#right i guess I'll stop procrastinating reading said book now

[lyfellian]

Currently reading a french book for class and it is both humbling and incredibly rewarding. Like I have no idea what most of the vocab is and it takes me a few seconds to get the right tense but once I do? I actually understand what is going on and wow do I love academic validation.

Just goes to show that yes vocab can be tough to remember and yes it may take you longer than you'd like to translate things but trust me when I say you are getting better!

After all, you are picking up another language, another method of communication, another connected culture and history for you to respect and have fun with! Learning is a process and I think sometimes we forget how amazing that is. Like yes! I am trying this new thing that I find difficult! Yes! I am exploring other ways of expression and I am allowed to make mistakes!!!

[captainrandomobsessions]

Alright time for a vent post

But this time, it's happening at 8am after waking up too early and not at 4am after refusing to go to sleep at a reasonable time.

Anywho, I'm scared to write. More specifically, I'm scared to publish.

If you've been lingering around my blog for a hot minute (why tho?) or know me in real life, you probably already know this. I've thrown out plot bunnies, I've found new ones, I've done copious amounts of research to feed the bunnies, etc etc. And that's not to say the research isn't helping or anything. But I know it's procrastination. Writing means finishing and finishing, in my book, means letting other people read it. Publishing it online or in a proper book. So...if i never finish, I'll never have to post and people won't have the opportunity to critique it/hate it but that also prevents people from loving it and the characters as much as I do. I write for myself, sure, but part of the pleasure of writing is seeing other people get lost in a world, in a story that you created.

I know one reason I'm scared to publish is that I don't want to seem like a bad person. Whether you want to admit it or not, the internet is...well, the internet. I'm a people pleaser at heart and if I know that someone's not going to like that I still call Romano "Lovino" instead of "Lorenzo" then I panic. If I know someone's going to hate the fact that my MC in one of my original stories is white-passing and his boyfriend is not, and therefore call me racist, I panic. And the thing is, I don't know that someone's going to say those things, but it's likely for the sake of outrage.

But I'm so sick and tired of this feeling. This anxiety and perfectionism. I was scrolling through my own blog and my 14-year-old self had no probably posting the occasional drabble or even a RP starter that one time and here I am at 22 like "Oh noes! What if the big bad internet gets mad at me for writing about [insert even the mildest of taboos here]?"

Two years ago, I posted about my anxiety and rage on the fanfiction subreddit (a very calm subreddit btw, I quite like it there) and someone said:

"If I said "You have to stop breathing right now because it's offensive!", would you? Turn blue, faint, and then try again because you keep "offending" me by continuing to breathe?

Writing is like breathing. If it's part of you, just as much as your lungs, then you can't stop no matter what is said. And it will be said, as I know very well.

Embrace your flaws. See beauty in them. Keep breathing."

And I hate to say it, but I've realized the answer is "Yes". I would. I would try to quiet my breathing. I've done it before. I'd suck in a breath and hold it and panic and then either let it out very quietly or leave the room to exhale and return. All because someone else said that my breathing offended them.

The good news is, I have written words since then. The bad news is my perfectionism finds more and more things to nitpick at. So I guess I'm making some sort of progress.

Huh, I started this rant with a different end goal in mind only to realize it's wrapped up in the problems I had before. Intriguing.

If you've read this whole thing, you get a gold star.

[shegxox]

moments with you series

taking a break from requirements with kenma

kenma x f!reader , pre-med student! reader, scenario, fluff, comfort

cw: some swearing cause c'mon, reader is a pre-med student for heaven's sake. not proofread lol, wrote this on a whim I'm procrastinating

wc: 1, 635

a/n: as a pre-med student myself, I desperately need this. kenma irl where r u *bawling, screaming, banging head on wall* also got this inspiration when I was doing my own schoolwork and I found this godly asmr ambiance video thingy for kenma, kurapixiv is the name of the channel listen to it yourself here , you can listen to it while reading for a more...realistic visualization *cries*

YOUR eyes are burning, your back is aching, and your shoulders desperately need a drill as a masseuse. You've been hunched over your desk for the past three hours working non-stop for your school requirements, answering laboratory reports, lecture assignments, and now, lab exercises. All that for a single subject in your college course: Anatomy and Physiology.

For your laboratory exercise, you are tasked to find a picture of a specimen under a microscope, draw it as realistic as possible, then label the parts.

Let's get this one thing clear. At the start of the semester, you were no artist. You sucked at drawing. Whether it was traditionally or digitally, you never had the practice to draw. But now, in your stupid course, you were forced to learn and practice art.

"This damn course," You mutter to yourself angrily. Trying your best to imitate the histology picture you were using as a reference. "If I knew that I had to do shit like this, I would've just become a fucking art student."

Were you regretting choosing a pre-med course right this moment? Yes. Do you wish to throw your work out the window and burn it? Yes. But do you still want to pass this stupid subject? Yes...

You decided to go through this course, and now you must endure.

You were so immersed in your work that you hadn't noticed your boyfriend enter the room that you both shared.

"Hey, babe." Kenma calls out softly, making you glance up. Your weariness faltered just the tiniest bit at the sight of your beautiful boyfriend.

His hair was thrown in a sloppy bun, wearing his own oversized jacket merch and a pair of shorts. Even with an attire as simple as that, he still makes your heart flutter like a highschool school girl in love.

"Oh hey," You answer in acknowledgment before placing your focus back on your drawing. "Done streaming?"

"Yup." You hear him sigh. "And I got you something."

Kenma pushed aside the books scattered on your desk and placed a mug.

Your nose caught a familiar scent that made you finally pause with what you were doing.

"Hot chocolate?"

"Yeah," Kenma gave you a warm smile. "It's raining outside. I figured you'd want some."

"Raining?" You whipped your head to the side where the window was located, and clear enough, droplets of rain were pattering heavily against the glass. "Ah, I didn't notice..."

Guess you really are that busy to notice something that should've been so obvious.

"How's your drawing?" Kenma asked, peeking at the screen of your iPad where you have been drawing your work.

"Ah, that looks good." Your boyfriend complimented. "It looks so close to your reference."

Your eyebrows furrowed as you let out a tired breath, looking at Kenma desperately. "Is it really?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure? Or are you just saying that just to-"

Kenma cuts you off with a swift peck on your lips, instantly making your heart pound.

"Yes," Kenma affirmed, patting your head. "You're doing great, bub."

Blood rushed through your cheeks. Kenma looked so proud when he said that. Are you really doing a great job?

"Th-Thank you..." You murmured before shyly turning your eyes down to your work. "And thank you for the hot chocolate, too."

"No problem. Just call me if you need anything, okay?" He gave you a kiss on the side of your head. "I'll be here in bed."

"Okay..."

With that, Kenma walked towards the bed located behind you and laid himself comfortably. Grabbing the Nintendo Switch left on the nightstand.

You couldn't help but smile to yourself. Thank God for online classes.

If classes were face to face, then you wouldn't be able to get this kind of treatment, and if it were face to face, you wouldn't be able to see Kenma. He's probably the reason why you try to push yourself to do your best in your subjects. Whether you fail a quiz or miraculously pass a score, Kenma will always be there to support you, cheer for you, and of course, love you. Sure, he could still do that when universities open for class again but, nothing beats going for a straight hug to Kenma whenever stress was starting to rile you up.

A pre-medical course is clearly not just a simple walk in the park. It's a bloody battlefield out there. A literal new form of hell.

But with Kenma whose always got your back whenever you seem to fall, you feel like you could get through hell just fine.

As you work on your drawings, the sound of Kenma playing Animal Crossing can be faintly heard from the background. Accompanied by the gentle sound of rain outside, the gameplay noises, and the familiar sound of a character walking around gave off such a peaceful and comfortable vibe.

When the room got colder, Kenma graciously threw a hoodie for you from behind— which almost hit the mug that was dangerously close to your iPad and gave you a mini heart attack. You spin your chair to face him with wide eyes only to see him already mirroring your surprised expression.

"Oopsies." Kenma chuckled sheepishly.

"You little prick." You tried to sound mad, but the stretching smile on your lips contrasted your tone. "If that mug fell on my iPad..."

"Then you should've caught it properly then." Kenma remarked smugly.

"Excuse me?" You raised an eyebrow towards him.

"Hey, I was a former setter. This is all on you." He accused with a sly little smirk that he tries to hide behind his Switch.

'Damn, he has a point.' You couldn't help but laugh, defeated.

"Heh, Touché, kitty." Swinging your chair around, you went back to work.

"Love you," Kenma says aloud, and to which you cheesily uttered reply,

"Three Thousand."

After ten minutes, Kenma caught you stretching your arms and back accompanied with a tired yawn.

"You done, bub?" Kenma asked.

"Almost, just one more picture."

Kenma glanced over his Switch and to your weary form in front of him. Your back must be aching like hell right now.

"When's the submission of that?" He casually asked.

"Uhm, a day after tomorrow, I think?" You glanced at the wall of sticky notes in front of you and confirmed. "Yeah, a day after tomorrow."

Kenma hummed, "So does that mean you could still do it tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but." You sighed wearily, "I wanna have a free schedule tomorrow so we can have more time together, y'know?"

Kenma would be lying if he said that his heart didn't flutter at your words, but you're tired and needed a break. Your health should always come first.

"Alright." Kenma paused his game and placed the Switch on the bed. He got up and approached you, his hands finding their way to your stiff shoulders before kneading them.

"Oh, God." You groaned in bliss. "That feels good."

"Do the last one tomorrow." Kenma suggested. "Come join me in bed and take a rest."

"But I only have one more left." You reasoned, "I can finish this. Just give me thirty minutes or...something." God, his hands are making magic to your shoulders. It's very tempting to do as he says, considering how worn out you already are.

"Exactly, it's just one. One couldn't possibly take all your time tomorrow, right?" Kenma said, dipping down to place a kiss on top of your head. "And you're tired, bub. I know you want to sleep, especially when the weather is like this, so come to bed with me?"

You know what? He's right. It wouldn't hurt to do just one task tomorrow, and you honestly have more time. It's nice that you want to finish everything today so you wouldn't worry about tomorrow but, it's not healthy to overwork yourself. Knowing Kenma, he always tells you to put your health first, just like what you'd always tell him whenever he works.

"Okay, I'll rest." You gave in. Standing up from your chair and turning to face your beloved boyfriend with a tired smile.

Kenma returned a small smile, "Thank you." He says gently before leaning in to give you a sweet kiss on your lips.

"Now, let's get to bed."

"Mhm."

Now sitting upright on the bed with your backs leaned against the headboard, you lay your head on Kenma's shoulder as you watch him play on his Switch, the soft music coming from the game and the brightness of the screen was lulling you to sleep. Kenma was careful not to move his arm so much, mindful of your head.

As he continues to play, he would unconsciously press kisses on your head every now and then, pleased and happy with your mere presence sitting right next to him. And when he thought that you'd fallen to sleep, he carefully moved you to a more comfortable position.

"Kenma?" You suddenly murmured just when he was about to pull a blanket over both of you. He winced at your groggy voice, "Sorry, I woke you up."

"It's fine..." You answered sleepily. "Thank you...I love you so much."

Kenma's heart clenched at your words. He brushed away the stray hairs covering your face gently, tucking them behind your ear.

With a fond smile on his lips, he happily answers,

"I love you so much as well."

Quickly finding your way back to sleep, Kenma proceeds to pull the blanket over the two of you. He leaned back to the headboard to continue playing his game, but not before taking a lingering look at your peaceful sleeping face. His eyes darting to every detail and feature.

How could you make his heart skip a beat without even doing anything?

His hand then carefully reached for your head, stroking your hair gently with his thumb.

He can't help himself from smiling.

"Sleep well, bub."

[demon-that-slayed]

alright hello I'm already gonna warn you, this'll be long. btw, thank you sm for doing it, I'm really hyped! you're gonna do amazing, I know that, so do ti as you wish, full creative freedom. (btw, I'm gonna copypaste this because I've already written it once, hopefully that's alright with you)

okay! so. starting with me ig. i dont even know how to begin.

im listening to music atm. i always do - people that dont always listen to some music are kinda psychopaths if you ask me. like, if im not listening to music, i'll be listening to an audiobook or a podcast or be watching some video or netflix. i cant not do anything. i say i love reading, but the last time i read a book has been weeks ago. i just have reading slumps sometimes. not saying that i dont read regularly - god, no. i'll find enough fanfics and oneshots and shit to count for a book. but most of the time i can spare, i try to write. and at the moment, im really doing good! i write drabbles almost daily, and i try to finish a chapter for my actual wip bi-weekly. which... i gotta admit doesnt work all the time but im trying! im just a shit ton of a procrastinator. like, sometimes it physically hurts telling myself i need to do something but not being able to get up and actually do it. i kinda zone out a lot too when im forced to sit through something boring or just when i cant listen to music/watch something at the same time. i fidget a lot, too. so basically as you can see im always doing something, always have something going on inside my head, am quite loud. like, literally, im the loudest person i know, except for maybe my dad, and im really expressive. could be italian with how much i gesture.

for my hobbies, well, ive told you about some of them so far. im not really... sporty. in the slightest. and i dont like sports either. but the one thing i do indeed like is badminton, which i do somewhat regularly. i think i'd suck at quidditch, but, unlike football, i do believe i'd be interested in watching. also i just really want to fly a broom - like, if i could pick any animal to be, i'd be a bird. always would have said so in the past too. maybe a cat, just because i really love them, and am planning to get one as soon as i get my own apartment. i'll take one from the shelter, i think, and if i could pick it'd be a black one so i can call it toothless. i do have a dog right now tho, or rather my family does. i love her, but she's not as cuddly as i'd like her to be, which, i mean, is fine im trying my best not to step over her boundaries, but then again my love language most certainly is physical touch, so my favourite moments with her are when she just allows me to cuddle her in front of the fireplace. its kind of a tradition at this point when theres fire in there. what else is there to say?

ive said quite much already but i feel like im still missing some.

i guess im really insecure of some things. dont get me wrong, i know my strengths, and i fucking love correcting people, my ego is over the moon sometimes. im stubborn and i hate being wrong and i know that im obnoxious when i discuss, just because i cannot stop discussing if theres still something to discuss. but im trying to better, really. some of it at least. still, i am in fact really insecure it seems. i worry so much what people might think of me - i cant present anything to anyone other than my closest family or friends because my voice will start to shake and i will start to sound like im gonna cry. on the topic of that, i cry so so easily. its horrible, really. plus, i have huge anxiety and i get panic attacks regularly, which kinda fucks with my sleeping schedule because they always happen when i go to bed.

okay, but enough with the depressive shit, im not done talking about myself yet. if you let me talk about myself i can and i will write paragraphs. really, dont worry putting all of this into your response. just think of it as me being super happy youre doing this because, honestly, genuinely, i am.

but getting on with it. when im excited, im kinda... like a child, in a way. like i let out unnecessarily high pitched screams and i cant stop laughing when ive started, and i clap my hand in front of my mouth or shake my arms out. im just really, really emotional tbh.

my favourite feeling is melancholy though. its... beautiful, in a very terrifying way. its the kind of feeling you get when you think about your childhood, or old friends, or family members you dont see anymore. its a feeling but its so much more and - i dont know. i dont know how it couldnt be my favourite.

i love sunrises and sunsets and i love the sun in general. im a summer person, partly because im always really cold (my circulation in my hands and my feet is fucked lmao, plus my blood ran low on iron for a while) but like, its summer, i dont get how it cant be people's favourite. plus, my birthday is in june, and my birthday is my favourite holiday. with christmas following.

okay i match you with…

REMUSSS

okay so be warned this is a very bad description but i think you guys would be great with eachother like these are very random things sos I’ll make a list :

(these are like headcanons if that’s fine)

okay so at night when you can’t sleep, he’ll just like cuddle you and make sure you’re fine, and you would make him happy just being there I guess, yk

anyways you two would like bond on liking music and what books you like and you always would have like mini arguments which end in him sarcastically admitting youre right which makes you feel good even if it’s not bc atleast you are right about this song being better or this character being more beil. than the other.

in summer and winter you always dragged him out for the sunrise/sunset and like he would jokingly complain sometimes because he would melt in the heat because it was always cold in the dorms and he had his sweater on

in the winter though you would steal lots of his sweaters and wear them piled on top of eachother because you froze in the cold

also when the full moon was near you’d always like be there and make sure he’s okay and you’d be like there for eachother all the time and like

he would sarcastically/jokingly be annoyed at you but actually really enjoy being around you, especially before you guys date.

oh yeah and you have picture albums filled with pictures that you, remus, or someone else takes that fill the albums

anyways, i hope this was good, ive never done this before lmao

[radiorenjun]

I Don't Need It

• Pairing: Na Jaemin x Reader

• Genre: Angst, Comedy, Fluff

• Na Jaemin despised the idea of soulmates, he wanted to fight against fate for choosing his soulmate for him. Even if it means his stubborn childhood best friend wouldn't stop trying to make him accept about the similar tattoos on their wrists.

• Masterlist here!

• Chapters: v, vi

After the incident at Jaemin's house, you received a small scolding from your parents the next morning for leaving early as you pretended to be asleep when they came into your room to talk after the dinner party. (Even though you continued crying til dawn after they closed the door.)

You came to school with puffy swollen red eyes, messy hair and dark bags under your eyes that couldn't go unnoticed by the other students who just gave you a pitiful smile when greeting you. You tried your hardest to give them a decent smile back but the ache in your heart wouldn't go away, all you wanted to do was cry and sleep in your bed all day.

You felt hopeless and exhausted. You were seriously contemplating on skipping school today as you gathered your books and a pen from your locker until you heard a familiar voice behind you calling out your name.

"Y/N."

You turned your head back to see Huang Renjun who gave you a soft smile, stretching out his arms wide to give you a big warm hug. You felt tears lining up the brim of your eyes when you felt his arms comforting you, but you took a deep shuddering breath against his chest.

You felt Renjun pat your head, pulling away to wrap an arm around your shoulder and leads you to your next class. "Stop crying, ugly." Renjun chuckled as you sniffled tilted your head up to keep your tears in. "I'm sure I would if I don't feel like absolute shit right now, Renjun." you deadpanned.

Renjun rolled his eyes at your sardonic tone, taking a few agonizing moments of silence to think of what to say. He clicked his tongue, "so, are you going to finally stop?" he spoke quietly, the amusement in his voice had now disappeared.

You leaned your head against him and sighed heavily, closing your eyes for a moment before responding. "Enough is enough, I guess. I was bout to give up sooner or later anyways," you laughed bitterly, looking down.

"It hurt alot, you know." you chuckled, wiping your eyes to stop the tears that you couldn't hold in. Renjun bit his lip, his chest clenched at the sight of you crying as he lead you to your class. Guilt for bringing up the topic filling his heart as he sat beside you, watching you bury yourself in your arms and try to keep your breathing steady.

Renjun patted your back, unsure of what to do or say as the teacher walks into class. Although, he couldn't pay attention to the lesson, he couldn't stop thinking bout how much in pain you sounded when you accidentally buttdialed him.

Renjun was casually laying on his stomach on his bed while playing some animal crossing when the sound of his ringtone blasted from his phone. He sighed, picking up his phone then furrowing his brows at the name that popped up his screen.

Y/N L/N The Hopeless One

Why was she calling? Shouldn't she be at her monthly dinner with the Na's? More importantly, why is she calling in the middle of his animal crossing session? He swore that he remembers that Mrs. Choi didn't give homework today, so why else did she call?

Renjun swiped his thumb to receive the call, putting his phone beside his ear. "Hello? Y/N?" all he heard from your side of the call were soft sniffles, it sounded as if you were trying to calm yourself down. Wait, what's going on?

"Renjun, I'm so sorry, I sat on my phone and I think it accidentally-" you spluttered, choking on your words as you spoke. Something's definitely wrong. Renjun sat up completely, putting down his switch as his concern grew even more. "Wait, are you crying?" he asked hesitantly.

That seemed to silence you. But a hiccup elicited from you was enough to give him an answer, "no? Why would I be crying?" you cried out, sobs breaking out of your throat and through his phone speakers. Renjun bit his lip as he heard your cries, reading to hear you out.

"Y/n, it's okay. I'm here. Tell me what happened." He chuckled, laying down on his bed to prepare himself of what's to come. He heard you inhale deeply before telling him the whole story in explicit detail.

He was thankful that he got the main points considering your cries and gasps had muffled the words you spoke but either way he couldn't blame Jaemin for snapping, but he was beyond livid at the boy for letting his anger and annoyance get the best of him.

Renjun sighed as you finished your explanation, continuing to sob. Sounds of spoon hitting a plastic tub of ice cream (which you had grabbed in the middle of your explanation with an "I need to fill the emptiness inside me with some ice cream, I can't explain this without ice cream") in the background.

"That's a dick move." Renjun tsked. "I can't believe he broke your music box, the music box! I knew how special that thing meant to you." he exclaimed angrily. You sniffed, "I know but I can't blame him for yelling like that."

"That still doesn't give him an excuse for breaking what's yours." Renjun added. "Jesus Christ, he's supposed to be your soulmate, for Pete's sake! The one person in the world who's suppose to cherish your heart," he growled.

"Unbelievable, I'm going to kill him when we get to school." he muttered. "Renjun, don't. Please. Just leave him be, it wasn't completely his fault." you cried. "But-" Renjun started before you cut him off with a sob.

"I mean it." you told him boldly. "Leave him be. Please. Even though he crushed my heart to a gazillion pieces, I still love him with all my heart and I can't stop loving him. Please, Renjun." you pleaded, the desperation in your tone causing Renjun to nod and let out a small "okay".

He heard you sigh, hiccuping afterward. "I love him you know. I really do," you hiccuped. Renjun sighed, chuckling afterwards, "I know. You say that every 30 minutes in school, to an almost creepy level if I do say so myself." he teased.

You didn't laugh though, he knew your chest was still aching like hell to do so. "He said he'll never like me like that." you spoke in an almost audible tone, "I don't know what to do with myself anymore, Renjun. What am I supposed to do without him?" it seemed the tears had came back considering you started sobbing again.

Renjun sighed, "you really are an idiot." he chuckled sympathetically. "I know I am." you agreed, grabbing a tissue as you let out another dramatic sob.

"Is she okay?" your friend, Yeji, mouthed at Renjun, nodding her head at your sulking form that was poking your food mindlessly with a plastic spork. Renjun glared at your friend, his expression screaming 'Are you blind or stupid?'

Nancy rolled her eyes, nodding her head up at Renjun as if to say 'what's up with her, you idiot'. Renjun bit his lip, subtly pointing at you before making a heart with his fingers, tearing the heart apart slowly before pressing a finger down his eyelids to his cheeks with his face scrunched up.

Renjun then pointed at Na Jaemin who was a few tables away, chatting with Jeno and the other members of the Football Team along with a few girls from the cheer leading squad. Your group of friends furrowed their brows at the sight of Jaemin nodding his head along with his friends, smiling brightly as if he hadn't just broke a valuable possession of yours.

Hyunjin looked back at Renjun with wide eyes, pointing at you then at the boy who was sitting tables away from you. Renjun nodded before taking a spoonful of his lunch. The group exchanged expressions of sympathy before Yeji gave you an encouraging hug.

"Cheer up, babe." she said, trying to lighten your mood. "People fight all the time, I'm sure he'll make up for it eventually. Boys suck, anyways." Nancy added in agreement, receiving an offended "hey!" from Hyunjin beside her.

"Don't you have a lesson with him after this?" Chani asked, receiving a smack to the back of his head by Renjun afterwards. "I'm just asking, sheesh!" he hissed in retaliation, but the stoic expression on Renjun's face remained.

"Right, I have a class with him." you groaned, rubbing your swollen eyes with your palms. "I wish I could just skip," you muttered under your breath. "Don't we all? I mean I have Mr Park's after this and I forgot to do that essay he assigned yesterday." Yeji agreed.

"The essay bout Isaac Newton's discovery?" Jinyoung questioned, raising a brow. "I don't know, but it was that guy who had an apple fall ontop of his head though." she explained, pulling out her phone idly. "Yeji, that assignment was assigned three weeks ago."

"So? I am a busy person okay."

"Busy, my ass. You text me literally every hour of every day saying that you were tired of being bored and single, you damn procrastinator."

"Shut up would yo-"

"I'm going to head to class early, okay? I'll see you guys later," you got up, unable to stay in the same room as the guy who broke your heart who was having the time of his life, oblivious to the fact that your heart and mark was burning like hell.

"Y/N-" Nancy called out but you cut her off with a sad smile. "I just need some time alone right now," you sighed, grabbing your bag and started walking out of the cafeteria. You heard footsteps behind you, feeling a hand on your shoulder as Renjun's figure came up walking beside you.

"I'll walk you to class," Renjun smiled. "What part of-" you huffed before he cuts you off with a finger to your lips, "I wasn't asking, y/n." he giggled. You inhaled sharply, pushing his hand away from your mouth. "Don't get your hand near my mouth, I might die from whatever virus you have transferred onto your skin with the amount of paint water you consume everyday." you joked, a small smile evident before it faltered to a frown.

"Oh please, I don't consume paint water on purpose, you idiot. My fingers are cleaner than a germaphobe, chill out." he giggled before frowning when he noticed your eyes getting teary again. Memories of Jaemin yelling at you fluttered through your mind once again, your heart began to ache in your chest and your soulmate mark was burning against your skin.

Renjun bit his lip nervously, contemplating what to do next to make a smile appear on your face. 'Fuck it,' the boy thought, before wrapping an arm around your shoulders in the empty hallway before giving you a bright smile. "Why don't we ditch school for the rest of the day?" he offered.

Your eyes widened, "what did you just say?" you exclaimed with a gasp. "Let's ditch," he replied with a bold tone, nodding in encouragement, his eyes shining bright. "You? Are encouraging me? To ditch school?" you gaped, pointing to yourself and to Renjun in disbelief.

"Who are you and what have you done to the Renjun who cares bout his pristine reputation and nags bout how important perfect attendance is?"

"Oh come on. I'll even treat you to Baskin Robins, " Renjun poked your side teasingly, causing you to squeak and flinch in response. "So, what do you say?" he smirked, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively as the arm around your shoulder pulled your closer to his form.

You thought bout it for a moment. Will Ms. Lee give you extra work as punishment once she finds out that you had ditched class? Without a doubt in mind, obviously. Are you willing to bare 25 minutes of half of the class muttering and whispering bout you, wondering why you aren't sitting next to Jaemin? Nope. Is this worth it? Probably.

"Alright." you gave in with a chuckle. "Only if you buy me fries and Baskin Robins though," you pointed a finger at him which he shrugged in response. "I'll be penniless by the end of the day but I'd do anything to stop making you feel like shit"

"It's cute that you care bout me."

"Don't take it to heart, this is a one time thing."

"Sure it will."

"Y/n, I'm serious. I need to save money for the next release of Kingdom Hearts."

It was a shame that you missed Jaemin's presence staring at you from afar the whole day. The way his eyes would subtly glance at you every few seconds during lunch, carefully watching you depressed figure poking tteokbokki with a sport.

Your friends hugging you and comforting you by your side. Jaemin felt guilty bout what happened that night but he knew that it was the last straw and it was the only way you would get off his back. Nonetheless, why did he feel sad when he saw you walking like a lifeless zombie on the way to the bus stop this morning as he drove to school?

He figured it was because he wasn't used to you coming up to his car every morning asking for a ride. Why did he feel his heart getting heavy when he saw you walking around like a kicked puppy waiting for it's owner as you open your locker.

He couldn't stop thinking bout how broken hearted you look when he yelled at you that night. He honestly didn't know what to feel. Relief now that you had stopped clinging on to him like a sloth hanging on a tree branch? Guilt because he had broken a gift you had given him? But why would you cry over a cheap music box when you just smiled at him when he had broke your favorite camera?

Jaemin watched you leave his room without another word. His gaze went down to his now dirty floor, pieces of wood scattered across the floor and a small figurine laying in between the pieces. 'It must've been an old cheap music box or something.' he thought.

Jaemin clicked his tongue angrily, kneeling down to run a hand through his hair. "Shit," he sighed softly, feeling the stress from earlier pile up in his head once again. His eyes went to the wooden pieces to the photograph of you and him when you were kids.

His eyes grew soft at the sight, remembering your high-pitched voice practically screaming at him to stop shooting his transformer action figures at your barbies while they were getting their hair brushed. He chuckled at the memory, his hand slowly picking up the photograph of you two laughing with your toys in hand.

He remembered how your grandma had barged in to take a photo of the two of you, commenting bout how adorable it would be to have Jaemin as your soulmate and future grandson in law. "I miss those times," he muttered, caressing the photo with his thumb before pulling out his wallet.

He folded the picture and snuck it into his wallet, smiling slightly. Jaemin looked at the scattered pieces and grabbed one of the empty boxes you had presented him when you gave him that new watch for his first goal. "I'll just throw this away later," he said as he gathered all the pieces and puts them in the decorated box.

Jaemin then got up to his window, stretching his curtains to peek at your room. He could see your window which was now covered by your curtains, your lights were turned off but he could see your figure collapsing on your bed. Did he go too far?

Jaemin didn't understand why it was making him feel down to see you frown like that. To hear the students around you gossip bout how sad you looked today. He didn't understand why he felt like he had done something awfully terrible.

"Holy shit, you did that?" Jeno gasped, almost dropping his spoon dramatically onto the table. Jaemin nodded sheepishly as he explained the whole situation with you at the dinner party. "Yep."

"Isn't that a little too far? I mean she looks really really sad. Sadder than that time when she got an F on maths." Jeno raised his brow, sitting up straight as Jaemin shrugged in response. "It was the only way to get her off my back for a while, I'm sick of it." he groaned.

"Dude, what if she actually stops for good? Then what?" he added, disbelieving the fact that his best friend would hurt his own soulmate like that. He never really understood why Jaemin was so defensive bout the soulmate topic, either.

"Then? Then great! I wouldn't have to worry bout her nagging to me everyday of my life. As if that's gonna happen though, she's gonna get back to it in a few days, trust me." Jaemin chuckled. He knows you like the back of his hand, once you calm down, you'll be back to annoy the living hell out of him again.

"Dude, isn't that a little too far?"

"What if that music box actually meant something to her? I mean, she looks as if she had seen herself die or something!"

"Jeno-"

"What would you do if she stops and the tables starts turning?"

"Jeno that's not possibl-"

"I said 'if'!! What IF you grew feelings for her when she stops feeling like that? What are you gonna do?"

"Jeno sto-"

"What are you two gonna do now huh? Remove your mark-"

"Jeno, fuck off!." Jaemin barked, his eyes growing dark. Jeno closed his mouth, realising he had spoken too much. He couldn't help it. Not when he knew his friend made a huge mistake. "Sorry," he mumbled, looking down shamefully.

Jaemin sighed, running a hand through his hair in frustration. "I'm going to go to the bathroom. Please don't bring this up again," he muttered, getting up from his spot in the table.

He felt sick to his stomach. He excused himself and passing by the cheerleaders gawking at him on one of the tables. Once he stepped out he saw your lonely figure walking alone in the halls.

He didn't know why he wanted to talk to you at that moment. And he sure didn't know why it made him feel irritated to see Huang Renjun come up and comfort you, eliciting a smile from you with a few words.

"Why don't we ditch school for the rest of the day?"

Jaemin almost let out a laugh. You? Ditching class? The day that happens is the day that pigs fly. You couldn't possibly accept his offer, right? You two do share a class after this, you wouldn't give up any opportunity to spend time with him-

"Alright." you gave in with a chuckle.

Jaemin felt something inside of him ache. He couldn't understand why you would skip class for the rest of the day to spend time with Renjun instead of him. He couldn't understand why you look so happy walking out to the corridors of the school with him by your side.

Jaemin stood in his place, his pupils began to shake as he watched Renjuns embrace tighten around your small form. His hands now balled up into fists as he gripped onto the fabric of his white hoodie. He didn't understand why he felt his blood boil when he saw you two happily in each others company.

More importantly he was too busy pondering a million questions in his head go acknowledge the pain in his chest and the slight burn of his soulmate mark on his left skin beneath the fabric covering it.

I want to cry this took forever uGh. I love writing this series hehe

Tags: @12am-musings @cherrystay

[cherryhanji]

rain and you

bulleted scenario. skz x reader

genre: pure fluff (coz i'm feelin soft af), high school au

words: 2.5k

warning(s): none

description: a not so nice weather is approaching and sadly, you didn't bring an umbrella with you.

➤bang chan

• "i'll walk you home, the weather's not good"

• you lift your gaze to the sky, and he isn't wrong, but the fact that chan, your high school senior and also your /crush/ offers to walk you home, shyness enveloped in your whole being making you refuse to his offer.

• "no, oppa. it's okay. our house is just nearby. I can run though."

• "are you sure? you brought an umbrella with you?"

• smiling sheepishly, you shook your head

• "it's okay, oppa. I promise. But, I need to go home now."

• you bid your goodbyes to chan and he did the same before you head to the direction of your home.

• but being the unluckiest human being you are, the strong rain pour making you slightly damped.

• you ran to the nearest convenience store and decided to stay there until the rain stop pouring.

• while waiting for the rain to stop, you turn your gaze to the store's entrance and saw chan, who immediately found you sitting, hair sticking to your forehead and damped uniform thanks to the rain.

• shaking his head, he went near you putting his umbrella at the side.

• "what did I tell you? The weather's not good."

• he grabbed something inside his bag, a big jacket and hand it to you.

• "wh-what will I do with this oppa?"

• "maybe put it inside your bag? Haha! Just kidding! Wear that first and let me take you home. No more buts."

• you just nodded and try to stay calm while your heart is now drumming inside your chest. Your crush, /your crush/ will walk you home. Maybe not bringing an umbrella isn't that bad.

***

➤minho/lee know

• this day maybe the worst day you ever had in your life

• flopping the math exams because you didn't copy the notes you supposed to be reviewing, not able to pass the activity on time. Procrastination sucks, but you still do it. (like mate, stop procrastinating)

• and not bringing an umbrella in this bad weather. seriously?

• stomping your feet because of your stubbornness, you wait for the rain to stop at the school's waiting area.

• you keep on checking the time on your phone when a voice called you.

• you lift your gaze to find the direction of the voice to see Minho, your classmate aka mortal enemy(aka again, your crush) waving at you. Your heart skip a beat but tried to composed an annoyed face. You just furrowed your eyebrows as he went to you.

• "what now minho?"

• "looks like your lonely at the middle of this sad weather. Don't have an umbrella?"

• you grunted at his annoying manner

• "shut up, i'm not in the mood."

• "i think that means no. want me to walk you home?" He said and winked at you and you swear, your cheeks are like tomatoes because of its redness.

• "n-no need! I can go home by myself, i just need to wait for this to stop."

• minho just furrowed his eyebrows and tutted at you.

• "looks like this rain will keep on pouring for hours. Are you sure you'll wait for it to stop?"

• you look at the sky, dark clouds welcomed you and you contemplated to retort because he isn't lying.

• minho chuckled and raised his eyebrows at you.

• you just puffed your cheeks and let out the air in it to calm your insides. Minho is just looking at you.

• "fine!" You just gave up making Minho chuckle and put his arms on your shoulder making you jump at the sudden contact.

• "you can't resist my charms, don't you?"

• you just huffed and rolled your eyes at him

• "shut up! it's, it's just that I didn't have an umbrella with me!"

• he just shrugged and opened his umbrella, "okay! If you say so!"

***

➤changbin

• you and your classmate changbin went to the convenience store after your classes to buy some food when the rain suddenly poured making you frown

• "screw me for being forgetful dude, i forgot my umbrella."

• changbin turned to you and chuckled as he knew that you were a forgetful human being

• "i'm not surprised y/n. you even forgot our assignment in biology a while ago."

• "yeah, okay. poor me. i guess i'll stay here until the rain stops"

• changbin smiled and tapped your shoulder making you look at him.

• "don't be sulky. I can walk you home you know." he winked and showed you his umbrella.

• "hey, is it okay? I mean we don't have the same way going home."

• "it's okay. I can't just leave you here alone waiting for the rain to stop."

• "you can wait for the rain to stop too.." you said matter-of-factly

• changbin stayed silent for a while, realizing you were not wrong.

• "w-why? you don't like me to walk you home?"

• "I didn't say anything."

• "good, now let's go."

• changbin grabbed his bag and yours making you gasp slightly.

• "hey you don't ha--"

• "it's okay. let's go"

• "Uh... The umbrella is not that big, so..."

• changbin wrapped his arms on your shoulders making you moved closer to him.

• "stay closer so you won't get wet."

• you just nodded while your heart is already thudding in your chest.

***

➤hyunjin

• after watching Hyunjin's basketbball practice, you decided to go home now.

• You have a huge crush on the school's varsity player so you won't let the opportunity of watching him play go to waste.

• even if the weather is not that nice since noon and you didn't bring an umbrella with you..

• You just sighed and decided to run to the bus stop even if the rain is already pouring hard.

• you were preparing to run when a guy's voice called you making you stop at what you're planning to do.

• you turn your head and saw hyunjin smiling at you.

• because of how flustered you are, you turned your back at him to hide your blushing face.

• "hey. you're y/n, right? are you going home now?" you eyes widen when you heard his voice near you.

• you slowly turn your head to him and smile sheepishly.

• "ah yes. I'll just run to the bus stop, tho."

• "I'm also going to the bus stop. As I can see, you don't have an umbrella with you. do you mind if I walk with you there?"

• hyunjin offered you as he showed his umbrella with him.

• you just stayed silent as the fact that you're crush is offering you to walk with him at the bus stop.

• "uh, y/n. still there?"

• you shook your head going back to reality and looked at him.

• "uh, sorry. What is it again?"

• "I asked you if it's okay if I walk with you at the bus stop. Since you don't have an umbrella and it's getting darker now."

• you look at the time on your phone showing that it's already 6:30 pm.

• you just accepted his offer even of your heart almost jump out of your chest because of the fact that you're near, and walking with your crush.

• the cold weather is contrasting with the warm feeling that is now lingering on your cheeks.

• "let's go?"

• you nodded and just shed yourself under hyunjin's umbrella.

***

➤jisung/han

• you bid your goodbyes to your friend as you separate ways going home

• but it seems like the weather is not on your side today.

• rain is already falling but you forgot to bring your umbrella with you.

• frowning, you just wait for the rain to stop.

• "y/n!"

• you lift your gaze to the guy who called you who turns out to be jisung, your classmate.

• "h-hey, jisung... why are you still here? dance practice?"

• he nodded and sit beside you. you just hummed and turn your attention to your phone. awkwardness start to envelop between you.

• all your classmates knew that jisung likes you, a lot. Little did they know, you also feel the same, making this situation awkward for you.

• "aren't you going home yet?"

• "not yet, the rain is still pouring, i guess i need to wait for it to stop."

• "uh... i have an umbrella here. i can walk you home if you like."

• your eyes widen out of shock. you felt your heart skip a beat. is this even happening???

• "oh, i... is it okay? i mean are we having the same way home?"

• he just nodded at you and smile sheepishly as the thought of walking his crush home, which is you, makes his heart do somersaults

• "oh, okay... if you say so. thank you..."

• "no prob. i guess you're friend already went home."

• "yeah, because i thought i can go home with no problem. but the weather is quite mean to me."

• "let's go? Before it gets any stronger."

• jisung scooted you closer to him so you can't make yourself wet.

• you slightly jumped at how his hands are warm and soft making your heart again jump.

• jisung is quite shocked because of his newfound confidence but he just brushed it off so it won't make the situation more awkward.

• "thank you, jisung."

• "you're welcome."

***

➤felix

• you are calmly waiting for the rain to stop inside the library.

• you were stucked there for almost 2 hours, because your groupmate already went home. Luckily you have some books there to avoid the seeping boredom in you.

• "y/n?"

• you stopped reading ang lift your gaze, seeing Felix. You smiled at him as he went near you.

• "hey, still studying?"

• "nah, just to kill boredom. I'm waiting for the rain to stop. I can't go home under the rain."

• felix just shook his head as his arms are propped on the table while resting his chin on his palms.

• he straighten his seat as an idea popped into his head.

• hey y/n! i can walk you home. I have an umbrella with me."

• a smile appeared on your face after he said that.

• "really? you're a lifesaver, lix! but, is that okay?"

• "of course! Why not?"

• "i mean, your house is far from ours. You might come home late."

• "it's okay. I'll just tell mom that I helped out a friend."

• "thank you lixie!"

• "come on, while it's still early."

***

➤seungmin

• "that's all. don't forget to bring the stuffs tomorrow okay? so we can prepare earlier for the fair."

• seungmin, your student council president finally dismissed the meetinng for the preparation for the school fair next week.

• "y/n, don't forget to bring the curtains for the stage design, okay? gotta go, my mom is already outside"

• you just bid your goodbyes to yeji and fixed your things, it's already 5 pm and the thought of hearing your mom scold you for coming home late makes you frown.

• but as you take a look at the window outside the room, strong rain greeted you.

• you opened your bag to check if you bring your umbrella with you but you saw nothing.

• "urgh! why does it have to be today??"

• "hey, y/n? is there any problem?"

• seungmin approached you as he heard you groaned

• you thought you're the only one left inside so you were quite shocked to hear seungmin's voice.

• "uh... uhm yeah. I forgot my umbrella. And it's raining outside. but i cannot wait for it to stop, my mom will scold me if i go home late again."

• you blurted out while seungmin is intently listening to you.

• you just sighed and sit down on the chair near you.

• "hey, want me to walk you home? i have a quite big umbrella with me. I think we can fit in here."

• seungmin offered to you showing his umbrella.

• you looked at seungmin for a while, registering what he said to you.

• seungmin is the type of student who is quiet, and has the looks of a smart, intimidating student, that's why you really admire him. and he's also the reason why you joined the student council. In that way, you can have at least some interactions with him.

• seungmin is not the type to talk to people casually especially if he's not really close with them. So him, offering to walk you home, makes you shock and makes your heart flutter.

• "a-are you sure? I mean i can just wait here. I'll just tell my mom I had to wait for the rain to stop."

• he just sighed and grab your bag.

• "come on, i just can't leave you here. And besides, we're on the same way home."

• seungmin said making your eyes wide.

• "really?? how did you know?"

• "it's because I saw you one time. I just didn't call your name because... because I'm shy..."

• he said and you can't be wrong. you just saw his cheeks slightly turned red making you chuckle. he's so /cute/.

• "you know what? Let's go."

• you just nodded and head out of the room.

***

➤jeongin/i.n

• you just finished doing your project and you're getting ready to go home.

• when you heard the loud pouring of rain outside your classroom window.

• you grunted as you realized that you forgot to bring your umbrella with you..

• jeongin stopped at what his doing as he saw your mini tantrums.

• "hey, y/n. you look like you lost from a game. What happened?"

• "i forgot to bring my umbrella with me! And it's raining outside."

• you just slumped yourself at your seat and closed your bag.

• "i'll just need to wait for it to stop."

• "uh, y/n. i think the condition of the sky says no. Look, it's quite dark outside."

• you turn your eyes to the window to check the sky, and jeongin isn't lying.

• "i think i need to run to the bus stop while raining."

• you huffed out of frustration and leaned on the chair.

• "i'll walk you there, perhaps i want to go home too now."

• you straighten up your seat and looked at jeongin.

• "really?"

• he nodded at you and stand up.

• "come on, i badly want to go home now."

• you just nodded at him and grabbed your bag and head out of the room.

• "thank you, innie."

• "no prob, princess."

______

it's been a lifetime since i posted a bulleted type of scenarios and all i can say is-- none. Yeah, anyways this fic was made a long time ago. but i just got the courage to post it today after lots of edits ajd rereadings. I hope u like it and thank u!

--

Special thanks to my forever vivi @peaches-writes for helping me with my struggles. u the best girl💖

[crowning-art]

TGCF SPOILERS

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

I finished book 2...

I was a fool

A whole clown

A goddamn circus

I acc didn't want to read it, I was like nahh I'll read it later, but then I'm like noo if I keep procrastinating, I'll never get to cute stuff like the coffin scene djekekkekeke

^^that right there is a comment written by a clown who thought angst simply meant someone died. A WHOLE DUMB CLOWN IS WHAT I AM

@maauthulhu and @silvia-moon you guys WARNED me, but did I listen? Did I take you guys seriously when you said it was going to rip my heart into shreds? NO. AND NOW IT'S MY FAULT THAT I DIDNT MENTALLY PREPARE FOR THE ABSOLUTE WORSE SCENARIO

I don't even know if I have the energy to write what I think.. it was just so much and so dreadful

MXTX wrote the fall of Xianle so beautifully, I cannot do anything but praise it. I literally felt Xie Lian reflected in myself as I read: in that we both helplessly were watching something we loved fall into ruins, something that once stood so tall and we looked on so proudly towards to it. I've read so many books of all genres since I was a kid cuz I'm a huge book worm, but no scene has EVER made me feel this way. God, I'm gonna need a few days to recover from this

I see how the ridiculous hope and reverence the people of Xianle gave Xie Lian just made him want to help them more, and it's kind of their fault for how Xie Lian's feelings of worthlessness came about, but at the same time, u can't blame them because they were so helpless and they needed that small ray of hope..but...ugh....sigh

The sound of the Yong'an victory horn gave me shivers, as if I heard it in person

What the hell??? Why does Lang Ying have the aura of a king?? Did he seriously make a deal with the devil to get immortality?? OMG what if the bandaged boi from the future is a descendant of this dude?? I don't trust bandaged boi from the future

The AUDACITY of Lang Ying to ask why the rain STOPPED??? HOW DARE HE

WHITE CLOTHED CALAMITIE'S FACE WAS THE SAME AS XIE LIAN'S???? Acc I had a feeling it would be cuz the pictures I saw of him with the white robes and brown hair just reminded me of Xie Lian, but I guess that wasn't his actual face....but maybe it's some family member or someone he knows well??

God, I already said this but I'm going to say this again, the fall of Xianle was so beautiful. The way the golden statue represented so many things literally and symbolically was just *chef's kiss* I mean it represented Xie Lian's literal fall, the literal destruction of his temples, the destruction of the palace, the destruction of the capital, the fall of Xianle. The moment it fell over was also the moment when Xie Lian's mental and physical strength gave away as well...I literally CANNOT shut up about this

My little ray of sunshine, my hope, MY LOVE, Hua Cheung out here making me crack a small smile in this hellscape with his cute and precious promise of never forgetting him

Ugh that reminds me and fills with me dread CUZ he has to go back to heaven and things are NOT gonna go well it's the first banishment isn't it

I am WORRIED for Xie Lian's parents

I am so depressed and triggered rn. I mean I have this playlist that I listen to every time I read and usually I change it up, so suspenseful parts have more suspenseful music and other parts have ancient chinese music and stuff like the TGCF ost. Anyways, I had to turn it off cuz it was setting the horrific mood way too well and I'm like no, if I continue this, I will cry, and So I switched to the OST and I WAS LIKE SHIT SHIT NOPE GOD IM GONNA CRY NEVERMIND, so I switched to something completely random and listened to Ariana Grande's song side to side and the lyrics came: "I've been there all day, I've been there all night" AND I GOT TRIGGERED AGAIN CUZ IM LIKE OMG HUA CHEUNG WAS THERE ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT AND HE SAW HIS BELOVED FALL BROO I NEED HELP

My heart:

Xie Lian's face was white as a sheet, his eyes blank; countless hands were shoving him around, and there was even a pair maliciously strangling him. Finally, something hilarious happened. He was clearly a god of heaven, but at that moment, there was a tiny voice crying at the bottom of his heart;

"...save me-"

I just....

I ALMKST CRIED TYPING THAT OK???

I SWEAR TO GOD PROTECT DIANXIA AT ALL COSTS DBDJSKKSMS I JUST DJSKSLSMSMDNDNFF I AM SO FJRIRIRKKRLKVF HES LITERWLLY TRYING HIS BEST!!! WHY CANT THEY SEE THAT?? UGHH DJDJEKEKE I- DHDJRJSJEKWMW I LITERALLY DID NOT SIGN UP FOR THIS, I SIGNED UP CUTE HUALIAN, FUNNY IDIOT TRIO MOMENTS, MAYBE SOME COOL PLOT TWISTS AND BADASS VILLIANS OR SOMWTHING BUT THIS??? I LITERALLY CANT DJMDMSS I fejlsksks

I can't even type anymore

[zi-i-think]

9 | The Miraculous Bastards

Pairing: Zuko x Ama (OC)

Word Count: 6100+

.☽☼☾.

~ Ama ☾ ~

          Around the dinner table, we all chatted happily. After all it's been years since we were together like this. And this time we had some new friends. I sat with my cheek resting on my palm while I watched Aang and Katara tell the story of their engagement again.

         "Honestly, I don't know what came over him. I was so focused on the sun setting that I didn't even hear him ask the first time." Katara laughed, taking another sip from her wine.

         "I thought her being quiet was a no at first." Aang was finishing. "She practically had to threaten me to repeat the question. And when I did she instantly said yes." He and Katara shared a loving look.

         "Threaten you with what? No kisses?" Toph taunted them. Everyone laughed as Aang blushed.

         "N-no." Aang claimed.

         "Then what?" Toph pushed. Based on the deep red blush on Aang and Katara's cheeks. It must be something a little... different than kissed.

         "Anyways." Katara avoided the question, bringing the red wine to her lips again. "Before we all retire to bed. I think Ama had something to announce."

         Everyone's eyes immediately turned to me. Gosh, I already regret telling my sister that I wanted to come out to everyone at once. "One moment." I held up my pointer finger as I chugged the rest of my wine while the others chuckled at me. The light burning in my throat made me clear my throat, as I set my glass down.

         "Here goes nothing." I mumbled to myself and started picking at my nails. "Okay, well as everyone knows, there were a good two years where I-"

         "Disappeared?"

         "Went dark?"

         "Didn't visit?"

         Some of the others finished. My jaw dropped in an offended way as the table erupted in more laughter. "You know what, yes." I admitted. "And in those two years, I sort of fell in love."

         "That's wonderful."

         "What's his name?"

         "Where is he?"

         "How great."

         The table erupted in chatter again. "Okay, you all aren't really helping me with my nerves right now." There was a slight shake in my voice as I spoke and they all stopped talking immediately.

         "I think I get it." Ty Lee said, mainly to herself. I wondered if she actually knew what I was saying and gave the peppy girl a curious look. "You're pregnant!"

         "Ama, really!?"

         "Congratulations!"

         "I'm going to be an aunt!?"

         "No!" I shouted, rapidly shaking my head and my arms out in front of me. "It's been a year since I've last seen them. Besides, it was never even a possibility. Cause- well." I looked around the table. They all either had confused or curious expressions.

         My eyes landed on Zuko, he was leaning back into his chair. Arms crossed over his chest as he waited to hear me speak. His soft golden eyes bore into mine. Immediately, I felt calmer and just blurted it out. "The whole point of me saying all of this is because I'm bisexual and Mulan was a woman who I was very much in love with!"

         "Oh, that's old news!" Toph immediately exclaimed before anyone could say anything.

         "Old news? I just told Katara and Sokka this morning. They were the only ones who knew!" I pointed out, motioning to my siblings.

         "Oh." Toph realized. "Then I guess it's just old news to me. You're heartbeat always sped up whenever you saw an attractive woman." My face reddened and I buried my face in my hands.

         "Moving on. I think that's great, Ama." Suki said, looking at me from beside Sokka, who sat between the two of us.

         "Yeah. We're all very happy for your new found understanding of yourself." Ty Lee grinned at me. "Or would it be an old understanding of yourself? Either way, your aura is very purple and bright!"

         "So, none of you think differently of me?" I wondered, peeking through my fingers.

         "Of course not. You're still the same Ama." Zuko spoke up, giving me a comforting smile. He didn't speak all that much the entire night.

         "So what happened?" Ty Lee's curious voice wondered.

         I shrugged, a somber expression on my face. "She got really sick one day and died." Some voices expressed words of condolences quietly. "It's been hard, but everything happens for a reason, I guess." I began to feel extremely uncomfortable in the dismal atmosphere. The quiet was eating me up.

         "Well," Katara spoke up, standing from her seat. I am so thankful for her ability to see when I'm uncomfortable. "it's been a long day and I'm exhausted." Aang stood up also, ready to go to bed as well.

         "So am I." Ty Lee jumped from her seat. "Who knew traveling could suck all the energy out of a person." Slowly everyone left the table.

         "Don't forget ladies, tomorrow is the bridal shower." Katara announced quickly before entering her room.

         "Good job, sis." Sokka pulled me into him for a side hug. "The execution was a little rocky, but I'm proud of you for finally overcoming your fear."

         "Sokka, your breath reeks of wine." I laughed, shoving him off me. "Get to bed."

         "Mhh. Bed sounds good." Sokka mumbled happily then gave a sly look at Suki. "What do you think, Suki? Bed? Good?"

         The girl smirked back at him seductively. "I think bed sounds great."

         "Eww." I said in disgust. "You're going to make me throw up."

         "Aww, you're just jealous you don't have someone in your bed tonight." Sokka teased.

         "Yeah, it's totally because of that and not because your bedroom is right next to me." I raised my eyebrows and entered my bedroom. A sigh of relief escaped my lips. Finally. I can rest easy, I hope. The walls here are thick, right?

.☽☼☾.

         I woke up early with a list of things to do. But of course, everyone needs  their breakfast. Sitting at the dining table with a bread bun in my hands and a book in another.

         "Watcha reading?" A familiar but still strange voice asked. Turning my head, I saw the one and only Zuko. I gave him a smile as he sat down, taking a bread bun from one of the bowls in the center.

         "A romance novel." I replied, keeping my eyes on my book. "A princess falls in love with the stable boy. But he gets drafted into the war. The princess then disguises herself as a man in order to protect him."

         "Sounds interesting." He responded. "I'll need to borrow it when you're done."

         Memorising the page I was on, I set down the book. "So, how've you been?" I asked.

         "I've been good. Bored, mainly." He shrugged. "You know. When I became Fire Lord, I was never told how much of my time would be spent with paperwork in front of me."

         "That's rough, buddy." I quoted something he'd said a long time ago, cracking a smile from him. "How's Kiyi and your mom?"

         "Good. Kiyi turned 12 a few weeks ago. And mom still asks about you." He responded with a warm smile.

         "Did they get the bracelets I sent? I know it wasn't anything fancy, but-"

         "They loved it." Zuko interrupted me. "Kiyi wears it almost everyday, actually."

         "That's good to hear." I said, taking another sip from my tea. I grimaced at how cold it got from being neglected. I looked over at Zuko with an innocent look. "Hey do you mind-?"

         Already one step ahead of me, Zuko took my tea cup, heating it up with his hands. Giving him a questioning look, Zuko just chuckled. "You're a very predictable person, you know."

         "Well, thank you." I said, taking the cup back from him and sipping it. "So, did you boys plan anything for today?"

         "Aang wants to go to the market." He answered. "Hey, what are some foods you recommend?"

         "Depends." I started, pointing at nothing in particular. "Auntie Ashuna has a booth selling seal jerky. I find that to be pretty filling. There's also a booth selling different sea foods, but fried. Honestly, it's one of my new favorite snacks."

         "Anything sweet?" He asked more specifically.

         "Oh. Auntie Nalle has an entire bakery. She sells cakes, tarts, and all sorts of things." I listed, my mouth already watering at the thought. "She's going to be at the bridal shower, though, so Uncle Perlu will be running everything. Word of advice, don't stare at him. He'll write your name on a piece of paper and burn it."

         He chuckled and looked a bit confused. "Should I ask?"

         "It's kinda my fault." I recalled how I told my uncle that burning the name of a person was a great way of both detaching from them and wishing ill-will on them. "Anyways, I gotta get going. Bridesmaid duties." I stated, standing up from my seat.

         "Have fun." He said as I was picking up my book, placing it under my arm to pick up my dirty dishes.

         "You know me." I smirked. "I'll always have fun."

         "Can you do me a favor?" He asked, just before I left. I nodded, for him to continue. "Keep an eye on Suh for me? I know she's a very extroverted person, but she can feel out of place easily."

         "You can count on me mister Fire Lord." I assured him. He gave me a thankful smile as I actually felt the dining room this time.

         My smile fell as I left. The mention of Suh made me feel... uneasy. I wanted to like her, I really did. But there was something about her that made me wary. I don't know what it is. But I will.

.☽☼☾.

         "What a beautiful knife set." Katara opened the last gift. "Thank you, Mai." The Fire Nation woman nodded a 'you're welcome' while she grabbed a biscuit. Katara turned to look at me, as she set the gift to the side. "I didn't think I could get so many plate sets."

         "You'll never need to worry about not having one." We chuckled together.

         "It was a great idea to host the bridal shower here in the green house." Katara looked around at the place. Vines hung from pots, trees grew strongly, and flowers of all colors filled the clear paneled house. "It sets the perfect atmosphere and it's gorgeous."

         "I know." I agreed. "Plus I think the two of us needed a break of the snow."

         "Oh, please. You were in here like everyday up until two weeks ago." She mocked me, starting to fold up the gift bags.

         "Yeah, some of the bridesmaid duties I were procrastinating on had finally caught up to me." I recalled, looking across the long table I noticed Suh chatting Mai's ear off. The poor girl looked so bored and annoyed.

         Remembering my promise to Zuko earlier, I stood up and went over. "Hey, Mai. Katara could use some help organizing the gifts."

         "Finally. Something to do." She said dryly and left her seat.

         I took Mai's seat and smiled at Suh. "So, how are you liking the South Pole?" I started conversation.

         "Oh, it's beautiful." She awed. "I always believed that the Southern Water Tribe was underdeveloped and unstable, but I was obviously wrong."

         I tried not to feel offended by her little comment. After all, it wasn't like the Fire Nation was taught a whole lot about the other nations. "You should go to the market one day, you can get a taste of some more Water Tribe culture and food!" I suggested. "Zuko told me that he and the boys were going to be there today?"

         "Oh. I didn't know that you and Zu-bear talked today?" It took everything in me not to burst out laughing at the nickname. Zu-bear? Zuko can't possibly like that. "But, anyways. I guess I'll try to go to the market."

         "So, how did you and Zuko meet?" I inquired.

         "Oh, it was nothing special." She swatted the air with one hand and grabbed her tea with the other. "The Fire Nation Council introduced Zuko to lots of women. We went on a couple dates, and just clicked. With all the competition I really didn't think Zuko would want to be with me, but well. Here we are."

         "What does the Council have to do with Zuko's love life?" I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion.

         "Zuko, isn't exactly getting younger. The Fire Nation is going to need an heir." She spoke like it was common knowledge. "The Council just made sure that all the women eligible to him are fit to be Fire Queen."

         It made sense. After all, the royal life is a lot more pristine than I know. The year I spent living in the palace had me following proper etiquette. And that was just scratching the surface. Still, having a group of people limiting who you'd spend the rest of your life with sounded terrible.

         "And what did you do before you met Zuko. Were you a diplomat of some sort, academic...?"

         "My father was a general in the war. I never really did anything." She answered. The answer was way too simple for my liking. Especially since she likes to talk. "I hope I don't sound rude, but I'd rather hear more about you." She grinned. "Zuko never really talked about you guys."

         I was taken aback by that. He never talked about us? Why? Is he ashamed? No. Why would he? "Um, well. What would you like to know?"

         "Everything!" She exclaimed excitedly. Her hands intertwined and a hopeful look glimmered in her eye. And I'm starting to see why Mai said she was unbearable.

.☽☼☾.

         I rubbed by my temples slowly, stepping inside the palace with Katara behind me. "Remind me to keep Auntie Vik away from the alcohol at your wedding." I grumbled.

         "I'll remember." Katara grumbled back. "It's been a long day. Oh, you know what would be nice? A relaxing time at the hot springs."

         "That sounds like heaven." I moaned at the thought. "You think the others would want to join us? The sun hasn't even set yet, we have time."

         "That's a good idea, actually." Katara grinned. "I'll go get everyone."

         "And I'll go get the wine!" I exclaimed, sharply turning to the wine cellar.

         And just like that, the second evening with my friends started. With wine in our hands and the hot, soothing water up to our chest.

         "...I was so close to using my trusty boomerang on the guy. I mean, who does he think he is?" Sokka complained about some shop owned from the market.

         "For not lowering the price by a couple copper pieces?" Haru chuckled.

         "I'd already spent most of my money on food. And that dress was perfect for Suki." He grumbled. Suki shook her head, but still smiled at her goofy boyfriend, leaning into him.

         "How was the bridal shower?" Aang turned the attention to the girls.

         "It went well. And now we have a lot of plates to use." Katara grinned, making me chuckle.

         "Props to Ama, though. The girl was hella busy both before and after the event." Toph brought the attention on to me.

         "Oh, please it was nothing." I smirked and swatted my hand. "But the chef was so rude. He told me that the dishes I requested were 'too complicated.' I met with him last week to go over everything and he didn't say a word about it."

         "I saw the way he talked to you." Suki spoke up. "He was way too bold."

         "Seriously though, Katara. You better put as much effort as I am right now when I get married cause I've been busting my ass." I grumbled at my sister.

         "Yeah well I won't procrastinate like you did." Katara crossed her arms over her chest and had a fun-loving smile.

         "That's assuming that Ama will even get married." Sokka quipped, earning some snickers while my jaw dropped. "Hey, I just realized. Katara is getting married before Ama. Even though Ama is older and still single. Ha! Good luck sis."

         "Sokka!" Katara scolded while I actually bent the hot water and splashed his face.

         "Ow! Ow! Ama!" He hissed and with his eyes closed, he reached out of the water, using his hand to try and find his towel.

         "Don't worry, Ama. You'll find someone." Ty Lee assure me.

         "What is with you all?" I chuckled, running my fingers through my hair. "I am perfectly content with my life right now. I got my friends, my family. What more do I need? Besides, I'm not worried about that. After all, I was able to pull in the FIre Lord."

         Zuko just shrugged with a cocky smirk and sipped his wine. "Hey, you got good taste I'll tell you that." Suh looked a bit uncomfortable at the mention of Zuko's relationship with me and pressed closer onto him.

         "Minus Jet." Aang huffed a laugh.

         "And we never got to meet Mulan. So we don't even know what she's like." Suki added.

         "You know it would have been nice to meet her, Sis." Sokka said with his chin up in an offended way.

         "It wasn't that I didn't want to," I threw my hands up and some water splashed from my hand. "You know, the world isn't exactly all that accepting of same-sex couples."

         "I was actually really surprised when I found that out." Aang commented. "The Air Nomads embraced everyone's differences, no matter who they loved."

         "Fire Lord Sozin decreed that same-sex relationships be made criminal when he came into power." Zuko said. "I'm still in the process of legalizing it. There's been quite a bit of pushback by the Fire Sages."

         "Why?" I furrowed my eyebrows as I started to feel frustrated. "It makes so sense. The Water Tribe prefers for you to keep it to themselves, the Fire Nation will throw you in prison, and the Earth Kingdom families will kick you out."

         "Is that what happened to Mulan?" Katara wondered softly.

         "Was she kicked out? Yeah." I said somberly. "She was 13."

         "I had a neighbor that was gay." Haru spoke. "He had to leave town because his farm hept getting robbed and received death threats."

         "So now you can all see why I didn't tell you guys anything?" I raised my eyebrows at them all.

         "Yeah, snowcone." Toph punched my shoulder. "But don't do that ever again."

         "Yeah, yeah. You can't read, I get it." I chuckled as I rubbed the spot she just punched.

         "Ama, I promise you that I will reverse what my great grandfather has done." Zuko assured me. "No one deserves to be punished for who they love."

         I broke into a huge grin. "You're all the best I'm going to cry." My hand went up to my eyes, my thumb wiping the tears that started to drip.

         "We're just glad you could confide in us." Katara swam over, embracing me in a hug.

         "Yeah! You can always trust us." Ty Lee also swam over to embrace me.

         "Okay, new conversation before I start bawling my eyes out." I laughed, the two girls left the hug.

         "Ama, so emotional." Sokka shook his head in fake disappointment.

         "Says the guy who cried when Auntie Ashuna ran out of seal jerky." I retorted. Sokka grumbled to himself as he sank further into the water.

         "You know, I'm kind of curious to know about Toph and Kanto." Katara smirked at Toph.

         The earthbender smirked smugly, taping a sip from her wine. "All you guys need to know is that we're together and he'll be at the wedding."

.☽☼☾.

         Another day had passed and we were one day closer to the wedding. Today was chock full of wedding planning, or at least the finishing touches. Katara and Aang needed to confirm the centerpieces and the decorators were going over how to decorate the venue.

         We spent hours there. And it wasn't the stressful atmosphere or the pre pre-wedding jitters Katara was having that made me feel uncomfortable. It was Suh. As best man, Zuko came along to help Aang out. And Suh never even left his side.

         She kept talking out of turn, suggesting things that no one asked for, and was way too loud. "What about roses as the centerpiece instead of the panda lilies? They're so much prettier." and "Wouldn't blue be a more 'Water Tribe-y' than yellow?"

         I had to constantly remind her that it was both Aang and Katara's wedding and that they wanted to incorporate both of their cultures into it. But it never sank into her head. She'd apologize and do it all over again.

         "I can't stand that woman." I complained to the girls. We all, minus Suh, sat in Katara's room as Ty Lee tried different wedding hair styles on her. "Honestly, I don't know what Zuko sees in her."

         "I told you." Mai said dryly. Yeah, I need to learn to listen to Mai more.

         "Oh, she wasn't that bad." Katara argued with her sweet tone. "Sure she had a lot to say, but you can't hold that against her."

         "Of course I can. She was being incredibly inconsiderate of our culture and us." I justified. I didn't know how Katara was being okay with this. I would have thought she'd be on the same page as me since it was her wedding.

         "Ama, do you think you're maybe over exaggerating?" Suki suggested.

         "Why would I exaggerate?" I huffed.

         "Maybe 'cause you still have feelings for Zuko. And she's kinda engaged to him." Toph said without missing a beat.

         "Will you all stop with that." I grumbled in annoyance. "I told you. I see Zuko as nothing more than a friend. My problem is with Suh."

         "You're problem is with Suh because you like Zuko." Toph was blunt and spoke without holding back. She took pleasure in teasing others, but there was always truth in what she said. Still. She's human and can be wrong.

         "You guys simply haven't spent enough time with Suh." Mai came to my defence. "I've had to put up with her for months. The woman has no filter."

         Suki giggled from beside me and shook her head. "How convenient that Zuko's two exes are the only ones who don't like Suh." Mai just rolled her eyes and I scoffed. There was no way I'd be able to convince them anything. Not if they thought I still had feelings for my ex.

         "I think Suh is nice." Ty Lee spoke up, tying the last band into Katara's hair. "How's this one?" She asked the bride. Katara was the focus of everyone's attention now.

         She took a moment to look at herself in the mirror. Her dark hair was put into a loose braid and then swirled into a low bun to look like a flower. The strands by her face were tied with blue string all the way to the end and pinned to the back of her head.

         "It's beautiful, Ty Lee." Katara complimented after giving it some thought. "It just feels too... posh. And all of the pins are poking at my scalp." She grimaced at the pain

         "Hmm." Ty Lee placed a finger on her chin, thinking about how she could restyle it. "I guess we could try a half-up, half-down style." The girl started to unpin Katara's hair.

         "Katara, shouldn't your hair be a bit more on the 'posh' side?" I asked her, stepping up beside to her to assist Ty Lee in removing the pins. "I mean, this is the biggest wedding of the year. Maybe of the generation."

         "Oh please." Katara snickered, laced with nerves. "Just because I'm marrying the Avatar doesn't mean everything has to be so elegant. There's only 300 people."

         Ty Lee and I shared an amused look. 'Only 300 people.' The vast majority of it were our family and friends, a few others from the tribe. But each nation was also sending reporters to cover the Avatar's big wedding.

         Katara didn't want it to be as big of a deal as it was. But one thing led to another while planning, and it became a big deal. She wasn't complaining, though. Because at the end of the day there was only one thing that mattered to her. That she was marrying Aang.

         Taking out the last pin from her hair, I looked at my sister. She was zoned out, stared at herself in the mirror with a soft smile. The kind that only a person in love would have. No doubt she was thinking about her loverboy.

         "Okay, so what if I tied beads on the top and..." Ty Lee began explaining another style to try, using her hands to run through Katara's hair. I sat back down on the floor next to my sister, seeing how her smile grew at Ty Lee's description.

.☽☼☾.

         The sun had barely touched the horizon. The sky was painted in hues of orange and yellow. The blue sea looked dark except to the line where the sun's light touched it.

         I took in the sight. My back rested against a large oak tree on a cliff. My left leg was out in front of my while my right leg was close to my chest as I rested my arm on it.

         So far, my journey was filled with knowledge and laughter. It was odd, though. I always had my siblings with me. They were my source of joy. Then it was Zuko. And for the past three years, it was myself.

         I still saw my friends. In fact, just a week prior, I visited Toph at her metalbending academy. I rarely saw Zuko. Maybe just twice since our breakup. Once when I passed through the Fire Nation and once at Yu Dao. Apparently, he and Aang were planning on creating a whole new nation. The United Republic of Nations.

         It was an interesting plan. Using the land that was previously Fire Nation colonies to create an entire independent state. One where benders and nonbenders of all nations could live together.

         That was a few months ago. And since then, the United Republic has made advances. Last I heard, there was a vast majority of the population for it. I had no doubt that my friends would be successful in their project.

         I sort of felt like a leaf, I guess. Drifting from place to place. Not that I was complaining. It was nice, learning new things and meeting new people. There was just something missing from my life. And I didn't know what.

         I didn't let myself dwell on that. I knew I'd find this missing thing eventually. But at this moment, I just let myself be content. An apple in my hand and some stupid song stuck in my head.

         Spirits, it was on repeat. It was a song I heard that afternoon from an old man in the town. "When I think of that painter, that beautiful painter. My heart almost bursts and I spin on the spot." It was a beautiful song with a gorgeous melody. But it wouldn't leave my head.

         "Hello there, beautiful." A raspy voice interrupted my tranquil evening. "What's a girl like you doing out here all alone."

         I craned my neck to see who it was. No one I knew. Just some man, perhaps a few years older than me, leaning smugly against the tree. His black hair slicked back with some sort of gel. His layered style was made up of dark clothing. But the most important part of his whole getup was the willow leaf saber in his hand.

         Or in simpler terms. The man literally came up to me with a whole weapon out. I was an unarmed girl just enjoying the sunset. He was a thug.

         During the war, it was the Fire Nation soldiers that caused problems in each city. That spot was now filled by criminals and gangs. They bullied citizens for money or food or anything they could get their hands on. I was lucky enough not to come across any of them. Until now.

         I remained emotionless and just took a bite from my apple. "You know it's dangerous 'round these parts. You never know who might try to rob you. Especially a pretty girl like yourself." I almost laughed at how this man was trying to sound intimidating.

         "Thank you, for letting me know." I replied, covering my mouth with the back of my hand while I chewed. I looked back at the sunset, trying to ignore his staring.

         He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Nice bag." He pointed at my colorful satchel with his sword. "What's in it?"

         "Alot, actually. Some copper pieces, some gold, some silver. Passport, hair ties, good stuff like that." I egged him on and looked up at him. He had a mischievous smirk, thinking this would be an easy steal. "You can look through it if you'd like. But you won't find your dignity."

         His smirk disappeared and he sneered at me. "You taunting me?" He pointed his sword at my chest.

         I sighed with annoyance and got off the floor with my hands on my hips, his sword still pointed at me. "Look man, I was just trying to enjoy the sunset until you got here."

         "Funny, I just started to enjoy my evening when I saw you here." He chuckled.

         I didn't know how long he wanted to keep bickering like this. And I just wanted to get back to the sunset. So I snapped open my waterskin and bent the water in it to spash it against his sword and then froze it against the tree.

         The man's eyes widened and tried to pull the sword out, despite it not budging. "Okay, buddy. It's been wonderful being threatened by you, but as you can see I will be winning any sort of fight against you. So, if you just agree to leave me alone, I'll unfreeze you little toy." I tried to strike a deal.

         But my self-assured ass didn't see the man behind me. Pulling on my hair, he drew me close to him and placed a dagger against my throat. "Nuh uh, sweetie." His gross, hot breath was on my ear. "You see, we never travel alone."

         Three other thugs came out of hiding. Each of them with disgusting smiles. One of them grabbed my bag and looked through it. "Ha!" She exclaimed, pulling out my bag of coins.

         "Jackpot!" One of the others jumped happily.

         "Now if you'll just unfreeze my friend's sword, we'll be on our way. And you'll be unharmed." The man who held me growled.

         "Gladly." I responded and bent the frozen water off and struck the man holding me in the face. Effectively getting him to remove his grip on me.

         The others sprung into action. Mister 'hello there, beautiful' ran over to me, swinging his sword. I dodged it by side stepping to my right, and used my water to, this time, push him onto the ground and froze his hand on the ground.

         The woman stomped her foot on the ground, and the earth beneath me rumbled. I jumped back, avoiding the sharp earth that sprung from the ground. I took my water and used the waterwhip to slap her harshly, throwing her onto a tree.

         But while I did that, I didn't notice that the other guy bent the earth, holding my feet to the ground tightly. It felt like the earth was cutting off the blood circulation to my feet. In shock I looked down. But when I looked back up the man was sprinting, sword in hand and ready to strike me through.

         I called my water to me, but just before I could do anything, a new person entered the fight. A woman. All I saw was a blur of red hair as she tackled the man to the ground. Rolling back up, she lunged again. Punching the man's throat. His hand went up to where she injured him, like he couldn't breath.

         The earth around my feet disappeared back into the ground. I was free, but I was right when I speculated that the rock was cutting of my circulation. It was like tiny needles were continuously poking at my feet, and I fell back into a seated position.

         The man that held me before was back up and held his dagger tightly in his hand. Swinging it across his body to attack the woman. The mysterious redhead jumped back, grabbing his arm to hold him in place as she then kicking his knee in. The man, with a backwards leg cried out in excruciating pain.

         One of the other, that hadn't done anything yet, dropped the bag of money on the ground. He unsheathed his sword and walked over to the woman. She in turn, unsheathed her own sword, a katana to be exact, and the two pieces of metal collided.

         Using his own strength against him, she moved to the side and he fell forward slightly. And while he was hunched over, the woman slammed the butt of her katana against the back of his head, making him fall over in extreme pain.

         The woman I fought earlier was also back up, bending two pieces of rock beside her, she threw it at the redhead. She dodged both as she ran towards her before sliding beside the woman. And when she jumped back up she kicked the back of her knee, getting the attacker to fall on her knees.

         The redhead pointed her katana at the woman's head. And everyone paused. Well, all of them were maimed pretty badly. "You thugs need to watch it." The redhead's voice spewed venom when she spoke to them. "If you ever try to cause pain to another innocent person, I won't be as merciful."

         The ones that were capable nodded in understanding. Satisfied, the mystery woman sheathed her katana walked over to me. With some feeling of my feet I stood up to greet and thank her. But I guess there wasn't as much feeling as I thought and my body started to lean forward. Luckily, the woman was right in front of me and caught me before I could fall any further.

         "Woah there." She laughed lightly, helping me stand by wrapping her arm around my waist and allowing for me to lean on her. "Are you okay."

         "Perfect." I chuckled at myself. "Thank you, so much." I then looked back over to the group of criminals. "That was incredible. The way you moved and everything."

         The woman shrugged. "It was nothing. I do this over four times a week." I looked at her curiously. "I'm part of this group. The Miraculous Bastards."

         "The Miraculous Bastards?" I laughed and was finally able to hold myself up. She chuckled with me. Spirits, her smile is gorgeous. In fact, now that I look at her, her entire self was beautiful. She had dark red hair that hung loose and ended at her shoulders. Sparkling forest green eyes. And she was taller than me by two or three inches.

         "I didn't choose the name." She shook her head.

         "I'm Ama." I introduced myself.

         "Ama?" She repeated like she recognised it. "Wait, weren't you one of the waterbenders that traveled with the Avatar?" I nodded and smiled at her excited reaction. "You literally saved the world! Meeting you is an honor."

         "Thank you." This kind of attention always left me feeling a little awkward.

         "So, what exactly are you doing here?"

         I shrugged. "Just traveling around. That is, until something else comes around and my life takes another turn."

         The woman tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. "Um, I hate to ask, but would you by any chance want to meet my friends? It doesn't have to be for long and our camp isn't far." She pointed with her thumb towards a direction away from the cliff.

         "The rest of the Miraculous Bastards, you mean?" I inquired with a smirk.

         "Yeah." She chuckled.

         "I'd love to." I agreed. "Just let me grab my stuff." I crouched down, grabbing my satchel and the bag of coins. Ignoring the groans for help from the criminals.

         "I'm Mulan, by the way." The woman said quickly as we left the scene. I smiled at her. I didn't know what it was. But just speaking to her had me feeling something I haven't felt in a long time. Butterflies.

.☽☼☾.

I didn't want Ama's sexuality to be such a big deal. In an ideal world, no one would have to make a big deal or be scared of coming out. Heterosexual is not the default. But after watching Legend of Korra and reading the first comic, I realized that this would be something that Ama would have to confront.

Hang loose, amigos 🤙🏼

[imacrowcawcaw]

These Dreams (Sanny) 1/3

*Just realized that this is super long and the formatting is a mess so I'm breaking it into three and cleaning it up*

Title: These Dreams

Author (As known on Various sites): Lady Lover- Rockfic, Luluthechoosingcrow - AO3, theladylovingcrow - Wattpad and Deviantart, Tumblr - imacrowcawcaw

Fandom: Greta Van Fleet

Pairing: Danny Wagner/Sam Kiszka, Josh Kiszka/Jake Kiszka at the end

Warnings/Tags: first time, first kiss, smut, frontage, grinding, fluff, attempted humor, discussions of underage attraction

Summary: *No actual underage sex graphically depicted, but it's talked about*

*twincest at the very end*

"'You're telling me that we've known each other, been near inseparable, since seventh grade, and you've never once thought about it? At all? You've had to have thought about giving guys a try at least once, everyone questions their sexuality." Sammy gave him a shit eating grin. He scooted even closer to Danny, so that their knees touched and their noses weren't more than half a foot apart. Danny stopped laughing.'

Author's Notes: Sammy seems to be the instigator in most things, and Danny always seems to be secretly in love (in my stories), but I like it like that lol.

God I finished this at midnight lol

For Helena and everyone else who needs gvf content down deep in their soul like I do

Sorry, it's kinda dialogue heavy

Singing along to Fleetwood Mac gave me the title

*I am marking this as underage because there is discussion of attractions and fantasies while they were underage, masturbation, losing virginity while under 18. But there is no graphic underage sex actually written, both boys are at like 20 or nearly 20 (today era) where I place this. (Also will not be posted on Rockfic because I've made that mistake once before and I respect their rules and the reasons behind them)

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"What if we fucked?"

Danny let his head roll to the side on his pillow so he could eye Sam.

"What?"

"I dunno, it was just a random idea. Like, don't you think it would be kinda fun?"

Danny stared at him, confusion and amusement mingling on his face. This wasn't the weirdest thing Sam had said in, hell, the last half an hour? But, still, the hypothetic had Danny's attention simply because the idea was something he never really thought about - or, at least, never thought would ever happen. A boy had wet dreams and fantasies, they weren't always things he would actually act on.

"I've never thought about it."

Just not gonna mention those dreams. Or the one time he jacked off while sharing a bed with Sam, nose breathing in the scent of his hair and eyes roaming his best friend's sleeping backside. That never happened, okay?

"Really, like never?"

Sam actually looked surprised. He had?

"You're telling me that we've known each other, been near inseparable, since seventh grade, and you've never once thought about it? At all? You've had to have thought about giving guys a try at least once, everyone questions their sexuality."

"Well- I mean..."

To come clean or to not come clean, that was the question in Danny's mind. Sammy seemed totally cool with the idea, though, so it probably wouldn't do him any harm to admit it. Unless this was a prank? Nah, Sam loved jokes but this wasn't his style. He would never pick on someone for something like this, he much preferred messing with Danny in other ways.

"Fine, yeah, I've thought about it. Had a really intense dream in like, eighth, that freaked me out for a while. Didn't know how to deal with it then, ya know?"

"See, I knew it! Everyone thinks about it! What was your dream about?"

Sam bounced on the bed like an excited puppy - which, he was. A cute, fluffy, yapping ball of energy with too big feet who got super excited whenever he met new people, that was Sammy. How could Danny not love him?

"Do you really wanna hear about this?"

He had to know, just to make double sure, that Sam wasn't pulling his leg.

"Yes, I do! It's interesting to think about. And - if you tell me about your's, I'll tell you about mine?"

"Wait, your dream? What? When? How much have you thought about this? Like, being with a guy, or with me? How come you've never said anything?!"

Why was this the first time he'd heard about this? Sam was usually very vocal about everything he was thinking, at least when in private with his brothers and Danny.

Though, he guessed he knew why: it was the same reason he'd never really mentioned his own dreams and ponderings to Sam.

"Well, how come *you've* never said anything?" Sam countered. "And I'll tell you what I've thought about, but later; I wanna hear hear about this dream that freaked you out so bad. What could it have even been?"

"Mr. Oakenstein."

"WHAT?!"

Danny was cracking up at Sam's face, he looked like he'd just been told that Gibson was going out of business or something.

"Please tell me you're joking!" Sam begged. Poor boy, Danny should put him out of his misery.

"Of course I'm joking, doofus! God - Mr. Oakenstein? He was at least seventy five when we took bio! There's no way that - if I liked guys - I'd be into him. He's so wrinkly and hunched and- and *jowly*."

They both shuddered. Mr. Oakenstein's name brought back unpleasant memories of weekly chapter tests (how was it even possible to go through a book that fast?) and frog electrocution, not to mention the mental image of his sagging, jiggly face.

"Would he have even been able to get it up? Like, how long does Viagra take to kick in? You'd just have to lay there waiting and looking at him - which, ugh. That would be a nightmare, not a dream."

"Yeah," Danny agreed, still giggling a little bit, "I didn't dream about him, but it definitely would have freaked me out more if I had. Hey, you still think Miss Marcie is hot?"

Danny was procrastinating, they both knew it, but this was always a fun conversation to have.

"Always, dude. I still remember with, like, perfect clarity the time she had me come in during lunch to go over my test. I looked up and she was *right there* leaning over me reading what I was doing, and I could kind of see up her shirt... man, I was so distracted the rest of the day."

Sam sounded dreamy, lost in his memories of a hot tenth grade teacher.

"I remember that day! You were so distracted after school on the way home, you nearly drove us into a lake. And at band practice you kept messing up, Joshie nearly strangled you with his mic cord."

"Yeah! Man, I was so hard, I couldn't fucking concentrate on anything else except for trying not to cum right then and there. As soon as we called it quits for the day I was in the bathroom; and of course Jake knew what was up and wouldn't stop ribbing me about it the rest of the night."

"Damn, that bad? I mean, she was hot but she wasn't, like, *amazing*, was she?"

"You might not think so, but Miss Marcie is always gonna have a place in my heart. And the spank bank," Sam sighed. They both snickered.

"Well, what about you, hmm?" He asked. "If you didn't like Mr. Goldenstein, then who? Everyone gets hot for teacher."

Sam hummed the lyrics to the classic for a minute, Danny filling in the guitar parts. Neither of them listened to Van Halen that much, but how could you not know that song?

After a little drum solo on his thigh while Sam progressed into increasingly southern banjo sounding guitar noises, Danny stopped and answered.

"I agree, Ms. Marcelina was really hot, but she had NOTHING on Mrs. Bell. Do you remember that red dress she uses to wear?"

"Of course I do! The economy of the United States has never been so interesting!"

Danny snorted. "Dude, you never gave a shit about econ, you just liked to stare at her. Which, okay, I did too. She made that class bareable."

"I'd say she made it a bit more than bareable. And yeah, that red dress was something else,"

Sam rolled onto his side.

"Hey, what if Mr. Goldstein wore a red cocktail dress. Would you go for him then?"

Sam laughed when Danny shoved at his shoulder, shaking with amusement and disgust at the thought.

"You know, I've never entertained that thought, but I am SO glad you brought it to my attention. I'll never be able to *stop thinking about it* now, Samuel."

Sammy gave him a shit eating grin. He scooted even closer to Danny, so that their knees touched and their noses weren't more than half a foot apart. Danny stopped laughing.

Part 2