#she'd had important plans but nooo

[psalacanthea]

Outside a bar in Baldur's Gate. Zynatheri had only managed to get an early evening job, and the regular minstrel had just taken the stage. They wanted to charge her to stay the night (so insulting) so she was just going to take her money for the night to a brothel.

If she was going to be forced to pay for a bed, there had better be someone in it with her.

But then she got kidnapped. :(

Where was your Tav when the nautiloid abducted them?

[short-honey-badger]

Peppermint Tea 38 - Epilogue

This one is short and sweet. Just a little snippet of what their lives look like. It's purely self-indulgent, but i hope you guys enjoy! This is the last of Peppermint Tea! ❤️

Peppermint Tea Masterlist-> HERE

Joy couldn't contain her excitement. She would be a whole TEN YEARS OLD today, and her Papa was finally on his way back, and with Presents! Just for her! He even promised she wouldn't have to share with her older sister OR her older brother! She was practically vibrating with uncontrollable glee and grinned widely at her Father and Momma when she heard the dark-haired man huff at her. 

“If I didn't know any better, I'd say you prefer Papa over either of us, snowflake,” you tease, and Joyeuse stuck her tongue out at her momma, golden eyes narrowed in a parody of her father's signature look. 

“Nooo. I love you all equally,” she insists but it just makes her parents snicker even more. 

“Mhmm. Sure, and Papa doesn't give the best gifts either, huh?” You press, and Joyeuse frowns, a thoughtful look on her pink-cheeked face. 

“Well,” she draws out and kicks the ground, “Papa does have the best presents.” 

“I knew it. See, darling. She does love us as much as Shanks,” Mihawk joins in, and is rewarded by his daughter huffing and crossing her arms, lips pursed in a pout that looks too much like the redheads. 

“You're supposed to be nice to me today, Father. It's my birthday.” 

A dusty laugh interrupts the picking, and the three of you turn to see Tomura leaning in the doorway, a disapproving look on his face. 

“That's exactly right. Are they giving you a hard time, sweetheart?” 

Joyeuse squeals and launches herself at her uncle. He had promised to be here for her birthday, and she'd been skeptical at first. Her uncle was always so busy now that he had such an important job in the Navy, so a lot of the time he had to cancel their plans. She was happy that today wasn't one of those times. 

“Yes! They've been picking on me all day, uncle! Maybe you should arrest them,” she says and grins so that her parents know that she is joking. Joyeuse would never want her uncle to have to take her parents to the scary prison that he'd told her about before. She'd fight him herself if he ever tried! 

Tomura laughs, green eyes crinkling in glee as he swings his niece up and she wraps her gangly arms around his neck, clinging to his back like a spider monkey, “Well, if the birthday girl wishes.” 

“Oh, nooo. Whatever shall we do against a fearsome Navy Admiral?” You tease and make a swooning motion, “Only someone super strong could take him on.” 

“Someone like me?” 

Joyeuse whips around at the voice, golden eyes going wide when she finds Papa standing behind her, a small crate tucked under his arm as he grins at her. She drops from her uncle and runs for the redhead who sets the crate down just in time to open his arm and scoop his daughter up, swinging her around with a laugh. 

“You're here!” She squeals and clutches her Papa in a hug with all her might. She eyes the crate at his feet, eyes wide and curious, “Is that mine?” 

Shanks nods and walks further into the living room, joining you on the sofa and adjusting his daughter so that she sits on his lap, “Yup. It's a special gift. So I figured you'd want to open it last.” 

Joyeuse pouts a bit, but knows that begging wouldn't get her anywhere, even on her special day, “Okayyyyy.” 

She grins when the adults around her laugh, but then she remembers that her party is supposed to start when Papa gets home, so she rounds on him, golden eyes shining with anticipation, “Can we have cake now?” 

You stand and ruffle your daughter's shaggy red hair, smiling at the way she pouts at you and swats away your hand, “Yup. Let me go get it and I'll be you guys outside, how about that?” 

Mihawk stands, stopping long enough to kiss his husband on the brow and poke Joyeuse in the forehead gently, a small smirk on his lips, “I'll go help her.” 

Joyeuse slides from her Papa's last and grabs his hand, leading him to the door of their home. They lived on a big island on the outskirts of Buggy Town, so they had a big front yard that all of her family had put in effort to decorate. There were streamers and balloons galore, and even a big banner that had Happy Birthday Joyeuse written in big bubble letters. 

Outside, she finds that there has been a table set up to the side, overflowing with gifts. Her other uncles, Buggy, Crocodile, Katakuri are mingling with her older brother and his crew. 

Shanks watches his daughter run forward and greet everyone, laughing loudly when Luffy grabs her and tosses her high in the air, catching her ease and setting her back on the ground. He can't help but laugh when Buggy snatches her up next, already shouting at the snickering young man about being more careful! 

The clown had gotten his ass chewed by Mihawk and his wife both after making Joy cry when she was a toddler, thinking that she would find his dismembered head funny at the tender age of three. Now he was almost just as overbearingly protective of the little girl as her fathers. His son's crew laughs along with their captain, and Shanks couldn't be happier with how everything had turned out today. 

Joyeuse is passed along her guests, and you come out just in time to see Crocodile giving your daughter an early birthday present. Your eyes go soft when she hugs the absolutely massive, stuffed bananagator to her chest, a grin so wide that it could make the sun look dim. 

“Joyeuse, cake?” you call to her, and the little girl zooms to your side, holding out the stuffed animal and chattering your ear off about how cool and dangerous it looks. You smile indulgently and then gesture to the cake you hold. It towers high with bright pink icing and chocolate sponge hidden underneath, “Tell Uncle Katakuri thank you. He's the one who gave me the recipe for the cake.” 

Joyeuse nods diligently and marches over to the man who sits to the side, towering over everyone there. She beams at her uncle, “Thank you, Katakuri. Your cakes are the best every year!” 

He laughs, his smile wide under his scarf, and reaches down to pat the top of her head, smirking when Joy latches into his hand and he lifts her into the air, “Anytime Tiny. I hope you've had a good day so far.” 

“The best! I was worried that Papa wouldn't make it in time, but he came home with a special gift! I'm not supposed to open it until after everything else!” 

You cock a brow at Shanks. You'd heard him inside and had been curious, but hadn't wanted to ruin any kind of surprise he might have in store for their daughter, “You spoil her.” 

“As she should be,” Mihawk voices from behind you, and slides close, kissing the back of your head, his hands full of a large tub of ice cream. 

“What he said,” Shanks says with a snicker and you roll your eyes at the men who you call husband. You follow after Mihawk and set the cake on the table, calling your daughter over so that she can sit at the head and everyone can sing happy birthday. 

After cake and ice cream, presents come next. Joyeuse is excited and grateful for every one of them, beaming at each person under the brim of the replica straw hat that Luffy had dropped on her red hair before she'd begun to open her presents. Joyeuse rounds on her Papa once the last present was placed away, “Now, Papa?” 

Shanks laughs and nods, stepping forward and placing the crate in front of her. He looks at her, his tone dropping into something serious. 

“This is a very special gift, Joyeuse, and I want you to think long and hard about if it's something that you want, okay?” 

Joyeuse schools her expression, and you can't help but grin at how much she looks like Mihawk when she does, “Okay, Papa.” 

Shanks looks at her for another second before he nods and reaches out to unlatch the crate, and you peek over your daughter's shoulder, curious about what is inside. 

Carefully, Joy plucks what can only be a devil fruit out of the crate. It is dark purple in color with an intricate swirling pattern, and she turns it this way and that with a look of awe. She looks at Papa, lip tucked between her lips in thought before she asks, “Which one is it?”

Shanks gives her a small smile, “It's called the Inku Inku fruit. It allows you to create, manipulate, and even turn into Ink. I know it's not the most flashy fruit out there, but it can be useful.” 

Mihawk kneels at his daughter, taking in her expression and smiling gently at her, “You don't have to make the decision now, sweet girl. Take your time to make your choice.” 

Joyeuse nods, a smile spreading across her face as she tucks the fruit back into the crate. She was terribly excited, and the urge to chomp into the fruit was almost overwhelming, but she pushed it away, “I'll be smart, Father. I promise.” 

Mihawk pats her head and then stands beside his wife and husband. He is content that his daughter is happy, and that he is surrounded by the ones that he loves. He'd never thought that this was how his life would turn out after drifting to an unknown island near the calm belt, but the swordsman didn't regret a thing.

@writingmysanity @djbumblebee @goth-mami-writer @myradiaz @fluffybunnyu @bookandstar @foggyturtleknightangel @browneyedhufflepuff @anastasiyax @jaguarthecat @atricksterwithwings @black-swan-blog27 @breadedloafs @enpvrirnce @gottalovethefandom @mfreedomstuff @caniseethefourthsword @olenoname @glitterystarfishfestival

[ateez-himari]

Hi bb!!!!! How are you? Happy new year even tho I'm reallyyyy late but it the thought that counts😺I wanna say thank you to the person who sent that ask cause gawd damn was that hot🙏🙏🙏

I obviously had some questions and I'll be limiting my questions to a maximum of 3 in each ask cause I really don't wanna tire you out especially after seeing that you started the year with a 6am shift, you deserve rest from both work and uni

1-Yk how some couples have the person who kind of leads in the relationship, like always takes the first step and ensures that their partner is always safe and well? I was wondering who takes on that role between minari or if they both depend on eachother when they need it

2-what was the teasers reaction to the couple photo shoot, plus did her brothers and oppas react to it as well?(yoongi is planning murder during his military enlistment)

3-do you think that hima would be a great cast member for squid game? I honestly think her personality would fit in really well and obviously she'd take on a persona but still

I love you so much bb🫵💓!! please take care, and feel free to answer whenever you want, your health is more important. May 2025 treat you well💞💞

Hi sweet!! 🥰 Happy late new year to you too! It was honestly hehe the lean absolutely ended me 🤭 Nooo don't limit your questions, I like having a bunch of them at once! It honestly gets my brain working better since that way I can 'bulk think' and just brainstorm everything at once!

Fun story about this morning before I answer; I woke up at 1am thinking it was 5am so I got up, turned on my light and almost started getting ready until my brain registered that I saw a 1 and not a 5...so I went back to bed. I swear I didn't even know what planet I was on, my body was on autopilot and I barely registered that I was out of bed-

• They both depend on one another but on different levels; one thing that's important to remember when it comes to their relationship is the fact that Himari had to be very mature for the rest of her childhood and couldn't really rely on anyone - Hanzo was shutting down, Yoongi needed to be saved, their parents worked a lot and Geum Jae was already out living his own life. While she has no problem being the shoulder for Mingi to lean on whenever he needs to, he knows that while she may not realize it she still needs a lot of support along with someone to look out for her health

Ex (coming hopefully soon); Himari developed a habit of not caring much for her health and was actively coughing up blood while producing 'Golden' (she was straining her voice too much which caused her to develop laryngitis - which made her cough for extended periods of time)

• Hongjoong and Seonghwa will forever see Hima as their little baby so they were shocked once the photos came out, they had to look twice to realize that the woman with Mingi was indeed his girlfriend (they would have beat him up if she wasn't). Yunho literally had their maknae sitting on his lap kissing him while they were filming 'Where We Fall' so he wasn't as phased as the others. Yeosang did NOT want to look - no one told him that the photos were going to be spicy so when he saw them for the first time he nearly threw his phone. San just saw two fine ass people posing with each other half naked, no one knows if he even registered it was his friends-. Wooyoung was the one that sent them to the group chat and was hyping them up so much, asking them when the next shoot would be. Jongho covered her with a blanket but did compliment how well the two posed together

Hanzo was in his sister's messages pointing out that while she chastises him for not wearing shirts in his Instagram posts she posts half naked with her boyfriend ?? Pure irony smh. He did say she looked pretty (he always does after every single photo shoot). Yoongi was absolutely fuming especially when other people serving with him that are fans of k-pop started talking about it - he wasn't mad because she was half naked, he doesn't care about that...but how dare someone touch his little baby sister like that ? Geum Jae kind of had a typical dad reaction where he was like; "oh you guys look good together...but didn't they have enough budget for clothes ?"

G-Dragon and T.O.P came across the pictures because they follow her personal account and neither knew how to react to it. There's more than a decade of difference between them, and while G-Dragon is toying with the idea of becoming her second mentor, T.O.P doesn't know her that well yet so it was slightly awkward for them. Taemin absolutely loves Himari and Mingi's relationship but had a similar reaction to Yoongi's in the sense that he was almost offended that someone would even think of posing with her this way. Stray Kids blew up the group chat with texts like; "himari wtf ??" "what kind of magazine is this-" "why is he GRIPPING your ass"

• I think she'd be amazing! For 'Where We Fall' there was a lot of panic, fear, sadness, etc., which fits perfectly into the emotions actors have to play in Squid Game. Plus she's an idol so she's athletic, which is great for the games!

I love you more sweet 🫵🩷!! I'm taking good care of myself don't you worry! I'm unfortunately still sick (I got really sick 2 years ago and my immune system's been kind of shitty ever since) but I've been sweating it out. I hope you take care of yourself as well especially as uni starts up again, I hope you take time to rest and let's make 2025 a great year!! 😘

[hyunfilms]

blue side of the sky (lmh) | eleven.

♡ spotify playlist | series masterlist

—summary: waking up after 3 months with no recollection of your past, your friends do what they can to help you remember. except, they omit an important piece to the puzzle - afraid you would remember the heartbreak and hurt all over again.

—pairing: lee know x f. reader

—genre: (18+) exes to lovers, bestfriends to lovers au | fluff, angst, (eventual) smut

—word count: 4.1k

—chapter content/warnings: cussing, a little look into mrs. pak and oc's relationship at work, mentions of cancer, flashbacks - one is just a random little moment with friends and the other is more oc x minho centered.., oc x san content, most of this is centered on oc's feelings 🥺

"So, are you seeing your friend today?" Mrs. Pak turns to you while you stand at the register, smiling as she puts a small bouquet together next to you.

"San?" She nods. "Yes. We're just going to eat and catch a movie."

"Sounds like a date?" You giggle.

"Nooo." You elongate your response. "We're just friends, Mrs. Pak."

"Have you guys hung out before?"

"Every now and then, we'd see each other for a meal or to walk around. Nothing too extravagant." You chuckle. "We talk almost everyday."

"That's sweet. Do you enjoy his company?"

"I do. He's very nice. I feel comfortable around him, and I feel like that's been hard for me post-accident." You look at her. It hasn't been long since you've started working with Mrs. Pak, but she was easy to confide in. You opened up to her about your accident, losing your mom and not remembering those details— losing every bit of you and not remembering things before the accident. You told her you felt like you were finally settling in in this world, this new chapter, new reality. It's been very difficult, but you were starting to feel comfortable and at ease.

The same thing goes for Mrs. Pak, as she's had help come and go in the shop. But, she's never felt so.. content and happy with your presence. You could simply walk into the room and Mrs. Pak feels like she'd never be alone. For awhile, she's felt alone— especially after she suddenly lost her husband to cancer.

But now, you're here and she feels better. Happier. More alive.

And she's not sure how you do it, but she is grateful. She is grateful you are helping, she is grateful you care. She is grateful you are here.

"That's good, no? It's important that you surround yourself around good people." You smile.

"Yeah. I agree."

"What if he likes you?" You raise a brow and shake your head with a small giggle. "I mean of course, you can always be friends. But, what if?"

"Then, I'm not so sure. He's very sweet. I just don't think—" You let out a breath. "I don't know—" Pause. "Maybe I'm not ready?" But, before you can follow up with an explanation, Mrs. Pak is jumping in.

"I don't think it's that, love. I think you'll be ready when the right time comes." She smiles. "I think you have your mind set on someone else." You blush.

"W-what? No." 

"I can see it in those lovely eyes of yours, dear." She giggles as you look back down to your hands, remembering the time you've been spending with your friends, with Minho— times at the studio, his café, random kick-its in the city.

Most importantly, you think about how Minho started to feel more and more like your bestfriend. But lately, he's felt a little warmer, a little closer. He looks at you a little differently, keeps you close a little differently.

Like you are his bestfriend,

Like you remind him of love— a certain memory, probably a certain form of love.

☁︎ FLASHBACK | HANGING OUT AT THE FOODIELAND NIGHT MARKET A COUPLE OF NIGHTS AGO

"Dude, dude, dude!" Jisung excitedly calls out. "I need to try those garlic noodles with the lobster. Ooh, and the bungeoppang?!" Jisung starts to point in every direction. "Wait, the ramen burgers—"

"Can we just make our way around?" Seungmin pushes him aside.

"Why, do you plan on eating the entire night market?" Jisung tries to be sassy with his response.

"Yeah, maybe?" Seungmin snaps back, making Chan shakes his head.

"Okay, shut up. Let's just walk." Chan starts to lead the way by walking backwards. He shoots a smile at you before asking: "What about you though, Y/N? Anything catch your eye? We'll go there first."

"Hm, I'm not sure yet. I'm kinda down for whatever." You shrug a bit, tugging at the ends of your sweater sleeves while Minho stands next to you.

"Garlic noodles it is!" Jisung says with a little dance, causing Seungmin to smack him upside the head as the group starts to make their way over to the food booth.

"Are you okay? Are you cold?" Minho looks down at you with concern.

"A bit. I probably shouldn't have left my jacket in the car, huh?" You giggle and he nods.

"Have to say Jisung was right for that one." He does a slight head tilt before he's removing his zip up and placing it over your shoulders. "Better?"

"Oh, Minho. You don't have to, you're in a t-shirt—" He shrugs.

"It's okay, Y/N. I can live." He chuckles a bit. "It's not too bad for me. I'd rather you be comfortable than not." You slip your arms into the sleeves.

"Thank you." He smiles.

"Yeah." He continues to remain by your side as the group falls in line at the first food vendor. Jisung is venting about his coworker to Seungmin and Chan, his eyes subtly falling on Minho's jacket that you're currently wearing.

"You shouldn't have left your jacket in the car, cielo." Jisung does a slight pout. "Do you need me to run back and—"

"No, it's fine! Minho's will do." You look up at Minho and he nods in agreement.

"It's fine? Why stress?" Minho furrows his brows at him, making Jisung shrug.

"Okay then. Don't come crying to me when you get cold." He points at Minho.

"Why on earth why I do that? I wouldn't, even if you were the last person here."

"Good, I don't wanna help you anyway." Jisung spits back, making you roll your eyes and shove him forward."

"Pachi, the line is moving." He inches forward with another shove from Chan.

"Why is everyone fucking pushing me today?!"

"Because we can literally lose our spot in line!" Chan says with a low groan. "I knew this was gonna be a headache." He continues to go on while him, Seungmin and Jisung stand in front of you and Minho. The line continues to move until your group is at the front, with Chan offering to pay for everyone to make it easier. 

Afterwards, the group decides to make their way around to get drinks and dessert— you opting for some sugarcane juice and bungeoppang that you'll share. You slide yourself onto the top of the picnic table, with Minho standing next to you; Jisung, Chan and Seungmin occupying the rest of the space on your opposite side. 

"This was really good." You set aside the noodles and sip on your juice. 

"See, what'd I tell you?" Jisung smiles. "So good. I think I'm gonna go around some more."

"For what?" Seungmin asks.

"I wanna try some other stuff." Jisung stands. "Anybody wanna come?"

"I'll go." Seungmin joins him.

"Pass." Chan adds. "I'm actually going to check out that booth really quickly." He points at one of the retail vendors, stretching as he stands and gets ready to head over.

"I'm good." You say with a small smile.

"Same." Minho says before sipping on his drink.

"Party poopers." Jisung says. "Cielo, text me if you want something else." You nod, watching as they turn and start to walk back towards the food booths, Chan already at the retail booth he was eyeing. 

"You sure you don't want anything else?" You shake your head and raise the bungeoppang up to Minho. 

"No, this will do me some good. Split this with me?" He nods, taking the bungeoppang as he sits next to you and makes an even split down the middle. You smile as he hands you your piece, gobbling it up quicker than expected. Minho smiles just as you finish up, wiping your hands on the napkin by the table. You miss some crumbs at the corner of your mouth, and he's suddenly having to force himself to not reach. Though, it feels like the worst internal battle and he knows he's going to lose this one the moment you look back up at him. "W-what?" You look at Minho staring at you, confused. He smiles and laughs a bit before he takes his thumb to the corner of your lip and wipes away at the lingering crumbs. You watch, blushing as he takes his thumb away and wipes it on his napkin. "Oh."

"All good."

"You sure?" You ask and he chuckles.

"I think so." He tilts his head to the side to quickly scan the other corner of your mouth. "Yeah, you're good."

"Thank you." You smile toothlessly at him and he wants to scream. God, you're so cute. Why was he such a fucking dumbass? "You're taking care of me a lot tonight."

"I'm happy to."

☁︎ END

You look down at your hands, unsure of what to say. Because Mrs. Pak is probably right— no, she is. You're just not sure what it means for you, or him. 

He is your bestfriend.

Why do you feel much more for him? 

Why do you feel connected at a much, much deeper level?

Too attached, almost.

"I hope you know that it's totally okay. But maybe, it's something you'll need to confront earlier than later. To keep your friendship with San?"

"You're right." You tell her with a small, pursed smile. "If it comes up tonight, I'll just.. be honest with him."

"It's the only way to do it, hun." You nod in agreement before shifting your attention to the couple that just walked in.

The rest of your shift goes by rather quickly, with you cleaning around the shop and helping make one last bouquet before San strolls in. He has a huge smile on his face, waving to you just as he makes his way closer.

"San, hey." You giggle as he makes it to the counter, eyeing the single roses off to the side.

"Hey! Sorry, am I bit early?" You shake your head as you wrap up the bouquet you were working on.

"No, I'm just finishing this up!" At this point, Mrs. Pak comes out from the back of the shop after rearranging the pre-ordered bouquets for tomorrow. 

"Hi." She smiles at him. "You must be San."

"And you must be Mrs. Pak." He reciprocates the smile and shakes her hand. "I've heard a lot about you! Good things."

"Oh, good. I'd hope so."

"Is it okay if I steal Y/N away for the remainder of the evening?"

"Of course." She winks at you as you undo your apron and hang it on the rack behind the counter. "Please keep her safe."

"Absolutely." He says. "It was really nice to meet you, Mrs. Pak. I hope to see you more often."

"Likewise." You bid your goodbye to Mrs. Pak, ensuring she'd be okay to close up before leaving. You throw your jacket on as you walk out of the shop, following San out onto the street— the sun heavily beaming down, giving its last burst of energy before it slowly sinks below the horizon. You quickly glance over at Sunday Morning, then shift your attention to San. "How was work today?" He asks as he leads you down to the main street.

"It was good! A bit busy, but nothing too bad." You continue to look up at him as he walks alongside of you. "What'd you do today, Sannie?"

"Hm, I worked out this morning, did some groceries and cleaned my apartment."

"Sounds like another good, productive day."

"It was. I like it when my days are good and productive." You laugh.

"So, where are we going first?"

"Well, I thought we should try out this place a few blocks down that is popular for their unagi." He smiles. "Hm, then there's Peace Piece nearby that has some good pies. I really like their drinks too."

"That sounds yummy."

"Yeah?" He laughs. "Good to know. Hopefully it'll be Y/N approved once we eat." You giggle and nod, reassuring him that you'll find any place he takes you to delicious. The walk is nice at this time of day, some streets busier than others, but it's nice. It's not long until you get to the restaurant, where San has already made a reservation to avoid the long wait. You're immediately seated in the far corner of the restaurant next to the windows, with San pulling out your chair first before settling himself in. They serve water and tea while the both of you skim through the menu, with San voicing out his recommendations and what he thinks would be good to order.

At this point, you're hungry and you agree to his plan. Everything on the menu looks amazing, and you trust San's taste.

You spend some time talking about your days and how things have been, and San has been unloading some of his work drama while you eat away. He talks about how he wants to travel again soon, but this time with JJ and their friends— whenever they all are ready and can align on schedules. Which, turns the conversation to his time away and how scary it was for him at first. San has always openly talked about being away and how different it was, but he's never really had a chance to touch up on his feelings about the entire thing. You're glad he's comfortable confiding in you, because you feel the same way. You feel like you could be honest with San, and you genuinely find a true friend in him.

As promised, he takes you to Peace Piece after since there's time to kill before the next plan. The both of you share a big, hefty slice of banana cream pie to top everything off. Afterwards, San takes you to the movies since this is the only weekend they're holding a special Studio Ghibli event. Surprisingly, you don't run into anyone you know being that the theater is located in a popular plaza.

At least to your knowledge.

Too bad Minho was around with some friends, and he does catch you with San— even though you're a good couple of feet away from him. He sees you holding onto San's arm, the two of you engaging in a lively conversation that has you laughing and smiling at him on your walk over to the movies.

And his heart breaks.

No wonder you hadn't been so responsive today. Maybe you really did like San, and Minho needed to accept it. Because he's been unfair to you before, and he'd hate to do that again. You deserved to be happy; whatever that happiness looked like to you.

He would never get in the way of that.

"Dude let's just go to the restaurant down the street, I'm hungry." Hyunjin says to one of their other friends, beginning to lead the way. "—Coming or what?" Minho barely catches onto his last question because he's too focused on watching you and San walk into the theater. It pulls him out of his thoughts enough to respond with a silent nod and a pursed smile.

Long fucking night ahead for him.

San bought two tickets for Spirited Away, selecting seats in the middle section of the theater. You plop onto the comfy, recliner chair, watching as San props his feet up and also gets comfortable. He leans over to ask if you want anything to snack on, but you tell him you'll pass as you're still feeling stuffed from dinner and dessert. Shortly after, the theater fills up and the movie is off to a start.

You're enjoying the movie so much that you miss the way San glances over at you from time to time, softly smiling at the way your eyes light up at every scene, how you're so focused and full of curiosity. Your hand rests on the middle console and San feels like such a silly little boy for even having the thought, but he acts on it anyway— resting his hand on the console right next to yours, hand slightly twitching, aching, to pull yours into his.

You don't really notice it though, at least not right now. The movie brings these small bits and feelings of nostalgia, and suddenly, you miss your friends.

Minho.

Not that San was bad company, but you kinda wish he was around.

You're pulled out of your thoughts when you feel San's hand brush over yours. You look at him and he politely asks for permission through his eyes. You give him a tiny smile and he proceeds to lace his fingers with yours. His hand is warm, and it doesn't make you uncomfortable. It feels nice, but it also doesn't feel right.

In a way where you think your hand belongs in someone else's, how your fingers are meant to be laced with another's.

Warmth felt from another's hand.

San holds your hand for the rest of the movie, even as you walk out of the theater and out to the car. He opens your door like the true gentleman he is before hopping in his seat and driving off to another location. He mentions the small beach near your house and you nod, going along with his plans since he's been great the entire night. You like spending time with San, there's no question about it.

But, you know why he wants to take you to the beach.

You know why he has that look in his eyes, you know why he looks at you the way he does.

You have to be honest, it's the only way.

Arriving at the beach, there's only a few cars parked in the lot with people walking along the sand or sitting to watch the waves under the night sky. San puts the car in park, but he doesn't get out. The car is still on, just to have the soft music playing in the background.

Thank god, it can at least fill the void when you tell him the truth.

You are nervous.

"It's so pretty tonight. The sky is so clear."

"I know, isn't it?" You lean forward to get a better view of the moon, and the way its light hits the surface of the water. "I don't remember if I used to come here often, but I hope I did. It's perfect."

"I'm sure. There's no way you'd let the opportunity pass." You both chuckle. "I.. actually wanted to talk to you about something. I figured this would be the perfect setting for it, especially before ending the night." He settles into the driver's seat before looking at you. "I honestly don't even think it's a secret anymore, but it doesn't even matter." He says with another nervous chuckle. "I wanted you to know that my feelings for you have grown." He looks at you, genuinely and truly looks at you. And it breaks your heart that you don't feel the same, that you can't be this person for San even though part of you kinda wishes you could be. "I can understand if you're not ready or anything, I don't want to rush you. But, in the amount of time we've gotten to get to know each other and hang out, I've come to care for you. A lot. We get along really well, and it's been awhile since I've felt this way with someone. Since I've felt so comfortable. And, this might sound like a stupid line but I really think you're perfect. I mean that. "

"San." You say in a gentle tone as you grab his hand and caress the top with your thumb. "You're seriously the sweetest. It's really flattering to hear that, and I'm really glad I can make you feel comfortable and everything. I really am happy that you were able to open up to me." You let out a small, shaky breath before subtly biting your lip and fiddling with your fingers. You gain more courage to look at him again, eyes wide and full of worry. But, the longer you take to respond fully, the more he begins to understand, the more he knows where this is going—

And he should've prepared for it. He should've expected it. But, it still stings a bit.

You will always be his.

You will always be Minho's.

"I—" You start but San shakes his head. "I just don't want to ruin what we built. You know? As friends. I really am grateful we've gotten close."

"You don't have to explain, Y/N." He gives off a small laugh.

"No, but, I'm just afraid. I'm.. not sure I can be the person you need me to be, San. You're amazing, you're good at everything, you're incredibly sweet—" You sigh. "I'm re-learning how to exist and I don't even know where things will take me." Truthfully, you didn't think he would be able to understand you, understand this— all of you. And you didn't want to be that pressure for him, that time-consuming, that much of a responsibility.

Because you know you will be.

"I understand." He says with a soft smile. "But, you are doing great, Y/N. Don't ever discredit yourself. You've gone through a lot and you haven't given up. Plus, look at you. You're getting back into the things that you love."

"I'm sorry, Sannie. I really am." You say, close to a whisper. "I wish I could be that person for you, but I'm still trying to figure myself out. You deserve someone who can give you their all and be present with you throughout everything and anything. I'm so sorry." You repeat.

"Don't be." He lifts your chin with his finger and gives off a tiny chuckle. "Don't be, okay?" He repeats. "I promise you everything is fine."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive." You give him a reassuring, toothless smile. "But, Y/N?"

"Hm?" You hum.

"You should tell him." You furrow your brows at him with a slight head tilt. 

"But—"

"I can just tell." He chuckles a bit before starting the car. "I'm sure he wants to talk to you about it, too."

☁︎ FLASHBACK | THE OTHER EVENING

"Hi." You race to your phone in the kitchen after showering and getting ready for bed, noticing it's Minho on the other end.

"Hey. Sorry, didn't mean to bother." You chuckle.

"I'm just at home, Minho. You're not a bother at all. Are you okay?" He sighs and nods, even though you can't see him.

"Yeah, kinda. I'm just really tired. I wanted to drop by and hang out with you for a bit, but I can barely keep my eyes open." You look at the clock and notice how it's barely 10pm. Minho must be exhausted lately.

"It's okay. You can always swing by on other days." You plop onto your bed after shutting off your lights, though you opt to keep your christmas lights on even as you settle under the sheets.

"Yeah." You can hear him yawn a bit before shuffling in his bed. "How was your day?"

"It was alright. I just went to the pottery studio before my shift at the shop."

"Cute. What did you make today?"

"I attempted to make a Kirby planter for my succulents." You chuckle. "Keyword is attempted. I hope it turns out okay because I need to re-pot my succulents soon."

"I'm sure it'll turn out great." He smiles a bit. 

"Did you have a busy day?"

"Very."

"Why don't you sleep?" You softly ask him as you lay on your side, exhaustion slowly hitting you as well.

"Mm, I wanted to hear your voice." He responds. "I didn't get to see you so I— I thought I could at least call you and talk to you." You giggle.

"But, you're tired. Are you sure that's it?" Minho thinks about your question because no, that's not it. Not at all. He wants to tell you how much he misses you, and how much he's been thinking about you. How he wishes he can hold you and kiss your cheek, your hand. How he always gets butterflies when he sees you because he likes you— 

No, loves you.

Because he does love you.

He fucked up.

He loves you.

"Minho?" You call out for him. "Are you still there?"

"Yeah, sorry."

"I thought you fell asleep."

"No. I was thinking about something."

"Like what?"

"Stuff." You chuckle.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I hope you know you can always talk to me about anything."

"I know. I just.. nevermind." He sighs and shuts his eyes. "I need to sort out my thoughts first, that's all."

"Hm." You hum. "Okay." It's obvious Minho is holding back from whatever he needs to say, but you will never force him until he's ready to. 

"You might hate me for it." He suddenly says, close to a whisper.

"Why would I ever do that? There's nothing wrong with sorting through your feelings." You say in a way that's so innocent and so.. caring, that his heart does flips in his chest. It aches. "I couldn't hate you even if I tried." It's this statement that makes Minho's heart officially crumble into pieces because even though it's reassuring to hear—

He knows there is a possibility you will.

"I don't know." He chuckles a bit. "I'm just tired I guess, I'm kinda going off the rails now."

"Go to sleep soon. I'll sleep too."

"Okay." He pauses. "Y/N?"

"Yes?" He pauses again. You patiently wait on the other end even as your eyes shut.

"I—" He lets out a breath. "I hope you rest well." He deflects.

"I hope you do, too. Will I see you this week?"

"You will."

"Try not to think about it too much now, okay? I don't want you to go to bed upset." You sleepily say.

"Hm." Minho hums. "I'll try to."

☁︎ END

⇢ 11.5 [cloud days]: here

♡ taglist: @ppiri-bahng @jihanlovic @meloncremesoda @sweetlikecherry @asjkdk @hoes4lino @skzddicted @skzho @edgaralienpoe @harui-zen @bestleeknowstan @havenwithleeknow @septicrebel @heesdazed @borahae-reads @yoontaethings @pearbunny @bintificreads @lukeys-giggle @ajxreads @everglowdaisies @allaboutsan @endzii23 @leeknowsramen @heres-your-ramen2000 @morningstardada @mal-lunar-28 @downbadreading @lilysophie @feelikecinderella @urmomma0324 @ddazed-lhs @djeniryuu @melanctton @i8rsie @maru-matt @sleepyleeji @taerifin @nattisbored @jisunglyricist @m111nho @drhsthl @nixtape-foryou @arminseas @guiltycoco @syuuji @sulkygyu @cadihyo @reianagarcia @leeknowyah @smndjdufuehr @dprkbyn @xxibreinaxx @mxnsxngie [bold = can’t tag 😭]

[valiantarcher]

Some assorted and random thoughts on Defy by Tricia Mingerink.

I didn't expect the Brandi POV but I liked it. It was a wild ride with her learning how to defend herself (yay!), killing Kent in defense of herself and Jamie (nooo), riding to battle in disguise (...it was not the best idea, but it was also completely understandable and she had an important role to play), etc. but it was fun to have her perspective more directly. That said, I am taking her internal complaint about Leith dragging his feet on courting Renna just as an exaggeration because she's mad at him and not a legitimate criticism that she has.

I really appreciated how concerned Leith was for Martyn and still wanting to save him, even at the beginning, and then it just built from there.

Respen's motivations and goals never really were pinned down, leaving me feeling like he got inconsistent characterization and was not a convincing or well-drawn villain. ALSO! Pretty much everything we learned about him in Deny was dropped again without comment or further explanation??? Like, his dead son came up once and then his wife actually became more important, but the implied back stories with Leith and Uncle Abel and Aunt Mara? Zilch.

It seemed very sudden for Leith to go from turning around in the Waste in one section to dying in the Waste in the next, like there was an intervening part missing

I felt sorry for Martyn. Not only was he dealing with Leith's betrayal, the punishment he got from Respen for not stopping Leith, and the responsibility of making sure Renna doesn't escape, he also had to follow her everywhere and listen to her talking without complaint AND DO DISHES WITH HER. And it just gets worse from there.

"What would Leith think if he learned she'd killed?" HE'D BE SO SAD FOR HER AND THAT SHE HAD TO DO THAT AND GIVE HER A HUG AND HELP HER UNDERSTAND HOW TO GET THROUGH IT. AND THEN HE DID! Also, that cave sounds gorgeous (and I appreciated the rock chip being a Chekov's gun).

I think anyone who stuck it out for so long as a Blade trainee without losing his (ill-conceived) plan of revenge or his morals of not having to kill as Jamie had would be at least mostly as stubborn as you, Brandi.

I *knew* the Leader was going to be the cousin that Leith had "killed" - it was an easy way to get Renna's family's blood immediately off his hands. :| It also felt like some of the information, such as the royal family's bodies being carried off at night (men of Jabesh Gilead allusion, yes!), should've been foreshadowed so we didn't have to just suddenly realise that Leith wasn't actually as 'good' at being a Blade as he'd always been painted. >.>

UGH. Brandi's trust in Leith being broken was so painful, especially on top of her faith taking a beating.

Actually, really the only things I liked about the entire Eagle Heights section was Shad's "restraining the Blade" and Brandi getting to give her cousin what-for.

Something really bothered me about Renna's comparisons to Esther. For one thing, she wasn't given the choice to marry the king to save her people. What she was given was the choice to intercede for her people at the risk of her life or to keep silent and know that her people would be saved by another means while she might not; the choice of whether to potentially lose her life in the short term by doing the right thing in speaking up or to lose it later by doing the wrong thing in keeping silent. The dilemma Renna seems to be facing is whether it's right to do the wrong thing for the right end or not, with the added trouble of trying to determine whether marrying Respen was unwise, unpleasant, or simply wrong - and then with her thinking it was maybe God's will for her to marry Respen without even considering II Corinthians 6:14 (or I Corinthians 7:14-16, for a possibly contrasting point) seemed kind of odd. I think it all just got a bit muddied, especially because her moral concerns seem to fold once she thought Leith was dead.

'Kay' definitely seemed a tie-in for a later book, just as the info about Keeven and Adelaide seemed to be purely a tie-in to the 3.5 novella.

BRANDI LEADING THE CHARGE AND SPURRING THE RIDERS ONWARD WHEN THEY FALTER AND ALMOST FAIL!!!

I don't think Keeven has the marks of a good king - but he does have this over Tirian, that he listens to counsel.

Despite how traumatising the execution scene in Defy was, I actually liked the pre-execution scenes for both Renna and Leith. I especially appreciated the conversation about Heaven where Leith asks Renna to fill in some of the holes of his knowledge and the beautiful pictures of Renna's parents rejoicing over Leith and Leith getting to meet Daniel.

I don't know that I would equate Leith's torture with being counted worthy to suffer for Christ's sake? Granted, the line about where someone suffers as Christian vs. suffering for being a Christian seems unclear often, but it seemed (as best as one could tell about Respen, which was not great) like he was being tortured simply because he'd gone against Respen, not for his faith. On the flip side, the reason why Leith had surrendered himself instead of trying to break Renna out was to try to finally break through to Martyn, so in that respect he was suffering for being a Christian. Still, that bit didn't seem to sit quite right with me.

I was frustrated that the Resistance had been so tight-lipped about Eagle Heights' existence when Renna probably would've had a totally different perspective on the 'marrying to stop persecution' idea if she'd known just how vibrant and large the church in Eagle Heights (not to mention if she'd known about Keevan not being as dead as they thought and thus the legitimate heir), and then it got worse when Brandi realised that Lord Emmelin's perspective would've been completely different if he'd known Keevan was alive and that his life might've been saved. :|

"[Martyn] deserves to be uncomfortable." NO! NOT IN THIS WAY! Not when they've both been trying to show Christ's love to Martyn, not when they've both been trying to convince Martyn that Leith has turned his back on Respen and the Blades not for love of Renna but because of God's love to him, not when Leith is so desperate to reach Martyn that his body is being broken for him in an echo of what Jesus suffered for us! They've already made him plenty uncomfortable with the gospel, and that should be the ONLY offense given what's going on and their goal. It just made the romance seem like a cheapening of the deeper love that should be the focus. :/ And, yes, Leith and Renna shone far more in their care and compassion (Renna doing the dishes to give even a bit of a sabbath rest for the kitchen staff! Renna healing Martyn and Ranson! Leith searching out Brandi and helping her process Kent's death! Leith letting Jamie know he'd done his best!) and love for others (including each other - when Leith asks Renna to be strong for him and then the conversation about Heaven, of course!) than when they started getting romantic. :|

Actually, I would like to lodge a general complaint about the couples having no sense of decorum and what was appropriate to a situation; I know they were about to go into war, but couldn't have Jolene and Shadrach said goodbye when they were NOT right in front of all of the men (and boys and Brandi) Shadrach was captaining? :|

I really hope that Renna didn't get mad at Jamie after she finished caring for the wounded. He was already feeling bad enough and what else could he have done? He did all that he could to keep Brandi safe and the only reason he wasn't by her side in the gate was because he was rescuing Leith and Renna.

Overall, I enjoyed Defy better than Deny but I still did not enjoy it near as much as Dare.

Bonus: I kept misspelling Keevan as Keaven, which I eventually realised would rhyme with Heaven, and now I want to just call him Kevin.

[kimwexlers-brownhair]

Oh nooo I just realized Misty would probably at some point try and tell Shiv that she smashed the tracker device and Shiv would be furious because that's her life she took from her 💔 And maybe Misty accidentally almost kills her and Shiv survives and doesn't tell the others because she knows Misty is too important to the team to lose right now but holds onto that leverage and coldly warns her to watch herself, and the betrayal probably helps trigger Shiv's descent into Loganifying and maybe she even comes to understand why Misty did it in a way as they're both living out a power fantasy.

Oooooohhhhh shit!! I had already planned to rewrite the smashing scene thusly, and that just adds to the crazy irony of it all:

"Hey, uh, Misty?"

The flickering light from the campfire below turned Shiv's hair into a fiery halo. There was still a little soot on her cheek from the crash.

"Yes, Shiv?"

Shiv's arms were crossed, and she seemed a little tightly held in -- almost awkward. She looked away and her brow furrowed a touch as her gaze fell on Coach Scott a few feet away. He was whimpering and crying out, his stump still smouldering.

She slowly raised her finger and pointed. "Uh, what's going on with him now...?"

"I cauterized it."

Shiv's eyes went round and wide for a moment. She opened her mouth and closed it. She was quite pale, and just stared at Misty.

Misty never thought she'd ever be in the position to want to hurry along Siobhan Roy, but she did need to pee --

"Is, is that what you wanted to ask me?"

Shiv blinked, coming back. She squeezed her eyes shut, shaking her head, much like she had that faraway day when she'd insulted Misty and apologized. "No, no. Um, I just wanted to say," she angled her body slightly away and bit her lip, obviously uncomfortable. Still, she soldiered on. "I just mean to say, you have been...fucking...awesome during all this."

Those blue eyes met hers and they cut through Misty like a laser beam in the darkness. "Like, fuck, Misty. What would we even be doing right now if it wasn't for you? Just..."

She sighed and tilted her head. For a few moments she studied Misty, silently. As if re-appraising her.

She reached out and tucked some of Misty's wild hair behind her ear.

"Just, thanks. Thank you, Misty." A quick almost shy smile, then she turned and headed back to the group huddled and laughing by the fire.

Yet all Misty could hear was her heart hammering against her ribcage.

Shiv needed her.

As if sleepwalking, she marched a little ways away into some secluded bushes. She crouched, pulling down her pants.

Slowly life returned to her. Shiv...Shiv said...

Her cheeks were on fire, and she felt like crying and laughing.

What would we even be doing right now if it wasn't for you?

Purpose, clear and true, swelled in her chest.

Shiv needed her.

All at once, red flashed out from the brush in front of her -- a blinking, steadfast, angry red.

[amjustagirl]

Okay so, Absence of Sound? Amazing. 😭 I'm feeling both terribly sad but also warm and fuzzy inside! I'm gonna start with the first part.

(ALSO TO ANYONE WHO HASN'T READ THE SERIES YET, 1. GO DO IT AND 2. SPOILERS! 😄)

I think I simp for Akaashi more than I think, because I wasn't quite as furious with him as J was with Iwa-chan (whom I also love inexplicibly!). I think it's the nature of the break ups? Falling out of love and growing apart hurts less than being left for someone else, at least to me. However! Keiji was 100% being an ass 😠 Work is important and it's understandable to be busy, but constantly blowing off your girlfriend or even being a bit snappish to her because she wants to spend time with you? Unacceptable. And she brought up a good point - if all that spending time with her caused him to get passed up for a promotion, would he resent her for it in the long term? I think after a while he was just too used to her presence and began to take it for granted, and in that timeframe her heart was broken but she'd already made up her mind to leave - it wasn't salvageable at that point 😞 It sucks, because I absolutely understand the insecurities she started feeling, but ultimately it was for the best, I feel. Even if I was tempted to throw him a bone in the cafe 😭

AND YAKUUUUN! 😊 I love him so much! I feel like he was perfect for her, because like it was pointed out, not only were he and Keiji almost complete opposites (to hopefully lessen the comparisons her mind wanted to make between the two!) I feel like Yaukkun is absolutely the type of person to directly engage the problem and nip it in the bud! Especially coming from a break-up, it's easy to want to play it safe to avoid getting hurt, but that kind of mindset is self-sabotage more than anything. Also, when he gave her the roses, and the fact that they came from HIM and NOT Keiji was so perfect, my heart 💓 And little Kuroo was a plus?

(Oh, read your One-Shots too! Was Kuroo naming his pet after Yaku a call-back? 👀👀)

In the end, I'm SO happy Yaku and Reader got their happiness. And I bet Keiji would find his too, I just think it's not time for him yet.

...and Bokuto. You're doing such a good job, sweetie 🙃 Although I do appreciate that he was still there for his friend!

That was SO LONG I'M SORRY 😰 But I had to get that out because I enjoyed them both so much! Lovely work, as always 🤗💖🤗💖

omg so ive been holding on to this ask cos im just so happy you've given me such lovely comments ahhhh. yeah y'know i have such a soft spot for akaashi (you've read dream catcher so i think it's obvious) but absence of sound explores that workaholic, obsessive anxious part of him that is somewhat alluded to in canon, and the impact of the choices he makes. i slipped in a little bit of my own life in absence of sound because my then fiance was similarly so busy with work i was left to plan our wedding mostly by myself, and i won't lie that i was feeling neglected but the difference is that i knew my fiance was working to get himself out of that toxic job, unlike akaashi whose ambitions just left no space for the reader and that's sad. she deserved better.

oh definitely - like, if akaashi is the kind of romantic, dreamy eyed boy then yaku is worlds apart with his forthrightness and grounded nature. he's romantic in his own way and ahhh im so glad you love the roses being a motif throughout their relationship! hehe kuroo the cat (and not the middle blocker) and yes! kuroo defo got yaku back - this is mentioned twice - once in a domestic interluded where he helps the reader hunt down some cockroaches in love knows not its depth, another longfic i wrote (also v angsty, a diff take on love and marriage).

but nooo okay to be fair iwa was still going to marry the reader, she just recognised that he loved tooru more than he loved her so she made the decision to step away from him. i feel for iwa tho >< also also, she makes a small cameo in absence of sound as the peach blossom girl!

one day maybe, i'll give akaashi his happy ending. but in the meantime i think he shld just lean on his relationship with bokuto (ahhh he's such a cutiepie isn't he!!!)

pls don't apologise!!! i loved loved loved hearing what you think!