#old money aes

[arikasugar]

[lilaceas]

[thequietesthing]

date night

[rikastrology]

yesss i've been waiting for this! love your posts, they're always so polished, could you make a moodboard for the name adelaide? i'm a capricorn sun and moon pisces rising (western)

adelaide: "nobility" (germanic)

request a moodboard

[auspicioustidings]

Ae Fond Kiss - Part 3

Brose and Butter

Summary: You finally return the favour and look after Simon while he is breaking and a long building tension breaks. Words: 3k TWs: cheating

Parts: 1 2 3 4

The new place was nice. Bigger than the old one, better area. It wasn’t like you and Johnny had planned to live where you had been forever, you had been looking at houses before he died. Lots of bedrooms. There had been plans to fill them.

This house didn’t have as many bedrooms as he had dreamt about. One master bedroom with an en-suite, 2 other bedrooms and a bathroom on the top floor. A nice open plan ground floor with a kitchen and living area plus a toilet. A garage big enough to have a little workshop in it since Simon enjoyed working on bikes. 

Because he was living there too. It had been an argument you had lost when he had insisted on paying a lot of money into the house but having the deed be entirely yours. It felt like you were taking advantage somehow given that you knew he adored Joseph so had never really went back to his own flat after he had started living with you. It was supposed to be temporary.

But it made sense in a way. He was gone half of the time anyway, so his flat was laying empty for months. This way he always came home to a warm house instead of an impersonal, dusty museum. And J was always so happy when he was home. It was nice to have the help around the house too.

You tried to ignore the amount of justifications you both came up with for the situation. You and Simon Riley did not like one another. You could not like one another. It didn’t matter if you sometimes got caught in his eyes (or that you swore they flickered to your lips, to your body). It didn’t matter if your mind wandered sometimes to imagine how he might kiss you (hard you thought, the first blow in a brawl that begged for retaliation).

The master bedroom was yours. It felt lonely, especially now that J stayed in the nursery. Too quiet, or at least it used to be. Before Simon had left for work a fortnight ago he had given you a little white noise machine. The thing had about a million settings, but in the end you found that the low sounds of snowfall on the window and a log fire always settled the anxious beat of your broken heart enough for you to sleep.

He was due back today. Not that you kept track given that he was just a housemate. Not that last time he wasn’t home when you thought he was meant to be you made yourself so ill with anxiety that Kyle’s partner had to come round to stay with you. Price had shown up a few days later to check in and explain Simon and Kyle had been delayed a week in a location with no signal but they were ok and it wasn’t anything to worry about.

You suspected he only showed up in person because Kyle’s partner had contacted him. You didn’t know what the deal was there if you were honest, the two of them had a strange relationship but whenever you asked about it from them or Kyle you got nothing but pained smiles and gentle dismissals. 

God you hoped he was back as planned. It had been embarrassing enough before although everyone was happy to play it off that you had a stomach bug and that’s why you were completely strung out, hadn’t been sleeping and had been throwing up. You had almost managed to convince yourself of it at this point. 

When you heard the door open and the thunk of heavy boots you should have really just continued on with mixing the brownie mix (you just felt like making them you supposed, coincidence that they were his favourite). Instead you smiled and wiped your hands off on your jeans, going to the door to see him hopping on one foot as he untied his laces to get a boot off. 

“If you’re going to fall over I’d prefer you wait until J is up from his nap so he can watch.”

He swore and nearly did fall, but just about managed to keep himself upright by leaning on the wall to get the boot off. He was in black sweats, hoodie and his balaclava as he usually was when he came home. Only there was something wrong in the set of his shoulders. There was something haunted in his eyes. 

“Simon?”

Your voice was gentle now, soothing. Bad deployment you thought. You had been with Johnny long enough to know that they happened, but he had been so different. When Johnny was on a bad deployment he came back with his blood up. You knew how it had went by how hard he fucked you. 

And you had always taken it. Even when it got bad and he warned you off, you would open yourself up to him and let him use your body to exorcise whatever demons were lingering. His anger you had known how to deal with, you had learned how to take orders, go to your knees and take it with a ‘thank you sir’ to help it burn off. It was scary and it was painful but you would take a thousand days of that strange angry (and make no mistake, devastatingly hot) version of the man you loved if it gave you one more minute with him.

Simon was different. He didn’t seem angry at all, he seemed sad. You felt your heart lurch when he dropped his bag and stumbled across to you, going to his knees for you. He looked up at you as if you were the only thing in the world then. And you don’t know what instinct it was that drove you, but you gently pushed down his hood and pulled off his mask. 

He let you. He stayed still on his knees even as you ran fingers through his hair to fix it back in place. It always was a mess when he took his balaclava off. Fuck. Having Johnny who was usually fun loving and completely willing to let you direct the action turn to an animalistic dominant beast was one thing, but it could never have prepared you for having Simon who you had only ever known as strong and domineering on his knees with his eyes wide and trusting and waiting for orders.

It was a reminder of how impossible the idea of liking this man would be. He was nothing like the man you had lost, the one you had loved. The one you still did. You didn’t think there would ever come a day when you were able to stop.

And still you spread your fingers across his cheekbones to tilt his head up and give him a stern look, one that said that he was going to be okay because you would accept nothing else. He had freckles you realised with a start. He let out a shaky sigh and seemed to take your touch as permission, falling forward to hug you, head resting heavily on your stomach.

You kept petting his hair, feeling like your brain was fuzzing out. You just wanted to take care of him for once. It was always him taking care of you. It didn’t have to mean anything did it? He was sad and you could be what he needed right now without it meaning anything. 

“You’re ok Si, hm?”

“I’m ok.”

“There, that’s good. Come on, you need to help me finish the brownies before J wakes up. He’ll be happy to see you.”

Finishing off the brownies was done in a strange haze as Simon slowly came back to himself. He kept close, almost always having at least one point of contact between you. Warm hand on your waist, the heat spreading out and making your skin feel prickly. A touch of your hair that you felt from scalp to toes. A brush of his thigh on yours that had your pussy clenching. You had forgotten it could do that at such little provocation. You hadn’t thought it would ever do it again after everything.

For one mad moment as the kitchen was tidied and the brownies taken out to cool you were sure you would kiss him. Fuck, you wanted him. You wanted Simon fucking Riley.

And for one mad moment as Simon fucking Riley was dragged out of a trauma spiral instead of languishing in it for days as he had become accustomed to, he was sure he would put you on the kitchen island and taste you. You, the annoying fucking princess who did nothing but make fun of him and have obnoxious taste in almost everything. Fuck. 

The cry of a newly awakened and hungry almost 1 year old broke both of you from what was surely a bout of madness. 

“Do you want to…?”

“Ye, be nice to see him.”

You followed behind, guilt poisoning the brief excitement at watching J react to seeing Simon back. He was getting so good at recognising different people now, his reactions bigger and emotions clearer. 

He was signing already, you had taught him ‘mama’ and ‘more’ and ‘hungry’. God you could burst with pride at how inquisitive he was. A little late with his words but the doctors weren’t too worried about it. You showed him photos of his dad, tried to teach him how to say dada. You wanted so badly for it to be his first word. The poisoning guilt turned viscerally painful when you realised you hoped Simon would be there to hear it.

You just needed someone there to see that Johnny wasn’t forgotten about. You still felt like you were burning up anytime his family called to check in. Joseph was healthy and happy but everything still felt like somehow you were failing him. Failing Johnny.

That familiar guilt slowly settled as it always did, becoming a manageable, dull throb. You likened it to a headache really. Sometimes it was debilitating like a migraine, sometimes it was barely noticeable. When Simon returned it always spiked but quickly dulled down as he settled back in. 

That night, after Joseph was put down with a goodnight kiss from both you and Simon, you went to bed feeling off balance. You about stopped breathing when the door clicked open and a body almost gingerly settled in next to you. 

He had just been in Las Almas he told you. It wasn’t for anything difficult, the mission didn’t go wrong and he even got to see some old friends. But in the dark he bled out his grief that in such a familiar place, Johnny wasn’t there. 

Much like everything else between you two, something changed without it being stated. Simon slept in your bed with you from then on.

–

Joseph’s first word was dada. He hadn’t been looking at the photo when he said it. 

–

Simon heard the thunk of fist on flesh before he felt it. His anger flared and he grabbed Gaz by the collar, growling at him. 

“The fuck was that Garrick?!”

Only for once Gaz didn’t immediately look to diffuse the situation as he always did when the 141 came to blows. This time he bared his teeth.

“Are you fucking her?”

Simon pulled at his collar before shoving him back, anger mixing with confusion mixing with guilt. He hadn’t fucked you. He fucking wanted to. And he was starting to think it was only a matter of time. It was an exquisite kind of torture holding you through the night as he had been everytime he was home for the last 6 months. 

“Not that it’s your business Garrick, but no, I’m not fucking her” he hissed, hating that he even had to say it out loud because it felt like a lie even if it wasn’t.

“But you are sleeping in her bed.”

“That a problem?”

God of course he would think it was. Johnny had died in the line of duty and here he was living his life. The life Simon never thought to want with the beautiful, clever, funny and infuriating woman and the baby who looked at him like he hung the stars. 

Gaz laughed derisively, running a hand through his hair in disgusted disbelief. 

“It’s not… like that” Simon tried.

It was.

“Fuck Ghost, I never took you for a saint but I at least thought you had a shred of humanity left.”

“You think I don’t know it’s wrong to settle in with Johnny’s fucking widow?! With his baby? Christ Sergeant I’m well aware I may as well be pissing on his bloody grave!”

“You-” Gaz choked out, looking angrier than Simon had ever seen him. “You think this is about you betraying him? That’s what you’re worried about?”

“You think I wouldn’t be good to her?”

Simon couldn’t believe this is where the conversation was going. Was he really trying to convince someone he could love you? Out loud? He knew he couldn’t, he knew there was nothing he could say that would make it better. But he wanted you so much. 

“Like you were in Las Almas?”

His blood ran cold. 

“What’re you…?”

“Oh fuck off you twat. You weren’t subtle and I’m not an idiot.”

“It wasn’t… it was one time Gaz. They weren’t… he hadn’t proposed or anything yet.”

He hated himself. He hated Johnny. He wanted to throw up when those words left his mouth, as if a ring on your finger made any difference. 

“She’s my friend. She’s my friend and I had to keep it to myself because I loved Johnny. Because I love you. I fucking picked you two over her. And now what? You can’t fuck him anymore so you’ll take the next best thing?”

His heart twisted and twisted until it was disfigured into something dark and cold. He was a monster. He was a monster because you weren’t the next best thing. He was a monster because if Johnny showed up tomorrow, he wouldn’t let you go. He would fight him for you if he had to. 

“...I’m in love with her.”

“Fuck.” 

Kyle Garrick was no stranger to how love fucked up everything. He hated this situation, but if Simon loved you, if you loved Simon? He couldn’t ruin it with a betrayal from years ago. Maybe that made him a terrible person. But Johnny was dead, what good would it do to ruin your chance at happiness after him and ruin your perception of him at the same time? He hoped it wasn’t the wrong decision to make. 

“If you hurt her, I’ll kill you myself Lieutenant. And don’t think Captain and the gorgeous little psychopath waiting for me to come home won’t help.”

Simon knew he would as well. But now that he had finally stopped lying to himself about what he felt for you there was nothing he could do to stop the feral possessiveness that demanded he claim you.

–

“You’re just being sensitive princess.”

Oh you could strangle him. Simon had been off when you had gotten back from dropping J with Kyle’s partner. Price had been there and you had not asked why. Kyle was off as well you thought, eyes darting between you and Simon before hugging you and heading off. 

It was only the second time J had stayed without you overnight. You were less a mess this time than you had been the first time at least. You needed it. You loved that kid more than anything else in the world, but you needed a break. A full night’s sleep. A night to relax which was being ruined by Simon being a bloody dick because you had asked what was up.

“Top form tonight, that why someone clocked you?”

He’d probably have a black eye tomorrow based on how the skin was already puffy and discolouring. You assumed it must have been Kyle. Right now you wished he was still here so you could thank him. 

“Thinking of taking a swing? Don’t think you could reach but I’ll crouch if you ask nicely.”

“If I ever ask nicely for anything from you then I can only hope someone takes me out back and puts me out of my misery.”

You were getting angry. Of course you were. Because it was… well it was Simon. Nobody could wind you up anywhere near as easily as he did. You thought maybe it was mutual as he sneered and got up in your face, looming over you as you crossed your arms and glowered up at him. Stupid, tall fucker.

“You think I couldn’t make you ask nicely princess?”

“And you really think you could casper?”

He leaned down, arms caging you to the kitchen island, teeth seeming sharper somehow, like at any moment he might sink them into your throat.

“I could have you begging like a bitch in heat” he whispered in your ear.

It affected you. Of course it did. But you could hear the huskiness of his voice and you could feel the heat of him. You weren’t the only one affected. 

“Yeah? Prove it Riley.”

The tension that had been slowly tightening for the last year snapped violently. You tasted blood on his lips when you bit into them, you felt bruises form from how roughly he gripped your hips as he hauled you onto the counter. 

Two brutal and torturous hours later, thoroughly fucked every which way and still not having been allowed to cum, you did beg. You begged and cried and thanked him when he finally sent you into an earth shattering orgasm. Another hour and you were begging and crying again for him to stop. He laughed darkly and wrung two more orgasms from you even when you told him you couldn’t cum again. Only when you truly had nothing more to give did he feed you brose and butter.

The last thing you remembered before passing out, exhausted, sated, cleaned and cuddled up, was mumbling hoarsely to Simon that you loved him. Maybe it was just your head being muddled from the events of the evening, but you swore you heard him say it back as you drifted off. You swore he apologised for it.

[rayisemo]

Webtoon comics I think are underrated.

Now, I just want to make it clear that when I say “underrated” I don’t mean as if it isn’t heard of or been read, just that it’s underrated in the sense that nobody talks about it, makes posts about it, fanfics, fan arts, etc.

…and if you haven’t read these then I highly recommend you do!!! It’s so worth it, trust! I’ll add in a little review too!

1. DEATH: Rescheduled (Thriller)

The story in short is about a world where you have the Kill Law, a law where you are legally allowed to kill one person a year, no consequences. However the “Penny” Kreyul and his friends disagree with the Kill Law and are going to put an end to it no matter what.

Death: rescheduled had me so captivated that I refused to sleep before I finished reading. I even spent money on this shit because it was so entrancing! My favourite episode was by far 66, it was so funny and it builds up ships and just pure wholesomeness of the group.

The characters all have great personalities, the story is amazing and omg the art is so beautiful. You’ll love it.

2. Sable Curse (Fantasy)

This story follows a young girl named Tarron, a girl who is cursed and will die in 6 months. Her (honestly abusive) parents decide to take her and her sister to a holiday retreat. There she ends up finding new friends, herself, potential love, and maybe even a cure for her curse. But as it turns out, she’s not the only one cursed either.

This story is amazing! The art is wonderful, the characters are perfect, some we hate, some we love. We learn throughout the story more about this curse, and even about this special holiday retreat. There is so much mystery to uncover and it is one of my favourite webcomics.

Now, I’ve heard that most people have actually read it, but I encourage that we make a proper fandom for this series!

3. Marionetta (Fantasy)

Two best friends decide to go out and visit the travelling circus. However after a while Julia’s best friend Kamille disappears. Julia is determined to find her again and hunts down the circus, where her best friend is now living. Julia is still going to bring her home and end up losing something very valuable. Her life. For this circus is for the dead. Now Julia has to uncover the true secrets behind the circus whilst still trying to bring her and Kamille home. Will she manage? Or will she have to kill Anthonn Gremminger to save her life?

When I tell you this webcomic is a roller coaster of emotions. There are plenty of ships to chase, characters to stan, and many theories to explore. I love this webcomic so bloody much and I was actually surprised that there wasn’t a lot posted about it.

This is such a cool and dark story, with lovely and cute art. I could talk about it for hours.

4. After School Activities For Unripe Apples (Drama)

A wholesome slow burn between Mi-ae and an old childhood friend, Cheol. When another year starts and Mi-ae needs to take school more seriously the son of the family friends shows up in her class, but now seen as Lucifer, a hostile boy who ends fights - but is that the boy Mi-ae remembers? Who she know knows and loves?

This is a cute, funny and entertaining webcomic. You would think that things would be so simple, however due to school, parents, and other issues the characters face of themselves and others, it is difficult to understand and accept your own feelings. This is exactly why I love this series so much, it’s relatable and adorable. We especially love Mi-ae.

There are a few fanfics out there, but honestly where is the love it deserves??

5. My universe (Romance)

Apart from the normal college life Hayeon lives, she has this special gift.. she can communicate with the universe. She ends up communicating with an alien, who she gives the name Ujun. They want to be able to actually meet each other, but alas that is nearly impossible. But imagine the surprise when Ujun ends up taking over the body of one of Hayeons classmates, and crush, Hyeonsu. Now they must figure out a way to send him back whilst still spending some time together. However the peacefulness and secrets can’t be kept as the aliens are taking over. What will Hayeon do now? And can she even trust Ujun anymore?

Now this story deserves its own universe fr. The art is super cute as is the story, however things get more complicated as the story progresses. When I was still reading this the first thing I would do in the morning is read the next episode as soon as I got the daily pass because it was so good! Obviously I’m not going to spoil the ending, however the waves of emotions this series brings you is inhuman.

All in all it’s a fantastic webcomic that deserves so much love and attention!

6. Stray Souls (Fantasy)

In a world of magic and string weaving, some are fortunate and some are not. Eylin isn’t particularly good at string weaving, however that doesn’t stop her and her friends from stopping the wicked and doomed Amethyst King. Follow along the difficulty journey with friendship, love, and a whole lot of mystery. But what is it all worth in the end?

Holy moly this story is AMAZING. The plot is genius and the art is fantastic, the characters are so original and all have such amazing personalities!! Although, it’s a bit hard to keep track of them all😭 still love them all.

All in all it’s so amazing and has so much potential to be incredibly popular, yet there is no fandom!? Give it attention!!

7. Spirit Fingers (Drama)

Adorable Amy Song is incredibly self conscious and insecure. She has no support and no confidences, however after stumbling upon an art club drawing each other and their wacky poses - she ends up becoming their model too. After meeting a cute guy and getting his number she enters the group herself! This group accepts her with love and so much care, and she finally starts to feel more confident in herself and her art! She might even get a boyfriend!

This is quite literally the cutest and most heartwarming webcomic I’ve read in a while. And there is no one talking about it!!’ It’s been around for sooooo long too!!! When I tell you I cry, and laugh, and smile so hard at every chapter!! If you love a heartwarming, coming of age, and found family comic - then this is perfect!! And the art is beautiful!! It’s a perfect read for artists!!

Miss Amy is literally so relatable for those who don’t feel very pretty or have any sorts of insecurities regarding looks or academics. It’s a beautiful, long, and mostly free (if you’re fine with ads) comic, and it’s the best thing I’ve ever found.

Now! So far this are all the webcomics that come to mind! I think all of these are great and I just know that so many more will enjoy these if they gave them a chance.

I’d love to talk about these with other people, and I’d even love it if others would like to share some webcomics they believe are underrated too.

All of these comics are from Webtoon, and are so worth your time! Please let me know if there was anything I missed.

(I might add more in the future 😉)

Edit: sadly the pictures are now a little awkward and too big for my liking… but I hit the limit of 10 pictures 😔🙏

💗- Anyways lots of love!

[anemoiawithatouchofobsession]

My old Sageuk script, revised! ----- Madam Jung : Where is Yoo-hwa? She should have been here by afternoon. 유화가 어디냐? 오후까지 왔어야 했는데. Myeong Ae: She's in the palace today I think the Prince has taken a liking to her. 유화가 궁에 있아옵니다. 세자저하께서 언니한테 관심이 생겼다는 소문을 들었아옵니다. Madam Jung : I see. I hope she doesn't get swayed by the Prince to stay at the court. 그리하구나. 세자저하께 교태전에 남아있으라는 말 안듣게... Mi Hee : Why? If the Prince likes her, she might receive a lot of money. And maybe she will become his concubine! 왜 그렇습니까? 세자저하께서 언니를 좋아하신다면, 돈을 받고, 어쩌면 저하의 첩이 될지도 모릅니다! Madam Jung : Not every gisaeng's path leads to the court. Yoo-hwa is too naive to get into politics, and is too skilled to be an entertainment to the Royal family. 모든 기생들의 길이 궁까지 가야 할 필요 없다. 우리 유화가 너무 흔들리기 쉬워서 궁정과 정치에 멀리서 있어야 해. 또한, 왕실의 오락거리일뿐이 되기에는 얘가 너무 숙련되어있는데. Jin Yi : I've heard that the Consort Hee of the Jang family is a very greedy woman. Yoo-hwa would suffer a lot if she gets in that woman's way. As someone who has seen her since she was young, I am worried. 장씨 희빈마마께 욕망이 많은 여자라고 들었어요. 유화는 그 분에게 방해가 된다면 큰 고통을 겪게 될 건데. 얘를 오랫동안 보는 분이라서 걱정이 되옵니다. Jang Sook : Consorts are always greedy. I don't understand why. The court is splitting like a watermelon, the nation is being attacked on the shores, and these women give birth to four of five babies for what? For the land they receive? For their son to be the next king? So they can be the Queen Dowager and order their own son and the court around? 빈궁들은 항상 욕심이 많군요. 왜 그런지 이해하지 않아. 우리 궁정은 수박처럼 갈라지고 있고, 우리 나라는 해안에 심한 공격당하고 있는데도, 이 여자들은 무엇 때문에 계속 4명이나 5명의 아기를 낳습니까? 받는 땅을 위해서요? 아들이 생기면 그 불쌍한 아이가 다음 왕이 되기 위해서요? 대비가 되어 아들과 궁정을 명령할 수 있기 위해서요? Madam Jung : (raises hand) We are no one to judge someone else's situation and decisions in life. All we can do is live with it and give the children an example of how to,nor how not to, lead life. 우리는 다른 사람의 상황과 결정을 판단하는 사람이 아니다. 우리가 할 수 있는 것은 우리대로 먹고살고 우리 아이들에게 삶을 사는 방법에 대한 예를 드는 것일뿐이다.

Madam Jung : Cheon-geum-ah? 천금아? Cheon-geum  : Yes, mother 네, 어머님 Madam Jung : You are the closest to the age of 16 among the training gisaengs. Am I right? 여기 아이들 중에 16세 넘은 아이 너냐? Cheon-geum  : True, mother. 맞사옵니다 Madam Jung : Then, have you decided on a gisaeng name yet? 그럼, 기생이름을 선택했느냐? Cheon-geum  : No, mother. 아니옵니다 어머님 Madam Jung : Why so, when I have reminded you mamy times? 몇 번 말을 했던게요, 그럼 왜? Cheon-geum : (stutters slightly, in a quieter voice) I- I intend not to take on a gisaeng name, mother. 저- 저는 기생 이름을 생기는 생각이 없아옵니다, 어머님 Wol-hyang : (looks at Eui-hye with a look of worry) Madam Jung : May I know the reason? 이유를 좀 전할할 수 있을까? Cheon-geum  : (voice becoming more firm) My mother gave me a name that I think is fitting to me. I want to be a heavenly lyre player even when I'm a gisaeng. Please understand this young girl's wish, mother. 이 소녀의 애미는 저에게는 잘 어울리는 이름을 지으셨다고 생각을 하느니, 기생이 되도 지금 이름대로 천상의 거문게꾼으로 유명하고 싶은 이 소녀의 순한 마음을 이해주십시오 Soon-ryeon : (leans over to Wol-hyang and whispers) when is her birthday? In how many months? 얘 생일 언젠데? 몇월? Wol-hyang : ( noticing that Madam Jung jas noticed Soonryeon whispering, signals with her hand, 2 fingers. SR gives a look of "well, whatever" and continues eating.) Madam Jung : (slightly angry) So you think these reasons give you the freedom that your friends don't have? What makes you think you have a choice? 그럼 네 친구들이 없는 자유가 네가 갖고 있는 줄 알았느냐? 선택이 있는 생각을 어떻게 들 수 있느냐? Cheon-geum : (quiet but firm) None of the other girls were born to a gisaeng and raised to be one. I have never known anything else but being a gisaeng. How can I change my name? 다른 얘들은 기생의 몸에 타어나지 않았고 기생이 되기 위해 키웠던 게 아니옵니다. 이 소녀는 기생의 삶 밖에 모른데, 어떻게 온 인생이 담긴 그 이름까지 버릴 수 있는 겁니까? Madam Jung : (breathes in sharply) Listen here, child... 아이야, 한 번 들어봐 Mi-hee : (signals to Madam Jung to let her deal with it) Cheon-geum-ah, think again. All of us have gisaeng names. 천금아, 또다시 생각해보렴. 우린 다 기생이름은 있다. Hwa-myeong : I am also the daughter of a gisaeng. I know that you're proud of your name, but I'm sure your mother would appreciate it if you followed the tradition. 저도 기생딸이라서 이름이라는 것에 대한 자랑스음 아주 잘 알아. 그래도, 우리 기생민의 전통을 따라하면 좋겠다. Myeong-ae : ... it is, in the end, what she did too. It wouldn't be wrong to do so. 천금양 어머니도 결곡엔 그렇게 했느니, 니 잘못이 아니라단다... Hwa-myeong : You think it would be disrespectful to your mother, isn't it? 이름을 바뀌는 것은 어머니에게 무례할 거라고 생각을 하냐?? Cheon-geum  : (nods timidly) Mi-hee : I can assure you, it isn't. In fact, I'm sure your mother, if she were here, would tell you to leave your pride behind and do the same as all your seniors, and be a honourable gisaeng. You understand? 장담할건대, 그렇지는 않아. 천금애미께 여기 계셨다면, 자존심은 버리고 모든 선배들과 똑같이 하고, 훌륭한 기생이 되라고 말씀하실 거예요. 이해했나? Cheon-geum  : (lowers her head at the sudden interjection of the seniors, embarrassed) I understand. I will think about it. 알겠아옵니다. 생각을 할 겁니다. Madam Jung : Lift your head up. I will give you time until the day before your 17th birthday. Have you understood? 고개를 들어라. 17번째 생일의 날까지 시간을 줄게. 알아들어시게. Cheon-geum  : Yes, mother. 네, 어머님

Jang Sook : Madam, isn't it commonplace to name the girls as soon as they enter the gyobang? 마님, 평소에는 이런 소녀들에게 교입할때 기생이름을 지우는 것은 맞습니까? Madam Jung : You are right, Mrs. Jang. But I feel like a child should be able to enjoy her name before having it taken away from her. 맞는 말씀이십니다.그렇지만, 이 아가들이 자신의 이름과 그것의 뜻을 알고 즐기는 시간을 주고 싶다고 생각하옵니다. Jin-yi : This gyobang really seems like the only one in the kingdom to do so. 온 왕국에서 이 교방은 이것을 하는거 유일한 것 같죠... Jang Sook : I have heard of another gyobang in the Pyongyang region, where they allow the girls to choose which field they study in, isn't that good too, madam? 평양쪽 또다른 교방에서 교입하는 소녀들에게 각자의 공부의 길을 선택하는 것을 허락하는 게 들었는데, 그리하는 것도 좋아하지 않습니까? Madam Jung : I disagree with that. I know that some of the best gisaengs especially in dancing and singing have come from that gyobang, but the gisaengs there lack an all-round education. A gisaeng should be able to do anything. 아닙니다. 저 교방 출신 기생들은 특히 무용과 창으로 아주 유명하지만, 모든 필요한 실력을 갖이지는 아니다. 기생이 모든 게 잘할 수 있어야 됩니다. Myeong-ae : I agree, mother. There is no reason a gisaeng who excels at poetry would also excel at dancing. 동의하옵니다, 어머님. 시를 잘 쓰는 기생은 무용을 잘 할 리 없네요. Soon-ryeon, Eui-hye and Hwa-jung : (look at  Wol-hyang with a smile, almost as if taunting her for her two left feet.  Wol-hyang lets out a sigh and stuffs her mouth with rice) Mi-hee : (notices  Wol-hyang, smiles) Mi-soon-ah (referring to Myeong-ae by her gisaeng name) , to realise you're wrong, you don't need to look far. 미순아, 잘못의 말씀을 했던 게 이해하기 위해 멀리서 보지마오. Wol-hyang : (even more embarrassed, she cowers and keeps on stuffing rice into her mouth) Mi-hee : I'm sitting right here, am I not, mother? 저 여긴 앉아 있지 않으나요, 어머님? Wol-hyang : (surprised at the sudden relevation, looks up) Madam Jung : I remember. 기억하단다. Mi-hee : (continues) There were days I practiced until my legs bruised, and I thought of Yoo-hwa (Yi-rin's gisaeng name) and cried, because I wasn't even as good as her toenail when it came to dancing. 유화의 발끝만큼도 춤을 못출 수 있단 것을 생각하며 울었고, 제 다리가 다쳤을적까지 연습하는 나날들이 있었군요 Myeong-ae : (laughs) And weren't there days I made the floor wet with my tears, as my voice cracked at all the songs, Geum-wol? 나도 노래할때 이상한 소리가 내서 내 눈물로 바닥을 젖은 날들이 있었다, 기억하나, 금월아? Hwa-myeong : I remember crying while playing the drums - I hit my head with a drumstick. (laughter erupts across the room) . I got a big red boil on my head like an egg. It's practice, practice and again practice, that made us to be as skilled as we are. (turns to Wolhyang) There's no need to worry at all. If there is a will, there is a way. 나는 복을 치다가 울었던 기억이 난데요 - 복에 내 머리를 부딪쳤다고... 이마가 겨란처럼 빨갛게 부어올랐어요. 역시, 연습, 연습 그리고 연습이 우리를 이렇게 만들어. 월향아,너 걱정하기가 필요없다. 너 이젠 마음 먹었으니 길이 발견될테니. (Wolhyang : bends her head, half in shame, half in relief. The seniors and Madam Jung smile, and everyone continues eating)

[snekky-arts]

back in college (wah) so new art is going to be longer coming than I has been. Meanwhile, have this surprisingly good Puffy from a style experiment a year or so ago.

Also, this Puffy is specifically from my fanfic Sanctuary. Which I love, but is old, so enter at your own risk.

(fun fact, her clothes are based off of upper-class northern european clothes from the 1660s. northern European because the AE is cold, 1660s because I liked the vibes, and upper class with the implication that Puffy has both money and distain for the class divide)

(also also fun fact, Puffy is based off a Jacob sheep)

college may be rough but my comms are open!

[euphorianyx]

DADDY ISSUES [DAWN] -10-

Pairing: JungKook & Reader Genre: Smut /Intriguing/Violent/Soapy/Fluff/ Angst |+18| Summary: Two hearts that still burned for each other... I was water, he was fire ; together, we turned into haze He wanted my light, I wanted his pain Even if we try to deny, our hearts knew their way Money, glory, power for life, us was all we needed in the end ⟪A/N: Please do not copy or publish my work on other platforms without my permission. Every and each like & reblog are highly appreciated.⟫

⨳ DADDY ISSUES SUNSET -prequel- ⨳ ⨳ DADDY ISSUES DAWN other chapters ⨳ ⨳ DADDY ISSUES PLAYLIST ⨳

“What the heck is going on here?”

JungKook kept watching the car with furrowed eyebrows. His voice showed a bit of confusion, but his face was what got you. He was ice-cold, and you knew whatever going on would not be for good.

“JungKook”

You tried to get an explanation from him. His sort of deep yet velvety voice filled the air of the car.

“Did you see my father before you got here?”

Closing your eyes, a regretful sigh escaped from you.

“Yes ! I mean, I kind of talked back to him but… I… Uhh…”

Losing the way to your words, you began rambling. Much to your surprise, JungKook let out a crazy chuckle.

“Babydoll… You always find a way to amaze me.”

Gasping in utter shock, you could not help mocking his remark.

“I showed up with explosives, and what amazed you was me opposing your father?”

JungKook tilted his head once, like he was making a private joke. Any other human being spoke to him that way would beg to die within minutes. It was only and only you.

“My life… I will end what you started. Right now, something is going on, but I don't know what yet.”

After that remark, you were not able to form a single word. Jungkook has never called you 'my life' before. That was the softest you have heard of him so far. However, the rest of the sentence was vantablack.

The white car beside you sped up and cut through your way with a loud break. His eagle gaze never leaving the man, JungKook reached for the door whilst finishing his sentence.

“Stay in the car.”

Was what you heard before JungKook got out. For some reason, the man got out of the car as well and greeted JungKook. JungKook seemed far from patience. He arched his eyebrows while his eyes were busy tearing the man standing before him.

“Speak.”

Since he was not as tall as JungKook, the man tried his best to take the advantage by fixing his fresh clean suit.

“Mr. Park wants his daughter back. Apologies ahead, but Father Jeon does not want you to get involved any further.”

Watching their interaction closely, you knew… Knew one of the worst scenarios was about to unfold. A smirk spread across JungKook's face. The unhinged smirk you were quite familiar with… And his eyes light up.

“Call my father.”

Smiling, Jae Oh turned around and put his gun under JungKook's chin. Then he dialed the number of his father.

Upon seeing the shiny metal, the panic was evident in your eyes. You were scared of JungKook getting hurt again. However, he seemed as if he was getting ready to play an arcade game.

Father Jeon's deep voice met them through the speakers. JungKook spoke cheerfully.

“Father, I see you are getting old.”

His father's cold voice echoed.

“You are smart enough to know I have no option, son.”

JungKook's tone was almost mocking. Only if his father actually could read.

“Oh you don't father.”

Maybe he could understand how serious it ended.

“But I do.”

Then JungKook directed his words at the man sitting across father Jeon in suit and tie.

“Mr. Park, I guess the drink with my father was profitable.”

The replied with a dry voice, as he shifted on the comfy chair.

“Indeed it was.”

JungKook let out a bone chilling chuckle.

“I hope Jimin loved the chrysants through his goodbye. I did not plan them for Min Ae, but if I must; I will have fresh ones ready for you.”

Mr. Park had no idea what the situation was and thought he must step in to save his daughter. Hearing those words from JungKook was unsettling for him. Mr. Park cleared his throat while he was thinking of how to respond, JungKook cut the line. The phone loosely hung between JungKook's fingers. Right when Jae Oh's hand reached, JungKook let it fall on the ground. Jae Oh shook his head.

“Such a basic move for someone like you, Jeon.”

Then he pointed at the phone with his gun.

“Take it.”

JungKook's lips dropped into a serious pout. He crouched and grabbed a handful of dry foil from the roadside. Back on his feet, JungKook threw the foil at Jae Oh's eyes. Through his blink, JungKook already caught his wrist. Of course, Jae Oh was trained not to give up.

He raised his left leg to kick JungKook. However, the pain was not enough for JungKook to let go. It only bought a couple of seconds to Jae Oh, but it was not enough. JungKook did not go for the gun. He went straight for Jae Oh's chest. Cut out of breath, gun already fell from his hand. JungKook kicked it away, grabbed Jae Oh by his neck and continuously kicked him.

Jae Oh's left brow and lip were bleeding. His ribs were probably injured. With the last immense effort, Jae Oh lifted his head slightly, only for JungKook to grit his teeth and forcefully put his foot on his cheek. Jae Oh was unconscious after all the beating. JungKook grabbed him by his neck, dragged his body till the car. Lifted the heavy body up with both hands and threw Jae Oh in the trunk.

Watching everything, you just knew better to keep the silence. JungKook still had the warm blood on his hands.

“Whatever happens, you will be with me, right?”

JungKook tried to reassure himself. The way his voice softened in the end got through you. You knew something was coming, but you trusted JungKook.

“I will…”

Those words seemed simple yet heavier than any wow. You both knew you could not be apart. The only option left was to face everything together. He took your hand and never let go till the car reached the mansion. As JungKook pulled up by the door, Yugyeom and Johan came running toward you. You had no idea how he managed to put himself together, but Yugyeom was fresh and clean. JungKook asked with such a chilly tone that it kind of spooked you as well.

“Are they still here?”

Yugyeom gave JungKook a sharp nod.

JungKook directed his eyes at Johan, tilted his head to the side of the car.

“Luggage… I am planning a show.”

With no words, Johan made his way to the back of the car. He opened the trunk and dragged the unconscious man out. Seemed a bit surprised, Yugyeom informed JungKook.

“I will get Havoc and Ruffian ready, but…”

His eyes drifted to your side for a brief moment. JungKook kindly put his hands on each side of your arms.

“Babydoll, let's get you upstairs, so you can clean up and rest.”

You did not move.

“Havoc and Ruffian?”

JungKook closed his eyes and sighed.

“My German Shepherds. Now let's go.”

He held his hand out, and you took it kind of unwillingly.

“You have got dogs that I have never seen?!”

JungKook avoided your eyes as he rushed you inside the big mansion.

“Yes because they are wild. Only two people allowed near them.”

You did not need to ask who because you already figured the second person was Yugyeom. Curiosity outweighing your tiredness, you stopped before you stepped on the stairs.

“I want to see them.”

JungKook sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Doll, that will be a process, maybe later.”

You stood on your feet, not taking any step.

“Then tell me what you are going to do.”

JungKook had enough of your little antics. He narrowed his eyes, then you were swept off of your feet. To keep your balance, you wrapped your arms around his neck as he carried you in his arms.

“Why?”

You asked; half smiley, half serious.

“You are being stubborn. We are going to the bedroom.”

JungKook arrived to the large door of the room you have not been in for a while. You shyly opened it, as JungKook did not lose any time to step inside. He slowly put you down, caused you to look up at him with curious eyes.

"I need to change."

Was his reasonable explanation since you both were still covered in dust and dirt. He disappeared into the bathroom. You heard the water running for a few minutes. Jungkook walked out, a towel wrapped around his groins, hanging dangerously low. Smiling at you, JungKook picked a sunray colored shirt and dry seagrass colored trousers. While he was buttoning his shirt, you walked up to help. JungKook's large hand cupped your face as he looked directly into your eyes.

“Now, be a good girl… Stay here, clean up and get ready for me.”

Pretending that you did not get him, you took a step to get close again.

“You told me to have some rest.”

JungKook wrapped his arm around your waist as he pressed your bodies together. Giving you a short yet fiery kiss, he whispered in your ear.

“Obviously you don't want to, so I will help you.”

Giving you a playful smirk, he walked out of the door. Within a minute, one of the maids showed up. She greeted you respectfully.

“How would you like your bath, Mrs. Jeon? I can prepare some daisies, melissa and lavender to help you relax. Would you rather some dried sweet basil and sea salt to give you some energy?”

The simple thought of warm water was enough for you to relax, but you still wanted to see what JungKook was planning.

“Basil and sea salt, please.”

Unaware of the chaos that was about to unfold, you let your body soak in the refreshing water.

Meanwhile, JungKook casually walked out of the door to greet the small crowd in the garden by the table.

“Father”

JungKook greeted the old man in fine suit with a devilish spark in his eyes. Then he directed his eyes to Mr. Park. JungKook looked down at the hand he held out, almost mockingly. Ignoring it, JungKook took his place as the entrees were already served.

His eyes laid on Min Ae, who was sitting across him. She cheekily smiled at JungKook as if nothing happened. As if this was an ordinary, peaceful family dinner. Mr. Park, had a bite of his paçanga pastry, then drifted his eyes back to JungKook.

“You know, your father and I have go way back.”

Still wearing his poker face, JungKook answered the old man with gray hair and fine suit.

“I know… Almost to the building of the company.”

The old man smiled back while his hoarse voice filled the air again.

“If it was not for that, tonight would be a lot worse.”

An arrogant smile bloomed on JungKook's lips.

“Oh, it will be a lot worse.”

All present at the table were astonished upon hearing that statement. Even the maids that were serving the supper. They quickened their work and left with no words. Mr. Park was the one that broke the eerie silence.

“I believe no one has such an intention.”

A chilling chuckle from JungKook echoed.

“Mr. Park… The history of our generation is a little different from yours.”

Mr. Park's face hardened as his voice drifted.

“I am aware…but my son already paid the price for that.”

JungKook nodded twice then raised his hand. After his little gesture; YugYeom and the low growl of the dogs made their entrance.

“That is why tonight is just a little warning.”

Yugyeom followed the stone path and arrived to the wooden arbor. JungKook slowly made his way to the same place and removed the cover of Jae Oh. The beaten man squinted his eyes after the bright light hit his eyes.

Upon seeing two dogs with their teeth showing, Jae Oh began begging JungKook for mercy. Although, those calls were in vain. JungKook crouched to reach Havoc and Ruffian. Obediently, dogs just got closer to him. JungKook petted them both a few times. Dogs never looked away from JungKook.

“Are you hungry?”

Havoc let out a small growl, making JungKook smile.

“Of course you are… Go, here is your dinner.”

Under the horrified gaze of the small crowd, Havoc and Ruffian ripped apart the man in front of them. The agonizing screams of Jae Oh went on for a few minutes. Then they died down while the dogs were busy with his remains.

Finally regaining some energy, you stepped out of the tub. Grabbing the towel waiting, you walked out of the bathroom. Since nothing changed in his room, you made your way to the familiar dressing room. Considering JungKook's choice of color, you opted for a knee-length peach-colored dress. Fixing your hair into a ponytail, you felt you looked a bit decent at least.

Making your way to the window, you realized Min Ae was there by the table. Then your eyes shifted to the arbor. You froze as you witnessed the last minute of two dogs' cruel feast. Hand on your mouth, you just backed away from the window. You could feel your stomach started to get sick. You took a deep breath, grabbed a glass of water from the mini bar on the corner. Furthermore, you could not let that scene get to you.

Walking downstairs, you tried your best to keep calm and collected. The shock was still evident in the eyes of everyone by the table. When JungKook saw you, his first instinct was to send the dogs away with Yugyeom. Then he put the cover back on the ground. Regardless of his efforts, you could see the blood on the green leaves around the arbor. JungKook met you through halfway to the table.

“Babydoll, I told you to wait in our room.”

His whisper carried the hints of worry and annoyance. Your stare challenged him, even if you did not intend to.

"You asked me if I would be with you, whatever happens. And I said yes, Jungkook."

His fingers gently held your chin.

“I meant it Y/N…”

Then his voice softened.

“I just did not want you to see that gruesome mess.”

Your fingers slowly reached and caressed his ear before you fixed his dark hair.

“I know… I promised, so I am here for it all.”

After the reassurance, JungKook gave you an accepting nod and a soft smile. He held your hand above his as you walked toward the table. The crowd was still under the effect of not so little show of Jungkook. Mr. Jeon almost fell back on his chair. He uncomfortably loosened his tie. Mr. Park stepped away from the table as he told Min Ae to follow him. Before they could make another move, JungKook called out.

“Leaving already? I think you should stay for the dessert.”

Knowing well they had no chance, Mr. Park gestured his daughter to sit back while he did so. Mr. Park realized JungKook was far worse than he thought of. Not crossing his line was the only thing they could do. JungKook lifted your hand a little higher to place a little kiss. After that, he pulled the chair for you to sit. Silence took over again while maids served apple pies to everyone.

“Sorry for the inconvenience, Father.”

JungKook said while he cut the pie in front of him.

“Maybe you should try someone more professional.”

Father Jeon did not even try to say anything back. He just palmed his face out of stress. JungKook changed the cut pie with yours. Noticing Min Ae's eyes on him irked something in you.

“Mr. Park, I was hoping Min Ae to be our guest for a couple of days.”

[lilaceas]

[a-whispering-echo]

hi wanders in id love to hear more about band dusts lore if u have anything to share!!

oh my god oh my god, i love you 'if i have any to share' DUDE - this man has enough lore to fill an entire book, so much so that i genuinely forget hes a character and not an actual person.

so, im not gonna give you ALL the lore, cus, like i said, i have his stuff in my head down to the tiniest detail, and it would be like telling someone your entire life story - SO, ill give you a generalisation of his childhood!

TW in description!

Dustin Sal-in Calvateyla, or 칼바테일라, 더스틴 살인, was born intersex on February 10th 2000, to Ae-Cha Calvateyla, nee Yoon, and Joshua Calvateyla. Ae-Cha was born in Incheon, to a small family, while Joshua was born in Missouri. they met when Joshua travelled to Korea to take photos, as a photographer, and met Ae-Cha under a dogwood tree, took photos of her, and they eventually got talking.

Ae-Cha wore the pants n the relationship, confidant, bossy, she knew what she wanted and how to get it, while Joshua was more reserved, sweet but timid. the kind of guy you cant help but like.

One of Dusts earliest memories is of his dad taking him to the park, something they did regularly, to take photos with him - he had this beautiful old film camera that Dust was fascinated by, and afterwards theyd get ice cream. Dust used to always beg his dad to take photos of him too, like his model. which is funny, because nowadays, he runs from the paparazzi.

Ae-Cha and Joshua moved to the sates and got married, moving to California, and it was clear from the get go that Ae-Cha was going to be running the house. she ran a very korean themed home, from the language spoken, to the style of decoration, to the food eaten, everything was korean. So, when Dust was born, he grew up in a very korean environment, despite living in the states.

Dust was actually born in korea, because Ae-Cha booked a vacation back to her home country while heavily pregnant, and gave birth there - (she didnt want to pay the overly expensive american healthcare money, so, she cheated the system) - and they stayed there for about a month with tiny Dust.

Life was fairly formal for a few years - until along came baby Ash, Dusts little brother, when Dust was 4. he took to his brother well, and promised to love him with his whole heart.

Joshuas favourite colour was always blue, while Ae-Chas was red, and so, when Ash was born and came out with a shock of red hair, they decided to dye Dusts hair this bright blue colour - an odd choice, but something that happened. at this point, Dust had NEVER had a haircut, and so his hair was LONG, and bright blue after they dye job.

Ae-Cha was diagnosed as schizophrenic when she was 16, something she never really spoke to her family about, but that her husband was aware of. its the fact that she constantly refused help and therapy that was the issue.

She started going downhill when Dust has turned 5, Ash barely a year old, started not taking her medication, refusing any kind of help, including from her husband, and was incredibly angry all the time. she got fired from her business job for being disruptive and not doing her work on time, which only pushed her further.

One day, as Dust was playing in the kitchen, he hears his omma start screaming at his dad, who was baking some cupcakes at the time, and, with his tiny 5 year old brain, thought the smartest thing to do with all the noise going on, was hide in the cupboard, so, he went in with his little bunny toy, and peered out to watch his parents.

all he really remembers nowadays is a lot of shouting, a gun being waved, 2 quick shots and his dad falling to the floor, followed by his ommas scream, and then one more shot, as she fell down too. He remembers going over to them, staining his feet with blood, as he tried to wake them up, but they didnt, and he started feeling like something was wrong, so, in his panic, he scoops up his tiny brother from his cradle in the living room, and runs out the backdoor, and never looks back.

I.. have WAY more to the story that here, i was even expecting to write more, but i just realised how LONG this is, so, ill shut up now, but if you or anyone else wants me to continue, PLEASE DO SEND ASKS, i LOVE getting asks about my characters, but especially the band au, cus i have SO MUCH on it that i havent mentioned at all!

[anarchiii]

I’ve never left your side. —TOG AU

One shot | Warnings: Angst, near death experience | Aelin x Rowan

Summary: pay attention to the road, it’s a fickle thing.

Note; this is an AU, it’s not in the books.

Masterlist

Aelin’s POV

Aelin was on her way home, finding it hard to drive in the rain, thunder boomed in the distance—causing more rain to fall, thank the Gods for windshield wipers, she didn’t know what she would do without them.

Abruptly her phone started ringing, seeing it was her boss—she answered immediately, wondering why in Hellas realm he was calling her so late, “hello?” She asked, “Aelin” her boss answered, his voice hoarse and strained from the excessive use of cigarettes and alcohol over the years, in fact. She heard him lighting one from through the phone. “I hate to call you so late but I’m giving you the honour of hearing this from me when I say; the money is takes to fund so many people is a lot—as yer’ know and with all this inflation which has caused us to start letting people go, which you know as well,” oh Gods, was he saying what she thought he was saying?

“I hate to inform you, Ae, but we just don’t have the money to keep paying you, we have already had to start deducting out of your pay but it’s all gotten too much…I think you know where I’m going with this—” a sickening cough met her ears abruptly before he continued, “we’re gonna’ to have to let you go. I thought you’d rather hear it from me.—” another cough, “anyway, yeah, have a good rest if yer’ night, gotta go settle down the wife. You know? Ciao.”

Aelin dropped her phone, barely believing that her boss had just let her go after she had slaved for them for years on a measly pay, it didn’t help that he had said it so casually, she tried to hold back tears. What was she going to do? It was so hard to find a job these days and money was so hard to get. Everything cost an arm and a leg.

Her throat tightened and she sniffed, she had to call Rowan and tell him what had happened, he would be happy but it was better he knew, oh gods, he was so stressed already. She would only add to it. Maybe she shouldn’t tell him, suddenly her phone rang once more, it was Rowan, oh Gods, Aelin cleared her throat and accepted the call. “Hey buzzard, is everything all right?” She said, “yeah baby, I was just checking in to see when you would be home, pizza was cheap at the supermarket so I bought one. I hope you don’t mind Hawaiian. Does that sound alright?”

“It sounds great” she whispered, her voice cracking slightly, “is everything okay Fireheart? You sound sad, what happened? Talk to me baby,” he said worryingly. He had sounded so happy when she had answered. And already he was getting sad because of her, “nothing baby, everything is A-OK, just my hormones kicking in. No need to worry about little old me. I’ll be home in a jiffy,” she said, her tears silently falling down her face, she was trying to sound happy but it was hard when her mind was swimming with thoughts of their bills and what they would do, “are you sure?” He questioned, she knew he didn’t buy the hormone excuse for a second.

“Aelin?” he said when she didn’t respond, “Ae?” He said again, still—she didn’t say anything, struggling not to break down. She placed her phone on the dashboard and started wiping her tears from her eyes, “Fireheart, are you there?” Her husband’s voice grew anxious, Aelin closed her eyes for a split second—breathing in through her nose and out through her mouth.

She opened them just in time to see the car collide with her.

-

The beeping of machines brought her back to consciousness, groaning as her chest screamed in pain, her head throbbing, “Ae!” She heard her husband yell. His voice was hoarse from what sounded like crying. Crying?

She opened her eyes slowly—immediately spotting Rowan where he was leaning over her, he started sobbing and the sight made her cry as well. “Ro, why are you crying?” She asked, she needed water, she was parched. “Fireheart…they said you could’ve died, I was terrified, I couldn’t—I can’t lose you, baby…” he whispered in between tears.

Suddenly—blinding pain erupted in her chest—no, her lungs—“Ro…” she said, but he continued, “I don’t know what I could do without you. When I heard there had been a collision on the road you were taking I immediately knew, I rushed here as soon as possible…” he said. His voice cracking. Tears fell from his beautiful eyes, “Ro” she said once more, he finally looked at her and panic filled his face, “Fireheart…?”

Her ears started ringing and she couldn’t focus on anything other than the pain in her chest, her head pounding relentlessly, “Nurse!” She heard her buzzard yell. “Nurse!”

She wanted to close her eyes so desperately but she kept them firmly on her husband, fearing she may not see his lovely form again, he turned around and grabbed her shoulders. Making sure she was looking at him. “It’s going to be okay. Baby. You are strong—so strong and-and I love you so, so much,” his voice broke with every word, her vision started becoming increasingly blurry and that’s when she realised she could barely breathe, “stay with me baby. Stay with me.” Rowan said over and over again like it was his mantra, “you gotta stay with me…who else is going to eat that pizza with me?” He joked—not smiling at all—that’s when the nursing rushed in and pulled him away, immediately moving her onto a different bed—a movable one, she thought—lights started flashing above her and the ringing became louder. She faintly heard the nurses and doctors talking… “her heart rate is slowing…” “she has clear signs of collapsing lungs…” “when she hit the car she went straight into the steering wheel, the air bags failed…” “I don’t know if we will save her in time…” “she’s too far gone…” “all we can do is make it as painless as possible…”

Aelin found it so, so hard to breathe, air seemed to be coming out of her more than coming in, was this is? Was this the end? She wanted to cry but she couldn’t. Rowan came into view—his face like an angel. He was terrified and yet he still looked at her with so much love in his beautiful, beautiful eyes…

-

“Is she going to be alright?” Someone said—no, her husband said, oh Gods, he was probably so worried…

“Ro?” She croaked, her voice even more dry than before, “Aelin!” He said, she felt him grab onto her and kiss her head, she tried opening her eyes—failing anyway—but the nurse stopped her. “Sorry. Hun, but you have to let your eyes heal for a while before you can open them, okay?” The nurse said, she tried to sound cheery but she could hear that even she was worried—that was never a good sign—what had happened to her eyes? The nurse seemed to know what she was thinking as she said, “when you collided with the car—your chest was flung into the steering wheel causing your lungs to collapse, and then your head was hit by something we don’t know yet, but we are assuming that something went through your windshield and hit your head but like I said—it is not confirmed” then she left. Or went really quiet.

“Buzzard, are you there?” She asked, sounding like a kid asking for her mother, “yeah, Fireheart, I’m here, I’ve never left your side” even without seeing him—she knew he was smiling at here in a way that was so…Rowan. She may be temporarily blind but her love wasn’t and never had been.

The End.

Note: sorry y’all, I’ve been in an angsty mood and the poor characters have been getting the brunt of it 🤧

-Taglist

@leiawritesstories

@mariaofdoranelle

@aelinschild

[pentrologram]

What Normal People Do - 5

Art fair! sorry to the ghost truthers i just realised simon has brown eyes and not blue… i changed it in chapter three. idk how i got it in my head that his eyes are blue :’) ao3! ghost/soap/gn!reader (established ghoap)

I Need You Here

Johnny has been looking for a job.

Simon knew this day would come, admittedly. Crafts from Hobby Lobby would only tide Johnny over for so long before his hands grew a mind, taking him away from the private little paradise they’ve built together.

Now, Johnny often sprawled over Simon’s laptop, searching for any hands-on job nearby. It wasn’t uncommon for him to come to Simon, asking questions about the workforce since all he’s ever known is the military. They talk about handyman jobs, which Johnny seems most attracted to, assisting artists at a nearby college or even teaching an art class at the college, which revolts Johnny.

“Ae don’t ken anythin’ about art, Si!” He protests when Simon taps into the job listing.

“Sure you do. Your sketchbooks, Johnny.”

“That’s nae college level!”

He does half of the application just to fuck with Johnny.

Johnny finds a listing at the clinic you work at for a janitor. He froths at the mouth while thinking about working in such proximity to you for four days a week, but the pay brings him back down to earth. While technically they’d be fine forever with their retirement money, having extra cash could never kill them. For twelve pounds an hour, Johnny decides he can do better.

Johnny calls it quits after a week of searching for jobs. Everything he found started too early or too late, had too many days or not enough. He was either overqualified or underqualified and he was beginning to think that maybe he should go back to the military and take a civilian job because nowhere else seemed to understand his need for flexible hours. He tells Simon as much.

“No, Johnny, you just need to find your thing,” Simon says, rubbing Johnny’s shoulders reassuringly as they curl up on the couch together, Riley asleep by their feet. “It feels discouraging now, yeah, but you just might not be looking at the right stuff, y’know?” Johnny huffs.

“I’m dyin’ of boredom here, Si,” he gripes.

“I wasn’t joking about teaching that art class, you know.” He says, quietly, after a second.

“There’s no way, Si. A’m not like that. I dinnae know value from shade.” He grumbles back.

“Well, it’s the twenty-first century, love. You can sell your work. Or teach an amateur class online.”

Johnny goes quiet for the rest of the movie. He’s quiet as he takes a shower, brushes his teeth and gives Riley her last walk of the day and quiet as he crawls into bed.

He spends the next day researching things about a platform called ‘Etsy’. He barely takes breaks to eat or drink and Simon has to manhandle him to wash his hair. He spends most of the night doing whatever the hell on Etsy and Simon gives up on forcing him into bed and just falls asleep.

By the time he wakes up at 1000, Johnny is slumped at his desk, the laptop dead in front of him and covered by some of Johnny’s old charcoal figures. He sighs and cleans up the mess on the desk before putting a pillow under Johnny’s head and throwing a blanket over him. Then he makes breakfast and puts a full plate underneath Johnny’s nose, to help him wake up.

He takes Riley for her morning walk after breakfast and they detour to your apartment to say hi. You’re chirpy, finally fully recovered from the breakup as it seems, and genuinely happy to see them. Riley loves up on your legs like usual while you idly chat.

“There’s another fair coming to town next week,” you bring up.

“But didn’t we just have the strawberry one?”

“Yeah. But the college nearby is opening a new museum so they’re hosting a tiny version of one of the exhibits in a fair and bringing a bunch of local artists in.”

“Really?” Simon says, mind already churning into high gear when you mention local artists. “Johnny’s gonna love that.”

“It sounds like it’ll be his speed.” You say.

Simon nods. He has something to chew on now and he says an abrupt goodbye before going back to the apartment, hanging up Riley’s leash. Johnny is quick to pounce on him, immediately yapping about the Etsy page he made and all of his old art he put up for sale and how he’s already sold five whole pieces and needs to go ship them out.

Simon praises him, because he’s done such a good job- because, well, he’s doing something to occupy himself without leaving the relative safety of their apartment and that alone is enough to soothe him.

He tells Johnny about the fair during dinner, and Johnny lights up like the sun.

“Oh, oh, Si, can we go wi’ the bon, please, Si?” He begged with his biggest puppy eyes.

“Nn. You’ll have to ask them yourself.” He says, which makes Johnny immediately jump up to go and do just that. He’s stopped, obviously, with a sharp tug on the neck of his shirt.

“It’s ten in the night, Johnny.” He says. “Eat your damn dinner.”

“But ye said-“

“I didn’t mean right now, you bloody maniac. Calm yourself.” He says. Johnny pouts and pokes at the rest of his mashed potatoes like a child.

When Johnny does get to ask you the next day, though, he looks fully prepared to guilt trip you into agreeing. You agree without resistance, only ever so gently coaxing Johnny into going on your off day next week as opposed to that very second. He agrees only because it’s you.

Needless to say, Johnny is nothing but unbearable during the wait; talking Simon’s ear off to the point where he thinks he’ll get a permanent migraine. Thank bloody hell he’s so easily distracted by shiny things- most of the time, he was able to redirect questions about you to a collection of cross-stitch sets he had bought years ago. That, and helping Johnny pack and mail the odd dozen or so artworks that he's sold for a good dollar help keep him occupied. The works are mostly charcoals on fancy mixed media paper, all of them vaguely an unmasked Simon or the dog. It doesn't seem to matter much to the people who're buying his stuff, though.

The day finally comes, though, and Johnny sniffs you out. It’s very bloodhound-esc. You don’t seem to mind all too much, looking content to be dragged around.

Johnny first takes the three of you to a little make-your-own painting stall hosted by an oil painter located a few hours out. Johnny is utterly concentrated, leaving Simon and you to foster a quiet conversation while you paint on the provided canvases. When Simon goes to pay, Johnny shows you his painting proudly; it’s a portrait of you and Simon hunched over your portraits while engaged in a conversation. He’s somehow captured the essence of the summer afternoon and you’re entranced by how he’s painted you; the sun is almost right behind you, in his painting, and it makes your hair glow and eyes shine, even as they’re downcast.

“Wow….” You murmur, and Johnny beams, proud. Suddenly the still life you had done of the stall is no longer impressive. Johnny still insists on seeing it, forcing you to show it to him. He might be a little too generous, but still. It seems as though he means it, so what else could you ask for?

Simon comes back and he nearly mirrors your response, but he doesn’t seem as surprised as you had been. Johnny also manhandles Simon into showing his painting, but Simon is a lot more resistant. It takes Johnny squirming under one burly, hoodie-clad forearm for Simon to relent and begrudgingly show him a heartfelt landscape of simple green grasslands. Johnny still seems earnestly honest, nattering about how natural the few flowers look.

Then you’re toted to a make-your-own pottery stall, which is a lot harder than it looks. Johnny (obviously) takes to it like a fish to water after one or two bad first attempts, but neither Simon nor you take to it as quickly or smoothly. You end up coaxing a few deep chuckles from Simon with your poor attempts, but you’re not afraid to laugh at him, too, when he doesn’t do any better. Johnny makes an elegant, tall vase and Simon manages a lumpy yet characteristic mug. Your bowl is cute and has a swirly design you're rather proud of. Again, Simon pays and registers the group to be notified when the pots (as poor as yours and Simon’s were) are finished with glaze and firing.

Lastly, since by this time it was beginning to get dark, you take photos in front of painted backdrops done by different artists. They're all unique and beautiful, each done in their own, unique style. Johnny takes twenty minutes to just appreciate the artistry before making you take photos in front of his favourite backdrops with him. It’s another twenty until you’re able to rope Simon into taking one photo.

Johnny looks so utterly inspired, clutching the tote bag that holds his and Simon's oil paintings with a starry-eyed look as he takes one more look around the fairgrounds. It's awfully adorable. He begs you to just peek into a few more stalls while you wait for Simon to go to the person who ran the little photo area and get the photos printed out for you, so when you inevitably parted ways at the doorways of your apartments, you had a small 3x6” souvenir- ready to be pinned up on your wall.

[tomtenadia]

Detours to You - ch 11

Helo all!!!

Your truly is back from Canada and I have a surprise for those who care.

In tinsi chapter we have fussy Rowan and some good old hurt/Comfort... oh yeah... Aerobitch is mentioned too... I promise he will not make an appearance. he just gets mentioned but that's all.

Enjoy!!!

MASTERLIST

Two days later Rowan was on his red truck en route to Hamel HQ to talk to the bastard who was putting hundreds of people lives at risk. On top of his regular duties and paperwork, this one had suddenly become his top priority. He had even liaised with the police and an inspector admitted that they had a case against Hamel and were very keen on taking the man down if they had enough proof. Rowan was dead set on giving them all the bullets they needed to shoot the bastard down. 

Aelin and Maya had moved most of all their stuff at his place. He was meant to go back that night for the last load. He had been even more furious when he found out that Hamel had been increasing rent prices on a constant basis. He and Aelin had moved in that block of flats when they had decided to live together. It was a nice place, central and with a decent rent. But now it had basically tripled and he was not having it. He had an house almost paid off thanks to the money his dad left him, and Aelin was not going to pay any more money to that monster.

Hamel group HQ’s building was in the middle of the financial district and looked luxurious and disgusting. He parked his pickup and strolled in the lavish lobby, while anger rose in him. At the reception he introduced himself as the chief of the TFD and requested a visit with Mr Hamel. The receptionist told him that he was a busy man and an appointment should be made before showing up unannounced.

“I am the fire Chief and I don’t care. Your boss is putting lives in danger and I am not leaving this building until I have a meeting with him.”

“You could be the president, you still need an appointment.” She added almost bored.

In that instant security started to close on him “You win for today, but next time, I am showing up with a mandate from the police and the entire incursion team and we will rat him out by force if needed.”

He stormed out and called Nesryn at Police HQ. She was a good friend of his and as soon as he told her who he was gunning for she told him she had his back and all the legal documents ready to storm that shithole.

A smirk appeared on his face and he drove back to work.

*

It was late, far later than he had planned. Rowan was meant to go to Aelin’s place and pick them up and go home but he had been buried under a mountain of work and lost track of the time. He was about to leave the office when his radio became alive with a call. A three alarm fire. His heart stopped when he heard the address. Fuck fuck and fuck. 

Like a desperate man he ran to his pickup, checked that he had all of his gear and with sirens howling he drove to the location. 

In that instant his phone went off and accepted it via the button on his steering wheel “Aelin?”

Coughing in the background “Rowan?”

“I am on my way, Are you two safe?”

“Smoke, Rowan, there is so much smoke.”

Why was traffic not moving? Angrily he honked a few times “Listen to me, grab a cloth and wet it and place it on both yours and Maya’s face. Cover mouth and nose and stay low. And Aelin, do not leave the flat until one of us gets in, understood?”

A weak yes came through the call “Is Maya okay?”

“She is so scared.”

“I am almost there, I can see the smoke.” He heard Maya’s voice “Maya, baby I am coming, listen to your mum, be brave a little longer. I am coning.”

The girl cried and Rowan remained on the phone with Aelin until he spotted her building “Ae, I am here. I will see you soon.”

He finally parked and bolted out of the vehicle to grab his gear and join Lorcan who was directing the operation while he arrived.

His eyes lifted to the topmost floor where Aelin lived and relief washed over him when he spotted no fire. It did not mean they were safe though, the smoke was rising quickly and until the building was fully evacuated he would probably not know what normal breathing was again.

“What’s the situation?”

“Fire is on the second floor, we have evacuated the first floor and I have my team, station 7 and 8 on evacuating the level above the fire line,” he explained “The fire alarm did not go off and no sprinklers. The call was raised by a tenant who spotted the fire in his level when he was leaving the house.” Lorcan then looked at his friend terrified face “Brullo, Ress and Ansel are on Aelin’s floor.” And quickly he ran to grab his gear and join his team.

He quickly called for a situation status for each level and anger surged when the second floor’s team reported two victims. 

“Sartaq, take your team inside and go on level two with water support, we need to tackle this quickly.”

A call came through the radio “Chief, I smell electrical fire in sector A.”

Rowan held back Sartaq with his hand. He then looked at him and a nod was all the lieutenant needed to switch to CO2 “Nox, Sartaq is coming in with a lot of CO2 extinguishers.”

“Copy that, chief.”

Rowan was busy giving orders to his team when he spotted a head of golden hair and Brullo carrying a little girl with silver hair. His instincts told him to bolt and ran to them, but he had a job to do, so he just followed Brullo taking them to Asterin in the ambulance, the paramedics placing an oxygen mask on both. He lifted his hand and found it shaking. They are fine, he kept telling himself. They are fine.

Ilias, the captain of station 7, emerged with the two bodies of the victims and the paramedics joined him to ascertain that it was really the case. He walked to the man and stared at the two paramedic confirm that both victims had sadly passed because of extensive burns and smoke inhalation.

“This was in flat 4 on the first floor. It stinks of electrical fire, chief.” The anger in the captain’s voice reflected his own “Thank you Ilias, go and assist Lorcan and the other on level two. We need to contain the fire.”

“Yes, chief.”

It took Rowan and the three station a good hour to finally kill the fire. They had luckily evacuated all tenants when the fire jumped to the third floor.

Rowan looked at his men exhausted and walked to them to thank them for the excellent job and to have a little more of information of what happened inside. Then spotted Nesryn in the distance and joined her “Damn this looks like it was hellish.”

Rowan nodded “We haven’t started overhaul yet.”

The police captain nodded “We have intelligence that this could be arson.”

Rowan groaned. Arson was a nightmare to prove because the fire most of times destroyed all evidence “Are you sure?”

The woman nodded “Seems like Hamel decided the building was not profitable anymore. A residential building most of time is a money pit. He prefers his fancy buildings in the financial district where companies pay hefty rents. Apparently he was trying to make a deal to convert this building to another offices complex, but first had to get rid of the tenants.”

“Two people are dead!” He roared.

“I know. If OFI can prove arson, we have charges for murder and insurance fraud and a lot more.”

“This building is not up to code,” he added with fury “Even if it was not arson, that is enough to accuse him of dereliction of duty. His negligence killed two people.”

“Rowan, I know and that is already gross misconduct but arson would give us another serious accusation, enough to jail him forever because we can prove that the deaths are his fault.”

He paced “I have a drawer full of falsified inspections that should jail him for a long time already.”

“Hamel has ways to get his way out of things, but not this time.”

“My daughter and Aelin lived in that building.” Pain bled into his words.

“They will all have justice, I promise.”

Rowan looked around him where hundreds of people crowded the streets, sat on the pavements with desperation and grief in their faces. In the span of a night they had lost everything.

“We need to help these people.”

“I have contacted mayor Darrow and he is already on the case. Those who don’t have alternative accommodation with friends and family will be offered a place in hotels for now and then a more permanent place.”

Lorcan called him “We are starting overhaul. It will give us an initial ideal of the fire dynamics.”

Before joining the teams he ran to Aelin. Maya tried to wiggle free but Asterin kept her still. He hugged his daughter who cried in his arms “You are safe, my love. I am sorry. I am so sorry.”

His arms extended to Aelin. He looked up at her, at her face covered in soot under the oxygen mask. He pulled her closer “You are both safe.”

Then he stood and walked to his car and came back a minute later “This is my bank card, and my house keys, get yourselves a taxi and go home as soon as Asterin clears you both. I need to stay behind.”

He kneeled to Maya “I will be home soon, go with mum, okay?”

She muttered a quiet okay and he kissed her then kissed Aelin on her forehead “I was so damn scared for you both.” The kiss lingered far longer than expected, then he ran away and into the building.

*

When he finally got home it was deep into the night. Overhaul had lasted much longer than expected but they had managed to find the source in one of the electrical panels in the basement. A water leak in the pipes had caused the fire to spread and reach the first floor where they exploded and let the fire engulf the flat that had been the worst affected. OFI was called on the scene and took photos and samples immediately. Now they had just had to discover if it had been accidental due to the lack of acre of intentionally caused. Either way, Hamel was in a sea of trouble and Rowan was looking forward to the moment when the monster would be behind bars.

By the time he got home he was exhausted and famished.

Quietly he walked into the house and once in the living room he spotted a figure on the sofa. Aelin was sitting there reading a book under a pile of blankets and a small book light “You can put the heating on,” he walked to the panel and switched it on for her and then turned on the lights.

Her face carried the marks of tears. His body moved towards on instinct and sat at her side.

She sobbed loudly and flung herself in his arms. Rowan wrapped Aelin in an embrace and let her cry “It was terrifying… the explosion…”

“Shh… it’s okay. You are safe now.”

Aelin kept crying in his arms “Is Maya asleep?”

“Yes, she is finally down, she was far braver than me.”

“You both were.”

His mouth landed on the crown of her head and left a soft kiss “When I heard the address over the radio is almost died. If—” he pushed his rage down “If I had lost you both I would have been lost man.”

Aelin looked up at him in his beautiful green eyes that still carried fury in them “I am sorry, Rowan. Sorry that I lied, that I kept Maya from you. I—” He did not let her finish speak and his mouth was on hers. It was a soft kiss, full of love. Aelin melted in it, the fire of an ancient love slowly rekindling inside her. How had she lived all this time without him? How did she even thought about dating other men when she knew that no one would measure up to him?

Rowan pulled back and caressed her face “You need to rest.”

Aelin tried to protest but he stopped “We will talk tomorrow. Will make plans when less tired.”

He stood and offered her his hand and together walked upstairs. Aelin gave him a kiss on the cheek before disappearing through her door.

Rowan smiled, his hand touching the point where she had kissed him then walked in Maya’s bedroom.

She was sound asleep, Elf and the shark in her arms.

He had been a firefighter all of his adult life. Had seen many scary situations but nothing will ever compare to the deep unyielding fear he had felt that evening. The idea of loosing them both had the power to destroy him. He had been trying to ignore his resurfacing feelings for Aelin. The woman had been the love of his life and now he was trying to understand how to navigate the strange relationship they were building for Maya. He tried not to dwell too much on the kiss. It was likely the effect of the earlier events and the residual adrenaline.

But staring at Maya sleep, a part of him wished they would become more than roommates.

For Maya.

For the family that they could be.

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[hi-avathisside]

LOVE

Sometimes, I just miss being loved, wc: 0.6k

Sometimes, lying down at night, all I miss is, not a romantic interest or the giddy feeling of knowing you absolutely love that person, and their smile fills your chest with warmth, like sunflowers in the field, all blossoming, not the scorching-burn-your-skin kind of sun, but oh-so warm like hugging a blanket, like the morning sun, like the hugging your mother after 15 years, like the sun on a windy day. When you know that the person you love and you absolutely love every milli-second of their existence. Sure, Romantic love is one of the most beautiful feeling in the world, but sometimes, i just miss someone having my back. Someone who's there for me through thick and thin, it could be anyone, a friend, a colleague, a best friend, a partner ; sometimes, I just miss human interactions. Sometimes I just miss being human.

Laughing and chatting with friends, making jokes which only we get the context of, hugging a friend who's crying and telling them, it'd be alright and 5 years down the line, laughing about the same problem. Two human beings just being themselves, helping each other get through this life, a partner bringing the other one a coffee because they know they have their final residency exam tomorrow and will study the whole night. A husband and wife dancing around in the kitchen, full of giggles and laughter, making cookies for the three of them. A guy going out with a girl, holding her hand, for the first time, finding himself find someone's laughter the most beautiful one in the world, even when the movie that is playing is what he has been wanting to watch for the last 3 weeks. A best-friend in the hospital, the guy who was the most 'rough and tough' guy on the team is there in the waiting hall, crying his eyes out, because he cared for him. A mother feeding her child, taking care of her child even when she's battling depression, because she loves the child. A boss staying with the team the whole night in the office, ordering pizza for all of them, because he knows his team would be working to finish this audit on time. A father refusing to buy anything for himself, using the same shirt for the past 12 years, working on holidays, to earn extra money for his children. The grandparents, making sure to buy the same strawberry-flavoured candy every time their grandchildren visit them, because they know they love them. A father making sure there are enough medicines for a bad stomach, when his son from the US visits him, because the food here, doesn't do him well. A friend making sure that you've reached home safely after the party. A husband, staying by his wife's side when she's delivering their baby, even when, especially, when the wife squeezes his hand hard enough to crack some bones, and when the contractions ae dire, that she's screaming at everyone who's in front of her, even then, he's there gently stroking her forehead to calm her down, to tell her that they will be alright. A sister letting you borrow her colour pencils, because you have an exam tomorrow morning and you need them, even though she 'hates' you and definitely doesn't like the way you use up all the yellow colour. A father teaching their daughter how to ride a bicycle. An old man riding a scooter by himself, in the wind, to revive his memories. A young man buying two- identical bouquets of flowers; one for his wife on the valentine's day and one for his 2-year old daughter. A man paying for the lady in-front of the line because she's out of money for another packet of baby-formula. An old friend calling you out of the blue, after 8 years, just to say the nickname you hated the most, the moment you pick up the phone. An old lovely couple, revisiting a diner they used to go, 65 years ago, on the same day.

Sometimes, I just miss being around people and feeling loved.

Even if we can't find heaven I'll walk through hell with you Love, you're not alone 'Cause I'm gonna stand by you Yeah, you're all I never knew I needed And the heart, sometimes it's unclear why it's beating And love, if your wings are broken We can brave through those emotions too 'Cause I'm gonna stand by you 'Cause I'm gonna stand by you

[tomorrowusa]

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un is apparently in need of medicine.

Kim drinks too much, eats too much, and smokes too much. He is a psychopath who once had an official stripped naked and eaten by dogs. So if you were his doctor, would you tell him that something is wrong with him and that he needs to adjust his lifestyle?

Kim spends a huge amount of money developing nuclear weapons but neglects healthcare – especially public health. North Korea had a disastrous response to COVID-19, even worse than that of the Trump administration. So even the Kim clan, communist absolute monarchs, can't rely on internal health providers and medicines.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has regained weight and appears to have obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, and his officials are looking for new medicines abroad to treat them, South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers Monday. The 40-year-old Kim, known for heavy drinking and smoking, comes from a family with a history of heart problems. Both his father and grandfather, who ruled North Korea before his 2011 inheritance of power, died of heart issues. Some observers said Kim, who is about 170 centimeters (5 feet, 7 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilograms (308 pounds), appeared to have lost a large amount of weight in 2021, likely from changing his diet. But recent state media footage show he has regained the weight. On Monday, the National Intelligence Service, South Korea’s main spy agency, told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that Kim is estimated to weigh about 140 kilograms (308 pounds) again and is in a high-risk group for heart disease, according to Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers.

There is already speculation about Kim Jong-un's successor. He has a tween daughter who seems to be the favorite at this point.

The NIS in its Monday briefing maintained its assessment that Kim’s preteen daughter, reportedly named Kim Ju Ae, is bolstering her likely status as her father’s heir apparent. But the NIS said it cannot rule out the possibility that she could be replaced by one of her siblings because she hasn’t been officially designated as her father’s successor. Speculation about Kim Ju Ae, who is about 10 or 11 years old, flared when she accompanied her father at high-profile public events starting in late 2022. State media called her Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” child and churned out footage and photos proving her rising political standing and closeness with her father. The NIS told lawmakers that at least 60% of Kim Ju Ae’s public activities have involved attending military events with her father.

If Kim Jong-un suddenly dies, there's the potential for a succession battle which could be like House of the Dragon but with nukes.