#sending everyone hugs and kisses for new years we will make it thru another one !!!! prommy

[graveyartblog]

Sayonara 2024 i will not be sharing my review of you!!!!

(from a collab piece that I decided to color in, might rb w/the finished version if I can get everyone's permission >_>!!!!)

[ranger-jedi-knight]

A New Hero Ch 19

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887313/chapters/63175624 Taglist: @bluesimani OPEN

So, it’s been a little while since this was updated. Sorry, but well, my sister came for a visit for a week n a half about n well, ya. That took up a lot of my time. N then I also wanted to get that self-indulgent one-shot angst done so ya. I think that one shot was the biggest reason since motivation came and went. Also, I’m getting ready to move to live with my sister for one of my college semesters to see how I enjoy it. And well, idk when this will come out so ya. That’s also pushing back this update since im spending some days packing up stuff I want to bring with me besides clothes, school supplies, and hygiene item......its after finally arriving and unpackin...BUT ITS HERE NOW!(im sorry bout the wait)

No matter tho! This is the next day after the dinner n we get to see how the night went before gettin some more daminette(n some dick/alya/xavier....i need to come up with a ship name for em....feel free to offer some)!! Anyways, enjoy!!!!

Small sounds woke Dick up from his sleep. He looked around, trying to see if there was any danger when he noticed next to him Alya was making soft sounds, her head turning a bit as barely audible ‘no’s left her. She was curled up next to him, her hair a bit of a mess, her bangs and sides plastered to her face while the rest tangled on the pillow. Her back was to Xavier, who had woken up as well and started making soft, soothing hums as he ran a hand along her arm.

Seeing the immediate effect, Dick started running a hand thru her hair, humming along to the tune Xavier began. Moving closer, Alya latched onto Dick, her arms wrapping around his waist as she tried burying her face into his side. The two wrapped themselves around her and continued their soft hums and touches, slowly helping her out of her nightmare.

After some time, Alya’s breathing settled down as she was once more relaxed in her sleep. Xavier smiled softly at dick as he pressed a kiss to the back of Alya’s head and slowly fell back asleep after watching for a few minutes to make sure her nightmare didn’t start back up. Dick tho, he stayed up a bit longer, continuing to run his finger’s thru her hair, untangling it gently. Pressing a kiss to her forehead, Dick sighed thru his nose before falling asleep next to them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Damian woke to Alfred the cat jumping off his bed. Usually, that wouldn’t wake him. But tonight, the way he jumped off the bed woke Damian. Usually, Alfred’s jumps were relaxed and slow, moving at his own pace. But right then, it seemed more urgent. He looked around and found Xan awake.

Xan had his arms wrapped around his knees as he stared at the door. Looking closer as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Damian noticed that Xan was tense, his fingers digging into his arms. Alfred was rubbing himself against Xan’s side and legs, a purr leaving him to help soothe Xan. As Damian watched, Xan moved a hand from his arm and started scratching Alfred’s head and chin.

Damian moved from his bed and sat down near Xan, giving him a moment before speaking finally. “What happened?” he asked, and Xan glanced over at Damian before looking at the door again.

“I saw them,” Xan started in a whispered, not needing to elaborate for Damian, he already knew who ‘they’ were. “We were at the League tho. I......I attacked them immediately when she asked me too. I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t stop myself as-as I-” he stopped then, taking a deep, shuddering breath. He took a moment to concentrate on Alfred under his fingers before he continued speaking. “I killed them,” he spoke the words so softly that Damian almost didn’t hear it.

“But you didn’t. It was just a nightmare. Nothing about it is true,” Damian said, and Xan nodded slowly at that.

“Maybe, but.......it was so vivid...so clear. It felt like I was still in the league, following their orders blindly to survive. It was like I never left....like you never helped me out of that hell hole,” he admitted, and Damian reached over and squeezed Xan’s shoulder.

“I know. It can seem so real, make you think you never left even thou you do the one thing you know you would never do. I’ve had similar nightmares,” Damian admitted and Xan glanced over at him.

“Really? Do you still?” he asked softly as Damian reached a hand out to scratch Alfred’s chin.

“Occasionally, yes. It does get better, I promise. It just takes time. You can always come talk to me or Jason. Or Rae even. Do you remember her?” Damian asked and Xan pursed his lips before nodding slowly, he remembered the woman. She helped train him in League before disappearing years prior. “She will listen if you ask her too.”

“Where is she?” Xan asked turning a bit to look over at Damian easier.

“She’s opening a restaurant called Janat Al'Amal, but she’s working at Rose Petal’s Boutique until it’s ready for the grand opening,” Damian said and Xan smiled with a small smile on his lips.

“Paradise of Hope...that’s a nice name,” Xan said and Damian had the faintest of smiles as he nodded agreement.

“It is. She chose a great name for her future restaurant. I’ve been in touch with her along with Jon and Ember. You haven’t met Ember yet but she’s Jon’s friend and hangs with us. Rae likes to let people vent or talk about their problems to her,” Damian explained and Xan nodded understanding.

“I’ll go talk with her tom-today?” he said tilting his head to look at the clock and saw that it was past midnight, around 1 am.

“Good. I can bet you won’t go to sleep immediately, right?” Damian asked and Xan nodded. Getting the confirmation, Damian stood up and went over to his desk and pulled out a sketchbook and pencil, and walked over to Xan. “Mari said you drew to relax. Here,” he crouched down and held it out.

“Thanks,” Xan said giving Damian a small smile as he took the offered items and flipped the pages to a clear one and started sketching. Damian nodded as he then went back to his bed. Laying down, he looked over at Xan one last time, watching as he drew intently with Alfred going onto his shoulders to relax, before falling asleep once more, knowing he did what he could to help his friend.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Xan and Damian were one of the first people up in the morning. They got a quick bite to eat before going to the indoor gym the manor had to spar for a bit. Alfred worked on breakfast for everyone when the two left. Clark was up next followed by Kon and Jon. By 8, Dick, Xavier, Jason, and Tim came down to eat and work on some stuff. After some time, Alya came down walking beside Lana as she took slow steps.

Raising a hand, Lana greeted everyone sleepily as she slowly woke up. “How are you feeling, Lana?” Clark asked setting the newspaper down to look over at her. The rest of the family looked over as well as she gave a small smile.

“Better. Thank you for letting us stay the night,” she said and Clark returned the smile.

“It was nothing,” Clark said moving his hand to look at the time. “Well, I better get going. I promised Perry I’d send over my article before noon. Have a good day you guys. Also, Lana, I would like to talk to you about your future,” Clark said and Lana smiled at that and nodded. Getting the nod from Lana, Clark left to the office Bruce got him so that he could work.

“I’m glad your feeling better now, Lana,” Jason said and Lana glanced over at him with a faint smile.

“Ya, sorry about that,” she mumbled softly, glancing over at Alya who squeezed her shoulder.

“Don’t be. You couldn’t have known,” Jason said and Lana nodded, knowing he was right.

“Lana, would you be willing to accompany me to pick up Mari? She’d love to see that you’re doing better this morning,” Damian said and Lana nodded.

“Sure. But I won’t be able to stay long, I shouldn’t leave Cocoa alone much longer, especially since it’s time for breakfast,” Lana replied and Damian nodded.

“Understood. Let’s head over now and I can drop you off after Mari sees that you’re well,” Damian replied and Lana nodded, eating a slice of toast and some fruit before standing up with Damian to head out.

“I’ll talk to you later, Lana,” Alya called out before Lana left the room.

“Als, I’ll be heading out myself. Fresh air will do me some good. There’s also someone I want to visit,” Xan said and Alya nodded.

“Of course. Stay safe, Xan. And Don’t hesitate to call if you need help,” she replied and Xan nodded before getting up. “Dick?” she asked and Dick smiled.

“Yup, we should get going ourselves,” Dick agreed.

“Don’t die,” Tim called out.

“No promises, you’ve seen, Mr. Lingo,” Dick yelled back as the three left the room and Tim nodded agreement.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mari beamed when she saw Damian and Lana entering the hotel lobby. Jumping up from her seat at the table, she ran over to the two and hugged Lana while her friends smiled from the table. “I’m so sorry for what happened, Lana! I should have asked first before making them!” Mari said as Lana returned the hug before pushing Mari back a bit to look Mari in the eyes and give her a gentle smile.

“It’s ok, Mari. Nothing bad happened. And I should have also asked about it. It’s my problem to remember, not yours. As much as I’d like to stay and talk, I need to get home, Cocoa is waiting for me,” Lana said, squeezing Mari’s shoulders as she spoke. Mari returned the small smile as she nodded.

“Ok,” she said before perking up. “Wait!” she rushed over to their table and Chloe held out the bag of cookies to her. She grabbed the bag and ran back over to the two. “Here, I made these for you! Don’t worry, I made sure nothing pecan came near them!”

Lana smiled softly as she took the bag and put them carefully into her pocket and pulled Mari into another hug. “Thank you,” she whispered before pulling back once more.

“I’ll be back after I drop her off, angel,” Damian said, causing to Mari to blush lightly as she nodded understanding. As the two turned away to leave, Lana had a teasing smile after giggling softly at Mari’s blush.

“‘Angel’, huh?” she asked, sending him a look that had Damian blushing lightly. Before the door closed behind the two, Mari and her friends listened to Lana laugh. Mari walked over to the table and continued to eat her breakfast while her friends sent her looks.

“I think you found yourself a ~boyfriend~,” Lila said in a sing-song voice. Mari’s blush deepened at that.

“I-no-!-He-!” Mari stuttered out, unable to form a single sentence while her friends laughed around her. “Oh!” she crossed her arms on the table and slammed her head down onto them. Adrien smiled softly as he patted her back while Lila covered her mouth with her hand to stifle giggles.

“Don’t worry Maribug, I’m sure he’d be delighted to be dating you,” Adrien said as Chloe nodded agreement next to him, leaning closer against him to look at her.

“Adrikins is right! He’d be a fool to not want to date you,” Chloe declared with a nod that the others shared.

“I agree. If he doesn’t ask you out today, then you need to do it yourself Mari,” Kim said with a serious look

“I-I wouldn’t even know how to!” Mari said with wide eyes and the table chuckled softly or shook their heads.

“Just be straight forward. Say how you feel then ask ‘would you go out on a date with me?’. Or, if that’s too scary ask him to hang out with you, alone,” Lila said and the group nodded agreement. Right then, the doors opened showing Damian entering with two people.

“Jon!” Chloe yelled out excited and the two got up quickly and ran over to Jon. Jon smiled as he hugged the two.

“I know it’s only been a couple of days, but that’s two days too long,” Jon whispered and the two nodded agreement.

“Definitely,” Chloe said pulling him to the table. Jon happily let them pull him to a table and sat between the two, holding their hands.

“Jon and Ember were walking by as I came back,” Damian said as Ember waved to them with a smile.

“Hi! It’s nice to meet Jon and Damian’s friends! Damian doesn’t admit it, but we’re friends,” Ember greeted, saying the last part in a mock whispered that had the group snorting while Damian rolled his eyes. “But call me Elle! Practically everyone does,” she said as the group smiled at her.

“How’d you meet him?” Kim asked leaning onto the table, wanting to know the story since when he first met Damian so long ago the dude was rather cold still.

“Jon. I was friends with Jon since he helped me in elementary school. And so then Jon and Damian became sorta friends. When that happened, I was introduced to Damian. It was hard but he likes me now,” she said and the group nodded.

“Is he still called ‘Ice Prince’?” Nino asked, pushing his cap back a bit.

“Oh ya. I have been warned against talking to him by like....everyone it seems at some point since I joined GA this year,” Ember said with a laugh and Damian had a smirk at that, a soft snort leaving him that only Mari heard.

“Really? Why’s that?” Max asked then, pausing in his typing on his phone.

“All the freshmen get warned about him. Even tho it was...what....years ago that you broke a kid’s arm?” Ember asked looking over at Damian who nodded.

“Yes. I broke a kids arm when I was in fifth grade. Give or take 8 years ago,” Damian replied and Ember nodded.

“Wait......freshmen? You were warned about him even thou you were there for that?” Kim asked confused and Ember shook her head.

“I wasn’t there for that exactly. I’m a freshman right now....well sophomore now while they’re seniors.”

“Oh, ok. You’re younger than them,” Nino replied and Ember nodded with a smile.

“H-hey, Mari?” a timid voice called. The group turned to see Alya standing there looking rather shy, which was weird for them. “I talked to Ms. Bustier and got us the day off. I thought you’d like to have a break from working and hang out with your friends,” Alya said and Mari gave the girl a small smile and nod.

“Thank you, Alya,” Mari said and Alya gave Mari one last timid smile before going back to the others that were sort of being shunned by Mari and her friends.

“That was nice of her,” Damian commented as he watched Alya sit down, looking down, he could only guess it was her phone.

“It was,” Mari agreed, she knew, or could guess that is, why Alya was doing it. But she wasn’t sure she’d be able to forgive Alya and the others yet, let alone become their friends again, after everything.

“Since we have the day off, why don’t we do something?” Lila asked with a tilt of her head. The group nodded excitedly in agreement.

“We should! Maybe a park?” Sabrina suggested and the group nodded as Mari looked over at Damian with a tilt of her head.

“Are there any parks you’d suggest for us to visit?” Mari asked and Damian’s head tilted just slightly as he thought about it before nodding.

“Yes. There’s a lovely park a few miles away. Not many people visit it due to it being owned by Poison Ivy, but that’s even better since there won’t be any ruckus to disturb the beauty,” Damian said, and that had Mari beaming.

“Really? Let’s go!” Mari said and the group laughed softly at her eagerness. They all stood up and left the hotel, following Damian as he led the way while Ember chatted with Lila about the two, and Jon was distracted by his girlfriend and boyfriend.

Damian had the softest look on his face as he watched Mari look around the park in awe. He watched as she flitted about sketching things and taking pictures. Jon had a small smile as he looked between his lovers and Damian. “You should ask her out,” Jon said softly as Mari talked excitedly with her friends.

“Maybe I will,” Damian said softly as he started making his way over to Mari. Mari glanced over curious when Lila pointed out he was coming over. “May I speak to you alone?” he asked and Mari nodded and followed him to a willow tree at the corner and pack of the park with lanterns hanging intermittently from its branches.

Foxy @actingfordays

OMG!!! Look what’s happening!!! Is it what I think!?!? #omg #isit? #opt *picture of Damian and Mari under the willow tree*

      A Blocked Owl @owlforlife

      Oh my god. THE OTP IS HAPPENING!!! #otp #iceprincesunshine #sunshinechild

Ok, so this update was delayed....but I did get this done BEFORE wednesday!! So hah! I hope you guys enjoyed this chap! I bet you guys can guess whats gonna happen next chap!! Until next time!! -Love Willa<3<3<3

[oh-mother-of-darkness]

asks (26)

@spickerzocker​ said:

hey there! just a heads up that i tried to click on the "why i don't ship" explanation link in your faq and it says that there is no post with that url/it's generally broken. also your "a conversation about recovery" thing is beautiful and hurts in the best way and i love it. have a nice day!

Yes, I intentionally took that link down awhile ago, and last night I went and updated some of the tabs on my blog. Here are my basic thoughts:

I wrote that link years and years ago, while I was first navigating the internet and while I was still figuring out important things about my own identity and opinions. I ran my blog differently back then, but by the end of the first few months, I knew I was uncomfortable with shipping. 

As people began to interact with me and my work, I told them over and over again no, I don’t want to talk about that, and I don’t want to write about it, and it makes me uncomfortable. I don’t think that was a common position to take at the time, so it wasn’t what people expected from me. 

During those years, I felt like I had to justify myself and give a valid explanation. I wrote that post explaining why I had that boundary, and I put it in a place where anyone could find it.

I said no when people asked, let them make jokes about it, and made jokes about it myself in response. As time went on I got more and more exasperated when I had to repeat myself. I wrote definite rules into my ask box, request tab, and FAQ. People still asked. I wrote it into my description. People still asked. 

The truth is yeah, there’s a pretty simple explanation for my discomfort. It makes sense. It’s easy to understand, and most folks think it’s a “good enough” reason to leave me alone. The difference between young-me and current-me is that I no longer feel the need to justify myself. 

None of y’all need to know why I set the boundaries that I set. My explanation isn’t relevant, and I’m not obligated to give it. I said no. That’s enough. 

I think a good number of folks remember my explanation from the past, and I don’t mind that at all. There may be a time where I talk about it again, in a more appropriate context, so I guess we’ll see.

That’s a lot of information in response to a very helpful ask. Thanks! The link is gone now, and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the fic :)

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Anonymous said:

U suck

Kenza sent this anon as a joke. She’s right, and I thank her. 

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Anonymous said:

I'm a doctor and ive seen it all.....but the milk fic made me gag

Excellent

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@wingedskyes said:

Ah. Wait. I wasn't on anon....uhm. oh well. It's fine. I like milk and am not ashamed. 😆

I don’t think I received another message from you actually, but I too like milk and I’m glad we’re on the same page

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@thelittleredheadedmusician said:

To add to the milk discussions: my best friend from home and best friend from college have each finished a gallon a milk by themselves within 2 days.

I do that too, every once in awhile. When the milk craving hits it’s a gallon a day

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Anonymous said:

"TIM! POUR HIM. A GLASS OF M A L K!"

Hold on I have to google some things

Yeah this is funny

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Anonymous said:

I have read that milk fic three separate times and every time I’m laughing just as hard as Tim and dick by the end it’s just so excellently executed and builds so perfectly that by the time dick cracks I’m ready to go too and I just lose it it’s amazing I love it

Awww anon I’m so pleased :)

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@the-smartass-under-the-mountain said:

Just wanted to drop by and say your recent fic with Tim antagonizing Damian with increasingly outrageous milk concoctions had me giggling. It was so cute and refreshing to see Dick enjoying Tim's little prank. And Bruce's reaction to just... walk away was fantastic!

Thank you! I’m always so thrilled when y’all think the jokes hit

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@njtheboywonder​ said:

I havnt really enjoyed a fic in years, but i stopped to read ur fanfic with tim drinking milk just to fuck w dami amd it made me smile. Thanks, for writing it.

Oh that warms my heart <3

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@bruciewayneisbatman​ said:

Tim Is totally the guy who would drink ridiculous amounts of dalgona coffee to annoy damian, according to that fic.

Had to google that one, but I guess so huh

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Anonymous said:

(diff anon) but that birthday fic was so good oml and you have opened my eyes as to the batfam in quarantine this is such a Concept

We’re all here dying..... together...

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Anonymous said:

Happy birthday! 🎉 or belated! 🎂 thank you for being in the fandom. 😊

&

Anonymous said:

To anon! Sorry. I forgot to add that! Anyway, thanks to them we get a lovely fic. I hope you have many more birthdays! 😊

Message for you anon

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Anonymous said:

Your writing gives off good vibes

Hear that guys I “passed my vibe check.” Is that what the youth say these days? I am an elder now and I do not know

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Anonymous said:

finding your blog while being relatively new to batman fandom is such a bliss. your batfam content especially is *chef's kiss* amazing.

Thank you my darling :) I’m glad you’re here

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Anonymous said:

Best line in a fic? Hard to pick just one, but this particular one from "Just Desserts" by fyeahbatmanandrobin on Tumblr is one of my faves: “Anyone else would be hard-pressed to provide the particular brand of excitement you bring to my life, Dami.”

&

@noisypaintersong​ said:

For the line thing: "I don't doubt it. Bruce Wayne, the unexpectedly normal guy wrapped in a mystery wrapped in a superhero wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a fake socialite wrapped in a businessman wrapped in a secretive billionaire." He paused. "…You're the seven-layer burrito of Gotham," he pondered. - Barry to Bruce in 'Of Friends and Foes' by Paganpunk2 on FFN. It's one of the funniest things I've read someone say to Bruce LOL

& 

@kirakats​ submitted:

&

Anonymous said:

“I do know that according to everyone else, there is no chance, no future, no universe where I stay a hero.” Describes my frustration with the way DC treats Damian so accurately. Let the kid be a hero dammit.

Thanks! That’s really helpful. I’ve got a decent answer to my question now. 

@kurawastaken​ submitted:

So this is Kenza retaliating against me for the milk fic. I very much hate tomatoes and specifically ketchup. This photo (1) is a nightmare and (2) fulfills its intended purpose.

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Anonymous said:

I love your blog!!!

And I love you 

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Anonymous said:

quick question: how do you think jason reconciles with the fam?? i think in the comics they kinda just reboot and now he’s on better terms. but like what conversations happened, yknow??? (you’re doin great work by the way, it rips out my heart but it’s great)

This is an amazing question, and I’ll be thinking about it for the next bit, I think. That would be a really interesting topic to explore in depth

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@angel-gidget​ said:

*hugs you real tight* would you please send this to the first 10 people in your dash? Make sure someone gets a hug today and stay safe!

Oh thank you for the hug <3

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Anonymous said:

I hadn’t been aware of that Memphis petition, but I live in Memphis too (Altho I know you said you just grew up there so you may not be living here currently haha) so ig I just wanted to say thanks for bringing it to my attention!

!!!

I’ve been in Texas for six years now, ever since I started school, but I’m still in and out of Memphis for family purposes. Love the trash heap of my birth 

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@damianwaynerocks​ said:

hey! any chance you know of any other dc heroes around damian’s age?

Sure! You could try Billy Batson, Jon Kent, or Maya Ducard

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Anonymous said:

hi! i don't know if it's okay to leave anons like these but ive been feeling down because my country has passed a bill that deprives us of lots of human rights freedom and i want you to know that i just found your blog through the damian/bruce + justice fic and it comforted me. im slowly going thru your works and so far they are all comforting. i love your stuff, thank you.

Philippines? I’ve heard some things, and I’m real sorry y’all’re going through that. I don’t know that there’s anything I could say about that to help, but I hope you’re finding joy somewhere

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@awesomeness-ofgaybitches​ said:

Tumblr hates you. The links in your bio and to your fic masterlist don't work on mobile. I'm sorry.

FUCK

[lovemesomesurveys]

When was the last time you baked something for someone? I’m not a baker, so never. Like, I make stuff like those easy Pillsbury sugar cookies or cupcakes from the box once in awhile, but I’m not baking stuff from scratch or for other people. I don’t make anything great. 

Do you ever spend the night at random people’s houses? No.

What did you eat for dinner tonight? Was it any good at all? I haven’t had dinner, yet, it’s only 4 in the morning. 

Would you be mad if your mom showed your boyfriend your baby pictures? I like my baby pictures haha I don’t know why people get embarrassed about that. Just don’t whip out my middle school photos or any random ones after that. It’d have to be approved by me first, ha.

Would you say you’re someone who has good manners? I believe so.

When was the last time you went to an amusement park? Which one? I went to Disneyland last February. Almost a year ago, wow.

Would you rather be kissed on the neck or on the lips? Lips.

Do you completely trust the person you’re dating? I’m single.

Has someone ever called you heartless before? Why is that? No.

What color was the shirt you wore yesterday? It was a dark blue sweatshirt.

Have you ever completely given up on someone any time in life? Myself.

What is one thing you’re not looking forward to in the next week? I have my monthly doctor appointment coming up. Blah.

Would you consider Christmas your favorite holiday? Yesss. I love Christmas. I’m sad it’s over and we’re in for another long year ahead. Not to mention, we’re not even a week in the new year and madness has already ensued.

Would you rather give someone presents or receive them? I love getting presents for my loved ones.

How many chances do you normally give someone before giving up on them? I give a lot of chances.

Did you parents know what gender you were before you were born? I’m actually not sure. 

Are any of your really close friends pregnant right now? No friends, but as far as I know no one I know is pregnant. 

Are you for or against inter-racial relationships? Uh, for of course. 

Would you say you’re more of a pessimist or optimist? I’m very much a pessimist. 

Do you know what your true typing speed is? What is it? I do not.

What would you say is the longest survey you’ve ever taken? The 5,000 questions survey. I’m like really close to being done with it I think. I’ve taken many long breaks, but eventually I’ll finish it.

Do you get bored by things really easily, or not so much? No, not usually.

Do you hate it when people pronounce ‘potatoes’ as ‘taters?’ No. I say that sometimes.

Do you wear a lot of make-up on a daily basis? I haven’t worn any makeup in over 3 years now and back when I did I kept it simple with just mascara and eyeliner.

Who makes the best desserts in your entire family? My parents and brother each have their own specialties.

When was the last time your received a hug? Who was this hug from? On Christmas from my family.

Do you have good dreams or nightmares more? I have very random and weird dreams most of the time.

Would you rather color pictures with markers or crayons? How about colored pencils.

Do people come to you for advice a lot of the time? I used to be that person, but not anymore. No one should be asking me for advice, I’m a mess.

Look at your display picture. Where was it taken and when was it taken? Just a few days ago in my room.

When the holidays come around, do you watch holiday movies? Yep, all month long.

When was the last time someone insulted you? What was the insult? I don’t recall.

Would you say you’re a friendly person or not so much? I think I’m nice, but I’m not overly friendly.

Have you ever/do you ever recycle? We recycle plastic bottles and cans.

When was the last time you ate something from Burger King? It’s been quite awhile, actually.... I don’t remember.

When someone mentions a song, does it make you wanna listen to it? Not necessarily. 

Do you usually talk more than you should about things? How much is more than you should, like what’s the appropriate amount? And about what things? I have questions.

Who is the nosiest person you know? Do you like them anyways? My doggo actually takes that title haha. She’s very inquisitive. She has to know what everyone is doing and what’s going on.

When did you last talk to one of your teachers? Not since I was in school still, so sometime back in 2015.

How many class periods does your school have? What are the classes? I’m not in school anymore.

Would you say you’re a faster or slow learner? Depends on the subject.

Are you one of those people who like The Nightmare Before Christmas? Yeah. I’m not obsessed, but I like it. 

Do you fully understand the concept of ‘love?’ I don’t know. What’s your second favorite color? Pastels, rose gold, mint green, coral, and yellow.

Do you ever wish you lived in a different country? No.

Do you have a credit card with a picture on the front? Nope.

Have you ever gone car shopping? No.

Have you ever bought the car yourself?

What movie have you watched most recently? I watched The Santa Clause movies, Home Alone 1 & 2, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation many times last month.

Have you ever given someone the rejection hotline number? No.

Do you know what dog treats taste like? No, I’ve never wanted to try one. I imagine they’re very dry and gross.

Who’s the last person you “pounded” fists with? I don’t recall the last time I did that.

Do you think you could defend our country? No. I couldn’t anyway, I’m physically disabled.

If you leave the TV on at night, do you set the sleep timer? No, it just stays on.

When’s the last time you drove farther than 2 hours away? Two years ago. I didn’t drive, but yeah. Will you pass all your classes this semester?

Have you ever been involved in an affair? No.

Ever won a spelling bee? I was never in one.

How many times a week do you speak to your boss? I don’t have a job. 

When’s the last time you exercised? Uhhhh.

What’s the last movie you saw at the drive thru? I think it was the Johnny Depp version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Our drive-ins closed a long time ago. I really feel like they should make a comeback given our current situation, especially, but they were also just fun. I know they’re still around, but they’re pretty scarce. Nowhere near me, at least.

Are you a parent? Nooo.

What about an uncle or an aunt? Nope.

How many jobs have you had? Zero.

Who did you last smile at? My mom.

Who was your last voicemail from? Probably an appointment reminder from my doctor.

Do you know how to spell well? Pretty well, I think.

Have you ever worn a leotard in public? No. Or ever.

Are you currently writing a term paper? Nopeee. Those days are over for me.

On average how many texts do you send a day? I don’t text a lot at all, it’s not a daily thing. When I text, it’s just a few quick ones. I don’t have long ongoing conversations with anyone.

How many times have you been so drunk you didn’t remember the night before? There’s only one time where parts of the night are splotchy.

How often do you watch Lifetime? Very, very rarely. It’s been quite awhile.

What do you want for your birthday? I don’t know, man, we just had Christmas and my birthday is still months away. 

What’s your favorite flavor of tea? Peppermint and chamomile. 

What’s your favorite fall drink? Hot coffee, but that’s really my favorite year round. It is especially nice when the weather is cold, though.

What’re you going to be for Halloween? I don’t dress up for Halloween anymore.

Do you think you’ve learned a lot and grown a lot in the past year? No. :/ That’s the problem. The past few years have come and gone and I haven’t made any positive changes or started to move in the right direction like I should be. Are you satisfied with how you’ve spent your year? ^^^ I’m afraid this year will be more of the same.

What’s something you’ve learned lately? Hmm.

Do you have a lot of friends? I don’t have any friends.

Do you own a yellow scarf? I don’t have any scarves, either.

Do you own brown shoes? I have a pair of brown boots.

Do you own anything leopard print? No.

Will you buy a cake for your next birthday? Haven’t thought about it.

Are you counting down the days until your birthday right now? Nooo.

Are you excited for something currently? No.

If you could change just one thing about your life right now, what would it be? My health.

Have you ever been to a school dance? Yeah, I went to a few in middle school and I went to winter formal and prom my senior year.

Do you make a list of goals at the beginning of each week? Ha, no. I’m not that put together. I don’t have the motivation or energy for that.

Are you artistic? No.

When was that last time you drew a picture in a sketchbook? I don’t draw.

Is there a tree right outside your bedroom window? There is, actually.

Is it windy right now where you are? I don’t think so.

Is it raining? Nope.

What’s something about you that makes you different from everyone else? *shrug*

Do you dress the same way as your peers? I don’t know how many 31 year olds live in leggings and oversized graphic tees like I do. I feel like it’s not many.

Do you talk the same way as your peers? I think so? Do you have the same life goals as your friends? I should have some goals to begin with... :/

Are you having a good day? It’s only 5:53AM.

Is your hair red? I dye it red.

Do you like brownies? I love brownies. My brother just baked some recently and I quite enjoyed them.

Have you ever dressed up as a witch on Halloween? Yeah, that was a common costume for me as a kid.

What’s one color that you never wear because it doesn’t look good on you? I don’t feel I look good in any color. Most of my clothes are black, though. I feel most comfortable in black.

Have you ever been to a masquerade? Nope.

Do you eat vegetables? I eat spinach, green onions, and potatoes pretty often. Not nearly enough veggies, I know.

Do you wear leggings? Like I said, I live in leggings. 

Is there anybody you think is hot over the age of 40? Alexander Skarsgard. 

Who is the most inappropriate person you know? I don’t know any inappropriate people.

Did anything bad happen to you in August? It was just a long, hot month.

Who in your phone has a heart after their name? My mom does.

Anything you’re avoiding? Yes.

If you could have one thing right now what would it be? To feel better.

If your parents searched your room, would they be angry at what they’d find? No, but also I’m 31 years old so there’s no reason for them to be doing that. They wouldn’t do that either.

Do you think anyone has feelings for you? Not romantic feelings, no.

After breaking up, what’s the worst? The heartbreak and moving on.

Do you think your last ex deserves to die? No, absolutely not. I don’t wish that on anyone and he certainly didn’t do anything to warrant that.

Do any girls like the last guy you kissed? Probably?

Are you happier now than you were three months ago? I wasn’t happy then and I’m still not, so.

Honestly, are things going the way you planned? I certainly didn’t plan these past few years to be the way they have and continue to be that’s for sure. 

Have you done anything sexual today? No.

Do you have a second mom? No.

Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? Nooo, I love my brother.

Describe your most recent purchase: Food, of course.

Did you enjoy the last movie you watched in theatres? Yeah. Man, I miss going to the movies.

If you make surveys, where’s the last place you saw a survey made by you on another person’s site? I don't make them.

Do you take the subway train often (if your city has one)? We don’t have a subway train here.

What shoes did you wear today? I haven’t worn any shoes so far and won’t be wearing any later because I’m not going anywhere.

Who was the last person to leave you a comment on Facebook? I think it was my aunt.

Does your sibling have a significant other? Neither of them do.

When and why is the last time you cried (or at least, shed tears)? Like an hour ago.

Have you ever cried at a real wedding? No. Also, what do you mean by “real” wedding?

How would you feel if a girl asked your boyfriend out for a drink? Uh, I’d have an issue with that.

Do you use Skype? No. 

What do your flip-flops look like? I don’t wear flip flops or sandals or any open-toed shoes.

Describe a poster on your wall. One is a giraffe painting. I actually have 3.

Are there any gadgets of yours that need charging right now? My phone is charging.

What do you use to remove makeup? I just used water and a cotton pad. I just wore eyeliner and mascara, so.

Tilt your head up and look straight ahead. Describe what you see. My bookshelf.

Which awards show would you wanna go to the most (e.g Oscars, Grammys etc.)? One of the music ones.

Any idea what time you’ll be going to bed tonight? Well, it’s 6:06AM and here we are.

Do you think George Clooney is hot? I’ve never personally found him attractive.

Have you ever participated in local magazine cover girl searches? No.

Have you ever bought a lottery ticket (and even better: won)? Yes. I’ve won small amounts, but not the big prizes. I wishhh.

What colour is your keyboard? Black with white letters.

Do you keep the plastic/paper/whatever bags after you buy stuff? We reuse plastic bags for like the little garbage cans and stuff.

Do you own any high waisted pants? No.

What’s the craziest thing you’ll ever do to your hair? Bleaching and dyeing my hair the first time was a big change for me. It’s so normal now, though.

Do you know anyone who has two different coloured eyes? No.

Does your significant other like the same colour as you do? No significant other.

Do you wanna be a pirate or an elf? I’d rather be an elf.

Have you ever purchased anything online? Numerous things over the years. I’ve done a lot of online shopping especially these past few years.

What’s your favourite classic Disney movie (no, Camp Rock doesn’t count)? Alice in Wonderland.

Gold or silver accessories? I like both.

Have you ever been called a skank/slut because of the way you dress? No.

Name all your friends whose name starts with the 4th letter of your first name.

What websites do you absolutely have to visit daily (or at least, every time you get to go online)? I always go on Tumblr, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.

Have you ever ridden an elephant? No.

Are you a fan of acrylic nails? I’ve never had them. I don’t get or do my nails. I don’t have any nails to do, for one. Also just not my thing. 

[seouledbysisi]

Something New

Chapter One

Sasha had been babysitting for the Jung’s for almost three years and finally she was approaching graduating so she figured she might as well continue to baby sit so she could save up for college. After all, they had sponsored her to go school. She attended one of the most prestigious private school’s in town. Her family were working class so they couldn’t afford to send her but thank goodness the Jung’s loved her enough to help out.

She played with Jung’s new baby on the floor. She was starting to learn how to crawl. “That’s right, Ella! You can do it.” She spoke in her baby tone.

The baby bounced up and down with excitement.

Mrs. Jung sat on the couch across from them. “You come over even when you don’t have to watch the kids!” She spoke with a smile.

Sasha smiled. “Gives me something to do. I love my Ella-pie.” She picked the baby up and kissed her cheek.

Max ran in. “What about me?” He had turned 3 over the summer.

She beckoned first him to come closer. She wrapped her arm around him. “You’re my favorite guy!” She kissed his forehead.

Mrs. Jung’s phone began to ring. “What is it now, Jaehyun?” She sounded a bit angry.

She listened on the other end for awhile. “You what?! How in the world did you manage to get expelled, already?! This is the third boarding school in two years!”

Sasha’s eyes widened. The mother’s anger was rising. Sasha had heard Max mention someone named ‘Jeffy’ but never this Jaehyun person but from the sound of it, Mrs. Jung wasn’t happy to hear from him.

She abruptly hung up the phone and excused herself to Mr. Jung’s office which was just down the hall. “Jaehyun needs a plane ticket as soon as possible.” She spoke dryly.

The man looked up above his glasses. “What happened this time?”

“He’s been expelled.”

“We can’t keep doing this. Nothing is working. We’ve sent him to three boarding schools already and he still manages to mess up somehow. He’s rebellious! He needs to learn.” The father was clearly irritated.

Sasha figured she needed to excuse herself. “Mr. and Mrs. Jung?!” She called putting.

Mrs Jung sighed. “Yes, Sasha?”

“I’m going to head home.” She told them and grabbed up her purse. She had an early morning.

Mrs. Jung walked into the living room where she was and pulled her into a hug. “Thank you for being such an angel of a child. You truly mean a lot to my family.” She kissed her forehead.

Sasha nodded her head and headed to her vehicle. She immediately called her best friend up.

Ivy answered on the first ring. “Hey girl!” She sung into the speaker.

“Does the people I babysit for have an older son?” Sasha asked. She was curious about this Jaehyun person.

Ivy giggled. “I’ve heard people mention it before but I don’t know how true it is. I’ve never seen him before, granted I didn’t start going to private school till high school and I’m sure as rich as that family is, he’d always have been in private school if he does exist. Why?”

“I don’t know, Mrs. Jung got a strange phone call and it seemed like someone was getting expelled in boarding school, and I know Max always asks about someone named Jeffy.” Sasha sighed.

Ivy honestly wasn’t sure. “I don’t know. Maybe the tales are true. Have they ever talked about another child around you?”

“Not at all. It’s kind of weird if you ask me. Like who keeps one of their children a secret?” Sasha was confused.

“That is strange. Maybe it’s not their child.”

Sasha shrugged it away. “Maybe not. I’ll see you at school in the morning.”

The next day

The good thing about private school was that everyone wore uniforms so trying to find something to wear wasn’t such a hassle. It still didn’t stop the cliques from forming. Sasha was lucky to have befriended Ivy in the first place. She was rich and popular. Every guy found her beautiful and all the girls wanted what she had. She wasn’t a mean girl in the least though. She was nice to everyone which is probably why everyone loved her. Not to be mistaken though, there was definitely a group of mean girls and they made sure you knew that they ran the school in more than one way.

She threw on her clothes and headed to school.

She held her books close to her chest as she located her locker. As she began to place her books in the locker she felt a presence on the other side of the door. It had to have been Brianne. She was one of her other close friends. She was very outgoing and perky at all times and she kept all the latest gossip. “Hi, Brianne.”

“Hey hey! How’s your morning so far?” She asked with a huge smile on her face.

“It’s been- a morning.” Sasha spoke a bit dryly.

Brianne giggled. “I forgot you’re not a morning person. Well perk up, it’s a good day to be breathing!”

“I do have a question for you though.”

Brianne’s eyes lit up. “I’m all ears!”

“So you know the people I babysit for, right?”

“The Jung’s? What about them?” Brianne asked. She waved to Ivy walking up. “You always find a way to make a uniform look good!”

Ivy posed like she was on a runway catwalk. “Thank you. I do what I do. Won’t ever catch me slipping, especially since my man goes here too!” She snapped her fingers. She had been dating another popular guy name Johnny for almost a year now. They were couple goals for sure and everyone was jealous of what they had, even if they were too proud to say it.

“I’m surprised Johnny isn’t with you, now. Y’all are always glued to the hip. Walking thru the halls like models. All you need is a fan to blow your hair back like Beyoncé.” Brianne continued to compliment.

Sasha sighed. “Back to me for a second. So do they have a son other than Max?”

Ivy sighed. “You’re still stuck on this?”

“I’m curious, Ivy! You know how I get.”

“You’re nosey is what it is!” Ivy giggled and slapped her arm.

Sasha rolled her eyes. “Whatever!”

Brianne suddenly had become quiet.

“You good, Bri?” Ivy asked when she noticed her sudden change of attitude.

“Yeah they do.” Brianne answered under her breath.

Sasha stared at her for a moment. “Why do you sound down all of a sudden? Do you know him?”

Brianne swallowed hard. “We were childhood friends.”

Stay tuned! 😊

[mickeytheticklee]

𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞

(IT'S A TICKLE FIC!!)

It was already the start of the tickle convention. The day where everyone can show their true sides without feeling a tad bit embarrassed. Of course they had their lers with lees, as I am here lonely. For me it was sometimes hard making friends in the tickle world. Some were either too much or didn't like how I was too much. Then there was the whole problem meeting up and how they would bail on me thousands of times. Gaining friends into something you never thought you had was quite a challenge to me. Even with me being alone I can still enjoy the same thing as a regular lee with a ler. Even if I don't find my perfect match I can still make friends with other lees. I always wanted to ask them about their tickling experiences and how they went thru long hours of tickling. Which led me here today, talking to a male lee about his first tickle session. His name is Yuta. He's in his mid 20s, a shitload of tattoos, eyebrow piercing and a couple ear piercings. He seemed so cool that I never imagined him being a lee. That's what I liked most about him, how he was super unpredictable. His exterior seemed super tough but in tickling he's a sensitive baby boy.

Yuta: Favorite tickle tools? Go!

Miren: I mostly do fingers. But if I had necessarily pick one it would be toothbrushes.

Yuta: I can't handle that shit. It's too evil.

We were talking at McDonald's about tickling. We both seemed alike in terms of spots. Both had a sensitive tummy, even more sensitive inner thighs, then not very ticklish feet. Only difference is his weakness with his neck. While talking we bought up the reason why we can't here. Yuta is originally from Japan and gets money from his parents to fly out to LA during the summer. I thought it was impressive that his parents let him do that but...you know...his parents don't know his secret. Most people wouldn't admit their fetish out of nowhere. The day I did I lost a friend. He never told anyone, he had separate accounts with separate emails so no one can find out. It reminded me how I had to do that and forgot my passwords too many times.

Miren: How about your sister? Does she know?

Yuta: She's at the convention. I decided to take her this year.

I was very surprised when he said that. I mean, a sibling being into tickling. What are the odds of that? I was acting normal when Yuta bought on the conversation about her sister having a tickle fetish. I knew my heart would send into a panic because this could be my chance of hooking up with a lee. But I didn't wanna be rude and think that the only reason I wanted to hook up with him was because of his sister. Turns out his point of meeting me was to get me to her sister, who's even more shyer than me. Despite being two years older than Yuta she's only been into tickling for three months and still doesn't know the materials. Which meant he was setting me up with a baby ler who's never tickled anyone. If that isn't the cutest shit ever I don't know what is. At the moment Yuta's sister was exploring through the convention center and was too excited to take a break and eat. So we needed to wait until her hyper side went down to meet her. We went back to talking until a text came from Yuta's phone saying her sister was coming. I was excited, but still...needed to lay low.

Yukika: Hi, now who did you want me to meet?

Yuta: Her. Her name is Miren and she's a lee. See, now you have a new friend.

Not how I expected Yukika to radiate the same energy as Yuta, badass but have a kind personality. But this girl was 100% total softie that if I didn't know who she was I would totally assume she would be a lee. She had a soft voice, a lovely face, pastel clothes on with a bunch of cute stickers on it. Her hands were so silky soft I felt like feeling them forever. She sat next to me, holding my hand and having such a gentle smile. Gosh she was so pretty. Like whenever she would let me speak I would suddenly shutter. Then she would coo me while touching my neck when she found out I was younger than her. We talked a bit. Yukika ended up going to a shop that had tickle supplies and she bought toothbrushes, feathers, and a tickle belt (which I didn't know existed). Along with that she went to Target to buy baby oil. My first thought was making it seem like she was preparing a session. I was close to asking her if we can have a session but I didn't want to seem like our meeting is going too fast. But she was hinting it SO BADLY UGH. The neck tickles, sudden belly pokes, the way she caught me off guard with the knee tickling which sent shivers down my body.

Miren: Do you wanna... have a tickle session... tomorrow?

Yukika: Really? What time? Where do you wanna have it? Do you have any limits?

Oh wow this was truly happening. I never knew I could be invited to a tickle session. In a way it made me feel special that before that day ever happens I get to spend a whole day with my lee. So it was just the two of us for the rest of the day. Just playing carnival games, eating delicious meals, and doing tickle challenges. The fun at that time just begun to Yukika. She wanted us to have a sleepover, since I drove 90 miles to get here and she didn't want me struggling to get back home. So we slept together, in the same bed, with her arms wrapped around my waist and her smelling like mango soap. It felt like heaven. When morning came I was already abrupt with tickles. I felt Yukika's hands squishing my tummy as I try to move.

Miren: SHIT AHAHAHAGAHA ARE YOU STARTING ALREADY?

Yukika: I'm sorry but I couldn't wait to see your laugh.

We started the session after breakfast, which I liked. Daytime tickles were much more enjoyable then waiting the whole night to get them. I looked through the supplies she bought wondering if I can give her a class on tickling. When I wanted to be the teacher she started to get whiny, saying she wants to get to the tickling. I mainly due this to see what how long her temptation is. There was no reason for doing this, I just wanted to have fun. I kept asking her questions and if she answered correctly she'll get another question. Ten questions in and she finally found a way through my bare skin. I was on my robe, underneath was a very short crop top and some shorts. Meaning that my stomach was able to be exposed at any time. I could tell Yukika was fed up over my stalling. She untied the rope and started lightly scribbling my tummy very lightly. I froze, looking down to see her beautiful nails touch my belly. The feeling...it felt magical. My first time getting tickled and this is what it was like. It took a quick ten seconds before I started giggling and dropping down to the ground.

Yukika: Are you ready to give me a hands on lesson now?

Miren: Of course.

She definitely had ler energy when she said that. My body was laying on hers with Yukika's arms going to my chest. We were both on the ground in comfortable positions with my stomach not yet exposed yet. Yukika lifted it back down to give me more suspense in tickling. But the crop top was showing my lower tummy and hips which was her first target. Pulling my shirt up she uses both hands to tickle my stomach so lightly making me burst into laughter. Seeing myself burst so easily I tried holding it in. But feeling the sensation for too long would definitely make me lose it. The fact that it was only one spot just shows how weak I am. It got everywhere, my sides, my belly button, my ribs. Spots I didn't even know were ticklish like the ribs close to my tits. She kept pinching them and it made me lose place but Yukika pulled me back into place.

Yukika: You aren't teaching me. Are you perhaps too shy since my hands are laying all over your adorable belly?

Miren: Yes, plus it seems like you already know stuff.

Yukika knew I was fine suffering but she knew I already had a weakness. She wanted the lecture about tickling. She wanted me to say what spots to be tickled instead of her doing all the work. Of course I hated that. I can't even say the tword before going into a blushing mess. I kept trying to say it, while Yukika was getting me mad while she pinches my sides. By the time I already said it she went ballistic on my sides, making me slide more onto her. She sat there so politely wondering what other action I'll give her. I asked her very quietly to tickle my tummy as she was confused while lifting up my small shirt. I kept saying just my belly but she pretended to misunderstand by wiggling her finger in my belly button. I said belly again but she digged into my sides leaving me laughing again. Still saying belly she tickled my waistline and...I was enjoying it. My hands were suddenly turning into fists, trying not to deflect Yukika's attack.

Yukika: Coochie coochie coo~ who's my ticklish lover?

Miren: I am...

Yukika: What?

Miren: I am! Ah I love this so much!

I was only sounding enthusiastic because I didn't want Yukika to stop the tickling. So I listen to her and taking the tickling attack of my ticklish knees. But let me rewind you what she said. Lover. She loved me? After the tickling and hugging her I kissed her. But I soon regretted it thinking she wouldn't love me. But guess what, she kissed me back but added some light tickles on my back to tease me. So in the end I had a lee who turned out to be my lover. Turned out I feel in love while being tickled. 💞

[oppatxtme]

DPR Live: Like The First Time

x Hong Dabin aka DPR Live x

Type: One Shot

Word Count: 4.5k

Note: Read at Your Own Risk ~~ (ง⌐□ل͜□)ง

[masterlist]

Hong Dabin is my boyfriend. He's my first and so does I to him. Both of us shared so many firsts together that I'm so sure that the both of us will be the last of one another as well.

We're in a relationship for nearly five years now. So I knew it is possible. A lifetime with the man I love -- Dabin.

Dabin and I love each other so much, but the thing is that we're under the category of -- Long Distance Relationship. That's why a lot of people around me are saying that I better prepare myself for losing him one of these days.

He's currently in South Korea while I'm stuck here in Guam studying my ass off. A lot says that we're not gonna last because we are far from each other, but I always defend our relationship saying that distance doesn't have anything to do with my relationship with Dabin. 

I mean even people around me that literally spend every day together are breaking up, it means that distance has nothing to do with it. For I believe that even me and Dabin are far from each other we have something that makes us closer and that is our feelings from one another.

Cliche? I know, but who can blame me? I just love him and I'm missing him so freaking much. For its almost two years already since the last time I saw him besides on the screen of my phone or my laptop during our video calls -- but physically.

He calls me every time he's free -- no complaint on my side. Every time I saw his face on my mobile screen a thought always comes in mind -- just one call away -- it sounds assuring that he's just a block away from me, but in reality, he was not.

There are times that as I watch him thru my screen -- how his voice sounds, that smile he has every single time -- I can't help but curse inside my head for wishing the impossible like wanting to touch his face on that moment; to hug him and feel his warmth -- but I know very well that I'm still a long way on seeing the actual him. That I have nothing at the moment but be satisfied with secretly touching my screen as if I'm touching his face and tightly holding my phone as if I'm already embracing him.

---

I heard my phone ringing and by the sound of it, someone is calling me thru skype. I only knew who it might be so I can't help but smile brightly and hurry myself to answer his call.

As my screen was loading for his video I grab my headphone on my desk and plug it as I maxed my volume.

"Baby!" I said when I heard his voice.

"I miss you Miri!" as he kisses his screen as if he's kissing me. 

'I swear I'm so jealous of his phone right now.'

"I miss you too, how's your day? When are you planning to come and visit me? I really want to see you." I can't hold my mouth on saying what my mind keeps on thinking.

I know that it's not easy for him to decide on his own now that he is just getting started on his career and all. I know that. I understand it really well -- but.

He went silent. Then closed his eyes and I'm sure I heard him sigh.

"Baby.. you know that..."

"Yeah, I know," I laugh a little to ease the awkwardness. "I'm just kidding. You know me. I'm just worried that you might found some other girls there and forget about me." I laugh some more.

"There you go again Miri! You know that you're the only girl for me, you alone."

It was a joke that I always mention to him every time. I bet he's tired on hearing it from me, but I want to hear his response every single time. I don't know but I felt a little assured every time he answer the exact words he said just now.

Insecure -- the feeling that started when he finally went to South Korea to serve his mandatory military training. It was after our high school. He told me that he'll just finish it so he can do whatever he likes after.

And by that, I assumed that he meant that we'll be together. But while he's there serving, he always mentions me some 'Hyung's' that he meet thru Jimmy. And eventually that Hyung's he mention was Scott, Cream, and Christian.

And after his mandatory service, he became DPR's Live. 

Who would have thought that my boyfriend who everyone sees's as a tiny cutie island boy here in our town would be someone big on South Korea -- and I was his girlfriend.

"Baby, you know that I really really miss you right? That it would be great that you'll be here beside me so that I can do whatever I want with you..." I said it with so much need.

"If I could, you know that I would Baby... If it's possible to enter myself thru my phone just to be with you, you know very well that I will do it in a heartbeat Miri."

I saw as his face went sadly all of a sudden. He was looking his screen to look at me. I guess he saw that I'm feeling the same as he is, so he looks directly on the lens of his phone that made it look like he was looking at me directly thru my screen.

"I just want you here Baby... please come home..." my voice cracked, I buried my face in my palm to hide my crying face. I don't want him to see me like this. I know it's hard as it is.

---

After that call, I haven't heard anything from Dabin.

It's almost a week now, at first I thought he was just busy with his career and gigs -- after all he's still a rising big hit on Korea.

But coming home and checking my phone, there's not a single message from him. It's unusual. Before, even if he's busy as hell, he always manages to at least give me a quick call or just a simple text saying about he's been up to.

There's a gut feeling in the edge of my head, but still, I shrugged it off. 

If he can't send me anything, then I'll just keep sending him messages and miss calls his phone till he does the same.

That was one week... two weeks ago...

There's still no call or message from him, I can't help but be worried. I'm starting to think unwanted and negative things. That's why every time my phone light up I always pray that it was from him.

Three weeks...

Still no sign of Dabin. And the messages I sent him is left unread.

Does it mean that he got no time to even see my messages? What's gotten to him? This is so not like him.

Fourth week... Fifth week...

Still... I already message and ask his cousin -- Jimmy. As for him Dabin is well and doing fine like always. 

He did mention that Dabin is busy with new gigs and projects coming up. Well, I didn't ask more to make him curious why he's the one asking him and not Dabin himself. And I know if there's something fishy, Jimmy will surely mention it to me. 'Right?'.

It hurts. I know I should be happy knowing that he is well and doing great. But, it hurts so bad to know that all this time, he didn't even dare to contact me for a month now.

It's the fact, he's ignoring me. And I have no clue of why he's doing this to me. Did I do something wrong to deserve such treatment?

Did I push him too far on wanting him to come home for me to see him? Is it all my fault? Am I being greedy of asking such?

One and a half month...

I sighed. Nothing. No messages. No calls.

'At least he read my messages, just that he failed to send any response.'

He totally ignored me. He already forgets all about me.

I guess he met someone else and he's just don't know how to say it to me. Why is this happening to me, to us? Can he really just decide for himself that he'll disappear like that? Without a word? 

If he doesn't like me being a nag about him coming home then he can just say so, I'll stop. Or did he is over about the idea of us? Then... that I can't do anything.

Still... I didn't even see this coming. Five years and he throw it like that. As if it was nothing. Half a decade of relationship and a decade of friendship. Gone.

I know... Dabin and I are done.

Now that things turn like this, I can't help but bitterly accepts that long distance relationship is just a fantasy that only fools make to ease the loneliness.

----

I was comfortable sitting on the edge of my bed reading Lang Laev's Sad Girls when my cousin who's living with me while my parents are out of town, called me on her room.

I know I am a fine adult that can take care of myself, but I guess my parents still see me as their little baby. 

No complaint there tho, I need the love I can get at the moment for the love I badly needed is out of service.

"What is it?" I shouted since her taking the room on the second floor. I checked the time and it's already past 10 in the evening. I sighed.

"Can you come here for a sec, I want to show you something," she shouts.

I put down the book on my study table and with a heavy body, I walked towards her room.

"What is it?" I asked when I reach her door.

"Come here for a sec and please close the door," she said while her eyes were still glued to the screen of her laptop.

As I close the door, I swear I heard something weird downstairs. I'm about to check it out but my cousin caught my arms and pulled me towards her bed to where her laptop was.

"Did you hear something downstairs?" I asked her.

She paused as if listening if there was.

"Nah, it's just your imagination dear," she said and I just nod.

----

"I think that will do the trick." as I handed my cousin laptop to her.

Apparently, her laptop has been infected with some virus thru her friends USB so she just asked me to scan it and remove the infected files.

She didn't say anything as she was glued to her phone. I checked the time on the wall clock.

Few more minutes before midnight. I sighed.

"What's with that heavy sighed dear?" I turn to face her. I can tell see her concern on her face. "Boy problem?"

I smiled bitterly. She took that as a 'yes'.

"Don't worry, everything will be just a-okay sooner than you expected," she said while giving me a half embrace.

"I really --" I failed to continue what I'm about to say when I heard my phone ring.

I checked who's calling on this late night. Though it got my hopes up thinking that it might be Dabin. But that hope drained fast when I saw an Unknown number was calling.

I'm a bit hesitant to answer. I don't usually pickup calls from people I don't know.

"Don't you want to pick it up?" she asked.

"Nah, it's from an Unknown number." I about to decline the call.

"You should answer, maybe it's from Auntie calling from a public phone or something."

"Huh? How's that even possible?" I chuckle.

"Just answer it, as if you have anything to lose by just answering."

For the last time before the midnight strike, I sighed as I swipe the screen to answer the call.

"Baby? It's me." said from the person thru the phone. I froze.

"Da - Dabin?!" 

"Yes, why you sounded so surprised? Are you waiting for somebody else?"

"Of course not! It's just that... wait a sec! Why are you just calling me now?" I swear I wanted to sound mad, but my voice cracked and how my eyes got all teary, I failed miserably.

"I know.. Baby, I know that a mare sorry is not enough to get back on the missing days you have gone through without me... but I need all the time I have to finish things quickly, so I got no extra time to spare in the process. You understand that don't you baby?" he said.

I can feel the weight of what he just said, though I feel hurt and mad, I can't ignore the fact that I missed and love him that what's done is done. And the important thing is he's now calling me at this moment.

"Baby, I'm sorry about this but I have to go now. I just called you to greet you on our anniversary. Happy Anniversary baby. I love you always."

"Oh, (that's why I feel heavy inside and keep on sighing everytime I check the time for it would be our anniversary and he still hasn't sent a single text and call) happy anniversary too Baby, I love you too and I'm sorry if I got you worried while you're doing your thing there."

"No, I should be the one saying sorry and don't worry I'm going to make amends to that soon." while hearing him say that, I can tell that he was smiling.

So I smiled without even noticing it myself until my cousin teasingly smiles at me.

"Sorry baby, I really need to go. Get some sleep and please do let me sleep with you tonight?"

"Crazy... happy anniversary again. And Dabin?"

"Yes Baby?"

"Thank you for the call, hope to see you in my dreams...." you chuckled.

"Oh, I can't wait for that. Let's sleep now?" he said.

"Crazy Dabin! Okay, that's enough lover boy. Get going on what you need to do and I'm going to bed now."

"Okay, see you Miri, my love. - mwuaaah-" 

"Good night Dabin!" and you make a smack kiss as well.

And the call ended. And you sigh with relief with a smile resting on your lips.

"Okay, enough with that smiling dear." my cousin said. "You're starting to creep me out. Go get yourself a good sleep."

I laugh on how she reacted. As I open the door on her room, she called me again and surprised me by throwing a face towel at my face.

"What's this for?"

"Keep it, you'll need it." and she gave me that teasing smug of hers.

"Oh whatever, I'm out of here. You're the one creepin me out." and closed her door at my back and walk downstairs to my bedroom.

As I walk closer to my room, I felt something’s not right. I stop when I saw my bedroom door was closed and the lights off when I swear I remember that I left it open together with the lights.

With that, I automatically looked at the front door that was nearer my room, but it's locked.

"What's wrong with me, is this the effect of me not getting enough sleep?" and I continue walking towards my room ignoring all the scary thoughts.

As I open the door, my hand quickly aim for the switch on my left side. But before I even reach for the switch, a color blue and white Christmas lights filled the room that was neatly attached to the walls.

Then after a while, my focus went to my bed that now are filled with blue rose petals. I walked closer and noticed that there are pictures laying as well. I grab one and saw that it was a picture of me and Dabin during our high school, I took another one and I was correct - all that pictures are Dabin and me thru the years.

While I'm still processing what happened to my room, I heard my door closed that made me face the door.

And what I saw next made my gasps for air, turned my nee all jelly and can't tears keep on coming.

"Dabin...."

He walked slowly while holding a boquet of blue roses that he knew I like while he had that killer smile of his in his face.

"Yes Miri, it's me," he said a few steps away from me.

"How? What - Why? Is this even real or just a dream..." I said as I place my hands on my cheeks.

Dabin finally stood in front of me. His just a feet away from me. I can even smell his perfume that I missed.

'This is real right? I mean this is so intense to be a dream.' I closed my eyes and slowly open it afraid that Dabin will vanish when I open quickly and without praying that this is real.

"You surely take your time baby, don't you worry. All of this is real, so how about give me a warm hug?" he said.

I shooked my head while trying to hide my face with my hands.

I can feel that he came closer. Then he removes my one hand from my face and he put it on his waist. And the other made it hold the roses his holding. When my hands were out of my face, he puts his both hand on my face and caresses it so slowly while wiping the tears that keep on falling using that face towel my cousin gave me.

‘So, she knew that this will happen all along.’

"It's okay Miri, I am here now. I'm so sorry about this, I know you cry everytime I prepare a surprise for you. I'm so sorry for my selfishness Baby, I just still want to do it just for you to know and feel how much strong my love for you. Near or far, you're always in my heart and mind. We've been thru a lot of up's and down and I don't mind spending the rest of my life with you. I love you baby... always."

And my tears finally stop the moment our lips meet. He kisses me so passionately as if he's telling me thru that kiss he long longed for me as well. So I reciprocate and lead us both catching our breaths while our foreheads rest on each other.

"So this is what you meant by 'Let's sleep now'... you crazy as always but I love you and you craziness Dabin. Always..."

"Always..." and he kissed me again as if it's always the first time.

A/N: It’s been awhile fam.. finally I had the time and proper mindset to finish and post this story. Well, I guess this is the start of my comeback... expect for more scenarios coming up. Don’t forget to say what do y’all thinks with this. much appreciated on every comments and like <3

[masterlist]

[fatrainbowmermaidunicorn]

3AM Drive - Thru (JJK x You x The8/Minghao) // Chapter 12

MASTERLIST

“Hey Y/N, want to go grab a bite? I'll buy you your chicken nuggets and fries," he smiles. "Just like the old times..."

She's sad, angry, tired, betrayed, hungry, cold, heart broken... and standing right in front of her is the man who's giving her the oh so familiar bunny smile that sends her a warm feeling.

"Why not Jungkook. Just like the old times,"

Things went smoothly ever since Jungkook and Y/N had mended their friendship. Their relationship almost feels like it was years ago when they were just friends. Jungkook tries hard to control his behavior so that Y/N will feel comfortable with him again. It was the hardest thing for him as all he wants to do is to just grab her and kiss her senseless everytime he sees her smile, her laughing, her breathing. Y/N still refuses to be a part of the production team since Minji is still a part of it. Y/N thinks its best that they dont stir things up as Jungkook had asked Minji for a breakup a few days prior to the dressing room incident.

Despite not being a part of the team, Jungkook makes sure to eat lunch or even breakfast with her whenever he's at the company. Sometimes even Jin, Jimin or Teahyung will join them. He likes how Y/N is able to get his hyung so comfortable with her until to the point where he himself sometimes gets jealous of them.

Jungkook's relationship with Minghao are still fine, eventhough there's still s trace of akwardness left. They still hang out together with the rest of their squad. They never talk about what they discussed to each other again, both understanding each other feelings. Minghao kept true to his word and never commented or do anything whenever Jungkook mentioned Y/N's name.

Until Y/N is sure of her feelings, Minghao won't ever act on it.

"Hey, I got great news!" Minghao turns to Y/N while flipping through the rack of clothes in the shop. Its one of the rare days when he gets a day off and he immediately decide to spend it with Y/N. Minghao receives major backlash from his members who wanted to have a chill member day together, but he just disregard them and skips happily to see Y/N.

He do love spending time with his members. They are, afterall, his brothers. But he feels like he needs a break as they had enough time together due to their tight schedule of non stop practices, recording, making choreograophies and creating music for the comeback and he really misses Y/N.

"Really? What is it? Do you really need me to ask before you will actually tell me? Can't you just straight away tell me after you said 'I have great news'?"

"God, I knew you are savage, but I didnt think you are this savage," Y/N chuckle. "Fine, I will tell you King Hao," still mocking him. "The company is one of the major sponsor for MAMA Awards this year! So I will have to attend the show,"

"That's great! You can finally watch how incredible I am in dancing live," Minghao smirked. Truth is, he's a little excited. The awards is a big deal for most idols and to have someone he loves there at the venue itself cheering him on, its something he used to only wish for.

"Hey, we can go together! Wearing matching stuff and all!" Y/N is all excited. Minghao cleared his throat.

"I would love to... I really do, but I cant do that," Y/N gave him a confuse look. "I'll be going together with the members," Y/N nod in understanding. That's true. Of course he has to attend as Seventeen, how can she forget? "Also, I cant be seen with a girl at the awards,"

"Oh..."

"Hey, you understand right Y/N? I mean, if we are officially together I wouldn't mind telling the world about us. Hell, I want to tell everyone about us. But since we are still figuring things out, its better if we dont show it in public," he peeks at Y/N, trying to gauge her reaction.

If it's up to him, he would proudly go to the awards with Y/N on his arms. He would go anywhere with Y/N on his arms. But they are not official yet and the awards is one of the biggest event in K Music industry. If they came together, fans, media and even his company will start asking questions and he doesnt want to answer to things that he himself is not sure about. As long as Y/N is still figuring things out, its better to keep things under wraps. But Y/N's sad face is breaking his heart.

"Hey, dont be sad," he lifted up her chin to make her look at him. "Tell you what, I'll skip the after party and we can go for ice cream and fries instead? How about that? I dont usually like going to the after party anyway," he suggested and Y/N seems to smile again.

"Okay. You promise?" she held out her pinky. He linked his pinky with hers.

"Promise,"

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

The ceremony is beautiful. Everyone who is everyone is there and everyone looks beautiful. But the most beautiful thing that Jungkook and Minghao sees that night is when Y/N glide onto the red carpet.

Everything about her is perfect. Her makeup, her hair, her dress, her smile. They cant take their eyes off her, and it seems so does a few other idols. Both Minghao and Jungkook feels like poking their eyes for looking at what is theirs with such longing and lusts.

Minghao had never been more energetic and giddy on an award night. Y/N was seated right near the stage, with the best view in the venue. He sees her stands up for a standing ovation when BTS finish their performance and how Jungkook keeps making eye contact with her. And is that Taehyung winking at her? She congratulate them when they walked off the stage after their win and he can see Jungkook gave her a hug a little too long than he's liking.

When its time for his group's performance, the only thing he can see is Y/N. She stood up through out the whole performance and sings along which only fired him up even more. She congratulate them and she had never looked more proud when they had won in their category. The whole night pass by in a blur, all he can think about is how the most beautiful girl in the event is waiting and thinking of him. She's mine she's mine she's mine. He just cant wait for the night to end so he can claim what's his, to share his happiness and excitement for the night.

Once the night ended, they were ushered off into the dressing room for for a final touch up and wardrobe change for the after party. Minghao drop a quick text to Y/N before he grab his new outfit and change.

Hey, I just need to give my greetings to some new girl group that manager-nim wants us to meet. Then we can go. Wait for me okay.

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

Y/N received the text and figured she has time to freshen up. She told her assistants that she's skipping the after party. It's not a good idea to walk up to a McDonalds in an expensive car and a driver, even more with an uprising idol in tow, so she asks her team and driver to go off first.

She waited in the cold night air while cursing herself for forgotting her jacket in the limo. Seconds turns to minutes and turns to hours but Minghao is a no show. Multiple texts and calls has been sent but no reply was received. Did something happen to him? The after party venue is just a couple of block away and the main venue is already empty except for a few staff members.

After contemplating for a while, Y/N decides to walk the few blocks to the after party and checks on Minghao. Its weird that he didnt even text her to say he's running late.

"Hey, is that you Y/N? God, you are shivering!" Y/N turn to the source of the voice and see Jungkook is already taking off his suit jacket and place it on her shoulders.

"Jungkook!" Y/N exclaimed. "What are you doing outside? Are you taking a break from the after party?"

"Oh ya. I'm just here for the group shots and publicity mingling. I'm about to go for a walk and then find manager-nim so I can go home. Did you just arrived here? Why are you walking?" Jungkook just notice the direction Y/N came from.

"Yeah, I just did. I dont plan on going to the party actually. I'm supposed to meet Minghao back at the main venue, but he needs to drop by at the party for a bit but it has been hours since he left. I was worried something happened to him. Did you see him in there?"

"Minghao?" Jungkook looks nervous, biting his lips and avoiding eye contact. "Minghao says he will meet you back at the venue?" Y/N nodded. Jungkook didnt know how to tell Y/N. Yes, he has seen Minghao at the party alright. And he's definitely didnt seem like he's about to leave the party anytime soon.

"Yes," Y/N raised an eyebrow. Weirded out by Jungkook's nervous reaction. "Is he in there Jungkook?" Y/N is still oblivious to what's really going on. Jungkook can only nod before Y/N makes her way into the party. What she sees in there is definitely isnt what she's expecting.

Minghao is full on drunk, dancing with a girl group member, exchanging shots and kisses, his friends all around him , just as drunk, cheering and laughing. She's guessing that's the girl group that he needs to introduce himself to and it seems they were very well introduced indeed.

Y/N was stunned and she really dont know how to react to this. Should she cry? Be angry? Scream? But most importantly, she forced herself not to cry. After all they are not together, there's no reason for her to feel anything after seeing him in that situation.

"Hey, wait up!" Jungkook chase after her when she quickly spun around and race towards the door.

"Is this what you guys usually do at after parties?"

"Urm pretty much yes. That's why i always leave early after the obligatory greetings and photo session. Not really much into parties," Jungkook jogged a little to catched up with Y/N. "Hey Y/N, are you okay?" Jungkook snatched her wrist and turn her to look at him when she didnt answer. "I might not know what's going on but I know you. You dont look okay,"

Y/N angrily swipe her tears away before they could fall. I would not let another boy, especially another idol make me cry. I wont!  "I'm okay,"

"Its because of Minghao isnt it? What happened back there? Every couple has its problems. You guys can wo-"

"We are not together!" Y/N harshly cut him off. "I'm just upset that he made me wait for so long. He could have just told me that he wants to party. I could have gone and get food on my own. I have an early flight tomorrow, I could have just gone home earlier and sleep," she lied. There's no way in hell she's letting Jungkook see her heart break for the second time. Jungkook can obviously tell that there is so much more than Y/N just being stood up and hungry.  But he can also tell that Y/N doesn't want to talk about it. At least not right now. So he did the only thing he knows that can help her calm down.

"Hey Y/N, want to go grab a bite? I'll buy you your chicken nuggets and fries," he smiles. "Just like the old times..."

Y/N ponders for a moment. She's sad, angry, tired, betrayed, hungry, cold, heart broken... and standing right in front of her is the man who's giving her the oh so familiar bunny smile that gives her a warm feeling. She nodded with a tired smile,

"Why not Jungkook. Just like the old times,"

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

Minghao woke up in his dorms in last night's suit and a major hangover. What the hell happenned?

"Woohooo, there's the life of the party!" some of his members whistle at him.

"What?"

"You dont remember? Wow, you must be super drunk then,"

"You partied like crazy last night man! We were being introduced to the new girl group for our collab. The next thing we know, you are drunk as hell and dancing like crazy!" Mingyu explains, trying to help his friend remember.

"You dance skills are amazing! Even though you are shit drunk! I'm proud you are on my team," Hoshi chimed in. DK took out his phone and showed him a video of him dancing in a drunk state and to his horror, he starts making out with one of the girls.

"Ohhhh yaaa, the girls are cray cray over you!" DK laughs. "You even went back with one of them!" He went home with one of them? Shit, shit, shit. Did Y/N see this? Where is she when all of this happening?

His memories starts crumbling back to him. He remembered the look on Y/N's face when they won, when they performed, how he cant wait for the night to end so he can spend time with her, how the manager asks them to meet some girl group, and he send a text-  His phone!

"Where's my phone?" Minghao search everywhere in his room.

"Here it is. You left it in the suit jacket of our first outfit. The stylist noona returned it this morning," S.Coups threw the phone to him. He catch it and immediately plug in the charger. He impatiently shakes his legs, waiting for his phone to come alive. Once it did, he grabbed it and see the flood of messages and missed calls, all from Y/N.

[Y/N ♡] : 12.09am Hey I'm ready. I will wait by the back exit okay.

[Y/N ♡] : 12.13am I already asks my driver and team to go back first

[Y/N ♡] : 12.50am I'm hungry. And cold. I left my jacket in the limo :( when are you coming?

[Y/N ♡] : 12.53am Hey, I saw a bunch of Carats coming out. How jealous would they be if they know I'm waiting for The8 right now? :D

[Y/N ♡] : 01.15am Hey Minghao, its been an hour. Where are you? Are you okay?

[Y/N ♡] : 01.40am I'm getting worried now. I really hope you are okay.

[Y/N ♡] : 02.30am Nevermind. I already know why you are not coming.

What does she means by that?

[Y/N ♡] : 02.40am Did you really let me wait in the cold for you because of this? I didnt want to believe it when I saw you at the party...

She saw at the party! Minghao starts to sweat. The next message she sent was early this morning. Minghao imagine her crying herself to sleep after seeing him doing God knows what at the party.

[Y/N ♡] : 07.30am I thought you said you cant be seen with a girl... You could have just told me you know, I would have understand.  Click image.

Minghao clicked the image and saw that's its a recent news article. How did they publish this so fast? It shows a picture of him and one of the girl group member in front of an apartment entrance, tightly clutching each other and looking trashy as hell with sunglasses covering their faces at 4am in the morning . The headlines reads;

SEVENTEEN'S THE8  SPOTTED WITH A MEMBER OF SOON TO BE DEBUTED GIRL GROUP. A NEW IDOL POWER COUPLE IN THE MAKING?

He quickly closes the article, his praying the Y/N wont believe all these rumors although the photos makes it looks pretty convincing. He click the next, and last message.

[Y/N ♡] : 07.45am And I guess you wont be coming to the airport to send me off then.

Airport?

Now he remembers. Y/N was scheduled to go to an abroad business meeting for a few weeks. She had the morning 9 am flight and he had promised to send her to the airport since they wont be seeing each other for a while. He quickly looks at clock,

1.35pm.

He's too late.

Chapter 13 Preview

"Jeon Jungkook?" Y/N exclaimed, she cant help but smile so widely. Jungkook chuckled.

"We are halfway around the world away from home, and of all the faces and all the places, we had to meet each other. If this is not fate, then I dont know what this is," Jungkook walked over to Y/N, grinning with his bunny teeth showing.

[sweatmaster3000]

Change

I did something pretty dumb yesterday. I decided to go through all of my texts with my ex. I went through all of them slowly seeing how our friendship started and how our relationship ended. Our friendship started because he was my sisters work best friend. Its funny cuz she told me she knew i would like this guy she worked with and i was like nah. But in my head i was like duh i crush on everyone. When i finally met him it was a few days into working, he showed up early for work so it was me him and my manager. I remember thinking “oh he is cute”, but also telling myself “oh he looks like a cholo”. When i finally seen my sister i had to deflect so i just told her “dude hes so short”. We laughed a bit and moved on.

Slowly we started working together so we started talking more and more. Which for me is easy cuz i can talk for days. After a few month we got a new girl which was around the time Him and my sister started hanging out more and i remember being slightly jealous cuz i also wanted to be a part of that group. I dont remember how or why it happened but i remember joking with him about going on a date. He said ok so we started texting from there. We never did end up going cuz it was supposed to be a group thing and the other two bailed. Slowly me and him started talking more and i became a part of the group. We would all go out and just hang at the park or beach.

Around that time my sister relationship was really rocky so she started hanging out with her Bestfriend more often. They would go to random places to eat, they went to vegas spent an night there and came back, and for her late birthday present he took her to disneyland. I was so jealous i wished i could be his best friend. I remember me and my sister used to joke an say we felt bad for the girl who ended up with him cuz he was a horrible texter and no girl was going to like that. We said we felt sorry for the girl cuz he wasnt really good with presents or even sarcasm.

Eventually my sister broke up with her boyfriend and started dating a new co worker. Things changed when that happened. Suddenly she wasnt a part of our group any more. She wouldnt hang out with us and she defenitely wouldnt hang out with her bestfriend anymore. She would rarely text him or even us anymore. We used to always be at her house or out at a park/beach. I could tell he was hurt so i tried being there for him and distracting him. Around this time we had already started getting closer. We went to the park a few times by ourselves and on one occasion when my family had all gone to tj, he picked me up after work and we stayed out all night until the sun began to rise again.

Eventually we started having inside jokes and i started looking foward to seeing him at work especially if it was just the two of us. We realized we would banter a lot and people said we looked like a married couple. One day we were fighting and he went to the candy isle bought a ring pop and gave it to me. I jokingly told him “ escuse me you have to put it on”. We laughed and he did just that. After a while this customer that he called his Beer Wife came in and he started joking with her and they introduced me. I started joking back and i remember telling her “well i got the ring”. She was a nice lady and she returned a few jokes back. After that it cemented the whole “ youre a married couple joke”.

Eventually the hanging out became mostly just me and him and i started opening up to him and vice versa. He would constantly pick me up from work and we would hang out at the store. He would hit me up late at night with a “Foody Call” asking if i wanted to go get food. I always said yes, i loved spending time with him regardless of if it was just the two of us or the rest of the group. He helped me through the drifting of my Female best friend and the loss of a guy friend who just used me for sex. I confided everything in him. Without realizing it we became best friends. He would look for me and ask to hang out and i would ask him to go to places with me so we could get out and explore.

There was a shift in the friendship things became more playfull and flirty but i continued to push away my feelings for him. The crush became more and i craved his affection, but i never said a word or tried to make a move. I was scared of things ending like with all the other boys. So we continued just being friends hanging out at least four times a week seeing each other almost every day at work and if we didnt then we would send a few texts here an there. It got to the point where i would stop by thw store on my way home from my first job just to see him and possibly hang out after work. This routine continued for month before it finally started to move a bit.

After he got a second job his scheule changed so i wouldnt really see him as much unless he picked me up or he was going in as i was leaving. There was one occasion where i covered his shift and another where i had to stay later because he was runnig late at the other job. I told him he owed me donuts since he worked across the street from Krispy Kreme. He said he would get them the day he was running late and i said fine. When he showed up he realized he forgot the donuts so we agreed to go when he was out. I was a little let down at first but overjoyed that i was gunna hang out alone with him again.

Since it was late when he got out We got the donuts through the drive thru and parked in the lot to eat them. We talked a bit as we ate and then after words we dtarted play fighting again. I poked his side knowing that was his weakness and then finally after months he tried tickling me. He realized i was extremely ticklish and would not relent. He kept pulling me towards him and i kept fighting it scared of what it meant. We ended up face to face a few times and i pulled away scared that i was just imagining things. After a while we both knocked out. I woke up about an hour later and i was cuddled up to him. I woke him up and he dropped me off at home.

The next day at work it was just the two of us again. We were joking around like always and we had agreed to go to the beach after work with my sister and her boyfriend. Like usual i was playing with his phone trying to change his screensaver when a text came in and i accidentally pushed it. It was from a girl who had asked to hang out with him and he had agreed. I remember getting this nasty feeling in my stomach, and gettinf insanely jealous. I put doen the phone and tried workig again to distract myself, but he noticed something was up. He kept asking and i continued telling him i was fine. He wouldnt let it go. I decided to go home and get his sweater on my lunch cuz i knew he wouldnt hit the cooler without it.

I told my sister and her BF that i fucked up and i couldnt hide my feelings anymore. They told me to tell him the truth. One was certain he felt the same way and the other wasnt sure because overall he was a friendly person. I decided to keep it in and live with it. When i got back to work he wouldnt stop pestering me about my change in mood. I told him it was just my depression acting up and he told me he knew that couldnt be it. He stil wasnt 100% sure what was wrong though. We had alreay agreed to go out with my sister and her BF an he still wanted to go so i pushed aside my fear and went along.

We were in the back seat of the car and i remember it was cold out so like always i cuddled his arm. I slowly started drifting off and i could feel my arm sliding down but didnt think much of it. When i awoke we were by the beach and my hand was closed in a loose fist and his was covering it. I said nothing and we both got out the car. While at the beach my siater and he BF left us so it was just me and him laughing on the bench. At some point i jokingly sat on his lap. I realized it mightve been to much so i got off and we continued with the tickling. We decided to go on the swings and we were holding each other pushing each other side to side. My sister returned and we all continued on the swing for a bit until they decided to call it a night.

As we were walking back up to the car he started playing with me again and we ended up far behind our friends. He continued tickling me and we once again ended up face to face. I looked down and just hugged him still scared of admiting the truth. Once up the hill and back in the car i cuddled up to him again only this time we actually held hands. Still though nothing was said. Once we got back to the store me and him decided to stay back with the overnight guy so they could smoke. I stayed unsure of what i was going to stay. Clearly i hadnt been imagining the tension or the flirtation. So maybe i should finally take a chance.

It took me a while but i finally told him. “I fucked up”. I told him i seen the text and that i got jealous. He stood quite for a moment and i asked him if he inderstood what i was telling him. He said “ Yes you like me” i was certain he was going to tell me he didnt feel the same way. Instead he said “I know” i just stood there and asked him “how”. He said “i noticed something changed in you and in us, but i didnt want to say something, until you realized or it went away”. I just stood there realizing he knew me too well and knowing he had my best interest at heart. He knew it was normally me who pushed the guys away when things got serious so he stayed quite so as to not scare me away. He hid his feelings for almost a year the same way i hid mine. Except he admitted it i couldnt so i told him i had barely realized mine. I had done such a good job hiding them i believed myself.

After our long talk i was walking to his car to call it a night, when he suddenly called for me. As i turned around he was going for a kiss but i beat him to it. I had been waiting for it for so long and it did not disapoint. I wanted to keep kissing him forever but also not in front of people so we got in the car and he dropped me off. I came home and just though maybe i can be happy and maybe i will get a happily ever after. I wasnt able to sleep because i was so happy so i ended up going to work that morning with like 30 minutes of sleep.

We decided that we were a couple and it was official. We started hanging out more he would pick me up from work almost everyday or i would see him at work. We continued hanging out at the store or sometimes we would go park somewhere remote to mess around a bit. The first time we did he started sucking on my ear and it caught me off gaurd, but in a good way. It was a small orgasm but it was the first time it had happened while i was with a guy. We stayed in his car cuddling for a while before we came home and he dropped me off.

The first proble/fight happened when we were messing around. I wanted to go further and i kept pushing his buttons. We were about to go all the way when he told me he lost his hard on. I remember feeling like it was my fault. I got out of the car and laid down on the grass, he joined me seconds later. He kept apologizing, but i was acting like it was my fault. He tried talking to me but i didnt want to talk in that moment. He didnt know what to say so he got up and sat in the car. I continued over thinking things so i got up to walk a bit and get fresh air.

By the time he realized i what i was doing he ended up having to run after me. When he finally caught up to me he kept asking me what was wrong. I told him “ Maybe your not as into me as you thought”. He told me that wasnt true and it was just that he was overthinking it too. I told him he didnt have to be with me and he could still leave now before we got too invested. I told him this was what was going to happen when i got insecure. I had been through hell with guys so i didnt know how to react and he said he knew he told me “ do you think id still be here if i didnt know”. He said he wasnt going anywhere.

Things settled down and we were good for a few weeks, then the second fight came. We had agreed o hang out and i told him i would let him know when i came back from shoppin with my mom. When i finally did i walked to the store to meet him and his boss whos also my coworkers brother was there. I didnt think much of it. After like 30 minutes i got annoyed cuz i thought me and him were supposed o hang out but him and his boss were talking the whole time. I know nothing about cars and i also didnt want to be the girlfriend that makes tou stop hanging out with tour friends. So when they decided to go inside i stayed outside and decided to go for a walk while they finished their canversation.

I realize i fucked up and i should have told him first and i shouldve answered when he called but i was irritated and i needed to cool off cuz i didnt want to say the wrong thing. Finally once i cooled off i text him that i was at the park just looking at the stars. He said he would come for me so i said fine. Once he got there he asked me to get in the car but i was enjoying the breeze and the stars so i didnt want to. We bantered a bit more and i reluctantly agreed. Once in th car he asked me what was wong and i just told him i wanted to go for a walk. I still wasnt ready to talk, but i think i also wanted him to try a bit harder and ask me what was wrong.

We had a lot of good times like going to round one and taking pictures togetjer in the booth, or the late night talks after work, but i wanted more. It wasnt entirely his fault though he would ask me what to do and i never knew what to tell him. We were both working two jobs so the only time we really had was when he would pick me up at 1:30am from my first job. I started feeling like he didnt want to be seem with me because he wasnt good with PDA, but he assured me it wasnt true.

We continued hanging out as a group going to movies, bowling, arcade games, the beach, or just hanging out at the store, the last time we hung out alone he had made a plan to take me somewhere. He wouldnt tell me where and we had agreed to go around 8am. I jokingly told him that was early cuz i worked late the night before. I got up and he hadnt text me i got ready and still no word. Around 8:15 i txt him asking if we were still going. (He dad cancelled on me before so i was scared that was going o appen again.) He replied half an hour later saying he had just woke up and that we were, he just figured hed give me more time to sleep. I told him it would have been nice if he had told me seeing as i had been awake since 7. He apolagized sayin he thought he did.

When he arrived i told hom the sleepiness was getting to me so he told me to sleep during the car ride which i did. We drove around for almost two hours and when i woke up he wasnt sure where we were. I laughed and helped him navigate home. I was slightly annoyed that he didnt actually have anything planned, but i tried to enjoy just beinf with him. We ended up grabbing a bite, but i had to leave him cuz we were going to visit one of my aunts. It was only later that my friend told me his plan was to park abd look at the canals but he couldnt find parking, then he was just going to drive by so i could see them but i was still asleep and thats when he decided to leave and got lost. I felt like an ass but i wishes he would have woken me up or communicated some of it with me.

One time after a family party my little sister and her BF had to leave cuz the BF had to work and since we were their ride we came home too. We still wanted to hang out and since only my brother was home we decided to get pizza and watch movies in the living room. Once there i told my brother to go to my room and we watched the movie. My older sister then showed up with her BF and joined us. About an hour later my parents showed up and went to their rooms. By the second movie we were cuddling an it felt nice to not be doing that in a car.

The second time that happened was when we agreed to hang out with my little sister and her BF at their house with pizza and a movie. He picked me up from my aunts house and qe got the food and showed up to watch angry birds. We were cuddling and enjoying the movie when my sister and her BF decided to be fatties and wanted ice cream. So we got our ice cream came back and watched Tv. My sister went to bed, and i was also going to call it a night. My sisters BF and him decided to go back to the store and smoke so i told him goodnight and to both mine and my sisters BFs’ surprise he actually kissed me goodnight.

A few weeks later we had planned to go to horror nights. This wasnt a last minute thing this was planned in advance. The day of i had sent him a picture of a hickey he left me and i didnt think much of the fact that he didnt reply cuz i knew he was at work. Then as we are about to leave to get my cousin he texts me saying “ Im sorry Suedmy, im not going to be able to make it tonight”. I try to call him and he doesnt answer so i go through like 10 different emotions annoyed cuz its not the first time hes cancelled on me.

I text him back “ I shouldnt even be surprised anymore because everytime we actually make plans to hang out you somehow end up not being able to go”. He then replies “Are you mad?”. So i reply “ No im super happy that you cant go. But its fine my cousins going to go since i had already paid for the ticket and so i wont be alone since i hate being scared”. We both fucked up i overreacted but he shouldve explained why he couldnt make it. After this it was all kind of downhill.

The next day i text him to say hi and he didnt reply so i ask him to pick him up like i normally do cuz to this he normally will reply. Still no answer so i walk home. The next day my older sister breaks up with her BF so i txt him saying “ I know you dont want to talk to me but please talk to jerry daisy just broke up with him and he really needs a friend and for obvious reasons i cant be that friend”. He never replied and i ended up going to the beach with my sisters Ex. I was friends with him before they got together and he was still my friend after. We both cried, him about the breakup and me about my BF. Finallt after like an hour he called my friend, but my friend was mad not only for him ignoring me but also cuz for two nights my friend was trying to get a hold of him and he wouldnt answer.

I told him to answer cuz he wasnt going to stop calling. They agreed to meet at the store and when we got there it was really awkward. I needed some courage so i took some of his beer. We wnt at it And i asked him why he was ignoring me he said i never gave him a chance before attacking him. I told him he gave me the vague ass lie he used to use at the store when he would call out. He said he did tell me but he didnt he just though he did. I told him i wanted us to work but we lacked communication and the way we were going wasnt healthy. I told him that i had never tried so hard with someone the way i was with him. He couldnt find the words so he told us he would be right back. That night ended with me telling him id give him space.

After that it was just back and forth me looking for him him not replying. Him finally replying and us hanging as a group. We agreed we wanted to stay friends. The love was still there but there was problems on both side. Him because he had commitment issued and didnt want to hurt me. Me because i was in over my head. He was there for me the day i had a crappy day and i realized i didnt really know who i was. We talked and of course we ended up kissing and cuddling. This routine continued a few more times. When we would hang out he would caress my face and then we’d start kissing. It was nice but then id wonder if we were doing more harm than good.

Finally the last time we hung out i gave him a ring pop. Someone gave it to me on Halloween and it reminded me of that time he gave me one. Apparently it struck a chord cuz he ended up kissing me and telling me how badly he wanted me. It felt good to feel the passion and want again. I told him i still loved him and i always would. But like everything else it didnt last and it wasnt enough. I still wanted to be woth him all the time. I missed how we used to be. I missed the friendship, The late night food runs, staying out past my curfew, getting caught by my dad, laughing that technically i was home before curfew just not inside home. I missed him looking for me, and wanting to see me. I missed him caling me Pookie Bear. I hated pet names but now i missed that stupid pet name.

I finally realized that i need to learn how to be myself and i need to give him space. If he really wants to see me he will look for me and if not then thats fine. I will always treasure the memories we made and i have a few tokens i can look back on and remember. I will never forget him. Even after everything he did teach me a few things. He taught me i can have a guy friend who wont try to make a pass at me and that not every guy is going to try and sleep with me. Some guys will just want to be my friend. Im grateful we never slept together and technically we are on good terms. If he decides to come back and im in a place where im ok with that then maybe things will work but if not then it wasnt meant to be. I wish him the best. I hope both of us can be happy and learn to love in a healthy way.

[ranger-jedi-knight]

A New Hero Ch 20

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887313/chapters/63315655 Taglist: @bluesimani

Ok so here’s the next chap!! The MUCH AWAITED SHIP WILL SAIL!!! ( ;) ) Anyways, I won’t make you wait any longer, ENJOY!!!

“What did you want to talk to me about?” Mari asked with a tilt of her head. Seeing her do that, Damian had to glance away for a bit to keep himself from blushing which was weird for him.

He didn’t blush.

At least......

He didn’t before her.

“I....” he started but then trailed off. He was so used to knowing what to do. How to take someone down. How to outwit his opponent. But. he didn’t know what to do now. How could he? While Jon worked on his relations side with Mari, he didn’t learn how to deal with feelings. With a breath he decided being blunt would be best, nothing to hide and just tell her how he felt. And hope that she returns his feelings. Oh, this must be how Jon felt before he confessed to Chloe and Adrien, he realized, making a slight face unconsciously which had Mari looking at him concerned.

“Dami?” she asked softly and Damian realized she saw and that more than a minute had passed since he first uttered ‘I’.

“Yes, I need to tell you this. I’m just trying to figure out how to say it, is all,” he admitted and Mari nodded understanding. With a deep breath, he forged onward. “Marinette, I don’t know how or when, but you have invaded my thoughts for this past year without me even knowing it. I care very deeply for you. Would you be willing to go out on a date with me?” he asked, watching her face as different things flashed by as she processed what he said.

He likes me! He really does! They were right! God, Chloe was right. All this time? she thought, her mouth opening and closing a few times as it finally registered that this was real. She started nodding frantically with a big smile.

“I really like you as well, Dami! I was too scared to say something tho,” Mari admitted quickly, shutting her eyes a bit embarrassed. Damian smiled softly as he pulled Mari into a hug. Startling her from her thoughts was his soft laugh as she then wrapped her arms around him as well.

“How about tonight? You have the day off,” he said and Mari nodded. “Ok, I’ll pick you up at 6 then,” he whispered and Mari pulled back with a smile and stood on the tips of her toes to press a kiss to his cheek before pulling away with a breathless smile.

“Sounds perfect,” she whispered, trailing her hands to his and tangling their fingers together. Damian had a soft smile as he raised their conjoined hands up and pressed a kiss to her fingers. A blush dusted her cheeks, highlighting the sparse freckles she had over her cheeks and nose. Leaning her head against his arm, they walked back to the group, a dopey smile on her lips.

“Congrats Mari!” Lila said running over to hug Mari tightly as the others made their way over and congratulated them as well. “I’m so happy for you,” she continued and Mari smiled as she nodded agreement.

“I am too,” she said softly as her friends had soft smiles on their faces. “So, when are you going to ask out him?” Mari asked with a teasing tone causing her friend to blush. Damian chuckled softly from beside her.

“I assume you’re talking about Xan?” he asked and the group nodded as Lila squeaked and nodded. “Let me tell you this, you know what he’s been thru, at least part of it, you better not break his heart. Especially, if he decides to tell you more about what he has been thru. Got it?” Damian asked giving her a look. Lila swallowed the lump in her throat as she nodded understanding.

“O-ok. Promise,” she said softly and Damian gave a short nod at that.

“It’s getting close to lunch, is Xan available?” Mari asked looking over at Damian with a tilt of her head.

“I imagine he’s talking to someone we were both close to then right now. We can go see if he is available,” Damian said and the group nodded.

“Let’s go see. Where is he?” she asked as Damian started leading them out of the park.

“He’s at a store called Rose Petal’s Boutique talking with Rae, a woman from our past,” Damian replied and Mari nodded.

“Is it to help him heal?” Kim asked that time, knowing that sometimes talking to someone who’s had a similar experience can help.

“In a way, yes,” Damian started with a nod as they stopped at an intersection to wait for the light. “Fu helped him, but talking about it with someone who had something similar is better. Because then you know someone knows how you feel and sometimes able to offer insight to something you may not have realized,” he continued and Kim nodded agreement as they started walking once more.

“Hope this woman can help him, man,” Kim muttered softly as he returned the squeeze he felt Max give his hand.

“She can,” Damian assured as they got closer to the boutique. They soon reached it, the group looking at it with nods at the design. It was the typical design for most Gotham buildings, a few cracks here and there. But the sign was a vibrant white with the name of the boutique in a swirling deep red color like the Freedom Red Rose. Rose petals were scattered across the sign as if in a wind, a few interacting with the name as if connecting the letters.

A window display showed a few creations the boutique had but the inside was hidden from view by a divider. Etched around the edges of the glass was the same rose petal design. Damian opened the door, a bell chiming in response to the door swinging into the building. Mari and Damian entered the shop while the rest of them waited outside.

“Hello! Welcome to Rose Petal’s Boutique! How can I help you?” a woman asked moving toward them.

“I was hoping to speak to Rae, please. Is she in the back?” Damian asked and the woman nodded.

“Of course. Be warned she is talking to another person,” the woman warned and Damian nodded before leading Mari to the back. There he knocked once before pushing the door open. Sharp, deep green eyes looked over at them when the door opened. Her right nostril had a rose-gold colored piercing and the middle of her lip had a matching colored ring going thru it. Her hair was pulled back into a messy pony-tail with a rose clip holding back some of her bangs. A smile painted her lips when she realized who it was. “Damian. It’s so good to see you again,” she greeted happily pulling him into a brief hug before looking over at Mari. “Who’s this?” she asked, smiling softly at seeing the two glance at each other before blushing.

“This is Marinette, Rae. The girl I was telling you about,” he said and Rae smiled as she pulled Mari into a hug.

“Hello, Marinette. It’s nice to meet you. Damian and Xan talk a lot about you,” Rae said smiling teasingly as Xan rolled his eyes.

“I don’t think I should be included since well, I just talked about her,” he pointed out and Rae waved her hand at that.

“No matter. Now, what can I do for you two?”

“We came by to see if Xan, and you, would like to go get some lunch with Mari and her friends,” Damian said as Mari nodded eagerly and Rae smiled softly at that, sending Damian a subtle look that Mari missed but Xan caught as Damian looked away, the faintest of blushes on his cheeks.

“I’d love to go, but after my shift, I need to head over to my restaurant to speak with the builders. I don’t get a lunch break, sorry,” Rae said and Damian nodded, looking over at Xan.

“I’d like that,” Xan said moving from his spot. As they headed into the main shop area Rae stopped them.

“I fully expect to see you and all your friends at the grand opening of Janat Al'Amal next week,” she said and the group nodded.

“I’ll even bring Jason with, I’m sure he’d enjoy your food,” Damian said and Rae chuckled with a shake of her head.

“Don’t hesitate to visit!” Rae called out one last time before the closed behind them. Damian raised a hand in acknowledgment.

“Xan!” Lila beamed as she made her way over to him and hugged him in greeting. Xan had a soft smile on his lips as he hugged Lila back before greeting the others with either hugs or handshakes.

“So, where are we off too?” Xan asked looking between everyone.

“How about a cafe?” Mari suggested and the group nodded.

“Sounds perfect,” Damian replied, squeezing her hand before leading them to a cafe nearby.

“Xan....I think we have some stuff that we should talk about,” Lila whispered looking up at Xan, she may have grown a bit, but she still had to crane to look. Xan tilted his head, a bit of dread filling him but he nodded. They hadn’t talked much about what she heard at the reunion between him and his sisters. They should have, but he could admit he didn’t want to.

Looks like there’s no avoiding it, he thought before nodding. “Ok, when we order our drinks and something to eat we’ll talk,” he replied just as softly. Damian and Mari glanced back to look at them before looking ahead once more. Mari rested her head against Damian’s arm once more, squeezing his hand.

“You think everything will go well?” she asked and the softest hums left Damian as he thought about it.

“From what I’ve seen of Lila, I think they’ll end up fine,” he replied softly after a bit and she nodded agreement.

“I hope so,” she agreed softly. They soon reached the cafe in question and got in line. When all the orders were made and paid for- Damian sneakily paid for all the drinks much to her friends, mostly Jon’s, annoyance, and the barista’s joy as she giggled -they scattered around the shop. Nino and Sabrina found a couch to chat and was joined by Chloe, Adrien, and Jon. Kim and Max were nearby at a table.

Damian and Mari were a bit farther from them at a table for two. Mari was smiling shyly at Damian as they talked about their date that night.

Xan smiled as he pulled Lila’s chair out for her and pushed it in when she sat down. “Thank you Xan,” Lila said with a small smile as Xan picked up their orders and brought them over before sitting down across from her. They were a good distance away from the others as well. He drummed his fingers along his cup as he cupped it between his hands. He was looking down at it, taking a breath before looking up at Lila once more. She could only watch as concern, nerves, worry -whatever you would call it- float around in his eyes. Such a gorgeous color, there shouldn’t be any room in those silver eyes for anything but joy, she thought to herself.

“S-so what did you want to talk about?” he asked nervously, pulling Lila out of her thoughts. As his fingers drumming increased she reached a hand over the table and covered his hand, slowly pulling it from the cup to hold it.

“Well......I think there are a few things we need to talk about,” she said slowly and Xan nodded at that.

“I’m so sorry you had to hear that. I didn’t-no-I wasn’t-” he groaned as he tried finding the correct words. “I didn’t plan on you finding out,” he got out and Lila squeezed his hand.

“Where you ever gong to tell me? I care about, Xander. A lot, and I want you to feel safe around me to tell me things. I want to help you in any way I can,” Lila replied and Xan nodded at that slowly.

“I wasn’t sure how you take it. Only Fu, Damian, and Jason really know what I went thru. I left a ton out when I told Als and Lana. I didn’t want to lose you....because of my past,” he whispered looking down into his cup before feeling Lila cupping his hand in both of hers. He looked up to see her eyes burning with a determination, making her green eyes sparkle.

“You could never lose me, Xan. You don’t have to tell me everything, I get that this was a terrible thing to happen. I could never blame you for something you couldn’t control. You did what you did to survive after being taken. All I care about is you, right here, right now. Where you’re safe and sound and breathing. I could never fault you for doing something that ensured you lived another day,” she said, squeezing his hand with every word she put stress on. A water smile decorated his lips at hearing her speech. Pulling his hand from his cup he wiped away the tears that threatened to fall as relief coursed thru him.

“Thank you,” he whispered between chuckles that escaped him. She squeezed his hand at that, happy to hear him chuckling. “I was terrified this would end with you declaring us not friends anymore.”

“That could never happen,” Lila whispered, giving him the softest smiles that he returned when he finally got himself under control.

“So, what else was it that we needed to talk about?” he asked softly and Lila bit her lip.

She wasn’t ready.

Nope.

Nada.

But could she afford to wait?

No.

If she didn’t do this now, she was worried she’d never do it. So, might as well rip the bandaid off.

“Xander....I really like you. I have for a while now. This isn’t how you’d imagine a confession, I bet. But I had to say it. I really like you and would love to go out on a date with you,” Lila said glancing thru her lashes to look at Xan’s face. Xan was looking at her a bit shocked and surprised.

She was right.

He did not expect that.

But as the shock and surprise faded, he smiled softly at her and covered one of her hands with his own. He then squeezed them prompting her to look up. “I really like you too. How about Saturday night?”

That had Lila shocked but she then beamed at him. “Saturday!” she agreed, not seeing their friends smiling over at them happily.

Almost There @proudgothamite

Well, I’ll be doing something I haven’t done in a long time. You’ll get to see it soon #oldhobby #herewego #hopethiswillbefun

Ok, so here’s the next chap!! Man, this was *quicker* than old updates lol. Ok, so, I’ll be starting online classes soon *cough whispers* n maybe moving soon again *cough*, so updates will be WEIRD. I’m givni this warnin since one of my classes game us the warning that we need to go to LIBRARIES for a few assignments......and that some(all apparently) will need at least a couple of weeks to do? So ya......that happened...and that was only ONE of my classes......so I guess.....wish me luck? Until next time!! -Love Willa<3<3<3