#there was one part where someone was clapping along to the music and it was charming for like. 60 seconds

[vaguehotels]

if you guys are going to see barbie, please be warned it is def pg13. also i bawled my eyes out at one point. and also everyone wore pink which was so cute it made me so happy. also greta gerwig deserves 8 trillion billion awards.

[muddy-water-1997]

𝖣𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼 𝖠𝖼𝗍𝗌 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖲𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗒 𝖪𝗂𝖽𝗌

"𝖨𝗍 𝖽𝗂𝖽𝗇'𝗍 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗁𝗈𝗐 𝖻𝗂𝗀 𝗈𝗎𝗋 𝗁𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌; 𝗂𝗍 𝗆𝖺𝗍𝗍𝖾𝗋𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝖺𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾 𝗐𝖺𝗌 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗂𝗇 𝗂𝗍." - 𝖯𝖾𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝖡𝗎𝖿𝖿𝖾𝗍𝗍.

𝖫𝗂𝗍𝗍𝗅𝖾 𝖽𝗈𝗆𝖾𝗌𝗍𝗂𝖼𝖺𝗍𝖾𝖽 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗇𝗀𝗌 𝖨 𝖼𝖺𝗇 𝗂𝗆𝖺𝗀𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝖽𝗈𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝗐𝗂𝗍𝗁 𝖲𝗍𝗋𝖺𝗒 𝖪𝗂𝖽𝗌

𝖳𝖶: 𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍𝗂𝗈𝗇𝗌 𝗈𝖿 𝗌𝗆𝗎𝗍, 𝗉𝖾𝗍 𝗇𝖺𝗆𝖾𝗌 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾, 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿𝗒 𝖿𝗅𝗎𝖿𝖿 𝖾𝗏𝖾𝗋𝗒𝗐𝗁𝖾𝗋𝖾

Bangchan: Building flatpack furniture

"I’m pretty sure that’s not where that goes.” You tilt your head toward Chris, confusion etched on your face as he tries to fit a square piece of wood into a circular hole.

“Tell that to Ikea!” he scoffs, trying a few more times before giving up and looking at the instructions.

“Babe,” you say with a sing-song tone, reaching over the pile of wood to take the instructions. “They’re upside down.” You laugh as you flip the paper and hand it back to him.

“Oh! Well, that makes a lot more sense.” Chris chuckles, searching for the correct piece. “So the circle goes into the circle…” he mumbles, finally matching the two pieces. You laugh, returning to your part of the flatpack puzzle.

“Why don’t we just do this later, babe? We could be doing something much more exciting right now,” Chris suggests with a mischievous grin.

“Christopher. No. You’re not distracting me from building furniture with sex again!” you say, firmly putting your foot down.

“Well, at least I know how to make sure we finish that job…” he replies with a wink. 

Lee Know: Dancing in the kitchen when cooking

Sure, it was cliché, but nothing could stop you from dancing around the kitchen while cooking breakfast for the man you loved. Knowing Minho had a long night at the studio, you had your headphones on in a feeble attempt to keep the volume low so he could sleep. While he was a dancer by trade, you were more of a dancer by passion—or, instead, someone passionate about dancing despite being terrible at it, moving with the grace of an elephant in ballerina shoes.

It wasn’t unlike you to listen to your boyfriend's music in secret; you’d never admit it to his face—the relentless teasing about being a fan while sleeping in his bed wouldn’t be worth it. So, it was mornings like these where you could happily sing along to "God’s Menu" while whisking away at the pancake batter.

“Cooking like a chef, I’m a five-star Michelin,” you sang, mimicking Felix’s voice as you whisked and spun around the room, mindful of your voice level so you could bring Minho his pancakes in bed. After one last spin, you locked eyes with him, leaning against the counter by the door, clapping slowly, his heart eyes almost popping out of his head.

“Minho!” you exclaimed, jumping in surprise. “I tried to stay so quiet! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.” You apologised, walking over to kiss him on the cheek.

“I don’t know what I’m more offended by: the fact you were going to let me miss this, or that you weren’t singing my part,” he teased with a playful grin.

Changbin: Repairing a broken appliance

"Binnie, baby, it’s a microwave. I think we should just call someone or maybe just buy a new one," you suggest, reaching for his toolkit to prevent the inevitable disaster of him putting something metal inside the machine.

“No, bunny, it’s fine! I know what I’m doing,” he insists, reclaiming the toolkit and placing it back on the counter.

“You’re in an idol group; you’re not exactly an electrician. I just don’t want you to hurt yourself… or me,” you say tentatively, cringing every time he picks up a tool.

“I’m in a studio with electrics all the time. Trust me, it’s fine,” he reassures you, though his expression is puzzled as he examines the back of the microwave. He picks up a screwdriver, placing it against the panel to unscrew it.

“Wait!” you quickly interject. He turns to you with a raised eyebrow. “It’s still plugged in,” you whisper, teeth clenched at the near-disaster. He puts down his tools and grabs you in his arms, sitting you on the kitchen island planting a kiss to your lips.

“Maybe we should just call someone,” Changbin laughs in defeat, finally relenting.

Hyunjin: Changing the bedsheets

“We were so close!” Hyunjin exclaimed, bursting into laughter as another corner of the bedsheet popped off the mattress and landed in the middle of the bed.

“Are you sure this is the right size?” you asked, gasping for air between laughs. This had happened at least three times, and you were starting to suspect he was doing it intentionally just to make you smile.

“It’s the same sheet! It’s just been washed,” he insisted, trying to secure the corner back in place and struggling yet again.

“I’ll work on the sheet; you focus on the duvet,” you insisted. “Watching you do this over and over is going to give me a hernia.” You playfully swatted him toward the pile of duvets and covers. He relented, letting you take charge of the bottom sheet. You quickly pushed the corner into place.

“See, that wasn’t too—oh, shit.” As soon as you went to admire your work, another corner sprang free, sending you both into another fit of laughter.

“If we’re lucky, we might get into bed before the sun rises,” Hyunjin teased.

Han: Leaving notes around the home

Han had been away on tour for three agonising months. It was always the same when he left; nothing ever felt right. The apartment was too quiet, too clean; it didn’t feel like home. After his first long trip and realising how much it affected you, he started leaving little notes around the house in unexpected places. Even three months later, you were still finding new ones.

You both love this tea; you save it for special occasions—family, guests, and moments like these when you’re missing him more than usual. As the kettle boils, you rummage through the back of the cupboard and find the little metal tin you keep it in. Opening the lid, the sweet aroma fills the air, instantly reminding you of him. Reaching inside, you pull out another note. Reading it brings tears to your eyes, and you quickly grab your phone to tell him you found another one.

“Missing me so much that you got the tea out? I guess you must have hit the three-month mark. I miss you too, angel. - Hannie.”

Felix: Playing a competitive video game

“No fair! You cheated!” Felix exclaimed, his eyes glued to the screen in front of you both in shock. The tea on the table had gone cold, forgotten over the shouting and screaming from the two of you going head to head. Any on-looker wouldn’t believe you were madly in love with each other if they happened to pass by.

“Beginner's luck, what can I say?” you replied, leaning back into the sofa with your arms up, basking in your victory.

“It’s Mario Kart beautiful, there’s no beginner's luck!” He laughed, leaning over to kiss you as a reward.

“You know, baby, if you weren’t such a passenger princess—” you began, only to be cut off.

“Not you, too! I get enough of this from Channie-hyung. When do I have time to learn to drive?” he protested playfully, putting his remote down and moving closer to you.

“Well, Seungmin managed it…” you teased as he moved closer, trapping you beneath him with a roll of his eyes.

“One more round,” he pleaded, his lips brushing against yours. “Loser has to make dinner?” he suggested.

“Bet,” you whispered back, kissing him softly.

Seungmin: Deciding on what takeout to eat

You loved Seungmin wholeheartedly, but decisiveness wasn’t one of his strong suits. He sat at the table, surrounded by at least five different menus from local takeout spots, trying to decide what to order for dinner.

“At least three of these places serve ramen; just pick one!” you insisted, knowing you would end up ordering ramen anyway.

“But do you want ramen?” he asked, his eyes focused on the menus you hadn’t taken.

“Maybe after we’ve eaten…” you laughed at the innuendo, but Seungmin was too engrossed in the menus for the joke to register. “Minnie, love, it’s just food. I really don’t mind! Whatever you want,” you reiterated. He picked up a menu for a Chinese restaurant. Maybe he was going to stray out of his comfort zone. Then he put it back down and reached for one you had taken from him.

“Okay, okay. We’ll order from here. Their ramen is always good; can’t really go wrong,” he stated.

“You’re so predictable.” You laughed, standing up from the table to grab your phone to place the order.

“Hey! I just got the ramen joke!” he called after you, laughing.

IN: Binging trashy reality TV

“Come on! One more!” IN pleaded from the other side of the sofa. You were wrapped up in a long blanket, your legs intertwined with his, a bundle of snacks between you.

“Innie, I’m so tired!” you protested, eyes half-closed as he hit the 'Next Episode' button on the screen. You glanced at your phone; it was 11 pm. You’d been watching the same show for the past six hours, only taking breaks for meals and bathroom visits.

“Oh baby, but they’re just about to confront the cheater, and I don’t want to watch it without you…” His eyes were wide, pleading. How could you say no to him?

“Fine, one more,” you conceded easily. “But you’re bringing me breakfast in bed in the morning.” You joked, knowing he would move heaven and earth to make you happy. Truthfully, you were eager to see the cheater confronted by his three ex-mistresses.

“Deal!” he agreed, his face lighting up with excitement as the episode started.

𝖶𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗆𝗈𝗋𝖾? 𝖳𝖾𝗅𝗅 𝗆𝖾! 𝖬𝗒 𝗂𝗇𝖻𝗈𝗑 𝗂𝗌 𝖺𝗅𝗐𝖺𝗒𝗌 𝗈𝗉𝖾𝗇, 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖨 𝗅𝗈𝗏𝖾 𝗁𝖾𝖺𝗋𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗒𝗈𝗎 𝗀𝗎𝗒𝗌!

𝖶𝖺𝗇𝗍 𝗍𝗈 𝗃𝗈𝗂𝗇 𝗆𝗒 𝗍𝖺𝗀 𝗅𝗂𝗌𝗍? 𝖣𝗋𝗈𝗉 𝗆𝖾 𝖺 𝖼𝗈𝗆𝗆𝖾𝗇𝗍 𝗈𝗋 𝖣𝖬!

[diorkyeom]

THE @diorkyeom / @fairyhaos AO3 FIC REC LIST

last updated: 16/09/2023

masterlist. part two. part three.

a compiled list of all the ao3 fics that i've read for seventeen which i've loved, kudosed, and proceeded to download so i'll always have with me. to be updated whenever i have new recs!

are you soaked in dreams? - poppyseedheart

verkwan, non-idols, f2l, oneshot

hnggghhhhhh the softest, most caring fic ever. literally i adore when fics have hansol as this calm and loving force for seungkwan and seungkwan doesn't even REALISE that hansol is always by his side until something happens and he's hit with the full force of how much he adores him

stumble and fall (stage left) - pocketpastel

verkwan, uni au, romeo and juliet production, chaptered

the seungkwan characterisation is off the charts level of accuracy. i loveeee when people have kwan being as obsessed with hansol as hansol is with him pls it makes my heart so happy :< also theatre kid seungkwan and awkward skater boy hansol is just so sweet

Adventures In Fiction - thanku4urlove

verkwan, canon au, crack, fluff, oneshot

the hilarity and the feels are just sooo prominent. also reading fanfiction out loud to one another as part of bonding activities feels like a very very seventeen thing. i can imagine them doing it together and also seungkwan getting so emotionally attached to a fic??? the funniest and realest thing ever actually

i like you a latte - mysterywoozi(writers_haven)

soonhoon, coffee shops, uni au, fluff, oneshot

fluffy. so so fluffy, the kind of strangers/friends to lovers that really fits soonhoon so well. ngl i'm not too keen on reading loads and loads of enemies to lovers fics for soonhoon bc people don't understand that that's their banter, that's how they are as friends, and so i love when fics appear where they are these friends who have fun ribbing off each other. also it's the best when woozi is Whipped and he doesn't even realise it.

Skin;Heat - kwanies

soonhoon, synaesthesia, fluff, oneshot

it is INSANE how much i adore this oml. the idea of jihoon with this type of synaesthesia where he hears sounds and music for people? gorgeous. utterly incredible and so so him. and then soonyoung acting as jihoon's opposite and also his equal.... it's beautiful

Fast Pace - Mistehri

soonhoon, choreographer!hoshi, producer!woozi, crack, oneshot

funny!! so so funny and the rivalry of soonhoon despite being strangers is utterly hilarious. i just. love the soonhoon dynamic so much and this one feels like it encapsulates it so well and makes it lighter and cooler and sweeter and yes i adore it too

I'll Be Your Man - jeosheo

meanie, office au, rivals to lovers, fake dating, crack, chaptered

this author literally writes such gold in terms of humor oml. this is one of my favourite meanie fics bc it feels so so them and also?? mingyu and his family as these people with weird entrancing abilities is so so funny. also the FEELS wtf it's so good

spooked - lunahui

meanie, uni au, strangers to lovers, crack, oneshot

TOP TIER MEANIE FIC. the characterisation is so so them and i love the idea of mingyu hot guy who's actually lowkey just a soft loser. they're so sweet and so lovely and it's such a fun fic

Habit - alswiffy(lunahui)

meanie, canon au, falling in love, soft, oneshot

CRYING. I ONLY JUST REALIZED THIS IS BY THE SAME AUTHOR AS THE OTHER MEANIE FIC I ADORED. i love the domesticism of this, of loving someone like breathing, of working through feelings together and realising that you've been in love with each other all along

How Sweet It Is - orphan_account

gyuhao, baker!gyu, costume designer!hao, idiots to lovers, oneshot

SO FUNNY. SO THEM. i adore when people manage to get minghao's internal monologue right, (along w wonwoo's) and the way minghao also just becomes so stupid when he's found this hot guy to have a crush on??? gold. i love it sm.

press restart - Acavall

seoksoo, clap era, feelings realisation, oneshot

so so so soft oml. i don't actually read seoksoo a lot bc imo people don't really get their characterisation right, but this is just gold. it's the standard. i love it so much

The Light of Ulleungdo - Mistyreflections

seoksoo, village au, feels, chaptered

(check warnings for this fic)

i could talk for years about this fic and never be able to fully articulate how much it means to me. the imagery and the descriptions and the way it just instantly had me hooked?? i was originally sceptical about reading it but then i opened it, read the beginning in hao's pov, and the next thing i new it was 5 hours later and i had tears streaming down my cheeks and my heart thumping so hard in my chest

[viviennevermillion]

Joining them in the hot springs

notes: this event is feeding my creative brain so much.

contains: character x gn!reader

characters included: leona kingscholar, kalim al-asim, vil schoenheit, lilia vanrouge

warnings: none

dark content creators and consumers do not interact

Leona is happy to get out of the car and into the relaxing hot spring; praying to the stars above that Lilia and Kalim would not make that an experience too. He had turned the radio off immediately and considered punching it for a second after his two guests and classmates had decided to sing along to the music and clap to the rhythm of the song. 

“If you’re not quiet on the way back, I’m leavin’ ya here and you can walk back to the hotel”, he shot the two of them an angry glare, “annoy someone else with your singing.” You poked his side and linked your arms. “If you keep looking all grumpy like this, you’re gonna get wrinkles all over your forehead”, you teased him and he gave you a smirk back. “And you’d still love me”, he wrapped an arm around your shoulder and led you to the secluded area only the royal family had access to. “Okay, the changing rooms for guests are over there, please don’t break anything or slip on the floor and die, we need you for the tournament tomorrow”, he sent the others off, “see ya in a couple of minutes.” The last sentence was directed specifically at you and he pressed a kiss to your forehead before parting from you. 

When everyone else came out of the changing rooms, Leona was already relaxing in the hot spring. His eyes were closed and he had his hair tied up into a bun. Once you were submerged in the warm water, you marveled at your boyfriend for a while. He looked so peaceful like this. You could see ripples on the surface of the water where his tail was moving.

You smirked and decided to flick your finger on the surface of the water, sending a couple of droplets flying straight into Leona’s face. His eyes opened instantly as he reached for his magical pen at the side of the hot spring. Oh god. The last thing you saw was Leona’s mischievous grin before he sent a whole wave of water at you. “Which one of us is looking like a wet cat now, huh?”, he laughed but you weren’t giving up yet. You took both of your hands, pushing the water into his face. Leona grabbed your waist, pulling you onto his lap before he flicked his wet tail into your face gently. You shoved his tail aside.

“Argh- stop it, herbivore”, Leona growled at the sensation of you blowing cold air into his ear. 

With both of you deciding that this was fun while it lasted but also that your time was better spent using the hot spring for its intended purpose, Leona pulled you very close to his chest and held you tightly against him, nuzzling your cheek affectionately. Both of you closed your eyes and Leona wrapped his tail around you. You took a deep breath, melting into Leona’s embrace as he gently ran his fingers up and down the skin of your back. 

“Never thought I’d see you so affectionate and gentle with anyone”, Vil commented with a teasing smirk and Leona opened one eye to glare at him. “I can drown you in the pool and the guards will make it look like an accident”, Leona replied dryly but it was evident he wasn’t serious.

Leona indulged you as you pulled him into a loving kiss; his lips still tasting like the baobab candy he had eaten before. 

He eventually fell asleep resting his chin on your shoulder or your head, mumbling a quiet “love ya, herbivore” in his sleep.

Kalim is the polar opposite of Leona when it comes to spending time in the hot springs.

He brought a floatie and pool noodles and a small radio that cost more than what you had in your bank account. “If ya play happy music here, I’m kickin' ya out”, Leona warned and Kalim put away the radio with a sad expression.

Kalim was so used to Jamil taking care of everything for him that he had a lot of trouble filling the floatie and the beach ball he had with air. “Here, let me help you with that”, you sighed and grabbed the pump, showing him how to do it. “Thank you so much, you’re the best!”, Kalim hugged you and looked at you with a bright smile before climbing back into the hot spring.

The two of you eventually ended up in a pool noodle fight together, hitting each other on the head with the foam sticks, much to everyone else’s annoyance. Kalim was laughing and eventually decided to surrender. “You’re so precious to me, I just have to let you win!”, he explained and pressed a kiss to your cheek, “I love you so much!” Kalim pulled you into another hug. “I love you more”, you insisted and gave his lips a sweet kiss. “No, I definitely love you the most-” “Would you two shut the fuck up?”, Leona groaned and held his head.

Things got even worse when Kalim decided to bring the beach ball. You had a blast for a while as you were throwing it back and forth in between you but the fun was over when Kalim aimed wrong and hit Vil in the head, knocking the cucumber slices off his eyes and smudging the beauty mask he had put on in the process.

Vil scolded Kalim and you for 2 minutes straight.

“We’re so sorry, Vil”, Kalim looked sad and you hugged him from behind, pressing a soft kiss to his shoulder.

His mood seemed to lighten up as you pulled him close to cuddle; deciding that relaxing was also nice if you two could snuggle in the meantime.

Kalim sat down on your lap in the hot springs and just snuggled you for the rest of the stay. He talked about how this was very different from the bathhouse they had at home and everyone stared at him in bewilderment as he described the place; unaware of how he once again shocked everyone with the Asim family's amount of wealth.

"If peasantry is an emotion, I'm feeling it right now", Grim sat outside of the hot springs, "and to spend that amount of madol on a bathhouse of all things. Just imagine how many cans of tuna I could buy from this."

"I'm pretty sure for most people the intergenerational supply of tuna would be the weirder purchase...", you mused and gently massaged the back of Kalim's head with your fingertips.

"Wow, you guys were right, I'm feeling totally refreshed right now!", Kalim commented with a smile as you exited the hot springs and he picked up his stuff. He attempted to play the radio in Leona's car on the way back. This did not work out.

For Vil, this was obviously the highlight of the entire trip. The whole reason Leona had even been able to bribe him to join the 'Catch the Tail' team. He was even more delighted to spend this day with you.

Your presence made him look past even the most bothersome inconveniences, namely Kalim and Lilia improvising a punk rock version of "Absolutely Beautiful" in the car. "Let's just hope they'll be more quiet in the hot springs", the Pomefiore dorm leader sighed and you passed the water bottle you had in your backpack to him, which made Vil smile, "how is it you always seem to know exactly what I need? It even is my favorite brand of water."

"You have a favorite brand of water?", Leona raised an eyebrow and then shook his head, "...talk about unnecessary things to think about..."

Vil ignored the grumpy lion beastman.

He was by far the one who took the longest in the changing rooms. He brought a bunch of products he had bought before at Elephant Legacy and was looking forward to trying them out.

He would let you use them as well if you wanted to.

He put on a beauty mask. Vil let you massage his shoulders with some new massage oil he bought and took care of the tension in your muscles as well. "Are you enjoying yourself, my love?", he asked and you could hear the affection in his voice as his fingers massaged the skin between your shoulder blades. "Hmm", you hummed and he gave you a sweet kiss to your cheek, leaving a slight lipstick mark on your face. He'd make sure to notify you of that before leaving the hot spring.

Vil would eventually end up resting against your chest. You had your arms wrapped around him from behind and he leaned the back of his head on your shoulder. Relaxing with you was worth compromising his posture for an hour.

Lilia is thrilled and also quite curious about going to Elephant Legacy and spending time at the hot springs just to relax.

He comes out of the changing rooms wearing the vacation shirt Malleus got him from Scalding Sands, a beach hat and a pair of star-shaped sunglasses. Vil has to really bite his tongue to not comment on how Lilia's choice of outfit has hurt him in his soul. His swimming trunks are in a shade of pink that does not work at all with the orange shirt and there's a bat pattern on it.

You don't know how he did it but he enters the secluded hot spring that only members of the royal family have access to with a tray of mocktails on it. He insists that he prepared them himself and that he's "quite good at making them". Knowing his cooking skills, you're not taking any chances. The others how ever? You'll never forget the face Kalim made when he took a sip from Lilia's homemade fruity drink. "Lilia...haha...what exactly did you put in this?", Kalim asks with a forced smile. "I made them to match your personalities", Lilia claps his hands with a joyful expression, "yours, Kalim, has orange, mango, chocolate and mashed chicken nuggets in it." Kalim sighs. "Hmm, I think the chicken nuggets were a bit much..."

"The fuck's in mine?", Leona asks, not having drank even a sip from his, "it looks awfully see-through." Lilia smirked. "Water, chili powder, a lot of salt and four shots of whiskey", he explains. Leona pushes the "drink" far far away from him.

Lilia joins you in the hot springs not soon after and wraps an arm around your shoulder, letting you rest against his chest.

He starts recalling times of war when he went to the hot springs to try and rest his bones as well as clean his wounds. He gives a very detailed description of the incident and Kalim starts crying.

Lilia would give you a massage and also let you massage his shoulders. He'd spend his time with you talking about everything you've seen on your trip so far now that you have some quiet time without a new experience waiting just around the corner. It's the perfect time for him to aquire how you liked your trip so far, what were the best parts for you and tell you some stories about his travels in the past. Lilia enjoys the peaceful atmosphere the hot springs create. "It's one of the best places to talk about one's worries or simply relax", he says with a smile on his face.

Lets you wash his hair while he leans back against you with a satisfied expression. Loves the feeling of your fingers against his scalp.

"This was a truly relaxing experience", he rejoices after exiting the hot spring, holding your hand in his, "I'll remember this for a long time, my love." He gives you a kiss to the cheek.

[moonstrider9904]

Show Me

Part 1 of the Urban Flora mini series

Part 2 | Part 3 | Cross-posted to AO3 | Series Masterlist

Summary: At the opera, you meet a mysterious, debonair man who strikes your fancy. Will you risk your reputation to spend some time with him?

Tags: Smut (18+ only), flirting, alcohol consumption, clit play, vaginal fingering, some profanity

Word count: 4.2k

Playlist: Show Me by Alina Baraz

You clenched every muscle in your body to keep from flinching at the abnormally high frequency that made your eardrums thunder. The singer on the stage of the opera theater was undoubtedly talented, and you wouldn’t be the one to question or criticize her performance—that didn’t make the physical impact of her highest note, signaling the number’s musical climax, any duller. And for a moment you thought, so what if you did flinch? Would anybody really notice if you did that?

There were a couple of reasons as to that in your favor. For one thing, you were the senator’s daughter, not the senator herself. If anyone’s pair of eyes went to the box from where you were sitting next to your mother in that theater, they would be looking at your mother, not at you. For another thing, the opera singer, with her powerful performance, held everyone’s attention.

Regardless, the power of the singer’s voice decreased before you could even make up your mind, and applause roared throughout the entire theater. You clapped your gloved hands, smiling softly as the curtain fell on the stage and the lights lit themselves halfway along the theater, signaling an intermission. Beside you, your mother sighed, pleased at the performance, and she reached for her glass of bubbly. You knew your mother opted to remain in the box through the intermissions, often chatting with her maid or the bodyguards, but that wasn’t the case for you. You’d use the intermissions to stretch your legs and drench yourself in the habitat of the opera house, always finding something or someone to catch your attention. The countless stories you’d overheard were revolting, each holding a golden little piece of gossip that would ruin their subjects if they ever got out, and when you mixed them with the exquisite food and drink you could find in the opulent setting, you’d get a recipe for a luxuriously good time.

You’d learned to love the setting. If your mother’s job meant you could have that, you wouldn’t be opposed to it.

Your mother already knew of your habit to go take a walk during intermissions, and by that point, she only had to acknowledge you with a nod before you went off on your own. It was the case that night as well, and you stood up from your chair to make your way out into the halls and walked headed straight for the common room. You made a quick stop at the nearest powder room to make sure your hair and makeup were still in place, and you took your place in front of the full-body mirror and turned on the spot to evaluate your burgundy gown, also making sure it had no problems. Much to your pleasure, it looked flawless on your body, it’s A-line trim favoring your silhouette and flattering you from head to toe, and the lacy outer level gave the gown an extra touch of elegance and regality fit for the place you were in, fit for the daughter of the senator of Coruscant.

After being sure everything was perfectly in place, you finally made your way to your favorite place in the opera house. You undoubtedly turned heads, but that wasn’t why you were there at the moment. You headed straight for the bar and took your usual spot at the left corner, right next to a short, warm-light lamp that illuminated the left side of your body and added a fine gleam to your silhouette when paired with the overhead warm lighting of the common room. You asked the bartender for your usual: they called it an Urban Flora Tonic, containing a balanced blend of gin, grapefruit juice and other citrus extracts, making the drink take a dull blood-orange hue, with a large, thin slice of cucumber rolled up to resemble a rose crowning the drink, resting on top of the thick layer of ice cubes. The glass was large and round, and you had to wrap your entire hand around it to pick it up. As you did, your back turned on the bar and you were facing the rest of the room as you remained seated upon your spot, and you took in the whole sight.

You knew there was juicy gossip coming from at least three points in the room. Homing in on the different conversations wasn’t beyond your abilities, but much to your surprise, you were finding yourself getting distracted. It began the first moment you noticed from the opposite side of the common room there was a pair of observative eyes watching you, unblinking. Their owner was sitting back on a large couch, alone; he was dressed entirely in black save for the thin, opaque cape draped over his left shoulder with a gray brooch securing it. He had gray hair and warm toned skin that complemented the light of the room, and one leg crossed over the other. The lower half of his face was covered by the large glass of a golden beverage—you assumed it could either be whisky or bourbon—but soon enough, he lowered the glass to reveal thin lips and a slim jaw, slightly darkened by a coarse-looking stubble, and your heart fluttered in your chest at the sheer perfection with which his features were all aligned in one attractive face, and then, your focus honed in on the tattoo that outlined his right eye.

He was handsome, no doubt, and in your position, that could be dangerous.

Despite that danger, you smiled at the man, your features drenched with intrigue and allure. You were pleased when you saw him smirk back at you just before lifting his glass one more time to take a large sip. When he did, your smile widened just slightly and then you turned around to face the bar again, angling your body just so your back would arch and your behind would be emphasized by your dress—you knew exactly what you were doing. Daintily, you took a sip from your Urban Flora tonic, and you waited. You took in the sounds and the scents, the flavor of your cocktail, until at last, you felt a presence beside you.

“What’s that you’re drinking, darlin’?”

You angled your body towards your right now, facing the mysterious, attractive man, and you flirtatiously smiled at his voice, velvety and deep and even more enticing.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” You purred in return.

“It looks colorful,” the man mused. “Aren’t you worried that drink might be a little too hard for such a petite girl?”

He reached his hand out and tapped your chin with his knuckle. In response, you slowly turned your head away from his touch as your shoulders moved closer to your chin, and you smiled.

“Oh, sir,” you said. “Now I know for sure you’re not from around here, otherwise you’d know that a gesture like that would turn us into the subject on everyone’s mouths for the rest of the night.”

“My sincerest apologies,” the man crooned as the hand that had touched your chin went to his chest. He took a seat in the stool next to you, his amber eyes drilling deep into yours.

“Let me guess,” you raised a brow. “New money.”

He chuckled low in his chest, his lips curving into a smirk, and he took another sip from his drink before answering. “No, though I’d like that. Not having to work another day of my life sounds enticing, especially in my line of work.”

You tilted your head for a moment, confused. “Though, I must say, you do look strikingly familiar.”

The man chuckled again. “I have the face of around two million men, though you’ll agree with me, I’m at least twice as handsome as the average.”

You focused on his features and put his words together with what you were reasoning, and you gasped softly when the realization poured itself upon you.

“You’re a soldier,” you stated.

“And you’re smart too,” the man purred at you. “I do love a pretty girl who packs a brain.”

You couldn’t help the obscenely flirty giggle that escaped you as you felt heat rushing to your cheeks. You then turned to him again and now you crossed one of your legs over the other underneath your skirt, inching your body closer to him, drawn in by this man’s magnetism.

“And may I ask,” you began, “what’s a clone trooper, a soldier of the Republic, doing around these parts of Coruscant? Not to be rude, of course, it’s just… not where I would expect to find one of you.”

Otherwise, you’d be there more often.

“I recently saved the Supreme Chancellor’s life,” he uttered nonchalantly, seemingly giving a larger priority to his beverage than any accolades that could come his way.

But your eyebrows raised as you remembered your mother telling you about that, and the coverage that was given to that on the news. “That was you?”

“In the flesh, darlin’,” he said as he finished downing his drink. He set the glass on the bar and reached near him to grab an olive on a toothpick, and after he’d eaten the olive, he let the toothpick rest between his lips as he looked your way again. He had to admit, he liked the way you were looking at him, starry-eyed and innocent, astonished, perhaps a bit seduced by the fact that he was a soldier.

“Well,” you said, swirling your drink in your hand, eyes unwaveringly on him. “Thank you for your service.”

The man chuckled. “Oh, it’s nothing. All I did was shoot down an assassin from a penthouse five klicks away, timing my blast perfectly so it wouldn’t hit any of the ships transiting through the city. I won’t give a lady such gruesome details, but it did the job.”

You felt a clenching between your legs that was slowly becoming desperate, and your eyes seemed to glow as you listened to him.

“Wow,” you sighed. “That’s amazing…”

He removed the toothpick from between his lips and cast it inside of his empty glass, and when he looked at you again, he was pleased by the fact that you were much closer to him than before.

“And…” your voice had lowered to just above the whisper thanks to the proximity. “What name do you go by?”

He leaned in slightly closer as well, smirking. “You’re looking at it.”

You scanned his features and your gaze settled on the finely traced tattoo over his right eye, and you smirked back at him as you locked eyes with him, grinning seductively.

“Crosshair?” You guessed.

He hummed in satisfaction, his lips now hovering dangerously close to yours. “Good girl, so smart.”

You considered throwing reason out the window and letting the space between your lips close—being the subject of gossip would be worth it for a man as painfully sexy as him. But you were stopped by the bells chiming on the speakers of the opera house, alerting the first call for the continuation of the performance.

Crud. You had forgotten where you were for a moment.

“I assume you have someplace to be?” Crosshair crooned.

You pouted at him. “Yes. Though… I’d love to stay and get acquainted.”

“And would anyone notice your absence?” He asked.

“Yes,” uttered. “And if anyone found out I was with a soldier, it would be ballistic. I’d need to come up with a damn good excuse.”

“Well…” Crosshair smirked. “Having saved the Chancellor’s life comes with some privileges for the night, including my very own box for the night. And, as you may well know, every box…”

“Comes with its own room behind it,” you finished for him.

“A room where we could definitely get acquainted,” he offered. “Would you like to check it out?”

You didn’t have to think about it. It sounded far better than finishing the opera you’d already watched at least twice before, and when your decision was made, you smiled.

“Show me and I’m all yours. Let me just send a comm,” you said, and you quickly brought out your comm device to tell your mother you’d be a little late—those darn acoustics had given you a headache, and your cocktail prevented you from taking conventional medication. When you were done, you put it back in your purse, and you stood up to link your arm in Crosshair’s, and he led the way.

The walk towards his box was a blur, and soon you were inside a room that was nearly identical to the one behind you and your mother’s box except for the presence who occupied it. Crosshair closed the door behind him and watched as your gaze observed the details of the room, from the lamps to the curtain that concealed you and him from the rest of the theater. When your gaze finally fell on him, you walked closer to him only to take a seat on the elegant couch beside you, with your back straight and your legs pressed together, your hands resting on your thighs. Crosshair felt allured by the ladylike posture you’d adopted, and he went to sit next to you, his tall frame hovering over you as he reached his hand out once more for his knuckle to gently brush your chin.

“Can I do this here?” He asked.

You giggled softly. “Yes.”

His hand slowly slid past your jaw and found rest at the nape of your neck, where his fingertips could gently brush with loose strands of your hair. “You’ll have to be very quiet.”

“Mm,” you hummed. “I’ll be good. I promise.”

Crosshair inhaled sharply through closed teeth in an attempt to suppress a growl, and you melted at the sight of his half-lidded eyes and his slightly bared teeth, a devastatingly seductive expression for such a strikingly handsome face. You were ready for him to take you and show you his skillset, and by the stars, he was ready to dive in. After an excruciating wait, Crosshair crashed his lips onto yours, breaking the kiss for a few moments to look you in the eyes again.

“Where are my manners?” He mused. “I don’t know your name yet, darlin’.”

You giggled and leaned in close to his ear, whispering your name. Crosshair moaned faintly at the syllables you pronounced, and he leaned in to resume kissing down your jawline, and he muttered your name once before finally finding your lips again and kissing you with a burning hunger. He pushed his body forward, making you lie on the couch, without breaking the kiss, with his hands running all over your torso and your legs over your skirt.

It was when his hands slipped under your skirt that you had to clench every muscle in your body to keep from moaning. His fingertips sliding up your shins and thighs sent delightful sensations all through your body like electricity coursing through your wires. It was as if Crosshair didn’t need to undress you with his hands. He could do that only with his mind. He could speak to you with no words, telling you how great his desire was with every brush of his tongue with yours and the curious, seductive groans that escaped him as he observed the texture and curves of your legs with his fingertips and kneaded your flesh wherever you were most plump.

Almost unconsciously, you had spread your legs as you lay flat on your back on the couch. You wanted him to have all the access, and Crosshair seemed to purr at you when he noticed. He pressed himself harder onto you and his kissing never ceased, and you sunk into the bliss that came with making out with Crosshair as he slid his hands up and down your legs underneath your skirt, with his fingers inching closer to the very inside of your thighs each time. Still, you knew that was going to have to wait—Crosshair definitely didn’t strike you as the kind of man to rush things for the sake of a quick release, and you loved that.

His lips on yours took you higher with each second that passed. The kiss was warm and passionate and tasted of whisky and citrus, and his tongue danced with yours inside your mouth, granting you sweet and fiery friction that deliciously hinted at that sensation on other parts of your body. You succeeded in keeping your moans at bay, whimpering delicately into Crosshair with each tiny wave of sparks sent down your body, and you could tell how much the sound riled him up when he dug his nails into your thighs or your ass in response. Aching for more, you nibbled gently on Crosshair’s lower lip, basking in the low, grumbling moan he struggled to contain at the sensations you caused when you lightly tugged on his lip with your teeth, and you dove in for another kiss only for him to do the same to you. The fire within you had grown so intense that you had to clutch his silver locks, short as they were, giving them a light tug, and by doing that, you caused Crosshair to buck his hips forward in response, letting you feel the hard erection even through the skirt of your dress.

“Such a good girl,” he whispered between kisses, and finally, Crosshair slid his fingers teasingly around your inner thighs and getting dangerously close to your panties. He wrapped his fingers around the delicate panties that shielded your cunt from his touch, and painfully slowly, he slid them down your smooth legs, shooting a glance into your eyes as he did as a final way to ask for your approval.

You nodded at him as you looked him straight in the eyes, and then you pulled him in for another kiss, ready for him to have his way with you.

Crosshair put your panties aside where they wouldn’t be hard to find afterwards, although the idea of you wandering around with no undergarments beneath that exquisite gown made him want to rip it clean off you. But this was still a place of elegance, and he imagined that gown had taken at least some effort for you to put on, and he wouldn’t disrespect that. He smirked to himself at the thought of him having to please you with that dress still on, but it was nothing he couldn’t handle.

His fingertips weren’t quite at your folds yet, but Crosshair could feel your wetness leaking around your delicate skin. Crosshair took his long middle and index fingers and brushed your folds from bottom to top a few times as he gazed into your eyes wanting to take in your expression. You appeared dazed as you looked back into his eyes, feeling his touch on your warm, wet cunt, your mind soaring with the thoughts of everything you wanted him to do with you. He kept up his current pattern until he felt a switch was in order, and Crosshair rested his two fingertips on the swollen and exposed bud of your clit, and he began to rub slow, steady circles on it. You bit your lip to keep from moaning at the delicious feeling of his fingers sliding effortlessly over your flesh, coated by your wetness, and you gazed into his eyes until you let your head gracefully fall back on the couch’s armrest for support as you allowed yourself to slip into a state of bliss.

Crosshair smirked at the sight of you, delighted and pleased. The circular motion of his fingers on your clit increased its pace, and he pressed only a tad harder into your flesh, but he managed to elevate your pleasure onto a whole other level by doing that. The sweet sensations boiled low in your core and expanded throughout your entire labia, and you felt your body rising to such a heat that you began to sweat. Your breathing hardened against Crosshair’s lips, kissing him with more force the closer you felt yourself approaching ecstasy, and you felt as though you had to cling to him for support even though you were lying back on a couch. You needed that beautiful release, ached for it, felt it closer and closer each second, until at last, that delicious heat overflowed within you and sent you into a spiral of fiery delight.

Your body squirmed in Crosshair’s grip, and you relied on the feeling of Crosshair’s lips on yours to keep you from screaming at such intense pleasure. Your chest pressed up to him with each wave of your orgasm, and Crosshair watched you, smirking seductively at the sight of you so enticing and beautiful, overwhelmed that pleasure that he gave you. You were able to pick up on things that Crosshair briefly muttered under his breath, tender whispers of “Yes” and “Good girl” that made you see white, until your hips gave a sturdy buck forward in a particularly strong wave of pleasure.

Crosshair removed his fingertips from your clit for a moment to let you catch your breath, and your heart sank at the thought of him being done with you. Any dread within you shattered when you felt his touch on your all too sensitive clit once more, but this time, Crosshair slid his fingertips downward and approached your entranced. He teased the little hole only for a few seconds, enough to draw a sweet, delicious little whimper from you which he chuckled at in the sexiest way you could fathom, and then, Crosshair slid a long and slender finger down your entrance. You sucked air in through your teeth and clawed into the couch in another attempt at discretion, for he was showing you once again how talented he was. Crosshair’s finger moved at the perfect pace and curled at the perfect angle, brushing your sensitive spots like it was second nature.

For a moment, you thought that would be it, and you were already close to another release. That was until you felt Crosshair pull his finger out for the briefest second before coming back in with a fuller, deeper sensation; he’d slid two fingers into you now, enhancing every sensation that you felt. Your eyes widened in admiration at him and nervousness at yourself—if he continued, you weren’t sure how loud you would be or if you would be capable of containing yourself. You lifted your head and looked at Crosshair again, gazing into his striking gaze that appeared gentle as he focused solely on you and your pleasure. You let a hand travel up to cup his cheek, wanting to bring him even closer to you than he already was, and this time around, your orgasm crept up on you slowly, silently, taking over your body with expertise to make you crumble even harder.

Your eyes rolled back, and you no longer made sense of the world around you. You then shut your eyes hard and embraced Crosshair, pressing him strongly onto you, rocking your hips forward and back for even more friction that engulfed you in sparks. All you could make a remote thought of was how much this man amazed you, and how much no man would probably ever live up to his standard. The waves of your pleasure wore on as Crosshair persisted, and you felt yourself on the verge of blacking out, when Crosshair retrieved his hand from you and helped you gently up to sitting on the couch.

It took you a few minutes to recover, which Crosshair noticed, chuckling softly at how endearing you were post lovemaking. He’d gotten up to do something you didn’t quite make sense of, but you did notice when he went and sat next to you, with one hand resting softly at your knee while the other handed you back your panties.

You looked over at him, still dazed, though a bit confused. “What about you?”

Crosshair chuckled. “I’ll survive. We should probably return to where we should be. It might be considered rude if I’m not at the seat I was offered.”

“Oh, right,” you said, with his previous statement finishing the effort of bringing you back to reality. You eyed him again, this time more in the spirit of joking, but only halfway. “Are you sure? I could suck you into oblivion in under five minutes, the opera’s still gonna last longer than that.”

Crosshair laughed again. “Enticing, but no. Go on, darlin’.”

With a smile, you put your panties back on and hesitated before leaving the room, considering for a moment finishing the opera next to him. You’d occupy the seat on the left and take in the performance once more, enjoying the company far more than whatever was going on the stage, sneaking occasional looks at him only to find out he was already looking at you, perhaps reaching for his hand to hold it throughout the remainder of a performance

The implications were astonishingly scandalous, and you’d never hear the end of it. Neither of you would. Besides, for all you knew, what had just happened had only been a fling, regardless of how much you were feeling at the moment.

Your eyes met his piercing gaze for one final time before you ran out of his room, checking the surroundings for any bystanders before you made your way down the opulent halls. Your box was just a couple of stories above Crosshair’s, and it didn’t take you long to arrive. When you did, you held your hand over your head, imitating pain, but you gave her a reassuring smile.

Your mother asked no questions, and she returned your smile briefly before focusing her attention on the soloist down on the stage once more. You looked around at the people watching the performance, most of them focused on the stage, a few of them distracted, and a couple even asleep. You then understood that no one had seen you, and a wave of triumph showered itself over you.

You probably would have liked it better if you knew there was a chance for the night’s events to repeat themselves, but given your position, that would be begging for trouble. The ramifications could be wide, and you told yourself that again and again every single time you felt the longing to return to that man’s embrace.

You would have to make do without him.

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Next chapter ->

[moonstruckme]

Eddie x Ballerina!Reader? Eddie goes to one of her recitals with his uncle because he knows that her parents don't go to those type of things so she's usually by herself, he also buys her some cute flowers♡

xoxo

Aw this is such a sweet idea! Hope you like it lovely <3

Eddie Munson x ballerina!reader ♡ 761 words

You don't have a lot of feelings about your recitals. They're an opportunity to dance—you love that part—but they don't really feel any different for you from your practices or when you dance around your apartment.

You watch the other dancers get jittery and excited, peering through the curtains to spot their friends and family, come to watch them do the thing they love most. For you, it's just a Saturday. Your parents stopped coming to these things when you were about ten, and once you could drive yourself they stopped even pretending they cared when your recitals were. You don't blame them, really—they're always on Saturday nights, when you know your exhausted parents would much rather be relaxing at home than watching an art form they don't really understand—but their absence stops you from inviting any friends, too. It's just too noticable, with all your peers rushing to meet their families after the show ends, greeted by boquets and praise. You're a bit embarrased, really, that your family won't do that for you, so best just to not invite anyone. For years, your recitals have passed unnoticed, and you're well used to it.

The crowd doesn't make you nervous, with no one in it to care if you mess up, so you hold you head high, neck long, as you walk out onto the stage, taking your place. When the lights turn on, shining almost directly into your eyes, it's easy to forget the crowd is there at all, and you launch into motion as the music begins. You let your muscles remember the steps for you, masking the precision of your movements through the fluidity of your limbs, every inch of your body becoming an extension of the strings, the woodwinds, the barely perceptible timpani.

You lose yourself so completely you hardly realize you're panting as you hold your final pose, the lights going down for you and the other dancers to make your exit. Applause fills the auditorium, along with loud whooping from someone who clearly doesn't know the etiquitte of ballet performances. You smile slightly at the sound; they probably just want to show support for someone they love, and you hope they're not being told off for it.

You go backstage to change costumes for your next dance, and repeat the process a few more times. You're surprised when after each performance, the same boisterous cheering comes from what you estimate to be the front row of the audience. By the time you finish your final dance of the night, they've begun whistling too, and you can't help but laugh at the absurdity of it when everyone else is clapping politely. One of the dancers in your group must have someone who's really devoted to their support. As you leave the stage, your curiosity gets the better of you, and you find yourself scanning the first row in the darkness. Two pairs of eyes catch yours, and Eddie waves enthusiastically from beside his uncle Wayne. You almost stumble, managing to find your footing at the last second and avoid an embarrassing spill.

You've never changed clothes so quickly in your life. As soon as the doors to the auditorium open, you're rushing out to the first row, where Eddie's beaming at you like you've just won the Prix de Lausanne.

"Baby, that was amazing!" he gushes, and it looks like he means it, all dimples and giant, earnest eyes. Your heart swells, and you go to hug him, but stop when you see the flowers in his hand. Eddie follows your gaze. "Oh sorry," he says, like he's forgotten them. "These are for you."

"They're gorgeous. Thank you, Eds." You take them gingerly, hoping your face is conveying all the adoration you can't put into words. It sticks in your throat and builds pressure behind your eyes. You look past him, to Wayne. "Thank you both for coming, it's so sweet of you."

"Thanks for inviting us, kid. You were really something up there." Wayne smiles at you, and he has so much of Eddie's warmth you worry you're going to cry. You force yourself to smile back instead, wobbly as it is.

Eddie wraps an arm around you, pressing a kiss to your temple, and you know he can tell the way this is affecting you. You love him all the more for it. "My girl," he murmurs, "a ballerina. Think you could teach me some of those moves sometime? Might add something to my performance."

You laugh. "Anytime you want."

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

"Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall, Who's the Fairest of Them All?"

This set of headcanons was the most difficult for me to write for of the 7 dorms. I think it’s because I don’t immediately associate Pomefiore with any group activities, unlike most of the others.

Note: Rollo does not canonically dislike apples, I just decided to run with it to go along with the whole joke of him being Catholic... and how apples are representative of "the first sin" in much of pop culture.

A Big Pomefiore Welcome to Rollo!

Four dormitory visits in, and Rollo's dreading the next. He expects it to be every bit as exhausting as the first four were, whether physically or mentally. But no, he won't let his spirit be broken, won't let these NRC students under his skin!! Rollo trudges onward.

Pomefiore boasts a pleasant atmosphere right as he enters their realm. It is filled with soft birdsong and lush greenery, sunshine coming down upon his face. He shields his eyes and squints at the rustic castle towering ahead. it's grand, imposing, and filled with rich history. So far, so good.

At this point, Rollo expects someone to jump out of the bushes to annoy him, but the entire walk to the entrance is uneventful. Something is very wrong here, he thinks, slowly rapping on the doors. Does a jump scare await him beyond it? Rollo braces himself when the doors creak open and push out.

“Bienvenu, Roi du Mouchoir!!” an irritatingly familiar voice calls out to him. Rook rushes at Rollo at a frightening speed, nearly crushing the man's bones in a hug he's too slow to avoid. An arm coiling around him like a snake, a hand on the small of his back, Rook happily welcomes Rollo inside.

The huntsman talks. Incessantly. He talks about how happy he is to be reunited with him, he talks about the beautiful weather, he talks about the wonderful reception Pomefiore has painstakingly planned to welcome his arrival. He just about never stops talking, never wipes that big, dumb smile off of his face. It’s plainly unsettling.

Rollo utters a sharp “Tais-toi!”, which finally silences Rook (but only for about all of 5 seconds). His eyes crease, and something about his expression reminds Rollo of a hungry fox. “Ah, I see that your fiery fervor has yet to dim. Harboring such unyielding ideals… Fufufu, that tenacious spirit of yours makes you a wonderful fit in the realm of the Beautiful Queen.”

“Tch. You keep speaking in that overly familiar tone of voice,” Rollo snips as he and Rook come to a new set of doors, “acting as though we’re on amicable terms, ushering me into your fold. Make no mistake, I do NOT plan on becoming intimate with…”

The doors open into an opulent lounge decorated for a fancy reception. Streamers are suspended from the ceiling, confetti dusting open seats, vases of flowers topping ever counter, petals spilling in a luxurious waterfall from one table. Sitting upon elegant purple cloths are plates of hors d'oeuvres and flutes with sparkling liquids.

Students in robes with billowing sleeves are scattered around a throne where a beautiful man sits. Nervously standing at the seated queen’s side is a shorter boy with fluffy lilac hair and large eyes. Their gazes momentarily meet, and there’s a flicker of recognition in both of them. It’s Epel Felmier from the masquerade.

Rook approaches, sweeping his feathered hat off and bowing. “Je suis revenu.” There’s a nod from the beautiful man—the dorm’s ruler, Rollo believes—as he raises a hand to the onlookers. “Thank you for escorting our guest to the venue, Rook. Now then, let the festivities begin.” The Pomefiore students clap politely for him as soft orchestral music begins to play, as if by magic.

“Well then, my friend—” (“We are NOT friends,” Rollo sharply corrects Rook.) “—please enjoy yourself! As sorrowful as it is to part ways, cruel Fate dictates it must be so. Worry not, our paths will surely cross again! Until then, I leave you with this token to remember me by.” Rook produces a rose from his sleeve and slips it into Rollo’s hat, then prances off to his dorm leader.

Rollo removed the the rose crushes it in his palm like a stress ball. He lets the crumpled flower fall to his feet, mingling with the petals already on the polished floor.

“Erm, Rook-senpai… Is it okay to really let him walk around the party without supervision?” Epel asks as his upperclassman draws near. “Won’t he… um, you know??” (To this, Rook chuckles. “Non, we needn’t worry. Acting so boldly in broad daylight is not to his style.“)

Rollo tries to minimize his presence, finding some quiet corner to stand in until the reception ends. Unfortunately for him, Pomefiore students keep walking up to chat. He’s on edge, expecting them to be combative or nosy—but no, he finds that they’re a more insidious kind of evil… the underhanded, subtler sort.

Many of the mob students compliment his outfit. However just as many of them raise their eyebrows when they see him up close. They coo about how Rollo’s complexion looks so haggard and how he has such dark circles under his eyes. (A few of them also remark that his haircut is “a choice”.)

Some mob students start giving him (uncalled for) beauty tips and product recommendations. Retinol creams, vitamin C serums, sleeping masks—all manner of lotions and potions to supposedly “fix” his dark circles and sickly look.

Rollo takes their words as gracefully as he can, but inside his annoyance steadily accumulates. (How shallow and frivolous their interests are!! And how dare they try to impose their vain standards onto him?!)

The conversation soon takes a turn into history, a subject which he finds much more enjoyable. He hears of the Beautiful Queen and passes on stories of the Righteous Judge—equal parts give and take.

Rollo learns that their dorm leader, Vil, is skilled in the laboratory. Potions, poisons… he can brew them all. “He even tends to our plants and harvests them to create his own cosmetics,” a mob student excitedly tells Rollo. “That’s our Vil-sama!”

“What a coincidence. I, too, partake in gardening as a hobby.” Rollo chooses his words very carefully, but still a smirk finds its way onto his face. He can’t help but sneer a little at these hapless fools (who misinterpret the look as an awkward attempt at a smile). “Fufufu, yes… I do so love flowers of a crimson color in particular. Lotuses have a charm to them as well. The red ones are reminiscent of fire.”

Every time Rollo has to take an aside to cover his (frequent) grimaces with his handkerchief, the Pomefiore mobs remark on how thoughtful and graceful it is for him to do such a thing. They start talking about how they, too, should invest in their own handkerchiefs—what colors and designs should they consider? “… Any will do,” Rollo grumbles.

When he thinks about it, a lot of the Pomefiore mobs’ admiration for Vil reminds him of his own peers back at NBC. They stare at him with sparkling eyes full of adoration, praising him for every achievement, falling over themselves to be at his beck and call. Hmph, how foolish.

A feeling of unease never fully leaves Rollo as he converses with others. He feels as though he’s still being watched by Rook—yet when he glances over to check on the huntsman, he seems preoccupied whispering into Vil’s ear or laughing a something Epel said. As soon as Rollo looks away, that eerie sensation returns.

When the mob students finally retreat into their own smaller circles and cliques, Rollo decides to have a light snack to regain all that energy he just expended entertaining nosy idiots. He’s pleased to find foods that remind him of home: charcuterie boards, cheeses, grapes, breads—

An awkward cough sounds from behind him. “W-Would you like some juice, sir?” It’s Epel, shyly offering a glass to him. (From a distance, Rook nods encouragingly and gives him two thumbs up. Vil sighs, swirling around liquid in a goblet of his own.)

“You were sent personally,” Rollo remarks. (Epel was; Vil had prodded him to go so he could observe how he handled himself in a strained social situation.) “Why?” (“You um… seemed thirsty?”)

“It’s not poisoned, is it?” Rollo asks suspiciously, cautiously accepting the glass. (“N-Nossir! It ain’t! I swear it on mah life!!” Epel insists.) He peers inside and finds golden juice. “This must be apple. Do you have an alternative? Perhaps grape.”

“E-Eh?” Epel seems surprised (and mildly offended) by the request. “You prefer grapes to apples?” ("I do. Apples may keep for a long time relative to other fruits, but I find the texture of them to be quite mealy and difficult to get down.")

"Mealy?!" Epel's outburst draws the attention of everyone in the room (including Vil, who does not look pleased). The first year mutters an apology before returning to Rollo. "I'm sure there's some kind of apple you must like...? There's many new breeds out now because of advances in MMOs."

"Magically modified organisms?" Rollo sneers at the idea. "What makes you think I would want to ingest produce that has been touched by magic? The concept itself is abhorrent. Apples were simply meant to be the lesser fruit."

"LESSER FRUIT?!" Epel's even louder (and more appalled) this time. “You oughta take that back ‘fore I…!” Vil frowns and rises from his throne. Epel pales and instantly shuts up as his dorm leader sashays toward them.

"My, I do hope our Epel isn't imposing on you," Vil drawls, glaring at the first year. Epel's prepared to be chewed out--but miraculously, he's spared with the wave of Vil's hand. (He scrambles off with Rook, leaving Rollo to Vil.) "As you can plainly see, there’s still much work to be done in terms of his manners and temperament. Some potatoes take more time and effort to whip into shape than others, I'm afraid."

“Of course. I completely understand.” Rollo’s reply is terse and stiff as he regards Vil—a famous face he recalls seeing in various works, posted about almost religiously online. An idol for the masses, is his immediate thought, flaunting about like a primping peacock. Pushing products and an excessive lifestyle for others to ogle and covet. Encouraging sin.

Epel gives Rollo a dirty look when he’s sure Vil isn’t looking. “No way can anyone hate apples and be a good person!! His heart is pure black, Rook-senpai!!" Epel clutches onto the robes of his upperclassman. "He definitely still can’t be trusted!!”

“I don't believe I've had the chance to formally introduce myself." Vil slowly swirls around the carbonated apple juice in his own goblet. "Vil Schoenheit—a pleasure. I’ve heard so many stories about you.” None of them good, Rollo suspects.

With a glance around the room, Vil sighs. He gestures to the garden that awaits beyond a window. “It’s getting to be a bit stuffy in here. Would you care to take this outside?”

Rollo seizes the opportunity to escape from the suffocating space and prying eyes. He enters the night, finding comfort in the darkness and silence. For a moment, he almost forgets that Vil is with him—until he hears the distinctive clacking of a sharp nail against glass.

“I hope Pomefiore’s hospitality has met your standards,” Vil says nonchalantly. “Rook tells me you’re very particular.” And truthfully? Rollo confesses to him that it’s been the least abrasive of the dorms he has visited thus far. Vil makes a face. “… I had my expectations set low for some of the others, but I can’t fathom what horrors you’ve experienced at the their hands.“

“You have some sense in you.” What a shame it is that you are a mage. Rollo doesn’t speak his true thoughts out loud, but Vil seems to sense the animosity radiating off of him.

He gives a snooty laugh. “You must think little of me. As an A-list actor, I can see easily through your facade. Let’s drop the pretenses, hmm? I’d like to speak with the real Rollo Flamme.” At the invitation, Rollo scowls. Vil smirks right back. “That’s more like it.”

“… What is it that you want? There must be a reason why you’ve gone out of your way to isolate us from the rest of them.”

“A queen can be curious,” Vil explains in a dismissive manner. He sweeps a golden lock behind one ear, treating the scene no different from another set. The moonlight on him as he delivers a soliloquy. “… It goes without saying that I do not approve of your methods. However, there is something to be said of your doggedness. That, at least, deserved to be lauded.”

“You’re congratulating me.” Rollo says it as a statement of disbelief.

“In a way, yes.” Vil’s laugh is low and cruel. “The more you want something, the harder is it to obtain. It’s never quite so simple. You’re promised the world as a child, and then you grow up and realize the world doesn’t owe you a happy ending no matter how hard you bite and hiss and claw for it. I know of that frustration well myself.”

Vil wants the truth? He’ll get the truth. Rollo lets the vitriol slip into his voice, turning it pointed and poisonous. “I’m appalled that you would even imply that we are similar. Do not compare me with the likes of you…!”

“Am I wrong? Please, enlighten me.” There’s a newfound satisfaction in Vil’s expression. He knows he has not won, but that he has gotten under Rollo’s skin. “It’s difficult to put on a smile and act as though all is well, isn’t it? That’s the burden we bear. The roles we are expected to play.” Vil smiles a bit. “Perhaps in another life, I would have welcomed you as a student of my dormitory.”

“If a second life exists, I would want a life of normalcy—not to be jailed in your gilded cage of a castle,” Rollo spits out. “I would wish to be free of this burning curse. I would have him back.” I could be happy again in that fairer world.

Vil nods and solemnly lifts his glass. “… To your wish upon a star—and your efforts to realize it.” Rollo finds himself mimicking the motion, compelled by a feeling he doesn’t recognize. Is it a pledge to never give up, even if the world is against him? Is it a part of him acknowledging Vil’s harsh truth? He doesn’t know.

They toast and raise the cups to their lips. Somehow, the apple juice tastes bittersweet on both of their tongues.

With that, Vil turns away. Heels clicking rhythmically, he follows the warm lights spilling out from Pomefiore back inside. He will return to the reception, mingle with his subjects. Maybe scold Epel as he had initially intended to, or tell Rook off for coming onto their guest too strongly.

Rollo is alone in the night.

… Or so he thinks, until a hand comes upon his shoulder.

“Roi du Mouchoir,” Rook says softly, emerging from the shadows as though he were born among them, “Let us make haste back to the reception. You’re the guest of honor—it wouldn’t do to have you running off on us! Ah, but if you do… I would be more than happy to chase you down to the ends of Twisted Wonderland to retrieve you.”

“Wha…?! Where did you come from?!” Rollo jerks away from him with a yelp, which doesn’t seem to bother Rook at all. He keeps smiling that crude, large smile of his and claps. “Très bien, you’re still brimming with vitality for the rest of the evening! Come now, let us return!”

His patience snaps.

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll keep far away from me!!”

[cherrysfanfics-ily]

hi would you maybe write a jesse st. james reader fanfic where the reader is finn's sister and she's a really good singer, like better than rachel!

Here is your request! I hope you enjoy it, I had lots of fun writing it! It may be a more friendly type one-shot with some romantic aspects here and there, but if people want one I can do a part 2 with a more romantic take!! Genre: Fluff

Pairing: Jesse St. James x Fem! Reader

Word Count: 1825

(___’s POV)

I was sat in the choir room with the rest of the glee club the day after Rachel showed her ‘Run Joey Run’ film, with Finn on my left and, surprisingly, Jesse on my right and Rachel looking at the two of them with sad eyes on the opposite side of the room. “ Mom says she’s making alfredo with chicken tonight for dinner,” Finn spoke looking over at me, with a small smile. “ That is the best news to hear, I love her alfredo and chicken.” I smile back. “ Alright glee clubbers, does anyone else have a bad reputation song to share after Rachel’s yesterday?” Mr.Shue asked with a clap of his hands looking around at the rest of us hopefully. I quickly look around, seeing no one else wanting to go, so I raise my hand with a proud smile, “___! Come on up!” Mr.Shue said with a smile waving me up.

I stood from my chair and headed to the front, when I got there I turned to look at everyone seeing everyone watching me, and Rachel glaring at me crossing her arms. “ I’ll be honest I think a bad reputation does not equal a good reputation, I think it just means you’ll never truly have fans but haters,” I spoke looking around at everyone matching Rachel’s glare when I met her eyes, “ But I chose a song that may have a bad reputation but you just can’t help but get up and dance and sing along to.” I finished before I nodded at the band to start the music, and they started playing the instrumental to ‘Girlfriend’ by Avril Lavinge.

“ Hey, hey, you, you, I don't like your girlfriend. No way, no way, I think you need a new one. Hey, hey, you, you, I could be your girlfriend,” I sang starting to rock out to the drums and guitar, ” Hey, hey, you, you, I know that you like me. No way, no way, you know it's not a secret. Hey, hey, you, you, I want to be your girlfriend.” I sang a smirk on my face started to dance a bit, and watched as a few others recognized the song and started to dance in their seats a bit. 

“ You're so fine, I want you mine, you're so delicious, I think about you all the time, you're so addictive. Don't you know what I can do to make you feel alright?” I sang as I started to walk through everyone’s chairs circling Santana’s chair and doing a small shimmy back and forth with her before moving on. “ Don't pretend, I think you know I'm damn precious, and hell yeah, I'm the motherfuckin' princess. I can tell you like me too and you know I'm right.” I continued playfully leaning onto Kurt as he smiled at my antics. 

“ She's like so whatever, you could do so much better. I think we should get together now, and that's what everyone's talkin' about.” I sang standing back up properly before heading and playfully sitting on Mercedes's lap acting as if I was talking about someone with her, before heading back to the front and repeating the chorus. 

“ I can see the way, I see the way you look at me. and even when you look away, I know you think of me.  I know you talk about me all the time again and again.” I sang going and messing with Brittany’s head as if she might have thought of me, “ So come over here and tell me what I wanna hear. Better yet, make your girlfriend disappear, I don't wanna hear you say her name ever again.” I skipped over to Jesse and sat in his lap with a smile on my face, with him smiling back, just having lots of fun before getting up and heading back to the front again to sing the pre-chorus and chorus again. 

“ In a second, you'll be wrapped around my finger. 'Cause I can, 'cause I can do it better. There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in? She's so stupid, what the hell were you thinkin'?” I sang clapping to the beat, with the girls, excluding Rachel, joining me, standing to come to dance with me. “ In a second, you'll be wrapped around my finger. 'Cause I can, 'cause I can do it better. There's no other, so when's it gonna sink in? She's so stupid, what the hell were you thinkin'?” I continued with the guys joining the girls and me up at the front.

I went on to sing the rest of the song dancing with a few different people until Jesse and I started dancing with each other for the rest of the song. “ Hey, hey!” I finish with a huge smile on my face, as the others erupt into cheers having had lots of fun dancing and singing along. 

“ Great job ___! You gave a great example of the assignment, and got everyone up and moving along with you!” Mr.Shue said excitedly giving me a high five as we all returned to our seats, “ Alright. We have a couple of days left of the week, so if you have a song with a bad reputation then you are welcome to share it. I will see you all tomorrow.” Mr.Shue smiled at us heading to wipe off the whiteboard, and out of the corner of my eye I saw Rachel pop up and head over to Mr.Shue. I start to gather my things, putting them in my backpack. “ You ready to go?” I hear Finn ask as I grab my keys out of my bag. “ You go without me, I’m planning on heading into town for a while,” I told him hugging him, while he nodded and waved goodbye as he left. 

I finally finished putting my things in my bag and headed out of the room to my locker to drop off the books I didn’t need tonight and grab the ones I did need. I hear footsteps coming up to me before they stop and clear their throat causing me to turn to look who it is, only to see Jesse. “ Hey ___, that was a great song choice in there.” He complimented me with a smirk, causing me to smile and let out a small laugh turning back to my locker to finish what I was doing. “ Thank you, It’s a song I have on my playlist so it was an easy pick,” I told him, with a smile putting the last book away shutting my locker door, and turning back to look at him.

“ Well either way your voice was perfect for the song, and I enjoyed dancing with you.” Jesse smiled at me starting to lean on a nearby locker. “ I enjoyed dancing with you as well.” I smile back before I notice Rachel down the hallway watching Jesse and me, and I just roll my eyes and lean on my locker, “ Are you and Rachel still together? Or what happened after yesterday?” I ask him curiously. He turned his head to see Rachel watching us as well making her turn away from us and go, before turning back to look at me. “ No, I told her last night that what she did hurt me, with how she lied and used me.” He spoke shaking her head. 

“ I’m sorry you had to deal with that, should’ve warned you that she’s kind of selfish when it comes to glee club. She’s at least lucky that I haven’t talked to her about it yet.” I spoke leaning back against my locker a bit with a cross of my arms glaring at where Rachel just was. “ Yeah?” He questions raising one of his eyebrows. “ Yeah. She does these things to get her way, and not only did she use you and Puck, she used my brother.” I ranted a bit rolling my eyes. “ Well, you don’t have to worry about that since everyone has called her out for it,” Jesse stated with a small laugh.

I watched as he smiled and laughed, which brought a smile to my face, “ I’m heading into town to get some coffee and do a bit of shopping. Just have a fun time after the last few days, do you want to join me?” I ask standing straight again and adjusting my backpack. “ I’d love that honestly, it would be good to take a break.” He spoke, which made me smile a bit more. We both head to the front of the school and head towards my car. I unlock the doors as we get closer and head over to the driver seat, as Jess goes over to the passenger side. We both hop in and put our bags in the back seat so we have enough room up front before buckling in. I put the key in the ignition starting it up as I grabbed a CD case I had in the back, put it into the CD player, and started to play it. As I pull out the song I was left on last time starts to play, “ Great CD choice, and such a great song.” Jesse spoke looking over at me. 

“ I mean you can never go wrong with Gaga, and Judas is an amazing song of hers,” I responded looking over at him quickly before I looked back at the road stopping at a red light. I hear him laugh as I glance over at him to see his head thrown back against the seat before watching the lights. As the light turns green I continue down the road before I’m able to pull into the parking lot of Lima Bean, quickly finding a parking space to park in. After parking I turn the car off, Jesse and I both unbuckle and get out. I make sure to lock the door as we go to head in, with Jesse opening the door for me as I smile at him in thanks. We were quick to the counter ordering our drinks and paying before moving over out of the pay of other people. 

“ Listen ___, I want to thank you for being kind to me even if I didn’t truly deserve it. I also really appreciate you inviting me to hang out with you today. It means a lot more than you know.” Jesse spoke looking down at me with a smile. “ Of course, even if you were on the opposing team that doesn’t warrant being rude to you, and I can’t imagine how it felt for your girlfriend to triple-cast you for her wants and desires,” I told him with a smile, softly putting my hand on his shoulder. He smiles as he wraps an arm around my shoulder as our drinks are called. We go and grab them before heading out to continue with what we planned for the rest of the day.

[lonelycowgirls]

Been There All Along

Another concept nobody asked me for coming in hot...

I don't know about you, but I love the thought of Harry being in a long-term relationship. Call me old-fashioned, but the idea of him being truly in love with one special person since before One Direction just makes me feel all the feels!✨

So, I took influence from @satanhalsey's Since Forever universe - if you haven't read their writing you simply must because it's amazing - and here is my take.

For a bit of background, Stella is a midwife and Harry is everything he is in real life. This is a taster to their story, I'll see if you all like it first...

Please like, reblog and follow if you enjoy it!

My asks are also open for feedback and ideas to how this universe can continue.

Nel xxx

~

Where Stella goes to Harry’s last night at Madison Square Garden and gets a call that could change everything

Part one of two

“He’s so amazing, Stell.  You must be so proud.”

Stella nodded to Jeff, Harry’s manager, who stood beside her in the arena.  She couldn’t believe that little Harry Styles from Cheshire was selling out 15 consecutive shows in New York City.  After 13 years together, she’d seen him play endless amounts of shows, not all of them he’d left feeling happy with but every one of them feeling grateful.  He’d been blessed and in turn, she’d been blessed too.  But they’d been through hardship recently, and she was beginning to lose faith in them as a couple and him as a partner - something she’d never seen coming.

“You’ve become exactly what we always feared.  You’ve become selfish and egotistical… you’re all... Hollywood now.  Remember who you are, Harry.  Remember the kind of person you wanted to be.  Remember us… Remember where you came from.”

That was the last thing she’d said to him before he’d hung up on her in a huff.  But she was there, of course, at the last show of his residency.  Because she was always there.  She was starting to worry that that was their problem.  She was always there, no matter what.  He, on the other hand, couldn’t always be there.  He’d missed her graduation from her midwifery course because he was on tour with the band.  He’d missed her beloved Granddad's funeral because he had a movie premiere he was contractually obliged to attend.  He’d missed her brother’s wedding because, “we’re running really behind on the album, Stell.  I can’t miss a single day, the release date is literally a month away.”  She’d cried all evening from embarrassment.  And from the seven shots of tequila that she’d downed before the first dance.

But still, she was always there.  Because she loved him and she loved being there.

They hadn’t spoken since he’d hung up on her that night she’d had a go at him.  She wasn’t someone who lost her temper easily, so it truly shocked Harry when she spoke to him in the manner that she had.  He was shaking when he’d hung up the phone.  Out of anger mostly, but also out of fear.  Fear that he could actually lose her this time.  That all they’d been through would be a waste.  He didn’t know what being without her was like.  They’d been a partnership since they were teenagers.  13 years on, he didn’t know his world without her.

She clapped along to Treat People With Kindness and did an awkward small two-step to Cinema, inwardly cringing at, “you’re getting yourself wet for me,” just like she always did.  Harry hadn’t even written that line but Tom knew the fans would love it.  She didn’t like the line and thought it was too on the nose and tactless.  Harry was clever and artistic when he wrote music.  And they were so private as a couple that it cringed her out to no end to think other people were thinking about and imagining their sex life.  Never once had he uttered those words to her because they both knew it would kill the mood. She loved when he talked dirty to her, but not if it sounded like he'd ripped it straight off a porn film.

She actually felt nervous in those moments before the encore.  She knew he’d want to see her but she didn’t want to feel the awkward tension that would probably encase the room that surrounded them.  She got her phone out to look at the time and saw a text from a friend at work.

George: 9.55pm

Mel’s gone into labour

George: 9.55pm

Got it dealt with but thought you might want to come in to support her x

George: 10.02pm

Let me know!

The hair on her arms stood up on end.  She’d been reviewing Melanie’s pregnancy for practically the whole eight months, she wasn’t due for another three weeks.  She’d grown very fond of her as a patient and knew that she was having the baby regardless of the fact the father wanted nothing to do with them.  She vowed that she wouldn’t miss the birth and would be there to support her.  Trouble was that she was thousands of miles away… in New York.  Harry had the means to get her back in six hours but she didn’t know how he might feel if she was to shoot off while they were having issues.  Just as Harry was rising back to the stage to sing Sign of the Times she tapped Jeff on the shoulder and held up her phone to signal she was taking a call.  He nodded and turned back to cheer on his friend.

Stella: 10.09pm

How far along, G?! x

George: 10.09pm

Not far at all, water’s only just broke and no contractions

George: 10.09pm

She’s only just left her house

George: 10.10pm

Wouldn’t have messaged if I thought you wouldn’t make it

Stella bit her lip in thought as Jeff put a hand on her shoulder, she jumped and swung around.  “Last song.”  He said in her ear, meaning it was almost time to head backstage.  Harry usually headed straight to the vans waiting outside, meeting Stella in the backseat and the two of them journeying back to their hotel.  Tonight they were planning to celebrate a little longer at the venue with the crew. Jeff said the arena had a surprise for Harry and that when the last song came on they would all move together to a designated area closer to the stage so that Harry could see them clearly.

She followed Jeff and the rest of Harry’s extensive entourage behind security guards.  She thought about the afterparty and tried to imagine herself drinking and mingling whilst she knew Melanie was giving birth, without her. It was Harry’s last night at The Garden… but she had to go.  She glanced back up at Harry on the stage, and then caught sight of Olivia’s silhouette dancing wildly with her friends to Kiwi.  She questioned whether if she left tonight, the shoulder Harry would choose to cry on would be Olivia's.  Would she be pushing him straight into her arms?  She shook her head to rid the thought and made the decision.  She turned and split from the group to rush back to Harry’s dressing room and pack her bag.  There wasn’t time to go back to the hotel, she’d have to hop a jet with what she’d brought to the arena.  Luckily, she always carried her passport as ID when she was in foreign countries.  Her hands shook with adrenaline as she used one to stuff things into her tote and one to call Harry’s travel manager.

“Stella?  What are you doing?”  Jeff said from the doorway.  She glanced at him before snapping back to put the phone to her ear.

“I’ve gotta get back home, Jeff.  Ugh, why aren’t you picking up the bloody phone?!”  She groaned in frustration as she redialed the number.

“I can get you a cab back to the hotel, Stell.  Just let me g-,”

“No, I mean I need to get on a plane back to the UK and these bloody people aren’t answering!”  She began to anger.  Jeff frowned and turned when he heard footsteps down the hallway.  Harry’s brow furrowed as he caught eyes with his confused manager who just shook his head back before stepping aside to allow him to enter the room.

“Stell?  You alright?”  His first response was to be concerned at how flustered she looked.  But he felt uncharacteristically nervous in her presence because of how they’d left their last conversation.  He stepped across the threshold as she put the last of her belongings into her bag and zipped it closed.  “Going somewhere?”  He laughed humourlessly, never expecting her to actually be leaving on a night like that.  One of the most special moments in his career.  He’d looked over, teary-eyed, to where he thought she’d be stood as his commemorative banner dropped and he saw everyone but her.  He saw Jeff, Glenne, James, and even Olivia.  He imagined there would be an influx of gifs and videos of his face falling all over social media by the time he got into bed that night and unlocked his phone.

He saw her bursting tote bag and felt his stomach turn over.  “Has something happened?  Is your mum okay?”  He said turning her to look at him with hands on her shoulders.

“Yes, Harry.  Everyone’s fine but I need to go home,” she looked up at him and sighed, avoiding his eyes.  “I need a plane.”

“Oh, why?  Urgently?” She’d shaken off his hands from her shoulders and was heading for the door.  “Stell, everyone’s in the other room waiting to celebrate.  You need to tell me what’s going on or I’ll start to think this is it.”  Stella's shoulders sank and she sighed deeply.  Even just hearing him talk about them ending like that made her feel sick.

“I need to go back home because a patient of mine is in labour.  George texted me during the show.”

“Seriously?  You want to travel eight hours to see some woman give birth, something you see every day, when we haven’t seen each other in weeks?  When I haven’t seen you since you had a go at me over the phone?”  She swung back around and jumped when she realised how close he was.  He looked angry, but when Harry looked angry he looked about as intimidating as a growling puppy.

"Come with me then!"

"Really? That's unfair, you know I can't do that." He said defeatedly. "Stell, she's just another patient, you'll have hundreds more to take care of in your lifetime." He said, softer, trailing his fingers down her arms to hold her hands in an effort to convince her. She snatched her hands away.

“Are you serious right now?”  She poked his sweaty chest.  “She’s not just a patient, she’s a woman in my care.    She’s someone I’ve spent most of my time with for nearly a year and someone I’ve grown to care about.” She turned to walk down the hallway, him following close after her.  She whipped around again in frustration. “You’d know all about it if you paid attention to anyone talking about anything that wasn’t to do with you.”  His eyes blazed and he opened his mouth to argue before they heard someone pointedly knock on the wall.

“Hey, H, we’re all waiting to toast you.”  Olivia smiled from the doorway of the catering room.  They both turned to look at her and Stella breathed deeply through her nose and glared at Harry when he glared back.

“Go on, H," She made a point of using the nickname.  "You deserve to celebrate.”

“Stella,”

“Just get me a plane and I’ll be out of your hair.”  She smiled, short and tight-lipped, checking her phone for the time, every second she spent arguing with Harry was time she couldn’t afford to waste.  He stepped forward so that Olivia couldn’t hear as clearly.

“If you think it's more important, sure, I’ll get you the plane.”  His nostrils flared but she stayed stoic.  “This hurts me though, Stell." She softened slightly at his words. "How do you think it’s gonna look to everyone that you raced off somewhere instead of being here for me?”  Stella scoffed. She couldn’t even force herself to argue with him anymore, she couldn’t believe how selfish he’d become.  She didn’t even want to look at him, he was nothing like the boy she’d fallen in love with.  She took her gaze to the floor to keep from rolling her eyes.  He nodded in submission.  “I’ll go get Jeff to sort the plane out.  Hope you get there safe.”

Stella sat in her aeroplane seat, taking deep breaths to keep herself calm as they flew over France.  She was so close to returning to the UK and ached to take her phone off of safety mode.  But a part of her was thankful to switch off, to be forced to stop doom scrolling through endless pictures and videos of Harry that fans would post on social media after a show.  She prayed that Melanie was holding back, that she’d make it on time.  The way she’d left things with Harry made her very anxious, to the point where she’d picture him and feel nauseous with anxiety.  They’d never been in such a state.  She questioned every move she’d made leading up to boarding that plane. The plane that he would end up paying for.  She shook her head and leaned it back on the headrest, closing her eyes and running her hands over her face.  She didn’t want to cry in front of the crew, she couldn’t trust whether they’d be taking pictures, despite it being a private plane company.  All the years with Harry had caused her to become paranoid.

“Would you like another coffee, Miss Mallone?”  Stella jumped again, the day’s events had caused her to have the serenity of a doe in headlights.

“Oh, yes, please.  Thank you so much.” She said, smiling softly at the kind air hostess, she looked barely 21 years old.  ‘Caitlin’ was written on her gold badge pinned to the lapel of her sleek navy blue skirt suit.  Caitlin probably knew exactly who she was, and probably wondered why Harry wasn’t on the plane with her.  Stella went red with embarrassment and awkwardness and lifted the beige cashmere blanket up to her chin.  She rolled over to her side in her reclined seat and stared out at the passing clouds through the small plastic window.  She glanced at her watch, around ten past eight in the morning back in London.  About five o’clock in the morning back in New York.  She thought of Harry,  she couldn’t help it.  He’d probably just be getting back to the hotel after a night of celebrations.  He’d flip the lamp on, and see her suitcase that she’d had to leave to go straight to the airport.  He’d roll his eyes as he collected up her makeup that was sprawled across the bed where she’d sat in her fluffy hotel dressing gown an hour before the show, dragging eyeliner across her lids in a rush because, as always, she’d been running late.  He’d see her neatly folded stack of fresh underwear and pyjamas that rested on top of her pillow, ready for when they stumbled through the door, full of Champagne bubbles and Don Julio shots, giggling with wandering hands and greedy lips.  Perhaps he’d smile a bit at the clothing knowing she’d done the same thing since the first time she’d stayed the night at his mum's house.  He’d imagine her doing the same for their children, so they could have cosy memories of when they stayed at big fancy hotels away from home with mum and dad.

She opened her eyes when she felt a slight shove to her shoulder and turned to see Caitlin again, the lights were off, replaced with a low twinkle from the warm strips that glowed from the overhead bag compartments.  

“Miss Mallone, apologies for disturbing your nap.  We’re preparing to land in ten minutes.”  Stella nodded, still a bit out of it and wiped the drool from the corner of her mouth and cheek with her thumb.  Caitlin helped her push her seat back up from its reclined position and handed her a glass of water, assuming correctly that she’d have a dry mouth.

“Thank you, Caitlin.”

“You’re welcome.  Is there anything else I can do for you, Miss Mallone?”

“No, thank you, you’ve been fantastic,”  Stella smiled genuinely at the young girl who nodded.  “Just ready to get home now.”  She leaned forward to take a big gulp of water before resting back, clipping her seatbelt and bracing for landing.

As soon as the tyres hit the tarmac and she was ensured that she could turn her phone off aeroplane safety mode, Stella called George.  She skipped over the texts from Pauli checking on her and went straight to dial.

“Hiya Stell, she’s still going,” Stella sighed deeply in immense relief.  She grabbed her bag with the phone to her ear and nodded to the flight crew as they lined up to show her off the aircraft.  “Where are you now?”

“Literally just getting off the plane,” she walked over to the car that had been organised to take her straight to London Royal Hospital.  “Tell her I’m coming, won’t you?”

“She already knows, she said to tell you you’re mad!”  Stella chuckled and sunk back into the soft leather, thankful for the heated seats after coming straight from the heat of New York City, and being dressed accordingly.  She stressed to George to keep her updated and then hung up.  Tapping through to the messages app, she navigated to Pauli's chat.

Pauli: 10.24am

You good, S?

Pauli: 10.35am

H said you dipped, you've spun him out

Me: 11.02am

Tell him I’m fine x

She tapped out the message and locked her phone to watch London go by as she sped to her destination.  She was fine, regardless of how she couldn’t sit still and how her hair had become greasy with how many times she’d raked her fingers through it.  She thought it was nice of Pauli to check on her, but she knew Harry was pissed off and would most likely be puking up the walls by now.  He never handled anger well. With all the free booze, she knew he would be taking everything offered to him when he was in a certain headspace.  She just hoped Olivia wasn’t an option on that list.  But she couldn’t imagine him doing something so hurtful.

Finally, the driver pulled up after getting stuck in what felt like endless traffic.  She rushed through the double doors of the hospital and ran past the desk to the lifts, bashing the button to call it.

“Morning, Val!” She exclaimed as the maternity check-in clerk frowned in her direction, confused as to what she was doing there when she’d booked the week off.  

“What on earth ya doing here, girl?” She yelled brashly in her Jamaican accent, waddling behind Stella as she whipped her way through the ward towards the staff changing rooms to get into her uniform.

“I couldn’t miss Mel’s birth.”  The older woman’s face fell before she kissed her teeth and threw her arms in the air, stomping and mumbling back out to man the desk.  Thankful to be ridding herself of the clothes she’d travelled almost seven hours in, she opened her locker and grabbed her scrubs and shoes.  She bundled her hair into a, ‘as neat as it’s going to get,’ top knot and washed her hands and forearms with warm soapy water.  She took a deep breath in the mirror and tapped at her under-eye bags to try and get the blood flowing and skin de-puffing.  Stuffing her belongings into her locker she exited the changing room and as luck would have it, ran straight into George, the head of her department.

“You’re here!” He said, wide-eyed.  “Come on, she’s well on her way now.  Doing brilliantly.”  He marched ahead of her back to the ward and drew back the curtain to where Melanie was led, belly strapped up and gas and air flowing.  “Got a visitor for you, Mel.”

Melanie’s eyes nearly bulged out of her head when she saw Stella peek around the corner.  “Oh my God!” She tried to get out but it came muffled due to the tube she was holding in her mouth.  Stella manoeuvred herself around the side of her bed into Mel’s open arms for a squeeze.  “You must be mad, Stell.  Oough.” She groaned the last part, contractions taking over.

“Alright, how are we doing with examinations?  Dilation stats?”

“She was at four centimetres half an hour ago.  Contractions seem to be every three minutes.”

“Okay, so we’re definitely in active labour.  Shall we do another quick check?”  Mel groaned again and took a good pull off the tube, turning onto her back and spreading her legs.  It’s true when they say dignity goes out the door in childbirth.  Stella manoeuvred the stool over to where Melanie’s legs were perched on medical stirrups.  “Okay,” she said, lubing up her gloved fingers and diving right in.  “Hmm, just relax for me, Mel.  That’s it, well done.”  Mel leaned her head back and groaned in pain as she contracted once again, the pangs coming faster as time went on.  Stella pulled her hand out and passed the glove to George to get rid of.  “That’s about seven centimetres.  Time to get you through to the delivery room I’d say.”  Stella grinned excitedly at Melanie, she always tried to keep the energy positive during labours, especially for first-time mothers who would usually be terrified.  She moved up to the head of the bed and stroked back Melanie's hair away from her forehead. She was well and truly sucking the life out of the gas and air machine by then.  Her watery blue eyes stared up at Stella with worry and pain.  “It’s all going to be fine.  We’ve got you.”

The room turned to chaos as the curtain was yanked back and nurses flanked each side of Melanie’s bed as they wheeled it to the nearest free delivery room.

~

Part two coming soon!

Author's note: I realise this is the second angsty piece I've posted on here... we're 2/2 now.

I guess I really am a messy bitch who loves drama.

[ghostofskywalker]

“how embarrassing would it be if i told you i’d dreamt of this since i first met you?” prompt with Echo? 🥰

i think this actually may be the softest thing i've ever written, i hope you enjoy it :)

words: 709

@clonexreaderbingo square: "you're lucky you're cute"

clone troopers masterlist

A steady beat echoed from the speakers in Cid’s cantina, the latest hit to those in the galaxy who didn’t have to worry about the horrors of the Empire. You were humming along as you wiped down the tables and stools, glad that Cid had not yet opened for the day, so you could pretend that things were different for a little while.

Life wasn’t terrible now, but you definitely missed the view of your Coruscant apartment and the feeling of living without the haunting terror that someone was looking over your shoulder. You could have stayed with the Empire and continued your work as a mechanic without issue, but you would have never forgiven yourself for taking the easy road, so here you were. 

You sang along to the music as it became more repetitive, and it became easy to understand why this artist was so beloved among the general population. It certainly helped that their music was catchy, and it made the monotonous chore of cleaning a little bit more bearable. 

The sound of someone stepping into the parlor interrupted a slightly off-key high note (from you, not the singer), and you eyes widened as you looked towards the door to see Echo, a warm smile on his face as he clapped for your singing. “Maker, this is embarrassing,” you said, quickly bringing the unopened bottle of liquor you were using as a makeshift microphone back down to the smooth surface of the bar. 

“Don’t worry, I won’t say anything to Cid,” he said, stepping closer to you. 

You let out a sigh of relief. “Thank-”

“As long as you dance with me for the next song.” 

So there was a bit of an ulterior motive here, got it. Well, if you were being honest, this was the nicest way you’ve ever been blackmailed, and it certainly helped that you had developed quite the little crush on Echo, even if he was a little bit of a smartass at times. 

You paused, pretending to think about it before putting your hands on your hips. “You’re lucky you’re cute, you know that?” 

One of his hands grasped yours, and the other found its way to rest on your waist. As if this had been planned all along, a quiet and slow song was just starting to come through the speakers, by the same artist that you were singing along to before. “You think I’m cute?” 

Part of you wanted to play your previous comment off as a joke, but the hopeful look in his eyes caused you to finally take a chance on something that you would have never done before. “I do,” you said softly, and you watched with joy as his face lit up even more as the two of swayed to the beat. 

“Can I tell you something?” 

That was a dangerous question, because you had just put your heart on the line. Whatever he said next would determine how quickly this dancing would cease, and you didn’t want this moment to end. “Is it bad?”

“No, it’s just- I-” he said, stumbling over his words a little. “How embarrassing would it be if I told you I’d dreamt of this since I first met you?” 

This had to be a dream, because there was no way he had just said that to you. All those nights where you had laid in bed and thought about kissing him were now in reach, and it didn’t feel real. 

“It’s not embarrassing at all,” you said. 

“Really?” 

“Really. Because it means I can do this.” And before you could stop yourself, you leaned in and placed the softest of kisses on his cheek. You could hear the way his breath hitched slightly echo in your brain, and you hadn’t heard the music for some time now, because the only people in the galaxy right now were you and him.

“Wait,” he said, just as you began to pull away. 

“What?” 

“I think you missed.” A soft breath of laughter escaped your lips before you placed them on his, and it was everything you had ever dreamed of. 

Or at least, it was until Crosshair walked into the parlor and joyfully yelled that Hunter owed him ten credits. 

- the end -

[shit-begone]

WISHES (Part 3)

Wishes (Masterlist) | Prev (Part 2) | Next (Part 4)

STORY LINE:

*Lee Chan/Dino as your best friend that suddenly confessed his feelings for you.

*Choi Seungcheol/Cheol as the annoying mutual friend who wants to be a part of your life.

The confusion began when you realized that your best friend may have offered you the world while your annoying friend that resembles a lot like your college heartbreaker, Seok-jin, wanted to be part of yours.

It was an easy-peasy thing for you, not until you had to join Chan and Cheol in a five-day vacation with the boys.

-----

PART 3                       WISHES: Bros Before Hoes

WORD COUNT        4,665

CATEGORY              Fluff and Angst

-----

You switched on your flashlight. It was you who finished first, so you glanced at Dino who was still wishing with his eyes closed, then to the tour guide who kindly smiled at you.

After a moment or two, someone across the space switched on their light; the second person to finish their plea. The world stopped when your eyes met, as if it was an answered prayer...

...with Seungcheol.

And with the feeling of sincerity still in your heart, through the dimmed silence, you exchanged smiles with him.

As soon as everyone finished their wishes, the tour guide led the group outside the cave and guided you back to the boat. He explained that you're going to hop on to another island where the lunch awaits. Everyone was excited on the idea of food. Everyone enjoyed the transfer to the next island because you have encountered flying and colorful fishes along the cruise.

As soon as you docked to the next island, you were greeted by people with lots of music and gave each one of you flower crowns to wear in the island. You gladly went to the hall where the lunch was waiting and the tourist guide took the opportunity to speak on the microphone.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen."

"Yep, that's me: the only gentleman." Joshua proudly said.

"Shut up." Vernon said. Everybody quietly giggled as the tour guide spoke in front.

"May I present to you, the chef with his seafood specialties in the house."

Everybody clapped their hands as the chef walked in.

The tour guide then continued, "We would also like to thank Mr. Boo Seungkwan and Mr. Jeon Wonwoo for booking with us and availing our vacation package. However, on the fourth day, we regret to inform you that the Jelly Fish Sanctuary is under Conservation Maintenance due to the previous hurricane. If it's okay with you, we can transfer your payment to different amenities or we could just refund you the unused fees."

"Can we make the fourth day a free day instead? Then if we want to avail some amenities, that's the time we decide?" Mingyu negotiated.

"Can that be per person, tho? Because what if I want to go Rappelling but Jun wanted Aqua Cycling? Would that be possible? Joshua asked.

"That's a better suggestion from Mr. Joshua. We'll prepare the list of all the amenities available for you on the fourth day. Whatever amount left unused will be refunded. We would want to make it more flexible for you by converting amenity stubs as transferrable. If others prefer the fourth day to be rest day in preparation for the night rave, then you can avail added amenities."

"This place is the best!" Jun stood up to show appreciation to the tour guide.

"Ten-out-of-ten service! Tiger approved!" Soon-young added.

"We appreciate your visit! Also, before I leave everyone to enjoy the delicious meal prepared by our chef, we would like to congratulate the following: Mr. Lee Chan and Ms. Y/N. For today is their seventh year best friend anniversary,"

"Thank you." You and Lee Chan said with wide smiles on your faces.

"Also to the newly engaged couple: Mr. Kim Mingyu and his future wife," The tour guide continued.

"Thank you, guys. We love you." Mingyu said.

"And finally to our newly appointed professional: Nurse Lee Seokmin."

"Thank you, thank you!" Seokmin said.

"It's an honor serving young adults like you, the place is yours. I will leave you now so you could enjoy your lunch."

Everyone cheered and thanked the tour guide. It was indeed a very nice experience thinking it's only day two of vacation. What more will happen for the remaining days here? Not to mention the wide variety of food, places and activities to choose from.

It was mid-lunch when Seungcheol walked towards you with iced coffee in his hand, "Spanish Latte, Y/N." He smiled.

"Thanks, Cheol."

"So it's really possible that you mention my name with kindness, eehhh?" He sat beside you and asked Seungkwan to pass his plate, "I'll sit beside Y/N, thanks."

Kind of annoyed of the iced coffee Cheol gave you, Chan put a few chicken wings on your plate. "Eat up, so you have energy. You're overdosed with coffee already."

"Nah, you can just wash it up with water later. I know you love coffee." Seungcheol put a glass of water on your left side.

Now to your right side, "And some greens too, so you could be healthy." Chan said.

Left, "Take my greens, too. They're healthy."

Right, "We'll go for a bowl of fruits later, Y/N."

Left, "Why can't I take Y/N for myself? You're always around Y/N."

Right, "I'm the best friend. Who are you?"

Seungcheol was nervous of Dino's question, "Uhh, I.. Roommates! I'm roommates with Y/N!"

"Ahhh. Roommates." Vernon mocked Cheol.

The group laughed to how Vernon mocked him. The laughter died when suddenly Lee Chan answered a cold: "Okay."

The group have let go of Chan's passive response. But you knew for yourself that it's not the tone Dino uses on you or anyone. It's Dino's leave-me-alone voice. He stood up and went to the fruit bar. You followed immediately so you could choose fruits to your liking.

"Dino, I want to have mang---."

"You can ask Seungcheol to do that for you, right?"

"But I thought you offered to share a fruit bowl with me."

"Seungcheol asked if he could do these things for you, then I said okay. What's wrong?"

"But.."

"Go now before your guy gets jealous." He glanced at Seungcheol.

"Dino.. I--"

"Have I not told you to leave me alone?"

He didn't, but you heard his heart say those words.

You quietly returned beside Seungcheol.

"Have you picked anything you like?"

"Yes, Cheol. Bring me cheese, strawberries and a bottle of beer."

"But your coffee?"

"I'll drink them both."

"But---"

"Actually, bring me three bottles."

"That's too---"

"I won't be rude to you. Just give me what I want."

"Right away, sugar!" Seungcheol smiled to your command without knowing what happened between you and Dino by the fruit bar.

Seungcheol immediately returned with a beer bucket containing five bottles and your requested snacks. You know for sure that Dino was intentionally taking a little more time by the fruit bar just so he could avoid you or make you leave the area before he comes back.

You picked up your coffee and asked Seungcheol to accompany you to the tree house near the boat. As you walked, you tried your best not to let tears flow down your cheeks. You reached the bottom of the tree house and climbed up the ladder.

You then looked for your comfortable place a little inside the tree house. You opened a bottle of beer and let out a big sigh.

Seungcheol looked afar as he tried to process what he needed to tell you. After all, he thought that it was the perfect time to confess, now that the both of you are finally alone with each other's company.

Just like you, he let out a big sigh.

"Hey, Y/N. I want to tell you something." He paused, "I know I have decided a little too late to tell you this but... WHAAAAAAAT THE?? HEY!!! STOP THAT SHIT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!?!" Seungcheol was in the state of panic after he saw you alternately chugging on the beer and sipping aggressively on your coffee while silent tears fall down your cheek. He noticed that you were already on the second bottle of beer as he saw the first one roll just beside you.

"Cheol, don't tell anyone, please."

"N--no! I can't do that. Wh---wait what happened?"

You sniffed loudly to his question, "The first time that Chan told me to leave him alone was when I accidentally spilled coffee all over his draft that was due the next day. That was four years ago." You cried.

"And when was the next one?"

You cried even louder, "Just a while ago." You continued chugging on your beer. "Please don't tell Chan. I don't want to hurt him. I don't him want to see me this way, Cheol."

"I won't. But please let me take care of you. You had drunk enough in split seconds. You might faint." Seungcheol paved your hair to your ears.

Seungcheol was worried and didn't know what to do with you, reassuring him of what's going on in your mind didn't work for him. He was really worried.

The tour guide called for assembly for another transfer to the next island this afternoon. Seungcheol didn't see any signs of Dino's presence so he told you to hurry up and get into the top deck so Dino won't see you in that state.

You and Seungcheol reached the top deck and you started drinking again. One, two, three bottles as the boat glided across the calm seas. You continued crying.

Seungcheol suddenly realized what might be the reason behind Chan's harsh words to you. He was the reason; he fully comprehended this time and recalled that Chan likes you as much he does.

"Do you want me to talk to Lee Chan?"

"It's no use, Cheol."

"I could try."

"Maybe you could just let it off. Let it go. I can just talk to him after this vacation. I don't want to ruin everyone's moments just because..." You let out a big sigh.

"Because?"

"Nothing."

"You can tell me, Y/N."

You didn't answer Seungcheol because this time, you felt a little tipsy.

"Last stop for today, let's go guys! This island is the best one yet!" Wonwoo's excitement reflected as the boat docked.

You looked around, and it was indeed tranquil.

"Let's go?" Seungcheol asked.

"I prefer not to go. I'll wait for the rest of you here in the boat."

"Are you sure?"

"Uh-huh." Lesser and lesser words escaped your mouth; your vision went in circles due to your tipsiness,

"I won't leave you like this." He said.

"You should go. I'm fine." You insisted.

"I won't talk. I just want to make sure that you won't jump to the waters or fall down to the bottom floor."

You looked along the shore as you saw Dino's hair tossed by the wind. He won't look for you whenever he's upset, and you knew it.

The captain of the boat checked on you, you told him that you were not feeling well and you prefer to stay on the top deck. Seungcheol didn't say a word and just observed you while cry your eyes out.

Fourth bottle. You remembered once againthe first time Dino told you to leave him alone. He didn't talk to you until he had finished redrafting the plate that you have ruined. That was four days. But what happened a while ago was different; it hurts your guts because you knew that he was just avoidant of his feelings. He was jealous with Cheol and you didn't want to hurt him further— not after you have rejected the love he has to offer.

Fifth bottle. You don't even care about Cheol. Why is he a big deal to Chan? Although you do owe him stories of the moments on how Cheol was being a naughty guy around you. But then again, not after you have rejected what Dino has to offer.

Sixth bottle. You saw Dino scribbling on his drawing pad under a palm tree. That's what he does whenever he's upset. You have rejected Dino. You didn't even care for Seungcheol but he is jealous of that jerk.

You looked to your left and saw Seungcheol sleeping on the outdoor sleeping bed beside yours.

This guy gives a lot of headache.

You went down to look for the captain.

"Sir? Do you serve coffee in your boat?

"No. But we have Starbucks coffee cans."

"Double espresso, please." You smiled at him.

He went to the back of the boat and returned with a glass full of ice and the double espresso can you requested.

"You had too much to drink." He said.

"No, I'm fine, Sir." You giggled and returned to the top deck.

You're drunk.

Second glass of coffee. Everyone headed back to the boat. The sun started to set so you need to return to the villa for dinner time.

Seungcheol woke up from the boys' chatter. You saw Chan walk in the boat so you stood up in attempt to settle things with him right at that moment.

"No." Seungcheol grabbed your wrist, "You're drunk. You need to stop drinking and sober up first before you talk to Dino."

"I want to know what's wrong." You cried.

"Now is not the right time, Y/N." He pulled you to sit down.

"Are you stopping me now, Seungcheol?"

He sighed, "You want to know what's wrong? Huh? I am the problem, Y/N. I know for sure I hold a big part of Dino's anger. So please, can you just let me handle this?"

You took a deep breath and sat beside him. He's right. You're already drunk and you feel weak already. You feel numb to your knees; you can't even feel your nails dig down to your arms. What's left to be felt was the gap that has risen between the three of you. But despite the feelings you have to endure, you trusted Seungcheol and his intentions.

You watched the waves crash to the sides of the boat as you tried to forget what happened earlier.

When did I become a crybaby?

Is this the feeling of receiving rejection from someone you have rejected prior?

The boat docked and you decided to let go of the sad feeling. You allowed your drunken state to take over and enjoy the night.

Maybe tomorrow, everything would be fine.

"Hey, Minghao! Let's drink!" You tapped Minghao's arms.

"Sure! After dinner! I'll ask them to come around. But you're all flushed! Looks like you have drunk a lot." He chuckled.

"It's the sunburn. Don't worry." You laughed.

Third glass of coffee offered by Seungkwan.

"Enjoying the night, huh?"

"Yyyessss!!" You exclaimed.

Good thing that dinner was barbeque, so there's not much attention to whether you were seated beside Dino or not. He took his time talking to his other friends anyway.

Some already started to drink half-way through dinner. Good thing that Minghao made sure that he didn't forget his appointment with you. He tagged along recruits by the poolside.

"Here's your beer. Stop with the coffee now." Minghao said.

"I will! But where's Cheol?" You asked.

"He'll be back in a bit. I asked him to pick up cold cuts from the kitchen before going here." Jihoon said.

Seventh bottle. Seungcheol came with the cold cuts. Everyone seemed happy. Maybe everything will be alright tomorrow.

Eight bottle. Joshua was talking to you but you can't hear a sound.

-----

"Dokyeom!!!! Help!! Where's Dokyeom?!?!?!" Cheol screamed his lungs out.

Dokyeom rushed by the pool and saw you lying on the ground with a little wound on your forehead.

"What happened??" He asked, "Please someone get the first aid!"

Jeonghan rushed the first aid to Seokmin. As Seokmin was cleaning your wound, Dino came and Mingyu's fiancé started to explain: "I think she must have drunk too much."

"I think she had three glasses of coffee and six, seven bottles of beer? Or eight? I don't know. I already told her that she looks unwell. That's when she blacked out and her head hit the corner of the table as she fell to the ground." Shua narrated.

"But that's too much, how did it happen?" Dino asked in a raised voice. He angrily went to Seungcheol and clutched him by his shirt. "Why the fuck did you let that happen to Y/N?!"

"Hey, easy now." Jun exclaimed as he tried to remove Dino's hands on Seungcheol's shirt.

"Me? Should I be the one asking you that? What the fuck did YOU do to her? YOU were the reason Y/N was drinking." Seungcheol shouted.

Everyone was shocked of what's happening. They were not really expecting that this would come. Everyone pulled them away from each other.

"Oh my God. Please can someone carry Y/N to her cabin!?" Seungkwan's girlfriend exclaimed after Dokyeom secured your wound on the forehead.

Soon-young immediately responded to help.

"Careful with the wound, Soon-young. Let's help her to bed. Can a lady please come with us? She needs to get her clothes changed." Dokyeom advised.

"I'll go." Jeonghan's girlfriend offered.

Soon-young lifted you up still unconscious and the three rushed to your cabin to attend to your needs.

"You tell me, Dino. Why the hell would you tell Y/N to fuck off and leave you alone?" Seungcheol was also frustrated but he has kept his hands to himself.

"I gave you the chance to spend the day with Y/N but look what you've done." Dino gritted on his teeth.

"Chance? From you, Dino? Why? Do you own Y/N?"

"No."

"Then what, Dino?"

Dino removed his hands from clutching Cheol's shirt, "Fuck off, Seungcheol. Don't meddle with our stuff."

"That's not how you fucking treat people around you, Dino. I know that you love Y/N more than just a best friend, like I do. I'm trying to win her heart, but she keeps pushing me away. But with you? Just because you were jealous? You had the guts to tell her to leave you alone? Who are you now, Dino?"

And at that moment, everyone knew about the lingering competition between Seungcheol and Chan, in hopes to win your heart.

"Just let Y/N decide." Vernon suggested.

"Y/N won't have the capacity to decide." Wonwoo said. Everyone was in confusion of Wonwoo's statement. "Seungcheol haven't confessed yet to Y/N and I guess our guy Dino was, you know, rejected." He added.

"Trouble went in before the real deal, I guess." Minghao said.

"I told you, Cheol, you should have started with the best friend." Uji added.

"Kill me now. But what kind of best friend is Dino if Y/N is in this state?" Cheol looked Dino dead in the eye.

"For sure with the hangover and all the vomiting, Y/N can't join us tomorrow in the water park." Seokmin said as he walked to the pool side, "We might want to call the club's nurse to look aft--"

"I'll take care of Y/N." Dino and Cheol both said.

Seokmin slow-clapped "Y/N is such a beauty."

"Shut it down Dokyeom." Uji frowned.

"I'll decide." Jeonghan appealed.

"There's nothing to deci--"

"Shut up, Dino. We don't want the two of you knocking around each other." Han added, "Dino will be the morning nurse, from this hour up to lunch time. From lunch time to bedtime, it will be Seungcheol." He walked past Dino and said "You wouldn't want to tell Y/N how sorry you are while she's dealing with her hangover, eeh? By the time she wakes up, it will be Nurse Cheol."

"Case closed." Mingyu agreed.

"Jeonghan can make sense sometimes, right?" Seokmin said.

"Yaaaa!. My life is not all about cheating and ditching stuff." He defended.

"Everyone should rest now." Shua suggested.

Everyone attended to their personal matters after what happened. As Seungcheol made his way inside the villa, Jun called his attention.

"Cheol. You heard Jeonghan." Jun gestured his head to Dino who was sitting alone by the pool side. "You're not tonight's nurse. Remember? Start with the best friend." Jun patted Seungcheol's back and lightly pushed him to Dino's direction.

Seungcheol sat by the living room, having a view of Chan's frame. He was composing what he would say to Chan.

Is this the right time for a talk?

After a few moments of contemplating, he stood up and went to Dino. He grabbed two beers and opened them.

"Dino." Seungcheol gave him a bottle and sat beside him.

"Y/N told me that she sees me as a friend." Dino gulped his beer.

"What a rough anniversary, huh?" Cheol said.

"You can say that again."

"It was seven long years. Where were you? Why didn't you even try to win her heart?"

"I did. But there was this one bastard in college that played with her emotions, and when I was about to tell her my feelings, she became emotionally unavailable until came the thin line between platonic and romantic love." Dino narrated.

"If she's emotionally available now, then why the hate on me?"

"You don't wanna know."

"I wanna know." Cheol insisted.

"Well, the thing is. You're a bit taller than him, but you have the same built and his name also starts with S. That's why she's so annoyed of you."

"She told you that?"

"No. I just knew. I was just actually waiting for Y/N to tell me that you look like Seok-jin. But I guess you haven't annoyed her enough to be worthy of a night-long rant from her." Dino said.

There came a long silence before Seungcheol responded to Dino.

"She said it was the second time you told her to leave you alone."

"Did she cry?" Dino asked.

"She was scared, Chan. She told me not to tell you and she didn't want to hurt you."

Dino and Cheol continued drinking until they consumed their bottles. Dino stood up and pat Cheol's shoulders. "I'm sorry."

"No it's okay. I don't want any conflict with you anyway, especially when we can just talk it out." Cheol stood up as well.

"As long as you promise that you won't hurt Y/N, then I promise there wouldn't be any room for hurting on my end." Chan smiled.

"No way?" Cheol was surprised.

"I'm staying on cabin three. Vernon is still awake." Chan said as he tossed his keys to Seungcheol, "Swap with me before Y/N wakes up. I don't want to scare her."

"I will."

Seungcheol was all smiles with Chan's approval for his best friend. He went straight to Chan's cabin to spend the night.

-----

Meanwhile in Y/N's cabin...

"I'll take it from here, Kyeom." Chan said as he entered your cabin.

"And Seungcheol?" Dokyeom asked as he handed the care kit to Dino.

"We have talked."

"Talked?"

"Nicely." Chan added.

"Goodnight bud." That was enough for him to hear, so he left Dino and closed the door behind him.

Chan sat beside you while you sleep, carefully studying your beautiful face.

"You're so pretty, I could cry. Sorry Y/N." He whispered.

Moments later, you woke up.

"S-s-seungcheol. I n-need to vomit." You uttered.

Chan was in panic and couldn't find any basin near you.

"Can you stand tho? I'll accompany you to the bathroom."

You quietly nodded and let Chan assist you, as you thought he was Seungcheol. "I'll call you when I'm done." You said.

He prepared a warm wash cloth to sober you up a little bit. He became worried when you stopped making vomiting noises and weren't able to call him again. Chan slowly opened the door just to see you sleeping on the floor.

He delicately lifted you up and took you to bed. He cleaned up the mess in the sink and returned immediately to your side with his upper body slightly elevated to yours.

"Cheol, is Chan still mad at me?" You asked whom you thought was Seungcheol.

"No. He was not mad, not even a bit, Y/N." Chan replied.

"That's nice."

Chan saw the smile traced on your face despite the dim light made by the bedside lamp.

"But he did tell me if you could give him some time."

"Oh? That's something to frown, I guess."

"He loves you so much." Chan added

"I love Lee Chan too. Even if he didn’t hug me goodnight."

"I can do that for you while he takes his time."

"Are you, okay with that, Cheol?" You asked, still unaware.

"I'll be Lee Chan for tonight."

You turned a little to your right, faced "Seungcheol" and hugged him tight. "Goodnight. I hope you were Dino. I've got lots to tell him."

"Goodnight, Y/N."

It lightened the burden for Lee Chan— that it's still him that you wanted to get comfort from, we'll not until you find comfort in Seungcheol's arms.

-----

VACATION DAY 3

Dino woke up to the sound of your door opening at six o'clock in the morning, still having you wrapped around his waist.

"Morning, Cheol." Dino whispered trying not to wake you up.

A slight jealousy was painted on Seungcheol's face after he saw you hugging Dino.

"If only I didn't know that you're best friends, I would be jealous by now." Cheol said as he put down the breakfast he brought.

"Don't be," Chan said as he slid out of your arms, "She woke up last night with the lights dimmed down. All this time, she thought I was you. I think I should be the one feeling jealous right now." Chan smiled.

"No way?" Cheol asked.

"Make sure you get her occupied so she won't ask about me."

Dino and Cheol quietly ate together while you were sound asleep.

"I'll be back for lunch." Cheol said.

"No, I'll prepare lunch instead." Dino said.

"But my time would start at lunch."

"You should know that she wakes up for work at five o'clock in the morning. On free days, whether drunk or sober, she wakes up at seven or 7:30. I don't want to stick around any longer."

"There's a lot I should know about her, huh?"

"She's always full of surprises." Dino added.

"What else should I know?" Cheol asked.

"'YOU' told her last night that I requested to have a little time alone, and that I have told 'YOU' to let her know."

"Roger that, Dino."

A few moments have passed and you did wake up just a few minutes before the clock strikes at 7:30. Dino stood up immediately but Seungcheol stopped him from taking another step towards the door.

"Just so she could see you." Cheol said.

"Hnggg. Seungcheol my head hurts." You rubbed your eyes and massaged your head.

"Please don't rub your eyes, Y/N." Cheol suggested, "Just in time, Dino prepared breakfast for you."

"He really made breakfast for me?" You opened your eyes, and were surprised that Dino and Seungcheol were standing in front of you, "DINO!!" You reached for a hug like a baby.

Seungcheol slightly pushed Dino to your bedside and you were able to hug him.

"Where's my hangover coffee tho?" You pouted.

"The group agreed that your nurse for today would be---"

"The group?!" You exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, everyone knew about your condition today. So I was saying, you'll be with Seungcheol. They need me in the waterpark. So stop being stubborn, you should eat whatever is here and whatever Seungcheol will prepare for you." Dino stroked your hair.

"Cheol will poison me." You complained.

"No he won't. The kitchen is monitored today by Mingyu."

"Okay, hmmmm, but just a few more minutes before you enjoy the waterpark." You said still hugging Dino, "Sorry, Dino."

"No, Y/N. It's me who needs to apologize. It won't happen again. I-- I'm sorry. Really. I was just..." He glanced at Seungcheol and continued, "..Jealous that someone finally came with intentions of treating you right." He smiled.

Seungcheol smiled back at Chan.

"What made you think that all things are certain?" You asked.

"You're my best friend, Y/N. But you also need to accept the fact that Seungcheol is also a friend to me, he won't do anything to hurt you."

"But please visit me sooner, or whenever you feel better." You said still remembering what "Cheol" told you about Dino wanting some time alone.

"Please be good to Seungcheol. He knows what to do." He kissed the top of your head and slowly ceased the hug.

Dino looked at Cheol and then smiled at you. He quietly left the room and left you under Seungcheol's care.

-----

Wishes (Masterlist) | Prev (Part 2) | Next (Part 4)

[tg-headcanons]

I'm curious. Seeing as some animals can express fear by either fluffing their fur up, or maybe feathers, do you think ghouls can do the same with their kagunes? Especially if it's unintentional?

They do! There are a lot of kagune motions they do on instinct

I’ve mentioned here that when a ghoul is afraid or threatened, they will hold their kagune up in a threat display. These displays can be done on purpose to menace other ghouls, or on instinct when they feel in danger to threaten away anyone who might be dangerous. The kagune is held stiffly and often hardened to a sharp point in places or entirely to show that they are armed and capable of fighting

If a kagune is already out, it is very expressive when startled. Usually that causes it to raise harden into its battle-ready state, and it can look a whole lot like a startled cat or bird. If they have spines or feather-like bits they sharpen and stand on end, but when the ghoul can confirm they’re not in any danger they’ll relax. But it’s definitely unwise to startle a ghoul with their kagune out because some lash out on instinct

They have other displays that can be quite similar to their threat displays or startle responses. One of these are social movements. They vary from ghoul to ghoul, but when kagune are out they’ll use them to show attentiveness and acknowledge people. Bikaku and Rinkaku tendrils may rise and fall or gently sway, Ukaku may gently flap or rise, and Koukaku may turn over and raise, in response to someone else talking or spotting them to let them know they are paying attention and accepting this interaction. If ghouls with kagune out have a conversation they tend to mimic each other in circles, matching each other’s motions as an instinctive confirmation of being part of a group. It’s like how when music with a steady beat is playing for long enough eventually everyone will be nodding or clapping along and will usually do what others around them are doing, it’s a natural rhythm to them

There are displays for attraction as well. Ghouls show off kagune like colorful birds sometimes. Slowly moving and turning over soft kagune is a way of showing off to people around them that they are strong or pretty, and tend to do this when they are being watched by someone they’re interested in. Unlike the conversational rhythm motions, it’s considered significant to mirror these back. If a ghoul is peacocking their kagune and another ghoul matches their motions, it’s a signal that they’re interested. Often ghouls attracted to them have a hard time stifling the instinct to match their kagune motions, it’s an instinctive part of courting

Generally, younger ghouls display more. As ghouls get older they have more control over their kagune, but when they’re young they operate way more on instinct. Ghoul children will have very quick social motions and do huge threat displays whenever they’re scared or angry. Most teenage ghouls have a humiliating awkward stage where they’re unable to stop their kagune from starting or responding to attraction displays around someone they’re attracted to. With time and experience they get much better with it, but every ghoul remembers some time they couldn’t stop their kagune from moving and making it embarrassingly obvious what they’re feeling

[aclowntiny]

Foolproof- Seungkwan x Female!Best Friend!Reader

Shoutout to my irl first love for inspiring this…except for any getting together parts 🥲

Word Count: 3738 | Best Friends to Lovers, College AU, some Angst | Warnings: some language, my painfully obvious love for Boo Seungkwan I mean look at him he’s so cute PLEEEAAAASSSSSEEEE

It had been four years. Some would assume there was an anniversary of sorts, but if you were being honest, you didn’t even know what day it was. It didn’t really matter, just that it was early in the year four years ago that you officially met Boo Seungkwan.

You two had become fast friends, the young man introducing himself with great ease and charm, inspiring you to follow suit, and from there it took off- finding common ground was easy for you both. Seungkwan was impossible to dislike, a great singer with lots of music recommendations, the kpop ones being your favorites. He got you into more girl groups than you could count, but you started trying to infect him with your music taste, too.

There was a small student party, just an opening of a new building on campus, and you both went. That night ended up creating one of your favorite memories, the one where Seungkwan taught you how to correctly do the macarena, which you always messed up on, and it looked so funny you couldn’t help laughing as you joined him.

You started to find yourself actually feeling excited to go to class just at the mere prospect of him being there. In that section alone you would always have someone to talk to and share exasperated looks about the professor with. In a rare move, you initiated a study get-together just to get closer to him, and somehow it actually worked. The two of you were the longest ones to stay, and you ended up talking about books and movies and majors and slipping on banana peels far longer than you pored over your drafts.

You went to his performance in the music building, clapping and congratulating how amazing he did. He wasn’t expecting you to bring him a small bundle of flowers, but the way he lit up when you gave it to him was worth it.

Getting him hooked on your favorite game store was his roommates' bane, but your joy, the two of you picking out cute card games and ridiculous board games alike. It sold collectibles from your favorite franchise, which Seungkwan always threw into every birthday and Christmas gift...except for the one that referenced a comedy song you'd shown him, which you two now collectively referred to as your theme song.

Every trip you planned, despite going on very few, included each other. You guys were going to go to an amusement park, to Japan, to the beach, New York, his hometown on a Jeju trip, you name it. You and Seungkwan hadn’t gone on a one-on-one trip yet in four years, which might have been good for your heart in some ways, honestly.

Since Seungkwan lived on campus, you brought your laptop to the dorms and sat together in one of the common rooms so you could show him one of your favorite movies. You met his roommate, Jeonghan, and plenty of others. The three of you recruited Seokmin, Soonyoung, and Hansol, some classmates of theirs, for a dorm game night that became a weekly meeting. On the biggest nights there were fourteen of you there in that room, some fellow dorm-dwellers just wandering into the group, but Seungkwan stuck by you every time until the nerves of bring surrounded by strangers and established friends faded, your chest loosening up again along with your behavior. Soon, you had a large, eclectic, tight-knit group ranging from a handful of music and dance majors that already had at least perfunctory knowledge of each other to Seungkwan's advertising major roommate, a guy studying journalism, a quiet game design major, a fine arts student, and two business majors. One guy would be finishing up a painting for midterms while another had to calculate his fictional project’s cost risks, but you were all the same when Jeonghan cheated, one voice amidst a chorus of mirthful protests.

You got close to the other guys, but not like you were to Seungkwan. Both of you knew each other’s deepest secrets, all your struggles, and you even admitted you thought one of the guys in your group was cute before you realized your personalities didn’t match up like that.

Heck, Seungkwan had seen you literally at your worst, laying eyes on you in your crustiest state when he brought you ice cream after your wisdom teeth extraction. Tired, on meds, no nice clothes or makeup, probably still swollen, but for once you didn’t care. You were confident he’d see you the same no matter what. He was one of your best friends, after all. You didn't have to be fake. You felt the most yourself with him.

Not a phrase you'd have ever expected to use, but Seungkwan became your tangerine dealer. Every two weeks he'd pay a visit to home and come back with a huge box of them just for you. It got to the point where you paid him to bring some back for your family, too, your parents practically begging you to make sure you secured the citrus.

So many days that you strolled down campus lanes you longed to just reach over and take his hand in yours, having some movie moment beneath blowing autumn leaves where it just magically came together and boom, instant mutual love. But you knew firsthand life wasn’t like the movies. Heck, knowing how affectionate Seungkwan could be, he’d probably think you were just doing goofy buddy-buddy hand holding, not hey, you’re the cutest and funniest and most trustworthy person I know, please date me hand holding.

You’d gotten too many mixed signs to ensure a move like that would be foolproof.

Seungkwan asked you to dance at every event you went to that offered it. He also talked about asking a girl again that had requested him, leaving you shaken for the entire remainder of the 'college prom' despite the fact that she left before he could. You faked a smile when Seokmin invited you to dance, but it never came back the same until you and Seungkwan were in his car driving to the convenience store and chatting about your latest projects, no mention of the girl in the envy green dress.

You told him you'd never worn a suit jacket like his one night and he immediately stripped it off, handing it off to you to try.

He described his type once, saying this or that look on a girl was totally his style, and let's just say it was quite far from yours. It was almost laughable if it hadn't made you want to cry. That conversation was part of why you went through such a giving-up phase, trying to get the attention of one of the twelve other guys you hung out with to, somewhat depressingly, no avail.

But then another time he mentioned an old crush from high school, a girl you happened to have class with, and she basically had your style dialed up a notch.

You did try dating once, determined to get over Seungkwan once and for all, but when you showed up to a formal event maximally gussied and Seungkwan was the one who told you you looked nice, not your boyfriend who barely said hi to you, something in your chest just snapped. The other guy wasn't a great fit, either, and you ended up breaking it off when he picked one too many fights over your damn personality of all things. He told you to get serious once and that was the last straw because he'd had months to see your humor.

The next time your ex passed you by, shooting you two a glance across the crowded resident dining hall, Seungkwan pulled the same gag he'd hated just to show him.

One of the guys, Seungcheol, once asked about the two of you and you freaked out, denying anything and saying you guys were super duper close Just Best Friends. Later, you wondered if Seungcheol reported that to Seungkwan. But if he did, then why? How would that come up?

Why did Seungkwan seek you out for trips and hangouts and calls like that? Why were you so much less on edge with each other than you were in the one relationship each you guys tried? Why did he never do a single thing to pursue more in four freaking years? Then again, you did tell him you thought Chan was cute before you realized you couldn't keep up with his lifestyle. Too 'work hard, play hard'. You were used to someone who just wanted attention, something you were happy to give when they were as dynamic, hilarious, and deep down so caring as Seungkwan. But that was beside the point.

God, you wish you hadn't hammered in the point of your friendship so hard with Seungcheol. Had that been the moment that ruined everything? Had not confessing on that one phone call where Seungkwan went off track talking about his upcoming Lotte World trip before you could get around to it been the moment that ruined everything? Had feeling so comfortable, showing even the very inner, more damaged layers of your shell been what ruined it all? Or had there simply been nothing to ruin?

Every time you thought you were done, whether you thought you could be happy with someone or he could and that meant case closed or even that you could put everything you felt in a box and take his smile just as a testament to your friendship, something would happen to make you question what was really going on inside his head or make your heart beat a mile a minute. Even something as simple as going on a thirty-minute drive, eyes scanning Seungkwan's side profile as he talked, feeling a great urge to just kiss him right then and there.

Moving on would get harder, you assumed, when others started to learn. It hadn't exactly been intentional, at least not on your part, but one day you had met Minghao, the arts major from your chaotic game group, for lunch and he'd brought up Seungkwan, one of the biggest connections you two had. Ok, that was fine, just a normal conversation, until that is he dropped a bomb in the form of a very choice phrase.

"If you did that, he would be so happy he'd kiss you," Minghao had joked, eyes rolling a bit as his naturally infectious smile widened.

Your very natural, instinctual, practically biological at this point, reaction to any jokes about you and Seungkwan that anyone made was a deeply transparent glare your eyes melted into before your brain even computed it. Indeed, you felt it before you considered it, but by the time you willed your face to return to normal Minghao was staring at you with raised eyebrows.

"Oh."

"What?"

"You, uh, have feelings for him, don't you?"

"Maybe I was grossed out by your joke," you feigned, pointing accusingly at Minghao with your chopsticks.

Those darn eyes of him were like swords stabbing straight into your soul. "Were you?"

"No," you broke down, melting into a stream of sweet, sad, funny, and everything in between words of your messy failed love and how bad you wanted closure, but not if it came at the cost of losing or disconcerting one of the closest people in your life.

Soon you were sobbing, Minghao sliding out of his bench seat and into a spot at your side, where he pulled you close. You felt tears soak into the chilled fabric of his scarf, but he didn't seem to mind, silently rubbing circles into your back for a few moments before he gently spoke.

"Seungkwan talks about you all the time, you know. I think even if he couldn't return those feelings, it would take a lot worse for him to stop being your friend. He doesn't cut people off easily, you know that."

"I do," you agreed, "he hates it when people do that."

"Then why do you think he'd do it to you, the person he so clearly wants at everything you can be?"

"I-" You inhaled shakily. "I don't know. I've been rejected a lot. I even asked one of the guys out and he turned it into a group hangout."

"Is that why we went bowling instead of-"

"Yes," you muttered into his scarf.

"I really think you need to talk to Seungkwan."

"About everything?" Peeling your face back out of the scarf, you felt a chill breeze lap at the tears drying on your cheeks. "Why?"

"If nothing else because he's standing like twenty feet away giving me a really weird look I've only seen him give Chan, and that has only been since Bowling Night."

"Oh, God, does he think-"

"I don't know, but here," Minghao replied, pulling a handkerchief out of his pocket. Leave it to him to have a beautifully embroidered ruby handkerchief in his pocket instead of a pack of Kleenex crushed beneath everything else in his backpack like every other college student.

"Thanks. Wish me luck."

"I don't believe in luck."

"Gee," you drew another shaky breath, rising unsteadily to your feet, "thanks."

"I believe in fate," Minghao smiled.

Art majors. You felt your eyes squinting in a half-glare before willing your defensive brain to be kind. Dabbing at your eyes, you attempted a wobbly smile, nodding and giving him one last thanks before wandering miserably over to Seungkwan. You couldn't help but crack a smile and chuckle at the way he cocked his head on you, the sound of mirth cracking into a sob because you hadn't fully exited cry-mode.

"Whoa, what's wrong? Or was that good crying? Did Minghao just confess? I gotta say, you and Minghao. Quite the surprise, I kind of would have seen you going for Seokmin or Soonyoung since they're funny and go better with-"

At all that, the floodgates opened again and you just strode off, sobbing. He was practically throwing you at all the other guys. You got it. Maybe that was the closure you needed, though if it was, why did it have to sting like ice piercing your lungs?

You always knew it would, though, if it came to it.

"(y/n), wait! Whoa!" Jogging to catch up with you, Seungkwan physically stopped you from walking, grabbing you by the shoulders and making you face him before he pulled you into a hug. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. What did Minghao say to you?"

"Nothing."

Seungkwan's face hardened in a way you'd never seen before, not even when the guys teased him in the ways he hated the most. "Did he hurt you? I love Minghao, but I swear if he said anything that ruined your day I'll punch his lights out."

"No," you shook your head, "no, please. We were just talking about something he thought I should do is all."

"Ok, so he didn't reject you and you're not dating? Good. Great first step."

Shoving the arts student in question's handkerchief back in your pocket, you raised an eyebrow. "Good?"

"Well, er, I mean, that is... you... you can date Minghao. Like, if you want to. I was surprised, but it's not a bad thing, like he's a good guy and all, just really quiet for someone who screams her head off during improv games and takes approximately point five seconds to initiate whipped cream fights."

Another shaky laugh, this time not quite fading into sobs. "Yeah, no. I don't want to date Minghao."

"Good. Great."

There they were again, those little things that got your hopes up. How well Seungkwan knew you, how deeply he was aware on whatever level that you two went together like peanut butter and jelly, how he could always make you laugh, how he seemed freaking glad you weren't getting yourself into a relationship. But if he wanted one, why didn't he say anything?

"Why do you keep saying that?" You burst out.

"What?"

"Good, great, all that," you turn slightly away from him.

He reaches over and straightens the collar of your jacket, yet another of the little caring motions you'd fallen in love with. A small way he touched you when he didn't have to. When his hands fell away, though, his jaw set, eyes fluttering closed as if in pain, like your words were a slap.

"I- I'm sorry, (y/n)."

"You don't have to be sorry," you sigh, "I just...wanted to know what that meant, I guess."

He blinked. "I know I'm one of your best friends and that's all you see me as- heck, I'm probably like a brother to you- but I admit I have a hard time with the idea of you going out with someone who isn't me. My mom told me I needed to realize I was in love with you when I apparently 'constantly talked about only you forever'," he began, making air quotes as he imitated Mrs. Boo, "but ever since I did I can't help but see the guys as threats. Especially Chan, because, well you know. I know what they say, though: you have to let them go. So whoever it is, as long as they're good, I just want to see you smile forever. Even if that's not Minghao or any of the guys. I care about you so much, (y/n), and when you said you wanted to be friends forever it touched my heart because I want the same. I really, really do. Maybe I didn't want to say that all for so long because it would have made it real, you know?" He asked with an awkward chuckle.

Holy shit. This time, your brain overrode your face, preventing a smile in favor of a shout. "I KNEW IT!" You exclaimed. "I knew saying that to Seungcheol was a bad idea! I didn't trust him with my feelings for you because he'd spill, but then why would my dumb ass trust him with a lie? Oh my God, I'm going to kill him. I thought I wasn't your type, so I just... it just seemed easier to hide them. Oh, my God!"

Seungcheol was a scapegoat for all the nights you'd spent cursing yourself, calling yourself stupid for not moving on when you'd gotten this or that sign, for believing this or that sign to the contrary, for hanging onto every last shred of hope that that extra-long hug might have meant something.

"Your feelings?" Seungkwan questioned, hands still on your shoulders as his head returned to its studying tilt. "I thought we were doing mine."

It sounded like a cry for attention, but you knew Seungkwan too well for that. Your face fell, and panicking he cupped your chin and pulled you up, only to see you shaking your head and half-sardonically, half-deliriously, laughing. What the heck were you guys doing? None of this felt real. He'd only processed one thing, and that was getting his confession out there. "I think our feelings might be the same," you reiterated.

"What do you..." Head un-tilted. Eyes wide. Grin increasing. "You were lying?"

"That's the first time I've seen you so happy about filthy deceit before."

"Hey, you told me you weren't going to use that phrase anymore," he pouted. Yep, even in the middle of all that, he was sensitive to the memes he'd made in the group. That was Boo Seungkwan for you, presentations class ace and funniest non-comedian you'd ever met.

"Sorry, it was too funny, Jeonghan loved when you said it then and he still does. Just like me to you," you added, trying to get him back on topic. You were not about to have another Lotte World Phone Call Debacle.

"You love me?" The hand that was under your chin slid to your cheek.

You nodded. "I can't believe it wasn't obvious by, well, everything. When I look at you I can feel the change in my eyes. They have to look different when they fall on yours versus anyone else. They feel twice their size and like they must have that anime shine in them."

"That's...one of the sweetest things I've ever heard."

"Well," you give your first full, genuine smile since bursting into tears on Minghao, "it's true. You make me feel like my fullest self. That's why I always seek you out. I'm scared to sing in front of people, but with you I'll belt out whatever we play. You know things about me my own parents don't even know, and that's because you've given me nothing but reason to trust and value you like you have me."

"Wow," Seungkwan sighed, sniffing, "I...I can't believe I got so lucky, I just..."

The moment he trailed off, you took a hold of his cheek, too. "Hey, whoa now, don't you start crying too, I'll do it again."

"And we don't want that."

You'd cried countless times over your feelings toward Seungkwan for almost exactly four years, though there was no anniversary. You hadn't known how important that day in class would become to you, despite how many times you'd thanked it now. Typed out paragraph upon paragraph about how no one else makes you feel quite as yourself, quite as at home, as the man from Jeju who loved hosting game nights at every opportunity. The man who would never look at a girl like you. You'd tearfully imagined how he'd reject you, how he'd accept you, if your confession would burst out during your first fight like in a movie, if you could ever have that moment in the autumn light you'd always imagined.

Well, it wasn't autumn, in fact it was a cold January day you'd more than shivered through on the lanes between each building, those falling leaves long died away and crumbled into the dirt. The trees looked like sticks, your cute outfits hid under your coats, and sometimes your nose ran. Surely it was right now after all your eyes had done. But somehow, as you looked at Seungkwan, all of that was more beautiful than every red and gold that could have drifted on the wind.

"No, we don't, do we?"

Seungkwan leaned a little bit closer. "I know we're both, like, totally crying, but I think it's safe to say we both know what we do want?"

Tears on tears cancelled out. Mingled, even, like debts paid.

[atmilliways]

Wrong On The Money (33)

part 33 of ?? | 1085 words | Teen+

Blackmail fic on Ao3 | on tumblr

Summary:

“It’s not like you have to leave or make yourself scarce or anything,” Eddie had said, obviously trying to cushion the harsh truth. “You live here too, man.” Right. Like Eddie is going to want someone like him around all his older Hellfire buddies.

Just so y'all know, I have written up through part 40 and I do not think I will be able to wrap up the story by 42, as my heart of hearts wishes I could.

Anyway, cheers to Steve being so insecure that he kind of doesn't notice Eddie defending him with flowery prose.

33.

“It’s not like you have to leave or make yourself scarce or anything,” Eddie had said, obviously trying to cushion the harsh truth. “You live here too, man.”

Right. Like Eddie is going to want someone like him around all his older Hellfire buddies. These aren’t the kids. They have no reason to like him, and he doesn’t even understand the game; Steve has no right to butt in.  

But he doesn’t have a shift today, and Robin is hanging out with Vickie, and he doesn’t feel like going anywhere. He wakes up early out of sheer restlessness and tries to recreate the technique for cooking bacon that Mrs. Wheeler had shown him over Spring Break. So much had been going on then, but it had been good bacon, and the first hearty breakfast he’d had in a while. Every time he’d said so she’d beamed and flipped another fresh-off-the-griddle pancake onto his plate; after a while he’d asked for the recipe out of habit.

At least he hadn't gone into the Upside Down on an empty stomach. 

He makes breakfast, doing okay on the bacon. (He’ll have to keep practicing.) Wayne eats with him before his shift at the plant—part time these days, with the government money to help things along, and all day shifts now. There’s no pressure for small talk, and Steve appreciates that. He keeps his eyes down, sipping his coffee and bringing the fork to his mouth until his plate is empty. Before heading out Wayne claps a hand on his shoulder, leaving him buzzing with an unfamiliar feeling of approval.

So he wraps the leftovers in tin foil so they’ll still be warm-ish for when Eddie wakes up, and bakes cookies, too. Why the hell not? There’s a bag of chocolate chips in one of the cupboards and the recipe is right there on the bag. Steve follows it to the letter; he’s good at following instructions. 

The cookies are out of the oven and cooling by the time that Eddie shuffles in, and Steve. . . . God, Steve should not feel as gooey on the inside as he does over the guy’s epic bed head. He wants to run his fingers through it until all the tangles are gone and the curls spill across Eddie’s shoulders instead of frizzing out in complete defiance of gravity.

He passes Eddie a clean mug for coffee—the Garfield one that Steve knows is his favorite—and escapes the kitchen without a word. 

Steve doesn’t know if they’re playing D&D or what, but whatever they’re doing out there is loud. Eddie had mentioned that two of them were coming back to town for this. . . . Maybe they have a lot of catching up to do, so as a courtesy Steve doesn’t put music on to drown them out. Instead, he pulls out a deck of cards and starts playing.

It’s been a while. He used to do this a lot as a kid, when his parents were home throwing a grown up party where they didn’t want him underfoot, or alone and shouting at each other. Steve had never learned how to shuffle a deck the right way, first because his hands were too small and later because he’d devised his own ways. He plays the way farmers rotate their crops, going from solitaire games that put the suits together in numerical order to 52 card pickup to playing both sides of a game of War to randomize the deck again. Just killing time.

Because this house isn’t like the one Steve grew up in. It’s one story and there aren’t half as many extra rooms to soak up and hollow out sounds, so he hears every arrival and most of the exclamations over the cookies he'd never put away. (Which is fine, he bakes when he knows people will be around to eat the results.)

But he can’t make out actual words, not until he reaches the point where he can’t ignore his bladder any longer. With a mental middle finger flipped at his past self for drinking so much coffee earlier, Steve slips out of his room in time to hear—

“So what’s with Steve living with you, man?” 

He’s pretty sure that’s what’s-his-name. . . . Not Gary. . . . Gareth? That sounds right. 

“Yeah,” someone else pipes up through a mouthful of cookie . Steve doesn’t remember his name, but it’s not Gareth or Jeff. (He wonders if Eddie bothered to mention who made them.) “I mean, talk about your typical douchebag jock. That guy was the king of ‘em, why’d you even let him in the door?”

Someone else, the only girl at this little reunion of nerds, scoffs. “For fuck’s sake, you idiots are so stuck in high school.”

“I concur, Margaret.” That’s Eddie, and he sounds annoyed. “That’s a rude fucking question, Gare-bear. Do you know of him doing anything downright objectionable in the past year since he graduated? Granted, I only recently escaped the hallowed halls of our mutually beloathed—”

“Not a word,” several people object at once, like it's an inside joke.

“—Our mutually beloathed Hawkins High,” Eddie says, loud and powering through, “but it comes with different social structures and adaptation requirements. It is, if you’ll excuse the phrase, a whole different ball game—”

“Fuck, the exposure is already getting to him.”

And yeah, Steve is pretty sure he’s said something like that in the past week or so. It was about getting the kids to listen during emergency Upside Down situations versus normal times, but still. Oops. 

“I said pardon the phrase, Frank.”

“Eddie’s right,” Margaret cuts in. “Popularity, or freakhood, doesn’t transfer directly from high school to college. It’s a social reset, like going from being the oldest kids at middle school to bottom of the barrel freshman in high school. From high school to working can’t be that much different.”

“So you’re saying that King Steve is at the bottom of the barrel?” Gareth asks, audibly skeptical. 

“Nope, pretty sure that’s still me,” Eddie replies, with a brightness so fake it sets Steve’s teeth on edge. There’s something raw to it that he can’t begin to understand. Maybe Robin was right, and there is something bothering Eddie. 

Maybe something like . . . a housemate who listens in on his conversations?

There’s no way he could know, but Steve still winces and hurries to the bathroom. Sticking around for a possible debate about his worth to society or whatever wouldn’t be all that great a time, no matter which way it goes.

[idekforfun]

Comfort ... JJk

Summary: After scoring an invite to JHope's album release party, Yazmine isn't expecting anything more than to stick to the sidelines and enjoy the free drinks and music. Little did she know what her ever growing relationship with the rapper would lead her to.

Pairing: Idol!Jungkook x OC

Genre: Fluff, slight angst, strangers to lovers, ongoing series

Word count: 2.7k

...

The only thing I am able to think of as my eyes scatter across the room of popular faces is "the amount of talent in this room is enough to swallow me whole". I’m overwhelmed with anxiety and I can't seem to remember how I was ever able to suppress it. I'm finding it increasingly hard to hide behind my extrovert persona, the one that is a lie, a huge lie in fact.

 I realized I had been lost in my head when the sound of loud clapping brought me back to the real world. I barely catch the very end of Hoseok's speech, something along the lines of "Thank you for supporting me", and "enjoy the food and music" then he gives a bow and walks down the stairs where he is immediately pulled into conversation. Oh, I can't even imagine the anxiety he must be feeling. I could simply stick to a corner and hide in the shadows, whereas he has to socialize with everyone out of obligation.

Socializing. For some reason I forgot that I'd have to do that. I've been able to avoid it thus-far having arrived minutes before the actual album started playing. Now, everywhere I looked someone was talking to someone else. I realized I couldn't just stand here alone forever. I examine the room for someone I know, even better someone I have interviewed because I'll take any familiarity I can at this point. This whole ordeal is making me question my job because how am I able to meet celebrities on the daily, and here I am stressing about having to socialize at a party.

I was too in my head again, so I didn't realize someone had been calling my name until I felt a few taps on my shoulder. When I turn around, I was met with no other than Jessi, thank god. We have met on more than one occasion, and she has a weird ability of making people extremely comfortable, something I am immensely thankful for right now.

"Yaz!" She pulls me into a hug. It actually does well to soothe me. "I didn't know you were coming."

"I didn't know either," I pulled back from the hug with a gentle smile. "Actually, I was kind of surprised."

"Why, are you and J-hope not close?" she questioned.

"I mean, I had him on the show and we got on really well. We've also messaged a lot, too." I know I sound hesitant speaking, as if I'm not sure of the words I am saying. It is kind of hard to believe that Hoseok would want a friendship with me of all people, let alone be close.

"Oh, he definitely adores you, we even talked about you once," she has a sparkle in her eye as she talks and for some reason, I feel obliged to believe her. "Also, he was one of the best episodes on your show by far."

She is right about that. It has been my most viewed interview by a pretty wide margin. Part of me knows it’s due to the fact that he is J-hope of BTS, obviously, but it was also such a good video. All my interviews follow a simple formula. I bring the guest on and we engage in whatever activity they enjoy, in Hoseok’s case dancing. It brings a different level of intimacy that you can’t get from simply sitting across from one another and reading questions from a card. The conversation always flows naturally, and it’s all so genuine. On top of that, even I can admit that Hoseok and I just clicked. Our personalities complimented each other well. So much that we even continued to develop our relationship through messaging, and now I am attending his album release party which is a very important step in his solo career. Maybe we are closer than I allowed myself to believe.

“Yeah, it was pretty great actually.” I could see her eyes light up at my slight self-indulgence. Maybe I should give myself more credit.

We both turn our heads at the call of Jessi’s name from across the room. She gives me another smile and hug and tells me that she’ll find me later. I am left alone again but it’s not as bad as before. The anxiety has decreased significantly, which made my apparent hunger more noticeable. Hoseok did say to enjoy the food so I might as well. The snack table was filled with delicious finger food. As I was reaching my hand to grab a bite of some expensive looking cheese on a toothpick someone called my name. I turned around to find none other than Hoseok’s bright smile.

“So, I see you made it!” He pulled me into a hug. Not the ‘barely touch you because this is a little uncomfortable hug”, but a “I feel like we’ve known each other for years hug’.

“Hoseok, you’re incredible. The album is amazing, the release party is amazing, your outfit is amazing!” We pulled away from the hug and I could see a feint blush on his cheeks hidden well in the dimly lit room. “I’m serious, you may be the coolest person I know.”

“Yahhh, you’re boosting my ego too much.” He said while smiling shyly.

“You also may be the humblest person I know so I actually don’t think that is possible.” He smiled at me again and I swear I saw a glimpse of the actual sun in him.

“Do you know anyone here?”

“A few people, mostly through the grapevine.” He could sense my hesitancy right away, I could tell.          

“Come, I’ll introduce you to my friends.” He said as he gestured to the general direction behind him where his so-called friends were. Knowing him, his friends could be some ultra-famous idols that have better things to do than interacting with me. I could slowly feel the anxiety creep back up my spine, and my heartbeat slowly increased.

“I don’t really want to be a bother,” he looked down at me with squinted eyes and a tilted head. “I promise it’s okay, I like being alone and these appetizers are calling my name.”

He chuckled at me in disbelief, as if that was an insane thing to say in a room full of celebrities. I guess you could say a part of me is forgetting that they are just normal people too, so I shouldn’t be feeling this intimidated by them. At the same time, I’ve seen celebrities get starstruck over other celebrities, so they really aren’t just normal people and I am going to tell myself that my feelings are valid.

“C’mon, you’re never a bother. You’re my friend and I want my friends to meet you” he said reassuringly. I guess that answers my earlier internal debate. After 2 seconds of contemplation, I let myself believe him, and I signaled for him to lead the way. He lit up and tugged on my wrist so I could follow him.

I don’t know who I was expecting him to introduce me to, but for some reason his members stupidly did not come to mind. Three of the seven members of BTS were sitting on the stage together, and their heads all turned to Hoseok and I as we approached them. Despite all my inner turmoil, I take pride in my ability to pretend that I am confident and unfazed by everything. That is how I’ve done so well in my career while dealing with anxiety, but as the three idols studied us as we approached them, I could tell that mainting my persona would be more difficult than usual. I know them of course, because who doesn’t these days, but seeing them in person simply beats videos and pictures. They really were beautiful men.

“Yazmine this is Taehyung, Jimin and Jungkook. Guys this is Yazmine.” Hoseok introduced while gesturing to each of them.

“Hi guys its so great to meet you.” I said with a smile. Jungkook and Taehyung who were sitting raised themselves up to give me a bow as well as Jimin who was already standing as I shook my hands at them. “Oh! there’s no need for that we can be casual.”

“Sorry, it’s a habit,” Jimin said with a smile. “After all these years it feels kind of strange not to be formal.”

“That’s how I feel except opposite. Getting used to being formal was a challenge and I sometimes still forget the strict customs.” I explained.

“Sorry if this comes across as rude but you’re not Korean? You’re Korean is really good!” Taehyung questioned.

“It’s not rude at all! I am half Korean from my mom and my dad is middle eastern,” as I was explaining, someone summoned Hoseok over to them and he gave my arm a firm squeeze in parting as he nodded to his members insinuating his departure. “I was raised in the US till age 12 and I’ve been back and forth since then.” I explained as they nodded in understanding. It was endearing how intently they were listening to me, and for some reason I felt oddly at ease with the three. My eyes wandered over to Jungkook’s as I finished my explanation, and as they met he quicky looked away.

“Your interview with Hobi Hyung was amazing by the way,” Jimin said. In the moment I don’t think I even processed that Park Jimin watches my show, I’d have to do that later. “The idea is so new and exciting. I hope that you’ll invite me once I start my solo schedule.” There was a sly smirk on his face. I wondered if it would be inappropriate to tell him I would probably jump off a bus if he asked me to, but I decided to keep that to myself in the end.

“I’ll see what I could do.” I joked back. Out of the corner of my eye I saw someone new approaching us and I turned my head to find Seokjin. I was now surrounded by four members of the group and I am surprised I’ve held my composure for this long.

“Hello,” he says timidly with a subtle bow. “Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to say bye to these three. I’m Jin.”

Just when I thought these men couldn’t get any better, he introduces himself as if I wouldn’t already know who he is. I gave a bow back and smiled at his humility, “I’m Yazmine, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Hey Jungkook, this must be exciting for you.” At the mention of the youngest members name, I turned to look at him and caught his wide eyes and small headshake towards Jin that I was clearly not meant to see as his eyes shifted to me. “He loves your videos. One time he made me watch three episodes of your trying new things series.”

“Hyung!” Jungkook cried out. Obviously I was not supposed to be filled in on this information, but my heart couldn’t help but beat a little faster at this new discovery.

“Oh, did he now?” I questioned with a smirk. Jungkook’s face twinged a subtle pink that was barely noticeable in the dimly lit room, but noticeable, nonetheless.

“Oh yeah, Jungkookie is always sending us clips from your videos,” Jimin teased. Taehyung started nodding his head enthusiastically and decided he also wanted to join in on teasing the youngest.

“You should have seen his reaction when he found out Hobi Hyung was making an appearance, he was so jeal-”

            “Okay that’s enough.” Jungkook interrupted with an annoyed expression. Despite how much I was enjoying this, I also felt a little bad for him, and I’m sure he’s been at the center of their teasing all these years.

            “Well, I really appreciate the support, and it means a lot coming from you especially.” I reassured him. He gave me a shy small in return.

            “Well it was nice to meet you Yazmine, I am sure we’ll run into each other again,” Jin said with a warm smile. “Before I leave Hobi wants a picture with all of us.” He said while gesturing to the other members. They all nodded in agreement.

            As they all turned to follow Jin, Jimin turned to me and nudged my arm with his. “Don’t go too far, we’ll be back soon.”

“I’ll be here.” I reassured. I definitely wasn’t comfortable enough to talk with anyone else here, and their welcoming energy was definitely more than enough for me. Jimin and Taehyung followed Jin, while I noticed Jungkook lingering a bit. I could tell he had something on his mind that he wanted to say.

            “Isn’t it a bit early for Jin to be leaving?” I questioned. This was my best attempt at making him comfortable enough to tell me what was on his mind.

            “This isn’t really Jin Hyungs scene, he doesn’t really know many people and he gets nervous meeting them too.” Jungkook explained. I almost did not catch the end of what he was saying because I was too distracted by his eyes. They really do sparkle just like everyone says.

            “Wow, if that’s how Jin feels then I really am hopeless.” I said in shock. If a literal bts member was having trouble socializing, I was doomed.

            “Not completely hopeless, you have us now.” He said with the most endearing smile I have ever seen. There was also something about how he said “You have us now”, as if he was insinuating that I would be in their lives longer than just a casual conversation at a party. I know it’s probably my delusion speaking, but it’s a nice thought to comfort me.  “By the way I really do enjoy your videos a lot. I guess it’s kinda embarrassingly obvious now that I am a fan.” He said with a little more confidence while referring to the teasing from his Hyungs.

            “If it makes you feel better, I have 3 older brothers, so I know how it feels. Also, I am slightly embarrassed because of how many stupid things you’ve probably seen me do. It’s actually all coming back now.” I laughed. I started internally second guessing every decision I made for my videos because Jeon fucking Jungkook watches them, and I pray that he has not seen the bird calling video.

            “What, like the bird calling video?” He says with a chuckle. This is not happening right now.

            “I am actually going to ignore what you just said for mental health reasons.” He lets out a boyish laugh at that and I swear I’ve never heard something more adorable in my life. I would honestly embarrass myself 100 times over if it meant that I could make him laugh.

            We both turn our heads at the call of his name and see the members waving him over for the pictures.

            “I’m sorry I don’t want to leave you alone…” He says hesitantly.

            “No, don’t worry about it,” I said. “I’ll just be here trying not to embarrass myself.”

            “I won’t take long so we can be embarrassing together.” He said in a teasing tone. My eyes couldn’t help but widen. I’m either crazy, or he just flirted with me. I could hear his giggle as he turned to walk away while I stood there stunned. The butterflies in my stomach were going crazy as I watched him join the others. Seeing them interact with each other was so special. They looked so happy and comfortable. It was hard not to be slightly envious of their relationship. I can’t remember the last time I had a connection like that with someone, and I could tell it was rare. My eyes naturally wander over to Jungkook as he wrapped his arm around Hoseok. I could see his eyes glistening even from here with joy and contempt. His eyes meet mine and I find myself unable to look away even though I know I’ve been caught staring. His eyes crinkle at the corners as we look at each other, waiting to see who will break eye contact first. My gaze wanders across his nose and cheeks as my face heats up. I force my eyes to meet his one final time and I turn away with a light feeling looming over me.

[gunterfan1992]

Episode Review: “Cake the Cat”/“Prismo the Wishmaster” (Fionna & Cake, Eps. 3-4)

I wish I had the strength to stay up until the exact moment these episodes are released, hurriedly consume them in a haze while writing down my thoughts, and post my review before the sun has a chance to come up. But alas, as an old man—i.e., a 31-year old—I am not quite as strong as I used to be. (Remember dear friends: Eram quod es; eris quod sum!)

In other words, please excuse me if my reviews take a day or two to post! I have to watch 'em after I get home from work!

Airdate: September 7, 2023

Story by: Anthony Burch, Adam Muto, Hanna K. Nyström, Jack Pendarvis, Kate Tsang

Storyboarded by: Hanna K. Nyström, Anna Syvertsson, Jacob Winkler, Haewon Lee, Nicole Rodriguez

Directed by: Ryann Shannon (supervising), Hans Tseng (art)

Like the title card I have included here, the plot of "Cake the Cat" is relatively straightforward: After finding herself in Ooo (and gaining speaking abilities thanks to a universal translator), Cake explores the world around her. Along the way, she befriends Squirrel (from season five's "Up a Tree") and accidentally destroys an outdoor market. Meanwhile, in her own world, Fionna tries desperately to find her missing pet. But after Simon tries once again to summon GOLB, Fionna suddenly finds herself transported to Ooo, where she reunites with Cake.

"Cake the Cat" might not be the deepest episode from the "Adventure Time Extended Universe" (hmm, maybe the "ATEU"?), but what it lacks in depth, it makes up for with humor. In particular, the episode manages to get considerable mileage out of Cake just acting like a normal (albeit talking) cat: she scratches people, tears things up, snatches food away, and very nearly massacres a small woodland critter, etc. As someone who adores cats and has long put up with their, shall we say, bullshit, these scenes were right on the money. Cake might indeed mean well, but she is still a cat, and cats get into all sorts of hijinks (that's part of the reason why I love them).

"This episode, out of the four that have aired so far, feels the most like "old school" Adventure Time, largely due to the allusions it makes to older episodes: For instance, one subplot in "Cake the Cat" sees the titular character scratch the dickens out of the insane "Tree Gang" from season five's "Up a Tree." (In fact, one could even make a compelling argument that the first half of this episode is basically just a sequel to "Up a Tree"!) Cake's market shenanigans and the ire they raise with the forest folk also echo the events of season two's "Storytelling" (in which Finn makes a gaggle of forest critters' lives hell in a half-baked attempt to find a good story). Like its season two predecessor, "Cake the Cat" heavily relies on the main character's obliviousness, which often leads to some great bits of dark humor (e.g., the shredded pillow man, who, while 'bleeding out' feathers, wheezes, "I… clapped for you!"). But despite these similarities, "Cake the Cat" has enough flourishes to make it its own thing, thereby preventing it from feeling like a tired retread."

One such "flourish" is the heavy focus on Roz Ryan. Most of the past Fionna and Cake episodes have underutilized Cake, treating her as little more than a sassy one-liner machine. "Cake the Cat," on the other hand, not only makes use of Ryan's acting skills, but it also lets her flex her musical prowess by having her sing the song "Cake on The Loose." Ultimately, the decision to not relegate Cake to a secondary role allows for some much-needed character development. Her interactions with Squirrel, for instance, let us know that she's a survivalist who will not tolerate bullies. We also learn that Cake sees Fionna less as a family member and more as a bossy (albeit beloved) roommate. True, these are small glimpses into an established character, but because Cake has long been underdeveloped, they help to flesh out her character, allowing her to come into her own. This is a trend that the following episode will continue…

Airdate: September 7, 2023

Story by: Anthony Burch, Adam Muto, Hanna K. Nyström, Jack Pendarvis, Kate Tsang

Storyboarded by: Iggy Craig, Graham Falk, Jim Campbell, Lucyola Langi

Directed by: Steve Wolfhard (supervising), Hans Tseng (art)

Like "Simon Petrikov" before it, "Prismo the Wishmaster" is a darker installment that subverts the levity that preceded it.

And I'm OK with that!

The episode begins with Prismo beaming up Fionna, Cake, and Simon and revealing to them the truth behind the whole "Fionna and Cake" thing: This "fan fiction" is actually a fictional universe of his own creation. Tired of constantly bringing other people's realities to life, Prismo decided to create a universe of his own. There was just a tiny problem: Doing so violated the cosmological rules that Prismo must follow as the god of wishes. He thus decided to hide the "Fionna and Cake" world in the mind of Ice King—out of sight, out of mind (literally). Unfortunately, GOLB's resetting of the crown threw a wrench into these plans, resulting in his "unauthorized crossover" being detected. This violation consequently summoned Scarab, an antagonistic "god auditor" who yearns for Prismo's job as wishmaster. The episode concludes with Prismo zapping Fionna, Cake, and Simon to Farmworld seconds before Scarab can capture them.

Before talking about the meat of the episode, let me briefly talk about the [Psychic Tandem War] Elephant in the [Time] Room: Prismo's voice. In the initial series, as I am sure many of you are aware, Prismo was voiced by Kumail Nanjiani, a talented comedian perhaps best known for his role in the HBO series Silicon Valley. There was something about Nanjiani's voice that really clicked with the Prismo character—his laid back, somewhat monotonous way of speaking just really fits with Prismo's "chill deity" thing.. Alas, Nanjiani does not reprise his role in "Prismo the Wishmaster" (instead, the character is voiced by Sean Rohani). What? you might be asking, Was there some drama? Did the actor have a falling-out with the crew? No. The answer is far, far more infuriating: Nanjiani's reps apparently declined to tell the very actor they were working for that the Adventure Time folks had wanted him back! Nanjiani has often said that Prismo is one of his favorite characters that he has had the opportunity to play, and so I can only imagine how crestfallen and mad he probably was when all of this came to light. Absolutely nothing against Mr. Rohani, but considering that the voice actor he replaced never wanted to be replaced, I hope that the studio can let Nanjiani overdub Prismo's lines for future streams of the episode. (Ya know, to fix the time line and all that jazz.)

Now, back to our review! Just as "Cake the Cat" recalls the vibes of older episodes, "Prismo the Wishmaster" also echoes with the past, feeling in many ways like a spiritual cousin to season six's "Is That You?" (the masterful episode, solely storyboarded by Jesse Moynihan, that skillfully undid Prismo's death in a way that felt neither cheap nor forced). The similarities between "Prismo the Wishmaster" and "Is That You?" are largely due to their setting (both episodes take place almost entirety in Prismo's time cube), and their shared interest in what I guess you could call "character duplication." But just like "Cake the Cat," this episode is fun and familiar, while still managing to be new and exciting.

I particularly enjoyed the episode's deepening of the already complex cosmology of the Oooniverse. Back in 2020, in the first edition of "Exploring the Land of Ooo," I speculated that the world in which Finn and Jake live owes much to the dualistic cosmology of Gnosticism, specifically the religious movement known as Manichaeism. This approach to reality views the world as fundamentally divided in two. On one side, there is the "Father of Greatness" (roughly equivalent to the Judeo-Christian idea of "God," who creates and orders reality), and on the other side, there is the "King of Darkness" (roughly equivalent to "the Devil," who embodies darkness and death). Adventure Time seems to draw inspiration from this conceptual split, with GOLB being the Oooish version of the "King of Darkness," who revels in chaos and destruction, and "Prismo's Boss" being akin to the "Father of Greatness," who is interested in order and structure. Additionally, Scarab and the various gods who govern the universe remind me of the Gnostic concept of archons (entities that rule over the day-to-day affairs of the physical cosmos), but perhaps that's a topic for another day...

Speaking of Scarab, going into Fionna and Cake, I was particularly curious how the show was going to one-up the Lich. His story arc was nicely capped off in "Together Again," and so I appreciate the producers' decision to create a new villain for this series. As someone who often deals with inane bureaucracy, I quite like the idea of a "god auditor," and Kayleigh McKee does a great job infusing Scarab with a dignified sort of malevolence. Scarab feels textbook lawful evil to me, but unlike a lot of the other baddies in the Oooniverse who are doin' it up the only way they know how, Scarab does not feel affable in any way. He's a cold, sterile regulator, akin to the T-1000 from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, who is interested in only one thing: eliminating his targets. In a word, he feels like a legitimate threat, and that's exciting!

Another major triumph of "Prismo the Wishmaster" is that it fully justifies why this entire miniseries is happening. One of my biggest worries going into this string of episodes was that, while fun, it would not do a good job of legitimizing its own existence. This was largely due to my own biases. After all, I've always enjoyed Fionna and Cake, but I have never adored their episodes. In my mind, they were fun excursions; nothing more, nothing less. However, "Prismo the Wishmaster" expertly grounds their existence in the Ooo that we know, demonstrating that the Fionna and Cake series is not a dull victory lap, nor is it a masturbatory exercise in excess. Instead, it is a bona fide extension of Adventure Time's mythology. Fionna the Human and Cake the Cat are now just as "real" as Finn and Jake ever were. Instead of being simple parodies, they now have a certain depth to them.

Simply put, they matter.

Final “Cake the Cat” Grade: B+

Final “Prismo the Wishmaster” Grade: A