#these are just based on first impressions

[burrowdarling]

He Really Knows Me

Summary: It’s your first time meeting Joe’s siblings. With your nerves evident, Joe gives you something to calm them. I also just had to listen to Call It What You Want - Taylor Swift

Pairings: boyfriend!Joe Burrow x girlfriend!reader

Warnings: A bit of talk about sex, otherwise just some fluffy boyfriend Joey

Note: Hi everyone! I hope you all enjoy this request from this anon, I thought the idea was absolutely adorable. I'm excited to have some more frequent content out for you all. As always, my ask box and messages are always open to requests or to chat! 

Word Count: 1.3k

Check out my Masterlist here!

Taglist: @burrowbarbie @definitelynotdomanique @one-sweet-gubler @plushkhiii @enchantedinfinity @iosivb9 @hellsingalucard18 Feel free to comment or message me if you'd like to be added to the list!

To say you were nervous was an understatement - tonight would be the night that you were meeting Joe’s brothers along with their wives for the first time. The two of you have been dating for a few months now, deciding it was time to take things a step further. You knew how important family was to Joe and were excited at the opportunity to meet those close to him. You’d heard loads about them already, excited for the chance to get to know them. To keep things casual and low pressure for you, Joe decided to invite everyone over for dinner at his place. Joe knew you felt safe there, being able to step away for a breather with ease if needed. 

You’d like to think you were a fairly confident person, believing that was part of the reason you were with Joe in the first place. The one thing that could knock you off kilter was a lack of control. You were serious about Joe, wanting to make a good first impression with his family and hoping that they would like you.

Joe had offered for you to come get ready at his place while he got a workout in at the gym, knowing you couldn’t say no to getting ready in his bathroom. It was something you were jealous of, wishing you had this type of lighting back at your place. Being in his space offered you a sense of relief, feeling like . You had music playing off your phone speaker, your makeup products were strewn out across the counter, and your hair tools at the ready. You heard the faint sound of shuffling downstairs, signalling Joe had finished his workout. You paid no mind to it, focusing on perfecting your look. 

You were in your own little world, dancing off your nerves when you just about jumped out of your skin.

“Jesus Joe, are you trying to give me a heart attack?” you said with a hand pressed to your chest trying to catch your breath. He only chuckled at you, slightly shaking his head at your comment. 

Your temper simmered once you took in his appearance. He was leaned against the door frame, hair tousled with sweat as his sleeveless shirt hung off of his torso. The holes for the sleeves were ripped so low, you could see a preview of his abs creating a spark inside you to have your hands on him. His cloth shorts were hung low on his hip and his whole demeanor had you wanting to drop to your knees before him.

“Not my intention, sweetheart, though I was enjoying your little show. It looks like I was giving you one right back based on the drool on your chin” Joe said with a smirk. You reached for your chin, falling for his joke which only made him laugh harder, causing you to give him a glare.

“You can’t expect me not to look when you come up here like that” you said as you gestured to him at a loss for any further words.

“Look as much as you like, but I’d much rather your touch. I just came to wash up before dinner, baby. I’ll take my distraction elsewhere, don’t worry your pretty head” he said moving off the door to drop a kiss to your head. He walked to the shower, turning the handle and starting to strip. It took everything in you not to watch him from the mirror and keep your focus on getting ready. You watched his silhouette through the steamy glass door, admiring his profile. You’d have time to have him later, it would help to ease your mind.

“Do you think they’re gonna like me?” you asked out of nowhere. Your voice wavered more than you expected, needing to speak up over the shower.

“They’re gonna love you because I do, there’s nothing to stress about I promise,” Joe said as his cutt of the shower. He stepped out and wrapped a towel low on his waist, walking over to meet you. “You did great with my parents, this will be a cakewalk in comparison. You’re so sweet, amazing, and funny, I’m going to have to hope they don’t like you more than me”.

He leaned down, ghosting his wet forehead above yours causing you to giggle when droplets from his hair fell to your nose and cheeks. 

“I can’t get my face wet, I just finished my makeup” you said as you gently pushed him away, letting your hands linger on his wet chest.

“You’re right, I’d much rather get something else wet instead” he spoke as he turned out of the bathroom, bracing for your reaction preemptively.

“JOSEPH! Get your mind out of the gutter” you yelled out as his laughter carried into the bathroom from his bedroom.

Once you felt that your look was perfected, you took one last look in the bathroom mirror before making your way into the bedroom. You expected Joe to be downstairs, but were surprised to see him sitting on the edge of his bed with a small gift wrapped box in his hands.

“What’s that for?” you questioned, pointing to the gift in his hands.

“It’s for you, I was gonna wait to give it to you, but this seems as good a time as any” Joe said as he patted the spot next to him.

You sat down, joining him as you felt a fresh wave of nerves course through you. Joe placed the small box in your hands as he wrapped an arm around your shoulder and pulled you into him. His smell offered a sense of comfort, remembering there was nothing to be worried about, this was your Joey.

You pulled the bow loose and slipped it from the box, you unwrapped the small bit of paper and removed the top from the box. A small gasp came from your lips as you took in the small piece of jewelry in front of you. It was small ‘J’ strung on a delicate gold chain, bringing a well of tears to your eyes.

You turned to face Joe, his eyes already on you as he reached up to wipe a stray tear from your cheek before it caused a streak in your makeup. Your mind was reeling, overcome with an influx of emotions and adoration for the man beside you. He always knew exactly what to do and when, having a knack for his small gestures having a big impact on you.

“Joey, I absolutely love it. Will you put it on me?” you asked, getting a soft nod in response as he moved his finger in a circular motion for you to turn away from him.

He stepped behind you, placing the delicate chain across the top of your chest as he brought the two ends together to clasp them. He softly released the ends, letting it fall naturally onto your chest. The dainty ‘J’ stood out against your skin, his initial looking nice around your neck. You looked up and turned your head to meet his gaze over your shoulder, the look of pure love in his eyes was unmistakable. 

“I’m not gonna lie, I got the idea from that taylor song you listen to all the time. I knew you were feeling some nerves about tonight so I wanted to give you something as a way to let you know I’m always there. Thank you for all that you do for me, you’re truly amazing and I have no idea what I’d do without you.”

“I swear you always know the right things to say and do, you never cease to surprise me” you said with a smile from ear to ear.

You placed your hands to his cheeks as you pulled him in for a passionate kiss, feeling things began to heat up rather quickly. You felt him pull back as he rested his forehead against your properly. 

“Now as much as I’d like to have you with this new addition, it’ll have to be later. We got dinner to eat and you have people who want to meet you.”

[ohwell-itsme]

#what if we got bored and dissected human sexuality together

what frustrated me for a good long while before I just... shelved it I guess, because it's not going to get me anywhere is that

once you get past the point of like, trans people are normal and it's transphobia when you exclude them from your attraction on that basis alone, and it's normal and doesn't change your sexuality to love them with whatever genitalia they have the cliff of what you can define as gender based attraction soon ends when you reach "non-binary people exist"

there is nothing, NOTHING, in my appearance that indicates my gender identity, it's simply not one of those that look like anything, but we form our first impressions of people before they speak (supposedly most people just need a one good look, idk to me people are shifty strangers until I can have somewhat of a grasp on their personality and worldview, but turns out that's abnormal and highly paranoid, and like, I'm aroace), somehow the ever popular smash or pass quizzes are easy enough to vote on with just one picture of the person, the eyes just don't careeeee about the nuance of gender,

and preferences for either the feminine or masculine aesthetic no matter how pronounced mean jackshit too, because those are super fluid and constantly reshaped by culture and there's probably more people with gender non-conforming presentations than there is with green eyes, it's literally nonsense, it's case by case in reality and labels sometimes just get in the way, because again it's distressing for non-binary people to parse through who might even be attracted to me? Am I going to be alright getting with a person of that orientation, or would it feel dysphoric, bringing awareness to this side of me, feeling perceived as leaning more to this side? Are my options only mspecs, only other enbies who'll understand? Like the profiling, narrowing the scope of who you might have chances with, based on labels becomes USELESS once you're non-binary, they're not telling you shit!

All of it is stupid, like, fuck your binary, it doesn't even exist, no such a thing in biology. Fuck all the who can say what discourse and the biggest victim contests and the community tearing fucks who don't want to see how similar all of our experiences with misogyny are and conflate our labels with the experiences they think we do have, fuck all the erasure and just all of this bullshit

I'm going to make a huge beam and turn everyone consciously non-binary [the binary is already fake] and then I'll die and when I see god I'm gonna spit in his face, fuck off with all that.

so strange to me that some people aren't bisexual

[phosph-ate]

Need To Know

Dr. Phosphorus x GN!Reader

(What I want him to do to me 🔝)

Summary: You match his freak, a little too well

CW: SMUT! 18+!, thigh riging(ish), burning, pet name (cupcake), newly establish relationship (hinted at), no use of y/n, no beta reader, soft dr. phosphorus (even tho he burns you...), reader has enhanced healing and is immune to radiation

WC: 0.8k

A/N: Loosely based off this ask. it gave me this idea and i just AIHSJD AAAHHH. I love him so much ugh

“Please…” Your voice was soft and airy. Needy. “Alex, please.”

One of Dr. Phosphorus’ hand gripped your hip, and the other was on the wall. He leaned his weight onto that hand and his face was in your neck. His hips were grinding into yours. He was still mostly clothed, wearing pants and his jacket. You were almost completely naked before him, wearing nothing but underwear.

His thumb rubbed circles into your exposed hip. You were dying for something. He could not tell what.

“What is it?” His voice was strained. “What’d’ya’ need?”

“I want-” Your eyes shut tight, and you whispered something under your breath. You wanted him to mark you up. In a potentially unconventional way.

“What was that?” He stopped the grinding and cocked his head at you.

You groaned and your head rolled back. “I want you to… Burn me.” If he had eyes they would be bugging out. That is not what he expected. “I mean-” You immediately defended yourself, “I can heal fast, I’m immune to your radiation… I want to- Need to know what it feels like.”

While you waited for an answer, the wall beside you began to heat up. Dr. Phosphorus moved his hand from the wall quickly and you looked over, seeing a handprint singed on the wall. You shivered.

“You’re being serious?” He asked, trying to compose himself.

“Completely.” You sucked in air and your jaw clenched.

“Okay,” He took a step back, “we need a safe word first.”

The smile on your face was about to make it all worth it for Phosphorus. “How about red, if I need you to stop, I’ll just say red. If reassurance is needed on your end, I’ll say green.”

“That will work.” He was impressed with how fast you were. How long had this been on your mind? He was not sure, but he was happy to oblige. You leaped towards him and kissed him quickly. “You have a spot in mind?” He asked curiously.

“Collarbone.” You spat out, smiling at him. You pointed to the spot.

“People will see that-”

“I want them to.” Your smile turned into a smirk. “I really want them to.”

Dr. Phosphorus almost lost his mind. For a brief moment, he was burning up. He collected himself and his hands flexed. You noticed how worked up he was. You could not help but wonder if he thought about burning you.

“First thing’s first, cupcake,” He pushed you back against the wall. “I will not be burning you fully. I know you heal fast, but-” Dr. Phosphorus sighed. “I cannot bear the thought of hurting badly. Secondly,” He put up two fingers, “use the safe word if you need it.”

You nodded, excitedly. Violently. Your stomach flipped. Your back was flush with the wall, and you smiled at your boyfriend, excited for what was to come. “I promise! I will let you know if it’s too much.” But it won’t be, you thought. You did not want him to get upset, so you kept the last part to yourself.

He nodded and you shut your eyes. Dr. Phosphorus placed a hand on your hip and on at the base of your neck, above your collarbone. You began to grind your hips against his again and your head leaned back, giving him better access to you.

“I’ll be okay,” You whispered. Your hands grabbed his jacket, and you pulled him closer to you. You peeked at Phosphorus. He was obviously thinking. “Alex, green, please-” Your begging seemed to be enough to push him over the edge.

Dr. Phosphorus pushed a knee between your legs and his palm laid on your collarbone. You felt heat at first. You moaned. You leaned forward, the grinding continued. The friction was almost enough to bring you to orgasm alone. Your hips moved steadily at first. You knew what you were doing. But as soon as you felt the heat becoming hotter your grinding became quicker, sloppy.

“Fuck,” You hissed.

Dr. Phosphorus was losing his mind. The way you had given yourself to him was exhilarating. A pleasured scream ripped from your throat and your hips jutted forward. You were coming undone. Every part of you tensed and your grip on his jacket tightened. Dr. Phosphorus pulled his hand away from your skin and you twitched against him. You let out a soft whine and your head dropped.

It was quickly lifted back up. Your eyes opened slightly, and Dr. Phosphorus examined your burn. “How’s it look?” You smirked at him.

“You’re freaky,” He responded, head lifting slightly, looking at you presumably, “you know that?”

You let out a low laugh, “Like you aren’t!”

“Come on,” Dr. Phosphorus pulled you away from the wall, “I know you have enhanced healing, but we need to clean that, and you, up.”

You nodded. You followed Dr. Phosphorus to your bathroom and sighed. That was a lot better than you could have even imagined. “Alex,” you started, causing him to turn back towards you. You wanted so badly to tell him you loved him. You figured it may not be the best time. “Thank you.”

“For burning you?” He almost yelled, but he did not falter getting you to the bathroom. Your bare feet hit the tile floor. “You are freaky.”

“No,” you swatted at him, “for helping me clean up.”

“Oh, that’s just what good boyfriends do.”

You let him look at the burn in the light. “You know,” You started, “when someone sees this they’re going to absolutely lose it.” You smirked.

“I hope Rick sees it.” Dr. Phosphorus laughed. “Oh, how I hope he sees it…”

[theartofwoompwoomp]

I love your sweet comfort Jazz fic. He just fits that perfectly.

I’m wondering about a moment where he goes protective mode. I love sweet fic where the bots goes switch mode on demeanor. Could be platonic or romantic. Something like they’re out and about being goofy then something happens he goes almost feral in protection mode. Does that frighten or impress?

Im their Guardian.

Jazz x reader

a/n : Thanks im glad you enjoyed the fics, personally im never sure if i get the characters personality well, so im glad ya like it. Also thanks for the ask i loved this idea <3

———————————————————————

Now, Jazz is an amazing guardian. His love for human culture and chill personality definitely made it easier for you to get along with him.

And in all the time you have known him, he’s always been the same. Usually when describing him your go to words were “hard worker” and “cool dude”. 

Never once had you truly seen any serious sides of him, unless he was fighting in the war. 

Which is why your image of him never changed.

But that’s the thing with personalities. They can be so complex to the point certain sides only are seen in special circumstances.

Which is why today shouldn’t have been any different.

Jazz knew how much you wanted to go (an event of something you like). You had gotten dressed up and everything. How could he not take you himself? Especially when you’re so excited about it as well.

Once there, he didn’t mind if he had to wait in a parking lot or be in a garage. You both prepared a bunch of things he could do while being in aft-mode.

And time definitely went a lot faster when you called him and stayed on call the rest of the time. 

He felt as he were there with you. 

Both of you continued talking about the surroundings and stuff you got from giftshops. Even buying a shirt that says “I ❤️ Robots”

The whole time his spark was warm at the smile on your face. He loved seeing you light up as you continued talking with him about your interests, and how you got stuff for him and yourself.

But, his first suspicion of something being wrong was from your movement on the screen. You seemed to have speed up your pace. But when the call got cut off he was long gone from the parking spot.

Speeding towards the entrance hoping to pick you up.

When he arrived he saw you not far ahead, but you were worried… and, scared? 

Getting closer he saw someone older than you following behind. … too closely 

Observing a bit more, he saw they had your phone in hand, and were taking you somewhere and trying to not make it obvious. 

His motor went full power as he rushed in alt-mode. And when you turned around with a tear stained face, all of his sense was lost. 

Revving his engine as he not so subtlety headed straight for the person, he stuck out his arm and pulled you in. Tucking you safely inside him and bumping pretty hard into the person hurting you. 

He was pissed.

No one should dare think they could get away with hurting the person most dear to him.

You are everything he has. And no one was going to take that away. Only calming down when you do.

And you were definitely shaken up by the whole thing.

Honestly, it was a bit of a roller coaster. First, you felt extremely relieved you’re big guy had found you. Next, feeling terrified at the thought he might actually put someone down with the fishies. Finally, calmed down cause he didn’t, and the whole time after he treated you with extra care. 

Still inside him as he drove back to base, you place a small kiss on the dashboard and thank him. Feeling him chuckle as the car vibrates. He’d tell ya to rest and start playing a playlist he created for you.

——————————————————————

Masterlist 

[litlledaisycat]

It might just be my impression, because the scene was very fast, but in the scene where Knuckles invades the Gun base to save the other Wachowskis, I could see that Tails is one of the first to lower his head, even before the soldiers lower themselves, as if after he heard Sonic call Knuckles through the communicator, he immediately lowered himself, because, you know, his older brother has an extravagant way of making his triumphant entrance.

[kudouusagi]

Animedia Uryuu Kyouko interview

Not skating but playing karuta!?

Q: What is the scene that you though "this is hot" the most during?

A: While they were playing Karuta! Please feel that true breath of life!

You'll be able to see all sorts of firsts!

You'll be able to see how Sakurayashiki and Nanjou interacted while they were young!

Just as the title says, you'll be able to see their morning routines!

You'll be able to see Hiromi-chan in love!

Click to read the rest of the interview

We asked Kyoko Uryu for secrets about the production of the OVA! 

--It's been just about 4 years from when the first season was aired on TV, and the OVA is going to be shown in theaters soon. How did you determine how production would go?

While we were making the first season, people would often say things like "I'd like to do this type of thing in season 2" so there was a strong desire to continue in the production team. So it was determined we'd make a season 2 very soon after we saw the reaction to season one. However, since it's an original anime without a work to base it off of, and the staff had plans to work on other projects, we figured it would take a while to make another season. We decided to produce an OVA before the second season, as we wanted to deliver something new in the meantime, and also as a gift to express our gratitude to the fans who would be waiting for a long time. That ended up taking quite a while too though......(sweat). Thank you so much for waiting......!

--Uryuu-san, please tell us your favorite part of the OVA, that's an "Omnibus story about their everyday lives"

We wanted to make something we couldn't do in the series, and we wanted to make it something that us as the staff would also want to see, so this is an episode we made from all of our ideas. I can't say much about the content yet because it would be spoilers, but I can tell you now that my personal favorite point is the theme song! Not only is it sung by Reki and Langa, the lyrics that Utsumi-san helped produce are amazing, so please listen to the full version on the OVA bonus CD!

--In the commercial currently available, we see Sakurayashiki and Nanjo in their highschool days. Was the part set in the past something you came up with after it was decided there would be an OVA?

Well, we had decided that they've been "frenemies since childhood" before this, but we started from wondering how these two would have been during their school days if they fight like children even as adults..... That's how we went about creating this story. We hope you enjoy seeing their former daily lives(?) that we aren't really able to depict in the main series.

--If there's a character that your impression of has changed, or you've found a new appeal because of the OVA, please tell us!

Kikuchi! Kikuchi is a mysterious character by nature, but I think you'll see a side of him that's completely different from the image you have of him from the TV series.

--Other than the second season that's already being made, there have been various collaborations and pilgrimage tours held for this series that's been loved for a long time. Is there anything that you personally want to see happen for SK8, Uryuu-san?

I feel like the fans of SK8 have a deep love for this series, so if I ever have the change, I'd like to have a tea party or something like that to talk with the fans about the series. I'll never forget about how enthusiastic the fans were at the talk event held during the pilgrimage tour last year (lol). Other than that, I'd like to be able to have a Canada episode someday and be able to hold a Canada pilgrimage tour...... of course before that I'd like to go to Canada with Utsumi-san for location scouting!

--Finally, please give a message to everyone waiting for the OVA to go one sale and the theater screening!

Thank you so much for waiting 4 whole years. 

The OVA is made for the fans who are overflowing with love for SK8, and I think it's packed full of rich content for them so please look forward to it!

The limited time theater screening will of course contain the OVA itself, but we also plan to deliver specially edited footage from the first season so that everyone in the theater can enjoy it together, as well as behind-the-scenes talks with the cast and director. There will be footage only shown in the theater so I hope everyone will enjoy it together before the OVA comes out. The OVA packaging will be just as elaborate, if not more than, the series packaging, so we hope you'll pick it up and watch it over and over again!

[cocobeanncteez]

The CEO Collision - Part Five

Pairing: CEO!Seonghwa x CEO!reader (f)

Warnings / content for Part Five: alcohol consumption, profanities, lotss of angst, seonghwa gets insecure / has an argument with reader, smut warning: quickie in the backseat of a car / piv, protected sex (pill). Please note that other than Ateez, all other character names used are fictional.

Word Count: 9.6k

Masterlist for The CEO Collision

The day was crisp and clear as you and Seonghwa stepped into the lobby of a towering luxury apartment complex. The marble floors gleamed under soft, golden lighting, and a uniformed concierge greeted you both with a polite bow before directing you to the private elevator.

“Excited?” Seonghwa asked, glancing at you with a small smile as the elevator ascended.

You gave a nonchalant shrug but couldn’t hide the glimmer of curiosity in your eyes. “I mean, it’s not every day you go shopping for a luxury apartment with a view like this. Are you sure we need a place this extravagant?”

“It’s not just about the view,” he said smoothly, leaning casually against the elevator wall. “It’s about having a space that feels like us. Besides, I don’t do halfway, Y/N. You should know that by now.”

The elevator dinged, and you stepped into the first apartment. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of Seoul’s skyline, the Han River winding its way through the city like a ribbon of silver.

“Oh, wow…” you murmured, taking a step closer to the window.

Seonghwa joined you, his hands sliding into his pockets as he observed your reaction. “It’s breathtaking, isn’t it?”

The real estate agent, a well-dressed woman with an air of professionalism, gestured around the open-concept living room. “This apartment features four bedrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and, of course, unparalleled views from every room. Shall we take a look around?”

As you moved from room to room, Seonghwa subtly paid more attention to your reactions than to the apartment itself. He watched the way your eyes lit up at the spacious walk-in closet and how your fingers brushed over the sleek kitchen counters.

When you stepped onto the wraparound balcony, the cold breeze hit you, but it was worth it for the view. Seonghwa followed, standing close enough that the warmth of his presence countered the chill.

“This one’s impressive,” you admitted, leaning against the railing. “But it feels too… formal.”

He chuckled. “Formal?”

“Yeah, like it’s more suited for hosting corporate dinners than relaxing at home.”

“I see what you mean,” he said thoughtfully. “You want somewhere cozier. More us.”

You looked up at him, surprised at how naturally he said “us.”

The agent approached, handing Seonghwa a tablet. “We have another unit in the apartment complex right across this building that’s slightly more contemporary. It has a private rooftop garden and pool. Perhaps you’d like to see that next?”

Seonghwa glanced at you. “What do you think? Want to keep hunting?”

You smiled, your playful side surfacing. “As long as you don’t start picking places based on how well they fit your suit collection.”

He laughed, the sound rich and unguarded. “Deal. But if we find a place with a walk-in closet bigger than this one, don’t blame me for taking it.”

The two of you headed back to the elevator, the agent trailing behind. As the doors slid shut, Seonghwa leaned slightly closer. “You know, this is the first time I’ve ever enjoyed apartment hunting.”

“Why’s that?” you asked, tilting your head.

“Because I’m doing it with you,” he said simply, his tone sincere.

Your cheeks warmed as you looked away, pretending to study the floor numbers lighting up on the panel. “Smooth talker.”

“And you love it,” he teased, his smirk making your heart skip a beat. You rolled your eyes, but the truth was, he wasn’t wrong.

The second apartment was nothing short of breathtaking. It offered the kind of luxury that seemed pulled straight from a dream. The building itself was a fortress, equipped with state-of-the-art security systems. It was no wonder the property was home to A-list actors, chaebols, and the nation’s ultra-elite.

Inside, the apartment was a masterpiece of modern design. The living room opened up to a balcony that stretched the length of the unit. Beyond the glass doors was a private jacuzzi, surrounded by sleek glass panels that offered an unobstructed view of Seoul’s glittering skyline.

You stepped out onto the balcony, drawn to the view and the subtle bubbling sound of the jacuzzi. The cool night breeze brushed against your skin, and the sight of the city lights twinkling below made your breath catch.

“Now this,” you murmured, running your fingers along the edge of the jacuzzi, “is impressive.”

Seonghwa followed you, his hands tucked into his pockets as he surveyed the scene. “The view alone is worth it. And the security here is unbeatable.”

The agent chimed in, her tone professional but enthusiastic. “This building is known for its exclusivity and privacy. We’ve housed celebrities, diplomats, and business leaders. The residents appreciate the discretion and safety we provide.”

You glanced at Seonghwa with a raised eyebrow. “Diplomats and celebrities? Feeling fancy yet?”

He smirked. “It’s not about fancy. It’s about giving us a space where we can feel secure and enjoy ourselves.”

You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. “You’ve really thought about this, haven’t you?”

Seonghwa gestured toward the jacuzzi. “I’m just picturing you in there, a glass of wine in hand, completely relaxed. Maybe I’ll join you if you let me.”

You laughed, swatting his arm. “Big talk, Mr. Park. But can you actually imagine us living here? I mean, this place feels more like a retreat.”

“That’s exactly the point,” he said, leaning on the balcony railing beside you. “A retreat. Somewhere we can escape from the chaos of work and everything else.”

The agent excused herself, giving the two of you space to discuss. Seonghwa turned to face you fully, his expression softening.

“This building is safe, private, and beautiful. It’s everything we need,” he said, his voice steady. “And I can’t stop thinking about building a life with you here, Y/N.”

His sincerity caught you off guard, and you looked away, pretending to focus on the view. “You’re really selling this place,” you said lightly, though your heart raced at his words.

“I’m not selling it,” he replied, taking your hand. “I’m choosing it. For us.”

You glanced at the jacuzzi, then at him, a teasing glint in your eye. “Alright, but only if you promise to make my favorite cocktails while I’m soaking in that jacuzzi.”

His smile widened, and he squeezed your hand. “Deal.”

The decision was practically made, but Seonghwa, being meticulous as ever, wanted to ensure every detail was perfect. He requested another walk-through with the agent, focusing on the security measures and amenities.

While Seonghwa discussed logistics with the agent, you found yourself wandering through the spacious master bedroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a panoramic view of Seoul, and the room exuded a quiet elegance with its neutral tones and luxurious finishes. A large walk-in closet adjacent to the bedroom caught your attention, and you stepped inside, running your fingers along the polished wood shelves.

“This closet is bigger than mine,” you muttered to yourself, chuckling.

“You say that now,” Seonghwa’s voice came from behind you, making you turn. He leaned against the doorway, his hands in his pockets, watching you with a soft smile. “But I have a feeling it won’t stay this spacious once your wardrobe moves in.”

You rolled your eyes, a playful smirk on your lips. “And here I thought you liked my sense of style.”

“Oh, I do, sweetheart,” he said, stepping inside and closing the distance between you. “But I also know your shopping habits.”

You laughed, swatting at his chest. “Fair point.”

He reached out, his hands settling on your waist as he pulled you close. “So? What do you think?”

“It’s… perfect,” you admitted, leaning into his touch. “But it feels like such a big step.”

Seonghwa tilted his head, his gaze locking with yours. “It’s a big step because we’re building something big together. And this place? It’s just the beginning.”

Your heart swelled at his words, and you leaned up to kiss him softly. “Alright, Mr. Park. Let’s do it. Let’s make this our home.”

A triumphant grin spread across his face, and he kissed you back, the moment sealing the decision between you.

The agent returned shortly after, her professional smile in place. “Have you made a decision, Mr. Park?”

Seonghwa glanced at you, his hand still on your waist. “We’ll take it.”

The agent beamed, congratulating you both as she began explaining the next steps. But for you, the logistics blurred into the background. All you could focus on was the man beside you and the future you were about to create together.

As you left the apartment later that evening, Seonghwa laced his fingers with yours. “What do you say we celebrate tonight?”

“Celebrating what?” you teased.

“Our new home,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. “And maybe breaking in that jacuzzi a little early.”

You laughed, leaning into him as you walked to the car. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

Throughout the drive, Seonghwa's hand had been resting on your thigh, his thumb tracing small, tantalizing circles against your skin. The touch was innocent enough at first, but the heat in his gaze when he glanced at you told a different story.

Seonghwa expertly maneuvered his car into the expansive garage of his mansion, the quiet hum of the engine echoing off the pristine walls. The garage itself was a showcase of wealth—a collection of six luxury cars gleamed under soft, strategically placed lights, each one an emblem of sophistication and power.

As soon as the car came to a halt, you barely had time to unbuckle your seatbelt before Seonghwa leaned over, capturing your lips in a deep, hungry kiss. His hand slid up your thigh, pulling you closer as your fingers tangled in his hair.

“Couldn’t wait, could you?” you teased breathlessly when he pulled back for just a second.

“Not when you’ve been driving me crazy all afternoon,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with desire.

Without another word, he opened the car door and stepped out, only to open yours moments later. But instead of leading you toward the house, he pushed you gently back against the car, resuming the kiss with even more intensity.

The air in the garage grew heavy with heat and anticipation, and when Seonghwa lifted you effortlessly, you instinctively wrapped your legs around his waist. His lips trailed from your mouth to your jaw, then down to your neck, each kiss leaving a searing trail on your skin.

“Backseat,” he whispered against your ear, his voice thick with urgency.

The suggestion sent a thrill through you, and you didn’t hesitate. The two of you slid into the backseat of the spacious car, the leather cool against your skin as Seonghwa hovered over you, his body pressing into yours. You could feel the heat at your pussy and your clit was throbbing.

His hands roamed freely now, slipping under your blouse as his lips claimed yours again. Each touch, each kiss was a promise of what was to come, and the confined space only heightened the intimacy.

“An early celebration…” he murmured, his forehead resting against yours as he paused to catch his breath.

“In the backseat of your car? Didn’t know you would take such a risk, Mr. Park,” you said with a smirk, reaching down to the waistband of his pants, pushing it down quickly, freeing his cock. You pumped his hard dick while he pushed your skirt up, moving your panties to the side to swipe the wetness at your slit before rubbing your clit.

You guided his cock to your entrance, letting him enter you. “God, my love,” he muttered, his eyes closing while he pushed himself all the way in. “You always feel so good, so tight, so warm… and always so wet for me.”

“Hwa…” you moaned while he started fucking you in a fast pace that had you gripping the seat. Seonghwa was going rough and you absolutely loved it when he did that, especially when he brought his hand to your neck to gently choke you.

The heat between you two caused the car windows to get all foggy and that sent a chill down your spine as you’ve never had sex in a car before. The knot forming in your lower abdomen was getting tighter and Seonghwa could sense that by the way you arched your back and moaned his name.

He reached down to rub your clit in circular motions, and it wasn’t long before your orgasm took over you, his own following right after.

“This was insane,” you said breathlessly, a dazed smile on your lips as you tried to steady your breathing.

Seonghwa chuckled deeply, his chest still rising and falling from exertion. “You make me lose all sense of control,” he murmured, brushing a thumb over your cheek before pressing a soft kiss to your temple.

He pulled out and pulled his pants up before getting out of the car, adjusting his clothes. Stepping out of the car, you winced slightly, shooting him a playful glare. “You could’ve warned me how wild you’d get.”

He smirked, smoothing the creases on his shirt. “You don’t seem to mind, though.” His gaze lingered on you, full of unspoken heat, before he reached for your hand, helping you regain your balance.

The cool air of the garage hit you as you straightened up, and you felt a mix of exhilaration and a little embarrassment as you noticed the faint fog still clinging to the car windows.

“Come on,” he said, tugging you gently toward the door leading to his mansion. “We should probably clean up and get some rest. You’ll need your energy for tomorrow.”

“For what?” you asked suspiciously, though your lips curled into a teasing smile.

He glanced over his shoulder, his smirk returning. “You’ll see.”

Seonghwa led you through the private entrance of his mansion, the soft hum of motion-sensor lights illuminating the grand hallway. The cool marble underfoot contrasted with the lingering warmth of his hand holding yours.

“You know,” you began, glancing around as you stepped into the main living area, “I’ve been here before, but every time, I notice something new. Do you change the décor often?”

He smiled, shrugging off his jacket and draping it over a chair. “Not really. Maybe you’re just paying more attention now.” His eyes glinted mischievously as he closed the gap between you, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “Or maybe you’re just too distracted by me when you’re here.”

You laughed softly, swatting at his chest. “Someone’s confident.”

“Can you blame me?” he murmured, leaning in to kiss you again. His lips were warm and insistent, reigniting the spark that had barely cooled since you stepped out of the car.

You pulled back just enough to breathe, resting your hands on his chest. “As tempting as it is to continue… I think I need a shower first. You were… thorough.” Your cheeks heated at the memory, and his chuckle only made it worse.

“Good idea,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “I’ll join you.”

“Of course you will,” you teased, pulling away and heading toward the grand staircase. “I don’t trust you not to ruin the water bill.”

He followed close behind, his eyes glued to you. “You say that like it’s not worth it.”

Seonghwa’s bathroom had a sprawling walk-in shower, dual rainfall showerheads, and sleek black-and-gold accents. You turned on the water, letting it heat up, while Seonghwa leaned against the vanity, watching you with an expression that was equal parts admiration and hunger.

“Stop looking at me like that,” you said, trying to sound stern but failing miserably as your lips twitched into a smile.

“Like what?” he asked innocently, though his gaze remained intense.

“Like you’re planning to do something,” you replied, stepping under the warm cascade of water.

He smirked, following you in without hesitation. “I am planning to do something. And I promise you’ll like it.”

You didn’t doubt that for a second.

---

The following morning, Seonghwa woke you with a soft kiss on your temple and the enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee. His excitement was palpable, even as you groggily sat up, rubbing the sleep from your eyes.

“Good morning, sleepyhead,” he teased, setting the coffee cup on your nightstand. “We have somewhere to be today. Get dressed—something comfortable.”

You raised an eyebrow at his cryptic instructions. “And where exactly are we going?”

His lips curved into a mischievous smile. “You’ll see. Just trust me.”

An hour later, you found yourself in his car, heading toward the outskirts of the city. The drive was tranquil, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow over the scenery. His hand rested warmly on your thigh, his thumb tracing lazy circles as soft music played in the background.

As the city gave way to rolling hills and serene landscapes, your curiosity grew. Finally, Seonghwa turned onto a private driveway that led to a secluded, picturesque airfield. Your jaw dropped as you spotted the sleek helicopter waiting on the tarmac.

“A helicopter?” you asked, glancing at him in surprise.

He grinned, clearly enjoying your reaction. “Surprise number one.”

The ride was nothing short of breathtaking. The helicopter soared over lush greenery, glimmering lakes, and winding rivers. Seonghwa pointed out landmarks, sharing tidbits of trivia and making you laugh as he held your hand. As you descended, you noticed a stunning villa nestled by a crystal-clear lake, surrounded by vibrant flowers and shaded by tall trees.

“Where are we?” you asked as you stepped out, the fresh air invigorating.

Seonghwa smiled, taking your hand. “This is a surprise I’ve been working on for weeks. Come on.”

The villa was a masterpiece of modern luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows that framed the tranquil lake. Inside, every detail screamed elegance, from the marble floors to the plush furnishings.

“Seonghwa…” you said, your voice tinged with awe as you took in the stunning interior.

“Do you like it?” he asked, wrapping his arms around you from behind.

“Like it? It’s amazing,” you said. “But what are we doing here?”

He turned you around to face him, his gaze warm and steady. “It’s yours. Ours. I bought this villa as a pre-wedding gift for you.”

Your eyes widened, the weight of his words sinking in. “You bought this for us?”

He nodded, a proud smile on his face. “I wanted us to have a place away from the city, somewhere we can escape to when we need peace. Another place where we can make new memories.”

Tears pricked your eyes as you looked around the villa, imagining all the moments you’d share together in this beautiful space.

“You’re incredible,” you said, wrapping your arms around his neck.

“I just want to make you happy,” he replied, his voice tender.

The day was filled with exploring the villa and its surroundings. Seonghwa had arranged a private boat ride on the lake, followed by a couple’s spa treatment in one of the villa’s luxurious suites. As the sun began to set, you both stood on the expansive balcony, a glass of wine in hand, watching the sky turn shades of orange and pink.

“This place is perfect,” you said, leaning into him.

“It’s perfect because you’re here,” he replied, pressing a kiss to your temple.

As you stood there, wrapped in his embrace, you couldn’t help but feel that this villa was more than just a gift—it was a promise of a future filled with love, peace, and endless possibilities.

-x-x-x-

The quiet rhythm of your office was interrupted by the sharp click of polished shoes against the marble floor, followed by a familiar, booming voice that carried an air of cheer wherever it went.

“Y/N!” Yunho called, his tone bright and unmissable as he entered your space, closing the door behind him. He held a sleek leather bag in one hand and a smaller paper bag in the other, the latter adorned with an elegant Swiss logo.

You glanced up from your laptop, already smiling as the tall figure approached. “Yunho! Look who’s back from the land of watches and chocolate.”

“Guilty as charged,” he replied, his grin wide and infectious while he gave you a hug. “And I brought the goods.”

He placed the bags on your desk with a flourish, his energy filling the room as he slid into the chair across from you. You couldn’t help but laugh at his dramatic presentation.

“Goodies from Switzerland?” you asked, peeking into the paper bag.

“The finest,” he said proudly. “Chocolate truffles, because who doesn’t love Swiss chocolate, and…” He gestured for you to open the second bag.

Your fingers brushed over the soft fabric as you pulled out an intricately designed silk scarf. The deep blues and golds shimmered under the light, the pattern an elegant mix of florals and geometric designs.

“Yunho, this is gorgeous,” you said, running your hand over the delicate material.

“Only the best for my favorite bride-to-be,” he replied with a wink, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smile.

“You’re spoiling me,” you teased, draping the scarf over your shoulders.

As you admired the scarf, he leaned back, crossing his legs. “So, how’s the wedding planning going? Last I heard, it was all systems go.”

You groaned playfully. “Oh, it’s going. Yeri has been practically living at my place with Seonghwa’s mom. They’ve been going through venues, flowers, dresses—everything. I think they’re having more fun than I am.”

Yunho chuckled. “Sounds about right. So, what’s left for you to do?”

“Mostly just finalizing details and staying out of their way,” you said with a laugh. “Seonghwa and I are focusing on other things, like finalizing stuff for the new apartment we bought.”

“Ah, the married life prep,” Yunho teased before his expression grew thoughtful. “Actually… speaking of weddings and planning…”

You raised an eyebrow at his sudden shift in tone. “What is it?”

“Well,” he began, rubbing the back of his neck, “I was thinking… I’d like to propose to Nari soon.”

Your jaw dropped, a mix of excitement and surprise. “Yunho! Are you serious?”

He nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while now. Nari’s… she’s everything to me. I want to make it official.”

“That’s amazing!” you exclaimed, practically bouncing in your seat. “Do you have any plans yet?”

“Not yet,” he admitted, laughing at your enthusiasm. “But I figured I’d need to know her schedule first. She’s always running around, and I want to make sure I catch her when she’s free and in a good mood. So… think you can help me out with that?”

You smirked, leaning back in your chair. “Yunho, you’re lucky she’s my secretary. Of course, I’ll help! But you’ll owe me, cause Nari is very smart and will catch on quickly.”

“Done,” he said without hesitation. “What do you want?”

“I’ll think of something,” you teased, already mentally mapping out Nari’s upcoming schedule, keeping in mind that the quarterly reporting period was coming up. “But seriously, Yunho, I’m so happy for you. She’s going to be over the moon.”

“I hope so,” he said softly, his usual confidence giving way to a rare vulnerability. “She means the world to me. I just got the green signal from her parents to propose.”

“You’ve got this,” you assured him, reaching across the desk to squeeze his hand. “And when you do propose, make sure you do it in a way that’s as amazing as she is.”

Yunho grinned, his excitement palpable. “Don’t worry, Y/N. I’ve got some ideas.”

Yunho chatted with you for a while about his business trip and the things he got for Nari. As he left your office, the thought of another proposal on the horizon filled you with joy. Love was certainly in the air, and you couldn’t wait to see how Yunho’s grand gesture would unfold.

---

The sleek boardroom of Byeol Materials Group was abuzz with energy as executives shuffled papers and exchanged nods of approval. Seonghwa sat at the head of the table, his sharp suit emphasizing the commanding air he carried effortlessly. The unofficial quarterly report presentation was underway, and the results spoke volumes about the company’s recent surge in performance.

“…and with the latest projections, we’re expecting a 25% increase in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year,” the CFO concluded, his voice brimming with satisfaction. “The strategic partnerships and increased visibility have proven highly effective.”

Seonghwa nodded, his expression composed, though there was a hint of pride in his eyes. “Excellent work, everyone. Let’s keep this momentum going.”

As the meeting adjourned, Wooyoung leaned in to hand him a folder. “These are the media reports and market analyses you requested. There’s a lot of positive press surrounding your engagement,” he said with a knowing smile.

Seonghwa flipped through the pages, scanning headlines like: “Byeol Materials Sees Surge in Investor Confidence Following CEO’s Engagement” “CEO Park Seonghwa’s Leadership Gains Traction Amid Upcoming Union with CEO Kim Y/N”

“It’s incredible how much influence the engagement has had,” Wooyoung continued. “Investors see it as not just a personal union, but a strategic alliance between your family and the Kims. Confidence in the company has skyrocketed.”

Seonghwa set the folder down, his mind briefly drifting to you. It was strange to think that what began as a corporate necessity had evolved into something so deeply personal. His gaze shifted back to the room as he addressed his secretary.

“Schedule a meeting with the PR team,” he instructed. “We need to ensure the narrative stays focused on the company’s growth and future endeavors, not just the engagement.”

“Consider it done,” Wooyoung replied.

-x-x-x-

The last three weeks had been a whirlwind of chaos, deadlines, and unrelenting stress. The quarterly reporting period demanded everything from both you and Seonghwa, leaving little room for anything else. Late nights at the office had become routine, and your phone calls dwindled to sparse, clipped conversations about work.

Seonghwa had been quieter than usual, a fact that gnawed at the edges of your mind. Even when you managed to meet once for a quick dinner at his office, his demeanor was distant, distracted. The glint of confidence you adored in him seemed dulled, replaced by a furrowed brow and a heavy silence.

You had tried to bridge the gap, offering words of encouragement and support when you could, but his responses were mechanical. It wasn’t like him, and it stung more than you cared to admit.

Meanwhile, at Byeol Materials, Seonghwa stared blankly at his computer screen, his mind a storm of self-doubt. Despite the glowing financial reports and the celebratory buzz from his team, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his success was hollow.

Is it me, or is it just the engagement?

The question loomed over him, festering in his mind until it became an unrelenting weight. He replayed every congratulatory email, every handshake from investors, and every mention of your name in connection to the company’s success.

His chest tightened. What if they’re right? What if I’m only riding on Y/N’s coattails?

His phone buzzed on the desk. It was a text from you. You: Hey love, thinking about you. Hope your day’s going okay. Let’s talk soon if you’re free?

He read it, then set the phone down without responding. He couldn’t face you—not now, not when he felt like this.

-

You sat at your desk, staring at the screen, but your mind was elsewhere. Your colleagues had noticed your distracted state, whispering among themselves, but you didn’t care.

The truth was, you missed him—missed his presence, his warmth, and the way he always seemed to lighten your burdens. Now, it felt like you were on opposite ends of a chasm with no bridge in sight.

You finally gave in and called him. The phone rang… and rang… and rang.

When his voicemail picked up, you sighed, feeling the sting of rejection. It wasn’t like him to shut you out completely. You debated calling again but stopped yourself.

That night, you paced your bedroom, rehearsing what you would say. He’s under stress. Don’t push too hard. But don’t let this go, either.

When he finally called back, it was almost midnight.

“Y/N,” he said, his voice weary.

“Seonghwa,” you began carefully, “is everything okay? You’ve been… distant.”

There was a long silence, and you could hear the faint rustle of papers on his end.

“I’m fine,” he said, his tone curt. “Just busy.”

“Busy?” you repeated, frustration creeping into your voice. “You’ve been avoiding me, Seonghwa. You don’t even text me back anymore.”

“I don’t have time to text,” he snapped, the sharpness in his tone catching you off guard.

You took a deep breath, fighting the hurt. “Seonghwa, I get that work is crazy right now, but we’re supposed to be partners, we’re getting married in a couple of weeks. If something’s bothering you—”

“I said I’m fine,” he interrupted. “I’ll call you when things settle down.”

Before you could respond, he ended the call.

You stared at your phone in disbelief, the ache in your chest spreading. This wasn’t like him. This wasn’t like you two. And as much as you wanted to give him the space he seemed to need, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something deeper was wrong.

---

You were buried in paperwork, trying to focus despite the lingering ache in your chest from Seonghwa’s recent coldness. The sound of your office door bursting open made you look up, startled.

Yeri strode in, a wide grin on her face, practically glowing with excitement. She plopped down into the chair across from you, not even waiting for an invitation.

“Oh my God, Y/N, you’re not going to believe this,” she said, leaning forward with a conspiratorial gleam in her eyes.

You raised an eyebrow, already amused by her dramatic entrance. “Okay, spill. What’s got you looking like you just won the lottery?”

Yeri clapped her hands together, barely able to contain her glee. “I hooked up with San!”

Your pen froze mid-sentence, and your eyes widened. “Wait, what?”

“San! You know, your friend with the face of a literal god, Choi San?” she said, her cheeks turning pink. “We’ve been kind of… seeing each other for like four weeks. Well, officially dating now.”

You blinked, utterly floored. “Yeri, are you serious? How did this even happen? I didn’t even know you two were close!”

She giggled, biting her lip. “Neither did I, honestly. It just… happened! He was so sweet and funny at the last party, and one thing led to another, and—”

“You hooked up,” you finished, smirking. “And now you’re dating.”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. “And let me tell you, Y/N, this man is perfect. His face is already illegal—those cheekbones, that jawline—but his body? Oh my God. His abs could literally cut diamonds, his shoulders are so broad they make me feel tiny, and don’t even get me started on those arms!”

You couldn’t help but laugh at her enthusiasm. “Wow, Yeri. You’re really into him, huh?”

“Into him? I’m obsessed,” she admitted, fanning herself dramatically. “And he’s so sweet, too! Like, he actually listens to me, remembers little details, and he’s so considerate. But then he takes his shirt off, and I’m like, ‘Okay, I get it. You’re not just hot—you’re ridiculously hot.’”

You shook your head, laughing harder. “I’m happy for you, Yeri. But I have to admit, I did not see this coming.”

“Neither did I!” she said, throwing her hands up. “But here we are. And honestly, I’m not complaining. I feel like I hit the jackpot.”

“Well, San is definitely a catch,” you agreed, still grinning. “But I think he’s the lucky one for landing you.”

Yeri leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. “Thanks, Y/N. I just had to tell you because I knew you’d appreciate how insane this all feels. And you know what? I think he might actually be the real deal.”

Your heart warmed at her happiness, even as you felt a twinge of longing for the connection you and Seonghwa seemed to be losing. Still, you pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on the pure joy radiating from your best friend.

"Anyway... enough about me! We finalized on Seonghwa's tuxedo for the wedding! I know you've been busy lately, but you need to find some time to try out the wedding dresses I chose for you," Yeri said. The mention of Seonghwa's name made your face fall and Yeri instantly noticed.

She tilted her head, her excitement dimming when she noticed your expression shift. “Hey, what’s with the long face? What’s going on?”

You sighed, setting your pen down and leaning back in your chair. “It’s Seonghwa. He’s been… distant lately. Barely communicating, working himself to the bone. We’ve only seen each other once in the past three weeks.”

Her brows knitted together in concern. “What? That doesn’t sound like him at all. Did something happen between you two?”

“I don’t know,” you admitted, running a hand through your hair. “He’s stressed with work, I get that. It’s quarterly time, and I’m busy too, but it feels like he’s shutting me out completely. He’s barely texting, and when he does, it’s short and impersonal. It’s like he’s putting up a wall.”

Yeri frowned. “That’s so out of character for him. He’s always been attentive, especially when it comes to you. Did he say anything? Give you a reason for why he’s acting this way?”

You shook your head. “No. That’s the thing. I’ve tried asking, but he just brushes it off, saying he’s fine or that he’s too busy. It’s frustrating because I feel like I can’t even reach him anymore. I don’t know what’s going on in his head, and it’s starting to hurt.”

Her concern deepened. “This doesn’t make any sense. He adores you—anyone can see that. Why would he act like this? Do you think it’s wedding stress? Or maybe something at work?”

“I’ve considered that,” you said, folding your arms. “But he’s always been good at balancing work and our relationship. This feels different, like he’s deliberately keeping me at a distance.”

Yeri leaned forward, placing her hand on yours. “Y/N, you need to talk to him—really talk to him. He might be dealing with something he doesn’t know how to share. And knowing Seonghwa, he’s probably overthinking everything and blaming himself for something that isn’t even his fault.”

You bit your lip, nodding slowly. “You’re probably right. I just don’t want to push him if he’s not ready to open up. But at the same time, I can’t keep feeling like this. It’s like we’re drifting apart, and I hate it.”

She squeezed your hand reassuringly. “You’re not drifting apart, Y/N. He loves you, and I’m sure he’s just going through something right now. But if you don’t address it, it’ll only fester. You’re getting married, for crying out loud. Communication is key.”

Her words struck a chord, and you sighed. “Yeah. I guess I just need to find the right time to bring it up.”

“Don’t wait too long,” she advised gently. “You both deserve to be happy and on the same page, especially with the wedding coming up.”

A small smile tugged at your lips. “Thanks, Yeri. I’ll figure it out.”

“Of course,” she said, leaning back with a determined look. “And while you’re sorting that out, please find time for your wedding dresses. You’re not getting out of that.”

You chuckled, grateful for her unwavering support. “Alright.”

After chatting with Yeri for a while, you headed into a meeting, Nari being all cheery by your side.

The conference room hummed with energy as you sat at the head of the table, your leadership team arranged around you. The large screen at the front displayed a series of graphs and charts, all trending upwards—a testament to the hard work of the last few months.

“And with that,” your CFO concluded, clicking to the final slide, “we’re pleased to report a 7.6% increase in stock prices per share this quarter. Revenue is up by 12.4%, with a significant boost in our medical devices division. It’s been a phenomenal quarter, Ms. Kim.”

A wave of pride surged through you as a round of applause erupted in the room. “Thank you, everyone,” you said, your voice steady but warm. “These results wouldn’t have been possible without the collective efforts of every single person in this room and beyond. Your dedication and commitment have been nothing short of extraordinary.”

The room buzzed with excitement as you continued. “The rise in stock prices shows that the market has confidence in us, and I couldn’t agree more. But let’s not get complacent. This is the time to capitalize on our momentum and continue delivering excellence.”

Your COO leaned forward, his expression enthusiastic. “The new product line has been a major hit, and we’ve seen significant traction in international markets. If we keep this up, I wouldn’t be surprised if we surpass our annual projections.”

“Agreed,” you replied, nodding. “Let’s strategize on how we can sustain this growth while innovating further. I want to schedule another meeting next week to dive deeper into expansion plans. For now, celebrate these wins because they’re well-earned.”

As the meeting adjourned and your team dispersed with smiles and congratulatory pats on the back, you lingered behind, taking a moment to let the success sink in. The satisfaction of seeing your company thrive was unparalleled, but it also reminded you of the other side of your life—the part that hadn’t been going as smoothly.

You pulled out your phone and hesitated for a moment before texting Seonghwa:

You: Quarterly results are in, and it’s a win, stock prices up by 7.6%! Hope your day is going well. Miss you.

Hitting send, you sighed softly, hoping he’d respond with more than a polite acknowledgment. For now, though, you allowed yourself to bask in the triumph of your hard work and the knowledge that, at least on the professional front, everything was falling into place.

-

The conference room was silent except for the rhythmic clicking of a presentation remote. Seonghwa’s CFO stood at the front, his voice clear and confident as he walked the executive team through the quarterly results. The tension in the room was palpable—Seonghwa had set ambitious goals, and the team was eager to see if they had delivered.

“And finally,” the CFO said, clicking to the last slide, “I’m pleased to report an 18.4% increase in stock prices this quarter. Revenue is up by 20.3%, driven by the success of our new partnerships and increased efficiency in production.”

The announcement was met with a collective gasp of surprise, followed by a burst of applause.

Seonghwa remained stoic, his hands clasped in front of him, but the corners of his mouth lifted in a subtle smile. “Impressive work,” he said, his voice calm yet commanding. “These results show what this company is capable of when we focus on our goals and execute with precision.”

The COO chimed in, his tone animated. “The market response has been overwhelming. Investors are thrilled, and we’re seeing a surge of interest from potential stakeholders. The new biomaterials product line, in particular, has exceeded expectations.”

Seonghwa nodded, leaning forward slightly. “The success of the biomaterials line was a calculated risk, and I’m glad to see it paying off. Let’s ensure we maintain the quality and exclusivity that defines our company. No compromises.”

The marketing director added, “Media coverage has also played a role. Your engagement to Ms. Kim has elevated our brand’s visibility among younger, affluent audiences. It’s clear that people see our company as more aspirational than ever.”

Seonghwa’s expression flickered, his jaw tightening slightly. He straightened in his chair, addressing the room. “While external factors may play a role in perception, this success is the result of hard work, strategy, and innovation. Let’s not rely on anything else to sustain our growth. I expect everyone to continue delivering results based on merit, not external narratives.”

The room quieted momentarily before the CFO interjected. “Understood, sir. Moving forward, we’ve outlined a strategy to capitalize on the current momentum. I’ll schedule a separate meeting with your team to discuss the details.”

“Good,” Seonghwa said, his tone decisive. “Thank you, everyone. Let’s keep this momentum going.”

As the meeting adjourned and his team began to disperse, Seonghwa stayed behind, staring at the charts still displayed on the screen. The results were undeniable, but the mention of his engagement lingered in his mind.

Back in his office, Seonghwa picked up his phone and stared at the message you had sent earlier about your company’s success. A faint smile graced his lips as he typed a reply: Seonghwa: That’s great, congrats

He hit send, his chest tightening slightly. The company’s success was thrilling, but the pressure to prove himself as more than just “the fiancé of Kim Y/N” loomed larger than ever.

-

After work, you decided to go see Seonghwa’s parents as it’s been a while since you had time to meet them.

“Y/N!” his mother exclaimed warmly, rising from her seat. “Congratulations on your quarterly results! I saw the reports earlier—your stock prices are soaring. Such fantastic news!”

“Thank you,” you said with a grateful smile, bowing slightly. “It’s been a lot of hard work, but I’m glad everything is paying off.”

His father beamed at you. “We were just talking about how proud we are of you, Y/N. Both you and Seonghwa are doing such incredible work.”

You hesitated, a small frown forming. “Speaking of Seonghwa... has he been home at all recently?”

His mother and father exchanged a glance before his father replied, “Actually, he came home a little while ago, after days. He said he needed a break and went up to the bar room. We assumed he wanted some time to himself… he seems very off and very stressed.”

Your brows furrowed. Seonghwa coming home early was unusual, and the fact that he hadn’t reached out to you all day stung more than you wanted to admit. “I’ll go check on him, if that’s okay?” you said softly, excusing yourself and making your way upstairs.

The dim light of the bar room cast long shadows across the polished wood as you stepped inside. Seonghwa was slouched over the counter, a glass of whiskey dangling loosely from his fingers. The tension in the air was palpable, and his disheveled appearance only heightened your unease.

“Seonghwa,” you called out, your voice cautious. “Hwa?”

He glanced at you, his expression unreadable. “Ah… Y/N. Here to gloat?”

You froze, taken aback. “What? Gloat? What are you even talking about?”

He let out a bitter laugh, setting the glass down with a heavy clink. “Your stock prices soared. Your company is thriving. And my company? Everyone’s saying it’s only because of you. ‘Park Seonghwa is riding on his fiancée’s coattails.’ That’s what they’re saying, Y/N. That my success isn’t even mine.”

You frowned, anger bubbling beneath the surface. “Is that what this is about? You’re upset because people are talking and you’ve been so distant because of this?” you stared at him in utter disbelief. “Seonghwa, you knew this would happen. We talked about this before agreeing to the engagement. This was the plan to save your company. And you agreed to it.”

He stood abruptly, his chair screeching against the floor. “Don’t talk to me like I’m some charity case,” he snapped. “I didn’t agree to become a footnote in your life story!”

Your eyes widened, his words cutting deep. “A footnote? Is that what you think this is? That I’m out here trying to overshadow you?”

Seonghwa grabbed the bottle of whiskey, pouring another glass. “Isn’t it? Everywhere I go, it’s ‘Kim Y/N this, Kim Y/N that.’ They don’t see me at all. They see you, my fiancée.”

The anger that had been simmering finally boiled over. “Then maybe you should take a hard look at yourself, Seonghwa! You’re the one letting this get to you. You’re the one doubting your own worth. Don’t you dare put that on me.”

He slammed the glass down, the sound reverberating through the room. “You don’t understand, Y/N! You’ve always been the golden CEO, the one who succeeds without even trying. You don’t know what it’s like to constantly feel like you’re not enough!”

The words hit like a punch to the gut. Your voice trembled as you spoke, the hurt bleeding through. “I’ve stood by you, Seonghwa. I’ve supported you, believed in you, even when you didn’t believe in yourself. And this is how you repay me? By blaming me for your insecurities?”

He scoffed, shaking his head. “You don’t get it. And you never will. Your company is a subsidiary, you’ll never fail.”

You took a step back, your chest tightening. “Maybe you’re right. Maybe I don’t get it. But you know what I do get? I’m not going to stand here and be treated like this. I deserve better than this, Seonghwa.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, his eyes narrowing as he stared at you before a chuckle escaped his lips. “So, what? You’re just going to leave me now?”

You swallowed hard, fighting back the tears threatening to spill. “Maybe I should. I’m not dealing with you when you’re drunk like this.”

Without another word, you turned and walked out, the sound of your heels echoing in the quiet mansion. You didn’t look back, even as your heart broke with every step.

-x-x-x-

The warm light of Wooyoung's living room did little to lift the heavy mood hanging in the air. Seonghwa sat on the couch, his head in his hands, his usually pristine appearance disheveled. Across from him, Wooyoung, Yeosang, and San exchanged uneasy glances, trying to process what they’d just heard.

“Wait, wait, wait,” Wooyoung said, leaning forward, his voice incredulous. “You actually said that to her? To Y/N?”

Seonghwa nodded miserably, his voice barely above a whisper. “I wasn’t thinking. I… I just—” He cut himself off, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “I messed up, okay? I’ve been calling her all day, but she won’t answer. Not even a text.”

San let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Man, I don’t even know what to say. That doesn’t sound like you at all. You’re usually so… composed.”

Yeosang crossed his arms, his gaze serious. “Seonghwa, what were you even trying to achieve by saying all that? You know Y/N isn’t the type to gloat or rub things in your face. Why would you accuse her of that?”

“I don’t know, I was drinking my ass off!” Seonghwa burst out, his voice cracking. “I was frustrated, insecure. Everything’s been piling up, and I took it out on her. I know it was wrong, but I couldn’t stop myself. And now…” He trailed off, his shoulders shaking as tears began to fall.

Wooyoung, usually the jokester of the group, sat back in stunned silence. “Wow,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. “I’ve never seen you like this. You’re really messed up about this, huh?”

Seonghwa lifted his tear-streaked face, his eyes red and swollen. “She’s everything to me, Woo. And I might’ve just ruined it. What if she doesn’t forgive me? What if I’ve lost her for good? What if she calls off the wedding?”

San reached out, placing a comforting hand on Seonghwa’s shoulder. “Hey, let’s not jump to conclusions. Y/N’s mad, sure, but she’s not the type to give up on someone she loves. You just need to figure out how to fix this.”

Yeosang nodded, though his expression remained stern. “But you have to understand, Seonghwa, this isn’t just about apologizing. You need to address why you felt the way you did and how you let it get this far. If you don’t, this could happen again.”

Seonghwa wiped his face with the sleeve of his shirt, his voice trembling. “I don’t know where to start. How do I even begin to make this right?”

Wooyoung sighed, leaning forward again. “First, stop sitting here crying like a kid who lost his lunch money. You need to pull yourself together and think. What’s the one thing Y/N values the most?”

Seonghwa thought for a moment, his gaze distant. “Honesty. Effort. She… she always says actions speak louder than words.”

“Then start there,” San said firmly. “You need to show her you’re serious about making this right. Not just with some grand gesture but by being real with her. Own up to your mistakes, Seonghwa.”

Wooyoung smirked faintly, trying to lighten the mood. “And maybe, you know, don’t wait until she’s storming out to tell her how much you care next time.”

Despite the joke, Seonghwa’s face crumpled again, and he buried his face in his hands. “I don’t deserve her,” he whispered.

Yeosang’s voice softened. “Maybe not. But if you want her back, you have to prove that you’re willing to be the man she deserves.”

The room fell silent, save for the quiet hum of the air conditioner. Seonghwa nodded slowly, determination flickering in his tear-streaked eyes. “I’ll do whatever it takes,” he said, his voice raw. “I just hope it’s not too late.”

-

You were sitting at your desk, trying to focus on your work, but your thoughts kept drifting back to the fight. Your chest tightened every time you replayed Seonghwa’s words in your head, the hurt still fresh.

A soft knock on your office door broke your train of thought.

“Come in,” you said, not looking up from your laptop.

The door opened, and you glanced up to see Nari peeking in. “Ms. Kim, there’s someone here to see you.”

“Who is it?”

Nari hesitated, then stepped aside to reveal Seonghwa standing behind her, holding a bouquet of white peonies. His expression was a mixture of nervousness and determination.

“May I come in?” he asked softly.

You hesitated, your emotions swirling, but finally nodded. “Five minutes,” you said, gesturing for him to enter.

Seonghwa stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. He placed the bouquet on your desk and instead of him taking a seat in the chair across from you, he kneeled beside your chair, taking your hands in his, his gaze never leaving your face.

“I’m sorry,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “I know I hurt you, and I hate myself for it. I’ve been carrying so much pressure, so much doubt, and I let it poison the way I treated you. That’s not an excuse—it’s my failure, and I’m very ashamed of it.”

You stayed silent, waiting for him to continue. Your heart ached when you noticed the tears in his eyes.

“I was wrong to say those things,” he admitted, his voice breaking. “Everything that’s happened with my company, the stock prices, the deals—it wouldn’t mean anything without you. I know I’ve been distant, and that’s my fault. I should’ve leaned on you instead of pushing you away.”

He leaned forward, his eyes pleading. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Y/N. And I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m begging you to give me a chance to make this right.”

Your resolve softened at the sight of him, so vulnerable and earnest. But the hurt still lingered. “Seonghwa,” you said, your voice steady but pained, “I love you, but I can’t be in a relationship where I’m left guessing how you feel or why you’re acting the way you are. I need communication. I need trust.”

“You’re right,” he said immediately. “And I promise you, I’ll do better. I’ll work on myself. I’ll show you, not just tell you, that I’m serious about us. Just… please don’t give up on me.”

You studied him for a long moment, the sincerity in his eyes undeniable. Finally, you sighed, some of the tension leaving your shoulders. “This is your last chance, Park Seonghwa. Don’t mess it up.”

Relief flooded his features, and he nodded, standing to leave. “I won’t,” he vowed. “I’ll prove it to you, Y/N. Every single day.”

-x-x-x-

As the days passed, the tension between you and Seonghwa continued to ease, though work and wedding planning kept both of you busy. Yeri and your mother had taken the reins on most of the arrangements, but one evening, Seonghwa insisted on joining you to finalize the wedding venue.

The two of you stood in the grand ballroom of a luxurious hotel, the soft glow of chandeliers reflecting off the white marble floors. The event planner led you through the space, pointing out features and discussing decor options, but your attention kept drifting to Seonghwa.

“What do you think?” you asked him, breaking his focus on the planner.

Seonghwa turned to you, his expression softening. “I think it’s perfect if you think it’s perfect.”

You rolled your eyes, a small smile playing on your lips. “That’s not an answer.”

He stepped closer, lowering his voice so only you could hear. “The only thing that matters to me is standing next to you on that day. The rest is just details.”

The sincerity in his words melted the last remnants of your doubts, and you nodded. “Then this is the one.”

As you signed off on the venue, Seonghwa reached for your hand, intertwining his fingers with yours. “I’ll make sure our wedding day is everything you’ve ever dreamed of,” he promised.

“And what about your dreams?” you teased.

He smiled, leaning in to kiss your temple. “They’ve already come true.”

---

Yunho’s mansion was decorated so beautifully. The high ceilings were adorned with crystal chandeliers that reflected the warm golden glow of the room. Tables were set with white silk tablecloths, elegantly arranged flowers, and gold-accented cutlery. A live string quartet played softly in the background, setting a romantic and celebratory mood.

You arrived with Seonghwa by your side, his hand resting protectively on the small of your back. The two of you paused briefly at the entrance, taking in the sight of your closest friends and family gathered to celebrate Yunho and Nari’s engagement.

“Wow,” you murmured, glancing up at Seonghwa. “They really went all out for this.”

“They deserve it,” he replied, his eyes warm as they met yours. “Yunho’s been waiting for this moment for months.”

As you made your way inside, Yunho spotted you and broke into a wide grin. Dressed in a sharp navy tuxedo, he looked every bit the successful businessman and soon-to-be husband. He approached with open arms, pulling you into a tight hug.

“Y/N! I’m so glad you’re here,” he said, his excitement palpable.

“Of course,” you said, laughing as you stepped back. “There’s no way I’d miss this. Congratulations, Yunho. You and Nari are perfect together.”

Seonghwa shook Yunho’s hand firmly. “Congrats, man. You did good.”

“Thanks, hyung,” Yunho said, a playful smirk forming. “I learned from the best.”

Nari soon joined the group, her radiant smile lighting up the room. She wore a stunning floor-length dress in a soft blush hue, the perfect complement to Yunho’s tuxedo. She hugged you tightly before turning to Seonghwa, who congratulated her warmly.

“Thank you for coming,” Nari said, her voice filled with emotion. “It means so much to have you both here.”

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere grew livelier. Toasts were made, each one filled with humor and heartfelt wishes for the couple. Wooyoung, true to form, had everyone in stitches with his stories about Yunho’s awkward attempts at romance over the years.

“Remember when he accidentally sent Nari flowers meant for a client?” Wooyoung said, laughing so hard he could barely finish his sentence.

“Hey!” Yunho interjected, raising a glass in mock indignation. “It worked out in the end, didn’t it?”

The room erupted in laughter, and even Nari couldn’t help but join in, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

Later, you found yourself on the balcony with Seonghwa, watching the city lights twinkle across the river. The cool night air was a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the ballroom.

“They’re so happy,” you said softly, leaning into Seonghwa’s side.

“They are,” he agreed, wrapping an arm around you. “It’s nice to see, isn’t it? How everything fell into place for them.”

You looked up at him, a small smile playing on your lips. “Kind of reminds me of us.”

Seonghwa’s eyes softened as he turned to you. “I’d say they have a long way to go to match what we have.”

You laughed, swatting his arm playfully. “Always so competitive.”

“Only when it comes to you,” he said, his tone turning serious as he brushed a strand of hair from your face.

The moment was interrupted by Yunho’s voice calling from inside. “Y/N! Seonghwa! Get back in here! They’re bringing out the cake!”

You shared a smile with Seonghwa before heading back inside, ready to celebrate the love and happiness of your dear friends.

End of Part Five.

[stoic--rose]

over the last two weeks or so ive played through earthbound two and a half times, and mother 1 three times. replaying both back to back repeatedly has made me realize a lot of things

1.) mother 1 is a LOT more open in what it lets you do, where it lets you go, and when. once you open up the train tracks, you're free to go do the rest of the game in pretty much any order you want. hell, you can make it all the way to R7038xx without ever getting a single melody, which i find to be pretty interesting. not only that, but you dont even need to get most of the party members. strictly speaking, the only one you truly need to get is Loid, and that's just to get rid of the rock on the train tracks. and even then, with the use of an exploit i found out about only a few days ago, you can get rid of him and go fight giygas by yourself, which is pretty funny.

2.) mother 1+2 is like, wicked impressive. nevermind the fact that they crammed earthbound onto the gba, they also packaged it with mother 1 as well, and they're both the full games. it ain't no rayman advance kinda deal either where it's a super botched port, like it's a perfectly valid way to play both games, and some people even prefer the gba version of mother 1 since it makes a couple of quality of life improvements. not to mention, they rebuilt both games from the ground up, it's not like they could emulate snes on gba. (i mean, you can emulate NES apparently, since there's that nes classic line of games for the gba, but... this is cooler.) the sound department could... definitely use some work, and the colors look pretty washed out, but there are patches to fix the colors, and if you're playing the game on a real gameboy, i think the sound is the last thing you'd be concerned about. also, apparently some people took the time to apply the earthbound script to the mother 2 half of mother 1+2, and even reprogrammed the text system to have the original fonts and make it non-monospace, which is SUPER impressive. for my second playthrough of earthbound i played it with the new fantran patch, and it's pretty damn slick.

3.) man, fuck the sword of kings. i realized very recently that i'd never fully committed to the sword of kings grind, and decided that this would finally be the time i claim my birth right as a mother fan and do it. and like, it SUCKS. i mean, to begin, yes it's annoying that it's a 1/128 chance, but it goes deeper than that. the fact that it's only dropped by an enemy that you can potentially never see again, and it's the ONLY item poo can equip as a weapon is pretty fucked up. not to mention, the other enemies that they put in the starman base just absolutely suck, i hate the nuclear power robots so much. they made the grind WAY more painful than it already would have been otherwise. at the very least, i find it to be very gracious that jeff's spy command has the secondary effect of letting you steal whatever item an enemy would have dropped mid battle, just so it doesn't get overwritten by another enemy drop, which by the way YES that can happen, and YES i had it happen to me. it sucks ass. and the worst part is, the sword of kings isn't even that good!! and neither is poo on a gameplay level! you get the guy way later than any other party member, he has all these little catches like not being able to eat american food or equip anything but the kingly items, he gets taken away from you almost immediately after you get him, he just feels really weird. starstorm is pretty cool, but you only get the omega version right before the final area, and you can only use it on the handful of encounters you get there since you can't really use it in the final boss. (i mean technically you can use it in the first phase, if you want to get a biblical reflected beatdown when it hits both pokey and giygas) idk, the guy just isn't all that useful, and it's unfortunate since i really like him on a design level.

i have more words i want to say but honestly i might save them for an entry on my website instead since im very close to the tumblr word limit rn

[frozenjokes]

it’s so over

convex week day 3 - embers/frost - prev/next

this one follows the prompt because he’s fire boy and he’s water girl trust @convexweek

Cub wasn’t used to being around this many people, much less talking to them, and so far from his sun he was cold, it was loud, and all of these things were making him quite irritable.

Apparently being on fire at all times was a ‘bad look’ and Cub should really try to ‘cool off’ lest people get the ‘wrong impression,’ but maybe Cub wanted to be on fire, maybe he was cold and angry and didn’t want to be touched not even on the shoulder, seriously would people mind their own fucking space, Cub didn’t care about the court of public opinion, he just wanted to be left alone.

His lawyer was alright at least, a star called Mumbo who took a similar form to Cub, which Cub assumed was common practice; it’s not like he attended many court hearings in his lifetime, being the sun was a full time job. Mumbo looked a lot like a human through the lens of someone who had never actually seen one, and only had it described to him from a friend whose cousin’s wife’s ex husband’s sister in law’s dog saw a human once, so, fairly accurate and appropriately unnevering. Long, lanky body, arms, legs, fingers, tiny eyes, squareish head. Despite looking like he might unhinge his jaw and swallow Cub whole at any given moment, Mumbo was well mannered and just a touch anxious, but he seemed to know what he was talking about at least, which would have been nice if some of the things Mumbo said didn’t make Cub want to leap over his desk, rip out his tongue and then gouge his own eyes out.

“Listen Cub, I think you have a pretty strong defense here. Besides being generally unpleasant, based on the more major accounts against you, I don’t really think you’ve done anything illegal per se, but the bigger problem here is that no one can stand you.”

“I don’t care.”

Mumbo knit his fingers, expression strained, “Well you should care, because Scar is going to build his case around well disguised personal attacks, and where he’s very charming, you are not. Scar is looking to win the public opinion and sway the judge and jury that way, which, given his long history of successful cases, you should be concerned. Scar is going to try to strip you of your position and possibly all future positions in desired systems, so if you don’t want your current fill-in to be the new Earth sun, you’d better pull it together.”

Cub frowned, deep. He really didn’t want that. She was so annoying, and so smug too, like come on, Cub wasn’t going to be gone for very long.

“I just don’t understand how Scar even has the grounds to sue me. My moons aren’t even moonionized, complaints ledged against me are few and far between, and I don’t go out of my way to be a dirtbag unless moons go out of their way to make themselves a problem to me.”

“These are all good points, but with moonion popularity on the rise and Scar being the moon that spearheaded that movement in the first place, I really wouldn’t come out and start talking about how anti-moonion you are.”

“I’m not anti-moonion, I don’t think suns should get to blow up their moons, that’s not cool, but I don’t think I should have to go out of my way to be nice either when I think I’ve made it extremely clear to the entire galaxy I don’t want anything to do with anybody because everyone sucks.”

“That’s certainly a stance.”

“It’s how I feel.”

“I wouldn’t bring that up in court either. Insulting the jury is a bad idea.”

“How do I get them to not dislike me then. I’m going to say right now that I will not put out any fires and I will not smile.”

Mumbo pursed his lips, fingers knitting tighter, “Well, I definitely don’t think you should smile in court, no, but it might help you not to look like you intend to kill everyone in the room and then yourself.”

“This is my resting face.”

“Your resting face sucks.”

“Go fuck yourself.”

“I would advise against telling the jury to go fuck themselves.”

Cub leaned back in his chair, exhaling a vent of hot air through his nose. He would try very hard not to tell the jury to go fuck themselves, but he could not express this thought out loud, so he chose silence.

“Right then,” Mumbo, apparently, was not one to let the silence lie, “Well I want to discuss a few other points with you, things I’m positive are going to be brought up in court, so please try to be receptive and honest with me, and remember that my job is to help you. First, for the more ambitious stars, Scar is going try appealing to them by making the argument that you hate your position in that extremely desirable system of yours, and the only reason you’ve commandeered it for so long is out of spite; you don’t want it, but you don’t want anyone else to have it either. I know it’s rumor, and I will make this argument in court, but that doesn’t necessarily-“

“No, that’s true.”

Mumbo gawked, at a momentary loss for words. “Seriously.”

“Well, mostly. I do like that system, I want to keep it. I like the Earth. But I will never give it up, never, because all those stars with their grubby little hands want it so bad, and they can’t have it because it’s mine. ‘You’re so sad looking for a sun, you should try smiling, you don’t act very much like a sun, you should really smile more, why don’t you blink, Cub?’ They will never see the Earth like I do. A moon would have an easier time witnessing my system’s life, and that’s perfectly fine, I like moons, it’s the stars that are having their penance paid. If you had a star on your back every day of your formative years telling you you’d look more sUnNy wiTh a sMiLe you’d be a soulless hermit too.”

When Cub looked up, Mumbo’s head was in his hands. “Don’t say any of this in court. Actually, do not speak at all in court, just let me handle it. If you must speak, deny deny deny. Lie. Anything but your true feelings please.”

“Are we done then?”

“Yes, we’re done.”

Cub got up from his chair, stretching. He felt a little calmer now; who knew it could be nice to talk about your feelings? Maybe it helped that Mumbo’s office had a similar fire to Cub’s sun back home, not nearly as hot as Cub preferred, but almost pleasant when compared to most other shared moon/sun/planetary environments. The familiar yellow orange of the walls and furniture made Cub feel at home, safe and relatively blended in, though that was only coincidence. Mumbo had a whiter fire to him, and stood out quite a bit against the backdrop. Cub couldn’t imagine wanting to be seen.

Just as Cub was about to leave though, the door to Mumbo’s office burst open and in walked a very jolly looking moon with half a face, his silver cold brilliant against the bright fire, but in a world of constant light, Cub couldn’t stop gaping at the inky dark that soothed his strained eyes.

“Mumbo Jumbo! Wow, you look terrible today! Tough case?” Scar grinned, leaning nearly all of himself over Mumbo’s desk, dark eyes utterly jubilant. Cub was so starstruck, he hardly grasped the implications before Mumbo spoke.

“Scar, I’m seeing a client right now, I told you to knock before you-“

“What client? I heard no talking, no one’s in the waiting room, and no one’s here. Y’know, Mumbo, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think you just didn’t want to see me.” With a frown to match Cub’s own, Mumbo moved his files out of the way before Scar swooned directly on top of his desk, turning over with unnatural grace to lay on his stomach and kick his legs. “So.” Scar said, all movement stopping to accentuate the word before he started back up again with his legs, “How’s it going.”

“Bad. You literally have no case and it’s going bad. But Cub’s right there, he can tell you himself.”

Scar turned around and screamed, exactly the way he had when they’d first met, rolling off the back of the desk and directly into Mumbo’s lap. Emotionlessly, Mumbo scooped Scar up and set him on his feet. Cub still couldn’t stop staring.

“I think it’s against my best interest to speak to you,” he mumbled, silently pleased when Mumbo gave him a thumbs up. “Not unhappy to see you though.” Cub didn’t know where that last bit came from, but he wasn’t embarrassed either. He was speaking his truth, as he’d always done.

“That.. so..” Scar eyed Cub suspiciously, stalking around the corner of the room like a bobcat across from a cobra. “I hope you’d forgive me if I said I didn’t believe you.”

“That’s fine. We were done anyway, I just like a place that feels like home. Do.. whatever it is you were doing.. intimidation tactics or..”

“No, no, I really didn’t mean to intrude. I will knock next time, Mumbo, especially when your clients are.. so difficult to see.”

“You still won’t,” Mumbo sighed, as if resigned to the fate. “Cub, when Scar follows you out, keep your mouth shut. Not a word.”

Scar scoffed, mock offense, “I’m not going to follow him out, Mumbo, geez!”

“Well, the last reason I had to stay was the temperature, but you’ve gone and taken it down, so I’ll be going now,” Cub shrugged, giving Mumbo a small nod, “Bye.”

“Goodbye, Cub,” Mumbo sighed, and Cub was not at all bothered by the strain in his voice. Very good, very good, he was not here to make friends.

But just as Cub was leaving this star to travel to the one he was staying at nearby, Scar cut past, stopping him over the vast expanse of nothingness all around them. Scar looked brilliant on this backdrop, the light reflecting off him less intense, and the dark holes in his form as beautiful as they were unnerving. Cub very rarely looked at people’s faces when he spoke, but with Scar, he couldn’t stop staring. Maybe that’s why he missed the first thing Scar said.

“Hello? Hello hello? Earth to Cub, anyone home?”

“I’m here. Was leaving, though.”

“Humor me for a moment before you go then, will you?”

“I don’t think I mind, but my lawyer might.” Scar must have found this funny, but to Cub his laugh sounded fake. Though, so did his scream, and regardless of how exaggerated it sounded in Mumbo’s office, Scar had absolutely been frightened.

“Well then, Cub, I just came down to tell you that you do something many suns do that I fucking despise,” Scar continued on sweetly, never wavering, “Would you like to know what that is?”

“I don’t really care, honestly.”

“Well I’m going to tell you.” Scar clapped his hands together and Cub flinched at the noise, which seemed to please him. Bits of frost floated like dust off Scar’s fingers, and Cub got the sense that Scar’s anger was real. “I can not stand it when I meet a sun in their domain and I’m treated like the scum of the galaxy; useless, unimportant, insignificant, but after I reveal myself, after I drag them to court, suddenly everything’s so civil, almost nice, like I’ve earned your faux respect by evening the playing field, by meeting you face to face as a fellow, and not someone to stomp beneath your heel. I’ve forced you to care by bringing you here, yes, but when you’re bordering on friendly after showing me how you really feel, that makes my blood boil. So let’s cut the shit, alright?”

Cub stared, not that he wasn’t staring before, but this time it was a more confused kind of stare, one he made when someone had said something that didn’t make any sense. “Do you think I’m treating you differently?”

Cub squinted against the wave of icy fury that surged off Scar, his crooked smile forced and eye twitching. “Do you take me for a fool?”

“A little bit. I think this whole endeavor is a pointless waste of my time, but the only difference between then and now is that then you were an obnoxious pest looking for a fight, and now you’re still a pest, but there’s nowhere I can avoid the company of others, so I’m not too fussed. Comparatively, on the scale of bullshit I’ve come across after being forced to leave my sun, my encounters with you rank relatively low. You are cold, which I hate, but you’re also easy on the eyes, which is a huge relief everywhere.”

“I- I’m what?” The fierce chill that radiated from Scar’s form faltered, and Cub didn’t know what was wrong with him, but this was much better.

“Cold. Not as bad now, but it’s honestly cold everywhere here, so I’m eager to get going. Only thing keeping me speaking to you right now is that the star’s going to be so damn bright everywhere, and it’s rare to get reprieve like this. You forget what it’s like to rest your eyes, and then you remember, and you never want to leave.”

“I- Oh! Oh, right, I..” Scar bit his lip, glancing back and forth as if looking for an escape, “That.. That makes more sense. That makes a lot of sense actually, I did think you were looking at me weird, but not because- you know, it’s not very nice to stare.”

“I don’t particularly care, if I’m being honest.”

“You might give someone the wrong impression with a look like that.”

“Let them think what they think.”

Scar stopped for a moment, looking at the ground. He seemed to feel a little more awkward looking at Cub now, but that didn’t stop Cub from staring at him, gosh, his own eyes had never felt so free of strain.

“You know, Cub, I take back what I said here. I think you’re callous, but I don’t think you’re pretending. The circumstances then and now are different enough that if I really try to worm my way into this horrible little brain of yours, I almost see where you’re coming from.”

“Please get out of my brain.”

Scar laughed that fake laugh of his, but for some reason this one rang true, and Cub might have smiled, maybe, something unnatural definitely happened on his face, but he was too caught up in Scar’s infinite dark to be disturbed by it.

[puppetmaster13u]

Prompt 129

Danny, now an adult, has just moved to the city of Gotham. Actually he’s been an adult for a while, but every once in a while he has to end his life, at least legally, lest someone get suspicious. Usually whenever Dan or Ellie does an oopsie and pulls a firebird with being reborn through their core. 

So legally, one Danyal Nightingale, has just moved to Gotham to open a bakery (Thank you for the wonderful recipes and bonding Clockwork) while taking care of his practically newborn son Jordan. Of course Elnath- Ellie- had to pull a core retreat too, which is just his luck. 

It wouldn’t be a problem, but he’s trying to not be so broody. A ghost- even a half-ghost- carrying another core though, has instincts turned up to like, eleven. Which again, wouldn’t be much of a problem if not for someone falling into his dumpster late at night bleeding. A vigilante, which he’s sworn to stay away from that life years ago. And it’s not a lethal wound…

But his instincts are screaming to not let the person bleed all around his nest, and he knows from experience that it would continue to bother him. Which is how he ends up with Batman on his couch to Dan’s glee if the ghost chirps are to go by. 

[the-fruitiest-fae]

I like how this story went from “hey we found this cool kingdom!! oh no a dog is running away with the crown we should go after it!! :D” to “this benevolent immortal hero just got his best friend he’s been in love with since he was a child back but the split off fragment of her soul that is basically her pain/anger given corporeal form just let loose a bunch of corrupt demigods & now he has to deal with the thespian lovechild of Jevil & Bill Cipher trying to steal his soul cause technically it was HIS soul originally”

[gummi-ships]

Kingdom Hearts 3 - Olympus

[lunari162]

I have more thoughts than usual, so I'm going to do a standard reblog. tl;dr: this song is actually AWESOME, I regret automatically clicking "no, first time," and I want to change my vote lol

I voted no because of how chaotic the chorus is; it threw me off. But it's chaotic with structure and thematic/lyrical purpose, and this is very clear when you listen to the rest of the song because it builds up to this, so it's not as jarring. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell based on a small sample. It can't be helped. This isn't the sort of song that can display its full potential in a clip imo, and I think the sample chosen was the best that could be done (so mod, if you see this, thank you!! This sample intrigued me enough that I went to find the full song!)

Admittedly, the vocals could be a little louder, but that's my one critique of this song. The distorted instruments are everywhere in this song from start to finish, but it's actually coherent?? Idk how this producer did it. I'm impressed.

Even in its full context, this sort of song won't be for everyone, but I always feel bad when a song gets mostly negative votes. I feel especially bad this time because this producer is small... They're bigger than me, but smaller than 99% of producers featured in submissions. I've feared ending up on this blog myself because I'm the type who'd have a panic attack if this was the reaction to my songs. Maybe that's just me. I hope that's just me! ^^;

At the very least, personally, this song slaps!! Color me surprised!

💚 Artists and titles will be revealed after the poll closes, so check back for results! Until then, please don't mention the song title in reblogs! (Guesses about everything else are fine and encouraged though; have fun!) 💚

[the-phantom-otaku]

So when I first showed my friend Nero, she immediately said, “He looks like he only eats his sandwiches if they’re cut into triangles” and idk I just thought that wisdom should be shared

[sonknuxadow]

i genuinely dont get how so many people are uncritically excited for The Movie and have no issue with anything going on here i feel like im losing my mind a little bit . the trailers did not look good to me at all is everyone excited about it posting from an alternate dimension or something what are people seeing in this movie that im not .

[circus-k]

they stopped the mississippi purchase together dan and swampy told me so. besties who hate eachother