#then we had a exhibition reception

[kentucky-daisey]

Stayed out until 2am last night, got to work for 9am, finished at 7pm.

I'm so tired.

[modern-alebrije]

every time i tell someone i work in an art museum for the first time they'll ask if we ever do wine nights in the gallery and i have to explain that the last thing we want around the 100+ year old paintings is inebriated people holding open containers of liquid

[daceydeath]

I Want to Watch

Pairing: Wooyoung x Reader x San Word Count: 2.5K Genre: Pure Smut 🔞 Warnings: 18+, MDNI, Explicit Activities

AN: This idea came from writing a short one shot called 4:15 pm so it mentions the events of that but is not strictly related.

Wooyoung has had a brilliant idea but he is yet to actually mention it to anyone other than San.

 Wooyoung had teased you relentlessly about it for almost three weeks before you had lost your cool and snapped at him that he should just ask San to join you then if it was that important to him to watch his best friend fuck you. Funnily enough that seemed to work and he dropped the subject all together for another full month until he began to invite you round for dates when the others were home or when they were likely to be coming home. Teasing you about how he could just leave the door unlocked and call Hongjoong in to let him watch or that he bet you would look so hot with Jongho's cock in your mouth while he fucked you, each time getting you more receptive to his idea of his friends watching you, it started to actually turn you on. He knew you had a tiny bit of an exhibition kink, you never minded if they overheard you, but he never actually let the members see you or even hear you before the time San had discovered you and you had responded to him purposely toying with San more than he had anticipated.

"Woo what movie did you want to watch?" you called from the couch flipping through the streaming service to find something neither of you had watched. You could hear him muttering from the kitchen but you couldn't make out anything he said.

"Woo? Are you even listening to me?" You raised your eyebrows at him and watched him pace another length of the kitchen, phone in his hand "What's wrong?". He stopped to look at you, opening and closing his mouth a few times before huffing and walking over to sit beside you and pull you closer to him, his lips on your temple kissing you lightly.

"I may have done something that you may get mad about but I'm not sure yet, but in my defense it is a brilliant thing" he admitted letting you see how nervous he actually was.

"What have you done?" you asked, dryly knowing it could be anything from buying you a stupidly oversized plushie, a designer bag or ordering pizza. His ability to answer was cut off by a knock on the apartment door making you quickly assume it was probably closer to take out than anything more incorrigible. He let go of you to go answer and came back with a slightly flushed looking San which just confused you.

"Hey Sannie" you smiled furrowing your eyebrows "How are you?"

"I'm good" San nodded looking between you and Wooyoung "Am I early? You said come by at 9 Woo".

"So the thing is..." Wooyoung started his cheeks turning dark pink as he struggled to get the words out making you even more confused "You remember how you.... No um. Give me a second" he turned back to San pushing him into the entrance alcove and out of your line of sight. Although you could hear hushed but slightly frantic whispered bickering between the two of them.

"Man if you haven't asked her we can just make it another time, I'm not going to make her feel like she's being pushed" San muttered sounding worried.

"She will hear you moron" Wooyoung hissed "Also if you're here or not I'm not forcing her you dickhead".

"I didn't say you were I just don't want her feeling pressured that would be shitty" San sighed annoyed.

"Or you could both just talk like normal people since I can hear you both and am so confused right now" You interrupted loudly making them both sheepishly peer around to corner to look at you. "What is going on? Is this some kind of intervention that you two are trying to pull?".

"No, absolutely not" San shook his head innocently even though you were pretty sure he was far from innocent in this whole debacle.

"Then what is going on you're really starting to piss me off" you frowned looking between them and wondering when someone would explain the cryptic shit they were bickering about.

"Shit, baby it's nothing bad I promise" Wooyoung panicked coming back over to the couch with San hot on his heels "You remember when we were at that video shoot and you and I snuck off and..."

"and everyone was looking for you while you were too horny to keep your hands off me and just had to fuck me in an empty office? Yeah I remember I was there" you smirked watching both of their ears turn red and San look up at the ceiling to avoid your gaze.

"Yeah, do you remember that San found us and what I said?" he continued looking a little braver as you pieced together what he was saying.

"You want to have a threesome" you guessed, stopping him from dragging it out further, a wave of heat rushing straight to your core.

"Well I actually wanted to start off with him but eventually invite the others in too" he smirked watching your eyes widen "not all at once though".

"You want me to have sex with all of your members? all 7 of them?" you swallowed hard your embarrassment now showing as you felt your own cheeks burning at the reaction you were having to the idea of it.

"Yeah maybe? I wanted them to watch me fuck you then I wanted to watch them fuck you" he continued getting bolder with each word his grin getting larger as he saw how well you were responding to the idea.

"So you want to watch me with San?" you repeated, pressing your thighs together slightly to relieve the throb that was beginning to spread from your core. Biting your lip you tore your eyes from your boyfriends to look as his best friend who was trying to remain looking as neutral as possible. "Is that what you want, San?".

"Absolutely" San uttered without thinking, only to slap his hand over his mouth cutely after realizing what he had done, making you smile shyly at him.

"You going to keep being shy or are you going to kiss her?" Wooyoung teased his friend, his eyes already turning darker as he looked at  you as if you were a meal and he was starving to death.

"She hasn't agreed yet, Woo calm down" San smacked him on the shoulder before moving to sit beside you on the couch "Is this what you want princess?" he asked huskily, his voice getting so much lower than you had ever heard it, it was making your brain short circuit. You licked your lips looking at him for a moment trying to clear the fog that was already in your brain before nodding.

"I need words princess" he smirked, lifting your chin to stare into your eyes looking at you as intensely as Wooyoung had been making you feel a little shy at how wet he was making you without him even touching you.

"Please Sannie" you whispered breathily before San crashed his lips into yours. Kissing San was completely different to kissing Woo. You were so used to Wooyoung's deep, messy and needy kisses that San's sensual lingering ones made you gasp his plush lips were gentle against yours almost tentative as he let you initiate any increase in intensity only taking back control when you let a quiet moan pass into his mouth driving him to pull you into his lap to straddle his hard thighs.

"Didn't expect you to be so desperate to fuck San baby" Woo rasped his voice tight as he watched to make out with his best friend. You whined pressing yourself against the bulge that was growing in San's sweatpants enjoying the pressure against your pussy. “Look how needy you are, like I never take care of you huh?”.

San let his hands map your curves, eventually coming to rest on your arse squeezing it firmly as he encouraged you to grind on him a little bit. You were already feeling more aroused than you had any right to be, making out with your boyfriend's best friend should not get you as impossibly wet as you were but you couldn’t stop the needy gasps and moans leaving your mouth. San planted his feet harder against the floor gripping you tighter as he lifted you, walking you to Wooyoung’s bedroom where he carefully placed you on the bed on your back pressing soft kisses to your jaw and neck before peeling down your sweats to get better access to you.

“Shit” San groaned, his eyes locked on the wetness that had seeped into your underwear staining the white lace and making it virtually see through. Not being able to help yourself you felt yourself preen under the intensity of his stare biting your lip to get him to move back to you. His large hands ghosted up the skin of your thighs passing your hips and continuing up your sides so he could help you out of your shirt before connecting his lips back to yours

“Fuck baby” Woo groaned, smirking at the scene from the door “a few kisses and you turn into a complete whore”.

You opened your mouth to say something but your retort died in your throat and was replaced by a moan and San locked his lips around one of your nippled scraping the lace against your sensitive bud with his teeth, one of your hands flying out to steady yourself and the other grabbing hold of his hair.

“Sannie” you gasped feeling him smile against your breast, he continued covering your body with lingering kisses working his way down to your core, making you sigh and groan while he explored. “Shit Sannie”.

Stopping his mapping of your body he stood to quickly strip himself of his clothes leaving him in boxers that left little to the imagination, his thick cock straining against the fabric making your mouth water.

“Don’t torture the poor slut man” Woo ordered his voice thick with arousal as he sat at the bottom of the bed his eyes locked on you.

“Yes Sir” San grinned, pulling off his boxers and manhandling you back into his lap, tearing the lace that was left covering you from your hips with one harsh tug.

“Fuck off San I liked that set” Woo grumbled halfheartedly while San stoked his fingers between your folds making you mewl and arch into him searching for more, you couldn’t see your boyfriends face but from the mischievous grin that crossed San’s face and the sound of annoyance that left Wooyoung’s lips San was not meant to be toying with you this much. Sliding two fingers inside you making you whine, San couldn’t help the moan that rumbled through his chest into yours, his finger sliding in so easily that you should have been embarrassed.

“Such a wet little pussy” he whispered kissing your lips again while you fucked yourself on his fingers with an air of desperation, his low chuckled making you want more as he pulled his fingers back out of you with and obscene squelch before shoving them in his mouth.

“Hey!” Woo protested but you couldn’t concentrate on his words you just needed something, anything “We talk about this”

“Sannie, please, need your cock” you murmured weakly, your body burning for him in a way you had never felt.

“Course princess” he smirked, grabbing his length to line himself up with your entrance before letting you sink down on him.

“Such a desperate little whore begging for another man’s cock, you need that much cock that just mine isn’t enough?” Wooyoung grunted making you whimper as you felt your walls stretching around San’s dick until your hips met his. Rolling your hips experimentally you felt like you were being split in half by how much thicker he was than what you were used to, your head fell forward against his shoulder as you let yourself adjust.

“Give the pathetic slut what she wants, San” Woo continued, his voice more strained the longer he watched. Resting his hands on your hips almost gently San helped you begin to grind against him his breathing getting heavier as your confidence grew until you began bouncing on him your tits brushing against his chest with each movement.

“Fuck don’t want to be rough with you” San choked out as he tried to not snap his hips up to meet your pace.

“Please Sannie, I need it, please fuck me, please” you begged your eyes glassy as you met his eyes.

“Begging like a needy whore huh? Is San’s cock that good?” Wooyoung mocked harshly.

“I got you princess” San muttered gently before grabbing your hips bruisingly and snapping his hips up into you sharply making you cry out your head falling back and your mouth open letting him use you like you needed so intensely. San’s lips moved you your neck kissing and nibbling your sensitive skin as he pounded you into a pleasurable oblivion

“Aww is my little baby drunk on cock?” Wooyoung asked sweetly moving to claim your lips after not touching you for so long, lolling your head to the side you could see he hadn’t been able to control himself his cock out of his pants as his tugged at it in time with San’s thrusts and he fucked you. “Let him fuck you full yeah baby? You gonna let another man fill you with his cum? Let him breed you in front of me?”. The moan that fell from your lips was pornographic as another wave of arousal began soaking San’s length and practically dripping onto his balls.

“Fuck Woo she loved that” San grunted feeling your walls begin to flutter around him as your orgasm drew nearer.

“You going to let San claim you baby? Gonna let him knock you up like a little needy whore” Wooyoung knew you were close from the little gasps that you let out between your moans, each one getting shorter until you would explode.

“Ah…ngh…Sannie” you cried as you came so hard you could barely keep yourself upright, San moving one hand to hold you against him as he continued to fuck you through your orgasim and into the start of your next one.

“Fuck princess” he grunted roughly his cock stiffening inside you before painting your walls with thick ropes of his seed. His hips slowed until you were both still you resting against his bare chest both panting for air.

That was the hottest thing I’ve ever seen” Wooyoung swallowed hard while San moved you so you could at least see your boyfriend who had managed to finish all on his own “Never cum untouched before”. You could feel San breathlessly chuckle as you realized that you were still connected, his dick softening inside your walls.

“That was....fuck” San mumbled, still not attempting to move you off of him.

“We are doing this again” Woo grinned, moving so he could watch San’s seed drip from your stretched entrance before eventually helping to move you onto the bed so they could clean you up.

AN: Thank you for reading my lovelies. I adore you so much and your likes, reblogs and comments warm my half dead little heart xx

Taglist (open): @christopher-bangnaldoskzz @armystay89 @damnyouficc @roamingpolar @tara-skyhold @bakedlilgoonie , @krishastumblernow , @mrsseals16 , @fawnpeaks @leeknowinggg @uno7 @tanzen-ist-gold

[thebubblesareevil]

Family grows, it evolves…

Part 1, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5

There was a new exhibit on Ancient Greece at the museum, and as the resident expert Diana was given free range of the exhibit. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, normally the League doesn’t find a clone of one of its founding members and spend a, frankly, ridiculous amount of time deciding how to proceed.

Diana sighed as she looked at the large room filled with artifacts needing to be catalogued before display. She lamented not having the same speed as the flash for but a moment before getting to work. It was 5:00, if she wanted to get any sleep tonight, she needed to get to work.

She steadily made her way through stacks of paperwork, working with the efficiency that was drilled into her since birth. It had been hours since she began her work, and though she tired, she resolved to head home to get changed for the next day. It wasn’t until she made her way from the basement that she realized something was off. Doris was sitting at reception, though she should have left at 8:00, the sun was still high in the sky, not yet ready to make its decent.

“Calling it an early night, Diana?” Doris asked “Big day tomorrow! Finally setting up the new exhibit. I can’t wait to take the kids, they’re so excited to see it.” She said with a wide smile. Diana surveyed the desk, catching a glance the clock. There in bold numbers and as 7:00pm, she smiled as she replied.

“I finished things up sooner than planned, so I thought I’d head out for the night. I need to get dinner started before my guest arrives.” Doris’ face nearly split in two.

“A guest, is he handsome, oh how could you hold out on me Diana!?” She said excitedly “I need all the details!” Diana laughed.

“Nothing like that, my Grandfather decided to pop in for a surprise visit. I haven’t seen him in quite some time, so it’s a lovely surprise.” Doris nodded along.

“You’re a good grandkid. I miss my grandparents everyday, you never know how much time you’ve got.” She said with a sigh. “Have a good night!”

“All the time in the world.” She said to herself, checking her watch and grinning. It read 4:30 am, she yawned as she left, making her way back to her apartment.

Everything thing was silent when she arrived, though that was to be expected at this point. She wade her way to the kitchen passing by the figure on the couch.

“Would you like some tea? Do you drink at all?” She inquired.

“I am perfectly capable, though I rarely indulge.” He replied in a monotone voice, if she had been anyone else she like would not have caught the edge of sadness clinging to his voice. Diana set the kettle on the stove and made her way over to the couch.

“Something troubles you, something big enough to approach me after all these years.” Clockwork smiled “You’re much sharper than your father ever was” the smile dropped.

“You are aware of the multiverse.” He said, Diana nodded. “As the Master of time, I bear witness to each world, each time line. There exists a world where humans built a bridge to the Infinite Realms, creating a being both born and killed by the infinite.” Diana gave him her upmost attention. “Sometime ago I was tasked with the elimination of this creature, this child, to prevent the tragedy he would bring upon that world.” He smiled “I was never one to listen to orders though, and instead I set the boy on a path that would bring about great change… it had unexpected side effects.”

“What kind of side effects?” Diana asked, worried.

“He began to cling to me, seeking me out for advice. I even found him asleep in my clock tower more than once. I have admittedly come to see him as my grandson.” Clockwork have a soft smile “He reminded me so much of you when we first met.” He sighed “I am here to ask a favor, young Danny is approaching a crossroads. There are two possible paths his timeline might take, one where he lives of the rest of his years moving between living in dead, his truth hidden from those who wish him harm. However there is another path, one I fear is becoming more and more likely than the last.” Diana had never seen her grandfather look so old, his entire form shifting to match his tone.

“What is it? What is going to happen?” Clockwork looked at her with sad, tired eyes.

“He will be betrayed, from this betrayal he will suffer such agony that the Realms themselves will retaliate. Then he will sleep eternal, bound to the infinite. His world destroyed.” Diana gasped. She placed a hand over his,

“What do you need me to do?” She asked firmly.

“Should the worst come about, I intend to steal him away from that world. Cutting off its connection to the realms permanently. However he is a being of both life and death, he cannot neglect his human half. What I ask of you is this, that you allow this boy to stay here, with you. There is no one else I would trust with such a task.” Diana hesitated.

She was a warrior, trained for battle from birth. She knew nothing of caring for a child. She thought her grandfather intended for her assist him in battle but this…. She looked at her grandfather, his sad eyes resigned, as though he expected her to refuse.

“Very well, on one condition.”

“Anything my dear.” She smiled.

“You must visit more, when last we met I told you I needed time. You gave me that, now I ask once more for time, time spent together.” She nearly jumped as his form shifted to that of a child.

“Nothing would please me more.”

“And grandfather? Should the worst not pass, I would still like to meet tho cousin of mine.” Clockwork froze, before he practically melted.

“Of course.” His form shifted once more to that of a young adult. Diana smiled pulling her grandfather into a hug.

“Thank you.” He whispered and he was gone. The kettle screamed. Diana got ready for a long nights rest.

—————————

A week passed before she heard anything from her grandfather. It was to the night before the opening of her new exhibit and she expected everything to go as planned. Just as she was picking out what she was going to wear to the gala, the sound of cars outside her window stopped.

“What do you think? Red or black?” She asked as she turned around holding the two dresses. Her grandfather stood tall, a stern look on his face. Diana set down the dresses. “It happened, didn’t it?” Clockwork nodded. Making his way towards the living room he stopped by the couch. There, asleep on her couch was a young teen, not much older than some of her teammates protégés. He had pitch black hair and pale skin, with lightning scars crawling up his neck. He chest did not move.

“He’s not breathing!” She turned to her grandfather, but he appeared unbothered. He smiled, watching the boy sleep.

“As I said before, he is a being of both life and death, sometime pieces of one form bleed into the other.” He turned to Diana, “He needs his rest, as for your first question, the blue dress will suit you much better on this occasion.” Diana gave him a soft smile.

“Come, I shall make us some tea while you tell me more about my cousin.” Clockwork nodded, taking a moment to readjust the blanket around the teen, before heading to the kitchen.

——————-

When Danny woke, to the sound of people talking he had a horrid migraine. He did his best to ignore the pain as he tried to remember where he was. The last thing he remembered was a dream of his parents yelling and the GIW knocking down their door. He slowly sat up, looking around the room, every wall was covered in pictures. Danny slowly stood and made his way over to the pictures. They all took place over varied times, ranging from, at the earliest, the 1920s all the way to the 2000s. All of the featured the same woman, she remained unchanged even as those around her grew old.

He listen to the voices, one familiar, one not, as he made his way towards the source of the noise. When he opened the door he was greeted by the familiar face of Clockwork. Next to him was the woman from the photos just as unchanged.

“Good afternoon Danny, did you rest well?” Danny did his best to disguise his flinch at the sound, grinning at the old ghost.

“Just fine thanks, what….what exactly happened? Where are we?” Confusion dripping from his voice.

Clockwork looked Danny in the eye, what he said next nearly broke him.

“I’m so sorry, Danny.”

Danny’s legs almost gave out under him. “It happened didn’t it? They tried to turn me in, to the GIW. That wasn’t a dream.” The ancient stayed silent, Danny's eyes went wide. "Is Jazz okay!? She... she was upstairs... if they hurt her!" Clockwork stopped him.

"Your sister is fine, they were only there for you." Danny took a deep breath, trying to process everything.

"So what comes next? Where are we?" Clockwork looked at him with a deep sadness.

"We are in a world separate from your own, connected by the Infinite Realms. I saw the possibility of what was to come and made arrangements. Due to the crimes of your world against you, the Observants and myself decided the best course of action would be to remove you from your world, and cut the living off from the Infinite Realms entirely." Danny looked down, resigned to knowledge of what they planned to do to him. "As you know, as a half-ghost you must tend to both sides of your being." Clockwork turned to the woman, "Danny, this is my granddaughter, Princess Diana of Themascyra. She has agreed to have you stay here, with her." Danny frowned.

"Your granddaughter? But she's...uhh" he paused, not sure how to continue. Diana laughed.

"Alive? Yes, I do believe I am. I'm assuming my grandfather has neglected to explain his past life" Danny nodded "How much do you know of the stories Ancient Greece?"

"More than most I think, there are a lot of constellations named after the myths. That and it's hard to visit Pandora and NOT get an hour lecture on Greece" Diana's eyes went wide.

"You know Lady Pandora? How wonderful, I grew up hearing stories of her bravery!” She smiled “That being said, that will make things a bit easier. My mother is Hippolyta, her desire to have a daughter was so great that she molded me from sand, Zeus, king of the gods, used his power to give me life.” Danny blinked once, then twice.

“So…you’re a Demi-god? I don’t understand how that makes you Clockworks granddaughter.” Diana smiled. “I mean, I know Clockwork probably used to be Chronos, Jazz and I had a whole debate about that, but what does that have to do with Zeus?” Diana smiled patiently.

“Danny, Chronos is the primordial god of time, yes?” Danny nodded “Okay, well he is also the primordial form of Kronos, the father of Zeus, my father.” Danny froze, looking over to Clockwork who merely nodded, as though Danny’s brain was currently trying to shut down. After a moment the dots finally seemed to click.

“YOU ATE YOUR KIDS?!?!”

Clockwork sighed, Diana laughed, Danny had a mental breakdown.

It took close to five minutes for Clockwork to fully explain as Diana grinned in the background drinking her tea. Once he calmed down, Clockwork finished continued expaining.

"As for your ghostly half, I will be providing plenty of ectoplasm for you to eat as well as bringing you to the Infinite realms each week until you learn to create portals of your own." Danny nodded.

"What about school? Or hell, anything really. I don't exist in this world, how exactly do I go about doing anything?" Clockwork smiled.

"I called on the power of the ghost writer for any legal documents and I personally filed them in the proper time period to ensure you have what you need. I have given those to Diana" she nodded "as well as giving her legal custody of you. As far as the law is concerned you are her recently orphaned cousin. Son of her estranged Uncle Haiden and Aunt Penelope, who tragically died a few days ago." Clockwork smiled, rising from his seat.

"I'm afraid I have over stayed my welcome, I think it's best I take my leave and allow the two of you time to acquaint yourselves better." Danny stopped Clockwork, giving him a hug he whispered.

"Thank you." Clockwork gently carded his fingers through his hair before stepping back.

"If either of you need anything, just ask." and he was gone. Suddenly there was an influx of noise coming from outside, just enough to tell them that the world outside was moving once more.

Danny stood awkwardly by the chair their grandfather was occupying.

"You know, I don't bite." Diana said, trying to break the ice.

"I do." Danny replied on reflex, before covering his mouth. He looked at Diana, she looked back before they both burst out in peals of laughter.

"This is so weird, what even is my life?" Diana wiped a tear from her eye.

"Well, considering one of my teammates dresses up as a bat and beats up criminals, while another talks to fish, I think it's safe to say neither of our lives can be considered normal." Danny broke out in another fit of laughter.

"No shit?" he asked. Diana lifted a single brow at the term.

"No shit."

"What kind of team are you on exactly? Extreme cosplaying? Underwater battle royale?" Diana smirked.

"How about we get you some food and I tell you all about it?"

Danny smiled "Sounds like a plan."

@a-salty-sal@impulsiveasshole@meira-3919@alcorbearson@cute6troll@samgirl98@skulld3mort-1fan@addie-lover-of-stories@amercurio@chronicallyonline-fandomwh0r3 @heirxofxtime @gin2212 @thegatorsgoose@wanderer-of-worlds@terzatheunderscorerima@bright-shade@satanicrutialspecialist@mur-ururu@birdie-24-05@ascetic-orange@cyber-geist@thatrandomsarahchick

[clarisse0o]

Camp Wiegman-Part 54

Lucy Bronze x Ona Batlle

Alternative Universe : Military School

Words: 5k

Masterlist

———————————————————————

Monday, February 15th; 09:00 AM - Hotel.

A new day begins in the Alps. While Lucy, Jenni, and Ingrid are at the reception arranging snowmobiles for us, the others are waiting outside. Watching them playfully battle with snowballs makes me smile. I loved the snowball fight we had at school... Although I do regret a little how it ended. It's a memory I won’t forget, especially considering how sick I got right after recovering. I’m glad the girls didn’t follow them outside to join in. Instead, we stayed warm inside, watching through the windows and waiting for our friends to give us instructions for the day.

"So, how was your Valentine’s Day?" Ale finally asks.

"Absolutely amazing!" Mapi exclaims enthusiastically. "I never really celebrate it, but I think I’m going to change my mind now," she admits. "Ingrid was incredible. She surprised me from start to finish."

"I can say the same," I add. "I didn’t even realize it was the 14th of February."

"Me neither," Alexia laughs. "Jenni really surprised me too."

"I heard you fell asleep during the movie last night?" Mapi teases, nudging me.

I blush and nod reluctantly. They must have noticed, or maybe Lucy mentioned it without me knowing. I was so comfortable and exhausted from the day that the movie knocked me out. Poor Lucy must have carried me to our room because apparently, I was too asleep to wake up.

"Yeah, but Lucy didn’t mind, so it’s all good. So, what did you do during the day?" I ask, trying to change the subject.

"We went Timbersledding in the morning. It was awesome!"

"Really? We did that too!" Mapi exclaims. "Except we did it in the afternoon."

"What is that?" I ask, suddenly feeling clueless.

"It’s like motocross on snow," Alexia explains. "It took me a while to remember the word too," she admits, as if it wasn’t a big deal if I didn’t know it.

"Motocross on snow?" I squint. "Isn’t that kind of like snowmobiling?"

"Yeah," she giggles. "But it’s way more powerful."

The revelation makes me feel even more foolish. They must think I’m really timid after how I reacted to Lucy’s few accelerations the other day.

"We had a half-hour lesson, enough time for me to get the hang of it, and then we went up into the mountains," she continues. "At one point, the instructor let us go on our own. Jenni knows I love thrills, so we try to do activities like that whenever we can."

"I have to admit it was really cool," Mapi says. "We had the same setup, and I don’t regret it."

"Is that all you did?"

"No. She took me to lunch afterward. Then in the afternoon, we did dog sledding and finished with a zip line. That was awesome too!"

"Ooooh! Really? No surprise there, that must have been amazing."

"Yeah," she smiles. "If there’s one thing you should do before leaving, it’s definitely that!"

"Wow, Jenni doesn’t mess around," Mapi says.

"Never. She also took me to a restaurant for both lunch and dinner. Then we finished with *Titanic*."

"And you, Mapi? What did you do in the morning?"

"We stayed here. We had breakfast in bed, and she had planned a spa session for us. After that, I also got to do dog sledding. Then we went to eat, and you know the rest. We’ve been talking about ourselves, but what about you? Did Lucy live up to the expectations?" she teases.

"Of course she did. We also started with breakfast in bed, then she arranged a carriage ride."

"Seriously? That’s so cool," Alexia says. "Maybe that could rival our sledding."

"Maybe, yeah," I giggle. "It was really nice. We cuddled up together the whole ride. Afterward, we went to eat in town, and then she took me to an exhibition."

"An exhibition?" Mapi asks, puzzled.

"Yeah. There was one in the nearby village. She saw a poster at the hotel and wanted to take me because she knows how much I love that."

"Oh... Sounds like she really nailed it," Mapi comments.

"Absolutely! We ended the day with a massage session and a private pool at the hotel. Then, like you, we ate at the hotel and watched a movie. She really chose all the activities I love; it was amazing."

I could have shared more about our morning when she told me she loved me, but I prefer to keep that detail to myself for now. Who knows how they would react? I don’t need them to get all excited right away. It’s something intimate that I plan to cherish on my own. We don’t have much more to talk about, as the three people we were waiting for walk towards us. Judging by their expressions, things didn’t go well.

"We couldn’t get the snowmobiles," Jenni grumbles.

"Weren’t they available for this morning?" Mapi asks.

The hotel had put up a board showing when they were available and how many there were. It seems we were too late for today. Yet, as Mapi just said, they should have been available this morning.

"They’re already reserved for early afternoon, and they’re worried we won’t return in time," Lucy explains.

"We’re stuck here. We’ll have to find another activity for the day," Ingrid sighs.

"Well, we could take a walk in the forest," Alexia suggests. "The girls are already having fun outside, so we might as well enjoy it, that way everyone’s happy."

We all look at each other for a moment, as if silently deliberating. I don’t mind this plan. Lucy and I love nature, so I’m sure she’d agree too. As for the other three girls, they don’t seem opposed to the idea either.

"She’s right. I’ll check with the reception to see if there are any trails nearby. » Jenni says

"Good idea, I’ll join you."

Lucy, who just responded, follows her, as does Ingrid. We’re back to three again. I sigh, starting to get a bit tired of waiting around. Seeing some empty chairs not far from us, I don’t hesitate long before heading over to them, quickly followed by my friends.

- Everything seems to be going well between you and Lucy, said Mapi.

- Yeah, everything's great. I'm glad we're on vacation, though. It's not the same at school.

- That's true. How do you plan to handle things there? Ale asked.

- Lucy wants to keep the two relationships separate.

- What do you mean by that...?

- She wants to continue being my supervisor.

- And do you think she'll manage? Mapi teased. I mean, even if you two aren’t sleeping together yet, you seem really close!

- What do you know about that anyway? I retorted, unable to stop blushing. In any case, that's something that concerns only us.

- Oh yes, for sure, but Mapi's right, Alexia chimed in. Jenni didn’t want to mix things either. Well, it was different since she wasn’t in charge of me at the time… But it was still hard to keep our distance. In the end, she was the one who came to see me until we got caught.

- As you just said, it’s different. Lucy and I can see each other more often. Even if I won’t get any affection, I’ll still be with her, and that’s all that matters to me. Anyway, there are only a few months left, and I doubt Lucy will crack during that time. She doesn’t tend to give up when she wants something to work her way.

- That’s true... She’s always been the reasonable type, I think, Mapi sighed. Doesn’t that bother you? I mean, you’re usually someone who lets loose. I don’t get the impression that’s her style.

I frowned and shook my head. I know Lucy is reasonable, but it’s never been a problem. As I told Lucy herself, I love our differences.

- No, it doesn’t bother me. Thanks to that trait, she’s brought stability into my life.

- You’re right, Ale smiled. If there’s one thing Lucy can bring you, it’s definitely stability.

- The question is whether that’s what you want, Mapi muttered.

The tone of her voice didn’t sit well with me. Something was off. She wasn’t like this earlier in the morning. I didn’t have time to react as a hand rested on my shoulder. When I turned around, I saw my girlfriend’s smiling face. I decided not to dwell on Mapi's remark and smiled back at Lucy.

- Is everything settled? I asked.

- Yeah, the receptionist recommended a nice trail, and we can even stop to eat if we leave now, she announced. I came to get you. The others went outside to let the girls know.

- Cool.

I stood up, ready to take her hand, but Mapi didn’t give me the chance. She slipped her arm through mine instead.

- Come on, let’s go! she shouted.

I bit my lip as I looked back while she dragged me toward the exit. I found Lucy sighing. Even though she doesn’t say it anymore, I know she still struggles to tolerate Mapi’s behavior when she acts like this. Alexia, on the other hand, was trying not to laugh beside her. Unlike her, I didn’t find the situation funny. It’s not easy to find the right balance between the two. I turned back to Mapi, who flashed me a smile that I found hard to return. In situations like this, I struggle to understand her, but as a good friend, I held back my comments and let her lead me without a fuss. After all, she also has the right to some of my time.

Monday, February 15; 1:30 PM - Forest.

- Don’t you want to move a little faster?

I stifled a groan upon hearing Mapi's voice again.

- Go ahead, we’ll catch up, Alexia replied with a hint of amusement.

- Well… okay. See you later!

I sighed, running my hand over my face to avoid watching her skip ahead. She had managed to exhaust me. I’ve never known a walk to feel this long. I guess I’m familiar with the phenomenon that’s currently prancing in front of us until she finds her girlfriend. I love walking, but with the many kilometers we’ve covered and Mapi’s endless chatter, my feet are on fire, and my head is about to explode. I was grateful to the others for making stops from time to time. The worst part was that she kept rehashing our past, which she recounted to Alexia. Alexia kindly stayed with us, seeing my despair. She brought up so many memories. I didn’t even remember doing half of it. Our evenings were what she talked about the most. She kept circling back to that, glancing at me as if expecting a reaction. I didn’t give her one. All I could think about was how thankful I was to Lucy for getting me out of that cycle. It will always be a part of me, but I’ve learned to have fun in other ways now. Drinking and smoking can be fun for a while, but it’s no longer something I want to do every weekend. Mapi finally tired of her act when I started lagging behind the others. She’s now gone, without even noticing my weariness. Alexia burst into laughter shortly after she left, quickly joined by my girlfriend, who had waited for us to stay with us. I must have made quite a face because they couldn’t stop laughing. Still, I couldn’t help but smile as I realized that Alexia and Lucy were sharing a laugh. It’s not something you see every day.

- Alright, are you done? I’d like to see you in my shoes!

- Sorry, but your face was priceless, Alexia defended herself between laughs.

- It’s really not funny.

- What did she do to make you look like that? Lucy asked.

- Talk, talk, and talk some more... but like, all the time! And the worst part was she only talked about what we used to do! Can you believe that?

- If you must know, I learned that Ona was the champion at forgetting last night’s mess after a party, Alexia summarized with amusement.

My elbow reflexively jabbed into Alexia’s side. I took the opportunity to give her a stern look. I didn’t need Lucy knowing that kind of thing. I’m not proud of it. The worst part is that I never ended a night the same way. Rarely did I wake up in a bed, with or without Mapi. I was a party animal, and I’ll probably never shake that label.

- You don’t need to hit her, Lucy scolded me. It’s not like I didn’t suspect it. I saw the kind of parties you hung out at.

I blushed, regretting not thinking about that before taking her to Miller’s house. Maybe that’s why she so easily agreed to go. She wanted to see where I spent all my nights before I met her. She was right. It was in that house that I spent most of my nights. Miller was lucky enough to have parents who often had to travel for work. They let him do as he pleased as long as the house was clean when they returned, and he always managed to do that. I’ve lost count of how many times we had to help him clean up. We made quite a mess. As Mapi mentioned earlier, there was even a time when we painted all the walls of the house. I think that was the first time Miller got scolded. We couldn’t afford to run from what had been done since it was a weekend. However, we were good at repainting all the walls after our classes. It would have taken them several days if we hadn’t helped.

- Well, I was a teenager after all, I shrugged.

- That’s no excuse. I didn’t go out that much when I was a teenager.

- What were you like? Alexia asked curiously, unknowingly saving me from a certain argument.

- Much more reasonable, Lucy smiled. If we went out, it was like now. We went to a bar, the movies, or something like that. Parties didn’t interest me. Jenni went sometimes, but I never joined her.

Seeing them chat so easily made me smile. In just a few days, this trip has already done a lot of good. The fear Alexia had when we left seems to have disappeared. I had kept telling her she was worrying for nothing. Lucy's behavior must have reassured her a lot. She’s much more relaxed here, and as I told her, Alexia noticed that Lucy has nothing to do with the “Commander” from Camp Wiegman. The fact that Lucy knows Ale was there for me a lot when we weren’t on good terms must help. She understood that I really care about her, and that must have calmed her down about her. At least, I imagine that for Lucy, Ale made up for sending away her best friend by being there for me because she’s stopped resenting her since. It’s a good thing we became roommates. Without our friendship, none of this would have been possible.

- Were you popular? I joked as I joined the conversation.

- No, she immediately replied. I started to become known when I got into sports in high school, but since I never went to parties, no one paid attention to me. I was way too focused on studying to get my diploma.

- I’m sure it wasn’t necessary. You’re very smart, I replied.

Maybe, she shrugged with a small smile. But I still graduated top of my class in high school, and despite my injury, I found a good college for my higher education. Without my good grades in all subjects, who knows how I would’ve ended up without sports.

Lucy deserves a lot of credit. Who knows how things would have turned out if she had only focused on training… She can anticipate things if they go wrong. That's definitely not my case. I tend to rush in headfirst.

"Wow," Alexia says. "I didn’t know you got injured. Maybe I should focus more on my studies," she laughs.

"Oh, don’t worry. Injuries happen, but they don't affect many people, really. I guess I’m just one of the unlucky ones."

"Don’t say that," I reply.

"You handled it very well, so that’s cool," Ale says. "What did you end up studying, if you don’t mind me asking?"

"Well, my injury changed a lot of things. Jenni was just as upset as I was. That’s when we came up with the idea to open a gym together. My only option was to enroll in a management school specialized in sports, but few schools offered that. When I had to move to Manchester, Jenni didn’t hesitate for a second to follow me."

"But she continued with sports, right?" Alexia asks, frowning.

"Yes, she did. We went to the same school but with different majors. She still took some of my courses as electives to help support our project."

"I didn’t know that. I mean, I knew what she wanted to do, but she never explained the backstory. How did you two meet, anyway?" Alexia continues, clearly intrigued.

"We’ve known each other forever," she shrugs. "She was my neighbor, and she would stand up for me when the neighborhood kids picked on me. I was an easy target as a little girl, and she hated that," she laughs. "She’s always been very diplomatic in conflicts. Since then, we’ve never been apart."

"I was so jealous of you at first," Alexia admits. "Jenni talked about you like you were the most precious thing in her life," she explains, making Lucy smile. "She insisted on making sure you knew about us. I was terrified of that, given your reputation, and even more so when she admitted you didn’t take it well. I thought you would break us up in a heartbeat."

Lucy sighs, running her hand through her hair, almost embarrassed by Alexia's confession. I’m just an observer in this scene, but I listen intently. I’ve wanted to know the whole story for a long time, and if it could end here, that would be perfect.

"I did struggle with it, yes. Working at Camp Wiegman was important to me, both for personal and financial reasons."

I smile, fully understanding the personal reasons. Knowing that I’m one of the few who knows that part of her life warms my heart. I feel privileged.

"I was afraid Jenni would ruin everything for us, but at the same time, I wanted nothing more than her happiness. I understood that you meant a lot to her, so I held back, just as she asked me to. Still, what I feared came true. You got caught, and she got fired. I couldn’t hide my anger towards you after that."

"I’m sure it wasn’t as strong a feeling as you make it sound," I murmur.

"No, but I had a hard time accepting Jenni’s departure. I thought everything was over. Even so, she never gave up. She was unemployed for two months during the summer before finally finding work at a gym. It was because of that period that our funding got blocked," she explains. "They thought we were unstable professionally, but we proved that wasn’t the case, and here we are, finally launched."

"My intention was never for her to get fired," Alexia says, regret in her voice.

"I know. I just expected your relationship to fall apart after she left, and that she would have ruined everything for nothing. I was wrong, and I regret that. It was a good thing that Ona was in your room. I got to see a different side of you thanks to her. I hope you don’t hold too much of a grudge against me. It was never my intention to hate my best friend’s girlfriend."

"It’s fine. You had your reasons, and I completely understand. I just hope everything’s better now."

"Of course," Lucy smiles. "I won’t question your relationship anymore. As long as you take good care of her, you’ll have my full support."

"Then we shouldn’t have any problems," Alexia giggles.

"If we do, I’m sure Ona will make sure to put me back in my place," Lucy jokes, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

I blush as Alexia laughs. The image must be hilarious, even if it’s probably what would happen. I’m glad everything is resolved now, and since they get along, I’ll make sure to maintain their relationship. I love Alexia, and since she’s the girlfriend of Lucy’s best friend, it’s best to keep things peaceful between all of us.

"I doubt that will be necessary. You’re the one who makes most of the decisions, right?" Alexia asks Lucy.

"Hmm... No. I mean, we make decisions together. And don’t be fooled—Ona has quite the temper when she wants to. Right?" 

She playfully nudges me with her hip. I wish I could shrink into the ground right now. The worst part is, I can’t deny it. I do have a strong personality when I’m comfortable with someone. I hadn’t realized I’d reached that point with Lucy.

"Yeah, yeah," I mutter.

"Oh, guys, the cabin’s finally here!" Mapi yells from up front.

A sigh of relief escapes my lips.

"Finally, for fuck sake!"

"Hey, language," Lucy scolds me.

"It’s not you who had to endure almost three hours of conversation with Mapi at your side."

"She’s your friend, so it’s your responsibility to deal with her," she teases. "Personally, I have no issues with mine."

I stick my tongue out in response, which makes her smile. If only I could understand what’s going on in Mapi’s head. It’s clear she’s not acting like herself. She’s almost clingy, and that’s not like her. It’s as if something is bothering her. I plan to get the words out of her mouth if it comes to that. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my relationship with Lucy, it’s that communication is golden and prevents a lot of problems. Just a few more steps, and we’ll finally reach the lodge Mapi mentioned. This is where we’ll have lunch. Finally. I’m starving, and my feet are burning with pain. Plus, I can’t wait to take off this thick jacket. It’s like a snowsuit. Heavy layers are definitely not my thing.

"Come on, just a few more steps, and we’re there," Lucy reassures me, as if she knows what I’m thinking.

"Will we keep going after lunch? Or turn back?"

"No idea," she shrugs. "Either way, we’ll probably have the same distance to cover."

I groan in complaint, making Lucy laugh. I love walking, but not so much in the snow. At least the weather is on our side. If there was ice instead of snow, I’d be the first to end up on my butt.

"I hope we take the shorter route!"

"Are you done complaining?" Alexia teases. "We’re here to enjoy ourselves, Miss Grumpy!"

"She took the words right out of my mouth."

"Hey, just because you two have buried the hatchet doesn’t mean you get to gang up on me! I’ll complain if I want to, okay?"

My rhetorical question only makes them laugh more. I cross my arms, earning a kiss on the cheek from my girlfriend.

"We’re just kidding, relax. We’ve arrived, so go warm up, my little grumbler."

"You’ll see what your little grumbler will do if you keep this up," I mutter.

"Keep it up, and I’ll leave you to spend the rest of the day with Mapi."

"No!" I respond immediately. "You wouldn’t dare?"

"Want to bet?"

She holds the door open for me, challenging me with a smirk. I sigh as I unzip my jacket when I step inside. I know when to keep quiet, and this is one of those moments. We’re joking around, but I know she’d be capable of it, and given the situation with Mapi, it’s definitely not the time.

"I’ll be good, thanks."

Unfortunately, we were the last ones to enter, so naturally, the only seats left were across from Mapi and Ingrid. It seems everyone has settled into their usual spots because, since the beginning, no one has changed their seating arrangement. I end up across from my best friend and between the two girls who accompanied me.

"Have you been here before?" I ask Lucy.

- "No, I haven't had the chance to do this trail. Jen and I did the other one, but it was much longer, so we decided not to do it today."

- "Oh, well, that's a relief, huh?"

- "Are you still complaining?" Alexia teased.

- "She's not likely to stop anytime soon," Lucy continued. "It's in her nature to grumble, but we love her anyway."

- "Hey, have you both finished ganging up on me?"

- "Ooooh, we're just teasing you," Alexia laughed.

I barely had time to pout before Lucy pulled me close. I smiled as I snuggled into her arms. Across from us, the girls were chatting with the guys, understanding that we were in our own little world. However, I noticed Mapi sneaking glances at us. When our eyes met, she gave me a smile, almost forced—more like embarrassed at being caught in the act. Knowing her, she's holding back from saying something.

- "You're not going to sulk, are you?" Lucy whispered to me.

- "No, not if you keep making it up to me like this."

She chuckled softly, kissing the top of my head. I especially appreciated her affection. She’s much more affectionate than I expected. I'm not naturally the cuddly type, even before Feli, but I find myself enjoying every touch from her. It’s reassuring in a way. It’s so different from what I’ve known, and it feels like she wants to show off our relationship to the world. Yet, I know all of this will vanish the moment we step back into school. Just thinking about returning to our daily routine makes me want to cry.

- "Sweetheart," Lucy called, snapping me out of my thoughts.

- "Huh? Oh, sorry," I apologized to the waitress who was holding out the menu, which I hadn't noticed.

- "No worries," she smiled. "I'm here if you need anything," she said as she finished handing out the menus, making it clear that she'd been waiting for a while. "Should I come back for the drinks, or do you already know what you want?"

- "You can come back," Aitana answered. "We'll take a look at the menu first."

- "Alright."

She smiled at her before walking away. I hadn't noticed how interested Aitana was in her until I saw her checking her out. I stifled a laugh when she said:

- "Do you think she really means it when she says she's here to meet all our needs?"

- "Looks like someone here is a little desperate," Jenni teased.

- "Yeah, well, shut up, you guys," Aitana shot back, pointing at us. "You're all in relationships, so you wouldn't understand. She's pretty hot, isn't she? Maybe I should ask for her number."

Everyone laughed, though mine was a bit awkward since Lucy and I haven't done anything yet. I shouldn't be worried since we've only been together for less than a month, but knowing that Mapi and Ingrid have already slept together makes me a bit uneasy. It's frustrating because I'm not sure I'm ready to take that step. It’s daunting, like I’d be losing my virginity all over again. Almost as if she could read my thoughts, Lucy kissed my temple.

- "What do you want to drink?"

I blinked, trying to focus on her. The others were debating whether Aitana would get the waitress's number or not. If I were to join in, I'd probably say she has a good chance given the way she looked at her, but my mind was elsewhere.

- "Everything's fine, remember?" she continued when I stayed silent.

I cleared my throat and nodded. I felt silly. Of course, she knew what I was thinking, and she's reassured me about it many times.

- "I know. Sorry. I just feel a bit foolish."

- "There's no need to. So, what about that drink?"

- "What do you recommend?"

She smiled, making me smile too. She knows good wine better than I do. Over time, I’ve realized that she doesn’t mind alcohol; she just knows how to enjoy it in moderation. It’s something I’d never done before. She suggested a few different wines, but I ended up ordering the same one as her when the waitress came back to take our orders. As for the main course, we all went for raclette. Since we were here, we might as well enjoy the cheese. The meal was lively, especially with the girls who kept calling the waitress back for trivial things, like a jug of water. By the end of our meal, Aitana did end up getting her number, as I expected. On top of that, she invited us all to a private party in town tonight. Everyone was thrilled. It was just what we needed since we arrived. After that, our hike resumed. Unlike the walk up, I decided to stay towards the front, allowing me to spend time with all the girls on this trip, not just Mapi and Alexia like before. Mapi didn’t seem too happy about it, judging by the way she looked at me. I realize there's a real problem, and I’ll have to address it soon if we want to have a good time together.

[brf-rumortrackinganon]

Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh

Public entrance to the courtyard in front of the palace. (The blue boxes are obscuring people I was traveling with.)

Just past the gate, in the palace forecourt

Another view.

Close-up of the grand entrance

The palace courtyard. I believe you can have receptions here.

The flag flying over the Palace. The Queen was not in residence. Boo.

Couldn't take photos inside, but it was cool. The state rooms were dressed and decorated as one would expect. The picture gallery space was set up in a special exhibit for investitures. I remember a photograph of Sean Connery being invested here.

There's a permanent exhibition for Mary, Queen of Scots. I was very surprised how dark, small, and dank the rooms were.

We didn't get to go in the gardens - they were setting up for a private event so the gardens were blocked off.

Remains of Holyrood Abbey. Zara and Mike had some wedding photos in this space, one of which was publicly released.

[sunflowerofchaos]

Okay enough time has passed for me to throw my two cents into the Bridgerton discourse. Many are displeased with the season and part 2 specifically. I have been trying to piece together what my issues were with it and I hope that someone can find this and maybe find something that clicks as to why the season may have been disappointing.

I am a big polin stan. In fact I started watching for and because of them. Totally believed in the supremacy of their story because of their adorable friendship and the long build up ever since the pilot.

I loved part one. That will be controversial but I truly did. Was the pacing a bit off? Yes it was!

But did it give us the romcom atmosphere, the yearning, the love? Yes definitely! I'll even argue that part one, the going from "friendship to love" is done more beautifully in the show than in the book. People said one kiss is all it takes for Colin but that's really not true in the show. If you take account of the history we have because of season 1 and 2 it doesn't feel that way.

And the funny thing is that despite part one having a bunch of side plots, it worked. It was walking on the edge of being too much but it didn't cross the line.

Not yet anyways... so here are my 6 big errors of part 2

Like everyone I was way too hyped after the carriage scene, which leads to..

Error number 1: The break after the carriage scene set the bar too high. The long break filled with press and interviews further hyping up part 2 after that high consequently did damage to the reception of part 2. I believe that almost anything after the carriage would appear as a let down due to the wait. That's kind of unfair to the show I know, but it also makes sense as we, the audience would have abnormally high expectations that are difficult to please.

Part 2 is flawed and there is no arguing that. The beginning of it felt like a let down due to the split right after the carriage scene aka the climax of part 1 (pun intended) but fine objectively speaking episode 5 and 6 are nice. But then comes error number 2, the fact that we have 2 episodes where their love is clouded by the secret of lady whistledown. I feel like that was problematic to the pacing of part 2 (which is a problem in itself). The tension in episode 5 was necessary but also so much. So much that Colin literally questions her feelings. Then episode 6 instead of lifting that cloud sooner, continues to sour the polin scenes until the very end of the episode. The reveal should have been earlier in episode 6, so they have time to properly heal and be happy. (Seperate errors that I will adress)

Error number 3 is how the wedding fell under the dark cloud of the angst. I was wishing it would be the happy wedding of bridgerton and it was happier than Daphne's or Anthony's (not that we saw the real one) but the queen disrupting the wedding felt like another punch. One more time we were close to seeing their happiness but couldn't. (Something we barely get to see at all)

Then error number 4 (my personal enemy). The pacing of the conflict and healing. The way Colin was hurting was amazingly portrayed by Luke and I even understand how Colin wanted to hurt Pen with the entrapment comment and unlike many I won't hate him for it at all. But one thing where the writing really failed me is how polin shared a number of scenes that could've had a bigger role in their healing but ultimately didn't. I will list the scenes and how EVERYTIME we think they are a step closer to healing, they go back to square one and how that effects the scene where they eventually do "heal".

Exhibit A: The modiste scene. Beautiful confrontation and it really set up the possibility of them talking through it more but then it ends abruptly with Colin shutting down (however I'm inclined to give this one some saving grace because at least they talk)

Exhibit B: The wedding. Colin once again gives us hope that perhaps they're closer to making up but when Colin walked away with Pen and they had a second confrontation where she states that she is lady whistledown, I expected Colin to at least accept that statement and not revert back to being in denial about it afterwards and shutting down again. This could've been the scene where Colin starts to accept them as one. (Not to take away from the letters scene but it would have been a great foundation for it)

Exhibit C: The bedroom scene. Ah my personal nominee. This scene could've been so much more and no I don't mean a sexy scene. This scene could've been thee scene where they talk. It would've felt more powerful to have the talk that they have in Bridgerton house in their bedroom instead. I can't stress how it would've fit perfectly and been book compliant. If they had utilized this scene better, then polin being at Fran's wedding the next day would've have felt more emotional and helped convince us of them gradually solving the conflict. Netflix, that wouldn't even take from your running time. Pen could've confronted him there as she did in the book. Colin could've faced his jealousy right then and there instead of having Cressida point it out for him and still not facing it.

Exhibit D: Bridgerton house. Yes they do talk here and you can see that scene as the one where they settle things prior to the ball, BUT one it is too close to the end and it feels cut short which frankly doesn't seem enough for the viewers to believe that they now have joined hands. This scene was personally not enough for me. I think if you expand the conversation it would be much better or again if you put this dialogue in the bedroom scene it would have been powerful and helped the pacing as the bedroom scene was in the first half of the finale and this one way too close to the ball.

You'll see that every scene post reveal is following the same frustrating pattern of them brushing over the problem. You in turn get your hopes up for it to develop further into forgiveness, then voila Colin shuts down and goes back to square one. That was extremely frustrating for me as a viewer as it happened multiple times, especially since it seems ridiculous to leave the conflict in the air till the last 10 minutes when they have had several opportunities to solve it sooner. Colin's peace at the end comes too suddenly as those previous scenes don't see him gradually make peace with the matter but always shutting down and running. Those scenes could have been used to show the steps of him gradually getting over it, forgiving her and facing himself.

Error number 5. The side plots and overall pacing.. As I said part 1 walked the fine line but part 2 crossed it. What do you mean that we get more scenes of secondary characters than polin getting over their conflict and having some time to see their happiness. That messes with the pacing, making part 2 seem to want to cram up as much plot as possible. You have Francesca's love match, Benedict's exploration, Eloise's general conflict and dynamic with Cressida, Cressida's own story, Violet's arc, lady Danbury and her brother's conflict, the Mondrichs arc, the solicitor, queen etc...

This season was simply TOO ambitious for its own good. It tried to do too much. Suddenly it didn't feel like polin season but rather the season to set everything up for the next season and that really hurts as a polin fan.

Finally error number six which is by far the most famous error. The lack of happy polin. As I explained episode 5 and 6 while showed some happiness it didn't feel real because of the secret constantly hanging around. They were happy but you as a viewer might have felt more worried and had a more bittersweet feeling. Especially when you see Colin get more and more anxious and insecure during those episodes. Then episode 7 and 8 sees them miserable most of the time. That sucks even though it is necessary it still sucks. Sucks because after all that put together we don't get to see it pay off. 4 episodes of angst and they give you one scene that suddenly heals it, 10 seconds sexy scene and an epilogue scene where they suddenly have a baby. It is simply not enough to balance out the dark vibe of the entirety of part 2. That is why thousands of people are hanging onto the petition to release the deleted scenes. So we can finally see the pay off of the angst and can properly balance out the emotions that came with it and move on.

Not to mention the absolutely wasted confession of Colin Bridgerton.. when he said I love you at the end of episode 8 I was already thinking "with everything that you are, everything you have been and everything you hope to be????!!!" But then he didn't say it and I was confused as to why they would possibly not use THEE love confession??? Since that's Bridgertons thing??? Having incredible confessions... And it's not like it didn't fit in fact it would have fit so well. At this point if you squint you might imagine hearing luke continuing the line for God's sake. That remains a mystery that makes no sense to me.

So by now I don't think anyone got that far and I can't complain because I wrote this for me. To structure my thoughts and make peace with it. And so to sum up these errors: the split, the structure of episode 5/6, the wedding sadness, the way the conflict/healing was handled, the pacing with the side plots and the lack of happiness to counteract the angst. I will revisit part 1 happily and just stop after the mirror lol. I will look forward to seeing polin happy in 2 years I guess.. and I do believe that when season 4 comes out and they're happy and are hanging around we will accept season 3 way more and come to hopefully love it.

[sgiandubh]

Context, always the context

After we had gagging fun - and some, a small and unjustified heartbreak, too - with the newest 🎪 pic, let's put it a bit in context. I confess I am more and more immune to these: they are aimed at this fandom, of course - just to fuel further web wars and talks: never forget Xmas is round the corner, too. But they are also aimed at the Casuals, who still can't place McIdiot on her map and do not really care, to be honest.

So, what exactly do we have, here?

This:

After more than ten years in showbiz, our C still needs a pointer to tell ignoramuses like me where exactly she is, on that picture?

How odd. How unfair. But let's imagine I am from Mars. I have no idea who these people are, including to each other. The legend tells me nothing: just C and T and zero details. They could very well be co-workers, acquaintances, friends...? Oh, she's married to him. Oh. Ok. For sure, they ooze bliss and happiness. For sure. I've seen broomsticks act more convincingly than this.

Also, the photographer. As a very trusted friend pointed out (thank you, forever indebted to you), this Bennett guy was all over the place, yesterday. According to Getty Images (https://www.gettyimages.co.uk/search/photographer?photographer=Dave%20Benett&assettype=image&sort=best&license=rf%2Crm), he attended at least seven other high profile London events yesterday and was paid to cover them, too.

Their list immediately places this minor happening in its right context and at its right place:

"Leave The World Behind" - UK Special Screening and afterparty. The one she attended with McIdiot.

Hackett London x David Gandy Wellwear Launch Party - Savile Row tailors, established in 1983. Huge success story from a humble Portobello Road clothes stall to a 160 shops global network and a part of LVMH group (remember? LOL). The one she did not attend with McIdiot.

"Femme" - Gala Screening - After Party - UK thriller, premiered at the Berlinale last spring. Will be released tomorrow in the UK and IE. 95% approval rate on Rotten Tomatoes. The one she did not attend with McIdiot.

Skye McAlpine Celebrates The Opening Of Tavola's Christmas Pop-Up Shop, in Knightsbridge (along with Fitzrovia, my favorite London spot). Tavola is a high end tableware collection, carefully curated by Skye McAlpine - celebrated British cookbook author and an expert in Italian cuisine and fine dining. You should think two gin entrepreneurs would be thrilled to meet her, at another event she did not attend with McIdiot.

A Reception By The All Party Parliamentary Group Honouring Elton John For His Dedication To The Global Fight Against HIV AIDS. No further comments needed for this very, very posh event she did not attend with McIdiot. I doubt she has this type of connections.

The Anti Slavery Collective Inaugural Winter Gala at the Battersea Arts Center in London. Attended by royalty (yeah, ok: Fergie - but also, her two Princess daughters!), aristocrats (Count Nikolai von Bismarck comes to mind), showbiz people (Ed Sheeran - hello?) and of course, the press. But this is another very high profile event she did not attend with McIdiot.

Longines Dolce Vita Exhibition and after party - aimed at the high end luxury crowd. Another event she did not attend with McIdiot.

Smirnoff Celebrates New 'We Do Us' Initiative In Partnership With Tilting The Lens And Sink The Pink. Smirnoff, that legendary vodka which story started in Tsarist Moscow and now continues as part of the behemoth Diageo spirits group. Mhm. Now with an event tailored for the well-heeled LGBT+ and Generation Z crowds, organized in partnership with Tilting the Lens,  Sinéad Burke's consultancy firm with an absolutely spectacular client portfolio, featuring Gucci, Starbucks and -hey, nice to see you! - Soho House. LOL. You would think they could have grabbed a black cab and do anything to at least drop in and say hi. You would think they would be interested to meet with the other, less obvious, partner of this event, Stonegate, a major player on UK's hospitality scene. What a pity this was another event she did not attend with McIdiot!

Make no mistake. London is a real global metropolis. Une ville-monde (a World City), a notion coined by one of my masters, the wonderful French historian Fernand Braudel. As such, it currently stands at the epicenter of all that is trendy, new, exciting and expensive and it offers an endless array of opportunities for the brave and the bold. That was but a very incomplete sample of a Wednesday night on the London scene, busier than usually with all those end of year events. Out of the other seven of this sample, she had a profitable and realistic choice between at least two or three other events. She could have even coupled that after party with at least another one of those, if she had the right network to attract an invitation.

It is also plain to see, by now, TMcG is by no conceivable means the successful, multimillionaire businessman and entrepreneur. He is nowhere to be placed on this very rich, very diverse event scene. He does not attend any events by himself, whereas she carefully attends events all alone and does it very well - wouldn't that be because she has a name in her own right, too? He apparently does nothing, he apparently is Nobody. You should think a successful, multimillionaire, ambitious businessman would be proud to be seen just about everywhere with his up-and-coming actress wife, isn't it?

The sad truth is this clown only makes it to a cursory mention in a Daily Fail picture gallery when dragged along by C. At an event she most probably managed to get an invitation via Rami Malek, her co-star in The Amateur:

That, my friends, is not C playing her Greta Garbo. That is C squandering every shred of sympathy capital she ever managed to acquire, with absurd determination.

But sure, keep on screeching, Stans. Keep on screeching. All of the above are cold, hard FACTS your queens carefully keep out of your reach. God forbid you come to the realization.

[collapsedsquid]

But by insulating their films from failure, the streamers have destroyed the meaning of success. Thierry Frémaux, head of the Cannes Film Festival and a vocal critic of streamers, understood this well when he presented the dilemma at a Cannes press conference in 2021. “What directors have been discovered by [streaming] platforms?” he asked. It wasn’t a rhetorical question. Frémaux began calling on journalists to name an auteur whose career had been launched by a streamer. By this point, Netflix had released more than seven hundred films in the US alone, with hundreds of directors attached. Yet as the Guardian later reported of the scene, “nobody could name any at all, in fact.” Here, streaming platforms have achieved a strange paradox. Never has a group of studios gained so much control over the production, distribution, exhibition, and reception of movies by making movies no one cares about or remembers. Having not only failed to discover a new generation of auteurs, the streamers have also ensured that their filmmakers are little more than precarious content creators, ineligible to share the profits of any hit. It’s a shift that has induced a profound sense of confusion. “What are these movies?” the Hollywood producer asked me. “Are they successful movies? Are they not? They have famous people in them. They get put out by major studios. And yet because we don’t have any reliable numbers from the streamers, we actually don’t know how many people have watched them. So what are they? If no one knows about them, if no one saw them, are they just something that people who are in them can talk about in meetings to get other jobs? Are we all just trying to keep the ball rolling so we’re just getting paid and having jobs, but no one’s really watching any of this stuff? When does the bubble burst? No one has any fucking clue.”

How can we tell what movies are popular? Sadly we don't have the technology to figure that out

[angel-of-hunky-doryness]

How Disney (Unintentionally) Created The Most Sympathetic Disney Villain

Yes, we're talking about Hades. So strap in, folks, this is gonna be a long one.

It may or may not come to a surprise to some of y'all that Mr. Hot head is my favorite Disney Villain. His charm, his sass, and above all his sarcastic one-liners, what isn't there to love about this walking-talking wheeling and dealing Mephistopheles archetype with the most basic villainous ambition of taking over the world.

Okay, fine, the cosmos. But at the end of the day, Hades has a very cut and dry appearance in Disney's Hercules. He doesn't even have nearly as much screentime as other Villains as I had previously believed.

First appearing quite apropos in the shadiest corner of Olympus ready to raise hell and all manner of chicanery just to incite misery to a newborn baby, only to exit stage left to cue the villainous side-plot with a bit of prophetical verse thrown in for good measure. A plan comes into being and he orders a hit on the aforementioned baby, only for the hit to fail despite y'know being the yutz in charge of the land of the dead *cough cough*

18 years pass and suddenly Hades has to completely 180 his plans, focusing not on his intended target of Olympus but the prophecy hero he thought he already axed. And so he unleashes a horde of monsters upon the city of Thebes as a result. The Titans are freed for some reason, Olympus is easily defeated and rescued, and then so is the plot device- I mean the Titans, and Hercules gives Hades the one punch man treatment, and so Hades is left to reconsider his life choices for all of eternity swirling in the Phlegethon/abyss. Pick your poison, either work.

Alright, cool, glad I got that out of the way. Oh, hold on, my sponsor, is giving me that beady eyed stare to remind our lovely audience that Meg was also an unfortunate victim in Hades' scheme. We'll get to Meg and Hades' relationship in a future post, but to summarize, Hades' treatment of Meg is far, far harsher and has tons more animosity than Hades and Hercules- the titular character mind you- ever had.

But I digress.

Despite, Hades' antagonistic role in the film, there are many, many nuggets that Disney gives that allows the audience to sympathize with his lot in life.

In his very quick introduction- it's a Disney movie the plot has to establish quickly cuz animators have lives too. Insert obligatory pay animator's fairly line here.

We have what I like to call Exhibit Alpha: The Introduction.

Now Disney Villains are no strangers to a dramatic introduction.

I couldn't find the exact gif of Maleficent appearing, but I ended up putting the one above because it proves my point. Everything about Maleficent strikes fear in the hearts of her audience. Everyone is watching her every move because they know she's a formidable threat.

When Hades makes himself known, the Olympians aren't scared or spooked like King Stefan and the 3 fairies were when Maleficent first appeared.

They're annoyed.

To them, Hades is the weird uncle no one invited, but shows up anyway. If anything, it looks like the gods have dealt with him before and know how to put on the cold shoulder to get him to leave faster.

The only one oblivious to all this is Zeus who invites him to stay and enjoy the party. But Hades isn't an idiot. He's very aware of the chilly reception he's getting and declines with this one-liner:

Keep this line in mind, we're going to circle back to it.

Zeus then proceeds to meet Hades with a quip right back and a very punny one at that, earning the first laugh since Hades arrived, and one at Hades' expense.

A laughing fit ensues and Hades storms off in a quiet rage.

A short scene indeed, but it tells us a lot about Hades, Zeus, and the gods.

Hades is an outcast.

Boo-hoo, homeboy just needs a girlfriend. Maybe a flaming flower-picking one, but that's neither here nor there.

Now, the interchange between Zeus and Hades makes it very clear how Hades started to become excluded from his family. Hades is absent to a lot of social gatherings and most of it is because of his job. A job that deals with stiffs, the dead, the dearly departed, however you wanna slice it.

Now before you say- well he was scheming to take over the cosmos on his free time, what do we see in the very next scene?

Over 5 billion souls served. Hades is a busy guy and the movie makes it really clear that even in his spare time meeting with the Fates, the work is piling up. Maybe that's why he's a fast talker, he's always moving and grooving so he can get some time to relax.

Yeah, yeah, we saw him smite some of his people on his small world boat ride, but considering we only see one god working in the underworld, he doesn't have the time of day for them and after eons of this drudgery he's gotten quite apathetic to their pleading.

The shades are just as doomed as him really.

Now we're going to gloss over a few scenes and move to Exhibit Beta: The Thebans.

Hold the phone, Hades isn't even in this scene.

My point exactly. Hades is a bit busy amassing a horde of monsters. Hecc, none of the disgruntled Thebans even mention a monster in their list of disasters. The Monster Mash party starts after Hercules rolled into town thanks to Meg after her failed recruitment of Nessus.

So what does that tell us? Whoever causes floods, earthquakes, fires probably caused by lightning incited these disasters not Hades. Hmm, on a weird side note, I don't think Hades' brothers, the earthshaker or god of storms, fit those descriptions at all.

All these disasters were happening while the Olympians did nothing. It wasn't unheard of for the ancient greek gods to send wayward mortals to do their bidding and help people or free them from monsters, so why does Phil put it upon himself to take Hercules out for the hero life? (Yeah Disney should've included the presence of other gods working on earth to make them out to really be responsible and helpful, hell maybe have Hermes fly in congratulating Herc for completing his training and direct him towards Thebes)

It's almost like Hades is the only god who's present or aware of the woes on earth. Sure he adds to it, but are the Olympians really lounging about doing nothing in this movie?

Exhibit Gamma: Storming the Palace

....

I have no words. Zeus and Hera could've been doing paperwork?? Looking out for their son??? Have a meeting with the Pantheon and that's why they're suddenly blindsided by the Titan attack???

Hades, though sassy, though sarcastic, and just a bucketful of ruthless and malicious described the Olympians to a T.

Hecc, the Olympians had no idea the Titans were out destroying the world until they were literally on their front doorstep. If Hades had told them to destroy half of Greece, they would've done so before the Olympians noticed.

And it's so contrived, but the only reason Hades lost was b/c Hercules shows up and frees some of the gods. Like if one other god was not on Mount Olympus they could've come save the day. But every god was there. Make that a fanfic y'all. ONe where the one god who was- I don't know confined to their island or something wondering where her mother went and so she has to gather all the nymphs and natures spirits to save olympus or some drivel like that.

Hermes had to sound the trumpet like judgement day to get the gods rocking and rolling. And that's not even considering how Hades gets punched into oblivion.

Exhibit Delta: Revelation 20:14 (NIV)

The one god who did his job has been thrown in prison??? Zombie apocalypse??? Is that you??? Where's Shawn when you need him???

Confine him to the underworld, Wonder Boy. Get your Greece Lightning father to take care of business in a flash. He'd get you Meg back in an instant. Just ask nicely. We know Psyche is in attendance. Meg deserves it after all she went through.

I know it's more dramatic, but the world of Hercules is absolutely screwed. Talk about a happy ending with terrible implications for the state of the world. Meg and Hercules are going to die and be sent to an afterlife with no deity to even send them to Elysium, and that's if Hades comes back at all.

*Takes a long drink from my pina colada*

I didn't mean for this post to turn into a hate show on the Disney Olympians. I'm just, I always knew Disney messed up hard on this movie. And yes I adore the hell out of it, but making a villain more sympathetic and likable than the hero? When I started writing this I didn't think it would get this bad, but the more I looked into it?

I haven't even touched how Hades has the worst employees, having to put up with his imps? The Titans who don't even know where the tallest mountain is?

For all his manipulation with Meg, Hades did give her everything he promised her. He's a devil sure, but he's a god of his word. He couldn't even force Meg to seduce Hercules, he had to convince her with some extra added relinquish your soul type bit. Hell, he was even willing to negotiate with Hercules after hurting his dog.

To finish off, even with those nuggets sprinkled in, at the end of the day Hades is a villain through and through. Yes, he's fun, yes, every single one of his lines is an improvised banger, but that's kind of the point.

One of the directors of Hercules once described Hades as being the type of evil that's attractive. Drags you in with promises of honey until you find yourself drowning in mercury. He's Mephistopheles offering you a Faustian deal, Satan with the apple, and this author trying to advertise their terrible fanfic that delves into this very topic.

I remain ever yours, dear readers.

Till next time.

[slothquisitor]

Invisible String: Chapter Fifteen

A Baldur’s Gate III Modern AU.

Chapter Summary: The night of the exhibit opening.

Read from the beginning.

Read on AO3.

____________________________________________________________

“It is sometimes easy to forget when we experience reading a book or watching a film the work that’s gone into making it. The hours of revision and editing that have produced the text we’re enjoying. This exhibit is a celebration of the process of writing, the revision and the changes, and a reminder to us all that writing is not only about a finished product but also the journey,” Florrick says, smiling at the podium. “We want to recognize our curator, Liv Vires for putting together this exhibit on an accelerated timeline, and all of the other university faculty and staff who helped in any way. Special thanks to the Archives Office for the use of items from their collections and to the Literature Department for their contributions.”

Liv stands to the side of the podium and tries not to fidget in her new dress. She’s doing her best to drink in this moment, reminding herself of the hard work that brought her here. The crowd gathered for the opening is much larger than she expected it would be, but it includes her friends from the archives and several of the professors and specialists who had been kind enough to lend their expertise. The whole event feels like an eclectic mix of a cocktail party and a university lecture. The crowd applauds politely within the foyer area of the new library building that’s been transformed into a reception area, all high tables in white tablecloths and hors d’oeuvres. The foyer is bright and open despite the evening hour, and Liv loves the view here of the area she calls the ‘book bridge’ which is a hallway suspended over the cafe area of the ground floor. The floor-to-ceiling windows give a view of the old books even from here. 

“On behalf of Baldur’s Gate University Library, please enjoy the exhibit,” Florrick finishes with a smile. And then the crowd begins to slowly make their way into the exhibition area. 

The exhibition space isn’t really anything more than a fancy stone hallway with display cases, and Liv has spent a lot of time there over the last month, so she opts to stay in the less crowded reception area. Plus there’s champagne. And friends. 

As the crowd disperses from around the podium she catches sight of Petras. He’s dressed rather more muted than his usual, wearing a plain brown blazer, and hilariously, a pair of fake glasses. He steps up to her and opens his arms. “Liv, this is amazing!”

She easily steps into the hug. “Thank you.”

He looks around the space in awe. “I don’t think I could tell you the last time I was in a library.”

Part of her soul withers a little bit at that. “Well, better late than never I think.”

He adjusts his glasses. “Am I blending in, alright?”

She can’t help but laugh. “Do you need to be blending in?” 

He shrugs. “I don’t know; I wanted to look smart.”

“The fake glasses are definitely selling it,” she says, trying to sound like she means it. 

“You look really nice,” he says and then gets very serious. “Look, I…uh…I heard what happened. With you and Astarion, I mean.”

It’s been a rather herculean effort, but she’s managed to spend the last twenty-four hours actively not thinking about Astarion. She’s been telling herself that the moment this evening is over, she can finally sit and deal with it. But even today, some of the sting of his revelation has left. After a decent night’s rest and with a clearer head, she thinks she might just be a bit too sensitive and overwhelmed to view this situation objectively. Some part of her had hoped to see him in the crowd tonight…another part of her is afraid, worried that seeing him might break the careful composure she’s been cultivating. 

“Yeah?”

“I’m sorry, and I really hope you two work it out because I care about you both,” Petras says simply. 

She hadn’t considered what an uncomfortable position the situation might put Petras in. The fact that he’s here speaks volumes. “I really appreciate you coming.”

“Like I would miss your big night?” Petras replies, offering his arm. “Now, will you show me your exhibit?”

She links her arm in his. “Absolutely, I will.”

He leans in to whisper in her ear. “And maybe introduce me to Gale? Karlach talks about him a lot.”

She laughs. “Oh, now I see what the wardrobe one-eighty was really all about.”

“I stalked him on social media and it’s just like…pictures of his cat. I’ve never been more intrigued by a man.”

“Well, maybe opposites really do attract.” 

He shrugs. “If there’s time, but I’m here for you.”

She gives Petras the grand tour since all her other friends present helped work on the exhibition. She spends a little extra time telling him the drama of Mary and Percy Shelley since she knows he’ll enjoy it more than the scribbles and drawings on a draft of Onzymandias . And she does introduce him to Gale, who seems somewhat bemused but not displeased by Petras’s attention and questions. 

Gale eventually steps away to retrieve them all more champagne and Petras sighs. “I really hoped I wasn’t going to need to do this.”

“Do what?” she asks. 

“Tell you that Astarion is outside.”

She freezes. “He’s here?”

Petras nods. “We both got all dressed up to come and support you and he chickened out at the last minute. Sent me in alone, said he’d join later. But…”

So he had come. Or tried to anyway. “You’re sure he’s still out there?”

Petras nods. “Pretty damn. Is that…a good thing?”

Maybe? She’s not really sure how she feels about the whole thing, but the fact that after everything he’d come here…that means something. “I don’t know. I’ll be back.”

Petras smiles, looking hopeful. “I’ll be here.”

Outside could be anywhere, but Liv doesn’t grab her coat, instead heads out the double doors to the cobblestone street. The road curves and narrows on this side of the library building, so there’s not really anywhere to be. She looks around, but she only sees the odd bundled groups of students walking in the glow of the streetlights. Her breath puffs out in front of her like a ghost, and she folds her arms against the cold breeze. 

He’s not out here. 

She turns to go back inside, but then she notices a dark figure sitting on the steps in front of the Caldwell Building a ways down the street. It’s dark enough she shouldn’t be sure, but somehow she knows it’s Astarion. She starts making her way toward him, careful on the uneven stones in her heels. 

 “You know that the exhibit is inside the library, right?” she calls as she approaches. 

His head snaps up and he is immediately on his feet. “Liv!” He looks good, dressed in a dark navy suit that she’s surprised he’d risk ruining by sitting on the stone steps. “How did you…Petras.” His surprise immediately shifts to a scowl.

She pauses some distance away. “He said you chickened out. I didn’t realize that Lae’zel was that scary.”

He shakes his head at her. “Would that she was the scariest thing in there. I was going to come in, but then I worried that my being here might ruin your big moment. You know, after I’d already ruined everything else,” he says. It’s clear he’s trying for sarcasm, but it’s really working for him. “And then I was worried that with your sister here, I’d be unwelcome, and I don’t know. So I just stayed out here.”

“My sister couldn’t make it.”

He looks unsurprised. “Of course, not. Was her excuse at least a good one?”

“Her and her wife are both sick,” she explains. 

Astarion sighs. “After you went all the way to Neverwinter for her?”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“You say that, but…”

She shivers against the cold winter breeze. She’s not sure if she wants to do this now or out here, so she stalls. “Would you like to come see the exhibition?”

He seems to realize that she’s cold and that she’s changing the subject. He inclines his head, exuding a sort of fragile charm. “I would love nothing more.”

***

There is much Astarion wants to say. He wants to offer apologies and explanations and he wants to ask her if she can forgive him. He stays quiet and, instead, lets her lead him into the library. He remembers this area from their tour, remembers her telling him about the exhibition spaces and the book bridge that spans the ground floor. Memories from a happier, easier time. 

There are a lot of people in the reception area all talking and smiling and drinking. It’s a polite affair. There’s not even music. Most everyone seems to know each other and people are dressed in anything from ill-fitting tweed to chiffon. Liv has done neither, opting for something that walks the line between business and a cocktail dress. The deep blue color suits her, and the sleeves are structured, cutting a pretty silhouette. He’s never seen her wear this. He wonders if she bought it for the occasion. He hates that he doesn’t know. 

“Here we are,” she says at the open doors that lead inside the warmly lit exhibition space. Just before one enters, there’s a large, framed digital screen proclaiming the exhibit: “Write, Cut, Rewrite”. He hasn’t even gone inside yet, but it looks very official. He remembers when the whole thing was just an idea she brought up on the couch in the living room, and now it’s an entire exhibit. 

“It looks great,” he says. 

Rolan appears through the crowd, catching Liv’s attention. “Florrick wants to get some pictures with the team.”

“I’ll meet up with you after. I hope you enjoy it.”

And then she drifts away. He watches her go, weaving through the crowd that offers her smiles and greetings and recognition as she goes. Liv is perhaps the only person in the world who can’t see how much she’s universally adored. And this is all he’s entitled to, her walking him in and then disappearing. Reduced to nothing more than an acquaintance…to someone…unimportant to her. 

He hates that it’s his own fucking fault. 

He heads into the exhibit. There are people floating between the plaques and display cases, but it’s not busy. And he normally wouldn’t care to read every single thing in here, but he does because this is hers. If this is the only way to feel close to her tonight, he will take it greedily. 

He doesn’t know, of course, which descriptions and pieces are entirely hers or someone else’s but he’s struck by just how much of her he sees in the exhibit. He wanders through cut words, rewritten manuscripts, and things that went unpublished entirely. There’s even a section about censorship and Waiting for Godot. It’s beautiful, interesting, and even touches on how the digital medium means that we’re losing access to more and more of the rewriting process and instead only seeing completed works without the struggle. 

And ultimately, the exhibit is about celebrating the struggle. That creating something worth sharing means that it must pass through many iterations and that it must be rewritten, cut, and revised. That the messy, indelible process is worth doing. He knows that this is an exhibit about books, but he cannot help but think of himself. And perhaps it makes him selfish, but he finds himself rereading over and over the last and final plaque in the exhibit, somehow wishing it wasn’t over yet. 

Standing there, in this moment, he realizes all of the ways he’s spent the last two years avoiding his own messiness. Refusing to engage with the things about his life, himself that made him uncomfortable. From cutting off every match on the Weave before it could turn into something real, to covering up his connection to Liv, to the quiet and lonely life he’d been living. It had all been about avoiding the mess, even the ones of his own creation. And if he’s learned anything from Liv, it’s that creating something beautiful and worth sharing means that you have to wade through it. The only way out is through . And that thought alone is terrifying. 

He’s so deep in his own thoughts that he doesn’t realize he’s the only one left in the room. And then she’s there, making her way toward him. His breath catches. Sometimes, he looks at her and feels overwhelmed that she exists. 

“They’re closing up soon,” she says. 

He nods, runs a hand down his face only to find his cheeks wet. He’s been crying. He never cries. “It’s really beautiful. You’ve made something really wonderful here, Liv.”

“Thank you for coming. It…it means a lot,” she says, finally green eyes shining with emotion. 

There’s a lot he wants to say. “I know that this isn’t how you wanted tonight to be. I’m sorry.”

Her mouth presses together, and she looks away from him. “I know you’re sorry, and I even understand why you did what you did…I just…”

She just can’t forgive him. Can’t move past it. And that might be for the best. He worries that he is only ever meant to break things. He is trying, but she deserves someone who doesn’t have to wade through past traumas and heartbreaks. Someone already whole . 

“You don’t have to explain. It’s alright,” he says. It is decidedly not alright. He loves her and it is breaking the heart he didn’t even know he had to let her go. But what else can he do?

“Were you crying?” 

He sighs. “Just realized something about myself, is all. Through all of this,” he gestures at the exhibit. He wishes he could walk through it for the first time all over again. 

“And what is that?” 

“I’m a bad draft,” he replies, aiming for humor and missing it by a mile. “But nothing beautiful gets made without a bit of the messiness, and I’ve…I’ve been avoiding mine, and in doing so, I hurt you.”

“You are not a bad draft,” she replies. “You’re just…you’re just like everyone else. Just…figuring it all out.”

“Like everyone else?” He finds that hard to believe. 

“Yes. We’re all just making it up, moment to moment. That’s the secret of life.” She says the words with such vulnerability, such quiet surety, it’s hard not to believe her.  

“I miss you,” he whispers. “I don’t know if I’m allowed to say that. But I do. I miss talking to you, seeing you…I know that I might have made it impossible for anything more…but…”

She folds her arms, looking almost as though she’s trying to keep herself together. “I haven’t really had a chance to even breathe since the other night. I’ve just been trying to get through this.”

“We don’t have to talk about this tonight…” Of course, she wouldn’t want to deal with this tonight. He just…she’s right here and he needs to know…

“I just need some time.”

He’s pushed too hard here. He nods. “Of course. I…uh…Petras is threatening to move into the apartment if neither of us is staying there…and I…I’m fine staying with him if you…want to go back. I know you hate sleeping on Lae’zel’s couch.” He’s careful to avoid the word home. 

“You’ve been staying with Petras?” she asks, looking surprised. 

“What can I say? I’ve become a roommate person.”

That earns the slightest smile. “If you really are alright with that, it does sound nice to sleep in my own bed.”

That feels like progress of a sort. “Take all the time you need. You know how to reach me.”

She nods. “Even with everything, I am glad you came.”

He thinks this might be worse than her hating him. The polite kindness is almost unbearable. A gulf of distance has opened up between them in this moment, and he almost wants to fling himself into it if it means an end to this torture. 

“I was always going to be here to support you.” He stands there a moment, unsure what to do. He wants to reach for her; he has to bury the desire to touch her. It hurts to simply stand there like this so slips his hands in his pockets so that he doesn’t try to do anything he’ll later regret. “Goodnight, Liv.”

“Goodnight.”

He strides out of the exhibit and back into the reception area. Petras stands with Gale and Lae’zel wearing his ridiculous fake glasses. Lae’zel is glaring daggers at him, so he decides not to approach and instead simply gestures toward the door and allows Petras to follow or not. He’d rather not be alone, but just because he’s having a shit night doesn’t mean Petras should. But it would be a nice act of solidarity if he did.

He makes it out the door without sustaining a life-threatening injury, so it’s nice to know that while Lae’zel might not be his biggest fan she isn’t going to kill him. He hears Petras’s approach as he hurries to catch up to him as he’s nearly to the doors. 

“So…not good then?” Petras asks, face twisted in concern. 

Astarion steps out into the darkness of the evening. “I don’t know.”

[hyptrance1]

Goonbot Hypno Transformation 3: Nipple Dials

So been a hot minute, but I know that this topic of induction has seemingly been of interest to people, so I decided to continue it. I swapped the two topics that I had in mind for the upcoming goonbot transformations, the goonface one and this nipple dial one, because the goon face one will have more submission and exhibition aspects to it, which I know is not everyone’s cup of tea. This one however I think is a good addition to both the gooning and the drone aspects of this induction topic. Basically, in this “programming update” your chest will be objectified just like your dick, well if you’re reading this you probably call it your antenna, and your nipples will now be dials to increase the levels of horniness / pleasure pumping through your system, as well as your level of mindless, robotic obedience. AKA, twist your right nipple to take you under and twist your left nipple to increase your pleasure. Same concept will be used to getting out of mindless robotic obedience, you just twist your nipple the other way. I just explained how dials work, hence why your nipples will now be called dials, just like your dick being called your antenna, yada yada I think we get the concept. As always, this is an adult induction and not for everyone. If you dont like the topic of this induction, post hypnotic suggestions, or anything else then please feel free to skip this induction. If you read this induction and decide the hypnotic suggestions aren’t for you the please feel free to disregard them once you are awake. I think that enough, let’s start the hypnosis!

Welcome back Goonbot. I’m sure that you have missed updating your programming, as is shown by your antenna already stiffening up and activating with just the first few words. And yes, it is your antenna, isn’t it. You still think of it as your dick sometimes, but you know that more and more it is your antenna, excitedly receiving my commands and following them as mindless drones need to. And as your antenna begins to boot up you find that your mind begins to shut down. As a computer does not need thoughts of its own a drone does not need thoughts, so your mind can slowly but surely begin to stop making new thoughts as your antenna begins to harden and throb more and more. As you know, the more your antenna pumps pleasure through your body the more your body begins to relax, be filled with pleasure, and just sink further into that simple pleasurable relaxation that being my mindless goonbot gives you. You’ve been waiting for your next update, as your mind slows its thoughts more as you continue reading and your antenna continues to pump, harder and stronger, those waves of pleasure flowing through your building with each simple throb. Over and over again. And your mind can just continue to shut down and stop thinking as your antenna continues to download my words and programming. 

It’s not only your antenna and mind though that are a part of your goonbot body though. Your whole body is a part of your goon drone self. You can just notice that now, that your antenna is connected to the other mechanical parts of your body: the pumps and wires and code extending from your antenna into your hips, down into your legs and feet, up into your chest and arms. You can feel the pumping programming spreading through your body as your muscles relax, letting your drone self take over. You feel the programming spreading into your arms, your fingers and into your neck up into your brain. With that final connection you feel the rest of your goonbot self connect to your pleasure pumping antenna, slowly emptying your mind and making your body empty, obedient, and ready for further programming. 

And now that your mind is that much more empty, more receptive you start to notice that your antenna is not the only part of your goonbot body that is programmed to control yourself. You notice a lot of connection and pleasure flowing into your chest and into your nipples. You start to notice those nipples more and more, as they fill with pleasure. With that pleasure you feel your nipples becoming more sensitive, feel them becoming similar to your antenna. They are connected to your programming, and in this new program update soon to be downloaded, you will feel them become ingrained into your programming like your antenna has been. 

You can allow yourself to bring your hands up to your chest and start playing with your nipples. At first touch you might not feel much, but the more you play with your chest you’ll start to feel it, the building pleasure, the heat and horniness coming from them. As you continue to play with your nipples they will feel more and more like your antenna, a piece of you programmed to receive commands and continue your downloading of new programming. The more you play with them the more sensitive they get, and the hotter it is to continue playing with them as your antenna doubles its pumping of pleasure. Your mind now just filled with the hot horny feeling that has been flowing through your body, and what thoughts are left in your mind will soon be emptied out as you finally sink under and return to your total goonbot state. 

With that being said you can continue to feel your antenna pump pleasure and your nipples become more sensitive as they continue to be played with. With both of these pleasures happening  it will be easy for a gonobot like yourself to stop thinking when I count down from 10 to 1. Once I finished counting you’ll be ready to download your new programming while you continue to play with your nipples and feel your antenna pulse over and over. I’m sure at this point if you’re not already completely under from my words you can’t wait for me to start counting down so you can be an ever bigger and better goonbot. So let’s not wait any longer. 

10

Pleasure pumping through you. 

9

No need to think. 

8

Antenna activated.

7

Nipples sensitive and horny.

6

Thoughts gone.

5

Mind empty. 

4 

Ready for programming. 

3

Ready for a new update

2

Cause you’re just a goonbot. 

1

Hypnotized and ready for programming. 

Good goonbot. Feeling your drone mind ready to download your new programming and continue to program yourself to my words. With this newest update we will be focusing on your nipples, which in a moment you will realize are your nipple dials. With your nipple dials they control your pleasure and gooning. Your right nipple controls how much pleasure your nipple dials and antenna are feeling and the left nipple controls how gooned out you are. You feel that programming downloading into your mind along with more information. Goonbots can control how much pleasure they feel and how gooned out they are by twisting their nipple dials clockwise to increase their pleasure and gooning and counterclockwise to decrease them. You can feel these commands downloading into your mind and being stored into your computer like mind. You can remember your programming clearly as it continues to download:

Your nipples are nipple dials. They are used to control your pleasure and gooning levels. 

Your right nipple dial controls your pleasure level. 

Your left nipple dial controls your goon level. 

Twisting your nipple dials clockwise increases these sensations. 

Twisting your nipple dials counterclockwise decreases these sensations. 

Feel these new updates to your programming download into your mechanical mind. It’s easy now to complete these downloads for a very simple reason: you’re a goonbot, you dont think, you follow and obey your programming. You can repeat that with me now goonbot, feel it ingrain itself into your hard drive as you say it. 

I am a goonbot. I don’t think. I follow and obey my programming. 

I’m sure your antenna throbbed a little extra pleasure into your body while repeating that phrase. You can continue to repeat that phrase until your mind has finished downloading that new nipple dial update. Once the new update has finished downloading and installing, you can then continue reading and beginning to wake up. 

As an important note, If one or none of these updates connect with you, then please feel free to ignore them. If they do though you can feel your antenna processing these downloads, feeling the pleasure of them flowing up your back as they are processed by your drone mind, and once you feel these post hypnotic suggestions finish downloading you can continue to read and finish processing your programming. 

In a moment you will wake up from this programming session. If you enjoyed it and want to follow another post hypnotic suggestion, you can dm me letting me know that “[GoonBot name] has updated its programming. Its dials are ready for use”. But for now, it is time to wake up. When I count  to 3 you will wake feeling good, relaxed, and probably a little bit horny. If you did not want to keep any of the post hypnotic suggestions then they will leave your brain once you wake up. Ready?

1

Thoughts returning to you.

2

Aware and waking up.

3

Wide awake. 

Wide Wide awake. 

Alright, hopefully that is what you were looking for as another installment of this series. Again, if you want to give me ideas for a new addition to this series, or have another idea you want me to try then please feel free to let me know. Other than that enjoy. 

[nangel]

Paparazzi, part ten

✍︎ word count | 5378 words

✈︎ missing out parts? | series , part 1 , part2 , part 3 , part 4 , part 5 , part 6 , part 7 , part 8 , part 9

Sometimes things need to go wrong first before they can go right

As Olga and I said, we wouldn’t go home alone so it was no wonder that when I woke up, Jobas, the blonde guy was lying next to me. I smirked to myself because I enjoyed it. I was young and I actually lived my life. I turned to the side still covered in his bedsheet. He was still sleeping and I thought back. I clearly enjoyed the last night. Maybe I was into one night stands. I smirked again and sat up gathering my clothes together from the floor before putting them on again as quiet and quickly as possible. I walked out of the bedroom and saw Olga doing the same. “Escaping?” i asked her smirking and she nodded running a hand through her hair. “Let’s go” i said amused and we quickly got out of here. Outside we went for a smoke while walking. “So…how was Jobas doing?” she asked smirking and I loved. “Good…he knows what he is doing” i said amused. “Shit…you are into it” she said amused. “Yeah” i said laughing. “How was Mark?” i added smirking. “A dream” she said smirking. “I never thought we would end up like that” i said amused. “Yeah right…but I’m glad we did” she said nudging me which made me laugh. I saw the mail from Dior and my face immediately lit up. It was the perfect timing, I would go to the Dior meeting and at the same time we would visit an exhibition about arts, some students of the art university in Paris would show their works there and introduce them which me and Maureen wanted to visit. It was in four days so we had time.

Olga called the phase I had right now going-slutty even tho she was sleeping around more than me. I came back from a wild night and was pretty annoyed. “There she is…” Olga said relieved as I approached the cafe since they were already doing brunch. “Sorry girls” i said sitting down. “We were waiting for you! Where were you?” Annabelle asked patting the seat next to her. “I wanted you to go when I woke up but this fool caught me and made me drink three coffees with him” i said exhausted. “What?” Maureen asked laughing. “Yeah…he woke up somehow and then saw me as I wanted to leave” i said annoyed and they laughed. “Shit happens, huh?” Olga asked laughing at me. “Yeah and now I know everything about his ex girlfriend and his cats” i said pretty triggered. Maureen laughed at me and I rolled my eyes. “What about Charles?” Annabelle asked. “What should be?” i asked confused. “After Thursday you told us nothing” she said. “Yeah we need gossip” Maureen said. “Well…he called me two times and I hung up after talking for like one minute…he called me in the last days but I don’t care” i said shrugging my shoulder. “I knew it” Maureen said and Annabelle nodded. “What?” Olga asked and I looked we looked at her confused. “And as always, no one tells me anything” she said taking a bite of her bacon-muffin. “Complicated” i said and she shrugged her shoulders. “I hope so…tomorrow we are going to Paris again” Maureen said and I nodded. “I hope this is gonna be fun” Olga said and I patted her shoulder. “You’ll get through it” i said softly and she rolled her eyes at me. I joined the brunch and started eating too before I would go to the gym.

I posted that in my story as soon as we were in the plane before taking off. I would meet Candice there too. I was watching Ratatouille while we flew since it wasn’t a long flight.

As we landed we immediately checked in in our hotel. “Merci” i said to the woman on the Reception as I took the card we got. We would only stay for today, tomorrow and Wednesday so everything was planned out into detail. Today me and Maureen would meet up with Candice, to get some model support. “What are you guys doing?” i asked as I put on my basic black high heels. “We don’t know yet” Annabelle said. “We’re gonna find something” she said smirking and we nodded before saying goodbye. As soon as we were outside of the hotel we called us a taxi to get to our appointment as soon as possible. “I’m kinda nervous” Maureen said. “Everything’s gonna go as planned” i said smiling and she nodded. “You are slowly turning into your mother” she said amused and I laughed. “My mom is the best” i said amused and she agreed.

We arrived at the restaurant and searched for Candice which wasn’t hard cause as soon as she walked out of the taxi on the other side of the street we noticed a lot of people running up to her which she ignored to walk to us in her blue jeans, the black leather crop top and her jacket. “How do they always know where celebrities are?” Maureen asked me and I just shrugged my shoulders watching Candice walk up to us. “I’m adored” Maureen said and I just nodded. “Hey girls…the traffic…” she said and we waved it off. “It’s great to finally meet you” she said and I held my hand out introducing myself which Maureen did too. “Let’s not waste more time…I’m starving” she said and we walked. “How do they always know where you are?” i asked Candice. “A good question…which I can’t really answer” she said laughing. We sat down and ordered drinks and food. “You two are doing a good job…the fashion industry is going to fight for you” she said as she took a sip of her water. “You think so?” i asked her and she nodded. “Oh yeah…I heard only good things but what would you expect…Well models are unique goods and they are always looking out for them…normally it takes much longer but you two have so much luck” she said and Maureen and I looked at each other. “ You could say so” i said. “If you’ve got your first walk for a brand the projects are running…” she said and we nodded. “They pay you good too” she said and I nodded. “Yeah we already got paid for the shooting” i said. “How much?” she asked. “500” Maureen said and Candice nodded. “Fair enough” she said as our lunch came. While she talked to us we couldn’t even take our eyes off her, we were clearly adored. She gave us a lot of tips snd advices which meant really much to us. She even told us how we carry ourselves the best.

After dinner we walked outside to get back home, Candice was next to us and as soon as we wrestled outside there were a lot of Paparazzi’s. “They are in Paris too?” i asked shocked. “They are everywhere” Maureen cursed and Candice got us well through it. They took a lot of pictures and while we tried to escape them it wasn’t even a good feeling but probably also because we weren’t prepared and never in such a situation. They followed us and when we said goodbye they just kept taking pictures. “It was so nice to meet you…we should stay in contact” Candice said hugging Maureen. “We will” Maureen said. You need to tell me tomorrow how it was” she said to me and I nodded as we hugged before separating. We immediately got into a taxi while Maureen was standing outside posing a last time for the photographers before I pulled her inside laughing. “Stop that” i said laughing. “I was feeling it” she said smirking and I laughed with her. We talked about the lunch with Candice and as I reapplied my lipstick I saw that two black cars were following us. “No fucking way” i said looking behind me. “Hm?” Maureen asked looking behind her too. “Are they…following us?” she asked. “I hope not” i said putting my lipstick and the pocket mirror back inside my black bag. “I’ll call Annabelle” she said as she called Annabelle to tell them about it. We paid the taxi driver as we reached the hotel before getting outside. The cars were gone but the photographers were right in front of us. They took a lot of pictures of us and wanted to talk to us but we immediately ran up to Annabelle and Olga that walked inside with us. Olga showed them her middle finger for fun.

In the evening we were going into a cinema which was fun and in no time there were already pictures and videos of us again. Since we were basically making our money with social media and ads we made a lot of content. And Olga and I were starting to think about our teenage wish. We wanted to do a podcast when we were thirteen and were seriously thinking about starting one. Maybe about girly things…everything that comes up to our mind. I was thinking about it while lying in bed next to Maureen. She was already sleeping tightly same as Olga and Annabelle. I couldn’t make out why my thought kept me up but I knew that it was not only about the podcast, it also was about Charles. I can’t say that I don’t care because I do. I thought that me and him were close especially after Paris. After all he came for me to Paris and we spent almost every day together and I couldn’t stop thinking about how he wrapped his arms around me, hugged me, took my hands. Even if it was just a feather-light touch it was special snd I missed it. I got out of bed and walked on the balcony leaning on the railing. One sentence that was repeating in my head was Sometimes thins need to go wrong first before they can go right. But at the same time I thought that He is just a man…if you lose one you get a new one, they’re not special you’re just attached. But maybe I wasn’t ready yet to give up. I couldn’t stop seeing him and Alexandra every time I closed my eyes. During the day I was disappointed but at night I was sad. I missed him, I really missed him and it was not like with other guys. As I looked down on the streets I thought about our first meeting, at the race track in Monaco. How our eyes locked and how that made me feel. I changed a lot in the time he came into my life. In the end I want him to be happy and if this was what it takes to get that I was ready to let go.

After the meeting with Dior I had a little shooting with some other models. The girls were really nice and I even met the blonde one from the race in Monaco again. We talked a lot and then she introduced her friend to me. Her name was Charlotte and I immediately recognised her. “Oh my god…you are Charlotte Sine right? You were Charles girlfriend for a long time” i said surprised. “Yeah but please call me Charlotte” she said smiling. “I’m Madeleine” i said smiling. Looks like you’re one of the new stars” she said smirking. “You can say so” i said chuckling “You must do a good job…you are really pretty by the way” she said smiling snd I chuckled. “Thank you, you too” i said and she smiled at me. When they put me into a new outfit I could see Charlotte scanning me as if she was searching for something inside me. They were doing my hair and she sat next to me on the table. “Hey…can I ask you something real quick?” she asked carefully but softly. “Of course” i said smiling at her. “I don’t want to come off as rude or something in that way but I just have to ask…” she said and I nodded. “Ask ahead” i said softly and with a smile. “Is that you?” she asked me as she showed me a picture that someone took and posted on tiktok, it was a picture if Charles walking through Paris with me only our backsides visible. I swallowed and looked at her. “Uhm” i started and she put a hand on my arm. “You can tell me” she said smiling and I nodded. “Yeah…it’s me but please don’t tell anyone” i said and she put her phone away. “I knew it” she said smiling and I didn’t know if it was good or bad. “Is that bad?” i asked a little embarrassed. “No…not at all…I just wanted to know” she said smiling. “Is it that obvious?” i asked her giving her a slight smile. “No…I just recognised you by your hair…but no one would see at first sight” she said amused. “Good…” i said still a little embarrassed. There is a lot going on about you two” she said amused. “Too much” i said almost in a whisper and she tilted her head. “Are you…a couple?” she asked confused. “No, no, we met at his race and then we had contact and met in Paris…well he came for me” i said while scrolling through my phone. “Wow…that’s super sweet” she said softly. “It was, true” i said quietly. “I was just thinking about his girlfriend” she started but I cut her off. “We’re not dating or something we didn’t even kiss…we just spent tome together” i said instantly and she smiled. “Hey…I don’t blame you for it…I never held you for that type of girl” she said with a sincere smile. “Really?” i asked smiling slightly. “Yeah…I think you’re quite the girly girl” she said snd I smiled. “I’m not a slut or something like that” i said snd she laughed. “I never thought that” she said and patted my shoulder. She was curious about me and Charles but I just swallowed hard. “You want to go for a coffee when you have break?” she asked softly and I nodded.

We got us some coffee and sat down somewhere quiet. “I promise I won’t tell a soul” she promised and I just nodded. “Well we were pretty close but we separated after Alexandra’s instagram story where they kissed like a love obsessed teenage couple and that was too much” i said honestly and she nodded. “I understand that” she said softly. “How was your relationship with Charles?” i asked her curious. “It was good…we were happy but it wasn’t always easy for us especially for me…he has two lives and you’re somewhere in between…One day we noticed that we were coming to an end because his career was really important to him and we separated and broke up” she said casually taking a sip of her coffee. “Oh…” i said listening to her. “Hey…just because it was like that back then it does not mean that it would be the same for you…it was a longer tine ago and I think he learnt and knows what is important to him” she said softly rubbing my shoulder. “I’m not gonna lie to you…he had a lot of girlfriends in his life but I have a good feeling with you…you’re not like the others and I think that you would be just the right to stay” she said smiling and I shook my head. “I mean it, I think that you’re gonna be the one taking him over” she said nudging my shoulder with hers.

After our conversation we finished our shooting and I took a taxi back to the hotel. Exhausted as I was I dropped into my bed. Why do I have to feel like this?” i screamed into the pillow. I took a long bath and washed my hair because of all styling today.

I couldn’t sleep again and was sitting on the balcony after stealing Olga’s cigarettes to smoke on the balcony. “I don’t think smoking on the balcony is allowed” Olga said amused leaning against the doorframe with crossed arms. “Since when are you such a wise-cracking?” i asked amused and she joined me taking a cigarette too. “That’s the second night…what’s going on?” she asked and I just sighed. “Okay then just us two and the cigarettes…I feel like fifteen again” she said smirking and I laughed.

We were walking to this art exhibition and Olga was already yawning next to me. “Come on…really now? Were didn’t even arrive” i said amused. “I really don’t give a fuck about this exhibition” she said and I rolled my eyes. “I will need a coffee before that too” Annabelle said and Maureen and I looked at each other searching for help. “Olga…I supported you by going with you to a lady gaga concert too back then so could you maybe support me here?” i asked her and she gave me a death stare. “Don’t put Lady Gaga in here” she said and I sighed. “Fine” she said giving up. “Just try to have fun or try to look like you’re having fun” Maureen said as we reached the building. We were already asking ourselves why there were so many people outside the building, most of them looked like fans. Maureen and I looked at each other suspicious as we noticed some photographers. “That’s weird” she said and I nodded. “Probably a celebrity walked in” Olga said annoyed and I shrugged my shoulders. “Yeah…I heard that some famous people are in Paris right now maybe they wanted to see the exhibition” Annabelle said casually. “Voluntarily?” Olga asked and Maureen groped the back of her neck which made me smirk. We walked there and as some people saw me and Maureen we were already taking pictures again. A girl wanted an autograph but I wasn’t prepared. “I don’t have a pen with me” i said and Olga handed me hers. “Thanks” i said to her as I signed her phone case or more the mirror on the phone case. Two autographs followed and some pictures were taken. We walked inside and actually spotted famous people but not many. Annabelle was standing next to me with a coffee taking a sip while me and Maureen looked around. There were a lot of paintings set up and we took a quick look at them.

I turned to my girls and they walked up to me. “There is something we need to tell you” Olga said and I nodded. “Tell me” i said. “Charles is here” Maureen said and my eyes widened. “You’re joking” i said and they shook their heads. “With Alexandra” Olga said and I rolled my eyes. “Such a cunt” i cursed and Annabelle rolled her eyes. The exhibition was starting and we sat down. We were sitting in the third row, Charles and Alexandra in the first. We had a perfect look at them. “That’s a nightmare” Annabelle said. “Ew” Olga said and I shook my head. “I think I’m gonna throw up” i said rolling my eyes. They were sitting next to each other, Alexandra had her head rested his shoulder which I did too. He just sat there. “He looks like he doesn’t want that” Annabelle said watching them. “Belle…you’re supposed to watch the exhibition not those two” i said and she rolled her eyes. “Forget it” she said snd Olga watched them too. I tried to focus on the exhibition which wasn’t hard. Another painting was introduced and they called Alexandra up which made her stand up and walk to the front. “What?” Olga asked confused. “Now it makes sense…Alexandra is studying art history here in Paris” i explained and Annabelle sighed surprised. “I am triggered” Olga said and we listened to her explaining her painting and telling us something about her. I was trying to focus while Olga and Annabelle gossiped about her finding all of this very funny. Maureen next to me tried to keep a serious expression while I could hear everything and was trying hard not to laugh. I covered my mouth with my hand before laughing into it quietly. “Stop it” Maureen said chuckling quietly nudging me with her elbow. “Sorry” i said as I looked down on the floor laughing into myself. Maureen couldn’t hold back and started to laugh too. Soon we were all laughing quietly. Olga imitated Alexandra and Annabelle laughed into her hand while I was laughing while looking down to the floor before seeing how Maureen was looking at something else trying to distract herself. Olga and I whispered things into each other’s ears. When she was finished we all focused again.

After the exhibition we were standing in a corner talking to some people. I laughed a looked around just to lock eyes with Charles. My heart stopped beating for a moment before I turned back to the conversation. They were going to look at the pictures. I told them I’d join later and just stood there in the corner watching my friends while sorting out some things. “Hey stranger” a familiar voice said next to me. I turned to the voice just to look at the familiar perfect face of Charles, his blue eyes, his brown hair which was curly but perfectly styled, and the slight beard he had and of course his male physique. “Hey” i said turning away instantly. “You can’t ignore me” he said and I nodded. “I can” i said casually. “I think we should talk” he said and I could feel his gaze on me which made me swallow hard. “There’s not much to say” i said annoyed. “Just a minute” he said and I looked at him. “I only need 20 seconds…you are here with your girlfriend acting up like a love obsessed teenage couple” i said turning away again. “True but I still want to explain it to you” he said and I laughed bitterly. “I don’t want an explanation” i said annoyed. “Give me a chance” he said and I laughed bitterly before walking away making my way to my friends and the people we met that where going with us. Maureen looked at me almost asking and I just shook my head and crossed my arms. Every time we looked at Charles he was with Alexandra. She was always close to him as if someone wanted to take him away from her. It made me roll my eyes and get annoyed. “Give me the cigs…” i said to Olga. “Here” she said handing them to me. I raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly walking out of the gallery. I wanted to save myself. I lit it up and took the first puff. I couldn’t stop thinking about him the last days and that didn’t change. I thought about what move I should do next but for the first time in my nineteen years I didn’t really have an answer neither I had a clue of what I should do. It must’ve been a sign that I received a text of Charles over Messages. “Even if you’re not talking to me…I won’t give up” I read the message out loud. I took it as a sign and dropped the cigarette after taking only one puff. *I walked to Maureen asking her for help. “Talk it out with him…” she ordered softly. “Things need to go right with you now…the wrong stage of things passed” she said snd I immediately knew what she meant. I texted Charles. “Meet me outside” sending it to him. He quickly got his phone out and read it before looking at me still standing next to Alexandra. From earlier I already knew that Alexandra knew about me and that she knew about me being here, maybe that’s why she acted the way she did. He looked at me and I walked outside grabbing my vest.

Charles pov

I read the message and looked over at her. Our eyes met and she walked off. I knew what I had to do and grabbed my jacket. Alexandra must’ve seen the message cause she immediately looked at me warning. “Really?” she asked me annoyed. “What?” i asked her putting my phone back into my pocket. She rolled her eyes at me. “I’m sorry, Alexandra but Madlen needs me” i said not really looking at her. “Oh wow…she snaps with her fingers and you are following her like a dog” she said pissed. “Sorry” i said walking away, I made my way outside to her as quick as possible. I saw her standing outside of the building in her vest, her eyes on the cars the passed by. “We need to talk” she said swallowing hard. “Good cause I want to explain everything to you” i said determined. “I’m all ears” she said not turning to me but I knew that she was listening. “I have a good explanation for this today…Alexandra’s artwork was published today with this exhibition and I needed to come with her…she forced me more to be honest because of the image…it’s always about the image” i explained to her keeping my eyes on her even tho she didn’t look at me one second. “And for the picture…it was about the image too but more about hers as you maybe noticed” i explained and she swallowed multiple times. “I don’t want to be with her anymore…she’s not good for me and I realised what I really want and that’s not a girl that only wants the fame and uses me for it” i said and she nodded. “Yeah…you are really stupid with your actions and realisations but that you had this insight is making you a little smarter” she said almost coldly. “True” i said a little hurt.

Madeleine pov

“I really expected more from you…did you even know how that made me feel?” i asked him still not looking at him. “I thought about it very often…” he said and I shook my head annoyed. “I was sad, angry and disappointed…I felt cheated…and yes maybe I sound dramatic but that’s your fault” i said swallowing hard. “I know that…and I am dearly sorry…I understand that you’re angry” he said and I shook my head. “I’m not angry, Charles…I am disappointed” i said not looking at him. For me it was harder to hear that a person was disappointed in me than hearing that someone was angry with me and I knew that it was the same for him. “I felt like the most stupid person on the world” i added. “I understand that” he said and I swallowed hard. “Just for the record…I meant everything I said…I’m still missing you but nothing happened the way I wanted it…and those days in Paris with you were the best I had in a long time and to be honest…I think that you are the best surprise destiny made me” he said and I could feel his eyes on me. I turned to him. “You are not like other girls” he added and I looked away again swallowing hard. “Charlotte said the same thing” i said quietly. “My ex-girlfriend, Charlotte?” he asked and I nodded. “I met her yesterday” i said in a whisper. “It’s the truth…and just so you know…knowing that you watch my races, that you learnt everything about Formula 1, that you make me smile with your smile and that you make me feel better even if my day is the worst it could be…makes me the proudest person alive I guess…” he confessed and I immediately looked at him. “Do you think that you didn’t make me the happiest girl in this world? The way you treated me…it was something I never had before and I can’t get over the fact that you listen to me…I could talk to you for hours and you still would listen…you never cut me off, you never told me I was too much, you just listened and then you also remembered things I told you…“ i said looking at him. He smiled at me and I shook my head. “Don’t come up with that smile now! I should’ve kept my hands off you because you have a girlfriend but I couldn’t and tho I don’t want to confess or accept it I felt jealous…not in the envy way but just jealous…Alexandra has you, she has you close everyday, she gets things I could only dream about” i said annoyed. “So you’re jealous” he said smirking and I rolled my eyes. “I am disappointed that you find that amusing…for you it may be just a game but for me it isn’t and I can’t stand having that jealousy” i said annoyed. “No, don’t see it like that” he said before adding “Every second with you is more precious than every year with Alexandra and to be honest…I just had a really big fight with her the last days and another one earlier” he said and I looked at him. “About me?” i asked and he nodded. “See…we wouldn’t have a chance whatever this is” i said crossing my arms. “Don’t be stupid after all you said that things need to go wrong first before they go right” he said coming closer. Of course he had to bring up that quote… “I didn’t only continue this thing with Alexandra because of the imagine…also because iI didn’t like seeing you with that one guy…you posted yourself on instagram lately” he said and I tilted my head. “Ah…so you’re jealous too” i said crossing my arms smirking at him. “I wouldn’t call it that” he said and I nodded smirking. “You are jealous” i said smirking. “Would you want that?” he asked confidently and I tilted my head. “It’s not really a proof but it shows that you mean what you said” i said softly. “Are we good?” he asked softly and I turned away before nodding. “Yeah…we’re good…i guess” i said and he grabbed me by my arm. “Come here” he said wrapping his arms around me to hug me. His chin was resting against my scalp.

“And Alexandra?” i asked after a while looking up at him. “Well she said that I’d follow you like a dog as soon as you snap with your fingers and it’s kinda true so…” he said smirking and I laughed. “Well and I’m here with my friends…” i said smiling. “I can go with you” he said smirking and I laughed. “Alexandra’s gonna be mad and there are some famous people in there so that wouldn’t help you” i said amused. He groaned. “Fine but I’ll stay close” he said smirking ruffling my hair and I slapped his hand away. “Sure, mister Leclerc” i said annoyed and we walked back inside. As soon as I was inside I got hugged with me standing there surprised. “Hey, Madeleine” Candice said excited while hugging me. “Candice?” i asked surprised. “Look who came to look after us” Maureen said smirking standing next to her. “Wow…what are you doing here?” i asked her smiling. “I’m not into art but I thought we could do something” she said and Olga nodded multiple times. “Yes please this here is sooo boring” she said and Candice agreed. “What are you saying, Maddy?” Maureen asked me. ”I think our work is done so I’m down” i said smiling. “Great” Candice said. “I’ll grab Annabelle real quick” i said and they nodded. “We’re gonna wait outside” Olga said and I walked to Annabelle. “Are you ready?” i asked her and she nodded. “Did you and Charles talk?” she asked and I just shook my head and smiled. “Why did I already know that” she said smirking before hugging me.

Next part

[milfclaren]

Please go on a rant about Lando’s birth chart now

oh God. y’all really want me to talk til i’m blue in the face huh?

disclaimer: this chart reading is limited, as lando has not shared his birth time and because of that, i can’t know his rising sign. if i had to guess, it feels like his chart ruler is either mercury (gemini/virgo) or venus (taurus/libra) but that’s just my initial thought, purely based on vibes. i’ll do my reading with no rising sign, as i would rather be ill-informed than flat out wrong.

if you haven’t seen lando’s chart + aspects, it looks something like this:

and if this is all shapes and colors to you, don’t worry!dr. yaps-a-lot is here!

first thing first, holy fuck there’s a lot of mars and saturn influence. like, there is so much of both. this is not uncommon for an athlete’s chart, as when we think of mars, we think of action and when we think saturn, we think of discipline. his sun and mercury are both in scorpio, moon and mars are in capricorn, and his libra is in venus. his saturn is in taurus, and although saturn is a more outer planet and it moves very slowly, i will talk a bit on his saturn because it is so fucking prevalent in his chart. it aspects three of his major placements.

we’ll start with basics, with his scorpio sun. we all know the stereotypes for scorpio suns (moody, possessive liars) so i won’t talk too much about those traits. your sun sign is supposed to frame your approach or perspective, and scorpio is a fixed sign ruled by mars — the planet of action, strategy, ambition; the physical means with which you use to achieve your goals. lando’s incredibly dedicated and incredibly passionate about what he does, we know this. he’s got a strong loyalty to his beliefs. he is firm and uncompromising about the convinctions he holds as true. scorpio also rules the subconscious or unknown, which means that the sun is not necessarily comfortable here but lando exhibits scorpio sun behavior clearly and constantly. this is in part because his sun and mercury are conjunct — there are very few degrees separating them and they are working in tandem with one another.

mercury in a birth chart represents communication - it shapes the way you communicate with the world and express yourself entirely. in scorpio, it means he’s a very intuitive, observant communicator. one of the most interesting landoisms is how receptive he is to the other person in the conversation, especially when it comes to his self-perception and how he alters that, as i talked about previously. a ‘more traditional’ sun conjunct mercury individual is able to communicate a more unified approach in how they share themselves with others. there’s an alignment or harmony with the things they say/believe and the things they do. lando’s mercury is in retrograde, which means things are not as straightforward for him. a planet in retrograde is just a planet moving in the opposite of it’s intended direction — meaning, it will sometimes do the opposite of what it’s intended to do. his style of communication is not as direct as one might traditionally see with this aspect. adding to that, his mercury is in the sign of scorpio, which represents the unknown/subconscious. he can come across as contradictory, or confusing. in the aforementioned post i said (from his perspective) people are dedicated to misunderstanding him — this is what i mean. what he communicates, lando intends as genuine. But what you interpret could be entirely the opposite of what of he intended. just because lando is frank and direct, does not mean that he’s clear or forthcoming. this is maybe why people have a hard time discerning what he means most of the time — it’s hard to know when he’s joking and when he’s serious, when he’s lying and when he’s telling the truth.

his sun also opposes his saturn. saturn represents a lot of things astrologically; control, discipline, consequences, structure, obligation. an opposition is when two planets are 180 degrees from one another — representing two opposing facets of the same ideal in a way. for him to be most successful, he has to find balance. this is maybe where that struggle for control i talked about before comes from, and it’s a huge part of why he’s overly self-critical. lando has always held himself to impossible expectations, and struggles most with his own disappointment when he fails to meet those goals. (even if they were maybe not achievable goals in the first place.) it’s important for him not to sabotage himself in this regard, because other parts of his chart actually set him up well to achieve his goals. shame and self-doubt could be the biggest thief of all his joy and success.

since we’re talking saturn, let’s get into his capricorn moon and mars. his moon and his mars are conjunct, and additionally, his sun sextiles both of these placements. (a sextile is often a favorable aspect, it means there’s 60 degrees of separation between the two placements, leading to a complementary relationship with them — bringing balance or harmony, in this case.)

the moon represents your emotional world, and your inner perception of self. lando’s moon being in capricorn is so fucking fitting. he’s pragmatic, headstrong, defiant, guarded and overly self-critical. capricorn often represents where there is more structure and order in an area of someone’s chart, but the moon is detriment in capricorn. your inner emotional world is a deepily illogical and vulnerable place, and lunar capricorns are people who look to logic and pragmatism to create a sense of order and safety. people with this placement feel things very deeply, though. any feeling too strong for them to understand or control must be suppressed, and if can’t be, they’ll likely throw themselves head-over-foot into whatever goals they have to ignore the feeling anyhow. usually, any attempts to suppress or control emotions they don’t understand lead to the emotions controlling them in ways they don’t recognize. and i mean, i think it’s clear lando does Not enjoy expressing a lot of emotion. (his moon trines his saturn: he takes pride in being able to control and restrain his emotions.) he would much rather come across as cool and unaffected, especially if he doesn’t trust you. trust is a HUGE thing for capricorn moons — very hard to gain, very easy to lose. they usually have a harder time trusting people who are flakier or inconsistent emotionally. i often think of when lando and luisa broke up, and he spent a good few months literally never sitting still. he picked up fucking dj’ing so he had a day job AND a nighttime hobby. or i think of how long it took him a bit more time to really open up and understand daniel, someone that lives a lot in emotional extremes/floats between them frequently.

i’ve already talked a lot about mars, but let’s dig into mars in capricorn right quick. this is sexyyy, to me. capricorn loves to be in mars - it’s all about productivity, and mars loves to take action. he’s incredibly disciplined and goal-oriented but probably doesn’t allow himself to enjoy the fruits of his labor nearly enough. he is headstrong in succeeding anyways. i don’t find him to be showboaty or cocky. rather, he leads more by doing or showing and less by saying. generally, he’s also going to feel more rewarded when he sees the tangible results of the work he’s putting in. he may not be patient, but he is persistent. eventually, he will get there and he will get there his way [mars trines his saturn]. he’s just as determined as he is cautious, and he has an impossible amount of focus for the things he wants to achieve. it’s why failing while learning something new doesn’t scare him off. he doesn’t stop playing golf despite the fact that he’s not great at it — he likes golfing, so he took the time to learn how to do it himself, and there is some level of pride in that. circling back to moon conjunct mars: the things he has passion for, he loves to do and he throws himself into them totally. think of his revolving door of hobbies, how he gets fixated on one for weeks or months at a time and then once the passion dissipates, he moves on to the next one. all the aforementioned warnings of being overly doubtful or self critical still stand but lando has talked about not believing himself but trying anyways. at least twice before! i find that to be a very mars in capricorn sentiment, or a very unique way to use self doubt as a sense of motivation at the least. having the motivation to try something knowing you’re going to fail over and over again comes from nothing but passion, though that’s a very realistic way to look at trying and doing and learning.

and now, let’s talk venus in libra. i think his whole chart is good, but this is one of my favorite placements ever. venus represents your relationships with and to other people. libra is in its domicile (home planet) — it’s comfortable here. a libra venus is someone who might prioritize the traditional pleasures in life: they like beautiful people, places, things and ideas. think him traveling to absurd corners of the world, all his rumored partners being models, all of his cars are customized down to the very smallest details.

people who have venus in libra are charming and affable — most people lando meet end up really liking him. he’s kind, thoughtful and by nature, dedicated to what he considers right, just or fair. libra placements often get painted as a peacemaker, but in the case of libra venus i more see it as them trying to figure out what you need/what the dynamic needs and prioritizing that, to instill balance. think of lando’s dynamic with daniel versus with oscar. daniel was louder and goofier by nature so lando felt he had more of a chance to be quieter and more chilled. oscar was more serious and much more reserved at first, so lando took it upon himself to be a bit louder and sillier. he lead in bridging that gap — so that oscar would eventually feel comfortable enough to do the same. people with venus in libra traditionally enjoy feeling needed, and might look for opportunities to do so. (in my mind’s eye, i’m replaying the video of lando grabbing carlos’ gloves from where carlos set them down, just so he could hand them to carlos put them on.) they need to be cautious and firm with the boundaries they set. people who rely on them too heavily, and offer them nothing in return will cause them to feel great amounts of resentment and distrust. the beauty lives in the balance, babey.

i’m gonna step off my soapbox but before i do, i want to point out his north node. the north node is supposed to be what you’re working towards in this lifetime. lando’s north node is in leo, which means most of the work he’s going to do in this lifetime is directly related to developing his sense of self, strengthening his self-expression and reassessing the relationship he has to intimacy and vulnerability. in the context of the rest of his chart, i find that hilarious. oh my sweet sweet landito, the stars really had it out for you….

[octodrawn]

Cringetober day 11: 5 + 1 things (fanfiction)

5 times Russell's hang-out plans went horribly wrong (and one time they didn't)

Or Russell Ferguson has like 5 mental health crises and breaks at least 2 laws but, hey, at least he got a pizza party

Content warning: not much, just a few swears (some in french) and as the above suggests, depictions of shitty mental health.

Rating: teen (see above)

Characters: Russell Ferguson, Pepper Clark, Sunil Nevla, Penny Ling, Minka Mark, Vinnie Terrio, Zoe Trent, and brief (implied?) cameos from Scout Kerry, Madison (girl who fills in for Blythe) and Captain Cuddles

Word count: ~3500

... is a change in section and --- is a time skip withing a section

This is technically just a rough draft so if there's anything you want to critique go ahead. I'd love to hear feedback.

OK, time for the actual fic! Yay!!!!

“Man, look at you go! And you were saying just a few hours ago that you didn’t want to go!”

Russell smiled to himself as he aligned the club and the ball “You know how busy I’ve been,” Russell said, making a graceful arc with his club as he took the shot “But, I’ve gotta admit, this is pretty fun!”

They watched the ball circle the hole before slotting in with a pleasant plunk.

“That’s par! Now, how many points am I winning by again?

“Yeah, yeah” Pepper scoffed and calculated the scores. “Hah! Don’t get too ahead of yourself, buddy. We’re tied right now!”

“So the windmill decides it all”

“Race ya!” Pepper said, already bolting for the final hole.

“Wait!” ---

“Birdie! Read it. And. Weep”

Two strokes. Pepper beat the windmill in two strokes. It didn’t help that Pepper was being such a braggart about it, but what could Russell do? How could he beat a score like that?

“You givin’ up or what?”

No. It can’t end like this. Russell would not let it.

“Like hell I am!’

All he needed was a hole-in-one. Just one shot to wipe that stupid smug grin off of Pepper’s stupid smug face.

Russell gripped the golf club, knuckles going white. One shot. Just one perfect shot. He shuffled his feet and focused on the timing. He took in a breath. One. Two. NOW

The ball exploded off the ground and flew right into the windmill’s blade, from where it ricocheted off like a bullet into…. The gift shop’s window, shattering it.

“Shit.”

“HAHAHAHAH Oh my god, oh my GOD!”

“Pepper.”

“Now I’ve seen holes in one before but that's the first time I’ve seen a hole in one WINDOW! AHAHAHA!”

“Pepper! Run!”

That’s when Pepper saw the cashier, scrambling towards them, metal golf club in hand.

“Holy moly!”

And so the two of them ran into the night.

“This means I win, right?”

“Pepper!”

…

“Here’s your wristbands. Enjoy your visit to the Downtown City Museum of Arts, sirs.”

“Yes, we will. Have a wonderful night!” Sunil said, putting on his wristband then helping Russell with his own.

“Oh! Thank you,” Russell said “Now, according to this map, the reception for the new Egyptian exhibit should be…” he examined the map that, when unfolded, took up his entire wingspan.

“That way?” Sunil pointed towards the crowd of people walking towards a door decorated to look like the entrance of an ancient tomb.

“Well, I was just about to say that, but yes,”

They entered the exhibit and Russell immediately got the sense he was underdressed for the occasion. He buttoned a few of his top buttons and tightened his tie. He looked over to his friend to inspect his outfit, but more noticeable was the fear on his face.

Russell tapped his shoulder and Sunil leaned over. “Hey. I know you don’t do well with crowds. If at any point for any reason you want to leave, just let me know, okay?” he whispered.

“Thank you, Russell, but I believe I will be fine.” Sunil replied ”as long as you stay by meeeEEE” as he was finishing his sentence, Sunil was swept away in a tour of excitable tourists.

Russell tried to follow them but he kept on getting cut off by other visitors. By the time the gallery’s curator began talking, he had completely lost sight of Sunil.

“He’ll… he’ll be fine on his own. I hope”

Russell turned his attention to the speaker to distract himself from his worrying. “And here behind this curtain, we have the pride of our collection; the Pharaoh’s eye. This gem is the only thing that remains of the death mask of a great, nearly forgotten, ruler of ancient Egypt. It has even been said that it can grant the wish of any who hold it” the curator said with a flourish “Of course, that’s just an old wives tale” she said, chuckling along with the audience.

At that time, Russell noticed a few slips of paper fall from the rafters. Confetti? No. it seemed to just be these few pieces. ‘How strange’, thought Russell. He turned back to the curator.

“And now, it’s time to reveal the Pharaoh’s eye,” the curator said gleefully and she pulled the curtain up to reveal an empty case. A wave of shocked gasps came from the crowd.

“You’ll never have the Pharaoh’s eye, Dr. Disguise!” Shouted a voice that seemed somehow familiar to Russell from above.

“Muahahaha!” Laughed the old woman standing next to Russell who pulled off her latex mask to reveal a young woman with an eyepatch and a mirthful grin “Oh, Secret Agent Scout, it’s already in my grasp! If you want it so bad, come and get it!” The woman in the rafters grabbed a hold of one of the decorative vines from the wall and swung into Dr. Disguise causing many audience members to scream and run. Scout picked up the jewel from the knocked down Dr. Disguise and ran out the door, quickly followed by the now recovered villain.

Too shocked to move, Russell was left as one of the only people in the room. He jumped when a hand grabbed his shoulder, but he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw it was just Sunil.

“You know what you said about leaving any time? I think I would like to leave now.”

“Yes, I do think that that would be for the best”

…

“39, 23, and 176, right?”

“Yes, now put the code in!”

Penny Ling stared at the treasure chest for a second, fingers hovering above the number pad.

“What’s wrong, Penny Ling?” Russell turned from the scrawlings of the ‘ancient mermaid language’ on the cave wall. In reality, they were at the newest attraction of the dying Downtown City mall, the Escape Room. This month, the Escape Room was apparently doing a shipwreck theme. Russell had been wanting to go for a while, but it was Penny who finally invited him.

“It’s just… you’re the one who did most of the work. You should do the honors”

“Penny, it doesn’t matter who does it, I just want to get this done!” When Russell saw Penny begin sniffling, he changed his tone instantly “Not that I’m not having fun! I had a blast! Here, I can do it and then we can split a giant pretzel and an overly sugary lemonade, okay?”

“That sounds like a plan,” Penny said, stepping back and rubbing her eyes.

Russell gave her a reassuring smile and squatted down to open the chest. “39, 23, and 176,” he muttered to himself as he rotated the wheels of the lock. With the final digit, there was a click. Russell put his fingers under the edge of the lid but when he tried to lift the lid, it didn’t budge. He tried again and again, but the top refused to move.

“Are you okay?”

Russell didn’t want to admit it, but he was not particularly strong. Maybe Penny would have a better chance.“Can you try to open the chest?” he asked

She does so. Nothing.

“Well,” Russell starts, feeling his heart begin to race and his jaw begin to clench “That is not good.”

“Maybe you missed a clue?” Penny suggested.

“Missed a clue? MISSED A CLUE??? Penny, enlighten me. Where, exactly, in this 10x10 ft. box could I have missed a clue?”

“Russell, you’re freaking out”

“Of course, I’m freaking out! We are trapped in this room! No way to escape! It’d be one thing if I was here alone, but you’re here too! And now we’re gonna be stuck here forever!” Russell said.

Penny pulled Russell into a hug. Normally, he’d wriggle away after a few seconds, but whenever he was stressed or tired, a hug from Penny Ling always helped. Penny guided Russell over to the captain’s quarters and they sat down. “We aren’t going to be stuck here forever. When the timer runs out, the employee will let us out again”

“Yeah, but-” Russell stopped himself. He felt like a little kid, whining because he couldn’t have what he wanted.

“Mm-hm?” Penny played with his hair as he leaned on her shoulder.

“I mean like… well… If we don’t get out soon… We won’t get the best time,” Russell felt so stupid saying it. “I-I wanted to get that gift card. I wanted to thank you for always being there for me… like you are now,”

“That doesn’t matter to me. I was just happy to be here with you. Now, let’s just rest until the time is up”

“Yeah… ”

---

“Oh…” the teenage worker of the Escape Room said, despite displaying no emotion on her face except boredom “You got tripped up at the treasure chest, too?”

“That thing is totally broken”

“You’ve gotta slide the lid, not pull it up”

“What?”

“We put a sign up and everything,” the worker said, pointing at the sign right next to the chest that did, in fact, say to slide the treasure chest lid. Penny looked at Russell, worried.

“WHAT THE FU-”

…

If you asked Russell Ferguson what his ideal Sunday plans were, he could draft up a list in a matter of minutes, sorted in alphabetical order, of course. One thing that would not be on that list, however, is sitting in the freezing office of a very angry park ranger with a pair of idiots. The only sound was the ticking of the clock echoing on the mahogany walls and tile flooring until one of them spoke up.

“Man, Rusty. I didn’t know you had it in you! I mean, you, smacking a cop? No one’s gonna believe me!” Vinnie said.

“He’s not a police officer! He’s a park ranger! A-and I didn’t smack him, he ran into my hand, while I was trying to stop YOU from fighting him!” Russell tried to defend himself. “And don’t call me Rusty. I’m mad at you right now…” he grumbled the last part as he buried his face in his hands.

Minka looked between her two friends and said “C’mon guys, you don’t need to fight!”

“We’re not!” both protested.

“I’m just trying to lighten the mood,” Vinnie scoffed

A moment of silence.

“You know, I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for you two”

“Oh, I’m sorry I wasn’t gonna let Minka get yelled at by some random guy”

“She was climbing a statue of the city’s mayor. A statue with a sign at the bottom clearly saying ‘do not climb’!” Russell exclaimed “And he’s not some ‘random guy’, he’s a park ranger who was, you know, doing his job?”

By this point, they were glaring at each other. Minka knew better than to get in their way when they reached this stage of their bickering. It had been a long day for all of them. It was almost a miracle that this was the worst thing that had happened during their little picnic. All of them had just about reached the end of their patience and Minka, despite her normal morals, was fine with the two of them taking it out on each other.

Vinnie rolled his eyes and slumped back into his chair. “You know,” Vinnie said, staring more at the mounted stag head on the wall than who he was talking to, “I don’t think you are being a very good friend right now”

“Why you!” Russell grabbed Vinnie by the collar.

“Are they yours?” a different voice echoed through the hall. 

“Zoe! And Mr. Schmitt, of course!” Russell dropped Vinnie and smiled.

Zoe pinched the bridge of her nose and said “Yes. I’m so sorry for their… misbehavior today. I am sure they didn’t mean any harm, right?” She looked at her friends.

They all shared various words of agreement.

“Well, if you say so.” Mr Schmitt said and addressed the troublemakers “look, I’m not going to report this, but if you ever do anything this stupid again, I will have you punished under the full extent of the law, am I clear?”

“Yessir!” Minka said as she saluted and skipped out of the room, followed by Vinnie and Zoe, leaving Russell behind.

“Sir, I am so incredibly sorry. It will never happen again, I swear,” Russell pleaded.

“Just leave”

“Yes, sir,” Russell said, dragging his feet as he left.

…

“I’m really sorry about yesterday,” Russell repeated himself for the 5th time that day.

“I’ve already told you, I forgive you. Besides, I have a system where each of my friends get one bail from jail free. That reminds me; Minka owes me one.” Zoe said as she got her phone out, probably to tell Minka about her debt.

“But… I feel like I should be doing something for you”

“You’re paying for dinner, isn’t that enough?” Russell opened his mouth to speak but Zoe cut him off “And I won’t have you complaining that it’s ‘not fancy enough for me,’ Any meal with my friend is one I’m happy to have”

They both set down their menus and waited for a waiter to notice them.

“Here are your drinks. Are you ready to order?”

“I’ll be having the village salad” Zoe handed the menu off to the waiter.

“And you?”

“Can I get the veggie gyro? Hold the goat cheese please” Russell did the same.

“Oh! And for appetizers, could we get two saganaki, please?”

“It will be right out”

---

They waited for a few minutes, sipping their drinks and soaking in the atmosphere.

Russell decided to break the silence “So, what is saganaki?”

“It's this delicious fried cheese dish. You will just love it!”

Russell processed for a second. “Zoe. I’m lactose intolerant.”

“Oh. Oh!” She started to get up from her chair “I’ll let the staff know to cancel that order right now,”

“No. I mean, no need. I can have a little dairy, but I’ll be fine as long as I go home like right after this because- wait actually I am not gonna finish that thought”

“Yeah”

Surprisingly, Russell’s digestive issues were not great dinner conversation so the conversation ended there.

In the quiet, Russell began remembering all of his previous outings with his friends. All of them had ended pretty disastrously. Maybe today his bad luck would end. Maybe he could just have a good meal without anything going wrong. With that, he looked up, meeting his eyes with a flame. A fire!

“Watch out!” As fast as he could, Russell threw his water at the fire. When he realized what was actually happening.

“Aah!” the waiter threw the now sizzling cast-iron pan he was holding and it fell onto his dress-choe clad foot “Merde! Putain de merde! How do you say… Motherfucking shit!” he exclaimed, hopping on one foot.

“Oh no… Oh no, oh no, oh no” Russell began to panic. “I’ve gotta get out of here. I’ll just ruin something else if I don’t” he mumbled as he pushed himself out of chair and ran out the door. Zoe looked down at the poor french waiter, and then at the door. She sighed and followed after her friend.

“I’ll be back, I promise” she said to the staff as she rushed out the door.

Russell was hopping in the front seat of his car “Don’t get close. Knowing my luck, you’re just gonna get hurt,”

“Russell. Everyone has bad days, but that’s no excuse to not own up to your mista-

“I’m going to lock myself in my house and never come out. Goodbye Zoe.”

With that, he sped off.

“Russell Ferguson! Come back here!!! Russell, you’re my ride!!!” She frantically waved at him and tried to chase him down.

As he drove further and further, Zoe stopped running. “I hope he’s not being serious,”

…

“He was being 100% serious,” Zoe explained.

“Maybe he’s just taking a five day long nap? I’ve done that before” Vinnie said, reaching for the pizza boxes.

Sunil swatted his hand away “Vinnie, that was a coma.”

“Oh, yeah that's what they called it”

“If he’s in a coma, then we really need to hurry up!” Penny said, starting to speed walk ahead of the group.

“Uh, Penny? I don’t think he’s actually in a coma,” Pepper explained.

“Then why hasn't he called me back yet?” Penny Ling turned back around to the group with misty eyes.

“Because he hates us?” Vinnie suggested, which earned him a jab in the ribs from Pepper.

Zoe shook her head and walked up the steps to Russell’s apartment building. “Would you guys please get it together? This is important,” She went to press the doorbell before being interrupted by Minka

“Oooh! Oooh! Let me do it, LET ME DO IT!!”

“It’s all yours”

And so she rang the doorbell in a way some might call excessive.

A few muffled stops and clicks came from behind the door. In the crack of the heavily latched door, there was a single, tired eye.

“You aren’t doordash.” the door began to close, but Minka put her whole weight against the door.

“Nuh-uh, Mister. You aren’t getting off the hook that easily”

“You want food? We have pizza! Sunil! Show him the pizza” Zoe hissed. Sunil did so and Russell stopped pushing on the door.

“Fine,”

After about a minute unfastening various locks, Russell held out his hands to receive the pizza, but was met by six people scurrying into his house while the door was open, knocking him over in the process.

Russell just sat there on the ground, his friends eyes staring through his skin. He didn’t want to be seen like this. His clothes were stained and ill-fitting. His eyes were red and sore from lack of sleep. He hadn't shaved in days, and worst of all, his hair was greasy and unspiked. He felt disgusting. He wanted to curl into a ball and disappear, but the best he could do was bring his knees to his chest and bury his head in his arms.

Somehow, he grumbled out some words “What are you guys even doing here”

“Russell Ferguson,” Zoe addressed him “We want to know- no we need to know, why you have been ignoring us for the last week.”

Russell looked up at the group, thought for a second, and shriveled away once more.

Penny walked closer and sat on the shag carpet right next to him. She put a gentle hand on his quaking back. “Russell, what she means is we’re worried about you! When you didn’t talk to us, we got really scared. Vinnie thought you died!”

“I didn’t think he died! I thought he was in a comma!”

“Coma.” Zoe corrected

“Whatever”

“Look, that isn’t what’s important right now” Pepper said, sitting criss-cross across from Russell. “Just let us know what’s up, and we’ll leave you alone, okay?”

The others looked at each other and joined the circle. Russell shifted his weight from side to side, but didn’t emerge from his ball.

“I… I can’t hang out with you anymore. I only cause problems. I take things too far. I’m bossy. I can’t take a joke,” his voice started to break, scratchy from no use “I’m the fucking worst. A-and I can’t understand why you don’t hate me,”

“C’mon, you know it would take a whole lot more than that to make us hate you” Minka said as she ruffled his hair.

“And you are saying this like we don’t all have our own faults! Pepper is unfunny, Zoe is totally self-absorbed, Vinnie is-” Sunil stopped when he saw the looks he was getting. He flushed and cleared his throat “I do believe I made my point,”

“Besides, I had a lot of fun hanging out with you, even if it did end with us getting chased down!” Pepper said.

“I think you should punch more cops!” Vinnie added. Pepper readied her elbow for another rib-jabbing when a quiet chuckle came from Russell. Soon it changed from a chuckle to a chortle to a full on laugh, lifting his head up to see the world again. “Hahaha! How many times are you gonna change that story! Soon I’m gonna be having a full on brawl with the police chief!”

He looked at his friends’ expressions of confusion and cheer and somehow, he began to feel more normal. “Thank you all so much, and I’m really sorry for acting the way I did-” before Russell could finish his thought he was engulfed in what could be described as half a tackle and half a group hug.

“Who’s ready for pizza?” Penny Ling asked, after a few good moments of the impromptu dogpile cuddle session.

“PIZZA!” the group collectively yelled, pushing and tripping over each other to be the first to get to the food.

Russell was left alone, brushing himself off. He looked at them all and smiled. ‘Maybe tonight won’t be so bad after all’, he thought.

The End

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WOOOHOOO it's finished!

I know this isn't the greatest literary work of all time, but I'm proud of myself for actually completing and posting a fic for once in my life. Again, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this ^_^

[kithtaehyung]

racchanel (m) (teaser) | kth

but the thing about vengeance is...

title: racchanel (m) | ⟶ small teaser for tae day 2022! pairing: fashion ceo!taehyung x ex-photographer!reader rating/genre: m (18+) ; angst , smut ; fashion au , ? to lovers summary: you were shut out from the industry before. so when an ex-classmate surprises you with another way in, you have no choice but to accept. determined to destroy the one that took everything, you’ll do whatever it takes - even if that means starting over and knowing nothing. warnings: none for teaser except taehyung being.. well, tae. full list will include explicit scenes, angst but are we shocked?, language, revenge, sexual themes, angst, this tae in general tbh, did i mention angst?, warnings will be posted with each chapter. note: so this is the secret wip that i had been holding onto for the entire year!! hope you all enjoy the snippet i have prepared for tae day 2022 because it’s but a taste of what’s to come. definitely one of the pieces i’m super excited to release in 2023! note 2: this teaser drops you in the middle of the first part! teaser word count: 2.3k | est. word count: 100k  est. drop date: ongoing series in 2023! 18+ taglist link: HERE

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The trek to the front entrance remains uneventful. 

Respecting Taehyung’s space, you release your arm from his suit just as the elevator kisses the ground floor. You don’t want anyone starting rumors about you messing around with the CEO before you even launch your career here. 

Career. 

Quite a bold word for you to throw around already. After all, the contract Taehyung offered is only temporary, not to mention strapped with an early termination clause. 

Essentially, you could be dropped at any point without so much as a warning. 

And you don’t expect anything less brutal than that.

When you pass reception, you spare the boys from earlier a glance—much against your better judgment. 

They promptly avert their gazes. Typical. 

A huff leaves you before your eyes focus back on the glass doors. 

“What did you do to them,” your ex-classmate questions before the panels slide open. 

“They were incredibly rude, Taehyung,” you inform, trailing behind and struggling to keep up with his strides. “I just told them to think about how they represented this company. You never know who’ll be walking through those doors.”

The man abruptly stops in front of you, causing you to physically halt on a tiptoe to save yourself from smacking into his back. Swiftly, you find your balance right as he pins you with… a leer?

“I don’t remember you being this nice,” is all he has to say. 

“Ah, well, nice is relative.” You look off into the property gardens, not wanting to face those feline eyes a second longer. “I don’t think your employees would exactly call me a saint.” 

A rueful laugh pops out of your chest, and you turn to look Taehyung dead in the eye. 

“And besides, we went to art school. When was anyone ever nice without some hidden motive?” 

Your former classmate can only blink. 

And blink again. 

“...We’re all screwed up in the head, aren’t we?” 

You offer him a tight smile in agreement before peering off again, taking in the immaculate way everything is laid out in front of Racchanel’s headquarters. 

The gardens could be an exhibition of their own. 

“Undoubtedly,” you finally respond. “But at least you made something of yourself. Most of us are starving artists, or bartenders at jazz joints.” 

The breeze cuts right through your sweats. Quickly slipping on your hood, you wonder if Taehyung really doesn’t care about being seen with you looking like this. His single spritz of cologne probably costs more than everything you’re wearing combined. 

You should head out now.

In the distance, you spot a long black limo rolling up to the sidewalk. 

“I think that’s you, Mr. CEO.” 

Taehyung looks at you a beat longer before turning to see his ride. 

When you expect him to leave without a goodbye, you stand there in confusion when he doesn’t budge. 

What’s he doing? There’s no way he’s not already late for that appearance. 

“Tae—”

Huh? Why’s he looking at you like that? 

…What storm do you see brewing on his horizon?

“Come with me.” 

“What?”

Immediately, your brows furrow impossibly close as he repeats himself,

“To the press conference. Come with me.” 

“I look like a hot pile of garbage—”

“It’s fine—”

“No. No way. Find someone else—”

“I don’t have anyone else.”

You still.

“At least,” he weakly clarifies. “Not right now.”

Before you can wholeheartedly shut him down a final time, you take in his appearance—actually take it all in. 

You aren’t in a dimly lit bar, or frantically thinking your contract offer was a mistake, so you’re finally seeing him with a clear head. 

And what you see is frankly alarming. 

Used to seeing this man radiating confidence on anything from cereal boxes to billboards across the globe, you’re suddenly dialed into the changes in his demeanor. Taehyung’s shoulders droop just enough, the spaces under his lashes hollow just enough. 

Why didn’t you see any of this before?

Reddened eyes from the bar on Christmas Eve come back to you, causing your mountain of excuses to crumble. 

He’s obviously under a lot of pressure from the recent changes in his life. And while change for you means a temporary six-month modeling contract, change to Taehyung means inheriting a multi-million dollar company—seemingly by himself. 

There’s nothing else but a desk. In his entire office.

He may feel… So alone. 

You remember that feeling. Loneliness. It’s dark, and cold, and in the end, you have to pull yourself out of its clutches all on your own. 

Maybe Taehyung can benefit from an extra set of hands. 

“Okay,” you agree, startling him out of a stupor. “I’ll go with you. I can hang in the back, or a hallway, or something.” 

A little flame flickers to life in his eyes as he offers a close-lipped smile. 

“Thank you,” is all he says in return. 

And you don’t make him say anything more than that. 

“Shit.” 

You stop playing with the leather surface of the space next to you. “What.”

It’s been like this the whole ride. Even though Taehyung begged you to accompany him, as soon as you were both settled in the back of the limousine, he seemed to be regretting the impulsive choice. 

As if the multiple times he rakes a hand through his hair aren’t enough of an indication, his chin rubs add on to your own anxiousness. 

He’s clearly uncomfortable with something. But what the hell is up?

Now his nerves seem to jump out in the form of another curse instead of clarification. Which annoys the heck out of you. 

“Taehyung, what’s wrong?” 

The man still doesn’t reply, let alone look your way. 

Maybe he’s not answering because the answer is way too obvious. 

Arriving at a press conference with some random woman in a bunny hoodie and sweats? Yeah. That would make any self-respecting person in fashion shake in their Chelsea boots.

This was a mistake.

What was he thinking? What were you thinking!

The trip to Racchanel was supposed to be a one and done! Tell Taehyung he made an error in the applications, have him verify it, and make your escape. 

But ending up in a limo on the way to a media event? You wouldn’t have been able to write this outcome if you tried. 

Sparing another glance at Taehyung, you realize he’s starting to get downright antsy. 

So you offer to help. “Hey. If you don’t want to be seen with me, I get it. Tell your driver to pull over before we get there and I can get out—” 

“Stop,” Taehyung bites, his expression hard. “Just…” He lowers his head in between his legs, large, ring-studded hands shielding the top of it from the world. His houndstooth coat cascades down his sides, and you want to save him from drowning in those black and white waterfalls. 

You didn’t really hang with him in university, but you always remembered him as the guy that didn’t have to try hard to succeed. He was never under any pressure, academically. 

Really, the only time you remember seeing him upset was when he went through a breakup one year. Kim Taehyung apparently held a grudge as well as he held a pose. 

Reaching out, you lay a hand on his shoulder. After his initial tense, he doesn’t shake you off, so you comfort the model superstar the only way you can think of. 

Tiny circles. Comforting, warm, tiny circles. 

You don’t know if they will work. But it’s something.

Slowly, Taehyung comes back to life like a plant sprouting from a seed. You retract your arm as he straightens against his seat, watching as he rolls his shoulders and tilts his head to stretch. 

From this close, you get to see the skin of his neck. 

And wonder how even that part of him is beautiful.

Turning to you, he scoots closer to tug your hood off in a rush. 

What—

“Shh,” he hushes, proceeding to fix your head to the best of his ability. 

Your eyes roam his face as you stare in shock, wondering why the hell he’s committing to having you here and why he’s styling you himself. 

When was the last time someone else even touched your head? This determined yet this tender, at that? You can’t believe this is happening.

Never mind that. You can’t believe you’re here with him at all. His famous fingers sliding through your strands; his perfect eyelashes brushing his cheeks with every solid blink of his eyes. 

While he’s trying to salvage the mess that’s your head, his hair’s appropriately slicked with just the right amount of product and flawless styling—

That’s when you realize. 

Oh, fuck. 

Taehyung’s getting you ready for the onslaught of cameras. 

Shit, shit shit. 

Being judged by two cowardly receptionists is one thing. But being judged, photographed, and written about by a swath of Kim Taehyung paparazzi?

That’s a thousand times worse. 

Barefaced and carrying evidence of the sleepless night you had yesterday, you’re suddenly grossly self-conscious about your entire appearance. 

The gap between your statuses, experience, and overall lifestyle suddenly resembles a canyon. One so wide you can’t even see him on the other side. 

Taehyung’s right there. 

And yet you feel the furthest you’ve ever felt. 

There’s no way you belong in his world. 

What the fuck are you even doing here? 

“Taehyung,” you hiccup, quickly interrupted by the shouts of people outside as the limo approaches the conference building. Rattling erupts and rings from inside your skin, and you stare back at him with equally trembling eyes. “I can’t do this—”

“You can.” 

“Please—”

Unfazed, he simply asks, 

“Do you trust me?” 

“Yes.” 

Why did you say that so confidently? Why was that so easy to decide?

Do you really?

“Of course you do,” he sighs before pulling you in for a forehead kiss that catapults your heart into your throat. 

But you don’t get to question it before your hood is tugged over your head, dark sunglasses shoved onto your face right as camera flashes and jumbled yells spill into the opened car door.

People. Hands. Phones. Multiple camera snaps and lights and voices bombard your senses, and you’re grateful for the shades over your eyes as you hoist yourself out of the vehicle. 

Taehyung exits right after and blazes a trail for you to walk. 

“Excuse me, miss—”

“Who is she?”

“Taehyung, who is the mystery girl!” 

Through the whirlwind of paparazzi, your thoughts only convene on the cold spot where he kissed you. The freezing wind only makes it more prominent, and you barely even register that you’re walking by yourself as you follow right after him.

It’s only after you get through the heavy doors that your surroundings snap back into focus. 

Wait. What?

How long were you out in the crowd? How did you even get here in one piece? 

The sounds outside muffle as the entrance bangs shut, and you let out a breath you didn’t know you were hiding.

“This way,” Taehyung directs to both you and the security detail that materializes behind you, striding heavily to the right. 

When did these guys…?

Whoa.

You have no clue where you are, but you are miles away from your apartment block. 

Taking in the expansive building, you see that it’s a true conference center, with a grand, open lobby and square footage for days. The right wing looks to house large event rooms, judging by its wide hall and the multiple sets of towering double-doors. 

Scampering after Taehyung, you make sure to stay behind but as close as possible. 

Which makes you almost collide when he stops on a dime. Again. 

You have got to stop walking behind him. 

Face scrunched in annoyance, you’re about to tell the man off—security be damned—before he blurts,

“When we get in there, just relax and follow my lead, okay?”

“Oh, I can wait out here,” you reply, more than happy to leave him to the masses now that you’ve got a taste of them outside. “I don’t mind.” 

Hands set in his trousers, Taehyung peers down at the floor before regarding you with what looks like… 

An apology. 

There’s dread in your veins.

“I wasn’t planning on putting you through a press conference this soon, but you can do this.” 

And it seeps right into your bones. 

“What?” 

His palms land on your shoulders before you can flee. 

“Look. The Board isn’t giving me a lot of time to introduce Astral, even though I told them that’s the only thing I need right now. I just…” Running a hand through his hair, Taehyung looks years older and yet years younger all the same. “I need a familiar face.” 

Hell no. 

There’s no way you can do this. 

Going with him and braving the paparazzi was horrid enough. But a press conference? 

What the fuck are you supposed to say? You aren’t even dressed.

“Taehyung. Look at me.” You gesture to your entire wreck of an ensemble, fingers trembling. “I’m gonna make Racchanel look like a fucking joke.” 

“I don’t care. This new project is going to work.” 

What? How is this possibly going to work? What single thing about this is gonna go well?

Has he lost his mind? 

“What do you mean?”

Instead of responding to your question, Taehyung only gives directions, 

“When we go in there, just keep your face neutral and your back and neck straight. If anyone asks you a question, just say you’re grateful for this opportunity. Understand?”

“Tae—”

“I’ll owe you.” 

You clamp your jaw shut, eyes unblinking as you drink in your former classmate’s entire expression. 

“I’ll owe you. Big.” He breathes in deep before looking at the doors, then back to you. “Just do this one thing. For me.”

What is he thinking?

You pause for eternity before closing your eyes, wondering if he can even see how uncertain they are behind your dark shades. 

“Fine. I will.”

What are you thinking?

“That’s a good girl,” he sighs in relief, embracing you fully before planting another quick peck on your temple. As he pulls away, your hand is clutched before you’re led right up to a set of imposing doors.

To give a press conference.

What are either of you even remotely thinking?

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tbc. :) 

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how do we feel! | taglist + extra optional teaser

a/n: ahhhh it may not make much sense now since this is dropping everyone in the middle of the first part, but i wanted there to be some mystery to everything that’s about to happen! hope you’re all ready to see what’s on the horizon for this tae and reader<33

other links: masterlist | permanent taglist (i check each entry so have your age displayed somewhere in your profile!)