#this just stuck out to me particularly since we know she was working on both midnights and the tortured poets around red tvs release

[kingofmyborrowedheart]

Having thoughts about Taylor writing “Imagining your future might always take you on a detour back to the past” in the prologue for Red (Taylor’s Version).

[sagewritings]

Grace and Arrogance - James Beaufort x Fem!Reader

pairing: james beaufort x fem!reader

synopsis: amidst playful bickering, the dynamic between you and james transforms from turmoil to bliss when james sheds his facade of arrogance to reveal hidden admiration.

word count: 2.1k

warnings/tags: mentions of a car accident, fluff with james beaufort

a/n: hello everyone! it's been a while since my last post because i haven't really had any inspiration and time over the past months but after watching maxton hall last week, i just couldn't help but write! ! i wrote this in like an hour on my notes app so it may seem a bit rushed but that's okay :>

if you’d like to check out my other works, you can check the pinned post in my blog :>

i hope you’ll like this fic! happy reading!

⋇⋆✦⋆⋇

Being a regular visitor at the Beaufort estate has familiarized you with every corner of the house. Now, you have memorized every room and decoration, immediately spotting whatever is newly added. The Beauforts didn’t mind your presence, with your family being close friends of theirs.

But it was not the Beauforts' son who you were particularly fond of.

You were extremely close with Lydia, your best friend since childhood. Despite both of you coming from wealthy backgrounds, your upbringing was notably different. Your parents owned a chain of hotels and restaurants across Europe, but they insisted on raising you humbly, teaching you the value of hard work and modesty. This upbringing made you see through the arrogance often displayed by James, Lydia's brother.

James, with his confident smirk and air of superiority, was someone you couldn't stand. Your encounters often led to playful bickering, a routine everyone at Maxton Hall was familiar with. But behind your teasing, there was an underlying respect for each other, one neither of you would openly acknowledge.

One sunny afternoon, you found yourself in the Beauforts' expansive garden, your favorite place to unwind with Lydia. She was lounging on a chaise, flipping through a magazine, while you were engrossed in a novel. The peace was soon interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

"Well, well, what do we have here? The ladies of leisure," James's voice drawled, cutting through the tranquility.

You looked up, ready to retort. "And here comes the lord of arrogance. What do you want, James?"

James smirked, leaning against a nearby pillar. "Just enjoying the sunshine. Is that a crime?"

"Only if you're planning to cast a shadow over our peace," you shot back, not missing a beat.

Lydia chuckled from her seat. "You two are impossible. Can't you ever have a conversation without turning it into a fight?"

"It's not my fault your brother is insufferable," you said, closing your book and standing up to face James.

"Insufferable? That's a new one. What else do you think about me, Y/N?" James asked, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Do you really want to know?" you challenged, stepping closer.

"Absolutely," he replied, his gaze locking onto yours.

Before you could respond, Lydia interjected. "Okay, enough, both of you. Can't we just have one afternoon without the bickering?"

You glanced at Lydia, then back at James. "Fine. But only because Lydia asked."

James shrugged, a smug smile on his face. "Whatever you say, Y/N."

Despite your frequent clashes, there were moments when you couldn't deny James's charm. Like the time he helped you with a school project, his intelligence and wit shining through in a way that caught you off guard.

You were in the library, struggling with a particularly difficult economics assignment. The sound of approaching footsteps made you groan inwardly. Of course, it had to be him.

"Need help, Y/N?" James asked, looking over your shoulder.

"I can manage, thank you," you replied curtly, not wanting to give him the satisfaction of admitting you were stuck.

He pulled up a chair next to you anyway. "Let me see."

You sighed, sliding the paper towards him. "Fine. But no gloating."

"Wouldn't dream of it," he said with a wink, scanning the problem. "Ah, I see the issue. You're overthinking it. Here, let me show you."

For the next hour, James patiently explained the concepts, his usual arrogance replaced with genuine enthusiasm for the subject. By the end of it, you had to admit he was a good teacher.

"Thanks, James," you said, a reluctant smile tugging at your lips.

"Anytime, Y/N," he replied, his expression softening.

Despite these moments of truce, your dynamic remained largely unchanged. That is, until the day you stopped going to your classes in Maxton Hall without warning. Lydia knew the reason but couldn't divulge it due to your parents' wish for privacy. This secrecy, however, only fueled James's concern and curiosity. Despite your clashes, he had always admired your kindness and humility.

Days turned into weeks, and your absence left a noticeable void. James found himself more worried than he cared to admit. His irritation grew, not just because you were gone, but because Lydia refused to tell him why.

James sat in the library, his usual spot, staring at the empty chair across from him. It felt wrong not having you there to challenge him, to banter with him. The silence was suffocating.

"Where is she, Lydia?" James demanded, cornering his sister in the hallway.

"I can't tell you, James. It's not my place," Lydia replied, her expression firm yet sympathetic.

"You know something, and you're keeping it from me," he accused, frustration evident in his tone.

"Trust me, if I could, I would tell you. But I can't," Lydia insisted, turning away.

James ran a hand through his hair, his frustration palpable. "You don't understand, Lydia. I need to know she's okay."

"She is. That's all I can say," Lydia replied softly before walking away, leaving James standing there, his mind racing with worry.

He spent sleepless nights thinking about you, imagining the worst scenarios. Had something happened to you? Were you in trouble? Each passing day without any news felt like an eternity, and the worry gnawed at him incessantly.

The mystery was finally revealed during a dinner at the Beaufort estate. As you and Lydia's parents chatted, the conversation inadvertently turned to your family. James listened intently as they discussed the car accident that had left your father seriously injured. You had been absent to take over the family business in his stead, juggling the responsibilities of an heir with the pressures of high school.

"It was such a terrible accident," your mother said, her voice tinged with worry. "He was lucky to survive, but the recovery process has been grueling."

James's heart sank as he listened. The image of you, strong and resilient, dealing with such a massive burden alone, tugged at his heartstrings.

"Y/N has been amazing," your father added, his voice filled with pride and concern. "She's stepped up in ways we never imagined, taking on the business and keeping things running smoothly."

Lydia's parents nodded sympathetically. "She truly is remarkable. We can't imagine the pressure she's under."

James felt a pang of guilt and a surge of determination. He admired you even more for handling such immense pressure with grace. The next day, he decided to visit you.

You were in the midst of preparing for a business meeting when James arrived at your house. The sight of him surprised you, and your initial reaction was to push him away.

"James, I don't have time for this," you said, frustration evident in your voice as you shuffled through papers.

"I'm not here to argue," he replied, stepping closer. "I'm here to help."

You looked up, skepticism in your eyes. "Help? How?"

"I know how to run a business. Let me support you," he offered, sincerity in his voice.

You hesitated, the weight of your responsibilities making you wary. But the genuine concern in his eyes made you relent.

"Fine. But don't think this means I like you," you muttered, turning back to your work.

James chuckled. "Wouldn't dream of it."

He stepped forward, his presence steadying you as you felt the weight of everything crashing down. You fought back tears of exhaustion, the stress overwhelming you.

"Y/N, let me take some of this off your shoulders," James said gently, his voice a soothing balm to your frayed nerves.

"I… I don't know if I can trust you," you admitted, your voice trembling. "You've always been so… unserious."

James's expression softened, his eyes filled with understanding. "I get it. I've been a jerk, but I care about you. More than I let on."

You looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity there. "Why now, James?"

"Because I admire you. Your strength, your kindness. You're handling all of this with such grace, and I want to help you. Please, let me," he pleaded.

Your defenses crumbled, the exhaustion and stress finally taking their toll. "Okay," you whispered, the word carrying the weight of your vulnerability.

James stepped closer, his arms wrapping around you in a comforting embrace. For the first time in weeks, you allowed yourself to lean on someone else, to share the burden.

Over the next few days, James proved to be an invaluable ally. His expertise in business management eased your burden, allowing you to balance school and work more effectively. The more you worked together, the more you saw a different side of him—one that was caring and dependable.

James took on tasks with a surprising efficiency, his usual arrogance replaced with a dedication that impressed you. He handled meetings, reviewed contracts, and even helped streamline operations, all while providing a steady source of support and encouragement.

One evening, after a particularly long day, you both found yourselves sitting in the garden, the stars twinkling above.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" James asked, breaking the comfortable silence.

You laughed softly. "How could I forget? You spilled juice all over my dress."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "I was so nervous. I wanted to make a good impression, and I ended up making a mess."

"I thought you were a spoiled brat," you admitted, smiling at the memory.

"And now?" he asked, his gaze locking onto yours.

"Now, I see someone who cares deeply about his family and friends. Someone who hides his true self behind a facade of arrogance," you said softly.

James's expression turned serious. "And I see someone who is incredibly strong, even when faced with immense challenges. Someone who inspires me to be better."

The air between you seemed to crackle with electricity. Before you could second-guess yourself, you leaned in, pressing your lips to his. The kiss was gentle, tentative at first, but quickly deepened as you both poured all your unspoken feelings into it.

When you finally pulled away, breathless and dazed, you met his gaze and saw the same vulnerability mirrored in his eyes.

"I've liked you for a long time, Y/N," James admitted. "I just didn't know how to tell you."

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. "I guess I like you too, James. Even if you are insufferable sometimes."

He laughed, pulling you into another kiss. The garden seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that moment.

The days turned into weeks, and with James's help, you managed to stabilize your family's business. His presence became a constant source of support and comfort, and your feelings for him began to shift.

Returning to Maxton Hall, you and James surprised everyone with your newfound camaraderie. The playful bickering was replaced by a growing closeness that neither of you could ignore.

The fundraiser ball at Maxton Hall was an annual event where everyone dressed in Victorian-era attire. This year, you and James were assigned to fix the lights, a task that allowed for a rare moment of privacy.

"Careful with that, Y/N," James warned as you reached for a particularly tricky bulb.

"I've got it," you insisted, balancing precariously on a ladder.

James steadied the ladder, his hands brushing against yours as he helped you with the light. The proximity made your heart race, a tension building between you that neither could ignore.

As the last bulb clicked into place, you turned to thank him, only to find him closer than expected. His eyes locked onto yours, the air thick with unspoken feelings.

"James…" you began, but he silenced you with a gentle touch to your cheek.

"I admire you, Y/N. More than you'll ever know," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before you could respond, he closed the distance, his lips capturing yours in a tender kiss. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of you in that moment.

When you finally pulled away, breathless and dazed, you met his gaze and saw the same vulnerability mirrored in his eyes.

"Can we try this?" you asked, your voice trembling slightly.

James smiled, his thumb brushing against your cheek. "I'd like that very much."

As the evening wore on, the lights you and James had fixed illuminated the grand hall, casting a warm glow over the attendees. You stood together, hand in hand, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

[my-mind-is-incognito]

Wanna Duet? (Hugh Jackman x Reader)

summary: you're an interviewer sitting down with 2 of the hottest celebrities, both fresh off their latest movie. during the interview, one of them feels the need to shake up the script a bit

warnings: None that I can think of, other than intense yearning for an unattainable man (tbh isn't that why we read and write these sort of things anyway?)

author's note: Um, hi. It's been a couple of years since I've contributed to this site and this particular blog, other than reblogging other people's much more notable work. But the new deadpool movie, as well as Hugh Jackman, has literally got me hostage by the ovaries and I just needed to put this random fantasy into words and put it out there into the world. Please be gentle. I haven't written anything in years and it is so weird to me now.

When you call my name

It’s like a little prayer

I’m down on my knees

I wanna take you there

In the midnight hour

I can feel your power

Just like a prayer

I wanna take you there

The lyrics to that familiar song softly tumbled from your lips as you studied the notecards in your hand while your shoulders softly rocked to the beat. You wanted to make sure the questions were etched in your brain; as a journalist tasked with interviewing celebrities, you needed to maintain your A-game when it came to these video shoots with the Hollywood elite. You couldn’t afford to stumble over your words or, even worse, have an awkward silence creep into the conversation. 

A knock at the door brought you out of your reverie, and Maggie, the producer, poked her head in. “They just arrived,” she informed you. “Ten minutes.”

You flashed her a thumbs up and got out of your seat to loosen your stiff muscles and fight the enormous grin spreading across your face. Today’s scheduled shoot was one you were particularly looking forward to: a simple sit down interview with two of the hottest stars, fresh off the premiere of one of the most anticipated movies of 2024. Somewhere on the premises, Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds were waiting to speak to you, and your Marvel-loving heart was hammering in your chest in anticipation. The butterflies were certainly in hyperactive manic mode today. 

Maggie studied you with a laugh. “Excited, are we?”

“Aren’t you? We’re about to meet Deadpool and Wolverine!” You took a few deep breaths, channeling your professional side. But soon, the facade fell and you were grinning like a jittery idiot. ”How are they? Are they as ridiculously gorgeous in person?”

Maggie grinned. “Yes, plus super nice. Definitely making the top 10 nicest guests list. Hurry up and get out there.” She then left and shut the door behind her.

Biting back the urge to squeal, you took a few composing breaths and willed your heart to stop racing like a schoolgirl in love. Picking up your phone, you started scrolling your phone for a song. Singing was always a typical warm-up exercise for you; it helped you loosen up and provided an outlet for your nervous energy. Showtunes were usually your go-to songs, and you had a particular soundtrack stuck in your head for the past few weeks. 

“Ladies and gents, this is the moment you’ve waited for,” you sang softly, shimmying your hips to the beat of the song. “Been searching in the dark, your sweat soaking through the floor.”  Another hip wiggle on beat as you spun on your heel and held out a dramatic fist in the air. “And buried in your bones, there’s an ache that you can’t ignore, taking your breath, stealing your mind, and all that was real is left behind…

Don’t fight it’s coming for you, runnin’ at ya

It’s only this moment, don’t care what comes after

Your fever dream, can’t you see it gettin’ closer?

just surrender cuz you feel the feeling takin’ over

It’s fire, it’s freedom, it’s flooding open

It’s a preacher in the pulpit and your blind devotion

There’s something breaking at the brick of every wall it’s holding

All that you know

So tell me, do you wanna go?

Where it’s covered in all the colored lights

Where the runaways are running the night

Impossible comes tre, it’s taking over you

Oh, this is the greatest show!

We light it up, we won’t come down

And the sun can’t stop us now

Impossible comes true, it’s taking over you

Oh, this is the greatest show!”

You blew out one more calming breath and grinned with confidence before striding out the door. Time to get to work.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“So I’m sitting there, my brain melting in my skull from all these fucking hot wings, and the first sentence out of my mouth is ‘I CHEAT AT WORDLE!’”

You and Hugh burst out into laughter as Ryan recounted his and Hugh’s recent experience on Hot Ones. As expected, the interview was going without a hitch. Both men were excellent subjects, genuinely enjoying the process and providing laughs amongst the crew in between the Q+A. Their bestie banter and overall chemistry was so contagious that it brought everyone at ease. And also as expected, both men gave you the urge to subtly fan yourself with your notecards. While both had the leading man looks, Ryan had a dry wit and a delivery that was deadpan and entirely on point, never failing to get a laugh from everyone in the room. Meanwhile, Hugh had a megawatt smile and an Aussie timber in his voice that had you shivering in your chair, and his laughter was as warm and pure as sunshine itself.

“So, Hugh, you’ve mentioned how you were still doing Music Man when you were cast to return as Wolverine. Did the mental and physical preparation for this role clash with your preparations for your Music Man performances?”

Hugh chuckled. “It’s funny you mentioned that, because I had actually lost a bit of weight while doing Music Man. I mean, it’s eight shows a week and each show is a cardio workout like nothing else! So I had to start increasing my calories and, you know, pumping iron in between shows and it got to the point where I actually split my pants onstage during a show!”

You gasped while Ryan just shook his head and laughed. “Yes, the legendary Jackman ass returned, as jacked as ever!” Ryan snarked, which had Hugh guffawing. “Oh, easy there, buddy. No need to break a hip on top of that.”

You futilely hid your laughs behind your notecards, genuinely enjoying this experience. “Well, guys, this has been an absolute pleasure. As a Marvel fan myself, this movie has been long awaited and completely worth it. Any parting words you’d like to leave the audience before we sign off?”

”Actually,” Ryan suddenly interjected, shooting an offhanded smirk at Hugh, “I had a question for you.”

Well, that was unexpected. “Wait, really? For me?” you asked, confused. 

”Yeah, betcha didn’t see this coming, but yes, the tables have in fact been turned. The interviewee is now the interviewer.” Ryan crossed his legs and placed his hands on his lap, smiling mischievously. “See, I happened to be skittering around backstage, and whilst—“

”Whilst?”

”Don’t interrupt me when I’m talking, Hugh Bear. It’s very rude. Yes, whilst skittering back there, I happened to pick up on some backstage karaoke from a certain interviewer.”

Your eyes widened and you hid your gaping mouth behind your hand. “Oh God.”

“Do you deny it?”

“You heard that?!”

Ryan pointed an accusatory finger at you. “Don’t your DARE hide that angelic voice from us, ma’am!”

Hugh switched his focus between you and Ryan. “Wait, did I miss something? What’s happening?”

”Dude, get this. I heard her singing Greatest Showman in the back and she sounds amazing!” Ryan nudged Hugh before holding out a hand to you reassuringly while you continued to gape. 

“Is that right?” Hugh inquired, interest piqued.

You laughed nervously, shielding your face in your hands. In the back of your mind, you wondered if your makeup was good enough to hide the flush spreading across your face. “Oh my god, this is so embarrassing.” 

“Please don’t confuse my enthusiasm for mockery!” Ryan was quick to say, holding out a reassuring hand. “Honestly, I had chills hearing you. Your voice is gorgeous! And clearly you have excellent music tastes due to your song choices. Seriously, I loved it!” Ryan gushed. “My question is, where did you learn to sing? Like, I’m literally jealous because out of the three of us sitting here, I have no musical talent whatsoever, and my singing usually results in children crying. But yours just sounds so good!”

”I wanna hear her sing now,” Hugh remarked cheerfully. “High praise from Ryan is definitely a good voucher.”

“Oooh, that would be so great, Hugh. You could audition her, because her choreo needs a little bit of work. Kinda limited, but I’m sure your rusty hips still got enough wiggle in them to teach her something.”

Both men laughed and leaned forward, their attention on you, and you couldn’t help but cower behind your papers and burst into another fit of panicked giggles. “I have no idea what is happening right now,” you remarked shyly.

Ryan got out of his seat and stood beside you. “Audition jitters, I get them all the time. Here, I’ll coach you through it!” He cleared his throat and adopted a more professional tone, gesturing between you and Hugh. “Alright, so you are at your callback audition. The casting director—obviously, that’s me—liked your stuff and now I wanna do a little screen test with our leading man—that’ll be Hugh.” 

At this, Hugh leaned forward and shook your hand warmly. “Hey there, I’m Hugh Jackman. I’ll be doing this scene with ya.”

You shot a quick glance at Maggie, who silently urged you to play along. So you chuckled and firmly shook Hugh’s hand. “Pleasure to be working with you, sir.” He replied with a warm smile that made your stomach somersault.

Ryan clapped his hands. “Alright! We are looking for some chemistry between our two leads. Let’s see, what’s a good duet song?” He eyed you expectedly. “I won’t ask Hugh, because the man is a neverending jukebox of showtunes. Now’s your chance to put a quarter in him and pick a song.”

You fidgeted in your seat, pausing to think before replying, “Okay, if we are going to do this, I just want to get this off my chest. Hugh, I am a HUGE fan, not just of your work as Wolverine, but your musical roles as well.” In response, he patted his heart and mouthed ‘thank you’ while Ryan rolled his eyes and made the yak-yak motion with his hand.

You continued. “So, if we could, and this is something I’ve always wanted to do…could we sing ‘A Million Dreams’ from Greatest Showman together?”

His eyes lit up and he nodded. “Yeah! I’d love that!” 

You practically bounced in your seat, shaking out your hands in pure excitement while a huge grin spread across your face. “Oh my god, I can’t believe this is happening!”

Hugh got out of his chair and gestured for you to do the same, which you did quickly. “Gotta make it like a real audition,” he informed you with a wink that got you giggling.

Ryan scooted his own chair back and sat back in it, much like a director overseeing a scene. “Okay, are we all good? Pay no attention to the multiple cameras looking at you or the lights beaming down at you, mmkay? It’s most likely nothing new for you. And…action!”

Hugh made a big show of clearing his throat a few times. “Sorry, I’m not warmed up,” he said.

“No one cares, Hugh.”

“And there isn’t any music.”

“Still not caring, Hugh.”

“Thanks, Ryan.”

With the rest of the crew laughing, Hugh finally took your hand in his and, gazing into your eyes, began to sing:

Every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

A million dreams are keeping me awake

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it’s gonna take

Oh, a million dreams for the world we’re gonna make

You were mesmerized by his singing. Listening to him on recording did absolutely no justice for him. Never in a million years (no pun intended) did you think this could be happening to you, that Hugh Jackman could be singing one of your favorite songs directly to you. You forced yourself to focus on your breathing and remember your cue. And when it came, you were more than ready to belt out:

However big, however small

Let me be part of it all

Share your dreams with me

Ryan was flashing you a thumbs up while the rest of the crew were cheering you on. Hugh was grinning ear to ear, clearly enjoying himself.

You may be right, you may be wrong

But say that you’ll bring me along

To the world you see

Hugh nodded encouragingly, joining in:

To the world I close my eyes to see

I close my eyes to see

He got down on one knee, clutching his chest dramatically as he still held your hand.

‘Cause every night I lie in bed

The brightest colors fill my head

You grinned in reply and posed cutely in response.

A million dreams are keeping me awake

A million dreams, a million dreams!

As he shot back up, he spun you around, and the two of you both dramatically sang back to back, harmonizing on the final verse.

I think of what the world could be

A vision of the one I see

A million dreams is all it’s gonna take

A million dreams for the world we’re gonna make

As you held that last note, you felt Hugh wrap his arms around your shoulders. Knowing your role, you smiled and leaned against him.

For the world we’re gonna make

The end of the song was met with thunderous applause from everyone on set, with Ryan being particularly enthusiastic in his clapping. “You got the part!” he exclaimed.

You laughed breathlessly as you and Hugh separated. You clutched your face, grounding yourself from the incredible high you were flying on, all while that silly smile on your face still shone brightly. 

Hugh clapped you on the shoulder. “Very well done!” he remarked. “I’ll be sure to keep you on call as my backup leading lady.”

“Oh my god, stop,” you beamed, still a bit breathless. “Karaoke is one thing, but I dunno about leading lady stuff.”

He smiled and gently kissed your hand. “Don’t sell yourself short,” he replied with a wink.

Maggie caught your eye from behind the camera, signaling you to wrap it up. Remembering your job, you quickly looked at the camera and said, “Uh, Deadpool and Wolverine is out in theaters now! Many thanks to Hugh and Ryan for joining us today!”

“Cut!” Maggie announced.

And thus ended probably THE most exhilarating interview of your entire career!

[songmingisthighs]

Let Go

group : ateez

pairing : ex boyfriend!idoll!yunho × reader

genre : angst

wc : 4.3 k

tw : break up, angst, accident , dark theme (do not read if you're susceptible to dark thoughts)

a/n : i got this idea from reading @nonclassyparty's series, the 'subtle variations of heartbreak' particularly the yunho one and I'm not in a mentally good place so ofc i thought about this lmao

buy me coffee ?

Yunho was never one to loom in the past. His motto had always been 'just keep swimming' so he made sure that whatever happened in his life, he would go with it and just face it like a man. That was why people thought Yunho was so perfect, he had no regrets. But they would be wrong. Out of all the things in the world, there was one thing he regretted the most and being back at the place where it all began stirred something in Yunho. Maybe it was a mix of nostalgia and guilt, but whatever it is, the pain was a bit addicting as it allowed him to indulge in the memory of you.

It was around the time he graduated from high school. Everyone was excited to go forward, most of his friends had passed the college entrance exam while some had decided to continue their family business. That was what people expected from his town which was why when Yunho announced that he was going to focus on being an idol and move to the heart of the country, people were thrilled.

One of those people was you.

You had been Yunho's rock ever since you both started dating in the 9th grade, sticking together through thick and thin, you with your studies and Yunho with his training. It was hard but you both made it work and you both became the school's power couple, the couple who will end up together no matter what. In fact, you had been the one encouraging Yunho to pursue training no matter the distance while you helped as best as you could. So you both really had gone through everything including fights because you both were tired, had doubts over the future, and bad exam results from your hakwon and his monthly evaluation. You both wet through all that and still stuck together.

So it made sense that even after you got accepted to a prestigious university in KAIST, you still made plans to be in Yunho's life. Little did you know, he wasn't planning the same.

It was one afternoon and you were scrolling through your course catalogue with your mom while discussing how to move your things to the dorm in two weeks time when there was a knock on the front door, surprising you and your mom. But it wasn't a surprise to see Yunho on the other side with a small smile on his face. You noticed that he had been rather gloomy this past couple of weeks and you thought that it was because he was sad that he was going to be separated from you. Well, in a sense he was.

"Hi Mrs. (y/l/n), can I borrow (y/n) for a while?" Yunho politely asked for permission which had become some sort of redundant request since your mom would actually be the one to encourage you two to spend more time together. Even though you lived on the same street, your mom knew that as youngsters in love, no amount of time is enough time, especially with what's just up ahead. So it didn't really surprise you when your mom practically pushed you out the door and told you to not worry about coming home late, she had even given you and Yunho some money to spend.

So you both found yourselves walking side-by-side with ice cream in your hands. You both got an ice cream cone of your favourite flavours. But not even the sweetness of the treat managed to melt the sourness off of Yunho's face. You had even tried to hold Yunho's hand as you both walked slowly from the convenience store but he was too deep in his thought to even notice. Heck, he was too deep in his thought to utter a single word.

Just as you were about to ask him what was wrong, Yunho abruptly halted his steps and turned to look at you.

"We need to break up," he stated.

For a moment you thought you heard wrong so you tried chuckling it off, "Um, what?" you asked awkwardly, feeling your heartbeat rising. Yunho sighed and stood firm, "We need to break up," he repeated, the same intonation and cadence making him seem so robotic and detached. But even then you recognize the seriousness which caused your eyebrows to furrow, "Wait, what the hell? Why? Where is this coming from?" Without wavering, Yunho looked directly into your eyes determinedly, "We are about to journey our own paths. Let's not hold each other back," and you couldn't help but get more confused, "Hold each other back? What- Where- How-," it was obvious that the logic alludes you because you had planned the perfect strategy to still maintain your relationship with Yunho while he was preparing for his debut and you for your education.

Then an idea hit you.

"Did the company ask you to break up with me?" Now it was Yunho who furrowed his eyebrows in confusion. "Did you tell them before we could make a plan on how to tell them?" you added.

You both were well aware that once Yunho's debut date got nearer you two would have to press pause on the relationship in a way. You both knew that it was unrealistic for an idol to be dating not because he was trying to put his fans first but more because you didn't want his dedication to stray. You knew how a relationship can cause someone to lose sight of their goal and Yunho would be sharing his goal with apparently seven other people, one whom you've grown to like as he was just like the gentle giant of a boyfriend you had. So you both were planning on telling the company together, trusting them to protect Yunho and should it come down to it, you as well.

"No, they don't even know I'm dating anyone. But you made a good point, I don't feel comfortable going through a commitment with my agency with this big of a secret weighing me down."

The words Yunho used hurt you because first, he insinuated that he WANTED the breakup not because you two should and then he was basically saying that you were in the way.

So you scoffed and crossed your arms on your chest, standing up to him, "So I'm a burden now?" Even during your previous fights with Yunho, he'd know when he'd struck a nerve and he would either take it back or explain what he actually meant. But the sigh he let out before answering you gave you the chills and not the good ones. "If you're going to act this way then yes, I think you're a burden now." You didn't know how Yunho was able to say such things to you so easily because you know for a fact that had it been you in his position, no matter the situation, you wouldn't have been able to say something with such gravity towards someone you know you live with what you can only discern as nonchalance.

If Yunho felt bad at the way you reacted to his harsh words, shoulders slumped and eyes glassy, he was doing a particularly great job at hiding it. Even as you sniffled and wiped some stray tears away, the look on Yunho's face didn't change. It wasn't like you were expecting for him to change his mind or take back his words just because you were looking so pathetic, but you didn't expect him to seem so detached either.

"Look, this was bound to happen anyways, (y/n), you know it. We had agreed that we would pause our relationship when-" "PAUSE, Yunho, not BREAK UP!" you cut him off, this time unable to hold your emotion at bay. "Well, why wait? Why do we have to wait to take a pause when I FINALLY debuted? Even then, why should we hang onto each other, hovering in uncertainties for God knows how long? I don't want to live like that, (y/n), not when I'm leaving tonight!"

As if things weren't already so abrupt and surprising for you, you were thrown with the newest revelation. The plan was for you two to leave home on the same day, preventing the other to remain in loneliness in the place you both shared so many memories with. But truly, this was a betrayal on top of more betrayal.

Considering the situation Yunho had put you in, it was hard to not believe that Yunho didn't care at all about you. In the past 10 minutes, he had hurt you more than anyone else ever did in your life and you just want to get away.

So you did.

You took a step back and sighed in defeat, looking at him for what you thought would be the last time ever, "Well then, I wish you the luck you deserve, Yunho. Truly, I hope your decision stays with you longer than you allowed me to." With that, you turned around and walked back home alone, crying the whole way, leaving Yunho in his spot to let the reality of what happened sink in. He never expected you to react well, he was breaking up with you or goodness sake, but he never expected the situation to taste so bitter in his mouth. All he could do was hope that it was truly for the best. Regret be damned.

"So how are the boys, Yunho?" his mom asked, smiling at her eldest as he slurped down his noodles. Yunho took a moment to chew his food properly before answering, "They're great. We've been so busy with work, we don't even have time to argue properly," he joked, making his parents laugh, "How's Gunho? How's the house?" The question made his mom roll her eyes, "You wouldn't have to ask if you come home! We've moved to the new neighbourhood for two years already and you barely spent two weeks in total!" because home is not home when (y/n) is not around, "Sorry mom, my schedule is very unpredictable so I can't really do anything about it." Thankfully, his dad chimed in, nodding along, "He's right honey, you know Yoo Seunghwan's son, the one working at that corporation thing, he's worked so hard that he couldn't even stay back during that school reunion! You remember that, right Yunho?" of course Yunho remembered. It was the first high school reunion and Yunho had to reject the invitation, saying that he was expected to go abroad around that time when in fact, he didn't want to face you. Not since the last time he saw you. And it wasn't even that time he broke up with you in front of the convenience store.

In all honesty, Yunho had been thinking about you nonstop these past couple of months. It had been years since Yunho saw, talked, or even heard about you. He became irrational, actively avoiding people just so he wouldn't know how much you thrived without him while he remembered the night of his debut when he cried himself to sleep and had to be consoled by San, Mingi, and Wooyoung who thought he was emotional over the achievement when in fact he was crying because he had worked so hard for the debut and that he wouldn't have been ab;e to go that far had it not been for your support but now that the moment arrived, he couldn't share it with you. It was then that he realized how badly he fucked up by breaking things off with you so coldly. You meant so much to him but he let stress get the best of him so much so that he took it out on you. He could still remember the way you looked at him and no, it wasn't that time he broke up with you in front of the convenience store.

"Do you guys know what happened to (y/n)?"

Yunho froze when he realized he had accidentally blurted out the question. He had wondered internally, of course but he didn't mean to ask it out loud. He was about to take it back when he saw the way his parents looked at each other weirdly.

"What?" He asked, curious, "Do you guys know something?" he pressed, now curious. While his dad avoided his gaze, his mom was looking at him with pity in her eyes.

"Oh my God, she got married didn't she?" Yunho choked, feeling his heart clench so painfully, thinking that he had lost you to another man. Not that it should have meant anything to Yunho considering he was the one who tossed you aside so easily.

His mom frantically tried to calm him down, disliking the distressed look on her son's face. "No, no, no, no, no, honey, no! It's nothing like that, believe me! It's just..." she trailed off, slapping his dad on the arm to make him look at her. One stern look and he sighed, relenting and nodding, "I guess he should know. It's about time," he said. Yunho stared at his parents with furrowed eyebrows, "Know about what?" he asked, but his mom only smiled sadly, "We'll take you there after this." The way they were acting and speaking made Yunho worry and he started internally blaming himself for not trying to get an update about you sooner. It would have probably been a better idea for him to still keep in touch but again, the pain of remembering that it was his fault that the whole thing even happened in the first place was more than he could bear. He was being so pathetic.

The rest of the lunch was concluded rather quickly after that and soon enough Yunho found himself in the backseat of his parents' car.

Another wave of nostalgia washed over him as he watched over the road, remembering the last time he had passed the same street which was the same day he broke up with you. The very last time he had seen you with his own two eyes, shrouded in the darkness of the night but still very much visible to his eyes.

Yunho decided not to dilly-dally, shoved everything he needed to bring into the trunk of his parent's car, and slammed the door shut. At the same time, he turned around to get back inside the house to call for his parents, he saw you slamming the door of your house and speed-walking to the other side of the road as if trying to get away in a rush. Had it been any other time, Yunho would've rushed to your side and done whatever he had to do to make you smile again. But his convictions solidified his decision and hardened his heart so instead of rushing to you, he simply turned and went on with his plan.

Yunho thought that it would be hard to decide to pretend to not care about you. Well, he was correct on that because his mind was plagued by the distraught look on your face. sure he only saw it for less than 5 seconds, but the impact was greater than he could imagine. It didn't help that the car drove in the exact same path you took and Yunho kept wondering what you might be thinking about. Pathetic.

The constant questions of you in his head halted the moment he saw a familiar figure in a familiar spot. His eyes had been so used to your figure that it just immediately recognized you sitting in the spot you both had claimed. Yunho immediately got reminded of the time you both ducked there to shield yourselves from the scorching summer sun, the time the two of you were joking around too much that you accidentally pushed each other into the deep pond, causing you both to be fished out and scolded by the authorities, and although it was a bad idea, the time you two found shelter during a harsh rain with thunders that terrified you but you told him that you felt safer because he was with you. The memories didn't help Yunho. In fact, it made him feel nauseated, almost vomiting in the car from the mixed feelings. He didn't want to admit it then but the guilt was gnawing at his insides so ruthlessly, he thought it was simply him finally experiencing a break-up and that the feeling was normal.

Almost comically, as the car's headlights illuminated your figure, you turned around and your eyes stared straight into Yunho's. Not that you knew because you were practically blinded. On the other hand, Yunho could see the redness on your face and the tears streaming down your cheeks so clearly that the pain that was already plaguing his heart increased tenfold.

"Yunho, dear, isn't that (y/n)?" His mom asked.

Time moved slowly for him and in that duration, he was able to carve the brokenhearted look on your face in his mind. But even then, Yunho only averted his gaze and softly muttered a reply to his mom, "Yeah, that's her." Sensing that he didn't want to talk about it, his parents kept quiet and drove on, allowing Yunho to his own thoughts.

"What are we doing here?" Yunho asked as he got out of the car, nervously looking around the park where he last saw you. The parking space they took was not far from your spot. Heck, he could see the tree from where he was standing.

"You remember the last time you saw (y/n)?" His mom linked her arm around Yunho's and she slowly started to lead him forward, obviously going towards the spot while his dad walked alongside him on his other side.

The night I ignored her crying at our spot. "Yeah, I broke up with her in front of the convenience store," he lied. His mom shook her head, "No, sweetie. We were driving you to move into your dorm when we passed by her, right in this park, over there by the tree," she pointed, not realizing that Yunho knew damn well what she was talking about. "Oh..." Yunho couldn't help but duck his head in shame, the closer the spot got, the harder it was for him to keep his emotions in check and it was almost impossible when his dad placed a hand on his shoulder. "We don't have to do this if you don't want to. I only suggested it because I think you deserve to know," his dad said.

Anxiety bubbled in Yunho's chest, he didn't like the way his parents were talking as if something had happened to you.

"You guys are freaking me out, what-"

His voice died in his throat the moment they arrived at the spot. What was usually a clear spot with grass under the big tree now had a small spot seemingly dedicated to something, trinkets littered the spot; small ones like beaded bracelets and bigger ones like some very familiar plushies, But on top of them all, the picture of you stood out the most to Yunho.

"What's this?" Yunho asked, voice wavering slightly as his eyes continuously scanned the area. Deep down he already knew what happened, but he didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it.

His mom was already tearing up the moment they got there, reliving her memories when she had heard about you. Seeing this, his father stepped up.

"I'm sorry to say this, son. (y/n)... She's gone. She died," he stated with a voice so emotional and so soft, that Yunho almost thought that he was hallucinating.

"Wh- when- How? How long ago was this?" he asked, glassy eyes finally lifted from the trinkets to look at his dad, seeking answers and hope. Though reluctant, his dad decided that he couldn't let another minute go by without letting Yunho know as he had been kept away from the information long enough.

"That day we drove you to your dorm. (y/n) had an accident."

There it was, the loud crack of his world-shattering.

You had been crying yourself since you came back from the convenience store. Heart broken, hopes shattered, it didn't help that your mom had attempted to console you. Her kind words and caring treatment only made you feel worse which was why you felt the need to escape reality, you wanted to wallow to yourself for just a while before you were told that everything was going to be okay because it wasn't. It was absolutely not okay for you and you needed to not be okay first before you could be okay again.

Despite fearing running into Yunho, you pushed past the fear and ran straight out, going to the first place you could think of where you could be safe with your feelings. You had cried so much that you couldn't even cry properly anymore, only silent tears as pain engulfed you whole. It was hard to breathe and it felt like it was hard to go on living. It wasn't just the fact that you were broken up with, it was the fact that it was Yunho who had broken up with you in such a ruthless way. As much as you hated to admit it, you couldn't help but feel like it was as if he had used you. For what, you didn't know, you no longer knew what to think because first, you thought that you and Yunho were solid but apparently that was utter bullshit, then you thought that you and Yunho had a plan but apparently, he had one of his own that he preferred, and lastly, you thought that you and Yunho could go through anything but apparently, the fact that each of you had different paths planned was enough to break everything.

As if life wasn't making such a joke out of you enough, you saw Yunho's car coming your way. The headlights blinded you and you weren't sure what was going on inside. But for some odd reason, the blinding lights were enough to numb you completely from all the senses there is. For a moment, you couldn't see anything and all you could hear was the ringing in your ear but it felt comforting.

Without you realizing it, you head moved too close to the edge of the grass and slipped into the pond. The cold rendered you inanimate and the water engulfed you completely. At first splash, reality hit that you had fallen into the pond but soon the cold water provided some pressure that felt like a hug to you. The darkness and the way the water blocked sounds other than the comforting sloshes of water pulled you into a realm of otherworldly tranquillity and in that moment you made a decision that would alter your life forever.

You decided to let go.

This time, at the same spot you mourned over your heart, Yunho found himself mourning over his love. His love that was lost. His love that HE let loose.

"They found her body in the morning, her parents thought she had gone to one of her friend's houses considering the state she was in when she left, they didn't think to worry until the police found her right here," his dad explained, he too was crying at the memory of finding out what had happened to you.

Yunho's knees buckled and he staggered to find support on the tree that held a lot of the memories you both shared. "W-why didn't I know this? She was g-gone for so long, how- how did I not know?" Yunho was stuttering, his mind working doubles trying to make sense of things. His mom crouched down next to him and grabbed his hand, "You were starting your journey, sweetie, we didn't want you to stray because of this. Also," his mom paused to look up at his dad who could only nod at her slowly, "(y/n)'s parents asked us to not tell you that early. They told us that (y/n) had did her best supporting you throughout everything, wanting nothing more than you to succeed in your own path so they don't want to jeopardize her dedication. They want to make sure her efforts paid off."

It wasn't as if Yunho had hoped to hear something that would make him feel better because he knew nothing in the world would. He had been so horrible to you that last day and he had been so horrible after that by actively not trying to get to know how you were. His pride should not have mattered to him so much so he settled with just not knowing how you were. That was not something he was supposed to do. More and more, he regretted the way he treated you that final day and how he had been so unfair to you. No amount of tears and no matter how loud he cried would make up for what he had done and he believed that your demise was his fault. Had he stopped the car that night to acknowledge you even for just a moment, maybe the situation would have been different. Maybe he wouldn't have lost you.

Lost you.

That was ironic since he was the one who pushed you away. He broke you in your final moments.

And now, Yunho was left unable to properly apologize to you for what he had done. Unable to tell you how much he hated himself for what he did. Unable to tell you how you deserved way better than him. Unable to tell you how he wanted to work, no matter how hard you would make it, just so you would accept his apology.

But now all he could accept was the bitter reality that there was nothing he could do to make things right.

All he could accept was that he had let go first.

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[kimarii-00]

How would armando react if he is in love with the reader (and the two of them are a couple) but they have a fight of differences and they break up (she leaves him), a few weeks pass and armando doesn't likes her distance, and he doesn't want to lose her, so he does everything in his power to get her back

I follow you! 💗

Break-Up Make-Up

AN: I'm probably going to rewrite this and make this into a fic at some point!

❥ You’re at your breaking point, seriously. How much longer does he expect you to put up with his shit?

❥ He works all day everyday, and only returns at odd hours in the night, if at all. Sometimes you make an attempt to stay up to greet him when he comes in, but it’s rare that you are able to catch him before you end up falling asleep yourself.

❥ The rare times that depriving yourself of sleep actually pays off and you get to see him, he’ll brush you off and answer any questions you may have for him with one worded, half assed answers: “Yeah.” “Nah.” “I’m just tired.” “Mhm.”

❥ You knew his job called for most of his attention, and you knew what you signed up for when you both started dating but you never imagined that it’s be this bad.

❥ You’re starting to think that your relationship is just something he can indulge in whenever he feels like it, which is not often.

❥ Even on his “days off”, he’s working. He’ll get a call from a colleague or something of the sort, and then rush off back into work, kissing your cheek and promising that he’d be back before dinner (He never meets that deadline). If he’s not working, then he’ll blow you off when you try to get him up and out of the house to go do something fun for once. The usual, “Sorry, I’m tired. I’ve been working all week” (like you didn’t know that).

❥ It was another boring day alone in the house you shared, late at night. You didn’t feel particularly tired, so you decided to stay up watching your favorite show until your boyfriend decided to show his face again. You don’t know how long you were up, but your heart skipped a beat when you heard him slide the key into the front door. You were especially excited tonight because, well, it may be cold by now, but you’d made his favorite meal as a thanks for all of his hard work.

❥ You knew he was usually grumpy when he came in due to the lack of sleep, but tonight he was like another man. Another one that you didn’t like.

❥ “Would you please just fuck off, you can’t see I’m tired?”

❥ No matter what other nasty things he said to you that night, that one stung and stuck with you the most.

❥ How does he have the right to treat you like garbage, dispose you when your not needed but then retrieve you when he wants something from you? Who does he think he is when all you wanted to do was show him the meal you worked so hard on, even if it was cold.

❥ “I’m sorry I just wanted to fuckin’ greet you when you finally decide to bring your ass home. I barely get to see your face anymore. This is our first real fucking conversation in��� I don’t know how long!” You’d responded to his out of pocketness.

❥ The argument just kept escalating until you reached your breaking point, and you released the bombshell.

❥ “If that’s how you really feel then maybe we should take a fuckin’ brake, since I’m such a damn insect to you!”

❥ “Are you breaking up with me right now?”

❥ You didn’t respond with words but rather actions. You stormed into your shared bedroom, snatched up a suitcase you were sure wasn’t going to fit all of your stuff, but it was big enough for essentials.

❥ You stomped around the room, picking up and packing things you deemed necessary, with him in the doorway trying to get your attention to calm you down.

❥ He didn’t mean for it to get this far.

❥ Once you finished, you shoved your way past him and flung yourself out of the door, taking your car and dialing a friends phone number, whom you were sure would let you crash at her place until you were back on your feet. After all, the two of you lived together, so your decision to leave basically left you homeless.

❥ Armando didn’t see or hear from you for three whole weeks. The time that was spent with you not by his side was damn near the embodiment of hell itself, that is, until he saw you through the peep hole at his front door.

❥ You were half expecting him to not even be at home, you thought he’d drown himself in more work now that you weren’t a factor in his life.

❥ You were surprised by how quickly the door opened and how enthusiastic he seemed. You haven’t seen him like that in a long time and it somewhat weirded you out.

❥ “(Name), I just want to say I’m sorry for—“

❥ “Save it.” You said, “I’m just here to pick up whatever I left behind.”

❥ You watched first hand as the enthusiasm all faded from his face and all he seemed like was a hunk of flesh and bones. Albeit, a hot hunk of flesh and bones, but that’s besides the point.

❥ You walk in and he shuts the door behind you. You walk to where the rest of your things resided and ignore the way Armando followed you around like a lost dog.

❥ “If you’re going to follow me around like that the least you could do it help me load this stuff into my car…”

❥ He nodded and immediately got to work, and you internally face palmed.

❥ This was the man that you fell in love with, not the workaholic asshole that you’ve been dealing with for months on end.

❥ “I am sorry, y’know. About what I said that night… And everything that came before it.”

❥ This caught you off guard, because you’ve only heard Armando apologize a few times, and you don’t think you’ve ever heard an apology by his so genuine.

❥ “I said some things that night too, don’t feel too bad.” You say, acting nonchalant but your mind was racing a thousand miles per second.

❥ “I didn’t even realize how much I worked affected you… Though I guess that’s part of the problem too, right?”

❥ You looked away slightly and nodded, glad he was acknowledging his actions.

❥ “(Name), I miss you. So damn much.”

❥ This caught you entirely off guard but you didn’t reply.

❥ “This house is so empty without you in it. I haven’t even been able to bring myself to work knowing how bad I fucked us up.”

❥ “I can’t forgive you so easily… This was a problem for months along with other things, how am I supposed to be assured that it won’t happen again?”

❥ “I’ll prove it to you.”

❥ He’d royally fucked up your relationship, yet for some reason, he couldn’t seem to find any anxiousness about the process of getting you back… He still loved you, and he trusted that love to guide him into winning your heart back. (He also knew you still loved him, so it definitely wouldn’t take that long… 💀)

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[nom-nommmm1]

sorry! I have a suggestion: dead and y/n meet through friends and start liking each other without the other knowing and he offers to watch a horror movie with her one night (because she doesn't want to watch alone) and he's super shy and keeps a distance between them but she asks him to be there so she doesn't get scared. at one particularly scary scene she hides her face in his neck and he freaks out, and they kind of look at each other and finally kiss. then they have sex and he's very shy about it but she helps me feel better and it's amazing for both of them

THE MOVIE - PELLE/DEAD

Masterlist for more + taglist !!

A/n: Hey anon! Thank you for the idea I hope you enjoy! :) For context y/n is not a virgin but Pelle is

Content warning !!: shy!pelle x fem!reader, p in v, unprotected sex, dick riding, hickeys

As the wind flew past the window of the school building she shivered a bit. The science teacher always left the window open no matter the weather. Somehow a kid always managed to spill a chemical in his class that would be too toxic just to breathe in so he ended up just keeping his windows open all the time. “Alright kids, off to lunch” he says. All the kids walk their way to the cafeteria tiredly. It was a Friday and Halloween eve. No one wanted to do work, just make it through the day so they could go home.

I grab my lunch tray and make my way to my usual table to see Pelle Ohlin. We had only exchanged a few words, he was a friend of a friend, but for some reason I thought he secretly didn’t like me. Always staying a good distance away from me, giving me weird looks. You know what I mean. I sit down to see Pelle now talking to Euronymous, my friend and his band member. It goes quiet. Euronymous briefly pats Pelle on the shoulder and whispers something in his ear. What were they up to?

I see Pelle glancing at me in my preifereal view and try to ignore it. “H- hey y/n” Pelle says a pinkish tone now coming to his face. “Hi Pelle, what’s up?” I ask turning my body to face him. “O-oh uhm I was wondering what you were doing and all, since it’s like the day before Halloween” he blush deepens and he puts his hands on his face to try and hide it better. “Nothing much, I was going to watch a horror movie with my friends but they dipped and I’m not trying to watch that alone” I chuckle a bit embarrassed. ”Oh I mean I could watch it with you? I have nothing to do either..” he drags on awkwardly.

“You’d do that?” I look back at the ground, then at him. “Uhm- yeah if you want me to” he says his voice muffled by the sleeves of his shirt, he’s now resting on his arms. “Alright, I guess I’ll see you there?” I say getting up to throw my tray away, walking out of the lunch room. “Totally..” he mutters as I’m already gone, his blush now bright red. Euronymous chuckles, hearing the whole conversation, hitting Pelles shoulder playfully.

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

A knock on my door startles me. I quickly open the door to see Pelle in a little more of a classy outfit then the one he wore to school. “Dude we’re watching a movie, why’re you dressed up?” I laugh pointing at his dress shirt and pants. “Oh uhm…I don’t know, I just thought I should dress up” I chuckle again. “You do you I guess” Pelle looks down at the ground, embarrassed. “Hey I didn’t mean it, I’m messing. Cmon in” I smile welcoming him in. He smiles back and looks around the living room. “Nice place you got” he says in a bit of awe. “Thanks, my parents are stuck at work for the holidays so I get the house as I please” he nods his head in acknowledgment, roaming a bit around the room.

“Hey, you wanna get the movie set up and I’ll get the snacks?” I ask glaring at him. He nods in response, choosing a movie as I am in the kitchen picking out snacks. “You don’t have any allergies do you?!” I shout from the kitchen, trying to shout over the popcorn popping. “Nope! Not any that I know of!” He yells back, chuckling after. The microwave goes off, I take the popcorn out and put it into a nice bowl. I come back with a few snacks and popcorn, grabbing two waters as well. “Can you get the blankets?” Pelle nods again, running over to my fabric closet and pulling out two soft blankets.

He hands me the softer one and takes the other. He sits down, us at a respectably distance from each other, the middle of the couch empty with space. I click start in the movie and get comfortable to watch. As the movie goes on there’s a few jumps here and there. But the tension in my body builds as the scene goes on. The now quiet moment after the woman has lost the killer.

The killer jumps out, the woman screams. I jump, practically jumping on Pelle. Hiding my face in his neck. Pelle pulls me away, looking at me dumbfounded. I blush embarrassedly as he looks at me. “Oh my god I’m so sorry-“ I say but I’m cut off by Pelles lips. My eyes widen in shock. I quickly get comfortable in the kiss, closing my eyes and wrapping my arms around his neck.

After a few minutes I pull away for air. We look at each other panting, beads of sweat start to form on Pelles forehead. “Do you wanna…go all the way?” He asks cautiously. His eyes dilate just from thinking about him being intimate with me. I smile nervously. “If you want to” and that’s all I have to say before he tackles me in a kiss again.

His face flushing pink, he’s belly flips just looking at you..but him doing this to you..how’s he supposed to handle all of this? I smile coming in closer to him, pinning him to the couch. I pull away for a second “you don’t have to do this if you don’t want to” I say to him but he just shakes his head. “No no I wanna make you feel good” he says grabbing my hips, pulling me in closer.

I jump as a scream from the TV goes. Pelle chuckles, rubbing the skin of my exposed hips. “Hey nothing can hurt you babydoll, it’s just you and me here. I will never let anyone or anything hurt you” he whispers pulling me onto his lap. I smile, blushing a bit.

Pelle smiles back and takes me into a kiss. The once innocent kiss starts to get dirty, and eventually turns into us making out. He holds onto me tighter pressing me against him. His tent in his pants pressing up against my stomach. His face goes red. I laugh into his mouth, making him chuckle back loosening his grip, becoming less nervous.

Pelle pulls away, looking up at me straight into my eyes. “Can I..uhm take these off?” he asks referring to clothes. “Why of course” I smirk slowly lifting up my shirt. As my shirt goes up halfway Pelle does the rest takes my shirt off and throws it on the coffee table. He quickly unclips my bra and stops for a moment, taking in my figure. He then latches onto one of my breasts, groping the other one with his hand while the other is still on my hip.

I gasp as his tongue laps around my nipple. I can feel the bruises start to form on me from his hard grip, but I don't care enough to tell him to stop. Pelle sucks on the sensitive bits of my chest, going up and down the surface making me moan out. He creates small markings, not super huge but big enough to be prominent on my skin. Pelle takes his time with me, coating my chest in his saliva.

He pulls away from my chest, a string of spit following his path. He smiles, his lips glistening from his own salvation. “You're so beautiful,” he says before pulling my pants down painfully slow. “Last chance to back out my love,” he says, his brown eyes reaching my soul. “I'm ready,” I say putting my hands on his soft face, my hands gliding over his defined jawline.

Pelle lowers my underwear. His breathing speeds up, so close to the thing he's wanted for years. To think that his dream of being with you was about to materialize is driving him insane. My underwear is now completely off. Pelle groans impatiently taking off his boxers. His member twitches. Pelle places his hands on my hips once again, hovering me over his lap angling me perfectly before pushing in.

Pelle throws his back on the couch as we groan in sync. This wasn't my first time but I've never had anything quite like Pelles, thick and with a good length. What was I thinking before him? He stays like this for a bit, getting used to the feeling. “You feel better than I thought you'd be” he grunts starting to slowly go in and out, making a rhythm that feels good for the both of us. He speeds up, using my waist for support, his hands digging into me.

I moan, the stinging pain of his nails soon turning into pleasure. He mumbles and rambles as he goes in and out of me at a steady pace. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this” he says, blush starting to creep up to his cheeks and ears. I try to respond but I only grunt, being too focused in this moment to talk. People rolls his hips into my pussy making me moan into the nook of his neck.

Pelle is starting to slow down from exhaustion, as it was his first time ever doing something like this, but he wanted to pleasure you. After a bit Pelles legs start to shake tiredly. I put my hands on his chest, pinning him to the couch stopping him from rolling his hips. “Let me help, ok? Just relax sweetheart” Pelle nods relaxing into the couch a bit as I start to move around him. Pelle puts his head in my neck, holding onto my waist again. I start to pick up the pace, grinding on him, our hips crashing into each other as I feel a burning sensation in my abdomen.

Pelle whimpers, starting to pick me up and slowly drop me on his cock. I moan fully taking him in as I slowly fall to his base. Pelle then starts to pick me up and put me down on his cock harder and faster. I soon get used to the rhythm, rocking on his cock at the same pace. “Fuck! Y/n” Pelle says in my neck, giving it a few bites before relentlessly fucking me up and down on his cock. Echos of the movie comes from the TV but I am now too occupied to care.

Pelle and I moan in sync once more, not being able to control the sounds between us any longer. The sound of skin slapping becomes louder and louder by the second as Pelle speeds up. Precum and my slick become the perfect lubricant, letting Pelle slide in and out of me effortlessly. I rock harder on Pelles cock, our hips crashing into one another as we both reach the edge together. Pelles hot cum goes deep inside me, sending shivers down my spine.

As we come down from our own climaxes Pelle slips in and out of me a few more times before completely stopping to catch his breath. “Could we stay like this for the rest of the night?” He asks referring to being inside me. I chuckle. “If you want to I guess” Pelle smiles, kissing my shoulder. “I’m so glad I decided to watch this movie with you” he says admiringly. “Me too” I smile pulling him in for a kiss.

The ending was a little rushed but I hope u dudes liked it !! Thank you again for all the requests, I appreciate them <3

Taglist:

╰┈➤@mxqlss @slavicb-tch3s @bkaulitzz

[ghostsstolemymoxie]

Do you have any nsfw/sfw hcs for Logan (James howlett)

I absolutely do! Though they're a little bit hodge-podge IMO I do have some HCs for him that I think align pretty well with comic and movie canon. HCs below are for Fem!Readers but I may potentially do one for Masc!Readers if I figure any new ones out.

SFW HCs first

↣ Logan absolutely goes insane when you play with his hair. Half because he gets annoyed when people mess up the style of it considering how it's a staple of his whole Wolverine-ness, but half because the sensation is comforting in a way he didn't expect. When he's drowsy and half-asleep or has woken up from a particularly bad nightmare, all you need to do is card your fingers through his hair, and as long as he's comfortable with you, he'll fall asleep right then and there.

↣ Logan isn't much of a cuddle bug, so he's not as likely to curl up and be the big spoon while you're sleeping. Mostly because he doesn't want to accidentally impale you if he wakes up from a nightmare and doesn't quite realise his surroundings. During the day though? The man will behave as if he is touch starved. Holding your hand or wrist to lead you somewhere, or an arm around your waist or his hand just tucked into your butt pocket whilst you're stood talking. Anything so that he can touch you and feel that you're there. On occasion, if you're particularly focused on something and he thinks he can get away with it, he'll just run his fingers up and down the curve of your spine, just to feel the warmth of you.

↣ This one is very X-men Evolutions coded but nobody touches the Harley. As far as he's concerned, touching the Harley means forfeiting the offending limb - especially if she gets scuffed, scratched, smeared or fingerprinted. The only exception is you, of course, since he trusts you to respect his belongings. He will still fuss over the bike though, and will offer a scowl and a grunt if you leave a fingerprint on her (though he'll forgive you as long as he gets to take a picture of you on the bike, just to keep in his wallet, of his two favourite ladies).

For the NSFW HCs

↣ Like most of Tumblr, I wholeheartedly believe that Logan eats for his pleasure. Logan's women don't go to bed dissatisfied, even if it means his jaw aches for the next three days. He's a firm believer in "Round one is for me, round two is for you" so even if he's quick off the mark first round (which he can't always help, depending on how you've been teasing him all day or just how much he's fucking missed you) you can bet that the second round will be all about you. If he's in a particularly evil mood, he'll make round two last for hours before even letting you finish, just long enough for him to have worked up an appetite of his own again and get stuck in for round three. For him, it's a revolutionary concept to be interested in the pleasure of his woman. After all, he was raised in the 1800s and grew up through the late 19th Century to the early 20th Century, where the pleasure of a lady wasn't always first and foremost. Despite appearances and how he may act sometimes, he does have a gentlemanly side to him, even if that side manifests in burying his tongue so deep in your cunt you can barely keep from screaming the walls down.

↣ Logan also absolutely gets off on taunting you about the difference in age between you both. Whether it's 2000s movie Logan who looks 30 or 2017 Logan who looks well into his 60s, both of them quite enjoy the knowledge that despite appearances, he's your goddamn elder, and you're going to respect him. That means obedience, teasing, and a lot of soft domming from 'your old man'. He'll call you 'kid' or 'bub' or 'young lady' when he's trying to reprimand you, and will revel in you calling him 'Daddy', 'Old man' or 'Sir', even if he feigns offence at first. He'll mock that "Kids like you don't fuck like we did in my day", "The only damn good thing about living this long is knowing how to make pretty young things like you squirm" or his favourite little quip "C'mon, I need a little more than an ankle flash these days, Princess" when you attempt to seduce him coyly, before finally offering a wolfish smile and a beckon with a crooked finger when you finally show him something that would be considered criminally lewd in his day.

So, yeah! Hopefully that was what you were looking for, and if you have any other questions or requests, please feel free to ask away (as long as you've read my pinned post <3 Divider credit @cafekitsune

[aihoshiino]

Rie Takahashi Interview (Oshi no Ko Anime Guidebook: First Report)

In the recently released First Report guidebook, a number of key staff members from the Oshi no Ko anime project were interviewed about their work on the show - so you can imagine my excitement when I saw that not only was Takahashi one of those interviewed, but that she had a lot to say about her performance as Ai and how she interpreted her character. I just had to translate it!

I will say up front that I have no intention of translating the other interviews in the book - this one took me long enough as it was and I fully admit it was pure blorbo bias that kept me going the whole time lol. Given that an English release of Glare x Sparkle is already in the works at YenPress, I imagine an English version of First Report might not be far behind so be sure to support it when it comes out. I'm just impatient lol.

As usual, this TL is a combo of my own comprehension, various online dictionaries such as Jisho.org, some MTL and me collapsing, weeping into smarter people's DMs to beg for their help. If you catch any mistakes, please let me know!

Anyway, enough rambling. Check out the interview behind the cut!

Please tell us about your favourite scene and line from episode 1.

Since Ai only appears in the first episode, I really wanted to make every moment count, so each and every one of her lines are special in their own way. It's hard to choose just one, but as a fan of the original work, the line "lies are an exceptional form of love" was one I was especially particular about. Since it's the line that truly encapsulates everything about Ai, I wanted to make sure that one stuck in people's minds.

You've said in the past you were an 'Oshi no Ko' fan even before being involved in the project.

While I was reading the original work, I actually admired Akane-chan the most. Obviously, I loved Ai as well, but being a voice actress myself, I was particularly interested in how a genius actress like Akane-chan prepared for her roles and what performances she'd go on to give. The chapters where she rises above all the online harassment especially left a huge impression on me. Anyone who's worked as a creative or even just in the public eye probably knows what a pulse-pounding experience it can be when you see slanderous comments about yourself - feeling like all of society has turned its back on you and you have nowhere to belong, and not being able to talk to your parents about it. It was depicted with such care and detail that I ached with her as I read it. But then, seeing her rise back up and declare "I don't want to quit like this" gave me a lot of strength. I wanted to become an actress like Akane-chan, who could come back to acting no matter what struggles I went through.

Since I loved Akane-chan so much, when I heard there were auditions for 'Oshi no Ko', I thought "I want to play her!". I even had the thought of 'Since the original work touches so deeply on what it means to be an actor, if they don't get a good actor for this, I might end up hating Oshi no Ko!' (laughs)

As a result, when I was cast as Ai, I knew I had to step up my game. I told myself, "If I'm going to play Ai, I need to give it my everything. Anything less won't do." I gave it my all with that in mind.

Did you audition for the role of Ai?

Yes, I did. But I couldn't get Akane-chan out of my mind, so I gave her a shot at the table audition. When I was preparing, I went over the manga at home and tried voicing each character and scene and there's a part in episode seven where Akane-chan mimicks Ai as she says "I sure am sleepy. We record way too early". When I tried that scene, I went "Hold on, maybe I really am the best fit for Ai?"

I guess my hunch was right because I didn't even make it through the first screening for Akane (laughs). Because of that experience, I'm deeply grateful to (Iwami) Manaka-chan for playing my beloved Akane-chan. I love both her work and her approach as an actress, so I'm thrilled to be working alongside her. I started off as a troublesome hardcore fan thinking "If they don't cast good actors for 'Oshi no Ko,' I might end up hating it!" but now I'm just like "thank you, voice actors!!" (laughs)

Were there any scenes you thought would be particularly difficult to perform based on the script or the original work?

So, I prepared for the role by going over volume 1 of the manga, the scenes where Akane-chan channels Ai and the short story, but there wasn't much more material at the time (laughs). So just preparing for the role was tough.  During recording, I sometimes checked in with (Akasaka) Aka-sensei about Ai. Now the story has progressed and Ai's character has become more defined, I secretly get a little nervous every time I read a new chapter. "I hope my performance in episode 1 wasn't off... I hope...!" (laughs) Obviously, Aka-sensei and the team were present during recordings, so my portrayal was probably fine but a revelation about her could still catch me out (laughs)

What sort of things did you hear from Akasaka-sensei?

There's a scene where Ai talks to her ex on a public payphone. I had to make sure there was the right amount of distance between them, and whether or not Ai still had any attachment to or fondness for him. I'm the sort of fan who enjoys analyzing the original work so I had mixed feelings about getting told the answer (laughs). But because I knew all the ins and outs of her backstory, I could contextualize her behaviour and the things she says and does.

Another scene was when Ai was scouted off the street and talked about her past, mentioning being abused by her mom. She wasn't saying it with the sense of "it hurts, I can't take it, I want to die" but instead she weaponizes it like "look at what I've been through, poor little me, right?". I tried to make my performance a balance of resilience with her vulnerability.

Also, I was directed to keep the monologue before Ai gets stabbed "emotionless", so I ended up giving a much more detached and matter of fact performance than I'd initially planned.

Were you mindful of the differences between Ai in her private life and Ai on stage when performing?

The tricky part of portraying Idol Ai is that if I make her too distinct, she'll stop being Ai. For example, if I play her as an innocent, optimistic idol, she'd be Ruby, not Ai. I focused less on "what to do as Ai" and more on "what not to do". In "Viewpoint B," Ai says, "The "idol" Ai is pretty much the complete opposite of who I really am, but she's the person I'd like to be." so that was the feeling I used as my reference when portraying Idol Ai. Incidentally, in my work as a performer, I purposely try to avoid drawing a line between my public and private self. So for Ai as well, the switches between the real Ai and the idol Ai feel surprisingly seamless to me. It's not that there are two distinct faces, but that Idol Ai exists inside the real Ai so it's more a question of which side of herself she shows at any given moment.

Ai’s fans in the original story only know the Idol Ai. What do you think draws them to her?

Like in the lyrics of YOASOBI's song "Idol," she's nonchalant, carefree, and easygoing. I could've portrayed Idol Ai as more cutesy, bubbly and flirtatious, but I felt that wouldn't have a convincing appeal to characters in the story like Gorou-sensei and the otaku who support her. I wanted to make sure it was believable that idol otakus in this world end up falling for her. I think it's her more laid back vibe, not the hyper energetic or "look at me!" type, that charms people.

So what would you say is the appeal to fans in the real world who know her full backstory?

Firstly, Ai-chan's overwhelming visual appeal. When you think of shocking pink and purple, you think of Ai! (Yokoyari) Mengo-sensei’s art is so powerful, and the glittering animation is also fantastic. I also find Ai's professionalism in her work really appealing. While she has the cuteness of an idol, she's not just cute—she works with an incredible level of dedication and professionalism. I admire and love her for everything, including her behind-the-scenes efforts. It's impressive, she’s really cool! 

I’ve ended up with a lot more respect for the word ‘idol’ as a result. In the past, when my voice acting involved singing, dancing, and participating in unit activities, being described as an "idol voice actress" didn't quite sit right with me. But now, I realize how honorable and responsible that title is. Idols work hard behind the scenes, constantly smiling while singing and dancing, and performing so brilliantly. If there are moments when I'm called by the same title as those incredible idols, I feel I need to make an effort to match their quality, or it would be disrespectful. It really motivates me to do my best.

There’s a line in Ai's monologue where she says "I wanted to love someone, I wanted someone to love." Why do you think Ai wanted to give love rather than receive it?

It could be that she's looking for somewhere to belong, hoping that "if I can love, I might be loved in return". Ai's history of abuse and mistreatment likely made the love she received feel very different from the love most people experience. I think it all stems from Ai thinking of herself as an abnormal person - she might have believed that to be loved, she needed to become someone who could genuinely love others. It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation with a lot of complex feelings. That’s just how I interpret it, though.

And in the end, she realizes her love for the twins is not a lie.

I think that Ai loved the twins all along, not just in that last moment. But the word “love” was like a curse for her, so she couldn't actually say it. That feeling only intensified after I watched the anime. There's an anime original bit where Ai kisses the twins on the foreheads and says, “I'm off,” when she leaves for work. That's the kind of thing you can only do with love - she was just too scared to actually put it into words. Though she was able to express her love fully in her final moments, it’s still sad it took such an extremely situation for her to be able to say it. If it’d never happened, or if she’d simply put the door chain on, she might never have said it. She might have always struggled to say those words. But it’s thanks to the twins she learned how to love. Even the love she has for her fans, that she derided as a lie, was always true. And when she told Ryosuke-kun, “I want to love you,” I think she was already loving him even then.

In the audio commentary included on the Blu-ray & DVD bonus disc, I was struck by the mention of Ai being so nervous before she says “I love you” to Ruby and Aqua, that she takes a deep breath. What sort of direction were you given for that line?

There wasn’t any direction, actually. During the recording, my focus was entirely on expressing Ai’s breathing after being stabbed, how much blood she was losing, and the urgency of conveying her final words. It was an intense experience. It’s a rare moment as a voice actor to feel like me and the character I'm playing have our hearts beating in sync, but this was one of those times. I think I was genuinely nervous myself as well. I could feel my heart pounding and my chest clenching like when you’re about to make a confession. That feeling still hasn’t left me.

Additionally, in the last monologue of episode 11, where Aqua reflects on Ai's words after she was stabbed, we couldn't use the original recording from the first episode. The recording from the first episode captured a raw and genuine emotion, as Ai was gasping for breath. So we re-recorded it with the intention that the more it resonated warmly within Aqua, the more unforgettable those words would become for him. I wanted to make sure that Ai’s final words would leave a lasting impact, something Aqua would revisit in his mind over and over again. Personally, I approached the recording with a deep sense of love, like passing the baton and saying, “Thank you, everyone, for your hard work in the first season.” There was a lot of warmth during that session, not just towards the twins, but towards the entire cast, staff, and the "Oshi no Ko" project itself.

What were your thoughts upon reading 45510?

I got to the end and I was like “Don’t delete the blog! I want to know more!” (laughs) The entire story felt like a box that really shouldn't be opened. Everything from the meaning behind the password numbers to the fact that Ai left behind a blog wanting to reconcile made it feel like Ai really, truly wanted to love the other girls in B-Komachi even when they were jealous of her.

In the anime, we only get a brief moment of interaction between Ai and the other members - that moment during dance practice, when one of them says, "You look kinda down, Ai-chan" and Ai replies with a smile, "That’s not it. I didn’t get to eat lunch!" So I was careful that Ai’s response didn't feel sour at all. If the sigh she let out before they spoke to her had even a hint of annoyance, it would’ve been a reason the other girls took offense with her. I felt like Ai’s invincibility should’ve been the main factor for their issues with her.

It’s just a brief interaction in the anime, but ‘45510’ really fleshed out that distance between Ai and the B-Komachi members. I based my understanding of these boundaries in her relationships on ‘45510’ and ‘Viewpoint B’ and I also read ‘Oshi no Ko: Spica, the First Star’ to get a fuller picture. The more I read, the more I understood - Kana Arima’s got the right idea!

YOASOBI’s song ‘IDOL’ closes out episode one.

The music itself was impactful, but the music video that was released after the first episode aired was something else altogether. We watched the first episode together with the cast, and then, after seeing the music video, I felt overcome by Ai’s presence all over again - I was left speechless by how powerful the experience was. "Oshi no Ko" really is an immersive experience. I mean, you willingly open YouTube and relive Ai's death yourself. Even after everything was conveyed in the main story, the music video introduced new layers of emotions and concepts. Seeing how YOASOBI's song "Idol," which was about Ai, resonated with so many people really made me realize all over again just how significant Ai's impact was!

And then you yourself sang IDOL at the Strawberry Productions☆Fan Thanksgiving Festival 2023 (FanFest).

For me, "Idol" is a challenging song to sing even at karaoke. So, when they asked me to sing it at the FanFest my initial reaction was, "Oh, that might be too much!" (laughs). It’s not a song that you can easily perform live (laughs). It's a song that only an incredible artist can pull off, so when I thought about singing it live on stage, I was like, "Really? Me?" But when I saw the setlist for the live part of the FanFest, I started feeling like, "Actually, I think I should give it a shot." As a performer, I had some reservations about whether I could deliver the quality it deserved, but the "Oshi no Ko" fan in me couldn't resist. I was like, "Everyone wants to see Ai's voice actress sing 'Idol'" (laughs). After a lot of back-and-forth, I decided to go for it. I understood how Kana Arima felt when she joined the new B-Komachi. The joy of being relied upon by the team and the desire to meet the expectations of the work won out in the end.

Between “Our Sign is B”, “HEART's♡KISS” and “STAR☆T☆RAIN”, which is your favourite B-Komachi song?

That’s a tough one since they’re all A-side quality! (laughs) It was like, "Wow, B-Komachi is seriously awesome!" You can really feel the passion from the music team, like they were determined to bring the world of "Oshi no Ko" to life through these songs. It was also surprising to see how the series expanded from the manga into this whole new realm of music.

Was there anything specific you focused on while recording the project’s songs?

I tried not to change my tone just because it was a song. My focus was on making sure that when people listened, they could immediately recognize it as Ai's voice. At first, it was really hard to come up with a solid idea of what "Ai singing” sounded like. Usually, she's a pretty laid back and carefree, but she can’t exactly sing like that during a live performance. Ai’s a pro when it comes to entertaining the audience and enjoying the moment with them so I was constantly trying to find the right balance between Ai’s characteristic nonchalance and the high energy of a live idol performance. The first recording I did was for "HEART's♡KISS," and honestly, I ended up putting too much force into the opening line, "I'll send you a cheer." Since the song's theme is about sending everyone good vibes, I got too intense with my delivery. I got an ‘OK’ on that take but when I listened back to it, I felt that it wasn’t quite right, so I asked to redo just that part. If people didn’t immediately sense Ai at the very start, I worried that they wouldn't feel her presence throughout the entire song.

If you were to send a message to Ai, what would you say?

There’s so much I’d love to say to her, it’s hard to pick just one thing. Still, I think Ai was really happy in her life because she got to say "I love you" in the end. Even though her life might seem tragic to others, the feeling that stuck with me from playing her was a sense of incredible contentment. So, I’d probably just want to have a casual chat with her and watch over everyone together. Oh, but I’d definitely tell her to keep that door chain locked!

[saintsenara]

Sirius/Ginny? I mean, canon setting is 🫣, but an AU where Sirius lives or time travel AU?

thank you very much for the ask, anon!

i've had to hear a huge amount about sinevra [a hot ship name if ever there was one] over the past year or so because @whinlatter is a paid-up believer in its viability. and i must say...

i'm convinced.

the first thing to get out of the way is that ginny's clearly got a wee crush on dear ol' padfoot. she spends several of the scenes which take place in the summer of order of the phoenix trying her best to get his attention - albeit in a way which prompts visceral flashbacks to being fifteen - by showering his bff [crookshanks] with affection and doing all she can to seem cool and fun.

but when this initial mortification is out of the way, there are hints of a broader platonic compatibility [at least from ginny's perspective, sirius is undoubtedly hard-pressed to remember her name during the canon timeline] that could very easily transition into something romantic if an author so desires - particularly in a scenario where they've both survived the war.

which we can see most clearly in the aftermath of arthur weasley being attacked by nagini:

"Your father knew what he was getting into, and he won't thank you for messing things up for the Order!" said Sirius angrily in his turn. "This is how it is - this is why you're not in the Order - you don't understand - there are things worth dying for!" "Easy for you to say, stuck here!" bellowed Fred. "I don't see you risking your neck!" The little colour remaining in Sirius's face drained from it. He looked for a moment as though he would quite like to hit Fred, but when he spoke, it was in a voice of determined calm. "I know it's hard, but we've all got to act as though we don't know anything yet. We've got to stay put, at least until we hear from your mother, all right?" Fred and George still looked mutinous. Ginny, however, took a few steps over to the nearest chair and sank into it.

ginny's acquiescence to sirius' point-of-view - even though she begins the scene taking the same line as fred and george - is really quite striking.

because - of course - it's due to her respecting his authority [noteworthy enough, since sirius' obvious depression during his confinement in grimmauld place reduces his authority status in harry and hermione's eyes].

but it's also due to the fact that she's one of the few child characters who ever really seems to get this idea of there being things worth - collectively - dying for.

harry - however terrified he is of voldemort and however dangerous he considers his mission against him to be - still fundamentally sees defeating the dark lord as something which is his responsibility and his responsibility alone. while he's upset to be excluded from the order in order of the phoenix, he stops caring about its work the moment he knows about the prophecy. he's shocked to learn that he must die in deathly hallows not just because this is shocking full-stop, but because he's never envisioned a scenario where he isn't the person delivering voldemort's death blow.

the divide between harry [and ron and hermione, to some extent] and the rest of the order when it comes to what the war is and what it means is a really interesting thread to unravel in all sorts of pairings [romantic or not]. and it's particularly interesting when thinking about his relationship - again, romantic or not - with both sirius and ginny.

it's striking in canon that the order never really seem to understand voldemort as anything other than a terrorist - which is to say, they never understand the more mystical aspects to the war and, especially, to his obsession with harry.

[many of the death eaters seem to be the same.]

this is the case for sirius. it always stands out to me how his only response to harry telling him about the vision he had of nagini attacking arthur is to ask whether he's told dumbledore - which directly contributes to harry's unwillingness to keep him informed about his occlumency lessons. he is similarly disinclined to tell harry anything about the prophecy - he may want harry to be told more about the order's operations than molly does, but harry doesn't learn anything which actually ends up being useful to his own battle against voldemort from him.

ginny, in contrast, is someone harry deliberately keeps at arm's length from the mystical aspects of his mission [even though, based on what she says to him at dumbledore's funeral, she's grasped these a lot quicker than sirius].

she is reduced to trying to do what the order does - running the hogwarts outpost of a conventional resistance movement while harry goes on his horcrux hunt [something harry never seriously considers to be worthwhile; he treats the story of her attempting to steal the sword of gryffindor as though it was all a laugh], while undoubtedly knowing that her contribution to the cause is minimal.

there are a lot of parallels there with sirius' experience in order of the phoenix. his depression is exacerbated by a feeling of uselessness - the only contribution to the order's work which he understands as worthwhile is an active one; he doesn't see the domestic aspects of the order's mission as valuable and he doesn't realise that harry needs his emotional support in grappling with the mystical side of his connection to voldemort.

i am really compelled by the idea of sirius and ginny bonding over this experience of being peripheral to what the war actually ended up being about, especially because each of them could offer the other the recognition that they did the best they could with the information they had [an act of forgiveness i think they'd be unable to offer themselves]. and i am compelled by the idea of this turning into something more.

i also think ginny would love a motorcycle.

[sitp-recs]

Between the Power Lines by @tackytigerfic (M, 3k)

For Harry Potter, all roads eventually lead to Draco Malfoy. Or: this is not an AU! It's just Harry and Draco meeting by chance in an imported food shop in Connecticut and going on a road trip together. Featuring motels, cacti, Americana, and a hefty dose of pining.

In New Orleans, they got drunk on Bourbon Street, and Malfoy danced on his own (arms bare, laughing; Harry could have watched him all night) and later on, so late it was almost morning, they let themselves into the St Louis Cemetery—Malfoy unpicking the lock so sweetly—and walked around until the sky was pink-edged with the promise of another day’s heat. Then they sat on the steps of a crypt, watched over by sightless eyes of the statue of an angel. She looked exhausted rather than sad, Harry thought, and that made a lot of sense when he thought about his own longstanding, dull-edged grief.

It’s been ages (or 2 years) since I last wrote a rec for Tacky (I usually write for other readers, except when I’m reccing friends - then I write for them) and their birthday was the perfect excuse to put my reccing muscles back to work. I almost bailed out because I know this is one of T’s own faves and “what if I don’t do it justice?” but that tired angel banner has been sitting in my drafts for 3 long years and it deserves a proper rec!

Where to even begin? Anyone who knows Tacky is aware of their superb prose - rich and nuanced, compassionate, effortlessly funny, with a strong sense of place and a soft spot for suds scenes and filthy m-rated sex I mean devastating romance. Their writing breathes heart and personality, very much like Tacky themself. So knowing that this fic came out exactly as they intended it to should be enough to make you go read this right now, but in case you need further incentive, see below all the reasons why this oneshot is so special to me:

1. The *vibes*: if you thought that 3k is nowhere near enough to build the sexiest, most intriguing Americana atmosphere you’ve seen, think again. The aesthetics are impeccable here, decorating the beautiful and strange landscape - cacti and cheap motels included - into something peaceful and desolate, an overarching melancholy making it even more compelling. The dialogue is brilliant but the silences are just as loud and meaningful, with a quiet intimacy and a dreamlike quality that make you feel as if you're intruding a memory.

2. The romance: at this point everyone and their dog know that pining!Harry is Tacky's jam - they luxuriate in making us all suffer with him until the realization that Draco has been loving him back all along slaps us in the face. Harry is so stupid and desperate and wanton, I love it. And the way Tacky reinvents this delicious trope to make it work in new angsty ways blows my mind. Imo the slow burn is particularly effective here, a feat in any 3k story, because the narrative gives us so much character insight. We learn all the little things that make these two lonely boys tick as we watch their ever-changing perception of each other evolve from a tentative truce to reluctant confidants to a comfortable, easy love that comes naturally and earned. We often get those bits of information from imagery and emotions alone, no dialogue needed, and a road trip is the best way to explore those dynamics in a smooth, unhurried pace.

3. The journey: this is truly an immersive journey, not only physical as we keep jumping from one destination to the next, but also emotional, as we learn more about their vulnerabilities and desires the more they gravitate towards each other. This story shows that being far away from home can be both freeing and grounding, when you’re stuck with your hot enemy someone who knows about your darkest hour. It gives you the chance to heal and visualize a different future without forgetting your past or letting go of that which has shaped who you are. I love their chance encounter and how this poignant 30k love story is told in such impressive economy of words.

TL;DR: if you’re a short form fan and prone to melancholy like me believe me when I say it doesn’t get any better than this. The whole road trip shebang mixing grief, romance and nostalgia wrapped in Tacky’s lush writing is a gift to any reader and an elegant work of art. Enjoy!!!

[demonslayedher]

Things that ran through my mind while watching this episode: --Ufotable says "jump" and FujiTV says "how high?" Likewise, they say "we want more run time" and FujiTV says "take it, it's yours." It seems odd that an episode in which the battle is already over would require extra run time, but I think a lot of the magic in of the KnY anime adaptation (particularly since Mugen Ressha) is that Ufotable lets the emotional scenes really open up and take the space they need to, uh... breathe.

--That means giving the voice actors lots of space on the emotional scenes to build up realistic crying and give pauses. Daki's crying always hits me hardest, but Gyutaro's narration and the way he talks to the samurai he kills, also excellent. And then you have Inosuke at the very end of the episode being Not Okay. --Suma, you are a treasure

--Backing up a bit, I love how Ufotable also reads being the panels. Like that "you saved me, Nezuko?" sure as help can mean "you eliminated the last of an Upper Moon's attack with her fire?" why not. And it is such Kimetsu Logic to not tell us Nezuko can eliminate demon poison until after she's saved the night, but it also makes perfect sense.

--After all the sting of losing Rengoku, losing Uzui was dangled in front of us, and the fact that we get to keep him makes this victory over an Upper Moon all the more victorious and sweet. Oyakata-sama's moment of feel on emotion at the end of the episode, a very different state than we've ever seen him, really shows how momentous this is too.

--But also, if he had died there, it truly would have been one of the most horrific deaths of the series, because he'd have done so with the very flamboyant knowledge of having missed his chance to say any last words because his wives were being so themselves. And he is just there just feeling numbness take over his tongue, knowing he lost his chance. I love that look on his face as it hits him that this is really how he's stuck going, and the rocks hitting is still peak comedy.

--I mentioned in the last episode just how fast this whole battle was, and I think this provides very interesting insight about Iguro in a couple ways. First, there is the possibility that a crow went seeking Iguro's help the moment it say a Corp member fighting an Upper Moon (Tanjiro fighting Daki, who could still be mistaken for an Upper Moon at the time), but the crow still needed time to get to wherever Iguro was. Iguro probably started running as soon as he heard, but the battle really was over too fast for him to help. The other possibility is that as soon as Uzui told Tanjiro and Inosuke to leave, he reached out to Iguro for help, which would imply both A) humility and B) perhaps aside from proximity, he chose Iguro as the best choice of a Pillar to help him with this mission, whether based on the merits of Snake Breath or his trust in Iguro. Either way, Iguro already knew Tanjiro was involved--perhaps Uzui mentioned it (in which case, Iguro would had thought Tanjiro left as ordered), or the crow specifically told him, "Kamado Tanjiro is going head to head against an Upper Moon," in which case he of course assumed Tanjiro was already dead.

--This is actually a great moment of characterization for Iguro, who sees no personal value in living except to fight demons, as he does not seem himself deserving of love. That gives him no way to understand how Uzui would dare to prioritize a loving married life.

--Of course, the course of this episode is the Shabana sibling back story, and I think it's one of the demon backstories with layers of irony most seamlessly worked into the events of the plot. Besides the Kamado sibling foil, you've got Gyutaro calling Tanjiro names, Daki telling Zenitsu that only the beautiful have power, Daki getting set on fire by Nezuko, Daki offering to pluck out and eat Tanjiro's left eye and having Gyutaro's left eye on her forehead, snow on the night they became demons and snow on the night of the promise they are strongest together, memories of snow while facing the fires of hell, choosing the darkness over the light, Gyutaro starting with a horrid existence by finding Ume's birth changed all that and his outlook totally improved, and just when he thinks things are going to really get better they get horrifically worse, and he changes his tune to saying that never had anything good in the first place and no matter how many times he's reborn he'll always rue those who had things good for them. Ume was the good change in his fortune. That makes it hurt all the more when he yells at her that his life would had been easier without her, and that this rejection continues into the afterlife when he tries to cut ties for her own sake.

[ki11cupib0]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 [part 3]

𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝘅 𝗳𝗲𝗺!𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿

𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲!𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝘂𝗳𝗳

~part 1~ ~part 2~

3140 wrds

｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆ ｡･:*:･ﾟ★, ｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

As Kyle pulled up to the dorm, Brit turned around from the passenger seat, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “You owe me all the details later!” she said with a teasing grin.

You laughed, feeling a mix of excitement and exhaustion. “Definitely. I’ll fill you in tomorrow. Thanks for the ride back, you two,” you said, offering a grateful smile.

Kyle gave you a friendly nod. “Of course. Have a good night.”

You grabbed your things from the back seat and made your way to your dorm. The quiet walk gave you time to reflect on the night, particularly Eddie’s lingering gaze and warm smile. A small nagging worry crept in—what if he was just being friendly? But the hope of something more quickly soothed that fear.

Opening your dorm room door, you felt an overwhelming urge to crash into bed. You lazily washed your face and changed into your comfortable pajamas, letting the day’s excitement settle into a peaceful tiredness.

In the afternoon, you wake up to the buzz of your phone beneath you. Mindlessly, you reached for it, wondering who might have texted you and opened the message.

freakydndm0nster: Hope you got home safe!! When you free for the movie night?

Fuck, I didn’t mean to open it.

You: i did, i hope you did too and im honestly free whenever :D

He’s already typing back, AHdh.

freakydndm0nster: Okok freakydndm0nster: Would tonight be okay? I know it’s soon but I have band practice tomorrow night. Unless you’d like to join and we can watch a movie afterwards?

You: either works! It would be nice to see you practice tho :0

freakydndm0nster: Tomorrow night it is then :))

You couldn’t help but grin, staring at the ceiling as you imagined the evening ahead. You’d get to see Eddie in action, which was something you’d been curious about since he first mentioned his band. And the movie night was just an added bonus. The mix of excitement and nerves fluttered in your stomach.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of anticipation. You caught Brit up to speed and she shared her excitement, you both agreed to meet up tomorrow. After chatting you tried to get some work done but, your mind kept drifting back to Eddie. What would his band’s practice be like? What would they sound like? And, of course, what would it be like to watch a movie with him afterward?

When evening finally rolled around, you found yourself digging through your closet for the perfect outfit. It wasn’t a date just a hangout, but you still wanted to look nice. After several outfit changes, you settled on a casual yet cute look that you hoped struck the right balance between “I’m chill” and “I put in some effort.” Again, not a date.

As you made your way to the band’s practice space, which was located in a building on the edge of campus, you couldn’t help but feel a little jittery. When you arrived, you took a deep breath before heading inside. The building had an old, worn-out charm to it, with posters and flyers about local bands plastered on the walls.

You found Eddie waiting for you in the lobby, his face lighting up when he saw you. “Hey! Glad you could make it,” he said, his warm smile making your heart skip a beat. So hot.

“Hey! Thanks for inviting me,” you replied, trying to sound casual. “I’m so excited.”

“Hell yeah, I’m glad”. He led you through a narrow hallway to a door marked “Practice Room 3.” Next to it was a paper stuck to the door saying ‘Corroded Coffin in session’. As he opened it, you were hit with a burst of sound—drums, guitars, and a bass creating a lively, energetic atmosphere. The band was already in the middle of a song, and you couldn’t help but be impressed by their talent.

Eddie gestured to a couple of folding chairs set up along one side of the room. “Make yourself comfortable. These are the guys I’m always telling you about. This is Jake, our guitarist; Sarah, our drummer; and Max, who plays bass. Everyone say hi!” He shouted a bit over the noise as some paused and greeted while others gave a nod.

You took a seat and watched, captivated, as Eddie’s band began to play. The music was fantastic—lively and full of energy, and Eddie was clearly in his element. The way he played with such passion made you admire him even more. I always wanted to see his band, to see him play but didn’t want to bother him. God, this is amazing.

After their set, Eddie came over to you, sweaty but smiling broadly. “So, what did you think?”

“It was awesome!” you exclaimed. “You guys are really good.”

“Thanks! That means a lot,” Eddie said, looking at you with such softness it makes your heart melt.

The band members joined the conversation, and you talked to them about their music and upcoming gigs. They were all friendly and you could tell why Eddie enjoyed being part of their group.

As you and Eddie finished loading the last of the equipment into his van, you both became more comfortable and the energy was evident. The heavy lifting was done, and Eddie turned to you with a grin. “I told you, you don’t have to carry anything heavy. I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.”

“Oh, please,” you said with a playful eye-roll. “I’m more than capable of handling a couple of amp cases. But I appreciate the chivalry.”

Eddie chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on a chance to admire my biceps. They’re a crucial part of the show.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “I’ll take your word for it. Though I have to say, the band’s performance was impressive enough to make up for it.”

He looked genuinely pleased. “Why, thank you! We work hard, so it’s nice to hear that. By the way, if you ever want to join us for practice or a gig, you’re always welcome. It’s cool to have someone there who’s genuinely interested.” Fuck yes!! Can’t wait to see more bicep action.

“I’d love that,” you replied. “It’s been really fun getting to see you in action. And hey, maybe one day I’ll even get to hear some behind-the-scenes band drama.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow with mock seriousness. “Oh, you’re in for it then. We have plenty of drama. You just have to promise not to tell anyone about Jake’s obsession with perfecting his guitar solos.”

“I’ll keep the secrets,” you promised with a grin. “On one condition—you have to let me bring popcorn to the next practice.”

“Deal,” Eddie said, extending a hand to shake on it. “You drive a hard bargain, but it’s worth it.”

After securing everything in the van, Eddie suggested grabbing late-night dinner. “There’s a great 24-hour diner not far from here. How about we head there for some food and then watch that movie?”

You agreed, and the two of you made your way to the diner. The neon lights of the place created a warm, nostalgic glow as you walked in. It was cozy and filled with a mix of students and locals, creating a relaxed atmosphere.

As you both settled into a booth, Eddie immediately started teasing you about your movie choices. “So, what’s your go-to movie snack? I’m guessing you’re a popcorn fanatic.”

“Oh, absolutely,” you said with a mock-serious expression. “But I’m not picky. I also appreciate a good nacho or candy combo. I’m a firm believer that variety is key although nothing beats the buttery goodness of popcorn.”

Eddie raised an eyebrow. “A connoisseur of movie snacks, then. Impressive. I might have to up my game if I want to keep up with your standards.” You both smile at each other.

Eddie’s grin widened as he leaned back in his seat, clearly enjoying the playful banter. “You know, I’m really glad to see you letting loose like this,” he said, his tone sincere and warm. “I always felt like there was more to you than what you let on, and it’s awesome to see this side of you.”

You glanced at him, feeling a rush of warmth from his words. “I appreciate that. I’ve always been a bit shy about showing this side of myself. But I have to admit, it’s easier when I’m around people I feel comfortable with.”

Eddie nodded, his eyes softening. “I get that. And I’m really glad you’re feeling comfortable. You’ve got this cool energy about you, and it’s great to see it come out. I’ve always thought you were interesting, but it’s nice to see you in a more relaxed setting.”

You blushed slightly, feeling a bit self-conscious but pleased by his compliment. “Well, I guess you’ve got a knack for making people feel at ease. It’s been really nice hanging out with you, both last night and tonight. I know we only hang out with the group but still. It is nice.” It's nice to finally have some one on one.

Eddie’s expression turned thoughtful as he took a sip of his soda. “I agree… you know, sometimes it’s hard to tell what people are really like beneath the surface. I mean, I knew you were cool, but seeing you interact and be yourself is refreshing. It’s like getting to know a whole new side of you.”

You chuckled, feeling a mix of gratitude and amusement. “I guess I’ve always been more comfortable in the background. It’s easier to observe than to be the center of attention.”

“That makes sense,” Eddie said, his gaze fixed on you with genuine interest. “But I’m really glad you’re coming out of your shell.”

The waitress arrived with your orders, breaking the momentary silence between you. As you both dug into your late-night dinner, the conversation shifted to lighter topics, but the underlying connection remained. You couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of excitement.

“So,” Eddie said after a few moments, his eyes twinkling with mischief, “what’s the movie you’re going to suggest for our movie night? I need to prepare myself for the cinematic brilliance.”

You laughed, enjoying the playful challenge. “Oh, I’ve got a few ideas up my sleeve. But I’m open to suggestions too. What kind of genres do you like?”

Eddie’s eyes lit up as he leaned forward, clearly animated by the topic. “I’m a fan of pretty much anything with a good story. Horror, comedy, drama—I’m all in.”

“Well, then,” you said, raising an eyebrow, “I think we might have to do a movie marathon next time. I have a few obscure gems I think you’d really enjoy.”

Eddie grinned, clearly excited by the idea. “I’m in. And hey, maybe we can turn this into a regular thing. You know, a movie night tradition?”

“I’d like that,” you said, feeling a sense of anticipation for future plans. “It sounds like a lot of fun.”

As you both finished your meal and paid the check, Eddie’s smile remained bright, and his easygoing demeanor made the evening feel relaxed and enjoyable. The conversation continued to flow effortlessly, and you found yourself feeling more and more at ease with each passing minute.

When you finally walked out of the diner and back to Eddie’s van, the night air was cool and refreshing. Eddie opened the door for you, and you both climbed in.

“How about we watch Heavy Metal?” Eddie said as he started the engine. “1981, sci-fi?”

"I believe I’ve heard of it but haven’t seen it yet."

Eddie flashed a grin. "Fuck yeah. It’s got a mix of sci-fi, animation, and some pretty wild storytelling. I thought it’d be a fun pick for our movie night."

As Eddie drove, his music played and you both sat in comfortable silence as you tapped to the music. All your small fantasies and wishes about him were coming true, and you were excited for the future.

When you arrived at Eddie’s place, he quickly set up his living room for the movie. The space was cozy, with dim lighting and a well-worn couch that looked perfect for a relaxed movie night. Eddie grabbed some blankets and a couple of pillows, making the setting even more inviting. He waved you to it.

“Make yourself comfortable,” Eddie said, placing a blanket on you as he prepared the DVD. “I’ll grab us some more snacks. You want anything specific?”

You thought for a moment. “Maybe just some more popcorn if you have it? I think I’ve already had my fill of real food.”

Eddie laughed. “Got it. I’ll be right back.”

As he went to the kitchen, you settled into the couch, enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The anticipation of watching the movie with Eddie made you feel even more comfortable. When he returned with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn and a few drinks, he flopped down next to you, his relaxed demeanor making it easy to feel at ease. “I made sure to make it buttery like you mentioned”

“It’s so lovely of you to remember,” you said a bit sarcastically. Eddie chuckled as he nudged you playfully. “Of course! I aim to please. Now, let’s get this show on the road.” He handed you the bowl of popcorn, the buttery smell wafting up and making your mouth water.

You snuggled into the couch as Eddie hit play on the movie. The dim light of the TV flickered across the room, casting a soft glow that made the space feel even cozier. Eddie settled next to you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of his body and the occasional brush of his arm against yours.

The movie started, and Eddie’s enthusiasm for it was palpable. “I’m so excited for you to see this,” he said, his eyes bright with anticipation. “It’s got some unique animation and an awesome soundtrack.”

You grinned, leaning back and trying to relax in the comfortable setting. “I’m excited too. I love discovering new films, especially ones with a bit of a cult following.”

You both got lost in its vibrant, animated world. Eddie occasionally glances over at you, catching your reactions and commenting on scenes, his enthusiasm adding to the fun of watching the film. You found yourself laughing and enjoying the movie more than you expected, and Eddie’s presence made the experience even better.

At one point, Eddie turned to you with a mischievous grin. “So, how are we doing so far? Any thoughts on the movie?”

You laughed. “It’s amazing! I can see why it’s considered a classic. The animation is quite unique, and the story is wild in the best way possible. Plus, your company makes it more enjoyable.”

Eddie’s smile widened. “Glad you’re enjoying it. And hey, if you ever want to discuss the deeper meanings of animated sci-fi or anything else, I’m your guy.”

You both laughed, the conversation flowing easily between movie commentary and personal anecdotes. It felt natural and effortless like you’d known each other for much longer than you actually had.

As the credits rolled and the movie came to an end, you both sat back, feeling a satisfied sense of closure to the night. Eddie looked over at you, his expression warm and relaxed. “So, what did you think of our movie night? Successful, I hope?”

“Absolutely successful,” you said with a smile. “It’s been great, don’t want it to end yet but I do have classes tomorrow.”

Eddie’s smile softened as he looked at you. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had a great time too. Let’s get to the van, sweetheart.”

You nodded, feeling a mix of contentment and a little sadness that the night was coming to an end. “That sounds perfect. Thanks, Ed.” I can’t even react properly, I’m too tired. But he said, sweetheart!!!

As you both began to gather your things and prepare to head out, you couldn’t help but notice how he treats you with such kindness. Despite being in the same friend group you both never talked outside of it, stayed in your bubbles. It warms your heart to know that you two are growing closer and more comfortable.

The drive back to your dorm was relaxing. The hum of the engine and the soft glow of the streetlights outside created a peaceful ambiance. Eddie kept the conversation light, sharing funny stories about the band and making you laugh.

As you approached your dorm, you felt a twinge of reluctance to say goodbye. Eddie parked the van and turned to you, his expression a mix of warmth and something that felt almost like hesitation.

“Well, here we are,” he said, his voice gentle. “Is it okay if I walk you to your dorm? Or at least to the entrance?”

You smiled at his offer, feeling a warm flutter in your chest. “I’d like that,” you said softly. “Thanks, Eddie.”

He nodded, giving you a reassuring smile as you both got out of the van and started walking toward your dorm. The night air was crisp, and the quiet campus was calming. Eddie walked beside you, his presence comforting and easygoing.

As you reached the entrance to your dorm, the reality of the night coming to an end started to sink in. You turned to Eddie, feeling a mix of gratitude and a hint of sadness that the evening was over. “I had a great time tonight,” you said sincerely. “Thanks for inviting me and for making it so fun.”

Eddie’s eyes softened as he looked at you. “I’m glad you did. I had a great time too.”

Eddie’s eyes lingered on you for a moment, and then he added, “Before you go, I just wanted to say that it’s been nice getting to know you better. You’ve got great energy about you, and I’m glad we got to spend some time together. I’ll be looking forward to our next movie night, and maybe I’ll even try to keep up with your snack standards”

You laughed lightly, your heart fluttered at his words, “I’ll hold you to that, and thank you, Ed. I feel the same way.”

There was a brief, comfortable silence as you both took in the moment. Eddie finally broke it with a playful grin. “I guess I should let you get some rest before your classes tomorrow. I’ll text you about our next movie night but remember, if you ever need someone to hang out with, I’m your guy.” He is too cute. I want to hug him but I think we are both playing it safe.

You laughed softly. “Got it. And the same goes for you.”

Eddie’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Deal. Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Goodnight,” you replied, feeling a little giddy as you entered your dorm.

[yoitsjay]

Voices

Pairings : Hunter x Gn!reader

Summary: your angelic voice brings you lots of credits, you and sid both have a mutual agreement on that. One day a new group of men, clones walks into cids parlor. And one takes an immediate fascination to you

Warnings: some teasing, your basically a god/goddess (not really u just sound like it), Hunter likey

Word count: 1,380

You had been working with Cid for years, during the clone wars from a teenager to now in the present time, you were singing while she had her meetings with the Jedi, and you made good money for her and yourself. At first her proposal wasn't very good, not for you anyway, but after a few shows and seeing just how many credits you wracked in for her you managed to convince her to make the cut even, 50:50. Business at Cids parlor boomed for years because of you, and it was a good time too, Cid fed you, and let you have your own room in the Parlor, all thanks to your voice, the one thing that could sway people not only to dance, but to hang onto every word you said and listen with such intent. You were a good strategist too, especially when it came to betting games like Dejarik or even sabaak, more things that earned you and Cid money.

Today was like any other day, however you had just bought a new outfit and were in the midst of putting it on for your next performance, humming to yourself only to get interupted by a knock on your bedroom door. “yeah Cid?” you called out, already familiar with the way she knocked. Cid opened the door and offered you a very slight smile, unnoticeable to anyone else, but you've known her for so long that you know what she tells, and when she's in a particularly good mood. “We have a full house tonight, especially since you announced some new songs, but there's a particular group that just walked in asking for me, go see what they want, and if you like their vibe bring em to my office.” She requested, and you nodded as she left.

You quickly finished your routine, putting your hair up before you walked out to the main room of the parlor, you scanned around, seeing people playing games, drinking and dancing to the pre show music, but you quickly noticed the new group, boy they stuck out like a sore thumb, not just because of their armor, but because of the child that they had with them.

You let out a soft huff before making your approach, getting stopped by some fans of yours with markers held out, and you quickly signed whatever you needed to sign before finally reaching the group, their attention already focused on you, one of them however seemed to be more curious about you than the rest, this must have been the reader. “I hear you're looking for Cid?” You questioned, having to speak up over this crowd just so this group could hear you. who you assumed was the leader stood up and turned to you fully, nodding his head. You noticed he had a tattoo that covered half of his face, the details resembling a skull, which you found interesting, and yet attractive all the same.

“yea, that you?” He asked, and you giggled, raising an eyebrow. “Maybe, what do you want with her?” You questioned them, the glint of the leader's vibroblade catching your eye. “You won't get nothing if you flash those weapons around, not in this full house.” You added, crossing your arms over your chest. The leader cleared his throat, and raised his hands just slightly, which put you at ease for now. He then spoke up, glancing back at his group. “We heard that Cid was an informant for the Jedi, and were hoping we could talk with her.” He explained, and you looked him up and down before studying the rest of the group. You sighed, but nodded and gestured with your hand for them to follow. And they did without a second thought as you led them to the back part of the parlor, opening Cid's office as you stepped to the side, gesturing for them to walk in. “Good luck, and after you're done, maybe stick around for my performance, I could always use some new ears.” You said before walking to the stage back in the main room.

Cheers then flooded Hunter's ears and he winced slightly at the sudden anterage of voices, but once the door shut behind him and his brothers- and Omega- he relaxed a bit, turning to look at the green Trandotian who had now spun to face them.

Meanwhile, you started up with a few of your most popular songs, credits already being thrown on stage, soon Hunter and the rest of his family walked out with Cid not far behind, all having already decided that they were hired, and really they didn't have a choice. But the minute his senses and thoughts calmed, your voice was the only one that flooded his ears, he looked over at you, seeing you on your knees on the stage with the microphone clasped in one hand, while the other was extended in front of you, with many patrons hands reaching out for you. Whatever you were singing hadn’t even registered in his head, only that your voice just calmed every feeling in his body, his eyes wide and his lips slightly gaped. Just then he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned quickly, calming again when he noticed Echo standing by his side. “You okay Hunter? you kinda froze for a second.” He said, glancing up at the stage towards you.

Hunter cleared his throat and nodded but as his brothers and omega turned to grab a booth, however Hunter paused and he turned to look at you again, and this time you locked eyes while you sang a pretty inappropriate line from one of your songsm running your free hand down your body as you sent him a wink before turning away. After an hour or so you said your goodbyes and left the stage, disappearing in the back as you headed towards your bedroom, once in the peaceful atmosphere of your little space you undressed, and changed into something more casual and definitely more comfortable, sliding your own little viroblade into its holster secured on your thigh, just a precaution. You let your hair down and gave yourself a minute to decompress, sitting on your bed staring at the ceiling when you heard a knock on your door, and this one wasn't from Cid.

You slowly moved towards the door, opening it just a crack to see who was standing there, and low and behold it was the man from earlier, with the half skull tattoo. “hello” You greeted softly, opening the door fully as you smiled up at him. “I hear you're officially working for Cid, congrats.” You spoke playfully, noticing that his eyes flicked up and down a couple times, which made you smirk. “Yeah..” He muttered for a moment before his eyes snapped to yours, he was a lot taller than you were, basically a foot taller, but you always did love your men tall, you cleared your throat and it seemed to snap him from his little trans as he stood up a little straighter. “I wanted to introduce myself, Im Hunter.” He explained, sticking his hand out for you, you grinned, and took his arm in a firm handshake. “I know” You stated, Cid having already told you after your performance. “It's a good name, strong… hot.” You teased, letting your touch linger for a tad longer than it should have before letting his arm go.

You told him your name, watching something flash in his eyes before seeing his slight smile. “That's a beautiful name, suits you.” He stated, looking away for a moment as you giggled. Just then you stepped out of your room, placing a hand on his armored chest, pushing him back just ever so slightly so you could close your door. “Buy me a drink Hunter, and we’ll see where the night takes us, I always do like an adventure.” You teased, slipping past him as you walked towards the bar. Hunter shook his head, and followed not too far behind. You already had him in this transe, it was like he couldn't take his eyes off of you… he wasn't sure if he even wanted to.

He'd just have to see how this night went…

[thelampisaflashlight]

A Cup of Sugar

[Something, something, Copia and his neighbor have a friendly discussion.]

"When I was in school, studying French, our teacher made us read The Stranger by Albert Camus." Jarno says, the cigarette clasped between his fingers becoming a long line of ash, dropping off onto the stone beneath the railing, "...I was not a particularly good student, my pronunciation was always off, but I did okay with reading, understood grammar and that sort of thing... better on paper than in practice, you know?"

He smiles.

"The book, I couldn't tell you if it was an enjoyable read, but it was a short one, a hundred and twenty-three pages or something of the sort, just one, two, three... I never did bother with it. Reading the book, but the opening line always stuck with me." he continues, finally flicking the ash away, brushing his hand over the railing to clean up the bit that had fallen there, "<<Aujourd'hui Maman est morte.>>"

"Today," he says, "Mother has died."

Jarno snuffs out his cigarette and drops the butt into his empty soda can.

"...I think part of the reason I'm so invested in Lillian Hess' case, is because she was like me." he explains, "A poor student, from a working class family... Going nowhere fast."

He leans against the railing, arms folded.

"We were in the same French class, acquaintances at best, but we talked... And it's funny in the way things are also profoundly... unfunny, but I keep thinking of that line when I think of her."

Jarno inhales slow and deep.

"I did not have a crush or some deep connection to Lillian, she and I spoke maybe once in the entire time we were in school together, but since she disappeared, the casual frankness in which others have spoken of her death hits me so..."

He stands up straight rolling his shoulders.

"Back then, it could have been me, and a sick part of me wonders why it wasn't." he sighs, "We had the same routine, neither of us were particularly fit, easy to pick off, and we were the kind of kids that always seemed to just... run away... but Lillian didn't run away, she was taken. I ran... and wound up back here, in this town."

Copia looks out over the rolling fields beyond the abbey's main walls, at the lake and the forest, "To here."

"To here." he nods, facing the older man now, "They want to blame you -your... disciples- for Lillian's disappearance, for her death, even if they never found more than a finger, they still found it in your woods."

"And what do you think happened to Miss. Hess, Mister Sheers?" the father asks, mismatched eyes aglow, "Do you wish to make any claims of foul play?"

Jarno slides his hands into his pockets.

"I have no interest in any of that."

"Then why have you come?"

He withdraws an object wrapped in a tawny terrycloth, carefully, he unfolds it to reveal a wickedly sharp looking claw.

"I know that whatever killed Lillian was not human, nor a hungry bear." he holds the claw out for Copia to examine, "You and I both know what beast this came from."

Copia's face sours as he takes the claw into his gloved hand.

"One of them has tasted human flesh and blood, they've broken their oath... a feral ghoul, or a free one."

"And you know of the ghouls, how?"

Jarno chuckles.

"I grew up there." he points to the lake, passed the buoys that mark the end of the abbey's property, "...I'm your neighbor."

"Our neighbor..." Copia whispers, thoughtful, "Then you've seen quite a lot, haven't you?"

"Enough. I have seen enough." he says, "Enough to know it would be stupid for me to even dream of trying to extort more from you than a cup of sugar."

"But here you are."

He nods.

"As I said... I am your neighbor." Jarno offers his hand, "Consider this an olive branch; A chance to keep you and yours safe, and protect mine as well. The beast that killed Lillian is likely still among your flock... I wish to cull it before more die unnecessarily."

Copia scoffs, smiling slightly, "So you have no fears of the evil cult living behind your house? No concerns over babes stolen in the night for ritualistic sacrifice?"

"You've not bothered me in all the years I have lived here, and, yes, I considered the possibility that you might be dangerous, but I also know it does you no good to kill me here, on your doorstep, especially when the police are watching you all so closely now."

"Fair enough..." Copia hums, "And if we do hunt down this beast, what then? What do you hope to gain from its death?"

"...The other nine claws."

[spnexploration]

Collared part 29

Pairing: Dean x Reader eventually

Series summary: Sam and Dean save a woman from where she has been held as a slave by a witch. But things turn dark whenever they try to take her magic collar off, leaving them with a slave to look after and a curse to break.

Episode summary: Sam and Dean loosen up their protections a little.

Warnings: none particularly

Word count: 1.8k

Series masterlist | Supernatural writing masterlist

A/N: Had to queue this up while I'm away, so apologies for not updating the mastlist or providing links to other chapters yet. Fixed now!

Part 28 <- -> Part 30

“Y/N,” Dean started at breakfast the next morning, “I think maybe Sam and I have been a bit, uh, overprotective and maybe it hasn't really been helping you adjust.” He'd been thinking a lot about what you'd said yesterday.

“Oh?” you said. He was pleased to see that you hadn't instantly reacted negatively to him.

“So, we have a suggestion, if you're up for it. There are some woods around the bunker, pretty secluded. We umm, thought you might want to go outside for a bit?”

Your face lit up, but then was overtaken with fear again. He wanted to wipe away your fear forever, but he knew he couldn’t.

“We’ll be with you the whole time. I, uh, I don't think it's a good idea for you to go out alone yet. But, we don't want you to feel like you’re, you know, stuck in here.” He hated how nervous he felt, how nervous he was clearly coming across as.

“When?”

“Uh, whenever you want. I just gotta grab some angel blades and we'll be good to go whenever you want.”

“Angel blades?” you said, biting your lip. Crap, he thought, he didn't want to scare you more.

“They work on demons too. But don't worry, we are 99.9% sure absolutely nothing will happen. We're just grumpy buggers who hate being caught unaware.”

You nodded. “Umm, can we do it after breakfast?”

“Sure.”

---

Dean made you wait at the bottom of the stairs with Sam while he checked outside.

“Do you always do this before you go outside?” you asked Sam.

“Well, no, but I'm a 6’4 monster hunter with concealed weapons on me at all times,” he said with a grin. You laughed.

“Ok, point taken.” After a pause you added, “Do you really have concealed weapons on you at all times?”

“Umm, yep, pretty much.”

“Wow.”

Dean called out to say it was all clear and Sam gestured for you to head up the stairs first. You felt suddenly apprehensive, you hadn't been out since the failed shopping attempt. You even remembered being afraid of sunlight, with the collar on.

“We don't have to do this if you're not ready,” Sam said quietly behind you. “But I want you to know that I think you can do this.” He reached out and squeezed your hand. You took a deep breath and started to walk up the stairs.

You felt the sun on your skin. You breathed in the scent of the trees. You could see a horizon. It was magic.

Dean gave you an encouraging nod as you started to walk towards the woods. He and Sam trailed after you, staying close enough that they could get to you but giving you space. You quickly forgot about them, caught up in the experience.

There were birds. You had forgotten what they sounded like. They weren’t flashy or particularly impressive, just... Birds!!

You reached out and touched the trees. You picked up a leaf, crunching it in your hand. You could smell a sort of... freshness. It was beautiful.

You saw the perfect tree. Sturdy looking branches starting low enough and spaced a good distance apart. You ran to the tree, laughing, and began to climb up.

“You get up that thing, you better be able to get yourself down!” Dean called, a smile in his voice. “I am not rescuing you from a tree!”

“You wouldn't have to,” you called back. “I'm barely higher than Sam’s eyebrows!” You heard them both laugh.

You climbed higher, feeling a sense of elation and purpose.

“We sure she's not still delusional?” Dean stage whispered to Sam. “This has pretending to be a fairy written all over it.”

“How do you know I don't pretend to be a fairy all of the time?” He laughed.

You sat in the tree for a while, watching the world go past. “You boys should see the view up here - it's beautiful!”

“Dean's too stocky for trees,” Sam teased. “Bow legs can't hold on either.”

You sat there for a while longer, taking it all in.

Finally, you decided to climb back down. For all of Dean's jokes, he certainly seemed concerned watching you climb down. His arm came up behind you as if to catch you. It was sweet, although you were fine.

“Gonna have to give you a new nickname,” Dean remarked. “That was far from Bambi-esque.”

“She can't have Squirrel, that's you,” Sam laughed. “Although in your case it's because you look like one, rather than any skillset.”

Dean glared at his brother, “Shut up, Moose.”

“I think our Y/N still has some wide-eyed Bambi in her,” Sam said affectionately. “Even if she is swinging through trees like a monkey.”

You laughed, enjoying spending time with them. “You wanna do some more, Bambi?” Dean asked.

“Nah, I think I’d like some water now.”

The trio started to walk back to the bunker in a companionable silence. Just as you got to the door, you said quietly, “Thank you.”

“No worries, Y/N. Any time you wanna come out here, just let one of us know.”

---

You headed to your room after lunch, but after a while started to feel restless. Perhaps spending all of your time hiding away wasn’t the best strategy.

You went looking for the brothers.

You found Dean sitting at a table, surrounded by an arsenal of guns. One was in pieces in front of him. He looked up at you, “You ok? Something wrong?”

“No, just, umm, bit sick of my room.”

He smiled. “You're welcome to stay here and keep me company while I clean, if you'd like. Or Sam might be able to find you a book, or there's always the TV.”

“How- how do you clean them?”

He looked at you thoughtfully, “You making conversation or are you interested in me teaching you about guns? I can do either.”

You bit your lip, hesitant to ask for what you want. His body language was open, relaxed. You took a steadying breath, “I think I'd like to learn.”

He smiled encouragingly. “Ok, what do you know about guns?”

“Only what Sam told me when you went after the witch, and I'm not sure I can remember it all.”

“Ok, no problem. Learning how it all fits together is a good first step anyway.”

He was patient, explaining what he was doing and answering all of your questions.

“Why do you have so many?”

He laughed, “Because Sam is a slacker who doesn't like doing it. You see Sammy field stripping his firearm and you start wondering what he's worried about.”

You laughed with him. They never really complained about each other when you had the collar on, but now you were getting to see more of their good-natured ribbing of each other. Dean kept up the conversation, teaching you more than you'd ever known there was to know about guns.

“Ok, now push that in and slide this piece backwards,” Dean said, encouraging you to learn how to pull a small handgun apart. You were struggling with it, unable to get it to work properly. Dean reached over to help you, his hands wrapping around yours to guide your fingers.

You froze. You suddenly felt trapped, even though you knew exactly what he was doing and why. Your emotional response didn't seem to care about that, it just detected danger and went with it. You felt your breathing quicken.

Dean seemed to realise you'd stopped trying. He looked up to your face and then quickly dropped his hands.

“Crap, sorry Y/N. I didn't mean to scare you.”

You dropped the gun. It clattered to the table, and you jumped at the sound.

Dean backed away from you, hands up in surrender position. “I'm not going to hurt you,” he said in a calming voice. “I'm going to go now, I think I'm scaring you. I'll get Sam, ok?” He backed away slowly, out the door. You heard him down the corridor calling “Sammy!”

You tried to calm your breathing. You weren't even sure why you were panicking, you weren't afraid of Dean. But his strong hands enveloping yours around the cold, hard surface of the gun triggered something. You couldn't remember a particular instance where something like that happened, but the feeling of a strong man's hands controlling you was familiar.

Sam appeared, looking worried. “Hey, Y/N,” he said in a soft, calm voice from the other side of the room, “How are you going?”

“I’m- I’m- I'm ok.” He edged closer to you, watching your reaction. It didn't trigger your fight / flight / freeze this time, so you gave him a small nod. He moved closer again. “I just,” you continued, your voice still a little shaky, “I dunno, suddenly I was panicking.”

He stood closer to you and opened his arms. You stepped forward gratefully and hugged him.

“It's ok,” he murmured. “You're safe.”

You let yourself be hugged for a minute or so, calming your racing heart and breathing.

“You wanna talk about what happened?” Sam asked gently when you pulled away.

“I don't even know. I wasn't scared of Dean. I just, I dunno, suddenly felt trapped.”

He rubbed his hands gently up your arms. “It's probably not what you want to hear, but unfortunately sometimes these things might just happen. You went through a lot and it takes time.”

You nodded. You were trying to reassure yourself that it was to be expected, not your fault.

Suddenly, you remembered- “Dean! Is he ok?”

Sam smiled at you, “He's fine, Y/N. He just wanted to make sure you were, and he didn't think his presence was helping you calm down.”

“Where is he now? I want to apologise.”

“You don't need to apologise, and you don't need to put yourself in any situations that make you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, I want to talk to him. Where is he?”

Sam studied your face for a moment before relenting, “I don't know for sure, but my best guess is the garage. He often works on the car when he's feeling stressed.”

---

Dean looked up and saw you walking into the garage. He couldn’t get over the look on your face when he’d tried to help you with the gun, but you looked better now. He wiped his hands on the grease cloth and stepped out from under Baby’s hood.

“I’m sorry about before,” you said tentatively.

“You have nothing to apologise for, sweetheart. I should’ve known not to touch you.”

“I don’t- I don’t want you to avoid touching me, Dean. I just freaked out, but it wasn’t about you. I wasn’t scared of you. I was just, I dunno, scared for some reason.”

“Ok,” he said sincerely, “thank you for telling me.”

“So, um, what are you doing out here?”

He chuckled, “Honestly? Checking you didn't break anything when you were poking around in here.”

You laughed. He was relieved, he’d been worried that joke would tank. “Do you, umm, mind some company?”

“Of course, sweetheart. Any time.”

.

.

.

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[gergthecat]

Shatter - Ponyboy POV

Soda handed me my Pepsi right as she walked in, the bell in front of the gas station door dinging gently. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The shock of seeing Cherry Valance in the Greasers’ gas station was quickly joined by embarrassment, however, as I dropped my Pepsi on the grimy tile. The glass bottle shattered on impact, flinging piercing glass shards like shrapnel and lukewarm Pepsi onto my shoes and legs. My horror doubled when Cherry materialized by my side, kicking the glass fractures with her black and white saddle shoes as she examined the pieces that had sliced through my jeans. She looked up at my eyes. It’d been about a year since I’d last seen her, just before Johnny died, and I’d grown quite a bit. Johnny’s name further soured my mood; we hadn’t really talked about him much since he died. I guess it just hurt. Darry said I’d been filling out my clothes nicely, and now Sodapop and I could share without his shirts hanging off me like a blanket. I’d done more fighting, too, and my arms and legs had swelled considerably. Darry said I looked like a real man, just like him. 

“Oh hell, Pony! Gee, I’m sorry,” Soda said, dragging me out of my thoughts. He reached back behind him without looking, grabbed the washcloth he used to wipe the counters down, and handed it to me. I took it tentatively; Cherry was still looking at my legs.

“Cherry,” I started, not quite sure what to say to her. “Uhm… It’s good to see you again.”

“Gosh, Ponyboy, not now. Oh gosh, you’re bleeding!” She squealed, her fingers grazed where my jeans had begun to be soaked with blood, seeping warmly down my legs. I could feel it. The thought of blood running down my body quickly overtook my mind as the image of Dally falling to the ground appeared in front of me. It had been plaguing me ever since the night that it happened, and once again, I was wrenched from my conscience by Soda, this time asking me if I thought it was bad. Cherry looked up at him, somewhat annoyedly, and told me, “Ponyboy, you can’t walk like this. Please let me help you,” almost as if she knew that I was hesitant about having to talk to her again. With a sigh of reluctance, I slowly sat down, leaned against the counter, and pulled both my pant legs up as Cherry began to tug on the pieces of glass stuck in my shins. It hurt like hell. Soda had to leave after a while because he couldn’t handle watching the blood-covered glass pile that Cherry had formulated over the time we had been there. We were both pretty quiet, aside from the occasional “ouch” from me and “got it” from her; neither of us said anything. I think we were both so unsure of what the other was thinking that we spent more time wondering than actually finding out. I think that’s what happens a lot in our world. 

Eventually, between tugs on a particularly difficult splinter, it struck me to assert, “Y’know, you don’t have to do this. Two-Bit’s pretty good with his hands; I’m sure he could do it for me when he gets home from work.”

She only chuckled and got back to digging in my calf. She looked like she was thinking of something serious—the sort of look that Darry got whenever he was reminded of something funny Johnny did—and started chewing her lip. I watched her more closely, hoping she’d say something instead of just picking at my leg, and as if I had summoned it, a confession started out of her. She began with a sigh, “My dad’s gone,” she paused as I looked up from my leg. “He’s not dead,” she clarified, “He left.”

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, not quite sure why she was telling me, but at least grateful that she was talking.

“Don’t be. I never liked him. I know it’s weird for me to be here, hah; I mean, I’m pulling glass out of your legs, for God’s sake. But it’s ‘cause, well, I’m experienced. What I’m trying to say is that my dad, he—he wasn’t nice. He used to get drunk all the time—I guess he probably still does, I don’t know, I haven’t seen him—but whenever he was, he’d be just awful. It was weird. When he wasn’t drunk, he was totally fine, your average father; I wouldn’t say he was good or bad—if I only knew him back then. I remember when I was younger—when all of us were younger, I have two brothers—he was great, even. He cared about us; he used to take us to the playground all the time. But then, well, I’m not sure what happened; Mom says he got involved with the wrong people—he used to work at a law office, but he quit after a while—but, ugh,  I don’t know. I don’t know.”

She had gotten frustrated; I could tell from how her left hand gripped my ankle, and after a moment, I understood why. 

“I don’t know what I’m saying. He used to hit us when he was drunk. All sorts of cruel things, really, he’d do to us. He once threw a bottle at my baby brother; he was only seven or eight back then, and cut his face. Charlie—he was so embarrassed about the scar that he started skipping school. I mean, he was eight! That’s ridiculous, but he did it anyway. Dad got so mad at him that night.” She shakes her head. “I don’t know why I’m telling you this. Anyway, Mom finally got rid of him after he started doing drugs; her family has money, so we’re okay, but still. It’s just hard to think about. It’s hard to understand, really. Nobody at school knows either. I think they’d be shocked. I don’t really care what they think; I don’t care about him.” Then, she pulled the hem of her shirt up to just below her ribs to reveal four scars slashed across her stomach. “He used to throw beer bottles at us all the time,” is all Cherry said before she dropped her shirt and called Soda to get a broom for the glass. 

My legs were still bleeding a bit, dripping onto the tile floor of the gas station, so I really couldn’t do much besides sit there and think about what Cherry had told me. She said nobody knew. Did that include Bob? I never got to find out. I thought a lot about a lot on that crusty floor. I’d begun to sweat, so I took my shirt off, using it to mop up some of the blood splatters and Pepsi on the floor and my legs. I wondered why the fuzz hadn’t busted her dad, why he wasn’t in the cooler yet. Surely, in a family of Socs, it mattered more. That’s when I remembered what Cherry had told me back at that old drive-in. Things are rough all over. 

I guess I must’ve been sitting there too long because Darry came storming in. The sun shining through the clear glass door gave him a weird shadow as Soda and I looked at him. I looked up at him, and boy, he looked mad. He looked down at my legs, and his face changed in an instant. “Ponyboy…Jesus, you sared me stiff. What happened?”

“I’m fine, it was just some glass; Cherry fixed me up,” I assured him. By then, she’d gotten what she needed from the gas station, so she gave Darry a polite smile and walked out. Darry walked with me as I limped back home—and he bought me a new Pepsi. That afternoon was the last time I ever saw Cherry Valance, but I imagine now that she’s doing something pretty tuff. Maybe someday I’ll find out what.

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