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wooataes · 1 year ago

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Real Eyes, Fake Lies (Part Eight)

Pairing: soulmate!Lee Jihoon x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 6.4k

Warnings: angst, Hanahaki!au, crying, mentions of death, alcohol consumption, swearing, cringeworthy comedy, protective brothers

Summary: What do you do when you find out the one person that was created by the universe to be yours doesn’t want you back?

A/N: ITS FINALLY HERE. I dropped the ball a bit preparing myself to enjoy comeback and spend all my money on woozi photocards 🤷🏻‍♀️ the next part should be out fairly soon too, so look forward to it! 🥰

- Tae 💜🌸

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Jihoon yawns. He’s surprised at how calm the bus trip has been so far. They’re approaching hour two and so far there has only been a couple rounds of I Spy and Rock Paper Scissors that have passed down the rows, with some of the group opting to sleep for the beginning of the journey as best as they can. Ji-ah is one of those said few, her head nestled tiredly on her Not-Soulmate’s shoulder, guilt bubbling inside Jihoon’s stomach. He doesn’t have a reason to feel guilty, of course. You and him were never a thing and never have been, but he can’t shake the feeling of hurting you by flaunting the reason for your heartbreak right in front of your face.

He’s watched you for most of the drive, out of Ji-ah’s sight as she rests. You’re listening in on a conversation Soonyoung and Seokmin are having, your free hand stretched over and stroking the fur of the little white fluff ball on the seat beside you. Kkuma is happily chewing on her bone with a yellow sunflower clip holding a small tuft of her fur away from her eyes that matches your dress. You have a small unreadable smile on your face and Jihoon can’t get a read on if you’re upset or just tired. Your emotions have been sturdy almost constantly as of late, and your soulmate worries if everything is getting bottled up or if you’ve truly lost hope.

Your brother stays by his soulmate’s side as he drives, smiling and speaking to each other in hushed tones. Seungcheol’s hand rests on Jeonghan’s leg, rubbing delicate circles against his thigh absentmindedly as they talk and Jihoon can’t help but be endeared to such a simple but romantic gesture between soulmates.

“I’m just saying,�� Soonyoung’s voice carries through the bus. “You have two butts. Not one.”

“And I’m just saying, you’re wrong.” Seokmin rebuts. “You don’t have two. It’s only one.”

“Stand up right now and hold your left butt in one hand and right butt in the other. TWO. TWO BUTTS.”

“Incorrect!” He barks back. “You have two butt cheeks! You have one butt hole.”

“You’re a butt hole!”

“Dear god.” You groan, leaning your head back as Seungkwan, seated directly behind you, laughs. “How much longer?”

“Y/N~,” Soonyoung sings sweetly as he peers over the back of his seat.

“Do not drag me into this, Kwon.” You shoot him a playful glare. “Last time I joined in a soulmates argument between you both, you didn’t talk to me for a week.”

“You’re still not over that?” He gasps, hand on his chest. “That was like, nearly two years ago.”

“Yeah, but you made her cry after two days of your silent treatment.” Seungcheol turns around to shoot Soonyoung a not-so-playful glare. “Watch it.”

“Oh come on,” he whined playfully, paying Seungcheol no mind as he reaches over to take your hand in his. You wince as your cheeks immediately flush, trying to ignore the feeling of longing building up inside you. “That was when I was young and stupid.” He pouts, batting his eyelashes at you as his thumbs stroke your hand.

Jihoon’s eyes focus on the delicate way Soonyoung is holding your hand and frowns. An unknown feeling settles uncomfortably in the pit of his stomach, but he refuses to acknowledge what the feeling actually could mean.

“Yah, leave her be, babe!” Seokmin swats his arm. “She is trying to sleep, and she knows the right answer is one butt - she isn’t answering because she doesn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“That isn’t true!” Soonyoung insists, turning to you after you don’t answer him. “Is it?”

“What would you do if I say yes?” You ask, raising your eyebrow.

“I…” he pauses as he turns his head slowly, meeting the steady glare of your brother staring into his soul. He pauses for a moment before turning back to you. “I would very humbly respect your opinion and thank you for being honest with your closest, longest friend.”

Just for good measure, he leans down and presses a kiss to the top of your hand. He smiles when you let out a giggle, nodding slightly and turning back to see a nod of approval from your brother. Jihoon admires how protective Seungcheol can be over you. If he had siblings, he’d do the same thing.

“Now, will you let the girl sleep? Look at her, she’s been drifting off for the last ten minutes.” Seokmin scolds Soonyoung who concedes with a sigh, your giggles filling the bus.

Jihoon feels his tummy explode with butterflies at the sound of your laugh, the only outer thing indicating him having a reaction at all being the tips of his ears turning red.

“Get some rest, Ladybug.” Jeonghan calls out as you settle down comfortably in your seat, eyes beginning to flutter. “There’s a surprise waiting at the campsite, you’ll need your energy.”

“Mhm~.” You hum sweetly as you already feel yourself beginning to drift off, your head gently lulling to the side.

Your soulmate observes you as your arms gently wrap around yourself, curling up as comfortably as you can with the limited space you have. It only takes a few minutes for your breaths to even out, sleep taking over you. Seokmin reaches over and places a fluffy blanket that was draped over him and Soonyoung now onto you, a fond smile growing on both of their faces as you immediately snuggle into the soft material to seek out the warmth enveloping you. Jihoon is even sure he hears Soonyoung mutter a soft ‘cute’ under his breath, which sets off the new uncomfortable feeling inside him again, but just like before, he chooses to ignore it.

“They really care about her, don’t they?” Minghao whispers to Junhui, who simply nods with a smile as Jihoon watches your two closest friends taking Seungcheol’s phone to quickly take a quick photo of you sleeping soundly.

The remaining two hours of the drive were pretty uneventful in Jihoon’s eyes, maybe because he kept an eye on you resting out of the corner of his eye. He observes Seokmin reaching over to carefully take your glasses off the bridge of your nose and place them on his lap. The bus stayed hushed minus the few small conversations between soulmates. Jihoon tried not to listen out of respect for their privacy, but he couldn’t help but pick up excited whispers from Jeonghan to Seungcheol about how both he and you will love the surprise that is planned. He wouldn’t lie, he was intrigued.

As the bus pulls up on a small campground next to a large, scenic forest, Jihoon can’t help but be in awe at the view of endless trees and greenery in front of them. He tilts his head at the sight of a car already pulled up at their campsite, to which Jeonghan doesn’t seem phased about. Ji-ah yawns beside him, having been awake for roughly half an hour before the bus finally came to a stop, staying sleepily perched against her boyfriend’s shoulder and watching the scenery out the window.

Jihoon glances at you, watching as Soonyoung stands and makes his way around to where you’re sleeping, crouching and slipping the blanket off you. You immediately shiver, scrunching up your nose in discomfort before letting your eyes flutter open with a tired whine that he and the others can’t help but find adorable.

“Soonie…” you frown, sitting up and rubbing your eye with a closed fist.

“We’re here, Bug.” He smiles, taking your hand and helping you up. “Jeonghannie Hyungie wants you and Cheollie Hyungie to get off first. Come on.”

You grumble sleepily, fixing your dress with a yawn before making your way to the front of the bus with Jeonghan and Seungcheol.

“You ready for your surprise?” Jeonghan smiles brightly at you both as you nod in unison.

“Should I be scared?” Seungcheol laughs.

“I don’t think so.”

“You have that smirk on your face, Oppa.”

“What smirk?” Jeonghan tries to make his face neutral.

“The smirk you pull whenever you plan to cheat when we play board games.” You squint, trying to see through him. “I swear if you plan to leave us here for dead…”

Your comment garners some giggles and laughs from the others and a smile from your soulmate.

“Oh hush!” He laughs, reaching down and tickling your side, making you flinch with a grin. “Just step outside and look.”

“Fine, fine.” Seungcheol chuckles, turning around and opening the doors to the bus.

Your brother is the first one to step off the bus and you follow close behind him, glancing from left to right curiously.

“Wow, this place is stunning.” You grin as you take in a deep breath, letting the air of nature fill your lungs as the others all trail out of the bus, looking around at the campsite with approval.

Jihoon stands by Mingyu’s side with Ji-ah towards the front of the ground, directly behind you and Seungcheol as Wonwoo starts calculating where to place tents and where to set up the campfire.

“Woah!” A new voice cuts into the group, startling everyone. “You’re blonde!”

Everyone turns to the newcomer standing by the car at the other end of the site. He stands tall with long light brown hair, his smile bright. He almost looks like a picture perched up against his car, looking at you and your brother expectantly.

“What the fuck?” Seungcheol whispers, eyes wide as he stands dumbfoundedly glued to his spot. “Is that really you?”

“I sure hope so.” The stranger smiles back, opening up his arms wide.

“WHAT THE FUCK?!” Your squeal echoes through the forest as you break into a sprint. “JISOO-OPPA!”

“Language!” Your brother yells, reaching out to swat you, only to be a second too late as you ran.

“Woah there!” Jisoo laughs, bracing himself. “Who is this stunning young lady, and what happened to my little Goober?!”

“Oppa!” You’re sobbing now as you leap into his arms. You immediately bury your face into his shoulder as your cries muffle into the fabric of his shirt. Jisoo simply smiles, his hand reaching up to cradle the back of your head, his other arm wrapped around your waist gently.

Jihoon looks to your family. Soonyoung has a large grin on his face as Seokmin is wiping at his eyes, letting out small sniffles here and there. Seungcheol is still glued to his spot before he looks to his soulmate.

“How did you find him? It’s been years.”

“You would be surprised at how easy it is to find someone these days using modern technology, my love.” He smiles, kissing his cheek sweetly.

“I love you so much.” Seungcheol smiles, pulling his soulmate in for a sweet kiss that makes the others coo at the sight.

“Hyung?” Seungkwan asks no one in particular. “Sorry, but who is that?”

“Jisoo, or Joshua, is Cheol-hyung’s childhood friend.” Soonyoung turns to the younger man. “When their mother passed and had to move in with us, they didn’t get the chance to keep in contact. Y/N tried to look for years for Jisoo for Cheol-hyung. I can’t believe Jeonghannie-hyung found him.”

Jisoo keeps his grip tight on you, his own tears glistening delicately in his eyes as he finally glances at his childhood best friend. He opens his arm out, which triggers Seungcheol to finally rush forward, trapping you between both men in a tight hug. Your sobs have grown quieter now as you squeeze him tight, your soulmate doing the best he can to keep his own emotions intact as yours threaten to overtake his own.

It’s weird, Jihoon thinks. It's weird feeling you cry from a positive emotion rather than a negative one. He thinks he could get used to that feeling.

“What are you doing here?” Your voice is small and almost shy as you lift your head from Jisoo’s shoulder. He lets out a laugh at the sight of your blotchy cheeks and now puffy red eyes, reaching out and wiping the leftover tears.

“A few weeks ago I got contacted by Jeonghan to ask if I remember two siblings who I grew up with and if I wanted to help him surprise you both.” He smiles down at you, still keeping his arm around your waist.

“It was you?” You turn to Jeonghan, who just smirks proudly. You rush forward to him, wrapping your arms tightly around his middle. “Thank you, Oppa.”

“I know how hard you looked for him, Ladybug.” He pats your head sweetly. “Now go and catch up. We will get everything set up here.”

“Are you sure, babe?” Cheol bites his lip.

“It’s your birthday, darling. It’s fine.” He insists, smiling as he pushes you towards your brother and his friend. You give him one last smile before happily running and tucking yourself under Jisoo’s waiting arm, hugging his waist as he leads you both to a picnic table under one of the many trees.

“Wow, Hyung,” Mingyu smiles. “You’re amazing for finding him for them.”

“Nah,” Jeonghan smiles as he watches the three of you talk, Jihoon keeping his eyes on you as you talk animatedly to Jisoo. “I just love them. You would do the same thing for the ones you love, wouldn’t you?” He glances to Mingyu with a small smile of adoration. It makes Jihoon think. “Now, let’s go grab these tents and set up.”

The sun has just passed the highest peak in the sky when Jeonghan and the others have finished setting up all the sleeping arrangements for everyone, tents scattered about in the secluded camping space. Soonyoung and Seokmin have surprised everyone and brought a large blow up pool that can fit up to five people inside filled with the fluffiest pillows and blankets, planning to camp under the stars with you joining them too. Jeonghan was prepared to scold the couple for their outrageous choice of camping style and even dragging you into their shenanigans, but when he found out it was your idea he begrudgingly accepted, muttering something along the lines of the little trio of misfits being crazy.

Everyone is sitting around where the campfire will be held later in the evening, Mingyu and Junhui cooking lunch on the built-in barbecue at the site while the others relaxed. You and your brother are still close by at the picnic table with Jisoo, the conversation still not having died down since it has begun. Jihoon is sitting closest to the table with Ji-ah by his side in their camping chairs with Mingyu and Wonwoo perched on the other side, keeping the table within the circle of conversation.

You have been overcome with happiness ever since you’ve arrived and Jihoon is content. He doesn’t get many happy feelings from you, and he chooses to relish in it and enjoy the warm fuzzy feeling inside him as he hears you speak with excitement and enthusiasm.

“I still can’t believe how much you’ve grown.” Jisoo smiles, patting your head delicately.

“Well it has been nearly ten years since we’ve last seen each other.” You laugh, shrugging.

“You’re just gorgeous, I can’t believe my little Goober is all grown up!” He wails, throwing his arms around you as your loud laugh hits everyone’s ears. It’s almost a blend of Soonyoung and Seungcheol’s signature laughs that are both equally contagious.

Okay, yeah. Jihoon could get used to that.

“Yep! And I even have tattoos now, Oppa.” You smirk proudly, showing him the little Lovebug on your wrist. “I’m practically a rebel.”

“My little Y/N? A rebel? I simply won’t believe it.” He smiles. “All I remember is the sweet little girl who I used to patch up whenever she fell off her bike while her brother went to go get Eomoni, and would only smile afterwards if we sang our Eodonggie song.”

“Oh dear god.” You whine, slinking down in an attempt to hide, wincing at a nearby voice.

“Eodonggie song, you say?” Jeonghan has made his way to sit next to his soulmate, his mischievous grin returning. “I do say, Shua, please elaborate.”

“Please do not elaborate, Oppa.” You’re desperate now. “Please, I have a reputation to uphold.”

“What reputation?” Soonyoung calls out. “Just last week you and Seokmin made a skit for Theatre about a hungry villain who could only be calmed down by a hero who fed him rice.”

“Shush, you!” You point aggressively at your best friend, making Seungkwan and Hansol laugh.

“That was you?!” Minghao chimes in. “I heard from Haechan that you both really made fools of yourselves.”

“Anything for the ‘gram.” Seokmin slips on a pair of sunglasses, leaning back in his chair.

“But you didn’t even film it, Hyung…” Chan mumbles, the joke going directly over his head.

“I can’t stand you.” You deadpan to Seokmin, who only shrugs.

“It’s a good thing you’re sitting, babe.” Seokmin retorts, only making Wonwoo and the others start giggling when you mouth what Seokmin says as he says it. “Yah you little..” he hisses playfully as you smirk. Jihoon smiles a little.

“There is a reason why these three get along a little too well,” Seungcheol laughs. “They’re all practically the same person.”

“We’re getting off track here,” Jeonghan nudges his soulmate again. “Eodonggie?”

“Ah!” Jisoo smiles. “Y/N used to have this little toy when we were little. It was a yellow bunny that wore a cute little outfit with green pants and a blue plaid shirt. He was pretty ugly, to be honest.”

“Hey!” You smack his arm. “Don’t be mean about my boy!”

“I’m sorry, Goob.” He grins down at you. “The main striking point of this bunny was his cheeks. They were big and round and Y/N used to think it looked like a bum. So, Cheol and I named him Eodonggie and created a little song and made him dance. Whenever she was sad, we would make Eodonggie dance. Would work like a charm every time.”

“That is so sweet!” Ji-ah coos, smiling sweetly as you nod your head enthusiastically at her.

“When we moved in with Soonyoungie’s family, we lost him.” Seungcheol frowns. “Y/N was crushed.”

“Yah, I was not.” You jutt your bottom lip out, cheeks heating up. “I was eleven by then, I had better coping skills by then.”

“Sure you did, Bug.” Your brother smiles, but you keep pouting.

“Oh,” Jisoo looks disappointed. “Did you want me to keep this then, if you’ve grown out of it?”

He pulls the small plush toy from his bag. It looked tatted and worn, but the bum on his face was noticeable.

“EODONGGIE?!” Your eyes widened as you looked up at the man. “Y-you found him?!”

“It was the last thing I had of you both, I couldn’t just throw him away. But if you don’t want-”

Before he can finish his sentence, you’re making grabby hands at the toy, the others laughing heartily as he places it in your hands. You excitedly hug the toy to your chest, cheek resting lovingly on the top of his yellow head. Seungkwan coos sweetly with Mingyu as they watch on with the others.

Jihoon keeps his eyes on you as he watches how delicately and lovingly you hold the little bunny, holding it in front of you as you examine it closely.

“You gave him brain surgery.” Your voice is soft as your finger runs over the top of his head which sported a different coloured thread haphazardly stitched in to keep the fabric intact.

“I had to.” Jisoo nudges your side. “Had to make sure that his brain was full of his memories of you.”

“Oh dear god you’re so corny.” You let out a watery laugh, hugging his side. “Thank you, Oppa. Really.”

“You’re welcome, Goober.” He ruffles your hair with an adoring smile as you quickly climb off the bench, turning around and running towards your two best friends to show them the toy. A few of the others come up to you as you start explaining Eodonggie’s, as you call it, origin story to them. Jihoon stays back with Wonwoo, Junhui and Minghao as you explain to the quote unquote ‘maknae’s’ of the group. He glances over to where your brother still sits with his soulmate and childhood best friend, watching you surrounded by your friends.

“She really has grown up so well.” Jisoo’s voice is quiet.

“She has.” Jeonghan agrees.

“Why am I emotional?” Jisoo laughs.

“Don’t worry, I get that way sometimes too.” Seungcheol is smiling.

“I’m so proud of her. She’s been through way too much.”

“She is incredible.” Seungcheol agrees as they watch you, not knowing that your soulmate was watching too.

He watches your smile the most as you make the toy dance, seemingly recreating the famous Eodonggie dance that Jisoo and Seungcheol made for you. There’s a small smile growing on his face, your happiness literally contagious as it runs through him. Jeonghan watches Jihoon curiously, a focussed frown on his face.

“Are we there yet?” Seokmin whines, leaning against your back as you walk steadily uphill, following your brother and your friends.

“If you were going to complain the whole time, I would’ve made you stay back at the campsite and have the tea ceremony with Minghao, Junhui and Ji-ah.” You grumble, pushing the sweaty man off you.

The sun is beginning to set in the sky, the bright blue of the sky darkening ever-so slightly as you and a few select friends who decided to join you hike up to the top of the nearby mountain to watch it set. You were near the back of the group, holding the leash of Kkuma as she happily climbed up the mountain with you. Jihoon stays at the back with Wonwoo, both men keeping an eye on everyone and making sure nobody gets left behind.

“But I have severe FOMO.” Seokmin drawls.

“FOMO?” Jisoo turns his head to look back at you.

“Fear Of Missing Out.” Seungcheol and Jeonghan sigh at the same time.

“He learnt this word last week and won’t stop bringing it up.” Seungkwan groans, rubbing at his temple.

“You’re just not cool and swaggy like me.” He sticks his tongue out at the younger boy.

“You can stop complaining, babe!” Soonyoung yells from the front of the group, happily jumping from side to side. “We made it!”

Jihoon is the last one to make it to the top, standing at the back of the viewing deck at the top of the mountain, watching you as your eyes wide and sparkling as you take in the breathtaking view.

For as far as the eye can see, the eternal sky doesn’t have a single cloud littering the view. Leading down from the observation deck is a sea of green, the trees from the forest making the sky pop. In the far distance, you can see a cable car leading down into the large city of Busan, and Jihoon smiles as he sees his home town.

“Wow.” You breathe out, staring at the sky as the colours begin to change right in front of your eyes.

“This is incredible!” Chan yells happily, taking out his phone to snap photos with the others.

The other men are taking photos of each other, some making silly poses for their camera rolls, others taking cute couple photos with cheek kisses and hugs galore. Jihoon simply stands to the side, looking at the orangey pink sky with a smile before he spots you moving.

You make your way over to your brother, hugging around his middle as you both look out to the setting sun, head leaning against his shoulder. Jisoo and Jeonghan stand behind you both, giving you the space you need. Jeonghan pulls out your Polaroid camera, snapping a quick photo of you and your brother embracing in front of the sunset, a smile content on his face.

“Hi, Eomma.” Your voice is barely above a whisper, but Jihoon winces as he hears it clear as day.

“She looks good tonight, doesn’t she?” Seungcheol rubs your shoulder as he glances down at you with a gentle smile.

“She’s only putting it on for you, Oppa.” You bump your hip against his. “You were always the golden child, of course she’d show off when you were looking.”

“Yah!” He barks as you laugh heartily, raising both of your hands in defense.

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding!” You giggle as Soonyoung and Seokmin make their way over to you.

“Wonwoo-yah,” Soonyoung smiles sweetly to him. “Could you pretty please take a quick family photo of us?”

“Mhm~.” Wonwoo hums, smiling as Jeonghan makes his way to your brother’s side. You scoop up Kkuma in your arms, holding her close as your best friend and his soulmate shuffle in close.

“Say kimchi!” Seungkwan shouts as you all smile, Wonwoo snapping the picture as Jisoo takes a photo from the Polaroid camera Jeonghan had passed to him.

“Beautiful!” Mingyu grins before placing his phone down on a rock. “Quick, everyone in for the next one!”

“What?” Jihoon’s eyes widen as his wrist gets grabbed by Seungkwan, dragging him into the group, Hansol doing the same to Wonwoo and Chan grabbing Jisoo.

“Smile!” Mingyu coos sweetly as you all pose.

Jihoon simply smiles and throws up a peace sign out of pure habit, being used to Soonyoung’s random photo shoots he used to make him do in middle school, cheeks bright red. Luckily for him, the focal point was not the people posing but the sunset behind them, and Jihoon felt relieved for that fact.

“You guys go on back down whenever you’re ready.” You speak quietly after fifteen minutes of watching the sky. “I want to stay here a bit longer and take a few more pictures.”

“We can stay here too, Bug.” Seungcheol insists, Soonyoung nodding aggressively beside him.

“Junhui would have dinner being made by now, Oppa,” you hum, looking up at him. “The hike is only nearly half an hour, I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not gonna leave my little sister up here on her own.”

“You go down, Cheollie.” Jisoo smiles, hand on his shoulder. “I can walk her back down. You go down and we’ll be down once the sun is nearly gone.”

“Are you sure?” He asks nervously.

“Positive. Don’t worry, she’ll be fine.” He pats him on the back.

“I’d like to stay up here for a bit too.” Wonwoo smiles. “Take a couple more photos and that. We’ll go back together.”

“I’ll stay too.” Jihoon speaks up, and he blushes when you look at him in surprise. He doesn’t look your way, though. “Home looks good from here. Want to look at it a bit more.”

“See?” Jisoo grins. “She has a whole protection squad to bring her back down. You guys go ahead and we’ll be back soon.”

After a beat of silence, he sighs. “Fine. But if you’re not back by dark, I’m calling a search party.”

“Okay, Dad.” You roll your eyes playfully as he kisses your forehead.

“See you soon.” He hugs you quickly before everyone turns and starts making their way down the mountain.

Once they’re out of sight, you sigh slightly and sit down on the park bench by the viewing deck, taking a few photos on your Polaroid camera as Jisoo sits beside you, Wonwoo and Jihoon standing a few meters away as they both lean on the rails.

“Penny for your thoughts, Goober?” Jihoon hears Jisoo speak. “You seem pretty glum over here.”

“I’m fine.” You frown slightly. “Everything is fine and perfect. I have you back, my brother is having a great birthday trip so far, my family and friends are happy. Why wouldn’t I be happy?” You don’t look up at him.

“Hmm..” he hums slowly. “That’s true, but you didn’t mention yourself in that sentence.”

“I’m all good.”

“If that’s true, then why do you look so broken?”

You pause. Jihoon feels the pain in your stomach begin to rise as you continue to speak to your long lost friend.

“I have no reason to be broken.” You insist, eyebrows furrowing. “I am living a good life. I have a job I love, friends and family who care about me, I can see colour…” your voice teeters off. “I’d be selfish if I was sad, Oppa.”

Jihoon can feel the tears brimming in his eyes at how quiet and tired you sound, teeth sinking into his bottom lip.

“Y/N…” Jisoo sighs. “You lost your parents in one fell swoop, you and your brother had to be raised by your best friend’s parents while your trash ass father left without a care in the world. And on top of that, Cheol told me that you found the one person who was made for you in this fucked up world and they didn’t want you back.” You wince, a tear rolling down your cheek. Jisoo reaches forward to gently wipe it away. “You have had way too much heartbreak for a girl your age. You’re allowed to be selfish for a little while.”

“I can’t.” You hiccup, shaking your head. “Not now, at least. Not when this weekend is all for Cheol.”

“I’m sure he wouldn’t be upset if you needed a bit more time to heal.” He reaches over and hugs you to his side, rubbing your back.

“Not right now.” You sniffle, quickly reaching up and wiping at your eyes. “Plus, my soulmate is happy. That’s all I care about, Oppa.”

“What about your happiness?” He frowns.

“They’re happy, I’m happy. That’s kinda Soulmate 101. I can feel what he’s feeling, remember?”

“If you’re sure…”

“I am. Trust me.”

You think you’re being quiet. And to your credit, you are. Jihoon is purposely straining his ears to be able to hear what you’re saying to Jisoo, and with every new thing you say, the more Jihoon knows that he doesn’t deserve you - as a soulmate or as a friend.

“Come on.” Jisoo takes a deep breath, rising from his spot. “It’s getting darker. We better go or else Cheol will have my head.”

“Yeah..” you sigh softly before grabbing your things. “Wonwoo-Oppa?” You call out, snapping Jihoon out of his thoughts as he and his housemate both look over to you. “Are you ready to go?”

“Yep, give me a minute.” He smiles at you, Jisoo taking your hand and leading you to the entry of the observation deck. Once you’re a safe distance away, Wonwoo turns to your soulmate. “You okay, Jihoon-ah?”

“Hm? Yeah, why wouldn’t I be?” He responds a little too quickly. Wonwoo just stares at his housemate for a moment before nodding.

“Okay. But if there’s something going on, you know you can tell me, right?”

“Yeah, I know.” He hums. “Let’s go, we better catch up.”

Before Wonwoo can answer, Jihoon rushes to catch up with you and Jisoo, Wonwoo sighing and following a beat behind.

“What made you so late?!” A strained voice bellows as you make your way back to the campsite. You pause in your steps, which makes the trio behind you stop as well.

“What the..” you mumble, stepping closer.

“You didn’t pay~” another strained voice responds.

“Oh no.” You groan, reaching up and covering your face.

“What is it?” Jisoo asks quietly, Wonwoo and Jihoon stifling giggles.

“It’s the chaotic duo.” Wonwoo smiles.

“Who?”

“You‘ll see.”

You all round the corner to see Seokmin and Soonyoung standing in front of the table, hunched over and squinting their eyes. The others are seated in a semi-circle around them, either keeping their heads down or burying their faces into their hands.

“Halmo, can I get some doenjjang-jiggae please!” Seokmin says to Soonyoung.

“They’re playing the Don’t Laugh game.” You shake your head as Jisoo stared blankly at the scene unfolding.

“Hey.. you should pay.”

“Excuse me halmo! Can I please get doenjjang-jiggae!”

“He’s crying.” Mingyu can barely breathe as he looks at Hansol, staring pointedly at the ground.

“Vernonnie???” Soonyoung struts over and bends all the way down to look directly at Hansol. “You should pay!”

Jihoon glances to you as he sees your shoulders shaking, small giggles leaving your lips as no one spots you just yet.

“HEY HALMO!” Seokmin makes his way over to Soonyoung.

Seungkwan is holding his breath as he watches the soulmates. “Someone is going to laugh here…”

“Watch this.” You mumble to Jisoo before turning around.

“Aigoo, grannies, please stop!” You muster your best old man voice as you make your way to your friends.

Almost immediately the whole group bursts out laughing, Seokmin and Seungkwan falling to the ground and Soonyoung throwing his head back with laughter.

Jihoon feels himself start to grin along with the others, feeling your giggles rise within him.

“You made it back safe, I see!” Seungcheol breaks the giggle fest, smiling as he hugs you.

“Yep, and in one piece, would you believe?” You raised your eyebrow with a smile.

“I wouldn’t believe it if I didn’t see it myself.” He ruffled your hair, making you whine and shove him. “Go and get a plate, Junhui’s just finished cooking.

“I will in a sec, I need to go to the bathrooms.”

“Y/N?” Jihoon’s girlfriend stood near you as you spoke. “Sorry… I don’t want to be a bother but can I come with you to the bathrooms?”

“Hm?” You turn to Ji-ah, Jihoon’s eyes wide as he watches you both speak. “Yeah, that’s fine.” You smile at her.

There’s no point being rude to her, you think. She didn’t do anything wrong. And you don’t think you could purposely be mean if you tried. Seungcheol says it’s one of your worst faults.

“Oh, thank you!” She smiles as she steps to you, and you offer to link arms with her. Your smile is soft and genuine, and Jihoon hates himself even more at your pure kindness. Ji-ah links her arm with yours as you walk together to the bathrooms.

“Go fix up a plate, guys.” Seungcheol smiles at Jihoon, Wonwoo and Jisoo. “There’s plenty to go around!” He pats Jisoo on the back as they walk to the table together, Jihoon watching his soulmate and his girlfriend walk away together.

“Thank you again for inviting me on this trip, Y/N,” Ji-ah smiles at you.

“Really, it’s no problem at all.” You smile back as you walk to the building a small distance away.

“Are you sure? I mean, your brother barely knows me and I feel bad sort of… hijacking?”

“Oh please,” you giggle. “It’s so fine. Oppa knows Jihoon-ssi through Soonie, snd by default, soulmates are invited.” The last part slips past your lips before your brain and comprehend what just came out of your mouth.

“Oh,” she laughs, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. “Hoon-ah isn’t actually my soulmate.”

You act surprised. “What?” You gasp. Thank god for your acting skills. “Really?”

“Yeah..” she laughs awkwardly. “I mean, he’s a great guy and all which is obviously why we are dating… but yeah.. I already have a soulmate. He moved away when I was still in middle school and haven’t seen him again since.”

“Oh…” you trail off slowly.

“Oh god.” Ji-ah’s eyes widen. “I-I’m so sorry!” She looks at you worriedly. “I didn’t want to bring up bad memories of your parents because I’m doing the same thing your fathe-”

“Oh, no,” you pat her arm. “Really, don’t stress.” You smile reassuringly. “I won’t judge. Honest.”

“And it’s not forever with Jihoon anyway,” she keeps babbling like word vomit. “We both made a pact that as soon as my soulmate comes back or if he finds his, we’d break this whole thing off!”

“Ji-ah,” you assure her. “It’s…” your brain catches up with her words and you feel the pit in your stomach begin to form. “A pact?”

Ji-ah’s words start running through your head as the realization sets in. Her words begin to drown out as you realize what she’s saying. They were never a forever thing. As soon as her soulmate found her again, or if Jihoon were to find his soulmate, they’d be with their person.

But Jihoon knew who his soulmate was. He knows who it was and he still chose to break the pact to keep Ji-ah.

Fuck. That stung.

You weren’t even good enough to have even after Jihoon went through his whole relationship with Ji-ah with the sole end game being to be with his soulmate.

You blink after your eyes focus once again to a frantic Ji-ah.

“Hey,” you take her arm. “It’s alright, really. You’re your own person that makes your own choices. I’m not going to treat you like crap just because it’s something my father did.” You force a smile now. Every word you spoke felt like your throat was being stabbed.

It hurt to lie.

“Are you sure?” She asks nervously and you nod with a little smile.

“Positive.”

Jihoon lifts his head from his lap as he spots you and Ji-ah walking back to the site. He had felt a sharp pain in his chest five minutes ago, and he hasn’t been able to sit still since. When he sees you and his girlfriend walking back towards them, he keeps a close eye on you. Your eyes stay focused on your feet as you march your way to your brother.

“I made you a plate, Bug!” Cheol smiles, patting the spot between him and Jisoo for you.

“Not hungry.” You mumble, your hair shielding your face as you reach for a bottle of soju in the middle of the table.

Jihoon watches your brother, his soulmate, and your best friend all look between each other with wide eyes. You twist the top of the bottle open, taking a swift swig of the alcoholic drink before leaning against your brother's side in silence.

He feels nothing. He hasn’t felt anything from you since the sharp pain in his chest moments ago, and now he’s worried. You refuse to make eye contact with anyone at the table around you, taking another sip of your soju as Jisoo’s hand rubs at your back absentmindedly, looking at Seungcheol for an explanation.

Jihoon rises from his seat as Ji-ah has stopped to talk to Mingyu about something, turning around and walking to a small clearing in the forest to clear his head. It almost feels clogged, riddled with hundreds of questions and endless scenarios playing all at once. He winces and rubs at his temples before jumping at the sound of a twig snapping behind him, not realizing he had been followed.

His eyes widen in surprise as he sees Jeonghan standing in front of him, a deep frown on his face and arms crossed. He is glaring at your soulmate with a scowl.

“It’s you, isn’t it?”

Real Eyes, Fake Lies Taglist:

@vixensss @ldysmfrst @hemmingsness @lizzymizzy-blogg @kawennote09 @breakfastburritosattiffanys @im-gemmy @friendlywraith @devinkelsey19 @kameko-ko @mar-627 @woozieeeee @milopenne @stellauniverse @addicsvt @woozixo @changbinisms @phenomenalgirl9 @lanatheawesome @maidachi @jeanjacketjesus @sunnynapp @jihanniee

Permanent Taglist:

@misshale21 @etaerealboy @loveless-lie @lixiel0ver @keymins @nen-nyy @lisaaaaamanobannn @i-dont-give-a-fok @miriamxsworld @jovialpartyneckoaf

#seventeen angst #seventeen fanfic #seventeen x reader #lee jihoon x reader #woozi angst #woozi x reader #Lee Jihoon angst #woozi fluff #seventeen fluff #woozi au #woozi fanfic #seventeen woozi

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yeonjunszn · 2 years ago

Text

ASAP! — TWENTY

PAIRING! mark lee x f!reader

SUMMARY! you’re not exactly the best barista at zhong coffee, but for some unknown reason (his massive crush on you), mark thinks you can do no wrong. sick and tired of his favoritism and your lack thereof due to absolute obliviousness, your coworkers are determined to fix this problem. asap.

MORE! 🙀🙀🙀 LEE JENO WTF IS WRONG WITH U (i’m sorry for making u a bad person my sugarplum i love u but ur a milf lover so it worked for plot’s sake)

◠‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠

As if your day couldn't get any worse, just earlier you were taunted by Jeno in front of multiple customers (Mommy of the Month and her little posse of soccer moms) for not knowing how to steam milk properly. Leave it to Mr. I Love Milfs to make you feel small in front of, well, said Milfs.

And now, as you huff in front of an older male customer, he yells at you for not knowing the difference between a Wet Cap and a Dry Cap. Was there even a difference? You don’t even drink cappuccinos.

"You know, that's what I hate about young ladies like you, taking job opportunities away from men like me. You're so stupid, you can't tell the difference between these two cappuccinos? They're different in weight and taste. Are you tasteless? Blind? Maybe both? How do you even work in a coffee shop?"

As the man goes on criticizing you, you can't help but feel the tears well up in your eyes and start dripping down your face. Yet another problem over the stupid milk. Drip, drip, drip. It takes only a few tears to fall down your face for the customer to start getting angrier.

"Oh, look. The idiot girl is crying. Get me your manager, I need to talk to him about lousy, useless girls like you."

Renjun, who just happened to hear the last part of the customer's sentence, whips out his phone under the bar to text Mark. He knows he can't deal with this customer alone, not when you're damn near shivering like you went for a swim in the middle of December.

It’s not long before Renjun steps into your way as Mark grabs your hand, pulling you away from the customer. He laces your fingers together as he guides you towards his office, making sure it's empty as he sits you down in a chair.

"Are you okay?" Mark asks, eyes filled with concern and heart aching for you.

You shake your head at him, not wanting to speak out of fear that your voice will quiver much like your body is right now.

"Y/N... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have had you switch your usual shifts," Mark comments. He kneels down before you, thumb brushing across your puffy cheeks to stop your tears. "I would have never done it if I had known you were going to be treated like this. I know you’re used to the usual mid shift customers."

Mark’s other hand pats the top of your head comfortingly as you sniffle, finally speaking, "No, I... I promised you I would help. I just didn't know Jeno was so mean sometimes. And that old guys were capable of yelling at me like that."

"I'm so sorry, Y/N. I'll talk to Jeno and I'll switch you back to your mids with Jaemin and Yangyang," Mark sighs. He looks for any hint of upset in your eyes, but instead he gets a faraway look. Like there's something not quite there. "Do you want a hug to make you feel better?"

You nod your head slowly and Mark stands up, pulling you into his chest. His arms wrap around your waist as he begins to rock the two of you back and forth, swaying and humming to an imaginary tune.

After a while, you pull away and look up at Mark with a pout and hopeful eyes, "Mark?"

"Yes?"

"Do you think I'm a bad barista?" you ask.

"Well, I think you weren't as good as the other baristas before, but you are getting better," he replies, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. If his hand had lingered for any longer, he would have been able to feel the heat pooling in your cheeks.

"Okay... Um, do you think I'm stupid?"

"No. It's practically impossible to tell those two cappuccinos apart unless you’ve been a barista for a really long time. That guy was just an asshole. If he ever comes back here, I'll beat his ass to a pulp," Mark answers you truthfully. He speaks clearly; he wants you to think highly of yourself and not listen to the words of some arrogant customer. A part of you believes him, taking his words to heart.

"One more thing..." you mutter, pushing yourself back into his chest and hiding your face.

"Mm?"

"Can I... can I have your chocolate croissant?" you ask, hesitation in your voice.

Mark bursts out into laughter at your silly question, his entire body vibrating as he holds you tight. "Is that it?"

"Yeah."

"Of course, Y/N. You can have whatever you want," Mark says. "Are you feeling a bit better now?"

"Yes. Thank you," you murmur, looking at his face — more specifically, his eyebrows. Something in you makes you a tiny bit shy, not able to look into his eyes as he smiles at you.

"Any time."

There's a racing in your chest, where your heart is, one that's never really been there before. Whatever it is, you hope that it will calm itself. Quickly.

TWENTY — chocolate croissant

PREV! nineteen — i will force his hand into a blender

NEXT! twenty one — #xiaojun_out

MASTERLIST!

◠‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠ ‿◠

TAGLIST! @stardusthyuck @erin-calling @tddyhyck @bigheadchen @choiwonder @neozon3nha @sunflowerbebe07 @kissesfrmwonwoo @miyawwn @sserafimez @haechansbbg @lilyidk03 @mowchiie @jaemsrina @jeongintwt @shwizhies

#nct #nct smau #nct social media au #nct socmed au #nct mark x reader #nct mark smau #mark lee x reader #mark lee smau #mark lee social media au #mark x reader #mark smau #mark social media au #yeonjunszn #asap.mark❕

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sl-newsie · 7 months ago

Text

American Woman (Thomas Shelby x American OC) Ch. 20: One Day At A Time

“Do you think someone will die?” I ask blindly, peering out from behind the curtains at the eerily quiet streets.

“Who’s to say,” Polly answers as she sips her tea.

It’s been half an hour. How does it feel like an entire day? Ada, being the tired new mother she is now, drifted off to sleep not too long ago so it’s just Polly and I. Every minute that goes by I keep expecting someone to burst in carrying an injured Blinder. Or worse, a corpse. I don’t know why, but I’ve got a gut instinct telling me something’s wrong. Is it because of the fight or my conflicting emotions toward Thomas?

I check the clock again. Forty five minutes. “Polly, is it-?”

“Ada, wake up.”

The Peaky Blinder leader himself bursts into the room, frantically searching to see if we’re all safe.

Polly looks up from her book. “Thomas? Back already?”

Thomas helps Ada up and ushers her out. “You and the baby get into the Bull Ring where there’s lots of people. Go with them, Verena.”

“What’s going on?” I ask.

“We’ve been fucking betrayed,” he growls. “Someone let slip and now Kimber’s men are on their way here. We’re outnumbered.” Thomas walks to the desk and slams his fist. “Fuck!”

I would point out to tone down his language in front of Karl but I keep my mouth shut.

“Who else knew about today?” Polly asks as her eyes search frantically for unknown answers. “Who else did you tell?”

Thomas’ gaze goes unaltered as he stares at the desk in front of him. We all know what he’s thinking. Polly is the one to address it.

“There’s only one thing can blind a man as smart as you, Tommy. Love. It was that barmaid. I will deal with Grace. If you set eyes on her again you might kill her.”

As much as I want to point out I was right, this is not the time for an ‘I told you so’ moment. The Blinders, the Shelbys, are in danger.

I step forward. “Can I come as well? I’ve met Grace. I should give her a piece of my mind after what she did.”

Polly puts a hand on my shoulder. “You need to stay with Thomas. He trusts you to guard Ada and now I’m trusting you to guard him.”

She grabs her purse and shuts the door before Thomas can argue. The only other time I’ve seen his eyes like this is when the Lees mocked his mother. Cold, cruel, and inhumane.

“You were right,” he mutters, still staring at the desk. “She was a spy.”

A part of me feels ashamed for wanting to gloat. Thomas really does love Grace and it’s selfish of me to want to keep him for myself. He trusted her. It must sting him deeply to feel this way.

I walk over slowly and pour him a small drink, which he takes and downs in one swallow.

“Did Thomas Shelby, the infamous leader of the Peaky Blinders, just admit he was wrong?” He merely huffs at my attempt at a joke. “I’m sorry you had to find out like this.”

Now his eyes transition to a calculating stare, scanning me for any sign of mockery.

“I don’t need your pity.”

“I really am sorry. Is there no way for me to negotiate? I could talk to Campbell and get reinforcements-”

“It’s the coppers that helped betray us, Steenstra. No good use of talking now.”

It feels like being trapped between a rock and a hard place. “Can I at least wait in the Garrison?”

“No,” Thomas answers sharply. “That’s a death wish and I can’t have you killed. I’ve already had to deal with enough stress today.” He looks out the window again. “I’m headed out. Stay with Finn and Ada.”

I know his unspoken message. If it all goes wrong today then she and Finn might be the only Shelbys left.

“I will pray for you, Mr. Shelby,” I say softly and follow him to the door.

His jaw remains tight but something in his eyes softens. “Goodbye, Miss Steenstra.”

I shake my head, trying to be optimistic. “Not goodbye. I’ll see you for dinner. I’ll make biscuits.”

This gets him to crack a smile. “Funny. You said biscuits and not cookies.”

I reflect his grin. “Maybe your Brummie talk is starting to rub off on me.”

Thomas tips his hat and opens the door. “See you later, Verena.”

“Good luck. But you won’t need it.”

The door closes. More waiting. Is that all the women do here? Wait for their loved ones to safely return from battle? Yesterday I wanted to leave more than anything but now I won’t sleep soundly again until all the Shelbys are out of danger.

Ada’s just as restless because she can’t sit still either. She’s walking around gathering Karl and his blanket, placing them in a stroller and- And heading for the front door?

“And where are you off to?” I ask in a threatening tone.

The Shelby sister ignores my warning and holds her head high, now wearing a black veil. “I’m going to stop this nonsense the way a woman does. By talking.”

The shadow of a smile creeps onto my face. “Let me grab my coat.”

It takes hardly no time at all to find where the fight is. Everyone in Birmingham must have gotten the message because the usually busy streets are completely empty. I stay in front of Ada and Karl as we march towards the battle.

There they are. Caught at a standstill with their guns pointed. Kimber looks just as much of a prick as the last time I saw him.

“What’s the plan?” I whisper as we peer around the corner.

Ada doesn’t answer. Instead she begins pushing the baby buggy farther down the street. Thomas is going to kill me! I’m supposed to protect her!

“Wait up!” I hiss and jog to catch up, shielding her.

“Move!” Ada orders as she plows through the Blinders, all the way to the center of the space between the two gangs.

Kimber blinks, trying to understand what’s going on. “What are you doing?”

“I believe you boys call this No Man’s Land.”

“Ada!” Thomas finally realizes her plan.

She doesn’t budge. “Shut up and listen.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“I said shut up!”

Thomas points to me. “Steenstra! You were supposed to be watching her!”

“I am. Here I am, watching her stop you all from killing each other.” I look between the two leaders. “There has to be a diplomatic solution.”

Kimber scoffs at my accent. “This ain’t a tea party, duchess. Who’s the American broad?”

Thomas keeps trying to keep us away. “Ada, Verena, please-”

“Thomas.” He stops and looks at me. I give him a steady and determined stare, nodding to Kimber. “Only one need die.”

The man himself isn’t impressed. “You’ve got no clue what you’re talking about!”

My head snaps to glare at Kimber. “I’ve heard enough. You’re an evil person who should walk away before things get ugly. For the good of your men and their families, walk away. This is Peaky Blinders territory.”

His face twists into a snicker as he brandishes his gun. “If that face wasn’t so tempting I’d cut it off. Back away, whore!”

Ada steps up now. “I’ve got brothers and a husband here but you’ve all got somebody waiting for you.” She gestures to her veil. “I am wearing black in preparation but who will wear black for you? Think about them. Fight if you want to but that baby ain’t moving anywhere. And neither am I.”

I walk up next to her. “Nor am I.”

Seconds tick by. Not a sound. The only noise is the distant clanking of factory workers and trotting horses.

“She’s right, you know,” Kimber speaks up. “Why should all you men die? It should just be them who’s caused it!”

It happens so fast. A shot rings out and I see red burst from Thomas’ chest. One man jumps in front before another bullet can reach him and crumbles to the ground. On instinct I swerve in front of Ada and the stroller. Thomas raises his gun and fires a perfect shot to Kimber’s skull. He falls over the same as a dead tree. It’s done.

“Enough!” Thomas barks, addressing both gangs. “Kimber and me fought this battle one-on-one. It’s over. Go home to your families.”

Both sides look at one another trying to decide how to walk away peacefully. Eventually they disperse and disappear down the streets. The problem remaining is the bullet in Thomas’ chest.

My heart drops at the sight of red blooming from his shirt. Immediately I rip off part of my lower skirts and push it against the wound.

“Ada, take Karl home. Thomas, you need a doctor-”

“No doctor!” He argues, nearly crushing my hand with the force of his own. “Just get this bloody thing out!”

We push him back and into the Garrison. Thank God there are no customers to deal with. We’re going to need all the liquor we can get.

“I can help.” The minister from earlier, Jerimiah, steps forward. “I’ve done this back in France.”

That’s good enough for me. What’s important is getting the bullet out as soon as possible. Jerimiah goes straight to work, pulling off Thomas’ shift and sterilizing some tools. Arthur and John pin Thomas against the table and he begins the surgery. It’s not pretty.

“Ugh! Ugghhh!” Thomas tries hard to stay tough but this is no minor cut.

“Fight it, Tommy!” Arthur pushes him.

I take his hand, still losing most circulation from his grasp. “It’s almost out. We’re all here with you, Thomas.”

He lurches forward again and we shove him back down. Almost-!

“There! I still have the knack,” Jerimiah celebrates as he triumphantly holds up the bullet.

Arthur pulls out a bottle and hands it to his brother. “Have a drink. Deep breath!”

Thomas downs the whiskey and winces. “Ah!”

I pat his shoulder (trying so hard to ignore the fact his chest is still bare). “That’s it. It’s done. Kimber’s gone. You did so well, Thomas.”

His blue eyes shift up towards mine, holding pain and triumph. “Ada? That was her idea, eh?”

“Yes. We both weren’t going to wait around for you to return bloodied and bruised. Us women like to talk but at least we don’t blow each other’s brains out. She and Karl are safe. Finn is reading in the kitchen. Relax.”

And he does. Thomas takes another drink and leans into the chair with his eyes closed. By now the other Blinders are getting rowdy.

“I think a celebration is in order!” Arthur declares.

“How ‘bout a family meeting in the next hour?” John suggests. “I’ll go get Pol and Ada.”

That’s not on my mind. What I care about is that the storm has passed and the Shelbys are safe… for now.

Sure enough, the entire Shelby clan is seated in the Garrison in the next twenty minutes. Finn and I sit away in the back, since our status isn’t ranked high. Thomas stands at the front and we all lift a glass. I’m the only one drinking water.

“Today was good enough to us,” he announces. “The Lees took all the pitches at the Worcester race while Kimber was here.”

Thomas chats a while with Arthur, then spots Finn and I. He joins us at the bar and for some strange reason Finn randomly decides to wander off, leaving us alone.

“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I say gently, remembering the gunshots. “Danny was a loyal friend.”

Thomas gets straight to the point. “I’m here to ask if you’ll come back to work. For good.”

So he does trust me now. Enough to protect his own family. But is it worth all this? All the accusations, the fighting, the stress?

“I don’t see a reason why.” I take a sip of water. “I’m set to go back home in a week and no one seems to care. Plus you never said sorry.”

Thomas’ brow creases. “Yes I did!”

I arch an eyebrow. “You said that you were wrong, not sorry. There’s a difference.”

He smirks. “You bloody Americans and your stubborn attitude.”

I smirk back. “You Brits and your proper manners.”

“You should be thankful our ‘manners’ restrict me from hitting a woman,” he replies smoothly and leans in closer. “Though I’m never one to always follow the rules. I'm sorry, Verena.”

Lord. He’s drawing me in again. Steady, Steenstra. You need to decide. Birmingham, or home.

“Ah, what the Hell. Brooklyn’s not going anywhere. What’s a few more months?”

My words spark Thomas’ eyes to brighten even if he doesn’t express verbal delight. He’s glad I’m staying.

“Perfect, now Finn won’t kill me. Enough business.” He offers a fresh glass. “Care for a drink?”

I eye it skeptically but my Irish side wants me to try it. “After the past week I think a small shot is appropriate.”

Thomas clinks our glasses together and stands up to face the room of people. “We are now the third largest legal race track operation in the country! And all my family’s here to celebrate. To Shelby Brother’s Limited! Cheers!”

We all raise our glasses and more alcohol is passed around. Despite the welcoming atmosphere I still can’t help but feel out of place.

“Before you reject,” Finn interrupts my thoughts. “Yes, you are family to us. You are staying, right?”

I turn in my seat to face the youngest Shelby with a smile. “Yes, Finn. I am staying.”

His face lights up. “Good! What’s the next lesson?”

I let out a deep laugh and hold up a hand. “One day at a time, Finn.”

Behind me I hear Polly and Thomas’ conversation. Not to pry, just overhearing.

“There will be others,” Polly inputs.

Grace. She must mean Grace.

“To the others. All of them.”

Quick peek, quick peek- I turn to look over my shoulder and there it is. Instead of Polly looking at Thomas, who’s watching his glass, she’s looking at me. Polly, what on Earth-?

“Finn, come here for a moment.”

Polly pulls Finn away and I swear she’s trying to get Thomas and me closer. He’s still sipping his drink and seems lost in thought. Hm. He’s appreciated me listening to his worries so far.

“You’re still thinking about Grace?” I ask softly.

He nods gruffly, unblinking eyes facing the wall. “There was never a chance. I can’t love an enemy. There’s too much deception.” He turns to face me. “She’s headed to New York now. Your territory.”

So now it will be her lost at the train station. Not me.

#peaky blinders #peaky blinder fanfic #peaky blinder imagine #peaky fucking blinders #peaky fookin blinders #thomas shelby x reader #thomas shelby #tommy shelby #polly gray #arthur shelby #john shelby #finn shelby #grace burgess #cillian murphy

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drunkewok · 1 year ago

Text

Tiger Inside Chapter Thirty-One

Stray Kids Mafia (ongoing)

Masterlist

Likes, reblogs and feedback always greatly appreciated

WC: 3.4k

Pairing: Lee Know x reader

Genre: Series, Enemies to lovers, non-idol AU, Mafia AU

Warnings: 18+, Minors DNI, drinking, swearing, graphic depictions of violence, weapons

Disclaimer: Any portrayal of Stray Kids or any other idols in this story is purely fiction and do not at all reflect their own personalities or how I view them as a person, it is purely for the sake of the story.

Please do not copy or repost my work

Minho POV

Minho slowly turned the page in his book, mug brought to his lips as he sipped the warm coffee as it steamed up his glasses.

The room around him was hazy, covered in a fog, yet it provided the comfort of home. Calm and serene as he relaxed into his own couch, in his own living room. The familiar warmth of safety.

Distant noises can be heard emitting from the kitchen. The clink of metal pans, the sounds of cups and bowls being returned to their spot on the shelf.

“What would you like for dinner?” the soft voice called out, yet a buzz like radio static.

He pulled his gaze from his book, eyes falling on the figure stepping into the living room.

Her hands were covered by a towel, wiping away any traces of water left across the skin. Yet her face was shadowed, features unrecognizable.

But the unknown person gave him comfort, stability, joy. His brain simply telling him ‘you're safe here’.

He stood from the couch with a gentle smile, reaching out to pull her closer. The wish to hold her against him, letting the world fade out around them.

But before his hands could make contact, the scene melted away. Fading into nothingness and leaving him alone. Isolated in a dark field.

He looked around him, confused. It was an empty plane, no trees or foliage in sight. Yet an overwhelming sense of dread settled in his stomach. An invisible entity feeling like it was closing in on him, and quick.

Before he had a chance to think, he was running. His feet stumbling over each other clumsily as he tried to propel himself forward. None of his limbs were acting correctly, feeling shackled to the ground as his feet grew heavier with each step.

He skidded to an immediate stop as a cliff came into view before him, roaring waters screaming up at him from far below.

Minho spun around in place, immediately met face to face with a figure closing in on him. Unlike before, the features were clear as day. Far too familiar for comfort, as though he was staring into a mirror. Step by step, the doppelganger closed the space between them. Closing the distance and feeling as though he could strike at a moment's notice.

Minho stepped back, the crumble of dirt and rocks knocking his feet out from under him as he scrambled to grab onto something, anything that would prevent his fall into the waters below.

His fingers wrapped around a rock jutting from the cliffside, struggling to keep his grip as he tried to settle both hands on it, hands slipping over each other as his fingertips tried to dig in.

But the stone was too slick. His fingers were slipping as he looked up to his own face staring down at him from the cliff, before his grip failed, tumbling him through the air and bracing for the wet impact.

Minho gasped as he jolted awake in bed, sitting up with heaving breaths as he clutched at his chest. The pounding in his ears was deafening. His eyes quickly started to scan his surroundings, calming himself as he confirmed he was awake and in his current day surroundings.

The early morning sun had already started to seep in under the curtains, a soft glow quickly ignored once Minho flipped on his bedside lamp.

He rubbed his hands across his face, trying to feel at least some sort of stimulation to confirm that he was indeed awake and not waking up inside of another dream. Grabbing his phone from the nightstand, he switched it on and groaned at the time plastered across the screen.

7:36am

As much as he would have preferred to settle back down and allow himself to fall back asleep, he didn’t want to run the risk of repeating the unsettling nightmare. Instead, he chose to accept defeat in his pursuit of sleep. Dangling his legs over the side of his bed as he attempted to stretch his limbs.

Morning tea, that’s what he needed.

He couldn’t pull his eyes from the kettle, still drowsy and half asleep as he stood with his hands dug deep into the pockets of his sweatshirt, and hood pulled far over his head.

But it just kept flashing across his vision.

His hand reaching out for her, the softness of her sweater not quite reaching his fingertips before a single blink of the eyes transported him.

That house. He hadn’t thought about it in years. The living room was so familiar to him. Yet as he tried to reimagine the scene, it was all shrouded in a foggy mist. He wanted to settle back into the comfort of the couch, her hum from the kitchen, the screaming mews of demands for food echoing from the three cats circling at her feet.

The field void of all sound, yet deafening to the ears. Endless land for as far as the eye could see. Alone, yet watched.

He slapped his cheek twice, trying to shake himself from the spiral of thoughts running through his head. It was a pointless nightmare, nothing more.

“You know a watched pot never boils.” Minho jumped at the voice so close to his ear, before turning to find himself face to face with Hyunjin, a slight smirk plastered on his face, “How’s that going for ya?”

Hyunjin’s eyes grew as he was met with Minho’s glare, stepping back a bit. Minho’s arms crossed in front of his chest, eyes narrowing in.

“Hey Hyune, could you grab the air fryer out of the pantry?” His head motioned back to the pantry door, before looking back to Hyunjin with a cock of the head “I heard ferrets are amazing at 180 degrees.”

“Ya!”

“I believe the recipe said… 20 minutes?” Minho’s head dipped, fingers pinching his chin in fake contemplation as he muttered to himself.

Hyunjin scoffed, straightening his back and standing tall, a subtle half-hearted smile on his face.

“And to think I was wanting to come to you for advice.” Hyunjin turned on his heels, rounding the island and taking a seat at one of the stools.

“What's going on?” Minho’s demeanor quickly changed, watching as Hyunjin grew shy.

“How's Jisung doing?” Hyunjin had hesitated before speaking, his voice quiet, almost as if he was scared to ask the question. Scared to know if the answer wasn't the one he wanted to hear.

“Have you not talked to him at all?”

Hyunjin shook his head sheepishly, the softest of pink hues growing on the tips of his ears.

“Why not? What's wrong?” Minho's brows furrowed, blinking in confusion as he leaned back against the counter.

“I don't know, I just-” Hyunjin stared down to his fiddling hands, before looking out the window. Praying to avoid eye contact. “-I feel bad about it, ya know? Like I should have been able to stop him. Jongho just came up on us so fast and now he can't even walk because of it.”

“He's not mad at you if that's what you're worried about. He hasn't even mentioned being upset at all. It's not your fault Hyune. It was out of your control. Plus, he’s gonna be fine, Seungmin said no serious damage was done.”

Hyunjin rubbed his face in his hands with a groan, clearly not budging from his place of blaming himself.

“When we're up there, we only have each other. You guys have a whole team for support. I'm his only backup, and I let him down.”

The kettle whistled with the water bubbling inside, prompting Minho to reach up into the cabinet, grabbing another mug down and filling the two with hot water. Dropping in the tea bags, he slid one across to Hyunjin with a soft smile.

“Just go spend some time with him. He feels a little holed up in his room because the stairs are a bit too cumbersome for him right now. But I think he'd enjoy it if you went and played some games or something with him.” Minho chuckled softly, “Plus, I bet he'd like to see a face other than mine for a little bit.”

It seemed as though a bit of weight was finally starting to lift off Hyunjin’s shoulders as he smiled down into his mug, but still clearly battling with his own thoughts.

“Just head up there, play some games with him. Pull Lix in there too, he’s bound to break his keyboard if he keeps playing by himself in his room.”

“I’ve definitely heard him going into a bit of a rage in there.” Finally a small chuckle came from him, he straightened his posture in his seat before giving a sigh. “Thank you, I’ll go wake his lazy ass up.”

“Good luck with that” Minho let out a laugh before turning to the cupboard once more, grabbing out a third mug and draining the last of the hot water into it. “Go ahead and bring him some tea too, a peace offering for waking him.”

With the send off, Hyunjin vanished up the stairs towards Jisung’s room, leaving Minho once more to sit in his silence.

Yet as he stood there, vision blurring as he zoned out against the wall, one detail still sat in the back of his mind. A constant looming thought that never seemed to vanish no matter how much he attempted to distract himself.

You still weren’t coming out.

Minho couldn’t tell how many days have actually passed, each one melting together into one incoherent mess. Had it been a week? Two? Hell, he couldn't even tell you for sure if three had passed by now. His sleep had grown far from consistent, simply accepting it whenever it willfully took him in, whether day or night.

As he had expected, his previous attempt at reaching out to you had been followed by silence. For so long he had decided to let you emerge whenever you felt comfortable, that he wasn’t going to pry into your safe space and possibly upset you further. But with no end to your isolation in sight, he decided it was time to take a different approach.

The knife sliced through the strawberry, forming clean lines before he scooped the pieces into a bowl, finishing the array of color he had already placed upon the tray.

With each slow step he climbed his way up the stairs, carefully balancing the tray in his hands. He had to admit, he hadn’t had the most trust in if you were feeding yourself on your own, and had decided to take it into his own hands to at least bring you some type of breakfast.

Yet as he neared your door, the slight difference in its appearance started to process in his mind, noticing it sitting slightly ajar as he approached. He gently nudged it with his foot, head poking in slowly.

The room sat in disarray, a clear reflection of hiding yourself away behind the confines of your door for such a prolonged period of time. Glancing over to your bathroom, he found that also vacant, lights dark.

Minho placed the tray onto your dresser, approaching a pile of blankets on your bed, fully expecting a lump of a human beneath them when he reached out to try and softly wake you.

But they flattened under his hand.

He quickly scanned the room, visually trying to confirm no sign of a note announcing your departure.

He was hopping down the stairs before he could even realize it. Running to the front room to check that all vehicles were present in the driveway, he ran his fingers through his hair, racking his brain to where you could have gone.

He had just been in the kitchen, so surely you weren’t there or the living room. Outside was far too cold for you to be on the back deck. You wouldn’t have just taken off without anyone noticing.

Would you?

He ran toward the medical room, almost pulling the door off its hinges with the speed he swung it open, causing Seungmin to jump as he turned away from his computer startled.

Minho quickly scanned the room, confirming you weren’t there either before meeting eyes with Seungmin.

“What are y-” before Seungmin could finish the word, Minho was already darting away from the room, b-lining for the stairs.

He cut the corner as he headed towards Felix’s room, hoping, praying that you were in there. He left frantic knocks before Felix opened the door confused, Minho spewing words before Felix even had a second to speak.

“Is y/n in here? Have you seen her?”

“No?” Felix quickly shook his head, brows furrowing. “I haven’t seen her for a while, is everything okay?”

Minho turned on his heels, borderline running towards Chan’s office.

Had someone picked you up? Had you called a taxi this far out? Just to get away from them?

“Chan!” Minho pushed the door forward before Chan even had a moment to speak, placing his pen down and staring at him with concern. “She's gone, I can't find her anywhere. I went to bring her some breakfast cause I figured she hadn't been eating much and when I got to her room her door, it-it was open and-”

“Min.” Minho hadn't realized that he immediately went into rambling until Chan stopped him, breaths barely in-between his words as he spit them out. “Breathe for a second. She's just in the gym with Bin.”

Chan picked his pen back up, letting out a sigh of relief and calmly resuming what he was doing before Minho had barged in.

Minho's eyes narrowed, brows scrunching in.

“You let her go to the gym? You’ve got to be kidding me” Minho turned from the room in a huff, his target now set on the basement. Felix poked his head out from his doorway as he heard Minho approaching, eyes filled with worry.

“It's fine. Found her.” Minho mumbled as he passed him, leading himself down the stairs.

As he neared the base of the second flight, the quiet voices of you and Changbin could be heard from the otherside of the glass gym door. Sure enough, as Minho stepped closer, he could clearly see you trying to execute punches to a bag. He pushed the door open, no worry about coming in discreetly.

“You deign to grace us with your presence just to put yourself back on bed rest?”

Your chest heaved as you held the bag in place, turning to Minho for just a moment to acknowledge his entrance before returning your focus back to your punches.

“Gotta get back in shape.”

“I’m starting to wonder why you insist on going against sound medical advice every chance you get.”

“Seungmin said I could.” You gave a light hearted shrug, avoiding Minho’s stare.

“Is that so?” His brows raised in disbelief, surprised you would so confidently lie to his face.

“Mhmm.” A single nod of the head, the response barely hummed out

“And I’m just supposed to read your mind now to know when you’re ready to train?”

“You don’t need to know anything.”

“Excuse me?”

“No need to burden yourself with feeling like you're babysitting me. I'm a big girl. I can handle myself.” Your fist made contact with a bit more force than your previous weak ones, your jaw clenching as you tried to focus on your punches and not the nagging voice beside you. “I'm not your responsibility anymore, Minho.”

Minho’s mouth slowly fell open as he stared at you, brows furrowed in confusion, at a complete loss for words. He looked over to Changbin, seated on the bench to the side, giving Minho a weak shrug.

He watched as you continued to throw punches at the bag in front of you, finding himself mentally cringing with each blow at the thought of the stress being put on your shoulder. He reached out, fingers wrapping around your wrist and finally stopping your assault on the bag.

“What has gotten into you?”

“Do I really have to spell that one out for you?” You halted your movements, looking down to his grip on your wrist before slowly staring back up to him, irritation now starting to set in. “I knew you were dense, but I didn't take you for clueless.”

“So now you're going to make these decisions on your own? How proud I am of you. But if that's what you want, I'll happily oblige. I just wonder what Chan is going to have to say about it.” Minho dropped his hold, both of your hands falling at your sides.

You fumbled with the velcro of your hand wraps, the heat from your anger practically radiating off of you as you refused to pull your eyes from his own.

“I hate to break it to you, but I've already spoken to him. I'm sick of being treated like I need my damn hand held. I'm not going to be able to get better if I'm restrained to a leash, Minho. Especially if you're the one holding it.” With your final words, you finally pull the wraps from around your hands, shoving them into his chest.

“Guys…” Changbin's presence had been quickly forgotten once the switch was flipped inside you and Minho, his quiet sitting in the corner not realized until his voice softly spoke up.

Your eyes darted across Minho’s face, almost as if you were trying to run a scan on his emotions. Trying to read his thoughts through his expression. With nothing more than a subtle scoff, you pushed past him. Letting the door shut forcefully behind you.

Minho hesitated for a moment in confusion, trying to process what on earth just happened, before turning on his heels and reaching for the door.

“Hyung…” Minho's hand froze on the handle before he could fling the door open, Changbin speaking up behind him catching him by surprise. He slowly turned to meet his gaze. “Be patient with her. Her frustration may be wrongly directed at you, but she's hurting. And doesn't know where to expel it.”

“So that gives her an excuse to continue to keep hurting herself?”

“Seungmin did actually clear her. I bet you didn't even stop to see that she was wearing a shoulder support.” Changbin stood from his seat, crossing over to Minho and pulling his hand from the door. “Her defenses are up, and they're a mile high right now. It took a lot for me to even convince her to come out of her room. But I think she has the potential to come back even stronger from this, we just… need to be patient.”

“That still doesn't give her an excuse to snap at me like that! I’m just trying to make sure she doesn't injure herself further, and this is the thanks I get? I’m not your responsibility anymore? What the fuck was that?” Minho spat as his eyes drifted around the room, not fully sure anymore if he was having this conversation with Changbin, or himself.

“She told me she doesn't want to feel like she's having to rely on others… and I think you may be at the top of that list. That's why I told her to go meet with Seungmin, and only if he cleared her-” he emphasized the last statement as he held strong eye contact with Minho before continuing “-I said I would help her down here. She's being mindful about it, you don't need to keep her wrapped in bubble wrap. She's not made of porcelain.”

“How kind of you to take this burden off my hands Binnie.” Minho scoffed with a roll of the eyes, “Good luck, she's got a nasty habit of wandering off.”

“Minho, com’on. This isn’t a personal attack on you, she’s just trying to take her strength back. Why don’t you try and support her through it?” Changbin’s eyes held a plea, his shoulders drooping as he began to accept that this may be a losing battle.

“The message from her has been heard loud and clear.” Minho sent a half-assed salute toward Changbin before slipping past him and out of the gym.

If this was your solution to your pain, fine. He never had a say in the day you arrived and so abruptly became his duty, it was no bother to him that you have all of a sudden decided that you could run solo. He’ll release the so-called ‘leash’ you’re tied to. Run free. It won’t change anything for him except take an extra stressor off his shoulders.

Right?

Next Chapter

Taglist:

@leagreenly @jamlessstars @moonlight-the-writer @ishz @minbinboo @felixslostfreckle @venusmoonxnight @caillout24

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thatfanficstuff · 1 year ago

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Not About You - 29

Pairing: Damon Salvatore x ofc

Warnings: canon main character 'death'

A/N: It's been a minute. I seem to be getting back into the swing of things though.

It was mid-morning of the next day that Caroline got a text from an unknown number. Her smile fell as she read it. “Lucy.” Her voice trembled as she held the phone out to her best friend.

Lucy’s brow furrowed as she took the phone. Lexi zoomed over to read over her shoulder.

I want the moonstone or I start killing. This town is overdue for a slaughter. Tonight at the masquerade.

“Katherine. Great,” Lucy said as she typed out a response.

“The Katherine?” Lexi asked.

Lucy nodded as the bitch responded. “Fuck.” She tossed the phone to the blonde beside her and went over to pour herself a drink. Lexi read over the rest of the exchange.

We don’t have it. Already gave it to its new owner.

I don’t believe you. And if you did, the previous statement still stands. Mystic Falls becomes a bloodbath.

Lucy took a long sip of her drink as she contemplated their options.

“So we have the boys bring back the stone, meet with Katherine and end her existence,” Lexi suggested.

The only human in the room shook her head. “I’m not certain they could get back in time. Besides, I don’t want that rock anywhere near the bitch. We use a decoy. We’ll have to take her down ourselves. Find someplace to keep her until she’s needed.” As much as she wanted to just end her, Elijah wanted to talk to her first.

“What about the tomb?” Caroline said. “Bree could put a containment spell on it.”

Lucy blinked. She was rather fond of this new ruthless streak of Care’s. “Lock her up with the burnt corpses of her old friends? Sounds like a plan.”

“Okay, but do we use to replace the moonstone?” the witch asked.

Lucy shrugged. “Damon has a whole bowl of soap in his room. It’s stupid and something else to dust, but they’re the right shape. A little witchy juju and one should pass no problem.”

Lexi grinned and clapped her hands together. “Time to plan the downfall of a raging bitch.”

Much to Lucy’s protestations, she was instructed to remain in the house while the rest of them went to enact their plan. This was such bullshit, but she couldn’t exactly argue with the point that she was human. It didn’t mean she had to like being left out though. She’d even tried to bribe them with the daylight ring she’d had Elijah send for Lee but Lexi just held out her hand and Lucy folded. She was just too nice damn it.

Her eyes stayed glued to the clock as she tapped her foot anxiously. They were supposed to keep her updated but she hadn’t heard from anyone in ages. “That’s it,” she said as she pushed herself up from her seat. She was going to find out what was going on.

She arrived at the venue and pulled her car to the side away from the other vehicles. She wanted to make sure she could get out easily. She wove through the cars trying to find her way to the house. She stopped short when she saw Elena headed her way as she talked on her phone. The teen was in jeans in a casual top so she obviously hadn’t been here for the festivities.

“Elena,” she called to get the girl’s attention as she hung up her phone.

The brunette looked up with frown just as a figure wearing a clown mask stepped up behind her and grabbed her with a hand over her mouth.

“Hey,” Lucy shouted. “Let her go.” A moment later, a heavy blow struck the side of her head and pain radiated through her before everything went black.

“Lucy.”

She groaned and tried to shut out the voice that hissed her name. An aching throb radiated through her body, centered on her head and her neck. She just wanted to go back to sleep.

“Lucy.”

It was a little louder this time. More insistent.

She reluctantly blinked her eyes open to find herself laying on a tattered couch in a rundown room. Elena sat on the floor in front of her, staring worriedly. The girl sighed in relief when she noticed Lucy was awake. Lucy had certainly woken up to better sights.

The circumstances that had landed her here came back to her in a rush and groaned as she ran a hand down her face. For once, she wished she’d done as she was told and just stayed at the boarding house. To no surprise at all, Elena had gotten herself in trouble again and this time brought Lucy along for the ride. This was just fantastic.

“Do you know what’s going on?” Lucy asked as she sat up. A fresh wave of pain ran through her head and neck and she grimaced. Her hand shot up to her throat only to come back covered in blood.

Elena shook her head and moved to sit on the couch beside Lucy. “Not really. Two vampires have us. They want to turn me over to someone named Elijah.”

Lucy huffed a laugh. Well, wasn’t that convenient? She wondered if they’d managed to get ahold of him. She could always give them his phone number.

“Okay. What the hell happened to me? I remember the head but what’s up with the neck?”

The teen frowned. “The male vampire, I think his name is Trevor, wanted to feed from me but the other one wouldn’t let him. She said you were fair game though.”

Irritation flared through Lucy but what good would it do. What was done was done. It’s not like she could change it now.

“Oh good, you’re awake,” a female voice said and a glance showed a red-headed vampire standing at the top of a flight of stairs.

“He’s here. He’s here,” a male said and started running around the room anxiously. “I’m not sure this was a good idea.”

Lucy resisted the urge to roll her eyes. It was a bit late to think of that now. She just wanted to get this over with and go home. She wondered if the boys would be with Elijah. Eh. At the very least he would take her home.

“Please don’t let him take me,” Elena whined from beside her.

“Us,” Lucy automatically corrected. She wasn’t frightened of her uncle but it was the principle of the thing.

Elena looked over, her brow furrowed in confusion. “What?”

She finally gave into temptation and rolled her eyes. “There’s two of us, Elena. It’s not just you.”

The conversation was interrupted by the appearance of an elegantly suited vampire. He stood at the top of the stairs and ran his gaze over the room. Relief flashed through his eyes when spotted Lucy and she gave him a small smile. He zoomed until he stood in front of her. Using two fingers, he lifted her chin to look over the injury on her neck.

“Why is she here?” he asked after a moment while keeping his eyes on her.

“She was there when we took the doppelganger. We had to take her, too,” the male explained.

Elijah closed his eyes as if praying to some long-forgotten deity for patience. When he opened them, he rolled his eyes and gave a little half smile before turning to face the vampires again. “And why is she bleeding?”

“I was hungry?”

Lucy cringed. Sucks to be that guy.

She watched impassively as Elijah removed the offender’s head with a single swipe of his hand. When the female vampire moved as if to attack, Elijah stopped her with one raised hand. “Let it go before you join him, Rose. He harmed that which wasn’t his to touch. Don’t join him in his stupidity.”

“Excuse me,” Elena said. “I’m still here.”

For someone that was so concerned a moment ago, she was certainly upset to find the attention wasn’t on her. Idiot. Elijah didn’t spare her a glance. “Yes. I am aware. I’ll deal with you in a moment.”

“Where are the boys?” Lucy asked.

“They’re a bit behind. They were finishing something up. They should be here shortly.”

She answered with a nod. The sound of breaking glass interrupted before either could say anything else.

“Who else is here?” he asked looking between the three of them.

“I don’t know,” Rose answered as Elena shook her head.

“I’d say it’s probably my babysitters,” Lucy said.

Elijah smirked. “Stay here until I ensure your safety.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “I can take care of myself, you know. You made sure of it.”

He arched a brow and gave a cockeyed smile before grabbing Elena and rushing her up the stairs to the entryway. Lucy sighed before following along at a much more human pace.

She arrived at the top of the stairs just as Elijah was shot through the hand with a stake. She yelped in surprise but before she could do anything else, she was grabbed and rushed to another area. Lexi looked down at her with a hand over her mouth. Lucy shook her head and tugged at her friend’s wrist but she wouldn’t relent.

“Come out with the girls and we will discuss this,” Elijah said. “I believe there has been a misunderstanding of sorts.”

Lucy kicked Lexi in the shin. “Ow,” the vampire said with a frown. Finally, she moved her hand so the human could talk.

“Stop. It’s Elijah. He’s family. He’s the one the boys were helping.”

Lexi frowned. “But he kidnapped you.”

“No, he didn’t. Someone else did. He was going to bring us home.”

Elijah shouted in pain and both their heads jerked in that direction. Lexi raced toward the sound and Lucy ran behind. “No!” she screamed when she saw Elijah prepared to remove Lee’s heart. At the same time, the front door opened to admit the Salvatores. Distracted, Elijah glanced over just as Lexi drove a large piece of wood into his chest.

Lucy screamed and dropped to her knees. Not Elijah. He couldn’t leave her. He promised she’d never lose him. Her vision blurred as she sobbed and rocked as she chanted the word “no” over and over again.

Arms wrapped around her and she buried her face in Damon’s chest so Elijah’s gray face was blocked from her vision. He hooked a hand around the back of her neck and she gipped his shirt. She gasped as she struggled to breathe, to ease the tightness in her chest. Elijah was gone. He was really gone. Oh, gods.

“Shh, Luce. I’ve got you. I’m sorry. So sorry. We should have gotten here sooner. God, I’m sorry.”

She sucked in a breath. “Not your fault.”

A warm hand settled on her back. “Is she okay?” Stefan asked.

“No. Not even close,” Damon answered as he tightened his hold on her.

“I’m sorry, Lucy,” Lexi said, her voice sounding far away. “We thought you were in danger and then he was going to kill Lee. I had to stop him. I’m sorry.”

Lucy couldn’t muster the strength to say anything. Her heart was too broken.

Damon grunted to let her know she’d been heard. “I hope you mean it. Unless, I’m very much mistaken—and I’m not—you had him to think for those rings. What a nice thank you.”

“Damon,” Stefan snapped.

The elder brother shot a glare at his sibling. “What? They hurt my girl. She might not hold a grudge but I sure as hell do.”

Lucy took it all in as she kept her boyfriend’s shirt clutched tightly in her fists. She tried to regulate her breathing but wasn’t having much luck. “I’m sorry,” she muttered.

He shushed her. “You have nothing to be sorry for. Take what you need.”

“Can we go?” Elena asked as she stepped up behind Stefan. “I just want to go home.”

“Not the time, Elena,” Damon said.

“But—” she started only for Stefan to cut her off.

“Enough, Elena.”

“We’ll take her home,” Lee said.

Only once she was certain the others had left did Lucy pull back from Damon’s chest. She kept her eyes turned from where she knew Elijah was pinned to the wall like some macabre butterfly.

Damon ran his eyes over her before he grasped her chin and turned her head gently to examine the bite on her neck. “What’s this?”

“Kidnapper got the munchies apparently.” She sniffed and glanced between the brothers. “Can we go? I need to get out of here.”

Damon nodded and helped her to her feet. A breath later and he’d swept her into his arms. She didn’t even think about protesting, just nuzzling into his chest and taking comfort in his warmth wrapped around her.

“Can you drive, Stef? I’ll get in the back with her.”

“Of course,” Stefan answered with no hesitation.

She kept her head pressed against Damon’s chest with her eyes closed so she wouldn’t get another glimpse of Elijah. That wasn’t how she wanted to remember him. Damon kissed her head and held her more tightly. She wrapped her arms around his neck and just let him take care of her.

#damon salvatore fanfiction #damon salvatore x oc #vampire diaries fanfiction #series: not about you

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savage-kult-of-gorthaur · 1 year ago

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"SHE CAN CREATE INTRICATE HOLOGRAPHIC ILLUSIONS, PROJECT POWERFUL LASER BEAMS OR "DAZZLE" HER OPPONENTS..."

PIC(S) INFO: Spotlight on pin-up art of Alison Blaire, a.k.a., "Dazzler," in full battle mode against the forces of Mojo in the Mojoverse, from "The Marvel X-Men Collection" Vol. 1 #1 (of 3 issues). January, 1993. Marvel Comics. Artwork by Jim Lee.

BONUS PICS: Front and back of trading card #85, Dazzler, from "X-Men" Trading Card Series 1 by Impel/Marvel, c. 1992. Artwork by Jim Lee.

Resolution from largest to smallest: 1489x2048 (2x) 1044x1600, & 1139x764.

DAZZLER OVERVIEW: "When you think of Dazzler, odds are you think of disco and rollerskates. If you're a fan of the the classic X-Men arcade game or animated "Pryde of the X-Men" pilot, then your definitive Dazzler might rock a blue bodysuit, headband and bomber jacket. Well, there's another Dazzler: Freedom Fighter Dazzler! Jim Lee's Dazzler redesign could have taken the mutant musician totally grunge, but instead she went full "Universal Soldier."

Dazzler's one of a few "Ex-X-Men" included in the set, a group devoted to characters -- like Magik and Sunspot -- who had recently left their X-teams. This card actually coincided with the debut of this rough-and-ready version of Dazzler. As her bio states, Dazzler's whereabouts were unknown prior to her return in summer 1992's "X-Men" #10. This is the version of Dazzler -- a freedom fighter commanding troops alongside Longshot in the Mojoverse -- that debuted in that story-arc. Fans wouldn't get all that much of Dazzler in the '90s, though, and once she returned in the '00s, this period of her history was mostly forgotten."

-- CBR, "Marvel Trading Cards: 15 Greats From X-Men Series I," by Brett White, c. November 2016

Sources: www.cbr.com/marvel-trading-cards-15-greats-from-x-men-series-i/#dazzler, www.yesteryearretro.com/2021/09/retro-scans-1992-marvel-uncanny-x-men.html, eBay, various, etc...

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daydreamerbunny · 2 years ago

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𝓶𝓪𝓼𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓵𝓲𝓼𝓽

last updated on 8/30/2024

PLEASE NOTE: these is purely fiction and does not represent the idols or any other real person in anyway.

Do NOT take my writings as your own.

Key:

s = smut

a = angst

f = fluff

ＫＰＯＰ♥

ＢＴＳ ♥

Jeon Jungkook

⇢ last (afab reader, s, f and a) One last time.

⇢ one year (afab reader, a) Jungkook comes to apologize and he realizes you are with someone.

⇢ royal engagement (afab princess!reader, s) You’re a princess to a small kingdom and the neighboring large kingdom just lost their king, making your childhood fling now crowned. Your family makes a trip to express condolences and plans on maintaining the tight alliance your kingdoms have.

Min Yoongi

⇢ one year (afab reader, a) Jungkook comes to apologize and he realizes you are with someone.

ＭＯＮＳＴＡＸ ♥

Im Changkyun

⇢ {unknown hiatus} rose gold series, involving other Monsta X members (afab named reader, s, f, and a) Being engaged to a charming prince suddenly makes you the most desirable woman in the castle. Part 1, part 2, and part 3.

⇢ i’ll wait (afab reader, s) Your professor overhears some girls teasing you and decides to make you feel better.

ＳＨＩＮＥＥ ♥

Lee Taemin

⇢ bitten & smitten (afab reader, s) Your village is raided by the vampire prince and he decides that you are his.

ＯＴＨＥＲＦＡＮＤＯＭＳ ♥

α v α t α r ♥

Jake Sully

⇢ Rumor Has It (afab human reader, s) You have a thing for Jake's avatar and Jake finds that out and decides to indulge you on it.

⇢ Pretty Girl (afab human reader, s) Jake and reader fuck without her oxygen mask.

⇢Silly Girl (afab omatikaya reader, s) imagine tying up Jake in attempts to spice it up in your sex life and it does not go in your favor.

⇢ Bunny (afab human reader, s) Jake fucks you on Easter.

⇢ Jake hisses at reader (afab human reader, a and f) Requested

Neteyam Sully

⇢ Always (afab Na'vi reader, a) Neteyam loses you and reflects back on the happy moments.

нσυѕє σƒ тнє ∂яαgση♥

Aegon II Targaryen

⇢ Star-Crossed and History-Lost (afab reader, s) You adore your brother, Aegon, while married and growing resentful to your other brother Aegon. You reminisce on your moments with Aegon while you care for him after being burned and plan on his escape.

s t r α n g є r t h í n g s ♥

Henry Creel

⇢Latrodectus mactans (afab reader, s) Henry and you were both orderly. He was 001 and you were 002. Henry takes advantage of the crush you have on him to help him with his plan to escape the lab. He's willing to break a few of his own rules to make sure you were his.

ＳＴＡＲＷＡＲＳ ♥

Kylo Ren

⇢ His Rock (afab reader, f)

⇢ Restless ( afab reader, f)

⇢ I Don’t Blame You ( afab reader, a)

⇢ Baby Steps ( afab reader, f and a)

ＤＥＴＲＩＯＴＢＥＣＯＭＥＨＵＭＡＮ ♥

Markus

⇢ hope (afab reader, f) Markus and reader support each other in Jericho.

Connor

⇢ on the couch (afab reader, s) Connor is needy and needs a quickie.

⇢ nurse (afab reader mentions of sports bra but otherwise gender neutral, f) Connor takes care of you while sick.

⇢ hot coffee (afab reader, f and implied s)

⇢ rushed emotions (afab OC, f) Connor needs Noelle’s help to help Markus.

⇢ into you (AO3 link) (afab reader, s) It’s the DPD’s Christmas party and Connor decides to make a move.

Gavin

⇢ big softie (amab reader, f) reader is hurt on the job and Gavin is worried sick.

ＴＨＥＨＯＢＢＩＴ／ＴＨＥＬＯＲＤＯＦＴＨＥＲＩＮＧＳ ♥

Thranduil

⇢the scent of spring (afab reader, f)

⇢ ada (afab reader, f)

⇢ pale beauty (afab OC, mild s)

#masterlist

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gerardwayissexah · 1 year ago

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GerardWayisSexah's WIP Wednesday:

Back when I started writing my longfic, that story was all I could think about. I couldn't imagine being one of those fanfic writers with 10 WIPs going at once. Now, I'm not quite at 10 yet, but...I could easily get there. I'm not even counting all the half-baked ideas floating in my brain. If any of these strike your interest, feel free to message or send me an ask about them. :)

Here's a summary:

To Unbury a Heart (Ten-ten x Hiashi Hyuga) - 16k words [Completely written/ready to edit and post]

Freefall (NSFW Neji x Ten-ten) - 13k words [~60% written]

Pity the Woman (OC-centric, branch Hyuga watches Neji v. Naruto in Chunin Exams) - 2.5k words [~50% written]

Of Dreams Deferred (Neji lives and becomes clan head AU) - 71k words [~80% written]

(More in-depth rambling below the cut)

Completely written/ready to edit and post:

To Unbury a Heart (Ten-ten x Hiashi Hyuga)

Words: 16k

Yes, you read correctly. I wrote a Ten-ten x Hiashi Hyuga fanfiction and it's not crack. This one's inspired by the platonic Ten-ten and Hiashi found family dynamics I included in two of my NejiTen Month pieces. In this particular non-Boruto compliant AU, Ten-ten and Neji conceive a son before he dies in the war. Hiashi and Ten-ten raise the kid together, and Hiashi slowly but surely falls in love with her. However, because of his guilt over his past wrongs, he doesn't feel like he deserves her (even if she's ready to accept him).

Currently writing on and off:

Freefall (NSFW Neji x Ten-ten)

Words: 13k so far

I read a fic a while back in which Neji wants to sterilize himself so he doesn't perpetuate the Hyuga line. When I paused to consider his character, I realized it made sense that he wouldn't want to have children considering how much he resents his fate. Of course, my degenerate mind immediately thought of NSFW implications. As one does. In this fic, Neji swears at a young age (really, when he first learns about sex) that he won't ever sleep with a woman. Like Jon Snow from Game of Thrones, he doesn't want to risk making a child who'll suffer in the same ways he has.

Once he's assigned a team with Ten-ten, Neji starts falling for her though he denies his feelings, and Ten-ten has a boyfriend. Things begin to escalate between them once Ten-ten's boyfriend dumps her, and the Water Prison Incident makes it impossible for Neji to deny how he feels. And he also finds that keeping his promise to himself gets harder...and harder. (I'll refrain from making the obvious joke here).

Pity the Woman (OC-centric)

Words: 2.5k so far

I thought it would be interesting to explore how a rank-and-file branch loyal Hyuga views Neji v. Naruto in the Chunin Exams. I've hit a little bit of a roadblock with this story, since I need to watch the fight to get the dialogue and sequence of events right. Not sure how many of you have read "Bird in a Gilded Cage," but if you have, this fic will delve a bit deeper into Risa Hyuga's character and backstory. Knowledge of that particular story is absolutely not necessary to understand what's going on, though. I've had this fic in my head since last year (!) so getting it all out feels intensely gratifying.

Of Dreams Deferred (Neji becomes clan head - Neji x Ten-ten, Neji x Hyuga OC, Ten-ten x Rock Lee)

Words: 71k so far

This fic is very loosely inspired by "Precious Things," a Neji x Ten-ten fic on Fanfiction.net that was sadly discontinued 10 years ago. By loosely inspired, I mean that - I borrow a few elements (Neji getting embroiled in Hyuga politics, Neji and Ten-ten have an illegitimate child) from that fic, but otherwise go in my own direction. Twelve years before the story's start, Neji and Ten-ten break up so he can pursue his ambition of leading the Hyuga to reform the clan's ways. Marrying a non-Hyuga would compromise his legitimacy, when a former branch Hyuga leading the clan is already considered questionable. However, Ten-ten was pregnant at the time they broke up, unknown to both of them.

Their son grows up believing he's Rock Lee's son, while Neji marries a Hyuga woman for political reasons. Then when the kid is 12, he activates the Byakugan in a moment of panic, which raises some obvious questions (like, who's his actual father?). This brings Neji and Ten-ten back together, and they both start to have second thoughts about the paths they've taken in life. There's also a friendship/sibling relationship between Neji's legitimate daughter and his son with Ten-ten. A lot more goes on in the story, so I can't handily explain it all here.

#nejiten #naruto fanfiction #wip wednesday #tenten #hyuga neji #naruto original character #neji x oc #my fanfic writing #Lots of self-indulgent rambling here #tenten x hiashi hyuga #yes you read that right

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greensparty · 2 months ago

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2024: The Year in Green's Party

This has been another spectacular year for my pop culture blog. In Jan. 2013 I began this blog as a way to share my thoughts on pop culture and since then I’ve gotten to do things I never even imagined would be possible: interviewing filmmakers, actors, musicians, authors and more; reviewing movies, music, concerts, books, and theater; covering conventions and film festivals; and connecting with fans who also have their hands on the pulse of pop culture at the moment and its history.

the many faces of Green’s Party

Here are just a few of this website's highlights of 2024:

Retweets and Social Media: David Space liked my tweet about Fly on the Wall being my #1 Podcast of 2023; I was a guest on the It's Another Sunday podcast and discussed this blog, In May during the same week as my birthday I tweeted birthday wishes to Radiohead drummer Philip Selway and he liked it, Trouser Press Books shared my interview with Backstage and Beyond author Jim Sullivan on their social media, the band Scream shared my Best Albums of 2023 list (which included their album DC Special) in their Linktree, and I was a guest on the Seeing Them Live podcast and I returned for a special episode about the infamous Jane's Addiction concert I covered.

Peter Holmström and me

Interviews: I got to interview The Dandy Warhols guitarist Peter Holmström backstage before their Boston show, documentarian Alexandre O. Philippe via zoom, musician Matthew Sweet via phone, comedian Fred Armisen via zoom, music journalist Jim Sullivan via phone, and Pamela Des Barres via phone. I also got to speak with a number of celebs briefly at conventions including Kelli Maroney, Bruce Kulick, Nicholas Hammond, Sid Krofft, Sean Gunn, Ethan Supplee, Gina Schock and more!

photo booth movie poster of me with Challengers

Movie Reviews: I got to review I.S.S., Suitable Flesh, Ennio, The Greatest Hits, Civil War, Sasquatch Sunset, Challengers, Wildcat, Ezra, Hit Man, Tuesday, Revival60: The Concert That Rocked the World, MaXXXine, Twisters, The Instigators, Borderlands, Blink Twice, Greedy People, Between the Temples, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, Wise Guy: David Chase and The Sopranos, The 4:30 Movie, BOOM: A Film about The Sonics, Lee, The Apprentice, Heartbreakers Beach Party, Woman of the Hour, Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Here, Gladiator II, Wicked, Beatles '64, Nightbitch, and A Complete Unknown.

Album Reviews: I got to review Sleater Kinney's Little Rope and the Deluxe Edition of that album, U2's Zooropa reissue and How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb 20th Anniversary Edition, The Smile's Wall of Eyes and Cutouts, Dhani Harrison's INNERSTANDING, Paul McCartney and Wings' Band on the Run 50th Anniversary Edition and One Hand Clapping, Mick Mars' The Other Side of Mars, Sheer Mag's Playing Favorites, The Rolling Stones' 7" Singles 1966-1971 Vinyl Box Set, Bruce Springsteen's Best of Bruce Springsteen and Born in the USA 40th Anniversary Edition, Pearl Jam's Dark Matter, Neil Young and Crazy Horse's Fu##in Up and Early Daze, Thom Yorke's Confidenza soundtrack, John Carpenter, Cody Carpenter, and Daniel Davies' Lost Themes 4: Noir, Ringo Starr's Crooked Boy, Buffalo Tom's Jump Rope, Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs' Vagabonds, Virgins and Misfits, Johnny Cash's Songwriter, Andy Summers' Vertiginous Canyons, John Lennon's Mind Games Ultimate Collection, The Police's Synchronicity Deluxe Edition, X's Smoke & Fiction, Oasis's Definitely Maybe 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, Jimi Hendrix's Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, The Linda Lindas' No Obligation, MC5's Heavy Lifting, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' Long After Dark Deluxe Edition, The Pixies' The Night the Zombies Came, Weezer's The Blue Album 30th Anniversary Edition, Talking Heads' Talking Heads: 77 Super Deluxe Edition, Kim Deal's Nobody Loves You More, AC/DC's 50th anniversary reissues, The Beatles' 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono, and George Harrison's Living the Material World 50th Anniversary Edition.

TV Reviews: I got to review Nothin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored Story of 80s Hair Metal.

my friend Ron and I at the Foo Fighters concert at Fenway Park

me at the Metallica pop-up shop

Concert Reviews: It was quite a year for concert coverage including Sleater-Kinney, Matthew Sweet, The Church and The Afghan Whigs, Jane's Addiction, Pearl Jam, and Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band. I also did my Concert Pics column for Foo Fighters and Metallica.

Blu-ray Reviews: I got to review the blu-ray release of Witness, Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision, Robert Rodriguez's The Mexico Trilogy, A Simple Plan, and Behind the Bucket: A Garrison story.

Book Reviews: I got to cover Guzman's Family Values: Kurt, Courtney and Frances Bean.

Comedy Reviews: I got to cover Fred Armisen's show a few weeks after I interviewed him.

me on the red carpet outside The Brattle for 2024 BUFF

me on the red carpet at 2024 IFFBoston

me at the 2024 Fan Expo Boston

me at 2024 Super MegaFest

Film Festivals, Conventions and Events: I did my annual coverage of the Oscar Nominated Short Films, I covered the March edition and the November edition of the Northeast Comic Con, I covered the 2024 Boston Underground Film Festival, the Coolidge Corner Theatre's Expansion, I covered the 2024 Independent Film Festival Boston, I covered the 2024 Fan Expo Boston, the 2024 Super MegaFest, Summer 2024 Collectibles Extravaganza, and the 2024 IFFBoston Fall Focus mini-fest.

Stray Observations:

It was a very Beatle-centric year for me! I got to cover The Beatles box set 1964 U.S. Albums in Mono and their documentary Beatles '64 as well as getting to do album reviews of Paul McCartney and Wings' Band on the Run reissue and One Hand Clapping live album, Ringo Starr's Crooked Boy EP, John Lennon's reissue of Mind Games, George Harrison's reissue of Living in the Material World, the documentary film Revival69: The Concert That Rocked the World about Lennon's legendary 1969 concert in Toronto and a concert review of Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band in September. Even for a Beatle Fanatic like me that's quite a year!

In October, one of my favorite musicians Matthew Sweet suffered a stroke and I, like many, donated to the GoFundMe to assist with his road to recovery. Only a few months earlier in April I got to interview Mr. Sweet (my second time talking to him) and I also got to cover his concert in Boston. I am grateful I got to talk to him about his music (he could not have been any cooler) and see him for my 6th time and it was one of his best shows. I wish him well in his recovery and hope one day he's able to make music again (whether it's touring, recording or privately).

I got to interview The Dandy Warholds guitarist Peter Holmström. He is the third band member I got to interview since 2019.

I've noticed a trend that's been happening with reissue albums where they are celebrating the landmark anniversary of an album with a box set...released a year after the landmark release. For example, John Lennon's 50th anniversary of Mind Games was released 51 years later, The Police's 40th anniversary of Synchronicity was released 41 years later, George Harrison's 50th anniversary of Living in the Material World was 51 years later. But hey, who's counting right?

In recent years there's been a number of sequels to movies that were released 20 or more years ago. In 2024 that trend continued with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Twisters, Gladiator II, and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (the best of them all by far).

...And the Biggest Postings and News of the Year on Green's Party:

1/2/24: Green's Party turned 11

1/7/24: my remembrance of actress Cindy Morgan. 12 notes.

2/2/24: my remembrance of actor Carl Weathers. 11 notes.

2/20/24: news about Sam Mendes doing four theatrical Beatle movies. 25 notes, my biggest post of the year!

3/27/24: I was one of a select few invited to the Coolidge Corner Theatre's phenomenal expansion in Brookline, MA.

4/10/24: After the final episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm I shared my thoughts on the ending.

5/20/24: I celebrated a birthday on Green's Party!

6/24/24: I began a multi-part series with Part 1 of Nirvana Boston about Nirvana's history with the city of Boston.

6/30/24: I posted my Best of 2024 So Far list.

7/7/24: I did a birthday post for Sir Ringo Starr. 13 notes.

7/16/24: Part 2 of Nirvana Boston posted.

8/3/24: I wrote about Aerosmith retiring from touring.

8/10/24: I interviewed Fred Armisen via zoom ahead of his comedy tour. One of the highlights of this year and this entire blog: "During our interview, Mr. Armisen took notice of my CD collection in the background behind me and asked about my collection and he briefly talked about his love of physical media. As our interview was ending, I thanked him and joked that next time he should check out my CD collection. He said “I’m glad you have it on your screen. Because there’s a lot happening in politics and none of the candidates are talking about how we should be proud of our CD collections. We need to come to a time in our lives where we’re displaying them. We all have CDs somewhere.” I laughed and said “I think they need to court the CD vote”. He laughed and I said “Wow - I just made you laugh, I’m so proud of myself” and he replied “That was a real laugh too by the way”. I’ve had some cool celebrity encounters, but knowing I got to make Fred Armisen laugh is definitely pretty high on my list of coolest celebrity encounters ever!"

8/25/24: I was a guest on the Seeing Them Live podcast.

9/15/24: Part 3 of Nirvana Boston posted.

9/30/24: I returned to the Seeing Them Live podcast to discuss the Jane's Addiction concert I covered.

10/26/24: I received my 5000th like on this blog!

10/31/24: I continued my Halloween tradition of ranking my Top 5 Movies and this year I did Top 5 Ghostbuster movies.

11/6/24: my Day After Election Day thoughts.

11/17/24: Part 4 of Nirvana Boston posted.

11/30/24: My review of the documentary Beatles '64. 18 notes.

12/10/24: Part 5, the final edition, of Nirvana Boston posted.

12/13/24: I posted my album review of George Harrison's Living in the Material World 50th Anniversary Edition. 12 notes.

12/20/24: I posted about Ringo Starr joining Paul McCartney in concert. 17 notes.

Thank you for attending Green's Party in 2024! Extra thanks to all of the publicists I worked with on my coverage this year. Now it's time for some thoughts on pop culture in 2025...

#green's party #my blog #2024 #year in review #retweets #interviews #movie reviews #album reviews #tv reviews #concert reviews #blu-ray reviews #book reviews #comedy reviews #film festivals #conventions #film geek #music nerd

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tinyreddragonsradio · 4 years ago

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I read this book about 20 years ago but it still to this day has a prominent spot on my bookshelf. I will be forever grateful to Richie Unterberger for opening my ears to so much interesting music. Looking back through the pages of this book now it seems that some of the artists in here are hardly unknown these days: Can, Young Marble Giants, The Raincoats, Love, Skip Spence, Lee Hazlewood, The Dils, Roky Erickson, X Ray Spex, etc. I imagine that has a lot to do with the passage of time and with so much of this music being more widely accessible via the internet, and more recently the resurgence of vinyl. Yes, 20 years have passed but I remember clearly devouring this book. It might be fun to read it again, after all, who were the Blue Things? Who were The Blossom Toes? Who is Ronnie Dawson? I feel my heart rate increasing. Sadly the CD that came with this book is lost to the ages, the pocket at the back of the book that held the CD empty like a mouth without its tongue.

#X Ray Spex #The Raincoats #Love #Richie Unterberger #Can #Lee Hazlewood #Book Reviews #Rocky Erickson #The Dils #Young Marble Giants #Skip Spence #Unknown Legends of Rock & Roll

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koishua · 3 years ago

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❝ 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 ❞ ━━━ 𝐉𝐎𝐎𝐘𝐄𝐎𝐍

❝ 𝐋𝐀𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐒 ❞ ━━━ jooyeon x reader. fluff, some minor angst. strangers (actually not entirely strangers bc they know each other sort of kind of not a lot) to maybe something more??. college au sort of. some minor warnings bc there will be mentions of stress and reader goes through a small panic attack. 1.278k words.

❝ 𝐒𝐘𝐍𝐎𝐏𝐒𝐈𝐒 ❞ ━━━ college life sucks, and the only place you can find some peace in is in the middle of a forest. today doesn't seem to be your day, however, because on top of having your anxiety eating you up all day long, the campus heartthrob lee jooyeon, who is also your distant childhood acquaintance, witnesses your small breakdown. maybe it isn't all that bad, though, considering how well you get along.

❝ 𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓 ❞ ━━━ @kdyism @yourlocalhotgf @yyxy27 @woo-minhee02 @sunfics @neo-shitty @todorokiskitten @xdh-fluff @changmin-wrlds @bigsobforskz @lovemrsloneliness @hello-yav @soobin-chois @squiishymeow @kurosism @blizzardfluffykpop @jaysbestie @enhacolor @marmota-priki @95sjcc @ja4hyvn @norifilms @soobin-chois @mingis-wrld @aalonerssimaginez @ddeonubaby @scarfac3 (click here to be added to my taglist!)

“Hey,” the one person who you’d never have expected to reach out to you asks, “are you alright?”

Apparently, the little space of safe haven you had thought you’d keep for yourself wasn’t only yours to claim— the brunet sitting down next to you on the grass proves as such. The sunlight filters through the leaves in individual beams, the tall trees not enough to block out the rays completely this deep into the forest behind the campus. The lake before your feet had remained untouched from the rubbish students tended to leave all over the grounds, a testimony to how reserved the spot you currently hid in is.

Not as reserved as it had once been though, given the heartthrob crouching beside your trembling form. Unknown as it may have been, the property had never been officially yours, so it wouldn’t be fair of you to call him out for invading your privacy, you suppose. It is utterly humiliating to have him see your tear ridden state, however.

Moisture running down your cheeks, ragged breaths as you struggle to regain a sense of calm despite the buzz of panic strumming in your veins. It had taken a long while before you’d been able to feel the numbness in your face and fingers ebb away, though the occasional hiccups linger.

“Come on, breathe with me.” He instructs as you manage to make out the kind smile he offers you, uncaring of your haphazard appearance. Inhaling, he waits for a second or some more before letting go, exhaling long and steadily. You mimic his deep breathing, counting three of the things you can see around you other than the boy, followed by the three things you could hear— the crunching of leaves beneath Lee Jooyeon’s feet as he rocks back and forth, the sound of his inhales and exhales, and the birds chirping somewhere above you. You feel better by the time you get to trying to move your limbs from their locked position.

It’s not easy, but a breathy wish of gratitude eases out of your lips, “Thank you.”

“No worries.” The young guitarist beams, his instrument case resting against a tree nearby. There is a sympathetic lilt in his smooth voice when he speaks again, “You must be super stressed.”

You wipe your eyes with your sleeves, chuckling at his input, “Yeah, no kidding. College kicks ass and I think I just reached my breaking point today. Not to worry.”

Jooyeon plops onto the ground next to you— not too close, mindful to give you some space, which you can appreciate. You notice a streak of pink in his hair that you hadn’t before and smile. “You dyed your hair?”

“Yeah, I did. Does it suit me?” He asks bashfully, taking the strands between his fingers.

“It does, surprisingly. Never pegged you as the type to go for pink. Why not green or yellow? I don’t see you around without those colours.” You inquire, maybe even teasing him in the slightest, which, taking in his somehow adorable reaction, you have half the mind to do again.

“Well,” he rubs the nape of his neck, “I was dared— kind of. I lost a game and had to pick between either blue or pink, so I chose pink, because blue is boring. No offense to you, though.”

Your eyes land on the stripe of baby blue in your hair, although having lost most of its previous vibrancy by now considering how you’d dyed it a while before. All of a sudden, the young man brightens up, “We are totally matching!”

And it’s true, with both of you sporting the highlight on the same side of your head. It’s a nice coincidence, you think. He breathes out a satisfied hum, leaning against his hands, “I think blue suits you a lot, too. It’s not as boring as I thought it would be.”

With you begging all of your capillaries not to embarrass you by bringing heat to your face, the only thing you can do is laugh and brush off his comment, which he only reverts with an enthusiastic nod, “You look great in blue, trust me. I never lie about these types of things.”

“Thank you, Jooyeon.”

‘Oh, wow.’ Thinks Lee Jooyeon to himself, stomach plummeting to the ground and soaring back up again. Gulping down the lump rising in his throat, he discreetly places a finger over his wrist, assessing the sudden rush of adrenaline he seems to be feeling. He knows this feeling. ‘Oh, this can’t be happening. This is not happening, is it? It’s just my name, it can’t be having this effect on me, can it?’

“Jooyeon?” You test his name on your tongue again, wondering why he’s gone completely silent as if deep in thought— he looks more in pain than anything, actually. “Are you okay? We can’t be having you dipping on us this time.”

The second mention of his name within the last two minutes jolts him out of his internal monologue and he comes to. A quick excuse easily slips out of his lips in an instant and almost too quickly, he replies, “Of course, I’m okay. I was just thinking about tomorrow’s assignment and then realised I haven’t even started it yet.”

"Oh," you blinked, gathering your belongings— not a lot, only consisting of a jacket thrown on the ground and a bag laying somewhere close to it— and make a move to leave the place to let him peacefully start on his work, thinking he must have initially come here to concentrate better, "then you should get started. I wouldn't want to keep you occupied. I'm sorry that you had to deal with that breakdown earlier."

Alerted by your abrupt actions, he stands up, "No, you really don't have to worry! I didn't mean it that way and besides, you were here first, why would you leave? I mean, you can stay, I could get it done later at the dorms tonight?"

He is a blubbering mess— a terribly pretty one— and you can only stare in amusement as he tries to spell out the thought in his head, gently putting your bag back down without him noticing.

"What I am trying to say is that we could hang out for a little longer." Jooyeon breathes out, placing a hand over his chest. "That was way harder to get out than it was supposed to be."

"I get it." You laugh, settling on the cool grass once again. "Did you bring your guitar to practice here?"

You watch as he trudges over to get his case, pulling the zipper all the way around to gently pick his instrument up. It was beautiful, to say the least. Even if you aren't the biggest expert on them, you'd be a fool not to notice the beauty of it. How much would something like that even cost?

"I actually wrote a song. It's not completely done yet and I still have to tweak a few sections, but yeah, I wanted to find a quiet spot to give it a few runs. Do you want to hear it?" He strums a few chords, a matching pink pick between his teeth as he tunes the strings.

Making yourself comfortable, you nudge him, "Sure, why not? Is it going to be dedicated to anyone in particular?"

"Not before, no. I think I might know a certain someone to dedicate this piece to now, though." There is an all too sly grin on his face and you know exactly what he's suggesting, not even bothering to hide the fact that he has you flustered this time.

#xdh jooyeon #xdh fluff #jooyeon imagines #jooyeon x reader #xdinary heroes x reader #xdinary heroes scenarios #xdh scenarios #xdh imagines #xdinary hearoes fluff #xdinary heroes imagines

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