#so that he could physically feel that things were okay

[cosyvelvetorchid]

Alt meet bucktommy prompt: instead of Buck and Maddie riding in an ambulance after Doug kidnaps her, the weather is too bad so they airlift them out. Tommy is the pilot. He hears Maddie asking after chimney and Tommy is like “howie got stabbed??” Anyway, Tommy ends up staying at the hospital to check on Chimney (another reason why Chim feels comfortable enough to call him for the water drop later on) and while Maddie and Chimney are having their moment, Buck and Tommy have one in the hallway outside his room.

1. Thanks for the prompt. I enjoyed writing this one.

2. Love your username!

3. Enjoy! 🩶

**********

Buck wanted to cry with relief when Maddie was being lifted into the helicopter to fly her to hospital. He didn’t—he kept himself together for her sake. She needed him to be strong right now, even though he himself was in absolute awe of Maddies own strength in surviving what she had. Surviving that son of a bitch Doug. If she hadn’t have killed him, Buck would have.

“We’re almost there, guys.” Pilot Kinard said through the mic.

“You hear that, Maddie? We’re almost there. You're doing great.” Buck squeezed her hand and smiled at her, trying to keep her positive.

“Tired.” She mumbled, her eyelids getting heavy.

“Uh, hey, hey, Maddie, I-I know... I know you're tired, but I-I need you to keep your eyes open for me. You-you know the drill.”

“Uh-huh.” She said trying to force them open as best she could as the medic on board tended to her wounds.

“Yeah, just, uh... just like that.” Buck reassured her. “Hey, you, uh... you think you had a hard day. Athena and I have been running all over the state looking for you. I wasn't dressed for snow.”

“Me, either.” She joked and it sent relief through Buck.

“Athena said she'd, uh.. she'd call Bobby, let everyone know that you're okay. They are gonna be... so relieved. Chimney. Chimney most of all.”

“Chimney's alive?” She questioned, her face breaking into relieved tears.

“Oh, my God. Y.. Maddie, no, yeah, Ch-Chimney's alive. He, uh.. He-he made it through.” He paused. “You both did.”

“Uh, Chimney as in Howard Han?” Tommy asked.

“Y-yeah. You know him?” Asked Buck.

“Yeah I know him. Was at the 118 back when he was a probie.”

“No way.” Buck exclaimed. Small world, he thought.

“You said he’s going to be okay?”

“Yeah. Docs said through knife missed any vital organs.” Buck told him.

“Thank God for that.”

**

Maddie was going to be okay. Just like Chim, Doug had missed anything vital when he stabbed her. She’d need quite a few weeks to heal from the physical injuries, and likely many more for the psychological injuries, but she was alive and Buck was grateful for that.

The hospital that she’s been taken to wanted to keep her for a few days for observation which she didn’t want. She wanted to go home and make sure Chimney really was okay.

So after some begging, cajoling and Tommy offering to transport her to the hospital in L.A where Chimney was admitted, the doctors agreed to let her go.

After getting checked in at the second hospital the first thing Maddie did was asked to be taken to chimneys room. Buck followed behind as a nurse wheeled Maddie to his room.

“Are you coming in?” She asked Buck.

He shook his head and gave her a reassuring smile. “No. You-you should have some time alone.” She smiled thankfully and was wheeled inside by the nurse who closed the door on her way back out.

Buck leant against the wall opposite the room, watching them through the window. He smiled seeing them happily embrace one another.

“Your sister okay?”

Buck turned to see Tommy walk up. “Uh, yeah. She’s okay. Relived that Chim is okay.” He pointed to the window.

Tommy looked in to see Maddie sitting on the edge of Chim’s bed, leant forward with her head in his shoulder and him stroking her hair.

“That’s sweet.” He responded.

“Yeah.”

“Are you okay?” He asked Buck, noticing his hands were shaking. The shock and adrenaline from the last 48 was beginning to wear off.

“Y-yeah, I’m.. I’m fi-“ his face crumpled and his breath hitched. A whine came from his throat as tears exploded from his eyes.

“Hey, woah! I got you.” Tommy moved quickly and put an arm around him, guiding him a few feet away from the window to Chimneys room and wrapped his arms around Bucks shoulders.

Buck fell into him almost and held on tight to Tommys flight suit as all of the fear and relief he’d held inside poured out of him.

“It’s ok. You’re okay.” Tommy said softly, running a gentle hand up and down his back.

When Buck came to his senses, an embarrassed heat flushed through him and he let go of Tommy.

“I’m-I’m sorry.” He sniffed and wiped his eyes on his sleeve. “I didn’t mean to..” he blew out a breath and rapidly blinked his eyes in an attempt to dry them out.

“You have nothing to apologise for, uh..” Tommy realised that he didn’t know the man’s name.

“Buckley. Evan, uh.. Evan Buckley.”

“Evan. Tommy Kinard.” He smiled.

Buck felt- he looked at the man before him. He had piercing blue eyes surrounded by warm wrinkles as he smiled, a light dusting of stubble caressed his jaw, dipping into the prominent cleft of his chin. He was incredible handsome. Beautiful, even.

He’d admired good looking men before, even checked out the ass of a few—which was totally normal—But this was.. different. There was a warm feeling in his belly at those eyes and that smile and that cleft.

And definitely that build. Buck wondered what his physique looked like underneath the flight suit.

Was it weird to think that a crying man was beautiful? Tommy couldn’t decide. Evan was definitely gorgeous—that baby face, the cute birthmark and those lips.. Tommy would go to war if those lips asked him to.

But it was the vulnerability that got him. He’d felt a little disappointed when Evan pulled away. He’d wanted to comfort him longer. Which Tommy wasn’t entirely unaware was strange given that up until seconds ago he didn’t know this man’s name.

“It’s just.. she’s all I have, ya know?” Buck told him.

“Your parents not around?”

“Oh they’re around but they- She pretty much raised me herself. She the strongest person I know. But seeing her like that today..” He blew out a breath in an attempt to keep himself together.

“It must have been scary.” Tommy offered and Buck nodded.

Buck all of a sudden felt exposed. He rubbed his face with hai hands trying to clear away the remaining emption.

“Do.. do you have to go back to work?” Buck asked.

“Actually my shift ended an hour ago.”

“Oh. Why are you still here?” Buck realised how that sounded and rushed to correct himself. “I-I mean, you can go home. If you want.”

“I actually can’t fly back to Harbor. I’ve now maxed out my flying hours for the week so I’m officially grounded.” He explained. “I have to stay here until they send another pilot to fly the helo back.”

“How long will that be?”

“Not sure. Our other pilot is on another call right now so could be 1 hour, could be several.” He said. “Besides, I wanted to check on Howie anyway. Although, I think your sister has that covered.” He chuckled.

“Yeah. That’s why I didn’t go in; wanted to give them their moment.”

“Are they dating?” Tommy asked.

“Uh, actually it was their first date that night.”

“Talk about bad luck.”

“Seems my sister is carrying on the Buckley tradition of almost dying on a first date.” Buck joked. Tommy gave him a confused look.

Buck let out a small laugh. “Last year. I, uh.. choked on a piece of bread and my date had to perform an emergency tracheotomy.”

Tommy pushed himself off the wall he was leaning on and stared at Buck. “What?!”

Buck laughed again. “Yeah. I should be clear—they were a dispatcher so not a civilian, and did have medical help over the phone. But yeah, I stopped breathing for a minute.” He pulled down the neck of his hoodie to revealing the pale scar on the base of his throat.

Without even thinking about it Tommy reached up and his finger tips grazed the area. Buck felt his body temperature go up with a flush at the touch.

Tommy suddenly realised what he was doing and pulled his hand back, shifting awkwardly in his stance.

“I thought I’d had some bad dates, but I’ve never almost died.” He said trying to push whatever this feeling was he had back down.

“What was your worst?”

“Huh.” Tommy said thinking about it. “Gotta be between the guy that stole my car the morning after, or the guy that dined and dashed but didn’t tell me until the police showed up at my door the next morning.

So Tommy was into guys. Buck felt.. pleased? Relieved? ..happy? He couldn’t pinpoint the feeling.

“Did you get arrested?”

Tommy shook his head. “Thankfully, no. I knew one of the officers and they knew I wasn’t the type to do that. I still paid the bill though.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have.”

“Yeah, well, I really love Micelli’s and wanted to be able to go back.” He laughed and Buck followed suit.

His laugh was beautiful. And that dimpled smile when he did it made Tommys mouth go dry.

The laugh died down but they continued to look at one another. Buck couldn’t pull his eyes away. Tommys eyes were just so mesmerising that he could willingly get lost in them.

They broke eye contact when Tommy’s phone rang.

“Go for Kinard.. okay great.. I’ll be there in second… bye.” He tucked his phone back into his pocket. “Seems my ride is here and a replacement pilot.”

A flood of disappointment filled Buck that Tommy was leaving.

“Right. I mean, uh, good. I-I bet you’re looking forward to getting home.” Buck said unable suddenly to keep eye contact.

“I’m definitely looking forward to a shower.” He said with a chuckle. “But it was nice meeting you Evan.” He reached out a hand to shake. Buck took it and held on to it a second longer than was normal. He kind of didn’t want to let go.

“Uh.. you too, Tommy.”

“Tell Howie I’ll call him in a few days to check in.” He said beginning to walk away.

“I-I will.”

Tommy wanted to turn back around and.. well, he didn’t know what. He wanted to stay talking to Evan that was for sure. He was gorgeous and sweet and adorable and.. and probably straight. There was no point in deluding himself, he thought, as he pressed the elevator button.

Before Buck knew what he was doing he was running down the corridor to the elevator.

“Wait!” He called out and Tommy turned around.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. Uh.. I-I.. I was wondering if, uh.. if you would like to.. to go to.. dinner. With me. Some.. sometime.” Buck let out a relieving breath.

Tommy looked at him for a moment and tilted his head. It made Buck feel weird—like he was naked and exposed.

“Evan, are you asking me out on a date?” Tommy asked, trying his damndest not to give away the excitement he was feeling.

Buck, however, realised what he had done. He’d just run towards Tommy not really thinking about what he was going to say, and oh..

Oh.

It suddenly hit him. The warmth in his belly, the little pin pricks of nerves he was feeling when talking to Tommy, and the definite swooping in his belly when Tommy was looking at him.. he liked Tommy.

“Yeah, I.. I guess so.” He smiled shyly. “But-but if you don’t, uh.. if you don’t want to that’s-“

Tommy stepped forward, tilted Bucks head up by the chin and kissed him.

Buck thought his bones had disappeared. It took all of his strength to not melt into a puddle on the floor at the feel of Tommys soft and warm lips. He pushed back into the kiss for a second before Tommy pulled away.

“Was that okay?” He asked, voice barely above a whisper and looking at Buck with those eyes. Buck was simply fucking mesmerised and all he could do was nod.

Again, Buck moved before his brain could compute what was happened and he shoved his lips back onto Tommy’s. Tommy responded with unexpected hum and a lash of flames soared up through Buck at the sound.

His arm immediately wrapped around Tommys neck to draw him in as he opened his mouth to deepen the kiss.

Tommy didn’t have any brain cells left to resist and wrapped his arms around Bucks waist and opened his mouth to let Bucks tongue in and holy mother of god it was exquisite!

His perfectly plump lips were softer than he could have imagined and moved so wonderfully against his own, with perfect pressure and a delicacy Tommy hadn’t experienced in a kiss before.

A voice echoing out of the hospital tannoy brought Tommy back to his senses and he gently ended the kiss.

“We should probably stop.” He spoke; his voice hoarse and thick with desire. He desperately wanted to kiss Evan again but they weren’t exactly in the best place for that.

He placed a gentle kiss to Buck cheek before stepping back.

Bucks chest was filled with a number of different feelings. Pleasure, excitement, confusion. And a feeling of contentment he hadn’t anticipated. As though a piece of him had slid in to place that he hadn’t realised was missing.

Buck couldn’t take his eyes off Tommys swollen, pinked up lips.

“I really have to go.” Tommy said reluctantly. “Hand me your phone.” Buck unlocked it and passed it over. Tommy put in his phone number before giving it back and pressing the elevator button. The doors immediately opened and he stepped inside, turning to face Buck.

“Text me when and where and I’ll be there.” He said with a smile.

“I-I will.” Buck replied, his own throat struggling to make sound.

“Bye, Evan.” The doors began to use shut.

“Bye.”

Buck was in a total love struck daze as he walked back to Chimneys room.

“Earth to Buck!”

“Huh? What?” His brain finally came back online to see Maddie in her wheelchair in the doorway to Chim’s room.

“I said what’s got you smiling like that?” She asked.

An embarrassed flush tried to take him over by he coughed and pushed it away.

“I’m, uh.. I’m just happy you’re okay. Both of you.” He smiled and followed her back into the room.

**********

[yiichan]

confession ; jeon wonwoo

PAIRINGS — yandere!childhoodbestfriend!wonwoo x male!reader WORD COUNT — 1k words. GENRE — yandere, nonidol au.

WARNINGS — yandere/obsessive elements.

REQUEST — Can I request like a yandere wonwoo x male reader who has been best friends since childhood, then wonwoo confesses but gets rejected?

Up to you, author, on what elements of yours will you add!

WRITER'S NOTES — I'm back~ AND I'M GOING BACK TO WORK TMR I DUN WANNA UGHHHHH...

masterlist | navigation | main page | kofi | ao3

He’s going to go crazy.

Wonwoo drummed his fingers on his lap, the rhythm uneven as his gaze flickered to you. The two of you had been inseparable since childhood, sharing countless nights talking about dreams, fears, and everything in between. And yet, here he was—tongue-tied, his chest tight, wondering how to tell you the one thing he’d never dared to say.

You stood by the eomuk stall, chatting animatedly with the ajumma as if you didn't have a care in the world. Your smile was as radiant as ever, the one he knew by heart but never tired of seeing. The orange glow of the market lights reflected in your eyes, making them sparkle.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. You had always been like this—so effortlessly charming, so kind to everyone you met. It was one of the reasons he’d fallen for you, though he was beginning to think he’d loved you long before he even knew what love meant.

But he wasn’t the same Wonwoo you grew up with. Somewhere along the way, his feelings had shifted, deepened into something that made his chest ache every time you were near.

You turned back to him, a skewer of steaming eomuk in hand, your expression as bright as the first day he met you.

“Wonwoo hyung, you’ve got to try this!” you said, holding it out to him.

He hesitated for a split second before taking it, his fingers brushing against yours. The contact sent a jolt up his arm, and he clenched his jaw to steady himself.

“Thanks,” he muttered, his voice lower than he intended. He bit into the eomuk, chewing slowly, though his focus was entirely on you.

“Good, right?” you asked, your eyes crinkling at the corners.

He nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah, it’s good.” But the words felt hollow compared to the weight of everything else he wanted to say.

“Wonwoo?”

“Hm?”

You tilted your head, a playful grin tugging at your lips. “You’ve been weirdly quiet all night. Are you okay?”

This was his chance.

The words were right there, lodged in his throat. He could tell you everything—that he loved you, that he had loved you for years, that he wanted to be more than just your best friend. But as he looked at you, so trusting, so carefree, fear tightened its grip around his heart.

“Yeah,” he said finally, forcing a smile. “I’m fine. Just tired, I guess.”

You frowned but didn’t push. Instead, you took a bite of your own skewer, the moment slipping away like water through his fingers.

Wonwoo swallowed the lump in his throat, his fists clenching at his sides.

Coward.

He’d waited years for the right moment, and it always seemed just out of reach. But as he watched you laugh at something the stall owner said, a quiet resolve settled over him.

If he didn’t tell you soon, someone else might.

And the thought of losing you—to anyone—was something he couldn’t bear.

Finally, Wonwoo gathered all his courage. “Hey, um. I like you.”

You froze mid-bite, the skewer hovering inches from your lips. Slowly, you lowered it, blinking at him as though you hadn’t quite processed his words. “What did you just say?”

The question made his chest tighten, but he forced himself to hold your gaze. “I said I like you. More than a friend. I’ve liked you for a long time.”

For a moment, you simply stared at him, your expression unreadable. The din of the bustling night market seemed to fade, replaced by the sound of Wonwoo’s own pulse pounding in his ears.

“Hyung,” you began, your voice hesitant, careful. “I… I don’t think I can feel the same way.”

The words hit him like a physical blow, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he managed a soft, understanding smile. “Oh. I see.”

“I’m sorry,” you added quickly, your voice earnest. “I just don’t want to ruin what we have, you know? You’re my best buddy that grew up together with me, and I don’t want to lose that.”

“Of course,” Wonwoo said smoothly, his tone light, reassuring. “I get it. Don’t worry about it.”

But as you looked at him with those apologetic eyes, as if you were sparing him, his mind began to twist.

You don’t get it, do you? How much I’ve done for you, how much I’ve sacrificed just to stay by your side. How could you not see it? How could you be so blind?

“I hope this doesn’t make things weird between us,” you said, offering a nervous smile.

He shook his head, the perfect image of composure. “It won’t. I promise.”

But in his mind, his thoughts were anything but composed.

It’s fine. You’ll come around. You just don’t realize how much you need me yet. I’ve been there for you your entire life—no one knows you like I do. No one loves you like I do.

You returned to your skewer, the moment seemingly passing as you chatted about something else, trying to fill the awkward silence. Wonwoo played along, laughing at your jokes, asking you questions, pretending as if nothing had changed.

But everything had changed.

His eyes lingered on you, tracing every detail of your face, every movement you made. You were too precious, too perfect to belong to anyone else. If you couldn’t see that now, he would make sure you did.

I’ll wait. I’ll be patient. But if anyone tries to take you away from me… His fingers clenched into a fist beneath the table, nails digging into his palm. I won’t let them.

“Wonwoo hyung, are you okay?” you asked, noticing the faraway look in his eyes.

He blinked, his soft smile returning in an instant. “Yeah. Just thinking about how lucky I am to have you as a friend.”

Your smile widened, oblivious to the storm brewing behind his calm facade.

Friend? That’s fine for now. But one day, you’ll realize you were always meant to be mine.

As the two of you left the night market, Wonwoo walked beside you, his posture relaxed, his expression serene. But inside, his heart burned with a dark, possessive fire.

You could reject him all you wanted. In the end, you belonged to him—and he would make sure of it.

© yiichan, 2024 origin of divider

[echoingbirdsofprey]

Delicate (Jake's Version)

23 - Jake's First Navy Cross

Pairing: Jake 'Hangman' Seresin x OFC Samantha Kazansky

Rating: Explicit (MDNI!)

Warnings: none really just my brain being crazy and having so much inspiration. The next chapter though is gonna be some wild smut.

A/N: Welcome to my not sick not. I feel sort of normal, no more body aches thank god, but still have a cough. As always likes, comments, and reblogs are super appreciated! We need Jake in his dress blues more often. Hehehe.

Tags: @mrsevans90 @djs8891 @gpsmississippihippie @barnesboo1967 @dizzybee03

The Navy Birthday Ball. Something that Samantha attended every year because it was her father who made the speech and presented awards. She always sat front row with her mother, Mark and Alex. This year was going to be a bit different. She knew they were doing a special dedication to her father. Mark and Alex were not going. Sam was not sitting with her mother. She was sitting with Jake.

Jake did not go every year. In fact, he hadn’t been in the past three years because he’d been deployed on two and the last year he just didn’t want to dress up and go. This year though he was obligated to go. He needed to be there for Sam, and he was getting a Navy Cross Medal. 

Jake had seen the doctor earlier in the day and got the okay to have his sling off completely. The physical therapy had been going smoothly. He was still struggling with the actual therapist though. He was decently compliant with Ryker’s questions, but Ryker knew not to pry too much. He'd been through a similar experience. He knew Jake would open up eventually, or he wouldn't heal. Jake needed to heal, if not for himself, for Samantha.

Sam on the other hand...Jake had opened up more to Sam than he intended. And being that vulnerable with her seemed to make the nightmares worse. He had awoken for a week straight, every night, screaming, thrashing, when he didn’t have to. He’d be drenched in sweat, shivering and shaking, and every night Sam was right there, holding onto him as tight as she could, trying her best to calm him. He felt like a fucking child, being held and rocked back to sleep, half the time sobbing into her chest or holding her entirely too tight. 

One of those mornings he had woken up four times and Sam with him. When they both looked in the mirror, they had bags under their eyes, and they both looked fucking haggered. Jake pressed a kiss to her neck and wound his arms around her waist, when Sam winced. She glanced down at where his arm was, peeling it from her sticky skin. There was a bruise there. Jake examined it, realizing it could only be from him.

“Fuck, Sam. I’m so...I’m...sorry...sorry...fuck...” He stuttered and Sam immediately took him in her arms. He wanted to collapse on the floor and die, but she wouldn't let him.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for. I told you to hold me as tight as you needed.” She murmured against his chest. His eyes held so much sorrow, so much worry, and as he blinked rapidly, his jaw working with uncertainty, she couldn’t do much else but be a steady presence. She knew he wouldn’t accept it, but she really was unbothered by the bruise. She had spoken with Margie about when Ryker came home and what that was like. Margie had her fair share of accidental bruises from Ryker whacking her in the middle of the night while he was fighting demons in his sleep. The mind was a powerful thing when it thought it needed to defend itself. 

Jake's was fighting for it's fucking life. It didn't need to, but his brain didn't know that. When a wad of squishy, wet, tissue controls the advanced electronics for a suit of meat and muscle made to hunt and kill, there's bound to be some fuckery. Especially when that suit of meat has had some bad experiences. 

Jake fully understood that people got captured and tortured when it came to war, but deep down, person to person, he didn't understand how someone could do that and not feel awful about it. He knew they didn't feel bad about what they did to him. The blood on the floor, his broken bones, and the conditions they kept him told him that. His captors were the scum of the earth and Jake might spend the rest of his life trying to figure out why it had been him that ended up there. He knew why, but of all the missions, of all the luck in the world, why did it have to be then and there?

He surmised maybe it had to do with the unbelievable, incredible woman that he came home to. They'd really been put through some hell between Sam losing her father and Jake getting captured. But there was so much good that had come out of it. Jake proposed. That was one thing he never thought he'd do. 

Then there were the puppies. Jake had made several new friends and connections with the acquisition of the puppies and they were just another thing that made Sam happy. Or maybe what really made Sam happy was watching Jake learn how to train the puppies and in turn learn a little more about himself in the process. Jake's unfurling of his ego was something that Sam admired to the point that it has changed her mind on having children, though since he'd come home there weren't many instances where they'd gotten the chance to consummate their desires. With his therapy, working with the dogs, beginning to work from his office at the base, Sam's work, and his physical therapy, Jake's libido had taken a hit. Sure, he got pretty damn excited to see Sam but he didn't have an overwhelming need to fuck her every other hour. And in all honesty, Sam was okay with it. She enjoyed the kissing and the touching but she only wanted sex if Jake was feeling up to it and most nights he fell asleep before they could get into it. 

Jake had planned the night of the Navy Ball to a T though. They would attend the ball for a few hours, then head home, and Jake was going to take his sweet time with her and make love to her with the intention of going a few rounds. He knew seeing her in a dress would have him riled up anyway. Sam had perfect curves and anytime she wore a dress, the fabric hugged those curves in a way that was so sinful that it left Jake feeling a sudden urge to destroy the beautiful clothing. He never did but the want was there, to rip the fabric from her body and ravage what was underneath. He was sure she would let him do it too. 

Jake would be dressed in his finest blues and Sam had picked an evening dress that would have him on his knees later. It was an almost midnight blue, sparkly all over like the night sky, and it had a slit up one thigh. It sat off her one shoulder and most of her upper back was exposed, but she left her hair down and wavy. She picked a set of pretty silver heels that still only brought her just barely eye level with Jake. 

“My short queen.” He murmured as he pressed a kiss to the exposed skin of her shoulder from behind. She was standing in the bathroom applying very modest makeup, just eyeliner, and dark blue eye-shadow and a rosy lipstick. She never needed blush because if she stared at Jake long enough, her cheeks would naturally go pink for him. He loved that he had that effect on her. “We should get going.” 

She agreed and turned to look at him. “Can't wait to see that Navy Cross on your chest.” She said softly as she stretched up to kiss him. He smirked and brushed his fingers across her cheek, his eyes lingering half lidded on her. He trailed his hand down and picked hers up, the one with her engagement ring on, and pressed a kiss to the back. 

“And I can't wait for you to be truly mine, for the rest of our lives.” He said, as he guided her out of the bathroom and into the hallway. He helped her down the stairs, holding her dress up slightly so that she could get down them easier. Maisy and Javy met them at the bottom of the stairs.

“Damn, Sammy. Lookin’ fine.” Javy exclaimed as he pulled Maisy in a little closer. “But not as good as my pretty chica here.” 

“That’s a matter of opinion, ‘Yote.” Jake joked and Javy punched him lightly in the arm. “Nah, just kidding. Both of our ladies are gonna be turnin’ heads.”

Jake checked on the dogs one more time, giving them each a soft bone in their crates before shutting the doors. They headed to their trucks and were on the road, ready to make their appearance at the ball in t-minus thirty minutes.

The drive felt short and Sam for whatever reason, was nervous. They met the rest of Dagger Squad outside and everyone was gussied up and gorgeous in their dress blues and formal attire. Nat pulled Sam into a tight hug.

“You’re fucking gorgeous, girl. I would say I wish you were my date, but Bob did ask me first.” She laughed and Sam’s smile reached her eyes and then she looked around for Jake. To her surprise, he was right there, his hands shoved in his pocket, but his eyes admiring her from a few feet away. When she stepped away from Nat, he stepped in and hugged her and then as Bob came up behind her, he shook Jake’s hand.

“Have you seen Rooster yet?” Nat asked, and Jake shook his head.

“Is he here?” Jake stepped away from her and grabbed Sam's hand.

“He’s supposed to be. Callie actually asked him to be her date, but I guess he said no.” Nat said as they all began to head into the hall. They saw Cyclone and Warlock, with their wives, and Maverick was inside already with Penny on his arm, who looked downright stunning in a champagne colored gown. Everyone grabbed drinks first and then made their way to their tables, which were all assigned. Jake took a walk around the table, checking the names at the ten seats. Bob and Nat, Javy and Maisy, Reuben and Mickey who came together as a joke, Sam and himself, and then to his surprise, Rooster and someone named Iris. Maybe Rooster had met someone?

They would find out soon enough. Everyone took their seats, but no Rooster yet. Nat and Sam shared a look as the ceremonies got under way. Cyclone walked up onto the stage and made an opening statement of sorts, talking about how the ball was a time honored tradition every year and that everyone should have fun, but not too much fun, and to be safe. He also made a short statement about Iceman and how much he’s missed by his fellow pilots and colleagues. He presented her mother with a small memorial plaque for his years of service. Sam hadn’t even seen her mother come in. She hadn’t talked to her much either, barely had gone home in the past few months while caring for Jake.

Then Cyclone began another monologue. “As many of you know, being deployed is an honor, but it can also be a curse. You never know if you’ll come home. Your spouse or partner will worry about you the whole time you’re deployed. You never know if a mission is going to go south. When it does, you never know if you’re coming out of it or not. That’s what we sign up for. And we do it for all different reasons, but mostly because we love our country and the freedom we enjoy here.” Cyclone's eyes settle on Jake and he continues. “There are some of us who go above and beyond, displaying valor beyond what is required. And for that, for a sacrifice such as the one that Lieutenant Commander Jacob ‘Hangman’ Seresin made for his fellow pilots, we award medals of honor. Jake, please step forward.” 

Jake stood, his heart pounding in his chest. There was roaring applause and he leaned down to kiss Sam before he headed up to the stage. Warlock and a few other higher up officers stood on the stage, holding their hands out for Jake to shake. When he stepped over to Cyclone, he shook his hand, and then Cyclone pinned the Navy Cross on his jacket just above his other mini service medals. 

“I present this Navy Cross Medal to Lieutenant Commander Jacob Seresin, for his extraordinary heroism and valor in air combat to save his fellow pilots. Without his sacrifice, the mission outcome would’ve looked much different. We thank you for your service, Jacob.” Cyclone said as the photographer snapped some pictures. Jake thanked him and headed back to his seat. Sam kissed him and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, giving him a perfect view of her perfect breasts nearly spilling from her dress. 

“My handsome and brave pilot.” She said, her lips brushing against the shell of his ear. It sent a shiver down his spine and he glanced around at the rest of the table. No one was paying any attention as their dinner had arrived in front of them. They were chatting and laughing and all Jake could think of was how fucking beautiful Sam looked in her dress. He thought he might be a little more excited to have his medal, but maybe he was just comfortable without his sling again. Jake leaned over as their food was placed in front of them.

“I don’t wanna rush you but...” Sam could damn near feel the smirk on his lips and she could hear it in his voice.

“You don’t wanna celebrate your medal? She asked and he nodded.

“Of course I do, but not with all these people. It's my damn medal.” Jake said, taking a few bites of his food. Sam placed a hand on his thigh and squeezed. She was going to fuck around and Jake was counting on her finding out the consequences in just a couple short hours. About halfway through dinner, Rooster and his lady friend made their appearance. He introduced her to everyone and they sat down, the waitress coming over to serve them dinner.

“Traffic from the airport was hell.” He said, glancing at Jake. “Hangman. You look good.” 

“Ah, I am good, Rooster. I’m very good. I heard you were in Virginia  the past month. How was that?” Jake asked and Rooster took a sip of the wine that had come with dinner. Jake observed him for a few moments. Rooster’s eyes flicked over to Sam every once in a while, while his date looked just as stunning, and he barely gave her a second look the whole dinner. Jake thought it was an interesting dynamic. Was it a stab at Sam, thinking he could get a girl who looked just as pretty as Sam and make her jealous? Or was it just what it looked like, that Rooster had elected to bring a date whom he didn’t know very well and they were just in that awkward new stage of their relationship where they weren’t sure how to be around people in public and together yet. Either way Jake thought it was interesting.

“It was good. Met Iris here. She works on base at Oceana as a nurse. We went to her base’s ball a couple days ago when I got back from deployment. She wanted to come out to Cali and come to ours and meet everyone and I guess I couldn’t say no.” Rooster explained and Jake pursed his lips. Interesting, Jake thought, very interesting. So Jake was right, they were in the beginning of their relationship, but it was clear that Rooster was rushing it. Iris seemed uncomfortable with everyone but as the dinner continued she seemed to loosen up a bit. Rooster got up at some point to go to the bathroom and Sam leaned over to talk to Iris.

“Hi. I’m Sam. I’m an old friend of Bradley’s. Hopefully you’re enjoying yourself?” She asked and Iris nodded.

“Yeah. It’s nice to meet everyone. I briefly met Pete.” Jake’s brow furrowed and then he realized she meant Maverick. She clearly didn’t use callsigns much. 

“Are you staying for a bit?” Sam asked and Iris nodded.

“Yeah. I got leave for Christmas and so did Bradley, so we’re going to stay here through New Year’s and then head back to Oceana. We’ll stop in Michigan on the way back to see my family.”

“Oh, you’re from Michigan? Must be cold in the winter.” Sam said.

“Yeah. As soon as I could get out I did. I was so happy to get stationed in Virginia. So much better winters.” Iris said. “Where are you from, Sam?”

“I’m from here. My father just passed away but he’d been stationed here for most of his career.” Sam said. 

“Oh so you’re not in the Navy?” Iris asked.

“No, Jake, my fiance is. My father was the Fleet Commander for the past ten years so the Navy’s in my blood I’m just not in it.” Sam patted Jake on the shoulder and he smiled warmly at Iris, just as Rooster sat back down.

“Getting to know Hangman?” He asked, placing his hand on her shoulder. Jake chuckled.

“No, our ladies were actually bonding, Roos.” Jake said and Rooster shot him a small smile. There was an awkward tension between them that Sam could feel, but she had gathered that the rest of the table didn't feel it or they were trying to ignore it altogether. Jake figured everyone was just trying to be cordial and friendly. Jake glanced over at Sam and seeing that she had finished her food, he smirked. He wiggled his brows and she shook her head.

“Can we go now?” He asked, leaning in to whisper it in her ear.

“You wanna leave that bad?” She giggled as his lips brushed against her neck. His hands went for her thigh, running up the slit in her dress. 

“Yes. I do. Did you want dessert?” He asked, kissing her firmly on the lips then.

“Kind of.” She whimpered and his eyes darkened as he drew back slightly to lock eyes with her.

“Too bad. I’ve got dessert at home for you, babygirl.” He growled. Sam’s mouth dropped open and the bush that Jake loved so much crept across her cheeks. She cleared her throat and used his shoulder to help herself stand up.

“Jake and I are going to head home. It was nice to see everyone. Nice to meet you Iris.” She announced to the table and Jake smiled wide and nodded to everyone as he stood. His fellow pilots all said their goodbyes and Rooster just gave Jake a passing glance. He fixed his jacket and then his hand connected with Sam’s lower back as they headed toward the door. They passed couples here and there in the hall as they left, some making out, some sharing drinks, some laughing and dancing. 

Jake could only focus on Sam thought as they stepped into the cool night air. He helped her into the truck and she immediately removed her heels, throwing them on the floor at her feet. Jake started the truck, the engine rumbling to life. He glanced over at her and then shifted the truck into drive and pulled out of the spot. Jake could make the half hour drive into twenty minutes if there was no traffic.

[unfriendlies]

while seeing the havoc his ex wracked inside his apartment did startle him and cause him more stress and anxiety, it was just things that were destroyed. material possessions that could be replaced. they might not have the same sentimental value but a lot of what was broken were things that his ex had gifted him so he was okay with letting the items go. garam wanted to shake his head, he wanted to tell angel that they shouldn't drive themselves further into living in fear. he wanted to believe his ex would leave him alone, that he'd move on in a couple weeks or as soon as he found somebody new to sleep with if he hadn't already found someone. with what happened, garam couldn't even say with any ounce of confidence that axel hadn't already been sleeping with other guys while they were together. "i think cameras might be a bit much, maybe we can get one of those ring doorbell things. they have the little camera in it so it'll serve more than one purpose." it was easier to convince him to get one if it didn't solely function as a camera. at least with that gadget, they'd be able to see and talk to who was at the door on one of their phones so they wouldn't even have to physically open the door. plus, if axel did try to come over again, there'd be physical proof of his harassment. "i want to be able to take care of you, too." he whispered, trying to hold his composure as angel got closer to him. his heart was beating so fast as the other's lips pressed to his neck, garam hoped angel couldn't tell. sure, he wanted the other to know the effect he had on him but he didn't want to lose the control he had over his own body and end up aroused like last night. that's why, when angel let go of him and stood up, garam let out a quiet sigh of relief. he just sat there looking up to the other, remaining quiet for a few seconds to appear like he actually had a choice in the matter. of course he was going to agree but it didn't hurt to pull out these cute, sweet words from angel. a few seconds passed and garam was nodding his head. "let's make a day of it," he agreed. garam stood up as well, only he had done so on top of angel's bed instead of on the floor so he'd at least be closer in height to angel. his arms lifted over his head as he stretched, lifting himself up onto the tips of his toes but only for a moment as he quickly lost his balance but he stayed steady enough to remain on his feet. he knew full and well that he was already very much exposed and stretching like he had only exposed both his legs and his lower stomach, as his shirt had unintentionally lifted a bit too much, even more. but he did say he'd make angel pay for the reaction his own body had to their little activities last night. garam was going to take every opportunity he could to make angel feel as flustered as he did last night. "mind if i take a shower first? i'd invite you to join me but i do recall you answering the door in just a towel last night." he giggled a bit before his expression turned stone cold as he hopped down off the bed and began unbuttoning his shirt. "don't do that again, by the way. you never know who's on the other side of the door. what if it was some sweet old lady who came to you for help and she strokes out at the sight of your glistening abs? your body is just too dangerous to be showing it off all willy-nilly."

Angel simply nodded at the man’s request. Knowing he would never let either of them get that far under the influence. That wasn’t what he wanted. Feeling the pressure against his hands Angel shifted his gaze. He looked down at their hands and back up to Garam only to see the man looking away. He stayed silent as he listened to the other man. He appreciated him being honest in this moment. Jealousy. It seemed to be the root of their problems. Well and Darius, which Angel made a mental note to talk to. His new friend had been rather affectionate since Garam came. Now that he and Garam spoke, it was time to set proper boundaries with him. Angel did feel terrible for kissing two men in one night. Especially when one of them saw it happen. He could see where Garam was coming from. He would be upset too.Angel continued to listen. Taking in everything Garam had to say. He wasn’t a fan of the man downing himself. This is what made him interrupt, “Garam…Garam listen to me. Let’s not worry about that right now. Okay?” He spoke softly placing his hand on the man’s cheek. Angel leaned slightly to get a better view of his face. “Neither of us is ready to choose anyone. I’m enjoying whatever we have going now. No pressure. No titles, just me and you. Okay?” Angel was now leaning forward whispering in the man’s ear. He could tell Garam was getting tense thinking of Axel breaking in. Now was not the time to tell him he already did. Now he was trespassed from the building. He needed the man to feel safe. Angel hated himself for it but he continued to keep quiet. “Garam, I’m sorry he destroyed your apartment. That must have been a lot to deal with on your own” Angel’s face dropped slightly and began rather serious. It was making more sense why his best friend was cold when he returned home. It wasn’t just the kiss. It seemed to be many factors that came into play. Angel ran his thumb over the man’s cheekbone and allowed his hand to slip to Garam’s neck. “Today we can make some phone calls to have more security put in. I’ve already been thinking of getting a camera for the door. Maybe a code that we give to no one.” Angel began spouting ideas nothing to calm his best friend down. As his hand moved to his neck Angel’s fingers played with the ends of his hair, a small smile gracing his lips. “We can get a bat. I said I’ll take care of you. I meant that.” He said quietly as he pressed a gentle kiss to Garam’s neck. “Now can we go get these pancakes you want? Now I’m craving them. What do you say?” Now whispering against his neck. Angel pulled back now and pulled his touch away as he stood up. “Let’s make a day of it. We can get pancakes at this great spot I know. Take a walk over to the mall. Look at some cameras. Maybe even buy one. Oh! Stop at the art store. I need some supplies. Even grab lunch, maybe? What do you say?” Angel chose a secret weapon. A pout and big eyes as he clasped his hands together. He began to whine begging the man to say yes. It took a lot of strength to keep from laughing but he was desperate. He didn’t want to be sad anymore. These heavy and tough conversations were taking a lot out of him. “Pleaseeee baby” he whined once more.

[sillygoose067]

A Masked Promise

Ch.10

Dick Grayson (Nightwing) x Reader

The mission had been successful, but it wasn’t without its scars. Dick Grayson—Nightwing—stood atop a crumbling rooftop, breathing heavily as the last of the enemy forces scattered. His body was a map of bruises and cuts, but nothing he couldn’t handle. He flexed his fingers, wincing at the sharp pain in his knuckles.

Nothing I can’t shake off, he told himself as he adjusted the collar of his suit and surveyed the city below. San Francisco’s skyline stretched out before him, a sprawling expanse of steel and glass illuminated by the glow of streetlights. He’d wrapped up another mission with the Titans, and for a second, he allowed himself to feel a flicker of satisfaction.

As much as he liked working with his team, there was something comforting about being alone in the quiet aftermath. But there was no real time to relax. He had someone waiting for him.

And he couldn’t help but feel that same nervous flutter in his chest whenever he thought about you.

Gray, he reminded himself as he slid into his motorcycle. The nickname you’d given him had become one of his favorite things. It felt like a secret, something just for the two of you. His mask was still on, a physical reminder of the world he kept at arm’s length from everyone else—but that wasn’t the side he wanted you to see.

By the time he arrived at the café, changed into civilian clothes, the night air had cooled, and the streetlights illuminated the warm, welcoming windows of your little corner shop. He parked his bike across the street and took a moment to adjust himself. His usual confident demeanor faltered slightly as he thought about how he was going to explain tonight’s scrapes and bruises to you.

Slipping into the café, the familiar scent of coffee and baked goods wrapped around him, a comforting embrace. He was grateful to step into this world, where his identity as Nightwing didn’t matter. Only Dick Grayson—the detective. The man who cared about you.

You were standing behind the counter, wiping down the same spot on the counter for the umpteenth time. You looked up, eyes widening slightly when you saw him walk in. That soft, concerned look in your eyes made him want to apologize for every little injury he carried.

“Gray,” you greeted him, voice laced with gentle worry. “You okay?”

His lips twitched at the nickname, grateful for the comfort it gave him. “I’m fine,” he said, shrugging off the question like he always did. “Just another night on the job. It’s part of being a detective.”

Your brow furrowed as you took in the sight of his roughed-up face and the way his movements were a little slower than usual. He could see the concern in your eyes, and it tugged at him. He didn’t want to lie, but the truth was more complicated. So, he just let the excuse roll off his tongue, and you—thankfully—didn’t question him further.

“You always say that,” you muttered, but your eyes softened. You reached for a fresh rag to wipe the counter, and for a moment, the two of you just stood there, the only sound in the café the quiet hum of the lights overhead.

Finally, he leaned against the counter, watching you with a faint smile. “It’s just the life I’ve chosen. Comes with the territory.”

You shook your head, but the corner of your mouth lifted. “I still don’t like it. I told you before—be careful, okay?”

“Always am.” He let the words slip out with an easy smile, but there was a certain weight to them. Maybe you didn’t know everything about his life, but he’d always promised to protect you from it.

He could feel the space between the two of you closing as you finished up your task and leaned against the counter, quietly watching him. There was a tenderness in your gaze, a softness that made something warm stir in his chest.

But before he could get lost in his thoughts, he cleared his throat, glancing at you with that same boyish grin he’d been wearing since you first met. “You know, I’ve been meaning to ask you something.”

You blinked, slightly caught off guard by the sudden shift in his tone. “What’s that?”

He paused for a moment, suddenly unsure of the right words. Despite everything, the part of him that was used to danger and confrontation was at a loss for what came next. He gave a quick, almost nervous laugh before speaking again. “I guess… I guess I just wanted to know where we stand. I mean, we’re… we’re kind of together, right?”

You blinked, clearly surprised. “Wait, what?” The confusion on your face mirrored his own, but in a different way.

He winced slightly, rubbing the back of his neck, unsure of how to clarify. “I just… I didn’t ask, you know? And after everything, I thought it might be good to—”

He stopped, realizing how ridiculous it sounded. “You mean, you didn’t ask me to be your girlfriend yet?” you asked, voice half-choking on the absurdity of it.

Dick’s lips parted in surprise. “Well… yeah. That’s what I’m getting at. I thought we—”

You shook your head, the corners of your mouth twitching upward. “I thought we were already there. You’ve been my ‘Gray’ for a couple weeks now. Does that not count?”

Dick’s face flushed at your words, and he stared at you, struggling to find his footing.

“Well, apparently not,” he said with a small laugh, though there was a hint of relief in his tone now. “Guess I needed to actually ask.”

You shook your head, unsure of whether to laugh or feel embarrassed by how awkward this all was. “You’re asking me now, though?”

He nodded, his expression serious, though his lips quirked upward in that familiar mischievous grin. “Yeah. I just wanted to make sure you’re on the same page. I can’t afford to screw this up.”

There was a long silence between you two. And then, you broke it, the words slipping out with quiet but undeniable sincerity. “Of course I am. You know I’m… I’m already yours.”

The simplicity of it, the vulnerability in your voice, made his heart swell. He was already smiling, but his eyes softened as he gazed at you.

“Good,” he said, his voice low and full of affection. “Good.”

———————————————————————————

TAGLIST:

@mybones537 @thereeallink @ziziriaa-blog

[hwa-stars]

Fighting over Seonghwa

Pairing: idol boyfriend Park Seonghwa x fem named reader x BFF Kim Hongjoong

Genre: fluff, jealousy, fighting (not physically)

Summary: You and your boyfriend have always had a great relationship. But there's always someone who didn't like it.

Word count: 2.3k

Hongjoong had always been protective of Seonghwa. After all, they had been through thick and thin together, starting from their trainee days at KQ Entertainment.

When Seonghwa joined, Hongjoong was the first to welcome him, the first to show him around, and the first to believe in him. Their bond was more than just friendship; they were brothers.

So, when Minseo entered Seonghwa's life two years ago and captured his heart, Hongjoong had mixed feelings. It wasn't that he didn't want Seonghwa to be happy—he did, more than anything—but he couldn't shake the feeling that Minseo was intruding on something sacred.

“Seonghwa, are you sure about this?” Hongjoong asked one day as they sat in the practice room, wiping the sweat from their brows after a long day of rehearsals.

Seonghwa looked at him, confused. “Sure about what?”

“About Minseo.” Hongjoong’s voice was casual, but his eyes were intense. “I just... I don’t know, man. I’ve known you for almost ten years, and she’s only been around for what? Two?”

Seonghwa sighed, already sensing where this was going. “Yes, Hongjoong. I’m sure. I love her.”

Hongjoong looked away, jaw clenched. “I just don’t get why you need her around all the time. We were fine before she showed up.”

“You’re acting like I’m abandoning you,” Seonghwa said softly, placing a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “You’re still my best friend. That won’t change just because I’m dating someone.”

“Yeah, well, it feels like it’s changing,” Hongjoong muttered.

☆☆☆☆☆

Minseo could sense the tension every time she was around Hongjoong. He wasn’t rude, exactly, but he wasn’t friendly either. He always made snide comments or found ways to criticize whatever she did. At first, she tried to ignore it, thinking he would warm up to her eventually. But two years later, it felt like things were only getting worse.

“Why does he hate me so much?” She asked Seonghwa one evening as they cuddled on his couch.

“He doesn’t hate you." Seonghwa reassured her, though he wasn’t sure he believed it himself. “He’s just... he’s protective.”

“Of you.” Minseo finished, her voice tinged with frustration. “I get that you two are close, but it’s like he thinks I’m taking you away from him.”

Seonghwa sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know. I’m trying to talk to him about it, but it’s not easy.”

“Maybe I should talk to him.” Minseo suggested and he shook his head quickly.

“No, I don’t think that’s a good idea. He might just get defensive.” Minseo frowned but nodded.

“Okay, but something has to change, Hwa. I love you, but I can’t keep feeling like I’m in a competition with your best friend.”

☆☆☆☆☆

The tension between Minseo and Hongjoong reached a boiling point a few weeks later.

Minseo had come over to the ATEEZ dorm to surprise Seonghwa with a date night. She knocked and Hongjoong answered the door.

“Oh, it’s you.” He said flatly and she rolled her eyes.

“Nice to see you too, Hongjoong.”

“What do you want?”

“I’m here to see Seonghwa." She replied, holding up a bag of takeout. “We have plans.”

Hongjoong scoffed. “Well, he’s busy tonight, we’re working on some new music.”

Minseo’s eyes narrowed. “He didn’t mentioned about that.”

“Maybe because he doesn’t tell you everything." Hongjoong shot back.

“What is your problem with me, Hongjoong?"

“My problem is that you’re always around and demanding his time and attention,” Hongjoong snapped. “We used to be able to hang out whenever we wanted, but now everything changed.”

Minseo took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “I’m not trying to take him away from you, and I don't demand his time I'm a student and I have a lot of things to do as you guys too!" She added.

Hongjoong’s face flushed with anger. “I’ve been there for him through everything, and I’m not going to let you come in and ruin that.”

“Ruin what? Our relationship?” Minseo’s voice was sharp now. “You need to get over yourself, he’s my boyfriend, not yours. Are you in love with him or why did you hate me so much?" She accused him.

“Can't you just leave now?” Hongjoong said coldly. “He’s not going out tonight.”

“And who made you his boss?”

“Well, news for you, I’m the leader of the group and Seongwha's best friend." He smirked crossimg his arms knowing he won this fight.

Before Minseo could respond, Seonghwa appeared in the hallway, his expression a mix of shock and annoyance.

“What the hell is going on here?”

Both Hongjoong and Minseo turned to him, startled.

“She was just leaving." Hongjoong said quickly.

“No, I wasn’t.” Minseo shot back. “I came here to have dinner with you, but your ‘best friend’ here says you’re busy.” Hongjoong rolled his eyes.

Seonghwa looked between them, exasperated. “Enough. Both of you. Love I’m sorry, but I can’t go out with you tonight. We really do have some work to do. But I’ll make it up to you, okay?”

Minseo nodded reluctantly. “It's okay. But we’re talking about this later.”

She turned to leave, but not before throwing one last glare in Hongjoong’s direction.

Once she was gone, Seonghwa turned to Hongjoong.

“What the hell, Joong? You didn’t have to be so harsh.”

“I’m just looking out for you.” Hongjoong mumbled, crossing his arms.

“I don’t need you to look out for me like that." Seonghwa said, his voice firm. “Minseo’s my girlfriend. You need to respect that.”

“I just... I don’t want to lose you, Hwa,” Hongjoong admitted, his voice breaking slightly.

Seonghwa’s expression softened. “You’re not going to lose me. But you have to stop this. I want you and Minseo to get along because you’re both important to me.”

“I’ll try.” Hongjoong muttered, though he didn’t sound very convincing.

☆☆☆☆☆

The turning point came a few days later. Minseo had decided to try and extend an olive branch. She showed up at the dorm again, but this time, instead of asking for Seonghwa, she asked to speak to Hongjoong.

“Can we talk?” She asked, her tone surprisingly calm.

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow but nodded, gesturing for her to come inside. They sat down in the living room, an awkward silence settling between them.

“I think we got off on the wrong foot,” Minseo began. “I don’t want to fight with you, Hongjoong. I really don’t. But I feel like I have to defend my relationship with Seonghwa every time I’m around you.”

Hongjoong looked down at his hands, feeling a pang of guilt. “I’m sorry if I’ve made you feel like that.”

“Yes, you have." Minseo said bluntly. “But I get it. You and Seonghwa have been through a lot together. You’re close. I’m not trying to change that.” Hongjoong nodded slowly.

“I know you’re not. It’s just... hard, you know? I’ve always been the most important person in his life. And now you are.” Minseo shook her head.

“We’re important in different ways. You’re his best friend. I could never replace that. And I don’t want to.”

Hongjoong looked at her, really looked at her, for the first time. She seemed sincere, and he realized how much he’d been projecting his own insecurities onto her.

“I want to get along, for Seonghwa’s sake." Minseo continued. “But also for ours. We both love him, and I think that’s something we can bond over.”

Hongjoong sighed, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re right. I’ve been a jerk, and I’m sorry.”

Minseo smiled back. “Apology accepted. Now, how about we go get something to eat? My treat.”

“Actually,” Hongjoong said, standing up, “I’ll pay. Consider it a peace offering.”

Minseo laughed. “Deal.”

☆☆☆☆☆

Their dinner was surprisingly pleasant. They talked about Seonghwa, of course, but also about themselves, their lives, their interests. By the end of the night, it was hard to remember why they had disliked each other so much in the first place.

Over the next few weeks, things changed. Minseo and Hongjoong started spending more time together, hanging out even when Seonghwa wasn’t around. They found they had more in common than they’d thought, and soon they were laughing and joking like old friends.

Seonghwa noticed the change almost immediately. One night, he found them in the living room of the dorm, watching a movie and sharing a bowl of popcorn.

“Hey, what’s going on here?” he asked, feeling a look of suspicion as he stood in the doorway.

Minseo turned around with a bright smile. “We’re bonding over our mutual love for this terrible horror movie. You’re welcome to join us.”

Hongjoong grinned, his eyes not leaving the screen. “Yeah, but fair warning, I’ve already claimed most of the popcorn.”

Seonghwa’s heart swelled with happiness. He had dreamt of this moment—his two favorite people in the world finally getting along. He sauntered over and squeezed himself between them on the couch, making both of them laugh.

“This is perfect." he said, throwing an arm around each of their shoulders. “I’ve waited so long for you two to get along.”

“Yeah, well, we realized fighting over you was kind of a waste of time." Hongjoong said, mock-rolling his eyes. “You’re not that great.”

Minseo snickered. “Yeah, you’re not worth the drama, babe.”

Seonghwa gasped in mock offense. “Excuse me, I am worth all the drama, thank you very much.”

They all burst into laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth. For the first time in months, Seonghwa felt a sense of peace settle over him. Things were finally as they should be.

☆☆☆☆☆

A few weeks later, Hongjoong and Minseo’s newfound friendship continued to blossom. They started hanging out without Seonghwa, grabbing coffee or going to art exhibits together. Seonghwa watched this transformation with a mix of amazement and gratitude.

One evening, as they were all lounging around in the dorm’s living room after a late practice, Seonghwa decided to bring it up.

“You know.” He began, looking between Hongjoong and Minseo. “I’m really happy that you two have become friends. It means a lot to me.”

Minseo smiled at him, her eyes warm. “We both realized how much we care about you, and it just didn’t make sense to be enemies anymore.” Hongjoong nodded.

“She’s right. Plus, Minseo’s not so bad once you get to know her.” He winked at Minseo, who playfully punched his arm.

“Hey, I’m amazing.” Minseo teased. “It’s you who’s lucky to have me as a friend.”

Seonghwa laughed, feeling an overwhelming sense of love for both of them. “I’m just glad I don’t have to play mediator anymore. You two fighting was driving me crazy.”

“Sorry about that." Hongjoong said, genuinely apologetic. “I was being selfish.”

“And I was being stubborn,” Minseo added. “But we’ve moved past it.”

Seonghwa leaned back, a satisfied smile on his face. “You know, I really am the luckiest guy in the world.”

Hongjoong and Minseo exchanged a look, and then, without warning, they both tackled Seonghwa in a playful hug, nearly knocking him off the couch.

“Okay, okay! I get it!” Seonghwa laughed, trying to squirm out of their grasp. “I love you guys too!”

They eventually let him go, all three of them laughing and out of breath. It was in moments like these that Seonghwa felt truly grateful. He had his best friend and his girlfriend, and now they were friends too. And life couldn’t get any better.

☆☆☆☆☆

Over time, Minseo and Hongjoong’s bond grew even stronger. They discovered shared hobbies, like painting and photography, and started collaborating on small projects.

Hongjoong would often call her up to brainstorm ideas for new music videos, appreciating her fresh perspective.

One day, while they were sitting in a cozy café, sketching out concepts for an upcoming ATEEZ video, Minseo glanced at Hongjoong with a thoughtful expression.

“You know, I never thought we’d get here." She said, her voice soft.

“Get where?” Hongjoong asked, looking up from his notebook.

“Here.” Minseo gestured between them. “Being friends. I was so convinced you’d never like me.”

Hongjoong leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I was stubborn. I didn’t want to admit that you could be good for Seonghwa—and for me, too. I was afraid of losing him.”

Minseo nodded, understanding. “I get it. I never wanted to come between you two. I just wanted to be part of his life, and by extension, part of yours.”

Hongjoong smiled. “Well, you’ve managed that and more. Now I can’t imagine life without you being around.”

Minseo’s eyes shone with happiness. “Thank you, Hongjoong. That means a lot.”

He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Thank you, Minseo, for being patient with me.”

They shared a warm smile before diving back into their work, the air between them lighter and more comfortable than it had ever been.

☆☆☆☆☆

By the time Seonghwa’s birthday rolled around, Minseo and Hongjoong were practically inseparable. They planned a surprise party together, coordinating every detail to perfection. On the night of the party, as Seonghwa walked into the decorated dorm, he was met with cheers and laughter from his friends and fellow members.

“Happy birthday, my love!” Minseo exclaimed, rushing over to hug him.

Hongjoong followed, clapping Seonghwa on the back. “Surprise, buddy. Hope you’re ready for the best night ever.”

Seonghwa looked around, taking in the decorations, the food, and the smiling faces of his friends. He felt a lump form in his throat as he turned to Hongjoong and Minseo, who were standing side by side, beaming at him.

“This is amazing.” He said, his voice choked with emotion. “You guys did all this?”

“Of course.” Minseo said, her eyes shining. “You deserve the best, Hwa.”

Hongjoong nodded. “We wanted to show you how much you mean to us.”

Seonghwa couldn’t hold back anymore. He pulled them both into a tight embrace, feeling overwhelmed with love and gratitude.

“I love you guys.” he murmured. “Thank you. For everything.”

They hugged him back just as tightly, and in that moment, Seonghwa knew he truly was the luckiest man alive. Not because of the party or the decorations, but because he had the two most incredible people by his side, supporting him and loving him unconditionally.

[femmmie]

Dan panics when Phil isn't at home.

I wrote this for @caff3inated-art for the @phandomgiftexchange. I hope you liked this!! It got a bit angstier than I intended but there is also lots of fluff <3

Dan squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. It was way too bright, but he'd switched the damn light on himself. He groaned. Or was it more like a whine, uttered by a grown man but not sounding like it. The fifteen hours of Rebirth had done a number on his neck, back, "my pussy and my crack" he started to mumblesing a bit, squinting now. Slowly, Dan came back to life, "back to reality, back to the here and now". He made some more old man, or old twink noises and stretched.

"Phil?"

He didn't hear a reply. A sudden ball of stress formed in his chest.

"PHIL?"

He opened the door of the gaming room. More, unwelcome light flooded in. Dan waded through the sea of aggressive colors and sharpness and the illumination of it all. Where was his Phil...

He checked every room in the Phouse, he checked around the outside. He went to grab his phone, but his pockets were empty.

"Just my luck..."

He headed back to the gaming room, upended all cushions on the couch, found a couple of controllers but not his phone. He was breaking out in cold sweat.

"Where the FUCK is-", he put his hand on a side pocket of his baggy pants and felt the contours of his little doomscrolling device. He heaved a sigh and unlocked the wicked thing.

Dan: where are you?

Phil: getting Indian for after your sesh

Dan let out an enormous sigh. Still he felt winded. And weak in the knees, so he sat down where he'd been creasing the last majority of the day.

Dan: I was having a heart attack

Phil: did you defeat the heart

Dan: no I lost

Phil: Lost

Dan: Sawyer

Phil: sawyer looking at dat ass

Dan: bass

Dan put down his phone. He started to cry. He would never get used to these nervous breakdowns. He'd always had them, but now that his life was giving him so much grace and things were looking up, a deep fear had taken hold of poor old Dan.

"What if..." He would never allow himself to finish the sentence, but his body felt the dread nonetheless. As long as Phil was near, things were mostly okay. But still not quite. Falling off the stage on tour, almost bleeding to death in front of Dan at the hospital and Phil's mysterious vertigo didn't help, though.

Phil was SO dear to Dan. He knew it was too much, and yet, he couldn't help it at all. It physically hurts to love someone that much, especially if you are full of worry about them or are away from them even for a little bit.

Dan tried to distract himself by thinking about how hot Cloud looked on the PS5 but the highly poly face morphed into that Cumberbatchian beauty, deathly pale and real in all its glory, Phil's face. Phil's face.

Dan thought about wiping his tears but he couldn't move just yet. He closed his eyes, gently now.

"Phil is fine."

A deep breath.

"I am fine."

Another breath.

"We're so, fine..."

Dan heard the door. Finally, his body relaxed, and he opened his eyes. He felt exhausted and lay down, the lamp no longer bothering him. He stared right at it.

"Hey," Phil peaked around the corner. He recognized the situation immediately. "Can I sit?"

"Yeah." Dan beckoned him.

Phil gracefully strode across the room in seemingly one step and sat down. His phlonde hair immaculate, his cheeks rosy from the cold outside. His dumb lopsided smile stirring a primal need inside Dan to lock lips with this angelic creature that he loved and hated and loved.

"You okay?"

"Am now."

Phil's smile intensified. "That's good. Sorry I left without telling you, I presumed you were still at it."

"You presumed right, but all of a sudden I could just feel that you weren't there and..." Dan stared into the distance. He sighed.

Phil grabbed Dan's calf and squeezed in reassuringly. But Dan was incredibly ticklish so he reflexively and accidentally kicked Phil in his side.

"OH MY GOD I'M SO SORRY" Dan sat up, horrified.

"It's okay," Phil croaked, visibly in pain.

"No, it's not okay, damn, why am I such an idiot?! Like you don't get hurt enough already?"

"What are you talking about?" Phil grinned a bit, still wincing.

"Phil, I... Jesus, come here, I'll rub the spot for you..." Dan put his large hands around Phil's small waist, examining the damage. Phil blushed a bit.

"Phil, I can't- it's like... I don't like seeing you get hurt. In any way. I hate it, even. And here I am, kicking you like some bloodthirsty maniac..."

Phil laughed but winced again.

"Bloodthirsty eh? I don't mind vampire role-play, you know that." Phil winked his stupid perfect dorky wink. It filled Dan with rage and adoration.

"Oh my god, Phil. I'm trying to be serious here..."

"Sorry." Phil put his arm around Dan. "I thought I'd distract you. You were in your mood."

"You did, and I was very much distracted," Dan snorted and leaned against Phil, burrowing his face in those icy colored locks. "Thank you."

Phil wiped Dan's adorable snout. "There. Wanna help me cook?"

"I mean," Dan was back on his bullshit, "I can't not help you because you're a very intelligent man but you have the motor skills of a toddler, and you'd set the kitchen on fire again."

"It wasn't on fire on fire," Phil protested, starting to laugh.

Dan got up but he had to sit back down.

"Ugh, I'm still feeling faint. Let's try that again. Could you- could you assist me?"

Phil gently helped Dan up and guided him to the kitchen, where he sat him down on a stool. He got him a cup of coffee for good measure, because caffeine strangely always seemed to calm Dan down.

Phil hated seeing Dan like this, though. He tried to remind himself that they'd come so far already. It had been so much worse in the past. All the nights he'd talked Dan back from wherever his panicking, tortured mind was driving him.

And the times when Dan shut down. Those were the worst. The emptiness in his stare had been incredibly scary for Phil. Because that wasn't how he knew his Dan.

"Want a cookie with that?"

"Yois."

"Hurr."

"Phunx. You're the best, Phil."

Phil's infatuation with the extremely pretty boy had made place for true love when he learned about Dan's deep, fiery emotions. There was so much more to him than his soft skin and sharp tongue. Dan cared about the world, about people and most of all, and wondrously, about Phil. And he cared fiercely and forcefully and uncontrollably. It was such a magnificent feeling to be on the receiving end of that love, Phil had never known anything like it. Dan didn’t only always have his back, he was his loudest cheerleader with anything Phil ever did. What had Phil done to deserve a love like this? The least he could do in return was to support Dan when he had an episode.

At least, now, they could talk about it.

"How do you feel?"

Dan attempted a brave smirk. "Hmpf, still faint but better. I don't think I'll be much help with cooking, though."

Phil put his hand on Dan's. "You can keep me company then."

Dan smiled weakly but sincerely.

Dan was so beautiful. Maybe more beautiful than before. His laugh lines were Phil's proudest achievements. His eternal bedroom eyes stoking a fire within Phil.

Phil was cooking, Dan doomscrolling and they listened to the FF soundtrack.

"This is nice."

Dan looked up. His posture was terrible but his smile was wide again.

"I'm back."

"Oh Dan!" Phil walked around the counter and gave Dan a big hug. Dan kissed him.

"I love you so much," he whispered in between kisses. "How are you this fucking beautiful, Dan? It's almost unfair." Dan knew he wasn't just talking about his looks. They both blushed.

"Phil, you're everything. The sun, the moon, my angel, my vampire. I am holding you, yet I want you closer. Closer, Phil.

And Phil held his Dan closer.

"Phil?"

"Yes?"

"Promise me something?"

"Of course, anything."

"Would you humor me... and never, ever die?"

Phil loosened the hug so he could look Dan in the eye.

"What's this about?"

"I always worry about you, Phil. And, if you'd promise me... maybe, I'd be less stressed?"

Tears formed in Phil's eyes.

"Dan, of course I promise. I have no plans of dying any time soon."

"You should never die." Dan said defiantly with just enough humor to reassure Phil this was in good fun, but the serious undertone was noted.

Phil recollected himself. "We could add cushions around the tour stage so when I fall off again it won't hurt."

"I love how you just admitted it will definitely happen again," Dan chuckled. He nuzzled Phil and they looked in each other's eyes. The kissed some more.

"Or I can wear a mech suit?"

"Is it bad that I really like your suggestions?"

"It isn't. You caring this much about me makes me want to be the most careful I can be."

"That means a lot."

Dan got up, his legs supporting him again. He took Phil's hand and walked them towards the bedroom.

"I'm going to show you just how much I care, Phil."

[sapphire-weapon]

More things I didn’t discover until my 10th playthrough:

When Ashley wakes up at the beginning of chapter 14

you know like

when Leon is sitting on the floor at her bedside, and he’s winded and his vision is blurring and he’s actively planning his suicide and probably wondering at what point he should actually pull the trigger so that he does it before he turns, and he’s very likely just hoping and praying that Ada will actually come through for him post-mortem and get Ashley home in his stead

yeah so like when she wakes up during that

and Leon’s name is the first thing out of her mouth? She doesn’t just say his name. She also puts a hand on his shoulder

and that’s when he perks up and gets up and his symptoms suddenly all vanish and I want to fuckgin throw up now that I’ve noticed it.

I’ve talked before about how Ashley is Leon’s anchor to reality, but that is actually literally true in this instance. When Leon sat down and flipped his gun around and pulled the slide back, he was checking to make sure that a round was chambered. Then he takes a deep, steadying breath.

This happens just after his suppressant wore off, and there was no way for him to know when Ashley was going to wake up. It could’ve been hours. And by then, it would’ve been too late for him.

He was checking for a round in the chamber so that he could use it on himself if it came down to it.

Canonically, this isn’t the first time he's considered suicide. In RE6, he admits that he considered it (”a few times, actually”) while still in Raccoon City, and also just after escaping. So, when he’s sitting there at Ashley’s bedside, he isn’t considering suicide with a “I hope it doesn’t come to this” mentality -- it’s more of a “It was probably always going to end like this anyway” one.

And I can say that with confidence because it’s the closest he ever gets to actually turning (prior to his hallucinations at the very end of chapter 15) -- and it seems to be entirely self-inflicted. On some level, mentally, he’s already given up.

But then it’s her touch and her voice that clears his vision, steadies his breathing, chases away the pain and weakness that caused him to sit in the first place, and even brings a smile to his face. Suddenly, he’s fine. And he doesn’t have another fit like that again, outside of Saddler deliberately causing one.

And I just

I think about that in tandem with how bad his mental health gets later in the series -- how dark his depression gets in some canon installments, how profoundly his trauma manifests, and how he tries to self-medicate with liquor until it turns into a problem that just gets worse and worse and worse as the years go by.

And I just have to wonder if he’d have ever gotten that bad if he hadn’t walked away from Ashley at some nebulous point after RE4.

[imerian]

Vr46 academy keychains

Set of five charms that all match in different ways

˚　　　　✦　　　.　　. 　 ˚　.　　　　 . ✦　　˚　

Open for detailed pictures of each one

✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ *ੈ✩‧₊˚

ִֶָ 𓂃˖˳·˖ ִֶָ ⋆★⋆ ִֶָ˖·˳˖𓂃 ִֶָ

:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:

˖⁺‧₊˚⭒✮⭒˚₊‧⁺˖

. ݁₊ ✶. ݁ ˖ˎˊ˗

I ran out of tags so I'll say it here but i would greatly appreciate a reblog, especially if you share your thoughts on these pieces in tags (⁠｡⁠•̀⁠ᴗ⁠-⁠)⁠✧

(Also i forgot that bez have matching part with luca so I didn’t add that to tags sorry

[ganondoodle]

the company i work for decided that its switching from the german formal "You"(Sie) to the informal "you" (Du) in all of our websites so now we have to scour the entire database to change it and i quite frankly hate that, not just bc the unecessary extra work but especially bc its such a weird and unecessary change

i bet its bc everything here is getting englishfied (both literally and culturally it feels like, when my new boss talks its half in english bc every second german word is just replaced by an english one despite there being perfectly fine words for it in german too, its so annoying) and bc they want to sound more personal in hopes of getting more clients bc 'company is your fwiend uwu!!', i know this here is the amercian tm site so you wouldnt understand really but i do not want to be greeted with 'du' by companies, no, thats too personal, you dont know me and im not giving you my data, stay away!!

i guess thats how i would describe it .. the formal you is like a polite distance, like someone you dont know staying outside your personal space, but when its the informal 'you' it feels invasive unless i told you you can call me that, and that goes double for companies

maybe its a small thing that doesnt seem important but i cant stand it, im just a little part time worker doing data work so i got no say in it but the companies founder also announced hes giving his post to his kids some time ago so ...... since then theres been alot of changes and new projects that solely aim to imitate whats popular and whats done by other companies, despite ours being one that is, or used to be, intentionally different, like, that was the POINT, but i guess chasing trends is just too appealing for CEOs

[vaguely-concerned]

just going about my day idly contemplating how some of the ways hawke can interact with a romanced anders are not at all unlike how they interact with leandra (and a bit of carver too, especially with a purple hawke), and then thought about my hawke in the timeline where he romances anders and was hit straight in the face with 'was he ever actually in love, or was he just desperately trying to renegotiate with his mother's ghost in any way he could' and now i need to lie down. this is the power of dragon age 2

[moonchild-in-blue]

Can someone please either validate me or send me to the Corner of Shame? This is very silly but I'm wondering.

So. I was talking to my sister the other day about movies and such, and she told me of one she recently watched with this one actor. And I casually mentioned how much I hated him. Not in a "he's a bad actor" or "he's a bad person" way. Nothing to do with whether I find him attractive or not. Just in a "he looks the most punchable guy on earth and I have this irrational rage against him" way, to the point that I just can't watch movies with him without being annoyed.

My sister looked at me like I was crazy because, "what do you mean you hate the guy". And I told her yeah? That's normal? Don't you have at least one person you can't stand for no reason?

Sister was like 😬😬😬 No??? Which is wild to me, because I could easily name 50 (which I did - not 50 but we were getting close to 20 before i got too annoyed lmao).

Now she thinks I'm slightly insane (/j) (I made myself angry and may have referred to a few individuals as "stupid" and "obnoxious"), and I kinda don't believe I am the only person alive who feels this way. But also she's an incredibly empathetic extrovert, while I'm a very low empath socially anxious creechur so. There's that?? I guess ?? Idk.

Can anyone relate to this? Or am I the weird one?

Also wait. Little disclaimer: I am not generally a violent person AT ALL. Do i get annoyed and angry easily? Yeah. Do I feel like bitch slapping someone right across their stupid face? Yeah, sometimes, sure. Do I do something about it? Not really.

I can be real bitchy and extra sarcastic and petty SURE, but that's the most I'll do if I am legitimately angry. Mostly I just go to my room and cry 🥺 (crying when angry yes it me). So yeah. Before yall think I have unsolved anger issues.

[llycaons]

one of the prev posts I was like oh cql? on the url and they WERE cql...but their top tag was...bad....but I don't even have the energy to refute their nonsensical arguments for it because like that's not what shipping really is about but also THEY REALLY THINK JC IS *THE ONE* TO MAKE WWX HAPPY AND LWJ IS BORING???? incest aside like jc makes wwx MISERABLE jfc canonically yeah lwj does make wwx happy and jc is left miserable and alone due to the consequenves of his actions including actively tormenting and mocking and humiliating and trying to kill wwx. go die mad about it 😭

[cursedthing]

.havign lots of thoughts about how npcs are portrayed learning about the nature of their universe in works

[personapeters]

✰ 𝐛𝐟!𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐱 𝐩𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞!𝐠𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬

— rich boyfriend rafe and his whole heartedly pogue girlfriend

rating: sfw — cw: none

— boyfriend!rafe who… actually gets annoyed when you spend your money instead of his: “look, baby, i know you can but why when i’m literally throwing my card at you?” he questioned. “i’m not taking it, rafe,” you rebutted. “yeah? okay, don’t,” he mumbled, casually dropping a banded stack of cash onto your lap.

— boyfriend!rafe who… absolutely judged a book by it’s cover when you first met, knowing you were from a side of town he didn’t favor, but your beauty was something he couldn’t ignore. though, his outlook barely shifted; technically, not all pogues were trash, but he considered you to be the one and only exception.

— boyfriend!rafe who… is used to getting what he wants, so he was highly taken aback when you declined his first offer to go out. it was new and completely foreign, but it only made him want you even more — he’s always had a desire to obtain the ‘unobtainable’

— boyfriend!rafe who… caught so much shit from topper and kelce when they found out about his relationship with a pogue; so much so that rafe almost fought them over it, telling them to ‘get the fuck over it’ and to never speak on you again.

— boyfriend!rafe who… on occasion would reluctantly let your pogue friends go out on his yacht with the two of you for the day, which ultimately would end with him dropping them off an hour (or four) early. he wants them miles away from his pristine boat but loves how happy you look when you were all together.

— boyfriend!rafe who… hears you mention liking something once and makes sure it’s in your hands before the following day ends. they were always simple things like a cute t-shirt or sunglasses, which, to him, were so cheap and mundane that he found it rather adorable when you’d cherish them like literal gold.

— boyfriend!rafe who… isn’t too fond of where you live — your house being small, somewhat falling apart, and overall something far below rafe’s standards. he wishes you’d take him up on his offer to simply get you an apartment on his side of town: “okay, but it’d be so much better for you… and you’d be closer to me,” he mumbled, a small smile pulling at the corners of his pink lips.

— boyfriend!rafe who… takes you riding on his dirt bike to go sightseeing across figure eight, often taking the long way home just to feel your arms wrapped around his waist for just a little longer. you once asked if you could drive it, which would have been your first time, to which he immediately said, “fuck no, what — you tryin’ to break your neck? no.”

— boyfriend!rafe who… tried his first ever boxed mac and cheese with you, as random as it was, after you insisted it’s the greatest inexpensive food on earth; him beforehand saying, “what? y/n, that’s fucking powder…” but after he tried a bite of yours, he reluctantly said, “it’s not that bad… i might see the appeal.”

— boyfriend!rafe who… gives you ‘ultimatums’ when buying you clothes (although, you always insist you don’t need them), saying he’ll get you whatever you want as long as you try on some of his picks first. he would have gotten whatever you wanted regardless, he just liked seeing you model for him, which, secretly, you knew.

— boyfriend!rafe who… buys you extremely expensive jewelry and lies about the price, saying it’s a hundred times cheaper than it is to avoid you trying to give it back. he enjoys watching the dainty bracelet on your wrist or gold studs in your ears glint in the sunlight, knowing that you’re clueless on that fact that they’re the nicest money could buy — he needs only the best for his girl.

— boyfriend!rafe who… truly hated physical touch until you showed him it could be gentle — that it could be sweet, and warm, and kind, and didn’t have to leave him bloody or sore. he loves when you run your nails gingerly across his scalp or hold his hand in your lap, twisting absentmindedly at the rings adorning his long fingers; a type of touch (and love) he’d never felt before

— boyfriend!rafe who… craves your validation, no matter how big or small. he just needs to hear that he did something right, something good, something you’re proud of. he wants to hear you tell him he did a great job at making you dinner or picking out a dress for your spontaneous outings — your approval means so much more to him than you’d ever know.

— boyfriend!rafe who… uses his high status to (begrudgingly) help your pogue friends get out of whatever trouble they land themselves into, knowing it means alot to you and takes a weight off your shoulders: “m’doing this for you, alright? not them, you.”

— boyfriend!rafe who… is pretty heavy on pda. he doesn’t care whose watching when he lazily drapes a possessive arm around your shoulders, or when he kisses you messily with full force; whether it be a kook or pogue witnessing his shameless affections, he didn’t care — who’d dare to say something about it?

 personapeters 2024 — all rights reserved • masterlist

[weirdly-specific-but-ok]

Heylo my maggotsies... I'm sorry to do this but I have a thing that I really, really need to do (thank you Ash for helping me realise that) but I'm terrified to. so well. I'm going to make one of the posts (Neil reblogged me a couple of days ago so I feel pretty safe making one now since he only lurks by once in two weeks so this is as good a time as it gets to make a post and not expect many notes, yes I'm an overthinker and I'm actually scared of this getting notes).

Sigh. Here goes.

...I'm scared of even typing it.

Nope okay I can do this let's go.

If this post gets 1k notes, I'll look up jobs in design and film making that don't need a college degree.

2k notes, I'll sign up for an Alliance Francaise course so I can have another language on my CV, and I'll find a course that teaches me how to use design software.

5k, I'll look up distance learning alternatives, because just talking about physical college yesterday made me spend the whole morning and afternoon today in and out of nightmares screaming. Fuck.

10k, I'll tell my mum that I can't do the offline college. She's been talking to me about it, but I've been dodging because I'm not well-off and I really need to be earning and idk how to do that without college and I feel so guilty.

15k, I'll officially back out from the college (does that count as dropping out, if it hasn't begun? maybe half. i am a college and a half dropout, my 11th grade self would hate me and my 10th grade self would refuse to believe it).

I don't know what I'll do then. I don't know how to live as trans here in India, I don't know how to earn enough to be able to help my family, I don't know what I'm good at and I'm so fucking terrified. But. I spoke to @random-doctor-on-the-internet last night (I love you Ash you're such a fucking amazing human) and they made me realise that well maybe landing in a hospital with steroids to relieve an allergy attack because of exam stress isn't normal and so.

Well. Here I am. I know I can't do it, but I'm scared to risk everything, it's just not something people do here, dropping out. But also (TW s**cide statistics mentioned below the cut)... And so I've just. Got to do it, got to save myself and say no to college (cue say no to school, kids joke). Somehow be brave enough. And yeah.

To quote a financial express article: "In an alarming situation, a total of 7,62,648 suicides were reported in India between 2018 to 2022, Of this student suicides account for 7.6% at 59,239". Maybe if more people did say fuck you to the system here, that wouldn't be the case. That number could have been 59,240 (aside from everyone who wasn't counted and hushed up), that could have been me, and I don't want to put myself in that situation again. You know? Yeah.