your face flushes whenever you drink so you can blame it on the alcohol. Jungkook nods at you and you reciprocate a smirk to him.

"Mind if I join?" he asks once he gets reaches you.

"Keep her company for me while I go to the bathroom, yeah?" Seulgi encourages as she nudges you in the elbow and winks, leaving before you could utter a word.

"So you're a dance minor, right?" You asked, "show me what you got."

"Do you want me to teach you a few moves?" Jungkook slides behind you as he grabs your hands. "I don't think there's any room here, but you can stop by one of my dance practices," he says as he leans into you. Your back against his chest you could tell how nicely built he was. His head close to your neck, you could feel his breath.

If you weren't flustered when Jungkook approached you, you sure were now. One of his hands trailed down to your hip and he swayed with you, gliding along the melody of whatever song was on at that moment. Your body relaxed to his. You turned around to face him and he started to show off with a few body rolls and silly hip thrusts making you giggle.

"I'm getting hungry," you shouted over the music.

"You wanna go get something to eat?" Jungkook asks.

"Sure!" You said reluctantly.

"Jin hyung showed me this pizza place down the street," Jungkook grabbed your hand and walked towards the kitchen to go out the side door.

You texted Seulgi where you were headed and she sent back three thumbs up emoji and a winky face emoji with its tongue sticking out.

Taehyung was too distracted by the fact that Jungkook had the nerve to go up and dance with you. He and Seomi were behind four cups with only three of their own remaining. Seomi kept whining every time he missed a shot.

Jimin and Hoseok weren't the best at beer pong, but they certainly rubbed it in Taehyung's face that they were winning. That on top of Seomi's whining and him being able to see you and Jungkook dancing awfully too close to one another just infuriated him.

Jimin and Hoseok both made a shot back to back so they got to go again with only one cup remaining for Taehyung and Seomi. With Taehyung's luck and how everything was going so far that night, Jimin made the last cup causing Seomi to pout and hit Taehyung's chest to complain about their loss.

Taehyung sighed and looked up to see Jungkook grabbing your hand and walking out the back door with you. He didn't feel up for staying at the party anymore.

"Babe, I'm tired let's go home," he says to Seomi.

"Aww but I wanna stay a bit more, please Tae. We lost, we need to redeem ourselves! C'mon!" She pouted.

Taehyung wasn't feeling it, he let out a huff, "I really don't want to stay."

"Aww pretty please!" Seomi wasn't letting down.

"Seo, I really want to go home, you can stay if you want but I'm leaving now." He snarled and walked away.

Seomi eyes widened at Taehyung's behavior. He never leaves a party early, in fact, they were usually one of the last people to leave. She followed Taehyung quickly trying to catch up to him.

"What's wrong babe? She asked.

"Nothing, I just don't feel good."

Seomi didn't say anything as they got in the car. It was a silent drive twenty minute back to their apartment. When they got back Taehyung harshly threw his keys onto the counter. Seomi was pondering on why Taehyung would all of a sudden feel irritated. Then she realized it.

"It's because that Jungkook kid went up to dance with Y/N isn't it?" She said.

Taehyung didn't say anything. He didn't have to because right after asking, Seomi saw the glare in Taehyung's eyes as he ran his tongue in between his upper teeth and cheek.

"I'm right, aren't I? I know I am" Seomi said.

Taehyung's lips tightened as his jaw clenched.

"Maybe we should break up, it's so obvious that you're in love with with Y/N," Seomi stated.

He rolled his eyes and sighed, "Not this again Seo.."

"No, I'm serious this time. Do you know how much it hurts seeing the one you love completely in love with someone else?" Seomi was on the brink of tears.

"I don't love her like that!" Taehyung yelled. "I've told you this time and time again."

"You're an idiot Kim Taehyung. It's obvious that you're in love with her." Seomi sniped back.

"Oh my god Seo! Fine, you want to break up? Then let's break up. I'm tired of having this same god damn argument over and over again!"

Taehyung grabbed his backpack and threw in his laptop and a few other items.

"See, you won't even fight to stay. You don't love me, not like you used to." Seomi was now sobbing.

"Whatever. I'll be back tomorrow for my things." Taehyung stormed off slamming the door.

He didn't know where to go, he didn't want to go back to the frat house while there were a bunch of sweaty drunks doing who knows what at the time. He checked his phone and saw that it was a little past one in the morning. He figured you'd be home by now so that was where he headed.

"Really?? I don't know if I should feel bad or laugh because that's what you get," you laughed as you shoved a slice of pizza in your face.

Jungkook told you how he scarred his cheek. He was racing to get to the computer before his older brother did and they both crashed into the desk. Jungkook's face hitting the sharp corner.

"I guess I deserved it, I was being a brat," He laughed.

As you and Jungkook talked to one another, you two realized you had a few things in common and a learned a bit about him. You both loved watching Japanese animated movies. He has a side hobby of taking pictures, he takes his DSLR everywhere when he goes on vacation. He has a black belt in taekwondo.

"My friends back home call me a muscle pig because I love to work out every chance that I can get," he smiled sheepishly.

"I can't say that it's not a bad thing," you giggled as you poked his bicep.

It was getting to be a little past 1 am and Jungkook offered to walk you back to your apartment, which wasn't too far of a walk. You continued to talk on the way, you told him about your circle of friends and explained how you came to know one another.

When you reached your door Jungkook laughed then looked at you and sighed with a smile, "I usually don't open up to people right off the bat, but for some reason, I feel at ease with you."

You feel your face heat up because you feel the same. You felt a sense of comfortability around him. The same way you feel when you're with Taehyung. You thought to yourself that maybe Jungkook could be that one person to help you finally move on.

Returning his smile you said, "For some reason, I feel the same."

You didn't realize how close in proximity your bodies were to each other until you saw Jungkook's face leaning in close to yours. His lips stopping within an inch or two in front of yours, feeling his warm breath brushing you. Your eyes trailing from his eyes down to his lips, you see the tip of his tongue run across his bottom lip to moisten it. Your breath hitched in the back of your throat.

Unconsciously, you leaned in to close the gap closing your eyes. His lips were even softer than you anticipated. The kiss did not feel forced or needy, but rather gentle and warm. It made your heart flutter a bit.

When he pulled away you opened your eyes to see him smiling at the ground. A coat of pink flushing over his cheeks.

"I'd like to do this again sometime if you don't mind," he said shyly. The confident guy you were dancing with a few hours earlier totally replaced with this persona which you thought was cute.

You nodded and he asked to exchange numbers. Thanking him for walking you back you hugged him before retreating inside.

Taehyung didn't understand why he had gotten so mad. He's seen other guys flirting with you before. Maybe because you've never flirted right back. Yeah, he's seen you suck face with your ex Minwoo before, so he doesn't understand why he felt so agitated when all you and Jungkook did was dance.

Taehyung tried to not think about it too much, he shouldn't care anyway. At least not in that sense. Because you've hooked up with other people before. He was never around when those hookups happened, but he's heard about them from someone in your circle of friends and then eventually you. He never cared then, so he didn't understand why he got so worked up over it.

Taehyung was approaching your apartment when he saw you and Jungkook standing at your door. He stopped and watched as you smiled at Jungkook. Then next thing he saw was you and Jungkook kissing. Taehyung felt a pang in his heart. His eyes grew cold, his face expressionless. When you and Jungkook parted Taehyung slipped into the stairwell until he saw Jungkook walk pass the corridor into the elevator.

You leaned against the door after you closed it and smiled, releasing a deep breath. You haven't felt this way in a long time. Your apartment seemed pretty quiet, you assume your roommates either they're already asleep in their rooms, slept over at the frat house, or off hookup somewhere. You take off your shoes and started walking towards your room. A knock at the door interrupted you.

Thinking it was one of your roommates you open the door. To your surprise you see a boxy grin beaming towards you.

"Tae," you smiled, feeling caught off guard.

"Want to watch some One Piece," He asks holding up one of his DVD sets.

"What happened?" You asked with a worried expression. You gave Seomi all the space she needed with Tae, so you were confused as to how they'd argue again.

"Nothing too concerning," he smiled, but you could see it in his eyes that his smile was not genuine.

You gave him a come on just tell me look.

He sighed, "Seomi just had too much to drink and things were getting out of hand so I gave her some space," he lied.

Taehyung went to your room as you followed. He rummaged through your drawers knowing he'd find a pair of sweats and a tee shirt that belonged to him and quickly changed. You went to the bathroom to wash up and changed into your PJs as Taehyung set up his laptop on your bed.

When you finished brushing your teeth and taking off your contacts you waltzed over to your bed tying your hair into a ponytail and climbed in.

"What's gotten you so happy?" Taehyung asked, "I haven't seen you like this in a long time."

You smiled, "I don't know." Your cheeks blushed thinking back to the kiss you shared with Jungkook. Although brief, it was amazing.

Taehyung smiled back at you, again the smile not reaching his eyes. You decided against pestering him about what was on his mind. Thinking he'd tell you eventually, right?

You two settled in a comfy position and Tae started an episode. You couldn't even make it through one twenty two minute episode before you fell asleep. Taehyung looked over to you and gazed at your slumbering visage. He tucked a straggling strand of hair off your face behind your ear. Seeing how peaceful you looked made him realized that it was silly for him to be agitated over you and Jungkook.

He wasn't jealous, was he? He hadn't felt that way toward you in such a long time. Why was he feeling that way now? Had his feelings resurfaced seeing that you're actually swooning over someone? He didn't know what his mind, yet let alone what his emotions were thinking. He loved Seomi, right? He had Seomi. So why was he acting this way?

You let out a deep breath and rolled over with your back turned to Taehyung. He turned off his laptop and set it off on the side table and slid into spoon you. Engulfed in your radiating body heat, Taehyung drifted off to sleep as well.  

You woke up in the middle of the night with the strongest urge to pee. You scrambled to the bathroom to relieve yourself, careful not to wake Taehyung up while getting out of bed even though the boy could sleep through a wild storm without being disturbed.

When you were done you quietly climbed back in bed. You heard Taehyung mumbling. Sometimes he'd talk in his sleep and you could have a full conversation with him and he wouldn't even remember once he's woken up.

His voice was muffled, but then he turned over and said, "I might be in love with you again Y/N."

NEXT

AN: Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Please like or reblog if you did, it would mean a lot to me<3 I can’t wait to start on the next part :DD And as always, Tell me what you think! Constructive criticism is welcomed ^^

[kpopnlockit]

Sunshine (Part 2)

Part 1: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/167326502172/sunshine-part-1

Part 3: https://kpopnlockit.tumblr.com/post/168167226972/sunshine-part-3

The food had come out better than expected. All seven of them agreed that you were a phenomenal cook and that they were grateful to have such a good meal. The lunch had been much like the one the day before, with all the food nicely spread out on the table and the boys diving straight in once the got close enough; except, this time, there were utensils for everyone. There was a lot more laughter and conversation than before though, and that made you incredibly happy. Words flowed smoothly and friendship seemed to blossom. Maybe your staycation hadn’t been such a bust afterall.

“Sooo…” Zico drawled.

You cut off your laughter with Kyung to look up at the big-nosed man. You waited until he continued.

“There’s this party tonight,” he said. You simply stared at him, not knowing where he was going with his thought.

“I’m performing at a club and...we wanted to know if you would like to come?” he asked, almost sheepishly.

“To thank you for the food today and yesterday,” U-Kwon quickly chimed.

“Oh,” you quipped once you realized that it was an invitation, “Clubs aren’t really my thing.”

P.O whined. You chuckled, surprised at the gruff aegyo.

“You have to come,” Jaehyo demanded softly.

“Yeah, yeah,” they all begged.

Not one to stand up well to peer-pressure, you tried to convince them that it just wasn’t your scene. But eventually their persistence wore you down and you reluctantly agreed.

“Where is the club?” you asked, still hesitant, but feeling encouraged by the bright smiles around you since your acquiescence. “And…. how should I dress?” You felt shy asking, but you had no idea what type of place this was.

“Well, I’m rapping at the club,” Zico responded.

Before he could finish his thought, P.O. chimed in, “You’d be pretty in anything Young Min, just wear something comfortable!”

Zico wrote out the club address on a piece of napkin for you. “The show is going to start at ten, everyone will be in the VIP lounge, just tell the bouncer your name.”

You blinked slowly, staring at him in slight shock. “I’ll be there,” you promised. Zico’s face lit up and he bounced off, saying he had to go get ready.

It was much like the day before as the table was cleared and some of the younger guys began to roughhouse and say their goodbyes following Zico’s example. You were left pretty much alone with Taeil once again. You looked down at the wrapper in your hand and bit your lip, hesitant to actually take the invitation. You didn’t even know who these guys really were. You guessed that Zico must have been a pretty good rapper to land a club gig but you didn't know why they rest of them appeared to be unemployed.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to come.” You looked up abruptly at the unexpected words.

“N...n...no, I do, I’ve just never been to a VIP lounge before,” you stuttered as you tried to backtrack. You felt your cheeks heat again and you cursed your shy nature. Taeil’s small smirk resurfaced and your heart tried to jump out of your throat. You fumbled to shove the address into your jean pocket and went to grab the basket off the table.

“Do you need help?” Taeil pushed his large rimmed glasses up and walked towards you.

“I’m good.” You were proud of yourself for not stuttering. “You should catch up with the others, I’ll see you tonight.” You scurried off to the parking lot to escape any more awkward exchanges. You slid behind the wheel of your car and sighed deeply. Haphazardly, you tossed the basket of dishes into the back seat and took several deep breaths before heading back to get ready.

A good few hours and near mental breakdown later, you pulled into the full parking area. After struggling to find a spot, you stepped out into the chilly night air. You’d spent a long time before figuring out an outfit that, hopefully, wouldn’t embarrass the boys. This was obviously something important for Zico.

You shivered in your scoop-necked crop top and skintight pleather leggings. Your heeled boots clicked as you approached the club. You stood frozen for several minutes, hesitant to go in, but eventually the cold won out and you walked in. As the door opened, deafening music poured over you and you felt the reverberation of the bass through the floor and up into your bones. The entire club was packed and the body heat soon had you back to a comfortable temperature.

You squished against a wall as a group of three women in short skirts and heels stumbled by holding hands and giggling. You felt increasingly overwhelmed and the continued bass had you feeling even more anxious. You turned to leave and walked straight into the back of a large, muscular man in a black shirt.

“I’m so sorry!” you apologized automatically. The man who turned around had “SECURITY” in bold letters across his chest.

He looked you over, “Not a problem, What’s your name cutie?”

He was standing entirely too close to you. He reached out to touch your arm and you tried to back up, but there was no room to move.

“What’s the matter? I’ll buy you a drink.”

You squirmed and looked for a way out when you felt a warm arm wrap around your shoulders. You instantly calmed when you saw the familiar ink as Taeil’s arm hung over your shoulder.

“Young Min! I’m glad you came.” His smile was sincere as he simultaneously glared at the security guy until he backed off.

“Come on, the guys have been waiting for you.” His arm did not move from your shoulders as he maneuvered through the crowd with ease. The more you felt his warmth soak into you, the more you felt your heart flutter in your chest.

“Thank you,” you mumbled as he nodded to another bouncer and a door was opened for you two to a much less crowded room. Taeil didn’t seem to acknowledge your thanks. He just glanced at you briefly and steered you towards a large U-shaped booth.

The table was already covered in appetizers and opened bottles of soju, high end stuff, and beer. It looked like the guys hadn’t really been “waiting”.

“Hey! She made it!” Jaehyo exclaimed loudly and clapped his hand on Kyung’s shoulder to draw attention.

“Hi everyone.” You smiled at the table of men and took the seat that was quickly made for you as the guys squished towards the other side of the booth. You slid into the booth and Taeil followed suit. You could feel the warmth of his and P.O’s bodies pressing against yours in the tight space.

“You look good.” P.O. gave you a wide smile that was contagious. You giggled happily and grinned back.

“Thanks, you guys all look good, too.” You surveyed them and noticed they were all in brand name clothing this evening. P.O. grabbed a bottle and started pouring in a fresh glass and B-Bomb reached over to hand it to you, sloshing over with soju.

“Drinks are on us tonight.” He smirked at you as you graciously tried to accept the glass with both hands and avoid spilling it.

You hesitated slightly as you had driven but shrugged and turned to the side, covering your mouth as you took in the shot in one gulp. You had enough time to burn off a drink or two. The guys cheered as you set the glass on the table and suppressed a cough as the alcohol gave that familiar burn as it traveled to your stomach. This soju wasn't nearly as bitter as what you’d normally have but it still packed a punch.

You settled in quickly. The atmosphere was comfortable and the good cheer infectious at the table. The guys kept up the tone with cheerful banter and the drinks kept flowing. You tried to keep your drinks to a minimum, but soon lost count and interest in counting as someone exclaimed, “He’s on!” The whole group rushed to exit the VIP section and find a good spot to see the stage from.

Zico was an amazing performer. The whole crowd was screaming and enjoying the music. You were shocked at his skill and you cheered loudly along with the others. You had no idea what time it was by the time his set finished, but Zico disappeared backstage and reappeared a few minutes later at the table. He had obviously been working hard and you could still see some beads of sweat on his forehead. Jaehyo and Kyung patted him on the back forcefully and served him a drink.

“You were awesome!” you exclaimed as he greeted you.

“Thanks. If you liked that, you should see everyone perform!” It took you a second to register what he was saying and you realized that everyone must be part of the band.

“So, what are all your..specialties?” you stalled slightly, using vagueness to confirm your suspicion without seeming ignorant. Everyone answered at once, each trying to grab your attention at once.

“What about you Taeil?” He had remained oddly silent during the whole night other than cheering for his friend. He definitely had been drinking, but he didn’t seem to get as boisterous as the others.

“Main vocals,” he said quietly without looking directly at you.

You nodded in understanding. The other boys competed for your attention, telling you what their position was in the group and informing you all about Block B. Though you definitely heard them speaking, you couldn't register what they were saying. Your eyes were blatantly glued to Taeil. His quiet mystery had you even more curious. And if you didn't know any better, you would have said he was also sneaking peeks at you.

It wasn't long before the alcohol took a hold of you. There was little you could do to control your mouth or body. Being squished into the booth forced you to brush up against either P.O or Taeil every time you moved even a bit. The soju had loosened your tongue to the point of embarrassing. The boys knew what brand of underwear you wore and your shoe size by the time you felt Taeil pat your forearm the next time you opened your mouth to say something outlandish.

You flinched at the unexpected touch. Unlike the accidental exchanges, this one was firm and purposeful. He was trying to shut you up before you could make more of a fool of yourself. He made a noiseless motion towards the door you entered from and started to pull you towards it. You scooted out of the booth after him. Stumbling slightly in your heels, you came dangerously close to falling over. Taeil hurriedly grabbed you by the wrist to keep you steady.

Once you had both feet firmly on the ground again, he began to slowly drag you with him. You snaked through the crowd behind Taeil until you reached the bar. He released his grasp on you as he leaned on the counter and ordered something that you couldn't quite make out.

Standing up made you realize that you really had to relieve yourself. Your liver was doing double time at the moment and there was all too much liquid in your bladder. The pressure made you cross your legs in a desperate attempt to hold it in.You spied the door to a ladies restroom just off the corner of the bar and started to scurry over. Taeil turned around, bottle of water in hand, to find that you were no longer with him.

The soju had hit harder than you expected and the room spun slightly as you turned around to locate the best path to the restroom. The guys were all probably still laughing in the VIP lounge and you cursed yourself as you realized you’d drank too much and had no way to get your car home. You’d have to either get a cab all the way across the city or sleep in the backseat of your car since you doubted this affluent area had any cheap motels. You felt a strong hand on your arm and turned quickly in surprise to see Taeil looking concerned and holding a bottle of water.

“Oh, hey, it’s you,” you sighed in relief, for a moment you thought the bouncer from before had snuck up on you.

“Young Min, are you okay?” he questioned with a concerned look on his face.

“I’m good,” you slurred slightly, “I just… restroom?”

Taeil came closer and wrapped his arm about your waist. He gently led you forward.

“It’s over here.” He walked you to a door and let go of your waist as you walked in.

When you returned he was standing by the door waiting for you. You smiled at his kindness. You were drunk, but at the point where you felt fuzzy and drowsy. You took his proffered water and quaffed it.

“Thank you, you’re really thoughtful.” You couldn’t see in the dim lighting, but you almost swore you saw his cheeks turn pink for a brief second. He placed the bottle back on the bar and the bartender tossed him a new one. Taeil thanked him with a nod and started to lead you away again.

You were confused as he led you outside of the club.

“Where are we going?” you inquired as he tugged you away from the entrance.

“Just come on.” He pulled you to a bench a good ways down the street and sat you down with the water.

“Drink,” he ordered.

You obeyed, sipping the water this time rather than chugging it.

“Did you drive?” Taeil asked softly.

You nodded and he sighed in reaction.

“So how are you getting home?”

You shrugged. You honestly didn't know. Though you had considered a cab, it would probably blow your weekly budget out of the water. Waiting for the alcohol to be filtered out of your blood as you napped in the backseat of your car would be your best bet.

“Would you like to stay the night with us?” Taeil asked. “We got a hotel suite nearby for the night.”

The intoxication made you want to immediately agree but innate caution poked at the thought. It's not like you had known these guys nearly long enough to be so comfortable with them. You didn't know what would happen when drunkenness was combined with closed doors.

Taeil keenly noticed your reservation. “At least stay a little while until you can drive. I promise you will be okay for as long as you are with me.”

Something about the firmness in his statement made you believe him. Not a single one of them had given you a reason not to trust them. And it would only be for a short while, but it was the fatigue of coming down from the party high that convinced you the most. “Okay.”