#the only exception is if I am in the same room as a family member and get up to like go get a snack or something

[tj-crochets]

So I always, always have my phone on me because I have various health issues that could make me end up on the floor so it's a safety thing for me, so I can always call for help. I'm not sure how common that is though?

This poll partially inspired by conversations with my grandma, who does not keep her phone or her Life Alert button thing with her but probably should

[simplyholl]

Home For Christmas

Summary: When your mom puts pressure on you to bring a boyfriend home for Christmas, you turn to Bucky for help.

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Southern F. Reader

Warnings: Reader is Southern. Smut. 18+ ONLY. Minors DNI. Fake dating. Maybe a little blasphemous? Fingering in a church. Getting fucked by a peppermint stick.

*A/N: I am Southern. I couldn’t get the idea of bringing Bucky home to the South for Christmas out of my head so this was born. Sorry if this is shit. I’m just getting back into writing again.

Mammaw = grandma

Pappaw = grandpa

^^ this is the peppermint sticks I’m talking about in the fic. I don’t know what they are really called.

See My Masterlist Here

The compound was bustling with Avengers and employees getting ready for the holidays. Everyone was going home or leaving with another member of the team. Everyone except for Bucky. He was quiet and kept to himself most of the time.

He is a grumpy asshole usually, so you just avoided him. You didn’t blame him for his behavior, you’d be the same if you were tortured and brainwashed by Hydra for decades. But the thought of him being alone in the huge, empty walls of the Avenger Compound pulled at your heartstrings. You couldn't leave without extending an invitation to him. There was an ulterior motive too. You were nice but he was a lot to deal with. He was sitting alone in the common room, reading a book when you approach him.

"Hey, do you have a minute?" You ask, looking a little weary as you walk towards him. He raises an eyebrow, locating his bookmark and placing it inside his book as he closes it. "So I know we aren’t exactly friends, but I couldn't leave without asking. Do you want to spend Christmas with me and my family?" Bucky's eyebrows furrow together as he looks at you. "You're serious?" He asks, resting his chin on his fist.

You nod your head, waiting for his answer. "Why would I want to do that?" It was a fair question; one you had even expected. "I just thought you might want to have some company, have a home cooked meal. Nobody should have to spend Christmas alone." He looks at you suspiciously, “What’s the catch?”

You bite your lip, damn he was good at reading you. “Okay, you got me. So my momma has been hounding me about finding a nice man and settling down. Which is crazy. I’m an Avenger and that’s not enough for her. But she is dead set on grand babies and planning a wedding. So I might have lied and told her I had a boyfriend to get her off my back. I also might have told her I’d be bringing him home with me. So, if you come with me maybe you could help me out and pretend to be my boyfriend?”

Bucky laughs, a low gutteral sound escaping him. “No way in hell, princess.” He smirks. “I’ll stay here, order takeout, and get a break from all of you idiots. Why would I want to go home with you and play the part of your doting boyfriend? We barely talk.” You sigh. He made a good point. And if the shoe was on the other foot, you wouldn’t want to help him either.

But you were desperate. You didn’t want to disappoint your mom. She was really excited that you had a serious boyfriend. So you sink to your knees in front of Bucky, putting on the biggest pouty face you could muster. You bat your eyelashes and try to work up a few tears, but they wouldn’t come. “Please Bucky, I’m begging you. I’ll do anything.”

You look into his blue eyes hoping this would work. There had to be something he wanted. Then you saw it, a little flicker of something in his eyes. “Anything?” He asks with a smirk. “Yes. Name it and it’s yours. I’ll do your laundry for a month. I’ll scrub your suit after missions. I’ll cook all your meals. Whatever you want.”

Bucky smiles wolfishly at you, his flesh hand coming up to your face. He cups your cheek, looking into your eyes before dropping his gaze down to your lips. His thumb rubs against your bottom lip as he holds his gaze on you. “So I go home with you, spend Christmas with your family and pretend I’m your boyfriend?”

“Yes, my very serious boyfriend who could pop the question at any time.” I add making sure he knew what I expected. “Fine, I’ll do it.” You look a little surprised but quickly hide it. You thought it would take more convincing. “But I want boyfriend privileges.”

“What does that mean?” You ask, a confused expression on your face. “It means if I’m going to pretend to be your boyfriend I get to enjoy everything a boyfriend would, including having sex with you.” He smirks. Your eyes go wide. “You want to have sex with me? You don’t even like me.”

“You’re right. But I want you. If you want me to play the part then that’s my condition.” You don’t have to think about it, not really. You have eyes. Bucky is a handsome man. You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want to sleep with him too. But you didn’t want him to know you were eager so you pretended like you were thinking about his offer. Instead you were thinking about his metal hand wrapped around your throat. “Deal.” You stick your hand out to him and he shakes it.

You were an idiot. That was the only explanation you had. You were five hours into a ten and a half hour car ride. The gps kept adding minutes to the trip and traffic was crazy. You should have booked a flight, but you wanted to drive. Now, you were dealing with an aggravated super soldier who was cussing the other drivers on the interstate. You didn’t dare complain when he went over the speed limit or when he gave the finger as he was passing another car. But you did sneak glances every few seconds at him.

He was so hot all riled up like this. The blue vein in his neck throbbing, the wild look in his eyes, the death grip he had on the steering wheel. You had to hold yourself back from offering to blow him right here in the car.

The trip down south was long and almost torturous. When Bucky wasn’t yelling at the other drivers, he was fighting with you. But you survived. When you see the big sign welcoming you to your home state, you couldn’t contain your excitement. You point out all your old hang outs, telling Bucky stories about your childhood as you drove through your town. Finally, he pulls into your driveway. Your Mom’s, Mammaw’s, and Aunt’s houses were all decorated for Christmas. You loved that they were all neighbors. Most of your family lives pretty close by.

You get out of the car, letting the cool air hit you. You take in your surroundings. The trees were bare from shedding their leaves but it was still beautiful here. Bucky gets out doing the same. You both carry your bags to your old childhood bedroom that your mom had set up to accommodate the two of you. You give Bucky a tour since nobody was home. He stops to look at the big Christmas tree with presents underneath. He looks at the ornaments, turning over one you had made in Sunday School when you were a little girl. He looks like he is about to make some smart ass remark when he freezes.

His eyes land on something and you follow his gaze to the stockings your mom hung up. They were all red velvet with your family’s names embroidered in gold cursive on them. They were all filled to the brim, some candy poking out of the top. Bucky touches one gently, a look of disbelief on his face. Then you see it too. Your mom had gotten him a stocking. It was hung right beside yours. And in the same gold letters as everyone else’s, ‘Bucky’ was on it and it was overflowing more than the others.

“I’ve never had a stocking like this.” He admits quietly. “We were poor and my ma just got us oranges and apples. She would bake a cake and we might get one gift . A toy gun for me, a doll for my sister. Nothing like this.” You grab his flesh hand, rubbing your thumb along the top of it. You’re interrupted when your mom comes in. Her eagle eyes on your hand in Bucky’s, a huge smile on her face.

You run to her, giving her a big hug. “Momma, this is my boyfriend, Bucky.” You gesture to him, and he walks over shaking her hand. “I’m James Barnes, ma’am. But you can call me Bucky.” He flashes her a huge smile and she blushes. You roll your eyes. He was really laying it on thick.

After you caught up with her and Bucky answered all of her questions, you all go over to your Mammaw’s house. She was watching Bonanza on tv. She loves those old western shows. She and Bucky talked for ages about them. Apparently, he was a fan too. You and your mom carried in wood for her stove while he kept her company. “We are gonna have to borrow the neighbor’s wood splitter again. We have almost used up all her chopped wood.” Your mom tells you.

“I can split it.” Bucky offers. You give him a surprised look. “You will?” He nods his head. “Just show me where everything is. I’ll take care of it.” You shrug and take him outside. Showing him where he can bust the wood. You give him a an axe and some old work gloves before heading inside to watch westerns.

After an hour, you go outside to check on him and bring him some water. When you go back in, you find your mom and Mammaw at the window giggling like school girls. “What?” You ask. Your mom motions you over and you look out the window just in time to see Bucky take his black henley off. His muscles are slick with sweat. He swings the axe down forcefully and the muscles in his back move sinfully. Your eyes nearly pop out of your head.

You hear your Mammaw gasp as he continues chopping the wood. Your mom pats you on the back, “You did great, honey.” You giggle, actually giggle. You can’t help it. He looks incredible and you’re glad he came up with the whole sex idea or else you would put your pride aside and beg him to fuck you. He busts the last piece, propping the axe up against the wood pile and heading toward the house. You’ve never seen your Mammaw run so fast to get back in her rocking chair.

You take Bucky to visit your Pappaw. He showed him his gun collection. Which you think was his way of threatening him. Your pappaw sends you out to get lunch for everyone, but keeps Bucky there with him. You’d love to be a fly on the wall. Pappaw is probably giving him the whole ‘what are your intentions with my granddaughter’ talk. When you left, he shook Bucky’s hand and told you he was a fine young man. So their talk must have went well.

The next night, you and Bucky were going with your mom to watch the church Christmas program. That was one thing about your mom, she raised you to be a Southern Baptist and you were expected to go to church if you were home. This time was no different. You put on a long sleeve dress, fix your hair, and put on a little mascara. Bucky is wearing dark jeans and a long sleeve button up. Your sister, her boyfriend, your Mammaw and your Pappaw were all at the church too. They sat on your mom’s usual pew, three up from the back on the left side.

There wasn’t any room for you and Bucky so you sat behind them. The church was unusually full, but they were expecting a lot of people to come. That’s what happens when there’s a Christmas program and a dinner afterward. People loved free food. All the little old ladies you went to church with your whole life came over to gawk at Bucky.

They were giving him peppermints and hard candies from the bottoms of their pocket books. They were hugging him, and feeling his muscles. They all told you how good you had done in getting a man like him. They told him how handsome he was. They pinched his cheeks. And one even pretended like she needed help walking back to her pew. But you had seen her just moments ago running over to scold a child who was trying to stick his finger in the cake she baked for after the program. Bucky took her arm and led her to the front of the church. Her grip on his muscled arm tight the whole time.

Finally the choir started singing and the program begins. You shivered, regretting your decision to not wear tights. The temperature in the church varies. It was either freezing or you were sweating. You grab a blanket off the back of your mom’s pew and laid it on your lap. You scoot closer to Bucky, hoping his body heat would help.

The children get up to start their part of the program. Bucky lifts the blanket and puts it over his left side, his metal hand underneath it. Your breath hitches when you feel the cold metal of his hand on your bare thigh. You look at him questioningly. He smiles and winks then turns his attention back to the children singing. His hand moves higher until it stops at the edge of your panties. Your eyes go wide and you put your hand over his, a silent plea to stop.

He reaches over with his flesh hand and moves your hand away. He moves his cool fingers under your panties, sliding them against your center. He gathers your slick, bringing it up to your clit and swirling his vibranium thumb. You grip his thigh and try to pay attention to the program. He slides two fingers inside you and you bite your lip to stifle the moan that escapes you. You’ve never been more thankful for the kids’ loud off key singing.

You look around to make sure no one is paying attention to you. Thankfully everyone is watching the program or taking pictures of the kids. You lay your head against his shoulder, making it look like you were cuddling your boyfriend enjoying the Christmas show. When you were really just trying to hide your face as it contorts in pleasure. Bucky’s fingers set a brutal pace as his cool thumb worked your clit. It was all too much. How he looked yesterday chopping the wood, how everyone loved him, the way he was taking you apart in the one place he absolutely shouldn’t. One more curl of his fingers and swipe to your clit and you were falling apart on Bucky’s fingers in church with your face buried in his shirt.

Finally your last day home arrived, Christmas Day. Your mom made a huge breakfast that your family came over to eat. Then you sat in front of the tree to open presents. You all started with your stockings. Truthfully, you were more excited to watch Bucky open his than to see what was in yours. He dumped it out. Candy, chocolates, candy canes, all kinds of treats spilled on the floor. Bucky’s whole face lit up in a smile. He had never looked more handsome.

He opened the gifts your mom got him, a couple shirts and a watch. He thanked her graciously. Then you hand him the gift you were eager to surprise him with. You ordered it online and had it shipped to your mom’s house and she wrapped it for you. He looks surprised as he opens it, a record player and some old records you had to pay an arm and a leg for. They were hard to find too. You asked Steve what music Bucky liked back in the day and you searched for days to find them on vinyl.

He pulls you in for a hug. “This is the best Christmas I’ve ever had.” He whispers in your ear. You hold him tighter. The rest of the day is spent watching Christmas movies and eating cookies. Your mom set up a hot chocolate bar on the table with marshmallows, whip cream, sprinkles and peppermint sticks. It was a cute idea she got from Pinterest.

That night, you hug your mom goodnight as she heads to bed. You and Bucky stay up a little longer. Bucky was acting a little weird. He went out to the shed where your mom stored her Christmas decorations and he was being secretive. When you asked about it, he told you it was a surprise. So you stopped asking questions and tried to finish watching The Year Without A Santa Claus. When it was over, you went to your childhood bedroom where Bucky had been for a while.

“Can I come in yet?” You ask as you stick your head in the doorway. When Bucky nods, you shut and lock the door behind you. “Strip.” He commands. You don’t hesitate. You would walk on hot coals barefoot if he asked you to. You place all your clothes in a pile on the floor and stand bare before him. “Get on the bed.” He gestures with his vibranium finger. You lay down and watch as he pulls something out from under the bed. Old Christmas lights that your mom didn’t use this year.

Bucky must have been in here untangling them. He holds your wrists above your head and wraps the lights around them. Then he brings it down your arms and to your chest. He binds it around your breasts and over your stomach. You try to move your wrists, but it’s too tight. Not enough to hurt but maybe a little uncomfortable.

He stands at the foot of the bed admiring you. “Perfect.” He grabs the mug of peppermint sticks your mom had set out off the dresser, twirling one between his fingers. He lays on the bed between your legs pressing a kiss to inside your thigh. You feel his scruffy cheeks against your thighs and you shiver. He leans his head down and licks up your center. Bucky’s flesh hand grabs your thigh, spreading your legs wider.

He looks up at you from between your thighs. His blue eyes never leaving yours as he puts the peppermint stick in his mouth. He twirls it between his lips, getting it wet. He removes it with a plop, and he brings it down, sliding it inside you with ease. His warm tongue flicks your clit, the peppermint making it tingle.

You moan as he swirls his skilled muscle around you. Bucky works the peppermint stick slowly moving it in and out. Each time he puts it back inside you, he angles it to reach that spot that makes you see stars and your toes curl. He rolls his tongue over you as he pumps the peppermint stick faster.

You arch your back and try to get closer to him. You want to reach down and tangle your fingers in his hair while he tastes you. But you can’t move your arms because of the Christmas lights he tied you with. Bucky removes the peppermint stick and brings it to his mouth, sucking your arousal off it. He moans, looking in your eyes as he slurps you off it.

He lowers his head again, his now icy mouth closing around your clit. He sucks you between his lips, his tongue flicking against it gently. You writhe underneath him as he holds your hips down with his metal arm. He slides the peppermint stick back inside you as his lips tug your clit. He moans against you and that’s your undoing. You cry out as your orgasm crashes through you, wrecking you. Bucky keeps up the good work until your shuddering subsides.

The next morning, you both tell your family goodbye. Bucky packs all your belongings into the car and you start the long journey back to the compound. This time instead of yelling at the other drivers, Bucky holds your hand the whole way. “I can’t wait to come back next year.” He tells you with a huge smile on his face.

Tags in the comments

[thegeminisage]

i genuinely from the bottom of my heart believe that when illario found out lucanis was alive and suffered a year of hellish nightmarish torture and the worst possibly violation of his bodily autonomy at zara's hands rather than the quick clean death zara promised he freaked out and could not decide where to settle

absolutely first things first is he CANNOT get caught if caterina suspects him she's gotta go except if he was capable of killing family members with his own knife he wouldn't be in this mess so he sticks her in the guest house instead and somehow just does not expect lucanis or anyone else to swing by

when he goes to bed that night he's like ok. i can fix this. lucanis suffered unimaginably for a year in the ossuary so the only thing i can do now is kill him for real to put him out of his misery. that's the kind thing that someone who loves him would do. tomorrow i'm going to kill him. and then tomorrow comes and he doesn't do that

and when he goes to bed that night he's like. ok. i can STILL fix this. lucanis suffered unimaginably in the ossuary so the only thing i can do now is help him start over and NEVER EVER let him find out the guy who got him stuck in there is me because it would break his heart. i missed him so much and really this was all caterina's fault anyway my cousin deserves to live. but if he's staying alive i really do have to kill caterina because she Knows and also the entire reason i did this was so that i'd never have to watch her pick him over me again i CANNOT allow them in the same room one of them has gotta go and it's gonna be grandma. tomorrow i'm going to kill caterina. and then tomorrow comes and he doesn't. do that.

and when he goes to bed THAT night he's like. OK I CAN STILL FIX THIS. lucanis suffered unimaginably in the ossuary but he loves me we're cousins i just gotta. explain everything to him and let him make his own judgment i know he'll forgive me and understand and maybe we can even kill caterina together (so i don't have to do it). tomorrow i'm gonna tell him everything. and then tomorrow comes and he STILL isn't doing that

and when he goes to bed! he is like! ok! maybe i can't fix this! lucanis suffered unimaginably in the ossuary and maybe that's not forgivable! maybe i should tell him everything and let him kill me to put ME out of my misery! tomorrow i'm gonna write him and explain everything and then he'll come and kill me like i deserve and i won't have to feel bad anymore and also i will no longer have any problems! and tomorrow comes and you know what he doesn't do?

AND WHEN HE GOES TO BED. HE IS LIKE. you know!!! i can fix this! because lucanis suffered unimaginably in the ossuary but MAYBE HE HAD IT COMING. maybe if he wasn't always COMPLICIT IN CATERINA'S WAR CRIMES he wouldn't have his ONLY COUSIN trying to ASSASSINATE him! maybe this is what he deserves! maybe if he wasn't always shit talking my assassin skills and stealing the last of the coffee and being such a freak with his stupid snake this wouldn't have happened to him! tomorrow i'm not only going to kill him but i am going to gloat the entire time i do it! and tomorrow comes and he sure does not do that!

AND WHEN HE GOES TO BED. HE'S LIKE. i HAVE to fix this! lucanis suffered unimaginably in the ossuary and now my cousin is possessed because of me so it's not even really my cousin anymore i am OBLIGATED to put that thing down and free lucanis from his torment! he'd totally thank me! tomorrow i'm killing that demon and tomorrow comes AND HE DOES NOT DOOO THAT

and that night he goes to bed and he's like. ok. i can't fix this. my only option is to leave the country. tomorrow i'm packing my things and moving to gwaren. and tomorrow comes and he does not. move to gwaren

and that night he goes to bed and he's like ok so i should put lucanis out of his misery--

and he does that every night for the entirety of the game until lucanis and spite beat him up and condemn him to Viago House Arrest

[dragon age masterpost]

[httpknjoon]

pick up the pace | myg

plot | that time when the tour resumes after a month-long holiday break and you and yoongi are not really talking.

w.c | 2.9k+

pairing | bass guitarist!yoongi x popstar!reader

genre | enemies to lovers, popstar x bassist, slowburn

note | slowest burn lol

main masterlist | series masterlist

LOVE IS... ON TOUR: RESUMES!

YN Announces "Love Is... On Tour" Asia and Australia Dates

Time to save up!

Singer-songwriter YN unveils the dates for the much-anticipated Asia and Australia leg of her "Love Is... On Tour."

The talented popstar is confirmed to be making stops in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore in Asia, while she will be performing in Sydney and Brisbane for her Australian stops.

YN's recent album was released last year, June 2024, packed with hit songs "Taste", "Bed Chem", and many more. She also released an EP for the holidays, which broke the record for most-streamed Christmas song within 24 hours.

Almost forty days after the holiday break of your tour, your busy schedule is back with rehearsals and meetings again. It was a joy to find yourself sleeping on the same bed again after living from one hotel to another for the first leg of your tour. You had your quiet, no-camera-shutter life again after a long time, as you live away from LA or New York. You stayed on the same state you were raised in, just literally moved out from your parents, since you find it peaceful living there.

Pauline, your 67-year-old widowed neighbor, was so happy to see you back home that she brought you food every chance she could, just to make sure that you're looking after yourself after being working so much for three months straight.

For Christmas, you stayed at your parents' house for a few days. It was only a few minutes away from your house. You were constantly babied, which you didn't mind, since your sister is away with her own family in London. Your parents were usually pushy and nosy about your love life since Theo was your longest relationship. But considering how public your last breakup was, they didn't say anything related to that and just asked about your tour instead.

"Your dad never shut up about wanting to meet your new band." Your mom brought up over breakfast casserole.

You giggled after seeing your dad's eyebrows raised, "I'll introduce them when you come to my show next time, Dad. You're coming to my Sydney show, right?"

He nods, putting down his cup, "I am! I cannot wait to meet them. I love them already. And can you introduce me to your new guitar guy? I've seen short videos of him online and I am a fan of him!"

You nodded as you chewed on your food, letting your smile fade off at the process. You were not surprised by that since your dad is a musician himself, and although you won't admit it in front of your bassist, Yoongi is a great addition to your life tour.

Speaking of Yoongi...

Apparently, you drunkenly called him during New Year's Eve. If you hadn't looked back on your call history a few days after the celebrations, you wouldn't know that a two-minute call happened. Being blackout drunk, you have zero memories of that call and have no one to ask about it except Yoongi, but since you have not talked since that night after the aftermath, you still have no idea what went on in that specific 148-second call.

You still don't have the guts to call or even text him about it since that night he left your hotel room.

Looking outside the night lights of New York City, you wondered if you did the right thing by telling Yoongi that you two crossed the line. Maybe you overreacted. Or maybe it's just your pride. But the idea of many article headlines went into your head after realizing what could happen if anyone learns what was happening between you and your bassist. You don't want to have a reputation as a popstar screwing your band's members.

But he apologized before turning his back. 'He didn't need to,' you groaned as you buried your face on the pillow. It's not his fault. You were literally the one to pull him inside your hotel room. You wanted to tell him that, and you planned to. But the day after that night, when you met up with everyone for a setlist meeting before letting everyone go for the holiday break, Yoongi was not in attendance.

You were on your tiptoes, looking at the door at every opportunity during that less than an hour meeting. But he never showed up. Making you sigh quietly once the meeting was over. While everyone was chatting about their holiday plans as they went, you pulled Noah aside by clinging to his arm as he walked in the elevator.

"Didn't see my lovely bassist today, have you?" you asked him, keeping the usual banter you have with Yoongi, not wanting to make yourself obvious.

Noah laughed, "Why? Miss him?"

You unlinked your arm from his, "N-No! I was just asking. We had a very important meeting, you know?"

"Sure, whatever," your friend rolled his eyes. "And to answer your curiosity, he left earlier, said he had an early flight to chase. I think he already told Art about it."

You just nodded after hearing that and spaced out for the next five minutes. Noah kept talking about the holidays. You don't really remember anything since there's already someone else in your head, wondering where he'll spend his Christmas or New Year's. The next thing you know is you're on your way to the airport to fly back home.

Now, the private plane you are currently riding with your staff just landed in LA. Just a few days from now, you will be back performing in different cities in Asia and Australia. So you are set to meet everyone again in preparation for the tour. And by everyone, that means you will see—

"Earth to YN?"

Someone's mention of your name snapped you out of your thoughts. You turned to your front, where Cal sits with her infamous pink iPad in her hand. She looks at you like she was waiting for you to say something. But since she can easily read your face, Cal's shoulders slump.

She asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry, I just zoned out. Adjusting, you know?" you reasoned out, smiling sheepishly.

"It's okay, I know you are." Cal smiled. "But don't worry, we're both adjusting! I'll help you with everything!"

You chuckled, "Thank you, Callie. You're an angel."

"It's my job, love," she winked, making you laugh more.

For a moment, you felt lighter. You distracted yourself by making quick, small chats with everyone who greeted you at their airport.

"Oh, hi! Hello! How are you doing? How's your holiday? Any New Year's resolution?"

That's the same thing you said over and over again. You barely registered everyone's answer since you were basically speedwalking with your staff to the company van that was waiting outside. A series of shutter sounds and camera clicks can be heard as you step out of the airport. You paid zero attention to them, hiding behind your face mask and sunglasses, before getting in the van.

The drive to the company building was less than fifteen minutes. When you were on your way to the seventh floor, where the meeting would be held, you did the same small chit-chat with everyone. You were talking with Art, whom you met at the entrance of the building, when the elevator doors opened with a ding.

It was like the walls your distraction technique built cracked a little since your heart began pounding louder than your ears can hear it. You straightened up, running your hands down to the hem of the miniskirt you were wearing. You followed behind Art and Cal, who is basically your parents when you're on tour. You tried to relax your tensed face before approaching the meeting room, removing your mask and glasses.

Okay, stay calm. Breathe in... and out. Relax.

Cal and Art were already inside when you paused before the door to take a deep inhale and exhale. You can hear the buzz from the other room, hearing familiar laughs and voices. You wondered if he's also there.

"Hello, everyone!"

The moment you opened the door, the buzz slowly died down. Your eyes were quick to spot him when you scanned the room. He was at the farthest seat on the long wooden table, next to the other band members, hiding his face under his cap.

"YN!"

Everyone greeted you back, with a few coming over to you to give you a quick hug. Fred handed you a small gift bag that probably includes the cookies his wife made, the ones you saw in his IG stories. Akio handed you another one, packed with goodies from Japan, when she came home few weeks ago. Noah, on the other hand, welcomed you with open arms and squeezed you in.

"Oh my god, I can't breathe!" you laughed, pushing yourself out of his embrace.

Everyone around you kept talking, but you found your eyes taking peeks at that one person who did not even stand up from his chair and kept his conversation with Art, who was sitting at the head of the table. There is a lot of attention given to you right now, but all you want is for one person to at least look back.

"Okay, everyone. Let's all sit down to get started with this briefing." Art, being the tour manager that he is, stopped the little catch-up talks that began once again.

Everyone in the room followed, occupying the empty seats in the room. Chairs scraped the floor while everyone settled in. You looked around the room, looking for yours. Only one was left, one that is usually reserved for the main artist in every meeting like these. That one chair across from Yoongi.

He knows you're across from him. You know.

Finally, he looks up once you sit on the chair. His eyes bore at yours. For a second, he meets your gaze. You see his Adam's apple bobbed. Then, he looked down at his phone again. You frowned.

"Okay, let's begin!"

It was the next day after that meeting when the rehearsals for the new setlist were conducted. There are new songs and choreographed dances to be learned, new bodysuits to be tested. Your team rented a large studio that can act as your stage before you all fly to your first venue, Tokyo.

For the band, they will need to practice the new songs added to the tour's setlist. For you, the first thirty minutes of the rehearsals consist of keeping yourself focused on what's going on. You had a crazy idea of pulling Yoongi in private to talk about what happened and maybe explain. But after yesterday's cold and wordless interaction, it's clear. He wants nothing to do with you.

"YN, Paul needs you to see the new suits," Cal called you after a couple of songs. You gave her a single nod and let her pull you to another room.

Yoongi watched your back quietly as you left. He caught how you've been extra quiet since yesterday. Yes, you still interact with the other band members and dancers. But you barely shared anything about your holiday. He may not talk a lot, but his ears are listening.

"Maybe YN can buy more time to dress up for her next outfit if we extend the outro a little," Akio suggested.

Yoongi looked at his watch. It has been eighteen minutes since you left for your bodysuit fittings. While waiting for you, Art decided to talk with the band about the changes and concerns.

"Yeah, we can add another thirty seconds in the outro. So that she won't be in a rush-rush." Freddie added, looking at the rundown sheet.

"Then, we can move to the next song. She'll be dancing back to back?" Noah asked, turning to your tour manager.

He nods, "Yeah, it's both heavy on dancing."

"This setlist is a little brutal for her," Yoongi mumbled under his breath while mindlessly tuning his guitar

He had the same thought when he first saw the setlist yesterday, since he missed the meeting that happened the day after the afterparty. You only removed two to three songs from the setlist and added five more. The sequence was also changed. When Yoongi asked who changed it, he was surprised to hear that it was your decision.

Your two most physically demanding songs are one after another, with only twenty seconds in between. Yoongi cannot imagine seeing how those two performances can be performed after each other, considering the dress change and of course, quick water breaks.

"Yoongi, what do you think? You usually have notes about anything." Art turned to him as he caught him whispering something inaudible.

Instead of repeating what he said, Yoongi shrugged, "If that's what she wants, then that's it."

Before Art can say anything, the door opens. You walked in, wearing a fresh addition to your countless bodysuits for this tour. Yoongi tried to look away, but he failed. Instead, he found himself scanning your new outfit, studying the sparkling details of your long-sleeved bodysuit, which came with a ruffled mini skirt. It also has the signature heart-shaped cutout on its chest part, outlined with rhinestones, which perfectly matches your tall platform boots.

By the time Yoongi's done staring at your outfit, he notices that you were looking back at him, basically catching him. He saw a small quirk in one corner of your lips before looking at your tour manager.

"Sorry, I was gone too long. Paul wanted to make sure I am comfortable with this," you explained, pointing down to your whole outfit.

"Well, are you?" Noah asked, raising a brow.

You chuckled, "Actually, I'm not. It's still a little tight for dancing and all. But it will be pretty under the lights. I'll be wearing this for the new songs I added."

Yoongi, who had his eyes on his guitar to avoid another eye contact with you, absentmindedly spoke before thinking about it.

"Yeah, and you might pass out before you can even finish that setlist."

He thought no one heard him, but you did. You were quick to answer, saying the first sentence you said to him since the meeting yesterday.

"Don't worry, Yoongi. You can do CPR if that happens." you said it with sass, rolling your eyes as you cross your arms over your chest.

Your bassist, although surprised, just tried to look calm before letting out a subtle chuckle with a stupid smirk on his lips. Something that definitely did not cause any tightness in your stomach.

Art, who knew that any childish banter might occur now, clapped his hands to catch everyone's attention,

"Okay, everyone. Let's all go back to rehearsing."

Remind me why we're taking a break It's obviously insane 'Cause we both know what we want So why don't we fall in love? Baby, let's be in love

One of your most underrated songs was Touch It. You decided to add it on your setlist after hearing that it got a lot of attention because of a TikTok edit that went viral during December of last year. Someone wrote it for you. But now, the song felt more relatable than ever like it was written about a certain moment in your life.

'Cause every time I'm with you, I go into a zone

You held onto the microphone stand, closing your eyes in the process of singing the lyrics. You tried to keep your head blank, not wanting to connect the song with anyone or even someone who is in the same room as you at the moment.

And I remember all the places you wanna go

Yoongi kept his eyes on your fingers. Like before, he is trying to be alert to your possible signals. But when he looks at your hands, all he can feel is your fingers in his hair or your thumb touching his lips. And your voice. Oh my god. You're killing him because all he can remember is how sweet you sound that night.

Take me all the way

Suddenly, you were turning around, facing your band. Yoongi felt his heart pounding like it's gonna fly out of his chest. He remembered having the same feeling that night in your hotel room. Or when he answered your call during New Year's. He cannot tell if he was nervous or excited, probably in the very thin line between those two. He's probably scared.

And it seemed like you know what you are doing to him. Because when your eyes scanned the band, your eyes stopped at him before singing the last line.

Ain't nobody gonna touch it, touch it, touch it

JANUARY 1, 20XX, 12:13 AM

"Hello?"

"Hello?"

silence

"Min Yoongi?"

"Yes, YN?"

"Is this your number? I really thought you blo-"

"Yes, this is still my number, YN."

"Why do you keep saying my name like formally? Are you mad at me?"

"I'm not mad at you. Never."

silence

"Never?"

"Never."

silence

"Why did you call? It's New-"

"Why are you not mad at me?"

"Are you crying? Wait, are you drunk?"

"Does it matter? Answer the question."

silence

"I don't know... Maybe I should be. But I can't. I just can't. I don't know what's with you really."

silence

"Maybe I should not have called. I'm just making things worse."

"We already did."

silence

"Why does it have to be you?"

"Hmm?"

"I hate you. I miss you. Good night. Happy fucking new year."

"Happy new year-"

call ended

SERIES TAGLIST

@busanbby-jjk @jimingirl95 @treacherqus @jajabro @marnz1990 @ktownshizzle @notarshia @m00njinnie @thelilbutifulthings @tarahardcore @livisdoingfine @jungshaking @eridanus-lynx @enthralled-bandit @goodnight-n-go-home @ronyiboniyy @jimeg629 @lveegsoi @madussthoughts @jalexad @ryryvna @kiki-zb @kam9404 @rtyuy1346

PERMANENT TAGLIST (CLOSED)

@dunixxd @cixrosie @jksjx @embrace-themagic @buttvi @starbtslove @missseoulite @vanntaesworld @kenqki @imajinthis @stopeatread @seolaquotes @greyrain23 @chimchimmarie @petalsofink @jayhope88 @moonchild1 @laylasbunbunny @nikkiordonez12 @misshale21 @marblemoonstones

[writing-flower]

“ Between life and death, death is tempting ”

First act: “From the roots”

Chapter I: “Happy Birthday to you (me)”

WARNING: None for now, just a little sad background at the beginning with a calm ending. Enjoy!

Prologue

Masterlist

The hallways are the same as I remember, white walls and full of marked photos, there weren't that many, but enough to make me think that I don't appear in any of them.

Although I am grateful that my room is not that far from the stairs, but at the same time, it hurts.

Looking at all those photos, looking at how everyone is smiling carefree (except Jason), everything is fine, except that one member of the mansion is missing.

And you know what the worst part is? Today is supposedly my birthday.

And I bet you anything that none of them remember.

The last photo they took was still next to the stairs, a photo big enough for all the Waynes to fit into it.

But since I'm not a Wayne, I didn't appear, I'm not, in any sense.

Because I would never "save" a child from the streets so that he would later receive the same treatment he once received there.

I would never allow the child to be insulted and denigrated for coming from the slums much less would I justify it by saying 'he's just a child'.

I would have taken that child directly to another family who could give him the attention that every child deserves. I wouldn't have taken him to a house where he would suffer.

Of course, they never touched him, they never hit me.

But words hurt worse than a sword.

Anyway, I doubt I'll be spending much more time than I should, I have to get back somehow.

But how?

[Name] stared at the photo for a few more moments before finally rushing down the stairs.

Her thoughts were a whirlwind out of control, so many questions hovered around her, stalking her, but there was only one that did not disappear.

Why? Why her? Of all the people who would long for this chance, why choose the one who would hate it the most?

"Lord, or whatever higher being is behind this, if you hear me... I hope you find your partner with another man, you damned wretch." She thought, completely ignoring her surroundings, until Alfred's voice called her.

"Miss" Alfred said, looking at her somewhat strangely. His expression didn't say it, but she noticed it. "Is everything all right?"

"Yeah, don't worry, I'm still a little sleepy." She replied smiling a little. Alfred just raised an eyebrow but didn't reply further. "Alfred, do you know why the mansion feels so... empty?"

Alfred headed to the kitchen to finish preparing her breakfast before answering, "Today is Monday, Miss. It's normal for the mansion to be like this, even more so in the morning."

[Name] didn't say anything, she looked at him curiously. "I mean, yeah, it's normal, for now it's just Tim, Damian and I living in the mansion." She thought as she sat down in one of the chairs.

"There are two more years until I officially leave the mansion, but, I don't think I can handle two years of pretending to be the same girl who wants approval...I have to-" [Name] snapped out of her thoughts, again, as she watched Alfred place a plate of food in front of her, pancakes with cream and strawberries.

"Happy fifteenth birthday, miss." Alfred said with a small smile adorning his normally serious and expressionless expression.

"Alfred"

"Yes, miss?"

"Is there another important date today? You know, some event, gala, party?" [Name] looked at him curiously and attentively for his answer, Alfred on the other hand didn't say anything.

"No, miss, there is nothing planned for today."

Oh.

Oh.

"Alfred... Were you always this bad at lying or was I just really naive?" She thought with a smile, smiling trying to fake a hopeful look.

"That's great! That means I can spend today with my family!" She said with a smile, she seemed genuinely happy. She seemed.

Alfred fell silent.

"Of course, miss, today will be a special day for you." Those words distracted her a little, but she didn't show it, she had to keep up the role.

"YAY! Well, nevermind, I need to go find a dress and look nice! I want to show Dick the dress I bought, it's blue! I'm sure he'll love it! Bye Alfred, thanks!" [Name] stood up from the chair so quickly that it made a high pitched, annoying noise, Alfred simply tried to ignore it.

He just watched her run up the stairs with a smile, a smile that the butler could sense was strange.

[Name] on the other hand, barely left Alfred's sight, her smile disappeared, now being replaced by an expression of curiosity.

"Well, what happened today? Besides my birthday..." She muttered as she slowed her walk back to the squares in the hallway.

Observing each one of them one by one.

"What are you looking at?"

[Name] almost screamed when she heard the other voice, she turned around to see boy younger than her somewhat sleepy.

Black hair, Green eyes. Damian Wayne.

"Honestly, have I always had bad luck or is it just because I'm in the mansion? Damn it." [Name] thought as she looked at the boy who was looking at her in an angry and discontented manner.

"Good morning to you too Damian."

"Answer my question."

"I was just looking at family photos, I already had breakfast." [Name] said as she turned her gaze back to the photograph, with that she also turned her gaze to one in particular.

"Oh, you mean MY family?" Some won't notice it, but she will, that little silent mockery.

She knew what that boy was trying to do, ever since he arrived a year ago he always tried to do the same thing, to have everything in his favor.

Trying to provoke her.

He had done it with Tim before, a few months after his arrival, and it seemed that now his new target was her.

But this time [Name] couldn't care less about that comment.

She was no longer a Wayne, [Name] already took that for granted the moment she left this mansion.

So why should she be affected by a comment from someone she doesn't care about?

Comment coming from someone who doesn't care about her well-being either. Again, does she have to care?

Obviously not.

"Yes Damian, YOUR family, come down now, your breakfast will get cold." [Name] could feel Damian's normally serious and emotionless expression falter at her response.

A faltered that no one would notice except Bruce, Alfred, or an adult.

A faltering she noticed, technically, she is an adult only she is trapped in the body of a fifteen year old girl.

Damian wanted to say more, but he just closed his mouth, giving her a look of contempt and annoyance.

[Name] felt that gaze leave her and then return all her attention to the photograph that caught her attention.

It wasn't a photograph as such, it was a kind of family tree.

Below each small photo was the name and birthday. In the case of the adopted children without parents, their birthday was the day they came to the mansion.

[Name] looked for his photo and realized that it was very outdated compared to the others.

This was her when she was around ten or eleven years old. Birthday: July 19th.

"Wait..." [Name] began to check the birthday dates of the family members.

Until she got to Tim's.

July 19th. Damn.

"No wonder there was so much silence, now it makes sense because no one remembered mine..." She thought as she touched Tim's photo to frown a little. "But that doesn't justify them in the slightest."

[Name] walked away from the family tree to return to her room. She had already lamented before, what would change if she continued to lament now?

Nothing.

I spent the rest of the day in my room, the silence from before had disappeared over time, just as the morning turned to afternoon and afternoon to night.

"This doesn't affect me, no, it doesn't affect me one bit." That kept repeating in my head like a broken record. But that statement stopped working when I heard them sing.

Their voices were not annoying, on the contrary, those voices were soft and happy.

Even Bruce's voice sounded soft, Haha, it feels strange.

It's been a while since I spoke to him, no, rather, it's been a while since I heard his voice.

He always listened to my voice, my shrill voice demanding his attention and support. That little voice that always wanders through my mind, But will never wander through his.

I'm not complaining, I'm convincing myself.

Convincing that shrill voice that this is not an opportunity, that it should not have hope that anything will change this time.

I don't want it to change, I like my future, where I work and my life before this.

I don't want to hold on to a past that I know, I want to hold on to my future which is not more uncertain.

I want my life, MY life. Not her life. Not anymore.

I just want—

*TOCK TOCK TOCK*

Three continuous knocks managed to get me out of my mind, I'm grateful for that, if I continued like this I wouldn't be able to sleep.

I get up from my bed to go to that attic door and open it. There he was, Alfred looking at me with a small smile.

"I'm sorry if I woke you up, Miss."

"Don't worry, I couldn't sleep, did something happen?"

"Nothing you need to worry about, just a request from me." I raised my eyebrow curiously, it's not unusual for him to do this kind of thing, but I couldn't help but have a little deja vu.

"Could you accompany me to the kitchen?"

I stood still for a few moments, until I nodded in approval, Alfred moved to the side of the small staircase so I could pass.

Once done, we both began to walk side by side. my gaze wandered through the photographs again, and there was silence again, which was not surprising.

It was nighttime, but there was still a small light on in the kitchen when we finished going down the stairs.

With that light she was accompanied by a small cake along with a box wrapped in gift paper.

"Happy birthday, miss." Alfred said again as he approached the table where the cake was, the decorations from the old party (if there were any decorations) had disappeared.

I stared at the scene in front of me.

"This isn't the way I would have liked to celebrate your birthday, miss, but it's not an excuse not to celebrate it, don't you think?" Alfred looked at me, his smile never faltering even as I stood there staring at the scene, seemingly paralyzed.

"Thank you Alfred..." This time, his smile faltered for a few short seconds, perhaps it wasn't his smile, maybe it was his look or something else.

I didn't know what my expression was right now, but it must have been something new for him, maybe I'm wrong, but his gaze seemed slightly surprised and comprehension.

As if to say, "Since when could she make that expression?"

But that look changed as soon as I started to approach the box.

Being careful not to make any noise, I tore the paper open to open the box. I opened it, my look now one of slight surprise.

The box was not that big, but it was big enough to fit three items of clothing.

A long, wide skirt with cascading ruffles that give it a flowing and elegant effect.

Sheer fabric cape-like sleeves fasten to the arms with delicate flower-adorned bracelets, creating an ethereal and elegant effect that flows as you move.

Finally, A long white cloth that was soft to the touch. As I pulled out my things I looked at Alfred in confusion.

"This is a big thing for me, Alfred."

Alfred nodded "I know, miss." He carefully grabbed the white cloth, then folded it and put it back in the box, but not before looking for something else inside. "Some time ago you told me that you liked those dancers' dance outfits."

"That's why I decided to ask a friend for a favor and make these clothes." Alfred took out two fans from the same box, he opened one of them revealing that it was not an ordinary fan.

It was a fan that when extended was considerably large, in turn releasing a colorful silk fabric degrading in warm colors, like fire.

"Obviously, I couldn't forget about this." He handed them to me, I took them carefully, with precision and with a little difficulty I extended them both at the same time.

I stepped away from the table and Alfred to spin around a bit, admiring how the fabric circled around me as it spun, then stopped peacefully and elegantly when I did too.

Now I remember this Deja vu, the gift, the outfit and the fans, that outfit was the first one I wore for my first performance at eighteen, when I had just left the mansion.

"It's obviously not for your size because I don't think it's the right outfit for you yet, but once you grow up and still have dancing in mind, it will be perfect for you Miss [Name]." Alfred said as he approached me with the box in his arms.

"Does Dad know about this?"

Alfred shook his head. "No, miss, he doesn't know."

"Alfred..." I said in a scolding tone, which is ironic considering he's, technically, the adult here.

"I know what you're thinking, and let me tell you that money comes and goes, but this isn't going away for a long time." He placed the box in my arms, until now I had only seen his gaze falter once, but now it happened again.

Before I had thought it was a look of pity.

But now, I only see flashes of guilt. Why?

That guilt in his eyes did not reach his smile, which remained intact.

I let out a small sigh that was later accompanied by a smile.

Without warning he dropped the box along with the fans to hug him, I let my head settle under Alfred's chin, I could feel him smile.

Not that polite smile, a smile he formed because he wanted to.

"Thank you Alfred."

Alfred returned my hug shortly after by stroking my head.

"You're welcome, miss."

As he hugged me, I felt a strange sensation, a gaze that pierced my body and soul. A gaze that I decided to ignore, for now, I just wanted to feel like a part of my past, it was good.

NOTES: I'M REALLY SORRY FOR THE LATENESS, god, I think this is the first time I've had so much trouble with a character's age/timeline. But hey, here you go, eat and ask questions my children.

Because I will be more than happy to answer them💋💋.

And also, any ideas or advice to start the masterlist?

TAGLIST:

@crazycaoticsimp @closetreader1864 @eyeless-kun @welpthisisboring @saiichai @leeiasure @shycreatorreview @bat1212 @vanessa-boo @midnightgrimoire @thereeallink @c4xcocoa @jsprien213 @stargirl404 @chericia @a-lurking-fae @kye-chen-r @alittletiredcry @lfiee @mishkapi @cxcilla @alittlelostmoonchild @ocean-mochi @randomlyappearingartist

[quendlyn]

A Secret You Would Die For

Inspired by this clip from Death Becomes Her, the musical. The whole musical was fantastic. I can't wait till the whole soundtrack is out. If you can't tell by my previous posts that I am hyperficsating on Batman and Danny Phantom, have I seen either of the source materials? Kinda, but mostly no, wait, where was I going with this....RIGHT.

Basically, a new villain/cult/evildoer has surfaced in Gotham. But wait, they're not actually new. According to what Tim has found, the same people who are committing some of the cold cases are also committing current-day crimes. But how? Some of these cold cases are really old! After some digging, Tim discovered that all of these people have one thing in common: they all went to a very specific store. You can't find this store on Google; apparently, you can only even know its location through a business card. And, well, technically, Tim did find its location through a business card. A business card he stole from the store's newest customer. With a couple of other members of the bat family, Tim sneaks into the store. The store looked normal, just some candles, ghost plushies, salts, incense, and crystals. It all looks normal except for something very curious sitting on the front counter. A glowing green crystal on the counter. It looks like a recreation of a bottle with the way glass encases the crystal. All it takes is pressing down on its metal head for the purple in the back to flutter in a new breeze. Tim and Co. find a long black marble staircase that leads to a basement, no a ballroom. The room is supported by marble pillars scattered around. He can feel the chill of the floor permeate through his boots. A hoard of people in skimpy vine-like body suits surrounds them. There's not enough of them to be an issue in most cases. Regular goons, easy peasy. Highly trained, athletic attackers with home-field advantage, some idea of their weaknesses, and outnumber them greatly, well, that's an issue. To put it simply, they lose and are tied up before another staircase opposite the main exit. A gorgeous woman decked out in a high-low dress mimicking leaves and purple flowers. She looks over all of them before she speaks. She explains how, since the beginning of Gotham, she's been freeing beautiful young people of their imperfections. When they question how, she offers to give them a demonstration. The thorn-clad goons drag Tim to kneel at her feet. She pulls something from her vast, sweeping sleeve. It is just like the crystal at the desk, but instead of a crystal, it is full of a glowing green liquid. Removing the top reveals a long, thin dagger that she plunges through his finger. She places it back in the vial for a bit before forcing Tim to drink it. The vigilantes behind Tim writhe in their bonds, their breath quick in anticipation of what will happen to one of their birds.

Nothing happens for Tim besides a cold, iron-like taste refusing to fade from his mouth until a cold seeps through his body from his heart. The shock of his heart no longer beating steals the breath from his lungs. They don't fight to pull any more air in. The cold seeps into his bones and forces his muscles to relax. He can barely feel the hands that pick his slumped body up from the floor. His vision darkens around the edges as he is laid on a purple chaise lounge. He can't feel the plush underneath his hand. Panic and fear slip through his fingers as his hearing fades. Then the ice turns from comforting to burning as he's ripped away from death's eternal sleep. His muscles spasm, and his back arches; there's no breath in his lungs to formulate words. He shakes with his head pressed against the cold, cold floor. The taste of cold iron mixes with the taste of bile. Amethyst heels click against the floor towards him. A hand her hand lifts his chin gently, blue eyes meet violet. She smiles.

[theonlymanny]

Bruce’s oldest son pt.2

Note: I kind of forgot what was going to happen with reader’s powers so Idk what to tell you just imagine Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet witch kind off magic.

There’s some things that might sound weird without context. Just a little warning.

////////////////////////////////////////////

Wake…up…

Wake up!

“Oh my god! What the heck…ugh why does my head hurt so much?” You felt dizzy and your eyes felt heavy. “Where a I?” You took a good look around you before closing your eyes again. “No! I’ve got to get up.” You opened your eyes to what seemed to be a pool of blood.

“Woah! Is this… my blood?” You checked yourself, but you didn’t have any wound or cuts. “Okay this is freaking me out… and why is the sky red.”

“It seems that you’ve finally woken up”

“Who is this? Show yourself!”

“I’m not exactly here…”

“This feels weird… I can hear you, not here but in my mind! Am I going crazy!?”

“I’m what you were meant to be…”

“What do you mean?”

“Do you even remember who are you?”

“Of course I do. I’m M/n!”

“M/n who?”

“I’m M/n-… well I’m M/n… Oh fuck I can’t remember anything. I just remember a big explosion and someone crying. I don’t know who I am…”.

“I do… I know who you are, I know who you were meant to be what we were meant to be…”

“But how do I even know to trust you! If anything you could be a creation of my imagination.”

“I promise you that I going to show you the truth about us, after all I’m your only way out of here.”

“Where exactly is here…”

“I’m not pretty sure… but there only one way to find out… do you trust me?”

“Sure…”

“Okay… close your eyes”

For a brief second you could see the “other you” which didn’t really look anything like you, he was really hot though.

His face and body were all perfect. Just too perfect, A little weird… In that same moment he also looked at you, a little embarrassed of the eye contact.

“We’re almost there!”

“Wait! You haven’t told me where are we-”

Before you could finish the sentence you landed on the roof top of a building. “Next time warn me if you are gonna do something like that again.”

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“What’s going on!?” It was a very, very long night on the Wayne manor. The new member of the family, Damian. Was such a little brat that he started annoying everyone in the manor, except Alfred of course.

“This little gremlin went into my room and broke the picture of M/n!” Bruce sighed loudly before asking Damian why did he do that. “It was an accident! Besides how important can be a single stupid photo!?” Jason went straight to punching Damian.

“Whats happening here?” Tim came into the room confused about the discussion that Jason and Damian were having, though at this point it shouldn’t even be surprising.

“It too late to discuss this and I’m tired just go to your room. Now!” Jason walked angrily to his room a little surprised by Bruce’s reaction. A part of him was also hurt, did he just forget everything that happened? That you died

“You too Damian. Go to your room.” “But, father-” “now!” Damian ran quickly past Tim to his room.

“You should get some sleep dad…” Tim was worried for his father, he hasn’t slept in days and overworked himself. Tim knew about you, Bruce’s first born child that died saving Robin AKA Jason Todd, his brother.

When Tim first moved in he wasn’t welcomed well… at least by Jason who just ignored him and tried to get as far away from him. Dick was the exact opposite he was the best brother always taking care of him. Jason did end up liking Tim and tried to be better.

Dick and Jason both talked to Bruce about why did he adopt another child although for very different reasons. Jason thought Tim was a replacement for you that he only wanted to be blind about what happened and forget about you. Dick didn’t want to put Tim in danger like Bruce did. With Jason or him.

Bruce ended up being overprotective over his sons and didn’t let Tim fight with him in the streets. Bruce never ended up forming the justice league because he feared one of his villains might kidnap or even kill his kids if he weren’t the to protect them.

So Tim never had any experience in fighting. Which lead to more fights with Damian.

“I’m… fine Tim, go to bed it been a very long night.”

After Tim left a phone rang not.

“Bruce Wayne, what do you need.” He said coldly and tired.

“Mr Wayne… we have some information you might want to see.”

“Is it really important?”

“Yes, it’s some information about your son.”

“Which kid did it I’ll pay for it-”

“It’s about M/n”

A loud silence crowded the room in which Bruce was. His eyes opened wide and suddenly he felt awake.

“I’m coming to the station now.” Before the chief could answer back Bruce hanged up and ran straight for his coat.

“Alfred I’ll be right back tell the kids that I’ll be back in the morning. And no sweets for breakfast!”

“May I ask master Bruce… what’s going on?”

“The police department found out some information about… M/n.”

“I see… do you think master M/n is…”

“I don’t know, but I’ll see what’s going on over there.”

Bruce grabbed the keys to his cars and quickly drove to the police station.

“Where the chief?” “Mister Wayne we weren’t expecting you tonight. May we help you with anything?” Bruce grumbled angrily “I need to see the chief” he said a little louder this time. “I-I see he is right in his office.”

Bruce walked past everyone over to the office and he could hear the voices of people talking about him.

“Mister Wayne we have found something that is rather interesting and a little bit confusing.”

“What have you found about my son?”

“There was a robbery today at a nearby bank and well… you might want to see this for yourself.”

“It-it can’t be…”

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

“Hey little wing what’s going on?” Jason called dick after his fight with Damian. “I-I jut can’t handle it!” Jason started sobbing. “that little gremlin broke M/n picture and Bruce reacted like nothing happened… I really miss him… it’s all my fault”.

“Don’t say that it isn’t your fault. I’m sure Damian will warm up to you eventually… I’m sorry about what happened with your photo.” “It’s fine I guess, do you now when are you gonna come back?”

“It’s been a long trip I’ll be probably back In 3 days don’t worry. He still with us even if he’s not Alive.” “Your right”

“I wish I could say sorry…”

[nyaskitten]

Something I see NO ONE talking about at all is Ras and Beatrix's dynamic they have such an insane dynamic. The way Beatrix will constantly shut him up, belittle him, and dehumanize him... it's crazy!!!

During "The Calm Inside," the way he tried telling her "You can't drain Riyu completely yet, we need him!!!" and she shoved him aggressively like "Listen here fuckboy, I'm THE Empress Beatrix, and I own you! I can exert my will over you and anyone whenever I want because I'm that guy!!!" and she exerts her will however she wants. She doesn't calm down until Ras unwillingly goes "All hail the Good Empress," and then she sends him away to fetch Larow so they can Kill Riyu. All he is to her is a strongman she controls, who goes to play fetch for her and do her dirty work !!!

In "The Battle of the Second Monastery," Ras is trying to talk to Beatrix in the throne room scene and she slams down on her throne and he fucking winces??? The way he closes his eyes and he turns away and his ears droop??? She is exerting control over him and forcing him into submission and telling him "I am in control here, not you, you're bitchmade pal, I don't have time for your failures" and he has to take that!!! HE HAS TO TAKE THAT!!! He doesn't get a say in what the Empress does, because he's zapped and cuffed like some wild animal and like some criminal, like his failures have earned him a spot as lesser than.

It's not just Beatrix doing shit to him though, he does shit to her too! Maybe not as severe, but still! Throughout "Absolute Power" we see him trying and succeeding to manipulate her numerous times, past and present! Except in the present, he fucks up, he undermines her self-value and her importance, he says she NEEDS him, something which would place her in an inferior position to him, and which defies her control over him.

However, despite Ras's control in the past and present, we also see Beatrix's control in the past and present. In the flashbacks we see how Beatrix exerts a level of control over him. She chastises him for mistaking her for Zeatrix, and she tells him that she will give him resources, and he WILL capture a Source Dragon for her.

Sure it's what Ras wants, but truthfully, regardless of what the end goal is, the things he's soon to endure will remain the same. He'll still be her little pawn and her muscle, the guy she sends to do all the dirty work for her. In the present, Ras tries saying she would be nothing without him, "the invisible and insignificant member of the family." and later her rebuttal is that actually without HER he would be "on the streets, powerless."

The truth is, they both need a sense of control and power over one another, but only Beatrix can achieve that control because truth-be-told, Ras needs her a fuckton more than she needs him (or at least, more than she THINKS he needs him.) In truth, Beatrix needs Ras, a LOT.

Without Ras, her kingdom fell apart within the span of maybe 2-ish months, she grew impatient, she became too impulsive, and she didn't have Ras to manipulate her or steer her in any other direction. She was DONE with his plans, whatever they may have been. She was going to dominate the Merged Lands HER way, WITHOUT that incessant pest.

They hate each other, and they want to control each other, because neither can cope with being lesser than.

[ghetto-omega]

‎‧‎❀‎✿❀Omegaverse Culture Overview❀✿❀

𑁍 warning.. I am.. African American... Never been outside the US, so I can really only speak on the culture around me. If people wanna weigh in on culture from other places please do. Actually, I'm begging, I'm rolling over, I'm listening please please please please please please please please please please volunteer your own headcanons. 𑁍

This will be a short overview of a lot of things, so it's just gonna be a lot of thoughts and not a lot of depth. However I am planning on actually making an indepth post about each one of these topics.

With that being said...

‎‧₊˚✿Food✿˚₊‧

𑁍just general food headcanons𑁍

The omega stereotype is craving carbs and sweet foods, specifically because of what they're like after heats. Most energy during heat is depleted, so in order to get their stamina back they have to eat all of carb heavy foods

The alpha stereotype is craving tough or crunchy foods, because of their ruts. With biting instincts ramped up they tend to want things that are harder to chew through. It's like the equivalent of putting a live cricket in a spider enclosure because they want the stimulation from hunting their food

Carb and protein filled foods tend to be stocked in most houses. Especially filling carbs. Families are typically very large, with multiple generations all living within walking distance or in the same house. Keeping dense foods stocked is important to keep everyone fed

Pups in particular tend to have slightly stricter diets because their stomach isn't built for handing some foods until at least their preteen years

‎‧₊˚✿Names✿˚₊‧

𑁍naming your children, as well as derogatory names𑁍

I think that people would tend to name their kids after items that smell good, their favorite foods, other family members, plants, and religion

I also think they'd be a fan of situational names as well as generational names

For example, have three kids, one being named Sunday (situational, born on a Sunday), Suzie (maybe a pack members or a family members name), and Sumiya but her nickname is sushi, and all of the names starting with "su" makes the names generational.

You could even expand on that and have all the packs kids names be something like suki, sumirah, summer, summo, ect. Giving you a quite literal generation of names. (<- my family did this ! All the girls names end in "ah" and all the boys end in "en or on")

I can also see a kid being named something like Foxglove, Cedar, Jasmine, or even something like Honey or Teatree, because that's what the parent's mate smells like

I think calling an omega a "slick dripper" or a "slick house" is uhm... Not exactly a slur but it's not something you should say.

I think that married betas and omegas are told they are "Collared". It's typically derogatory, but there are exceptions. I think the alpha equivalent would be "Bitched", which is basically always derogatory

I think some people call betas "baren" or "scentless". Once again, not a slur, but definitely something close to it lol

‎‧₊˚✿Housing✿˚₊‧

𑁍pack houses and their differences𑁍

There's two different notable styles of home. There's a regular house, and a pack house

Pack houses don't have too much of a difference, but they are larger and tend to follow similar layouts. With one floor being taken up with giant meeting rooms and similarly size kitchens, as well as at least one bathroom with either a huge tub or multiple small ones. The upstairs floor(s) tend to house all the bedrooms and a few smaller on suite bathrooms

Some pack houses are essentially just mini mansions, completely with a few different wings of the house all marked by a different meeting room

And the term "meeting room" is also a difference. They're essentially just big living rooms. Why is there a different name, isn't that a bit pretentious? You ask. Bc some guy who thought he was better than everyone else coined the term pack house and decided there needed to be a difference, for some reason

‎‧₊˚✿Families/Packs✿˚₊‧

‎𑁍general pack headcanons𑁍

Big families !!! Huge families even !! Families that take up entire neighborhoods or culdesacs !!

Conversations between kids where they ask how many mom's someone has is common !! Kids ask their parents why their friend gets to have 5 dads but they only get to have 2 !!

Not everyone's parents are romantic !! Some are just part of the same pack !!

In my personal au I use prime omegas and prime alphas, but they're just titles for the leaders of the pack. Even then, modernly they aren't doing much leading. It's more event planning, pupsitting, tie breaking lol, things like that

Your primes do not have to be mates or anything. It's just about who's the most reliable and level headed. Oftentimes, anybody who stays home for most or all of the day falls to this roll by default

‎‧₊˚✿Clothing✿˚₊‧

𑁍a few clothing headcanons𑁍

Collars aren't typically worn outside casually. Typically they have a cause. Whether it's newly weds, protests, covering scent glands, or some secret 4th thing, they typically have a purpose.

Honestly this whole section would need to be it's own post for me to do it justice tbh

Clothes that "trap scent" are pretty commonly worn. They're made of a light but thick fabric that cinches or cuffs around the scent glands and they often comes in matching sets. This is especially common in omega targeted gym wear, but there are sets made for everyone

Nuns also typically wear this type of garment

‎‧₊˚✿Other✿˚₊‧

𑁍miscellaneous headcanons𑁍

Gift giving is very important. Specifically, giving food is very important (I am biased, I am a very food orientated and motivated person). Giving someone food they don't like by accident is alright, but if you know they don't like it, and give it to them? Disrespectful.

So I'm semi familiar with the Christian Bible, I grew up going to church (<- religious trauma haver). You know how a lot of people draw Jesus as white even though he very much wasn't ?? Yeah I think people claim Jesus was an alpha, but he was a beta and there's overwhelming evidence in the Bible to show he was beta and people just ?? Ignore that bc they want to lol

Some people are born with animal features, some aren't. The place you were born in + your parents (and maybe a little plot relevant magic lol) determines what type of features you get. People who live in deserts or next to mountains are often born with horns or scales, while tropical and temperate climates tend to be born with more feathers and furry features

Heat blockers/suppressants as well as rut blockers/suppressants can only be prescribed by doctors. Giving them out or selling them can land you in prison post haste, but they're also so hard to get your hands on that the market of people buying them counterfeit grows everyday, despite the complications and risks

Blockers and suppressants can lead to fertility issues as well as immune issues, particularly in omegas, but don't count out anyone with ruts either, it's just less common. Lots of people on blockers are immunocompromised

Scent/pheromone blockers on the other hand, are much easier to come by, especially because they sell patches right over the counter. Though, if you wanted a much more discreet pill you would need to get those prescribed as well. It is particularly hard for omegas to get them prescribed, as usual

And that's it for now U⁠^⁠ｪ⁠^⁠U

This post is basically just a giant reminder for me to write about these topics in depth. Just a whole lotta surface level thoughts. I also didn't cover weddings, holidays, mating rituals, social climate, etc. so I'll have to do separate posts on those

This took a bit longer than I wanted bc I am uhm. Suicidal lol. And then there's the drake v Kendrick beef and I've been fixated on it. Like I fr don't even like K dot that much I've just always hated Drake fuck that nga !!!

If you see a spelling mistake... No you didn't...

[nevernonline]

✧.* twenty-seven?; ksy

synopsis: you always wanted to be considered a ‘serious’ journalist, but to get the chance at moving up the ranks and getting to produce your own stories, you’re get an idea to do one final story and impress your boss, that’s where inspiration strikes with the one and only soonyoung.

part of my ninety minute movies one shot series. ♡︎

paring: hoshi x fem! reader. 

genre: strangers2lvrs

warning/s:mentions of substances (alcohol, weed, cig, vape etc.) swearing, very bad jokes!, just fluffy and nice no seggsy time

word count: 8.4k

content: . non-idol idolings, some other svt members. hoshi is down bad fast xo.

note: my next little inspired movie writing is the icon that is 27 dresses. except instead of our female lead being the one in the wedding its my fav tiger (hamster) soony. I just love sappy cutie soonyoung so I apologize in advance. also unedited bc im a loser srry. it shouldn't be tew bad bc I tried to take my time lol. ily.

Finding a cozy spot at a table to the left of the bride and groom, you flipped open your notebook and started jotting down pin points on the decor, the flowers, the bride's beautiful flowing silk gown, and the way the groom looked at her with stars in his eyes. 

The first dance song rang around the room gathering all the adorned looks of friends and family watching as another couple took the leap on spending the rest of their lives together. 

A rocks glass was placed in front of your pen and paper as the chair next to her was suddenly filled with the stranger who put it there. 

“Taking notes for your own wedding?” 

“Oh. No, I'm doing a piece for the Daily on their wedding.” 

“Are you y/n l/n by any chance?” 

“I am. You’re familiar with me?” 

“Yeah, just through the bride. She’s my sister. She talks about you nonstop. I’m Soonyoung, I was the one who contacted you.” 

“I see. Nice to meet you. What’s the drink for?” 

“Working hard, I figured you should at least enjoy yourself a little bit.” 

“That’s nice. Thank you.” 

Soonyoung stared at the girl across from him, trying to catch a peak at her notes seeing if she was painting this night in a perfect light.

You caught on and shut the book quietly, giving him a small wink as a shout it would be everything his sister wanted. 

“What’s the drink?” 

“A vodka soda, lemon.” 

“So, you know my drink order? Thought you said you didn’t know who I was?” 

“I saw you at a wedding a few weeks ago, my friend Seungkwan. I noticed your drink, that's all. That’s how I got your contact actually.” 

“Lying on the first meet, a great sign. No wonder you look so familiar to me. You were the best man right? But blonde at the time?” 

“My sister would’ve killed me if I was blonde at her wedding and sorry not lying just felt creepy admitting it. 

“I liked it.” 

Soonyoung laughed remembering the conversation he had with his sister about his hair. 

“So what’s it like being in two weddings in one month, Soonyoung?” 

“Actually I’m going to be in three. Next week my coworker is getting married. Which would make my wedding count twenty-six.” 

“You’ve been to twenty-six weddings?” 

“Yep. After next week anyway. What’s your wedding count?” 

“Ones I’ve covered? Too many to count. Ones I’ve been in? Two I think. Both of my brothers are married. That’s about it.” 

“So you cover weddings but aren’t married?” 

Rolling your eyes at his unfiltered nature, you couldn’t help but feel like his question was out of curiosity and not judgment. The way his eyes searched hers for answers was genuinely adorable. 

“Almost at one point, but he cheated on me and is marrying her now. I didn’t actually become a journalist to cover weddings anyway, it sort of just happened.” 

“I see.” 

“What about you? Being at all those weddings and never getting married?” 

“No. Not even close, I was in love with the same girl for a long time, but she didn’t feel the same way.” 

“I’m sorry.” 

“Don’t be.” 

After spending the rest of your night enjoying Soonyoungs company, you bid goodbye to the bride and groom and headed back to your home to get down to working on the article. 

Digging through your black leather tote you realize you forgot to take your journal home with you, leaving it on the white table cloth being distracted by a new friend. 

Realizing you don’t have his number you took it upon yourself to stalk his social media profiles in hope you could find a way to get in contact with him, maybe he was your saving grace in taking your book for safekeeping until he could give it back to you. 

Saying fuck it for now you just began typing away about your night, thanking god or whomever that you backed up your calendar digitally when you get a clever idea to write an article still about weddings, but about the person you met who had been a groomsmen all those times. Searching for any kind of photos and videos of his past times supporting nuptials. 

All you came up with was a couple cheesing photos of him posing in his suits of many colors and types when you get the idea to go back into your own rolodex of photos and writings from weddings you’ve done in the past, noticing him standing near the bride and groom in just a few it was now safe to say he has piqued your interest even more than before. 

You decided to draft an email to your boss begging for the chance to write her an article about the types of bridesmaids and groomsmen who’ve been involved in many years of weddings as a support, if you found one person who had done so many in a short time it wouldn’t be hard to find more right? 

Before getting ready for bed you sat refreshing your email waiting for the go-ahead to investigate Soonyoung further with the excuse that it was simply just for work, it took multiple scrolls to the point where your thumb was starting to hurt from running it over the screen until she replied. 

‘Y/n, feel free to start drafting up the story. If I like it I’ll let you have more creative articles in the future. Please have it on my desk in two weeks.’

When the morning finally arrived, you had to make the rough decision to get out of bed and head to grab a coffee from the shop in your apartment lobby. Normally you’d be cuddled on your couch with your cat, spending your Saturday morning reading and watching reruns of your favorite reality shows, but much to your surprise the coffee stash you usually have stocked has dried up. 

Exiting the silver doors of the elevator a call came from the front desk attendant and you were met by a brown paper bag tied with a bow, the outside scribbled on with some crayons of silly faces and drawings of cartoon tigers, stickers of hello kitty, and a pink note taped to the handle. 

“Miss. Y/l/n! Some boy dropped this for you last night.” 

“Oh? Thank you, Max.” 

Ripping open the small note in line for your morning brew, it instantly puts a smile on your face.

‘Hi, I noticed you left this on the table. Hope it’s not weird. I dropped it off for you. Your address was inside. At least I can stalk you now. - Soonyoung (wedding guy lol)” 

Inside the bag was your planner and a few random pieces of candy thrown around. A small bookmark was placed on a page and written underneath was a date for next Thursday and the number of your new favorite subject marked ‘single seeking wedding date.’ 

After grabbing the paper cup from the barista behind the counter you whip your phone out and dial the number written inside your prized possession. 

“Hello, is this the single seeking a date?” 

“Hey, it is. Is this the cute girl who’s planner I found?” 

“I think so? I don’t know any other cute girls who like going to weddings.” 

“Are you available for drinks and a little pre-wedding party?” 

“When?” 

“Tonight.” 

“Tonight? Wow. Eager to see me again I see.” 

“I am. And I’m being bold right now which is new for me, so please don’t make me cry.” 

“Aw. But I’m sure you’re so pretty when you cry.” 

“I’m always pretty, y/n. So?” 

“Sure. Why not?” 

You heard Soonyoung gasp over the phone and drop something loud. 

“Really?” 

“Want me to take it back?” 

“No. Cool. I will.. pick you up at 6:30? We can get some drinks before and then it’s just like a casual party, but my friends are kind of fancy so maybe like nice cocktail attire. I’m sure you know.” 

“Okay. I’m sure you remember where to find me? After all, you did confess to being a stalker.” 

“Oh my god. I was kidding, don’t take me seriously. I’ll see you then.” 

“See you, Soony. Ok now I’m corny. That wasn’t meant to be a pun. Bye.” 

Hearing the boy's laughter over the phone almost gave you butterflies. 

“You’re funny. Bye.” 

Spending the rest of your normally relaxing afternoon getting ready to slyly interrogate your new friend, you decided to not go out of your way to look overly special after all you weren’t even sure this quote on quote date was anything romantic or just a way of initiating a friendship. 

Just before you leave your front door you sat to think if it was appropriate to bring along the same journal that was delivered to you the same morning, but made the conscious decision to leave it behind and not make this first night getting to know each other about you digging into his life for your own gain. 

The ride down the elevator had you inspecting yourself in its small safety mirror, fixing the very last strand of hair that felt out of place on your head, not paying any attention to the people jumping off and on from their various floors. 

When you finally stepped out into the marble covered lobby, you immediately spotted Soonyoung draped over the side of the couch holding his legs close, almost like a nervous child looking around the room and pouting because he can’t find his toy. 

When he finally locked eyes with you his childlike demeanor changed immediately into a spunky puppy, jumping up from his seat and dusting off crumbs on his pants that weren’t even there in the first place, maybe to wipe his hands from their small sweat they were undergoing. 

“Hi, y/n. You look very nice” 

“Really? So do you. Where are we headed?” 

“There’s a cool poet themed bar just like two blocks from here, I thought you’d enjoy it since you’re a writer and everything.” 

You looked at Soonyoung with wide eyes, it was a sign of how considerate he was yet again, just like the thought he put into bringing you, your planner and decorating the bag. 

His sharp brown eyes sparkled under the street lights, almost like they were reflecting stars, his baggy khaki pants with matching jacket slung perfectly over his frame, he was cute. You could admit it to yourself that something about him was magnetic and you already wanted more. 

“Y/n? Is that not your thing? I’m sorry we can do something else, I shouldn’t of assumed all writers like poetr-“ 

“Oh I’m sorry, I was distracted. Has anyone told you that you have insanely cute eyes? But yes, poetry’s cool. I’m more of a classic novel girl, but it sounds fun. Stop second guessing yourself. You’re good.” 

Your hand moved faster than your brain as you brought it up to pat him gently on his shoulder, a confirmation that you were having a good time and trying to ease his awkwardness. 

“Yeah, people have once or twice.” 

“Good. They really are cute.” 

The pink of Soonyoung’s cheeks grew into a deep red as he led you into the bar. The walls were covered in decaying pieces of paper written with words people had to get out for comfort. The smell was like the oldest library on earth, with a tinge of vanilla and vodka ringing through. 

Your brain took a moment to be present and remember all of the bad dates of your past. Maybe this wasn’t a date of your future, but if it was, he had already exceeded your expectations. 

As the waitress took your order, one Body Electric for your new friend a legit inspiration from Walt

Whitman to your choice which was a play on a Sylvia Plath poem. 

“Are you a lightweight?” 

You looked at Soonyojng not even halfway through his drink, feeling the ease and warmth of his body next

to you. 

“How can you tell?” 

“You relaxed for the first time tonight.” 

“I was nervous to hangout with you. I’m sorry. You’re just cool and pretty and I don’t know I feel like you’re way smarter than me and I’m intimidated by that sober” 

“I’m sure that’s not true. But if it’s any help I was nervous too.” 

“Really? So I have game?” 

“No. But you’re so cute I’d die if I hurt your feelings.” 

“So you’re a lightweight too?” 

“What? No way. Just honest to a fault.” 

Soonyoung smiled into the rim of his glass before taking his final sip and prompting you to finish your drink quickly, which you happily obliged. 

“Okay, on the way there.. I have to admit something. The party we’re going to is for the girl I liked before she got with this guy… it’s like unrequited love in a way.” 

“The girl you said you don’t love anymore?” 

“Yeah. I’m sorry I dragged you into this. I just wanted to see you again so I thought it was a good idea.” 

“I’m down. I’m not sure what, but I’m down.” 

“Cool.” 

“Want me to pretend to be your girlfriend? Or? I feel like it would be weird to say we were on a first date.” 

“Is this a date?” 

“Is it not?” 

“It was meant to be and it definitely is now.” 

“So pretend girlfriend, Soony?” 

“Maybe not an official girlfriend, how about… fourth date?” 

“Okay, have we had sex?” 

Soonyoung choked on his own spit which caused the two of you to end up in a fit of laughter on the street as you reached your next destination. 

“Obviously.” 

“That’s fair. I’ll tell everyone you were good.” 

“I think I love you.” 

“Shut up.” 

After spending the night waltzing around and parading your further long relationship with your fake new boyfriend to his friends in hopes to prove his fondness for his newest engaged friend has gone away even slightly. 

While maybe you were pretending to be on a date with Soonyoung, your head was spinning. If this was a fake date it was better than any date you had previously. Stepping outside to take a break from the party inside you pulled out your phone, jotting down notes and small nuggets of information you learned about Soonyoung’s past wedding experiences. 

“Taking notes on me? What are you a PI?” 

Behind you, you hadn’t realized the door you snuck out of opened and the boy had followed behind, curious if you were okay. 

“Yeah, you’re under investigation for being overly nice. Sorry.” 

“What do they say? I didn’t read them, just saw my name.” 

“Just some antidotes I want to remember. Nothing crazy.” 

“Do you want to leave? I’m starting to reach my alcohol limit and I would rather die than have you see my drunk alter ego the first time we hung out.” 

“Yeah, come on, let's go.” 

Going back through the back exit, you tripped behind Soonyoung’s tall frame grabbing onto his shoulder and giggling before he stood in the way of you hitting the ground. 

His lips were curled into a goofy smile. 

“I swear to god if you say something about me falling for you, you will get punched.” 

“How did you know?” 

“That fucking goofy smile you have on your face right now, I could just see it brewing in that head of yours.” 

“Okay, I don’t like that you’ve already figured me out. Let’s go, klutz.” 

Before you and Soonyoung could exit back into the fresh air, a familiar face appeared in front of you. Your ex boyfriend. Something about this night clicked for you, it was his party, there were so many people around and the only person from the wedding party you met was the bride. But taking a breath in and looking around the room, you realized how stupid you were to not see all the signs that this party was for him. 

“Y/n? Hoshi? Hey, how have you guys been?” 

Soonyoung still holding his arm around your shoulder gave a small back and fourth look between you and the tall boy who knew your name. 

“You guys know each other?” 

“Yep. Hi, Jihoon.” 

“I didn’t know you knew Hoshi either?” 

“Oh well we just started dating, he invited me to come hangout.” 

“Dating? Wow. I didn’t know you had time for people outside of work anymore.” 

“Jihoon, if you don’t mind we have to go now. Thank you for the open bar and this amazing time chatting, congratulations on marrying your hookup. Goodnight.” 

The start of your walk with Soonyoung was pure silence, there was an obvious elephant in the room and you could tell he was just itching to talk about it, so you decided to prompt him. 

“You’re curious aren’t you.” 

“Yes. But I don’t want to ask you to talk about it because we’re having fun. So I figured I’d try to ignore it.” 

“It’s fine. I’m curious too actually, it’s kind of funny that the girl you liked was hooking up with my boyfriend and now they’re married. And by funny I mean actually funny and we just spent the whole night not knowing that.” 

“I didn’t even know that Jihoon had a girlfriend when they first met, he never said anything about it.” 

“I don’t blame him actually, I do work way too much. I just wished he’d broken up with me instead of cheating on me for a month.” 

“When did you guys break up?” 

“Last December.” 

“Oh.” 

“It was more than a month wasn’t it?” 

“I think so.” 

“Cool, cool, cool.” 

“That’s fucked up y/n, I’m so sorry.” 

“That’s okay, we weren’t supposed to be together and his new girlfriend or future wife whatever seems like she’s really nice.” 

“She is, but she’s too nice. She does everything he wants, maybe he couldn’t handle your independence.” 

“Soony. You caught on that I’m a bad bitch?” 

“Have you met yourself?” 

“No. But, if I did I’d be obsessed with her and hate her at the same time.” 

“That’s exactly how I feel.” 

You punched his side, before stopping and realizing you had come up to your front door. Not even worried about the way your feet were aching to get out of your heeled shoes. 

“This is me.” 

“I know. I’ve been here like three times now in less than twenty-four hours. I’m starting to believe you actually think I’m stupid.” 

“Not stupid. Just silly. I’ll see you again right?” 

“I mean I did put days on your calendar to schedule out time for me.” 

“You littl-“ 

Suddenly you were cut off by Soonyoung’s hand covering your mouth to put a stop to you cursing him out. 

“I won’t take no for an answer.” 

Sinking your teeth into his hand he retreated from his momentary confidence quickly, looking at the proud smile you were sporting, pointing your well manicured finger in his face. 

“Don’t tell women to shut up, Soony.” 

“I never said shut up, you were going to call me a mean name and I’m sensitive. Go back to calling me cute.” 

“Maybe. Next time.” 

You went in for a one armed hug when all of the sudden Soonyoung came in with both arms, clinking your heads together. 

“Very smooth.” 

He liked the fact that you constantly teased him while making light of situations, regaining his confidence he pulled you into his embrace enveloping both arms around your shoulders, placing a small kiss on the part of your forehead that crashed into his. 

“I’ll see you next week.” 

“What’s next week?” 

“The wedding, check your planner. Well actually I’ll see you in two nights because we have to shop or go through your closet so we can match! Bye, y/nie.” 

Caught off guard by the kiss on your head and watching him hail a cab like it was nothing, you couldn’t help but smile on your way into your building, met by Max at the front desk beaming as wide as you and giving you a wink.  Knowing that he saw the cute and awkward interaction you shared with the hyper hamster outside. 

The two days in between you and Soonyoung’s first official interaction, you felt yourself looking forward to seeing him again and being in his presence like your own personal serotonin boost. 

The insane fact that your ex was marrying the girl he cheated on was enough, but the girl being Soonyoung’s painful crush? Especially when you felt he was becoming yours was beyond insane. 

You made up separate drafts of your article about the people who make weddings shine, from the families, the bridal parties. the insane bachelor and bachelorette nights, and mainly Soonyoung’s love for love. 

The two works of nonfiction were from different perspectives, one being your head and one being your heart. You couldn’t decide if it was appropriate to present a piece basically claiming how amazing you found Soonyoung for the whole world to see when you’re not even sure if he’d ever consider you to be more than a silly writer girl y/n, his friend or fake girlfriend. Your other was from the space of practicality, a genuine love letter to your career and the person who inspired this story, but also digging deep into the ideals of how frantic and selfish the wedding industry can be and what it means for an unmarried friend to take in burdens constantly for their loved ones when it takes a toll on their own heart. 

The biggest debate in your body was the fact the real article, the one you wanted to write, was at the fault of someone who had only in the short space of two days made you feel again, but it was honest and genuine. 

You knew Soonyoung had to have some pain working and being a part of a wedding for the girl he saw himself marrying. 

Luckily you have another few days to decide which way it’ll go. 

Sitting on the thought of what one you should put out, you were awoken out of your thought bubble to a string of buzzes from your cell phone sitting face down on your desk. 

None other than the boy that had been living in your head for the past 48 hours. 

Soonyoung’s texts were multiple lines of photos and silly messages asking you which outfit he should wear that could match any of the dresses you had hanging in your closet for the wedding. 

One of the options was a beige suit, simple in theory but something about the way he styled it with a funky sage green t-shirt and matching sneakers made you smile. Even if you didn’t have anything to match this outfit you would make an effort to go out and spruce up your wardrobe to be on his level. 

After quickly responding that it was your choice, he retorted back in his true fashion you’d have to send him your options too or he’d come over to help you. 

In a desperate subconscious way you agreed to his antics. 

Now nearly an hour later a call came from the front desk that a visitor had arrived asking for consent he could come upstairs which you happily agreed assuming it was none other than Soonyoung himself. The person on the opposite side of the door was not the sharp eyed boy you’d expected, but Jihoon. 

“Why are you here?” 

“I wanted to see you after the other night, I just wanted to say hey.” 

“Okay? Then text me. Don’t come over unannounced, I have a friend I’m expecting.” 

“You wouldn’t have responded.” 

“That’s true.” 

Standing with your arms crossed in your doorway not letting Jihoon into the now redecorated apartment you once had let him live in, you weren’t budging on your gut feeling to let him in and talk. 

“Can I come in?” 

“Like I said. I’m expecting a friend. So.. no.” 

“Who? Hoshi? You guys aren’t seriously together? He’s not your type, too goofy.” 

“Isn’t he your friend?” 

“He’s Nana’s friend, but he’s okay. I’m just saying it's not your style.” 

Nana? A stupid nickname for his fiance who’s name was simply Anna. So as you rolled your eyes and shut your apartment door behind you as you stepped into the hallway as a clear defining factor he was not welcome you stood far apart from him as a line in the sand. 

“He’s not goofy. He’s sweet and yes he’s on his way so maybe you should leave before saying anything else so he doesn’t get the wrong idea.” 

Jihoon wavered a bit, looking towards the elevator door at the end of the hall as if like a movie Soonyoung would walk out of the elevator at the mention he was on his way over. 

“Maybe take the stairs. I’ll see you at your wedding with my date.” 

Rushing in and slamming the door in his face, you sink to the floor in a moment of pure exhaustion over interacting with someone like your ex. 

Why wasn’t Soonyoung right for you? Why did you not want that to be true? And why were you so dead set on proving him absolutely wrong? 

In your rush of emotions another knock came to your door. Without looking through the peephole you swung it open rapidly. 

“Look I told you to g- oh, Soonyoung! Thank god.” 

Your body made a move before your head could even catch up as you ended up hugging him tightly, rushing him inside as if Jihoon didn’t get the message and was watching in from a hidden spot in the corridor. 

“Y/N are you okay?” 

“Yes. Sorry, someone just came over that I did not want to see. Welcome.” 

You watched as his eyes took in the view of your pink and green splattered apartment, things like funky vases full of wildflowers, plant tendrils floating down from shelves tucked between books of various sizes and ages, a small nook with sleeping white and black cat hid inside snuggling into his stuffed toy. 

“I love it here.” 

“Really? I redecorated recently, it was cold before. I love it now.” 

“Also it smells amazing, do you bake? It smells like cookies and coffee. Wow.” 

“I do not bake, but I do have candles that give the illusion. What’s in the bag?” 

Soonyoung set a small black duffle bag down on the counter and began pulling the contents out one by one, showing them off like a beauty guru. 

Wine, five small bags of potato chips, beer Incase you didn’t like wine and he was unsure, a slice of delicious looking chocolate cake, and a container marked with your name of his moms homemade soup. 

“Why did you do this?” 

“I thought we would have fun while picking out matching outfits. Will you let me see your closet? Please, please, please. I’m so curious.” 

“It’s not that impressive at all.” 

“If your apartment looks like this then I have only the highest expectations for you.” 

Smiling, you jokingly made a come on motion with your fingers and led him into your spare bedroom that now existed as a half home office and half closet. 

His eyes took in even more of your fun design work, the racks of records, pictures of you and your friends, and one of the things that made him feel like he could fall in love with you, your rack full of limited edition shoes and bags. 

“Not impressive? You have some of the coolest shit I’ve ever seen in here?” 

“I’m just a girl with a cat and a lot of time on my hands. Since being single I’ve just spent it on shopping and ordering take out.” 

“If you don’t mind me asking what were you and Jihoon like together? You guys seem really opposite to me.” 

There it was again, someone not right for you. Was it just in your head that you think maybe you’re the problem of why this comment is being made? 

“Uh, we were okay at first. We met in college about three weeks before graduation and spent so much time together. But if I think about it, we just hung out in his dorm where I watched him play video games and watch anime even though I was not interested. I kind of wish I was more outspoken about it. I missed a bunch of things my friends had done wasting away on his futon drinking shitty cheap alcohol and waiting on him hand and foot and whatever else.” 

“Really? So you guys dated for a long time I guess. Did it change a lot once you got out?” 

“Not really. A lot of people knew we were ‘dating’ but in the time that we did, we probably went on one or two actual dates.” 

“That makes me sad actually.” 

“Why? I made the choice to do all those things. At least I don’t have an ugly poster of John Lennon on my wall just to show I loved him.” 

Soonyoung was set off by that, laughing and imagining you having a photo of a musician on your wall to impress your boyfriend. 

“What’s so funny? Haven’t you done anything embarrassing to impress a girl?” 

“Definitely. Too many to choose from actually.” 

“At least you're charming, I came off as obsessive and stupidly in love. Not a good look for me.” 

“Caring too much is never a bad thing when you think you’re in love and you’re charming too.” 

“Why thank you good sir.” 

“And you’re weird. Which personally is a green flag for me. I didn’t expect that from you actually.” 

“Is that a compliment though, really?” 

“For me? Yes. I don’t like normal people well, not normal people I guess, just people who have no personality or something I can learn from. I want someone as a friend or whatever else to challenge me a little, it’s healthy.” 

“I think that’s really cool of you, I agree. I like people that are willing to try new stuff or get me out of my comfort zone.” 

“Was showing me your office a way of me getting you out of your comfort zone?” 

“Sort of. This is kind of like my safe haven.” 

Soonyoung just gave you a wide toothed smile, beaming from ear to eat that you admitted he was even just slightly somewhat of your type. 

As the night went on and on the boy that has now broken down a couple of your walls, not quickly but brick by brick was sitting comfortably next to your cat curled up in the same manor helping you pick out something that would go with his two outfits, one for the wedding itself and one for the rehearsal dinner which he promised you that you’d only eat and leave to have more fun just out of respect for the couple and his friend Anna. 

Now each of you taking the bottle of wine he brought slowly, sitting on your floor surrounded by shoes and loose pairs of pants, giggling over nothing he stared in your eyes almost like you could read that he had another interrogating question. 

“Was Jihoon the one at the door before?” 

“How did you kno–” 

“I can’t remember you mentioning anybody that would come over unannounced and make you look as upset as you did.” 

“Yeah.” 

“Do you know why he was here?” 

“He just gave me some stupid antidote that he wanted to see me after the other day, I didn’t ask further. When I told him I had a friend coming over he just knew it was you for some reason and then told me we couldn’t be dating seriously because you’re not my type? As if he’d know? It was weird all around.” 

“Do you still have feelings for him?” 

“No. I realized once we broke up and now after knowing he was cheating on me more than a few nights that it was an amazing decision. When we first ended it I just kicked him out and ghosted all his texts, he used to update me on his life every now and again, the last time we talked for real, before today he called me crying that his Grandmother was sick, so we just had a brief talk and it ended for real there. I genuinely never thought I’d see him again.” 

“Also, am I your type?” 

Ss wine dribbled down your chin you were once again surprised by Soonyoung’s random fit of confidence. 

“Yeah. You’re nice and I love how annoying you are. I think you get under my skin in the best way.” 

“Wow. I’m surprised you admitted it.” 

“What can I say, wine drunk y/n is honest.” 

“And what about my physical type? Sexy, cool, handsome, the most beautiful man you’ve ever seen?” 

Taking a note from his book you swung your closest arm to him, you clipped your fingers over his mouth and shut him up. 

Much to your surprise he took a note from your book and instead of biting your hand he stuck his tongue through his lips and licked your fingers which caused you to lunge towards him further, jokingly pissed he did just so. 

As you were fighting for comedic relief you sat suddenly face to face with him holding onto your wrists to resist more thrash fighting. 

The two of you stared at each other filling the room with intense tension of your lips being so close once again. 

“If I knew you wouldn’t be mad at me I’d kiss you right now.” 

“Soonyoung, you’re so stupid. Why would I be mad at you?” 

“So I can kiss you?” 

“Nope.” 

Soonyoung pushed his bottom lip out from his top, replacing his cute puppy face with a pouty one. 

You decided to quickly dive in and pace a peck on his protruding bottom lip. 

He immediately let you go and erupted into a fit of giggles like a little kid, as you tried to sneak away quickly he grabbed onto the arm of your sweatshirt which you quickly unzipped and slipped out of, running through the door of your office and into the rest of the house as he chased behind. 

“You have to know I’m going to catch you for that, that was so mean y/n.” 

As you were winning the fight, getting away from the boy chasing you around, you suddenly tripped up and felt his hand grasp your shoulder, turning you around with secret strength. 

Standing face to face with him now, your stubbed toe throbbing through your fuzzy socks, you both were holding in a whole lot of laughter. 

Soonyoung’s hand slipped behind your head and pulled you in for a much more romantic type of kiss than you gave him before. The two of you touched lips softly, as your smiles were still prominent on your faces. 

Before anything could escalate further your phone began to ring again and your boss's name was plastered over the front, which you answered with panting breaths still in a haze from kissing the boy you made you feel young again. 

“y/n? Hi, would you be able to send over a draft of your article you begged me for? We were looking for something to print for tomorrow if you’re interested? I’ll have someone expedite the editing process tonight.” 

“Oh, shit. Yeah of course, I’ll rush and email it to you now.” 

“Thank you, congratulations y/n.” 

“Thank you. Bye.” 

Oh my god, Soony, stay here. I have to email my boss quickly about my article, she wants to print it for tomorrow's paper. I’ll be right back.” 

“What? Congratulations. But don't worry, I’m not leaving.” 

“Good, sorry, be right back.” 

Rushing back into your office you flipped open your computer and sent your final article draft, choosing the one that your gut felt would be better for your personal life at the moment, especially after the kiss you just shared with the boy it was about. 

Typing a quick message along with your attachment you just said a big thank you and clicked send before grabbing the half drank bottle off the floor and ran back to Soonyoung munching on a bag of chips waiting for you. 

“Shall we celebrate?” 

“What are we celebrating?” 

“Me, idiot. I’ve been trying to get a real article published ever since I got the job doing weddings. I love weddings, but always being so happy and cheerful and not getting a chance to stretch my creative juices is frustrating.” 

“Can we also celebrate kissing? That seems more fun.” 

“Shut up, asshole.” 

Taking a swig from the bottle, you passed it over to your male counterpart and watching him take an equally large drink matching your energy. 

You and Soonyoung spent the rest of the night talking about how tomorrow will go, where will you and he be sitting, will Jihoon be giving you side eyes or talking shit with some of the other guests. How nice of a chance it’ll be to experience a wedding simply just enjoying with someone on your side and not for work. 

After sitting in bed and still thinking about your kiss with Soonyoung many hours later, you saw a text from your boss letting you know she loved the article and to watch out for it in the morning. 

When that finally rolled around, you woke up to a lot of messages congratulating you and your new found success, many people from college, your parents, but the one person you were looking for was nowhere to be found in those texts. 

Putting the praise aside for a moment, you slipped back out of your bed to jump into the shower and start getting ready for your dinner celebrating the devil that was your ex. 

When you stepped out and went to grab onto your device once again you saw a text from the one person you were most excited to read, but it was less than exciting. Soonyoung expressed how upset the article made him and accused you of using him to further your career, something Jihoon supposedly warned him of the night of his pre-wedding party and he chose to ignore. 

Confused why he would be so upset about your praise for him, you ran to your front door and ripped open the pages of the paper only to find the article that you sent was a mistake, it was the one shitting on weddings, basically claiming Soonyoung himself was an unmarried loser, not in those words but you could see why it came across that way. Some of the simple moments of praise for his hard work were cut out in the editing room, only leaving the small bits of gossip and harsh criticisms sprinkled in between. 

Rushing back inside as your stomach sank to the floor you tried his number three times before getting no answer. Which made you frantically dial your boss’s number and interrogate her on why parts of your article were cut out, she simply answered that fluff doesn’t sell and she was proud of you. 

Soonyoung not responding had let you in on the fact that he wasn’t going to be seeing you today or maybe even seeing anybody for that matter, he was embarrassed and rightfully so. 

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” 

Continuing your quest on trying to reach him, you decided to still get ready for your night out, maybe not in the intense matching outfit way you wanted to last night, but just something where you could sneak into Jihoon’s wedding party and slide Soonyoung the real article you wanted him to read. 

Running down the street to the venue with no accurate directions in sight, you saw your ex standing on a corner, smoking a brown wrapped joint in his suit. 

“Jihoon. Jihoon.” 

“What? Back to grovel for a favor?” 

“Yes, please, just give this to Soonyoung for me. Please, I’ve never asked you for a favor like this, just once do something for me.” 

“You’re really serious about him?” 

“I am.” 

“So you didn’t mean to slam him in the article like you did?” 

“No. My boss cut out the good parts of the article, this was the one I meant to send. Just for me. I want you to be happy, Jihoon, I do. I want it for myself too, just please give it to him. Make sure he reads it.” 

“Okay.” 

“I know we haven’t had the best past and I know I'm coming here askin- Wait? Okay? Really?” 

“Yeah. I can tell this means a lot to you and the reason I came over today was just to formally invite you to the wedding. You’re a big part of my life and now Soonyoung’s, well maybe, besides the point. My fiance is one of his best friends, she liked you too, that was the only reason.” 

“Oh. Well I don’t think I’ll make it.” 

“How about you come on official business and give this to him yourself?” 

“No. I couldn’t do that. It’s your day not mine.” 

“We both deserve a big love, y/n.” 

Taking back your enveloped letter, you couldn’t help but be impressed by how mature Anna had made Jihoon become and you knew he was right. Sometimes love just falls in your lap and you can’t do anything about it. 

Ashing out his joint, he handed you the other half as an olive branch to celebrate old times and bid you goodbye until tomorrow. 

Before going back inside, he turned to you with one final wish. 

“You better look damn good tomorrow too, no suits. Wear something nice to confess your feelings, otherwise you’ll look like a dumbass.” 

“Got it.” 

Catching your breath and shoving the letter and paraphernalia back into your purse, you decided to take Jihoon’s advice. To look amazing, you stumbled upon a shop called ‘All's Well that Ends Well.’ situation just a block down from the poetry inspired bar Soonyoung took you to just a few days before. 

Stepping inside the store, the first thing you saw was a navy blue dress, the halter neckline and the silk straight flowing down to the floor, you knew it was meant for you. Especially because it would match the light pink suit Soonyoung was meant to be sporting with you by his side. The easiest shopping experience of your life. 

As the sales associate packed your order up and sealed it with a light pink bow, you knew it was a sign or something of the sort. 

With less than twenty-four hours of doing the most insane thing of your life, confessing to a man who essentially hated you after you had been kissing just hours before, you stayed up all night, using the weed that Jihoon gave you to stay focused on the task at hand, you almost considered cutting of your hair to enter a new era of your life, but only girls who were going through something would consider that and you attempted to tell yourself you were calm. 

When the morning sun rang around you finished writing a letter to match the one already placed in the envelope to accompany your sorry. You even decorated the outside with stickers of tigers and spongebob characters just to make Soonyoung smile. 

Sliding into your navy blue dress and silver heels, your hair was down and curled into perfect waves. You kissed your cat on the head and made your way over to the venue by foot, just to give yourself a little fresh air and piece of mind, hoping to slip in early enough so that you’d be seated before he even knew you came. 

Slipping into a space near the back of the room on Jihoon’s side, you opened your phone to an encouraging text from him telling you that you’ve got this and he’s excited to hear more about it later, plus reminding you to have fun and enjoy yourself. 

As the progression started you watched along with the other wedding goers, catching glimpses of Jihoon’s smiling family, which made your heart feel warm. 

As the wedding part waltz down the aisle in their pastel pink suits and rosy toned dresses, you saw a now blonde again head appear on the arm of a girl who looked a lot like Anna, so it was fair to assume it was her sister. 

Soonyoung didn’t glance your way, but something about the change in his demeanor made you aware he knew you had come. 

“Everyone please rise for the bride.” 

Anna walked out with her father on her arm, floating across the room like an angel in white. Her dress was adorned with small beaded flowers from the tips of her fingers down to the vail over her blonde hair. 

She was truly beautiful, you couldn’t help but feel like a peasant in the room with this woman who both of the men you had either once had feelings for or now did once loved. 

The whole ceremony was beautiful, but you missed a lot of it as you stared Soonyoung’s way trying to catch his eyes, but he never met yours. He was too busy enjoying the fact that his friends were getting married and the fact you had upset him. 

When the ceremony ended you followed the other guests to the front of the church, holding your envelope in your hand and greeting the bride and groom, Anna and Jihoon beamed at you before she pointed her finger to a room off the side of the front door, some sort of administration office where Soonyoung would be waiting for you. Which also told you Jihoon had filled her in on your little plan. 

You cracked open the old wooden door, trying to be subtle but the rotting wood creaked under the old floor boards making your entrance more known than you would’ve liked. 

Soonyoung was seated in a red leather chair to the side of the desk, his now blonde hair meeting your eyes before his face. Not giving in to turn around and look at you. 

“Soonyoung? I know you probably don’t want to speak to me. But, this was the real article. It was never meant to be that way. I’m sorry.” 

You placed the letter in front of him on the desk and moved to turn back to the door before you heard his voice. 

“So you didn’t mean all those mean things you wrote about me? That I was a desperate groomsman waiting for his shot to have a day for himself?” 

“No.” 

“You didn’t mean to say that my ostentatious nature was cringe worthy?” 

“Not in that way no, my boss cut out all the good things I said about you. She put it in her own words for dramatic effect. I quit this morning.” 

“You quit? Why?” 

“I wanted to try to make this right in the best way I could, she wouldn’t reprint the article how I wrote it and told me that if I didn’t like her style I should get a job somewhere else. So I quit.” 

Soonyoung just nodded, he couldn’t imagine why you would give up a golden opportunity just to prove your boss wrong or right for that matter all because of him. The only way he could make sense of what you were saying is that you were truly sorry and you cared about him. 

He made a bold move and threw the letter in the trash can to the side of the old oak desk and got out of his chair to hug you. 

“You’re not going to read it.” 

Speaking into his shoulder, you got a calming exhale of his cologne. 

“I don’t need to. I know you're telling me the truth, you said it yourself you don’t lie when you drink wine, and I can smell it on your breath.” 

Slipping your hands up from their place around his neck into his hair you giggled slightly, looking at the now dyed blonde locks of hair. 

“You dyed it back?” 

“You said you liked it. I thought you’d be my date and I had the appointment so I didn’t want to cancel.” 

“You weren’t hoping I’d show up here?” 

“I knew you would. I saw you talking to Jihoon outside last night through the window. I wasn’t sure exactly because you did walk away and he never told me what happened. But, when I saw you today sitting in the crowd. I knew my inkling was right.” 

“Did the cohesive outfit impress you? I missed one night, but I hope I made up for it today.” 

Soonyoung pushed you away slightly by your shoulders and made you do a spin for him. 

“You look beautiful.” 

“You’re such a dork.” 

Soonyoung playfully swung you around in the office covered in photos of church go-ers and crosses, bringing you into his chest tightly. 

“So, what did you write in that article? That I was devilishly handsome and cool?” 

“Nope. Just that you were a bad kisser.” 

“Seems like you need a reminder.” 

“Maybe.” 

As your lips met Soonyoungs once again your heart sank into your stomach and was beating rapidly. You just fit and he never once doubted your heart. 

“What do you say? Should we go outside and dance?” 

“Can you even dance?” 

“Y/n? Can I even dance? What do you even think I do for a living?” 

“Oh. I’m such an idiot. Anna works at a talent agency. Got it.” 

“Come on, silly. Before our audience outside gets bigger.” 

When you exited the office back into the group of people outside, for some reason Jihoon started a cheer alongside his new wife. 

Soon you and Soonyoung were dancing the night away and drinking a little too much than your stomachs could handle. 

When you finally got a moment of dizzy drunkenness alone, he had you sitting on a bench where he knelt to the ground. Your mouth got the better of you once again. 

“Oh my god you're not proposing already are you I mean I know I’m amaz-” 

“Y/n shut up, I’m tying my shoe.” 

“Cool, cool. Got it.” 

“But the next wedding I attend hopefully I’ll be the groom.” 

With a wink Soonyoung sat back at your side as you watched the stars together, making a mental note that the next wedding would belong to the both of you.

taglist: @sahazzy

[theunsinkableship1]

Help! I'm in a parasocial relationship with Lukola.

⚠️DISCLAIMER: This is LUKOLALAND only. Skip this if you're not a shipper. This is only my point of view. No harm intended.

Like many of us in Lukolaland, I fell for POLIN first, their fictional chemistry was attractive, and it pulled me in. But it wasn’t long before I fell harder for LUKOLA captivated by their real-life magnetic chemistry, the undeniable connection between the actors behind the characters which is absolutely based on friendship, but which I also believe is so much more than that. LUKOLA is now an increasingly significant part of my daily life, and while I don’t exactly know how or why I got here, here I am, steady aboard this ship. As someone experiencing this for the first time and seeing a lot of criticism towards the Lukola fandom, I wanted to reflect on what’s really going on here. After already delving into the negativity within the fandom in two previous posts, I now want to focus on the broader conversation about the legitimacy of our community.

A parasocial relationship is a one-sided connection where one party, usually a fan, becomes emotionally invested in a celebrity, fictional character, or public figure who doesn’t reciprocate that same level of personal connection. It’s a common phenomenon, especially in the digital age, where media blurs the lines between public personas and real people.

People often criticize shipping real people, like Luke and Nicola, claiming it’s “weird” or even invasive. I’ll admit, there’s a strangeness to it, and boundaries are important. But is it fair to label us as crazy for simply being invested in a connection we perceive? If we think about it, we “ship” people in our real lives all the time rooting for our friends to get together, hoping our favorite colleagues will hit it off. It’s human nature to be invested in connections we care about.

People say that the World Tour was only PR and that we are delusional to think they are together in real life. Most of us don’t think they’re together now that’s exactly why we’re shipping them, we saw something exceptional between them and we definitely think that they should be together, that’s the point. We can differentiate actors from characters that’s why we call them LUKOLA and not POLIN. There may have been some blurred lines and some real-life mirroring but that’s not the bulk of it.

It is true that the way the promotion was handled for season 3 intentionally blurred those lines. The marketing campaign, press interviews, and social media content often leaned heavily into the chemistry between the leads, with subtle implications that left room for fan speculation about a real-life relationship.

It’s important to address why dismissing the dynamic between Luke and Nicola as mere PR or labeling those who see a genuine connection as "crazy" is not okay.

The connection between Luke and Nicola has been evident for years, not just during the World Tour but also in their past public interactions and behind-the-scenes footage. Observers have noted consistent emotional undertones like shared glances, supportive gestures, and a natural intimacy that goes beyond professional behavior, suggesting a bond that isn't easily fabricated by PR. Their closeness has been acknowledged by some cast, crew, and even friends and family members, further validating what fans have perceived.

Many dismiss their relationship as PR due to biases rooted in celebrity culture, where staged romances are common. This skepticism often leads people to view all interactions as scripted, making it easier to label the connection as fake rather than recognizing the complexities of genuine human emotions unfolding under public scrutiny. Critics often struggle to separate the actors' real-life bond from their on-screen personas, overlooking the authenticity of their unscripted moments. Calling fans “crazy” for believing in their connection imposes a narrow view on what is clearly a nuanced and personal dynamic between Luke and Nicola.

It’s worth questioning why shipping fictional characters whose fates are pre-written and often predictable is more accepted than shipping real people who exhibit real chemistry and connection, on-screen and off. Fictional characters are constructed for our entertainment and should have a lesser impact on our reality, but when it comes to real-life dynamics, the thrill often lies in the authenticity and unpredictability.

Those dismissing the Lukola fandom often do so from a place of bias, without recognizing that many fans are deeply invested and knowledgeable about what they see behind the scenes, during interviews, and on social media. To us, the connection between Luke and Nicola isn’t just a fleeting fantasy, it’s something rooted in countless interactions that we’ve seen unfold publicly and sometimes even subtly in their private behaviors.

Some people also dismiss Lukola because they can’t fathom the connection due to their own preconceptions, like claiming Nicola isn’t Luke’s “type” based on superficial judgments. But connection often defies typecasting; it’s about shared moments, mutual respect, and chemistry that goes beyond looks or what we think we know about a person’s preferences. Critics often label fans as “crazy” for seeing a genuine connection between Luke and Nicola, imposing their own biases on them. These narrow views overlook the real, evolving nature of personal connections. Nicola's or Luke’s perceived divergences from the “ideal” partner is often unfairly judged, reflecting broader societal biases, including gendered scrutiny and fan projections. These misperceptions say more about public expectations than about Luke and Nicola’s real relationship, which is a deeply personal and nuanced relationship; Dismissing their bond because it challenges existing narratives. Recognizing the authenticity of their bond isn’t about fantasy; it’s about understanding the complexities of human relationships, especially under public scrutiny.

The Lukola fandom isn’t just a collection of people projecting their fantasies; it’s a group that sees a unique, genuine bond between two people, one that even some of their castmates, crew members, and close friends have noticed and commented on. Our community is about celebrating that bond and exploring the emotions it evokes, not just blindly fantasizing about it. The criticisms we face often come from people who view things through a biased lens, dismissing our perceptions often because they don’t align with theirs.

Lukola fandom provide an outlet for creativity, where fans can engage in discussions, create fan art, write fanfiction, and explore different interpretations of the interactions they love. It offers a sense of belonging and community, connecting people with shared interests. For many of us, being part of this fandom provides a supportive environment where we can express ourselves without being called crazy or delusional.

We can celebrate the content we love, helping to promote and keep the interest alive in Lukola and Bridgerton, and their other projects. This can contribute to the longevity of the careers and even influence future productions. The Lukola fandom has a right to exist and can be a positive community as long as its members engage responsibly. The key is maintaining a healthy balance between enjoying the content and respecting the personal lives of those involved in its creation.

We as fans should strive to maintain an objective perspective, appreciating Lukola’s work and interactions without crossing into invasive and illegal activities, entitlement or unrealistic expectations.

We should approach this with more tact and care, very demurely very mindfully, avoiding putting too much pressure on them to prevent any unintended consequences. It's important to keep our content within our community and minimize direct interactions, such as tagging or sharing posts with them, as much as possible. Let’s create a respectful space that doesn’t intrude on their personal boundaries.

In the end, it’s not about whether it’s right or wrong to ship real people; it’s about respecting the emotional investment of others and recognizing that these connections whether real or imagined bring joy, comfort, and community to many of us in Lukolaland.

[cloveroctobers]

JEY USO x BLACK! READER — Spring Writings 🩵

A/N: I took a stab at writing for roman and now here I am doing the same for jey? Except this one isn’t strongly plot based…Wish me luck! I’m new to the scene so I apologize if this isn’t in his character…But I think I got it? We’ll see 😆

PROMPTS ARE FROM HERE + HERE & I’m using:  “did you seriously use the last of the milk for this?” “i thought it would taste good!” +  “well i put it on the grocery list!” “i didn’t think i needed the list!” “you clearly did!!” +  “i can’t find the remote.” “i’m actually going to kill you.” 1. “But look, this is on sale!”

WARNINGS: language + just doing typical bickering couple things.

☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎

In the near future, you wanted to advocate for detaching your head (not on some Black mirror type shit, although you knew there was a 70% chance that it could go that route) and leaving it to get any protective style for yourself, sisters, brothers, and non-binaries while you went about your business before you came back to collect your freshly did head. You originally wanted to go in with some straight backs with the water wave left out towards the ends but switched to boho locs last minute.

Thankfully you had that type of relationship with your stylist so she didn’t mind much.

You were always down to try something new and been contemplating getting some locs after a few of your family members been on their journey for years now. Tending to your head nearly everyday was a hassle especially as a routine to go into the world and work. Hair had a mind of its own and it didn’t need to be explained, if you know, you know.

The last thirty minutes of your appointment, you were reaching out to your husband to see what was on the menu at home or if you needed to pick something up. The snacks your go to girl provided only held up for so long and when Jey told you that he had a taste for Kopai, basically hinting that would be for lunch or dinner—when Jey threw down he made enough for both occasions—you sat up a bit in the driver’s seat, one hand on the wheel, while you floated through the streets to get back home.

When you unlocked the white security gate to the bright russet orange home (Jey picked the exterior color and you weren’t crazy about it but at least it stood out from the other homes, which was his main goal), you were already hit with a whiff of spices, thanks to the breezy San Francisco spring air and found the petal pink front door wide open. Which made you quirk up a brow but you were too famished to think too hard about it as you quickly made your way through the small entry way into the master bedroom to toss your things onto the bed.

You sighed with a shake of your head as you made your way up the stairs, hearing Jey listening to Kendrick’s disses on loop again but you also ignored that as you made your way to the right where the kitchen and living room sat. Sneaking behind the man on your toes like swiper, you slapped a hand and squeezed his backside in greeting while Jey legit yelped and yanked himself away.

Grinning at him innocently you say, “why are your clappers clenched?”

Jey sucked his teeth while you attempted to hide your laughter, “yo, what I tell you about doing that man? That’s my job to do to you, not other way around.”

“I thought we believed in equality in this house?” You placed your hands on your hips while Jey just huffed.

You moved towards the stove, where Jey was hovering over. The soup pot was there, steaming but the aroma wasn’t giving Kopai. While jey was distracted on his phone again, mumbling to himself and nodding his head—possibly the lyrics—you snatched up a spoon to dip into the pot.

Wincing against the temperature on your tongue, you managed to get the food down after chewing and sucking air into your mouth. That was enough to get Jey’s attention as he looked at you with a straight face, annoyed that you went and sampled.

“This is not giving dumpling…where are the dumplings?” You managed to get out after your last chew.

Jey folded his muscular arms honestly replying, “that’s because there isn’t any.”

“Huh? But it’s Samoan Sunday.” Which meant each Sunday included something from Jey’s culture, sometimes combined with soul food, depending on what y’all were in the mood for.

Jey lifted his chin, “turns out it’s a whatever’s in the fridge day. That you just rudely sampled behind my back without giving me any proper love by the way, it’s spicy chicken and rice chowder.”

Scrunching up your face, you popped your tongue in distaste at the aftermath. Now that you knew what it was, it could explain this foul after taste because something wasn’t adding up.

“Joshua.”

“Oh here you go,” Jey threw his hands up in the air, “If I wanted another food critic, I’d just call your damn father.”

Your father has his own successful restaurant here in California and back up North where you were originally from. Majority of the time if your family was over, Jey did everything in his power not to be the one who was solely on food duty because your father was very critical especially when it came to food.

That’s that Virgo shit.

“Chowder includes milk right?” You didn’t get the culinary trait but you watched enough cooking competitions and attended plenty to know the basics. You weren’t the biggest fan of seafood, although that was the common type of chowder, there was no seafood in this dish.

It still didn’t taste right to you.

And Jey usually knew what to do in the kitchen, more so on the grill but still he got by and knew Gordon Ramsey would approve of at least a few of his dishes. If not? His bitch ass could certainly see Jey’s hands. Not your pops though, he wasn’t messing with him at all.

Jey scoffed, “yeah.”

“Hey, I’m not feeling your attitude.” You addressed over your shoulder as you went to the fridge to open up.

Jey shot back, “well I’m not feelin’ you sneaking and holdin’ two handfuls of my ass but here we are.”

It was one hand but whatever fed his ego.

He was really about to bring the hangry out of you if he kept it up to be honest. Your hands went to the top shelf, immediately spotting the now empty glass milk bottle. Yanking it out, you held it up in the air for your husband to see.

“Did you seriously use the last of the milk for this?” You questioned, one hand on your hip now.

He blinked between you and the glass and then back again, “I thought it would taste good!”

Your eye twitched, “With expired milk, Josh?!”

He scrunched up his face at this news, “be for real,” he starts as he makes his way towards you to grab the glass, “…how was I supposed to know?”

Jey’s fingers quickly unscrewed the silicone dispenser cap to take a sniff of the inside and recoiled.

“By doing that like you normally do.” You respond, “also there’s a label on the back that aways gets written with the expiration date.”

Jey snarled, “Why can’t we just keep the damn carton instead of this aesthetically pleasing bullshit?”

“That’s rich coming from Mr. Leo the flashy asshole himself.” You tilted your head to the side, sending him the same type of energy.

“Why am I catching strays?” Jey pounded on his chest, voice naturally booming off the walls, “it’s my fault I like nice things?”

‘And that I tried to cook us a meal?’ He thinks to himself.

“No but it’s mine?” You repeat his motions, pointing at your own chest while Jey sighs, “I tried to remind you this morning before I left, that the milk needed to be dumped.”

Jey scratches at his ear with his lips pushed out in thought, “I heard none of that.”

“Well, I put it on the grocery list!” Your voice went up now and you can only blame your hunger.

Jey slides the bottle onto the white surface of the pale blue counter, “I didn’t think I needed the list!”

“You clearly did!” You laugh humorlessly at the fact that you just ate partially spoiled food.

It was funny how your husband picked and chose what he wanted to remember. Granted it was pretty early when you told him this, waking him up from his snoring slumber as you pecked his cheek on your way out. Last night in bed he said he would hit the store for a few quick items you needed for the house and milk was the first thing on the list. He didn’t remember that but he knew you had a hair appointment since he insisted on paying for it, he always loved your fro and didn’t mind seeing you change it up.

He was very vocal if he didn’t like a look either, even if you were pranking him a few times with stiff wigs from Tyler Perry Amazon, which caused many more lashings from the both of you that it sometimes got personal. The both of you could take the shit talking from each other but once it actually stung just a little too much? And if it happened to occur in front of family? Oh the silent treatment was more lethal than the actual words.

“Now I see why your ass was so clenched when I came in here. You were trying to poison me, or encourage me to go vegan, my own got damn husband.” You scoffed while Jey rolled his eyes at your dramatics and that was saying a lot, since he was the number one Thespian.

He makes the noise of a buzzer, “wrong answer forehead! My fatty is too well rounded for it to be clenched. Especially if it was glute day yesterday. There’s no high booties around here and I’m highly offended that you think I would do that to you when you’re my whole heart.”

You stuck your tongue out giving him a thumbs down, “don’t try to butter me up, I’m still aggy and I’m trying to big my back, not make my stomach touch my back.”

And just like that he grins as he moves to grip the sides of your face, “I’m sorry ma, you know I always got you and already have a back up order for dinner if this didn’t turn out too well. Plus, I got something else that could feed your appetite. A appetizer if you really think about it.”

His smile turns devilish now as he moves to place his hips on yours to feel exactly what he’s serving up. You shove at his chest as he goes even further to try and kiss up your neck, “Nope, if you don’t get off me! You’re not getting none of that.”

“Why not? We got at least twenty-five minutes before option B is ready and I can make it work.” He’s chasing after you now.

You’re on the other side of the white and blue island with a shake of your head, “for one, I have no nutrients in my body and it’s really sounding like you want me to cross over to the other side.”

Jey interrupts as he stares at you in all seriousness, “never.”

Holding up fingers you continue, “Two, my laser appointment isn’t until Wednesday.”

Jey caressed his beard in thought licking his lips, “oh word, hump day? That’s even better but fuck all that we grown! Let me get you that jug of fruit water you made and then that ass is mine.”

You laughed, “you think I’m gonna just fold after you deprived me of Kopai? You really done lost your mind and it’s all KDot’s doing.”

“Nah, leave my boy out of this.”

You gasped, “That switch up is crazy.”

‘Guess we know who Jey’s shaking that ass for and it’s not just for me,’ you cackle internally before focusing back on what your husband’s response would be to picking with him. You knew better than to let that slip through your lips because you wouldn’t hear the end of it and your body was already going through it okay!

From getting your hair done and WORKING OUT!

Get your mind out of the gutter you hoes.

“I mean I didn’t say I was going to completely cut BBL—

Your eyes went wide as Jey smacked a hand over his mouth. You pointed at him and hopped up and down to prove your point.

“Be quiet.” He hissed before he made his claim, “I mean sure if im in the car I’ll bump Drake over Kendrick but he had something on his chest so some shit talking needed to be said.”

“And did.”

“Exactly but Drake’s still my guy.” He shrugged.

You shake your head as you pace the floor as if you were analyzing Jey like you were in some courtroom instead of your kitchen, “That’s just like you, taking up for the light skins.”

“Aight now you dragging it.” Jey sent a glower in your direction.

You laugh as you leaned against the counter feeling like a nap but not without facing the issue here, “so…what’s actually on the menu since you lied to me about the Kopai and then flopped the chowder.”

“It wasn’t a complete flop!” Jey argued with a deep furrow of his brows, “the flavor was on point, I just messed up with the dairy portion.”

You stated, “Goat milk would have been superior.”

“Oh hell no, wait until I tell your father about that one.” Jey’s shaking his head in disgust, goat milk was only great for a skincare routine and he could say that based on experience but far as consuming? Jey was good on that.

“Wait until I tell him that you tried to give me food poisoning.” You countered with a heated stare.

Jey deeply inhaled and sucked his teeth, “aight let’s roll before you get my blood pressure up to the point I need to be hospitalized.”

He turns the stove off and moves the pot to the side while it’s your turn to make your way over to the tatted man. You nuzzle your head into the back of shoulders while hugging him, “it’s only fair that we get on each others nerves.”

“You’re lucky I love yo ass.” He mumbles, resting a warm hand on top of your clasped ones.

“And you’re lucky I love you right back and didn’t take a bite out of your behind for depriving me of food.”

Jey scrunched up his nose at that and side eyed as he turned to face you a bit but you held his stare, letting him know that you weren’t joking. “See, I knew it in my spirit that you were one of those kids that liked to bite. I’ve seen baby pictures and that’s something I’ll have to keep in mind when we’re blessed with children.”

“Says the fighter out of the marriage.” You quirk up a brow but Jey just shrugs.

“I own my shit.”

“Whatever bro…where’s your keys?” You remove yourself from Jey to look around the kitchen while the said man follows you.

He buries his forehead against the side of your temple bumping you, “i’m not your bro so I don’t know who you think you’re talking to.”

You push him from your space, “stop playing with me, Joshua. We don’t have time for this!”

“Come correct then.”

You roll your eyes with a flick of your hair, “keys or I’ll go get my own.”

“I’m driving, I don’t need you acting like the streets are Mario kart like you probably did on your way here.” He states before he sarcastically jokes, “You’re not you when you’re hungry.”

Let’s not talk about driving skills…of course you didn’t say that but Jey could tell you were thinking it. So he steps to you, holding out his hand but kept his eyes on you until you placed yours in his. He led the way back downstairs to the front level of the home, keys already in his pocket as he locked up the front of the house before heading to the garage.

There was tension on the first five minutes of the drive but not to the point where you two knew you wouldn’t get past it. You fumbled with the radio as the wind whipped across your profile and before you both know it, you’re both singing along to music from 2018, which was reminiscent back when things were starting to heat up between you two. Back when Jey was inviting you to family barbecues and being too afraid to ask you to be his girl and making an ass out of himself to his family when they questioned what you were.

It was all trial and tribulations that led to your marriage a year later. This bickering was nothing compared to what the both of you dealt with prior. And what’s a perfect marriage?

“By the way, the new look is sexy.” Jey comments as the both of you sit in his car digging into your food.

He chose Japanese…which was satisfactory since you loved the Wagyu beef tacos here and he was tearing into the BamuBamu wings, licking his fingers and everything that you knew his mother would be slapping the back of his head if she was in the backseat.

“Thanks baby, we’ll call this look: Gaia or Alani.” You posed, hands still holding a taco.

Jey nods, “ooo, Gailani is fire! See how I just did that?”

“Hope you come up with better earthy names for our future crotch goblins.” You told him while Jey frowned at you mid-bite.

“No way you just said that.”

Shrugging you say, “I mean I don’t know how pregnancy is going to make me feel so that’s their potential nickname.”

“I mean…how would you feel if I referred you as a gremlin?” Jey questioned, not liking how you were picking on your unborn children already.

Listen to him being the sensitive parent! He cared deeply for his niece and nephew, he also didn’t play when it came to them either so he can only imagine how he would be with his own.

“…I’d blame the children you played a part of helping create. Like child like father.”

“That’s cap and not exactly how that works, that’s right, I paid attention in biology class! You’ll probably start taking it out on me, I’ll have to have doc on speed dial for tetanus shots.” Jey winked at you while you elbowed his arm, “but nah I’ll love y’all through it regardless because like it or not I’m a pretty great guy.”

You snort, “You say that now.”

“I mean it though and I know you know that. I couldn’t have picked a better person to ride through this rollercoaster of life with and the world deserves to have mini versions of us roaming the earth, plus I’m always down to get to practicing.” He winks at you while you shake your head.

“I can tell, you almost leaped over the counter to take me down.”

He pointed, “You started it by grabbing my ass and the new look isn’t helping my urges.”

“Well,” you shrugged with a smirk on your lips, “it’s definitely not happening since you like to pull hair and you didn’t buy the milk.”

“There’s a farmers market right up the street, they got to have some and then will you chill?”

“I’m chill now.” You chew with a smile as you slump into the passenger seat while Jey deeply exhales.

“Yeah, cause you’re spoiled.”

“You made me this way.”

“I know.” Jey smiles at you adoringly before shaking his head, “my own personal pain in my butt.”

“But I do appreciate the effort…although my stomach might feel different in a few hours.” You pout a little, feeling it flip just a smidge.

Jey widens his eyes at you, just hoping that didn’t happen, “nah we getting probiotics or some type of cleanse at this market, let’s go before they close. Seatbelt please.”

“I’m eating.”

The side eye he gives you makes you do so but you hold onto your taco a little tighter in the process. Driving across the street to the open parking lot that sat to the side of where the market was set up, he’s ready to hop out the car, door tossed open, without you since you were still eating but you call out to him to wait for you.

The farmers market was one of your favorite places to be, especially on a Sunday and there was no way he was going without you. He was the main one that said the both of you were always going to be by each other’s sides wherever you went. When it came to grocery shopping, Jey was the type of shopper that wanted to get in and get out. Anything else? Clothes? Cars? He could spend all day there.

Yes he was huffy as you took your time, knowing they were about to start closing up in the next fifteen minutes. You had to search his car for your gum, lipgloss, and micro wallet that you stored in here just in case you didn’t have your purse (which was sitting pretty back at home on your bed) and stole Jey’s car for the day.

“C’mon,” Jey says your name impatiently, “what’re you doing?”

“Where’s my green mini wallet I had stored on the side of the rati?” Your hands are going along the pocket of the black Maserati.

Jey answers, “that little thing? I been took that out and threw it somewhere in your drawer back at the crib. What do you need that for when you’re with me anyway? Let’s go, ma.”

Then he questions why you’re a pain in his butt!

Checking your lips once more, you get out the car dusting off any crumbs from your lap before you circle around the car to intertwine your fingers with Jey’s. You huddle closer to him as the wind is at your backs before you enter through the tarps of set up sections. He’s on a mission while your eyes are wide, trying to look at any and everything to the point he lets go of your hand to keep searching for what you’re mainly here for.

Usually it’s mostly food here but occasionally they’ll have a few clothing, accessories, and even home decor shops set up as well. It really was the best of both worlds when that happened. Jey already knew that you would search for one of those while he stayed where the food was at. He chatted with the elderly man who had his own farm about forty miles from here, got three jugs of milk: oat, goat, and coconut. Along with a nice tip before he bid his farewells then began checking for you around the sizable space.

“Hey baby,” you greet as he eventually finds you at a vendor that wasn’t selling food yet you’re holding a few fruits and fruit juices in your hands, “I got us some more papayas and pineapples. It’s already paid for since the lady took Zelle but I want to show you something else.”

You finally shift the items into the netted bag onto your other wrist as you reach out for Jey’s wrist to drag him back to a few vendors over. It was some shop that was selling antiques and he’s now standing in front of two figurines.

“Wouldn’t this be cute for the mantle above the fireplace?”

Jey glanced at you, “yeah if we wanted to be murdered in our sleep at some point.”

“Joshua!” You shushed him, “I thought they would add more color to the mantle since the fireplace is black.”

“And the marble on the bottom is white along with the rest of the furniture that’s light and the walls except for that one kitchen wall that’s a chalkboard.” The man blinks as he vividly remembers your shared home, “We don’t need anymore unnecessary stuff, especially no dolls that look like annabelle and her possessed friends.” Jey tells you while you frown as he grabs your wrist now.

You’re being dragged away while the woman laughs and sends you a wave as you attempt to persuade him one last time on one other decor piece sitting on a table, “But look, this is on sale!”

Jey mutters, “there’s a reason why majority of her items are. I know evil when i see it.”

“Not the judgement. You don’t know that lady, Josh and you need to stop watching so many scary movies lately, they’re making you so paranoid.” You sassed while you two made it back to his car.

He peeked at you before he grabbed his seatbelt, “did you see her pet possum on the leash sleeping underneath that dusty red chair?”

“Her what?!”

“Uh huh.” He nods, starting the car while going into detail about how the vendor felt off the moment you dragged him closer to it.

By the time the two of you get home, you’re heading into the master bedroom to grab your floral bonnet while Jey heads up stairs with the food. He does the clean up of the soup, finishes up his wings while you eventually make your way upstairs to eat your own food. When you meet Jey’s brown eyes across from the dining table, the both of you share a laugh at your matching low-lidded eyes. The Itis. You’re the first to move, discarding your food since Jey finished way before you and pull at his hand for him to stand.

Wrapping your arms across his shoulders before moving one hand to play with the end of his hair, he leans down to grasp your back before slipping his hands down to your ass to lift you against his hips. “That’s how it should be,” he tells you as you kiss his lips and he makes his way over to the couch.

You warn your husband, “Watch my head, we know how heavy handed you are.”

“I got it, I got it.” Jey mocks as he protects your head, laying you down first before he climbs over you to rest against the couch.

He loops an arm across your shoulders as you move around trying to get comfortable thanks to your new do. Finding that your left is less painful than your right, you face the coffee table, two living chairs, and tv instead while Jey lightly wraps his arm around your neck instead.

And you’re fine just like this, well fed and in the arms of your man ready to get a nap in until…

“I can’t find the remote.” Jey breaks the silence that makes your eyes peel open with a flare of your nostrils.

You want to fling your entire body back but your neck said different, leaving you to only side eye Jey as he sheepishly smiles at you.

“I’m actually going to kill you!” You inform him, “i said leaving the remote in the drawer of the coffee table makes it easier so we don’t have to go crazy looking for it.”

“And I may or may not have done that.” He says nonchalantly, not bothered that he was pushing a button again, “I like to leave it tucked in the cushions along with my leg in there because you know how that stupid thing likes to overheat sometimes and it’s always cold in there.”

Only Jey y’all.

Only Jey.

Once you go quiet and manage to face the brown eyed man again, you smile softly at him as you caressed his face, “that lady at the market that you were shook over, ain’t got shit on me.”

“Whatchu mean? Aye!” Jey yelled as you started to playfully ring his neck.

The only way to get you to stop was for him to slap his hand right on top of your sore head and wiggle it and what did he do that for?

“OW! Why would you—I’m done.”

You hop off the couch and circle around it but not without yanking a pillow and slamming it against Jey’s stomach, “disrespectful ass.”

“So I’m just supposed to take you son-ing me?” Jey sat up on his elbows, grunting at the attack before shoving the pillow to the floor.

You snapped over your shoulder, “I don’t know, I thought you might like that since you like your ass grabbed, although you try to deny it as much as possible.”

“What?! Now you just saying shit.”

“And you’re always doing shit!” You yell back, out of sight now and heading back downstairs.

Jey sighs as he settles back against the couch again, “Where you goin’?”

“To bed!”

“It’s 4pm.”

“Goodnight mullet! You play too much.”

Jey felt his chest bubble with some laughter but said back, “I LOVE YOU!”

“So?!”

“I SAID, I LOVE YOU!” Jey called back out but when he didn’t get any response, he jumped up to his feet and raced down the stairs just to see you laughing waiting to slam the door in his face.

Yet you were too slow, making Jey barge into the room to latch onto your body to pepper your face in kisses.

It was the little things that he did that he knew would get on your nerves (which was mutual) but ultimately you loved that man down no matter what.

Jey could say the same even if you got on his case majority of the time.

You were his everything and more.

☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎༄·❅☘︎ ☀︎

[burningembers91]

Five Star Experience - Arron Park x Fem!Reader

Synopsis: Arron Park prides himself on providing every guest at Eden Hotel with a five star experience. But with you, he goes above and beyond

A/N: I literally cannot find any usable photos of his character in Newtopia, so I had to trawl through his Instagram to find one for the banner

Arron Park loved his job as a hotel manager. It wasn’t how he’d originally seen his life panning out, but every day brought new challenges, and he thrived on the unpredictability that came with his job title. He prided himself on providing every guest with a five-star service, ensuring that during their stay, they wanted for nothing. He’d dealt with A-list celebrities, members of the government, and foreign diplomats. Every one of them had left with a smile on their face, singing Arron’s praises, and he couldn’t get enough of it. The guests loved him, his staff respected him, and in return, Arron devoted every second of his life to the Eden Hotel.

Being so dedicated to his job meant he didn’t have much of a social life, which meant he worked all the harder. Being alone in his apartment only served to remind him that his life away from the hotel was achingly empty. There was a huge void in his life, one where friends should be, but Arron hadn’t had any of those in a very long time. It wasn’t that he didn’t want friends, he’d just spent so long dedicating his life to his job, that he’d forgotten to stay in touch with the ones he used to have, and he’d never had the time to make new ones. He hadn’t had a date in years, so wrapped up in his work that he’d spent the best years of his life single. He’d forgotten to find someone special, had neglected his own heart in favour of making other people happy. Arron told himself that it didn’t matter, but deep down, he knew he was lying.

Every time a couple or a family came to stay, it was a stark reminder that Arron was alone. He did what he did best, ensuring that they had a luxurious stay with every possible desire a mere phone call away. He spent his days surrounded by people, and yet he’d never felt so lonely. He had no one to confide in, no one to ask for advice, so Arron pushed down the feelings of isolation and regret. He immersed himself in the hustle and bustle of the hotel, pouring everything he had into his job.

The day you checked in, Arron was working the front desk. They were short-staffed and Fridays were always the busiest day for guest turnover. You arrived through the revolving doors with three suitcases in tow, the sound of your heels clicking along the marble floor. He looked up as you approached, ready to give you the same greeting he gave every new guest, but then his gaze met yours. You were stunning, your eyes bright and your smile wide as you gave your name. the sunlight streaming through the windows reflected perfectly off your figure, highlighting you in an almost ethereal glow. For a split second, everything else in the world ceased to exist, except you.

It was only after you repeated your name for a third time that he snapped back to earth. “So sorry,” he laughed, coughing to cover his nerves and he typed your name into the system. “Yes, I can see you’re booked in for a long-term stay. Four weeks, is that correct?” “Perhaps longer,” you nodded, “I just moved to Seoul, and my new company have put me up here until I find somewhere more permanent.” Four weeks, four whole weeks of seeing you every day. Arron could barely keep his smile from spreading across his face. “Well, if there’s anything you need,” he told you, “Please do not hesitate to ask. I am at your service.”

Arron made it his mission to personally wait on you, hand and foot. If you ordered room service, he’d bring it to your door If you ordered a drink at the bar, he made sure to bring it to you, insisting that your wine was on the house. He greeted you each morning and evening, and every day he fell a little deeper into those beautiful eyes of yours. He wondered if you had someone special, if perhaps they would be joining you, but no one ever arrived. You seemed as dedicated to your job as he was, hunkering down in the bar with your laptop until the early hours of the morning. He kept coming up with excuses to check on you, asking if you wanted a glass of water, or snacks, checking to see if you needed your towels replenishing.

When your four-week stay was nearly up, and you hadn’t asked to extend, Arron could feel the sadness creeping in. You’d brightened his days without even knowing it, had lit a fire deep in his soul, igniting feelings he’d never felt before. He didn’t want you to leave, knowing that the moment you checked out, he’d likely never see you again. He wished he had the courage to ask you out, to show you the city he loved so much, but he’d spent so long alone, he’d forgotten how to flirt.

When you asked to extend your stay a further four weeks, Arron was only too happy to oblige. He upgraded your room at no extra cost, giving you a room with the most stunning views of the Seoul skyline and a free session at Eden’s luxury in-house spa. “Wow, I feel like royalty,” you laughed, as he handed you the keys to your new room. “Only the best for you,” he smiled.

He'd been graced with another four weeks with you, 30 more days to work up the courage to ask you out. But after spending so much of his life alone, Arron wasn’t sure if he knew how to share his life with someone. It also strictly went against company policy to fraternize with the guests, but that didn’t stop Arron spending his nights dreaming about making love to you against the crisps white sheets of your Super King bed.

He would wait until your stay came to an end, until you’d found an apartment to move in to, then he’d ask you to dinner.

The thought of asking you out scared him, but the thought of being alone forever scared him even more.

[halfbakedideas]

BatRules

The full list of rules the Bat Family has, for both their civilian lives and their night lives.

It gets a little out of hand. Just a little.

Key

A.P.: Alfred

B.W.: Bruce

D.G.: Dick

C.: Cass

J.T.: Jason

T.D.W/T.D.: Tim

S.B.: Steph

D.T.: Duke

D.W.: Damian

-~-~-

No tampering with any of the coffee machines. —A.P.

Master Tim is to be limited to a maximum of two shots of caffeine every 24 hours. —A.P.

‘Dealing with Damian’ is not a valid excuse to ignore the above limit. —B.W.

Only regular-strength coffee is to be kept in the Manor at any time. —B.W.

Not even after off-planet missions? —T.D.W.

‘At any time’ includes after off-planet missions, Tim. —B.W.

No speedsters and/or Kryptonians are to bring in any as an ‘emergency supply’ —B.W.

Master Bruce is banned from having any coffee at or after 12 a.m. —A.P.

Not even decaf? —B.W.

Why would you even bother drinking coffee then? —T.D.W.

Mayonnaise is not to be put on hamsters. —T.D.

Lucius has threatened to quit if it happened again and he sees it. —T.D.

Rule 11 applies to non-Family members too. —B.W.

Master Jason is not to bring any guns into the Manor. —A.P.

Not even the rubber bullets one? —J.T.

Especially not that one. —A.P.

Hugs are mandatory. —D.G.

Proposed revision: Hugs are recommended. —D.W.

Proposed revision: rejected :D — D.G.

Glitter is to be kept and used only in designated areas. —A.P.

The ballroom is not a designated area. —A.P.

Neither is the kitchen. —A.P.

Vigilante uniforms are not to be worn nor taken into the Manor. —A.P.

I am not allergic to emotions. —B.W.

Proposed revision: Bruce is allergic to emotions. —J.T.

Proposed revision: rejected. —B.W.

Nor am I emotionally constipated. —B.W.

Green hair dye is banned from the Manor. —D.G.

In all shades but especially neon. —D.G.

Excluding Bruce, attendance at galas isn’t mandatory. —C.

Except for the annual Wayne Foundation one, attendance at that one is mandatory for everyone. —B.W.

For every missed gala, you must make one (1) public appearance in that same month. —B.W.

A ‘public appearance’ does not include a trip to Walmart. —B.W.

No more murder attempts, Damian —T.D.W.

Proposed revision: Murder attempts are allowed on Drake. —D.W.

Proposed revision: rejected. —T.D.W.

No poison is to be put in hot chocolate. —A.P.

Why does that even have to be a rule?? —D.T.

Dick is to be kept away from any and all redheads. —J.T.

Including the one that he is currently dating. —D.W.

Whenever I ask any of you to bring me one of the spare Batsuits, I never mean the rainbow one. —B.W,

It’s Vigilante Bingo not Trauma Bingo. Stop being so concerning. —D.T.

If you’re up before 8 a.m. and you wake someone else up, you have to take their worst patrol shift. —T.D.W.

Only Alfred and Jason are allowed to actually make anything in the kitchen. —B.W.

Shower as soon as you get back from patrol. —A.P.

Just because you got cuddle pollen’d, doesn’t mean the whole family needs to be. —S.B.

Richard is not allowed to pick the movie for Movie Night. —D.W.

Unless Movie Night falls on the 29th night of February. —D.W.

Everyone has to clean their own rooms, do not make Alfred do it. He already has enough to do —B.W.

No going into each other's rooms without permission or a valid reason. —B.W.

‘For a prank war’ is not a valid reason. —B.W.

Rule 50 especially applies when the person is sleeping, Damian. —T.D.W.

A minimum of three people have to go with Alfred to do the grocery shopping. —B.W.

The BatComputer is multi-million dollar equipment and is not to be used to watch movies. —B.W.

No tie-dying your siblings, or their clothing, three hours before a gala. —B.W.

No using books as balance beams. —J.T.

Looking at you, Dick. —J.T.

No going to Jason for help with math; you must come to me. —D.G.

Ladies do not start prank wars, but they can finish them. —S.B.

So beware :) —C.

Stop doing monumental things in the hallway because I don't need to see that. —D.T.

Remember: I have POWERS. —D.T.

No stealing Damian's art supplies. —D.W.

If you do, I will disembowel you. —D.W.

Master Damian, no disembowelling your siblings. —A.P.

Cookies are to be eaten before dinner ^-^ —C.

Cookies are not to be eaten before dinner, unless one is recovering from a life-threatening injury. —A.P.

Does that mean I can eat cookies before dinner since I lost my spleen? —T.D.

YOU LOST YOUR SPLEEN????????? D: D: D: D: D: D: D: D: —D.G.

Seconding. —S.B.

Thirding ^-^ —C.

Tt, of course, you have lost a major organ and failed to tell anyone. —D.W.

I will disembowel more of you if you touch my art supplies. —D.W.

Damian, you can't take more of Tim’s organs. He can't regrow them. —B.W.

He can if it's his liver —J.T.

Damian, you should take out part of Tim's liver so he can regrow it and then sell it on the black market and get rich. —S.B.

He's already rich, though. *raised eyebrow* —D.G.

Then he’ll get richer. —S.B.

Are we all just ignoring how Tim doesn't have a spleen now? —D.T.

That's how things work here. —J.T.

Bedtime for anyone under 16 is 10 p.m. on non-patrol nights; and 2 a.m. on patrol nights. —B.W.

12? —D.W.

10. —B.W.

11? —D.W.

10.30. That’s final. Or you have to take Condiment King next time he makes trouble. —B.W.

Tt. Fine. I will accept 10.30 p.m. —D.W.

Toasters are not to be taken out of the kitchen. —A.P.

‘For science’ is not a good nor valid reason, Master Tim. —A.P.

No dye is to be put into the pool. —B.W.

Just because we have the money to replace the tiles afterwards, doesn’t mean you should do it. —B.W.

No climbing on the Tyrannosaurus rex statue in the Cave. —D.W.

Pizza-store pizza is only to be brought into the Cave under specific circumstances. —A.P.

If pizza-store pizza has to be brought into the Cave, please use a napkin. —A.P.

[firedrakegirl]

Sleeping Beauty soulmates - yes it's another Loki fic, shush

Odin has fallen into the Odinsleep, and Loki is regent king. He has negotiated a peace with Laufeyson, which includes a marriage to the youngest child of Farbauti, Laufey's spouse. We will be flashing back, don't worry.

“Son, are you sure about this?” Frigga asked, standing beside Loki’s throne. She was concerned about the idea of Frost Giants coming to Asgard. She remembered the days when they’d moved freely through the realms, but Asgard has been poisoned against the entire race by Odin’s hatred.

“I am the king, Mother, though only the regent. It is only right that they bring my betrothed here, rather than me going there.” Loki pointed out. “But that is why this was announced in advance and we made sure there were extra guards on duty.”

Before Frigga could continue the discussion, the announcement was made. “Presenting Queen Farbauti, Prince Byleistr, and Princess Conflagration.”

Loki straightened up, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It had been too long since he had seen his betrothed.

Frigga frowned. “Frost Giants do not usually use gendered terms outside of king and queen.”

“From the peace talks, I did learn that there are those among their race who do prefer them, though they are rare.” Loki assured before standing to welcome the Frost Giants. “Queen Farbauti, you look as elegant as the last time we spoke.” He greeted as the giants walked into the throne room.

There were murmurs and mutters of concern, of fear, and of curiosity. Frigga’s eyes drifted along the assembled Asgardians, looking for signs of true unrest. Farbauti was tall and lithe compared to how Frost Giants were typically portrayed. They had a cloak on, covering much of their body. The hood was back, revealing their face and long dark hair. The only other clothing they wore was a kilt-like garment. They were followed by another giant, whose hood was still up. Byleistr was built more like his father, huge and broad. The final member of the royal family who had come to Asgard was short, even shorter than Loki. She wore a cloak that hid her entire body, though she was petite.

“King Loki, thank you for welcoming us into your kingdom.” Farbauti dipped their head in an acknowledgement. Though they were technically equal, it was considered polite to greet the ruler of the kingdom they were visiting as a better. “May I present two of my children? Prince Byleistr, heir to the throne. And this is my daughter, Princess Conflagration.”

Byleistr was dressed in the same manner as his parent, but the mutters exploded as the princess was presented and she pushed her hood back. The sight of a Midgardian who’d been adorned like a Frost Giant made them all turn to talk to their neighbor. The princess had auburn hair that curled down her back, with the front pulled out of her face and secured with a clip that looked like ice. Her red eyes flicked around the room, and her ice blue lips held the faintest hint of a smile. Though most of her skin was pale, she had deep blue markings like the other Frost Giants, a perfect match to Farbauti’s except on her hands. It almost looked like she was wearing fingerless gloves, as opposed to Farbauti’s delicate bands of blue. She wore a modest goddess style gown of fine teal silk and black leather boots.

“Well met Farbauti, Byleistr, and Conflagration.” Loki intoned, knowing that it was preferred not to continue using titles after the initial introduction. His eyes met Conflagration’s for just a moment, and both their expressions softened fractionally.

“Conflagration is to be your wife, King Loki.” Farbauti continued, pressing a massive hand to their daughter’s back and pushing her forward.

“Conflagration. An interesting name for a Frost Giant.” Loki said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “Even one as unusual as yourself.”

“I was not born a Frost Giant, your majesty.” Her voice echoed through the throne room. “I was born a human, and was adopted into my new family. That is why I was selected to be your wife. I will not require accommodations to survive long term in your realm.” Her red eyes sparkled with just as much mischief as his. “And Conflagration started as a nickname when I was still purely mortal, and has become my true name.”

Frigga looked between them, then her lips twitched. Oh, she should have known that her youngest had been plotting something. Soulmates, and he’d used the fact to bring peace to both realms.

“And how did a Midgardian come to be adopted by Frost Giants?”

“We do not know how it happened, but I was cursed to sleep and ended up on Jotunheim. I was too weak to survive such a cold realm, and there was no way to get me back to Midgard. Farbauti adopted me and nursed me back to health. I am proud to me a part of their family.” She replied evenly.

“Frost Giants not only saved your life, but ensured you would be healthy. Is that correct? How do they treat someone so different from themselves?” The king pressed. Farbauti shifted. They may have understood why the questions were being asked, had even been a part of the discussion on what to ask, but they still didn’t like it.

“I hold an unusual position, your majesty. I am smaller than even most runts, and so am treated like a child in physical matters and education. I am late to learning things that many in their culture take for granted, after all. Yet, I am also treated as a royal and an adult. I am the current resident expert on modern Midgard, though I had not been able to visit my birth realm until the peace treaty.”

“Cultural differences? We have been told that Frost Giants are mindless beasts who have none.”

The princess laughed. “We have a very rich cultural background, your majesty. Much like Asgardians, we have what might be termed a warrior culture. Our two realms just have very different ideas of what is honorable and just. Your realm considers fighting bare handed to be dishonorable, while mine considers weapons dishonorable. Your realm has nobility who speaks for all, while anyone can approach the ruler of Jotunheim and request an audience. Your culture is based in tradition while ours is based in rituals.” She explained, then held out an arm. “My markings are not painted on. They are now a part of me, due to the adoption ritual. As you can see, I match my Jotun parent. Our rituals have power, which is why we still hold them close. Our realm can be unforgiving, but our rituals allow us to survive.”

Loki smiled. “Thank you for your explanation, Conflagration.” He turned to meet Farbauti’s eyes. “Is there anything Asgard can do to accommodate you further, Farbauti?”

“If a guide could be provided, my son has never been off Jotunheim. I believe he would enjoy a tour.”

Loki glanced up at his mother, who stepped forward with a nod. “If you would permit me, Farbauti, I would be honored to show anyone in your retinue our realm.”

“That would be appreciated, Queen Mother.” Farbauti nodded. They gestured, and the retinue split. Byleistr and several guards stepped aside, while Farbauti and Conflagration, along with several guards, remained.

The princess and prince briefly spoke before Byleistr gestured for Frigga to lead the way. “Queen Mother, we are ready to follow your lead. If we do or say anything that is offensive, we request that you inform us so that we may learn what is acceptable in our sister realm.”

“Of course, Byleistr. And please call me Frigga. I seem to recall that your realm prefers not to stand on formalities.” The former queen led the halved retinue from the throne room.

Loki gestured for several servants to step forward. “Farbauti, we have prepared rooms for your people to rest. I am aware that you cannot remain here more than a day, but Asgard prides itself on being welcoming to our guests. My guards will show you the way, so you may rest after such a strenuous trip. I will see you this eve for the celebration feast.”

Farbauti nodded, and the giants followed the servants from the room. Loki sat back and looked over his people. Once the giants were out of sight and hearing distance, he stood and spoke. “This is the first time in many thousands of years that our realms are aligned in goals and desires. Anyone who holds issue with Jotunheim may come to present them tomorrow when the council opens the floor to all. If anyone intentionally attempts to cause trouble with our guests, they will be tried for treason. I do understand that accidents may happen, but the Crown will not stand for anything that happens intentionally.” His eyes flashed as he gazed over the crowd.

After that, he dismissed those present and stalked from the room. Using magic, he hid himself and allowed an illusion to continue to his office while he went to the area that had been prepared for the giants’ use.

Flag, art done by my good friend Captain Bluebones (link coming as soon as twitter will let me in)

[xuchiya]

"Aughost!" || choi jongho || part.one

| genre: ghost! jongho. slice of life. angst. | mentions: death. past life. | [final] part two this is to make up for you guys and for the chapters for my mini-series of Hongjoong (GO CHECK IT OUT "DIFFERENT [LOVE] LANGAUGE). I am a little busy with the other chapters and I have to re-write some of them since I plan of uploading them all of at once.

“— please I do not judge— but yeah you match the “match” of this ajumma that helps me that could help me in going back to my body. I’m Jongho, by the way.” 

“WHAT THE FU—!”

Your mom used to say something about the gates of Hell opening in the month of August. She spoke with mere belief, yet there was a fear in her eyes that intrigued you—an unusual thing to see in someone as strong as her. She mentioned how evil spirits gained more power during this time, able to possess people and haunt them however they pleased.

You were far from believing such superstitions; they never seemed to match well with coincidence, yet they managed to trick so many people. After reading a book about your family's history, you noticed how most of your grandmothers had written down all their superstitions, and this "Aughost" was one of the oldest. It was a huge belief of your greatest grandmother that August was when the Gates of Hell opened, making spirits more powerful. That's why none of your family had birthdays in August. No one—except for you.

Most of your family members became overprotective of you, especially when this month arrived. Your birthday was celebrated in such a close-knit manner that you started to think it would just be you blowing out a single candle.

That was until your entire family disagreed with such simplicity and insisted on a proper gathering, though it was always within the safe confines of your parents' house. You rolled your eyes when your aunt handed you a candle, winking at you.

At least one person didn’t believe in such superstition. That person was your aunt, who had been somewhat cast out by the rest of the family for her rebellious outlook, despite what they called the "bad luck of luck" that came with being born in August. She wasn't the only one who celebrated a birthday this month, but she did have it the hardest, being born on August fourth—considered an unlucky number in your family—being a part of her life in more ways than one. Yet, she turned out to be happier in her life.

As the night wore on, your family continued to chatter happily about whatever news they’d heard, the sound of their voices filling the house. The clock near midnight, and as it inched closer to twelve, everyone began to realize your birthday was almost over. One by one, they started saying their goodbyes. There were hugs, warm words, and a few last-minute gifts handed your way. Each person thanked your parents for the party, wished you well, and offered some kind of reassurance about the month ahead.

Finally, the house grew quiet. The rooms that had been filled with laughter and conversation now only echoed with distant footsteps and the gentle closing of doors. You climbed the stairs, hearing the last goodnights from downstairs.

In your room, you pulled out your cake from the mini-fridge, a small, simple chocolate cake with a single candle. Like mentioned, they do not want to grab attention from the said evil spirits that might lurk inside the house and stay with you for the rest of your lifetime. The clock ticked softly in the background, the long hand inching toward twelve again, but this time it was nearing three o’clock in the afternoon. You stuck the candle into the cake, the room now bathed in soft darkness.

“No one’s gonna know,” you whispered, placing your palms together. The room enveloped you in stillness, the flickering candle casting shadows that danced around you, as if the spirits themselves were watching. As you wish inside your head before blowing your candle at the same time, the long hand finally met the small one in the middle. 

Your clock made a soft ding, you chuckle putting your cake away. Shaking your head, “Nothing happened.” You walk back towards your bed, tucking yourself in before endless dreams consume you.

The next day, your mom talked to you about her rules for keeping bad spirits at bay. You tilted your head in curiosity, tucking your legs underneath your hips as she pulled out a small book titled Aughost. You chuckled at the title, and she did too, flipping through the pages.

"Don't laugh at it," she said, trying to sound stern but with a smile tugging at her lips. "Your great-great-grandma thought it through so thoroughly." She exaggerated the 'so,' and you couldn't help but laugh again.

"Okay, here’s the list. As much as possible, never do any of these at night." You frowned, leaning over the makeshift coffee table. She shrugged. "I’m not entirely sure why, but it must have scared your great-great-grandma a lot."

You looked at the writing: Follow these three steps to keep bad spirits and demons out of your home.

“First,” she read, “you should never hang up your laundry at night. I know it sounds strange, but the smell of your scent is still fresh, and it could literally lure in those spirits.” You nodded.

 The past few weeks have been exhausting. Your boss was relentless, demanding reports on rates, sales, and everything else yesterday, throwing your department into chaos as everyone rushed to meet deadlines.

By the time you got home, you were drained. You sighed, tossing your bag on the couch, then headed to the fridge for a water bottle. Collapsing back on the couch, you let out another deep sigh.

“I cooked last night, so dinner’s sorted. Water the plants… take out the trash… Oh, crap, I forgot the laundry!” You jumped up, rushing to the laundry room. You dumped the dirty clothes onto the floor and threw the clean ones in the machine. You quickly opened the window and started hanging the clothes to dry outside.

When you were done, you tidied up, changed into pajamas, and settled down to eat while watching an old movie—your comfort zone. “Yes, Mama, I’ve eaten dinner,” you said later, juggling your dinner and a Facetime call with your mom. “I’m just finishing up the last report for my boss. We have a board meeting tomorrow, and Ms. Kang wants me there in case Hongjoong can’t make it because of his winter cold.”

As you typed on your laptop, you suddenly heard one of your windows slam shut, startling you. Your mom noticed your flinch and leaned closer to the screen. "What was that?"

You looked at the closed window, then went over to prop it open again. “It’s just the wind, Mama. It’s pretty gusty even with the chilly weather.”

Her eyebrows knitted together. "Why do you have your window open at night? You never know when a burglar might come in and cause havoc!" You chuckled, giving her a playful look. “Mom, I live in the middle of the building. Who's going to climb up here?”

“Aigo, talking back to your mother now? What if something happens to you? You’re thousands of miles away! What if—”

Before she could finish, your father’s face appeared on the screen, gently pushing her aside. “Hey, my lovely flower, how are you?”

“I’m doing great, Papa. Did you get your maintenance done?” You heard him shush your mom as she continued fretting about your safety. He rolled his eyes with a raised eyebrow. “Honey, she lives in the middle of the building. How would that even work?”

“They could use ropes like in the movies!” she insisted.

You laughed loudly, unable to take her anxiety seriously. You adored your mom and her overprotectiveness, always listening to her concerns, but you knew when to brush them off. Your dad often reminded you that it was just her anxiety talking, and there was no need to worry too much.

You chuckle loudly, not being able to take your mother’s eeriness seriously. You adore her and her overprotectiveness, you also always listen to her concerns and such but to this point, you always brush it off as your father always updates you that it is because of her anxiety that speaks and that you have nothing to think much more about. 

As you speak to your father, a sliver yet translucent hand hovers the window of your room before vanishing like glitter being blown off from the hands into the winter of the night.

“Second,” she looks at you then back to the book, “Do not whistle at night.” 

You bid the cafe owner a soft thank you as you push the door open to exit with your paper bag full of bread. The cafe is different as it is called a ‘midnight cafe’ almost similar to a convenience store but sells bread and biscuits and other pastries instead. The owner is a friend of your neighbor, somehow meeting them whenever you come home and crossing paths with them on the street as they close.

“Here baby … I’m here, mommy’s here.” You heard a cry of a mother, though by the looks of it, it is someone around your age or older or younger but nevertheless, they were crouching down as if looking for something. Perhaps, a pet if it's that low of a posture if finding a child. You walked past her though, you felt a grip on your elbow and the face of a woman came into your view.

Her eyes were shaking, red with tears in the corner already giving away with her wet eyelashes— her pet must have been missing for almost an hour. With your other arm being preoccupied with the paperbag of pastries, “Have you seen a black cat? He has a sharp pointy ear and white tail on the end of their tail?”

You felt your stomach falling as her eyes were brimmed with tears as her eyes swell with tears again and a small intake of air— her heart must be breaking and hope falling as she sat down on the sidewalk, hands on her face as she cried. You start to worry and gain a little bit of lookers as they hear her softly sobbing. 

You retreated a little bit before entering your apartment. You know deep down looking for a black cat at this time is like looking for a needle inside the hay, although this could be a little helpful as they could respond to the voice of their owner.

But seeing the situation, it must have focused on something that tunes out the voice of their owner. 

Placing down your paper bag, you open the window of your living room and turn on the television as a background noise while you create dinner. You were patient with stirring when the television suddenly glitches then switching to the news channel about an idol being in a critical condition, almost showing no recovery. You frowned, turning around.

“—The doctors have spoken about showing heart rate increase as a sign of recovery. They spoke about the patient having the normal rate for the past year and half that today, marks a new sign for them and hope. This is Rachel Lee, reporting from JYP entertainment.”

You shake your head, not really knowing about the issue nevertheless anything with the life of celebrities. They may have the talents but the job is considering the whole life aspect draining. You find it amusing yet concerning as this really took toll on most idols who live, including this one although it is more in nature accident. You hear about this idol and their group travelling back from their shoot and rain came pouring down, pulling on a pit stop until a delivery eight-trailer truck pulled up behind them and crashed on them.

Four of them were severely injured although being able to recover a year later except for one of their members. They have been unresponsive. Never made a sign. 

“Meow” Your ears perked up as you ate the dish you made. You look over the small counter towards the view of your living room, your television is on a drama not a cat show unless there was but it is in an intense fighting scene. 

“Meow.” You stood up, placing your spoon down as you navigate your living room. You looked under the couch, the coffee table, behind the plants and the television until you heard a small ‘mew’ near the window and you were met with a feline. It’s head peeking from above. Your eyes widen, staring at the cat before hurriedly walking towards the window and poking your head out to examine it better.

It is indeed a cat, a black one. It seems to be resting on the small space above your window. You frown, looking around to look for an open window but you see none, your eyes return to the cat who had his head tilted to the side, curious about you. You notice the tail wagging side to side, almost noticing the color at the end of the tail.

You tried to lure in the cat, pursuing your lips together to make a small pitch kissing sound to call but the cat only meowed. You were growing anxious as it rested comfortably on top though it could still be caught by the small terrace but it is still not safe.

Pursuing your lips again, a small whistle came out of your lips and the cat jolted up and meows before jumping down on your open arms, “Oh my gosh! You're scared!”

You walk back inside your living room not being able to comprehend a presence nearing you, reaching out for you— fingers grazing on your back but you were so focused on the cat in your arm. 

“... help me.”

“And last,” you look at your mother, “there’s only three?” She nodded. 

“Yes, they said that humans tend to be easy to lure.” You nodded, glancing at the book again to check what is the last on the list, “Okay, the last is do not pick up any lost coins you find in the streets or anywhere.”

You had just clocked out of work, waving at your co-workers as you headed toward the bus station. The bus arrived on time, and you thought it would be a smooth ride home until you found yourself stuck behind an elderly grandfather at the tap card machine. His card balance was low, and he fumbled with his wallet, pulling out a handful of coins to pay.

It took a while making the driver grumble impatiently, the elderly was pressured, and just as he was almost done, one of the coins slipped from his hands and rolled outside, coming to a stop against a bench on the sidewalk.

“Hey ajussi, if you’re gonna count more might as well wait for the next bus.” You frowned, not liking the attitude.You finally stepped forward and offered to pay for the grandfather, handing the driver the fare with as much as a polite nod before guiding the elderly on the seats. He thanks you for being patient and tries to pay for your fee but you decline his offer and keep it instead, for his grandson. 

Later, as you walked back to your apartment, you noticed a coin glinting on the pavement—a won. You hesitated, tempted to pick it up and add it to your coin jar, which you’d been slowly filling to the brim, planning to cash it in someday. You bite your lip, tempted before you stomp towards it and pick it up and cheer softly. 

As you walk towards your apartment room, you notice how the hallways become longer and colder. Unlike whenever you pass down here it is lively with the sunset color of the side lamps. Your pace slowed when you were nearing your room. You only now realized how the temperature seems to drop just in front of your room.

Your hand hovers the knob, it is almost like it's biting on your skin and you move to twist it and enter your room. It is not out of exaggeration when you feel a shiver run down your spine when you step inside. You pulled your coat tighter around you as you placed down your bag and turned on the heater, although with it running it still felt cold. 

That is until you felt something staring at you from the corner of your living room. It felt as if someone was standing, staring at your every move. You felt all of the hair on your body standing up as you stared at the lurking figure on the corner. Your irises shrunk, your entire skin was now shaking and your insides were churning as you do notice it is moving.

Towards you.

You were frozen, in fear. You watch it in fear as it nears you and actually stops a few feet away from you. When the moonlight finds an angle and shone your dark apartment room, you are met, instead of a horrifying face, you are met with an actual human face. 

A familiar face. 

“Hi, sorry for intruding in your home, it’s really been hard for me to find people nowadays that still have this what they call a third eye and somehow I stumble upon you. At first I thought you were just a normal person— please I do not judge— but yeah you match the match of this ajumma that helps me that could help me in going back to my body. I’m Jongho, by the way.” 

“WHAT THE FU—!”