#she didn't make it through one graduation! she didn't do any of the scheduling for the new session! she didn't even get trained on /how/

[ereborne]

Work is on fire, so close to finishing the current work and now the old work has broken, however: I get to work with the old boss again.  Fuck but I missed her

She comes in, tells me the horrible news, I start cussing, she starts laughing, and then we both get to work, immediately and without needing to discuss what we’re doing, while both continuing to cuss and laugh.  Fuck but I missed her

[warping-realities]

Life Adjustment (Repost)

“Did you want to see me, Jack?” said Stu, throwing himself onto one of the armchairs in his brother's enormous office.

Jackson, Stu's brother and the current president of the construction company founded by their father, looked at his younger brother with piercing eyes.

"I'm glad you could make it to our meeting, Stuart, considering you've been busy doing nothing every day for the past few years." Was the response given by the obviously less than happy older brother, as he looked in disgust at his younger brother's paint-stained clothes that had just ruined an expensive armchair.

"Come on, Jack, that's not fair; you know everything I've been through!"

"Everything you've been through? Please, Stuart, being dumped by your college girlfriend is not an excuse to let yourself go and become a bum still living in your parents' old basement. You're 25 years old and haven't done anything useful with your life."

"I wasn't dumped, Jack. She died, you idiot!"

"Yes, very sad, but it's been almost five years, five years during which I've supported your filthy habits, your gym routine, your entire lazy life as a talentless artist. That's enough!"

"I have a stake in this company..."

"Then take responsibility!"

"... and you don't understand, Jen was the love of my life," Stu concluded as if he hadn't been so rudely interrupted.

"Jen? Who's Jen, Stuart?" Jackson asked with a slight smile.

"Who's Jen? You must be kidding, Jack!"

"You know I don't tolerate childish habits, especially in my workplace, Stuart. So I ask again, who is Jen? I've never heard you mention any Jen, brother."

"Jen, Jeniffer, my girlfriend who… wait, no, I don’t know… who is Jen?"

"Precisely," Jackson replied, his sly smile widening but never reaching his cold eyes. He watched an impossible transformation unfold before him. In the blink of an eye, with a flash, instead of the brother he knew and had come to deeply detest over the years, there was a better-groomed version, with a smoother beard and shorter hair, with more defined muscles in workout clothes. Still, far from what Jackson considered ideal.

"So, Jack, why did you call me here? I have a client scheduled at the gym, so I don't have much time."

"A client... at the gym?"

"Yeah, what else would a personal trainer be doing?"

Absorbing this information, Jackson decided to make one more correction.

"I don't understand, why waste a college degree working as a personal trainer, Stuart?"

"Maybe because I studied sports science, Jack."

"But your major was in business, Stuart."

"Business, no way... or... maybe..."

Another flash and another Stuart stood before Jackson. Much better, he thought, seeing the figure before him, dressed more appropriately, with a toned physique belonging to someone who clearly took care of himself but didn't scream "gym rat." Still, there was certainly room for improvement, but he decided to let this new version of his brother speak.

"I imagine you want to talk about the status of the new building downtown; I can assure you I'm in direct contact with the team, and everything is going according to plan, Jack."

"Team? What team, Stuart?"

"Our construction workers, of course."

"And why would you be in direct contact with them, Stuart?"

"Oh, maybe because that's my role in the company? Overseeing the progress of the projects, making sure everything's right, walking among the guys and knowing if they're satisfied with their work."

"Maybe that was the case a few years ago, before you went to college, when our dad wanted to test your abilities. But since you graduated and returned to the company, you begged me to take a position in the office because you couldn't stand being around lower-class people."

"What? No, I would never be that snobby, no, or... did I... ask? No... ask?"

Another flash, another Stuart. Almost there, Jackson thought as he saw this version of his brother. He was wearing a sports coat and khakis, but that relaxed attitude needed a few more adjustments...

"So, tonight I'm having another business dinner with some clients; I'm thinking about hitting up a club with a few of them; you should come along for an hour, bro."

"Actually, I called you here precisely because I wanted to discuss your outings, Stuart. I understand social connections are important, but we have employees for that, plus it's a waste of your MBA. So I'm moving you to the head of financial control, right below me."

"MBA? Jack... no, I... financial department? I don't want that... or do I?"

"Of course you do; you accepted the position last year."

"Last year?"

A new flash and a new version of Stuart. This time, Stuart was wearing a proper suit, although still regrettably without a tie, and despite the neatly combed hair, there was still that beard. This kind of carefree attitude was not ideal.

"The acquisition of the land in Arlington was a success, Jack, so much so that I organized a dinner with the responsible team, along with the bonuses they'll be getting."

"If they're already getting a bonus, why organize a dinner, Stuart? Besides, you've never been one for such frivolities; your life has always been extremely rigid and regimented. Taking care of your body to present a powerful and assertive image, dressing appropriately and behaving with dignity at work, keeping the right distance from the employees; after all, you are the boss. And I don't think I've ever seen you smile at them, let alone go to dinners with them. It's not in your nature; you know how to be sociable when you want to, of course, but only when there's a benefit for the company; after all, profits and the company's image are your biggest concerns," Jackson concluded, thinking that finally this time the result would be as expected.

"I... don't... smile... of course I smile... no... image... profits... yes... knowing how to behave..."

A new flash, and finally, the perfect version of Stuart was before him, Jackson thought. Still sitting rigidly in the armchair with a clean-shaven face and the hint of a sly smile, with the same cold eyes as his brother, impeccably dressed in a dark suit with a tie that made him look like a younger version of Jackson.

"Staff cuts have been made, Jackson; there were some tears from others about the increased workload, but I told them they'd manage or be replaced by someone who would."

"Excellent, Stuart, and how do you feel about that?"

"Sorry, Jackson, but I don't understand your question."

"Don't you feel bad about firing all those employees?"

"Why should I feel bad about that? My role is to think of what's best for this company, and that's what I did."

"So cold, brother. I have to be careful; otherwise, you'll end up taking my place."

"If you lower your standards, brother, I won't think twice."

Thinking quickly that he might have overdone it, Jackson intervened once more.

"I would believe that if I didn't know that since we were kids, I've been your biggest example, and above all, you are loyal to me, Stuart."

This time there was no visible flash, but a clear change in Stuart's eyes, which now showed a glimmer of admiration toward his older brother.

"Sure, brother, if I'm who I am today, it's thanks to you!" Stuart replied, standing up and speaking in a tone of voice that, though cold and distant, still displayed immense reverence for the figure before him.

Jackson couldn't help but display the closest thing he could muster to a smile that his nonexistent emotional skill would allow while responding to what, in his opinion, was a much-improved version of his brother.

"Indeed, brother, and I'm glad you recognize that."

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

Aita for bothering my parents to get me therapy and when they don't i just vent about them online

It already sounds bad i know

To give context, i have diagnosed autism and undiagnosed (with research) ADHD.

Ever since I was young i've always had problems with social situations, going back to elementary school. Now that I (16 FTM) am close to finishing highschool and graduate, I still have problems socializing and managing emotions.

I've multiple times self harmed (not with cutting but through other physical means) in the school bathrooms, and multiple times have been found and sent to the school's highschool psychologist. I trust her, and have been vocal with her about my suspicions of having adhd, in return she emailed me a yt video later that day called "tips for dealing with adhd" which i accidentally forgot to watch and i haven't seen it yet after months.

Anyway, one of those mental breakdowns made me stay in the psychologist's office up until it was time to go home, and when my dad waited too long to pick me up he walked into the school looking for me, that's when he found me in the psychologist's office crying (like straight up sobbing, snot coming out ugly cry).

He promised to the psychologist to get me outside therapy because what was happening to me was just outside the school's area of expertise. That happened in early October, now it's January.

We're not poor, so we can perfectly afford therapy, and we have been able to for a couple times before moving cities when i was younger.

Back in February i used to talk with this nice lady who was supposed to be my psychologist, i was nervous since at the time i didn't have any therapy for months. We only had 2 meetings before my parents ditched the whole thing, now it's been over 2 years since a proper meeting.

The main conflict is: After that incident at my school i was determined to talk directly about going back to therapy, but my parents say that they view it as a 'waste of money' since 1) it's complicated to schedule a meeting, and 2) they straight up say "do you REALLY need it? you have us, we support you".

Now I don't bring it up to them, i just talk shit about them online because i know they'll never see it.

So here's why i may be an asshole: They're not lying. I like to think they truly support me and aren't out there looking to hurt me on purpose, so i'd basically be ignoring their effort in favor of some outside source i guess. I would be basically bothering them for something they see as useless and when it doesn't happen i get (not vocally) mad. It makes me feel like a spoiled brat, so there's that.

Here's why i may not be the asshole: I think i really need therapy

What are these acronyms?

[laismoura-art]

I need your umgadi girls college au headcanons with lisa! I'll Try to gone up with the order of light headcanons hatsune!

Hey Dragon!!💕

It took me longer than expected to gather my ideas, but here we go!!

Harumi and Tanya studied together in high school!

They were both cheerleaders and Tanya was team captain!

Harumi is extremely sociable and friendly, so she befriended Tanya on their first day of training. They've been best friends ever since!

Tanya was very popular in high school, she was an unusual "good mean girl" meaning she targeted bullies instead of the bullied.

She used to pick up some serious fights till the school boarding warned her it could affect her chances of getting a scholarship. Even though she was an extremely dedicated student.

Tanya doesn't come from a wealthy home, so she couldn't afford missing any chance to get her scholarship!

Harumi didn't think it was fair that Tanya was getting in trouble for defending other kids, so she started to cover up for her.

Being liked by everyone had it's perks, Harumi could get anyone to help back us her stories.

Tanya stopped picking up actual fights and started to do some little pranks instead.

The bullies always knew it was her, but with Harumi getting more than half of the school promptly siding with her and Tanya, it was hard for them to get her in any trouble!

To get extra points, Tanya also joined the gardening club at their school, which Harumi was part of!

Tanya wasn't that great at gardening, but of course Harumi helped her out (which made her very happy cause usually it was Tanya who helped her with her studies, so it was nice to be the one helping for a change)!

Tanya graduated with flying colours as one of the best students. Which granted her a 100% scholarship!

She got to attend the best gymnastics program in the country!

She was hoping after graduation she would open her own program for low income children like herself!

Harumi also got herself a scholarship to the same college as Tanya, though she was majoring in nursing instead.

They both opened her acceptance letters together and spend an entire weekend celebrating!

It was at college that they met the rest of the girls!

Jade has lived in South America most of her life as her family had business in the region.

It was in Peru that she met her best friend, Kotal. It seems his family had direct descendant to Incan royalty!

Through her parents many trips and long friendship with Kotal, Jade learned to love history, ancient history specifically!

She decided to major in history then (to her parents distaste, as they'd rather have her study business to continue working at her family's company)

Despite her choices going against her family's preferences, they didn't object much. They come from a very wealthy family so she could indulge.

Her parents were very busy businesspeople, and their hyperfocus on their jobs make them rather neglectful towards Jade. Though they bought the tickets to her trip, as they promised they would, they ended messing up the dates and scheduling her flight a WEEK after the classes had already started!

Not wanting to miss another day, Jade went to class as soon as she arrived, which caused her to be jetlagged and extremely exhausted!

It didn't help that she didn't know the college and, in a hurry, she ended up barging into the wrong class! The nursing class, where she met Harumi.

Harumi, always the friendly type, offered to help get Jade settled! She showed her around and they talked a lot in the process, Harumi could tell she and Jade were going to be good friends!

At lunch time, Harumi invited Jade to join her, and there she met Tanya!

Suchin only joined the group a couple weeks later.

She is the perfect example of an antisocial and always had very few friends, and unfortunately, none of them made it to the same college as her.

She was terrified with the idea of having to make friends all over again, but the luck was on her side this time!

Thanks to her majoring in archeology, she has history class with Jade, and was quite fascinated by Jade's knowledge on Mesoamerican culture. She didn't say anything, but Jade could tell she was paying attention and, to Suchin's relief, was the one who started a conversation!

Jade also invited Suchin to join her and her friends at lunch! Before Suchin knew, she already had three new friends!

A month later Lisa Liang would be joining their group!

She and Kuai Liang, came all the way from China for their majors! (They choose this college because their older brother, Bi-Han was already studying there).

Lisa used to have serious anger problems, and they only improved once she started doing martial arts.

She wanted to help other people the same way she was helped, so she decided to major in business, she would be able to open her own martial arts school! She will call it the Lin Kuei Dojo!

Meanwhile, Kuai, always wanted to be a therapist, as therapy had always helped him handle his insecurities, and much like Lisa, he wanted other people to receive the same help and support he had!

Lisa wasn’t great at making friends, but she knew she would've to get past that if she wanted to be able to work with people in the future!

She was jogging around campus one morning and coincidentally, so was Tanya. They were going the same direction and Lisa took it as her opportunity to be social.

Tanya was very nice to her and Lisa didn't want to ruin things with her, so she admitted she was not used to talk to people and requested Tanya not to think she was weird (while also mentally smacking herself for being so blunt with a girl she had just met)

Tanya inly laughed and said Lisa wasn’t the first socially awkward friend she had, and invited Lisa to join her at lunch. She was sure meeting Harumi was all Lisa needed to relax and feel more welcomed!

Little did she know she would be bringing together what would soon become the most amazing power couple!

Now, speaking of amazing powers couples, here's some shipping focused headcanons:

Tanya met Mileena in the gymnastics program. Li Mei, their teacher, paired them up together for an exercise and they got along very nicely!

Mileena realised her feelings for Tanya after messing up a sequence, a couple girls were mean to her for that and Tanya stood up for her!

Suchin met Kenshi in history class. Their first conversation happened because she corrected him on a fact.

She expected him to be mad, but he found it amusing instead, and also requested her help on some fact checking! She accepted-- or rather, Jade accepted for her!

Jade and Tomas met by chance. Jade ended up accidentally 3rd wheeling for Harumi and Lisa (Tanya and Suchin had both decided to call it a night and Jade missed the cue to do the same, so she just remained awkwardly with the couple)

Lisa took them both home and there they met Tomas (he wouldn't start college till the next semester, hence why they never met in class)

Tomas was relieved to see Jade cause then he wouldn't be stuck 3rd wheeling in his own house!

Bonus couple:

Hanzo came all the way from Japan to study Pedagogy, but unlike the Sub-Zero siblings, his english wasn't the best, so he took a mentoring class to improve. Kuai was his tutor!

They bonded over their want to help people, as Hanzo wants to do Pedagogy to give a better education to orphanage children!

Aaaaand that's what I have for now! Hope you enjoy it!!💕

@madamealtruist @mikka-minns @orbitinytheworld

[constelationprize]

ROBIN/ELODIE ??????

if this about to be like my eva josten/adèle moreau scenario i will cry then ask u to please marry me.

i need this more than i need air. u don’t understand. i love u. ur the freaking best. tell me more.

Yeah that one came to me in a vision.

The thing is that like most of my other niche rarepairings I just cannot resist the allure of Narrative Parallels™. Mostly I just realized how similar Elodie and Robin's stories are (in concept) and that they could actually be around the same age (considering Elodie would be around 15-16yo in 2007 and Robin joins the Foxes in 2009 after Kevin graduates, and assuming Robin didn't get held back due to the Horrors, that would put them at around a 1-2 year age difference).

So the basic concept for the AU is that Elodie survives and is rescued by Stuart during TSC and then brought over to the USA to live with Jean and the Trojans. This goes about as well as you would expect, which is to say not at all – she's heavily traumatized, barely speaks English for the first couple years, and is resistant to any kind of help that would result in her having to leave Jean's side. She also at first does not want anything to do with the other Trojans at all because she sees most of them as adults she can't trust and also resents them for monopolizing Jean's time, and none of these college sports players is anywhere near qualified for unpacking All of That.

Elodie and Jean effectively make each other's recovery worse for a long while because they immediately try and fall back to their childhood dynamic, which can no longer work for multiple reasons. But through Betsy Dobson all things are possible and eventually they get to a point where they aren't actively standing in each other's way anymore, though things are still Not Good.

It gets tough again when Jean graduates and they move out of LA, which just uproots what little stability Elodie had again, and he has developed a need to constantly check on her that cannot be good for his now even busier pro player schedule. Also, Elodie is almost 18, and at a point where she should be graduating high school and thinking about her future, which she very much is not doing because until a couple years ago she didn't even HAVE a future so she doesn't really know what to do with it.

They start floating the possibility of getting her into a community college or something in the state Jean's in, but eventually the possibility of having some strings pulled to get her into PSU is brought up, and Elodie latches onto it immediately, mostly because she both feels stifled by Jean's helicopter parenting AND kind of wants to punish him for not actually spending time with her by moving away. Jean doesn't want to let her, but he also doesn't really have a choice, and PSU might be far but at least he knows Elodie will have people there to reach out to if she needs it.

Joke's on Elodie though because going to college to annoy your brother does mean she just conned herself into taking classes and figuring out what to do with her life now and she has to do it while dodging 20 phone calls per hour. Anyway now that she's on PSU she has to learn how to do human person things like making friends. She ends up joining a roller derby team as a combo meeting people-getting exercise-venting anger deal.

Robin, on the other hand, is going through a similar situation where Andrew just graduated, and Neil is in his last year, so she's about to lose her anchors at PSU. Once Neil graduates, she won't have anyone to night practice with anymore, so she also joins the roller derby team to fill in her nights, in a way of trial-running how to maintain some sense of routine and normalcy and maybe make some friends as well.

And that is how the world's saddest most traumatized girls meet. They have no idea who the other really is at first because Elodie doesn't follow exy out of spite and they also don't tell each other their full names because they are very googlable and the team is for both of them a way to finding who they are outside of what happened to them, so they don't want to invite the past in there.

Neil figures it out pretty fast though, since he's been keeping an eye on Elodie, but he tells no one because he thinks it's going to be funny when Andrew and Jean (who absolutely hate each other) discover they're dating (He's right). The basic idea I have is that everyone kind of finds out at the same time when Andrew and Jean play against each other in a nearby city and both Elodie and Robin come to watch and it's a very spiderman pointing meme moment all around.

Getting to truly know each other then is a blessing and a curse because the similarities between their stories are as important as the differences. Elodie would have given everything to have parents that would want her back home and want to protect her and Robin would kill to have her family understand and relate to her trauma the way Jean does. Elodie genuinely cannot understand Robin's guilt over escaping by dooming another girl because she would have actively killed without remorse to break out. Robin doesn't get why Elodie is bitter over having to be rescued when she used to dream about someone finding and saving her. It's a very "grass is always greener on the other side" situation, and they clash a lot, but eventually they work it out.

I'm also thinking of having Robin being conflicted over whether she wants or even is capable of going pro (since as per the EC she technically wasn't good enough to be recruited if not for Andrew's constant endorsement). I'm not sure what Elodie would be majoring in, but that's fine because neither is Elodie. So that's something else they're both dealing with.

That's mostly what I have so far, I'm hoping some day this fic will grow a plot that can hold my attention so I can actually write it.

[jaegersmae]

Stargazing - Eren Jaeger

Chapter One: Here Comes the Sun

Pairing: Eren Jaeger x Reader

Word Count: 5.3k

Series Summary: After you get dragged to a concert following a crazy night of events you somehow end up becoming the new photographer for an upcoming band, where you end up reconnecting with an old friend Eren Jaeger, and are welcomed into the band's inner circle.

Chapter Summary: After a strange encounter with two strangers you're dragged to a concert and are strangely reconnected with old friends.

After snoozing your alarm for the past hour you finally wake up to the loud sound of your door being slammed open and the voice of someone you know all too well.

"Wake up already! I'm so tired of hearing your alarms go off." Historia screams to you as she paces down to the side of your bed to your blackout curtains. "No wonder you're still sleeping, these curtains never let in any light." Just as you were about to scream at her to not open the blinds she swiftly opened both curtains in one action allowing the light to seep in throughout the room.

"Was that really necessary, Hisu?" you say as you reach over to one of your pillows to cover your face from the blinding morning light.

"It was the only way that would have woken you up in time for your photoshoot."

Just as those words left Historia's mouth you rapidly reached for your phone checking the time in a panic. "Fuck, fuck I'm gonna be so late," you shouted rushing out of bed and scattering across your room to try and get ready in less than 10 minutes. "Thanks, Hisu I completely forgot I had that shoot scheduled today."

"Yeah no problem, I kinda figured that's why I came in to make sure you were up. If you want I can drive you. I don’t have to go into work till later today and then I have to get ready for tonight. Will you be ready on time?"

"Tonight? What's going on tonight?" You're rummaging through your closet looking for the jean skirt you planned on wearing the night before. "There's no way you forgot." She laughed walking to the kitchen to have a cup of coffee ready for you when you walk out.

"Shit. I forgot the concert was tonight. I still haven’t fully agreed to go along with you!" You shouted while doing the finishing touches of your appearance. You decided to wear a denim mini skirt, a white lace tank top, Doc Marten leather platforms, rings scattered across your fingers, and the dragonfly necklaces you've had longer than you can remember.

While walking down the hall to leave the apartment you were struggling to put your earring in without the help of a mirror. The apartment Historia and you share is a penthouse in West Village that Historia's dad pays for, for the both of you. It was always spotless and well-decorated due to Historia's love for interior design.

"Here's your coffee with milk just like how you like it!" she said with the sweetest smile. "Thank you so much babe, what would I do without you!" Historia put her finger to her cheek as if she was thinking very hard about what you had just asked her. "Hmm probably living on the street begging for money on the side of some random gas station."

You spit out what was in your mouth laughing from the lack of sarcasm in her voice. "You are so lucky you didn't get any coffee on our clothes!" She exclaimed while reaching for paper towels to clean up the mess you made.

"You're not wrong though, I probably would've resorted to living in my car after we graduated!" And she really wasn't wrong. Historia has been your best friend since the first day of college. You both got assigned to be roommates during your freshman year at NYU and you both have been inseparable ever since. You wish you couldn't remember your life before meeting Historia. She's the most amazing person you know which is surprising for most people to hear considering how rich and spoiled she is. Her dad is the CEO of a law firm in the city and has a hard time saying no to any of his daughters' requests. Despite being more than well off she's one of the most humble and down-to-earth people you've ever met.

"Anyways, you said you were gonna drive me?" You say to her blinking your lashes and with the sweetest smile she can't refuse. "Yes, yes let's get going." She said reaching for her purse and coat. "Yay! I love you so much!"

You ran toward the front door where you always kept your camera bag and equipment. You have always loved photography and cameras, even when you were a little girl you would always be running around with a mini camera in hand. You loved the idea of being able to make a moment last forever through pictures so much so that you decided to try and make a career out of it.

As you're gathering your stuff you throw on a cardigan from the coat hanger and walk out the door. Historia shouts from halfway down the hall, "Race you down!" 

"Hey, that's not fair!" You sprint down the hall hoping to catch the elevator in time before it closes with Hisu on the other side of the door. Thankfully you were able to slip your foot in the elevator while it was closing forcing the door to open for you. 

Out of breath and already sweating due to that being the most physically active thing you’ve done all month. "I can't with you sometimes." She had the most guilty face and burst out laughing from seeing how out of breath you were. "Let's get you to your shoot already!" 

After making it to the car it took about a minute of driving around before Historia realized she had no idea where she was going. "Wait a second, where am I even supposed to go?"

"Oh yeah! My bad. To Central Park please."

"What was your shoot for anyways?" she said questioning why you would need to be at Central Park so early in the morning. 

"Some lady from the Upper East Side hired me to take pictures of her dog for its first birthday." You said while going through your gear on your lap to double-check that you had everything you needed for today.

She glanced over to you "Wait you're taking pictures of a dog?" She let out a laugh not believing what you were saying.

"Yeah..."

"Y/n! You literally have a college degree, you can do so much better."

"Okay well, I didn't expect the need for photographers to be so low. At least it's something!" defending yourself because in reality after you graduated in May this is the second time you've been hired for something in five months. The first was taking pictures of different types of fertilizer for a flower shop. "Plus you know how these Upper East Side people are, they would waste no expense for these kinds of things!"

"That is true. They love their pets more than their children sometimes. How much are you getting paid for it?" 

"About $200 an hour." Historia nearly drove into another car once those words left your mouth. "All of that for their dog?!" She sounded so shocked at how well you were being paid. You had braced your hand onto the door from the sudden motion of the car swerving to the left, "Hands on the wheel! I would like to not die today!"

"Sorry! That is so much considering this is all for a dog's birthday! Maybe I should've become a photographer instead." Her mouth was still slightly open from the shock of how much you're getting paid and from nearly driving into oncoming traffic. "Trust me you don't. You get paid so much for being a realtor! Plus you already have a handful of clients hiring you and this is only my second job." you said with a little frustration in your voice. You thought by now you would have had dozens of job offers and achieved your dream of working for National Geographic, but life had very different plans for you.

Thankfully from that point on to when you made it to Central Park, there were no more close calls with Historia’s driving. You finally arrived and double-checked the time to ensure you weren't running late. "It's 8:50, 10 minutes early to the shoot. Thank you so much for the ride" you said, getting out of Historia's luxurious vehicle. 

"Are you gonna need a ride back home once you're done?" she questioned while helping you get your bag from the floor where you were previously sitting. "No I'm good, I was just gonna walk back or take the subway. So you have all day to get ready for tonight!"

"You already know I'm going to look my best! I might meet my soulmate tonight so I'm gonna need a good meet cute story to tell our kids." Her pinks flushed pink from the thought.

🎵: [start playing Here Comes The Sun by The Beatles]

You couldn't help but laugh at how adorable she was being, "Have fun with that I'm gonna start going now." You shut her door close as she was getting ready to drive off "I love you let me know if you need anything!" You smiled at her "Love you too!" and off she drove after dropping you off on the south side of the park where the shoot was. Since you still had time to spare you decided to walk a bit slowly to the meeting point by the Gapstow Bridge. 

You begin to admire how beautiful Central Park looks during the changing season. Fall has always been one of your favorite seasons because of the falling leaves and colder weather. As you were walking you pulled out your camera and began to take some pictures of the flora and wildlife surrounding you. As you were walking a few dragonflies began surrounding you as if they were joining you along your walk. You couldn't help but smile and take a few pictures of how beautiful they were.

As you made your way closer to the bridge you saw a woman holding balloons who looked to be in her 30s standing under a tree, next to her was the cutest dog sitting looking up at the trees. You assumed this was the person you would be shooting for and approached her with a warm smile.

"Hi, I'm Y/n! Are you Mrs. Waldorf?"

"Yes, I am. And you're late." She said coldly. You reached for your phone to realize the time was now 9:01. You cursed yourself out in your head for deciding to take your sweet ass time in walking over here. "I'm so sorry I didn't realize how much time had passed when I was walking over here," you said in defense.

"Yeah, whatever, let's just get started. I had the idea of just having him be in nature, maybe surrounded by leaves or running around." She continued saying ideas but you couldn't help but get distracted because her dog began biting his own foot. "So did you get all that?" she said while crossing her arms, which sent chills down your spine. "Yes I did!" you lied. You kneeled down to get level with the dog, which was a very fluffy long-haired golden retriever. You reached for his collar to see the name tag with the name Prince engraved into it. "Nice to meet you!" you said, causing Prince to immediately perk up and start wagging his tail like crazy.

"Okay let's get started" You began setting everything up by placing a picnic blanket over some fallen leaves with the balloons that spelled Prince in the back. Can't forget the most important part which is a cute little birthday hat to place on Prince's head. The rest of the shoot went smoothly, besides the occasional scoffs of Mrs. Waldorf whenever Prince would get distracted by a falling leaf or dragonfly flying by.  You were able to get lots of great shots that satisfied Mrs. Waldorf and by the end of it, three hours had gone by. 

"These pictures came out way better than I would have imagined!" she exclaimed as you were flipping through the pictures on your camera. "Thank you so much! I will edit them and email them to you sometime in the next week." Prince was still running around, even after three hours of being posed he did not have any less bit energy. "Sounds perfect. I'm gonna have to come back to you next year when he turns two!" You both laughed, said your goodbyes, and went your separate ways. 

You decided to take the long way back and hop on a subway to get back home, but first, you wanted to walk around the park for a bit more. Living in a big city felt suffocating sometimes but walking around Central Park was always an escape for you and reminded you back of home. More people started crowding into the park compared to when you first got here. After walking around a bit you started walking out of the park with the goal of finding a coffee shop for your second cup of coffee for the day. After getting your cup of coffee you decided to sit outside and wait around for a while since the sun was now coming out. The warmth of the sun on you during a cold day always makes you feel better. 

As you were sitting all of a sudden two guys wearing sunglasses and hoods over their heads ran quickly from around the corner down the street and into the coffee shop you were sitting outside of. They looked very frantic and in a panic as if they were looking for a place to hide. Seconds later a third man came from around the corner, who was holding a camera and was looking around the street and into windows. He approached you and asked, "Did you see two tall guys walking around here?" You have no idea what is going on or if something illegal had just taken place but you instinctively pointed in the opposite direction of the coffee shop towards a hotel and said you saw two guys running away into there. The guy with the camera held it higher to his face and walked into the hotel with a smile across his face. 

You didn't understand why you felt the need to lie in order to protect the whereabouts of two strangers. But anyway, you continued scrolling through Pinterest on your phone while enjoying your coffee. The hooded strangers cautiously made their way out of the coffee shop and walked very slowly toward your direction. You were close enough to overhear their conversation with one another. 

"You think he's gone?" said the one wearing a gray hoodie. The other wearing a black hoodie responded "I think so... should we still run away?" You couldn't help but giggle at how ridiculous this whole situation was.

"If you both are talking about the guy with a camera he ran into that hotel," you said while pointing in the same direction. Immediately as you spoke both of the boys jumped and awkwardly stood there looking at each other. "Oh, now I feel like an idiot." chuckled the one wearing a black hoodie. They both started taking off their sunglasses and hoods once they realized the coast was clear. The one wearing black appeared to be around 6'3, had light brown hair cut into a mullet, and a strong build. The other wearing gray looked slightly shorter than the other and had gray short hair. Both of them were very attractive, to say the least. 

The one wearing gray made his way closer to you, picked up your hand, and bowed in front of you while kissing the back of your palm. "Thank you gorgeous, it would not have been fun if that guy had taken a picture of us." 

"Are you guys some kind of criminals?" you responded.

"No we're something better," he smirked while still holding your hand. "Okay that's enough Connie, let's get going before Armin murders us." said the guy with the mullet pulling the other away from you. "Hopefully we meet again gorgeous." They both made their way back down to where they came from leaving you alone sitting outside the coffee shop. You were left partially confused but not against whatever the fuck just happened. 

You eventually made your way back to your apartment and decided to watch La La Land and take a nap for the rest of the day once the movie finished. In the time you were sleeping, Historia came back home from work and was excited for tonight. "How is it possible for you to sleep this much?"  Deja vu. Historia once again woke you up for the second time today. You were still bundled up on the couch and started stretching as you were gaining consciousness. "Why don't you ever let me sleep woman?" 

"Because you're coming to that concert to me..." she said in her sweetest voice to make you feel more inclined to go out with her. "You're coming with me, so get your butt up and start getting ready." 

"Do I have to go with you? I can just sleep in for the rest of the night," you said sitting up on the couch with the blanket wrapped over your head. Historia paused from taking her jewelry off and walked from the hallway she was standing in to in front of you. "Yes!! You have to come with me, c'mon it'll be fun. You can even bring your camera, maybe they'll let you backstage to take pictures and I get to meet the band." 

"Hmm, I can use those pictures in my portfolio," you said, finally contemplating getting up and starting to get ready. "Exactly, so you'll come with me?" she responded smiling hoping for the response she wanted. "Fine, I will. But you're taking me out to breakfast tomorrow," you said exaggerating your second sentence. "It's a deal then!" she said and walked with a bounce in her step back towards her room to get ready. You finally got up with the blanket still wrapped around you, made your way down the hallway and stood in the doorway of Historia's room as she was rummaging through her closet for an outfit for tonight. 

"Who is this band anyways, are they famous?" you question. "They're called The Titans and are kind of new so not a lot of people know about them, but they're music is really good. This is actually their first ever real concert so the venue’s not gonna be the biggest so wear something short so you don't get all sweaty." Hisu said while holding different tops up in the air deciding whether or not she was gonna wear them. "So how did you find out about them?" you said while leaning more into the door frame. "I saw a video of their lead guitarist on Instagram and thought she was hot, so I followed them. But turns out their music is actually good and now we're here. Now enough of the questions and go get ready, we're leaving in an hour to make it there by 8." she said finally finding the perfect outfit. "Okay okay I'm going," you said, finally making your way to your room to get ready as quickly as possible. 

You decided to wear a black mini dress, sheer black tights, your Doc Martens again, a leather jacket for when you're outside, as well as your hair down with your favorite rings and necklaces. You decided to grab your black shoulder bag which was big enough to hide your camera inside of it. You walked out of your room to the sight of Historia ready for tonight. "You look so beautiful!" You said making her smile up from her phone doing a twirl while you hyped her up. "How many letters in Historia? ATE." She was wearing a light pink mini skirt and matching top with a long-sleeved lace top with strings that tied in the front. "Look at you! You are literally gorgeous!" she said hyping you up too. But her saying gorgeous immediately reminded you of the two hot strangers you met earlier that day. 

"Okay let's take pictures and shots before we leave because I have no idea if there are drinks where we're going," Historia said while grabbing your hand and walking out of the hallway into the kitchen. You both drank a little and started gathering your things to head out the door. You guys finally made it to the venue after taking the subway.

You both were walking down the street to where the venue was and were in shock from how long the line was outside. There were probably around 400 people waiting to get inside. "I thought you said the band wasn't that well known?" you said to Historia while you both were walking to the very end of the line. "They aren't! But I know they're becoming more popular. I just didn't think that many people would be here."

Eventually, 30 minutes had passed and you hadn't even made it halfway through the line. You both started getting cold from waiting outside for so long. "You think there's another entrance we could maybe sneak into?" you wondered out loud. "Maybe. But there's no way of knowing. You can go check while I wait in line so we don't lose our spot. Just come back if there is another entrance." Hisu said, looking around to see how much further the front entrance was. "Yes, of course, I'll be right back."

You walked around the side of the building and stumbled upon an alleyway that looked very sketchy but promising. Fuck it. You cautiously made your way down the alley. You abruptly heard the sound of dogs barking which made you flinch and question if getting kidnapped was worth all this. You decided it wasn't and planned on turning around to go back to Historia to deliver the bad news. As you were turning the corner out of the alley you bumped into somebody causing you both to jump backwards and scream. Your scream causes the person you bumped into to fall to the ground.

"Get away from me!" you screamed while reaching into your bag looking for pepper spray. "Stop, stop! I'm just trying to get inside. I'm not a serial killer! he shouted, holding his hands up and surrendering. You looked up at him and noticed the shirt he was wearing said "The Titans" which caused you to relax a little bit knowing he was just a fanboy. You still had your guard up but just put your pepper spray away. "Oh my god you scared the shit out of me" you sighed. 

He picked himself off the floor and started readjusting his clothes. "Imagine how I felt you almost pepper sprayed me." The man who stood in front of you had red hair that was cut into the weirdest hairstyle. It looked like he had a donut on his head. "Sorry about that, at least I didn't" you laughed. "I'm here for the concert too. I was just looking for a different way to get in." 

"How did you know I was here for the concert?" he responded with his eyes widening in fear. "Your shirt...?" you said with a questioning tone in your voice. "Oh," he said laughing, holding his hand to his heart. "Yeah I am here for that I was just going in through the back entrance." 

That piqued your interest. "So there is another way to get in?" you smiled hopefully to charm him into showing you the other entrance. "Yeah, there is. Want to just walk in with me?" That was way easier than you thought. "Yeah, sure! Wait, can you wait here while I go grab my friend?" you exclaimed before walking further down the alley. "Go ahead, but come back fast I wanna make it inside already," he said leaning against the wall. "Okay, I will! Don't go anywhere!" you started running back to where Historia is.

"Historia! you stood on your toes looking for blonde hair hoping to find her. After walking down the line twice you felt an arm grab you. "There you are, I've been looking for you everywhere!" you finally found her, well more like she found you. "Were you able to find another way in?" she wondered looking up to you. "Yeah I did come on there's some guy who said he knows another way in," you said grabbing her hand and walking down to where the alleyway is. "Huh?! You're trusting the words of some random guy?" she said in disbelief. "Well, when you say it like that it sounds so bad! He seems trustworthy! Plus he's our only way of getting in faster." you said in defense. "I'm trusting you on this."

As you approached the alley you saw the guy you left behind still leaning up against the wall. "Thanks for waiting up for us," you said, making your way closer with Historia right behind you. "I was worried you guys had split on me." he laughed. "I'm Floch by the way." 

"Nice to meet you." you jokingly curtseyed. "I'm Y/n and this is Historia," you said pointing at her.  "Okay awesome the door is right at the end of the alley and it's normally unlocked," he said while making his way deeper into the alley. You both followed and Historia squeezed your hand a little tighter. "What if he ends up murdering both of us?" she whispered into your ear. "There's no way, he told me he's not a serial killer." you teased her.  

"So..." Historia started to question Floch. "How do you know about this entrance anyway?" He slightly turned his head in your guy's direction but still walked forward. "I go to concerts at this venue a lot so I've learned how to skip the line. I also have been stalking the band for weeks and sent the leader an email about this venue hoping they would eventually book it." he rambled. You and Historia exchanged a knowing look wondering if you should burst out laughing or run like hell in the opposite direction. Luckily Historia was able to hold it together "That sounds nice." she awkwardly laughed. 

"Here we are!" Floch said happily. He reached for the door and was able to open it with ease. "Thank god. I always get so nervous one of these times the door won't open" he sighed in relief. As you all walked in it looked like the door led straight into backstage. There were people wearing all black and mics strapped to them running around everywhere and a group of girls standing in a circle which you assumed were groupies. Floch turned to you and Historia "Okay have fun ladies! Don't snitch about this entrance, please." he begged. "Thanks for letting us in!" you said. "Yeah, thanks! Have fun tonight!" Historia said waving bye to him. He waved bye and made his way to the group of girls and said something that made them all shriek and laugh in excitement. "Looks like he's a groupie too." Historia laughed at the sight in front of you both.

"I'm so happy we made it in! I couldn't have stood out there any longer." Historia said in relief, throwing her head to the side. "This is so much cooler than I thought." You said while looking around at the busy atmosphere that was surrounding you. "The concert starts in 20 minutes, let's go and see if we can get the front row!" Historia said excitedly while grabbing your arm. "I'll meet you there. I wanna see if I can take some pictures backstage," you said, pulling out the camera from your bag. "Oh that's true, I forgot that's why you came. I'll go find us a spot, call me if you need help finding me," she said slowly walking towards where the crowd was. "Okay, I will! See you in a bit." you smiled as she walked off.

You turned on your camera and started taking a few pictures of anything you found interesting. You got pictures of the instruments, people running around, and you even peeked your head where the audience was and got a few pictures of the crowd. You were happy with what you got and started making your way towards where Historia was while looking down at your camera. Since you weren't paying attention to where you were going you ended up bumping into someone. For the second time tonight. It felt like you walked into a wall and fell backwards dropping your camera in the process. 

"Oh my god," you said at the sight of your camera broken on the floor. "I'm so sorry! I had no idea I was gonna walk into you, I wasn't paying attention," said the guy who knocked you down. His voice sounded very familiar. He reached for your arms and pulled you up to your feet in one swift motion. You heard him speaking but his words weren't registering since you couldn't take your eyes off your broken camera. The camera your mom bought you many years ago was one of your most prized possessions, and there it was in multiple pieces lying on the floor. "Wait, aren't you the girl from the coffee shop?" That snapped you back into reality. You looked at the man who you got knocked into and it was the guy with the mullet from earlier that day. "You were the one running away with a hood on," you finally spoke. 

"What are the chances of that happening? Connie is going to be so excited to see you," he said, releasing your arms and standing up straighter. His height was very intimidating. "Connie?" you questioned. "The other guy I was with. Wait, what are you doing here? Did you know who we were when we met at the coffee shop?" he said, questioning you. "What does that even mean?" you laughed. "I'm here with my friend, we're here for the concert. What are you doing here?" you questioned him back. All he did was laugh. "I'm here for the concert too," he said amusingly. You didn't understand what was so funny but you had bigger things to worry about. You looked back at your broken camera and said "You're definitely gonna pay for my new camera." You were being dead serious. "Yes of course! I'm so sorry. I will make it up to you. I'll give you my number and we'll work something out," he said in the most heartfelt voice. Wasting no time you pulled out your phone and unlocked it so the mullet man could put his number in. "My name's Jean if you didn't know," he said in the same tone as before. "How would I have known that?" you said a little harshly. "Oh right." he laughed while giving your phone back. You felt like you were missing the point of something.

"Gorgeous?! I knew we would meet again!" you heard someone yell from behind Jean. It was Connie and he was running in your direction. You saw the silhouette of someone else behind him but were too focused on Connie to see the face of the person behind him. "Here we go again," Jean said while rolling his eyes. Connie shoved Jean out of the way so he could be face-to-face with you and placed your hands in his. "I have missed you so much, never leave again," Connie said while sounding genuinely sad. You couldn't believe how attached he had become after only one encounter with him. "I've missed you too," you couldn't help but laugh and play along with him.

Out of the corner of your eye, you saw the person behind Connie make their way closer to you. You broke eye contact with Connie and looked at them. Your heart dropped.

"Y/n?"

[xxsquiddkiddxx]

hiiii could I request smth w John Bender where he's kinda infamous in the school. Reader and him are maybe assigned on a sculpting project together or something like that, and because of his reputation he expects her to hate him, but she's nothing but nice to him and feels for him because she sees the signs of abuse. One day he seems in an even worse mood than normal and is pretty bruised up (though trying to hide it) and after school when they walk out together she privately broaches the subject, causing him to involuntary have a breakdown/panic attack, which she comforts him through

With some romantic fluff at the end?? Idk ahhhh sorry this is so specific I feel awkward typing this all out 😭 no worries if you can't and have an amazing day/night!

A/N: Wait omg I actually love this???.?? I'll TOTALLY do this!!!!!! Idk how well it'll be cuz I haven't watched Breakfast Club since mid August... but I'll do my best. (Also ty so much for being specific! Helps me out A LOT more!)

Art Class ~ John Bender x !Artist! Reader

Pronouns for Reader: She/Her

Relationship type: Platonic to romantic

Genreal Idea: (Y/N) and John are working on an art project together, and things seem to be going smoothly. A friendship even seems to be blooming. However, one day something seems... off. And (Y/N) seems determined to figure it out.

Content Warnings: John might be out of character, accurate PTSD representation from someone with PTSD, abuse mentioned (but not seen in action), swearing. It's a fic that takes place in the 80s. What do you expect???

(No particular POV)

☆Day 1: Assignment☆

John wasn't exactly the best at art. Shop? He pretty much had that class DOWN. Art? Not so much. So he decided to bite the bullet and just get the class over with. It was only a half-year class anyway. And he needed it to graduate. And in his mind, if he could graduate... he could get the FUCK out of that house. It was a win for him.

He took his spot in the back of the classroom, sunglasses on his face, and leaned back slightly in his chair. He found himself zoning out, wrapping himself around his own head. The thing that pulls him out of his thoughts is the sound of someone clearing their throat. He lifts his sunglasses up slightly on one side, just enough to see who it was. It was a girl with (H/C) hair and (E/C) eyes. Someone he INSTANTLY recognized as (Y/N) (L/N)

He didn't know the girl personally. He just knew OF her, if that makes any sense. He had another class with her, but he couldn't tell you what class it was. His school schedule mostly just blurred together if he was being honest. But every time he'd stolen a quick glance at her or whenever she was just simply in his line of vision, she always had her nose in either a book or a sketchbook. No in between. Occasionally, she was seen doing homework, but the rest of the time, it was drawing or reading.

"Can I help you?" He asks, a little snappier than he'd intended. Before he had a chance to mutter a quick apology and try again, she speaks.

"We were assigned to do the sculpting project together?" She says, unfazed by the snappy tone. It was the first time she'd ever spoken. Or... at least the first time John had ever heard her speak. Not nessicarily what he expected, but- God that sounds so fucking weird.

"Oh," He says, feeling kinda stupid. She just sits down, setting her bag down beside her, fishing around for what he assumed was her sketchbook. He decides to speak again, hopefully making some form of small talk to make up for the snappiness of before. "(Y/N), right?" He found himself bewildered at his own behavior. He normally never found himself feeling bad about his attitude or behavior. And here he was, feeling like a douche for slightly snapping at her.

"Yes," She says. "You perfer John or Bender?" She asks, grabbing a pencil and sliding it over to him, John stopped it with his forefinger. "I hear people call you both."

"I don't care." He says simply, watching her grab her sketchbook.

"Alright, John, it is." She says. "So, were you paying attention to the teacher, or do you have any idea what we're doing for the next..." She thinks for a moment, tapping her pencil eraser to the paper. "Week or so?" John's silence speaks more than if he'd simply said that he didn't. "We're doing a sculpting project." She says.

"Ah, I see." He says, twirling the pencil in his fingers.

"So I was thinking we could possibly get a rough idea before we actually dive in, yeah?" She says, flipping through her sketchbook. John gets some glimpses of her art, mesmerized by her work. She flips to the next blank page, writing at the top "PROJECT IDEAS".

The two plan, and by the two, (Y/N) mostly talked, and John just kinda nodded and went along with it.

At the end of class, (Y/N) gave John her phone number so they could stay in contact about the project. And the two went their separate ways for the day.

☆Day 3: Even More Sketching, Some Potential Friendship Forming☆

"How the hell do you understand this?" John asks, cracking his knuckles. "I barely understand 90% of this class." The girl in front of him simply chuckles.

"I've done this for a LONG while, John." She says. Most people just called him Bender, so hearing her call him John made him feel... nice? He didn't know, feelings are weird, and that wasn't a rabbit hole he really wanted to go down today.

"I've noticed." John says as the two work. "I hardly ever see you without that little sketchbook of yours." The two continue to work before John breaks the silence between the two.

"Ya know... I don't actually hate this." He says quietly, mostly to himself. (Y/N) hums in response.

"You say sumthin?" She asks, looking up at him. John feels heat rise to his face as he clears his throat, making up something on the spot.

"I-I said that I'm surprised you don't hate me." He says smoothly, covering up his little embarrassing moment.

"Why would I do that?" She asks, her eyes going back down to the large(ish) lump of clay infront of her as she rolls up her sleeves. The two converse back and forth while they do their project.

"Hey, so I was thinking." (Y/N) says before class ends. "Since we are a tad behind, we could possibly stay after school one of these days to get some extra work in."

"That works for me." John says, hand in his pocket. "When were you thinking?"

"Would you be able to do Thursday?" She asks. John thinks for a moment.

"Yeah, I can do that." John says.

"Sweet." She says as the bell rings. She puts the stuff they were using away and grabs her bag. "See ya."

John, left slightly speechless and red faced, blinks a few times before mumbling a "Yeah, see ya."

☆~☆

John was practically counting down the hours until he'd be able to work with (Y/N) after school. The fact that he was counting the hours down both disgusted and fascinated him. It was an odd combo that he really wasn't familiar with, nor had a desire to be familiar with.

(Y/N) had been nothing but the kindest soul to him. Did it make sense to him? No. Was he gonna ruin it by saying something? ... Also no.

☆Day 6: After School Work and a Walk Home☆

(Y/N) instantly knew something was up the second she set her stuff down. The air felt thicker around John, who was clearly pissed. The two didn't really talk, as (Y/N) detected he wasn't really in that mood. However, this didn't stop her from sliding a little slip of paper towards him.

John unfurled it: "You good? You seem a lot more angry than norma." John bit a small corner of his mouth until he could taste his own blood before responding verbally.

"It's not any of your business." He responds. The girl simply sighs softly, the two going back to the project. A few bruises poke out from under John's jacket sleeve, and (Y/N)'s heart instantly aches. She knew EXACTLY what was going on.

At the end of class, (Y/N) puts stuff away before asking John: "You still down to stay after?" She asks, her voice a bit softer than normal. John simply mumbles a "Yeah, whatever" and is out of the door.

☆~☆

(Y/N) sat on a desk as she ate a granola bar, waiting for John. Sure enough, there he was. He tossed his stuff at his normal desk, not really caring if anything was damaged.

"Ya know, we can reschedule if you're not doing the best." She says, doing her best not to sound rude or condescending.

"I'm fine, (Y/N)!" John says, slightly snappier than normal. "God, will you get off my back, please?" (Y/N), taken slightly aback, simply nods her head and the two get to work.

☆~☆

The two walk out of the school in silence. John feels like an absolute dick. He shouldn't have snapped at (Y/N). He's mad at his dad, not her. He can't bring himself to apologize though.

For once, it's (Y/N) who breaks the dense silence. "John, you don't have-"

"For fucks sake, I'm FINE, woman!" He snaps, turning to her. "God take the fucking hint?! Try that!" (Y/N) blinks a few times. She takes a lot, but that wasn't something she was gonna take. Regardless of what he was currently going through.

"Listen, John. I get you're in a bad mood. And you don't have to tell me why." She says. "But it's obvious you're not-"

"I'M FINE, (Y/N)!" He says, his voice shaking with unnessicary rage. "I'm fine! Fucking PERFECT even!" His hands shake with the rage. "So PLEASE! For FUCKING FUCKS SAKE! Get OFF of my ass about this 'You're not fine' shit. I'm PERFECTLY FINE!"

"Oh, clearly." (Y/N) says, hands on her hips. "Because someone who's fine acts like this."

"Oh my fucking god." John groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Are you ACTUALLY braindead? Did you NOT hear me?"

"John," The girl says, trying to be as calm as she can. "I can literally SEE the brusies-"

"Oh my god, you fucking win! You fucking win." He says, practically whirling his jacket to the earth, revealing a shit ton of bruises and marks both old and new. "There, my old man whipped me to shit last night cuz I forgot to do something exactly to his liking. SATISFIED?!?" The rage in John's voice scares both (Y/N) and himself... but mostly himself.

The look that (Y/N) has on her face brings him damn near to tears. It's a look not of disgust or fake sympathy. But of actual concern, maybe even actual care. He's trying to look everywhere, BUT her face.

"John..." She whispers softly, her fingers moving to his arm, but instantly drawing back. John sighs, extending his arm out to her. Her soft fingers trace each mark softly, almost a feather light touch. "You don't deserve this."

"Well clearly, I did." He mumbles, turning his head to the side. (Y/N) drags her finger down his arm softly to his hand, where she squeezes gently.

"No, you don't." She says, looking him in the eyes. "John, I may not have known you for a super long time. But I know for a FACT that you're a good person under the tough guy exterior." John stays quiet, his eyes not leaving the girl in front of him. "You DON'T deserve this." She gestures to every mark that she could see and the ones she probably couldn't see. "And I'll be DAMNED if I listen to you act like you don't deserve the dirt under my shoes." Her other hand moves to his shoulder, squeezing it comfortingly. "Last time I checked, no human being deserves this. And if you need ANYBODY, SOMEWHERE to get away for a bit, my door's WIDE open, just call me, talk to me, hell even send me a letter. I don't care. But I'm here-"

"(Y/N)..." He says softly, his fingers wrapping around the hand (Y/N) had hers in. "Thank you. I appreciate it."

"Of course, John." She says softly, going up on her tiptoes to lightly brush her lips to his cheek. "Contrary to belief, I do have a-"

"You missed." He says.

"I-I'm sorry?" She asks. John simply chuckles before pressing his lips against her own.

A/N: There we are! Hopefully, I did the idea justice. I loved it sm. I'm not nessicarily good at romantic fluff (I don't tend to experience romantic fluff often if ever XD) so hopefully I did it alright. I feel like I put a bit too much of myself into John during his little meltdown, as that's how I was during my first PTSD episode. I APOLOGISE FOR HOW LONG THIS TOOK FOR ME TO GET OUT THO 😭😭😭😭

[mrschwartz]

i'm gonna give you guys the story of my life these past couple of months and i need your advice

from the beginning of 2022 to the end of 2023 i worked in a bilingual kindergarten, let's call this school ABC, as a teacher's assistent and i loved it. it was close to my house and i loved the kids and my co-workers SO much, but the pay was an absolute joke and i worked 10 hours a day which made me miserable. (one detail from this school: they changed management in mid-2023 and the new bosses were super conservative and everyone hated their guts; a lot of people were fired or quit, including a coordinator's assistant, let's call her pam, and a teacher, let's call her beth, who went to work together in another school. let's call this school DEF. pam became a coordinator there and beth stayed a teacher)

then i quit bc i needed time to finish my graduation paper and i wanted something a little better salary-wise and with less working hours. my friend from college, let's call her mary, used to work at a school (let's call this school GHI) and they went looking for her for a teaching job, but she couldn't make it work with her schedule, so she recommended me. this was mid-december of last year. i did a cover letter, went through 3 interviews, the whole shabang. they made it seem like the job was mine so i held off sending more cvs around

okay all right. new years arrive. i still don't hear anything from them so i reach out and turns out they had chosen somebody else and didn't even bother letting me know 🤡 so i had just graduated and was unemployed, completely miserable. i started sending my resumé to some schools not hearing back from any, until beth (remember? from up there) sends me a message telling me her school, DEF, needs a teacher. i say i'm interested and pam, who already knew me from ABC, basically instantly hires me

i've been there for almost a month now, and it's been cute. my comute is 1 hour but easy and pleasant and my shift is 4,5 hours which is a blessing and fair i think for my salary being basically the same as it was on ABC. i have only 2 students and they're sweet and i'm working with my friends who i already know

when. a few days ago GHI contacts me to let me know they're interested in me for the position i had not gotten before. and i. want to die now knowing what to do. the salary is Great but GHI is a little farther away than DEF (1h20min comute, which includes bus, which i hate) and i'd have more students (more responsibility) PLUS+++ i'd have to quit DEF, where i've only been for less than a month, and i'd have to do it to my friend pam, who was relying on me for this entire year, let alone leave my students behind

i'm quaking and crying like what do i dooo

[weeb-polls-with-pip]

Autistic Anime Girls Group 3 Round 3 Match 6

SUBMISSION PROPAGANDA:

Yor -

"She has to wear Her Outfit and have Her Weapons to get into assassin-mode! if "I can't do my job unless I'm wearing my special Job Clothes" isn't some AuDHD rep idk what is."

Mai -

"I decided to read the wikipedia for Mai and it describes her as "very observant and aware, often noticing subtle details that others would easily miss", which I'd say is a great way to start off this propaganda piece.

She is a perfectionist with her art in a way that ends up with her not going with the intended solution to an assignment. Specifically I am thinking about an episode in which she was scouted for an art competition, the main goal of which was to draw a spring scenery, "something that makes you think of spring" to be exact. While the episode does have the explanation on how she ended up with doing a portrait rather than the scenery, her arriving from point A to point B is something that is unusual for the outsiders - in the episode she loses the contest, despite having made the best artwork by technical standards, simply because she didn't fulfill the topic criteria.

She's against breaking the rules, in the Splash Star movie she gets mad at Saki (her girlf- I mean, best friend) for being very, very late and then taking a shortcut through the river instead the intended path. They had their biggest falling out over those things combined (well, that and a few others, but those were a direct results of Saki not abiding by the planned schedule, which was the biggest problem Mai had with her).

Also her family is so autistic as well. All of them have their special interests that most of their life revolves around. Both of her parents are profs at a University in their special interests as well. Literally the only thing we see from her parents is them being into archeology (her mother) and astrology (her father). Their house has at least two telescopes, for god's sake. Her brother is literally so autistic as well, he also struggles with social connections w/ his classmates. He's been drinking milk since he was little, because he wants to be an astronaut so bad, the only thing he ever talks about is the space.

I also just now remembered of that one moment where Saki lost a baseball game, the last one of their season, that she really wanted to win for her upperclassman, who was going to graduate this year. After the game, they end up alone and Saki starts to cry to which Mai smiles (inappropriate reaction to the situation), she also doesn't try to comfort her any further, letting her cry herself out. I'm not saying it's bad, I'm saying that sure isn't allistic."

[apomaro-mellow]

Dimension Hopping 4

Steve's routine was this: get up, get some coffee, go to work, sit at a desk for 8 hours, go home, go to sleep, repeat. On occasion, he got breaks, like checking the mail. And sometimes there was even something interesting there. But not even a wedding invitation from an old ex-girlfriend was going to change his schedule.

He didn't even know why Nancy wanted him to come? Was it guilt? Well, after all these years, Steve didn't need pity. He wasn't going to wallow while everyone else gave the new couple their well wishes. He was simply having a drink, in his house, alone, while looking at old photo albums, definitely not wallowing. He spent probably longer than normal looking at a photo of the old gang. Nancy and Jonathan, the high school sweethearts soon to be newly weds, looking in love even back then.

His best friend Robin, who finally had to part ways after working together for years when she got a great job offer in California. That was what kicked Steve in the pants to get out of Indiana and move to New York. And Eddie, who surprised them all by actually graduating and leaving town to make music. Last Steve had heard, he was in the news for setting a stadium on fire. Robin was the only one he regularly kept up with, the others falling by the wayside. Who knew if someone like Eddie would even answer his calls.

He was a few fingers into some whiskey when the phone started to ring. Looking at the clock, it was definitely late for any sort of calls. Steve finished his drink and went to bed, letting it ring.

When he got up, he checked it and Eddie's voice sounded on the other end.

"Hey, Harrington! Long time no see! I got Big Wheel's wedding invite and figured we could show up together! Call me back!"

It was so out of the blue that Steve had to replay it again just to make sure he heard it right. And sure enough, playing it three times didn't change the message. Unsure of how to respond, he decided to just leave it for now. In the years apart, he forgot that one of Eddie's biggest traits was his persistence. He was getting calls every single day, asking him to make the trip together.

Honestly, Steve didn't know why he was ignoring him. He could've said that he was completely uninterested in going, but for some reason he couldn't bring himself to do it. One of Eddie's other significant traits, was his spontaneity.

Which explained why he showed up to Steve's office out of the blue Monday morning.

He looked like he stepped right off stage, jeans ripped to shreds, tank top showing off the tattoos up and down his arms, sunglasses indoors, wavy hair sticking out like he just finished head banging. He looked just as exuberant as he did on Graduation Day.

"You are a hard man to get a hold of, Harrington", he said, taking off the sunglasses, ignoring the confused looks of the other office workers.

"What are you doing here?", Steve hurriedly pulled him into his office and shut the door.

"Uh, wedding? This Saturday? The Big Wheel and Jon-Jon? Or should I start call her Mrs. Byers now?"

"Eddie, I'm not going", Steve said.

"That's funny, I don't remember giving you an option."

"I can't go. I didn't put in a vacation request and I don't have a good suit ready, and it's just weird. It's Nancy, man. You know how things ended with us."

Eddie nodded, almost sagely. "That's why we're going to stop the wedding."

"Yeah. You are going to burst through those chapel doors and say 'I object!'", Eddie pointed a finger to the ceiling. "And Nancy will run into your arms. It'll be like the ending of the Graduate."

Steve raised a brow. "I think you forgot how the rest of that movie goes."

"Regardless, I'm not letting you get out of this. So let's go. C'mon boy! You wanna go out? You want outside?", Eddie patted his legs like he was talking to a dog.

Steve rolled his eyes, grinning despite himself. "Alright, I'll go. But why did you come now? We have a whole week before we need to hop on a plane."

"No can do, Steve-o. I'm on the no-fly list."

Steve froze. "Then how are we getting to Indiana?"

Eddie's answer came in the form of introducing Steve to his tour bus.

"You're driving this thing?"

"Yep. And don't worry about the tux. I got one for us both." Eddie opened up the doors and walked in.

"What about the rest of my clothes? It's gonna take us a week at least to get back to Hawkins."

"You can wear some of my stuff", Eddie said, shutting the door behind Steve and starting up the bus.

Steve picked up a stray article of clothing, so shredded it looked like a dog had gotten to it. "I think I'll passSHit!" He stumbled and fell into a table as the bus took off.

"And awaaaay we go!", Eddie exclaimed.

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

Perhaps, belatedly, Steve phoned into work, telling them he was taking his personal and vacation days now. That should cover him until next Monday. Eddie had already gassed up and the bus was stocked with snacks, so he was taking them out of the city no problem. Well, as little of a problem as it could be with a vehicle this huge.

Steve went to the back to find something to change into, thankfully finding a t-shirt and some jeans that were only ripped in the thigh.

"These can't be yours, you still got the legs of a french fry", he said as he pulled them on and zipped them up.

"Some of the other guys have been in this bus too ya know", Eddie said, checking him out from the rearview mirror. He focused a little too much on Steve's ass and had to swerve to avoid a minivan.

Steve fell into the fridge. "Have you driven this thing before?"

"Ehhhh like once or twice when our driver got twisted with us at a party. But I'm no stranger to big vehicles. You know that."

"A van's a lot different than a bus." Steve ran a hand through his hair and sat down behind the driver's seat. "I'm not going to break up Nancy's wedding. She doesn't deserve that. And neither does Jonathan."

"Then why weren't you planning to go and celebrate with them?", Eddie asked.

"...Because it's...it's complicated, you know that."

"I know you and Nancy broke up and less than a week later she was dating Jonathan. And I know it wasn't easy on you, even though it acted like it was no big deal."

"Yeah, well, that's life."

"Doesn't mean it's fair."

"Alright, please tell me your tour bed is clean."

"Gonna me my groupie tonight, Stevie? Ow!", he shouted when Steve flicked him.

"I'm taking a nap. Wake me when you get tired so we can trade off."

Hours later, when the sun had set, Eddie did wake him up, but not to trade places.

"I found this awesome diner, you've gotta come and see!"

"How long have I been out?"

"I figured if we're here, we gotta see if it's the real deal, ya know? KFC acts like they're the authority on chicken in this state but you always need to see for yourself."

Steve was instantly awake, something like dread building up in him as he grabbed Eddie's shirt collar. "Eddie...what state are we in?"

"Kentucky, duh."

"....Why are we in Kentucky?" It had been some time since he looked at a map but New York to Indiana was pretty much a straight shot east. The detour south made no sense.

"You're asking the wrong question. What you should be asking is, is the Colonel lobbying to keep down other chicken restaurants."

Damn Steve's traitorous stomach, growling when Eddie mentioned chicken again. So they ate, in a random Kentucky chicken place that had nothing to do with KFC.

"Verdict?", Steve asked after the meal.

"I think the Colonel's afraid of war", Eddie said, all seriousness.

"No more detour's, okay?"

"Stevie, baby, angel, darling-"

"You remember I'm not a groupie, right?"

"You're in my tour bus, wearing my clothes, you've already slept in my bed."

"All of that is circumstantial. What isn't is the fact that you're obviously trying to prolong this trip and I don't know why."

Eddie wiped the grease off his mouth and hands. "I think you could use the break. When was the last time you got out of the city?"

Steve had no answer. And Eddie knew it.

And so the next day they found themselves at the World's Biggest Rubberband Ball.

"Actually, it's just A rubber band ball", Eddie clarified when Steve complained about the size. It was about the size of a watermelon.

"Well what's the point if it's not huge?"

"The point is, it was on the way to Dollywood, which is the whole reason we're in Tennessee."

Steve crossed his arms. "Really? I thought it was so you could make a 'ten I see' joke."

"The thought crossed my mind", Eddie grinned. "But you're an eleven, baby."

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

Steve was honestly surprised that Eddie didn't get stopped more, but somehow wearing sunglasses and a hat worked. He totally blew his cover in a Missouri diner though, just because he couldn't resist the siren call of the jukebox.

Eddie was halfway through some flapjacks while Steve had gotten steak and eggs when a certain song came on. Steve's head hung as he remembered with perfect clarity the night he heard this song. At Robin's graduation party, her parents had turned in and the rest of them had turned up. And somehow he, Eddie, and Robin, got through a drunken rendition of I Like It by DeBarge.

Thank god Jonathan also had been too drunk to record it. But apparently Eddie remembered it well because he got to his feet and started to sing like he was serenading the whole diner.

"🎵My every thought it you, the things you dOoOoOo, seem so satisfying to me, I must confess it girl~"

He had a syrup bottle in his hand as he pointed to some random woman who was somehow charmed. Someone definitely had their phone out and Steve was sure they knew who Eddie was. He had little time to think about Eddie's socials blowing up when the man turned toward him.

"🎵I like the way you comb your hair. And I like those stylish clothes you wear..."

Even though it was a performance in front of strangers, it all felt very pointed, much more than it had ten years ago. Eddie grabbed Steve's hand like he meant for him to stand but Steve shook his head. Eddie acquiesced and released him, continuing to sing and groove to the other patrons.

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

Steve got his chance to reply to Eddie's call to sing the next night when they decided to have dinner at the bar across the street from the RV park. It just so happened to be karaoke night and Eddie loved performing for a crowd, even if the chance of anyone knowing him was small. A couple of people asked for selfies after he did a much harder rendition of 25 or 6 to 4.

He clearly didn't expect Steve to go up, looking like he was ready to call it a night just as Steve stood and went to the stage. He looked Eddie in the eye as the first beats of Whitney Houston's I'm Your Baby Tonight started to play.

The days they had spent traveling had old feelings bubbling up. Things Steve had tried his best to forget because he could never act on them. But maybe things could be better the second time around.

"🎵Whatever you want from me, I'm giving you everything. I'm your baby tonight. You're giving me ecstasy, you are my fantasy. I'm your baby tonight."

Eddie watched Steve like he had the answers of the universe. When the song ended and Steve stepped off the stage, Eddie grabbed him and pulled him outside. He pushed him against the wall of the bar and kissed him breathless.

"You're my baby", Eddie confirmed when he truly was out of breath.

"I'm yours. Your baby", Steve whined as he chased his lips.

"Do you-", Eddie panted against his mouth. "Do you remember?"

"I remember I could've been doing this for years. Why does this keep happening? Why are we forgetting now?" Steve paused as the rest of the memories caught up with him.

"I don't know...it's like we have whole lives here, but now I remember the other ones too", Eddie said. "How many times have we fallen in love?"

"At least three times", Steve smiled, arms looped loose around Eddie's neck.

"Sooo, feeling better about this wedding?"

"Yeah, especially since I have a date", Steve teased.

Part 6

Tag Team

@goodolefashionedloverboi @xjessicafaithx @newtstabber

[atinysunbaby]

Eternal sunshine 》 Kim Hongjoong

Pt.1

Ateez fever masterlist

Pairing : Hongjoong x Fem reader

Genre : Fluff

Warnings : Slight mention of child mistreatment, cursing

Summary : Born to lead people, from the moment he met the seven disturbed young man, he never let them down. The one they rely on the most, Hongjoong pushes his own feelings and problems aside. He's busy, has so much to take care of that he often is in a rush. Is saving up some money to go to college, he wants to study fashion. Babysits in his free time and even teaches himself about music composition. Can't remember what it feels like to be taken care of, to let his guard down, until he meets you, the pretty girl that caught his eye.

Words count : 3.8k

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You just finished making a post on your social medias about needing a babysitter for your little brother, you're in serious need of someone to watch him while you work and there's none of your relatives or friends, no one you possibly know that can.

He was young enough to go to nursery school last year and it was really close to your workplace, so there was no problem with your schedule and having him taken care of at all times, but this year he's starting kidergarten and your hours at work changed. The elementry school he'll go to is quite far and it finishes early, he'd get home an hour and a half before you.

His sitter would need to get him from school and walk him home, stay for an hour or two depending if your work a bit later then planned. At first you were against the idea, but after finding no other solution, you gave in.

You don't want just anyone doing it either, you'll interview them and make sure they are trusty enough and mature. You're even ready to have them go through a trial first, you'll evaluate their competence while they interact with him and you'll ask for your brother's aproval as well, wanting to make sure he's comfortable with the person before hiring them. It'll take as long as it needs to find the right person, you want the best for Kyong.

You became his legal guardian as soon as you could, getting a job before graduating and saving up some money, looking for a place to live and filling paperwork in advance, just so when you turned eighteen you could immediately leave. You went to court and with the proves they had against your mother and seeing how determined to take care of him you were, they officially declared you his legal guardian.

Your mom didn't care, she didn't even fight for her rights, not that it would've changed anything, but it just showed how much she didn't deserve to keep her kid. Growing up, you didn't have the love of your parents, they never showed you any sign of affection, gave you what you needed to survive and told you to not complain and you never did. You were happy enough to be able to go to school and escape the reality of what went inside your home.

Your dad left your mom after she cheated on him, he didn't want to take care of you on his own so your mom was left with you, but she didn't want to keep you either. You were only seven when it all happened, you watched and heard them scream at each other, insults that you shouldn't have known the meaning of at that age and a situation no good parents should put their kids through.

You had to learn with time, that locking yourself into your room and muffling the noises with your pillow was the best option. One night you came home from a friends house to find them arguing again, but it was the last time. Your dad already had packed all his belongings in his car and was announcing to your mom that he was leaving her, because he found out she slept with his cousin.

She kept denying it over and over again, until the realisation hit her, that he wouldn't come back and it was really happening. At that moment, it's like something went off into her brain and she lost it. She started throwing any object in sight at him and even going as far as running outside and hitting your dad's windshield with an outdoor light that was placed in the dirt.

All the yelling allerted some neighbors and they called the cops. It resulted in them going back the exact way they came from, after your mother told them it was a misunderstanding. She made them come inside the house, showed them everything was fine. Luckily for her, she finished cleaning up the mess before they arrived, with your help.

They also questionned you, only getting lies in return. Obviously you had been threatened to be punished if you said a word, but you were too shocked and scared anyways, too young. It made you shut up.

-

"Kyongie! Are you ready yet? I told Seojin's mom you'll be there at 7!" You wait for the small boy to finish getting ready after he confirmed he could do it on his own, he's confident in being 'big enough to not need your help all the time now', it's what he said, but it's taking longer then expected. You'll wait for him though, leaving him the chance to try, unless he changes his mind.

You're lucky to have him, he has been your only source of hope since he came in your life. It's like he appeared right when you needed it the most, when you were about to give up. He's your little angel, you'd give up everything just for him.

"I'm ready!!" The sound of small feet hitting the floor coming closer makes you break into a smile. Kyong proudly shows off the outfit he picked himself and put on without any help. It isn't matching quite perfectly, but for his age it isn't bad at all. You gasp exaggeratedly, praising him while clapping your hands. "Wow you're such a big boy now, look at you!"

You ruffle his hair tell him to put on his shoes before leaving, watching him with adoration. That little boy deserves the world, you wish you could give him so much more. "Let's go mama!"

He started calling you that a long time ago and you're actually glad he does. You told him that he isn't yours because he was too young to remember his real mom, but after a while the nickname just stuck with him. He had to know, there was no way you'd pretend to be and then announce that you weren't when he was older.

Your heart clenches sometimes when he asks about her, wondering if she loved him or if he could see her one day. You made it clear that it was impossible for him to meet her for now, but maybe in the future. You'd need to contact her first and require for her to be sober, you would have to be strict and not accept her bullshit.

Taking the small child's hand, you open the door and close it behind you, locking it before making your way to the car. He has a bright expression on his face, happily hopping next to you and you chuckle breathily seeing him so positive. "You are my sunshine~ My only sunshine! You make me happy~"

He sings next to you and you quickly join him. It's the song you started to sing to him shortly after his birth, it reflects your thoughts a bit and everytime he cried or he was angry, it always soothed him. You unlock the car and make him hop in, buckling him up before going to sit in the driver's seat. "Let's go sweet boy~"

》》

After having dropped off Kyong at Seojin's house, your friends called you to join them at the coffee shop near your location so you agreed to it, but only for a short time. You need to get to work in about forty-five minutes, a eight hours long day ahead of you and you're already looking forward for it to be over. You finish at 4 pm, then it'll be the time to go get your brother from at his friend's.

Seojin's mother was more than kind enough, agreeing to watch him for a few days until you find someone else. You were so grateful that you almost cried, you're really anxious about everything. Your situation isn't the best, but luckily a lot of people help you and you know you aren't alone.

"Well hello there gorgeous~" Sana calls you loudly the exact moment you enter the small shop making some head turn, you avoid people's stare while walking to their table, feeling a bit embarrassed. "You guys are so embarrassing I swear!"

"You're just too reserved, the world needs to know how wonderful you are babe." Dahyun says before squishing your cheeks and making your lips pucker, she coos at you. "Aww you're so cute I could kiss you!"

"Yeah you know what? I'd prefer if you didn't." You tell her after successfully swating her hand away, playfully winking at her. You sit next to Mina, she's on the side of the window so you're next to the aisle way and the two others are sitting in the opposite seats. A conversation is initiated by one of the girls and you join in when there is something to add.

You don't say much for about twenty minutes, listening more than anything else, that's what you prefer to do anyways. While the girls are busy talking, they don't notice the boy entering the place in a rush, sweaty and looking like he's about to pass out from stress. No one seems to pay him any mind, but you personally can't take your eyes away from his interesting and beautiful features.

Even with his hair all messy, bags under his eyes, he looks breathtaking. You pretend to be still interested in the conversation, laughing at some of the things they say and speaking when they ask a question, but you subtly glance from time to time at the table next to yours.

The stranger takes his laptop out of his bag, struggling with how much in a hurry he is and when it's placed safely on top of the table, he quickly turns it on. A server comes to take his order and he asks for a large cup of coffee, which is a wise choice in your opinion from the look of exhaustion plastered on his face.

"Y/N! Hey! You were out of it for a second, you good?" Sana waves her hand in front of your eyes, bringing your focus back to them. You nod your head, clearing your throat before answering. "Yes I'm fine sorry, I was just thinking of what to make for dinner, Kyong didn't give me any suggestion today."

They smile at you, wearing a weird expression on their face and you furrow your brows in confusion, waiting for them to explain. You signal for one of the girls to start speaking when they only silently watch you and finally Mina opens her mouth. "It's sweet that you care so much about your little brother and all but I think you'll be late if you don't leave now."

"Oh shit-" You say your goodbyes in a flash and scurry out of the door, doing your best to avoid running into the few people who are coming inside. While on your race against time, a few curses are thrown your way and they go right past your ears. You much prefer to ignore being insulted for something you have no control over, instead focusing on getting at your job in time and not be fired.

You parked your car a bit further away from the shop since the ones closer were all taken, so you're losing more time by having to cross the streets. Cars are passing and people crowding the sidewalk, preventing you to reach your transport for longer than you would've hoped.

》

"30 seconds late and I get scolded! Seriously, I know it's my fault, but still!" You whisper yell to your coworker with a frown on your face the moment your boss is back in her office, a pout threatening to take over your features. Felix mercilessly laugh at your misfortune and you somehow don't feel so sad anymore, annoyance replacing it instead. "Why are you so mean Lix?"

"Because I can." He doesn't even glance at you once, seeming too entertained by the food in front of him and you huff in displeasure, hating it the most when people ignore you. After the failed attempt to get through the cold hearted boy, you put all of your efforts into your tasks. The whole day, all you did was cook and get yelled at by the chef to hurry up with the orders. You took your lunch break of course, but it's as if you didn't.

Almost every day you're standing and moving around like crazy, it basically replaces doing cardio. When you're done, just like always, you can't wait to get home and take a nice lukewarm shower. As disgusting as it sounds, there is a layer of sweat and grease covering your skin, working in a place where the ovens and hot plates are diffusing unbearable warmth, it's impossible to avoid.

"Bye Felix! See you tomorrow~" Knowing he hates showing affection to anyone other than his friends, you enjoy teasing him as much as he likes making you feel like shit. You watch as he glares at you with a smirk on your face, subtly showing him your middle finger so no one else in the restaurant sees and he mouths 'fuck you'. It's barely noticeable, but you manage to catch it, it is followed by a scoff and a smile appearing at the corner of his lips.

While leaving, with one last glance behind you, you can only see that Felix covered up his smile with a stone-faced expression. It results in you rolling your eyes in despair, wondering if it's even worth all of your efforts and time. Shit it was so close this time! He's one hard headed motherfucker.

》

You drive to the supermarket before going to get Kyong, you only need to buy a few items for tonight's dinner and still have some time left till 4h30. You had the whole day to think about which meal you could possibly cook and the best idea that for sure will be loved by your little boy, is lasagna.

The store's pretty empty, aside from the few people working and the very rare customers. The big vacant space and the quiet surroundings are something you didn't know you needed after a long agitated day at work.

Humming to yourself, controling the cart in front of you faster than you though, it results in a pretty violent crash into someone. You hear the yelp that comes out of his mouth before his body collapse to the floor by the force. Immediately, you gasp in shock and apologize endlessly. "Oh fuc- I'm so sorry, are you ok?"

"Yeah- I'm good.. I think." He sighs as you help him up, the bottle of alcohol that was once safe in his hands, now broken, spilling the liquid all over the surface under him and his clothes. "Shit! I'll pay for that, it was totally my fault. Are you sure you're alright, I swear I didn't see you! I'm so-"

"Hey~ Hey~ I'm fine, It's all good. It was an accident, what about you? Are you good?" You blink, eyes fixed on him, you remain speechless. The same guy from the coffee shop! And he's worrying about you when you literally rammed the damn cart into him and almost sent him to his grave? "I- Ehh yeah, of course I'm ok!"

You nod dumbly and he smiles at the expression on your face. "It almost looks like you were the one who was hit, you can breathe you know. I promise I won't have any sequel from this, is that making you feel any better~"

He playfully says and you laugh in relief, for a second you had though a man was going to be sent to the hospital because of you. "Y-yeah sorry, is there any way I can make it up to you?"

"No that's not necessary, you don't owe me anything. Things like this happens, I know it wasn't your fault." His smile almost blinds you, it's only subtle on his pretty rosy lips, but it's enough to have your heart skip a beat. "Well then at least let me repay you for the broken bottle please, or It'll stay stuck in my mind."

"Well maybe I would prefer if you wouldn't forget this moment, I know I won't." With that, the beautiful stranger diseapears from your sight, but not without sending a last sweet grin your way.

You stay unmoving for the next minute, breathless from the weirdest but also most interesting encounter you've had in a while, especially with the most beautiful human being you've ever seen. Shit you didn't ask for his name.

"Excuse me, could you move back just a litlle bit?" One of the store's employees arriving with a mop and some other cleaning supplies, says. Apparently, you didn't realise you were so close to the spilt drink and have been here for longer than you thought, because the boy you bumped into, already had the time to warn someone of the small accident. "Yes of course, sorry!"

You make your way to the checkout after finding everything you need, not forgetting to add cotton candy ice cream for dessert in your cart, it's yours and your brother's favorite flavor. It's like a ritual that you two have, to eat it once every week while watching a movie before tucking him into bed.

"Thank you, have a nice evening!" You receive a cheerful reply by the cashier and then you're out of there. The paper bag is in one of your arms and with the other you struggle a bit to get your car keys out of your bag, but still can't find them. Cheking the time on your phone, it pushes you to search more frantically and with more efforts you manage to feel the cold metal on the tip of your fingers and tug the set of keys out. "Fucking finally!"

》

"I apologize for not being on time, a small incident happened at the store. I promise it won't happen again!" Seorin reassuringly laughs at your panicked state, waving her hands in front of your agitated ones to get you to keep them still. Once your wrists are secure in between her soft motherly fingers, she smiles in hopes of soothing you, speaking with an appeasing tone of voice like a woman would do to her child. "Shh~ shh~ It's fine sweetheart, don't fret your pretty head about it. I understand and what's a few minutes late, I wouldn't mind even if you would've arrived hours later, Kyong's a real angel."

"Thanks.. Yeah! Yes, he really is." You smile brightly, tears burning the back of your eyes. The feeling of someone caring for you like a mother, being absolutely foreign to you, so much that you can't help but long for more, but you're moslty proud that someone sees how much good there is in your little boy. "You know Y/N, you really are raising him well. You're doing so good, he's lucky to have you."

And that's what does it, waterfalls endlessly streaming down your eyes, chocking on the sobs you're desperately trying to keep inside. The next moment you're being embraced by warmth, it's unfamiliar yet so comforting, you wished it wouldn't end. "There, there~ How about a nice warm cup of coffee mmh? You and Kyong could stay for dinner too!"

She rubs your back until your cries die down completely, stepping away from you to let you take a few deep shaky breaths. "Now you wanna come inside sweetie?"

You nod your head weakly, not trusting your voice right now to speak. She leads you to the kitchen in silence, letting you come down from the small break down you just experienced. You don't even know what got into you, never having expected to burst out like that. "Here, you should clean your face up a bit while I go get the boys upstairs. Bathroom's the second door to your right in the hallway if you need to go."

She hands you a warm dampened washcloth, winking at you playfully to get a smile out of you and succeeds in doing so. You watch as she follows through with her words, disappearing up the stairs. You reluctantly stand up to make your way to the bathroom, hurrying so Kyong won't see you in your currant state.

"Oh shit! I hope that's not how I looked earlier at the store..." You mumble to yourself after seeing the result of your sweat and tears. Mascara staining your cheeks despites the label indicating it's waterproof, at least it was supposed to be. Your hair's messy and it looks like you went through a battle with a wild animal.

"Mama! Mama?" Hearing the small voice of your sweet boy calling for you brings back light into your eyes. Quickly, you finish wiping your face and tie your hair in a messy bun, exiting the room in a hurry to meet him.

"My little sunshine!" His head whips around at the sound of your voice, a grin plastered onto his cute features. He runs as fast as his short legs let him and jumps into your arms full of excitement. "I missed you so much ma!"

"Me too Kyongie! How was your day, you were a big boy?" You raise your brows in wonder, showing him that you're waiting for his answer even though you already know he behaved well. "I was good and I didn't cry once!"

"No way! Not even once? Where is Kyong, what have you done to him?" You put the small boy down, squatting next to him, pretending to look around at his research. "I'm right here, it's me! It's true I didn't cry!"

He takes your face between his tiny hands so your attention is on him. His eyes are opened wide and he speaks with certainty, as if he was trying to persuade you that it was in fact him. "Ok, ok. I believe you!"

You chuckle at his relieved expression, he seems incredibly glad that you trust his words and gives you a peck on the cheek. You copy the gesture and in return, his small arms wrap around your neck and he clings to you like a koala, not planning on letting go. "Can we go home now?"

"We will, but first, Seorin suggested that we stay for dinner, is that something you would like?" You always feel the need to ask for his opinion, because you would hate yourself if you pushed him to do something he didn't want.

And good thing you did, because the timid shake of his head is all you need from him. You thank the kind woman for all of her help and you're on your way home, saying your goodbyes beforehand. "Bye and thank you again!"

》Part 2《

Leave a comment if you want to be tagged in the other parts of the whole fever series ;)

Taglist : @justineasian @do-you-actually-care @i-just-woke-up-in-my-underwear @sansworld @sanshineeeeee @parkjiminiemouse @allorysayshi @harusoraa

[niaxbailey]

Full Name: Nia Rose Bailey Nickname: Nia Age & Birthday: Thirty-six (36), December 18th. Occupation: Restaurant Manager Preferred Pronouns & Gender: She/her & cis-female Sexuality: Bisexual Hometown & how long in town: Manhattan, New York. In Briar Ridge for six years. Neighborhood: Downtown Family: Tba, but they're not local. I might add one of her brothers as a wc. PINTEREST || CONNECTIONS

Born the oldest of three to a 'new money' household in the infamous New York City, Nia admittedly felt pressured growing up to achieve. From the Bronx to Manhattan by the time she was six.

Her parents are both long-standing healthcare professionals who met originally as an EMT and ER Nurse.

Nia has always been a bit of a mathematics wiz, which was encouraged but in wanting the best for her Nia's parents tended to push her into a lot of extracurricular activities with a 'think of your future' and a smile.

It was consistently drilled into Nia that because of her race and background, she'd have to work twice as hard in life to earn respect. Not just from her parents, but from the private school she went to - the attitude from teachers, and her peers.

Track, lacrosse, debate - helping her younger brothers, given their parents' busy and demanding schedules. In the city that never sleep it often felt like Nia's early years were spent in fast-forward mode.

She attended Columbia. An Applied Mathematics major, who, graduated with zero idea of what exactly she wanted to do out in the big wide world.

She ended up working as a budget analyst, dating a family friend, and still very much feeling like she was going through the motions until well into her 20s.

Which is when her life was rocked. Her parents divorced, shattering the illusion she'd grown up with that they knew what was best & the path she was on had to be right because it was molded with their help and experience. Learning they'd both had affairs really split their family apart, her siblings dramatically taking sides and Nia finally decided she needed to get away from it all and make some choices for herself. Nia ended up in Briar Ridge by a bit of a roll of the dice, she didn't quite know where she was going just... somewhere. She'd stopped in Luther's, saw a job posting in a nearby restaurant window, and decided it seemed like as good of a place as any to stay if only for a little while. That turned into years, and Nia got to start fresh in the small town seemingly worlds away from her old life. Now, combined with her hard work and education, Nia has ended up as the restaurant manager at Alvaro's and she's happy to use her head for numbers in a way that she actually cares about. Fun Facts: - She didn't get her license until after moving to Briar Ridge in her late 20s. - A bit of a gym rat, she likes doing those ridiculous themed runs. - Doesn't understand the concept of a day off. - She will agree to just about anything for the low, low price of a New York-style Cheesecake. - Really loves horror movies, but might also then answer her door with a baseball bat xD Feel free to look at her wanted connection page for plotting ideas!

[amenalyme]

Since everyone else is doing it, here's mine!!

Didn't have much time to draw during the second half of the year because of university, so the selection for stuff to put in was pretty small

My schedule for next semester is lighter, though, so I will hopefully have more time for art again

Honestly, despite everything going on in the world, I had a pretty great year and I'm proud of how far I've come as a person

For the past several years, I've been stuck in friendships that honestly were not the best at times, but it's always been hard for me to go out and meet new people so I didn't exactly have anywhere else to go back then without just ending up completely alone. But this year I was finally able to properly let go of some, mend others and make new connections with people I actually feel wanted and cared for by

I would like to give a special mention to my dear friend @kotikaleo. While we first met last year, we didn't really start talking until this year. During that time we have become very very close and she is one of the sweetest most understanding people I've had the pleasure of knowing. Mwah.

Besides that, I also got the chance to meet someone I've known online since 2018 in person for the first time. And it went well! We only got to spend two days together but we had a great time. Hope to see them again in the future.

This year I also graduated high school and started university, which also meant partially moving out of my parents' home and renting an apartment with some other friends! This new beginning has definitely been rough, but so far I have managed...albeit without much free personal time.

In addition, I made a lot of progress in my journey as an artist alley and etsy seller. I sold at a con outside of my own country for the first time, massively expanded my table and found some great success in online sales. I also got to connect more with other sellers in the area, partially thanks to joining the Solanum community.

The only thing I am slighly bummed about is my failure to make connections in the Rain World fandom. Despite being semi-active in the community for the entire year, I have unfortunately yet to make any friends through it. I do hope to be more active next year and hopefully talk to people more, but only time will tell how that works out.

Looking forward to what the next year has to offer! <3

[inkofamethyst]

September 20, 2024

It's not at all that I'm annoyed or frustrated with my advisor. I absolutely trust his judgement over mine right now. I am frustrated with myself. It's like.. I'm really, really trying to prove myself. I want to be good at science, and I think I'm improving, but every time I try to.. demonstrate, like, brilliance or something (and maybe "brilliance" is too egotistical of a word for what I'm trying to say, perhaps "engagement" or even like "ability to analyze, synthesize, and propose scientific thought"), I come out of the conversation having failed entirely. And that failure feels humiliating.

A big part of it is that I feel like the road my PhD is currently on is laid out for me in a way that literally just follows what my postdoc has done for the past few years. I mean, in all fairness, she's done amazing work! I think the methods I plan to use will be excellent for answering relevant questions robustly. I look forward to following in her footsteps, actually. It's just that, like, it feels like cheating? It feels like being given a cheat code, but in a bad way (and like, look, I know that science is iterative and builds on itself and is meant to be replicated, but full replication isn't actually encouraged by scientific culture, regardless of what scientists try to tell themselves). And while it may make my program progression more straightforward, I will always feel like I will exist in the shadow of the person who did this first. And it's honestly not even that I want fame or recognition or whatever. It's literally that I want to be seen as a scientist in my own right. That's all!! That's where the frustrations stem from!!

And if I dig deeper, I'll likely find that it really just stems from insecurity (or course). I feel uncertain, I feel like people are observing me to see if I will fail or fly, if I'm all that my recommenders made me out to be. Part of me recognizes that it's incredibly self-centered and that, ultimately, most people do not care. But I can't seem to help it! I can't seem to help but compare myself to members of my cohort who seem particularly On It as second years ("second" years.. some were research assistants in their labs before starting grad school tbf).

So I try to thoroughly digest primary literature. I make note of all the various methods so I can try to be informed, so I can propose study systems and keep up when others are talking.. but I just can't seem to crack experimental design.

It's also tough when the most recent lab graduate and the next up lab graduate seem brilliant. And when the graduate before them seems brilliant. I just feel devastatingly normal and even a bit out of place because of it.

Also, I spent a number of weeks testing and writing out various ideas for this fellowship I want to apply for and I wasn't sure if any of them were good enough ("good" standing in for several factors), but I'm going to just end up proposing the first thing I wrote: a copy of my postdoc's work but just applied to a different study system, "my" system. So it also feels a little like a waste of time and effort when I could've been basically through a whole draft or two by now instead of trying to be creative, trying to prove that I have what it takes to maybe be brilliant, if not today then one day.

hhhhh at this point I don't even want comfort. I just want to get over myself.

And oreos. I also want to eat just enough oreos that I feel better but not so many that my stomach protests. But I need to eat real food first.

Today I'm thankful that I for some reason decided to look at the microscope schedule to discover that I had fifteen minutes left booked, not an hour and fifteen, as I'd thought. Also thankful that I was able to export my images in just ten minutes (on the flip side, that may be a sign that the images suck ugh). At least my day didn't get worse.

Thankful for my island-friend who is always down for a chat, even one where I just moped the whole time. Thankful for the discord chat's newly-formed Fart Crew ("fiber art crew" bc I threw out a bad idea to get the brainstorm going and everyone rallied behind it (much to my dismay)) and the chat we had a few days ago. I like my friends here but I also miss those guys so much.

[edit: my angst could very well be related to hunger.. need to fuel better]

[berryscaryskies]

"You’ve always been a bit of a daydreamer, and oft forgotten as the middle child of such a big family. You’ve never been quite sure what to do with your life so you decide to put off deciding by going into massive debt and furthering your schooling! And then furthering it some more, and well now what? Guess you’ll spend the rest of your days working a nine to seven to pay off all that schooling."

-Sundae's always had her head in the clouds a bit, she loves music and picture books, and generally being creative. She was also hecking smart though, she graduated high school a whole year ahead of schedule and unsure what else to do with her life she decided to get a head start on college.

-At the time her older sister Juno had also being living on her own for college so after a lot of pleading and a bunch of agreed upon rules, Sundae was allowed to move in with her sister so she could go to college too. At first Sundae really loved this, she liked the freedom of being away from home and away from most her siblings, even Juno left her to her own devices most the time.

-Her only really friend she had during this was her old middle school pal Maia. The two have been close-knit forever, and since Maia was a grade ahead of her anyways it left the two open to spend more one on one time together. Such as karako-ing or exploring the library.

-Despite her love of varying arts, Art College didn't really work out, it was a lot more competitive and mentally draining then it had any right to be. Upon graduating and realizing she absolutely did not want to waste her passions on turning them into careers she turned right back around and picked a more applicable degree program. She went for Business.

-Maia supported her through all of her second round of schooling, to the point where she was practically living at Sundae's place (once she had her own place instead of rooming with Juno). With the amount of time the spent together and Sundae now trying to get out there and start dating it didn't take long for the two to stumble into a little bit more than just being friends.

-Sundae actually has really bad taste in men, every man she's ever had a crush on was wildly uninterested in her, kinda shitty, or just flat out unattractive. She turned to Maia for some comfort, and after a night together goofing off and playing video games and accidentally making out, the two came out of it with a new understanding of one another. Sundae slowly pieced together that she's actually a lesbian(based off an in-game glitch where after an update the sims changed her setting so she was no longer into men anymore lol)

-During this time Sundae also got really into crafting her own jewelry and gifting it to people she cared about, so maybe gifting a ring to Maia after like one official date was a bad decision. Even though it majorly freaked Maia out thinking the relationship was moving way too fast the two worked it out.

-The two STILL aren't married actually, despite their partnership being very stable life just keeps getting in the way of having a wedding. They might just elope actually.

-The two also had a science baby and wound up with twins, woops! Which is stressful because Sundae's job keeps her busy, so a lot of the infant care gets left to Maia during the day.

[shrapnelsong]

@museguided asked for a [ word prompt ]

[ laugh ] for your muse to laugh at something mine did [ Sawamura ]

After graduating from Seido, Alice's priorities shifted fully onto her studies, but she still went to baseball games whenever possible. Such activities seemingly didn't go by unnoticed. Every now and then, she'd get an envelope from her father's office in the mail with nothing but a couple of really good tickets for the next best game falling on a weekend. She always appreciated the gesture even in all its clumsiness, taking a picture of the tickets for her digital journal and thanking him via text.

She had plenty of friends from Keio who would love to go with her, but there was one person she would probably always pick above everyone else. Still knowing Seido's schedule like the back of her hand, the former manager felt comfortable enough to actually give the current captain a quick call. "Kanemaru-kun!" Smiling, she asked him about the team and how he was doing before getting to the reason she called. "What's the schedule looking like this Sunday? I was wondering if I could borrow your ace for some field observation." Seeing how Kanemaru-kun had become a mother hen to the newcomers had cemented him as the right choice for the next captain, and it only felt right to give him a headsup before stealing one of his baby chicks away for an evening.

Since she was already close to Meiji Jingu Stadium, Alice scheduled to meet Sawamura-kun outside, finding herself watching the time, worriedly waiting for him like he was still a small town boy who'd just arrived in Tokyo. Seeing him running up to her washed everything away and she couldn't help but wrap him in a tight hug, the two of them excitedly talking about any and everything as they made their way to the seating area right behind home plate.

After an amazing game full of snacks and cheering, Alice brings him to her car at the parking lot, having promised his captain that she would drive him home just to be safe. And as soon as Sawamura-kun opened the passenger side door, he would be met with his namesake on the seat.

Once they were both buckled up, Alice stopped herself right before starting the car, turning to face Sawamura-kun seriously, all the while trying not to smile at the way he was cuddling Sawa-chan. "I have a confession to make, Sawamura-kun." The way he instantly became worried had her almost feeling bad, but she persevered.

With a theatrical sigh, she glanced down for a second and then back up into his eyes. "You're not the only one..." She'd kept the secret throughout their time together at Seido, and she knew that once the ace discovered the truth, it would soon spread across the entire club and more. But it was time. Reaching a hand to the backseat with a grin threatening to break through her act, she retrieved a round, fatty plushie and handed it to him.

"Meet Miyu-chan." And the way Sawamura-kun's face lit up before he exploded into laughter was the most perfect ending to their night.