#the way he delivers these lines are so funny and also scratches something in my brain so i repeat it in my head far too much

[a-a-a-anon]

"richie, if you don't shut up, i'm gonna cut your head off, stuff it in the microwave, wait until it goes pink, then take it out, mash it up with a bit of milk and butter, and RAM IT UP YOUR BACKSIDE so SHUT UUUUUUP!" gives me the same energy as "oh! did i say 'kiss you on the bottom'? oh, beg my pardon, I meant to say STICK A PICK AXE THROUGH YOUR SPINAL COLUMN!". ade's berserker delivery is everything to me

[tartglias]

diluc, kaeya, albedo and childe when they’re in love

“ahh ok i just discovered ur blog and this is my very first ever request to a blog. so uhm can i req diluc, kaeya, albedo & childe headcanons on what they'll do when they're in love? like, will their attitude change when they're around the reader HAHAHA it's ok if u remove a character <3 if u don't want to write it feel free to ignore hehe”

Diluc

Even though you both decided to keep the relationship away from the public eye, it’s not shocking that certain people come and ask if you can deliver a message to Diluc. It tends to be Kaeya or even Jean, whenever the Knights of Favonius are too busy to handle something a little too dangerous. Sometimes it’s even Venti, trying to persuade you to convince Diluc to lower the dandelion wine price.

Whoever the person is, they come to you because they know that Diluc has a soft spot for you. If something catches your eye, expect it on your doorstep the following day. He loves to spoil you, to the point in which you have to tell him to stop gifting you things, and that his love is and will always be enough.

And obviously, they know that if someone can convince him of doing something, that someone is you. It’s amusing how the normal situation switches when it comes to you. If Kaeya approaches him and asks for a favor, expect a very angry Diluc rolling his eyes and turning around, completely dismissing him while trying to not make a scene in front of you and the other costumers at the tavern. But, if it’s you who delivers the message, he just sighs and meditates it, eventually giving in. You see him smile slightly once you quickly kiss his cheek and thank him.

“Why do you always decline these requests but accept them once I ask you?” You once asked, looking up to face him as you cuddled him in bed. His hair was messy and untied, but he still looked beautiful, specially under the moon light.

“Because you’re not annoying” he simply said, caressing your cheek. You stared at him, unconvinced. This earned you a soft laugh from the man beneath you.

“I don’t know, I just can’t say no to you. Which is funny because now everyone knows you’re my weakness” He said.

It was then and there that he understood how much you meant to him. You could ask him to pick up every single Cecilia flower in Mondstadt and he would not hesitate to do it. It was dangerous, and he knew that, but his feelings were too strong.

“Kaeya will definitely use this for-“ “I love you” he said, interrupting you. Your eyes widened and a small gasp left your lips. It was the first time he said the big “L” word, maybe the first time in his life.

“I love you too” you whispered, still in awe from his previous confession.

He kissed you deeper than ever before, transmitting every single feeling he had into the kiss. You meant the world to him. He was in love.

The rest of the night was filled with quiet “I love you”s and cuddles, eventually falling asleep wrapped in each other’s arms.

Kaeya

One thing that helped him understand his feelings for you was that he could just be himself.

His past forced him to wake up and put on a facade as the flirty Cavalry Captain that had every person in Mondstadt wrapped around his finger. But you were different. When he was with you, he was Kaeya. No fancy titles, no social etiquette. Just Kaeya. Not only he felt comfortable enough to be himself around you, but you also seemed to like his true self as well. And that’s how he realized.

After long days filled with commissions and some paperwork, he would come home exhausted only to find you already waiting for him. Without need for words, he would wrap his arms around your waist and hide his face on your neck after leaving a small trace of kisses.

“Long day?” you asked as you gently hugged him, untied his hair and started brushing it with your fingers. He would reply with a small “hm” before looking up and kissing your lips.

This sight could confuse an outsider, since Kaeya, with his oh so flirty social title, is usually the one calling out for you or keeping his hands on you at any moment. Kaeya is not afraid to show his love to the world, and he makes that very clear in public. Yet, this sight made him look vulnerable, and that was something he reserved just for your eyes. You made his walls fall down, you made him vulnerable in the best way possible. He felt at peace when he was with you, and that feeling used to be so foreign to him due to the secrets of his past. But here he was, in your arms as he rambled about his day without care in the world.

His attitude towards you in public never changed much, always finding his way to make you swoon and fluster you. He loves to let everyone know that he is yours and you are his. But, once the doors close behind him, he would let his guard down completely with you. He would cling to your body as he seeks for advice or talk about his worries.

“I think that it’s best to ignore Pallad from now on since he always gets-“ you started saying, but noticing how Kaeya was looking at you made you lose your trail of thoughts. “Wh- Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You make me feel better about myself” Kaeya said, snuggling closer to you. He let out a chuckle when he heard you mutter a “huh?”

“You make me feel at peace, and I haven’t felt like that in a long while”

Albedo

Relationships were kind of new to Albedo, he wasn’t certain about the right way to show affection. But one thing he was sure about was that every time you came to visit him in his research room he felt funny inside. Funny in a good way, he felt a sudden urge to hold your hand or make you smile. 

To understand this feeling more, he started doing research on couples in Mondstadt. Was he the only one that felt this way at the sight of someone he cherished? Or was this the beginning of him becoming a monster and destroying the city of freedom at last? Lucky for him, he realized that it was considered normal to smile whenever you see your s/o. 

While he was doing his research, Klee appeared holding one of her treasures. She wanted to show Albedo her newest creation, but instead she found him staring at some old couple sitting by a fountain. She thought it was a strange sight. “What are you doing?” she asked, startling him. “Research” he simply said. “On old people? Why don’t you do a research on me? I’m young! And I have treasures!” “I don’t think you can be of use in this research” he said, sighing. 

It took Klee a while to understand what was happening, but when she did she started giggling uncontrollably. Albedo just stared at her wondering what was wrong with the child. “Albedo are you in love?”

Love, such a strange concept. He read about it, and now that Klee mentioned it, he realized that it made sense. He felt funny every time he managed to make you smile or laugh, and even more when he saw the blush on your face after complimenting you. He realized that the “funny” feeling happened because he loves you. He loves when you visit him, he loves when you ask him questions about his research and when you offer to help him. He loves you.

He immediately started searching for you, he felt the sudden urge to see and tell you about this discovery. Once he found you, he couldn’t help the smile that appeared on his face. You looked beautiful, and you weren’t even trying. You just came back from a commission and your hair was messy, and he noticed that your clothes were a bit dirty too. Yet you looked mesmerizing to him. 

“Albedo! I was on my way to visit you!” You greeted him once you saw him, kissing his cheek. 

“I made a new discovery today, dear.” He said, taking your hands in his. “I discovered that I’m in love with you”

Childe

If there’s something Childe is gonna do, is spoil you to no end. Similar to Diluc, if he noticed that something caught your eye for more than 3 seconds, expect it by your doorstep soon. And don’t even try to stop him, he just won’t listen.

Since he has to go away for weeks due to his line of work, he wants to spoil you so you don’t forget him. Not that you could anyways, you always thought of him and even prayed for his safe return. When he comes back, expect little souvenirs from his travels and stories he may or may not exaggerate a tiny bit.

He loves whenever you wear things he gifted you, and loves to tease you about it. “May I know who got you that beautiful necklace dear?” he would ask with a smirk on his face. “You, Childe” “That’s right, the best for my favorite person in the world”

But his love doesn’t come in material things only, he also loves to spend time with you. There are times that he has to go away for long periods of time, and after a few weeks he starts missing you so much he just has to send someone to pick you up and bring you to him. On those occasions he makes sure to do everything he has to do in the morning so he could spend the afternoon exploring with you.

His line of work is dangerous, and you know that. There are times in which you’re exploring some ruins with him and treasure hoarders appear. In those cases he asks you to close your eyes, and only open them when he tells you to. Under no circumstance he wants you to witness this side of him he tries so much to hide.

Once it’s over, he would reach to you gently and tell you to open your eyes. When you do, the sight in front of you breaks your heart. He was alright, not a single scratch on him, but his face was filled with worry and fear. “I’m sorry” he would say, closing his eyes and taking your hand. “Why are you apologizing?” “I’m a monster” he said, not daring to look at you.

It would take you a few minutes to convince him that he actually is not a monster. Those treasure hoarders appeared out of nowhere, and threatened you. He was just protecting you. “This is what I do all the time, how are you not scared of me?” He asked. You hugged him very tight, not wanting to let go of him until every drop of fear and guilt leaves his body. “I know you would never hurt me”

He knew you were right, he could never hurt you. He may think he is a monster unworthy of your love, but he knew that he could never lay a finger on you. And as you hugged him tight in front of some random ruins you were exploring, he realized he was in love and swore to himself he would do anything to protect you.

[whatifyoulivelikethat]

LO$ER=?, m | jjk

pairing(s): jungkook x reader

summary: Life is just a path and you walk it. Until Jeon Jungkook. He made you run, sprinting through winding side roads and alleys, fighting, bleeding, losing. Your paths split, but life is made of orbits. Now that they have overlapped once more, his hand is fiercely holding yours and he won't let go again. Nothing matters if he's with you. Thus, you run once more, laughing like you've gone mad.

continuation of 0X1=?, m | jjk – click here to read

warnings: rated M (18+) for language; mentions of sexual assault (not heavily described, however, please note reader is the victim of said assault); actually predominantly fluff; mentions of previous angst; mentions of physical fighting; smut (fem reader, fingering, cowgirl, scratching / marking, penetrative sex); non-idol!BTS - tattooed, previously rich!Jungkook x rebellious!reader (mostly reader's POV, a tiny bit of JK's POV), ft cameo of Kim Taehyung as JK’s best friend and crossover with 'bao, t/m | myg' au

yes, I waited until the TXT's 'LO$ER=LO♡ER' was released to write this XD there's a ton of TXT references as well, enjoy!

--

now playing – LO$ER=LO♡ER by txt

"Jeon Jungkook! Yah! Jeon Jungkook! Come out of that whore's home!"

You were about to remove the groceries from your front seat, but then you stopped at the shouting, peering up at the second story of the apartment complex to see… ah, yes, a young woman yelling at your front doorstep. One look at the imported, Western, black car with heavily tinted windows and you were well aware that the woman in a matching designer two-piece – a ruffled pink suit jacket and flared skirt – complete with immaculately pulled back hair in a half-ponytail must be...

She turned around, fuming, pretty features twisted in rage, and screamed in frustration.

You quickly jerked your head back out of her line of sight and clicked your tongue.

Your boyfriend's ex-fiancé had some lungs on her.

You waited until she finished shrieking like a banshee and peered out to see her spin on her heel and return to pounding on your apartment door with her small, manicured fists. You spotted her beige, black cap-toed slender heels.

Chanel.

Huh.

You stayed in your car.

Reached over to your bag and pulled out the single ice cream you bought to share with Jungkook but, at this rate, you would have to buy another. You pulled off the cap and folded it in half, curving it like a spoon, and began to eat the mango sorbet. Hm, well, it was better this way. Jungkook would probably prefer chocolate or straight up diabetes over mango sorbet.

He would eat pretty much anything though.

You scooped up some of the frigid, melting sweet into your mouth and watched his ex-fiancé shout at no one.

True, you could go up there and throw her down the stairs. But there was something hilarious about this, her beating and howling at your apartment door, completely ignoring the fact that no one was answering it and that she was very clearly causing a public disturbance, all because of her own personal problem.

You glanced up to watch her slide down the door, openly crying now. You pressed the button of your car window to roll it down a crack to listen to her sobbing above you.

"–can't believe you would do this to me... you know I need this marriage... my family's company depends on it..."

You slowed, licking off your makeshift spoon.

"I'll be left with nothing... nothing unless I get married..."

Crocodile tears or not, the woes of the rich did not earn much sympathy with you.

You rolled your window back up, leaving your car on idle for the air conditioning.

It was a mix of previously being constantly berated by Jungkook's wealthy parents that now exiled him over a fucking eyebrow piercing and being a member of the working, lower middle class. For some reason, that latter fact was also offensive to Jungkook’s parents. Everyone was accepting until money got involved. You hummed, eating another scoop. You didn’t like it, but you understood that his parents wouldn’t believe that you have no interest in their money. What you didn't understand was why his ex-fiancé was so hellbent on yelling at your door. From what you could tell, she wasn't ugly. Couldn't she find someone else?

You scraped the last of your small ice cream out and ate it up.

You checked your phone.

Jungkook wouldn't be out of work for at least another three hours. You had found him a job at the local bao shop through your own job as an accountant. You assisted the family in sorting the finances for their small business and personal tax forms. The owner had back surgery and so the daughter had been working there by herself with one other employee that delivered the orders. They wanted to hire another to help with cooking and cleaning, perhaps even open up the front counter again to accept pick-up orders instead of only delivery. However, it was hard to find someone trustworthy and reliable. The best way was through word of mouth.

They won't mind my tattoos?

Whenever I drop by, the delivery guy is wearing a leather jacket, ripped jeans, and has a resting bitch face. You'll be fine. Also, I think the daughter and him are dating.

Jungkook had blinked at you.

You know. In case they disappear for ten minutes, unexplained.

You loved Jungkook's laugh.

He didn't complain or whine for some other job. He only asked when he started and how to get there. You bought him a secondhand bicycle and he was off to work, five to six days a week. Sometimes you would drop him off with your car if was too rainy. Occasionally, when he had to stay late for a large order, the delivery guy would drive Jungkook and his bike back home.

That's how it was here, in the world of everyone else, minus the rich.

The fuck is all this?

Manager gave me a bunch of leftovers. She said I'm a fast learner. Did you know Taehyung stops by there? He's never said shit! He said it was his little secret, that ass–

You smiled as you remembered Jungkook's animated face and annoyance at his best friend for not sharing what he thought was crucial information. Jungkook would speak excitedly, hauling a bag of buns and spilling them over your clean kitchen counter, scrambling to catch them as he explained the different ones to you and how they were made, telling you all the things he was learning and funny stories about customers.

You almost forgot this Jungkook.

It was strange, feeling something after such a long time of feeling nothing, strange to find your time occupied once again by him, when at many times you vowed not to get involved with Jungkook anymore, only for him to show up and make you throw your promises to yourself to the wind, recklessly chasing the anger, wondering, hating, loathing how much you still loved him after he left, recalling him standing there, stone silent as his parents' verbal lashes ripped you to shreds.

You turned the car off, pulling the keys out and pocketing them, not wanting to the drain the battery.

Maybe.

Maybe you were stupid for loving him so much.

Maybe you were as pathetic as the woman up there in some ways.

Then again.

Maybe that was just how everyone lived.

You heard a soft tap by your car window.

You jerked your head to see Jeon Jungkook, in the flesh, peering at you through the glass, clutching his bike. You could see half of his head, short black hair and large, curious brown eyes, nose pressed up to the bottom of your car window. He was wearing his work clothes, light wash jeans and an aqua blue t-shirt, lightly dusted in flour. He pointed up and you noticed his ex-fiancé had switched back to yelling at the door, no longer facing the street.

You shooed him back and opened the car door, eyes wide.

"Why are you home?" you whispered, crouching down to speak to him.

He grabbed your hand, gasping as he gripped it. You shivered at the coldness of his fingers, but there was a warmth in between your and his frozen palms, melting each other.

"Oh, shit, your hand is so cold!"

"So is yours!"

"I was biking! My hands get cold from the wind. What's your excuse?"

You held up the empty mango sorbet container in your other hand, shifting your eyes guiltily.

"And you didn't share?!" Jungkook hissed, his windswept hair giving him a fierce appearance, dismay clear in his glistening dark brown orbs despite trying to sound angry.

You spied his other hand on his bike. There was a large, wrapped bandage on his left forearm. You ticked your chin towards it, furrowing your brows. "What happened?"

"Ack, I burned myself and manager-nim told me to go home early. I told her I could still work, but there were only a few hours left and it seemed like she wanted to be alone with Yoongi-hyung..."

You raised your eyebrows.

"What are they gonna do, bonk in the kitchen?"

"You wouldn't want to bonk me in the kitchen?"

You grinned at him and Jungkook grinned back, eyebrow piercing flashing in the sun.

"JEON JUNGKOOK!"

"Oh shit–"

You scrambled out of your car, locking it, slamming the door as the young woman wailed his name and pointed at you and him, furiously wiping her tears.

"You bitch! How dare you take him from me! He was mine! I had him wrapped around my finger!" She hiked up her skirt and swiftly power-walked to the stairs, looking back to yell more at you as Jungkook placed his bicycle down. "He would do anything for me!"

You raised your eyebrows, again.

Jungkook yanked on your t-shirt sleeve, ushering you to get on the bike with him.

"Doesn't seem like it!" you called back casually, chucking your trash at her, causing the empty ice cream container to smack her in the shoulder and roll across the sidewalk.

"You–"

You cackled and got on the bike, hooking your arms around Jungkook's shoulders and adjusting your feet as she stomped up to you two, conventionally attractive features contorted in rage.

"He was my dog!"

Your eye twitched.

"You were gonna marry a freak who was into bestiality? No wonder you left," you remarked, patting him on the chest as Jungkook burst out laughing, loud and rich, shaking his head.

"You can't do this to me, Jungkook! You can't leave me with that other guy!"

You felt it.

Pause.

You felt Jungkook stiffen under your hands and you turned yourself, hearing the helpless plea in her voice now, throwing herself to the ground, designer knees in common dirt, anguish on her face, tears streaming down her made-up cheeks, sniffling hard, and, with your breath lodged in your throat, you realized she was restraining her pained sobs, so trained in maintaining appearances that it seemed like she couldn’t even cry properly in front of others.

"You can't... you know how they are... I can't marry him, you saw what kind of man he is... that's the whole reason I tried to find another husband..."

There was no more anger in her voice, only fear and dread, and you didn't understand, and yet you could for some reason, for some reason you could see it as if it was tangible, the realness in her enigmatic words. Jungkook's hands tightened on the handlebars of the bicycle, his knuckles turning white, tense shoulders under your arms, and for a second, a moment, an instant...

You thought he might go back.

"You should run."

The crying woman on the ground lifted her head, hiccupping, cheeks blotchy pink, still somehow beautiful.

"W-What?"

Jungkook turned his head and looked down at her. "You should run away, like I did. Find someone who actually loves you. Getting married to me will only make both of us miserable, even if it saves you from that other guy."

She looked from you to him, and you recognized that look in her eyes, jealousy and envy, but not directed at you. It was directed at the warmth between the coldness of his hands and yours, directed at the orbits of his and yours finally overlapping, meeting in the vastness of space once more, his zero and your zero becoming one, not you, but his ability to throw everything away, his wealth, his comfort, the world he knew, all for a feeling she had yet to feel.

"What... what if I can't?" she asked weakly. "What if I can't find what you have?"

Jungkook lifted his foot off the asphalt and placed it on the pedal. He raised his head, and you found his eyes on yours for a brief moment before casting them back down to his ex-fiancé.

"Then keep running. It's better than being married to him, right?"

He began to turn the handles, about to pedal away.

She screamed after him, words choked with agony.

"Love won't solve our problems, Jungkook!"

You held on tight, chest to his back, fingers clutching in Jungkook's shirt, nose in his hair, his warmth under your cold hands.

"It won't!" he yelled over his shoulder, gaining speed with a grin. "But it sure as hell makes the problems worth shouldering!"

-

“Hey! Get back here!”

You snickered and chucked the plastic bag into the basket connected to the bicycle, jumping on quickly, pedaling away as Jungkook ran after you at top speed, breathless and laughing, his black hair flying back, aqua shirt molding to his muscular chest, long legs sprinting after you and the bike, your grinning face looking back periodically to catch his smile, going not too fast, but still fast enough so he couldn’t quite catch up. Golden hour brought out the tan on his skin and his high cheekbones, both of you tearing out of the gas station at high speed, drawing stares and shaking heads, but neither of you noticed or cared, his booming voice calling your name and you sticking your tongue out at him childishly.

“Watch out!”

You jerked aside and sped past a group of five young men with skateboards, two with shorter black hair, one with long black hair and white highlights, one with ash gray hair, and one platinum blond, all very tall, but you didn’t have time to stop and stare at the impressive height of them, turning into a side alley towards to the creek nearby, avoiding pedestrians, Jungkook following close behind until you got to your destination, grabbing the plastic bag in the basket and throwing the bike down, cackling as Jungkook snatched you from the air, his heart racing against your back as you kicked the air, him still somehow effortlessly carrying you despite sprinting so hard, panting into your hair.

“Get off!”

But instead of letting you go, Jungkook held on tighter, fierce kisses into your neck, wiping his sweat all over you and making you cringe amidst your laughter. It was already late, the sun dipping into the horizon, slowly taking its warmth with it. Water trickled meekly down the creek, barely coating the rock bottom due to the hot summer.

“Stop, stop, the ice cream is melting,” you finally gasped out, shoving Jungkook aside, wiping your neck with the back of your hand, pretending to be disgusted, but Jungkook just grinned and seized your cheeks, pressing his lips against yours.

“I love you,” he breathed.

“Ack, I love you too, fuck, get off–”

-

You two sat on the swings of the empty playground, watching the sun disappear, eating ice cream with the lids of the containers. As predicted, Jungkook got the chocolate that seemed to have everything in it but the kitchen sink. You, on the other hand, got red bean this time.

“Hey, Jungkook.”

“Hm?”

He looked up from his ice cream, shoving a large lidful into his mouth.

It was strange how beautiful he looked, even with his black hair sticking up every which way, his cheeks filled with the frozen sweet, the faint rays of sunlight catching the silver of his jewelry – eyebrow piercing, earrings, silver chain around his neck with the compass star pendant – all paired with his oversized aqua blue t-shirt and baggy jeans, still with bits of flour on his thighs from work.

“What did that man do to her?”

A darkness clouded his features even though he tried to hide it from you with a neutral expression.

“Ah… He just… Just wasn’t really the kind of guy who thought of women as people,” Jungkook finally got out, looking away from you. “You know, the kind of guy you really hate.”

“That’s you,” you joked.

“I know I can’t do anything,” Jungkook continued, ignoring your quip and you suddenly regretted it, seeing the way he lowered his hands, exhaling slowly. “I am not responsible for anyone else’s behavior but my own.”

Come crawling back to me on your knees when she reaffirms to you that I'll be the best fuck you'll ever have.

She'll never make you feel as good as I can make you feel.

Enjoy your piranha.

“I’m sorry.”

Jungkook looked up at your sudden declaration.

“I’m sorry,” you repeated, coughing awkwardly. “I’m sorry for saying the things I said about her.”

He snorted, shaking his head. “Don’t be. Just because she was in a shit situation doesn’t excuse her for being a shit person.” He shoved the lid into the empty ice cream container and rubbed the back of his neck, pushing his hair back with a sigh. “Just like how it doesn’t excuse me from being a shit person for what I did to you.”

His eyes shifted away.

“You don’t have to–”

“Yeah, I do,” he muttered, cutting you off. “I’m a fucking loser.”

The streetlights began to turn on, but no one was in a place like this, two adults in a place for kids, stuck wondering what adulthood was supposed to feel like because it still felt like an endless cycle of forever learning and forever running, wandering to find out what the finish line meant.

“I wasted time you can’t get back and I will spend the rest of my life chasing the time I wasted.”

Jungkook sucked in a shuddering breath, hand falling from his hair, rueful smile on his face.

“I can only hope you can put up with me for so long.”

You blinked slowly.

He turned his head, brown eyes finding yours, those irises catching the streetlights like how his jewelry had caught the sun, proving that Jeon Jungkook was, indeed, already adorned with nature’s very own jewelry.

You scooped out the last of your red bean ice cream and ate it, looking away from him.

“Sounds like forever,” you remarked, feeling the chilled sweet cool your heated cheeks, swallowing slowly, savoring the way the cold warmed you in its own way.

“Hm?”

“Sounds like I’m stuck with you forever then,” you said, turning back to him with a smirk. “Kinda sucks.”

He smirked back, cocking an eyebrow. “Yeah. Major suck. Speaking of my dick–”

“Oh, shut up.”

But you said it with a smile and he knew you didn’t mean it.

-

“Why the fuck do you have that?”

“It’s from work. Gimmie your arm.”

“Why?”

You extended your arm, frowning, stopping under the streetlight, one hand on the bike as Jungkook held the black permanent marker with his right hand. He used two fingers to uncap it and tucked the lid neatly into his palm, spinning the marker with the adjacent two fingers to readjust it so that he could write on your arm.

“Do you wanna get a tattoo with me?”

“Of what?”

You looked down to him scribbling on your skin, his own black tattoos standing out, covering his entire right arm and up to his shoulder. You wondered if he would end up tattooing his back and maybe his other arm – but, then again, he kind of needed money to have pay for such large pieces.

“Couples tattoo.”

You looked down when he drew back, grinning, reading the word upside down.

LO♡ER

You raised an eyebrow.

“You want to get ‘lover’ tattooed?” you asked, skeptical, turning your arm this way and that, unsure if you liked the placement on your forearm, near your wrist. “You don’t have any space on your right arm anyway.”

“That’s why I would get it on my left.”

And he curved his wrist to write on the bandage on his left forearm, messily writing on top of it.

LO$ER

Now you raised both eyebrows.

“You want to get… ‘loser’ tattooed onto your body?” you snorted disbelievingly.

Jungkook grinned, recapping the black marker with one hand, tapping the dollar sign on the bandage with the marker lid. “Doesn’t it describe me? ‘Cause I had money, and now I don’t.” He pointed to the heart on your skin. “You love me. I love you. A lover with a dollar sign is a loser, right?”

Laughter and skateboards sped past, five blurs of black along the street, spinning around the parked cars, people yelling after them to stop being so reckless, but you were too busy staring at Jungkook to notice the ruckus, too busy staring at that smile and those brown orbs lit up by streetlights.

“Are you stupid?”

Jungkook’s grin widened, mole underneath clearly visible. “Yeah, kind of. Stupidly in love with you.”

You both instantly pretended to gag, trying to mask your smiles, you shoving him and him shoving back, playful and laughing like mad, falling into him, dropping the bike with a loud clang, swept up in his arms and his kiss, your hands hooking behind his neck, love you, love you, love you, not sure about this whole tattoo idea, but, hell, maybe, just maybe if he annoyed you enough about it.

-

Shit, the groceries...

Are they still good?

The green onions look kind of wilted, but so do you and you're still good... I think.

Shut up.

You didn't need him, but being without him was like being frozen in time.

Not that you had any big dreams or aspirations anyone could be envious about. It always been like that, casually cruising through life, existing for the sake of existing, no real reason needed. It just was, and there was no reason to stop, so you kept going. The path was there, so you kept walking.

But, then.

Jeon Jungkook.

Jungkook made you run.

It's not washing off.

Tragic.

Easy for you to say, you wrote yours on your bandage, 'loser'.

So terrible that you have 'lover' written in you by your lover - hey, pfft, stop! Put the showerhead down!

It was truly by chance to meet him, a moment of terror and then he was there, yelling, get off her, don't fucking touch her, and you didn't understand, didn't understand why some random guy would suddenly intervene between an interaction of two strangers, how could he sense your discomfort and fear, and now he was throwing fists, brawling with not one but three guys, friends of the one who slipped his phone and his hands under your skirt, the stranger smashing the phone with venomous rage, fighting in a dress shirt, slacks, leather loafers, and expensive-looking rings, giving you a chance to escape.

A winner at life.

Not like you, you who let something happen because you froze up in that second, disbelieving that such a thing could happen to you, a nobody, a loser.

He kicked one of them in the knee, growling, a howl followed by the sharp crack during the fight.

You could turn and escape.

Or?

You heard sirens.

You grabbed your protector's flying fist and clenched into it tightly, panicking.

Run!

This was before the tattoos.

This was before the pain.

This was before the piercing.

Jeon Jungkook had whipped his head around at the foreign touch, in this mess because he had witnessed something disgusting and because he simply wanted to fight, just wanted to beat someone up, wanted to cause real pain to someone because he couldn't control his own life, wanted to fight something.

Needed to fight.

A hand around his hand.

Run!

Never once had Jungkook thought about escape.

Not until he saw that face, fear and panic and rage and determination, stunningly beautiful, hand around his hand, not letting go, pulling, sirens screaming in the distance, his legs already moving, following, running, running, running, into the sea of the unknown.

Sinking into it.

Lungs screaming, clumsily flying through alleys, on wings of adrenaline, running after the girl in the white hoodie and red plaid skirt holding his hand, falling, falling, falling, skidding across the concrete, her arms around his, her head buried into his chest, his hands around her head to protect it, hitting a dumpster with a pained wheeze.

The sirens sped past.

He was holding her and she was holding him.

It was chance.

Just chance.

His hands were scraped up, bleeding from the trip and tumble, her white hoodie dirtied and ripped from the fall, scrapes on her legs and knees.

I'm sorry...

It was ridiculous chance.

Just ridiculous.

You clung to this stranger and laughed, laughed like a maniac, laughed like you had gone mad, crying into his dirty navy dress shirt, thank you, thank you, thank you, not knowing you were holding the one who would make you run, not knowing who or how affluent he was, now knowing of how it felt to hold his hand and kiss his lips and hear his laugh, not knowing how you would introduce him to a friend who was a tattoo artist and start his interest in them, not knowing you would sit by him for long hours and watch the art grow on his skin...

Holding him, crying, thank you, thank you, thank you for saving me, leaning against a dumpster as the stranger hugged you tightly, I got you, it's okay, don't cry, don't cry, don’t cry please, rubbing your back.

Not knowing.

Not knowing he would make you zero, not knowing you would be standing there, time and time again, verbally beaten by his own parents as he looked away, unable to fight.

And you would escape.

You would run.

He would come back.

An endless cycle until you broke it.

Then he started the endless cycle again, broken as it was, his whispers to your cheeks, I love you, cheeks that were dried of tears because you were cried out and left with a mechanical heart, I love you, heart to heartless because of wasted time, I love you, time wasted but you still loved him, no matter what you did.

Did that make you pathetic?

Did that make you stupid?

Did that make you the loser?

I love you.

Why did it matter?

Even winners die.

I love you too, Jungkook.

"Get your hands off my tits."

"Why?"

You glared at him. Jungkook grinned and spun you around, hair still a little damp, kisses on your face that made you cringe as your naked bodies tumbled on the bed, him doing it on purpose, your grumble against his kisses, should have known, his smirk against your scowl, thought you knew me well by now, capturing his lips to shut him up, sinking into his arms and the ocean that was Jeon Jungkook, the one who made you want to run through the maze of life instead of aimlessly walk down the path.

His hands on your face, staring into your eyes.

You looked back, into those eyes that once had everything, but you.

And yet, he chose to lose it all and have nothing, but you.

It didn't really make sense, being in love.

You searched for regret, but there was none to be found.

"Am I forever your waste of time?" Jungkook whispered, breath drifting over your lips.

You smirked.

"Always was and always will be."

I know you said I was a waste of time. But I was your waste of time and that was all I ever wanted to be.

"Let me at least..."

"Ah, f-fuck, Jungkook!"

Your hands faltered a little, rolling the condom down while biting your lip, gasping as his two fingers plunged into you, him moaning at the wetness, thrusting slowly and deeply.

"What, you think I can't feel good with only your dick?"

"No," Jungkook snickered, pulling his slick fingers out of your pussy and bringing them to his face, cocking an eyebrow. "Just want a taste."

You rolled your eyes as he shoved his fingers into his mouth, sucking them off, eyelids fluttering.

"You're so annoying."

He grinned around his fingers, slowly pulling them out and tracing his wet lips.

You narrowed your eyes.

You don't have to take me back. I understand now, you know... I get it. Everyone... everyone will tell you you're crazy and to not to take me back.

I'm not taking you anywhere.

I... I wouldn't blame you. I promise.

Jungkook, please, shut the fuck up.

Your hands on his chest, smacking your hips down, his head thrown back on the pillows, breathless moan at your tightness, matching his sound with your own, stretching yourself out and feeling him swell even more at the pulse of your walls wrapped around him, rolling your hips into his, wet, intense smacks, his right hand flying up and wrapping around your left wrist, watching you through his lashes with effort, losing himself in your pace, no need to ask because you could see it in his face, his open mouth and glazed over eyes, fingers slipping down, curling your nails into his skin.

“P… Please…”

Raking your nails down his chest, his back arching and eyes closing, groaning in pleasure and pain, fucking him into your mattress so hard that the bedframe squealed, setting your jaw and closing your eyes too, savoring his fullness and thickness, sinking into the ocean of pleasure that was Jeon Jungkook, the one who made you feel like no one else, the one who could make and unmake your mechanical heart, funny how that worked, your nails in his skin creating crescents of lust, your eyes snapping open as you felt his chest rise, his back arching, his hands flat on the bed and thrusting his hips up into you, one eye partly open, black hair pushed back, open-mouthed smirk on his lips.

That dark brown orb partly obscured by his lashes, but revealing all to you.

You ticked your chin at him.

“Look at me.”

His eyes fully opening, pupils dilated, hazed over with lust and stubborn love.

“Nothing is more important to me than loving you,” he panted before sinking his teeth into his lower lip, mole underneath flashing, smacking his hips up into yours hard and fast, and it took no time at all, staring at his face and the way the moonlight cradled his strong jaw and toned muscle, catching the low light and bringing out the fervor in his gaze, filling you just right, pleasure blossoming from your core and yet concentrated tightly at the same time, moan of his name falling from your lips, spilling out from your lips and in between your legs, covering him with the sweet scent and harsh squeezes of orgasm, even wetter now, his eyes rolling back, cock twitching, satisfied hiss of your name spilling out with spurts of cum filling the condom, his length shivering inside you, your thighs closing in and holding him in the air so you could feel it all.

His pleasure and him.

I won’t make it to heaven. I don’t belong there.

It’s not like I belong there either, Jungkook.

Are you sure? Only an angel would take me back.

I didn’t take you back. Only your body walked away. Your heart never left me, did it?

“You sure you don’t want to get a couples tattoo with me?”

“I’m still trying to wrap my head around how your dumb ass wants to get ‘loser’ tattooed and how you think that’s romantic.”

He pressed his right forearm against your left and grinned, watching you suck in a breath as he pushed into you again, other condom already in the trash, new one on, your right leg against his chest, sandwiched between your bodies.

“But yeah, if you want, I’ll get a ‘lover’ tattoo.”

He paused, blinking rapidly. “Really?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? Why not?”

“You never wanted a tattoo before.”

Now you raised both eyebrows. “Did you ever ask me before?”

Jungkook looked down at you, hair a mess, smile blossoming on his face, somewhere between giddiness and mania, diving down and showering you with kisses, you smacking his arms and telling him, you’re bending me in half, the fuck are you doing, and he laughed, lifting both your legs now, I’ll show you bent in half, placing them between his arms, leaning down, sinking in as deep as possible, your moan and his moan mixing together.

You’re still here.

Of course, I am, this is my fucking apartment. Ugh, your black eye looks even uglier than before.

You don’t… you don’t want me to leave?

Did I say that? Uh… why are you crying?

F… Forget I said a-anything…

Hey, stop. Don’t cry. Don’t cry, Jungkook, please…

“Fuck, you feel so good, fuck…!”

Your hands in his hair, teasing grin on your face, and he was looking down at you, I love your smug smile, fuck, your fingers combing through his hair, pushing it back and away from his face, letting him see your smug smile without any obstructions, you always fuck me so well, Jungkook, the smile breaking out over his handsome features, breathing erratic and labored, hard and rough and deep, you rising your hips to meet him for every loud smack, exhales and moans blending together, tight, wet, full, your grip on his hair tightening, closer, closer, racing to the edge of the cliff and the edge of the world, Jungkook in your hands, taking him with you, or was he the one who was leading you?

“Jungkook…”

Breathless as if you were running, winded from the pleasure, tightening around him, his head lowering, your name washing over your cheeks in a hot gasp, putting more weight on you, nearly folded in half but it felt better this way, gratifying in how hard he could fuck you in this position, staring into those dark brown orbs, his body on yours, knowing he was yours, always was, always will be, and you were his, always was, always will be.

Head pressing into the pillows, moaning his name again, loud and unashamed, the overwhelming feeling taking over, muscles tense and nerves on fire, pouring it all into the pleasure, pulsing around his jerking length, his moan of your name on your skin, shooting shivering strings of cum into the condom, massaged and milked by the strength of your orgasm, locking him in your embrace and his arms closing in, lips on lips, a fierce kiss dominated by shuddering aftershocks, trembling in each other’s hold and taking the other’s breath away, blazing hot all over even though this frozen world cared about no one.

The kiss lasted a long, long time.

It fell apart slowly, leaving you both lightheaded from the intensity.

“You’re a waste of time, Jungkook,” you whispered, heated. “But you’re my time.”

The side of his lips quirked upward, sweaty, panting, chuckling.

“That’s all I ever wanted to be.”

--

masterpost

[jameui]

MOVIE DATE

PAIRING: Hwang Hyunjin x Manager!M!Reader

GENRE: Angst, Fluff

WARNING: Hyunjin being a jerk

SUMMARY: You boyfriend, Hyunjin took you out on a date to watch your favorite movie.

You sighed in exhaustion and as if the world was trying to test you, a fast running bicycle came your way causing you to jump to the side, so fast that you forgot about the takeouts you had in your hands and at a blink of an eye the neatly boxed items fell to the ground, all the food now spilled on the floor with your eyes widening in fear. "Shit!" You yelled out and tried to get back to the restaurant again, but as soon as you got there the line was already long and it'd take you ages to get to the counter to order, again.

You were at your way to your work with your phone squeezed in between your shoulder and ear as you talked to your co-manager on the other line who seemed agitated for your tardiness, while you tried to balance the foods you were made to order. "Yes, sir. I'll make sure that won't happen again." You told the male before the call was cut short when he decided to hang up all of a sudden.

Looking around, you saw a chinese restaurant that had the smallest line, so you went there and bought the food there, even though the orders of the group was not exactly what they wanted for you to buy. You just couldn't go back empty handed.

After a few minutes of walking, you finally arrived at the venue of the fansign event and got there just in time before Stray Kids were called to the stage for their activity to be done, but the moment you got there you saw that the people present were already eating their food away. They noticed your presence entering the room whilst their head turned to look at you. "I... Good morning, everyone." You greeted them. 'Guess their manager got their food delivered.'

You didn't get a reply, except from the group who was more than happy to see that you had food on your hands. "Hyung! Thank God. I was starving." The group's youngest, Jeongin said as he helped you put the foods down on the table. "You're seriously a life saver."

You smiled at him giving him a muttered thanks that earned you a smile from Jeongin. Honestly speaking, Jeongin was the second best person you ever liked in the group, the first being Lee Felix since he was the only person to ever approach you on your first day since he was able to see how much you were so nervous. Felix was also one of the members who taught you korean, the other being Bang Chan. You had always knew the group back then, and now and you were damn thankful that you got the opportunity to be in their circle.

Knowing how young you were to be working for them, they treated you nicely, not because they needed to, rather cause it was in their nature to be caring. Well, at least except one person. You were the closest to Felix who treated you like his personal manager and a friend as well, going out on friendly dates with you to the park, dog cafés, just anywhere Felix would find interesting to visit.

Who's the person that seemed irritated whenever you were around you ask? Why, the one and only visual king, Hwang Hyunjin. He doesn't actually treat you bad, but the way his eyes would always turn dark or displeased when you show up in his line of sight made you feel so small and felt totally unwelcomed. That was then, apparently, since today the male looked a little too quiet and didn't even bother to look at you. Believe me or not that's actually the kindest thing he's done to you.

You would try to go to him to try and talk to him, worried by his silence. You just furrowed your brows and sighed completely aware that no matter how much you try to talk to him he won't even dare to acknowledge you being there for him.

"M/n, are you just gonna stand there? Come and eat." Chan told you, but you just politely declined his offer with the shake of your head before telling him that you had just taken your breakfast and that you were full, more and you feel like your stomach's gonna burst. "Hm, suit yourself, but I'll be leaving mine untouched, so you can eat it when you get hungry, yeah?"

"You're so kind, Chan." You gave him a smile that got Chan smiling also showing his deep dimples that you could just dive in it anytime soon.

"Hey, hey, hey! We've known each other the longest. Why do I still have to call you 'hyung' and M/n doesn't?" Jisung, one of the group's rapper, pouted with folded arms as Chan chuckled before ruffling the kid's hair that Jisung angrily shook off.

"Well, since he's not that spoiled, unlike you." Chan answered Jisung who gasped dramatically. "And he also gained my permission, so—"

"Whenever or not he's around, is he the only person that ever comes into your mind?" That all too familiar voice spoke out, all your heads turning towards the person. He scoffed and stood up with a smirk on his face, probably in disbelief that the whole group was talking to you and always thought about you. "I mean, come on. There's gotta be something else to talk about other than this... person." You felt his eyes look at you while your eyes stared at him with rising anger. "There's sports, other artists, songs, music, so many and you chose to pick him as the topic of your talk."

"Hyunjin, that is very disrespectful." Chan gritted out, but Hyunjin knew better than to listen or to even stop.

"I'm really not, hyung." Hyunjin's smirk grew wider eyeing you with a suspicious look on his eyes. An idea popped in his head as he opened his mouth to talk. "But, if you want to, I could show you how disrespectful I can get." Without any warning, he took the take-out container and bottled drink in his hand and gave you no second to react as he poured all of its contents onto your head with a loud gasp coming out of you. "There. I'll call it a masterpiece even."

"Hwang Hyunjin!" Bang Chan's voice boomed through the whole room a still smirking Hyunjin turning around to face the older male who was fuming with anger. "You—"

"Chan!" You called out to him before things got a little out of hand. For pete's sake their going to just fight because Hyunjin had made a mess of you? You were not even worth the fight. "No. I'm fine. I can just quickly change, that's all. I'll be right back and I better get no reports about you two fighting." You told the two, Chan rolling his eyes.

You got out of the room and ran as fast as you can to the nearest restroom, cleaning yourself as soon as you arrived. Times like this you would immediately bawl your eyes out, but with the constant behavior that Hyunjin showed to you, you grew used to it. Heck, you even sometimes feel that the other boys only act like they liked you being there and when you weren't, they'd stab you behind your back. "Goodness, why won't this get off."

"Need help?" A raspy voice came from the entrance of the restroom, turning your head around to see Felix leaning himself on the door frame with his arms crossed, then untangled them to let his hands rest inside his pockets and stepped inside as you smiled at him. "Do you need more tissue?"

You shook your head at him, your attention back on your stained favorite shirt wiping them clean with the tissues the place's restroom owned. "Nah, there's plenty here. Besides, I'm all dried up now." You said and showed yourself to him, Felix knitting his brows in worry.

He seeped air through his teeth and cocked his head to the side, unsure if you should be wearing that now dirty shirt when you'd be with them during the activity the whole time. "I don't think you should be wearing that."

"Why? It's my favorite sweater." You chuckled half-heartedly.

"Yeah, I know, M/n, but it's dirty. Plus, I think it gets pretty uncomfortable seeing that stain on your shirt and it gets sticky. Yeugh." Felix pretended to barf which got you laughing softly. Felix, though not trying to be funny, whatever he does it always seemed so funny to you.

"Fine, fine. I'll go change, the problem though is that I didn't bring an extra shirt with me today." You told Felix scratching your nape.

"Really? Well, I guess we have to borrow from one of the group's." Felix suggested, but your eyes grew sizes bigger upon hearing that and waved your hands.

"No way, Felix! I have already done enough damage, I can't afford to borrow a shirt from one of the members, or to you even." You told him, but it all fell on deaf ears as Felix refused to listen. "I'm just trouble, Felix. You don't have to worry about me."

Felix hummed with two fingers pinching his chin gently. "Yeah, I don't think so." He took your wrist and started to drag you back to the dressing room. "Come on, I know there's someone willing to let you borrow a shirt." You just sighed, knowing that Felix won't even dare to change his mind when he had already set them on something.

Alas, as you two got there, none of the members even had a spare shirt to let you borrow. They were very willing and even tried to look around if there was anything, but to no avail. Although, there was one last person you didn't ask. "Hyunjin. You were the cause of this mess, you let him borrow your shirt." Felix sternly told the older male who pilled his brows together.

"What?! No way! Are you telling me I'd offer to do something for that guy? No!" Hyunjin retorted making Felix growl.

Felix was so ready to throw punches at the male who didn't seem to be bothered by the situation, but you just put a hand on Felix's shoulder and assured him. "That's alright, Felix. My sweater was thick enough to not get my undershirt wet. Although, I'm grateful for your effort." You smiled at him and sighed.

Just in time, you heard a call from one of your co-manager that the group was already being requested to be at the stage right now. You gave them an encouraging smile as they all did the same. "Alright boys. It's time to go out there and meet millions of your fans."

The group all shouted, excluding Hyunjin, hurray and hurried out to get on stage, you following behind after you were able to discard your sweater, leaving you only on your black t-shirt. You shivered at the cold now that you were left with a thin clothing that wasn't appropriate for the type of weather you were having and not mention that the place was fully air-conditioned.

Your shaking was not too evident, but one of the members, Seungmin, was able to notice it. Feeling pity he made his way to Hyunjin and tried to convince him. "Jinnie, M/n's cold. Please lend him your jacket, at least. He'll get sick if he continues to get exposed to the cold."

"Better for him."

"Hyunjin, please... Besides, you're already wearing thick layers of clothes why not let M/n borrow." Seungmin reasoned out and solemnly knitted his brows to persuade the male, Hyunjin rolling his eyes at his bestfriend and huffed before taking his jacket off of him and handed it over to Seungmin who silently squeaked. "Thanks, Hyunjin." Hyunjin brushed it off with a 'whatever', the younger of the two jogging his way towards you and gave you the jacket he got from Hyunjin. "I noticed your shivering, so I want you to take this jacket and no, you can't say you can't accept it."

You nodded your head at him and took the jacket from his hands. "Thank you, Seungmin."

"My pleasure." He smiled at you with those puppy dog like smile. He skipped back to reunite with his group while you put on the jacket that Seungmin offered you. You were still in thought though how Seungmin was able to convince Hyunjin to let you borrow his jacket. You knew Hyunjin owned the jacket since he wouldn't let them go since the moment you arrived.

You noticed how the jacket was too big for you, since the sleeves of the piece of clothing only let your fingers peek out through the holes while the flaps reached further down your hips, but it totally felt cozy and smelled like... Hyunjin. How do you explain it? You don't even know where to begin. It was him. The reason why you wanted to work with Stray Kids. You didn't want to look like you were some type of stalker, but all you ever wanted was to befriend Hyunjin.

The befriending process didn't go the way you actually thought it would go. Everytime his eyes met yours or you heard his voice you'd get all flustered and so nervous that your tongue always gets tied, the words you want to tell him gets trapped inside your mouth. It all started to be just an admiration towards the slightly older male until your determination to become his friend gradually became an unknown feeling towards Hyunjin, until realizing later that you actually liked the group's rapper, despite all his bad treatment towards you.

Back to reality, you hugged yourself and took in the wonderful scent the artist gave off until one of your co-worker nudged you. "Hey, stop sniffing the clothes. You totally look like a sasaeng."

"W-what? I wasn't sniffing anything." You denied it earning an eye roll. Later, you heard the whole place bursted into shouts of joy and excitement as Stray Kids made their appearance on the stage greeting all their fans inside and outside of the place. They all took their turns taking the mic to express their happiness and gratefulness to their ocean of fans that filled up the whole place.

Soon, the group was seated at a long rectangular table that was a perfect fit letting all the members seat on their respective seats. There were chairs as well settled in front of the table with each settled across a specific member.

You were appointed to keep guard and stand behind Hyunjin, in any case of fans throwing shade at him or any forms of harm or hate towards the member who had just been caught up in a supposed bullying rumor.

The line started to form as people who were present inside the place took their turns to talk to each member and get a sign from them. So far, you could only wonder how paranoid the company was to keep you on guard of Hyunjin when all these people here are Stays and they wouldn't do such thing to throw hate to any members in the group. Right?

The line was still too long to be gone in just minutes making you sigh, hearing your tummy rumble hoping that no one heard that. You now finally regret not eating that noodles that Chan offered you, the hunger finally hitting your system as your tummy continued to grumble. You pursed your lips and forced your eyes closed while you brought your head down in embarrassment. 'Fuck... why now?'

After a short while, the line was starting to get shorter and shorter, you thanking the heavens for the fast passing by of the time. But, the moment you least expected to happen happened. You felt a harsh tap on your legs and another and another after it finally took your attention, getting a little shocked that the action was done by the person who hated you the worst. "Take it before I change my mind." He told you. You complied and bowed at him politely as he tuts his tongue. "Who would even think of going to work on an empty stomach?"

'You... poured it on me?' You thought then shrugging it off before you looked at the treat offered to you by Hyunjin. You wondered what type of bread it was and hesitated, although Hyunjin's back was facing you he was able to sense your hard time on trying to eat what he gave you.

"It's not poisoned, M/n." He whispered as he signed the album that had his photo on it, then looking up at the fan who would like to talk to him.

Their talk wasn't audible to you, but you opened the packaging of the nicely wrapped pastry and bit on it with your body facing the wall so your back was turned against the people to cover yourself while you ate. One of your co-manager did notice your unwanted behavior and stomped his way to you and took the baked good from your hands and threw it to the ground to step on it and crush it good. "What do you think you're doing, L/n?! You're being inappropriate right now." He gritted out to you with a small voice almost like a whisper so no one else would hear you two. You bowed your head subtly before a hand was placed right below your chin as you looked up at him confused. "Spit." He ordered, referring to the food you were chewing.

You nod your head and spit out the food that was in your mouth into his hand while he picked up the wasted food and left, then threw it all at a trash can. "Fuck." You sighed as you held your chest and slowly turned around to face the non-existent line, the group now interacting with their fans.

Just looking at them now, you were able to remember when you were the one who was there seated at the chairs shouting out the name of the person you would call as your bias, which is no other than Kim Seungmin. At least, when you still didn't take the job to be one of the group's manager. Usually, it would only take one manager to manage the group, but why did this group require another one? You questioned yourself. It was all unexplained to you, but all you gotta do was to just be glad that you get to be friends with the people you see as your role models.

"Hyunjin-ah! When did you start trading jackets with your manager?" The question came out as a shout that got everyone laughing, including the group. You were only able to chuckle knowing that it was Seungmin who convinced Hyunjin to let you borrow his jacket.

Hyunjin didn't get to answer the question, when another fan spoke from the crowd that got every fans' attention. "Are rumors true that you don't treat Manager L/n well?"

Chan furrowed his brows and picked up his microphone. "Where did you get this story?" He chuckled trying to make it sound that it wasn't true and just pure bluff. Chan looked at Hyunjin with the face that told Hyunjin that he should start treating you well if he didn't want the netizens to know about his treatment towards you. "Anyways, it's seriously not true."

-----------

A few minutes later and the event was finally finished and the group was bidding their goodbyes to their fans as they started to walk backstage. You waited for them at their waiting room with a handful of bottled waters for the boys to pick up once they get inside. The door soon opened revealing the group with a tense atmosphere following them that got you so confused. "Hey—"

"Hyunjin. If word gets out about your mistreatment to M/n, that would be a serious damage to our image and to M/n as well, 'cause he's obviously in pain because of you!" Chan yelled at the trouble causing male who only rolled his eyes paying no heed to his warning.

"Atleast, I never went too far as to really hurt him physically." Hyunjin deadpanned Chan growling at his response. Your eyes flickered to Hyunjin, then to Chan not knowing what to do in this situation.

"You are seriously being a jerk right now, Hyunjin." Chan fumed in anger while Hyunjin just continued to act deaf and played on his phone. Chan, giving up, sighed and plopped down on his seat. "Ayayay."

They took turns in getting your glances as you thought of a way to calm the atmosphere. You had already been their manager for a over a year now and this was the only time that Hyunjin ever spoke up to Chan and, to top it off, with sass and without the slightest feeling of being bothered. That was the moment you felt like you had enough. You've had enough with all these things. You were tired of yourself to even think that Hyunjin would finally soften up to you and be his friend. You were wrong to even apply for this kind of job. The group wouldn't be fighting if it hadn't been for you appearing in their lives all so suddenly. "Guys... let him do as he pleases. I'll be the one to take of whatever the netizens hear."

Chan raised his eyes up at you with furrowed brows. "What do you plan on doing? Whatever it is don't do it."

You smiled and nodded. "I won't, Chan." You held up the bottles in your hands and turned on a toothy smile. "Water? Anyone?" They all sighed in relief and got their turns in picking their own bottled water, the last one not being picked up by Hyunjin, so you decided to give it to him. You brought the cold drink to his face making him flinch as he looked up at you. "Thank you for the bread, by the way." You told him and giggled. "I've already packed your jacket in your bag." You informed him and patted his back.

The once crazily terrifying atmosphere now turned into a more comfortable one, the one you always would want to see. You didn't know what got you the courage to speak or blurt out whatever you had in your mind, but you looked at Hyunjin and said: "Hyunjin, can I talk to you privately?" Thankfully, their loud voices was able to distract themselves from hearing your request to Hyunjin who sighed and nodded his head. He stood up from his seat and started to move outside of the room. You followed behind closely, feeling intimidated by the month older's tall figure. "Hyunjin..."

"Cut to the chase, M/n. I don't have much time." He told you as you nod your head in understanding and fiddled with your fingers.

"I know, you'd probably like hearing this, but could I have the permission to quit as your group's manager?" You asked him, his forehead creasing that made him pull his brows together. "I was able to notice what the group had become the moment I became your manager—"

"And do you think quitting would change it?" Hyunjin asked you with a raised brow. "If anything, it'd probably—no, it would break their hearts to know that you quitted. If you do so, you're not only quitting as a manager, but as their friend as well."

"And you're able to say that after you purposely tried to have me fired or suspended from work by offering me that bread?" You sarcastically answered, Hyunjin clearing his throat.

"Well... that wasn't my intention. I didn't even know it'd get you fired." Hyunjin replied making you chuckle.

"Yeah..." You replied with a sad smile. "But, I don't wanna be the reason why you and Chan would always fight. Stray Kids is Stray Kids because they're fun and loving, caring. And I don't want to change that by being around the group." Hyunjin never replied anymore and you sighed. "I'm heading back now." You said and as you started to walk back inside, Hyunjin spoke.

"I wish you never entered our life, at all, M/n." He told you that got your heart broken into pieces. Sure, you admitted that he never liked you even just a bit, but him saying it so bluntly to you, it's like he does really mean it and could only care less. You were about to speak when Hyunjin beat you to it. "If so, I wouldn't be able to garner these undeniable feelings I have for you."

You froze. Were you hearing right? You just cleaned your ears this morning, well you do it everyday. Is your ear trying to play with you? "W-what?"

"DAMN! WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT?!" You gasped with your mouth full of popcorn, your boyfriend, Hyunjin seated beside you at the movie theater. He smiled at you admiring how cute you looked with your shocked expression that was being illuminated by the big screen. "Jinnie! Look, they're gonna kiss! AH!!" As the two actors in the movie was about to kiss, one of the movie's cast bursted out of the door cutting the kiss and earned a few 'oh's and 'I hate you, Chan's. "Chan is such a cock blocker."

"Watch your mouth, babe." Hyunjin told you making you pout.

"It's true, though!" You retorted and Hyunjin could only laugh at your cuteness and honest opinions.

[benedictscanvas]

sage-coloured glasses - spencer reid x reader

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Gender Neutral!Reader

Word Count: 2k

Warnings: This is just a barrel of soft cardigans thrown in your face, with just the smallest mention of nightmares

A/N: This is technically a 2nd part to ‘a shared heart’, but there are only vague mentions of it and this can easily be read on its own. I simply wanted some soft Spence in his natural habitat and I hope this can be of some comfort to you too, if you’re in need of it <3

---

His hair was oh-so-soft underneath your fingertips but the thought felt forbidden. You hadn’t expected him to have soft hair. It always looked soft, yes, the small, unruly strands that he regularly curled behind his ear looked like the fluffy hair of a man who felt most at home in a library and wore cardigans. But in the line of work you were in, you were used to things having hard edges and sharp corners.

Not Spencer’s hair. It delivered on its visual promise as you slowly wove your fingers through the strands and tattooed the memory of them into your skin, let it sink into your very bones. When his head had hit your lap on your flight back home with a murmured question of permission, it had been like a magnet. Your hand was in his hair before you even gave him your answer, but it was an answer in itself.

“‘Course, Spence.”

A reassurance. His only response was a grateful hum as he tucked his legs up onto the sofa and you shuffled to make as much room for him as you could. You were slightly falling off the end of the sofa, getting cramp in your toes as you put your weight into your left foot to keep yourself in place. The armrest was digging into your hip and it should have been uncomfortable.

And yet, it wasn’t. Not when you lightly scritch-scratched at his scalp and he turned further into you, the curve of his nose pressing into your knee. Comfort wrapped itself around you like a warm blanket and you could only hope he was swathed in it too.

“Sleep,” you mumbled a few moments later, “I’ll wake you when we land.”

Silence. A rustle of fabric as he brought his arm up from his side, graced your knee with a feather-light squeeze then let his hand rest against your knee, right by his nose. A relieved exhale.

Twenty minutes passed. His breaths were deep and even, bordering on a snore every once in a while. Your fingers hadn’t stilled their dance through his hair, although they had slowed down in time with the rise and fall of his chest. Your neck ached and your heart did too.

Emily crept over with some paperwork after another ten. You reached over and took it with a nod and a smile, grateful that she kept silent too as she returned to her seat next to Derek. There was a little nudging and whispering as she sat back down, Dave turning in his seat to glance back at the two of you sporting a smirk that spoke volumes. No matter, as long as Spencer’s shoulder kept digging into your thigh for the rest of eternity.

It was tricky to complete the paperwork over his head without anything to lean on except your own hand. Another worthwhile sacrifice. Cases like this one were difficult for everyone. It was the type of case that set up camp in your mind in preparation for the nightmares that it would guest star in for the weeks to come. When you relayed that analogy to Spencer a few months ago, he’d laughed. Only someone who understood the feeling could laugh like that.

“Sorry I crashed on you,” Spencer spoke up just as you were forging his signature on a document that you’d all have to sign in time. He’d done it for you before, an unspoken agreement to save each other time.

(it was similar to the unspoken agreement to care when no one else had the time to, or the silent pact to share ‘good morning’ muffins whenever they were available, or the wordless understanding that he was your person and you were his)

You glanced down at him and were surprised to see that he’d rolled to lie on his back, just to stare up at you. Your hand was, embarrassingly, still carding through his hair each time you placed your pen between your teeth to read something through and you couldn’t imagine the angle he was staring from was your most flattering. Still, his eyes sparkled under the overhead aeroplane lights, which you wouldn’t have thought possible. It was likely a matter of perspective.

“Don’t be,” you waved him away, focusing your attention back on the paper in your hand before you gave it all away. Your hand fell limp in his hair, if only because you were too stubborn to remove it. Removing it now, after all, would only be an obvious admission of something you had been failing to hide for months now, “I’ve been told I have a comfy lap.”

“By whom?”

“Cats, mostly.”

He huffed a small laugh that travelled right the way up your spine.

“Cats are intelligent,” he mused quietly, resting his hands on his stomach, one on top of the other. A grounding technique that made you blink, “You can’t be comfortable though, doing paperwork like this.”

“What can I say? I’m a generous person.”

He hummed in lieu of an answer, but you could tell he felt guilty for the position he’d put you in. If only he could see that you were practically hanging off the seat, see the ridge that the armrest was definitely imprinting into your side, then he’d really feel guilty, but of course, that was the last thing you wanted him to feel.

(of course, there was also a part of you that dreamt of apologies whispered into your skin, of fingers skimming over fabric, of delicate kisses pressed to your hip-bone. of a guilt that melts away with each murmured confession of adoration. of a blissful atonement for a sin you’d already forgiven)

“Honestly, Spence, you’re fine. I would’ve moved you if I was uncomfortable.”

And you would have moved by now if you really felt that bad, you thought to yourself, relishing in the fact that he hadn’t moved yet, that you could still feel his gaze on your chin as you pretended to skim over the words on the page, once, twice, once again.

“You want me to take over paperwork duty?”

“I told you to sleep,” you said instead, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”

“I did sleep, for at least 30 minutes, which we both know is good for my standards.”

His rebuttal was punctuated by his hands both reaching up, making grabbing motions towards the stack of papers you were pouring through. Knowing how much faster he would be at getting through whatever was left, you heaved the pile into his hands with a sigh and watched as he held them up in front of his face and began reading, blocking your view of him entirely. It was impossible not to feel cheated.

When he reached a section he had to write in, he held his hand up for a pen. You gave him one from your jacket pocket rather than the one that had been in your mouth, knowing that he would be grateful if he knew. When he’d finished scribbling, you’d take the pen back from him, lean your head against the headrest until the cycle repeated. Occasionally he shuffled his head in your lap and your hand would slide a little further into his hair, but nothing was said. You took it as a cue to stay right where you were.

As expected, he finished the paperwork far sooner than you would have done. When he reached behind his head to put it on the table next to you, you took it from him before he could pull a muscle in his shoulder and he muttered his thanks. Now you could see him again, it was difficult to fight off a smile. Maybe the paperwork in the way had been more beneficial than you thought.

Briefly, you wondered how many of your signatures he’d forged in the documents he’d gone through, wondered how much better he was at forgery than you, but you didn’t check the paperwork in case he thought you were checking his work was up to par.

“You just saved me an hour’s work,” you sighed happily, “My angel once again.”

It was a nickname that had stuck around. From the time he’d shared his muffin around a month ago, you couldn’t shake the sentiment off. Not only had you grown closer - bolder - in that time, you’d also adjusted your language accordingly. Angel made a regular appearance, if only to bring the dusty pink to his cheeks that you treasured.

“It’s nothing, you know that,” he insisted, that very same pink blooming up his neck as you basked in the glow, “Besides, you’d done half already.”

He was being ridiculously kind, because you’d be surprised if you’d made it a third of the way through. There was no use arguing it, because compliments were far from Spencer’s strong suit and you’d already got the upper hand using the word angel. Better to agree to disagree.

“Thank you anyway,” you decided would be a good compromise, and from the smile on his face as he stared up at you, it seemed he agreed. It was funny that agreeing to disagree with Spencer mostly just felt like being on the same book, same page, same line. Unfortunately, you couldn’t quite tell exactly which word he’d gotten to, because if you did, you might have kissed him a long time ago.

(and goodness had you thought about it enough times)

When he abruptly sat up from his place in your lap, you suppressed your whine of disapproval as best you could, but there was still a small noise of disappointment that you couldn’t contain. He smiled at the sound, face the right way up now with lines and grooves in all the right places, around his eyes, his mouth, his cheeks. Smile lines are notoriously pretty on people whose smiles are the highlight of your very existence.

“I’m not as comfy as you thought, hm?” you teased, mainly to prevent him from seeing any of the hurt shining in your eyes. He saw it anyway.

“Nope,” he said easily, already sliding all the way over to the other side of the sofa, each inch of distance deepening your frown, “Now I, on the other hand, have it on far better authority that I provide a comfortable lap experience.”

“And whose authority would that be?”

“Henry, of course, and I know you trust his judgement above all others. Come on.”

He actually patted his lap and the swooping of your chest was enough to make you slightly lightheaded.

“Are you sure?”

He gave you a withering look that gave you no choice but to scoot over towards him. Lying down, you mirrored his previous position as your head came to tentatively rest in the little dip between his thighs, as near to his knees as you could get without becoming uncomfortable. He was unspeakably warm and it seeped into your very soul.

“Better?”

“You’re not that comfy.”

A lie. Blatant to both parties as you snuggled into him a little more, allowing his leg to take the weight of your neck. Before you knew it, his hand was resting in your hair too and even though you knew it wasn’t as soft as his, you hoped it was enough. It didn’t move, save for the sporadic slow sweep of his thumb through the strands, but it didn’t matter. He was always more than enough, after all.

“Sleep. I’ll wake you when we land.”

His words were an exact repeat of your own. There was no chance of a long sleep, not with your nerve endings flaring at each and every point of contact between the two of you, but there was also no use arguing. Rest, in place of sleep, was better than nothing. You smiled up at him one last time before closing your eyes, drifting into a half-slumber that consisted mostly of vague musings about the individual notes of his cologne.

Occasionally, when you simply couldn’t help yourself, you’d open one eye, maybe even two, and peek up at him. He looked ethereal, even from this angle. It was likely a matter of perspective.

(it just so happened that spencer thought you looked positively celestial from all twenty seven of the angles he had painstakingly catalogued into his memory. that was likely a matter of perspective too)

---

if you made it this far, thank you for reading! i’m not currently tagging people, since i was away for a while and i don’t want to tag people who are no longer interested - if you would like to be tagged in my fics from now on, send in an ask and i can add you to a main taglist or a character-specific one <3

[agentnico]

The Suicide Squad (2021) Review

This may be the better of the two, but the first Suicide Squad film will always hold the crown for managing to win an Oscar... somehow.

Plot: The government sends the most dangerous supervillains in the world -- Bloodsport, Peacemaker, King Shark, Harley Quinn and others -- to the remote, enemy-infused island of Corto Maltese. Armed with high-tech weapons, they trek through the dangerous jungle on a search-and-destroy mission, with only Col. Rick Flag on the ground to make them behave.

“So that’s it, huh? We’re some kind of suicide squad?” says Will Smith in the original first film, with the line in itself being a poor attempt at a fourth wall break, yet, that movie never reached that promise of being a true Suicide Squad film. Because hardly anyone died, and as a whole David Ayer’s film was a generic mess, regardless of studio interference or not. In comes James Gunn from Marvel, who seems to have cracked the code for how to bring this comic book series to live action in proper gratuitous form, with even the ‘The’ in the title symbolizing that this is the one!

I remember going to see the first Guardians of the Galaxy film at the cinema, and back then I was still only just getting acquainted with watching western media, and that included superhero films. Heck my first ever Marvel movie was Thor: The Dark World! I know, what a banger to start with.......NAAAWT!! Anyway, I went to see Guardians and it was one of the first superhero films I came out of feeling like I truly witnessed something special. It had action, comedy and a good heart to it, and wouldn’t you know, my good old pal James Gunn was behind that flick. I don’t know why I called him my good old pal, I don’t even know the fella. Except in my dreams, but we don’t talk about that. So, flashforward to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, which I absolutely hated, and for that movie I’m pretty sure Marvel gave Mr Gunn mostly full reigns of creative freedom, as long as he kept it family friendly, and the result was a mess. Hence naturally now I was really sceptical when James Gunn ended up at Warner Bros. following the controversial moment when cancel culture decided to aim it’s slimy fingers at him, as he was given directing and writing duties for this new The Suicide Squad film, and also it was heavily insinuated that Warner Bros. basically told him he could do with the movie whatever the f*** he wanted, excuse my French. And we remember how it panned out last time when James Gunn was given a lot of creative freedom. 

Flashforward to present day; here I am wondering and scratching my head thinking what in the heavens has happened, as by golly I am happy to report that The Suicide Squad is a total winner and a blast with a capital B - Blast! Gosh goodness golly goblin, this movie is so much fun from beginning to end. Right from the opening sequence you know that this film isn’t holding back any punches. It’s going at a 447.19 km/h speed of a Koenigsegg Agera RS crashing through any barriers like it’s nothing. Speaking of the opening sequence, it establishes why the movie is called what it’s called from the get-go. You straight away are proven how not a single character is safe, minus the obvious one that we know who it is, as there ain’t no way Warner Bros. would have allowed James Gunn to kill off that one character. But besides that person, everyone else feels like they could die at any given moment. That’s really a big charm of it, as it is frustrating how in many superhero films, let alone any blockbuster action flicks, so many characters always feel so safe and unstoppable, no matter how many times they get shot or how many buildings crash down upon them. And yes, this movie features a certain CGI character that constantly gets that treatment and survives, although it’s very self aware in that regard and is purposefully humoristic. But overall the entire set of characters feel easily disposable, and so so many of them die in such gruesome fashion, so indeed don’t get attached, as they don’t. 

Speaking of which, this movie is hardcore gory! You see limbs and intestines flying round left and right, a guy gets ripped in half by a humanoid shark, another’s face gets teared off by a shotgun bullet and so on forth in all kinds of gruesome fashion. Visually this is one for the big screen, as here’s the thing: you’re either a mummy’s boy or you grow some cojones and go see a man’s heart get stabbed with a piece of debris glass in 4K high rate definition! Your choice! Oh, and it’s not just the violence, also the cinematography and the practical set pieces all look incredible. This is easily James Gunn’s best looking movie. The entire think LOOKS incredible!

We also have to talk about the cast, as they are all great! There literally isn’t a single weakling among them. Each one, no matter how big or small their role is, brings something to the table. I can’t talk about all of them, as we’d be here all day, so I’m simply going to mention a few of the stand-outs. Idris Elba comes in to replace Will Smith as a character called Bloodsport, who is in some ways a different character but evidently is a replacement of Smith’s. But that’s no bad thing, as with any ensemble movie you still need a main character to latch onto and have an emotional hook towards, and he is that character. In fact, I’d say he’s arguably better than Will Smith in the last movie, or at least he seems to be having more fun here. He works as a solid leading man, however what works even more is his banterous competitive genital-size-measuring back and forth with John Cena’s Peacemaker, who by the way is awesome as that character. He is not a good character, in fact he is as bad as a bad guy can get, especially cause he’s someone who believes that what he is doing is right, making him much more of a dangerous wild card. This is easily John Cena’s best role, with him adding to the comedy one-liners, but also delivering such an interesting character who I’m looking forward to seeing more of in his standalone spin-off show confirmed for next year. Oh, and he wears a toilet helmet on his head which he defines as “a beacon of freedom” which says it all. We also have returning characters from the last film Joel Kinnaman and Viola Davis as Rick Flag and Amanda Waller respectively, and both are given much more room to stretch their talents and spread their beautiful acting wings like the Hollywood angels that they are. Kinnaman’s Rick Flag is the moral compass of the group, as even though Elba is our main guy, he’s nonetheless a villain still, whilst Flag is a genuinely good guy and what is defined as a true American hero, to which Kinnaman fits the part well. And Viola Davis as Amanda Waller is on an absolutely different level. You can tell she’s an Academy Award winner through and through, as she plays such a serious character in an otherwise goofy movie, and so her presence is felt and it is felt BAD! She’s such a despicable yet intimidating personality and she gravitates all of the screen presence to herself. Margot Robbie returns as Harley Quinn, and she gets even more chance to develop this character that she’s played in multiple DCEU films now, and as per usual the Harley Quinn shtick works well for her, though I do kind of wish she didn’t always get all the attention. Look, I think she’s a fun character and Robbie plays her well, however she’s constantly used to overshadow others in these films which I don’t think is too fair, and its evident as ever in this film too. Anyway, the remainder of the cast including Jay Courtney as Captain Boomerang, David Dastmalchian as Polka-Dot Man, Michael Rooker as Savant, Nathan Fillion as TDK, Daniela Melchior as Ratcatcher 2 (who gave me strong A Plague Tale: Innocence vibes) and many more all play villains, but villains that don’t have particularly great superpowers. This is where the tragedy of Task Force X as a team plays a part, as many of these villains aren’t even good at being villains. They are useless, and the movie is really self aware of this and so treats all characters as they should be. Dare I also not forget to mention the CGI characters in this film, with both Weasel and King Shark being absolute scene stealers! 

The Suicide Squad is the type of wham-bam-thank-you-mam batshit crazy entertainment which exists for the pure reasons of fun. It doesn’t set out to be the best superhero film ever, nor does it need to be. It’s an exhilarating, shocking, funny and amusing ride from beginning to end, with the energy never stopping, and is easily the best time I’ve had with a comic-book film in a long while, and I’m even talking about before COVID! Do yourself a favour and watch this one as soon as you can, as I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - The Suicide Squad is a BLAST!!

Overall score: 9/10

[wondernimbus]

a day in hogsmeade — ron weasley

pairing: ron weasley x female!reader

summary: ron weasley may be one awkward lad who can’t hold reader’s gaze for any more than ten seconds, but he is also terribly endearing. 

a/n: @glisseoo​ asked for some ron fluff so i shall deliver

requests are closed for now. please refrain from plagiarizing my work! 

"You do realize you've been staring at me for the past minute, right?"

The redhead next to her flushes the same hue as his hair and puffs his cheeks out, gaze skittering away. "I wasn't," he says indignantly, sounding far too defensive, snorting out a laugh as though the mere idea of it is outrageous. “Why would I be.. ha.. staring at you.. ridiculous.."

[Y/N] shakes her head, grinning.

Ron Weasley is one awkward lad; it has only taken her an hour into their date at Hogsmeade to realize this. Part of her had been expecting it ever since he'd come up to her in the Great Hall three days ago, a furiously blushing mess as he blubbered something about asking her out. Looking back on it, despite him having rambled on in front of her for about half a minute, all she can really remember—all she'd vaguely made out at that moment through his constant stammering—were the words "Hogsmeade" and "this Saturday" and "want to—um—go with me". 

She’d said yes, of course. Ron Weasley may be awkward, but she can't deny herself the pleasure of going on a date with a very cute—and apparently very funny, according to the rumors—redheaded boy. 

And to be honest, his awkwardness is quite endearing. [Y/N] finds herself laughing every five minutes or so whenever she spots him downright staring at her—and whenever she catches him, he always tears his gaze away and pretends to be preoccupied with something else.

Ron does it again now, as [Y/N] surveys the Honeydukes shelves and glances at him out of the corner of her eye. The effect is almost immediate; the moment her eyes land on his, he looks away, hand flying up to randomly pluck a box of—ah, Cockroach Clusters—off of the shelves.

"Interesting choice," muses [Y/N], turning around to properly face him, twiddling with a box of Bertie Bott’s Every Flavor Beans in her hands. "Can’t say I’ve ever seen anyone pick up a box of Cockroach Clusters for their own enjoyment—it almost always has something to do with some sort of practical joke.”

Ron coughs and puts the box back on the shelf. "Was just looking."

[Y/N] purses her lips together to contain the giggles threatening to burst out from behind them. She smiles down at her feet for a moment, lips pinched in a poorly-concealed smile, and then gestures to the row of Cockroach Clusters. "Well," she shifts on her feet, "Have you ever tried them?"

Ron's eyes widen. He practically blanches and says, "Never. My brothers—Fred and George—tricked Percy into eating it once.. don't think he was the same ever since."

[Y/N] laughs at this. Ron looks up, seemingly pleasantly surprised at her reaction, and then laughs quietly under his breath, hand reaching up to rub the back of his neck. "That does sound like Fred and George," [Y/N] giggles. "Do you take after them?"

"Gah, no." They’ve started walking now, Ron keeping pace next to her in the narrow aisle, their shoulders brushing slightly. "Mum would have a heart attack. She’s got enough on her platter with two troublemakers in the family already."

[Y/N] raises her eyebrows and glances up at him. "You sure you aren't one? I’m in your Potions class, you know. I’ve heard you talk back to Snape plenty of times."

Ron flushes red not for the first time that day. "Can't really help it. He’s a bit of a git." And then he adds, "Sorry."

"Oh, don't be." [Y/N] waves a hand in the air as though to brush it off. "You’re not wrong. Can’t keep his nose out of other people's business—you know he gave my friend detention once for disrupting his class when all he did was sneeze?"

"I remember that. Wasn’t that Ernie?"

"Exactly—Ernie Macmillan. Snape made him clean the trophy room."

Ron makes a sound in the back of his throat like a snort. "Ah. The trophy room. Probably didn't have much to clean, then. I scrubbed the bloody hell out of those trophies four years ago when I got detention."

[Y/N] laughs, nudging him lightly by the elbow. "And you say you're not a troublemaker."

This time, Ron doesn't blush beet red; he actually laughs, and [Y/N] is pleased at how he's managed to ease up a little. Shrugging, he admits, "Suppose I am. Not as bad as the twins, though, as I’m sure you know."

"I and the rest of the castle," [Y/N] affirms, giggling. They’ve reached the cashier by now—and speak of the devil; the Weasley twins are standing in line, though their backs are turned. "Isn’t that them?" asks [Y/N] curiously, looking to Ron for confirmation.

But the sight she's met with is rather comical. All the color seems to have drained from Ron's face; he looks like he's seen a ghost. Gaping a little, eyes wide in what looks like panic, he clears his throat and says, "I think we should go."

But luck is not on Ron's side, because either Fred or George—[Y/N] can't really tell which one—turns around, and at the sight of their younger brother, beams widely and exclaims, "Ron! Fancy seeing you here, dear brother!"

"Fred," says Ron through gritted teeth, and then, once the other twin has turned around, "George."

"Shopping for sweets, aren't we?" grins George. 

And then, seemingly at the same time, their gazes land on [Y/N], who stands at Ron's side, amused. An identical flicker of surprise crosses the both of their faces before Fred manages to say, with his eyes darting between the two of them, "Is this what I think it is?" 

"Oh, my." George’s mouth has fallen open in an incredulous laugh. "Is ickle-Ronniekins on a date? with [Y/F/N], no less?"

[Y/N] side-eyes Ron to see that he has tensed and is glancing around as though in search for the nearest exit. She scoffs a little at the twins, and, sending them an exasperated look, scolds them by saying, "Oh, leave 'Ronniekins’ alone. He’s been nothing but sweet the entire day."

Their grins grow even wider. "Isn’t that right?" says Fred, tone still teasing. "Well, I must say: We're proud of you, Ronniekins. See you've finally found it in you to ask out the girl you've been obsessing over for two whole years now."

[Y/N]'s eyebrows rise up in intrigue. Ron's cheeks, meanwhile, flush an even darker shade of red. "I'm not—" he begins.

"And since you two are together—"

"We’re not—" Ron tries again. 

"—you ought to start teaching him how to play Quidditch, [Y/N], you being a Hufflepuff chaser and all," Fred continues smoothly. Up ahead by the cashier, someone has successfully made their purchase; the twins take a step back, moving up the line without even looking behind them. "Ron’s planning on trying out for the Gryffindor team next year, you see."

"What the—how do you know that?” Ron gapes. 

"We’d teach him ourselves," says George, sighing, "But Ron's temper is a little—ah—"

"Fiery?" Fred suggests.

"Let’s just say one time he grabbed my Beater bat in mid-air and whacked me upside the head with it."

An amused laugh leaves [Y/N]'s lips before she can even think about suppressing it. "Is that true, Ron?" she says, tone playfully scolding.

Ron rolls his eyes, grumbling, "That was after they jinxed my broom to let out farting noises every five seconds."

Another laugh. "Interesting," she hums. "Well, thanks for the tip, you two." And then, narrowing her eyes at them good-naturedly, "I’ll be sure to teach your brother Quidditch—with a method that doesn’t involve farting jinxes, of course."

Fred and George beam. They’re up next in line. "I bagsy best man at your wedding," Fred announces, swiveling around to face the cashier.

"No, I do—" argues George, turning around to pile up the sweets in his arms on the counter. 

Moments later, the twins are waving their goodbyes, all the while dramatically sobbing into their hands and saying something about their little brother growing up too fast. Fred pats [Y/N] on the shoulder as he passes by, saying in a hushed voice that he'd totally meant for Ron to hear, "Take care of ickle-Ronniekins for us."

And then [Y/N] and Ron are left in the Honeydukes shop, Ron with a flushed face and [Y/N] heavily amused. "That was.." she exhales, laughing as she slides her box of Bertie Botts' Every Flavor Beans across the counter. "Quite something. Are they always like that?"

"Every bloody waking moment," complains Ron, shoulders sagging as he practically deflates against the counter, leaning his hip on it. "Sorry about them, they're.."

"A bit much?”

"That’s an understatement," Ron comments, obviously still spiteful.

"Did you really hit your brother with his own bat?" she glances at him, eyes alight with genuine curiosity as she takes the paper Honeydukes bag from the shopkeeper with a polite "thank you". 

Making their way to the exit, Ron nods, his own eyes shining with a kind of fieriness that [Y/N] can't help but laugh at. Passionately, he says, "And I’d do it again."

She starts chortling at this, walking through the door as Ron holds it open for her. “Interesting group of brothers, you all are," she enthuses, smiling at him somewhat sympathetically once her giggles have faded. It’s still snowing outside; she pulls the ends of her scarf tighter around her neck.

[Y/N] purses her lips, falling quiet for a moment as though pondering over something, and then, her lips tugging up at the edges, she looks up at him and asks, "And have you really been obsessing over me for two years?"

Ron's eyes grow wide and they skirt away almost immediately, hand flying up to scratch the back of his neck like some sort of defense mechanism. "I—I don't—" he sputters out," I mean—not obsessed—" and then he pauses, as though to start over. Shoulders deflating, he mutters, eyes still downcast, "I've.. always found you really pretty, is all."

[Y/N] scuffles her feet against the ground. The smile tugging on her lips is far too insistent, so she just lets herself succumb to it and grin down at her shoes before she looks up at him, eyes alight with mirth, and says, "It's fine, Ron. That's really sweet of you." And because she has a feeling he doesn't want to talk about his—erm—feelings anymore, she asks, "Do you want to go into the Three Broomsticks next? Grab some butterbeer, maybe?"

Ron nods. But his eyes don’t fail to catch onto the way she’s rubbing her naked hands together—she’d forgotten her gloves. He doesn’t pause to ask and instead takes off his own immediately, handing them to her without quite meeting her eyes.

Despite the rush of gratitude this tiny act gives her (and the butterflies it lets loose in her stomach), she holds her palms out at Ron in a stopping gesture, hurriedly saying, “Oh, no—keep them, Ron, your hands will get cold—“

“Just take them,” Ron says, still abashed. “Can’t have you freezing to death.”

She pauses, another fond smile tugging on the corners of her lips, and then exhales defeatedly and takes the gloves from him, putting them on. “Well, I doubt I’d freeze to death,” she mutters, “but thank you.” Once the gloves have fitted snugly around her hands, she looks up at Ron, smiling softly, and says, “Ready to go, then?”

“Yeah, let’s—oh, blimey. I forgot. Wait here!”

Before [Y/N] even begins to register his words, Ron has disappeared and is dashing back into Honeydukes, leaving her standing outside, bewildered.

Isn’t he something else—leaving his date behind, alone in the snow. [Y/N] can’t help but laugh, giggling to herself as she clamps her hand over her mouth, earning strange looks from Hogwarts students passing by. 

Ron Weasley is awkward and a bit of a mess around her, but [Y/N] finds that it’s quite adorable. And it’s certainly an assurance to know that she’s not the only one venturing into unknown territory—this is her first date, after all. And to be completely honest, she’s enjoying it. Initially she thought she’d be having too hard of a time dealing with Ron’s overbearing awkwardness, but it’s quite the opposite, as she’s grown fond both of it and of him in general.

And that fondness only multiplies when Ron bumbles out of the Honeydukes shop a few minutes later, holding an entire block of wrapped chocolate in his hands, which he hands to her.

“Thought you might like it,” he says, abashed, only managing to hold her gaze for a few moments before his eyes are darting away again. “Would’ve bought it earlier.. got distracted..”

[Y/N] tells herself that the pink blush that is no doubt spreading across her cheeks is most definitely because of the cold and not because of a certain Ron Weasley.

Feeling a thousand things all at once—all of which (so be it) have something to do with Ron—she smiles, all crinkled eyes and dimpled cheeks, and stands on her tip-toes to press a kiss to his cheek.

Flushing, she pulls away. This time she’s not quite meeting his gaze, either, as she says, “Let’s get going, shall we?”

Without waiting for a response, she scurries away, cheeks a blazing shade of red as Ron stands there, hand coming up to brush against the spot on his cheek where she’d kissed him.

[xenospacebabe]

Broken Wings pt2.

A/N: Ya’ll thanks so much for the positive reaction to my first drabble! A few of you asked me to continue it so I think I’ll make this a little bit of an ongoing thing. Enjoy! Also, I’m doing this all from my phone, so I can’t do page breaks. Apologies to anyone just scrolling by!

Summary: After breaking one of his wings, Hawks breaks into an animal clinic for some help. Little does he know that the doctor there would occupy his mind this much.

For some reason, this had been the longest week in your career. Your techs noticed that you were a little bit distracted in the moments of downtime between patients. But they knew better than to pry into your personal business, history proved that you had a very solid separation between work and real life. You never mixed business with pleasure and it made you a better doctor, in your opinion. It helped you focus more intently on your patients and their care.

That being said, even the most complicated cases couldn’t stop your mind from wandering back to the winged hero who essentially broke into your clinic for a broken wing. You wondered if he was taking your advice by resting his wings and his body. However given that he was the number 2 hero, you knew that probably wasn’t very likely.

After the last surgery of the day was finished, and the last client was out the door, you and your technicians cleaned up the clinic so they could all go home. First to arrive last to leave, today was no different. But today you showed up early just in case Hawks-...Keigo.. decided to drop by before you opened for a check-up. And when he didn’t, you were frustrated with disappointment you felt. You remained hopeful that he would appear tonight.

By the second hour after closing and no sign of the pro hero, you felt your heart hanging in your stomach. So with a heavy sigh, you started checking hospitalized patients to make sure they had what they needed and turning off lights. Though just as you had given up and opened the side door to leave, you were greeted with a full vision of giant wings.

He was there.

“Keigo!” You yelped out in excitement, the smile on your face illuminated the space between you.

“Hey Doc.” His voice drawled, smirking. He liked how happy you looked to see him. It made his heart flutter in a funny way. “Miss me?”

“Maybe. Come inside, we’ll get you checked out.” You retreated back into the clinic and he brushed past you. The discouragement you felt earlier faded away with every passing second and was replaced with pure joy.

Keigo followed you into exam and leaned onto the counter, sharp eyes trained on you with a bright intensity. You weren’t able to put your finger on how it made you feel when his gaze was headstrong on you. Nervous? Excited?

“So, how are you feeling? Any pain or numbness?” Right to business. He admired that about you. Instead of fawning over him and tripping over your words, you were calm and composed. At least, that’s what you wanted him to think. Inside, you were in chaos.

“Ehh...not really. It’s sore but that’s about it.” The wing in mention shifted slightly. You noticed that the splint you had placed was in really good condition. Save for a few rubbed spots where you assumed he was trying to scratch. That meant he was resting, taking your advice in stride.

“You know, there’s no secret cameras or microphones here. You don’t have to pretend.” He froze in place, his expression stilled with shock. Keigo hadn’t realized he was being that transparent. But honestly, it was easy to see. The bags under his eyes indicated he wasn’t sleeping well. Or at all. You waited for a response. This wasn’t uncommon. Pet parents lied all the time to make it seem like they weren’t making any mistakes when their animal was sick. But honesty helped you help them. And eventually, they would always relent.

“Damn, it’s that obvious huh?”

“Oh yeah. So, spill it.” Your hands slowly reached for the wing to get a feel of the splint. It needed a few adjustments which could be easily done.

“It uh...aches. And it’s really dull and ongoing. But it goes away. I can handle it.” Nodding along to his explanation you fished into a drawer beside him for scissors, another roll of tape, and a few pads of gauze.

“I can write you a script to fill at a pharmacy for some relief. And don’t think of telling me no. Is the pain ever sharp?” He nodded quietly.

“Is that bad?” You gingerly removed the tape and padding from the existing splint, making sure to not pull on his feathers or apply unnecessary pressure to the break.

“No, so long as it doesn’t keep up and you don’t have any fevers or anything like that. If you don’t care, I want to get another xray to see where we’re at as far as healing goes.”

The hero grinned, looking so smug and you didn’t know why. He leaned in close, his nose only a few inches away from yours. From this short distance you could really see how rich the golden color of his eyes were, just like an actual hawk. However, the stare she was getting wasn’t from just any bird. It was from this handsome, charming pro hero who make your insides squirm.

“If you wanted me to take off my shirt all you had to do was ask.” The redness came to your face in a rush and you suddenly felt hot. The sound of his chuckling only made your heart race and palms sweat.

“I-I-...it’s just easier-...we don’t have to-...”

“Relax, I’m kidding~” You sighed as he removed his jacket followed by the top of his hero uniform. His skin was significantly less bruised, you noticed. The cuts and abrasions were healing very well. However, in taking in the state of his wounds, you didn’t realize that you were staring.

Keigo’s physique was so clean and cut that you couldn’t help but wonder how his skin felt beneath your palms. What the heat of his body felt like. Eventually, you became aware of your unwavering stare and cleared your throat to break the awkward silence.

Several moments and a few xrays later...

“Okay, so everything is starting to bond the way it should. See the humerus here?” Your finger pointed to the bone with a jagged fusion starting. He nodded to indicate he understood. “It’s still pretty unstable so will need to remain splinted. But that’s normal for a break like this.”

Shouldering his jacket and slipping his arms into the sleeves, he popped the collar back up into place before sighing.

“Right, still grounded.” The tone of his voice seemed sad but you were understanding of why. For someone with as little freedom as Keigo, denying the one thing that made him feel liberated felt like a punishment.

“I’m sorry, Keigo. But you’re doing great so far. I’m really happy with the progress I’m seeing.”

The process of resplinting his wing was painful, but not as bad as it was the week before. You made sure to layer the gauze carefully so the bones would be cushioned and safe. Keigo admired how gentle your hands were, how soft your palms felt against his sensitive feathers. It took a lot of effort to remain composed around you. But as soon as you were done and your hands left him, he was left with a lingering sense of longing.

The hero followed you out and into your office where you sat down in the old chair that had been there almost as long as you’d been alive. He looked around and noticed all the pictures and belongings that decorated the walls and shelves. Honing in on one photo in the middle of the wall of a little girl holding what appeared to be a newborn foal, he looked back at you.

“Is this you?”

“Hm? Oh. Yeah. That was the first foal I ever helped my dad deliver when he was working with horses.” Keigo looked impressed and moved down the line of frames. Lots of smiling faces and memories.

“You were a cute kid, y’know?” Hands shifted into his pockets and he leaned against a filing cabinet. You scoffed and waved your hand dismissively. “No really. You grew up into a really beautiful woman. Inside and out.”

“Really?” You looked at him in confusion. Your hair was a mess and you were wearing yesterday’s mascara. Surely he was just teasing you like those boys did in elementary school. Always picking on you because you came to school with horses on your tshirts and nose always buried in books about animals.

“Well yeah. I don’t just let anyone put their hands on my wings and have my feathers, you know.”

“About that. Why did-..”

“I can’t explain it, but I just wanted to make sure you were safe, I guess.” You were thankful for the dim lighting of your small office so he wouldn’t see your cheeks blush. You weren’t used to compliments like that and it showed.

“So uh-...Same time next week, Doc?” He could sense your exhaustion and decided not to keep you here longer than needed. But even so, you visibly pouted at the thought of saying goodbye again. Without thinking, you found a sticky note and quickly scribbled something down before handing it to him. “What’s this?”

“J-just for emergencies. It’s my cell number. If you know...if you feel any pain or need anything while the clinic is closed.” As he looked at the numbers you wrote the prescription you mentioned earlier which he then accepted and slipped into his pocket.

“Heh alright. Maybe I’ll shoot you a text if I get lonely.” The panic on your face made him laugh. You really were cute. Why did he have to say it like that?

“Oh my god, just go!” You shrieked, shoving him out the door while he continued to laugh. However before he relented and disappeared, he turned quickly and pressed a kiss to your cheek. You stood still in stunned silence. Your skin tingled where his lips had been, fingers lifting to touch the spot in disbelief.

“See ya later. I’ll text you.” Keigo backed away down and disappeared into the dark alley. Leaving you standing there wondering if you had dreamed what just happened. Your heart raced, the pulse thundering in your ears

Oh no....

[rkived]

drabble #5: the highlight of the day for pediatricsurgeon!jungkook is when generalsurgeon!reader stops by his office with his daily iced americano. except today, someone else has delivered it for him.

or, in which you should be a little more careful to who you tell jungkook’s coffee preferences. (hospitalplaylist!au)

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Jungkook likes iced americano. 

He’s not really an avid coffee drinker. Definitely not one of those ‘don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee’ sort of people, but he does like to drink an iced americano once a day. 

Not because he needs it to survive, but because it’s become part of his daily routine ever since he started working at the hospital. 

A routine you had started for him and that still to this day you continued to feed. 

He can’t complain. 

One of his highlights of the day is when you pop by into his office, whether it be announced or out of the blue, with an iced americano for him. 

He doesn’t even have to ask for one, you just always bring it to him. 

And on the days you can’t bring him his coffee, he just doesn’t drink it. As if there’s no purpose to go down to the hospital’s coffee shop and buy one for himself, because where’s the fun in that if it doesn’t come from you?

But today, surprisingly enough, Jungkook is drinking an iced americano that was not given by you. 

Instead, first year intern Lee Heeyoung was the provider this time. 

And it’s not unusual for interns and residents to give out small gifts to their superiors. Actually, when Jungkook used to be the favorite doctor around, it wasn’t a surprise when someone would shyly knock on his office door and bring a pastry or a drink from the coffee shop, a token of admiration and sometimes as a way to ask a small favor from the pediatrician.

Thing is, no one had ever brought him an iced americano before. 

Maybe because the pediatrician doesn’t seem like the type to drink one or because he always had his in the privacy of his office away from curious eyes, usually the only witnesses around for that were you and Taehyung.

First year intern Heeyoung had come into his office, a shy look on her face and Jungkook had to practically beg her to come in and his eyes widened slightly at the iced americano she was holding on her trembling hand, which Jungkook figured out was due to the coldness of the drink. 

She apologized for interrupting his free time and he assured her it was alright, then she took a deep breath and said:

‘‘Dr. Jeon, I don’t want to cross boundaries but I was wondering if, maybe, you could give me the opportunity to go into the O.R next time you have an operation. I know that interns usually don’t get to go in, but I just wanted to see if you would allow me to─’’

Then, Jungkook interrupted her.

‘‘Of course you can, Heeyoung.’’ 

And after she thanked him a dozen times with the biggest smile, she placed the cup of iced americano over his desk as she explained it was a way of thanking him, whether or not he complied to her request. 

She left shortly after, apologizing for the interruption once again and leaving before Jungkook could tell her there was no problem. 

The pediatrician stared at the drink in his desk and wondered what a coincidence it was that this is the one she decided to give him. 

He shrugged his shoulders and sipped the coffee anyway. 

Jungkook’s just about done with the drink when his office’s door opens suddenly, almost making him choke with the liquid in his throat. 

This is how he can tell the difference between an intern or resident with his friends. 

‘‘Oh! Kook, I’m so sorr─’’ 

Your apology at the notice of your coughing friend with an almost done iced americano on his hand makes you stop abruptly. 

Why is he holding an iced americano when you are holding his on your hand? 

Jungkook quickly recovers from his coughing fit and pouts at you ‘‘I’m going to have to start asking you guys to knock before coming in.’’ 

You completely ignore his comment and focus on the cup in his hand. The coffee cup holder you’re carrying feels heavy and…awkward. 

‘‘I didn’t know you went down for coffee,’’ you say with the softest voice possible, concealing whatever confusion you felt ‘‘you could’ve told me.’’

Your coffee cup felt lonely. Usually, you only bought Jungkook’s, but today you decided that you’d make him some company, buying yourself an iced americano as well. 

You didn’t even like the drink, but since Jungkook enjoys it you’d make a small sacrifice. 

Now you have two iced americanos and they don’t look appealing enough to force yourself to drink them. 

‘‘Oh, I didn’t buy this,’’ he clarifies and you look back at him with a raised eyebrow ‘‘one of the interns gave it to me. Lee Heeyoung, you’ve seen her?’’.

There’s a glint of annoyance in your eyes, but you quickly turn to look somewhere else before Jungkook can notice. 

Oh, you’ve seen Lee Heeyoung. 

More importantly, you saw Lee Heeyoung earlier that day when she casually asked you during the waiting line at the hospital’s cafeteria what was your favorite drink to order at the coffee shop.

‘‘Well, I usually go for a latte.’’ you answer with a small smile, it was hard to decide what your favorite drink was, but lattes were your go-to most of the time. 

‘‘Oh, I like that too!’’ she commented and you nodded, turning back around figuring the conversation was over. ‘‘And doctor, do you know what Dr. Jeon’s favorite drink is?’’ she shyly asked, making you turn around again. 

You gave her a quizzical look, but her face displayed nothing but innocence. 

‘‘He likes iced americano.’’ you answered and she nodded as if she had correctly grasped the information you had given her. 

‘‘Thank you, Dr. I won’t bother you any further.’’ she smiled.

You know you shouldn’t feel bothered by this because it’s not strange to receive stuff like that from interns and residents alike. You had gotten plenty of drinks and pastries given to you by the younger interns before.

But it just doesn’t sit right with you that your best friend had practically finished the drink you, and no else but you, have always brought him. 

‘‘Y/N?’’ he calls you over, noticing how you hadn’t answered his question about whether or not you knew Heeyoung. He notices the two drinks sitting on the table ‘‘I can still drink one of those─’’

‘‘No.’’ 

Jungkook is taken aback by your stern tone, he usually only hears it when he’s being scolded by something he did. But Jungkook’s sure he hasn’t done anything wrong. 

Right?

You instantly notice how angry that simple answer came out and you clear your throat ‘‘I mean─no. I bought this for, uhm,’’ you quickly try to think of any of your friends ‘‘Taehyung! Yeah, Taehyung.’’

You’re trying to convince yourself here because the neurosurgeon hates iced americano. He’s more of a cappuccino guy. Also, you’ve never bought Taehyung a drink before. 

‘‘Taehyung?’’ Jungkook asks, surprise hinting in his tone because he can’t believe that. ‘‘Taehyung is scheduled for surgery all night,’’ Jungkook informs you ‘‘and he doesn’t like iced americano, he always makes fun of me for drinking it.’’ 

Oh, right. 

You fake a cough ‘‘Really?’’

Jungkook nods and his gaze is entirely focused on you, waiting to see if you show any signs of this being a total prank. You’re never this oblivious. 

‘‘I didn’t know.’’ you fake chuckle and Jungkook’s head tilts.

If Jungkook knows you as well as he usually tells his other friends he does, he’d realize you’re lying and your facade is slowly fading away. And you’re hoping he does call you out because you’re definitely not bringing it up first. 

But instead, he shrugs his shoulders and decides that he won’t prod any further. 

“Did I tell you that Jin came by a few hours ago?” 

Jungkook changed the topic, retelling how your plastic surgeon friend had come down from his office for what felt like forever. And it was big news, considering Jin rarely leaves his office to exchange pleasantries, but you’re too focused on that damn cup now placed in his desk.

Mocking you with its emptiness, reminding you that Jungkook had drinked it without any second thought.

“He kept shifting in his seat, it was so funny,” Jungkook laughs “I told him not all of us had the privilege of having a leather couch imported from—”

The pediatrician is interrupted by you suddenly grabbing the plastic cup and throwing it in the garbage bin beside his desk. He’s rendered speechless by your action as you heaved with anger. 

“I was gonna throw that out later.” Jungkook mutters as you dust your hands in your lab coat. 

“Your welcome.” you mumble

A silence follows after and it’s not like the ones you usually both have. It’s not comfortable or peaceful, but filled with tension instead. 

“Is everything okay?” he asks carefully, not wanting to push any buttons since it seems you’re a moment away from yelling in frustration.

You don’t do that, however, you do look at him like you’re about to give him a piece of your mind and poor Jungkook is not ready for that at all. 

But you sigh. You close your eyes momentarily as you breathe in again. 

“Nothing.” you answer back with a smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes “Everything’s peachy.” 

Please call me out, please call me out on my bullshit.

“Alright, Y/N.” he sighs, hand scratching the side of his head “But can I—”

He’s not allowed to finish his request because you dump the two drinks you had bought inside his garbage bin without any further announcement. 

Jungkook is left with his mouth hanging open as he looks at the wasted coffee probably making a mess inside the bin. 

“I gotta go, I’m needed in the E.R.”

You’re not. Your phone didn’t ring with the usual tone you have set it up as whenever you have emergency calls. 

Jungkook is about to tell you that, but the shock of the drinks dies down by the time the door closes and he’s realized you’ve left.

— 

“Ah, fuck, not you again.” 

Taehyung has just finished his six hour surgery. Fresh off of telling the patient’s family members that everything had gone according to plan, but that the patient was to be kept in the I.C.U for further checkups. 

His neck hurts and he’s wishing he could have Yoonah come over to give him a massage. Instead, he’s greeted by the sight of his youngest friend waiting for him at his desk’s chair.

“Why haven’t you gone home? It’s late.” Taehyung asks him, laying down on his couch as he closes his eyes.

Due to his patient being in the intensive care unit, he chooses not to go home and stay in case anything happens. He knows this because of prior experience.

“I want to ask you something.” Jungkook quietly asks, ignoring his friend’s question.  

Taehyung hums “If this is about that boneless wings or regular wings discourse then I don’t wanna hear it.” his friend warns him.

If this wasn’t a serious matter Jungkook would have argued that regular wings are better than boneless ones, unlike what Yoongi had said on the groupchat last night. But he has more important topics to ask about right now.

“No, it’s not that,” he clarifies “I just—I want to know, since you’re the only one who’s dating in the group…” 

“Yeah?” Taehyung encourages him to continue.

“How—uhm, how do you tell when Yoonah’s jealous?”

Jungkook’s question is not one Taehyung had expected, it makes him abruptly switch from laying down to a sitting position. This is actually serious for once.

“Jealous, how? Like, when she’s jealous of other girls?” Taehyung asks, just to make sure this is what his younger friend is referring to. 

Jungkook nods with a stoic expression.

“Well, Yoonah is slightly different in the way she approaches jealousy. Like, with the other girls I dated they would never tell me they were jealous.” Taehyung begins to explain “But Yoonah, on the other hand, she’s up-front about it and like, aggressively so.” 

“Could you explain?” Jungkook shyly asks and Taehyung nods.

“Let’s say that Yoonah sees me talking to—I don’t know, a nurse? I might be having a normal conversation regarding a patient or something, but Yoonah sees it as if I’m telling the girl that I want to move in with her, have five kids and live on a farm.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah,” Taehyung chuckles “and she tells me straight away that she doesn’t like the girl, that she doesn’t trust them and that I shouldn’t be talking to her.” Jungkook’s eyes widen slightly “I don’t know, she says she has a sixth sense or something.”

“But she tells you she’s jealous?” 

“Oh, hell no,” Taehyung replies “Yoonah would rather eat glass shards than ever admitting she’s jealous.” 

That must hurt.

“But I just know, y’know?” 

Jungkook looks at him like he’s lost and Taehyung sighs. Sometimes the youngest could be a little too slow for his liking.

“It’s clear when a girl is jealous, dude. Whether they try to make it obvious or not. They get defensive, evade your questions, get a little more irritable.” 

Jungkook gasps slightly and Taehyung cocks an eyebrow at him, wondering what is the matter. But the pediatrician is not telling him anything, especially knowing Taehyung’s a fifth placer who isn’t worthy of knowing information as important as this.

Plus he’s tired of hearing the neurosurgeon bother him with the fact that after all those hypotheticals that Jungkook was sure were never going to happen, they ended up becoming a reality. 

A reality that Jungkook had to put up with because his older friend could not shut up about it.

“I gotta go, thanks.” The youngest quickly excuses himself from Taehyung’s office, leaving the neurosurgeon with a puzzled expression and a few unanswered questions.

There’s a slight bounce to Jungkook’s step as he walks through the hospital’s hallways. 

He’s trying hard not to break into a grin, but he can’t help the slight smirk that appears on his face because now he knows.

a/n: let’s play a fun lil game in where u take a shot every time i mentioned iced americano n yes u should take another one now !! lol i don’t rlly have much to say besides jk n reader r both idiots but we’re making some progress :P hope u enjoyed <3

[sunfloweradoring]

the one on the late late show

masterlist

word count: 2.9k

I’d been on the Late Late Show with James Cordon many times now; I always had a great time with him and over the appearances we’d created a close friendship that he also shared with the guys - especially Harry. However, this time was different; I’d never been on the show with Harry, and I already knew what was going to take place. I was sure we’d both be subjected to a great deal of teasing from our friend, and he probably wouldn’t hold back purely because we were in front of the cameras. 

“Nervous?” Harry asked teasingly, his hip jokingly bumping into mine as we got out of his car and made our way into the studio.

“Only to be embarrassed by my boyfriend.” I replied with a giggle.

“The cheek of it!” He scoffed, gently swatting my bum as I passed him to go through the door he held open. Glancing over my shoulder I shot him a wink before stepping up to the reception desk. 

“Welcome, Miss Y/L/N and Mr Styles.” The lady smiled, her cheeks a light red shade as she looked at Harry. “Um, the other band members have already arrived; they’re in room 12.” She explained, standing up from her seat to hand Harry lanyard, which he quickly thanked her for. “And you’re in room 11.” She turned to me, holding out another lanyard with a friendly smile.

“Thank you.” I returned her smile. “I love your necklace, by the way. It’s beautiful.” I complimented, nodding my head towards her jewellery as I slipped the lanyard over my head. The receptionist’s cheeks grew a darker shade of red at the compliment. 

“Oh! My... thank you.” She replied bashfully, glancing down at the chain around her own neck as she played with the pendant between her thumb and forefinger. “It was a Christmas present from my mum last year.”

“Well, it’s lovely.” I responded, keeping my smile as Harry gently took my hand to lead me away.

“I was gonna make a joke and say look how much the receptionist fancied me, but I think I had competition.” Harry laughed once we were out of earshot. I shook my head as I let out a little laugh. 

“Shut up.” 

“Look it’s the happy couple! So nice of you to finally join us!” Both mine and Harry’s heads turned to the voice coming from our right. James emerged from behind a curtain in jeans and a polo shirt with Liam, Niall and Louis trailing behind him. 

“James!” I grinned, accepting his friendly greeting of a kiss on the cheek and a quick embrace. After hugging the other three boys in greeting, James clapped Harry on the back.

“Now, Harold, we were just running through the game to make sure everyone knows what to do for the show.” James explained, going to lead the four boys back out to the stage. 

“Game?” I asked, eyebrows furrowing. 

“Uh-” Harry glanced over his shoulder, hand awkwardly scratching the back of his head. James looked between us for a second before laughing.

“You haven’t told her?!” He almost shouted in surprise. 

“We’re gonna play a tattoo game.” Niall spoke, shaking his head with a small smile (although the smile looked to be a coverup for a great deal of nerves). I raised my eyebrows in response, looking towards my boyfriend.

“Oh Jesus.” I muttered, shaking my head. “You know what, I don’t wanna know.” I waved my hand almost in dismissal as the men in front of me laughed. 

“It’s just a ga-”

“I don’t wanna know!” I repeated, laughing, cutting Harry off before I turned to find room 11 to start getting ready for the show.

Over the next two hours, as the boys made some last minute preparations for the show, I sat in my chair with Lucy as she did my hair and makeup. A soft knock at the door cut off our giggles about something before I called out a quiet ‘come in’. James’ head poked round as his eyes scanned the room before landing on me. I smiled at him through the mirror, not wanting to move too much and mess up Lucy’s hard work.

“Hey matey.” I chuckled, watching as he came over and rested his hand on the back of my chair. 

“Everything’s all set.” He stated. “The audience are starting to arrive so I’m about to quickly change into my costume of choice. We’ll come to you first when we’re introducing the guests, that alright?” I nodded in confirmation. “Perfect, and we’ll bring you out after the boys have done their interview and before the game, yeah?”

“I’m not participating in this game, right?” I gave him a teasingly stern look through the glass. He laughed, jokingly standing back in mock fear as he raised his hands. 

“Wouldn’t dream of it, miss, absolutely terrified of ya.” Lucy herself laughed at this and shook her head.

“She wouldn’t say boo to a goose.” She snorted.

“Hey!” I playfully whined, turning my head to look up at her. “Don’t be ruining my reputation, it’s the only way I can keep him in order.”

“Oh yeah, forgot about your reputation. Y/N Y/L/N, Hollywood’s most feared actress.” Lucy teased, starting to put away her hair curlers. 

“What’s this all about?” Harry’s voice spoke up, his body coming into view. My smile grew automatically at his presence as I reached out behind me with one hand making a grabby gesture. He approached, his hand slipping into mine as he delivered a gentle kiss to the back of my head. 

“Just talking about how scary your missus is.” James explained, arms crossed over his chest with a playful grin on his face. Harry let out a small cackle as he looked at his mate before turning his head and making eye contact with me through the mirror.

“What? This one?” He asked.

“No, one of your many other girlfriends.” I joked, rolling my eyes.

“Oh of course, sorry, babe. Yeah, you’re lethal, shit myself every time you look at me.”

“That’s more like it.” I nodded.

“As much as I’d love to stay and listen to this GREAT banter, I’m going to get dressed. Cameras will be here in about twenty, love.” James added, shooting me a final smile before exiting the dressing room. 

“Just going to check if anyone has any hairspray,” Lucy spoke after ruffling through one of her bags. “Scatter brain, looks like I’ve left it behind.” I nodded softly as she went out the room after Harry suggested there may be some in his dressing room. He gently pulled my chair around, standing between my legs as he looked down at me. 

“Your eyes look like they’re sparkling.” I grinned, hands holding his as I maintained eye contact. Harry’s lips curved into a smirk as he raised his eyebrows. “Are you really that in love with me?”

“You and Lucy been drinking in here or something?” He chuckled, jokingly looking around the table in front of me as if he were looking for empty bottles before ducking down and placing a quick kiss to my lips. I hummed softly in appreciation, standing up from my chair to wrap my arms loosely around his neck. His hands held my waist, eyes roaming around my face. 

“No,” I laughed gently, reaching up and slowly nuzzling my nose against his. “You just look really nice.” I complimented.

“Ooh,” Harry released a puff of air. “Now I know how the receptionist felt. Got me all flustered, Mon Cherie.”

“Mon Cherie?” I repeated, giggling. “That’s a new one.”

“Gotta keep you on your toes.” He winked, stealing another kiss from my lips. 

“You been practising your French or something?” I asked, one hand absentmindedly playing with the hair that seemed to be growing faster and faster by the day. 

“Maybe.” He shrugged. “Just wanted to come and check on ya before we go out there. Know you sometimes get a bit nervous with live things.” I smiled at his concern, leaning forward to place a kiss on his cheek. Unsatisfied, I continued placing a line of kisses from the location of the first along to his lips.

“I’m alright.” My voice was soft, just above a whisper, allowing us to enjoy this intimate moment together. “It’s normally pretty fun with James.” I explained. Harry nodded in agreement.

“You know he’s gonna be ripping the shit out of us, right?” I laughed, shaking my head a little. “Last time I was on he was taking the piss about some of the lyrics from the album, bet he’ll bring it up again or something.”

“Oh well.” I shrugged. “I don’t really mind.” I smiled. 

“That’s alright then.” Harry grinned, placing yet another kiss against my lips. “Right, I really gotta get back to the others, but I’ll see you out there, yeah?”

“Yeah.” I replied, looking at him for a second before he pulled away, keeping his fingers laced with mine for as long as possible before he was out of reach and going out of the door. 

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

“And if these lovely boys weren’t enough for you, ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to welcome our other guest for tonight to the stage!” James announced after another commercial break. “She’s been nominated for countless awards, many of which she’s scooped up for herself. She’s extremely talented, beautiful and funny and one of my dear, dear friends. We’re so lucky to have her here tonight talking about her new film with Bradley Cooper called Lara, please give a warm welcome to Y/N Y/L/N!” The crowd erupted into loud cheers as they applauded. I pulled the curtain a little to allow myself through, grinning towards the audience and waving. I made my way over to where James stood at the top of the stairs where we shared a quick hug. Then, I hugged Liam who was sitting furthest down the couch, then Louis, then Niall and finally Harry who shot me a subtle wink before pulling me against him. 

“You look stunning.” His breath was warm as it grazed against my ear while he spoke. I sat down beside him, keeping my composure to not draw suspicion from the audience.

“Now I obviously don’t need to introduce you lot,” James started, absentmindedly tapping his cards against the dark wood desk he sat at. 

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I’m familiar with these people. Should I know them?” I joked, leaning forward a little as I looked at the four boys beside me. The crowd laughed along with the joke. 

“Well if you treat all strange men the same way as Mr Styles here, the way you were at my party the other night, you’re all in for a treat!” James teased, addressing the audience who roared with laughter. I could feel Harry tense a little beside me, his protective side dominating him. I smiled as I waited for the crowd to quiet down before replying.

“Now if we’re on the topic of this party, James, do you really want to be outing events from that night? Need I remind you what I walked in on with yourself and Mrs Corden?” I tried my best to keep my smirk at bay, but failed miserably. The four boys on the sofa let out ‘oooh’s along with the audience as James blushed deeply, clearing his throat in embarrassment. 

“A-anyway,” He started, glancing down at his cards before looking back up at me. 

“She had you there, James. Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.” Louis piped up with a grin. 

“Alright, Tomlinson, you’ll get what’s coming to you, too!” Louis held his hands up in defence as he laughed, the audience mightily enjoying the teasing going on. 

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

“Now, ladies and gentlemen, we’re going to play a little game called Tattoo Roulette.” James announced, standing up from his seat. “If I could ask you boys to get up and follow me down here,” He said, walking down the steps before looking back at Liam, Louis, Niall and Harry. They followed behind him, standing beside a table with a number of red boxes. “And Y/N could you come down here too, please?” I raised my eyebrows at his question. 

“I thought I wasn’t playing this game!” I laughed, pushing myself up from the sofa as I walked down the stairs. Harry and I weren’t particularly into PDA as a couple, but many gestures in our relationship came naturally and without any thought so when Harry held out his hand for me to take as I walked down the stairs there was a soft coo throughout the members of the audience. 

“Don’t worry, child!” James jokingly chastised. “You’re going to choose the boxes for us.” He explained.

“What!?” Niall exclaimed, looking extremely stressed. “That’s not fair! Of course she’s going to be unfair and just pick whatever Harry wants.” I laughed at how exasperated my friend looked and reached out my free hand to pat his arm.

“Niall who says I’m on Harry’s side?” I said. “Perhaps I want him to get the tattoo.” I teased. Harry let out a squark beside me, squeezing my hand.

“What’s the matter with you, woman?!” He playfully glared.

“You better be on my side.” Niall spoke, wagging his finger at me. “Otherwise I’ll never speak to you again.”

“Alright, ladies, alright.” James interjected. “Calm down, she doesn’t know which box has the tattoo in it, do you?” He asked, looking towards me. I shook my head.

“No, I don’t.” I confirmed. 

“Perfect.” James clapped his hands together, letting out a puff of air. “Not nervous.” He muttered, earning a titter of laughter from the audience. “Okay, lads, could you go and stand behind a podium for me and my glamorous assistant here will give you a box.” They all did as instructed, not before Harry gave my hand another squeeze. I watched them before James nodded for me to continue. 

“Alright...” I spoke, my tone jokingly calculating, my fingers drumming together a bit like a Bond villain. 

“Y/N please!” Niall’s voice whined. I laughed at him, taking the first box and walking it over to where Liam stood. 

“Here you go, Liam.” I smiled at him.

“Thanks.” He spoke, clearly a little nervous but trying to cover it up (far more successfully than Niall, may I add). I took the third box in instead of the next and walked it over to Louis. He let out a laugh, throwing his hands up in the air a little as the audience ‘oooh’ed. 

“Thanks, love.” 

Once I had delivered the final box, (to Niall), I stood back beside the now empty table. 

“Brilliant. Thank you for that, love. Now, before we start,” James picked up his box, walking over to Harry’s podium and swapping the boxes around. Harry stared at him dumfounded as I laughed along with the audience and the other boys.

“James?!” Harry questioned, watching his friends return to his podium with Harry’s box. 

“Desperate times call for desperate measures, Harold. Who knows if anyone told her backstage. They hate me here.”

After a couple of minutes, both Liam and Louis had opened their boxes and were deemed safe, much to Niall’s growing anxiety. 

“Okay, okay, it’s my turn.” James spoke, nervously gripping the sides of his box. The lighting altered and a low tone played over the speakers for suspense. James inhaled deeply before wrenching his box open with closed eyes. The crowd erupted into cheers and James’ eyes shot open before he yelled with glee. “Yes!!” Niall shouted, his hands flying up to his face.

“Fucking hell!” Harry shook his head, a smirk on his face as he glanced over at me. He then turned to Niall, gesturing for a hug. 

“C’mon mate.” He spoke, pulling Niall against him before stepping back to his podium to open his box. The lighting and sound reappeared before Harry laughed to himself, shook his head and pulled open the box. Instantaneously Niall and James screamed with joy, running to each other before hugging. Niall pumped his fist in the air as Harry shook his head.

I couldn’t help but laughing, my hands covering my mouth in somewhat shock. 

“You!” Harry pointed at me, walking towards me slowly before pulling me into a hug. 

“I didn’t know!” I squeaked against him. I knew he wasn’t mad though, I couldn’t feel his chest rumbling with laughter against mine. 

“It’s alright.” He laughed, pulling away and looking at me with a giant smirk.

“Okay, okay! What a rollercoaster that was! Now, Harold, could you come over here to get your Late Late tattoo, please.” Harry winked at me again before following James over to the tattoo artist. Niall came running over to me, pulling me into a bone crushing hug. 

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” He gushed. I laughed loudly at him.

“I genuinely didn’t know anything, Niall.” I said looking up at him.

“I don’t care.” He shook his head. “I know you did it for me, even if it was unconscious.” 

Together Liam, Niall, Louis, James and I watched as Harry got his tattoo, Niall’s arm slung over my shoulders. 

“What a legend.” James clapped when the artist announced it was over. “Come and take a look.” James gestured to the cameras that zoomed in on Harry’s arm. I walked over with the others, standing beside Harry who put his other arm around my hips. “Thanks for being such a good sport, Harry. Give it up for Harry Styles everybody!” James encouraged the audience who whooped and cheered. I leaned down when I knew the others were somewhat blocking the view of us and pressed a kiss to Harry’s cheek.

“Well done, baby.” I smiled.

“I expect a proper reward when we get home for you stitching me up like that, gorgeous.” He winked up a me, hand playfully squeezing my hip. 

[normatural]

JJ MAYBANK | MR.16

Summary: helping your friends with the delivers could be funnier than you thought.

Warnings: creepy rose cameron, language.

A/N: I just saw that video of a girl auditioning for a scene between Rose Cameron and JJ and thought it would be fun.. but for real, that scene was cringe asf. I'll proofread later, just needed to write something.

- also thank you sooo much for all the love and support on my last one shot, love you guys! you have no idea how happy it makes me <3

...

All your thursday mornings on summer were reserved to go with Pope to figure 8 with his father's boat and help him with an extra pair of hands with the deliveries. You knew that his scholarship's interview was close and that finishing his shift earlier meant more time to study and prepare himself for the big day so you didn't even think twice before jumping in. Sometimes you'd even cover for him, almost threatning to throw him out of the boat if he said "you don't have to, really Y/N" twice.

Pope never asked for the help, to be honest you were the one who insisted on it and he had no other choice but, glady, accept.

If the boy had any chance to get a brighter future, something that he work his ass off for, then you'd do anything in your power to help your friend have a better life.

"Yo, I got this one, princess." JJ winked at you, taking the bags from your hands.

If you didn't know the boy enough you'd say he was being a gentleman, letting you rest after you took the two last delivers. But you knew him and that meant you also knew that he just wanted to try his luck with the tips.

You glanced at the name written on the bag again and then at JJ.

He knew he was about to walk straight to the lion's cage. I mean, Cameron's huge ass house, right?

JJ mumbled something among the line of 'it's okay' before jumping out of the boat, walking towards his least favorite place.

You and Pope looked at each other and shrugged, but you wouldn't complain. The sun was hotter than usual today and why not take off your shirt to work on your tan, feel the sun kiss your skin and relax while you chat with Pope?

Sometimes your conversations with Pope would let the rest of the group a little bit worrid. You could spend hours talking about dead bodies, what killers could do to properly hide a body snd things like that.

You got up from where you were laying on the floor and looked around. It's been a while since JJ was gone and yet, there was no sign of him, which messed with your nerves.

What if something happed to him?

Nothing good came from JJ taking to long to come by when you were on Figure 8.. or anywhere in the island actually.

What if he bumped into Raffe and his minions on hus way to the house?

"Took you long enough" Pope laughed when you jumped out of the boat to look after the blonde.

To be honest, he thought you'd have done that five minutes ago, which let him surprised. You were always worried about JJ and the others would tease the hell out of you for that.

You slowed your steps when you caught a glimpse of his blonde hair on the Cameron's porche, talking to someone as he scratched his neck.

Carefully you made your way closer to them, trying to don't get caught because your curiosity has gotten the best of you. What the hell he had to talk for more than three seconds with a kook, a Cameron kook, without being tied down or something?

"What do I own you, Mr.Sixteen?" you jaw almost went to the floor when you heard the voice of none other than Rose Cameron.

You'd have thought that you were crazy if you hadn't took a step foward, hiding in one of the fancy bunches before the front door to see the way he basically undressed him with her eyes.

What. The. Fuck?!

"It's just the cost.. plus a 100 for delivery" JJ pushed his arms with the bags foward, his leg bouncing and you knew that the woman caught him off of guard.

You bite you lips, doing your best to don't laugh when she rolled her eyes, ignoring the bags and how JJ tried to look away from her, without sucess.

"I know about that. I asked you what do I owed you for your effort."

You had to put you hand on your mouth. It you kept holding you laugher you were sure you'd end up with a broken rib or something.

"You mean a tip on top of the delivery fee? That's okay, miss Cameron. You don't own me anything"

JJ, your best friend JJ, just declined a tip from the kook queen herself?

You frowned, you laughter long forgot when you saw Rose's finger touch his shoulders and go all the way down his arms.

Okay. That was it. Enough of that shit.

You came out of the brush, jogging to the porsh again as if you had arrived only now. JJ looked to the side and found you, his eyes widening in surprise and relief as you saw his shoulders relax a bit.

"Baby, what is taking you so long? Mr. Heyward is going to kill us if we.. Oh, hey Mrs. Cameron." you forced a smile at the woman, putting an arm around JJ when she arched a brow at you, probably surprise with the boy having a girlfriend.

"I was just.. waiting for Miss Cameron to open the door." He forced a smile to you, trying to hide the blush creeping to his cheeks before looking at the woman, pushing his arms with the bags one more time. "Here, ma'am."

Rose took a deep breath and called one of the maids to get the deliver, giving the most fake smile you have ever seen to the both of you.

"I didn't know you had a boyfriend, Y/N" she stared a few seconds to JJ before turning to you and you had to use all your control to don't roll your eyes.

You only delivered things to her once in a week, of course she didn't know about your life.

"Only a idiot to say no to this hot stuff right here." you intertwined your finger with his, getting on your tip toes to leave a kiss on his cheek. "Right, baby?"

You were pretty sure by now that the boy was petrified and you tried not to laugh.

He blinked a few times as if you had pulled him out of a daze and nodded.

"Yeah, uh, right. Bye, Miss Cameron." he tried his best to don't run away and dragged out of the house once he got the money.

You made sure you were away from the door when you started laughing, falling on the floor.

"What do I owe you, Mr. Sixteen?" you mimicked her voice, tried to use the same 'sensual' aka cringe tone she used and pucked your lips to JJ.

If he weren't red when you arrived, he was 50 shades of flustered right now, knowing that you actually heard everything.

"Fuck off!" he groaned, only noticing that your fingers were interwined when he pulled his hand away to push you, which only made you laugh harder.

"Bro, she was aaall over you and you were like on run away mode." you put your hand on your belly, it already aching from the lack of air. "I'm gonna.. die!"

JJ put his hands on your shoulders once you got close to the boat, stopping in front of you and making you look at him. His eyes were hard but you could see the pleading in it.

"Don't say a word." he said slowly as it'd make it easier for you to understand or make you obey.

You nodded and bit you lip, pretending to zip your mouth and throw it away. JJ stared at you a little longer and you held his gaze, his hands slowly pulling away from you, probably making sure you'd keep your word and don't start acting all annoying again.

Almost reaching the boat you called him and he turned around, brows furrowed.

"I don't even get a 'thank you, baby'? Gosh, you are a terrible boyfriend." you brought your hands to your chest, pretending to be hurt when he showed you his middle finger and got on the boat.

Pope had went to the other deliver and it was JJ's time to be alone with you. He tried his best to drink his beer and ignore your funny gaze and smirk to him.

That's when you remembered something.

Mr. Heyward didn't charged a hundred bucks for deliver.

"You son of a bitch!" you gasped, throwing you watter bottle and JJ. "That's how you get your tips?!"

It was his time to laugh and wink at you.

"They love me, Y/N. What can I do? It's a gift." He shrugged, a cocky smile dancing on his lips before he took another sip of his beer.

+

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• masterlist •

[the-apocryphal-one]

Next of Kin

Summary: A special kind of pain squeezes her heart. The soft question that emerges from her lips is only natural. “Do you have any family?”Astarion x Isaniel

Also available at AO3 and ff.net!

-

A/N: Merry Christmas to all your lovely readers!

-

She should have done this before now. She knows she should have.

But there just hadn’t been time, at first. In the earliest days after her infection, she’d been teetering on a tightwire of panic and desperation, hastily cobbling together plans to get this thing out. Even when they’d stopped to eat or make camp, the thought of writing a letter to her son had never entered her mind—much to her shame.

Then, as days passed and nothing seemed to happen, she’d grown complacent. Maybe their parasites were defective. Maybe the ceremorphosis had failed. Maybe they could walk away from this with nothing more than some trauma and psionic abilities.

Then the sickness came and slapped her in the face with the reminder that nothing about these parasites is normal, nothing can be taken for granted, and nothing is all her son will know of her fate if she’s not careful.

But how do you do it? How do you say goodbye to your only child across hundreds of miles with no body language or facial expressions?

For the past few nights, Isaniel has been trying and failing to figure that out. Each time, she has pulled out parchment, stared at it for an indeterminate amount of time, laboriously pushed out a few words, stared some more, then folded it back up and returned it to her pack.

Tonight, she vows as she sits near a large, flat rock that will substitute as a desk, she’s not getting up until this letter is done. She pulls it out of her jerkin, smooths it out, places it on the rock, and uses a few pebbles to hold the corners down.

Selakiir, it says.

If you’re reading this, I’m very likely dead or worse. We can never foresee our fates, but I have a reasonable certainty as to what my particular ‘or worse’ is. The details are included in an additional, enclosed letter. That had already been written, perversely coming easier than this one. You may ignore it if you wish. I would not hold it against you if you did.

That was as far as she’d gotten. Now, she dips the quill back in the inkpot, sucks in a breath, and pens, I hope that the person who delivers this will be able to give you a first-hand account of my fate, so they can

Soothe you? Selakiir is bafflingly, wonderfully outgoing…but he is also private in his grief. When his father died, he withdrew from adventuring, his friends, even her. He’s not the type to accept banal well-wishes, especially from strangers.

answer any questions you have.

Her quill stalls. She stares at the drying ink, trying to muster up something else to say.

When she writes letters, they always end up much like her: detached and logical. But this is supposed to be a goodbye letter. The last thing her son might have of her. It…it has to be right. She can’t leave him feeling like she saw this as some sort of duty. If there’s one thing she’s always wanted to make sure Selakiir knew, and was always afraid he didn’t, it was that she loved him.

Remember: my love for you is like the moon. There are nights when it doesn’t know how to show all its self, but it is always there.

No, that should be in the closing paragraph. It’d be more final, more poetic. A lovely note to leave things on. But she can’t make herself scratch it out. There’s this foolish, superstitious fear that Selakiir will find out and be hurt. Isaniel grimaces, struggling to wrestle small talk, emotion, something onto the paper so it’s more than this dry thing.

It’s almost funny that I ended up adventuring like you

We’ll meet again in Eilistraee’s

I’m sorry I won’t be there for your wedding. The present I was making is in

Don’t you dare try to avenge me. Stay far away from

Isaniel presses her head against the heel of one hand and bites down an uncharacteristic scream. The paper’s empty spaces and crossed-out lines mock her.

“If you stare at that any more intensely, it’ll burst into flames.”

“Iblith!” she curses, startling so fiercely she upends the inkpot. She’s still thinking in Undercommon, so her next few words come out in it before she catches herself and switches back to Overcommon. “Dos olist mzild taga—stop that.”

Astarion is bent double with laughter, guffawing so hard some of the others are glancing their way. There are actually tears in his eyes. “And miss out on the chance to see you jump like a wet cat? I could never.”

Gods, he can be so juvenile sometimes. Something dangerously close to affection laces that thought, banishing the bitter frustration of failure.

Ever since that day he recoiled from her hand, Astarion has haunted her thoughts more than she would like. She has sought him out more frequently, asking questions, trying to understand him, trying to sort out what she should feel. He is dark and dangerous and cruel—and yet there is something in him, raw, genuine pain that mirrors what she once knew, that she cannot turn away from.

So, Isaniel is not surprised that Astarion’s bouts of childishness have become something she can think on with almost-fondness. Empathy, revulsion, confusion, curiosity already spin together in a whirlpool; what’s one more emotion on the pile?

That doesn’t stop her from shooting him a dour look as she rights the inkpot, though. “I will remind you that I have a rapier and that someday, I’ll be so startled I’ll stab first and ask questions later.”

“Ha! Duly noted.” Astarion gingerly—because of course he’s still worrying about getting stains on his clothes—sits next to her. Unabashedly, he peers at her pathetic letter. “What are you writing?”

She lets him peek. There’s no way he knows Undercommon…and even if he does, he won’t break her cipher. “A letter to my son. In case I die or transform.”

“Your son? That is a very important letter. Who will you entrust with its delivery?”

“Whoever among us is still alive, I suppose.”

“My, don’t you have a low opinion of our abilities.”

It’s not quite that; more like she’s just not picky. But he’s clearly preparing to launch into some spiel, so she chooses to simply wait rather than argue the point.

He doesn’t make her wait long, gesturing dramatically with his hands as he speaks. “Not that you’re wrong. Without you keeping his thirst for revenge and delusions of grandeur in check, Wyll will run off and get himself killed. Lae’zel and Shadowheart will kill each other before the sun goes down. Gale—” He chuckles. “Well. Need I go on?”

Irritation nips at her. Eilistraee knows her companions’ colorful range of personalities have given Isaniel more than one headache, but she still feels protective of them. “Yes, actually—or am I supposed to believe you wouldn’t be leaping into situations fangs first?”

“Ah, but if there’s one thing you can trust me to do, it’s survive those situations. I can see that letter to your son, darling.”

She snorts at his transparency. “You just want to read it.”

He just shamelessly grins, unapologetic about being found out.

Isaniel toys with and discards the idea of chastising him. The matter is too small to make a fuss over, and his cat-like tread and nimble fingers mean he can very much lift the letter off her if he wants. Although…hm. Maybe she can twist this back around on him. She shrugs with feigned disinterest. “Well, it’s not like you could, anyway.”

Astarion inspects his nails. “Oh, I’m sure I can get a scroll of Comprehend Languages somewhere.”

“It’s not just in Undercommon. It’s encoded too.”

He’s visibly taken aback by that. It’s childish of her, but she can’t help thinking, That’s a point for me. Gods, it’s too fun to match wits with him. “You write to your son in code?”

“It was a game we played when he was little.” It had simultaneously been a way to teach him and soothe her paranoia. “We’ve kept it up since.”

In a calculated move, Astarion twists and leans in close. His voice drops, becomes husky. “You do know there’s nothing more tempting than something you can’t have, yes?” His eyes deliberately trace a path up her neck and settle on her mouth.

He’s trying to knock her off balance. Isaniel would rather walk barefoot on hot coals than let him know he has—though not, she suspects, for the reasons he intended. Let him stare at her mouth or neck, he’s a flirt and a vampire spawn. No, the feel of his breath tickling her skin, the way his hand is almost but not quite brushing hers, is more alarming. It’s too intimate. Distracting.

She hastily delivers the coup de grace before he can spot the rapid flutter of her pulse. “What better way to guarantee your delivery? Stubbornness or curiosity will make you hold onto it until you crack it. But you won’t, so you’ll have to bring it to Selakiir to find out what it says.”

A heartbeat. Two. Then Astarion laughs, throaty and deep, sits back, and shakes his head. “Well played, my dear.”

With fresh distance between them, Isaniel exhales in relief. She hastily tries to cover it up by pretending to shift in her seat, but there’s a certain twinkle in Astarion’s eyes that tells her she failed. She clears her throat, praying that her face doesn’t betray her fluster. “I’ll give it to you when I’m done.”

She expects that to be the end of it, for Astarion to fire a parting quip and wander off to tease someone else. But her surprise, he doesn’t. Instead, he props his chin in his hand and studies her.

That look in his eyes…is that actual curiosity?

Like paper thrown into fire, her own is fanned. She hasn’t bothered to ask how old he is, but she can make an educated guess. The Underdark’s abusive culture forces drow to mentally mature well before their twenties; surface elves like Astarion can afford to wait until their first century or so. Of course, magistrate isn’t the type of position you typically get straight out of adolescence, so there could be anywhere from a rough fifty years to another two hundred on top of that. For some reason, she doesn’t peg him as any more than three hundred, pre-turn. Post-turn adds another two centuries.

For humans, several hundred years encompasses several generations. But for an elf… His parents and siblings could still be alive. So could his possible children. Unless he, like her, had a half-human child. They would have died in the time he spent enslaved.

Selakiir’s warm brown eyes and smiling face flash across her mind. A special kind of pain squeezes her heart. The soft question that emerges from her lips is only natural. “Do you have any family?”

A shadow briefly flickers across his face; then, like a rat fleeing for its life, it is gone. He smiles brightly and waves a dismissive hand. “Oh, let’s not exhume the past. There’s nothing interesting about it.”

Isaniel furrows her brow, but before she can say anything, Astarion rises, brushes his trousers off, and struts away. As is all-too-common of late, her gaze lingers on him until he disappears inside his tent. She exhales slowly. If he departed with such alacrity, it’s probably for the best she didn’t get to push him. Eilistraee knows how well that went over last time, and she’d just been clumsily trying to comfort him.

She glances down at the letter. Inspiration strikes. Spontaneously, she pens in another sentence. If accompanying this letter is a pale, white-haired elf named Astarion, point him to the Dancing Haven.

It’s unusually risky of her. If Cazador really will stop at nothing to get Astarion back, she could be bringing a vampire lord down on her congregation. And Astarion just might be callous enough to repay them by selling them out or abandoning them. He does not deserve such risks, the old Isaniel insists.

But then, she wouldn’t be here now if an Eilistraeen hadn’t taken a risk for her over a century ago, when she hadn’t deserved it.

She adds, I don’t know if he’ll actually go there, but like me, he’s fled some sort of dark past. I hope that, in absence of my aid, he can at least find refuge.

Bantering with Astarion seems to have unlocked some wellspring of words from deep within her; the mention of her past gives her the subject. Speaking of which, you may have all my belongings, including the forge and the new house. The password to disarm the magical traps is the same as our old one—I hope you remember it? Your father was always fondly exasperated by my insistence on having them, but you loved to show them off to your friends. My memories of you two are the best in my life…

-

The next day, she hands Astarion several pages and a “thanks” that holds more meaning than he knows.

-

Drow isn’t officially a language in 5e, but it was in older editions. So even though Isaniel was technically speaking in Undercommon for a bit, I went ahead and borrowed words from their dictionary. Rough translation:

Iblith: shit

Dos olist mzild taga: You stealth (intended to be akin to sneak or skulk) more than— (“a drider” is what she would have finished with)

Also Overcommon is just Isaniel’s name for Common.

[katsulia]

Oikawa Toru - Car accident

Genre : Angst, fluff 

Words : 1.7K

Summary : Oikawa’s S/O ends up in hospital after a car accident and while she is unconscious he reminisces their first encounter. 

a/n : Requests and matchups are open 

It all happened so fast, one minute y/n was controlling her car and the next she was being thrown against the air bag. She hadn't had time to brake in time, while a car was arriving at full speed from the left. The shock made her unconscious and already blood was running down her face. Immediately, the residents of the neighborhood alerted by the noise called the emergency services. The firemen had to get her out of her car as best they could, trying not to hurt her even more. The paramedics took over and set off quickly to the most convenient hospital. It was obvious that she needed to be taken care of on the spot in order to not suffer major consequences. The first examinations in the ambulance showed signs of head trauma, her eyes barely responding to the light from the small lamp that was moving just in front of the pupil.

At the same time, Oikawa was at the stove proud of the pie he had just baked. Normally this was y/n’s specialty, but he wanted to prove to her that he also could make it just as well, and even better. Hands on his hips and a satisfied smile on his lips he admired his culinary work that had just come out of the oven. All that was missing was Y, who would soon be back home and would be forced to acknowledge his talent. The ringing of his telephone cut him off in the reverie of the perfect scenario. An unknown number, but he picked up the phone anyway, not knowing what was awaiting him: "Hello, this is Sachi from the ambulance service. You are listed as the emergency contact for Y/N Y/S. She is currently being treated at JR Sendai Hospital after a car accident." The voice on the other line had just taken his breath away and his heart stopped beating when this information was delivered. Oikawa was totally lost, his body wasn't responding and his brain was almost running out of oxygen. He couldn't even think straight, but as soon as he came to his senses he ran to the door and grabbed the keys to his car. His movements were frantic and disarticulated.His heart was pounding and he was well above the speed limit, ready to run through all the traffic lights on his way. 

When he arrived at the hospital he hurried to the receptionist at the entrance, shoving everyone who came out of the building. "Y/N Y/S! She was in a car accident, they called me! I'm her fiancé! Where is she now? "His voice was shaking and he could hardly speak. His eyes reflected the panic he was in. And although the nurses around him tried to calm him down, nothing could change that. As soon as they told him the number of the room she was in, he started running through the hospital corridors. He seemed almost insane to those who passed him, but that was the last thing he could worry about. Out of breath he finally found room 407 and at the same time a man in a white blouse came out of it.

"Are you a relative of y/s? "he asked, glancing up and down at him. Oikawa's panicked and distraught voice hastily answered, "Yes, his fiance! Is she okay? Can I see her? ». His brain was preventing him from seeing clearly, but this was surely not the first time the doctor had been confronted with people in distress. "I'm Dr. Kama. Your loved one received a severe blow to the head but is very fortunate and does not suffer from a head injury that could have serious sequelae. "The doctor paused and resumed. "We put her on morphine. Her condition seems to be stable, she will wake up within the next few hours... You can see her but try not to be shaken much by her current state, she has one arm in a cast, her neck is immobilized, many bruises on her torso and a big shock on her head.  I will come back tomorrow. ». He shook his hand before leaving and immediately Oikawa found himself alone in front of door 407. His throat was tied in a knot, and he was already afraid to see what state Y/N was in.

She was lying there in a white bed in the middle of a room with white walls and wearing white hospital clothes. Everything was white. And it almost made him sick. There were strings hanging all over her body connected to oxygen and morphine tubes next to her. As the doctor had mentioned, her left arm was elevated in a cast. There were bandages all over her body and one around her head. Her face was damaged by a lot of scratches that had been treated. Her eyes were closed as if she was sleeping peacefully but peacefully was certainly not the word to use in this case. Oikawa's heart clenched at this horrific sight and tears were already reaching his eyes. He sat down beside her on a chair, not very comfortable, and burst into tears immediately. Gently he slipped his fingers into y/n's ones, trying to reassure himself that she was still there and that the feeling of her warm skin reminded him that she had made it through the worst. He needed to talk to her, and no matter if she wouldn't answer.

"Do you remember the first time we talked to each other? I'm sure I do, at least I have it stuck in my mind. Already then you were the most beautiful creature I'd ever laid eyes on. "As he recalled their first meeting, his brain took him back to their high school years.

The volleyball team's practice was about to begin, but y/n had to go back to the gym to get the sweater she left behind earlier. She was confronted with a horde of excited, eager girls, and judging by their ecstasy, it had nothing to do with the sport at all, but rather with the players. She definitely didn't have time to dwell on that and walked around the girls to the bench at the back of the room. However, what was her surprise when halfway through, one of the players blocked her way. His chocolate eyes were full of mischief and he was grinning, "Today's coach has banned the fans, but I see that some of them are defying the rules! I like that, after all, who could resist admiring this pretty face of mine? Especially when it comes to such a pretty lady as you! "Fan? Admire him? y/n's face clearly expressed her incomprehension and her frowning eyebrows reflected her perplexity at all this. "What? I just came to get my sweater, it's on the bench behind. "Oikawa burst out laughing as she couldn't figure out what was so funny about it. "Sweetie, there's no need to find excuses. I'll be glad to have you as my supporter... " y/n was starting to lose patience but fortunately Iwaizumi arrived at just in time and knocked Oikawa hard resulting in a strong "Iwa-chan !!!! " from him. "Stop thinking the world revolves around you, she's not in your fan club and just wants to get her stuff. Now let's get back to practice. " Y/N bowed her head to the second boy as a thank you and quickly went to get her sweater. The same sweater that earned her the glare from the girls at the entrance of the gym. 

"That day I was disappointed because the prettiest girl wasn't a fan of mine. And I was even more later when I realized that you were much more than just a pretty girl. The boys kept on teasing me after that, but deep down I knew that you were the one for me. It's too cliché to say and I don't even know how to explain it but you managed to awaken something else in me. "Oikawa was rarely so emotional. Of course he showed his love for Y/N every day and had no problem sharing his feelings. The number one flirt was never embarrassed. Now that was different, his heart was bleeding and he needed to share what he was feeling deep inside.

"It's funny, 'cause I thought you were a narcissistic douchebag." Y/N's fragile, feverish voice surprised him. At the same time she motioned her thumb and drew small circles on his hand. "HONEY! You're awake! Are you all right? Shall I call a doctor? Oh, do you want me to get you another pillow? Maybe some hot chocolate?" She couldn't help but laugh at Oikawa's hectic reaction. "No, baby, I just need you to hold me"

As soon as said, as soon as done.Finally, in a way, he had to manage to not hurt her and it wasn't easy, especially since the bed wasn't very big.  On several occasions she let out small noises of discomfort, always followed by murmurs of apology by him. Finally they managed to find a comfortable position for her rather than for him. Oikawa closed his eyes and took a deep breath, appreciating the soft scent of his hair. He had missed her more during those few hours than he had when he was in Argentina. Y/N did the same, with her eyes shut she was enjoying the warmth of her fiancé's body. It was almost as if she was at home since her favorite place in the world was in his arms. They stayed like that for a good ten minutes, even if Oikawa's muscles started to tense up.

It didn't take long before Oikawa broke the silence. "Y/N you're so mean! I was describing my burning love for you and you called me a narcissistic douchebag. "His voice was childish and was teasing.  Once again y/n laughed, happy to get bac the Oikawa she knew. " That's what I had thought, but look where we are today. "She spoke these words with a smile on her lips and bright eyes staring at the shimmering diamond ring on her left hand.  In reality Oikawa didn't care what she had thought, jerk or not, all that mattered was the present moment and knowing that she was fine. 

[official-weasley]

The Irreplaceable Charlie Weasley: Pt. 3, Ch. 7

PART 3: THE YEAR OF QUIDDITCH & MAGICAL CREATURES Chapter 7 - Care of Magical Creatures

Charlie

Almost half a year since our first Care of Magical Creatures lesson I still remember just how amazing it was. Nova and I have been waiting for that Thursday of double Care of Magical Creatures since our First Year.

We knew that Professor Kettleburn was going to give us a tour of the School's Creature Reserve and at some point, we knew we would have to take care of a creature or two. How did we know all of that? Let's just say we have our sources for the important stuff just like Tonks had a Third Years tudent last year to buy Dungbombs for her.

It was a nice change to have at least one class with all the other Houses. It meant that Nova, Tonks, and I could all have the lesson at the same time. At first, we were a bit skeptical about Slytherins but they have been really good and a lot of them are big animal lovers.

That Thursday, I woke as excited as on Christmas morning. I got dressed, stuffed the list of creature predictions, Nova and I made, into my pocket, went down for breakfast and I couldn't wait for the rest of the lessons to end so we would go meet Professor Kettleburn on the School Grounds.

The class hasn't even begun and I knew that Kettleburn was going to be my favorite professor. Tonks was a little taken aback when she saw that he had a claw for one hand, was missing an eye, and had a wooden leg. I, on the other hand, admired him to still be so passionate about his work after all the harm creatures have done to him.

I was wondering if I was going to get any scars or lose an arm or a leg when I start working with Dragons. A burn would be painful and would make my mum worried sick, but I think it would look amazing!

Professor was smiling all the time and loved anyone as excited to work with creatures as he was. He was the total opposite of Professor Binns who was not only dull but seemed to teach History of Magic just out of spite so that nobody else could get his position.

After his brief introduction about all the creatures we were going to learn about and work with in our Third Year, some that were included were a Niffler, which made Nova jump, a Bowtruckle, a Firecrab, and a Kneazle for which Tonks finally got more interested in the subject.

“But before we start learning about all these fascinating creatures, I have to show you something.” Professor Kettleburn got even more excited if that was even possible. “As Third Years, you are old enough for me to tell you that Hogwarts has its own Magical Creatures Reserve.” Oh, this was it!

Nova and I looked at each other, trying to hide the fact we already knew about it.

“We are going to go see it now. Just bear in mind that some of the creatures in the reserve can be quite dangerous so stay in line and don't touch anything.” Kettleburn's face got serious for the first time that day.

We followed him through the thin woods at the end of the School Grounds and as if we went through the wall between Platforms 9 and 10, a whole new world was in front of us.

I couldn't believe just how big it was and my hopes for seeing a Dragon just went up by 100%!

“As some of you would know, not all creatures can live and thrive in the same environment and some mustn't be close to one another as some consider others food and if they don't like each other's energy, they might want to attack one another.” Kettleburn explained.

“So, we have Grasslands. This is where we will spend most of our time this year. Here you can find Nifflers, Porlocks, and Abraxans.” He pointed towards a path, that leads to what looked like a big meadow, with his claw hand.

“Then we have the Forest, which we will visit by the end of this year. In here we have Fairies, Gnomes, and Bowtruckles to name a few.” He gestured us to go forward.

“This is the Dark Forest and we won't go in here until your Fifth Year.” Some of us sighed. “You will be able to study creatures like Unicorns and Chimeras in there.” Nova squealed when Kettleburn mentioned a Chimera. I chuckled as I remembered she told me on the day we've met that she wanted to own one when she was a child.

“By the Lake,” Kettleburn continued walking and we followed, “you can find Grindylows, Murlaps, and Flobberworms.” We moved forward.

“Now in this one...” he chuckled as if remembering a funny memory. “In the Rocky Mountains, we will be studying a Mountain Troll in your Sixth Year, a Manticore, and a Griffin. You will also find Doxies in there and Frost Salamanders.” Nova's hand went up at once. Professor nodded that she could speak.

“Professor, will we be able to take care of a Frost Salamander?” The hope in her voice was simply adorable. Next to a Chimera, Nova wanted to have a Salamander of any kind as she found them extremely cute, and learning about one and taking care of one in the Reserve would be a dream come true for her.

Professor Kettleburn scratched his chin with his claw and gave her question a thought. “Perhaps something can be arranged if your O.W.L.s for Care of Magical Creatures will be good, Miss Blackwood.” He smiled at her and at that moment I knew that Nova will start studying for the O.W.L. as soon as we are done with the class today.

“In Scorched Vale,” the Professor continued, “we have some of the most dangerous creatures that our school owns. We won't be going in there but I will bring a creature from it to our class when we study Firecrabs this year.” My hand was the one that shot in the air now. Professor Kettleburn smiled.

“Professor, are there Dragons in there?” I couldn't stop myself from asking. If there were creatures in there that were the most dangerous, even though I knew that smaller beasts than Dragons can be extremely dangerous, I found it a perfect place for them and it is called SCORCHED Vale!

“There might be.” Was all our teacher said and winked at me. If I didn't want to make a good first impression on him, I would've run in there right past him. I knew there had to be Dragons somewhere around Hogwarts!

The thing was, how would I be able to sneak inside? Getting inside the Forbidden Forest was hard enough with Hagrid always keeping an eye on the entrance behind his hut ever since Aragog told him about a visit he received from a blue and red-haired student.

Let me tell you we were in shock when Hagrid told us he knew we were in the Forest alone and for a moment we really couldn't understand how did he find out. Then he told us that he visits Aragog frequently and that even though he is blind, his younglings told him as many details about us as they could.

We had to promise Hagrid that we would never go in there again and even though we did and we haven't been inside since we have been searching for new ways to sneak in.

Professor Kettleburn was the one who showed us to the Creatures Reserve and even though the path to it from the School Grounds is pretty simple, he did have to use some kind of a spell for the Reserve to be visible to us, otherwise, a student, exploring, could easily stumble upon it. And knowing Dumbledore, he had to put some protective enchantments around it so that enthusiasts like me wouldn't wander inside when not allowed.

“The last reserve, that Rubeus and I are quite proud of, was opened just before the start of this school year. It's called the Foggy Moor. There aren't any creatures inside yet but we are having a Kappa delivered in a few months.” He beamed. “If you haven't learned about Kappas and how to defend yourself from them in your Defence Against the Dark Arts class, I advise you not to go anywhere near this place.”

He then took us back to the Grasslands and showed us the Nifflers and an Abraxan. We were lucky Nova's aunt was breeding them as when she told Kettleburn he bombarded her with questions, allowing us to play with the Nifflers until the end of the class.

The only thing missing in our first Care of Magical Creatures was Hagrid, for who I am sure he would love to be with us. I knew he helped take care of these animals and I wondered if we could try and convince him to take us with him sometime. The whole Reserve seemed less dangerous than the Forbidden Forest.

—

The next time we had the class, we were in for a big surprise. Next to Professor Kettleburn was a beautiful young Hippogriff. He explained that they just delivered him to be taken care of inside the Creatures Reserve and that he thought we could have a little lesson with him before he settles into his new home. His name was Chestnut and he was a beautiful brown color.

A Slytherin boy by the name of Barnaby was the first to try and befriend the Hippogriff. I had a chance to talk to him before class and it turns out he loved animals just as much as Nova and I did.

Barnaby looked like he knew what he was doing as he approached the Hippogriff with an extended hand and a bowed head. Chestnut, however, wasn't as keen to knowing him and Professor Kettleburn told him to retreat. I was the next to try and at first, it looked like the Hippogriff was going to bow back but changed his mind at the last second almost knocking me to the ground.

After a couple of failed attempts, which included Tonks, who accidentally looked him in the eyes, and a Slytherin girl who was so afraid that the Hippogriff sensed it and rejected her immediately, it was Nova's turn.

She took a deep breath and stepped forward slowly. She murmured something to herself that sounded like 'you got this' and bowed her head. She stood there for a second then extended her arm and took only one step closer to the Hippogriff. It looked like she was waiting for him to respond. The creature was just looking at her rather peacefully.

She bowed her head even lower and again only made one step. She waited again and she did this until she was only a step away from the Hippogriff. I couldn't help but admire her. She was so amazing. She saw how we all failed before her and she decided to take a slower, improvised approach.

I almost missed the part when the Hippogriff took a step backward and bowed to Nova. I was staring at her as if she was the centerpiece of an exhibition. When the creature bowed to her, I snapped from my daydreaming, feeling my cheeks burn red. Which was happening a lot lately, whenever Nova did something amazing. I was in awe that she managed to befriend the Hippogriff.

“10 points to Ravenclaw! Now look at it and offer your hand and perhaps he will let you touch him.” Kettleburn was as proud as ever and he was having just as much fun as we were which made the class even better.

Nova took another deep breath, bowed again still not looking the creature in his eyes, and extended her arm, approaching him. The Hippogriff bowed his head and not much to my surprise let Nova touch his beak. I could see that she wanted to jump from excitement but she knew she shouldn't make any sudden movements. She looked as if from a fairytale, petting Chestnut. Her long hair was moving with the wind and she was so graceful standing next to the creature.

I couldn't take my eyes off her and I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to call her my best friend. She was an amazing Quidditch player, she understood my stupid jokes, she loved animals and she was crazy enough to save me from an Acromantula last year. I felt my cheeks burning when Professor Kettleburn snapped me out of it, announcing the end of the lesson.

“Did you see that? Did you see it, Charlie!” Nova jumped to me, clapping her hands, her smile from one of her ears to the other one.

“I did! I am so jealous! How did you manage to do it?” I wanted to know her secret.

“There's this trick my aunt taught me. If you have to approach an Abraxan and you see he is not having it, you should do the same but slowly and listen to the creature's response.” She said proudly. “And since nobody managed to do it the Kettleburn way, I decided that it couldn't hurt if I try the method on the Hippogriff and it worked Char! How awesome am I?” She explained as we were walking back to school, shaking my arm while doing so.

“The most awesome.” I smiled, my cheeks turning pink again.

We decided to go to the Lake as that was our last class of the day and see who did better at predicting which animals were inside the Reserve. We were tied as Nova's list contained a Salamander, a Fairy, a Doxy, and a Niffler, and mine had a Kneazle, a Porlock, a Mountain Troll, which I really thought I wasn't going to get right and a Dragon. Even though Professor Kettleburn didn't explicitly say that there are Dragons in the Reserve, Nova allowed me to get a point for it anyway.

The next day Nova and I decided to introduce Barnaby to Hagrid as we knew he would like him as much as we do. We then spent the entire afternoon looking through the list Barnaby made predicting the creatures in the Reserve as well, saying that he had a little birdie that told him about it last year, and as Nova and I exchanged looks, we knew we made a new friend.

[solarwriting]

Gone for a Moment

Paring: Romantic!Peter Parker x Female!Reader, Tony Stark/Pepper Potts x Daughter!Reader

Word Count: +4.9k

Warnings: death, time travel, swearing

Request: N/A

A/N:  I started writing this forever (4 months) ago and a few days ago I tried to finish it and twice my additions failed to save, third time’s the charm. I also don’t like the first half of this.

“Where are you going again?” Y/n asked her phone, which was lying on the counter beside her as she tried to figure out a blueprint of her dad’s.

Peter, on the other end, answered into the mic of his earbuds, “MoMA.”

Y/n was quiet as she tried to decipher her father chicken scratch.

“Y/N,” Peter called through the phone, “Hello?”

“Sorry,” Y/n sighed, “I’m looking at some of my dad’s old blueprints, for his suits. I think I could modify it. You know to make it comfy.”

Peter laughed into his mic, “You just want you own suit, huh?”

Y/n snorted, “Well it’s not like my dad is going to build me one. I have to take matters into my own hands. And I already have a prototype.”

Peter laughed again, “It’s going to look great, also Ned says ‘Hi.’”

“Ah tell him I say ‘hi’ back!” Y/n exclaimed, “And MJ too, if she’s there. Tell that girl I miss her.”

“They heard you.” Peter said, he was interrupted by Y/n phone beeping. Her mother was calling her.

“I got to go, Peter. My mom’s calling.” Y/n explained, the two ending the conversation with quick ‘love you’s.

“Mom?” Y/n asked after answering the call.

Pepper sighed in relief, “Are you home.”

“Yeah, why?” Y/n asked as she walked the length of the kitchen, eyebrows furrowed in thought.

“Okay, I’ll be right there don’t go anywhere!”

“Mom, wait! What’s going on?” Y/n attempted to ask before the phone call was cut short.

“Oh, shit.” Y/n whispered to herself as she shakily made her way to the living room, turning the TV to channel six, since they always seemed to have answers.

“Is New York being invaded? This just i-” The sound of the reporter’s voice was interrupted by the ding of the elevator reaching the floor. The doors opened to reveal Pepper Potts searching the room frantically for her daughter.

When her eyes finally landed on the sixteen year old her face visibly softened and her body relaxed ever so slightly. “Mom, you have got to talk to me here, what the hell is going on?”

Pepper looked at her daughter pointedly, “First of all, language, I really don’t need you swearing like your father. Second of all, aliens because it’s always aliens. I need to get a hold of your dad just, stay here.” She instructed before leaving the room.

Y/n pulled out her phone with before typing a message with shaky hands.

“Please tell me you’re not on that ship.” Y/n heard her mother plead from the kitchen.

“Mom, is it Dad?” Y/n asked as she walked into the kitchen, Pepper nodded solemnly hand the phone to her daughter.

“Dad?” On Tony’s end, even though the static he could hear her fear, “Are you on the ship?”

“Yeah, honey.” He sighed into the phone.

“Dad, please,” Y/n whimpered, “Come back, we need you. I need you, I love you. Dad.”

“I- lo-e y-, too.” A static sentence came out of the phone followed by dead silence.

The phone slipped out of Y/n’s now sweaty hands, clattering to the ground as the teen quickly followed. Pepper was quick to move, catching her daughter and moving her so she sat in her lap, her head lying on her mother’s chest as she rocked her daughter, “He’ll be back. He’ll be back.” Being repeated like a ritual.

Neither of them were sure how long had passed but they eventually got off of the floor and spent their time watching the news and worrying. At some point, Y/n fell asleep because the next the she woke up feeling off.

“Mom?” She asked looking around the living room as she stood up. Her stomach dropped, “Mom! Something’s wrong.”

Pepper rushed into the room, just finishing a phone call, trying to figure out where Tony was, “Honey, what’s wrong.”

Y/n’s eyes filled with tears, “I don’t feel okay, I-I-I-” Y/n stumbled forward into her mother’s arms, “I love you.” Y/n could knew what was happening, “P-please make sure you live. Make sure you and Dad don’t stop enjoying life because of me, okay?” She asked, her lip trembling and tears rushing down her cheeks.

“I promise, baby. I promise.” Pepper’s face mirrored her daughter’s just as Y/n began disintegrating in her arms.  

Weeks had passed, no word. Almost a month had passed, no word. But Tony Stark was alive and not doing very well. He had just finished his recording, saying goodbye to his fiance and daughter when he was a bright light, moving closer to the ship. The light was so bright he was forced to open his eyes, He was unsure of what he was seeing but it was a woman, a glowing woman. And she carried the entire ship back to Earth.

The next thing Tony knew he was stumbling out of the ship, being supported by the blue meanie when Steve Rodgers ran up to aid him. “Couldn’t stop him.”

“Neither could I.”

“Lost the kid.”

“Tony, we lost.

They looked solemn, “Is, uh.” Tony couldn’t find the words but he didn’t need to because soon Pepper Potts rushed towards him and pulls him into a hug.

“Oh my God! Oh my God!”

“Is Y/n? Is she...?” Tony asked trailing after they pulled away from the embrace. Everyone around them was quiet as Pepper slowly shook her head

“She didn’t-”

“No. I did not float through space for a month to come home without a daughter. Take me inside, I need to get her back.”

“Before we do any thing, Tony. We have to help, you. You aren’t well.”

Time passes, Tony was unsure of how long it had been but he woke up lying a bed with a worried Pepper sitting next to him. “Tony,” He looked at her. “S-she told me.” Pepper cleared her throat, trying to hold back tears, “She told me to tell you that she loved us and wanted us, you to live, have a life. She didn’t e=want you to obsess about getting her back, she want you to live.”

No matter the efforts made to hold back the two were both quietly crying together. Pepper sighed, pulling herself together slightly. “I found her, uh, her phone. Look at the last message she sent, to Peter.”

Outgoing: Peter, I’m not sure what’s going on but it seems bad and I hope you’re safe and I really want you to know that I love you, so much Delivered; 23 days ago

“She really loved that kid.”

“Yeah.”

                                           FIVE YEARS LATER

The Starks respected their daughter’s dying wish by living. Life slipped through her fingers and she didn’t want that to happen to her parents. Pepper and Tony settled down, got married (and officially becoming the Starks) They had a kid, even; another daughter, Morgan Stark.

All was well and they were pretty lucky, considering but Natasha Romanoff, Steve Rodgers, and Scott Lang, Ant-Man. Ant-Man and his batshit plan of time travel to get the stones back so they can snap everyone back.

“Tony... We have to take a stand.” Natasha sighed, becoming fed up with the walls Tony was putting up.

“We did stand. And yet, here we are.”

“I know you got a lot on the line. You got a wife, a daughter. But I lost someone very important to me. A lot of people did. And now, now we have a chance to bring her back. Bring everyone back. And you're telling me that won't even...” Scott tried,

“That's right, Scott, I won't even. I got a kid and I’d like to respect the wishes of the one I lost by not dwelling.”

Morgan suddenly bursts out of the door and runs to her father, who picked her up immediately, “Mommy told me to come and save you.”

“Good job, I’m saved.”

That night, just as Tony was finishing up the dishes and continuing his dwelling when he found an old photo frame tucked behind some coffee cups on a shelf above the sink. In the frame was a photo of him and Peter with Peter’s Stark Internship certificate. Tucked into the frame was a small, aged photo of Peter and Y/n. Peter was looking sheepish as Y/n was happily pressing a kiss to his reddened cheek.

Tony smiled at the photo, they sure were cute. He realized, quite suddenly what he needed to do and why. He placed the frame with the smaller photo tucked into corner on the windowsill, for a better view and began his work.

He wouldn’t have been bothered if it hadn’t worked but when his computer told him the model rendered successfully he was in shock and he stumbled backwards, falling into a chair. “Shit!”

“Shit?”

“Done with your Juice Pop? Yeah, I think you are.” Tony said taking the popsicle stick from Morgan and wiping her face. “Time to sleep.”

“Wait, tell me a story, about Y/n.”

Tony sighed, thinking of a story to tell, “Well, this one time she convinced me and a bunch of other people to pretend to forget your mommy’s birthday one year all so we could surprise her with a big party. She was so mad, she came into the room ready to yell at all of us for not remembering but she instead got this huge party.”

Morgan giggled, “That’s funny.”

“Yes, very funny, now go to sleep. Love you lots.” Tony said standing up and walking to the door.

“I love you 3,000.” Morgan said.

“Wow, 3,000. That’s crazy. Go to bed or I’ll sell all of your toys.”

“I love you 3,000, too, big sister.”

                                                       -

Time travel, that was their plan. They were going to use Pym particles and travel through time, something Scott tried to explain. The only thing left to do was locate the stone, when they were and where to retrieve them.

Soon everyone found themselves in the past. Tony, Scott, Bruce and Steve in 2012 , New York to retrieve three of the stones, the Mind, Time and Space Stones. Bruce left to fine Dr. Stephen Strange to get the Time Stone. The remaining three moved, setting their plan into motion, Tony hid with a shrunken Scott on his shoulder. Steve was in position, waiting for his cue.

Tony had just finished insulting 2012 Steve’s ass and Scott quickly came to his defense, “I think you look great, Cap. As far as I'm concerned, that's America's ass.” Scott saluted.

The past Avengers were handing over the weapons to a Hydra team disguised at the time as SHIELD. Scott was confused at how the at how the past Avengers could have been tricked by these obviously bad guys.

Just as 2012 Thor covered 2012 Loki’s mouth to shut him up, Tony saw the Tesseract, “All right, you’re up, little buddy. There’s our stone.”

Scott crouched ready to fly, “Alright, flick me.” Tony flicked him, causing Scott to soar across the room where he landed on 2012 Tony.

Everyone was in position, Tony informed Steve the scepter was on the elevator. Steve went on the elevator, tricking the men into believing he was a part of Hydra and taking the case that held the scepter and the Mind Stone. On his way out, Steve was found face to face with his past self, who was under the impression he was Loki trying to steal back the scepter.

As Steve fought his past self, Tony was on the ground floor waiting for the Avengers to make their exit with the Tesseract. Scott soon found himself inside of 2012 Tony’s Arc Reactor second guessing the idea of giving him mild cardiac dysrhythmia.

“Window’s closing. Pull my pin!” Tony exclaimed over the radio, a moment later 2012 Tony collapsed to the ground, dropping the case with the Tesseract in it. Scott jumps on the case pushing it past Loki and to Tony. Tony picked up the case walking towards the stairwell but was stopped short when a very angry Hulk burst through the door and pushed him down, causing the case to fall open and the Tesseract to land at Loki’s feet.

Loki grabbed the cube and disappeared and Thor used Mjolnir as a defibrillator on Tony, letting out a sigh of relief when he didn’t die. Tony sighed, “Oh. we blew it.”

The three men stood outside arguing about what they were going to do next. They continued to argue about how doomed they when Tony interrupted them, “I got.” Before he continued a young girl, no older than ten, ran up to the trio.

“Dad?” She asked looking at Tony with confusion, she looked at Steve, “Uncle Steve? What are you guys doing? And who’s that?” She pointed at a very confused Scott, who looked at her than at Steve and then at Tony.

“The better question is what are you doing out here, little miss?” The girl looked at her feet embarrassed.

“Well, I wanted to help people. Some got stuck trying to run away.” She explained. This was when everyone really noticed her appearance, she had dirt smudged on her face and clothes and she looked a little tired.

She looked at Tony for a moment before hugging him, he was shocked for a moment before he moved his arms around her. He closed his eyes solemnly, this had to work. Steve glanced at Tony with solemn eyes before glancing to the ground and closing his own eyes. Steve’s eyes soon shot open when he suddenly felt something wrap around him, it was Tony’s daughter, she was hugging him. He wrapped his arms around her as well.

“Bye Dad, bye Uncle Steve. Good job at not dying!” She exclaimed as she rushed away. Steve and Tony exchange a look before looking at a wildly confused Scott.

“Who was that?” He asked pointing in the direction the girl ran off.

Tony sighed, “Not important, now we’re going to get the Tesseract and you’re going back to out present, pissant.”

The pair were in 1970 and they were looking for where the Tesseract could be. Steve sighed, “Tony…”

“Don’t. Let’s just get what we need ang get out of here, okay? Now, imagine you're SHIELD, running a quasi-fascistic intelligence organization. Where do you hide it?”

Steve motioned to a building a few feet away, “In plain sight.”

 -

Y/n remembered being with her mother, becoming dust and then blackness. Now she was back, in the tower, or what was the tower. She looked around, sighing. She was about to leave when she saw a small sparkle of yellow. That yellow spark grew and soon formed a circle that lead to a battlefield, she almost didn’t jump through it but when she saw the unmistakable red of her father she jumped into the portal.

She pulled the suit prototype out of her pocket, she placed the piece on her chest and two on her wrists, the suit unraveled and became form fitting in an instant. The suit was gold and had a few red accents, it was similar to her father’s in many ways.

She flew toward the familiar red of her father. She found him next Peter, they just separated from a hug. Y/n flew down and grabbed her dad in a hug, he was taken aback but when he saw her familiar hair, he squeezed her tightly. Soon he pulled away, her pressed a kiss to her forehead, “I missed you, kid. But right now I got to go.”

Tony flew away to aide in fighting Thanos’ army. Y/n turned around and faced Peter, without missing a beat the two rushed together and connected their lips in a searing kiss. They weren’t sure how long it had been but they knew it felt like forever. They pulled apart, breathless and lips puffy. They rested their foreheads together, “I love you.”

“I love you, too. Now let’s go help.” Y/n said, capturing Peter’s lips one more before flying away to help where she could.

It was a blur, she wasn’t sure how much time had passed but one minute she was helping a talking racoon take down a couple of Thanos’ soldiers and the next she was kneeled in front of her dying father.

Her vision was blurred as she looked at his face, “Come on, you have to get up. Dad, please. I need you.” Y/n’s body shook with sobs, “Don’t go, please. Please.”

Tony groaned, “Y/n, I need you,” He coughed, “Take care of Morgan. Take care of your sister.” Y/n cried harder as she was pulled away by Steve, who held her as she cried. Pepper kneeled in front of Tony, reassuring him that his girls would be okay.

                                                      -

It turned out Morgan really liked having an older sister and was instantly attached to Y/n at the hip. It was the day of the funeral, Morgan sat on Y/n’s lap on the couch as they watched a hologram of their father, “So I thought I'd probably better record a little greeting... In the case of an untimely death on my part. I mean, not that, death at any time isn't untimely. This time travel thing that we're gonna try and pull off tomorrow, it's– it's got me scratching my head about the survivability of it all. That's the thing. Then again, that's the hero gig. Part of the journey is the end.” He gets up and walks towards Y/n and Morgan. “What am I even trippin' for? Everything's gonna work out exactly the way it's supposed to.” He leans down and smiles, looking at Morgan then up at Y/n, “I love you 3,000, both of you.” The hologram ends.

[straykidsupdate]

Stray Kids Members on GO LIVE and Making the Music They Want to Make

There's bedlam in the kitchen, as K-pop disruptors Stray Kids wreak delicious havoc on a sterile commercial space. They dance around wildly, waving stainless steel pots and pans in the air and tossing freshly pressed napkins and imaginary ingredients with relish and abandon. In the forefront, fiery rapper Changbin serves up his own potent sauce with a pummeling verse, while dancer Lee Know attempts to stir fry a handful of what appear to be rose petals behind him. A marching band, their plumes high and faces unbothered, carries on amidst the mess — a visual manifestation of the heavy bass ostinato that immediately invades the senses. It sounds disorienting, maybe even slightly dangerous. It looks like chaos.

Welcome to "God's Menu" ("神메뉴").

The Korean boy group's latest single boasts a big, brassy hook laced with trap beats and an addicting refrain ("this is our tang, tang, tang, tang," they shout), a recipe that has become their signature dish. A sonic successor to last fall's explosive "Double Knot," the track teems with a tireless energy and their hallmark bravado. The video imagines the eight members as chefs who confidently concoct their own art from scratch. "Taste so good, everyone loves it," Han raps, in a mix of Korean and English. "All our dishes taste so strong."

The culinary metaphor is laid on thick, bolstered by a charismatic performance that includes Korean formalities like "네, 손님" (which translates to "yes, sir and ma'am" in English) and TikTok-certified choreography that incorporates mixing, frying, seasoning, and, most notably, chopping. But for a group that's been cooking up homemade beats and flavorful lyrics in their bedrooms long before their 2018 debut, it's a savory declaration that feels more than earned. "We just keep on making new things," leader Bang Chan sings, cleansing the palate with a sweet melody. "Because we're one of a kind."

They bring that same level of confidence and clarity to their first full-length album Go生, a title that combines the English word "go" with the Chinese character for "life" and showcases the group's penchant for clever wordplay. Pronounced go-saeng in Korean, it translates to "hardship." The English title, GO LIVE, reflects their desire to move forward without any lingering inhibition. Consider the 14-track LP a reintroduction to Stray Kids.

"We tried to not think too much," Bang Chan tells Teen Vogue from Seoul, South Korea, where he's currently huddled in a room with members Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N. It's late June, and they're in the middle of their first week of promotions for the album, which means early mornings, long nights, and a whirlwind of music show performances, interviews, radio shows, and virtual fan engagements. And yet, even as it nears midnight, the members, ranging in ages from 19 to 22, are still easily excitable. Australia-raised Bang Chan acts as the group's tireless translator, and despite recent concerns, his accent sounds as prominent as ever as he explains how Stray Kids adopted a fresh mindset in preparation for Go生. "Of course, we thought a lot about what to put in the album and how we wanted to make it, but we went with the flow," he says. "We wanted everything to feel a bit more raw."

Stray Kids made their official debut under JYP Entertainment with the riotous and self-produced "District 9," an angsty blend of hip-hop and EDM that would ultimately define the group's characteristic intensity, both musically and lyrically. It laid the foundation for 2018's I Am… trilogy of EPs, which focused heavily on the theme of identity as they charged away from systems that sought to control them. The Clé series followed in 2019, which threw Stray Kids head-first into the thorny, often exhausting labyrinth of adulthood. Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han, who comprise the group's in-house production trio, known as 3RACHA, write about their own experiences, etching their personal dreams and worries into a diverse discography that spans six EPs, multiple mixtape singles, and special releases. But with Go生, they've emerged with newfound perspective.

For years, their music was fixated on the idea of bulldozing through obstacles that stood in their way. They wanted to outrun their problems. Now, it's clear: Growing up isn't about overcoming anxieties and struggles. Instead, it's learning to live in spite of them — to run freely alongside them.

As a result, Go生 is a release bursting with color and vitality, a celebration of life's mercurial nature. There's a song for every craving, and a tracklist that demonstrates the members' prismatic talents as rappers and vocalists. "Easy" delivers boundless swagger over a trap beat (and it's already been immortalized on stan Twitter); "Airplane" is Stray Kids at their most relaxed, a chill summertime vibe that's also a tremendous showcase for singer Seungmin; main rapper and all-rounder Han lets his voice soar on "Phobia," an electronic-synth track that examines the paranoia of losing someone (it was also the final song added to the album); "TA" is all high energy and thunderous chaos, perfect for a future encore set; and "Blueprint" shines with its funky bass line, bright verses, and fierce optimism ("I'll proudly achieve my dream," Felix sings in Korean, as translated to English).

"We wanted to show what Stray Kids is really about," Bang Chan says. And in doing so, Felix adds, they "experimented with a variety of genres." The fellow Aussie, who Bang Chan affectionately calls his little brother and who fans (known as Stay) refer to as their "sunshine," speaks with a warm timbre. His flow is even deeper and more distinct, and it's been a solid entry point for Stay and locals alike. Felix is a commanding presence on "God's Menu," a testament to his growth as a rapper and performer. When asked about his five-star performance, he gets shy. "I think everyone put their all into this song and into the album," he says. "Sit down, be humble," Bang Chan jokingly sings beside him, a reference to Kendrick Lamar's 2017 manifesto "Humble" and a demonstration of the leader's persistent playfulness.

"We've all improved a lot in terms of our performance," dance captain Lee Know says, much to the surprise of his members. It's not that they don't agree, it's just that his eager contribution to the conversation catches them off guard. He's not always so talkative during press interviews. And there's an audible cheer among the group as he continues. "Our dancing has gotten stronger. Our vocals have gotten stronger as well. But we're still honing those skills. And we'll continue to grow."

Hyunjin, whose own development as a rapper, dancer, and vocalist with a mellifluous falsetto is well-documented on the internet, agrees. "As we get older, we want to show Stay more sides to us," he says. The lithe performer's strength is his versatility. He's highly adaptable, so it's not surprising that he's been working on writing and composing his own music under Bang Chan's watchful guidance. "I want to show [Stay] something different," he adds. (And that's a promise he intends to keep.)

Youngest member I.N thinks they're maturing in other ways too. "We've all gotten a lot more good-looking," the lively vocalist says, very matter-of-factly. Laughter erupts in the room, and Changbin's cackle is unmistakable. Undeterred, I.N carries on. "When it comes to performance, I've personally gotten a lot faster at recording and memorizing choreography," he says. Lee Know is quick to jump in. "I.N's performance in 'TOP' really surprised me," the elder says. "He's in the center position for the hook, and watching him I saw just how much he's improved. He's more confident now."

I.N is happy he gave off such an aura. "When we were preparing for this album there were times when I didn't feel so confident," he says. So he turned to his members, who listened to his concerns and offered him feedback. He feels much lighter now. "One thing I realized after watching our 'God's Menu' stages is that we all look like we're enjoying ourselves more. We feel more free on stage. And it just feels easier."

The album's most surprising and reflective moment comes at the halfway point, courtesy of Han. Written by the teen multihyphenate, "Another Day" is soft and simple, but no less introspective than his previous cuts ("19" and "Sunshine"). It depicts a feeling of restlessness caused by burnout and the inability to "rest without worrying."

Han's inspiration for the song was largely himself. "It's been a tough year, and I knew it wasn't just me who felt that way," he says. "So I wanted to put those emotions into the song."

In front of the camera, Han exudes relentless charisma. He's quick-witted and wickedly funny. Off stage, he's one of the group's two MBTI-approved introverts (the other being Hyunjin), and he prefers to relax in a controlled environment: his room. In fact, if he doesn't have a schedule or a song to work on, he'd prefer not to leave his bed at all, choosing instead to watch YouTube and anime on his phone. As someone who's deeply inspired by visual mediums, it's in these calmer moments where creativity often strikes.

"Everyone goes through times where things don't work out the way you want them to," he says. "But I think it's important to remember that while you're going through a difficult time, you need to take a breath. Go do something for yourself … Break out of that negative mindset and open yourself up to new possibilities."

Each of the members has their own way of dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety. Changbin works on music. "It's my healing," he says. And he hopes it can be healing for Stay too; he teaches fans the basics of rap during semi-regular streams on V Live. Lee Know prefers to do nothing at all. This is why the members often say the self-assured performer is like water — whatever is bothering him just washes away by morning. But I.N needs time away from the older members. ("Leave me alone!" oldest member Bang Chan whines, mimicking the moody teen.) Hyunjin finds comfort in sentimental music and Korean dramas, and he's especially adept at communicating with fans on Instagram and V Live, where he addresses their worries and offers support in both Korean and English. "That heals my heart," he adds softly. Felix has taken up cooking and baking, even going so far as to buy an oven for their shared apartment's kitchen. His brownies are already beloved by the members and JYP staff. "Making something for someone and getting to share what I make… even a small compliment will make me feel relaxed and good about myself," he says.

Meanwhile, Bang Chan has a bad habit of "brainwashing myself into thinking that I'm not restless when I actually am." So he relies on the members, or "the kids" as he calls them, to help keep him in check. "Our first week of promotions was really tiring, but when I look on stage and see them — see Hyunjin, Changbin, Lee Know, see them all — it gives me a lot of strength. They make me feel at home." (The kids coo in jest beside him. "That's right!" Han shouts.)

Seungmin doesn't often feel anxious, but when he does there's nothing that a long walk and a good playlist can't fix. Lately, he's been listening to "Another Day." "Han surprised me [with this song]," the dynamic vocalist says. "I listen to it often, and it has inspired me a lot." Han, never one to pass up a compliment, replies, "Thanks, man."

While 3RACHA are largely responsible for crafting Stray Kids' music, the members are all integral to the process. "It's not 3RACHA's music, it's Stray Kids' music," Changbin says in English. "So the members' feedback is very important. I feel the best when they like it."

Case in point: "God's Menu." The group had originally recorded a different lead single, and they were in the throes of comeback preparations when Changbin played a demo of "God's Menu" for some of the members. According to Bang Chan, this happens a lot: "We go home, we play a demo, and we party to it." It's as simple as that. But then something unusual happened: Upon hearing "God's Menu," Hyunjin immediately knew he wanted to perform it. This was Stray Kids. The other members felt it too. "The lyrics expressed our music and confidence best," Changbin says in English, as his members cheer him on. ("Go, Changbin!" Bang Chan encourages.) "It's a song only Stray Kids could perform.”

And it was a theme that personally resonated with Bang Chan. "Back in the day, when we were releasing songs as 3RACHA, I always liked to relate my producing process with cooking and science," he adds. "It's just a really fun concept." (Astute fans might recall the 2017 3RACHA deep cut "Alchemistry," in which the industrious leader declares himself a "mad scientist.")

So 3RACHA went straight to the top — to the company's founder J. Y. Park — and asked if they could change the single to "God's Menu." They didn't expect much; the single had already been locked. To their surprise, however, JYP agreed with their judgement. And so have Stay: "God's Menu" is the group's fastest music video to reach 60 million views, and Go生 broke their previous first-week sales record.

"It's a really funny and very warm feeling knowing that he believes in what we do," Bang Chan says of JYP's support. "And it makes us want to try out even more of our various ideas."

Producer Mike Daley (Baekhyun's "Candy") experienced 3RACHA's creative process and various ideas first-hand in Los Angeles last May when Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han spent a day with him in the studio following the U.S. leg of the group's Unveil tour. They worked on two tracks, one of which would eventually become "Easy." Daley played an unfinished demo for the trio, and the reaction was immediate. "A few of the guys just started rapping," he tells Teen Vogue. Bang Chan workshopped the hook and melodies with a few of Daley's friends and collaborators, while Changbin and Han wrote the verses. "Spear [Changbin] and Han were in their own zone on their phones, writing," he recalls. According to Daley, Spear — a reference to Changbin's 3RACHA moniker SpearB — laid down the first verse, and the atmosphere was electric. "He was going crazy in the booth," he says. "It had a ton of energy. And that got everyone amped up to make the hook have as much energy as the verses were bringing."

Daley, a veteran of K-pop songwriting camps, was surprised by just how involved 3RACHA were in the studio. "They knew how to produce really well, so we were all arranging it together," he says. He also observed their teamwork. "It seemed like they each had their role and worked together well," he adds. "Spear and Han were focused on the verses, but when they heard a melody they liked, they'd look at Chris [Bang Chan]. They knew how to get the song done."

And that sense of creative autonomy isn't just exclusive to 3RACHA. Through self-produced digital projects like "SKZ-PLAYER," all of the members are encouraged to express themselves through their art. "It's a really good platform for us to showcase what we want to show Stay, something that they haven't seen before," Bang Chan says. In May, he surprised fans with "인정하기 싫어," which translates to "Don't Want To Admit," a vulnerable piano ballad that laid bare his heartache. Last year, Lee Know released "Dawn," a slinky dance performance he choreographed himself. Seungmin covered his favorite band, and fellow JYP artists, DAY6. "I am very grateful that we are able to sincerely connect with Stay through music," the floppy-haired vocalist notes. As for Changbin, he recently dropped "Streetlight," a solo track in which he wrestles with feelings of loneliness. And Hyunjin released his own video — a contemporary dance he produced and choreographed to Billie Eilish's "When The Party's Over." He titled it "Empty."

"I wanted to express a different feeling, one that I couldn't show through our own performances," the perceptive dancer says. He choreographed the piece to convey his longing to perform. That loneliness that comes at the end of a party, he says, is the same emptiness he feels when he leaves the stage. "That void I feel sometimes, I wanted to express that through choreography."

Han's "Close" was inspired by the 2004 film Closer, specifically its opening scene, in which a young woman locks eyes with a handsome stranger across the street. The idea of human connection, of seeing someone and wanting to know everything about that person, struck Han, especially at a time when people feel farther apart than ever. But it was too raw to share. "I didn't originally want to release 'Close.' I wanted to keep it to myself," he says. "But after showing it to the members, they encouraged me, and that motivated me to share it."

And they continue to share their artistry with Stay. Fans are getting an intimate look at the members' songwriting and melody-making prowess in "Two Kids Song," a web series that splits them into pairs and challenges each team to write, produce, and record an original song. For Stray Kids, the desire to keep learning and pushing themselves — as songwriters, as performers, and as young adults navigating the world around them — both inside and outside of the practice room, comes naturally. "We're artists," Bang Chan says. "It's right for us to express whatever we want through our creative process."

However, with unfiltered access also comes moments of real humility, a reminder that the relationship between idols and the community they foster isn't defined in scenes of uncritical loyalty and fan service, but rather in instances where they hold one another accountable. In a June livestream, Bang Chan reminded fans, "I don't want you guys to spread negative energy around. Stays, you guys are better than that." That sentiment was recently reciprocated when the group participated in a July variety show segment that many Black fans deemed racially insensitive. Stray Kids apologized in a personal statement posted to the members' shared Instagram account, in which they rejected all types of discrimination with a promise to do better by their fans everywhere around the world. "We are still lacking in many things and we are trying our hardest to become better," they wrote in Korean and English. "We would like to apologize to anyone if we have stepped on a rake. It was never our intention but due to our lack of understanding."

It's this honesty that resonates most with their fans. It's woven into heartfelt lyrics, tearful ending ments, social media posts, virtual hugs, home-cooked meals, and earnest reminders to deal with — not run away from — things that are difficult. It is the lens through which Stray Kids see themselves: never perfect, but always sincere. Mainly, it's how they expel their innermost thoughts and feelings, the joy and the agony of everyday life. Whether that's by working on music, or choreography, or refining a new dish, or bettering themselves, that's ultimately up for them to decide. It always has been. Their appetites are insatiable, after all. "The fact that we have the chance to make the music we want to make and talk about the things we want to talk about is really special," Changbin says. "It makes me more excited for what's next."

A day after talking to Teen Vogue, Bang Chan, Changbin, and Han set the KCON:TACT stage ablaze with an opening performance that showed the world just how hungry they are. “They always say the same excuses, while they’re complaining we’re producing," Bang Chan sings, the Auto-Tune heavy. "The passion I give it, nobody can kill." It's a bold statement for any group to make, especially one as young as Stray Kids. And yet, it's that measure of determination that's defined their careers since they were teens trapped on a hellevator with nowhere to go but up. One day they'll reach the penthouse. For now, they're learning to savor the ride and embrace the mess.

"We're going to enjoy this freedom," Bang Chan says, "and eventually we'll fly high."